Preamble
Believing that creditable student effort and achievement should be encouraged and rewarded, and seeking to cultivate the ideals of service and leadership in our citizens of tomorrow, the governing body of the National Honorary Beta Club has instituted this organization for the promotion of these ideals, and those stated in the Beta Creed, among elementary and secondary school students. To implement this purpose the following articles have been adopted.
Article I
Name
The name of this organization shall be The National Honorary Beta Club. The name of each individual chapter of the organization shall be designated by the name of the school at which it is located.
Article II
Purpose
The purpose of this organization shall be: to promote the ideals of honesty, service, morality, ethical conduct, and leadership among elementary and secondary school students, to reward meritorious achievement, and to encourage and assist students in continuing their education after high school.
Article III
Governance
The governance of The National Honorary Beta Club shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors, officers, committees, and state and local organizations, as provided for in the Bylaws.
Article IV
Membership
The National Honorary Beta Club shall consist of members as provided for in the Bylaws.
Article V
Officers
The National Honorary Beta Club shall have officers
as designated in the Bylaws. The qualifications of officers, the methods
of their selection, and their respective powers and duties shall be set
forth in the Bylaws, Official Operating Codes, Minutes, Handbooks or Manuals.
Article VI
Amendments
This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds
majority vote of the members of the Board of Directors in attendance at
any of its regular or called meetings. The proposed amendment must be provided
all Board Members and the Executive Director at least thirty days prior
to the meeting. All officials of the organization are to be notified in
writing of any and all amendments to the Constitution and shall abide by
them as by the stipulations of the original Constitution.
Article VII
Bylaws
Bylaws which shall be consistent with this Constitution
may be adopted. Such Bylaws may contain any provisions necessary for the
orderly administration of the National Honorary Beta Club and its affairs
including, but not limited to, the governing authorities, officers, elections,
and meetings, provided that should there be any inconsistency between this
Constitution and the Bylaws, this Constitution shall prevail.
Article VIII
Dissolution
Procedures for voluntary dissolution are stated in Article XVIII of the Bylaws.
Bylaws
Article I
Governance
The National Honorary Beta Club, henceforth titled
The National Beta Club in these Bylaws and in all future use of this title
for the organization, shall be governed by: (l) a Board of Directors, (2)
State Councils, (3) State Assemblies, (4) members-at-large, (5) local school
administrators, and (6) sponsors.
Article III of the Constitution provides for establishing
the following specifications as to the governance of the Beta Club:
Section 1. The Board of Directors
Subsection 1- National Officers
The Board shall elect its National Officers: a Chairman and a Chairman-elect
for a period of one year at its regular annual meeting. All officers shall
assume office the first day of the month following their election;
Subsection 2 - Executive Director
The Board shall select and appoint an Executive Director who will
serve as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in man-aging the affairs of
the National Beta Club in compliance with policies and procedures established
by the Board. The contract shall be for three years and is renewable at
the Board's discretion;
Subsection 3 - Board Composition
The Board shall be made up of the chairperson from each State Beta
Council;
Subsection 4 - Term of Office
The Board members' terms shall be for three years with no more than
one-third of the members of the Board being scheduled for election in one
year;
Subsection 5 - Meetings
The Board shall meet at least once a year at such a time and place
as shall have been determined at the last preceding meeting of the Board.
Special meetings may be called upon the recommendation of the Chairman
and Executive Director or through special arrangements approved by the
Board of Directors;
Subsection 6 - Quorum
Two-thirds of the Board must be in attendance in order to constitute
a quorum;
Subsection 7 - Policies and Regulations
It shall be the duty of the Board to establish all policies and
regulations of the National Beta Club;
Subsection 8 - Audit and Budget
The Board shall receive the annual audit of the National Office,
and shall approve the annual budget for the next succeeding year;
Subsection 9 - Annual Report
The Board shall receive the annual report of activities, and activities
planned for the succeeding year at the Annual Board meeting;
Subsection 10 - Committees
The Board shall set up such organizational committees as shall be
necessary for the proper supervision and direction of the affairs of the
organization.
Section 2. State Councils
Subsection 1 - Composition
The Council shall be made up of not more than twelve (12) individuals
who are actively employed in the field of education within the various
states. All Council members, in order to serve, must be associated with
schools that have active chapters of Beta Club if the potential exists.
