[NFBA-Phoenix] Constitution Proposal
Tanner Gers
creativesuccess at cox.net
Mon Feb 6 16:38:11 UTC 2017
Good morning Mike. Hope your group came together well this past weekend.
Thanks for bringing up these points. As it was discussed in the chapter
meeting, this is the constitution that the east and west valley chapters
have adopted. That's just contextual background.
I agree with better defining what blind means. And while I've only read this
document previously, I will make these edits ahead of the secondary reading
tonight on the conference call. I hope you can find time to attend and
express your thoughts after the reading with the suggested edits.
I like the idea of the chapter providing scholarships. I think that the
spirit behind this proposed change is to maintain active membership, rather
than artificially generated "ghostly" membership. I would have no problem
providing scholarships to individuals who have financial situations where $5
may impact their quality of life, but only under the circumstances where
individuals are showing up, are volunteering, and are putting forth an
effort that superceedes the chapter receiving a credit of $5.
Thoughts? Anyone else?
By the way. Thanks to everyone in the valley who showed up in a big way for
Washington Seminar. 2017 is off to a great start, and it will be up to us to
follow up with our elected officials, to raise funds, and to consistently
show Phoenix, this state, and our country, that blindness does not impair
our ability to live the lives we want, but actually provides us unique
advantages to living the lives of our dreams. #Consistency
Love you all
Tanner
Your Partner in Creative Success
Tanner
Check out <http://tannergers.com> The Daily Practice blog at
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From: NFBA-Phoenix [mailto:nfba-phoenix-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Michael Abell via NFBA-Phoenix
Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2017 5:57 AM
To: 'NFB of Arizona Phoenix Chapter List'
Cc: Michael Abell
Subject: Re: [NFBA-Phoenix] Constitution Proposal
Hello,
One question that I have regarding this proposed constitution
is that of the definition of "blind". The document speaks to the members
must be blind. I realize that not all members must be blind, but of those
that are blind there is no designation about what that means. In order for
this constitution to be unchallengeable, the definition of "blind" must be
contained within the document. This can be done with a simple statement
defining "blind" in the first section. This is important as some members
have some vision while others have no light perception. What will define
"Blind" for our membership?
Another question is that of "No person or organization is
permitted to pay the dues for any person desiring to become an active member
of this chapter". I feel that this should contain the word "directly" as
part of the statement. I would not want to dictate to members that they
cannot renew due to lack of funds. Our dues are low, but they could prevent
some from becoming members. There must be a way for members to either be
sponsored, provide scholarships , or to allow the potential member to obtain
funds for membership when they find the dues to be prohibitive. I understand
the spirit and intent of the statement; I just do not want the chapter to
exclude on economic grounds. I also will not have my benevolent actions
dictated to me. The appearance of impropriety is never as harmful as
discrimination cloaked in a constitution.
Warmly,
Rev. Michael "Big Dog" Abell
Helping individuals to find their eyes in the dark.
The Family Ministry Counseling and Psychotherapy Services
700 E Jefferson St. Suite 250
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
(602) 253-4084 ext 1
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From: NFBA-Phoenix [mailto:nfba-phoenix-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Tanner Gers via NFBA-Phoenix
Sent: Saturday, February 04, 2017 10:22 AM
To: 'NFB of Arizona Phoenix Chapter List'
Cc: Tanner Gers
Subject: [NFBA-Phoenix] Constitution Proposal
National Federation of the Blind of Arizona
Revised Constitution
February --, 2017
ARTICLE I. NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Phoenix Chapter of the National
Federation of the Blind of Arizona
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
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 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 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.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
Section One - 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 office.
Section Two - Associate Members
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. Associate 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. Associate members shall not pay dues.
Section Three - Honorary Life-Time Membership
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. $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.
Section Four - Affiliation
Membership in this organization automatically establishes membership in the
National Federation of the Blind of Arizona and the National Federation of
the Blind.
Section Five - 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. OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES
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. Election shall be by voice
vote, standing vote, show of hands, or roll call vote unless at least
four-fifths of the active members who are present and voting decide that a
secret ballot shall be used. 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.
ARTICLE V. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of this organization shall consist of the four (4)
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 written call signed by any three (3) 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 or mail ballot on
any questions. A majority of the Board must be blind.
ARTICLE VI. MEETINGS
Section One - Regular Meetings
This organization shall hold regular meetings at a time and place to be
determined by the membership. At least a majority of active members must be
present to constitute a quorum to transact business.
Section Two - Special Meetings
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. At such special meeting at least two-thirds of active
members must be present to constitute a quorum to transact business.
ARTICLE VII. COMMITTEES
The President may appoint such committees as he/she or the organization
deems necessary.
ARTICLE VIII. AFFILIATION
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.
ARTICLE IX. DUES
The dues of this organization shall be $5 per year, payable in advance. In
even numbered years dues must be paid by the end of the January meeting.
Dues paid after the January chapter meeting are not eligible to vote in the
election. 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. No person or organization is
permitted to pay the dues for any person desiring to become an active member
of this chapter.
ARTICLE X. DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS
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.
ARTICLE XI. DISSOLUTION
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.
ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS
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.
OFFICIAL PLEDGE OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the National Federation of
the Blind
to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind;
to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its
Constitution.
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