[Njagdu] proposed constitution

Tue Sep 15 13:44:15 UTC 2015

Trisha and all,

Nice work on the constitution!  I’ve written a few comments below since I will not be able to attend Thursday night’s meeting.

Under ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP, can anyone, regardless of age, become a member? 

Under ARTICLE VIII – FUNDS AND FINANCING, it states:

The funds of this Organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial transactions shall be discharged by check or other draft issued on the order of the President and signed by   the Treasurer and, for emergency use only, the President of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey.

Should there be a cap on the amount of money that can be spent without the approval of the board e.g. any checks written over $50 must be approved by the board.

Should the President of   NJAGDU also have signing privileges – at least in the case of an emergency?

From: Patricia Ebel [mailto:patriciaebel0302 at comcast.net] 
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 6:03 AM
To: Lynn Reynolds (Legislation); annades at optonline.net; Alice Eaddy; Joseph Braz; Lester Cameron; Tara M. Carty; danfb at verizon.net; Rick Fox (Membership); michael hamm; Classemt at aol.com; Vincent Chaney Jr.; msc732 at optonline.net; suetillett at verizon.net; lydiakeller at comcast.net; Charles McKenna; Brino Christina; Jo Luland; jluland at verizon.net; Jonathan Goodman; jtruehaft at verizon.net
Cc: New Jersey Association of Guide Dog Users; joe ruffalo; jdhiggins3 at verizon.net; Ginger Kutsch; Jonathan Goodman; Christine Franz
Subject: proposed constitution

Hello to all Guide Dog members and participants,

Below is our proposed constitution.  When you have a few minutes between now and Thursday night, please read through it.  It will not take long at all!  Thanks for your cooperation.

CONSTITUTION

New Jersey Association of Guide Dog Users

Proposed

(If adopted, this constitution will replace the one currently in effect, which was adopted in November 2009.)

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this organization shall be the New Jersey Association of Guide Dog Users.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization shall be to educate the community about issues concerning guide dog users; to act as advocates for guide dog users; to educate the community about the capabilities and needs of the blind; and to promote the general well-being of the blind in New Jersey and of the nation.  This organization shall not be merely a social group, but, as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind, shall actively promote the economic and social betterment of guide dog users.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 – Active Members

The members of this organization shall be Guide Dog Users and others interested in promoting the purposes of this organization.  The members of this organization are members of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey and the National Association of Guide Dog Users; and shall have the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as other members of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey and the National Association of Guide Dog Users.  At least a majority of the members of this organization must be guide dog users or “between dogs”.

Section 2 – Dues

The dues of this organization shall be set by the members present and voting at the first annual meeting, and may be changed by the members at any subsequent annual meeting.  No person who is delinquent in the payment of his or her dues may vote or run for office in this organization.  For persons joining this organization after the first annual meeting, dues received less than sixty (60) days prior to the next annual meeting shall not become effective until after the close of that meeting, and those persons may not vote or run for office at that meeting.

Section 3 – Disciplinary Action

Any member of this organization may be expelled or face other disciplinary action for violation of this constitution or for behavior unbecoming a member of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey by a majority vote of the members present and voting at any annual meeting or by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors.  The annual meeting of this organization may reinstate any person who has been expelled, unless the expulsion has been confirmed by the State Convention or by the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey.  In such case, the person may not be reinstated except by the State Convention or by the Board of Directors of the NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF NEW JERSEY.  Any person who feels that he or she has been unjustly disciplined by this organization may appeal to the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey which may, at its discretion, consider the matter and make a binding decision; but unless and until the action of discipline is reversed by the State Board, it shall remain in effect.

ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1 – Officers

The officers of this organization shall be President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.  The duties of each officer shall be those customarily associated with his or her respective office.

Section 2 – Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of this organization shall consist of the four constitutional officers and one (1) additional member.  The President, Vice President and a majority of the Board must be guide dog users or “between dogs”.  The term of each Board Member shall begin at the close of the meeting at which he or she is elected and qualified.

The Board shall advise the President and shall have charge of the affairs of the organization between meetings.  The Board shall meet at the call of the President or on written call signed by a majority of the Board members.  A majority of the board must be present at a meeting to constitute a quorum to transact business.  The board may be polled by telephone, electronic mail (e-mail), standard mail ballot, or any means that may become available on any question.

Section 3 – Elections

At the first annual meeting of this organization, the officers shall be elected to two-year terms, and the non-officer board member shall be elected to a one-year term.  At the annual meeting of the following year, the non-officer board member shall be elected to two-year terms in the years that the officers are not elected.

The Board of Directors shall be elected by a majority of the members of this organization present and voting at each annual meeting.  The election process shall be that normally followed by the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey.  There shall be no proxy voting.

