Below are PAATA's current Bylaws, approved by the American Art Therapy Association.
Proposed revised Bylaws will be voted on by PAATA members in October, 2024.
Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association Constitution and By-laws
Adopted December 7, 2019
ARTICLE I.
NAME, PURPOSE, AND GEOGRAPHIC JURISDICTION
Section 1.
The name of the Chapter shall be the Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association (PAATA). It is a non-profit entity, organized under the laws of Pennsylvania and an affiliate chapter of the American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (AATA).
Section 2.
The purpose of the PAATA shall be: to support and work in conjunction with the AATA toward the provision of educational opportunities within the field of Art Therapy for members and the general public as well as Art Therapy professionals; the promotion of public awareness of the field of Art Therapy; the progressive development of the therapeutic use of art; the advancement of research and standards of clinical practice; the maintenance of criteria for training for future art therapists in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques; the provision of appropriate vehicles for the exchange of information with colleagues and the general public; the coordination of the therapeutic use of art in institutional or private practice settings; and the bestowing of scholarships and awards. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, this entity is organized exclusively for such purposes as are authorized and permitted by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), and shall not carry on any activities which are not permitted to be carried on by an entity exempt from taxation under said Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Section 3.
The geographic jurisdiction of the PAATA includes the states of Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware. Stakeholders or interested parties are welcome to join, even if residence or employment does not include Pennsylvania.
ARTICLE II:
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1.
Qualifications, Classification, and Privileges.
The PAATA membership currently consists of Credentialed Professional, Professional, Student, Retired Professional, Associate Professional, Friends of Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association, and Honorary Life Member. All of the PAATA members, except students, Associates, and Friends, will be eligible to vote and hold office in this chapter.
Credentialed Professional: Open to individuals who maintain current Registration (ATR) and/or Certification (ATR-BC) through the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. (ATCB). Credentialed members may participate in all activities of the association, receive all publications, and shall be eligible to vote, hold office, and serve on committees. Credentialed members must join/renew through the American Art Therapy Association.
Professional Membership: Open to individuals who have completed graduate- level training in art therapy. Professional members may participate in all activities of the association, receive all publications, and shall be eligible to vote, hold office, and serve on committees. Professional members must join/renew through the American Art Therapy Association.
Student Membership: Open to students officially enrolled in art therapy education and training courses. Student members may not vote or hold office but may serve on the Executive Board of the Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association as student representatives. Student members are eligible to participate in all activities of the association and receive all publications. Student Members must join/renew through the American Art Therapy Association.
Retired Professional: Open to members who have reached the age of 65 and are no longer engaged in the active practice of art therapy. Retired professionals shall be entitled to participate in all activities of the association, receive all publications, are eligible to vote, hold office, and serve on committees. Retired professionals must join/renew through the American Art Therapy Association.
Associate Professional: Individuals interested in art therapy and who wish to support the purposes and objectives of the association. This category is not open to individuals who have completed art therapy education programs or are working as art therapists. Associate Professional members may not vote or serve on the Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association Executive Board. Associate members are eligible to participate in all activities of the association and receive all publications. Associate Professionals must join/renew through the American Art Therapy Association.
Friends of the Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association: Open to individuals nationally or internationally who are interested in the therapeutic use of art including physicians, psychologists, or educators. Not open to individuals who have completed graduate-level training in art therapy. Friends of PAATA may not vote, hold office, or serve on committees. Friends are eligible to participate in all activities of the association and receive all publications. Friends need not be a member of the American Art Therapy Association.
Honorary Life Member: This member represents a credentialed art therapist that has demonstrated excellence in the field of art therapy advancement, as well as making significant contributions to the PAATA. Honorary Life Members are nominated by the membership and one is selected by the Executive Board bi- annually in even-numbered years. The award is presented during the PAATA Annual Conference.
Section 2.
Application for membership shall be in accord with the procedures established by the AATA Board of Directors.
Section 3.
Chapter Membership Dues.
