NARFE Florida, Inc.
Articles of Incorporation
ARTICLE I. NAME
This organization shall be known as "NARFE Florida, Inc".
ARTICLE II. OBJECTIVES
The objectives and purposes of NARFE Florida, Inc. shall be to support the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (hereinafter referred to as " the National Association") in its aims as set forth in the ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION thereof, to adhere to and abide by the Bylaws of the National Association, and shall be such as to enable the Chapters within Florida to act in concert in fostering therein the aims and objectives of the National Association. No provisions set forth herein, or in the Bylaws of NARFE Florida, Inc., shall conflict with the Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the National Association. The objectives and purposes shall further be:
(a) To unite all chapters in the State of Florida that are duly chartered by the National Association into NARFE Florida, Inc. for their mutual benefit;
(b) To serve and advise Member Chapters in improving and strengthening the Association at all levels through a united effort;
(c) To sponsor and support legislation, rules and regulations beneficial to Federal Employees, annuitants and potential annuitants of the civilian public service, and their survivors, maintaining a constant vigil on the status of legislation in the various legislatures, and to take such action with respect to any such legislation as may be deemed beneficial to those listed in this paragraph;
(d) To oppose all legislation, rules and regulations contrary to the interests of all Federal Employees, annuitants and potential annuitants of the civilian public service, and their survivors;
(e) To cooperate with Member Chapters to promote the general welfare of their members, to preserve the individual rights of members under federal retirement laws, and to encourage fraternalism and mutual helpfulness among Member Chapters;
(f) To cooperate throughout Florida with the Regional Vice President Region III to create new chapters and reactivate weak or closed ones;
(g) To cooperate with and support civic and patriotic activities (not political) of other organizations within Florida that are deemed to uphold American institutions and ideals.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
All Chapters in the State of Florida that are duly chartered by the National Association shall be eligible for membership in NARFE Florida, Inc.. Their affiliation with, and continuance of membership in NARFE Florida, Inc., shall be in accordance with provisions set forth in NARFE Florida, Inc. Bylaws.
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1. The officers of NARFE Florida, Inc. shall be those specified in ARTICLE III, Section 1, of NARFE Florida, Inc. Bylaws. These officers shall be elected at a regular business session of the Convention and shall serve in accordance with the provisions as set forth in ARTICLE III of the NARFE Florida, Inc. Bylaws.
Section 2. Such other officers as may be established under the Bylaws of the NARFE Florida, Inc. shall be filled by Presidential appointment thereto. Term of office of appointees shall be in accordance with provisions set forth in the NARFE Florida, Inc. Bylaws.
Section 3. The officers specified in ARTICLE V,(a)
of NARFE
Florida, Inc. Bylaws shall constitute the Executive Board of NARFE
Florida, Inc
ARTICLE V. CONVENTIONS
Conventions of NARFE Florida, Inc. shall be held at such time and such place as shall have been fixed by a previous convention. The convention dates selected shall not conflict with any Religious and/or National Holidays. Should agreement on time and place not be reached at the convention, or if the circumstances require a change from the selection made by the convention, the Executive Board shall make the selection of time and place.
Convening of the Convention shall be for the purpose of receiving annual reports of officers in their official capacities, committee reports and such other reports required by the Bylaws; transacting business of NARFE Florida, Inc.; discussing Chapter problems and other matters of interest to Federal employees, annuitants or potential annuitants of the civilian public service; provide and promote social, fraternal, educational and such other programs as deemed appropriate; and the election of officers for the ensuing NARFE Florida, Inc. year. Each Member Chapter shall be entitled to representation at the convention by one or more delegates on such basis as NARFE Florida, Inc. Bylaws shall prescribe.
ARTICLE VI. AMENDMENTS
Section 1. The Articles of Incorporation may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates and/or proxies present and voting at any convention of NARFE Florida, Inc., provided a resolution proposing such amendment, or amendments, is in the hands of NARFE Florida, Inc. Secretary no later than ninety (90) days prior to the next convention, to allow for transmittal to each Member Chapter and NARFE Florida, Inc. President not later than sixty (60) days prior to the first day of the next convention, and read to the Convention by a member of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws Committee with their recommendations thereon.
Section 2. Amendments thus adopted shall become effective upon approval thereof by the National Executive Board.
