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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Dear MDABS Members:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I hope all of you are enjoying the refreshing fall weather and looking forward to a historic and memorable state convention this weekend in Baltimore. As you have seen from Ellana’s email of earlier today, we have an exciting and informative program at our business meeting which is sure to empower you to succeed in school and beyond. I hope many of you will join us at 3:30 PM on Friday in the Chesapeake Room for this important program and business meeting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I am writing to notify you of an important amendment to our Constitution which will be voted on as part of the organizational business portion of our meeting. This amendment, if passed, would change the process by which we elect officers and Board members in this organization. In the past, we have elected all officers and Board members annually, meaning that the terms of all officers have lasted for only one year following their election. After consulting with affiliate President Sharon Maneki, however, the Board of Directors feels that it would be more effective to have the terms of all officers last for two years in order to allow for greater stability in the leadership of the organization. Therefore, the Board is proposing that we amend Article V, Section One of our Constitution to establish two-year terms for all officers and Board members, with the officers being elected on even-numbered years and the Board members being elected on odd-numbered years<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please note that this will have no effect on this year’s elections, as NFBMD and MDABS policy states that Constitutional amendments take effect after the business meeting at which they are voted on. This means that all positions will be up for election this year. However, if this amendment passes, the two Board member positions will be up for election in 2017, while the officer positions will be up in 2018. For your reference, I have attached and pasted below the entire text of the proposed Constitution, including the language of the amendment being voted on. If you have any questions on this amendment before casting your vote, please do not hesitate to contact me at <a href="mailto:mdabs@nfbmd.org">mdabs@nfbmd.org</a> or (443) 547-2409. I hope you will consider this matter carefully as you prepare for convention, and that you will take this opportunity to make your voice heard in deciding the policy of our organization. See you at convention!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Best regards,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chris Nusbaum, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Maryland Association of Blind Students<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Maryland Association of Blind Students<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Proposed Constitution<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>ARTICLE I: NAME<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'>The name of this Organization shall be the "Maryland Association of Blind Students."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>ARTICLE II: ORGANIZATIONAL CHARTER<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>This organization shall be chartered as a State Chapter of the National Association of Blind Students and as a Division of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>ARTICLE III: PURPOSE<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>The purpose of this Organization shall be to promote educational opportunities and the general well being of the blind of this nation and the state to function as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>Section One: Active Members<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'>At least a majority of the active members of this Organization must be students who are blind.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.5in'>1. All active members shall have the right to vote, serve on committees, speak on the floor, and hold office.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.5in'>2. Any person may become an active member of this Organization upon application and payment of dues to the Treasurer of this Organization.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>Section Two: Associate Members<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'>Any person may apply for and receive Associate membership status at an annual business meeting or through an officer of this Organization. Associate Members<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>shall have all the rights and privileges of Active Members, except that they may not vote or hold office. Associate Members do not pay dues.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>Section Three: Expulsion<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'>Any member may be expelled for violation of this Constitution or for behavior unbecoming to a member of the National Federation of the Blind, by a majority vote of the members present and voting at an annual business meeting or by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. The annual business meeting of this Organization may reinstate any person who has been expelled, unless such expulsion has been confirmed by the National Convention or by the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind, in which event the person may not be reinstated except by the National Convention or by the National Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind. Any person who feels he/she has been unjustly expelled from the organization may appeal to the state board of directors at the annual state convention. If the appeal is denied by the state board, the party may further appeal to the national board of directors, who may, at their discretion, reinstate a member.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>ARTICLE V: OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>Section One: Elections<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>There shall be elected at the regular annual business meeting, a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and two board members. The terms of their offices shall begin at the close of the annual business meeting at which they are elected and qualified, and shall last for two years following their election. Officers shall be elected by a majority vote of all members present and voting. Officers shall be elected on even-numbered years, and Board members shall be elected on odd-numbered years. There shall be no proxy voting. If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name of the person<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>receiving the least votes will be removed from the list of nominees and a second ballot recorded. This procedure shall continue until one candidate receives a simple majority of the votes. All officers must be students who are blind and planning to attend an educational program in the academic year following the election.