One-half of the Council members shall be elected by the State Assembly,
one-fourth shall be elected by the Council from the State Assembly, and
one-fourth may be elected by the Council from any field of education. The
tenure of office of those members elected by the Assembly shall be for
a period of three years. The rotation of State Council members elected
to three year terms shall be accomplished by electing a proportional number
(up to one-third) of these members on an annual basis. The Council-elected
members shall hold office at the pleasure of the Council. In the event
that an assembly-elected state council member is unable to serve a full
term of three years, an election shall be held at the annual state assembly
meeting to fill the vacancy. A member elected to fill an unexpired term
of one year or less, may succeed himself. If more than one year remains
in the unexpired term, a member may not succeed himself.
Subsection 2 - Meetings
The Council shall meet at least once a year at such time and place
as shall be determined at the last preceding meeting. Special meetings
may be called upon the recommendation of the Council chairman and the Executive
Director;
Subsection 3 - Policies and Regulations
The Council shall take under advisement the development of regulations
concerning the operation, governance, and servicing of the chapters within
the state. The decisions of the Council concerning activities and regulations
within the state shall be final, except when the proposed activities and
regulations are in conflict with policies established by the Board of Directors,
or contained in the Constitution and Bylaws;
Subsection 4 - Chairman
The Council membership shall elect one of its members as chairman
for a three-year term. The chairman may be elected for succeeding terms.
This individual shall serve as a member of the Board and assume this responsibility
the first day of the month following the election of the National Officers;
Subsection 5 - Vice-Chairman
The Council membership shall elect one of its members as vice-chairman
for a three-year term. This individual shall serve as a member of the Council
and will assume the responsibilities of the chairman in his absence. The
vice-chairman may serve succeeding terms.
Section 3. State Assemblies
Subsection 1 - Composition
The Assembly shall be made up of principals and superinten-dents
of schools where chapters of the Beta Club exist;
Subsection 2 - Meetings
The Assembly shall meet at least once a year at the time and place
of the State Beta Club convention with the Council Chairman presiding;
Subsection 3 - Policies and Regulations
The Assembly shall take under advisement such matters as it sees
fit to consider, and shall pass on its findings and recommendations to
the Council for official action;
Subsection 4 - Elections
Each Assembly shall elect annually, from among the school principals
and superintendents of the state, members to fill a vacancy or vacancies
on the Council one-half of these members must be principals. These members
of the Council shall hold office for a period of three years. No member
elected for a full term shall immediately succeed himself.
Section 4. Members-At-Large
Non-convention states having chapters of the National
Beta Club or the National Junior Beta Club are entitled to representation
by administrators who serve as members-at-large. A non-convention state
is eligible for one member-at-large per club not to exceed twelve members-at-large.
These members-at-large are appointed by the Executive Director and would
elect from among themselves a spokesperson who would consult directly with
the Executive Director concerning the status and growth of Beta Club in
that state.
When a non-convention state meets the criteria,
as stated in Article IX of the Bylaws, for conducting a state convention
at the Junior or Senior level, the members-at-large would become Council
members at the time of the first state meeting.
Section 5. Local School Administration
The school administration has the immediate responsibility for the policies and activities of the local clubs.
Section 6. Sponsors
Subsection 1- Club Sponsors
The work of the local club shall be carried on under
the supervision and with the advice of a club sponsor. A superintendent
or principal may choose to personally serve as sponsor, or may appoint
someone to act in this capacity, or may leave the selection of a sponsor
to the membership of the club.
The extent of the participation of the sponsor in
the working of the organization shall be left to each sponsor's discretion.
However, in all events, conducting the business of meetings should be left
to the students themselves; thus affording the student officers and committees
practice in parliamentary procedure.
Subsection 2 - Co-Sponsor
A co-sponsor(s) may be appointed or selected in the same manner
as sponsors.
Subsection 3 - State Sponsor
Each state that has a convention shall elect one representative
from among the local chapter sponsors to serve as state sponsor for a two-year
term.
Subsection 4 - State Sponsor-Elect
Each state that has a convention shall elect one representative
from among the local chapter sponsors to serve as state sponsor-elect for
a two-year term. The sponsor-elect will become the state sponsor upon the
completion of the two-year term or upon the resignation of the state sponsor.
Article II
Membership
Section 1. Charter Membership
Any elementary or secondary school which includes any of the grades 5-12 shall be eligible to apply for a chapter of the National Junior Beta Club, grades 5-9, or the National Senior Beta Club, grades 9-12.
Section 2. Student Membership
Students in the elementary and secondary schools
who shall qualify for membership according to stipulations and regulations
set forth in these Bylaws shall constitute the individual chapters of the
National Beta Club.
