| 1.
Name The organization is a Wisconsin
Non-stock and Not-for-Profit Corporation, the full name of which is the SOCIETY OF
GASTROENTEROLOGY NURSES AND ASSOCIATES. INC. (hereinafter referred to as the Society).
ARIZONA SOCIETY OF GASTROENTEROLOGY NURSES AND ASSOCIATES (hereinafter "ASGNA")
is a chartered regional society of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates
and is subject to its bylaws and policies.
2. Purpose
The purposes for which The ASGNA has been formed and
will be operated are:
· To unite in one Society persons engaged in any
capacity in the fields of Gastroenterology and/or Endoscopy nursing.
· To encourage and develop educational programs for persons in such fields.
· To advance the technology, science and arts of practitioners in such fields.
· To cooperate with other professional societies, corporations and governmental bodies
involved in such fields.
The property and income of the ASGNA shall be used solely
for the above-referenced purposes and shall not inure to the benefit of any individual;
and the ASGNA shall not engage in any activity which would prevent it from gaining or
cause it to lose status as an exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501
(c)(6).
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3. Membership
3.1 Eligibility (Qualifications)
The Membership in the ASGNA shall be open to all qualified individuals involved in or
associated with gastroenterology and/or endoscopy nursing practice.
3.2 Classes of Members
The Membership in the ASGNA shall be open to all qualified individuals involved in or
associated with gastroenterology and/or endoscopy nursing practice.
3.2.1 Voting Members: Voting
membership in the ASGNA is limited to licensed nurses and associates involved in, or
associated with. Gastroenterology and/or Endoscopy nursing practice. Voting members may
hold elected office. Categories are limited to:
3.2.1.1 Licensed Nurses: Defined as registered
nurses and licensed vocational/practical nurses.
3.2.1.2 Associates: Defined as assisting personnel such as technicians,
technologists, and assistants.
3.2.1.3 Life Members: Defined as all past presidents of the SGNA, with Life
Membership status commencing at the end of their term as President. The Board of Directors
may also grant Life Membership to voting members who have rendered outstanding service to
the Society after reviewing the nominee's qualifications and after approval by a majority
vote of the Board.
3.2.2 Non-Voting Members: Non-voting membership in
the ASGNA shall be open to individuals. Other than licensed nurses and associates, who are
involved in or associated with gastroenterology and/or endoscopy nursing practice.
Non-voting members are not eligible to hold elected office. Categories include, but are
not limited to:
3.2.2.1 Affiliates: Defined as individuals other
than licensed nurses such as physicians, consultants, industry representatives, and
educators.
3.2.2.2 Students: Defined as individuals who are not licensed, but are enrolled in
an accredited nursing program. Proof of student status shall be required.
3.2.2.3 Honorary: Defined as individuals who have rendered outstanding service to
the Society or in the field of gastroenterology and/or endoscopy nursing. Any voting or
non-voting member may nominate an individual for honorary membership. Honorary membership
may be granted by the Board after reviewing the nominee's qualifications and must be
approved by a majority vote of the Board.
3.3 Applications
Persons interested in any category of membership shall apply in accordance with such
policies and procedures approved by the Board of Directors of SGNA. All applications shall
be verified according to policy and procedure established by the Board of Directors.
3.4 Termination
The Governing Board, by affirmative vote of two-thirds of all Board members present
and voting at any duly constituted meeting of the Board, may suspend or expel a member for
cause after an appropriate hearing in accordance with policies and procedures established
by the Governing Board. The Governing Board, by affirmative vote of a majority of all
Board members present and voting at any duly constituted meeting of the Board, may
terminate the membership of any member who has become ineligible for membership in
accordance with policies and procedures established by the Governing Board. Membership may
also be terminated automatically for failure to pay dues, as set forth in Section 5.1 of
the Bylaws.
3.5 Resignation
Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with the Secretary.
3.6 Transfer
Membership is non-transferable.
