[Cabs-talk] CABS Constitution

[Aziza C]

In response to all the inquiries concerning the student devision's
constitution, please find a copy of our constitution pasted below.
Sincerely,
Aziza Cano
California Association of Blind Students
Secretary

CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF BLIND STUDENTS

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF CALIFORNIA

CONSTITUTION

Adopted April 10, 1987
 Amended October 17, 2008

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this organization shall be California Association of Blind
Students Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of
California.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization shall be to promote the general
welfare of the blind in California and in this Nation and to function
as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind. The
California Association of Blind Students is organized exclusively for
charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c) (3) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1954.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

Section l.  Eligibility. Any person is eligible for membership who is
willing to subscribe to the following pledge:

I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the National
Federation of the Blind to achieve security, equality, and opportunity
for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation;
and to abide by its constitution.

Section 2.    Active Members. Any person who is blind and who shall
subscribe to Article III, Section 1 of this Constitution shall be
eligible for active membership in this organization. The blind active
member shall have all rights and privileges of making motions,
speaking from the floor, serving on committees, voting, and holding
office in the organization. The majority (at least 51%) of the active
members of this chapter shall be blind. Sighted persons with a clearly
demonstrated and dedicated interest in the purposes of this
organization and who shall subscribe to Article III, Section 1 of this
Constitution shall be eligible for active membership; however, at no
time shall their number exceed 49% of the total active membership.
They shall have all the rights and privileges of active members,
except the right to hold the offices of President and Vice President.

Section 3. Supporting Members. Any sighted individual who is eligible
for active membership but falls outside the 49% limitation, together
with blind persons who have an interest in the welfare of the blind
and fully support the purposes of this organization, are eligible for
supporting membership. Such members shall enjoy the rights and
privileges of making motions, speaking from the floor and serving on
committees, but they may not vote or hold any office.

Section 4. Membership Procedure. Any person, eligible under Article
III, Section 1 of this Constitution is eligible for membership. The
applicant shall become a member upon payment of annual dues.

Section 5. Membership Obligations. Members shall be in good standing
upon payment of regular dues, and upon continuous personal conduct
befitting the dignity of the organization.

Section 6. Expulsion. Violation of the precepts of the National
Federation of the Blind or any condition set forth in the National,
State, or Chapter Constitutions shall be grounds for expulsion. Such
expulsion shall be on a two thirds vote of the membership present and
voting at any regular meeting.

ARTICLE IV. MEETINGS

There shall be at least one regular meeting each year to be held
during the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind
of California. The President may call a special meeting at any time
that such action is deemed necessary or at the request of one third
(1/3) of the active membership. The President may cancel or reschedule
a meeting with the approval of the majority of the board. The presence
of fifteen active members including three constitutional officers
shall constitute a quorum to transact business; fifty-one percent
(51%) of those present and voting must be blind.

ARTICLE V. OFFICERS

Section 1. Officers. The officers of this organization shall be
President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary and
Treasurer.	There shall be elected at the annual convention meeting
during each odd-numbered year, a President, a First Vice-President,
and a Treasurer.  There shall be elected at the annual convention
meeting during each even numbered year a Second Vice- President, a
Secretary, and two directors at large.  The terms of these officers
shall begin at the close of the convention at which they are elected
and qualified, beginning at the meeting at which this constitution is
amended.  Officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the active
members who are present and voting.  There shall be no proxy voting.
If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name
of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the
list of nominees and a second ballot shall be taken.  This procedure
shall continue until one of the nominees has received a majority vote
from the active members present and voting.  The President and
Vice-Presidents must be Students or intend to be students during their
term, they must reside in California for seventy-five percent (75%) of
their term and they must be blind.  The student and blind requirements
may at no time be overturned.  The resident requirement may only be
overturned by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all active board members.  The
duties of each officer shall be those ordinarily associated with his
or her office.
	
The Board shall meet at the call of the President or on written call
by two of the Board Members.  The Board shall advise the President and
shall have charge of the affairs of the organization between
Conventions.  The Board may be polled by mail or electronic mail
ballot on any question or may meet by conference telephone.
Section _2. Election Procedure. All nominations of officers shall be
made from the floor. Nominations for each office shall be separate and
election for that office shall immediately follow the close of
nominations. Elections shall be by standing vote. No proxy votes shall
be permitted.

