MFEA Constitution

Preamble: This association shall be dedicated to the stimulation of interest in and improving of

forensic activities in Montana high schools, the promotion of friendly rivalry through

competition, and assistance to teachers and administrators in realizing the educational aims of all

forms of speech activities.

Section 1. The name of the organization shall be the Montana Forensic Educators Association (MFEA).

Section 2. All individuals who are responsible for coaching forensic activities shall be eligible for membership in the MFEA.

Section 3. Members paying dues and attending the annual meeting will have full voting rights.

Section 1. The officers of the general association shall be President, Vice President, and Treasurer. These officers shall make up the Executive Board.

Section 2. The duties of the President shall be to act as chief executive of the association, to preside at all meetings, and to create interim committees as needed.

Section 3. The duties of the Vice President shall be to assist the President and to assume the duties of the President in the event of the absence of the President.

Section 4. The duties of the Treasurer shall be to keep the records of the association and to transact its business,

Section 5. The duties of the Executive Board shall be to direct the affairs of the association on behalf of its members.

Section 1. The President, Vice President and Treasurer shall be elected by a general vote of the

assembly conducted at the spring meeting. The President, Vice President, and Treasurer shall be

elected for terms of two years. (2006) The President and Vice President may be re-elected for a

second two year term. No one may serve as President or Vice President for more than two terms

consecutively.

Section 2. The treasurer shall be elected in alternate years (from President/Vice President). (2006)

Section 3. Vacancies in any office shall be filled by the appointment of the President, until an election can be held.

Section 4. Terms of office shall begin immediately following election and extend until the following election.

Section 1. The association shall meet once yearly, following the NFL tournament.

Section 2. The Executive Board may meet as needed during the year.

Section 3. The President will set and publish the order of business for the meeting.

Section 4. Meetings will be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules.

Section 5. The President may elect to appoint a parliamentarian to oversee procedure.

Section 1. There shall be six event committees: Rules, Short Prep, Debate, Interpretation,

Drama, and Memorized; and four special committees: Hall of Fame, Nominations, Education,

and Scholarship. As necessary, the President may create ad hoc committees to deal with issues

affecting the body.

Section 2. Committee membership will be restricted to one member per school. The scholarship

committee shall include the MFEA treasurer as a permanent member.

Section 3. Starting February 24, 2005, each event committee will have three representatives for

AA schools and one from each A division, and one from each B-C division, excluding AA from

drama.

Section 4. Starting with the 2002 meeting, committee members will be elected to two year terms.

Each division of the MFEA will determine its own method of election.

Section 5. Once all members of a committee have been selected, they shall elect a chair from

within their ranks.

Section 6. Replacements shall be elected by their divisions.

Section 7. Committee members elected at the spring meeting shall assume their duties upon

election.

Section 8. The creation of any new standing committee shall require a 2/3 vote of the voting

body.

Section 1. This constitution shall become effective upon adoption by the members attending the

spring meeting of the association. Pursuant to the provisions of the 1990 constitution, a 2/3

majority will be required for passage. After such approval and adoption, copies will be

distributed to all members.

Section 2. This constitution may be amended only at the spring meeting of the association by a

2/3 vote of those present.

Amendment 1. No issue that fails to pass a committee may be brought before the general

assembly unless a vote of 3/5 of the members present allows its discussion. (2002)

Amendment 2. The officer position of Secretary will be replaced by a Treasurer. (2003)

Amendment 3. Any rule changes to the MFEA handbook for speech and drama must be

approved by a 2/3 majority of members voting at the MFEA spring meeting. (2009)