Bylaws

ROLE DESCRIPTIONS

ARTICLE

I. NAME

II. PRIMARY MISSION

III. PURPOSE

IV. OBJECTIVES

V. MEMBERSHIP

VI. OFFICERS AND DUTIES

VII. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

VIII. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS AND QUORUM

IX. COMMITTEES

X. ELECTIONS

XI FINANCES

XII. LSUHSC SON AAMN; Tiger

XIII. AMENDMENTS

BYLAWS ADOPTED by LSUHSC SON AAMN April 6th 2007

BYLAWS AMENDED:

Role Descriptions
President, Past President, President Elect, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Southeast Louisiana Chapter (SE LA Chapter AAMN), and five Board Members-at-Large. Each position, excluding the President Elect, is a two year term. Duties include the coordination of activities, the development of policy, management of finances and action on committee reports as well as run the daily business of the SE LA Chapter of AAMN.

President
Serves as spokesperson, presides over meetings, and appoints standing ad hoc committee members. Is Ex-officio member of all committees except Nominating Committee. Supervises general business. Serves in this capacity for two years and then becomes the Past President.

Vice President
Serves under the president and assumes charge in Presidents absence. Serves as Chair Person over Bylaws Committee. Serves a two year term.

Past President
Provides counsel and support to the President and chairs Nomination Committee. Serves in this capacity for two years

President-Elect
Learns for one year about the Presidency, and assumes the Presidency at the end of that year. Assists President, confers with Committees, and chairs Nominating Committee.

Secretary
Serves a two-year term (elected in odd years). Keeps minutes and records, including attendance, committee and officer reports, roll of members, and conducts official correspondence.

Treasurer
Serves a two-year term (elected in even years). Keeps records of accounts, deposits and disbursements as directed by Executive Committee, recommends investments, maintains records of dues paying members and notifies those in arrears, and presents budget to the Executive Committee.

Standing Committees (Members serve a one-year term for all appointments).

Nomination Committee shall consist of three (3) members . Chairperson is the Past President.

Bylaws Committee shall consist of three (3) members. Chairperson is the President Elect. The purpose of this committee is to interpret Bylaws, and to review and prepare amendments to Bylaws.

Article I. NAME

Section A.

The name of this organization is Southeast Louisiana Chapter of the American Assembly of Men in Nursing, referred to herein SE LA Chapter AAMN

Section B.

The principle office of the SE LA Chapter AAMN. shall be at LSUHSC SON The SE LA Chapter AAMN may have such other offices as the Executive Committee may determine from time to time.

Article II PRIMARY MISSION

The primary mission of the SE LA Chapter AAMN is to be the acknowledged organization for men in nursing that influences and advocates for policy, research and education about men in nursing and men's health issues in the New Orleans area.

Article III PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization is to provide a framework for nurses as a group to meet, to discuss, and influence factors that affect men as nurses.

Article IV OBJECTIVES

1. 1. Encourage men of all ages to become nurses and join together with all nurses to strengthen and humanize health care.
   2. Support men who are nurses to grow professionally and demonstrate to each other and to society the increasing contributions made by men within the nursing profession.
   3. Advocate for continued research, education and dissemination of information about men's health issues, men in nursing, and nursing knowledge at the local,, regional and national levels.
   4. Support members' full participation in the nursing profession and its organizations, and use this SE LA Chapter AAMN.for the limited objectives stated herein.

Article V MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the National Assembly shall be available by application, and by election as herein provided, to Registered Nurses (Sec. C), Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, and nursing students in entry level programs (Sec. D) . Membership in the National American Assembly for Men in Nursing is a prerequisite and corequisite to membership in the SE LA Chapter AAMN.

Section A. Equal Opportunity Statement

Membership in the AAMN is unrestricted with consideration to age, color, creed, disability, sexual orientation, lifestyle, nationality, race, religion, or gender.

Section B. Membership Levels

Chapter membership levels mirror those of the National Assembly: Full Membership, Associated Membership, and International Membership.

Section C. Full Membership

Full members must be Registered Nurses and are entitled to Chapter privileges that are consistent with those of the National Assembly: Additional chapter membership privileges as set forth by the Chapter may extend beyond those enumerated by the National Assembly.

