CONSTITUTION

AFRICAN AMERICAN LUTHERAN ASSOCIATION

OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA (ELCA)

Revised July 2003

 

ARTICLE I. NAME

 

 

I.01.     The name of this organization shall be the African American Lutheran Association.

 

I.02.     For the purpose of the Constitution and accompanying By-Laws, the African American Lutheran

Association is hereinafter designated as “this organization.”

 

ARTICLE II. STATEMENT OF VISION AND PURPOSE

 

II.01.    We, the African American Lutheran Association, are people of God rooted in the gospel and

            redeemed by Jesus Christ.   We are committed to living out our faith by expressing our love for one

another and affirming ourselves and our cultural heritage as gifts to the church (ELCA).

 

II.02.    God, our Creator, has richly endowed each individual with gifts.   Humanity, however, has fallen

into bondage to sin and stands separated from God.  This sin expresses itself in many ways,

including exclusivism and separation among people manifested in racism.   We believe that Jesus Christ is our True Liberator, having come into the world proclaiming a Gospel, which gives sight to the blind and released the captives.   We believe that we have been called to a ministry of reconciliation (II Corinthians 5), serving as ambassadors for Christ.   The church is to be fully inclusive fellowship, which celebrates the contributions of all members.   In recognition and adherence to these principles, this organization exists to:

II.02.a.             Help assure that each individual will be respected as a unique gift of God (imago dei,

                  Genesis 1:31);

 

II.02.b.             Help exorcise personal and institutional racism in church and society;

 

II.02.c.             Work towards a full realization of the unity that is to be found in Jesus Christ;

 

II.02.d.             Celebrate, not worship, diversity in the human family;

 

II.02.e.             Proclaim Christ’s message of material and spiritual liberation to all peoples;

 

II.02.f.        Exercise a ministry of reconciliation among diverse peoples in the church and society; and

 

II.02.g.             Encourage members to become fully involved with the affairs of the church assemblies,

                  synods, regions and congregations.

 

II.03.    This organization is designed to be a vehicle for unifying and conveying the needs and concerns of

African American members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) through all

existing ELCA structures, especially through the Commission for Multicultural Ministries.

 

 

II.04.    This organization dedicates itself to the task of strengthening the Christian bonds of the African

American community of believers, developing a full sense of partnership between the ELCA and the whole African American community through evangelism, education, stewardship, worship and social ministry.

 

ARTICLE III.

ORGANIZATIONAL AFFILIATION (ASSOCIATION) MEMBERS, CHAPTERS AND REGIONS

 

III.01.  Association with this organization shall be by chapter and individual membership.

 

III.02.  A member of this organization will normally be a member of a congregation of the ELCA and

adhere to the provisions contained in Chapter V. Section 1 of the By-Laws.

 

III.03.  Chapters shall be made up of individual’s members as defined in Section III.02 of this Article and in

B.Chapter IV section 1 of the By-Laws.

 

III.04.  This organization shall not exclude any person from membership who satisfies the requirement of

Section III.02. of this Article.

 

III.05.  There shall be established nine (9) regions representing geographical areas of the country as provided

for in Chapter IV. Section 2. of the By-Laws.

 

III.06.  The Conference of International Black Lutherans – USA (CIBL) is recognized as an activity of this

organization.

 

ARTICLE IV.

OFFICERS

 

IV.01.  This organization shall have five (5) officers elected at the general assembly of the organization as

provided for in Chapter I. Section 2. of the By-Laws.   They shall be President, Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer, whose terms, duties and responsibilities shall be those provided in Chapter I, and Chapter II, Section 3. of the By-Laws.

 

 

ARTICLE V.

ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE

 

V.01.   Excerpt as provided herein, the membership in assembly shall be the final authority of this

organization in all matters.

 

V.02.   The Governing Board shall be comprised of all current officers, the immediate past president, as

defined in Chapter III. Section 2.01. of the By-Laws, two youth representatives, and one

representative from each of the regions.

