CWZ Bylaws

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BYLAWS

THE CENTRAL WESTERN ZONE

THE NEW YORK STATE RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC.

September 23, 2010

 

ARTICLE I

Name

The name of this organization shall be The Central Western Zone (hereinafter to be referred to as the CWZ of the New York State Retired Teacher’s Association, Inc.). The New York State Retired Teacher’s Association shall hereinafter be referred to as the Association.

 

ARTICLE II

Composition

The Central Western Zone (the CWZ) shall be composed of the following counties; Alleghany, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates. County organizations shall be referred to as the Unit(s) of the Central Western Zone.

 

ARTICLE III

Objectives

The objectives of the CWZ shall be to:

 

1. Provide a means for dissemination of information to members.

2. Support and strengthen retiree benefits at local, state and federal levels.

3. Encourage retirees to continue Interest and active involvement in educational Issues.

4. Facilitate the development of friendships among fellow retirees.

5. Encourage pursuit of lifelong learning for all.

6. Model retirement as an active and meaningful time of life.

7. Promote approved programs and goals of the Association.

 

ARTICLE IV

Membership

Section 1. Active

 

The membership of the CWZ shall be comprised of retired or active educators who indicate an interest in promoting the objectives of the Association and whose annual dues are paid In full. They shall have all the privileges of membership including the right to vote and to hold office.

 

Section 2. Spouse

if a spouse of a member does not meet the Bylaws qualifications as an “active” member, he/she may become a spouse member by paying Annual Membership dues and shall be entitled to all privileges of membership except the right to vote and hold office.

 

ARTICLE V

Elected Officers and Duties

 

Section 1. Elected officers of the CWZ

The elected officers of the CWZ shall be:

(a) President (or Co-presidents, with approval of the Executive Committee)

(b) Vice-president

(c) Recording Secretary

(d) Corresponding Secretary

(e) Treasurer

(f) Assistant Treasurer

(g) Parliamentarian

The elected officers of the CWZ shall have such powers and authority and shall perform such duties as are designated and shall have such other powers and duties as may be from time to time be assigned to them by the Executive Committee.

The elected officers shall:

(a) Be members of a Unit and of the Central Western Zone.

(b) Be elected from a slate presented by the Nominations Committee, or may be nominated from the floor, provided prior approval has been obtained from the nominee.

(c) Have served as a chair or member of a CWZ committee.

(d) Have been active members of their respective Units.

(e) Have been members for a minimum of three years.

(f) Be elected at the CWZ Annual Meeting and shall serve for a term of one year.

(g) Serve no more than three consecutive terms, with the exception of the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and Parliamentarian (whose terms are unlimited).

(h) Have a term of office from November 1-October 31 of the following year

(I) Maintain a file of materials pertaining to the office and transfer it to his/her successor.

 

Section 2. The President (or Co-Presidents)

The President shall:

(a) Preside at all meetings of the CWZ. 

(b) Represent the CWZ at Unit, Zone, and Association meetings.

(c) Convey pertinent information to CWZ members. 

(d) Serve as an ex-officio member of all committees, except Nominations.

(e) Serve as a member of the Association Executive Committee.

(f) Appoint all committee chairs and any officer vacancies that may occur.

(g) Appoint a unit president if no unit organization exists.

(h) Establish special committees when necessary with the approval of the Executive Committee.

(I) Approve or disapprove each voucher.

(j) Maintain a file of materials pertaining to the office and transfer It to his/her successor.

 

Section 2. The Vice-President

The Vice-President shall:

(a) Assist the president.

(b) Assume the duties and responsibilities of the President, in the event of the incapacity or inability of the President to perform his/her duties, until such time as the President can resume his/her duties or until the next regularly elected President assumes office.

(c) Solicit nominations, during February or March, from Unit presidents and Executive Committee members, for Honoree Recognitions for CWZ members.

(d) Be responsible for the Annual Meeting, Including the meeting place, menu, program and date and present this Information to the Executive Committee during its May meeting.

(e)Perform other such duties as the President requests.

(f) Maintain a file of activities and transfer it to his/her successor.

 

Section 3. The Recording Secretary

The Recording Secretary shall:

(a) Record the proceedings of all meetings of the CWZ.