A minimum of five members is required to charter
a club. There are no restrictions on the maximum number of members per
club. Membership is not limited to any certain percentage of the students
in the various classes. Requirements of membership are solely qualitative
within the scope and regulations specified in these Bylaws.
Section 3. Qualifications
Membership is a privilege and not a right. The qualifications
for membership on the part of the student shall be: (a) worthy, moral and
ethical character, (b) good mentality, (c) creditable achievement, and
(d) commendable attitude. The standards and means for appraising these
qualities shall be determined by the administration of the school where
the chapter is located. Since the purpose of the organization is to select,
honor, and encourage students possessing these characteristics, it shall
be within the province of the administration of each school to set up such
local standards of membership as shall best serve to bring together in
the chapter students who merit distinction because of these qualifications.
All students must be performing on or above grade level. Local school administrations
are at liberty to limit membership to certain grades.
Specific academic requirements for membership are
not established at the national level, since systems of grading and merit-determination
vary in different schools. It is recommended that each local school and
club establish such academic requirements for membership as shall insure
the selection of students of creditable qualifications.
At no time shall membership in the National Beta
Club make it incumbent upon a member to alter his or her religious, or
political ideas or affiliations.
Section 4. Selection
The method of selection of eligible students and
their election to membership shall be determined by the administrative
head (administrator) of the school. The Administrator may:
a. Select students for membership according to standards
which shall be established, or,
b. Delegate the selection of students for membership
to the school faculty, or
c. Nominate and have the faculty select from the
nominations.
Section 5. Membership Fees
Subsection 1- National Fees
There are no charter charges.
The membership fee for entry into the Senior Beta Club (grades 9-12)
is thirteen dollars; the fee for Junior Beta Club (grades 5-9) is thirteen
dollars. This is the only membership fee the student pays to the national
organization. This amount defrays the cost of (l) a certificate of membership,
(2) a membership card, (3) an official pin, (4) a subscription to the Beta
Club Journal for the time the member is in school, and (5) a seal for the
senior high school diploma of each student upon graduation. In addition,
these funds contribute the major funding for the operating of the National
Office. There will be no refund of membership fees after the student is
certified for membership. The membership fee is payable by each stu-dent
regardless of the date of affiliation with the organization.
Subsection 2 - Local Fees
Additional assessments may be made by local clubs for purposes of
carrying on their work locally. It is strongly suggested that the expense
of membership in the club be kept at an absolute minimum, so that no worthy
student may thereby be excluded from membership.
Subsection 3 - Convention Fees
a. The National Board of Directors may establish registration fees
for attending the state and national conventions.
b. Each State Council may establish a state registration fee for
attending the state convention.
Section 6. Induction
Each local club may institute a dignified service for the induction of new members into the organization. The nature and procedure of this ceremony shall be determined by the local chapter and the superintendent and/or principal of the local school. At this induction ceremony the candidates who are being inducted into membership shall be asked to subscribe to the pledge of the national organization as set forth in Section 7. At all induction exercises the superintendent and/or principal of the local school, the president of the local club, or some designated leader shall outline in a brief talk the purposes and objectives of the club. This leader shall then read the pledge slowly, having the inductees repeat each line. The newly inducted members shall then be presented their certificates and membership cards and declared duly elected to full membership in the organization. In the event that a student or students qualify for membership after the date of the regular induction service, the club may induct at any of its regular meetings those students who have been duly nominated and selected. However, the Executive Director must be notified and credentials secured prior to the induction.
Section 7. Pledge
After a student has been nominated and duly elected
to membership, and after his certificate has been received from the Executive
Director, he shall subscribe to the following pledge before he can be considered
a member of the National Beta Club.
Subsection 1 - Senior Pledge
I do solemnly declare that I shall always strive to hold fast to
the principles of honesty to endeavor constantly to maintain a creditable
record; to cultivate in my life and conduct the principles of morality,
service, and leadership. I further pledge myself to cooperate with the
members of the National Beta Club in the promotion of a sense of individual
responsibility to our school, community, state and nation to make right
the master of might; and to consecrate our comradeship to mutual helpfulness
and to the betterment of our fellow students.
Subsection 2 - Junior Pledge
I hereby declare that I shall always strive to be honest and truthful
at all times to maintain a creditable scholastic record; to be of service
to my teachers and fellowmen; to conduct myself in an ethical and moral
manner to reflect credit upon my school and community.
Section 8. Certificate
Certificates of membership in the National Beta Club are issued only upon the recommendation of the executive head of the school. No student may become a member of the club unless approved by the head of the school. In all cases an application for membership must be signed by the superinten-dent or principal of the school in which the prospective member is enrolled as a student.
