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ARTICLE I Name and
Objectives
Section 1. Name: The name of this chapter is the Clinical
Ligand Assay Society: New England Chapter, Inc. as incorporated
in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1995.
Section 2 Objectives:
a) To maintain a financially secure and growing chapter
of the National Organization of the Clinical Ligand Assay
Society concerned with the diagnostic and investigative
use of ligand assays and related methods in science.
b) To improve the standards of ligand assay methods by
elevating levels of educational achievement, encouraging
research and advancing the highest possible standards of
ligand assay practice as applied in science.
c) To improve the teaching of ligand assay methods and
applications by sponsoring regular scientific seminars,
workshops, and conventions within the chapter's chartered
region.
d) To promote cooperation among members working in clinics,
diagnostic/biotechnology/research laboratories, hospitals,
academic institutions, and pharmaceutical corporations for
the welfare of the community.
e) To increase in membership the size of the Chapter and
offer a regular program of at least six educational activities
and events during the calendar year.
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ARTICLE II Region
and Headquarters
Section 1. Region: The region of the Chapter is the six
New England States (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts,
Connecticut, and Rhode Island) and until members wish to
form an new Chapter. The current Chapter's membership must
approve this new Chapter by a 75% vote with at least 50%
of members voting. The vote will be held in conjunction
with the next scheduled election of Board Officers of the
New England Chapter.
Section 2. Headquarters: The Chapter's Headquarters is
the address to which all financial statements, bills, tax
returns, and payments are sent. Specifically, the Treasurer's
address will serve as the official headquarters since it
remains constant for two or more years. By majority vote
of the Chapter's Board of Directors this address may be
changed.
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ARTICLE III Members,
Privileges, Responsibilities/Accountabilities, and Applications
Section 1. Members: Members shall be persons who have an
interest in the ligand assay field. Members shall pay annual
dues to the National Office. Dues can be collected by the
Chapter and forwarded directly to the National office to
expedite membership privileges. Additionally, the Chapter
can collect dues under exceptional conditions as determined
by the Chapter's Board of Directors.
Section 2. Honorary Members: Honorary members shall be
individuals designated by the National Office. They shall
not pay dues or vote.
Section 3. Privileges, Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Membership is a privilege and is contigent upon continuing
compliance with the bylaws and adhering to the high standards
of professional ethics and standards of practice. Board
members are accountable to the Chapter's membership by their
obligation to fulfill the contract of providing products
and services as set forth in the Society's membership application.
Section 4. Applications
Candidates for member status shall submit a completed application
with applicable dues or fees to the National Office or,to
expedite membership privileges,this application may be submitted
to the Chapter which will forward it to the National Office.
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ARTICLE IV. Fiscal
Year and Governmental Year
The Fiscal Year for the Chapter is January 1 to December
31. Board members serve from August 1 to July 31 of the
next calendar year.
ARTICLE V. Dues
Section 1. Dues: Dues shall be assessed yearly by the National
Office. If Chapter dues are applicable, the Chapter's Board
of directors shall determine the amount, assessment, and
payment dates and location.
Section 2. Deliquency: Failure to pay dues will result
in loss of membership and the rights and privileges thereof.
In cases of personal hardship due to illness, unemployment,
etc. the member may seek relief directly from the Executive
Board of the National Office or may request consideration
and payment of the individual's dues by the Chapter.
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ARTICLE VI. Officers,
Qualifications, Duties, Terms of Office
Section 1. Qualifications: The New England Chapter encourages
membership in the Society to hold elective office. However,
the Chapter President must be a member of the Society.
Section 2. Officers. The officers of this Society shall
consist of a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Past President
and all other members of the Executive Board as definced
in ARTICLE VII, Section 1.
Section 3. Term of Office. The officers of this Chapter,
elected by the members, shall be a President, who shall
serve for one year, a Secretary, who shall serve for one
year, a Treasurer, who shall serve for two years, and the
Immediate Past President who shall serve for one year. Any
officer can be re-elected to serve successive terms.
Section 4. Duties and Responsibilities of Officers:
A. President: (1) Shall be president of the Chapter and
Chair of the Chapter's Executive Board of Directors. (2)
Shall preside over all board meetings. (3) Shall set the
educational and financial goals of the Chapter. (4) Shall
be responsible for fulfilling the contractual obligations
of the Chapter as set forth in the Society's membership
application. (5) Shall utilize and make available to all
Board Members the CLAS Chapter Operations Manual. (6) Shall
provide timely and concise Chapter Reports to the CLAS Newsletter
Editor detailing Local Chapter and National Office information
of value to the Regional Membership. (7) Shall set the agenda
of all board meetings.
(8) Will refer to the Chapter Operations Manual for additional
information on responsibilities, etc. (9) Shall provide
reports to the local membership if required.
B. Secretary: (1) Shall maintain accurate and permanent
records of all board meetings. (2) Shall circulate before
each board meeting the agenda and minutes of the previous
meeting. (3) Shall serve as custodian for all official property
of the Chapter. (4) Will refer to the Chapter Operations
Manual for additional information.
