Organization > Chapters > Greater Philadelphia > Bylaws

Bylaws
Final Draft

Article I. NAME.

The name of this organization shall be the Visual Resources Association Greater Philadelphia Area Regional Chapter, hereafter referred to as the Chapter.

Article II. PURPOSE.

The purpose of the Chapter shall be the support and professional enrichment of Chapter members residing or active in the geographical area designated as the Greater Philadelphia Area (encompassing Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware). The Chapter will serve to encourage and support the professional association of the VRA.

Article III. MEMBERSHIP.

  1. Eligibility.
    1. Membership is open to all individual, institutional, and student members of the VRA in good standing.
  2. Dues.
    1. Dues shall be proposed by the Chapter members and ratified by member vote.
    2. The membership may vote to waive the collection of dues.
    3. Dues shall be paid to the Chapter Treasurer.
    4. The Chapter shall have the right to propose additional optional fees for special projects subject to approval of the membership by a simple majority.
  3. Privileges
    1. Only Chapter members in good standing may vote, hold elected office, and participate in Chapter activities.
    2. All Chapter members shall be entitled to receive announcements of chapter meetings, minutes, and other notices of general interest to the membership.

Article IV. OFFICERS.

  1. Offices.
    1. Chapter officers shall consist of a Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer.
    2. The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be combined in the event that the nominating committee presents a slate of two rather than three officers to the Chapter members for consideration.
  2. Qualifications for office.
    1. Only Chapter members in good standing may hold office.
    2. Nominees for office must have accepted their nominations prior to election.
  3. Terms of office.
    1. The terms of office shall be two calendar years.
    2. The election of officers shall take place in the month of October.
    3. The election of the Chairperson shall take place in off numbered years.
    4. The election of the Secretary/Treasurer shall take place in even numbered years.
  4. Duties of officers.
    1. Chairperson shall:
      1. Serve as the representative of the Chapter on its official business.
      2. Serve as program chair at Chapter meetings.
      3. Make arrangements with hosts for Chapter meetings.
      4. Develop programs and agendas with other Chapter officers.
      5. Write and submit annual reports to Chapter membership and to the VRA Executive Board.
    2. Secretary shall:
      1. Keep minutes of Chapter meetings and be responsible for Chapter correspondence.
      2. Keep Chapter financial records and report to the Chapter on a regular basis, in the absence of the Treasurer.
      3. Serve as chairperson at meetings in the absence of the Chairperson.
      4. Produce and distribute notices of meetings and other announcements.
    3. Treasurer shall:
      1. Keep Chapter financial records and report to the Chapter on a regular basis.
      2. Collect dues, as ratified by vote of the Chapter membership.

Article V. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS.

  1. The officers shall be elected from nominations received from the floor at the second meeting of the calendar year.
  2. Officers shall be elected by a plurality of votes cast by Chapter members.

Article VI. MEETINGS.

  1. Chapter members shall meet a minimum of twice yearly within the calendar year.
  2. Meetings of the Chapter shall be called by the Chairperson.
  3. The Secretary shall ensure that the Chapter membership receive advance notice of meetings.
  4. Members may invite guests to meetings and encourage them to become members.

Article VII. AMENDMENTS.

  1. Proposed amendments to the Chapter Bylaws may be submitted to the Chapter in writing by members in good standing.
  2. Approval by a two-thirds majority of members in good standing shall be necessary to amend the Chapter Bylaws.
  3. The Chapter Bylaws shall be reviewed at least every five years.

Article VIII. MISCELLANEOUS.

  1. For the purpose of these Bylaws, electronic mail (email) may be substituted for "in writing."

These Bylaws were drawn up and approved on March 4, 1999 by the membership of the Visual Resources Association of Greater Philadelphia Area Regional Chapter.
Revised May 12, 1999. Approved by the VRA Executive Board July 1999.

Revision of Article IV C on April 19, 2001 by the Chapter membership. Approved by the VRA Executive Board July 2001. Revision of Article V on April 19, 2001, January 22, 2004, and April 2, 2004 approved by the VRA Executive Board August 2004.

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