 

V.03.   The Governing Board shall exercise all authority of the organization between assemblies, as

provided in Chapter III. Section 2. of the By-Laws.

 

V.04.   The Executive Committee shall consist of all current officers, the immediate past president, as

defined in Chapter III. Section 2. of the By-Laws, and by two regional representatives elected from

the regional representatives serving on the Governing Board.

 

V.05.   The Executive Committee shall exercise all authority of the organization between meetings of the

Governing Board and assemblies of the membership, as provided in Chapter III. Section 2. of the By-Laws.

 

V.06    The Director for African American Ministries of the ELCA Commission for Multicultural Ministries

shall serve with voice, but no vote, on the Governing Board and Executive Committee.

 

ARTICLE VI.

MEETINGS

 

VI.01.  This organization shall meet in general assembly biennially, as provided in Chapter I. Section 1. of

the By-Laws.

 

VI.02   The Governing Board shall meet a minimum of twice each year in regular session, as provided in

Chapter III. Section 2.05. of the By-Laws.

 

VI.03.  Special and emergency meetings of the Governing Board or Executive Committee may be called, as

provided in Chapter III, Section 2.04 – 2.07 of the By-Laws.

 

VI.04   The Executive Committee shall meet, as it deems reasonable and prudent.

 

ARTICLE VI.

COMMITTEES

 

VII.01. There shall be the following standing committees whose duties and membership are provided for in

Chapter I. Section 7. of the By-Laws:

 

                                    Nominating Committee

                                    Audit Committee

                                    Membership Committee

                                    Financial Committee

                                    Communications Committee

                                    Program Committee

                                    Reference and Counsel/Memorials Committee

 

VII.02. The President and the Governing Board shall have authority to appoint committees as necessary to

the furtherance of the goals and purposes of this organization.

 

VII.03. All committees shall operate with such authority and duties as set forth in either Chapter III. Section

3. of the By-Laws or as the Governing Board or Executive Committee may delegate to it for the purpose.

 

ARTICLE VIII.

RECORDS

 

VIII.01 This organization shall maintain records, including but not limited to the following: minutes of

assemblies, board and committee meetings, financial transactions, resolutions and other records necessary to document the business and transactions of the organization.

 

VIII.02 Pursuant to Section VIII.01.of this Article, standardized formats for minutes and financial reports

shall be adopted, and persons holding the positions of Secretary or Treasurer shall maintain records in accordance with the adopted procedures and formats.

 

VIII.03. After the election and installation of new officers, all books, records, assets and other property in the

custody or possession or under control of outgoing officers belonging to the organization, shall be

turned over to the organization (new officers) within thirty (30) days of such election and

installation, except the Treasurer, who shall release all financial records within sixty (60).

 

ARTICLE IX.

AMENDMENTS

 

IX.01.  This Constitution may be altered, amended or revised at any biennial assembly of this organization

by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present, provided that written notice of all proposed

amendments have been distributed to each chapter, not less than thirty (30) days prior to such biennial assembly.

 

IX.02.  An alteration, amendment or revision, if adopted, shall become effective immediately, unless by its

terms it is to become effective at a later date.   An alteration, amendment or revision is to have prospective application only.

 

ARTICLE X.

PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

 

X.01.   This Constitution is the parliamentary authority of this organization.   Whenever there is a matter not

covered by this Constitution or the By-Laws of this organization, the newest revision edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern this organization.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By-Laws

African American Lutheran Association

of the

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

 

CHAPTER I.

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

 

SECTION 1.  OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

 

B.I.1.01           The President shall function as the chief executive officer for the organization and have general

                        supervision of all of its affairs.