Section 9. Disqualification and Reinstatement
Since the National Beta Club is a merit organization, members who fail to maintain a creditable record, or who give evidence of personal conduct unbecoming members of this club, may be disqualified from membership. 'Personal conduct unbecoming members of this club' includes, but is not limited to, criminal activity, violation of school rules, and other conduct which falls below the moral and ethical standards of the community. However, the administrator may at any time and for reasons which appear to him to be sufficient, disqualify a member from the club. When a member is disqualified, the administrator and secretary of the chapter shall immediately notify the Executive Director. A member may be reinstated, with no additional membership fee, when the administrator determines that the student is once again worthy of membership. All reinstate-ments must be reported promptly to the Executive Director by the administrator and secretary.
Section 10. Graduate Members
Upon graduation, all members shall remain affiliated with the National Beta Club. With approval of the local school administrator and sponsor, they may have all the rights and privileges of membership except that of voting. Graduate members shall not be responsible for the payment of club fees.
Article III
Chapter Officers
Each local chapter shall elect officers. Officers are (l) President, (2) Vice-President, (3) Secretary and (4) Treasurer. Other officers may be elected to meet specific needs in a local club. These officers shall be elected by the members of the local club, in any manner that may be agreed upon, and shall hold office for one year. The chapter secretary shall transmit the names of the newly elected officers immediately to the Executive Director.
Section 1. President
The president of the local chapter shall have general supervision of the local organization and shall, in cooperation with the head of the local school administration and with the executive committee of the local chapter, determine all policies and general activities of the chapter. The president shall preside at all meetings; shall appoint all committees of the club, as set forth hereinafter and shall see that the local chapter is properly represented at all interclub meetings and conventions.
Section 2. Vice-President
The vice-president shall act in the place of the president in the event of the latter's absence from the school or the meetings. The vice-president shall also act as chairman of the executive committee, and shall serve as general assistant to the president.
Section 3. Secretary
The secretary shall keep all records of the local chapter keep minutes of all meetings, and carry on all correspondence of the club.
Section 4. Treasurer
The treasurer shall have general charge of the finances of the local club, collect all fees, pay approved bills, and make financial returns to the Executive Director. All financial transactions shall be consistent with the policies of the local school. Furthermore, the treasurer shall make a full statement of the financial condition of the local club at the last regular meeting of the school year, at which time the treasurer shall turn over all monies and financial records to the incoming treasurer. If a local chapter so desires, it may nominate and elect one of its members to serve as secretary-treasurer.
Article IV
Meetings
Section 1. Chapter Meetings
Each chapter of the club shall meet at least once a month upon a day and at an hour that shall be determined by the club at its first regular meeting of the school year, and after consultation with the sponsor and administrator. The place of meeting shall also be determined at the first meeting of the school year. Where possible, it is advisable that the local chapter have its private clubroom. Special meetings may be called by the president or upon a two-thirds majority vote of the membership, or upon call of the sponsor or administrator. Guests may be invited to meetings of the club except at executive sessions. A social period may be held after each regular meeting. In addition to this feature of each regular meeting, the club may institute certain meetings given over entirely to social features. However, it must be remembered that the Beta Club is a service-merit club and not a social organization.
Section 2. Committees
The President, with consultation of the club sponsor
and the administrator, shall appoint the following standing committees:
Subsection 1 - Executive Committee
The executive committee shall consist of the Vice-President as chairman
and additional members appointed by the president. The duties of this committee
shall be to advise the president and to assist this officer in the general
management of the club.
Subsection 2 - Program Committee
It shall be the duty of this committee, appointed by the president,
to plan all programs of the club and see that such programs are carried
out.
Subsection 3 - Entertainment Committee
The entertainment committee, appointed by the president, shall plan
and supervise all special entertainment and social meetings of the club.
Subsection 4 - Ad Hoc Committees
Such committees may be appointed by the President to address a specific
club concern or project.
Section 3. Suggested Order of Business
1. Meeting called to order by presiding officer.
2. Roll call.
3. Reading and approval of minutes of last meeting.
4. Unfinished business.
5. Reports of officers.
6. Reports of special committees.
7. New business.
8. Meeting turned over to students in charge of
program for the meeting.
9. Program concluded and meeting turned back to
president.
10. General discussion of the subject of the program.
11. Adjournment.
12. Social period.
Section 4. Programs
At each regular meeting of the club, a program, both informative and enriching, may be carried out. Programs are to be coordinated by the program committee in any manner it deems appropriate. Programs are to be submitted to the sponsor and administrator for approval if directed. Suggested program material will be furnished by the Executive Director.