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>Section Two: Duties<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'>The duties of each officer shall be those ordinarily associated with that office.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>ARTICLE VI: BOARD OF DIRECTORS<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>The Board of Directors of this Organization shall consist of Four Constitutional Officers and two additional officers. The Board shall meet at the call of the President or on written call, signed by a majority of the Board Members. The Board shall advise the President and shall have charge of the affairs of this Organization between meetings. At least a majority of the Board must be present to constitute a quorum to transact business. The board may be polled by telephone or mail ballot on any question. The Board of Directors must consist of students who are blind.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>Section One: Annual Business Meetings<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'>The Organization shall hold an annual business meeting the time and place of which shall coincide with the time and place of the State Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland. At least twenty-five percent of the active members must be present to constitute a quorum to transact business.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>Section Two: Special Meetings<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>The President of this Organization may call a special meeting any time she/he or a majority of the Board of Directors deems such action to be necessary. At such special meetings at least twenty-five percent of the active members must be present to transact business. To call such a meeting, notice must be given to the Board of Directors at least ten days prior to the date of such special meeting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>ARTICLE VIII: COMMITTEES<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'>The President may create such committees, as she/he or the Organization deems necessary.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>ARTICLE IX: AFFILIATION<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'>The Maryland Association of Blind Students shall be an affiliate of the National Association of Blind Students and the National Federation of the Blind<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>of Maryland, which are, in turn, affiliates of the National Federation of the Blind. The Maryland Association of Blind Students shall furnish to the President of the National Association of Blind Students and the President of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland annually or before January First, a list of the names and addresses of the members who are elected officers of this Organization. A copy of the Constitution of the Maryland Association of Blind Students, and all Amendments thereto, shall be sent to the President of the National Association of Blind Students and to the President of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, without delay.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'>The Maryland Association of Blind Students shall not merely be a social organization, but shall formulate programs and actively work to promote the academic and social betterment of the blind. This Organization shall comply with the provisions of the Constitution of the National Federation of the Blind and with the provisions of the contract appearing on the back of the Charter of Affiliation issued to the state affiliates by the National Federation of the Blind. Policy decisions of the National Federation of the Blind, whether made by the National Convention or the Board of Directors, are binding on this Organization and this Organization shall participate and act affirmatively in carrying out such policy decisions. As a condition of affiliation it is agreed by this Organization that the National Federation of the Blind, whether the decision is made by the Convention or the Board of Directors, has the power to expel or discipline an individual member and to expel or reorganize a state affiliate or local chapter. In the event of reorganization, the assets of the affiliate and the chapters belong to the reorganized affiliate, and the former affiliate shall dissolve and cease to exist. The Maryland Association of Blind Students or any variant thereof, is the property of the National Federation of the Blind, and this Organization, upon the event of disaffiliation with the National federation of the Blind, for whatever reason, shall forfeit the right to use the name Maryland Association of Blind Students or any variant thereof.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>ARTICLE X: DUES<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'>The dues of this Organization shall be set at annual business meetings and shall be payable at annual business meetings. No person may vote who is delinquent<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>in the payment of dues.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>ARTICLE XI: DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'>The funds of this Organization shall be deposited in the established bank account of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland. All financial transactions shall be discharged by check or other draft, issued on the order of the President and the Treasurer to the President of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>ARTICLE XII: DISSOLUTION<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'>In the event of the dissolution of this Organization, or if, for any reason, it ceases to be an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, assets shall be given to the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, to be held in trust for a reorganized student organization. In the event that no student group is reorganized within a period of two years from the date of dissolution, the assets may be deposited along with the general funds of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, to be used for the purposes of that Organization.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>ARTICLE XIII: AMENDMENTS<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'>This Constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of this Organization by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members present and voting, provided that it is in compliance with the provisions of the Charter of Affiliation issued by the National Federation of the Blind and the policies of the National Federation of the Blind. Amendments may also be acted upon at special meetings.<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>