A. Membership dues shall be established by the Executive Board of the PAATA and shall be due on the anniversary of the annual membership on January 1 of each year. Chapter membership dues shall not exceed the dues of the AATA. The prorating of dues will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
B. Members of the board will have their student and professional membership dues reimbursed during both years of office. Dues will be reimbursed in January for the preceding year.
Section 4.
Termination of Chapter Membership.
A. Members failing to pay Chapter dues sixty (60) days from the anniversary of the annual membership on January 1st of each year shall automatically forfeit their membership in this Chapter on the day after their last as of the sixty-first (61st) day of membership. Member benefits end, including voting rights, being removed from the supervisor and private practice lists, if applicable, member- specific discounts, and e-mail list communication. Individuals who have forfeited Chapter membership because of non-payment of dues may be reinstated in accord with policies established by the Chapter Executive Board.
B. Members who have had their membership in the AATA terminated, for any reason, shall immediately have their membership in this Chapter terminated. Upon reinstatement in the AATA, the Chapter’s Executive Board may grant reinstatement in the PAATA.
C. The Executive Board may suspend or expel any member of the PAATA for violation of these by-laws and any rules or ethics as put forth by AATA and the ATCB, procedures, and policies established by the PAATA by a two- thirds (2/3rds) vote of the entire Executive Board. Before the Executive Board takes such an action, written notice shall be sent to the member not less than thirty (30) days prior to the meeting of the Executive Board at which time the matter is to be considered. Said individual shall be entitled to a hearing facing the Executive Board before any decision is rendered.
Section 5.
Fiscal Year.
The fiscal year of the Chapter shall be January 1st through December 31st. In the event that the fiscal year of the AATA shall be other than January 1st through December 31st, this Chapter’s fiscal year shall be amended to correspond with the AATA’s fiscal year.
ARTICLE III.
OFFICERS
Section 1.
The officers of this chapter shall be President, President-Elect, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relations, Events, Newsletter, Membership, Archivist, Delegate & Alternate Delegate/Governmental Affairs, and Jobs Research as well as Student Representative(s). These officer positions may be held by co-chairs, with the approval of the majority of the Executive Board. Exceptions to this are the offices of the President and President-Elect. The Executive Board Members shall be composed of the President, President-Elect, Treasurer, and the Corresponding Secretary.
Student Representative(s) are liaisons between the art therapy programs in Pennsylvania and the PAATA. Their role is one of support, assisting with mentoring future professionals for governance. Student Representatives are recommended by the Program Directors and confirmed by the board.
Section 2.
Qualifications for Officers.
A. Credentialed Professional, Professional, Retired, and Honorary Life Members of the PAATA and the AATA shall be eligible to hold office in the chapter. Board members holding the position of President, President-Elect, and Treasurer, must also be Registered Art Therapists (ATR).
B. In the event that there is difficulty filling the positions of the board, the board may vote to fill the offices of Recording Secretary, Newsletter Chair, Jobs Research, PR Co-Chair, Events, and Archivist with an individual who is a current graduate art therapy student representative and/or an individual who has completed their coursework for their graduate art therapy degree but are continuing to work on their thesis or capstone at the discretion of the board. During this period of time, the Board members who are students will not have voting privileges. These will be considered interim positions until a qualified professional member is elected. The individual holding the interim position may then serve as a co-chair or member of a committee and will continue to receive board member privileges.
C. Student Representatives act as liaisons from undergraduate and graduate programs in the field of art therapy within the State of Pennsylvania in this chapter area. Graduate and undergraduate schools may have one student representative who is chosen by their Program Director and an alternate should the representative not be able to attend meetings or functions. If the Student Representative is a first-year student, the student is encouraged to continue into their second year to maintain continuity. Undergraduate schools may have one student representative; however, in the event that there is a need for an alternate, this will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Each school’s representative shall receive the privileges and benefits afforded to the holder of the representative position in Section 3, B. An alternate representative may be substituted should the representative not be able to attend meetings or functions, which will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Section 3.
Terms of Office.
A. Officers shall serve for a two (2) year term, which will commence on January 1st to coincide with the fiscal year. Those joining the board prior to this date do so knowing their term starts January 1st.
