Division Bylaws

ILLINOIS ADDICTION ADVOCATES ASSOCIATION (IAAA)

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I

NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1. Name

The name of the Association shall be Illinois Addiction Advocates Association (IAAA), a division

of the Illinois Counseling Association (ICA).

Section 2. Affiliation

The Association was chartered as a division of ICA in 2025. The Association is organized and

governed in accordance with the By-Laws of the Illinois Counseling Association (ICA).

Section 3. Mission Statement

The mission of Illinois Addiction Advocates Association (IAAA) is to promote advocacy for the

field of substance and process addictions through education, systemic advocacy, and

collaboration with people involved in the addiction and recovery field. Additionally, IAAA aims

to advance awareness and acceptance of different forms of recovery.

Section 4. Purposes

The purpose of IAAA is to increase compassion, knowledge-based and trauma-informed

practices, and social justice for people living with addictions while reducing stigma.

ARTICLE II

MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Types of Membership

The Association shall include six types of membership: student, Professional, New Professional,

Affiliate, Retired/Limited means, Past President. A member of this Association shall be a

member of the Illinois Counseling Association (ICA).

Section 2. Requirements of Membership

In order to qualify for one of the types of membership, an individual must meet the following

requirements for the membership category being sought and will be considered a member

upon payment of dues according to their membership type. A member must pay annual dues in

1accordance with their eligible membership category at the time of their individualized renewal

cycle (each year) in order to maintain uninterrupted active membership status and benefits.

A. Professional Membership

Any person who holds a professional license in the field of addiction or graduate degree in

counseling, counselor education or a related field is eligible to be a professional member. A

Professional member in good standing shall be entitled to vote, to attend meetings of the

Association, and shall be eligible to hold office in the Association.

B. Student Membership

Any student who is enrolled on at least a half-time basis at a college or university in an

undergrad or graduate degree program in the area of counseling or a related professional

counseling degree program designed to result in a graduate degree and licensure, or

certification, as a professional or addiction counselor. No person shall be eligible to be, or

continue as, a student member if they have held student status for a total of four years, or who

is otherwise eligible to become a new professional member. Student Members are entitled to

vote, to attend meetings of the Association, and shall be eligible for appointment to the role of

Student Representative in the Association.

C. New Professional Membership

Recent graduates or licensed in addiction counseling or related field (within the previous 24

months) may join the association at the same rate as student members for a period of two years

following program completion. They must pay annual dues. A member in good standing shall be

entitled to vote, to attend meetings of the Association, and shall be eligible to hold office in the

Association. By completing the membership application, the applicant affirms that they meet

the eligibility criteria.

D. Retired/Limited Means Membership

Individuals who have retired from counseling and/or development work or individuals who

affirm that they have limited economic resources may be admitted as a retired/limited means

member upon request and payment of the annual dues for this membership category. Limited

means includes those individuals who are temporarily unemployed, on disability, or earn below

minimum wage. Retired/limited means members shall maintain all the privileges of individual

regular membership.

E. Past President Membership

A Past President shall have been a president of this Association. Past Presidents do not need to

pay dues to the Association once their past-president term has concluded, if they have served

the full years of active presidential responsibilities during their elected term of office (including

all applicable service as president-elect, full term of presidency, and term as immediate past-

2president). A Past President member shall be entitled to vote, to attend meetings of the

Association, and retain eligibility to hold future office in the Association.

F. Affiliate Membership

Individuals who are interested in addiction counseling, development, and advocacy but who do

not meet requirements of (a), (b), (c), or (d) may be admitted to Affiliate Membership at the

discretion of the Membership Committee provided they pay their annual dues. Affiliate

members shall maintain all the privileges of individual regular membership.

Section 3. Application Procedure

Any person desiring to become a member of IAAA shall apply through ICA. The Illinois Addiction

Advocates Association (IAAA) membership officer shall notify the applicant of the action taken

on the application. A person shall become a member of IAAA upon their election of the

membership and payment of their dues.