Article V
Bylaws
Bylaws may be instituted by local chapters whereby they may regulate themselves in their own special circumstances. A copy of the Bylaws adopted shall be submitted to the Executive Director. In no case may local Bylaws contradict any of the provisions of the National Beta Constitution, Bylaws, or other official policies or rules of conduct that will be contrary to the spirit and purposes of the national organization. If, in the opinion of the Executive Director, any such Bylaws adopted by individual chapters do tend to make for the detriment of the organization, it shall be within the province of the Board of Directors to annul any part or all of the proposed Bylaws. The local club concerned shall be duly notified of such action.
Article VI
Identification and Recognition
Section 1. Motto
The Motto of the club shall be Ducamus aliis serviendo "Let us lead by serving others."
Section 2. Colors
The colors of the Beta Club shall be old gold and black.
Section 3. Charter
There shall be issued to each club qualifying for affiliation with the national organization a charter which shall attest to its membership. This charter shall carry the name, seal, and insignia of the national organization and shall bear the signa-tures of the Chairman of the Board and the Executive Director.
Section 4. Certificates
Each student member of the National Beta Club shall, upon qualifying for membership, be issued a certificate of membership; said certificate shall bear the name and insignia of the club, and shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board and Executive Director. It shall be attested to by the administrative head of the local school and the sponsor of the local chapter.
Section 5. Membership Card
This card, bearing the organization insignia, signed by the Executive Director, and to be countersigned by the member shall be issued to each student member. The card shall state that the student whose name appears on it has been duly initiated into the National Beta Club.
Section 6. Seals
Each student member in good standing shall be issued a gold seal of the Beta Club to be attached to his senior high school diploma. This seal shall be sent to the club sponsor just prior to the graduation period.
Section 7. Pin
Each member of the Beta Club is entitled to wear a Beta Club pin signifying his membership. Said pin displays the organizational logo in black and gold. It shall accompany initial membership credentials.
Section 8. Emblem, Insignia, Logo
The emblem of the club shall be a shield with three
stars at the top, the letter B in the center, and an eagle with outspread
wings at the base.
The insignia of the club, to be used on all charters,
certificates, membership cards, documents, and stationery of the club,
shall conform to the features of the emblem as set forth in this Article,
with a knight's head above, and the words Achievement, Character, Leadership
circling underneath.
The insignia or emblem of the National Junior
Beta Club shall be a shield with the letter B in the center encircled with
the words Junior Beta.
These Beta Club logos are registered trademarks
with the United States Government Patent Office. The reproduction of these
logos by any company or manufacturer other than the National Headquarters
is prohibited by law. The Board may give permission to a company or manufacturer
by contract to reproduce the Beta Club logos.
Section 9. Song
Beta Club Song
1. The Beta Club's for leadership, for loyalty and truth; the Beta Club's for fellowship, a guide and help to youth. 2. So here's to Beta's fellowship, to courage and the right; and here's to Beta's leadership: a beacon in the night. Chorus: Then let's stick together in fair or foul weather: We'll find that there's no better plan. 'Twill make school days brighter and make our paths lighter to serve wherever we can.
Article VII
Forfeiture or Revocation of Charter
Section 1. Forfeiture
Any chapter of the National Beta Club which shall fail to fulfill the provisions of the National Constitution and Bylaws, or which shall conduct its affairs and business in such a way as to contradict or impede the progress and purposes of the organization, shall forfeit its charter. In the event that a charter is to be canceled at the request of the local chapter and administrator, the National Office will recognize and register such cancellation.
Section 2. Revocation
The National Office may revoke a Beta Club charter when a club fails to fulfill the provisions of the National Constitution and Bylaws or conducts its affairs and business in a manner which contradicts or impedes the progress and purpose of the organization.
Section 3. Right of Appeal
Reasons of forfeiture or revocation will be documented by the Executive Director and communicated to the local adminis-trator. The Board of Directors will receive and act upon any appeals.
Article VIII
Field Representatives
Chapters of the Beta Club shall be contacted as frequently
as possible by field representatives whose duty it shall be to visit the
clubs and render such assistance as is feasible, and as is desired by the
school administrators and the local clubs. The appointment of such field
representatives shall be made by the Executive Director upon the recommendation
of the Council Chairman of the state in which the field representative
is to serve.