Section D. Associate Membership

Associate members are Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, nursing students in entry-level programs, and members of the public. Chapter privileges are consistent with those of the National Assembly: Additional chapter membership privileges as set forth by the Chapter may extend beyond those enumerated by the National Assembly.

Section E. International Membership

International members are any registered nurse who is a non-United States resident.

Section F. Obtaining Membership

Membership in the Chapter shall be by written application and is non-transferable from one individual to another.

Section G. Suspension and Reinstatement

The. SE LA Chapter AAMN Executive Committee, by majority vote, may censure, suspend, or expel any member for cause after giving such member an opportunity to have a hearing. Any member suspended or expelled may be reinstated by an affirmative majority vote of the Executive Committee. Procedures “for cause” will be determined in accordance with the Code SE LA Chapter AAMN .for Nurses of the American Nurses Association.

Article VI. OFFICERS AND DUTIES

Section A. Officers

1. Officers of the. SE LA Chapter AAMN shall be the President, the vice-President, the Past-President, the President-Elect, the Secretary, and the Treasurer (members may, at times, may hold more than one elected office).
2. These officers shall comprise the Executive Committee.
3. The officers shall be elected by secret ballot, including absentee ballots sent by voting members in good standing to the Chairperson of the Nominating Committee by the date specified in the mail-out of such absentee ballots.
4. There shall also be five members to Serve as Board Members at Large. These members will be elected or appointed to standing committees adopted by the Executive Committee.

Section B. Duties of Officers

The powers and duties of elected officers shall be those pertaining to the office and such other duties as may be designated by the Executive Committee.

1. The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Chapter and shall, subject to the control of the Executive Committee, have general supervision, direction, and control of the Chapter's business, together with the general powers and duties of management usually vested in the office of President of an organization. In addition to the duties specified below, the President shall have such other power and duties as may be prescribed by the Executive Committee. The President's duties shall include:
   1. To act as spokesperson for the Chapter.
   2. To plan and preside over meetings of the Executive Committee, the general membership, and the Chapter's conferences, or to delegate these duties to the President-Elect or the Past-President.
   3. To appoint Standing Committee members when there are no candidates and to appoint Ad Hoc Committee members when there are no volunteers, pending approval of the Executive Committtee.
   4. To serve as ex-officio member of all Committees except the Nominating Committee.
   5. To orient the President-Elect.
2. Vice President Serves under the president and assumes charge in Presidents and President Elect's absence. Serves as Chair Person over Bylaws Committee. Serves a two year term.
   1. To act as spokesperson for the Chapter in the President and President Elect's absence.
   2. To plan and preside over meetings of the Executive Committee, the general membership, and the Chapter's conferences, or to delegate these duties to the President-Elect or the Past-President.
   3. To assist the President in orientation of the President-Elect.
3. Past President Provides counsel and support to the President and chairs Nomination Committee. Serves in this capacity for two years
   1. Mentors the President.
   2. Serves as Chair of Nomination Committee.
4. The President-Elect shall assume the duties of the President after serving for one (1) year. In addition to the duties stated below, the President-Elect shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be prescribed by the Executive Committee or the Bylaws. The President-Elect's duties include:
   1. To learn the duties of the President during the one (1) year prior to becoming President.
   2. To assist the President as requested.
   3. In the event the President is unable to serve, the position of President will be assumed by the President-Elect.
5. The Secretary shall keep a record of meetings minutes and actions of the Executive Committee and, in addition to the duties stated below, the Secretary shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be prescribed by the Executive Committee. The Secretary's duties include:
   1. To maintain and distribute an accurate record of all Executive Committee and Conference business meetings.
   2. To note attendance and present minutes for approval at meetings.
   3. To maintain an up-to-date roll of the members.
   4. To keep copies of all formal reports of the officers and Committee Chairpersons.
   5. To conduct official correspondence of the Chapter.
   6. To preserve all papers, letters, and transactions of the Chapter.
   7. To orient the newly elected Secretary.
6. The Treasurer shall keep and maintain adequate and correct books and accounts of the business transactions of the Chapter. Such books and accounts shall at all reasonable time be available to the Executive Committee. The Treasurer shall have such powers and duties as those stated below, and from time to time shall have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Executive Committee. The Treasurer's duties include:
   1. To deposit all money and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the LSUHSC-SON Chapter of AAMN. with such depositories as may be ordered by the Executive Committee.
   2. To disburse the funds of the Chapter as may be ordered by the Executive Committee.
   3. To recommend to the Executive Committee possible avenues of investment for the funds and to invest such funds as directed by the Executive Committee.
   4. To maintain a current roster of all dues-paying members, and to notify each member in arrears, in writing, by mail.
   5. To make available the yearly financial records to a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) upon the special request of the Executive Committee.
   6. To present a budget consisting of income and expenses for the current year, and projections for the following year.
   7. To orient the newly elected Treasurer.
7. Vacancies in the offices of Secretary and/or Treasurer shall be filled by the Executive Committee at their next regularly scheduled meeting.
8. A simple majority of the Executive Committee members shall constitute a quorum.
9. The SE LA Chapter AAMN. and its members shall not hold any ember of the Executive Committee personally liable for his/her actions taken within the scope of his/her duties as described within these Bylaws.