C. Treasurer: (1) Is responsible for maintaining an accurate
spreadsheet ledger of all expenses, receipts, accounts receivable,
accounts payable, and any loans receivable by the Chapter.
(2) Shall collect and deposit all receipts and disburse
all payments in a timely fashion. (3) Shall develop a 2
and 5 year fiscal budget and report on variances at each
meeting. (4) Shall secure all financial instruments. (5)
Will prepare and present a yearly annual report at the end
or beginning of each fiscal year. (6) Will prepare all federal
and or state tax documents required to maintain exempt status
of the Chapter. (7) Will refer to the Chapter Operations
Manual for additional information.
D. Past President: (1) Shall be responsible for increasing
the Chapter's membership base. (2) Will work in conjunction
with the Executive Board in fulfilling objectives of the
Chapter. (3) Will refer to the Chapter Operations Manual
for additional information.
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ARTICLE VII. Executive
Board
Section 1. Members. The Executive Board shall consist of
a minimum of three individuals (Treasurer, President, Secretary).
It is urged that there be at least eight to nine board members.
All board members are to serve one year except the Treasurer
with a term of two years. The Chapter President may appoint
additional or replacement Board members if vacancies or
increased staffing is necessary.
Section 2. Duties. The Executive Board shall be the legal
governing body of the Chapter and as such shall have full
power to conduct, manage and direct the business and affairs
of the Chapter except those specifically reserved or granted
to the members or officers or other officials of the Society
by the legal By Laws of the Organization.
Section 3. Meetings. The Board shall meet on a regular
basis with the purpose of fulfilling the contractual obligation
of providing regular regional educational events, seminars,
or other services as dictated in the membership brochure
or application. It shall meet at times, dates, and locations
as determined by majority vote of the board. At least three
members, President, Secretary, and Treasurer, must be present
for a quorum to transact business. In absence of a quorum
no official business may be transacted. However, planned
educational events can be confirmed.
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ARTICLE VIII Removal
from Office
Section 1. Cause. Justification for procedures for removal
from office include:
a) Failure to abide by the by-laws of the Chapter.
b) Failure to attend meetings on a regular basis or unexcused
absences.
c) Failure to accomplish duties/responsibilities as directed
by the Board and/or Chapter Operations Manual.
d) Failure abide by the goals, objectives, and mission statement
of the orgainization.
e) Falure to follow generally accepted standards of practice
(i.e. accounting, operations, marketing, etc.)
Section 2. Procedure. Any officer or board member may be
removed from office for cause. A two-thirds vote of the
Executive Board with all members present at a regular or
special meeting is required. The agenda mailed thirty calendar
days prior to such meeting will contain all formal charges.
Removal from office will be effective immediately. The presiding
officer will appoint a member of the Board to fill the unexpired
term if the individual is an officer. A Chapter member may
be appointed to the board to fill any vacancy so resulting.
Section 3. Right of Appeal
The officer or board member removed may appeal his removal
in writing by registered mail postmarked no later than thirty
days from the date of removal. Such appeal must be sent
to the Chapter Headquarters. The appeal will be acted upon
at the next scheduled board meeting. The appeal will be
read by the Secretary. A secret ballot of the Executive
Board with all members present will be held. A two-thirds
vote shall be necessary to reinstate.
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ARTICLE IX Meetings
Section 1. Regular Meetings of the Membership
Circumstances permitting, the Executive Board will hold
one general membership meeting a year in conjunction with
any educational event. A notice of General Membership Meeting
will be mailed to the membership. A quorum for these business
meetings shall consist of 8 members present to conduct any
official transactions. Approval of all motions shall be
by a majority of those present and voting.
Section 2. Special Meetings of the Membership
Such meetings may be called by the Chapter President or
by majority vote of the Board of Directors. Notices will
be mailed in conjunction with next scheduled educational
event notice no later than 10 days in advance. The meeting
will held immediately following the planned educational
session. No other official business will be discussed.
Section 3. Voting By Mail
As a cost savings measure to the Chapter and/or convenience
to the membership, important issues of the Chapter may be
submitted to the membership for approval by mailed or hand
delivered ballots. Ballots must be returned to the Chapter
Headquarters by mail. All returned ballots will be tallied
four weeks from the date of issue. Only the most recent
membership list received from the National Office will be
used to mail ballots to the membership.
Section 4. Parliamentary Rules
All meetings of the Chapter will be conducted according
to the latest Revised Roberts Rules of Order. Members are
encouraged to refer to the Chapter Operations Manual to
clarify policy and procedural issues.
Section 5. Other Activities
Once a year as a measure of gratitude for the time and efforts
of its Board Members, the Chapter may hold an annual dinner
for the Executive Board. The date, time, and location are
to be determined by the Chapter President. Each board member
may invite one corporate supporter while the Chapter President
may invite two. Cost for the activity may not exceed a portion
of the net proceeds of most recent large scale educational
events. Guests will not be invited if there has been no
growth in the Chapter's assets after expenses (through sponsorships)
and if the minimum level of educational activities have
not taken place.
