By-Laws 2009-2010
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The Far-Eastern
&
American Nurses Association of
Great Lakes
ByLaws
THE FAR-EASTERN & AMERICAN NURSES ASSOCIATION OF GREAT LAKES
BYLAWS
ARTICLE 1: NAME
The official name of the association shall be THE FAR-EASTERN & AMERICAN NURSES ASSOCIATION OF GREAT LAKES, INC. The official abbreviation shall be FANA of GL.
ARTICLE 11: OBJECTIVES
Section 1: This Association is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes.
Section 2: The Association endeavors to unite professional nurses who resides in the Great Lakes area through leadership, professionalism and integrity.
Section 3: To encourage deserving nurses and interested individuals to enter and continue nursing professions and related health professions through scholarships and grants.
Section 4: To seek community relations between membership and the broader society through volunteerism with different professional and charitable organizations as World Medical Relief, rendering health services such as medical missions, health fair, and participating in community events.
ARTICLE 111: JURISDICTION
Section 1: Geographical:
The components States of FANA shall include the surrounding States of Great Lakes.
Section 2: The Association shall be incorporated under the laws of the State of Michigan as a non-profit organization under 501-C3
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
Section 1: Membership in the Association is a privilege and is contingent on compliance with
requirements as specified in these Bylaws.
Section 2: Members shall be classified as Regular, Associate, Honorary, Lifetime.
A. Regular - Any professional registered nurse and nurse practitioner who are licensed to practice in the U.S.and/or, any of their country of origin and have paid the required membership dues to the Association.
B. Associate – Any inactive or emeritus Professional Registered Nurse, any Licensed Practical Nurse, Nursing Students; and/or, any health worker(s), technician who has paid the required membership dues to the Association.
C. Lifetime – All interested individual nurses who paid the required fees under membership.
D. Lifetime Chartered – Any member who paid the initial $200.00 (two hundred
dollars during the founding year of the association (2005).
Section 3: Representations/Privileges
A. Regular members are eligible to hold office and serve on elected or appointed
Committees.
B. Associate members shall have all the rights and privileges of regular members except
those of holding elected office.
C. Honorary members have a voice and may serve as resource persons in matters
relevant to their expertise, but have no vote.
D. Membership status and eligibility shall be determined from information on the application form, and shall be duly noted on the membership roster.
E. Members shall be eligible for scholarship, award, and/or, recognition.
Section 4: Ethical Standards/Disqualification of Members
A. The Executive Board may discipline, suspend any member for cause by a 2/3 vote, provided there was a due process at which the member was given the right to defend himself/herself.
B. Any member may be removed from the membership roster for:
1. Violations of the Association’s Rules of Conduct.
2. Acts, errors and omissions detrimental to the objectives of the Association.
C. Non-payment of dues.
Section 5: Dues
A. Shall be paid annually from January to December of each calendar year
according to membership classification.
B. Any changes of dues shall be determined by the Executive Board
ARTICLE V: OFFICERS AND DUTIES
Section 1: The elected officers of this Association shall be: President, President-elect, Secretary,
Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Business Manager, Assistant Business
Manager, Public Relation Officer, and 8 Board Members.
Section 2: The appointed officers of this Association shall be: Assistant Business Manager
Section 3: Advisory Council is all Founding Advisors and Past Presidents
A. President:
1. Presides at all business meetings of the Executive Board and General Assembly with prepared agenda.
2. Represents the Association at meetings and functions of other organizations, or designates an alternate.
3. Appoints the Assistant Business Manager, Committee Chairpersons, and/or other special designation with the approval of the Executive Board.
4. May suspend or discipline any officers or board members for a legitimate cause, subject to the approval of the Executive Board.
5. May call special meetings of the Executive Board as deemed necessary.
6. May serve as an ex-officio member of all committees except the Committee on Nominations and Elections.
7. May terminate non-functioning committees with the approval of the
Executive Board.
8. Must file the yearly renewal of the Association’s Incorporation before October of each year.
9. Must oversee the yearly Federal Tax filing of the Association before May 31st of each year
B. President-Elect:
1. Shall prepare for the future role as President.
2. Shall assist the President in the implementation of projects and activities of the organization.
3. Performs such duties as delegated by the President and/or the Executive Board.
4. Will assume the duties of the President.
C. Secretary:
1. Records the proceedings of all business meetings.
2. Distributes the minutes to the Executive Board and General Assembly.
3. Preserves reports and records including Bylaws and standing rules of the Association in the permanent file.
4. Keeps on file accurate membership roster as compiled and reported by the chairperson of the Membership Committee.
5. Shall perform other duties as delegated by the President or the Executive Board
D. Corresponding Secretary:
1. Issues notices regarding meetings and activities.
2. Assists the Secretary in all functions or as delegated by the President or the Executive Board.
3. Assumes the duties of the Secretary in his/her absence or incapacity.
4. Shall perform other duties as delegated by the President or the Executive Board
E. Treasurer:
1. Is responsible for the financial affairs of the Association including required yearly Income Tax Filing.
2. Keeps a record of all receipts required before disbursements.
3. Carries out appropriate banking transactions as designated by the Executive Board.
4. Issues checks of the Association cosigned by the President for purposes, and, any amount over $100.00 must be approved by the Executive Board.