Section 3.  Volunteer Board Positions.  As deemed necessary the
president or two-thirds (2/3) of the board may open an application for
the position of membership coordinator and or fund raising
coordinator.  Each applied position terminates annually at this
organizations regularly scheduled meeting which occurs at the
convention of the National Federation of the Blind of California. Upon
appointment of membership coordinator and or fund raising coordinator
appointee shall become an ex officio board member with all rights and
responsibilities of board membership set forth in this constitution.
The president or presidential appointee shall announce the position to
all CABS members and others who the board identifies as potential
candidates.  The president or two-thirds (2/3)  of all board members
will set forth any restrictions to the application, including, but not
limited to, application deadline, things to appear on application,
eligibility,  and qualifications.

Section 4.  Membership Coordinator.  Shall at minimum work under the
direct supervision of the current CABS Secretary, maintain an
organized membership list,   diligently work toward recruitment and
retention, and conduct other duties as assigned.

Section 5.  Fund Raising Coordinator.  Shall at minimum work under the
direct supervision of the current CABS Treasurer, have demonstrated
ability to raise funds, bring innovative fund raising ideas to the
table, positively motivate others to participate in fund raising
efforts, and conduct other duties as assigned.


Section 6. Vacancies in Office. If a vacancy occurs in the office of
President, the First Vice President shall immediately fill the office
of President. If a vacancy occurs in any applied volunteer position,
the president and or board may re-open the application following the
same rules as set forth in this instrument.  If time is of the
essence, the president may appoint a volunteer with the supporting
vote of the majority of the board.  If a vacancy occurs in any other
office, a special election to fill the vacancy shall be held at the
next regular meeting, except that the President may appoint someone to
fill the vacancy if deemed necessary.



ARTICLE VI. COMMITTEES

The President shall appoint all committees. Each committee shall meet
at the call of its chairperson. One half of the membership of each
committee shall constitute a quorum.

ARTICLE VII. AFFILIATION

The California Association of Blind Students shall be affiliated with
the National Federation of the Blind of California arid the National
Federation of the Blind. This Chapter must be in conformity with the
standards of affiliation of the National Federation of the Blind of
California and the National Federation of the Blind.


ARTICLE VIII. DUES

The annual dues of this organization shall be $5.00 per year payable
in advance on or before the close of registration (prior to elections)
at the annual meeting of the chapter held at Convention.  .  In
accordance with Articles IV and V of the Constitution of the National
Federation of the Blind of California, this Chapter shall forward a
list of the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the members and
elected officers, to the NFB of California office on or before January
1 of each year.  As new members join this Chapter their names,
addresses, and telephone numbers shall be sent to the NFB of
California Office.  No person may vote who is delinquent in the
payment of his or her dues.

ARTICLE IX. DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS

The funds of this Chapter shall be deposited in a bank or banks to be
chosen by the Treasurer and the President. All financial obligations
of the California Association of Blind Students Chapter of the
National Federation of the Blind of California shall be discharged by
check issued on written order of the President and signed by the
Treasurer.

ARTICLE X. DISSOLUTION

Upon dissolution, abandonment, or disaffiliation of this Chapter, and
after payment of all legal and proper debts and obligations, the
remaining assets small go to the National Federation of the Blind of
California, a nonprofit corporation, having tax exemption under
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. In the event
that the National Federation of the Blind of California is not in
existence at that time, the remaining assets shall go to the National
Federation of the Blind. In the event that the National Federation of
the Blind is not in existence at such time, the remaining assets shall
be distributed to a nonprofit fund, foundation, or corporation having
501(c) (3) tax exemption and which is organized and operated
exclusively for charitable purposes for the benefit of the blind. In
no event shall the assets inure to the benefit of any individual.

ARTICLE XI. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

No member shall expend Chapter funds for any purpose inconsistent with
the provisions of the California Charitable Trusts Statute or of the
Internal Revenue Service under which those funds were collected.

ARTICLE XII. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Any situation not provided for in this instrument shall be resolved in
accordance with the latest edition of Roberts' Rules of Order, except
that at no time shall Roberts' Rules be used to thwart the will of the
majority.


ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTS

A proposed amendment to this Constitution must be read and voted upon
at a regular meeting. A two thirds majority vote of the active members
present and voting is necessary to amend this Constitution. A vote by
proxy shall at no time be permitted.