Section 4 – Vacancies

If, for any reason, a position on the Board of Directors is vacated, the membership of the organization shall be informed as soon as possible.  If the vacated office is not that of President, the President, with advice and consent of a majority of the remaining Board, shall determine whether or not to fill the vacancy by appointment.  If the vacancy occurs within ten (10) months after the most recent election for that office, it may additionally be filled by special election at the subsequent annual meeting.  Whatever decision has been made shall be transmitted to the membership of the organization within thirty (30) days after notification of the vacancy.  The new Board member shall remain in office until the next regularly scheduled election for that office.  If the office of President Is vacated, the Vice President shall immediately assume that office, and the vacancy of Vice President shall be addressed in the manner prescribed above.

ARTICLE V - MEETINGS

Section 1 – Annual Meeting

The New Jersey Association of Guide Dog Users shall hold its annual meeting at the time and place of the annual state convention of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey.  At least 20% of the membership of this organization and a majority of the Board of Directors must be present to constitute a quorum to transact business.

Section 2 – Special Meetings

The President of this organization may call a special meeting, including a conference call, any time he, she or a majority of the Board of Directors, deems such action to be necessary.  To call such a meeting, notice must be given to the members and to the Board of Directors at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting.  At least 20% of the membership of this organization and a majority of the Board of Directors must be present to constitute a quorum to transact business.

ARTICLE VI - COMMITTEES

The President may appoint such committees as he, she or the organization deems necessary. The President shall be an ex officio member of all committees of this organization except the nominating committee.

ARTICLE VII – AFFILIATION

The New Jersey Association of Guide Dog Users shall be a division of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey and an affiliate of the National Association of Guide Dog Users.  This organization shall furnish to the NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF NEW JERSEY and the National Association of Guide Dog Users annually, on or before June 1, a list of names and addresses of its members and of its elected officers.  At the same time, this organization shall also furnish to the NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF NEW JERSEY the portion of dues paid by each member owed to the state affiliate as stipulated in the NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF NEW JERSEY constitution; and shall furnish a detailed financial report for the past year upon request by the state president.

The constitutions and policies of the National Federation of the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey and the National Association of Guide Dog Users are binding on this organization; and this organization shall actively participate in the programs of the NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND, the NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF NEW JERSEY and the National Association of Guide Dog Users.

ARTICLE VIII – FUNDS AND FINANCING

The funds of this Organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial transactions shall be discharged by check or other draft issued on the order of the President and signed by   the Treasurer and, for emergency use only, the President of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey.

Funds collected by or in the name of this organization shall be used for expenses used by the New Jersey Association of Guide Dog Users for outreach, seminars and other expenses which may be incurred.  Expenses shall be as authorized by, and paid under the procedures established by the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey.

ARTICLE IX – DISSOLUTION

In the event of the dissolution of this Organization or if, for any reason, it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey, its assets shall be given to the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey to be held in trust for a reorganized guide dog users’ organization within New Jersey. In the event that no such group is reorganized within a period of two (2) years from the date of dissolution, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey.

If the dissolution of this organization should occur and if at that time neither the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey nor the National Federation of the Blind is a tax‑exempt organization under the provisions of the federal Internal Revenue Code or if the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey and the National Federation of the Blind have been dissolved, all assets of this organization shall be given to an organization with similar purposes which has received tax‑exempt certification from the federal Internal Revenue Service.

The names “National Federation of the Blind”, “Federation of the Blind”, “National Association of Guide Dog Users”, “Association of Guide Dog Users” and any variant thereof are the property of the National Federation of the Blind; and if this organization ceases to be part of the National Federation of the Blind (for whatever reason), it shall forfeit the right to use the names “National Federation of the Blind”, “Federation of the Blind”, “National Association of Guide Dog Users”, “Association of Guide Dog Users” or any variant thereof.

ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS

This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting at any annual meeting of this organization, provided it has been read at a previous annual or special meeting, and provided that it is approved by the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey and the Board of Directors of the National Association of Guide Dog Users.

From: Patricia Ebel [mailto:patriciaebel0302 at comcast.net] 
Sent: Saturday, September 12, 2015 9:05 PM
To: Lynn Reynolds (Legislation) (lhr1827 at optonline.net); annades at optonline.net; Alice Eaddy (cherio_alice at icloud.com); Joseph Braz (jbraz7 at gmail.com); Lester Cameron (underdogmj at comcast.net); Tara M. Carty (sugarfreet at gmail.com); danfb at verizon.net; Rick Fox (Membership) (richardfox1 at comcast.net); michael hamm (mbhrr15 at gmail.com); Classemt at aol.com; Vincent Chaney Jr. (vgc732 at optonline.net); msc732 at optonline.net; suetillett at verizon.net; lydiakeller at comcast.net; Charles McKenna (cpatmckenna at gmail.com); Brino Christina (princessregal at optonline.net); Jo Luland (joluland at verizon.net); jluland at verizon.net; Jonathan Goodman (j.goodman82 at comcast.net); jtruehaft at verizon.net
Cc: New Jersey Association of Guide Dog Users (njagdu at nfbnet.org); joe ruffalo (nfbnj1 at verizon.net); jdhiggins3 at verizon.net; Ginger Kutsch (Ginger at ky2d.com)
Subject: Tupper Wear fund raiser post poned until Monday