B. There will be a three (3) month mentoring period in which, following the end of their term, the outgoing board member will be available to the incoming board member.
C. No elected official may serve more than two (2) consecutive terms in the same office unless termination of the office will leave a vacancy on the board and it is determined at such time to be in the best interest of the PAATA for the elected official to remain. This will be determined by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of the Board.
D. An alternate representative may be substituted should the representative not be able to attend meetings or functions, which will be determined on a case- by-case basis.
Section 4.
Nomination and Election of Officers.
A. The Board will notify the PAATA membership of vacancies.
B. Nominations for open Board positions will be submitted by the PAATA membership.
C. The Board will consider nominations. Candidates will be inducted based on a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of the Board.
D. If the vote of the Board does not break the tie, then the tie shall be broken by drawing lots.
Section 5.
Duties of Officers.
A. Officers shall perform those duties prescribed by the Board of the PAATA and the parliamentary authority adopted by the Chapter, manage the business of the Chapter between meetings of the Chapter and perform those additional duties prescribed from time to time by the members.
B. The Delegate or Alternate Delegate/Governmental Affairs chairperson will receive financial coverage for the basic conference registration fee + a $100.00 stipend for expenses to attend the Meeting of Chapters business meeting at the AATA National Conference. In the event that neither of these individuals can attend, another board member can attend or a membership proxy and receive the same financial coverage.
C. Members of the board and general members of the PAATA conference committee will attend the annual PAATA conference free of charge.
D. Specifics of each Executive Board position can be found in the Appendix- Board Position Manual
E. Regular and special meetings of the Board shall be called by the President or by a majority of the Executive Board. Meetings of the Executive Board of the PAATA will be held on a consistent monthly basis as agreed upon by the Executive Board.
F. Communication with the Board and its membership shall be via email at [email protected]. The password for this account will be changed on a yearly basis or for security reasons as needed.
G. Notification of all meetings of the Board shall be given to each Board member at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting.
H. A quorum for all meetings of the Executive Board who have voting rights shall be a majority of the members of the Executive Board.
I. Attendance at any meeting may be in person, by proxy, telephonic communication, or online communication.
J. The Executive Board may take any action without meeting if such action is communicated by email survey among all of the members of the Executive Board.
Section 6.
Official Representative for the Association.
When an officer or Director is speaking for or acting as an official representative of the Association, said activity must have prior approval from the President of the Executive Committee.
Section 7.
Vacancies.
A. A vacancy in the office of the President shall be filled for the unexpired term by the President-Elect.
B. In the event that the President-Elect shall succeed to the office of President, a special election may be held to fill the position of President-Elect.
C. Vacancies may be filled by appointment of the President with approval by at least two (2) other members of the Executive Board. Then, a majority vote must be made by the remaining members of the Executive Board. Officers thus appointed will serve until the next regular election, at which point a majority vote by the Board will decide if such officers will remain on the Board for a full term. If no action is taken by the Board or President, the officer position shall remain vacant until the next election.
Section 8.
Removal from Office.
A. Any officer may be nominated for removal from office at any time by a vote of five (5) members of the Board, excluding such officers as are the subject of the vote, and then such removal shall be by the majority vote of the remaining members of the Board.
B. If any officer is in conflict with the AATA’s and/ or ATCB’s Code of Ethics and/or the PAATA’s mission statement the board member will be immediately asked to leave without the need for a vote.
C. Officers must submit a notice of their plan to be absent from an upcoming Board meeting, preferably by e-mail to the board. In the event that two (2) meetings are missed without notice, the board will vote to remove the individual from office by a majority vote of the members of the Board.
ARTICLE IV.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1.
Executive Board
The Executive Board Members shall be composed of the President, President- Elect, Treasurer, and the Corresponding Secretary.
Section 2.
Responsibilities of Executive Committee
A. The Executive Committee shall be empowered to make all necessary decisions between Board meetings to ensure the continuous functioning of the Association.
B. An accounting of all activities and decisions shall be submitted by the Secretary at each Board meeting of the Board of Directors for ratification by the Board.
