IABT ByLaws
IABT Bylaws & Constitution
INDIANA ASSOCIATION OF BIOLOGY TEACHERS CONSTITUTION and BYLAWS Adopted: February 2009
Table of Contents
Constitution of the Indiana Association of Biology Teachers........................... 4 Article I Name...................................................................................................................... 4 Article IIPurposes................................................................................................................ 4 Article III Membership........................................................................................................... 4 Article IV Board of Directors................................................................................................................. 4 Article VOfficers................................................................................................................... 4 Article VI Bylaws.................................................................................................................... 4 Article VII Prohibitions........................................................................................................... 5 Article VIII Dissolutions.......................................................................................................... 5
Bylaws of the Constitution of the Indiana Association of Biology Teachers... 6
Article I Goals and Objectives.............................................................................. 6
Article II
Membership........................................................................................................... 6 Voting Members................................................................................................................ 6
Non-voting Members............................................................................................ 7
Dues and Benefits................................................................................................ 7
Article III
Elected Officials.................................................................................................... 7
The Board.............................................................................................................. 7 Officers................................................................................................................... 8
President………………….……………….........................……………………...8
Vice-President …………….........................…………………………………… 8
Secretary ………………………………………………..........................……… 8
Treasurer ……………………………………………………..........................….8
Article IV
Appointed Positions ………................……………………………………….... 9
Article V
Elections................................................................................................................ 9 Nominations......................................................................................................... 10Procedure............................................................................................................. 10
Terms of Office..................................................................................................... 10
Article VI
Committees.......................................................................................................... 10 Appointments....................................................................................................... 10Reports................................................................................................................. 10
Article VII
Meetings.............................................................................................................. 10
The Board Meetings........................................................................................... 10
Membership Meetings........................................................................................ 11 Quorums......................................................../...................................................... 11
Rules of Order...................................................................................................... 11
Article VIII
Affiliations............................................................................................................ 11 Purpose............................................................................................................... 11Procedures......................................................................................................... 11 Disaffiliation....................................................................................................... 11
Article IX
Publications........................................................................................................ 11
Periodicals, etc. ................................................................................................ 11 Newsletter........................................................................................................... 11
Article X
Fiscal Affairs....................................................................................................... 11
Fiscal Year.......................................................................................................... 11 Expenditures ...................................................................................................... 12Audit..................................................................................................................... 12 Remuneration...................................................................................................... 12
Article XI
Amendments and Implementation.................................................................... 12
Bylaw Amendments............................................................................................ 12
CONSTITIUTION OF THE INDIANA ASSOCIATION OF BIOLOGY TEACHERS
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this organization shall be “The Indiana Association of Biology Teachers,” hereafter referred to as the Association. ARTICLE II: PURPOSES
The purposes of the Association are exclusively educational, scientific, literary, charitable, and no other, and in furtherance of only these purposes the business and objects of said Association shall be (a) To facilitate the dissemination of biological knowledge; (b) To encourage scientific thinking and the utilization of the methods of science through the teaching of biology; (c) To make available to the biology teachers of the state of Indiana information concerning the selection, organization, and presentation of biological materials; (d) To stress the interrelationships of biology to other sciences and to other educational experiences; (e) To plan, organize, and administer projects for the advancement and utilization of knowledge in biological science education; (f) In cooperation with other societies, to work for the improvement of the professional qualifications of those teaching the biological sciences; (g) To foster, encourage, and conduct research in the field of biological education providing that research shall not engage in activities which are not in furtherance of one or more exempt purposes, except as same do not represent a substantial part of its activities.
ARTICLE lll: MEMBERSHIP
Any person, sympathetic to the purpose of the Association, without regard to age, color, creed, gender, nationality, or race is eligible for membership.
ARTICLE lV: BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors, hereinafter known as the Board, as defined in the Bylaws shall be the legal representative of the Association, and, as such, shall have, hold, and administer all the property, funds, and affairs of the Association in trust for its uses, in conformity with the Constitution and Bylaws, and with amendments thereunto to its business.
ARTICLE V: ELECTED OFFICERS
The elected officers of the Association shall be President, a Vice-President, and a Secretary, and Treasure. ARTICLE Vl: BYLAWS The Association may from time to time enact appropriate Bylaws consistent with this constitution.
ARTICLE Vll: PROHIBITIONS T
he Association is not organized for profit and no part of its net earnings may inure to the benefit of any Director, Officer, member, or employee of the Association, except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to and for the Association in connection with one or more of its purposes. No Director, Officer, member, employee of the Association, nor any private individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the assets of the Association upon its dissolution. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, the Association shall not conduct or carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and its regulations as they now exist or as they hereafter may be amended. No substantial part of the activities of the Association shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Association shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of any statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
ARTICLE Vlll: DISSOLUTION
Upon dissolution of the Association, the Board shall distribute the assets and accrued income to one or more organizations as determined by the Board, which organization or organizations shall meet the limitations prescribed in Article Vll of this Constitution.