Hello Everyone,

We will begin our Tupper Wear fund raiser on Monday rather than today.  I was working with our consultant for a while today making sure that the fund raiser is easy going for all: by Monday we will be ready to rock and roll!

Have a fabulous rest of the weekend everybody!

Sincerely,

Trisha

From: Patricia Ebel [mailto:patriciaebel0302 at comcast.net] 
Sent: Wednesday, September 09, 2015 10:08 AM
To: Lynn Reynolds (Legislation) (lhr1827 at optonline.net); annades at optonline.net; Alice Eaddy (cherio_alice at icloud.com); Joseph Braz (jbraz7 at gmail.com); Lester Cameron (underdogmj at comcast.net); Tara M. Carty (sugarfreet at gmail.com); danfb at verizon.net; Rick Fox (Membership) (richardfox1 at comcast.net); michael hamm (mbhrr15 at gmail.com); Classemt at aol.com; Vincent Chaney Jr. (vgc732 at optonline.net); msc732 at optonline.net; suetillett at verizon.net; lydiakeller at comcast.net; Charles McKenna (cpatmckenna at gmail.com); Brino Christina (princessregal at optonline.net); Jo Luland (joluland at verizon.net); jluland at verizon.net; Jonathan Goodman (j.goodman82 at comcast.net); jtruehaft at verizon.net
Cc: New Jersey Association of Guide Dog Users (njagdu at nfbnet.org); joe ruffalo (nfbnj1 at verizon.net); jdhiggins3 at verizon.net; Ginger Kutsch (Ginger at ky2d.com)
Subject: A great addition to our division

I would just like to let everyone know the great news regarding Anna:  she was matched with a little yellow lab named Fiona!  It sounds like they are doing fine but we all know how emotionally and physically exhausting training with a new dog can be.

I will let you guys know if I hear anything else.

Anna we are so very happy for you!

From: Patricia Ebel [mailto:patriciaebel0302 at comcast.net] 
Sent: Monday, September 07, 2015 8:06 PM
To: patriciaebel0302 at comcast.net; Lynn Reynolds (Legislation) (lhr1827 at optonline.net); annades at optonline.net; Alice Eaddy (cherio_alice at icloud.com); Joseph Braz (jbraz7 at gmail.com); Lester Cameron (underdogmj at comcast.net); Tara M. Carty (sugarfreet at gmail.com); danfb at verizon.net; Rick Fox (Membership) (richardfox1 at comcast.net); michael hamm (mbhrr15 at gmail.com); Classemt at aol.com; Vincent Chaney Jr. (vgc732 at optonline.net); msc732 at optonline.net; suetillett at verizon.net; lydiakeller at comcast.net; Charles McKenna (cpatmckenna at gmail.com); Brino Christina (princessregal at optonline.net); Jo Luland (joluland at verizon.net); jluland at verizon.net; Jonathan Goodman (j.goodman82 at comcast.net); jtruehaft at verizon.net
Cc: New Jersey Association of Guide Dog Users (njagdu at nfbnet.org); joe ruffalo (nfbnj1 at verizon.net); jdhiggins3 at verizon.net; Ginger Kutsch (Ginger at ky2d.com)
Subject: NJAGDU September 17th agenda and minutes from July meeting

Hello to all NJAGDU members and participants,

On Thursday, September 17th at 7:30 pm will be our next meeting for the guide dog division.  This is going to be an important meeting so I really hope you all can attend.

Please read the minutes that are below and the agenda will follow.  Please respond to me before 9/17 with your  availability!

The call in number and code is as follows:

(712) 432-0180 and the code is 460994 pound.