3.7 Membership Benefits
3.7.1 The journal published by SGNA
which includes articles of professional interest to persons engaged in the fields of
Gastroenterology and/or endoscopy nursing which shall be distributed without charge to
members of the ASGNA who are current in their payment of dues. This benefit may be made
available to non-members and others in accordance with policies established by the Board
of Directors.
3.7.2 Other publications and programs shall be made available from time
to time as determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with policies and procedures
established by the Board of Directors.
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4.
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
The policy of the ASGNA is nondiscrimination on the
basis of disability, race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, country of origin, country of
education, or sexual orientation.
5. DUES
5.1 Dues
5.1.1 Amount: The Governing Board
shall determine from time to time the amount of ASGNA rebate from the total SGNA annual
dues payable to the Society by members of each class, and shall give appropriate notice to
the members.
5.1.2 Payment: Dues shall be payable in U.S. funds in advance of the
first day of January in each year; and shall become delinquent if not received by March
1st.
5.1.3 Default: The membership of any member of any class who is in default in the
payment of dues shall be terminated without further action by the ASGNA and without
further notice to the defaulted member.
5.1.4 Reinstatement: A member whose membership has terminated due to default in
dues payment may be reinstated if such dues are paid in full, during the remainder of the
year in which they became payable and upon written application made in the manner provided
by Section 3.30.
5.1.5 Resignation: Resignation shall not relieve a member of the obligation to pay
any dues, assessments, or other charges accrued before resignation and unpaid.
5.1.6 All Elected Officials: Elected officials will have their membership dues paid
by the Treasury of the ASGNA. All appointed board members will have their dues paid for at
the discretion of the Governing Board. Members of the ASGNA, elected to the board of the
SGNA, shall have their dues paid by the Treasury of the ASGNA.
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6. OFFICERS
6.1 Elective Officers
The elective officers of the ASGNA shall be President, President Elect, Secretary, and
Treasurer.
6.2 Duties
All officers of the ASGNA shall have such authority and perform such duties in the
management of the ASGNA as may be provided in these Bylaws, the Articles of Incorporation,
or as may be determined by resolution of the Governing Board not inconsistent with the
Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws. More specifically, the officers shall have the
following duties:
6.2.1 President:
Be an active member of ASGNA
Serve as a board member for a minimum of two previous years prior to serving as
president.
Represent the Board of Directors and the ASGNA.
Preside at all meetings of the ASGNA and of the Governing Board.
Appoint all committee chairs and members with the approval of the Governing Board,
except the chair of the Committee on Nominations and Elections.
Serve as ex-officio member without vote on standing and special committees, except
the Committee on Nominations and Elections.
Terminate committee appointments, subject to the approval of the Governing Board.
Submit to the Governing Board copies of correspondence pertaining to the affairs of
the Society.
Submit to the Board of Directors of SGNA an annual report of the ASGNA.
Serve as the ASGNA liaison between the Certifying Board of Gastroenterology Nurses
and Associates, Inc. (CBGNA) and the Society in accordance with policies and procedures
established by the Board of Directors.
Keep in constant communication with the National Regional Committee Chairperson and
published in the column for the Regional Society to be submitted to the National Society
Nomination Committee for consideration for office.
Serve as ASGNA Delegate to the national House of Delegates and Annual Educational
Course.
Automatically accede to the Nominations Chairperson position when their term ends.
May sign all checks written in the absence of the Treasurer.
Must be CGRN
Be responsible for notification of officers and directors of meetings of the
Governing Board.
6.2.2 President Elect:
Be an active member of ASGNA.
Serve as board member a minimum of one previous year prior to serving as president
elect.
Automatically accede to the presidency when the President's term ends.
Become acting President and assume the duties of the office in the event of the
President's absence, disability or resignation.
Serve as an advisory member without vote on standing and special committees and
shall perform such duties as may be delegated by the President, or by the Governing Board.
Represent the ASGNA Regional Society as the Regional Alternate Delegate to the
national House of Delegates and Annual Educational Course.
Serve as the bylaws chairman and Regional Historian and preserve bylaws.
6.2.3 Secretary:
Be an active member of ASGNA.