All field representatives shall be under the immediate
super-vision of the Executive Director. After consultation with the Council
Chairman, the Executive Director may remove any field representative for
sufficient cause and ask for another recommendation from the Council Chairman
concerned. Compensation to such field representatives shall be determined
by the Board.
Field representatives shall contact clubs only through,
and with the consent of, the school administrator. They shall cooperate
with the school administrators, sponsors, student officers, and the State
Councils in the promotion of club organization and activities in the state.
In all their relations with the clubs and schools, they shall exercise
every care to promote the ideals and purposes of the Beta Club.
Article IX
State Conventions
There may be held annually a convention of members
of the National Beta Club in each state, on Junior or Senior level where
the total membership justifies such a convention. The criteria for holding
a state convention are: 50 Junior clubs and 2500 Junior members at the
Junior level; and 50 Senior clubs and 2500 Senior members at the Senior
level. The time and place of these conventions shall be determined by the
Council upon the recommendation of the Executive Director in consultation
with the State Officers and State Sponsor.
A non-convention state, meeting the above criteria,
may begin a convention upon the recommendation of the members-at-large
and the Executive Director with the approval of the Board.
Article X
State Student Officers
Section 1. Senior Officers
Subsection 1 - Officers
It is customary to have a president, vice-president, and secretary
of the National Beta Club in each state. These officers shall be elected
from among the rising Beta Club seniors and will hold office for one year.
There shall be an executive committee consisting of elected officers, the
state sponsor, the state sponsor-elect, a council member and the chairpersons
of the academic competitions.
Subsection 2 - Election Process
The election of these officers shall be by individual vote of the
Beta Club members who attend the state convention. Simple plurality will
be used, since it is impossible to have a run-off' vote. A ballot is given
each Beta Club member at registration with the exception of the existing
state officers. Individual states may use a delegate method of voting if
approved by a two-thirds State Council vote. No proxy voting is allowed.
Candidates for state offices must be present for the entire Beta Convention.
They must pledge to attend the convention the following year, unless providentially
hindered. If for any reason an elected officer is unable to serve, the
runner-up in that election will be asked to fill the vacancy.
Subsection 3 - Tie Breaking
In the event of a tie for any state office, the existing state officers
will then execute the right to vote and will be given a ballot to break
the tie.
Subsection 4 - Duties
It shall be the duty of the state president to preside and address
the convention at one general session at the annual state convention. The
vice-president shall assist the president and shall preside and address
the convention at one general session. The secretary shall attend to necessary
correspondence, preside and address the group at one general session. The
executive committee serves as an advisory board to the state council and
national officials regarding convention activities. Additional duties may
be given to officers as convention activities are added to the program
format. As state student officers serve as role models for other club members
and as ambassadors of goodwill for the state and national organization,
each state student officer must adhere closely to the qualifications for
membership set forth in Article II, section 3 of these Bylaws. State student
officers shall cooperate fully with the state officials and the national
office staff.
Section 2. Junior Officers
Subsection 1 - Officers
It is customary to have a president, vice-president, secretary,
reporter and chaplain of the National Junior Beta Club in each state. These
officers shall be elected from among the returning Junior Beta Club members
and will hold office for one year. There shall be an executive committee
consisting of elected officers, their sponsors, the state sponsor, the
state sponsor-elect, a council member and the chairpersons of the academic
competitions.
Subsection 2 - Election Process
The election of these officers shall be by individual vote of the
Junior Beta Club members who attend the state convention. Simple plurality
will be used, since it is impossible to have a "run-off" vote. A ballot
is given each Junior Beta member at registration with the exception of
the existing state officers. Individual states may use a delegate method
of voting if approved by a two-thirds State Council vote. No proxy voting
is allowed. Candidates for state offices must be present for the entire
Junior Beta Convention. They must pledge to attend the convention the following
year, unless providentially hindered. If for any reason an elected officer
is unable to serve, the runner-up in that election will be asked to fill
the vacancy.
Subsection 3 - Tie Breaking
In the event of a tie for any state office, the existing state officers
will then execute the right to vote and will be given a ballot to break
the tie.
Subsection 4 - Duties
It shall be the duty of the state president to preside at one general
session of the annual state convention. The vice- president shall assist
the president and preside at one general session. The secretary shall attend
to all necessary correspondence and preside at one general session. The
reporter compiles all newsletters, writes and submits articles and pictures
to state and local newspapers and to the National Beta Club Journal. The
chaplain shall be responsible for an inspiration at each of the general
sessions. The executive committee serves as an advisory board to the state
council and national officials regarding convention activities. Additional
duties may be given to officers as convention activities are added to the
program format. As state student officers serve as role models for other
club members and as ambassadors of goodwill for the state and national
organization, each state student officer must adhere closely to the qualifications
for membership set forth in Article II, Section 3 of these Bylaws. State
student officers shall cooperate fully with the state officials and the
national office staff.