C. In the event that an action taken by the Executive Committee does not meet with majority approval by the Board of Directors when presented for ratification, a motion rescinding the motion for action taken must be approved by 2/3rds of the Board of Directors.
D. When Executive Committee conference calls (or other electronic means of communication) result in a vote, the minutes and motions of that call will be recorded by the Secretary and distributed to the Executive Committee for their approval. Recommended revisions will be submitted to the Secretary who will submit the conference call motions and minutes (with revisions) to the Board of Directors for their approval at the next Board meeting.
Section 3.
Executive Committee Consensus
A. Executive Committee votes shall be unanimous to pass. Any dissenting vote will require the issue to be submitted for the vote of the full Board of Directors.
B. If consensus cannot be achieved by the Executive Committee, the issue shall be presented to the Board of Directors for resolution.
C. If a decision must be made before the next scheduled meeting of the Board, the issue shall be presented to the Board of Directors for a decision by electronic ballot.
ARTICLE V.
MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERSHIP
Section 1.
A. The Chapter shall hold a meeting open to all members at such time and place as is mutually agreed to by the Board of the PAATA.
B. A communication with the membership will be through the PAATA website and e-mail unless the member does not have the capability and requests a paper notification.
C. The members-only password (if applicable) will be changed on March 2nd of every year. Those returning or new members registering prior to that date will continue to use the existing password.
Section 2.
Special meetings of the Chapter may also be called by the President, a majority of the Board, or more than fifty percent (50%) of the membership of the PAATA.
Section 3.
Notification of all open meetings shall be sent to the membership no less than thirty (30) days prior to the meeting.
Section 4.
Quorum: Those voting members present at a meeting shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE VI.
PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The parliamentary writings of General Henry M. Roberts, Roberts Rules of Order, most recently revised, govern the PAATA in all cases not covered by these by-laws or the Chapter’s organizing document, as amended.
ARTICLE VII.
AMENDMENTS
Section 1.
Amendments to these by-laws may be proposed in writing by any two (2) voting members, which shall be considered, put in proper form, and approved as to form by the Executive Board. The proposed amendment shall be submitted to the voting members for approval.
Section 2.
Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the voting membership at least thirty (30) days in advance of the deadline for receiving ballots.
Section 3.
A majority vote of the members voting shall be required to adopt any proposed by-law amendment.
Section 4.
Once approved by the voting membership, any by-law amendment must be approved by the AATA before it becomes effective. The AATA shall have the power to approve any and all amendments to the PAATA by-laws.
Section 5.
No amendment shall be made to these by-laws, which would interfere with or terminate the PAATA or the AATA’s status as a charitable organization pursuant to Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
ARTICLE VIII.
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1.
The Association will hold a directors’ and officers’ insurance policy. The Association shall indemnify all Officers for expenses incurred with the defense or settlement of any claim against such person by reason of service as an Officer unless a judgment or adjudication shall establish that such claim arose or resulted from any dishonest, fraudulent, criminal, malicious or knowingly wrongful act, error or omission of such person.
Section 2.
The Association will hold liability insurance to cover expenses incurred with the defense or settlement of any claim against the chapter.
ARTICLE IX.
DISSOLUTION
The PAATA is not organized for pecuniary profit, nor shall it have any power to issue certificates of stock or declare dividends, and no part of its net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any member, director, or trustee, or individual. The balance, if any, of all money received by the PAATA from its operation, after payment in full of all debts and obligations of whatsoever kind and nature, shall be used and distributed exclusively for carrying out only the purpose of dissolution of the PAATA, particularly set forth herein above. In the event of the business, property, and assets of the PAATA shall be distributed to the AATA provided that it is still a qualified non-profit organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3), otherwise to an organization or organizations of like purpose or pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 7986 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law); as the trustees of the Chapter may select and designate; and in no event shall any of said assets or property, in the event of a dissolution thereof, go or be distributed to members, either for the reimbursements of any sums subscribed, donated, or contributed by such members, or for any other purpose.