National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey

New Jersey Association of Guide Dog Users

 July 27, 2015

1.       Roll Call

Trish Ebel. NFBNJ NJAGDU President

Alice Eaddy, Secretary

Jerilyn Higgins 

Les Cameron

Lynn Reynolds

Joe Braz

Christina Brino

Pat McKenna

Dan Fachini

Jonathan Goodman

Douglas Boule (Seeing Eye speaker)

2.       Call to order the meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. Trisha 

3.       The minutes were sent out by Alice: Dan moved to accept the minutes as read Lynn seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

4.       Lyn provided the treasures report: the ending balance as of June 30 $535. There was a $100 Bell donation leaving a balance of $535. To date the $100 has not been cashed, but the debt amount included as an anticipated expenditure. Dan moved to accept and I, Joe Braz seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

5.       Trish introduced the guest speaker Douglas Boule who will discuss control issues and  can include Q&A in general answers not school specific. Members were asked their dogs names and schools:  Alice- Wanda -Freedom Guide Dog, Les-MJ -Seeing Eye, Christine-Autumn, Jonathan- Teddy-Seeing Eye, Joe Braz-Patsy-Seeing Eye, Pat McKenna-Garcia- Seeing eye, Dan- Maddie Seeing Eye, Lynn- in between dogs. Douglas stated that the effect of discipline is to stop the dog from doing what he/she wants and to refocus their attention. Your dog will do what you want and be the best that he/she can be with proper correction to stop bad behavior now. For example, with sniffing: will your correction prevent the behavior in the next event it depends on the dogs’ frame of thinking. If He/she remembers the first correction and in its mind thinks I got corrected ….corrections must be consistent in order to be effective. Pat asked about the poodle program for applicants and grads that are allergic to dogs. Answer in the past Boxers were used but they were prone to cancer and had a short life span. It was determined that it was best to keep the program small. Christina regarding an over excited dog on exiting a car or bus crying due to wanting to go. Doug suggested using the gentle leader to make it easier to work on the issue. Leave the big snap on the choke collar small snap on the leash this makes your handling easier and effective for the dog. Jonathan will show Alice at a later date. Use it consistently every trip for a week then 9 of 10, 8 of 10 etc., have it in your pocket. Dan Maddie jumps up on counter. Doug leash her in the house, use a baby gate and/or put a small metal bell on her collar or crate her if need be. You could also spray water from a spray bottle (kept in the kitchen) in his/her face if they jump on the counter. Trisha do our dogs know that we can’t see answer maybe they do know the limits of what they can get away with. Play with them as much as you work. Dog that pulls answer pull hard use the steady command. Stop, put them at sit and then repeat the forward command or turn around and make them start over. Also remember to reward them when they do things right. They get paid by praise. Trisha one thing that we do with our dogs to be proactive when  going to events and spreading the word about other dog owners controlling their dogs we must spread awareness via flyers.

6.         Dog fest to be held October 11th in Edison update Trisha: they wanted $s for a table for literature. Ask if we can have a donation bucket. Trisha we are not allowed to use treasury funds to donate to other non profits organizations, perhaps we can get the fee waved due to a conflict of interest with our divisions’ by laws.

Petco fundraiser we are still waiting for documentation and PetSmart does not allow fundraising in front of their store; what about Shoprite having donations and literature?

7.     State convention- Trisha, Jerilyn (fundraising committee)  

Make sure to reserve your hotel room at the Manahawkin Holiday Inn for our state convention taking place November 6th through 8th, with pre-convention events taking place on November 5th. The block of rooms will expire on October 10th or 11th. To make your reservations, call 1-609-481-6100 and provide the code of NFB. They will need a credit card to hold the room, but the card isn’t charged until you arrive at convention. If you can’t attend at the last minute, contact Joe Ruffalo (973-743-0075 or <mailto:nfbnj1 at verizon.net> nfbnj1 at verizon.net) and he will find someone to take your room.

Joe will be working on the agenda after national convention. If you have any agenda ideas, please send to Joe at 973-743-0075 or  <mailto:nfbnj1 at verizon.net> nfbnj1 at verizon.net.

A.  Who is attending? Poll: Les, Lynn, Jerilyn, Alice, Michael and Lydia B.  Very quick update on dog relief area-Michael.  C. Snacks we are selling and who might be division volunteers.  D.  very quick over view of our NJAGDU activities for Friday evening.  Q&A game show style for audience participation.   

8.       New Business- open Tupperware online Trisha will send more information  via email

9.      Old business-Trisha- Dinner Thursday night would require reserving a table for 12 in advance.

10.     Adjournment the next meeting:  there will be no August meeting a September date will be determined.  Lynn made a motion to adjourn, Les seconded and all were in favor at 8:38 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

 Alice Eaddy, Secretary

NFB NJAGDU

*********************

AGENDA

1.        Call to order – Trisha

2.         Roll call – Alice

3.         Minutes – Alice

4.         Treasury report – Lynn

5.       .  Tupperwear Fundraiser – Trisha

6.         Nominating committee for November elections– Lynn

7.       Convention – Trisha                                                  a.  Thursday night dinner   B.  Fundraising and snack packs, Jerilyn and Trisha  C.  Friday night activities   D.  Guide dog relief area  michael  

8.         NAGDU update  – Alice

9.         New Business

10.     Old Business  a.  Dog fest 

11.     Adjournment

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