NFB OF SAN FRANCISCO CHAPTER NATIONAL FEDERATION OF the BLIND OF CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION Adopted: February 21, 1998 ARTICLE 1: NAME ​The name of this organization shall be the NFB of San Francisco Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of California. ARTICLE II: PURPOSE ​The purpose of the NFB of San Francisco Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of California shall be to advance the general welfare of the blind of the San Francisco area of the State of California 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 San Francisco area; 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 promote the vocational, cultural, and social advancements 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. The NFB of San Francisco Chapter is organized exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501 © (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP ​Section 1. 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. 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 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 offices. ​Section 3. Supporting Members. Any person may be elected by supporting membership in the organization by a majority vote of the members present and voting at any regular business meeting. Supporting members shall have all the rights and privileges of active members, except that they may not vote, hold office, or serve on the Board of Directors. ​Section 4. Membership Procedure. Upon attending a regular monthly meeting of this chapter, any person, eligible under Article III, Section 1 of this Constitution, may apply in person for active membership. Prior to the close of this same meeting, the membership shall vote on any pending application. Upon obtaining an affirmative vote by a majority of the members present and voting, the applicant shall become a member upon payment of annual dues. ​Section 5. Membership Obligations. Members shall be in good standing upon regular payment of dues, and upon continuous personal conduct befitting the dignity of the organization. ​Section 6. Affiliation. Membership in this organization automatically establishes membership in the National Federation of the Blind of California and the National Federation of the Blind. ​Section 7. Expulsion. 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. ARTICLE IV. MEETINGS ​There shall be a regular meeting each month. The President may call a special meeting at any time that such action is deemed necessary or at the request of one-third of the active membership. The President may cancel or reschedule a meeting with the approval of the majority of the members present and voting at a regular meeting. The presence of one-third of the active members including three constitutional officers shall constitute a quorum to transact business; a majority 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. The President and Vice-President shall be blind. These officers shall be elected at the regular meeting February meeting of each year, and their one year term shall commence at the close of the meetings which they are elected. The duties of each officer shall be those usually ascribed to the office. ​Section 2. Election Procedures. All nominations 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 voice or standing vote. No proxy votes shall be permitted. ​Section 3. Vacancies in Office. If a vacancy occurs in the office of President, the Vice-President shall immediately fill the office of President. If a vacancy in any other office, a special election to fill a the vacancy shall be held at the next regular meeting, except that the President may appoint someone to fill the vacancy if deemed necessary, until an election can be held. ARTICLE VI. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ​The Board of Directors of this organization shall consist of the five Constitutional Officers and two Board Members-at-large. The Board Members-at-large shall be elected at the same time and in the same manner as the Constitutional Officers. At least a majority of the members of the Board of Directors must be blind. Meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President or at the request of two other members of the Board. All members must be notified of the meetings. A majority of the members of the Board of Directors must be present to constitute a quorum to conduct the business of this Board. The President may poll the Board by mail or by telephone. The Board of Directors shall carry on the business of the organization between meetings of the membership. All decisions of the Board must be ratified by the membership at the next regular meeting. ARTICLE VII. COMMITTES ​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 VIII. AFFILIATION ​The NFB of San Francisco Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of California shall be an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind of California and the National Federation of the Blind. A copy of the Constitution of the NFB of San Francisco Chapter and of all amendments to the Constitution shall be send for review to the President of the National Federation of the Blind of California. ​The NFB of San Francisco 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 California 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 Convention of the Blind of California (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 any period of two years, to the National Federation of the Blind of California, 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. ARTICLE IX. DUES ​The annual dues of this organization shall be $5.00 payable in advance on or before the February meeting. In accordance with Articles IV and V of the Constitution f 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 National Federation of the Blind of California office on or before March 15 of each year. As new members join this Chapter their names, addresses, and telephone numbers, shall be send to the National Federation of the Blind of California Office. No person may vote who is delinquent in the payment of his or her dues. ARTICLE X. DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS ​The finds of this Chapter shall be deposited in a bank to be chosen by the Treasurer and the President. All financial obligations of the NFB of San Francisco 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 XI. DISSOLUTION ​Upon dissolution, abandonment, or disaffiliation of this Chapter, and after payment of all legal and proper debts and obligations, the remaining assets shall go to the National Federation of the Blind of California, a nonprofit corporation having under tax exemption under Section 501 © (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 © (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 XII. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES ​No member shall expend Chapter funds for any purpose inconsistent with the provisions of the California Charitable Trusts Stature or of the Internal Revenue Service under which those funds were collected. ARTICLE XIII. PARLIMENTARY AUTHORITY ​Any situation not provided for in this Constitution 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 XIV. AMENDMENTS ​A proposed amendment to this Constitution must be read at one meeting and voted upon at the next 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.