Record or cause to be recorded the minutes of all meetings of the Society and the
Governing Board;
Furnish to the national office, minutes of all meetings within four weeks to the
Board of Directors for approval;
Preserve correspondence, reports, records, and any other special correspondence as
requested by the Board of the ASGNA in a permanent file.
6.2.4 Treasurer:
Be an active member of ASGNA.
Be responsible for the funds of the ASGNA.
Keep an accurate record of all receipts and disbursements,
Assist in the direction of all financial affairs and sign checks of the ASGNA in
accordance with Section 12.3 of these Bylaws;
Present financial reports to the Governing Board as requested.
Be bonded in the event that the treasury funds reach $20,000. Bonding to be paid by
ASGNA.
6.2.5 Immediate Past President:
A President, or an acting President elected by the
Governing Board pursuant to Section 6.4, shall have the status of Immediate Past President
until the term as Chair of the Committee on Nominations and Elections expires as outlined
under Article VII, Nominations and Elections, Section 7.3, or from the time she/he leaves
office as President or acting President until the next election of officers. Thereafter,
she/he shall have the status of Past President.
6.3 Term
6.3.1 President and President Elect:
Each elective officer, except Secretary and Treasurer, shall serve for one year or until a
successor is elected. No person can be elected to consecutive terms as President or
President Elect.
6.3.2 Secretary and Treasurer: Elections to fill the office of Secretary
shall be held in even-numbered years. Elections to fill the office of Treasurer shall be
held in odd-numbered years. Persons elected as Secretary or Treasurer shall hold office
for a term of two years or until their successors are elected. Persons elected as
Secretary or Treasurer shall not be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms in
the same office.
6.3.3 Full Term: Only members serving more than one-half of a term in the
offices of Secretary, Treasurer shall be considered to have served a full term. This rule
shall not apply to the offices of President and President Elect.
6.4 Vacancies
6.4.1 President: If the office of President becomes
vacant, the President Elect shall then become acting President until the end of the term
and shall at that time become President for the ensuing term.
6.4.2 President Elect: If the office of President Elect becomes vacant, the vacancy
shall be filled by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the Board in
office by a currently seated Board member who meets the qualifications of President Elect
(see Section 7.02) to serve as acting President Elect until the end of the term.
6.4.3 President and President Elect: If the office of President becomes vacant
while there is a vacancy in the office of President Elect, the Board of Directors shall
elect by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the Board in office an
acting President who shall serve only until the end of the term of the President. Then, at
the next regularly scheduled election, a President and President Elect shall be elected.
6.4.4 Other Vacancies: If the office of the Secretary or Treasurer becomes vacant
the Governing Board shall elect by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of
the Board in office an acting Secretary or Treasurer from among the voting members of the
Society, including the officers.
6.5 Exceptions
Any eligible member may serve both as Secretary and Treasurer. No person may hold any
other combination of two offices. Any officer may be chair or a member of any committee.
6.6 Removal
6.6.1 Officers elected by the membership may be
removed from office by a two-thirds vote of the members present at a membership meeting at
which a quorum (see Section 8.4) is present or by mail ballot as provided for in Article
VIII of these Bylaws, if, in the judgment of the members, the best interests of the ASGNA
will be thereby served.
6.6.2 Officers elected by the Governing Board of Directors may be removed by the
Board by majority vote of the directors in office, if, in their judgment, the best
interests of the ASGNA will be thereby served.
6.7 Records
Upon termination of office for any reason, all officers of the ASGNA shall deliver all
records or other property of the ASGNA to their successors within 30 days of termination.
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7. NOMINATIONS &
ELECTIONS
7.1 Elections
Annual elections shall be conducted to elect officers.
7.2 Eligibility
Only voting members are eligible to be elected to be an officer, or member of any
appointed Committee Chairman.
7.3 Nominations
7.3.1 Chair of the Committee on Nominations and
Elections: The Immediate Past President shall serve as chair of the Committee. If there is
no Immediate Past President, the incoming President shall, with the approval of the
Governing Board, appoint the Committee chair.