(b) Prepare written reports for each Executive Committee meeting.

(c) Disseminate the reports to the Executive Committee.

(d) Prepare the minutes of the Annual Meeting for the annual report.

(e) Transfer all minutes and other records to his/her successor, at the close of his/her term of office.

(f) Perform other such duties as the President requests.

 

Section 4. The Corresponding Secretary

The Corresponding Secretary shall:

(a) Carry on such correspondence as necessary for the officers and Executive Committee.

(b) Maintain a file of all correspondence and transfer it to his/her successor.

(c) Perform other such duties as the President requests.

 

Section 5. The Treasurer.

The Treasurer shall: 

(a) Receive all funds and contributions.

(b) Deposit all monies In the CWZ bank accounts.

(c) Disburse funds upon receipt of vouchers signed by the President.

(d) Provide written and oral reports at the Executive Committee Meetings and the CWZ Annual Meeting.

(e) Serve as chair of the Budget Committee to prepare a budget for the coming year.

(f) Submit all financial records to the Audit Committee for auditing, prior to the Annual Meeting

(g)Transfer all records and funds to his/her successor at the close of the term of office.

(h) Perform other such duties as the President requests.

 

Section 6. The Assistant Treasurer

The Assistant Treasurer shall:

(a) Assist the Treasurer In all financial business as needed.

(b) Serve on the Budget Committee.

(c) Complete the treasurer’s term, should the treasurer become incapacitated, or resign.

(d) Perform other such duties as the President requests.

 

Section 7. The Parliamentarian

The Parliamentarian shall:

(a) Serve as an advisor to the President and Executive Committee.

(b) Attend all meetings of the Executive Committee and the Zone.

(c) Rule on all questions regarding parliamentary procedure.

 

ARTICLE VI

Executive Committee

 

Section 1. The Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall consist of:

(a) All elected officers, the immediate past president, all standing committee chairs and Unit presidents.

(b) Unit vice-presidents may attend the meetings and vote in proxy if their unit president is absent.

 

Section 2. Quorum

(a) A quorum shall be fifteen (15) members of the Executive Committee.

 

Section 3. Meetings

(a) The Executive Committee shall meet at least twice a year to carry out the general business of the CWZ, under the direction of the President

 

Section 4. Voting

(a) Each member of the Executive Committee shall have one vote, except when there are Co-Presidents, in which case the two shall have only one vote.

(b) Voting shall be by a simple majority unless specified otherwise.

 

ARTICLE VII

Elections

 

Section 1. The officers of the CWZ shall be elected by the members during the Annual Meeting. The President shall appoint tellers to have charge of the votes.

 

Section 2. Election shall be by a majority vote of the active members In attendance at the session at which the vote Is taken.

 

Section 3. The nominations shall be presented by the Nominations Committee. Section 4. Nominations for officers may be made from the floor, provided prior approval of the nominee has been obtained.

 

Section 5. The election for uncontested offices may be by voice vote or show of hands.

 

Section 6. The elected officers of the CWZ shall hold office for a term of one (1) year. Elected officers are limited to not more than three (3) consecutive terms except for the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Parliamentarian. The term for an elected officer shall begin November 1st and end on October 31st of the following year, except the officer shall continue until a successor is elected for that office.

 

ARTICLE VIII

Committees

 

Section 1. Standing Committees shall be:

(a) Audit

(b) Awards

(c) Budget

(d) Bylaws

(e) Community Service

(f) Finance

(g) Friendly Service

(h) Fundraising

(I) Health Care

(J) Historical Records

(k) Legislation

(I) Membership

(m)Newsletter

(n) Nominations

(0) Resolutions

 

Section 2. Special Committees

(a) The President or the Executive Committee may establish special committees.

(b) The committees shall continue to function until discharged by action of the President or the Executive Committee.

 

ARTICLE IX

Organization, Composition and Duties of Standing Committees

 

Section 1. Audit Committee

The Audit Committee shall:

(a) Be composed of three members of the CWZ who are not members of the Executive Committee or Executive Board.

(b) Be appointed by the President to serve during his/her term of office.

(c) Audit the Treasurer’s Records on an annual basis prior to the Annual Meeting.

