Constitution

Alcona FFA Alumni Association Constitution

Updated February 9, 2017

ARTICLE I. NAME AND PURPOSE

Section A. The name of the organization shall be the Alcona FFA Alumni Association

Section B. Alcona FFA Alumni Association Vision:

The vision of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association is a world where people and communities can grow and develop to their fullest potential.

Section C. Alcona FFA Alumni Association Mission:

The mission of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association is to ensure the promise of FFA and the future of agriculture education by providing students opportunities for leadership development, personal growth and career success.

Section D. The purpose of this organization shall be:

To support and promote the FFA organization, FFA activities and agricultural education on local, state and national levels.
To provide a tie to the FFA and to assist FFA and agricultural education personnel to involve former members and others interested in supporting worthy activities.
To promote greater knowledge of the agricultural industry and support education in agriculture.
To cooperate with the Alcona FFA chapter, Michigan FFA Alumni Association and National FFA Alumni Association.
To promote and maintain an appreciation of the American free enterprise system.
To promote the personal development aspect of the FFA.
To assist the Alcona FFA Chapter by supporting their fundraising, leadership contest and program of activities for current school year.

ARTICLE II. ORGANIZATION

Section A. The Alcona FFA Alumni Association is a chartered affiliate of the Michigan FFA Alumni Association which is chartered by the National FFA Alumni Association

Section B. The Alcona FFA Alumni Association accepts in full the provisions in the constitution and bylaws of the Michigan FFA Alumni Association and the National FFA Alumni Association.

Section C. Area Served

The area to be served by the Alcona FFA Alumni Affiliate shall be that in which the Alcona FFA Chapter resides and participates within. The alumni shall also assist the Michigan FFA Alumni and National FFA Alumni Association in meeting their goals and purpose on a local, regional, state and national level.

ARTICLE III. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

Section A. Membership

Membership shall be open to former active, collegiate and honorary FFA members, present and former professional agricultural educators, parents of FFA members and other community members interested in the FFA and agriculture education.

Section B. Types of Membership

The Alcona FFA Alumni Association will offer and recognize three types of membership:

1. Lifetime (one-time payment)

2. Annual – (yearly dues September 1 – August 31)

3. Associate – Free to graduates of program for five consecutive years upon high school graduation

Section C. Dues

The annual dues of the Alcona FFA Alumni shall be recommended by the Alcona FFA Alumni Board of Directors and fixed by a majority vote of members present at the annual meeting. State and national dues must be paid on a calendar membership year basis for all active Alcona FFA Alumni members. No member shall be considered “active” and in good standing unless full dues are paid.

ARTICLE IV. EMBLEM

Section A. The Alcona FFA Alumni Association emblem will consist of the National FFA Alumni emblem with the word “Alcona” below it.

ARTICLE V. EXECUTIVE BODY

Section A. The executive body of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association will consist of the Alcona FFA Alumni Board of Directors

The Alcona FFA Alumni Board of Directors is responsible for the policies and strategic planning of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association. The board of directors will consist of ten members, eight of which are elected from the general alumni membership. The remaining two boards of director’s positions are predetermined by the Alcona FFA Alumni Association and further explained in the next section.

Section B. The Alcona FFA Alumni Board of Directors Positions

The positions of the Alcona FFA Alumni Board of Directors are as follows:

Alcona FFA Alumni Association President
Alcona FFA Alumni Association Vice-President
Alcona FFA Alumni Association Secretary
Alcona FFA Alumni Association Treasurer
Alcona FFA Alumni Association Trustee*
Alcona FFA Chapter Advisor
Alcona FFA Chapter Student President or selected student officer
Alcona FFA Chapter Student Appointed by Advisor

***There are four trustee positions on the Alcona FFA Alumni Association Board of Directors

All elected and appointed board of directors and two chapter appointed students, serve as the governing body of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association. The board consists of adult leaders in agricultural education from universities, agricultural organizations, secondary schools, past FFA members and community members that show a special interest in agriculture education.

Section C. Procedure for selection of Alcona FFA Alumni Board of Directors

The eight elected board of director positions of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association will be determined by the general membership from a majority vote established at the annual meeting. Each active member in good standing shall be entitled to vote.

The current FFA chapter advisor, chapter president or selected student officer, and appointed member shall serve as board of directors of the association by virtue of their positions. The Alcona FFA Chapter Advisor shall serve as ex-officio member.