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BYLAWS
The Bylaws of NARFE Florida, Inc., as distinct from the Articles of Incorporation thereof, shall relate to matters of concern and/or convenience to NARFE Florida, Inc.. These Bylaws shall not conflict with any of the provisions set forth in the Articles of Incorporation of NARFE Florida, Inc., of Chapters, or the National Bylaws.
ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
Section 1. Eligibility for membership of a chapter in NARFE Florida, Inc. of Chapters shall be in accordance with ARTICLE III of NARFE Florida, Inc. Articles of Incorporation. Chapters shall be admitted as Member Chapters of NARFE Florida, Inc. upon presentation of a Letter of Application and payment of the Per Capita Tax as specified in Section 2 below.
Section 2. A per capita tax shall be levied by NARFE Florida, Inc. on each Member Chapter upon its admission and annually thereafter based on the number of active Chapter members in good standing. The amount of this per capita tax shall be as provided under ARTICLE XII, Section 1, of NARFE Florida, Inc. Bylaws. Associate, Honorary and Social members of NARFE Florida, Inc. Member Chapters shall be exempt from assessment of this per capita tax.
Section 3. Payment of the per capita tax shall be a prerequisite to the voting rights of Member Chapters' delegates attending a NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention. Associate and Social members of Member Chapters are not counted for voting rights of Member Chapters' delegates attending a NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention.
ARTICLE II. NARFE FLORIDA DISTRICTS
Section 1. NARFE Florida, Inc. shall be divided into districts, the number of which shall be determined by the NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board. Such determination shall be based on the number of Member Chapters located within a geographical area, the extent of which will permit visitations to said Member Chapters and consultation with officers thereof when requested or required, without imposing unreasonable travel and/or expense on the District Vice President.
Section 2. The area of each District, and the Chapters assigned thereto, having once become fixed, shall not be changed unless justified by good cause predicated on being in the best interest of NARFE Florida, Inc. and approved by NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board.
ARTICLE III. ELECTED OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES
Section 1. The elected officers of NARFE Florida, Inc. shall be the President, Executive Vice President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and a District Vice President for each NARFE Florida, Inc. District. These officers shall be elected at the Convention of NARFE Florida, Inc. and shall serve for one year or until their successor shall be elected or appointed.
Section 1. (a): Past National Presidents, who are members in good standing of a NARFE Florida, Inc. Chapter that is also in good standing, shall be Counselor(s) Emeritus, and shall be entitled to be recognized and speak, but not vote, at Executive Board Meetings in accord with Roberts Rules of Order, current edition.
Section 2. Duties of the President
The President of NARFE Florida, Inc. shall:
(a) Be the executive head of all NARFE Florida, Inc. activities;
(b) Preside at conventions of NARFE Florida, Inc. and all meetings of its Executive Board;
(c) Call special meetings when deemed necessary by the Executive Board or at the request of thirty (30) percent of the Member Chapters;
(d) Make assignment of such duties and responsibilities to the officers as may be deemed appropriate to the best interest of NARFE Florida, Inc.;
(e) Call upon NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board for advice in NARFE Florida, Inc. matters;
(f) Review and approve or disapprove all vouchers or bills presented for payment of expenditures by NARFE Florida, Inc. or its Executive Board, except those of the President. The President’s expenditures shall be presented to the Executive Vice President for review and approved or disapproved;
(g) Cooperate with the Regional Vice President Region III in the development of plans and programs for the betterment of the Association at all levels;
(h) Abide by all rules, regulations and edicts as may be prescribed by the Association;
(i) Appoint a Parliamentarian;
j) Appoint, with the concurrence of the Executive Board, continuing Standing Committee Chairpersons or Officers, i.e. Alzheimer's, Automation, Chaplain, Convention, Federation Treasury Audit, Historian, Legislative, Membership (including specialty chairs, as needed), Newsletter Editor, Pre-Retirement Seminar Coordinator, Public Relations, Service, Training Officer, and Zip-Code. Appointed Officers and Chairpersons shall submit reports, when requested by the President;
(k) Appoint such Special Committees as are deemed necessary and appropriate to circumstances not otherwise provided for in these Bylaws. However, the incumbents of the five NARFE Florida-wide elective offices shall not be placed on any of the Standing Committees; however, they may be placed on NARFE Florida, Inc. Annual Convention Committee and may also be assigned to temporarily fill the appointed positions of the Legislative Officer or Membership Chairman, but not to exceed ninety (90) days. NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board Members may be appointed to Special Committees as deemed necessary and appropriate by NARFE Florida, Inc. President;
(l) The use of Postal, Electronic (e-mail) or facsimile (fax) may be used to gather, compile or disseminate information; also, polling and/or voting of the Executive Board are permitted. Results of polling and/or voting shall be recorded and posted within the Minutes of the next Executive Board meeting;
(m) Perform such other duties as may be required by NARFE Florida, Inc. or the. Executive Board.