Section C. Removal of an Officer

1. Any officer may be removed from office for serious misconduct, failure to perform his/her duties and/or two (2) consecutive, unexcused absences from scheduled Executive Committee meeting, including those meetings held per conference call or other distance meeting format. Notification of the President in advance of the Meeting constitutes a valid excuse. The President may request the Executive Committee member to appoint a representative to participate in the meeting in the Executive Committee member's absence.
2. A charge against an officer may be brought by:
   a. A written charge signed by at least thirty percent of the Executive Committee, or
   b. A petition to the Executive Committee signed by ten percent of the membership.
3. Hearing Board
   1. The Hearing Board shall be comprised of a quorum of the Executive Committee as defined in Article VII.
   2. The written notice composed by the President or designee must indicate the specific charges and the date, time, and location for the Hearing to be held.
   3. The person so charged and/or the Hearing Officers may call witnesses to testify at the Hearing, which may be open/closed at the discretion of the person charged.
   4. The Hearing Board must render a decision no later than three (3) business days after the hearing. The Hearing Board shall render a decision including specific findings which led to that decision.
   5. An officer accused may have another member, not on the Executive Committee, assist him/her at such a hearing.
   6. Any officer who fails to respond to charges brought by the Hearing Board shall be subject to the decision of the Executive Committee, that is final.

Article VII EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section A. Membership

Consists of all the elected officers.

Section B. Duties

1. The duties of the Executive Committee shall be to develop and coordinate the activities and general policies of the SE LA Chapter AAMN. , to act for the membership as a whole under such limitations as may be imposed by general membership, manage the finances of the Chapter, and to receive and to act upon the reports of all committees.
2. The Executive Committee shall meet at least two (2) times annually.
3. The Executive Committee shall have the power to transact all regular and special business of this Chapter, providing that any actions which it shall take do not conflict with these Bylaws or the National Bylaws.
4. The Executive Committee may call general membership meetings not provided by these Bylaws.
5. A quorum at Executive Committee Meetings shall consist of at least fifty (50) percent of the voting members of the Executive Committee.
6. The President and/or the Executive Committee shall have the power to appoint ad hoc committees or taskforces as they may arise.

Article VIII GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS AND QUORUM

Section A. Meetings

1. There shall be conferences and business meetings at times and places designated by the Executive Committee.
2. Each member of this Chapter SE LA Chapter AAMN. in good standing shall be notified prior to such a meeting.
3. Special meetings: Special business meetings shall be called by the Secretary upon written request of the President, or a majority of the Executive Committee, or by petition signed by one-third of the membership. A special Meeting shall be held at such a time and place determined by the Executive Committee.
4. Program Meetings for the membership may be held at such times and at such locations as the Executive Committee deems advisable.

Section B. Quorum

A minimum of ten (10) percent of the total membership of this Chapter and two (2) officers, one of whom is the President, President-Elect, or Past-President, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of this Chapter at any duly authorized general membership meeting.

Section C. Parliamentary Procedure

Annual, Business, and Special Meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order.

