[stylist] Writers constitution

[LoriStay at aol.com]

Responding to a request in the last week or two, this is the Writers' 
Division Constitution.   Robert can tell us whether or not it is up to date.
Lori

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
WRITERS' DIVISION
CONSTITUTION

     Article 1:   NAME:   The name of this organization shall be NATIONAL 
FEDERATION OF THE BLIND WRITERS' DIVISION.

     Article 2:   PURPOSE:   The purpose of this organization shall be to 
advance the interests and expand the opportunities of blind writers, to share 
the spirit and techniques of writing and publishing, and to promote the 
welfare of blind persons through writing.

Article 3:   MEMBERSHIP:   
A:   Membership in this organization shall be open to anyone, blind or 
sighted, who wishes to join.   A majority of its voting members must be blind 
(51%).     Membership in the Division also confers membership in the NATIONAL 
FEDERATION OF THE BLIND.   
B.   A person may join the Writers' Division as an Associate Member.   They 
pay dues equal to or greater than regular membership dues.   They are not 
eligible to vote or hold office. They may participate in the various 
committees of the Division and shall enjoy such other privileges as are due regular 
members. Such persons can attend meetings and speak on the floor.   

     Article 4:   OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES:   The officers of this 
organization shall be President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, 
Treasurer and four Board members.   Their duties shall be those ordinarily 
associated with their respective offices. The duty of the board members will 
be to attend executive committee meetings and assist in determining policy.

     Article 5:   ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS:   The officers of this 
organization shall be elected at the regular meeting during each odd numbered year, and 
shall serve until the close of the meeting at which their successors are 
elected.

     Article 6:   COMMITTEES:   This organization shall have an executive 
committee consisting of the five officers.   The executive committee shall 
implement policies established by the membership and shall have charge of the 
affairs of the organization between meetings of the membership.   The 
President may appoint such other committees as he/she or the membership deems 
necessary.
 
     Article 7:   MEETINGS:   Regular meetings of this organization shall 
be held each year at the time and place of the National Federation of the 
Blind Convention.   Special meetings may be called by the President with the 
approval of a majority of the Executive Committee.   Five active members and 
three officers must be present at any meeting to constitute a quorum to 
transact business.

     Article 8:   STANDARDS OF ORGANIZATION PRACTICE:   All affairs of this 
organization shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the 
Constitution and Code of Affiliate Standards of the National Federation of the 
Blind.

     Article 9:   AMENDMENTS:   This Constitution may be amended at any 
meeting of the membership by an affirmative vote of two thirds of the active 
members present and voting.

     Article 10:   VACANCIES:   The President, in consultation with the 
Executive Committee, shall be empowered to appoint an alternative in case of a 
vacancy in an office between conventions.   Special elections may be called 
at the convention following the announcement of the vacancy by the 
President.

   
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