Section 3. Duties of the Executive Vice President.
The Executive Vice President of NARFE Florida, Inc. shall:
(a) In the absence of NARFE Florida, Inc. President become the Presiding Officer pro tempore and perform such of the Presidential functions as may be warranted by circumstances causing such absence; and perform such duties as are assigned by NARFE Florida, Inc. President;
(b) Be the Membership Officer of NARFE Florida, Inc. providing guidance to NARFE Florida, Inc. Membership Chairperson activities. Working with the Association's National level, NARFE Florida, Inc. Membership Chairperson, and NARFE Florida, Inc. District Vice Presidents, he/she shall assist in every way possible to encourage and stimulate the chapters to become more active and energetic in their quest for new members and the retention of existing members;
(c) Serve as the Reviewing Officer to all NARFE Florida, Inc. District Vice Presidents providing guidance and assistance, as requested, in the performance of their duties;
(d) Review and summarize reports submitted by NARFE Florida, Inc. District Vice Presidents into a quarterly report of NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Vice President to NARFE Florida, Inc. President. Also submit an annual report of member deaths, by Districts, to NARFE Florida, Inc. Chaplain as of March 31st;
(e) Shall serve as the oversight officer for the Training Officer, providing assistance and guidance to said officer;
(f) Perform such other duties as may be required by NARFE Florida, Inc., NARFE Florida, Inc. President, or NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board.
Section 4. Duties of the Vice President
The Vice President of NARFE Florida, Inc. shall:
(a) In the absence of both NARFE Florida, Inc. President and Executive Vice President, become the Presiding Officer pro tempore and perform such of the presidential functions as may be warranted by circumstances causing such absences; and perform such duties as are assigned by NARFE Florida, Inc. President;
(b) Maintain oversight for NARFE Florida, Inc. Legislative and Service Officer Programs;
(c) Maintain oversight of the appointed NARFE Florida, Inc. Automation Chairperson;
(d) Perform such other duties as may be required by NARFE Florida, Inc., NARFE Florida, Inc. President or NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board.
Section 5. Duties of the Secretary
The Secretary of NARFE Florida, Inc. shall:
(a) Keep a true and correct record of all proceedings of NARFE Florida, Inc. Conventions and all meetings of NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board. The complete Minutes of which shall be published for distribution and subsequent direction and approval at the next NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention;
(b) After each Convention promptly complete and send to the Regional Vice President Region III, Form 22 (NARFE Florida Convention Report), with attached copies of the Form F-7A (NARFE Florida Officer Roster) and a copy of the NARFE Florida, Inc. Financial Report, send additional copies of the F-7A to NARFE Florida, Inc. President. Also, throughout the year, send copies of any changes to the Form F-7A to the National Secretary, Regional Vice President Region III and NARFE Florida, Inc. President. Copies of all Convention Resolutions if adopted, and copies of all Form F-7A (annual report and changes) shall be sent to the National Secretary;
(c) Forward resolutions, or copies thereof, to all Member Chapters of NARFE Florida, Inc. as directed by NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention or these Bylaws. Consolidate and submit resolutions and/or amendments to the National Association and/or NARFE Florida, Inc. Articles of Incorporation and/or Bylaws and forward same to NARFE Florida, Inc. Member Chapters as required by ARTICLE XV of these Bylaws;
(d) Attend to correspondence pertaining to the Office of NARFE Florida, Inc. Secretary;
(e) Maintain a record of NARFE Florida, Inc. Member Chapters, their Officers and Chairpersons, complete with title, name, address, telephone number and e-mail address (if available) of each;
(f) Maintain such other records as are prescribed by NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board,
(g) Provide mailing labels and/or lists as required by NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board and appointed Officers;
(h) Provide NARFE Florida, Inc. Committee Chairpersons with all information relative to the business referred to their respective committee;
(i) Publish in the Florida NARFE News (e-mail) all information pertaining to the activities of NARFE Florida, Inc. and actions taken by NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board, or such other information of which NARFE Florida, Inc. Member Chapters should be currently informed;
(j) Submit a written report of official acts during the NARFE Florida, Inc. year to the convention of NARFE Florida, Inc.;
(k) Serve as Secretary of NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board and shall submit a report to NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention covering official acts by NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board during the past NARFE Florida, Inc. year;
(l) Perform such other duties as may be required by NARFE Florida, Inc., NARFE Florida, Inc. President, or NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board.
