[VABS] Updated VABS Constitution

[André Hill]

Dear Members,

In advance of tonight's meeting the VABS Board of Directors has unanimously
voted in favor to accept changes made to the VABS Constitution to make it
more inline with the National Association of Blind Students and the NFB of
Virginia.

We are sending it out so you can review it and be prepared to ask any
questions if you have any at that time.

Here are the changes:

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Virginia Association of Blind
Students, a division of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia
and the National Association of Blind Students.

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

Section One

The purpose of this organization shall be to create a climate of
opportunity for blind students throughout Virginia; to provide information
and support to blind students; to facilitate the sharing of experience and
concerns among blind students; to develop and expand resources available to
blind students; to help communities gain understanding and perspective
through partnership and contact with the blind; and to function as an
integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its ongoing effort
to eliminate discrimination and prejudice against the blind and to achieve
for the blind security, equality, and opportunity.

Section Two

The Virginia Association of Blind Students, a division of the National
Federation of the Blind of Virginia and the National Association of Blind
Students, must not merely be a social organization, but must formulate
programs and actively work to promote the economic and social betterment of
the blind.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

The members of this organization shall be blind students and others
interested in promoting the purposes of blind students.  For so long as
this organization is affiliated with the National Federation of the Blind
of Virginia, the members of this organization by virtue of their membership
will be members of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia and the
National Federation of the Blind, and shall have the same rights,
privileges, and responsibilities as other members of the National
Federation of the Blind.

ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The officers of this organization shall be: President, Vice President,
Secretary, and Treasurer.  The duties of those officers shall be those
customarily associated with their respective offices.  There will also be
two general Board Members: one responsible for legislative affairs and the
second responsible for membership recruitment and retention. The officers
and board members shall constitute the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE V - MEETINGS

Section One - Annual Business Meeting

The Virginia Association of Blind Students, a division of the National
Federation of the Blind of Virginia shall hold its annual meeting at the
time and place of the annual convention of the National Federation of the
Blind of Virginia. The Board of Directors shall conduct the business of the
Organization between annual meetings.

Section Two - Other Meetings

Other meetings of the Division, such as committee meetings, shall be held
upon the call of the president or a majority of the members of the Board of
Directors.

Section Three - Voting

Rules of engagement will be presented prior to elections outlining the
voting procedure. The officers and board members shall be elected annually
by a majority vote of the members of this organization present and voting
at the annual meeting. No person may vote without payment of their dues.
There shall be no proxy voting.

ARTICLE VI - DUES

The dues for the members of the Virginia Association of Blind Students, a
division of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia shall be $5
per year, pending the majority of the existing board’s recommendation. Dues
are payable throughout the year. However, dues must be payed in conjunction
with the annual business meeting to qualify members to participate in
elections.

ARTICLE VII - DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS

The funds of this organization shall be deposited in the Virginia affiliate
bank, selected by the affiliate treasurer with the approval of the
affiliate president.  All financial obligations of the Organization shall
be discharged by check or electronic transaction, issued on written order
of the president, and signed or approved by the treasurer.

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS

This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members
present and voting at any meeting of the Virginia Association of Blind
Students, a division of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia;
but the amendments shall not become effective until approved by the
affiliate president of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia.

ARTICLE IX - DISSOLUTION
In the event of the dissolution of this organization, all assets shall go
to the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia.

ARTICLE X - AFFILIATION
The Organization has chosen voluntarily to affiliate with the National
Federation of the Blind of Virginia. For so long as this affiliation is in
effect the Organization will comply with the provisions of the Constitution
of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia with provisions of the
Charter of Affiliation of the National Federation of the Blind of
Virginia.  Policy decisions of the Federation are binding upon the
Organization, and the Organization will participate affirmatively in
carrying out such policy decisions.
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 if the Organization ceases to be part of the National Federation of the
Blind of Virginia or the National Association of Blind Students (for
whatever reason), the right to use the name National Federation of the
Blind, Federation of the Blind, or any variant thereof shall be forfeited.

Revised October 29, 2020






Thank you,



André E. Hill
Chairperson
Legislative Committee
Virginia Association of Blind Students
National Federation of the Blind of Virginia