 

BI.1.02.     The President shall chair and see to the proper functioning of all meetings of the Governing Board, the Executive Committee, the Biennial Assembly of the organization, and all other meetings called by the President, the Governing Board or the Executive Committee consistent with the provisions of the Constitution and the By-Laws. In fulfilling the duties set forth under this Subsection, the President shall:

 

B1.02.a.          Prepare the agenda for all meetings of the Governing Board and Executive Committee;

 

B1.02.b.          Prepare, for Governing Board and Executive Committee meetings, a written report of all activities in which the President has been engaged between meetings;

 

B1.02.c.          Prepare and disseminate such other written reports as may be necessary for keeping the Governing Board and membership apprised of material information; and

 

B.02.d.             Coordinate the reports of the Treasurer and Recording Secretary consistent with the

provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws.

 

B.I.1.03           The President shall serve as an ex-officio member to all the organization's committees.

 

B.I.1 .04.  The President, either alone or in conjunction with others, shall represent the organization at

national, regional and synod cal expressions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), to the wider Christian church, and to other organizations and entities, where appropriate.

 

B.I.1.05.    The President shall have authority to create ad hoc committees, appoint members to ad hoc or standing committees of the organization, appoint individuals to represent the organization on committees or at functions of the ELCA or outside the church. By resolution, the President may be required to seek the consent and approval of the Governing Board in appointing committee members or individuals to represent the organization.

 

B.I.1.06.          The President shall have the authority necessary to fulfill the duties placed upon him/her by the

Constitution and By-Laws of this organization.

 

SECTION 2. OFFICE OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT

 

B.I.2.01.          The Vice-President shall act on behalf of the organization in the absence or incapacity of the

President.

 

B.I.2.02           Board, or the Executive Committee, including serving in lieu of the President as an ex-officio

member of a standing or ad hoc, committee.

 

B.I.2.03           The Vice-President shall coordinate and report on the activities of the various chapters. In order to

carry out the duties provided for in this subsection, the Vice-President shall:

 

B.I.2.03.a.          Establish, in conjunction with the Corresponding Secretary and with the approval of the Governing Board, the procedure for communicating with the chapters about the activities of the Governing Board and the Executive Committee, and

 

B.I.2.03.b.          Establish and maintain, in conjunction with the Recording Secretary and with the approval of the Governing Board, the system by which the organization's chapters report (minutes, etc.) to the Governing Board.

 

B.I.2.03.c.        The Vice-President, in conjunction with the President, shall be responsible for supervising the publication schedule of the organization's newsletter .

 

B.I.2.04           The Vice-President shall have such other duties as the President, Governing Board, or Executive

Committee shall assign.

 

SECTION 3. OFFICE OF THE TREASURER

 

B.I.3.01           The Treasurer shall keep accurate books of accounts and make reports to the Governing Board,

Executive Committee, and organization, consistent with the provisions of these By-Laws and as required by the Governing Board or Executive Committee. In furtherance of the duties set forth in this Subsection, the Treasurer shall:

 

B.I.3.01.a             Develop and modify, as necessary, a book and record keeping system consistent

with generally accepted accounting practices (GAAP), unless modified by the Governing Board and approved by the Governing Board;

 

B.I.3.01.b.             Develop and modify, as necessary, a procedure and format for reporting the

financial status of the organization, its membership and such other items as may be directed by  the Governing Board or Executive Committee. These reports shall be in writing;

 

 

B.I.3.01.c.        Make a financial report at all meetings of the Governing Board and Executive

Committee, at the biennial assembly of the organization and at such other times as may be directed by the President, Governing Board or Executive Committee; and

 

B.I.3.01.d.             Develop and modify, as necessary, a voucher system for the payment of bills and

reimbursement of expenditures on behalf of the organization by individuals.

 

B.I.3.02.          The Treasurer shall have charge of all funds of the organization and disburse them only upon

Proper authorization and be consistent with organizational financial policy.

 

B.I.3.03           The Treasurer shall serve ex-officio on any finance committee or any committee established to

develop the organization's budget.