Section 6. Duties of the Treasurer
The Treasurer of NARFE Florida, Inc. shall:
(a) Receive and have custody of all funds due and payable to NARFE Florida, Inc., depositing said funds in a bank approved by NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board;
(b) Keep full and accurate records of all receipts and disbursements;
(c) Issue checks against such deposits when authorized by NARFE Florida, Inc. President and when in accordance with Article III, Section 2 (f );
(d) Prepare a Per Capita Tax statement, based upon membership figures provided by the NARFE Florida Executive Vice President, showing the amount of said tax to be paid into the hands of NARFE Florida, Inc. Treasurer by each Member Chapter, and thereby determine the number of convention delegates to which each Chapter is entitled under ARTICLE VIII. Section 1, of these Bylaws;
(e) Submit a report of delegate entitlements to the Chairperson of NARFE Florida, Inc. Credentials Committee ten (10) days prior to the first day of each NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention;
(f) Render interim Financial Statements and Budget vs. Actual Expenditure Reports to the Executive Board on a monthly basis and at said Board meetings;
(g) Submit a detailed 10 month report covering acts from June 1st to March 31st of the current fiscal year to the NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention. A detailed report of the full fiscal year is available through proper request by any member of the Executive Board, Past NARFE Florida, Inc. President or Member Chapter Authority after the close of the fiscal year;
(h) As the outgoing NARFE Florida, Inc. Treasurer or NARFE Florida, Inc. Treasurer, prepare an interim supplemental report immediately after adjournment of the convention and distribute a copy thereof to each officer of NARFE Florida, Inc. and to the President of each Member Chapter of NARFE Florida, Inc.;
(i) The outgoing NARFE Florida, Inc. Treasurer shall give to the incoming NARFE Florida, Inc. Treasurer within thirty (30) days after the election, all records, financial statements and bank accounts, in good order with a clear report of all transactions from beginning of fiscal year to the date of turnover;
(j) Serve as Chairperson of the Budget and Finance Committee, consisting of himself/herself, NARFE Florida, Inc. President, the Executive Vice President and Vice President. In this capacity, NARFE Florida, Inc. Treasurer shall prepare appropriate budgets and reports pertaining to the finances of NARFE Florida, Inc., submitting copies thereof to NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board as prescribed by said Board;
(k) Perform such other duties as may be required by NARFE Florida, Inc., NARFE Florida, Inc. President, or NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board.
ARTICLE IV. Duties of District Vice-President
The District Vice Presidents of NARFE Florida, Inc. shall:
(a) Represent NARFE Florida, Inc. President in all matters pertaining to NARFE Florida, Inc. work in their respective NARFE Florida, Inc. District areas, except for policy making;
(b) Be under the guidance of NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Vice President;
(c) Assist NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Vice President and the Membership chairperson in carrying out a Membership Recruitment and Retention Program with special emphasis on increasing the membership of the Association, especially within NARFE Florida, Inc.;
(d) Maintain a close liaison between NARFE Florida, Inc. President, Executive Vice President, other Officers, Member Chapters and Officers within his or her respective NARFE Florida, Inc. District. Through chapter visitations thereto and/or informative letters, e-mail or phone conversation to Member Chapter Presidents therein;
(e) Promote close cooperation between his or her District Chapters through prompt dissemination of information that may be of mutual benefit;
(f) Arrange an Annual District Meeting, Round Table meeting(s), Chapter President Meeting(s) and promote other activities as appropriate to the best interests of NARFE Florida, Inc. and/or his or her District Member Chapters;
(g) Submit reports of their activities, a semiannual membership report and other reports to NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Vice President, and submit special reports at any time when so justified. Information concerning possible formation of a new chapter/s should be submitted to NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Vice President. The chapter’s semiannual membership report will be based on the M114 report the chapters receive in April and October and shall be submitted to NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Vice President not later than the last day in May and November;
(h) Prepare an "Annual Report" for submission to NARFE Florida, Inc. President;
(i) Attend all NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board Meetings and the Annual NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention while in office;
(j) Attend and preside over their respective District Caucuses at the Annual NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention;
(k) Avoid incurring any expense associated with the above activities under this article in the name of NARFE Florida, Inc,. except as authorized by NARFE Florida, Inc. President;
(l) Perform such other duties as may be required by NARFE Florida, Inc., NARFE Florida, Inc. President, or NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board.