Adopted 12-7-13
Amended 12-6-14
Amended 6-27-15
Amended 12-7-2019
Adopted December 7, 2019
ARTICLE I.
NAME, PURPOSE, AND GEOGRAPHIC JURISDICTION
Section 1.
The name of the Chapter shall be the Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association (PAATA). It is a non-profit entity, organized under the laws of Pennsylvania and an affiliate chapter of the American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (AATA).
Section 2.
The purpose of the PAATA shall be: to support and work in conjunction with the AATA toward the provision of educational opportunities within the field of Art Therapy for members and the general public as well as Art Therapy professionals; the promotion of public awareness of the field of Art Therapy; the progressive development of the therapeutic use of art; the advancement of research and standards of clinical practice; the maintenance of criteria for training for future art therapists in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques; the provision of appropriate vehicles for the exchange of information with colleagues and the general public; the coordination of the therapeutic use of art in institutional or private practice settings; and the bestowing of scholarships and awards. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, this entity is organized exclusively for such purposes as are authorized and permitted by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), and shall not carry on any activities which are not permitted to be carried on by an entity exempt from taxation under said Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Section 3.
The geographic jurisdiction of the PAATA includes the states of Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware. Stakeholders or interested parties are welcome to join, even if residence or employment does not include Pennsylvania.
ARTICLE II:
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1.
Qualifications, Classification, and Privileges.
The PAATA membership currently consists of Credentialed Professional, Professional, Student, Retired Professional, Associate Professional, Friends of Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association, and Honorary Life Member. All of the PAATA members, except students, Associates, and Friends, will be eligible to vote and hold office in this chapter.
Credentialed Professional: Open to individuals who maintain current Registration (ATR) and/or Certification (ATR-BC) through the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. (ATCB). Credentialed members may participate in all activities of the association, receive all publications, and shall be eligible to vote, hold office, and serve on committees. Credentialed members must join/renew through the American Art Therapy Association.
Professional Membership: Open to individuals who have completed graduate- level training in art therapy. Professional members may participate in all activities of the association, receive all publications, and shall be eligible to vote, hold office, and serve on committees. Professional members must join/renew through the American Art Therapy Association.
Student Membership: Open to students officially enrolled in art therapy education and training courses. Student members may not vote or hold office but may serve on the Executive Board of the Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association as student representatives. Student members are eligible to participate in all activities of the association and receive all publications. Student Members must join/renew through the American Art Therapy Association.
Retired Professional: Open to members who have reached the age of 65 and are no longer engaged in the active practice of art therapy. Retired professionals shall be entitled to participate in all activities of the association, receive all publications, are eligible to vote, hold office, and serve on committees. Retired professionals must join/renew through the American Art Therapy Association.
Associate Professional: Individuals interested in art therapy and who wish to support the purposes and objectives of the association. This category is not open to individuals who have completed art therapy education programs or are working as art therapists. Associate Professional members may not vote or serve on the Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association Executive Board. Associate members are eligible to participate in all activities of the association and receive all publications. Associate Professionals must join/renew through the American Art Therapy Association.
Friends of the Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association: Open to individuals nationally or internationally who are interested in the therapeutic use of art including physicians, psychologists, or educators. Not open to individuals who have completed graduate-level training in art therapy. Friends of PAATA may not vote, hold office, or serve on committees. Friends are eligible to participate in all activities of the association and receive all publications. Friends need not be a member of the American Art Therapy Association.
Honorary Life Member: This member represents a credentialed art therapist that has demonstrated excellence in the field of art therapy advancement, as well as making significant contributions to the PAATA. Honorary Life Members are nominated by the membership and one is selected by the Executive Board bi- annually in even-numbered years. The award is presented during the PAATA Annual Conference.
Section 2.
Application for membership shall be in accord with the procedures established by the AATA Board of Directors.
Section 3.
Chapter Membership Dues.
A. Membership dues shall be established by the Executive Board of the PAATA and shall be due on the anniversary of the annual membership on January 1 of each year. Chapter membership dues shall not exceed the dues of the AATA. The prorating of dues will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
B. Members of the board will have their student and professional membership dues reimbursed during both years of office. Dues will be reimbursed in January for the preceding year.