5. Presents financial report quarterly or as needed.
6. Shall perform other duties as delegated by the President or the Executive Board.
F. Auditor:
1. Is responsible for having all financial records of the Association audited
annually.
2. Together with the Treasurer, prepares the Annual Income Tax form and files at the end of Fiscal year in May 31st
3. Shall perform other duties as delegated by the President or the Executive Board.
G. Business Manager:
1. Shall propose and manage ways and means of financing the activities.
2. Shall chair the Budget and Finance Committee and prepare the two years budget of the FANA in collaboration with the President, Treasurer, and the Assistant Business Manager and Committee Members. Shall submit the same for approval by the Executive Board.
3. Shall coordinate all fundraising activities with the Treasurer.
4. Shall perform other functions delegated by the President or the Executive Board.
H. Public Relation Officer:
1. Shall chair the Public Relations Committee.
2. Shall assist in the membership recruitments.
3. Shall serve in the Editorial Staff or can be appointed as the Editor-In-Chief by the President.
4. Shall perform other duties as delegated by the President or the Executive Board.
5. Acts as liaison or spokesperson to the media.
I. Board Member:
1. Acts as chairperson of a standing committee as appointed or as designated.
2. Shall perform other functions as delegated by the President or the Executive Board.
J. Advisory Council:
1. Acts as advisors.
ARTICLE VI: EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1: Executive Board
The governing body of this Association shall be the Executive Board, which consists of all the elected and appointed officers, the Immediate Past President, and, all Advisory Council. The Executive Board has the power and authority over the affairs of the association, except that of modifying the action of the General Assembly.
Section 2: Duties of the Executive Board
A. Directs the business and financial affairs of the Association.
B. Establishes the Association’s administrative policies.
C. Fosters growth and development of the association.
D. Reviews recommendations of the President and determines actions to be taken.
E. Reviews committee reports and determines actions to be taken on recommendation.
F. Suspends or expels members of the association for due cause.
G. Fills all vacancies of the Executive Board unless otherwise specified by the Bylaws.
H. Authorizes the representation and participation of the association in activities other than the non-profit activities of the association.
I. Performs such other duties and exercises authority as prescribed by these Bylaws.
ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS – QUORUM
Section 1: Meetings
A. Executive Board
1. Shall meet at least every quarterly.
2. Special meetings of the Executive Board may be called by the President or upon request by five (5) members of the Executive Board.
3. Notice of all meetings of the Executive Board shall be sent to each member by phone, post or e-mail by at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting.
B. General Assembly
1. Shall meet at least once a year, or as deemed necessary.
2. The time, place and composition of other meetings and the General Assembly meeting shall be determined by the Executive Board.
3. The voting body of the General Assembly shall be as follows:
a. The Executive Board.
b. All paid members.
c. Each qualified voter is entitled to only one vote.
d. No proxy is allowed.
Section 2: Quorum
Fifty percent (50%) plus one of the Executive Board present will constitute a Quorum at meetings, and an additional 5% paid members will constitute assembly or general membership meeting.
ARTICLE VIII: NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS / TERMS AND VACANCIES
Section 1: Nominations and Elections Committee
A. The Nominations and Elections Committee is formed as Ad Hoc Committee composed of 5 members appointed by the Executive Board.
B. The chairperson shall be selected by members of the committee...
C. The appointees must have been active members of the Association for one year preceding the appointment and have no intention of running for an office during the current voting year.
D. Duties and Responsibilities of the Nominations and Election Ad Hoc Committee are defined in the Policies and Procedures.
Section 2: Eligibility to Serve in an Elected Capacity
A. To be eligible to serve for an elected office of: President-Elect, a nominee must have
served one term on the Executive Board, immediately preceding the nomination.
B. To be eligible to serve for an elected office, a nominee must have active
membership status for one (1) year.
C. A nominee shall only be elected at one office.
Section 3: Election
A. Election shall be held every two (2) years.
B. Election shall be held by a secret ballot.
C. The Nominations and Election Committee shall determine rules of the election as described in the Policies and Procedures.
D. The newly elected officers shall assume office following the election.
E. The majority of votes cast shall decide election into office. In case of a tie, final decision shall be determined by another secret balloting of eligible voters set for the purpose. A majority of votes cast by secret ballots will determine the winning candidate.