7.3.2 Nominating Procedures: In accordance with policies and procedures established
by the Governing Board, the Chairman shall consider the qualifications of all candidates
proposed by the membership or by members of the Committee itself. The Committee shall
create a slate of candidates for presentation to the membership.
7.4 Election Procedures
The Chairman on Nominations and Elections shall recommend procedures for elections,
subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. Election of officers, shall be cast at
the annual fall conference, and by mail ballot for those voting members not in attendance,
with each member having one vote for each office to be filled. A plurality shall elect. In
case of a tie for any office, the election shall be decided by a run-off election between
the two tying candidates. Should the two tying candidates again tie in the run-off
election, the tie shall be broken in accordance with policies and procedures established
by the Governing Board. Results of elections of officers shall be tabulated and
communicated to members.
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8. MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
8.1 Membership Meetings
Meetings of the members shall be held on dates determined by the Governing Board. At
these meetings, the members shall consider reports from the officers and committees, and
transact such other business as may come before the meeting. If, in case of emergency, the
annual fall meeting is not held at the prescribed time, business, which should have been
conducted at the meeting, shall be conducted promptly by mail or at a special meeting of
the members.
8.2 Special Membership Meetings
The President may call special meetings of the members, by a majority of all the
officers or upon request of at least ten percent of the voting members. Special meetings
shall be held at such time and place, as the Governing Board shall determine. Any business
of the ASGNA may be considered and transacted at any special meeting, provided written
notice has been given to the members as provided in Section 8.3.
8.3 Notice of Membership Meetings
Written or printed notice stating the place, day, and hour of any meeting of members
shall be sent by regular mail or e-mail, or fax to each member of each class not less than
14 days before the date of such membership meeting. Notice of meeting published in the
newsletter or in separate communication of the ASGNA, which is distributed within such
time limits, shall be valid notice to all members. In the case of a special membership
meeting or when required by statute or by these Bylaws the purpose for which the meeting
is called shall be stated in the notice. Notice of a meeting, whether published in the
ASGNA newsletter or in separate communication, shall be deemed to be delivered when
deposited in the U.S. mail addressed to a member at the address as it appears on the
records of the ASGNA with postage thereon prepaid.
8.4 Quorum
Three percent of all voting members with credentials, in accordance with policies and
procedures approved by the Board of the Society, shall constitute a quorum at any
membership meeting or for any mail vote in which members vote by mail. Proxy voting is not
valid.
8.5 Voting
8.5.1 Membership Meetings: Voting shall be conducted
in accordance with standing rules adopted by the members in attendance, providing that no
proxy voting shall be allowed.
8.5.2 Mail: The officers may order a mail vote on any item of business, which is
subject to the approval of the voting members. An affirmative vote of a majority of
members voting by mail shall be necessary for adoption of any matter, except elections,
unless law, the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws require a greater number.
8.5.3 Unless a larger proportion of affirmative votes is required by these Bylaws,
in the Articles of Incorporation or by law, the affirmative vote of (a) a majority of the
members present and voting at any duly constituted meeting of the membership, or (b) a
majority of the members submitting votes in a vote by mail ballot shall be sufficient to
authorize any act by the membership.
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9. GOVERNING BOARD
9.1 Powers
The affairs of the ASGNA shall be governed and managed by a Governing Board duly
elected by the membership. The Board shall have full authority to interpret and implement
all the provisions of these Bylaws. All interpretations of the Bylaws shall be by
three-fourths (3/4ths) vote of the entire Board and shall be final and conclusive.
9.2 Duties
9.2.1 Develop and abide by the
Bylaws and Policies of the Society.
9.2.2 Supervise and direct the business and financial affairs of the
Society.
9.2.3 Set all dues and fees payable to the ASGNA.
9.2.4 Develop, monitor and evaluate programs which further the Mission
and Strategic Goals of the ASGNA.
9.2.5 Identify relevant professional issues for presentation to and
action by the membership.
9.2.6 Retain management and staff services as needed to assist in the
day-to-day business and financial operations of the ASGNA.
