[NFBA-Phoenix] Constitution Proposal

[Sharonda Greenlaw]

Hello Phoenix Federationists,
I am writing to share some of my thoughts on the proposed changes for
the Phoenix Constitution. I understand the intent of the proposals is
to make sure we bring in "active" members and not just have names on
the roster. And I appreciate the discussion that will take place
tonight and am sure we'll need more so that we can thoroughly think
things through.  I too agree that people should not be held back from
becoming members based on their economic situation. I further believe
that members should not be deterred from paying for another person's
dues, if that need arises. I personally have paid for members to join
our Chapter and know that this practice has been employed by many
others. Some of the sponsored members have become contributing
members, while others have not. For example, I paid for one member in
particular, and though he doesn't come to every meeting, he has given
of his time, his resources raised funds for the Chapter and continues
to spread our positive philosophy everywhere he goes.  As our
Affiliate President and National leaders have said, we are growing the
Federation by bringing in people. Our goal is to find ways to add
people and allow them to experience blindness along with us, not find
and create rules to keep them out.

Sharonda Greenlaw
On 2/5/17, Michael Abell via NFBA-Phoenix <nfba-phoenix at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 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
>
>
>
> Notice of Confidentiality: This e-mail, and any attachments, is intended
> only for use by the addressee(s) and may contain privileged or confidential
> information. Any distribution, reading, copying or use of this
> communication
> and any attachments by anyone other than the addressee, is strictly
> prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this e-mail in error,
> please immediately notify me by e-mail (
>
> bigdog4744 at gmail.com) or telephone (602-253-4084), and permanently destroy
> or delete the original and any copies or printouts of this e-mail and any
> attachments.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> 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.
>
>
>
>


-- 
Sharonda Greenlaw
National Federation of the Blind of Arizona (NFBA)
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