Section 4.
Termination of Chapter Membership.
A. Members failing to pay Chapter dues sixty (60) days from the anniversary of the annual membership on January 1st of each year shall automatically forfeit their membership in this Chapter on the day after their last as of the sixty-first (61st) day of membership. Member benefits end, including voting rights, being removed from the supervisor and private practice lists, if applicable, member- specific discounts, and e-mail list communication. Individuals who have forfeited Chapter membership because of non-payment of dues may be reinstated in accord with policies established by the Chapter Executive Board.
B. Members who have had their membership in the AATA terminated, for any reason, shall immediately have their membership in this Chapter terminated. Upon reinstatement in the AATA, the Chapter’s Executive Board may grant reinstatement in the PAATA.
C. The Executive Board may suspend or expel any member of the PAATA for violation of these by-laws and any rules or ethics as put forth by AATA and the ATCB, procedures, and policies established by the PAATA by a two- thirds (2/3rds) vote of the entire Executive Board. Before the Executive Board takes such an action, written notice shall be sent to the member not less than thirty (30) days prior to the meeting of the Executive Board at which time the matter is to be considered. Said individual shall be entitled to a hearing facing the Executive Board before any decision is rendered.
Section 5.
Fiscal Year.
The fiscal year of the Chapter shall be January 1st through December 31st. In the event that the fiscal year of the AATA shall be other than January 1st through December 31st, this Chapter’s fiscal year shall be amended to correspond with the AATA’s fiscal year.
ARTICLE III.
OFFICERS
Section 1.
The officers of this chapter shall be President, President-Elect, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relations, Events, Newsletter, Membership, Archivist, Delegate & Alternate Delegate/Governmental Affairs, and Jobs Research as well as Student Representative(s). These officer positions may be held by co-chairs, with the approval of the majority of the Executive Board. Exceptions to this are the offices of the President and President-Elect. The Executive Board Members shall be composed of the President, President-Elect, Treasurer, and the Corresponding Secretary.
Student Representative(s) are liaisons between the art therapy programs in Pennsylvania and the PAATA. Their role is one of support, assisting with mentoring future professionals for governance. Student Representatives are recommended by the Program Directors and confirmed by the board.
Section 2.
Qualifications for Officers.
A. Credentialed Professional, Professional, Retired, and Honorary Life Members of the PAATA and the AATA shall be eligible to hold office in the chapter. Board members holding the position of President, President-Elect, and Treasurer, must also be Registered Art Therapists (ATR).
B. In the event that there is difficulty filling the positions of the board, the board may vote to fill the offices of Recording Secretary, Newsletter Chair, Jobs Research, PR Co-Chair, Events, and Archivist with an individual who is a current graduate art therapy student representative and/or an individual who has completed their coursework for their graduate art therapy degree but are continuing to work on their thesis or capstone at the discretion of the board. During this period of time, the Board members who are students will not have voting privileges. These will be considered interim positions until a qualified professional member is elected. The individual holding the interim position may then serve as a co-chair or member of a committee and will continue to receive board member privileges.
C. Student Representatives act as liaisons from undergraduate and graduate programs in the field of art therapy within the State of Pennsylvania in this chapter area. Graduate and undergraduate schools may have one student representative who is chosen by their Program Director and an alternate should the representative not be able to attend meetings or functions. If the Student Representative is a first-year student, the student is encouraged to continue into their second year to maintain continuity. Undergraduate schools may have one student representative; however, in the event that there is a need for an alternate, this will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Each school’s representative shall receive the privileges and benefits afforded to the holder of the representative position in Section 3, B. An alternate representative may be substituted should the representative not be able to attend meetings or functions, which will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Section 3.
Terms of Office.
A. Officers shall serve for a two (2) year term, which will commence on January 1st to coincide with the fiscal year. Those joining the board prior to this date do so knowing their term starts January 1st.
B. There will be a three (3) month mentoring period in which, following the end of their term, the outgoing board member will be available to the incoming board member.