ARTICLE V. DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board shall:
(a) Consist of NARFE Florida, Inc. President, Executive Vice President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, District Vice Presidents and Eligible Immediate Past President;
(b) Have one (1) vote for each member thereof;
(c) Carry out the mandates of NARFE Florida, Inc. Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, and perform all duties necessary to maintain a proper and efficient functioning of NARFE Florida, Inc. business during the interim between NARFE Florida, Inc. Conventions;
(d) Hold a minimum of three (3) regular meetings per year: one immediately prior to the first session of each NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention, one immediately following adjournment of each NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention and one during the interim between NARFE Florida, Inc. Conventions. The latter is to be held preferably on dates following receipt of such quarterly reports as are required under these NARFE Florida, Inc. Bylaws;
(e) NARFE Florida, Inc. President or President pro tempore may, with reasonable notice (minimum 7 days), call additional meetings of NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board, or, should the magnitude of an emergency justify, suspend a meeting to be resumed at a later date;
(f) At the Executive Board Meeting just prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, establish and approve an annual budget;
(g) Receive report(s) from NARFE Florida, Inc. Treasurer on the finances of NARFE Florida, Inc. and any recommendations by said Treasurer;
(h) Publish a Fiscal Policy of NARFE Florida, Inc., which clearly establishes all occasions, and circumstances for which expenditures may be made from the funds of NARFE Florida, Inc., together with the rates and amounts authorized for each such occasion and circumstance;
(i) Furnish on original publication, a copy of such Fiscal Policy to each member of NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board, appointed NARFE Florida, Inc. Officer and NARFE Florida, Inc. Member Chapters;
(j) Include in the Minutes of NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board meeting on every occasion that an amendment to such Fiscal Policy is made, when such amendment(s) was/were authorized;
(k) Have the authority to declare any elective office of NARFE Florida, Inc. vacant because of misfeasance, malfeasance, or any justifiable cause determined by such Board, by a vote of not less than two-thirds (2/3rds). However, the officer involved shall be given reasonable opportunity to show cause why such action should not be taken;
(l) Should any member of NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board, except the President, Executive Vice President, Vice President or as specified in the current Bylaws, not be able to attend an Executive Board meeting, that member of the Executive Board may temporarily appoint another NARFE member in good standing to represent them at that Executive Board meeting, with voting rights. The NARFE Florida President must be informed of this prior to the meeting;
(m) Past Presidents of NARFE Florida, Inc. shall be extended the privilege of the floor during meetings of NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board, but shall have no voting rights. All meetings of NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board shall be open to attendance by Association members who are in good standing in a Member Chapter of NARFE Florida, Inc..
ARTICLE VI. CONVENTION COMMITTEES
(Non-Standing Committees)
Section l. The President of NARFE Florida, Inc. prior to January 15th of each year of the NARFE Florida Convention shall transmit to each District Vice President a list of Non-Standing Committees to be established for NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention. There shall be one member and one alternate member elected from each District to each of the following Non-Standing Convention Committees: Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws; Ballot and Tellers; General Resolutions; Time, Place and Site; Rules; Sergeant at Arms; and any other committee deemed necessary by NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board. At least sixty (60) days prior to the Convention, the President will appoint a Convention Treasury Audit Committee chaired by the NARFE Florida Treasurer (if the incumbent is not also the Convention Treasurer) and will appoint a Formal Resolutions Committee Chair. All Convention Committees will function in accordance with the established operating procedures.