Article XI
National Convention
Section 1. National Senior Convention
There shall be held annually a convention of members
from Senior Beta Clubs. Club attendance at State Beta Convention, if one
is held in the state, is mandatory for attendance at the National Convention.
Each club eligible for attendance will be permitted an unlimited number
of delegates to the convention. However, voting delegates will be determined
by the number of members in the local club:
Number Club Members Number Voting Delegates
0-100 members 4
101-150 members 5
151-200 members 6
201-250 members 7
251-300 members 8
301-350 members 9
351-400 members 10
401-450 members 11
451-500 members 12 The
time and place of this convention shall be determined by the Board of Directors
upon the recommendation of the Executive Director in consultation with
the National Student Officers and National Sponsor.
Section 2. National Junior Convention
There shall be held annually a convention of members
from Junior Beta Clubs. Club attendance at state Beta Convention, if one
is held in the state, is mandatory for attendance at the National Junior
Convention. Each club eligible for attendance will be permitted an unlimited
number of delegates to the convention. However, voting delegates will be
determined by the number of members in the local club with the ratio the
same as for the Senior National Convention.
The time and place of this convention shall be determined
by the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Executive Director
in consultation with the National Junior Beta student officers and National
Sponsor.
Article XII
National Student Officers
Section 1. Senior Officers
Subsection 1 - Officers
There shall be a president, vice-president, and secretary of the
National Beta Club. These officers shall be elected from among current
state officers and will hold office for one year. No officer shall serve
more than one term.
Subsection 2 - Election Process
The election of these officers shall be by delegate vote at the
national convention as set forth in Article XI. After the first ballot,
the list of candidates will be reduced to the top three in each race. These
three candidates for each office will then go into the run-off and a simple
plurality will be used to determine the winners. Candidates for national
office must be present for the entire national convention. They must pledge
to attend the convention the following year, if elected, unless providentially
hindered. If for any reason an elected officer is unable to serve, the
runner-up in that election will be asked to fill the vacancy.
Subsection 3 - Election Tie Breaking
In the event of a tie for any national office, the existing national
officers will then execute the right to vote and will be given a ballot
to break the tie. National officers may not otherwise be voting delegates
to the convention.
Subsection 4 - Duties
It shall be the duty of the national president to preside and address
the group at one of the general sessions of the convention. The vice-president
shall assist the president, preside and address the group at one general
session. The secretary shall attend to necessary correspondence, preside
and address the group at one general session. Additional duties may be
given to officers as convention activities are added to the program format.
As national student officers serve as role models for other club members
and as ambassadors of goodwill for the national organization, each national
student officer must adhere closely to the qualifications for membership
set forth in Article II, section 3 of these Bylaws. National student officers
shall cooperate fully with the national office staff.
Section 2. Junior Officers
Subsection 1- Officers
There shall be a president, vice-president, secretary, reporter,
and chaplain of the National Junior Beta Club. These officers shall be
elected from among current state officers and will hold office for one
year. Candidates for a National Junior Beta Club office must be a member
of a Junior Beta Club the following year in order to serve as a National
Junior Beta Club officer. A student may serve only one term as a National
Junior Beta officer.
Subsection 2 - Election Process
The election of these officers shall be by voting as described in
Article XI, Section 2. After the first ballot, the list of candidates will
be reduced to the top two in each race. These two candidates for each office
will then go into a run-off and the candidate with the majority of the
votes will be declared the winner in each race. Candidates for national
junior office must be present for the entire national junior convention.
They must pledge to attend the convention the following year, if elected,
unless providentially hindered. If for any reason an elected officer is
unable to serve, the runner-up in the election will be asked to fill the
vacancy.
Subsection 3 - Election Tie Breaking
In the event of a tie for any national junior office, the existing
national junior officers will then execute the right to vote and will be
given a ballot to break the tie.
Subsection 4 - Duties
It shall be the duty of the national junior president to preside
at one of the general sessions at the annual national junior convention.