C. No elected official may serve more than two (2) consecutive terms in the same office unless termination of the office will leave a vacancy on the board and it is determined at such time to be in the best interest of the PAATA for the elected official to remain. This will be determined by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of the Board.
D. An alternate representative may be substituted should the representative not be able to attend meetings or functions, which will be determined on a case- by-case basis.
Section 4.
Nomination and Election of Officers.
A. The Board will notify the PAATA membership of vacancies.
B. Nominations for open Board positions will be submitted by the PAATA membership.
C. The Board will consider nominations. Candidates will be inducted based on a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of the Board.
D. If the vote of the Board does not break the tie, then the tie shall be broken by drawing lots.
Section 5.
Duties of Officers.
A. Officers shall perform those duties prescribed by the Board of the PAATA and the parliamentary authority adopted by the Chapter, manage the business of the Chapter between meetings of the Chapter and perform those additional duties prescribed from time to time by the members.
B. The Delegate or Alternate Delegate/Governmental Affairs chairperson will receive financial coverage for the basic conference registration fee + a $100.00 stipend for expenses to attend the Meeting of Chapters business meeting at the AATA National Conference. In the event that neither of these individuals can attend, another board member can attend or a membership proxy and receive the same financial coverage.
C. Members of the board and general members of the PAATA conference committee will attend the annual PAATA conference free of charge.
D. Specifics of each Executive Board position can be found in the Appendix- Board Position Manual
E. Regular and special meetings of the Board shall be called by the President or by a majority of the Executive Board. Meetings of the Executive Board of the PAATA will be held on a consistent monthly basis as agreed upon by the Executive Board.
F. Communication with the Board and its membership shall be via email at [email protected]. The password for this account will be changed on a yearly basis or for security reasons as needed.
G. Notification of all meetings of the Board shall be given to each Board member at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting.
H. A quorum for all meetings of the Executive Board who have voting rights shall be a majority of the members of the Executive Board.
I. Attendance at any meeting may be in person, by proxy, telephonic communication, or online communication.
J. The Executive Board may take any action without meeting if such action is communicated by email survey among all of the members of the Executive Board.
Section 6.
Official Representative for the Association.
When an officer or Director is speaking for or acting as an official representative of the Association, said activity must have prior approval from the President of the Executive Committee.
Section 7.
Vacancies.
A. A vacancy in the office of the President shall be filled for the unexpired term by the President-Elect.
B. In the event that the President-Elect shall succeed to the office of President, a special election may be held to fill the position of President-Elect.
C. Vacancies may be filled by appointment of the President with approval by at least two (2) other members of the Executive Board. Then, a majority vote must be made by the remaining members of the Executive Board. Officers thus appointed will serve until the next regular election, at which point a majority vote by the Board will decide if such officers will remain on the Board for a full term. If no action is taken by the Board or President, the officer position shall remain vacant until the next election.
Section 8.
Removal from Office.
A. Any officer may be nominated for removal from office at any time by a vote of five (5) members of the Board, excluding such officers as are the subject of the vote, and then such removal shall be by the majority vote of the remaining members of the Board.
B. If any officer is in conflict with the AATA’s and/ or ATCB’s Code of Ethics and/or the PAATA’s mission statement the board member will be immediately asked to leave without the need for a vote.
C. Officers must submit a notice of their plan to be absent from an upcoming Board meeting, preferably by e-mail to the board. In the event that two (2) meetings are missed without notice, the board will vote to remove the individual from office by a majority vote of the members of the Board.
ARTICLE IV.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1.
Executive Board
The Executive Board Members shall be composed of the President, President- Elect, Treasurer, and the Corresponding Secretary.
Section 2.
Responsibilities of Executive Committee
A. The Executive Committee shall be empowered to make all necessary decisions between Board meetings to ensure the continuous functioning of the Association.
B. An accounting of all activities and decisions shall be submitted by the Secretary at each Board meeting of the Board of Directors for ratification by the Board.
