Senior Division Constutution

Adopted on April 21, 2020

SENIOR DIVISION CONSTITUTION

OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF GEORGIA

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this division 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 division shall be at least fifty (50) years of age and interested in promoting the purposes of this organization. The members of this division are members of the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia and 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 division shall be made up primarily of blind people, and it shall be controlled by the blind. A majority of its voting members must be 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 of the Georgia Affiliate. The state 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 division 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 division present and voting at the annual Convention. There shall be no proxy voting.

ARTICLE V – MEETINGS

Section One

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

 

 

Section Two

 

The President of this division 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 division deems necessary. The President shall be ex-officio a member of all committees.

ARTICLE VII – DUES

The dues for members of this division 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 division shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of this division 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 division , or (for whatever reason) it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia or the National Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be transferred to the treasury of the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia, to be held in trust for a reorganized division in the State Affiliate. In the event that no division is organized in the Affiliate for a period of two (2) years from the date this division ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia , the assets become the property of theNational Federation of the Blind of Georgia

ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS

This constitution may be amended by two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any meeting of this division ; 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.