Section D. Vacancy of office

In the event of a vacancy of office for a board of director, other than the expiration of their terms of office, the Alcona FFA Alumni Board of Directors shall appoint an active and in good standing Alcona FFA Alumni Association member to fill the unexpired term of office –unless determined unnecessary. Vacancy is defined as the following. 1. Turns in a signed and dated resignation. 2. Is removed from office with a 2/3rds standing vote at an annual membership meeting. The vacant position will be up for reelection at the next annual meeting.

Section E. Terms of Board of Directors

The Alcona FFA Alumni Association shall elect a president and vice president that shall serve a one-year term, a secretary and treasurer that shall serve a three-year term and four trustees that shall serve two year terms upon election.

Upon serving two consecutive terms a board member may not run for re-election on the board of directors for at least two years. If no viable candidates are nominated for this position, an alumni member that has served two consecutive terms may run for reelection.

Section F. Requirements for Board of Directors

In order to be eligible to serve on the executive body of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association, with the exception of the current FFA representative, one must be an active member of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association with state and national dues paid.

Section G. Duties of the Alcona FFA Alumni Board of Directors

It shall be the duty of the Alcona FFA Alumni Board of Directors to direct the operation of the association in accordance with its constitutional purposes. They shall be responsible for planning the programs and activities in which it is advisable for the association to participate.

The individual duties and responsibilities of Alcona FFA Alumni Board Members include, but are not limited to, the following duties:

President:

Serve as the principal officer of the Association
Carry out the general vision, mission and goals of the Association
Preside at all meetings of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association and Board of Director meetings
Ensure board members are trained and understand their roles and responsibilities
Appoint committees and serve on them as an ex-officio member
Represent the Alumni in public relations and official functions
Serve on the board as part of the executive body – In the event of a tie the president shall be the deciding vote
Be professional and courteous when conducting business on behalf of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association

Vice-President:

At the direction of the President, will act on the President's behalf and assume all duties of the president if necessary
Work closely with the President to assess progress toward meeting the general vision, mission and goals of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association
Attend all meetings of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association and Board of Director meetings
Preside at all meetings in the absence of the president
Develop the Program of Activities and serve on POA committees as an ex-officio member
Coordinate all committee work
Provide updates on the progress of standing committees as necessary
Serve on the board as part of the executive body
Be professional and courteous when conducting business on behalf of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association
Serve as a signing member on our checking account.

Secretary:

Attend all meetings of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association and Board of Director meetings
Prepare and post the agenda for each Alcona FFA Alumni Meeting and Board of Director meetings
Keep all records of committee reports
Be responsible for Alumni correspondence
Have on hand for each meeting:

a. Secretary minutes of the previous meeting(s)

b. Copy of the Program of Activities including all standing and appointed committees

c. Copy of the Alcona FFA Alumni constitution and bylaws

Work with the alumni board of directors to keep a current membership roster and submit the roster to the Michigan FFA Alumni Association as required
Ensure all board members are current National FFA Alumni Members
Serve on the board as part of the executive body
Be professional and courteous when conducting business on behalf of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association
Serve as a signing member on our checking account.

Treasurer:

Attend all meetings of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association and Board of Director meetings
Ensure the Alcona FFA Alumni Association’s financial resources are effectively managed and sufficient to assist the organization’s long-term viability
Protect the Alcona FFA Alumni Associations assets by overseeing its financial activities and implementing “best practices” to protect them
Duty of good faith –when dealing with the organizations financials act in a manner of good faith that you reasonably believe to be in the best interests of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association and refrain from engaging in personal activities that could be constructed to injure or take advantage of the association
Receive, record and deposit FFA Funds and issue receipts
Present monthly treasurer's reports at Alcona FFA Alumni Association and Board of Director meetings
Work with the secretary to coordinate funds and payments for membership dues
If established, serve as chairperson of earnings and savings committees
Serve on the board as part of the executive body
Be professional and courteous when conducting business on behalf of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association
Serve as a signing member on our checking account.

Trustee (four positions):

Attend all meetings of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association and Board of Director meetings
Serve as chairperson on committees or act as administrator for selected committees
Serve on the board as part of the executive body
Be professional and courteous when conducting business on behalf of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association

Alcona FFA Chapter Advisor:

Attend all meetings of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association and Board of Director meetings
Help guide the Alcona FFA Alumni Association to better meet the needs of the Alcona FFA Chapter and give direction on how the Alumni can assist with the Alcona FFA Chapter's Program of Activities for the current school year
Give input and direction to the executive body as an ex-officio board of director’s member.

