[NFBA-Phoenix] Constitution Proposal
Brad Kuhn
papa.ks.kafe at gmail.com
Mon Feb 6 17:28:30 UTC 2017
If you look at the state or national Constitution, they don't put much thought into the definition of blindness either. I think they want to leave it alone since there are so many degrees of blindness out there and when you get into specifics it's really botches things up.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Feb 6, 2017, at 9:38 AM, Tanner Gers via NFBA-Phoenix <nfba-phoenix at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> 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
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> Tanner
>
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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
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> ARTICLE I. NAME
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> The name of this organization shall be the Phoenix Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona
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> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
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> 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.
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> ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
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> Section One - Active Members
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> 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.
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> Section Two - Associate Members
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> 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.
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> Section Three - Honorary Life-Time Membership
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> 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.
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> Section Four - Affiliation
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> Membership in this organization automatically establishes membership in the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona and the National Federation of the Blind.
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> Section Five - Expulsion
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> 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.
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> ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES
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> 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.
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> ARTICLE V. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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> 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.
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> ARTICLE VI. MEETINGS
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> Section One - Regular Meetings
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> 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.
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> Section Two - Special Meetings
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> 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
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> to be necessary. At such special meeting at least two-thirds of active members must be present to constitute a quorum to transact business.
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> ARTICLE VII. COMMITTEES
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> The President may appoint such committees as he/she or the organization deems necessary.
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> ARTICLE VIII. AFFILIATION
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> 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.
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> ARTICLE IX. DUES
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>
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> 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.
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> 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.
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> ARTICLE XI. DISSOLUTION
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> 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.
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> ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS
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> 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.
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> OFFICIAL PLEDGE OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
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> 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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