 

B.I.3.04           The Treasurer shall turn all books and records over to the auditor or audit committee within ten (10) days of any request for same. The Treasurer shall not be involved in the audit of the organization's financial records

 

B.I.3.05           The Treasurer shall have such other duties as the President, Governing Board, or Executive Committee shall assign.

 

B.I.3.06.          An Assistant to the Treasurer shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Treasurer.

 

B.I.3.07.          The Assistant to the Treasurer shall serve a term co-terminus with the Treasurer of up to four (4) years.

 

B.I.3.08           The Assistant to the Treasurer serves under the supervision of the Treasurer and will assist the

Treasurer with the responsibilities listed in the By-Laws Chapter I, Section 1.3.01 .a.

 

SECTION 4. THE OFFICE OF RECORDING SECRETARY

 

B.I.4.01           The Recording Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of all Governing Board and Executive

Committee meetings and the biennial assembly of the organization. In furtherance of the duties set forth in this Subsection, the Recording Secretary shall:

 

B.I.4.01.a             Develop and modify, as necessary, a uniform system for recording the minutes of

the Governing Board and Executive Committee meetings and the biennial assemblies of the organization;

 

B.I.4.01.b.       Be responsible for transferring the recorded minutes into a permanent binder;

 

B.I.4.01.c.             Forward all minutes to the Corresponding Secretary for distribution to the

Governing Board and chapters; and

 

B.I.4.01.d.       Make sure that all written reports are attached to and indexed in all recorded

minutes.

 

B.I.4.02.          The Recording Secretary shall maintain the archives of the organization. In furtherance of the

duties set forth in this Subsection, the Recording Secretary shall:

 

B.I.4.02.a.        Be the depository of significant and pertinent articles about African Americans in the ELCA or its predecessor organizations; also photographs, news clippings, etc., pertaining to this organization or African Americans in the ELCA or its predecessor organizations.

 

B.I.4.02.b             Develop, establish and modify, as necessary, in conjunction with the Director for

African American Ministries of the Commission for Multicultural Ministries, ELCA, a means for recording and storing these archives; and

 

B.I.4.02.c.             Communicate with ELCA congregations, which have significant African American

membership about the archives, on a continuing basis, encouraging them to deposit the original or copies of documents of historical significance with the archives.

 

B.I.4.03.          The Recording Secretary shall have such other duties, as the President, Governing Board or Executive Committee shall assign.

 

SECTION 5. OFFICE OF THE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

 

B.I.5.01.          The Corresponding Secretary shall make the arrangements for Governing Board and Executive

Committee meetings as directed by the President. In furtherance of the duties set forth in this Subsection, the Corresponding Secretary shall:

 

B.I.5.01.a.        Send out notices of meetings to Governing Board or Executive Committee

members. and,

 

B.I.5.01.b.          Arrange for lodging and meeting accommodations as directed by the President, Governing Board or Executive Committee.

 

B.I.5.02.          The Corresponding Secretary shall handle, when appropriate and as directed, the correspondence of the organization.

 

B.I.5.03.          The Corresponding Secretary shall be the principle link by which the activity of the Governing Board and Executive Committee is communicated to the regions, chapters and the membership. In order to carry out the duties set forth in this Subsection, the Corresponding Secretary shall:

 

B.I.5.03.a.          Maintain a register of the membership, chapter presidents and regional representatives; and

 

B.I.5.03.b.       Send minutes of Governing Board or Executive Committee meetings for timely submission to the organizational newsletter for publication. This communiqué’ should summarize all actions taken by the Governing Board or executive Committee; relevant discussions, although not culminating in action; and any other matters that the President, Governing Board or Executive Committee shall direct.

 

B.I.5.04           The Corresponding Secretary shall maintain the organization's resource bank. In furtherance of the

duties set forth in this Subsection, the Corresponding Secretary shall:

 

B.I.5.04.a             Develop and modify, as necessary in conjunction with the Director of African

American Ministries of the Commission for Multicultural Ministries, an organization resource bank of African American members in the ELCA; and

 

B.I.5.04.b        Work with the Director of African American Ministries of the Commission for

Multicultural  Ministries to develop a means for the storage and retrieval of information in the resource bank.

