[Cabs-talk] CABS Constitution

[Darian Smith]

way to be on top of it, Aziza!
 Darian

On 8/10/09, Aziza C <daydreamingncolor at gmail.com> wrote:
> 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.
>
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