Constitution and Bylaws
The Constitution and By—Laws of
For Leaders of Northern New York Languages
To advance skills in teaching world languages and fostering appreciation of other cultures, both of which are essential in shaping successful 21st century world citizens.
Vision Statement
In order to achieve the above mission, FLNNYL will provide professional development and networking opportunities to its members in order to better serve world language students and teachers in Northern New York.
Article I: Organization
Section 1: The name of the association shall be the For Leaders of Northern New York Languages hereinafter referred to as FLNNYL, an affiliate of the New York State Association for Language Teachers (NYSAFLT).
Section 2: For Leaders of Northern New York Languages (FLNNYL) is a professional organization made up primarily of language teachers, administrators, and post-secondary students within Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Article II: Goals
Section 1: To provide a platform for professional networking opportunities.
Section 2: To enhance language instruction and curriculum development.
Section 3: To connect Northern New York language educators.
Section 4: To support legislation to further the cause of language instruction.
Section 5: To promote the study of languages and cultures as outlined in the state and
national standards.
Section 6: To support members in implementing consistent and appropriate programs when working with school district officials.
Article III: Executive Board
Section 1: The executive board of FLNNYL shall be president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer and communications officer.
Section 2: The officers shall serve a one-year term of office and may be reelected annually.
Section 3: Officers shall be elected in September the fall for the following calendar year.
Section 4: All officers must be in good standing of FLNNYL.
Section 5: In the event any officer, except the president, is unable to fulfill their term of office, the membership, by majority vote, may elect any member in good standing to fill the unexpired term.
Article IV: Duties of the Officers
Section 1: Duties of the President include the following:
Establish agendas, convene and preside over meetings at least twice a year.
Act as the FLNNYL liaison to NYSAFLT and other professional organizations.
Section 2: Duties of the Vice President include the following:
Assume the duties of the president if they are unable to complete their term of office.
Provide assistance to the president as needed.
Serve as co-signatory to the bank account.
Section 3: Duties of the Secretary include the following:
Record minutes at all meetings.
Communicate all pertinent information to the members.
Provide membership with certificates of attendance at each meeting.
Section 4: Duties of the Treasurer include the following:
Collect and record payments of local and state membership dues.
Collect and record payments for fees for sponsored events or co-sponsored events.
Establish and maintain an account in an approved financial institution.
Pay bills.
Maintain financial records in accordance with standard auditing procedures.
Provide a report of FLNNYL finances at all meetings.
Article V: Dues
Section 1: Dues shall be paid each year by each member at the first meeting of the calendar year.
Section 2: Annual dues shall be determined each year by the membership.
Article VI: Honorary Membership
Section 1: The Executive Board may recommend anyone to the general membership for honorary membership. The person who is granted honorary membership shall not be required to pay dues.
Section 2: FLNNYL retirees will be granted lifetime honorary membership and will be presented with a certificate in recognition of this honor.
Article VII: Voting
Section 1: All members in good standing have the power to vote.
Article VIII: Election of Officers
Section 1: Executive Board members shall solicit nominees from the general membership.
Section 2: Election of officers shall be held at the last meeting of the calendar year, typically in October.
Section 3: Voting shall be done by ballot.
Article IX: Meetings
Section 1: There will be at least two general membership meetings.
Article X: Provisions
Section 1: In the event of the dissolution of FLNNYL, all of the remaining assets and property of the organization shall after necessary expenses thereof be distributed to such organization shall qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws.
Section 2: No part of the net earnings of the organization shall benefit any member or officer of the organization, or any private individual (except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to or for the organization), and no member or officer of the organization or any private individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the assets on the dissolution of the organization.
Section 3: No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation (except as otherwise provided by Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (h)) or participating in, or intervening in (including the publication or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
Section 4: Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, FLNNYL is an organization exclusively for educational purposes, and shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from Federal Income tax under section 501(c) (3) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws.
Article XI: Constitutional Review
Section 1: Proposed amendments shall be presented to the Executive Board.
Section 2: Upon majority approval by the Executive Board, proposed amendments shall be submitted to the general membership at the next meeting of the general membership.
Section 3: Approval by two-thirds of the members present shall be required for the passage of any amendment.
Section 4: The membership shall review the FLNNYL constitution annually.