Article IX COMMITTEES

Section A. Types of Committees

There shall be such Standing Committees as are provided by these Bylaws. The Executive Committee also may establish additional Committees unless otherwise stipulated in these Bylaws. The President, with the approval of the Executive Committee, shall appoint the Chairperson and members of Ad Hoc Committees. Where Chairs of Standing Committees are not specified by these Bylaws, the President shall appoint the Chairperson of Standing Committees. Additionally, the President may appoint members of Standing Committees when sufficient candidates for election have not appeared, or when a vacancy occurs in either Standing or Ad Hoc Committees during their terms.

Section B. Standing Committees

Nominating Committee: The Nominating Committee shall consist of the Past President and two (2) members.. In the event that one or more members of the Nominating Committee become unable to serve during the term of office, the Executive Committee will appoint a replacement. Duties of the Nominating Committee are:

1. To conduct the election of officers and committee members, and to monitor other voting at meetings as directed by the presiding officer.
2. To conduct elections, including announcements of voting times and places, tabulate election results and votes, when requested, and report the results to the membership at the meeting..
3. To hold ballots, credentials, and election results for one (1) year.

Bylaws Committee: The Bylaws committee shall consist of the President-Elect and two (2) members appointed by the Executive Committee to serve a one-year term. Duties of the Bylaws Committee are:

1. To Interpret the Bylaws as needed. There interpretation shall be binding.
2. To review the Bylaws annually and make recommendations regarding any changes, alterations, or deletions.
3. To review suggestions from members regarding changes to assure that the Bylaws reflect the current needs and requirements of the SE LA Chapter AAMN .
4. To present to the membership any proposed changes in the Bylaws for consideration.
5. To recommend rules for conducting conferences and business meetings.

Article X ELECTIONS

Section A. The Nominating Committee will provide a slate of candidates for office during its year of service. It is recommended that a minimum of two (2) candidates for office of President-Elect, Secretary and Treasurer.

1. In even years, the election of the Treasurer and President-Elect.
2. In odd years, the election of the Secretary and President-Elect.
3. By October 1st of each year, the Nominating Committee will forward to the Executive Committee a slate of candidates for offices to be chosen that year.

Section B. Additional nominations may be made from the floor.

Section C. All elections shall be by secret ballot when there are more nominations than available positions. A simple majority constitutes election. In the event of a tie, a run-off election shall be held. If the run-off election does not resolve the tie, a coin-toss will determine the winner between the two candidates receiving the most votes.

Section D. Each officer and committee member shall begin his/her duties at the first meeting of the new year.

Section E. Election appeals must be in writing to the Bylaws Committee Chairperson within thirty (30) days of the election. The decision of the Bylaws Committee shall be final. Appeals of other votes (motions etc.) will be made to the presiding officer within thirty (30) minutes following the vote which is appealed.

Article XI FINANCES

Section A. The fiscal year shall be the calendar year..

Section B. The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the finances of this SE LA Chapter AAMN

Section C. The dollar amounts of annual Chapter membership dues, and of special assessments, shall be recommended by the Executive Committee, and subject to the approval of a simple majority of this Chapter's membership in good standing at one of the regular conferences, or at a special meeting called for such a purpose. Dues should be assessed for a calendar year and prorated if necessary based on 12 month portions.

Section D. Delinquent Dues

1. Members are delinquent and not in good standing if dues have not been paid within sixty (60) days after the date due.
2. The.shall notify each member in arrears, in writing by mail.
3. A delinquent member may be reinstated to good standing upon payment of dues for the remainder of the calendar year and the next twelve (12) months.

Article XII SE LA Chapter AAMN .; Tiger

The name and logo of the AAMN are property of the National Assembly. Any unauthorized use (including use of the name by AAMN chapters) thereof is strictly prohibited. As such, any use of the name and/or logo by a local Chapter must be authorization by the National Assembly. This includes but is not limited to the AAMN name and logo on all advertisements and promotional literature. Authorization may be attained from the National Assembly's Board of Directors by submitting a request for consideration in advance of such use. Requests that detail the extent of the use and purpose(s) for which such use is requested should be sent directly to the National President for consideration by the National Board of Directors. Logo use that is authorized by the Board must include the logo in its entirety, with the colors, content, and other graphic standards as set by the National AAMN Board of Directors.

Article XIII AMENDMENTS

New Bylaws may be adapted or repealed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the members in good standing present at the meeting, provided a quorum is met as defined in Article VIII, Section B, Quorum, of these Bylaws.