(d) Report the results of the audit to the President and the Executive Committee prior to the Annual Meeting.

(e) Report the results of the audit to the membership during the Annual Meeting.

(f) Provide assistance, if necessary, to the Treasurer, the President and/or the Executive Committee.

 

Section 2. Awards Committee

The Awards Committee shall:

(a) Promote interest in and support for, all awards, grants and scholarships.

(b) Have oversight of all CWZ awards, grants and scholarships, including development, fund-raising, applications, evaluations and awarding.

(c) Work closely with Unit presidents to encourage nominatlons/applicatlons.

(d) Report to the membership as directed by the President.

(e) Be composed of five the Executive Committee, with the chair being appointed by the President.

(f) Maintain a file of activities to be transferred to the chair of the succeeding committee.

 

Section 3. Budget Committee

The Budget Committee shall:

(a) Maintain oversight of the financial status of the CWZ.

(b) Prepare the budget for the coming year.

(C) Present the budget to the members at the CWZ Annual Meeting.

(d) Be composed of the President, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer, each of whom shall serve as ex-officio, without vote and three members appointed by the President, one of whom shall serve as chair.

(e) Maintain a file of activities to be transferred to the chair of the succeeding committee.

 

Section 4. Bylaws Committee

The Bylaws Committee shall:

(a) Review the current Bylaws every two years and make recommendations, If appropriate.

(b) Assure that the Bylaws are In compliance with the Bylaws of the Association.

(C) Review recommendations with the CWZ President prior to presentation to the Executive Committee.

(d) Present changes to the Bylaws of the Association to the Executive Committee.

(e) Be composed of three members appointed by the President, one of whom shall serve as chair.

(f) Maintain a file of activities to be transferred to the chair of the succeeding committee.

 

Section 5. Community Service Committee

The Community Service Committee shall:

(a) Encourage members to enhance their retirement years through active participation and involvement in the activities of the CWZ, the Association and other organizations.

(b) Promote the visibility of members and of the CWZ through the media.

(c) Report to the membership as directed by the President.

(d) Be composed of an Executive Committee Member, appointed by the President to serve as Chair and each Unit Community Service Chair; If no Unit Chair exists, the Unit President shall appoint a Unit member to serve in that capacity.

(e) Be represented on the Association Community Service Committee by a member appointed by the Zone President.

(f) Maintain a file of activities to be transferred to the chair of the succeeding committee.

 

Section 6. Friendly Committee

The Friendly Service Committee shall:

(a) Be composed of an Executive Committee member, appointed by the President to serve as Chair, and each Unit Friendly Service Committee Chair; should no such Unit Committee exist the Unit president will appoint a Unit member to serve in the Unit and the Association Friendly Service Committees.

(b) Share news of member concerns, support the personal recognition of members and provide assistance with member needs.

(c) Report to the membership as directed by the President.

(d) Maintain a file of activities to be transferred to the Chair of the succeeding committee.

 

Section 7. Fundraising Committee

The Fundraising Committee shall:

(a) Be responsible for developing appropriate means of raising funds necessary- for the operation of the CWZ.

(b) Work at the direction of the President and the Executive Committee.

(c) Provide a written report at the Annual Meeting.

(d) File a copy of the activities of the committee with the Secretary and Treasurer.

(e} Deposit. all monies with the Treasurer.

(f) Be composed of three members appointed by the President one of whom shall serve as Chair.

(g) Report to the membership as directed by the President.

(h) Be represented on the Association Friendly Service Committee by a member appointed by the Zone President.

(I) Maintain a file of activities to be transferred to the Chair of the succeeding committee.

 

Section 8. Health Care Committee

The Health Care Committee shall:

(a) Become knowledgeable of issues pertaining to health care for retirees.

(b) Obtain information from such organizations as The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the Offices of the Aging, the Association and similar groups.

(c) Provide information to the members of CWZ In order that they may make Informed decisions on health care.

(d) Work closely with the Chairs of Unit Health Care Committees providing them with health related Information.

(e) Be composed of each county Unit Health Care Chair and a Chair appointed by the President from the Executive Committee; If no such Unit committee exists, the Unit president shall appoint a Unit member to serve in that capacity

(f) Report to the membership as directed by the President.

