Senior Division Constitution

SENIOR DIVISION CONSTITUTION OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF GEORGIA

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this organization shall be:

Senior Division of the National Federation  of the Blind of Georgia.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

The Senior Division of the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia, is a learning, peer support group to teach ourselves and reach out to other seniors experiencing vision loss to empower each senior to use the talents and abilities they already possess and to learn effective strategies for living independently and acquiring a positive attitude about living with limited vision. Our mission is based on a positive philosophy of the capabilities of senior citizens to develop alternative non-visual techniques that employ such methods as using a white cane, learning basic Braille and other tactile labeling methods, and acquiring proficiency with adaptive technology. We continue to pursue hobbies of interest; volunteer in our communities; participate in a variety of social activities; and maintain our dignity and self-respect by believing we control our own destiny. We pass on to others what we have learned and encourage and promote a can-do, philosophy that emphasizes the normalcy of living with blindness or limited vision.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

Section One

The members of this organization shall be at least fifty (50) years of age and interested in promoting the purposes of this organization. The members of this organization are members of the National Federation of the Blind and shall have the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as other members of the National Federation of the Blind. 

Section Two

This organization shall be made up primarily of blind people, and it shall be controlled by the blind. A majority of its voting members mustbe blind.

Section Three

Any member may be expelled for violation of this Constitution, for violation of the policies of the National Federation of the Blind, or for conduct unbecoming to a member of the Federation, by a majority vote of the active members present and voting at any regular business session of this organization, or by two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. The National Convention of this organization may reinstate any person who has been expelled. Any person who feels that he/she has been unjustly expelled from this organization may appeal to the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind, which may (at its discretion) consider the matter and make a binding decision. Unless the decision to suspend or expel is reversed by the National Convention or by the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind, the ruling of suspension or expulsion shall continue in effect.

Section Four

The name National Federation of the Blind, Federation of the Blind, or any variant thereof, is the property of the National Federation of the Blind; and if this organization ceases to be a part of the National Federation of the Blind (for whatever reason) it shall forfeit the right to use the name National Federation of the Blind, Federation of the Blind, or any variant thereof.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The officers of this organization shall be: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The duties of those officers shall be those customarily associated with their respective offices. The officers shall constitute the Board of Directors. The officers shall be elected every two (2) years by a majority vote of the members of this organization present and voting at the annual Convention. There shall be no proxy voting.

ARTICLE V – MEETINGS

Section One

This organization shall hold its annual meeting at the time and place of the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind. The Board of Directors shall conduct the business of the organization between annual meetings.

Section Two

The President of this organization may call a special meeting of the body at any time he/she, or a majority of the Board of Directors, deems such action to be necessary. At such special meeting at least fifteen (15) members must be present to constitute a quorum to transact business, and written notice must have been sent to each member and to the members of the Board of Directors at least three to ten (3 – 10) days prior to the date of the meeting.

ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES

The President may appoint such committees as he/she or the organization deems necessary. The President shall be ex-officio a member of all committees.

ARTICLE VII – DUES

The dues for members of this organization shall be five dollars ($5.00) per year, payable in advance. No person may vote who is delinquent in the payment of his/her dues.

ARTICLE VIII – FUNDS AND FINANCING

The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check, issued on order of the President, and signed by the Treasurer.

ARTICLE IX – DISSOLUTION

In the event of the dissolution of this organization, or (for whatever reason) it ceases to be a part of the National Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be transferred to the treasury of the National Federation of the Blind.

ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS

 

This constitution may be amended by two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any meeting of this organization; but the amendments shall not become effective until they have been presented to the President of the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia for review and approval.

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