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<p>This looks really good so far.</p>
<p><br>
</p>
<p>Ben<br>
</p>
<br>
<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 3/6/2017 21:32, Tanner Gers via
NFBA-Phoenix wrote:<br>
</div>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Besides the articles of affiliation,
disbursement of funds, dissolution, and amendments, here are
the proposed changes to the constitution we are working on.
Again, this is the entire document and does not reflect
changes within the aforementioned articles.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Phoenix Chapter of the National Federation
of the Blind of Arizona<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Revised Constitution <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">February --, 2017<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">ARTICLE I. NAME<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The name of this organization shall be the
Phoenix Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of
Arizona <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">ARTICLE II. PURPOSE<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The purpose of the Phoenix Chapter of the
National Federation of the Blind of Arizona shall be to
advance the general welfare of the blind of the Phoenix area,
of the state of Arizona and of the nation; to function as an
integral part of the National Federation of the Blind; to
serve as a vehicle for collective action by the blind of the
Arizona; to operate as a mechanism through which the blind and
interested sighted persons can come together to plan and carry
out programs to improve the quality of life of the blind; to
provide a means of collective action for parents of blind
children; to forward the interests of blind students and
provide them with a means of joint action and expression; to
promote the vocational, cultural, and social advancement of
the blind; to achieve the integration of the blind into
society on a basis of equality with the sighted; and to take
any other action which will improve the overall condition and
standard of living of the blind. Blind is defined as an
individual with a visual impairment ranging from legal
blindness to total blindness.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Section One - Active Members<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At least a majority of the active members
of this organization must be blind. Any person may become an
active member of this organization by paying annual dues of
$5, receiving a majority vote of the members present and
voting at any regular business meeting, and shall have the
right to vote, serve on committees, speak on the floor, and
hold office. An active member is a dues paying member who
attends and or participates in 6 events in a rolling 12-month
calander year with special considerations given to those
actively participating in committees supporting the Phoenix
chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona.
Events are defined as and include all chapter, Affiliate or
national meetings and events, conference calls, social
gatherings, fund-raisers, and other official gatherings of the
Phoenix chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of
Arizona. Any member who does not satisfy the 6 events in a
12-month rolling calendar year will be moved to Associate
Member status, will not be considered an “Active Member,” and
thereby will not count toward the official membership roster,
nor affect the Phoenix chapter’s ability to hold quarum. To
reestablish active membership status, a member must reach the
goal of participating in 6 events within a 12 month rolling
calendar year.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Section Two - Associate Members<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Any person may be elected to associate
membership in this organization by a majority vote of the
members present and voting at any regular business meeting, or
shifted to associate membership if they are unable to attend 6
events within the past 365 days. Associate members shall have
all the rights and privileges of active members within this
chapter, except that they may not vote, hold office, or serve
on the Board of Directors. Associate members shall not pay
dues. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Section Three - Honorary Life-Time
Membership<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">An Honorary Life-Time Membership may be
granted to an Active Member of the Phoenix Chapter that
exhibits extraordinary dedication and commitment to promoting
the policies and programs of the organization. Honorary
Life-Time Membership status may be granted upon three-fourths
vote of the Active Members present and voting at any regular
business meeting. An Honorary Life-Time member shall exercise
all the rights of Active Members without being assessed the
responsibility of paying annual dues or attending 6 events in
a rolling calendar year to maintain status. $1.00 (one
dollar) from the Phoenix Chapter treasury shall be forwarded
to the treasurer of the NFBA each year on behalf of this
member. Any member receiving this distinct recognition shall
retain it for Life except in the event their actions meet the
criteria for expulsion.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Section Four - Affiliation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Membership in this organization
automatically establishes membership in the National
Federation of the Blind of Arizona and the National Federation
of the Blind. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Section Five - Expulsion<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Any member may be expelled for violation of
this Constitution or for conduct unbecoming to a member of the
Federation by a majority vote of the active members present
and voting at any regular business meeting of this
organization. The state convention 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. Any
person who feels that he/she has been unjustly expelled from
this organization may appeal to the Board of Directors of the
National Federation of the Blind, which may (in its
discretion) consider the matter and make a binding decision. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There shall be elected in February on even
numbered years a President, a First-Vice President, a
Second-Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The terms
of these officers shall begin at the close of the meeting at
which they are elected and qualified. Officers shall be
elected by a majority vote of the active members who are
present and voting. When 2 or more nominees are up for
election, elections shall be by secret ballot only. Nominees
must be present at the meeting in which elections are being
conducted. Voters may vote in an election remotely or
telephonically, but their vote will be recognized as a voice
vote. 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
duties of each officer shall be those ordinarily associated
with that office. The President, the Vice President, and a
majority of the Officers must be blind.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">No later than November of odd numbered
years, the president of this organization shall establish a
Nominating Committee that will consist of a chair person and
three (3) additional members. The chair person will not vote,
unless there is a tie that needs to be broken. The role of
this committee is to nominate members of the chapter as
prospective officials slated for election in February of the