Section 4. Dues

Dues shall be set by the governing council of this Association for the categories of membership

and approved by vote of the Association membership. Past presidents do not pay dues for the

Association (annual dues to ICA remain in effect as required for Past President members).

Membership in IAAA shall be continuous on an annual basis as long as dues are in force.

Section 5. Rights and Privileges

All members in good standing shall be eligible to vote and initiate motions of parliamentary

proceedings. Subject to any limitations or exceptions otherwise stated herein, only professional

and retired members shall be eligible for elective presidential positions.

Section 6. Severance of Membership

a) b) A member may be dropped from membership for non-payment of dues. Reinstatement

shall be renewed by application, as in section 3 of this Article.

A member may be dropped from membership for any conduct that tends to injure the

Association, adversely affect its reputation, or which violates principles stated in the By-

Laws or Code of Ethics of IAAA, ICA, or ACA. An Ad hoc Committee on Ethics appointed

by the president of this Association shall consider any charges made over the signature

of five Association members who are in good standing. A member shall be permitted to

resign from membership, regardless of their charges. Any member charged with

engaging in misconduct shall be given the opportunity to file a written appeal within 30

days and have a hearing within 60 days before the governing council of this Association,

whose decision shall be final. Reinstatement by decision from the hearing shall take

effect within 15 days, once applicable dues have been paid.

ARTICLE III

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Composition

The General Assembly shall be composed of all members of the Association present and

attending annual meetings or by those who open an online ballot distributed to all members of

this Association.

Section 2. Powers and Functions of the General Assembly

The General Assembly shall take action on the recommendations of the President for the

Association's tentative policies, budget, and goals prior to the start of the new fiscal/governance

year. The General Assembly shall exercise such other powers and functions as may be necessary

or desirable in the best interests of the Association that are not in conflict with Association By-

Laws.

Section 3. Meetings of the General Assembly

Membership meetings shall be held at least twice per year and as called by the President. These

meetings could take place at the Annual Summit and at the Annual ICA Fall Conference.

ARTICLE IV

GOVERNING COUNCIL

Section 1. Composition

The Governing Council of this Association shall include a minimum of four members, two of

whom will be elected officers and two of whom may be appointed by the President with

approval from the Governing Council. Governing Council members will be either elected by the

membership or appointed by the President. Each Governing Council member will serve for a

period of 2 years in accordance with their official position, with two members rotating off

biennially, to be replaced by vote for, or appointment to, the respective officer position. The

officers of the Association may vote among their quorum to add up to two additional Governing

Council members when unique expertise is deemed beneficial to serve the interests of the

Association. Any additionally appointed Governing Council members will serve for one year,

renewable as voted upon based on the necessity of the officers of the Association.

Section 2. Powers and Functions

The Governing Council shall conduct the business affairs of the Association, but shall not take

any action contrary to decisions or policies adopted by the membership.

Section 3. Meetings

4The President shall establish meeting dates for the Governing Council, no less than quarterly.

ARTICLE V

OFFICERS

Section 1. Elected and Appointed Officials

a) b) c) The officers of the Association Governing Council shall be the president, past president,

president-elect, secretary, treasurer, and membership/student representative.

Any professional, retired, or past president member of the Association shall be eligible

to hold office. The office of Student Representative must be held by a student member

of the Association.

The term of office shall be from July 1to June 30, coinciding with the Association’s fiscal

year.

Section 2. Immediate Past-President

The immediate past president shall:

• Perform the duties of the President in the absence or incapacity of the President.

• Serve as voting member of Governing Council.

• Serve as such for one year immediately after their second year in the office of president.

• Serve as chair of the Nomination and Election Committee.

• Carry out such other duties and responsibilities as may be designed by the Governing

Council.

Section 3. The President

The President shall:

• Serve two years after their one-year term as President-Elect.

• Serve as the presiding officer of the Association by exerting leadership in the

achievement of the mission of IAAA.