Section 4: Terms of Office
All elected and appointed officers of the Executive Board shall serve a two years term. Board members will serve a two years term. All can be re-elected to the same office for another term, except for the President and President–Elect, who can not be re-elected in the same office.
Section 5: Vacancies
A. Vacancies that occur in an elected office of the Association due to inability or
ineligibility of the incumbent to perform duties of the office, or the incumbent’s
removal from the office shall be filled in the following manner:
1. President: President-Elect shall assume office if President is unable to do so.
2. President-Elect: Secretary shall assume office if the President-Elect is unable to do
so.
3. All in ascending order.
ARTICLE IX: COMMITTEES
Section 1: The standing committees of this Association shall be:
Education Public Relations/Website
Membership Awards
Ways & Means Budget & Finance
Section 2: The President, with the approval of the Executive Board, shall appoint the
Chairperson of each committee. The chairperson may appoint their committee
members and Advisor. The committee shall consist of a chairperson, who is
either a member of the Executive Board or an active member, and at least
two (2) other members.
Section 3: Committee Responsibilities shall be as follows:
A. Education, Practice & Research Committee
1. Plans, implements and evaluates educational programs to meet membership
needs.
2. Applies for appropriate grants to provide funding for any research project
B. Membership Committee
1. Initiates programs for membership recruitment and retention.
2. Maintains and updates membership roster.
C. Ways & Means Committee
1. Organizes fund raising activity projects for the Association.
D. Award Committee
1. Recommends and announces to the Executive Board what categories and
requirements are needed to give award which consist only of a Plaque or, other
minimal recognition. to deserving member during Bi-Annual Inaugural
Induction Ceremony.
E. Public Relations Committee
1. Publishes the Newsletter of the Association.
2. Handles all publicity, advertising, coordination and public relation activities
undertaken by the Association.
3. Disseminates information to members regarding programs and activities.
4. Submits press releases to the news media and other agencies as approved by the
Executive Board.
G. Budget and Finance Committee
1. Submits budget and finances for foreseeable expenses for each two years term
to be approved by the Executive Board.
2. Requires each committee and each activity to submit budgeted expenses for
approval.
Section 4: COMMITTEE REPORT
Each Committee Chairperson shall submit a summarized written Annual Report on committee activities before end of fiscal year. (On or before July of each year).
ARTICLE X: ADVISORY COUNCIL
Section 1: Advisory Members
A. The Advisory Council shall all be past presidents including founding advisor(s).
Section 2: Functions of the Advisory Council
A. Acts in an advisory capacity or, as a consultant she/he participates with an individual vote, however, if it represents more than one member, they are represented with one vote as a group.
B. Participates in activities to further the purpose and functions of this Association.
ARTICLE XI: FISCAL YEAR
Section 1: The Fiscal year of this Association begins June1st and ends May 31st
ARTICLE X1I: OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS
Section 1: The official publication of the Association shall be “The FANA of Great Lakes Newsletter.”
Section 2: The FANA’s Newsletter shall be published at least twice a year.
ARTICLE X11I: AMENDMENTS
Section 1: Amendments to this Bylaws shall be ratified at the General Assembly of the
Association by fifty percent (50%) and an additional 1% paid member.
Section 2: Amendments to these Bylaws shall be submitted 15 calendar days to the Executive
Board for review and discussion, and 30 calendar days to the members before the
General Assembly.
Section 3: Amendments to these Bylaws shall take effect upon ratification by the General
Assembly.
ARTICLE XIV: DISSOLUTION
Section1: In the event of dissolution of this Association, the membership will be notified, an
approval obtained by: (See Article V1, Section 2: Quorum) with present members and
voting in a General Assembly, thirty (30) days prior to dissolutions. Liabilities will be
resolved in the General Assembly Meeting and funds (Fixed Assets) will be
distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Internal Revenue
Code section 501 © (3)), or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or
will be distributed to the federal government, or to a state of local government for a
public purpose.
ARTICLE XV NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
Section 1: The Association shall not discriminate against any applicant or member based on race, creed, age, gender and sexual orientation, religion or handicap.
Section 2: The Executive Board of the Association shall monitor compliance with this
Nondiscrimination policy and shall include the statement that the Association is an
Equal opportunity group in all its advertisements and publications.
ARTICLE XVI: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern this Association in all areas not covered by these Bylaws. Parliamentarian maybe appointed by the President as deemed necessary.
ARTICLE XV1I: PLACE OF BUSINESS
The principal location and mailing address of the Association shall be the current President’s designated address or as established by the Association.
By Laws Committee:
Van S. Ong, Chairperson
Belinda Hernandez, Co-Chairperson
Members:
Mel Bruder
Ron Karganilla
Arlene Luis
Bola Ojumo
Lina Lauron
Barbara Stoutermire
Advisor: Ernesto H. Bedia