National Federation of the Blind of Oregon

Constitution
Rose City Chapter
National Federation of the Blind of Oregon

Article I: Name and Affiliation

Section One: Name

The name of this organization shall be the Rose City Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon (hereafter referred to as RCC or chapter).

The RCC shall be an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon (hereafter referred to as NFBO or state affiliate), which in turn shall be an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind (hereafter referred to as NFB or Federation).


Section Two: Affiliation

Membership in this organization automatically establishes membership in the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon, and the National Federation of the Blind.
Each year, on or before February 1, the RCC shall provide the NFBO President with a list of members along with their contact information, as well as a list of the elected officers.


Article II: Purpose

The purpose of this organization shall be to work for the benefit of the blind of the Portland metropolitan area, the state of Oregon, and the nation. We strive to help blind persons enter mainstream society by teaching them alternative skills, instilling self confidence, and educating the public about the capabilities of blind people.
 
The RCC shall function as an integral part of the Federation. The chapter shall operate in accordance with guidelines and directives established by the Federation and the state affiliate, whether by a vote at national/state convention or by the NFB/NFBO Board of Directors.


Article III: Membership and Dues

Section One: Members

At least a majority of the members of the RCC must be blind. Members pay annual dues, entitling them to vote, run for office, and speak on the floor.

Guests are always welcome to attend meetings and contribute to discussions, but may not vote or hold office. A guest who wishes to join the chapter must take and abide by the NFB Pledge before paying dues and becoming a member.


Section Two: Dues

As a condition of membership in this organization, members shall be assessed annual dues in an amount specified by the chapter. The NFBO Board of Directors shall determine a set amount, taken out of the dues of each member, to be sent to the state treasurer.


Section 3: Expulsion

Any member may be expelled for violation of this Constitution or for conduct unbecoming a member of the Federation by a majority vote of the active members present and voting at any regular business session of this organization. A member thus expelled may appeal the expulsion to the state affiliate, then to the NFB itself in accordance with the regulations established by each body.


Article IV:  Election of Officers

There shall be elected annually a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer (hereafter referred to as Officers). A majority of the officers, including the President and Vice President, must be blind. The terms of these officers shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected and qualified. Officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the members who are present and voting. There shall be no proxy voting. If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of nominees, and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue until one nominee receives a majority vote of the members present and voting. Elections should be held during the November meeting but no later than at least 60 days before the next year’s dues are to be collected so as to encourage the current membership to control the outcome of the elections.

The names of newly elected officers shall be provided to the NFBO office as soon as
possible after an election.

Article V: Meetings

Section One: Regular Meetings

This organization shall hold regular meetings at a time and place to be determined by the membership. At least one third (1/3) of the members must be present to constitute a quorum to transact business.


Section Two: Special Meetings

The President, or a majority of the Board of Directors, officers of this organization may call a special meeting of the body at any time such action is deemed to be necessary. At such a meeting, at least one third (1/3) of the active members must be present to constitute a quorum to transact business.


Article VI: Committees

The President may appoint such committees as he/she or the membership deem necessary.


Article VII: Disbursement of Funds

The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a financial institution to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. Expenditures shall be made on the written order of the President and transactions shall be conducted by the treasurer. All transactions, both deposits and expenditures, shall be made in a manner which generates a written record of the transaction.


Article VIII: Dissolution

In the event of the dissolution of this organization, or if (for whatever reason) it ceases to be a part of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon, its assets shall be given to the NFBO, to be held in trust for a reorganized chapter in the area. In the event that no chapter is reorganized in the area within two (2) years from the date this organization ceases to be an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon, the assets become the property of the NFBO.

Non-financial assets such as minutes, membership lists, and other property owned by the chapter shall also pass to the state affiliate if the chapter is dissolved.


Article IX: Amendments

This Constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of this chapter by an affirmative vote of two thirds (2/3) of the members present and voting, provided the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing and read at a previous business session and provided it is in compliance with the provisions of the Charter of Affiliation received from the NFB and with the policies of the state affiliate and NFB.

Any changes or amendments to the RCC Constitution shall be sent to the NFBO President promptly after such changes are approved.

Last revised January 14, 2014