9.3 Meetings
9.3.1 Special Meetings: Special meetings of the
Governing Board may be called by the President, or shall be called at the request of any
three members. Special meetings shall be held at such place and time, as the President
shall determine. Notice of any special meeting of the Governing Board shall be given at
least 5 days previously thereto by written notice delivered personally or sent by mail or
fax to each board member at the address as shown by the records of the Society. Such
meetings shall be conducted in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the
Governing Board.
9.3.2 Regular Meetings: Regular meetings of the Governing Board shall be convened
in accordance with established policies and procedures.
9.3.3 Guests: The President may invite guests in accordance with policies and
procedures approved by the Governing Board to attend meetings of the board but without
vote.
9.4 Quorum
A majority of the Governing Board in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction
of business at any meeting of the Board.
9.5 Voting
Each member of the Governing Board shall have only one vote. Elected officers and
appointed committee chairs shall be considered voting board members. No proxy voting shall
be valid, unless a larger proportion of affirmative votes is required by these Bylaws, in
the Articles of Incorporation or by law, the affirmative vote of a majority of the
Governing Board present and voting at any duly constituted meeting of the Board shall be
sufficient to authorize any act by the Governing Board. In the case of a tie, the tie will
be broken by a vote of the executive committee.
9.6 Waiver of Notice
Any board member may waive notice of any meeting. The attendance of a board member at
any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except where a board
member attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any
business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. The business to be
transacted at the meeting need not be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such
meeting, unless specifically required by law or these Bylaws.
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10. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
10.1 Composition
The Executive Committee of the Governing Board of the ASGNA shall consist of the
President, President Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and Immediate Past President.
10.2 Duties
The Executive Committee will be charged by the Board with addressing issues between
Board meetings, subject to limitations imposed by Board policy, The Executive Committee
shall take no action (a) with respect to the election of officers, or (b) with respect to
filling vacancies on the Governing Board or Executive Committee.
11. COMPENSATION
11.1 Salary
No Officer shall receive any salary, fee, or other remuneration for services rendered
as an officer. The board may, by resolution, provide for the payment of reasonable
compensation for services rendered by persons who may be voting members or officers of the
ASGNA in specific capacities.
11.2 Reimbursement
The Governing Board may, by resolution, provide for the reimbursement of any officer
or member for reasonable budgeted expenses incurred by the officer or member carrying out
any business of the ASGNA including, but not limited to, traveling to and from attending
meetings of the board of directors or any ASGNA committee.
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12. FISCAL PROCEDURES
12.1 Annual Budget
The Board shall, by such procedure as it may prescribe, adopt a budget each fiscal
year appropriating and authorizing expenditures of funds for the operation of the ASGNA.
Funds to meet this budget are to be provided by the membership dues or through other means
commensurate with the purposes of the ASGNA and the laws of the State of Wisconsin
regarding Non-stock and Not-for-Profit corporations. The budget shall be developed and
monitored by the Treasurer.
12.2 Contracts
The Governing Board may authorize any officer, agent or agents of the ASGNA, in
addition to the officers so authorized by these Bylaws, to enter into any contract or
execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Society, and such
authority may be general or may be confined to specific instances.
12.3 Checks, Drafts, or Orders
All checks, drafts, or orders for the payment of money, notes, or other evidences of
indebtedness issued in the name of the ASGNA, shall be signed by the Treasurer or, in the
absence of the Treasurer, by the President or other officer or person of the ASGNA as
designated by the Board of Directors, in accordance with policies and procedures
established by the Governing Board.
12.4 Deposits
All funds of the ASGNA shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the ASGNA
in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the Governing Board may select.
12.5 Gifts
The Board of Directors may accept on behalf of the ASGNA any contribution, gift,
bequest, or device for any purpose of the ASGNA.
12.6 Fiscal Year
The Governing Board shall establish the fiscal year of the ASGNA.
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13. COMMITTEES
13.1 Standing Committees
13.1.1 The Society shall have the following Standing
Committees: Education Committee, Membership Committee, Nominations Committee, Constitution
and Bylaws Committee, and Hospitality Committee.