 

SECTION 6. COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES

 

B.I.6.01.          The Nominating Committee shall:

a.                   be elected at the biennial assembly;

b.                  be responsible for providing a slate of candidates for vacant offices and regional representatives to the Governing Board and at the biennial assembly.

c.                   be responsible for the conduct of all elections at the biennial assembly.

 

B.I.6.02.          The Audit Committee shall:

a.                   be appointed by the President;

b.                  supervise the annual end of the year audit of the books of this organization;

c.                   present the audit report to the next Governing Board meeting.

 

B.I.6.03.          The Membership (Self-Sufficiency) Committee shall:

a.                   consist of Governing Board members and Chapter presidents, appointed by the President;

b.                  recruit additional members with the assistance of the chairperson;

c.                   work with the Finance Committee;

d.                  assist in the development of local chapters'

e.                   encourage individuals to become members of  the national organization where no local chapter exists and there is no possibility for organizing a chapter.

 

B.I.6.04.          The Finance Committee shall:

a.                   consist of the financial officers and other members of the Governing Board, appointed by the President.

b.                  oversee all of this organization’s accounts, including the general fund, the saving account(s), and the Daniel Payne Scholarship fund;

c.                   develop an annual budget and a budget for the biennial assembly;

d.                  develop, review and revise this organization’s financial policies for Board adoption;

e.                   supervise the development and submission of proposals for special grants.

 

B.I.6.05.          The Communications Committee shall:

a.                   be appointed by the President;

b.                  work in conjunction with the corresponding and recording secretaries in coordinating the gathering and dispersal of information pertinent to this organization;

c.                   work with the Program Committee in the planning of biennial assemblies;

d.                  initiate and explore media concerns and interests in behalf of this organization, e.g. The Lutheran;

e.                   arrange for the publication of articles written by members of this organization;

f.                    work with the Vice-President to publish a regular newsletter.

 

B.I.6.06.          The Program Committee shall:

a.                   be appointed by the President;

b.                  have primary responsibility for assembly planning;

c.                   develop and implement activities and projects in conjunction with African American churchwide staff for African American Lutherans ranging from children to adults.

 

 

Chapter II

Elections

 

Section 1.                    NOMINATING COMMITTEE

 

B.II.101.          A Nominating Committee of five (5) members of the organization shall be elected at each biennial

assembly to present at least two (2) qualified and consenting members of the organization for each office for which an elections is required at the next biennial assembly of the organization, including positions for the Nominating Committee.

 

B.II.1.02          Additional nominations may be made from the floor at the assembly.

 

B.II.1.03          No more than two individuals may serve on the Nominating Committee from any one region.

 

B.II.1.04          The President shall appoint one of these members, who shall serve as convener of the Nominating

Committee and be responsible for forwarding a written report to the Governing Board in a manner directed by the Governing Board.

 

B.II.1.05.         The Nominating Committee shall present candidates from the nine (9) regions to serve as regional

representatives on the Governing Board.   Regional representatives shall serve a four (4) year term.   Regional representatives will be elected at the biennial assembly of the organization by their respective regions.

 

Section 2.                    ELECTION PROCESS

 

B.II.2.01.         Each region shall elect one person to count ballots at the biennial assemblies.

 

B.II.2.02.         The organization shall elect its officers and all other positions requiring a vote of the organization by majority vote of the delegates in attendance at its biennial assemblies.

 

B.II.2.03          Elections shall be conducted by written ballot at the biennial assemblies of this organization.

 

B.II.2.04.         Only those members of the organization in attendance and certified as delegates may vote.