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ARTICLE X Nominations
and Voting
Section 1. Elections and Voting
(a) On or before the end of April one official ballot shall
be mailed to each member. As a cost savings measure, multiple
addressed and sealed ballots may be hand delivered by a
board member to other members at his place of employment.
No earlier than four weeks from date of mailing the ballots
will be tallied at the next Board Meeting by those in attendance.
In the event of a tie, the Executive Board will make the
decision or call for a run off election.
(b) The officers elected shall automatically take office
August 1st. It is urged that those who are elected and those
who have served in office work as a team during the transition.
If the candidate is unable to serve at any time during their
elected year the runner up will serve in that office. If
there was no opposition candidate, the Board may appoint
someone to fill the vacancy.
(c) The board will seek out enthusiastic individuals to
serve. Preferably, CLAS members with the ability to perform
the tasks required to fulfill the mission of the Chapter
will receive preferential consideration for nomination.
Nomination will be by decision of the board. Refer to the
Operations Manual for additional information.
Section 2. Other Issues
Issues pertaining to the Chapter may be submitted to the
membership for their approval. Approval will be by majority
vote unless otherwise stated in the bylaws.
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ARTICLE XI Responsibility
Matrix (Appointments, Duties, Responsibilities)
The New England Chapter will operate according to a responsibility
matrix. Duties and responsibilities will be assigned to
all board members to accomplish the goals of the organization.
The matrix will be sent to all members with the agenda for
each board meeting and will be referred to on a regular
basis during its proceedings. Tasks may rotate from member
to member to provide and encourage the individual development
of all members of the board. All members will have a copy
of the Operations Manual to assist in completion of assigned
tasks.
Such tasks usually fall into the following categories:
(1)Preparation and printing of seminar flyers
(2)Securing postage stamps for mailings
(3)Updating, preparing, and printing mailing lists
(4)Securing speakers and fiscal support for seminars.
(5)Securing local and national advertising for events
(6)Locating and securing facilities for meetings and events
(7)Purchasing of refreshments for event attendees
(8)Preparing surveys and other marketing tools.
(9)Other tasks required to sustain the function of the Chapter
but not listed above.
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ARTICLE XII Amendments
to Bylaws
A. Any member of the society may propose a change in the
Bylaws which will be referred to the Executive Board. The
Executive Board will place the item on the agenda and, after
discussion, the board will approve by majority vote or disapprove.
B. If approved by the Executive Board, the proposed Bylaws
change will appear on the next scheduled ballot. Approval
shall require a majority of the votes cast except as indicated
in Article II Section 1 and Article XII Section C and D.
C. If the bylaw change involves any monetary loan, donation,
transfer, contribution or gift exceeding approximately $75/yr
(but excluding marketing tools such as raffles, drawings,
or prizes used to increase attendance at local(non-National)
educational events) then approval will be by majority vote
with at least 75% of the membership casting votes.
D. If the bylaw change involves the disposition of treasury
assets immediately prior to during or after the dissolution
of the National Organization or the Chapter (Article XIV
Section 2),then approval will be by majority vote with at
least 75% of the membership voting.
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ARTICLE XIII Affiliations
with Other Societies
The Society may upon majority vote of the Executive Board
affiliate with other professional societies to hold educational
events (i.e. seminars, workshops, symposia, conventions,
etc)
ARTICLE XIV Termination
of Society, Disposition of Records and Monies
Section 1. In the event that the National Clinical Ligand
Assay Society ceases to exist, the Chapter's Executive Board
shall, by majority vote, decide upon wheather to continue
operation in its geographic region or beyond. If the chapter
continues to operate the word "Chapter" will be
dropped from the Masthead and all official documents will
reflect this change.
Section 2. In the event the Chapter ceases to exist or
operate to fulfill its regional obligations (Article 1 Section
2 (e), all monies in the Treasury after payment of all outstanding
Chapter debts will be returned by mail to all currently
paid New England Chapter members as of the last Executive
Board meeting date. Under no circumstances will last minute
activities take place to reduce or diminish assets of the
Chapter. All Chapter property, banners, stationary, ledgers,
etc. will be sent to the National Office or, if National
is not in existence, to the National Archives.
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ARTICLE XV Local
Autonomy
Section 1. Treasury. Chapter monies are the property of
the New England Chapter membership. All loans, donations,
transfers, or contributions exceeding approximately $75/yr
(but excluding marketing tools such as raffels, drawings,
or prizes used to increase attendance at local (non-National)
educational events) to any entity or individual must be
approved by majority vote of the Chapter's membership with
at least 75% of the membership casting votes. No loan can
exceed 25% of the assets of the Chapter. All approved loans
will be at the prevailing market rate as determined by the
Chapter Treasurer by averaging the rates of three local
banks. Principle and interest will be due on a yearly basis
on or before August 30. Loans will not exceed two years
in duration.
Section 2. Operations. The Chapter assumes complete autonomy
of educational program, content, frequency, format, location,
time and date.
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