Section 2. Members of said District prior to the NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention shall elect personnel of the above Committees, one member and one alternate from each District, at a District Meeting. The names of each member and alternate member of each committee shall be forwarded to the President by each District Vice President not less than sixty (60) days prior to the first day of NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention. The President shall select and appoint the Chairperson to each Committee from those members elected at a District Meeting. If neither the elected District Primary nor the Alternate Member is able to serve during NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention, NARFE Florida, Inc. District Vice President of said member shall appoint another member or alternate member from the said district to serve on that year's NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention Committee. Should no member from said District be elected to any Convention Committee (Article VI, Section 1), the District Vice President from same said district, at the convention, may appoint to that committee, a member from the same district who is present at, and has been registered as a delegate to the convention. Should the District Vice President fail to appoint a member at the convention, or not attend the convention, the President, at the convention, may appoint as a member to that committee, a member who is present at, and has been registered as a delegate to the convention.
Section 3. Not less than forty (40) days prior to the first day of the annual NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention, NARFE Florida, Inc. President shall announce appointments to the chairperson position of each of the committees.
(a) As soon as practical, after the close of the Convention, NARFE Florida, Inc. President with concurrence of the Executive Board, shall announce the appointment of NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention Chairperson for the next year. The Chairperson of the Convention shall establish all Sub-Committees as needed, and appoint all Sub-Officers and Sub-Committee Chairs subject to concurrence by the Executive Board, and make a complete financial report to NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board within sixty (60) days after the close of NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention;
(b) All matters relating to the Memorial Service shall be coordinated with NARFE Florida, Inc. Chaplain.
ARTICLE VII. CONVENTIONS / CONVENTION PROCEDURES
Section 1. Conventions of NARFE Florida, Inc. shall be held annually in accordance with ARTICLE V of NARFE Florida, Inc. Articles of Incorporation for the purposes set forth therein.
(a) All members serving on committees at NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention must be duly accredited delegates to said convention;
(b) The incumbents of the five NARFE Florida-wide elective offices shall not be placed on any of the Standing Committees except NARFE Florida, Inc. Annual Convention Committees. NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board Members may be appointed to Special Committees as deemed necessary and appropriate by NARFE Florida, Inc. President;
(c) The first day of NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention is defined as the published date for the Call to Order of the first business session of said convention;
Section 2. A quorum necessary to transact any business coming before a convention of NARFE Florida, Inc. shall consist of delegates and/or proxies representing at least fifty-one (51) percent of the total voting strength as determined by NARFE Florida, Inc. Treasurer and certified by the Credentials Committee Chairperson for NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention.
ARTICLE VIII. DELEGATES AND PROXIES
Section 1. Each Member Chapter of NARFE Florida, Inc. in good standing shall be entitled to be represented at NARFE Florida, Inc. Conventions, one delegate for each twenty-five (25) Chapter members including Honorary Members, or fraction thereof as shown by the Per Capita Tax Report, and no Member Chapter shall have entitlement to less than one delegate. For all annual NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention business matters and elections, each Member Chapter is entitled to the same number of votes as the number of its authorized delegates.
Section 2. Any Member Chapter not represented at NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention by a delegate may give its proxy to another Member Chapter delegate. No such delegate shall exercise or vote the proxies of more than three (3) Member Chapters in addition to their own. NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention Credentials Chairperson must receive all proxies at least fifteen (15) days prior to the first day of NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention. Said proxies must contain a certification by the Secretary of the Member Chapter that their designated proxy was duly elected by the members of the Chapter being so represented by said proxy.
Section 3. The President of NARFE Florida, Inc. of Chapters shall be designated delegate-at-large to the National Convention. In the absence of said President, NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Vice President, or Vice President, in ranking order, are hereby designated, and in the absence of the Executive Vice President and the Vice President, NARFE Florida, Inc. delegates present at the National Convention are authorized to designate any present or past Officer of NARFE Florida, Inc. as that NARFE Florida's Delegate at-Large. The official delegate of NARFE Florida, Inc. of Chapters shall be the only person entitled to expenses paid by NARFE Florida, Inc. to the National Convention.
ARTICLE IX. VOTING
Section 1. No member elected to the Ballot and Tellers Committee may hold any office in NARFE Florida, Inc. or be a candidate for any office therein. It shall be the duty of the Ballot and Tellers Committee to tabulate the votes cast by the delegates and/or proxies during the election procedure and report the results thereof to the Presiding Officer, when called upon to do so by the Presiding Officer.