The national junior vice-president shall assist the president, preside
and address the group at one general session. The National junior secretary
shall attend to the correspondence, preside and address the group at one
general session. The National Junior reporter shall help with the campaign,
preside and address the group at one general session. The National junior
chaplain shall be responsible for presenting the inspiration at each of
the general sessions of the National Junior Beta Convention. Additional
duties may be given to officers as convention activities are added to the
program format. As national Junior student officers serve as role models
for other club members and as ambassadors of goodwill for the national
organization, each national student officer must adhere closely to the
qualifications for membership set forth in Article II, section 3 of these
Bylaws. National Junior student officers hall cooperate fully with the
national office staff.
Article XIII
Educational Endowment Fund
The Board may allocate any surplus accruing in the treasury above operating costs of the National Beta Club to an educational endowment fund. This shall be used to promote educational opportunities for the membership, in any manner that may be determined by the Board of Directors of the National Beta Club.
Article XIV
Discrimination Prohibited
In administering its affairs, the National Beta Club
shall not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, creed color,
national or ethnic origin, sex, age or physical disability.
Article XV
Indemnification
Each Director and Officer of the National Beta Club shall be indemnified against all expenses actually and necessarily incurred by such Director or Officer in connection with the defense of any action, suit, or proceedings to which they have been made a party by reason of being or having been such Director or Officer except in relation to matters as to which such Director or Officer shall be adjudicated in such action to the fullest extent authorized by law.
Article XVI
Conflict of Interest
Section 1. Definition
A Director shall be considered to have a conflict of interest if (a) such Director has existing or potential financial or other interests which impair or might reasonably appear to impair such member's independent, unbiased judgment in the discharge of his or her responsibilities to the National Beta Club or (b) such Director is aware that a member of his or her family (which for purposes of this paragraph shall be a spouse, parents, siblings, children and any other relative if the latter reside in the same household as the Director), or any organization in which such Director (or member of his or her family) is an officer, director, employee, member, partner, trustee or controlling stockholder, has such existing or potential financial or other interests.
Section 2. Disclosure
All Directors shall disclose to the Board any possible conflict of interest at the earliest practicable time. No Director shall vote on any matter under consideration at a Board or committee meeting in which such Director has a conflict of interest. The minutes of such meeting shall reflect that a disclosure was made and that the Director, having a conflict of interest abstained from voting. Any Director who is uncertain whether a conflict of interest may exist in any matter may request the Board or committee to resolve the question by majority vote.
Article XVII
Compliance with Internal Revenue Code
No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall
be used to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, trustees,
officers, or other private persons except that the corporation shall be
authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered
and to make payments and distribution in furtherance of the purposes set
forth in Article II of the Constitution.
No substantial part of the activities of the corporation
shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence
legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene
in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political
campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding
any other provision of these articles, the corporation shall not carry
on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation
exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United
States Internal Revenue Law) or (b) by a corporation, contributions to
which are deductible under Section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any provision of any future
United States Internal Revenue Law).
Article XVIII
Dissolution
Following a year's notice the National Honorary Beta
Club can be voluntarily dissolved with an affirmative vote of two-thirds
of the membership of the Board of Directors in a meeting called to determine
dissolution.
In the event that The National Beta Club is dissolved
as a corporation within the State of South Carolina, and ceases to exist
for stated purposes and goals, said Certificate of Dissolution shall be
filed with the Secretary of State in accordance with the statutes of the
State of South Carolina pertaining to the dissolution of a nonprofit corporation.
Any assets shall be distributed to organizations which are organized and
operated exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes,
as shall at the time qualify as exempt organizations under section 501
(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (1954).
Article XIX
Amendments
Section 1. Process
These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the Board of Directors in attendance at any of its regular or called meetings. The proposed amendment(s) must be provided all Board Members and the Executive Director at least thirty days prior to the meeting. All club officials of the organization are to be notified in writing of any and all amendments to the Constitution and shall abide by them as by the stipulations of the original Constitution.
Section 2. Responsibilities
Prior to each annual meeting of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee shall review these Bylaws and recommend any necessary changes.
Section 3. Effective Date
Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws, passed by the Board of Directors, become effective immediately following the vote; unless a different date is requested by the originators and is approved by the Board as specified in the motion of amendment.
Section 4. Interval Required for Amendments
The Constitution, Bylaws, and any amendments passed by the Board of Directors, must stand for three years before such articles or sections can be acted upon again, except by unanimous Board approval.
Article XX
Rules of Order
Section 1. Procedure
Questions of procedure shall be decided according to Robert's Rules of Order, unless otherwise provided for in the Constitution and Bylaws.
Section 2. Detailed Duties
Specific and detailed duties of all officers, committees, panels and special appointments shall be carried out as prescribed in all official Operating Codes, Handbooks, or Manuals.