BYLAWS OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE INDIANA ASSICIATION OF BIOLOGY TEACHERS
ARTICLE I: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The officers, Board, Appointees, and Employees shall further the purpose of the Association through accomplishment of the following goals: 1. To promote the professional growth and development of biology teachers in Indiana to enhance their effectiveness in the classroom and community. 2. To encourage and stimulate state and local activities that will keep teachers up-to-date in their knowledge of the biological sciences, aid them in developing and sharing ideas for better teaching, and provide them with a forum for consideration of state and local issues that affect biological education. 3. To prove information, guidelines, programs, and activities that confront questions regarding science, society, and the future, and to stimulate teachers and students to deal responsibly with those often value-laden issues that derive from the consequences of science and technology as they relate to individual and collective needs and wants. 4. To initiate and maintain communication and coordination of programs with organizations that espouse goals and objectives similar to those of the Association and to join such groups in those activities designed to achieve common goals. 5. To recognize excellence in biology teaching. The Board shall review annually the Goals and Objectives to insure that they are consistent with the needs of the membership and purpose of the Association, and publish them annually for the membership.
ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP
A. Voting Members
1. Active Member: Any person who has paid full dues for the current membership year.
2. Emeritus Member: Any person who has maintained active membership for a minimum of 25 consecutive years shall be assigned to emeritus status upon retirement, and will no longer be required to pay dues. Member may also apply to the board and at its discretion be assigned emeritus status.
3. Retired Member: Any active member who retires with at least 10 years but less then 25 years of continuous membership may continue membership upon payment of half the dues assessed for active membership.
4. Honorary Member: Any person who has achieved distinction in teaching, research or service in the biological sciences is eligible for election as an honorary member by procedures established by the Board. There shall be no more then one honorary member selected per year. Honorary members shall not be assessed dues.
5. Life Members: Any person who contributes 15 times the current amount of the annual dues for active membership in one payment shall become a life member without further assessment of dues.
B. Non-voting Members 1. Student Member: Any regularly matriculated undergraduate or graduate student not in full time employment shall be eligible for a student membership upon payment of half the dues assessed for active membership.
2. Sustaining Member: Any organization interested in advancing the purpose of the Association shall be eligible for election by the Board as a sustaining member upon payment of dues assessed by the Board.
3. Dues and Benefits
1. The Board shall set the dues for active membership annually. Dues shall be collected for a twelve-month period on one of three expiration dates. Any member in arrears for more than three months shall not thereafter receive any publications of the Association and shall be dropped for membership until all arrears dues have been paid, or the member shall rejoin the Association.
· One year membership $10 · Five year membership $40 · Lifetime membership $150 · Student membership $5
2. All members shall receive all publications specified by the Board, and shall be entitled to all privileges of membership, except as noted in sections A. and B.
ARTICLE III: ELECTED OFFICIALS
A. Board of Directors 1
1. Members: The Board shall consist of the officers of the Association, the immediate Past-President, and one appointee of the President who shall serve until the election of a new President. No more than two Board members shall be from or affiliated with higher education.
2. Duties: The function of The Board of Directors is to transact the business of the Association.
B. Officers
1. President- The President shall: · Preside at membership meetings and at meetings of the Board of Directors. · Make appointments in consultation with the Board. ·Assume all other duties normally associated with the office. · Work with affiliate organizations to coordinate professional development opportunities for the membership. ·Collaborate with affiliate organizations (NABT) to annually recognize an OBTA winner during the annual HASTI conference. · Work with the Vice-President and affiliates to plan, organize, and run the annual membership meeting, social events, and professional development opportunities. · Organize the election of IABT officers at the general member meeting. · Organize and setup the IABT display board at HASTI. · Submit an annual report to NABT. Upon the completion of the term of president, the president shall continue to serve on the Board for one year as immediate Past-President.
2. Vice-President- The Vice-President shall: · Assume the duties of the President in the President’s absence or when so designated. · Work cooperatively with the President in administering the affairs of the Association. · Organize and coordinate all aspects of Quick Hits. · Present the OBTA award at HASTI. · Tear down and safely store the IABT display board. The Vice-Presidency shall be three year commitment; first year as President-elect, second year as President, and third year as immediate Past President.
3. Secretary- The Secretary shall: · Oversee the management and minutes of the Association the meetings of The Board. · Oversee the creation and dissemination of at least two newsletters per year and to work with the other officers to improve communication with the members.
o Work with the President and our supporting organizations to maintain an accurate membership list.
The office of the Secretary shall be a two year term which shall be up for election on alternate years with the office of the Treasurer.
4. Treasurer- The Treasurer shall:
· Make timely deposits for all funds received.
· Pay all bills associated with IABT business in a timely manner.
· Keep accurate records of all deposits, payments and interest income in ledger book.