(g) Be represented on the Association Health Care Committee by a member appointed by the Zone President

(h)Maintain a file of activities to be transferred to the Chair of the succeeding committee.

Section 9. Historical Records Committee

The Historical Records Committee shall:

(a) Be responsible for collecting, filling and preserving material that is pertinent to the CWZ.

(b) Contact each Unit Historical Records Chair for information and encourage them to maintain and display their records.

(c) Be composed of the Chair of each Unit Historical Records Committee and a Chair appointed by the CWZ President; if no such Unit committee exists the Unit president shall appoint a Unit member to serve In that capacity.

(d) Report to the membership by the President

(e) Be represented on the Association History Committee by a member appointed by the Zone President.

(f) Maintain a file of activities to be transferred to the Chair of the succeeding committee.

 

Section 10. The Legislation Committee

The Legislation Committee shall:

(a) Be composed of an Executive Committee member, appointed by the President to serve as Chair, and each county Unit legislative Chair; It no such Unit committee exists the Unit president shall appoint a Unit member to serve In that capacity.

(b): Work closely with the Unit Chairs and Association members to support or suppress federal/state legislation that will be beneficial or detrimental to active and retired New York State teachers.

(c) Report to the membership as directed by the President.

(d) Maintain a file of activities to be transferred to the Chair of the succeeding committee

 

Section 11. The Membership Committee

The Membership Committee shall:

(a) Follow the responsibilities designated by the guidelines set forth by the Association.

(b) Work closely with the Membership Chair of each Unit to ensure that the guidelines set forth by the NYSRTA are followed

(c) Be composed of the Chair of each Unit Membership Committee and a Chair appointed by the CWZ President; if no such Unit committee exists the Unit President shall appoint a Unit member to serve in that capacity.

(d) Contact the chief school officers of all public and private schools in the Units requesting a list of all retirees for the current year.

(e) Provide each retiree with Information relating to the Association, the CWZ and the appropriate Unit and offer them an opportunity to participate.

(f) Report to the membership as directed by the President.

(g) Be represented on the Association Membership Committee by a member appointed by the. Zone President

(h) Maintain at file of activities to be transferred to the Chair of the succeeding committee.

 

Section 12.The Newsletter Committee

 The Newsletter Committee shall:

(a) Publish and distribute an Annual CWZ Newsletter prior to the Annual Meeting.

(b) Submit news releases to area media to promote visibility of NYSRTA and the CWZ.

(c) Work with and encourage Unit Publicity Chairs to promote the organization through use of media and community involvement.

(d) Be composed of the Chair of the Newsletter Committee, appointed by the CWZ President, and the Chair of each Unit Newsletter Committee; If no such Unit committee exists, the Unit president shall appoint a Unit member to serve in that capacity.

(e) Report to the membership as directed by the President.

(f) Be represented on the Association Public Relations Committee by a member appointed by the Zone President.

(g) Maintain a file of activities to be transferred to the Chair of the succeeding committee.

 

Section 13.The Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee shall:

(a) Prepare a slate of officers to be presented and voted upon at the Annual Meeting.

(b) Accept nominations made from the floor, provided prior approval of the nominee has been obtained.

(c) Be composed of four members appointed by the President, one of whom shall serve as Chair.

(d) Be represented on the Association Nominations Committee by a member appointed by the Zone President.

(e) Maintain a file of activities to be transferred to the Chair of the succeeding committee.

 

Section 14.The Resolutions Committee

The Resolutions Committee shall:

(a) Be composed of two members appointed by the CWZ President.

(b) Contact all Unit presidents and Unit Resolutions Committees for issues of concern.

(c) Network with Unit Resolution Committees to solicit and prepare resolutions to present to the CWZ Executive Committee.

(d) Submit proposed resolutions to the CWZ for action.

(e) Submit approved resolutions to the Association Resolutions Chair for consideration.

(f) Be represented on the Association Resolutions Committee by a member appointed by the Zone President.

(g) Maintain a file of activities to be transferred to the Chair of the succeeding committee.

 

Section 15. Special Committees

(a) The President or the Executive Committee may establish special committees as necessary.

(b) The committees shall continue to function until discharged by action of the President or the Executive Committee.