C. In the event that an action taken by the Executive Committee does not meet with majority approval by the Board of Directors when presented for ratification, a motion rescinding the motion for action taken must be approved by 2/3rds of the Board of Directors.
D. When Executive Committee conference calls (or other electronic means of communication) result in a vote, the minutes and motions of that call will be recorded by the Secretary and distributed to the Executive Committee for their approval. Recommended revisions will be submitted to the Secretary who will submit the conference call motions and minutes (with revisions) to the Board of Directors for their approval at the next Board meeting.
Section 3.
Executive Committee Consensus
A. Executive Committee votes shall be unanimous to pass. Any dissenting vote will require the issue to be submitted for the vote of the full Board of Directors.
B. If consensus cannot be achieved by the Executive Committee, the issue shall be presented to the Board of Directors for resolution.
C. If a decision must be made before the next scheduled meeting of the Board, the issue shall be presented to the Board of Directors for a decision by electronic ballot.
ARTICLE V.
MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERSHIP
Section 1.
A. The Chapter shall hold a meeting open to all members at such time and place as is mutually agreed to by the Board of the PAATA.
B. A communication with the membership will be through the PAATA website and e-mail unless the member does not have the capability and requests a paper notification.
C. The members-only password (if applicable) will be changed on March 2nd of every year. Those returning or new members registering prior to that date will continue to use the existing password.
Section 2.
Special meetings of the Chapter may also be called by the President, a majority of the Board, or more than fifty percent (50%) of the membership of the PAATA.
Section 3.
Notification of all open meetings shall be sent to the membership no less than thirty (30) days prior to the meeting.
Section 4.
Quorum: Those voting members present at a meeting shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE VI.
PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The parliamentary writings of General Henry M. Roberts, Roberts Rules of Order, most recently revised, govern the PAATA in all cases not covered by these by-laws or the Chapter’s organizing document, as amended.
ARTICLE VII.
AMENDMENTS
Section 1.
Amendments to these by-laws may be proposed in writing by any two (2) voting members, which shall be considered, put in proper form, and approved as to form by the Executive Board. The proposed amendment shall be submitted to the voting members for approval.
Section 2.
Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the voting membership at least thirty (30) days in advance of the deadline for receiving ballots.
Section 3.
A majority vote of the members voting shall be required to adopt any proposed by-law amendment.
Section 4.
Once approved by the voting membership, any by-law amendment must be approved by the AATA before it becomes effective. The AATA shall have the power to approve any and all amendments to the PAATA by-laws.
Section 5.
No amendment shall be made to these by-laws, which would interfere with or terminate the PAATA or the AATA’s status as a charitable organization pursuant to Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
ARTICLE VIII.
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1.
The Association will hold a directors’ and officers’ insurance policy. The Association shall indemnify all Officers for expenses incurred with the defense or settlement of any claim against such person by reason of service as an Officer unless a judgment or adjudication shall establish that such claim arose or resulted from any dishonest, fraudulent, criminal, malicious or knowingly wrongful act, error or omission of such person.
Section 2.
The Association will hold liability insurance to cover expenses incurred with the defense or settlement of any claim against the chapter.
ARTICLE IX.
DISSOLUTION
The PAATA is not organized for pecuniary profit, nor shall it have any power to issue certificates of stock or declare dividends, and no part of its net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any member, director, or trustee, or individual. The balance, if any, of all money received by the PAATA from its operation, after payment in full of all debts and obligations of whatsoever kind and nature, shall be used and distributed exclusively for carrying out only the purpose of dissolution of the PAATA, particularly set forth herein above. In the event of the business, property, and assets of the PAATA shall be distributed to the AATA provided that it is still a qualified non-profit organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3), otherwise to an organization or organizations of like purpose or pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 7986 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law); as the trustees of the Chapter may select and designate; and in no event shall any of said assets or property, in the event of a dissolution thereof, go or be distributed to members, either for the reimbursements of any sums subscribed, donated, or contributed by such members, or for any other purpose.
Adopted 12-7-13
Amended 12-6-14
Amended 6-27-15
Amended 12-7-2019