following even numbered year. In January, the Nominating
Committee chair will present a nomination report to the
membership at the January chapter meeting.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">ARTICLE V. BOARD OF DIRECTORS<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Board of Directors of this organization
shall consist of the five (5) constitutional officers and two
(2) additional members. The two (2) Board Members shall be
elected at the same time and in the same manner as that
prescribed for the election of officers. The Board shall meet
at the call of the President or on call by any four (4) of the
Board Members. The Board shall advise the President and shall
have charge of the affairs of the organization between
meetings. At least a majority of the members of the Board must
be present at any meeting to constitute a quorum to transact
business. The Board may be polled by telephone, e-mail,
through any digital device, or mail ballot on any questions. A
majority of the Board must be blind.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">ARTICLE VI. MEETINGS<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This organization shall hold regular
meetings at a time and place to be determined by the
membership. At least one third (1/3) of active members must be
present to constitute a quorum to transact business. The
President of this organization may call a special meeting of
the body at any time he/she, or a majority of the Board of
Directors deems such action to be necessary. In the instance
of not being able to hold quorum, and timely business needs to
be conducted, four (4) board members may meet separate from
the general membership in-person or electronicly, to vote on
the said timely business. If the majority of board members are
unable to hold quorum and vote on timely business, business
affairs will be tabled until the next general meeting or the
majority of the board can hold quorum.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">ARTICLE VII. COMMITTEES<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The President may establish such committees
as he/she deems necessary, and committee chairs may appoint
members to said committees. The core committees of the Phoenix
chapter include, but are not limited to Membership,
Fundraising, Social, and Nominating committees. The president
of this organization will also appoint members of this chapter
to represent this chapter on state committees.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">ARTICLE VIII. AFFILIATION<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Phoenix Chapter of the National
Federation of the Blind of Arizona shall be an affiliate of
the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona and the
National Federation of the Blind and shall furnish to the
President and the Treasurer of the National Federation of the
Blind of Arizona annually, thirty days prior to the state
convention a list of the names and addresses of its members
and elected officers. A copy of the Constitution of the
Phoenix Chapter and of all amendments to the Constitution
shall be sent for review to the President of the National
Federation of the Blind of Arizona and the National Federation
of the Blind without delay. The Phoenix Chapter shall not
merely be a social organization, but shall formulate programs
and actively work to promote the economic and social
betterment of the blind. This organization shall comply with
the provisions of the Constitution of the National Federation
of the Blind of Arizona and the provisions of the contract
appearing on the back of the Charter of Affiliation issued to
state affiliates by the National Federation of the Blind.
Policy decisions of the National Federation of the Blind and
the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona (whether made
by the National Convention or the National Board of Directors
or the State Convention or the State Board of Directors) are
binding on this organization, and this organization shall
participate 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 by action of the National Convention or the National
Board or the State Convention or State Board) 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 this organization shall belong
to the reorganized chapter or if no reorganization occurs for
a period of two years, to the National Federation of the Blind
of Arizona and the former chapter shall dissolve and cease to
exist. The name National Federation of the Blind, Federation
of the Blind, or any variant thereof is the property of the
National Federation of the Blind; and this organization, if it
ceases to be a part of the National Federation of the Blind,
(for whatever reason) shall forfeit the right to use the name
National Federation of the Blind, Federation of the Blind, or
any variant thereof. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">ARTICLE IX. DUES<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The dues of this organization shall be $5
per year and are payable in advance. In order to be eligible
to vote in the February elections, dues must be received by
the end of the day on the day of the January chapter meeting.
The Chapter shall forward $1 per year to the National
Federation of the Blind of Arizona for each member. No person
may vote who is delinquent in the payment of his/her dues.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">ARTICLE X. DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The funds of this organization shall be
deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the
approval of the President. If the members so vote, the
Treasurer shall be bonded. All financial obligations of this
organization shall be discharged by check, issued on written
order of the President, and signed by the Treasurer. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">ARTICLE XI. DISSOLUTION<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the event of the dissolution of this
organization, or if (for whatever reason) it ceases to be an
affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona
its assets shall be given to the National Federation of the
Blind of Arizona to be held in trust for a reorganized chapter
in the area. In the event that no chapter is reorganized in
the area for a period of two (2) years from the date this
organization ceases to be an affiliate of the National
Federation of the Blind of Arizona the assets become the
property of the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">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
the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing and read
at a previous business session and provided it is in
compliance with the provisions of the Charter of Affiliation
received by the state affiliate from the National Federation
of the Blind and with the policies of the National Federation
of the Blind of Arizona and the National Federation of the
Blind. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">OFFICIAL PLEDGE OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION
OF THE BLIND<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I pledge to participate actively in the
effort of the National Federation of the Blind <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">to achieve equality, opportunity, and
security for the blind; <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">to support the policies and programs of the
Federation; and to abide by its Constitution.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<pre wrap="">_______________________________________________
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