 

Section 3.                    TERMS OF OFFICE

 

B.II.3.01.         All officers shall serve for one term of four (4) years, with eligibility for re-election to the same

office for an additional term of two (2) years.

 

B.II.3.02.         When a person is appointed to fill the un-expired term of an officer or other elected position, the

appointment shall only be for the remaining time of the un-expired term.  If the time remaining on the un-expired term is for two years or less, the time served will be considered less than a full term, and the appointed person may be considered for election to a full term in the office or position for which he or she was appointed, and shall not be in violation of Subsection B.II.3.02.

 

B.II.3.03.         Regional representatives shall serve four (4) years, without eligibility for re-election. 

 

B.II.3.04          The terms of all officers, except the Treasurer, shall commence 30 days following their election.   

The term of the Treasurer shall commence 90 days following his/her election.

 

 

 

Section 4.                    SUCCESSION OF OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS

 

B.II.4.01          The Governing Board shall have the authority to remove any elected or appointed officer or other

member of the Governing board or Executive Committee by a two-thirds (2/3) vote whenever, in its judgment and consistent with these By-Laws, the best interest of the organization would be serve thereby.

 

B.II.4.02.         An officer or Board members may be removed for any of the following reasons:

 

B.II.4.02.a.         Failure of an elected or appointed officer to fulfill the duties enumerated under either the provisions of the Constitution or By-Laws of this organization or the exercise of duties as deemed by the Governing Board of Executive Committee not consistent with this Constitution or By-Laws.

 

B.II.4.02.b         Excessive absences from Governing Board meetings; excessive absence being defined as two consecutive unexcused absences from the Governing Board meetings.   In the case of an elected or appointed officer, excessive absence shall be defined as including Executive Committee meetings.

 

BII.4.02.c        The doing of any act or making of any statement which significantly interferes with or impedes the operations of this organization; or

 

 

 

                        BII.4.02.d.            Any other behavior by an officer of Board member that, in the opinion of the

Governing Board reflects so adversely on and/or has such a negative impact on the organization that removal is warranted.   The reason provided for removal is discretionary.  Each case for removal must be considered on its own merit.  To the extent possible, the Governing Board shall strive for consistence in its decision(s).

 

B.II.4.03          In furtherance of the provisions of these Subsections, the following procedures shall be followed:

 

BII.4.03.a        The removal of any officer or Board member pursuant to Subsection II.4.01. shall take place at a Governing Board meeting.

 

                        BII.4.03.b            The President or Governing Board shall send written notice to the officer or Board

member to be removed with copies to all other Governing Board members, at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting in which said removal will be considered.

 

BII.4.03.c        This notice shall state that the removal of said officer or Board member (by name) will be considered at the Governing Board meeting (date and place), including the reason for the removal.   The notice may be appropriate.

 

                        BII.4.03.d.            The officer or board member to be removed shall be permitted to respond to all

Governing Board members in writing prior to or at the board meeting at which removal will be considered.   They may appear and be heard at the Governing Board meeting.   This shall be done at the reasonable expense of the Governing Board.

 

B.II4.03.e  The vote shall be by secret ballot.

 

                        B.II4.03.f            The decision of the Governing Board shall be final.

 

B.II.4.04          If two-thirds (2/3) of the Governing Board members present vote to remove the officer or Board

member, then that officer or board position is deemed and becomes immediately vacant and may be filled pursuant to Subsection B.II.5.01 of these By-Laws

 

Section 5.                    FILLING VACANCIES

 

B.II.5.01          If a vacancy occurs on the Governing Board or Executive Committee due to death, incapacity,

resignation, removal or other disqualification of an officer, the Governing Board shall fill such vacancy by appointment, except for the Presidency, which shall be filled by the Vice-President.   The President may appoint a committee to make nominations for filling said vacancy.

 

B.II.5.02.         If the vacancy on the Governing Board is that of a Regional Representatives, the Governing Board

shall fill said vacancy after consulting with chapter chairpersons in the affected region, who may offer nominations.   The President shall contact and consult with each chapter chairperson in the affected Region.