Alcona FFA Chapter President or selected student officer:

Attend all meetings of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association and Board of Director meetings
Bring an up-to-date copy of the Alcona FFA Chapters Program of Activities
Share Alcona FFA Chapters student concerns, ideas and direction for the Alumni
Serve on the board as part of the executive body
Be professional and courteous when conducting business on behalf of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association

Alcona FFA Chapter Student or selected student officer:

Attend all meetings of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association and Board of Director meetings
Bring an up-to-date copy of the Alcona FFA Chapters Program of Activities
Share Alcona FFA Chapters student concerns, ideas and direction for the Alumni
Serve on the board as part of the executive body
Be professional and courteous when conducting business on behalf of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association

ARTICLE VI. MEETINGS

Section A. Meetings of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association Board of Directors

The Alcona FFA Alumni Association Board of Directors shall meet quarterly. Additional meetings may be called by the president or by a majority of the board of directors upon petition to the secretary.

Section B. General Membership Meeting

There shall be an annual meeting of the general membership of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association. Additional membership meetings may be called by the Alcona FFA Alumni Board of Directors.

Section C. Location of Meetings and Principal Office

The location of Alcona FFA Alumni Association meetings will be held at the Alcona High School Agri-science classroom, shop or at the Alcona FFA Sugar Shack in less otherwise stated or predetermined.

Section D. Time of Meetings

General meetings of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association shall be held at such time as may be prescribed by Alcona FFA Alumni Association Board of Directors. The annual meeting for the association shall be held prior to the annual Michigan Alumni Association meeting at a time in correlation with the Alcona FFA Chapter banquet or other appropriate time.

Section E. Quorum for Meetings of Board of Directors

A quorum of 2/3s of the members of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association Board of Directors is required to be present in person at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors, or present at a telephone conference in an emergency, in order to approve motions.

ARTICLE VII. FINANCIAL INFORMAITON

Section A. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association shall be in accordance to the Michigan FFA Alumni’s fiscal year, September 1 through August 31 each year.

Section B. Annual Audit

There shall be an annual audit of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association’s financial statements issued by the treasurer or anyone authorized to handle financial statements, reports and other financial records issued from any board of director. A qualified individual or group of individuals selected by the board of directors will conduct the audit and present their findings at a meeting with the Alcona FFA Alumni Board of Directors or submit a report to the board of directors. The audit should be held prior to the annual meeting so the board of directors can present the results to the general membership.

Section C. Inspection of records

Books and records of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association may be inspected by any board of director or by his or her attorney at any reasonable time.

VIII. THE ALCONA FFA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

Section A. Implementation of Constitution

The constitution shall be approved for adoption upon a majority vote of at least five from the board of directors.

Once the constitution has been approved for adoption by the board of directors it must then receive a two-thirds majority vote from the active members of the association in order to be implemented in place of the existing constitution. The active members must vote on the proposed constitution at the general membership meeting immediately following the board of director’s vote. If no such meeting is scheduled the board of directors must schedule an additional meeting; see Article VI, Section A for more information on scheduling an additional meeting.

Once accepted and voted into effect these articles shall be considered a part of the constitution of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association.

Section B. Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution

Proposed Amendments to the constitution of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association may be submitted by any active member of the association. The proposal must be in writing and received by the Board of Director’s Secretary fourteen days before the next board of directors meeting. Proposed amendments to the constitution shall be approved by at least five members of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association Board of Directors before being submitted to the membership for consideration.

Section C. Voting to Amending the Constitution

The constitution of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association may be amended or changed at the annual meeting by a two-thirds vote of the active members present, providing it is not in conflict with the constitution of the State of Michigan and National FFA Alumni Associations constitutions. Affirmation by two-thirds of those voting shall be necessary to adopt an amendment.

Section D. Bylaws

The implementation, proposal and voting process for bylaws of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association shall be the same as that required for the constitution of the association. Once voted into effect these bylaws shall be considered a subsidiary of the Alcona FFA Alumni Association’s constitution. The bylaws shall consist of more detail and information regarding specific subject matters.