• Preside at the meetings of the Governing Council.

• With the approval of the Governing Council, appoint eligible members to the office of

Treasurer and Student Representative to the Governing Council of this Association, Ad

hoc committee chairpersons, and perform such duties as are incidental to the office.

• Serve as ex-officio on all IAAA committees and task forces, except the Committee on

Nominations and Elections or can delegate other officers of the Governing Council to

serve on their behalf.

• Generate the annual Strategic Plan with consultation of the Governing Council.

Section 4. The President-Elect

The President-Elect shall:

5• Be nominated and elected at large from among eligible members of the Association.

• Serve for one year as such, and perform such duties as are incidental to the office, prior

to assuming the duties of president. The president-elect will then assume the role of

president for two years.

• Serve as voting member of the Governing Council.

• Carry out such other duties and responsibilities as may be designed by the Governing

Council.

Section 5. The Secretary

The Secretary shall:

• Be nominated and elected at large from among eligible members of the Association.

• Serve two years.

• Keep the record and minutes of all meetings of the Association.

• Perform such other duties as are incidental to the office.

Section 6. The Treasurer

The Treasurer shall:

• Be appointed at large from among eligible members of the Association.

• Serve three years.

• Maintain records of any assets, validate monthly bank statements, submit financial

reports at the Governing Council and membership meetings, submit fiscal information to

ICA for inclusion in the Association’s biannual audit.

• Represent IAAA in assuring the expenditure and receipt of funds in accordance with the

directives established by the Governing Council.

• Assist in the preparation of the budget for IAAA, its committees, task forces, and

publications.

• Follow accepted procedures for handling the funds of IAAA.

• Recommend to the Governing Council any needed modifications in procedures for

managing the fiscal affairs of IAAA.

• Preside at meetings of Governing Council in the absence of President, President-Elect,

and Past-President.

• Perform such other duties which are incidental to the office.

Section 7. Membership/Student Representative

The Student Representative shall:

• Be appointed from among eligible members of the Association. Eligible candidates will

be actively enrolled graduate-level students in an Illinois counseling or affiliate program.

The student representative must become a member paying Student Member dues at the

time of their appointment, if not already members at that time.

6• Serve as voting member of IAAA.

• Serve one-year, which is renewable based upon their student member status.

• Represent the constituencies, universities, and interest areas of the Illinois Counseling

Association.

• Facilitate production of the newsletter of this Association.

• Actively recruit new members and students for IAAA.

• Serve as a liaison and a representative for IAAA with local schools.

• Maintain records of new, past, and current members.

• Serve as a contact and representative of students.

• Perform such duties as are incidental to the office.

Section 8. Nominations and Elections of Officers

a) b) c) d) e) f) The president-elect and secretary shall be elected biennially from through a confidential

ballot conducted electronically through the ICA website.

To be eligible for any elective office, a member must have been a member of the Illinois

Counseling Association for two years prior to election or appointment.

President and President-elect candidates must be, or voluntarily become, members of

the International Association of Addiction and Offender Counseling (IAAOC; a division of

American Counseling Association {ACA}).

During a regular membership meeting of the Association, electronically through the ICA

website, or by mail, the immediate past president shall issue a call for nominations of

elected officers for the upcoming fiscal/governance year.

The immediate past president shall confirm the eligibility of nominees for inclusion on

the election ballot of two candidates for each of the following positions: president-elect

and secretary. An effort will be made to ensure that the ballot will be representative of

the membership. Should an insufficient number of nominations be submitted to fill the

ballot, the Governing Council shall select the names of qualified members consenting to

have their names placed on the election ballot.

If an officer should be unable to assume office by the beginning of the Association’s

fiscal year, or to complete a term of office, the next ranking candidate on the election

return may assume that position. The Governing Council shall have the authority to fill

any vacancy from among the current Association membership for which there are no

other provisions.