 

Section 16. Awards and Grants

 

(a) The Epke-Maegher Award

The Epke-Meagher Award shall be presented annually to a retiring teacher(s) who lives or teaches in the Central Western Zone. The selection will be made based on the Individual’s contributions to his/her school and community. Nominations shall be made by members of the Central Western Zone who worked with, or have knowledge of, the nominee.

The Epke-Meagher Award was established In 2004 In memory of two members of the Central Western Zone whose educational leadership and community service were well-known. Elsie Epke was a member of the Orleans Unit and had served the Central Western Zone as Chair of the Bylaws Committee. Betty Meagher was a member of the Monroe Unit and had served the Central Western Zone as Nominations Chair.

This award shall be under the Jurisdiction of the CWZ Awards Committee.

 

(b) The Barrie Fleegel Active-Educator Grant

The Barrie Fleegel Active-Educator Grant shall be given to an active educator(s) who is employed full-time and lives or teaches within the Central Western Zone. The recipient must possess a Bachelor’s Degree and be working toward Permanent Certification, a Master’s Degree, a Certificate of Advanced Study or a Doctoral Degree. Applications must include proof of employment, educational preparation, future educational plans and professional references.

The Barrie Fleegel Active-Educator Grant was established in 2006 In memory of Barrie Fleegel. Barrie was a member of the Wayne Unit and had a long tenure as Superintendent of the Marion Central School District. He was a Past President of the Central Western Zone and was serving as First Vice-President of The New York State Retired Teacher’s Association, inc at the time of his death.

This Grant shall be under the jurisdiction of the CWZ Awards Committee.

 

Section 17. Corresponding Committee Chairs

The CWZ Committee Chairs shall be members of the corresponding committees of The Association, except for Audit, Budget and BYLAWS Committees.

 

 

ARTICLE X

Fiscal Year

 

The fiscal year of the CWZ shall be from July 1 to June 30 of the following year.

 

ARTICLE XI

Meetings

Section 1.

There shall be an Annual Meeting of the CWZ in September, at a time and place to be selected by the Vice-President, with the approval of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may designate an alternate date.

Section 2.

Special meetings of the CWZ may be called by the President with the approval of a majority of the Executive Committee.

 

ARTICLE X II

Delegates to the Annual Meeting

Section 1.

Delegates to the Association Annual Meeting will be determined by state membership, with one (1) delegate for every one-hundred (100) members, or a major fraction thereof. The CWZ officers should be given first consideration to serve as delegates, followed by Unit presidents, zone committee chairs, and members in that order. The President shall select and submit the names of the delegates.

Section 2.

The Association will inform the CWZ of the number of state officers and at-large delegates allotted, and shall determine who shall represent the CWZ in these capacities.

Section 3.

After July 30, the CWZ President shall designate alternates to be available to serve as delegates to ensure full zone representation.

 

ARTICLE XIII

Resolutions

 

Proposed resolutions shall be presented to the Zone President prior to the May meeting. Resolutions approved by the Executive Committee shall be sent to the Resolutions Committee of the Association. Resolutions approved by the Resolutions Committee of the Association shall be presented to members at the CWZ Annual Meeting.

 

 

ARTICLE XIV

Amendments to the Bylaws

 

Proposed amendments shall be presented to the President of the CWZ one month prior to an Executive Committee Meeting. If approved by a quorum of the Executive Committee, the proposed amendment(s) shall be presented at the CWZ Annual Meeting. Amendments will become effective immediately upon receiving a favorable vote of at least two-thirds of the voting members present and voting.

 

ARTICLE XV

Parliamentary Authority

 

Robert’s Rules of Order. Newly Revised (current edition) shall govern the proceedings of all meetings of the Centrai Western Zone in all cases not provided for in The Association Bylaws.

 

ARTICLE XVI

Bylaws

 

These BYLAWS shall be consistent with the BYLAWS of the Association.

 

                                                              Approved  _____________________________

 

 

                                                            signature(s)______________________________

 

                                                                             ________________________________

revised 8/07

approved 9/20/07

amended 3/06/08

new Bylaws 9/23/10

approved

 

FCR

11/26/07

3/06/08

9/23/10