 

 

Chapter III.

Meetings of General Assemblies, Governing Board and Executive Committee

 

Section 1.                    BIENNIAL ASSEMBLY OF ORGANIZATION

 

B.III.1.01         There shall be biennial assemblies of the organization.

 

B.III.1.02.        The first official notice of each biennial assembly shall be sent to all members of the organization at least nine (9) months prior to the assembly and final registration packages will be mailed at least six (6) months prior to the assembly.

 

B.III.1.03         The Governing Board is responsible for defining the process to determine voting delegates to the

biennial assembly.   Voting delegates must be financially current members of a local chapter (where possible) and the National Organization.

 

B.III.1.04.        Visitors at the biennial assembly shall have voice but no vote.

 

B.III.1.05.        Unless otherwise specified in the Constitution, By-Laws or by a resolution, a majority vote of the

delegates present on all issues submitted to vote shall control.

 

B.III.1.06.        For purposes of the biennial assemblies, there is no quorum requirement.

 

B.III.1.07         A Youth Convocation shall be held concurrently with each biennial assembly.

 

Section 2.                    GOVERNING BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS

 

Quorum Requirements

 

B.III.2.01.        The Governing Board shall be comprised of all current officers, the immediate past president, two

youth representatives and one representative from each of the regions.   The inclusion of an immediate past president is too insure continuity and should apply only when the newly elected president has not held a previous post on the Governing Board/Executive Committee.

 

B.III.2.02         A simple majority of the Governing Board members present, excluding vacancies and youth

representatives shall conduct official business.

 

B.III.2.03.        The Executive Committee shall consist of all current officers, the immediate past president (see

Subsection B.III.2.01.) and two regional representatives elected by the regional representatives.

 

B.III.2.04.        Two-thirds (2/30 of the Executive Committee members, excluding vacancies, must be present to

conduct official business.

 

Notice Requirements

 

B.III.2.05.        Notice for all meetings (regular or special), except as provided in Subsection B.III.2.07. shall

normally be sent thirty (30) days before the scheduled or called meeting.

B.III.2.06.        Notice for emergency meetings shall be sent at least fifteen (15) business days before the meeting.

 

B.III.2.07         All notices of special or emergency meetings shall contain the reasons for and the subject matter to be discussed at the meeting.   In the absence of a waiver by all governing Board or Executive Committee members, only those items specified in the notice can officially be acted upon at a special or emergency meeting.

 

Informal Meetings of Governing Board or Executive Committee

 

B.III.2.08.        The Governing Board or Executive Committee has the authority to transact business by informal

means, including, but not limited to, telephone conferences or voting by mail.

 

B.III.2.09.        When a vote is to occur by mail and without the benefit of a meeting or telephone conference, the

ballot shall be signed and, in addition to the action(s) to be voted on, shall include the following statement:

 

The action(s) proposed to be taken by this ballot should be taken only at a meeting or after a telephone conference.

 

Yes                              No                        

 

If more than a third (1/3) of the members entitled to vote are of the opinion that the action should not be taken without a meeting or telephone conference, then the action shall not be effective and a meeting of telephone conference must be held prior to any vote.

 

 

B.III.2.10.        Irrespective of the method selected to conduct business, the quorum requirements must be met.

 

B.III.2.11.        Two Youth Representatives shall be elected at the Biennial Youth Convocation to serve on the

Governing Board.   Their term shall be for two (2) years.

 

B.III.2.12         The Youth Representatives shall attend all Governing Board meetings except when those meeting

conflict directly with their academic commitments.

 

B.III.2.13.        The Youth Representatives shall serve on the Governing Board with voice and vote.

 

B.III.2.14.        The Youth Representatives shall provide information to the Governing Board about the activities,

expectations and concerns of youth.   They shall serve on the Youth Convocation planning committee.