13.1.2 The President with the approval of the Governing Board shall appoint the
chairpersons of these committees and the newsletter editor. All chairs must be voting
members of the ASGNA. Committee members may be selected from any class of membership. The
person thereof may remove any member or persons authorized to appoint such member whenever
in their judgment the interests of the ASGNA shall be served by the removal.
13.1.3 Duties of committees shall be specified and approved by the Governing Board in
accordance with established policy.
13.2 Special Committees
Other committees with limited authority may be designated by a resolution adopted by a
majority of the board members present at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Except as
otherwise provided in such resolution, members of each such committee should be members of
the ASGNA, and the President of the ASGNA shall appoint the members thereof. Any member
thereof may be removed by the person or persons authorized to appoint such member whenever
in their judgment the interests of the ASGNA shall be served by the removal. Special
Committees will be dissolved by the President at the time of final report.
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14. PUBLICATIONS
The ASGNA shall publish a newsletter 4 times a year, prior to each quarterly
regional meeting of the membership. All communication between the Board and membership
will be completed through the ASGNA web site or by e-mail. Individual ASGNA members may
notify the Board that they do not have or do not wish to have electronic correspondence
and prefer U.S. mail.
15. WAIVER OF NOTICE
Whenever any notice is required to be given under the provisions of Wisconsin law
or under the provision of the Articles of Incorporation of the ASGNA or these Bylaws, a
waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice whether
before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such
notice.
16. PARLIAMENTARY
AUTHORITY
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly
Revised shall govern the ASGNA in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they
are not inconsistent with statute, these Bylaws or a specific provision of the Articles of
Incorporation and any special rules of order the ASGNA may adopt.
17. INDEMNIFICATION
The Society shall, to the fullest extent permitted bylaw, indemnify and hold
harmless each person who serves as an officer of the Society, as a member of the Board of
Directors of the Society, as a member of any duly authorized committee of the Society,
from and against any and all claims and liability, whether the same are settled or proceed
to judgment, to which such person shall have become subject by reason of his or her having
acted in the capacity or capacities heretofore enumerated, or by reason of any action
alleged to have been taken or omitted by him or her in such capacity.
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18. DISSOLUTION
18.1 Dissolution
In the event of dissolution of the ASGNA, the net assets of the corporation shall be
applied and distributed as follows:
18.1.1 All liabilities and obligations shall be
paid, satisfied, and discharged, or adequate provision shall be made thereof.
18.1.2 After the liabilities and obligations of the ASGNA are paid pursuant to
these Bylaws, the ASGNA shall distribute any remaining assets to SGNA.
19. AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS
19.1 Amendments
In this Article, the term "Amendment" means and includes any and all of the
following: The adoption of a new Bylaw; the change in part or whole of an existing Bylaw;
or the repeal of a Bylaw. Any Amendment brought before the membership must be reviewed by
the Articles and Bylaws Committee and submitted to the Governing Board. The Governing
Board will review and issue proposed Bylaw Amendments to the membership with a
recommendation for each proposed Amendment that such Amendment be adopted, (b) not be
adopted, or (c) with no recommendation.
19.2 At Annual Meeting
The Bylaws may be amended at any Business Meeting but no Amendment shall be voted upon
and adopted unless:
19.2.1 Such Amendment has been sent, in proposed
form, to each voting member at least thirty (30) days prior to the annual fall meeting;
and unless.
19.2.2 Such proposed Amendment receives the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
votes cast at an annual fall membership meeting.
19.3 Between Annual Fall Business Meetings
In the absence of, or between Annual Fall Business Meetings, Amendments to the Bylaws
may be submitted to the membership by electronic or U.S.mail ballot, provided that a
period of at least thirty (30) days shall be given between the date the ballots are mailed
and a date fixed for the close of voting thereon. To be adopted, each such Amendment must
receive the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3rds) of the members voting by mail.
19.4 By Written Petition
Amendment to the Bylaws may be proposed by written petition signed by at least twenty
percent (20%) of the then total voting membership and delivered to. the Board not less
than forty-five (45) days prior to the date of any Business Meeting so that notice thereof
may be sent to each member at least thirty (30) days prior to the Meeting. |