Section 9. Re-election

No elected officers of the Association may succeed themselves in office, except as provided in

Section 8 of this Article. This provision does not abridge a member's right to be elected to any

office at a later time.

Section 10. Removal from Office

7An elected officer or member of the governing council of this Association may be removed from

office for failure to perform duties and responsibilities as described in the By-Laws, with just

cause presented in writing and confirmed by a majority vote of the governing council.

Section 11. Compensation and Expenses of Officers

None of the elected officers of the Association shall receive any compensation for services, but

their necessary expenses in fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of their respective office

may be paid for or reimbursed as approved by the governing council vote.

ARTICLE VI

AD HOC COMMITTEES

Ad hoc committees may be created by the president to promote the purposes of the

Association and shall consist of members of the Association.

ARTICLE VII

BUSINESS AFFAIRS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Section 1. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year shall be from July 1st to June 30th.

Section 2. Parliamentary Authority

The parliamentary authority for meetings of the Association shall be Robert’s Rules of Order

(Revised).

Section 3. Membership Year

The membership year shall coincide with that of the Illinois Counseling Association (ICA).

Section 4. Quorum

A quorum for conducting business shall be the number of members present at any meeting

called by the president after notice of such meeting has been given to the entire membership.

Section 5. Dissolution of the Association

Should the Association fail to meet for two consecutive fiscal/governance years, it shall be

dissolved in accordance with procedures outlined in ICA By-Laws and reported to ACES.

Section 6. Property of the Association

In the event the Association should be dissolved, none of its property shall be distributed to any

of the members. Instead, all its property shall be transferred to the ICA.

ARTICLE VIII

PUBLICATIONS

Section 1. Association Publications

The IAAA Newsletter shall be designated as the official publication of IAAA. A journal may also

be established as deemed appropriate. Delivery of these publications will be electronically.

Section 2. Distribution of publications

The IAAA Newsletter and any other publications to be established shall be sent to IAAA

members without additional charge. They shall also be available to non-members, to libraries,

and to other organizations by subscription at rates established by the IAAA Governing Council.

Section 3. IAAA Newsletter

A. Editorial Supervision. The Governing Council shall be responsible for recommending

editorial policy and professional content for the IAAA Newsletter.

B. The Editor. The editor shall serve for a two-year term and may be reappointed, subject

to the approval of the Governing Council. The editor shall be responsible for editing and

preparing at least two issues of IAAA Newsletter per year. In addition, the editor shall

publish the treasurer’s report and budget statement of the organization in the Newsletter.

Section 4. Statement of Relationship

The IAAA Newsletter and any other IAAA publications must include a statement identifying IAAA

as “a Division of the Illinois Counseling Association.”

ARTICLE IX

BY-LAWS

Section 1. Adoption

These By-Laws shall become effective immediately upon a majority vote of Association

members present at a general membership meeting, electronically through the ICA website, by

digital survey, or by postal mail ballot. By-Laws of this Association are subject to the review and

compliance approval of the state (ICA) and national (ACES) associations.

Section 2. Amendment

The By-Laws may be amended by the following procedure:

a) An amendment shall be presented in writing to the governing council of this Association.

Copies of proposed amendments shall be made available to the membership by mail,

electronically through the ICA website, by email, or at a membership meeting at least

thirty days prior to action on the amendments. The governing council’s written

recommendation shall accompany the notification.

9b) Not earlier than thirty (30) days following member notification, an amendment shall be

voted upon at a general membership meeting, electronically through the ICA website, by

e-mail or digital survey, or by postal mail ballot. An amendment is adopted by a majority

vote of members present at the general meeting or of among ballots received by the set

deadline.

Section 3. Publication

The By-Laws of the Association shall be published in their entirety from time to time, submitted

to IAAA within 30 days of amendment, and shall be available to any member upon request via

the Association website.

Section 4. Communication

The primary mechanism of communication with members, including election of officers,

approving By-Laws and submitting amendments, shall be by e-mail or electronically through the

ICA website.

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