· Monitor all tax requirements. Currently this requires the following:
i. Keep a separate list of all individuals who have paid life memberships during each year. ii. File an annual electronic notice with the IRS by May 15 at the latest or before the February HASTI meeting if treasurer will be leaving office. iii. Maintain a subscription to EO Newsletter at www.irs.gov/eo (for exempt organizations)
· Monitor bank statements for accuracy.
· Work with the President and our supporting organizations to notify members when their membership is due for renewal.
· Prepare a written report to be presented at the IABT annual meeting at HASTI. Keep a copy of the report with other IABT treasurer records.
The office of the Treasurer shall be a two year term which shall be up for election on alternate years with the office of the Secretary.
ARTICLE IV: APPOINTED POSITIONS
1. Technology Coordinator: The Technology Coordinator shall:
· Maintain and continually update the IABT website, currently at:
iabt.wordpress.com
· Work with the officers and membership to improve communication and dissemination of information pertinent to the membership.
The position of the Technology Coordinator shall be appointed by the President for a one year term.
ARTICLE V: ELECTIONS A. Nominations
The current President shall oversee the election process at the annual membership meeting at HASTI. Any member who wishes to be nominated for an office must be in good standing and must be present at the annual membership meeting to be nominated. Nominations may be made and seconded by any member or current officer. The nomination must be formally accepted by the nominee for the nomination to be officially considered. Upon acceptance of nomination each nominee shall speak to the membership about their goals and ideas for IABT.
C. Procedure
The president shall cause the ballots bearing all nominations for office to be voted upon by all members in good standing at the annual general meeting. In the event that only one individual is nominated for a position, this individual will automatically be awarded this position by acclimation. When there are two or more nominees, the candidates who receive the highest number of votes shall be elected. In the event of a tie vote, the election shall be decided by the Board. Vacancies occurring between elections shall be filled by appointment by the President with majority approval of the Board, except that the vacancy of the office of President shall be filled by the Vice-President.
D. Terms of Office
The President shall serve for one year. The Vice-President shall serve for one year. The Secretary and Treasurer shall serve for two years. Elected and appointed officials serve terms immediately following their election and appointment at the general membership meeting held at HASTI each spring.
ARTICLE VI: COMMITTEES
A. Appointments
The President in consultation with the Board and with the approval of the Board shall appoint members to these committees (as needed): Long Range Planning Publications Advisory Program Nomination/Election Awards/Honorary Membership/ Charter Membership Ad Hoc committees to accomplish a specific task may be established by the President with approval of the Board. The president shall appoint members to such committees in consultation with the Board.
B. Reports
Each committee chairperson shall submit a written report to the Board upon completion of the committee’s assignment. ARTICLE
VII: MEETINGS
A. Board Meetings
The Board shall hold a meeting at each annual meeting. The officers shall meet as necessary between Board meetings. Timely notice of all meetings shall be provided all members of the Board.
B. Membership Meetings
The Board shall hold, at such time and place, as it shall designate, meetings of the members as needed to fulfill the purpose of the Association.
C. Quorums
Board: a majority of voting members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
D. Rules of Order
Roberts’ Rules of Order (Revised) shall govern in all meetings of the Association.
ARTICLE VIII: AFFILIATIONS
A. Purpose
The Association is encouraged by other organizations of state, regional, and national importance to affiliate with them for the improvement of education in the biological sciences.
B. Procedures
The Association shall submit a formal application to the proper authorities of other organizations along with a copy of the Constitution, Bylaws, and membership list as may be chosen by the Board.
C. Disaffiliation
The Association reserves the right to terminate its affiliation with any other organization.
ARTICLE IX: PUBLICATIONS
A. Periodicals, etc.
The Association may publish materials as approved by the Board.
B. Newsletter
A newsletter shall be published not less than twice yearly for the communication of news concerning the Association.
ARTICLE X: FISCAL AFFAIRS
A. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Association shall begin on January 1st of each year and end on December 31st.
B. Expenditures
All expenditures shall be preapproved by the Board and submitted to Treasurer for review and perfection.
C. Audit
The Board may order an audit of the financial accounts of the Association. In addition an independent audit may be ordered as is deemed advisable and necessary.
D. Remuneration
The Board shall determine honoraria. The Board may not vote on any question involving salary or honoraria of a Board member.
ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS AND IMPLEMENTATION
Amendments shall be made only upon a resolution by the Board and shall become effective upon adoption by at least two-thirds favorable votes cast by eligible members present and voting at a general meeting. A decision may also be made to conduct a vote by mail or email, and if this decision is made, the amendment shall become effective upon adoption by at least two-thirds favorable votes cast by all eligible voting members of the Association.
A. Bylaws Amendments
These bylaws may be amended by a favorable vote of the Board provided that each board member shall have been sent written notice of the proposed amendment not less than 30 days prior to the meeting or mailing of the ballot on which the amendment is voted.
B. These bylaws of the Association shall be implemented upon their adoption.