DELAWARE SPEECH-LANGUAGE-HEARING ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION
Article I: Name
The name of this organization shall be the Delaware Speech-Language-Hearing Association hereinafter referred to as the “Association.”
Article II: Purpose
The Delaware Speech Language Hearing Association empowers speech-language pathologists, audiologists, speech and hearing scientists, and future professionals, by providing resources, information, programs, services, advocacy, and networking to promote the highest level of care to the individuals and communities served.
Article III: Membership
A. Membership in the Association shall be independent and not controlled, directly or indirectly, by any other organization.
B. Members shall be classified as follows: 1. Full Member 2. Associate Member 3. Student Member 4. Life Member
C. Any member who violates the Constitution and/or Code of Ethics of the Association shall be suspended by two thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Executive Council provided the person has been given a written statement of the violation and has been granted the right to appear before the Executive Council.
Article IV: Discrimination
The Association shall not discriminate on the basis of race, marital status, genetic information, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and/or disability. All programs and activities of the Association shall be conducted in furtherance of this policy.
Article V: Organization
Section 1: Structure
The Association will be governed by an Executive Council which is comprised of Officers of the Association and Committee Chairs. 2.28.17
Section 2: The Officers
1. President
2. President elect
3. Secretary
4. Treasurer
5. Past President
Section 3: Elections and Appointments
1. The positions of President Elect, Treasurer, and Secretary are filled via a membership election process.
2. President, President Elect, Past President, Secretary, and Treasurer are considered to be the Officers of the Association.
3. Committee Chairs will be appointed by the President and may be renewed by the incoming President.
4. Ad Hoc committees will be created at the discretion of the President.
Section 4: Terms of Office
1. The President serves a two year term.
2. The President Elect serves a one year position prior to assuming a two year term as President.
3. The Past President serves a one year term following the term as President.
4. The Secretary serves a two year term.
5. The Treasurer serves a two year term.
6. Terms of office commence on January 1.
7. In the event of a mid-term election/special election, the Officer assumes the duty immediately following the election.
8. Officers may serve consecutive terms if approved via election by the membership.
Section 5: Powers
1. President
1. Will preside at meetings of the Association, adhering to “Robert’s Rules of Order”.
2. Will call all meetings not specifically mentioned in the Bylaws with the approval of the Executive Council.
3. Will act as Chair of the Executive Council.
4. Will fill, by appointment, all vacancies of elected and appointed officers, subject to approval of the Executive Council or may fill vacancies by calling a special election.
5. Will be empowered to conduct financial transactions.
6. Will function as a voting member of the Executive Council in the event of a tie vote.
2. Past President
1. Will function as a voting member of the Executive Council.
2. Will discharge the duties of the President in the event of his/her absence.
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3. Will assume the office of President and complete the term of that office in the event of the resignation of the President.
3. President Elect
1. Will function as a voting member of the Executive Council.
2. Will discharge the duties of the President in the event of his/her absence.
4. Secretary
1. Will take and maintain the minutes of all general membership business and Executive Council meetings.
2. Will function as a voting member of the Executive Council.
5. Treasurer
1. Will maintain proper financial records and submit a financial report at each general membership meeting.
2. Will be empowered to conduct financial transactions.
3. Will function as a voting member of the Executive Council.
Section 6: Governing Rules
1. The Executive Council will observe Robert’s Rules of Order in conducting Association business.
2. The Association will conduct business in compliance with the Association Bylaws.
Article VI: Meetings
1. There shall be a minimum of two general membership meetings a year.
2. Requested membership meetings may be called by the President with the approval of the Executive Council.
3. Notification of a requested membership meeting must state a reason for the meeting.
Article VII: Quorum
A quorum will be five (5) members of the Executive Council.
Article VIII: Amending the Constitution and Bylaws
Section 1: Amending the Constitution
1. The President may charge the Executive Council, or an Ad Hoc committee, to review, consider, or propose revisions to the Constitution.
2. Full Members in Good Standing may propose amendments to the Constitution in writing to the Secretary.
3. The proposed amendment(s) will be presented to the Executive Council at the next meeting of the Council for discussion and recommendations.
4. The Executive Council will draft and vote on a finalized Amendment.
5. With the approval by a majority of the Executive Council, the Amendment will be presented to the Members in Good Standing for consideration and vote.
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6. Availability of all proposed amendments to the Constitution must be included in the notice of the next regularly scheduled general membership meeting.
7. Changes in the Constitution may be enacted by a majority of those Full Members in Good Standing, present and voting, at the general membership meeting following the introduction of the amendment(s).
Section 2: Amending the Bylaws
1. The President may charge the Executive Council, or an Ad Hoc committee, to review, consider, or propose revisions to the Bylaws.
2. Full Members in Good Standing may propose changes to the Bylaws by submitting the proposed revision(s) and rationale to the Secretary.
3. The proposed revisions will be presented to the Executive Council at the next meeting of the Council for discussion and recommendations.
4. The Executive Council will draft a final proposal which will be presented to the Full Members in Good Standing for consideration and vote.
5. Availability of all proposed amendments to the Bylaws must be included in the notice of the next regularly scheduled general membership meeting.
6. Changes to the Bylaws may be enacted by a majority of those Full Members in Good Standing, present and voting, at the general membership meeting following the introduction of the amendment(s).
Article IX: Disbursement of Funds upon Dissolution
Upon Dissolution of the Delaware Speech-Language-Hearing Association, all obligations of the organization shall be paid and discharged, or adequate provisions shall be made to pay outstanding balances. All remaining monies of the Association at the time of dissolution will be contributed to worthy charity/charities serving persons with communication/swallowing disabilities in Delaware, as chosen by the Delaware Speech-Language-Hearing Association Membership.