Section 2. Floor Vote;
Each Member Chapter delegate attending NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention shall be issued a voting card, with a voting strength of one (1).
Section 3. Ballot or Roll Call Vote;
NARFE Florida, Inc. Member Chapter shall designate one delegate, or failing that, by the Member Chapter delegates themselves (Chapter Voting Delegate), to cast the Member Chapter votes. The vote of each Member Chapter shall be divided according to the choices of that Chapter's delegates. The same delegate, or another of the same Member Chapter, shall cast the votes of all proxies that have been duly delegated to that Chapter being represented by said delegate or delegates. The delegate or delegates holding proxies shall vote said proxies as instructed by the Member Chapter authorizing the proxies.
Section 4. All elected Officers and Past Presidents of NARFE Florida, Inc., who are members of Member Chapters in good standing with NARFE Florida, Inc. shall be entitled to cast one vote each by virtue of their office, on all matters brought to the convention floor (Delegate-at-Large).
ARTICLE X. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
Section 1. Each qualified NARFE Florida, Inc. Member Chapter may nominate such persons deemed qualified for Office, except for the Office of District Vice President. Each nomination shall be accompanied by a statement of the qualifications (resume) of the nominee for such office. Such Member Chapter nominations shall be forwarded to NARFE Florida, Inc. Secretary no later than forty (40) days prior to the first day of the annual NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention. Those nominations will not require a second, and the NARFE Florida, Inc. or Convention Secretary shall place the names of the nominees into nomination.
Should there be nominations from the floor for the same office, the Nominating Chapter of any such pre-submitted nomination shall be allowed the same time from the floor to present their nomination as is allowed for both nomination and seconding speeches from the floor.
Section 2. NARFE Florida, Inc. District Vice Presidents will be nominated on the first day of the annual NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention at a NARFE Florida, Inc. District caucus convened no later than 4:30 pm. The current NARFE Florida, Inc. District Vice President, if present, will chair the caucus. If not present, NARFE Florida, Inc. District delegates present will elect a chairperson. The names of nominee/s will be furnished to NARFE Florida, Inc. Secretary immediately after the caucus for forwarding to the Ballot and Tellers Committee for placement on a ballot of the designated NARFE Florida, Inc. District.
Section 3. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent any accredited delegate from making a nomination from the floor of NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention, except for the office of NARFE Florida, Inc. District Vice Presidents who shall be nominated at their respective district caucus.
Section 4. Only the duly accredited delegates and/or proxies of NARFE Florida, Inc. Member Chapters, together with the elective officers and Past Presidents of NARFE Florida, Inc., shall accomplish election of officers.
Section 5. Where there are two (2) or more candidates for any office, the election shall be by secret ballot and a plurality of all votes cast for each office shall be necessary to elect. In cases where there are two (2) or more nominees in a NARFE Florida, Inc. District, NARFE Florida, Inc. Secretary will forward the names of the nominees to the Ballot and Tellers Committee for placement on the ballot of that District only. In cases of tie votes, another election for the office in question shall be held at NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention, then in session, provided that only those candidates having the same number of votes for the same office shall be balloted. When there is but one candidate for each office, NARFE Florida, Inc. Secretary shall be instructed by the Presiding Officer to cast a unanimous ballot for each such candidate.
ARTICLE XI. TERMS OF OFFICE
Section 1. All officers of NARFE Florida, Inc. shall be elected for a term of one (1) year or until their successor is installed.
Section 2. No person shall be elected to NARFE Florida, Inc. Office of President more than twice, and no person who has held such office, or acted as such President for more than one-half (1/2) year of a term to which some other person was elected NARFE Florida, Inc. President, shall be elected to such office more than once. No person may serve as NARFE Florida, Inc. President for more than two years.
Section 3. The incumbent NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Vice President, if otherwise eligible, will automatically fill a vacancy in NARFE Florida, Inc. Office of President, and the incumbent NARFE Florida, Inc. Vice President, if otherwise eligible will automatically fill a vacancy in the office of NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Vice President.
Section 4. All vacancies occurring in elective offices, other than those of NARFE Florida, Inc. President and Executive Vice President, during the interim between NARFE Florida, Inc. Conventions, shall be filled by action of NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board. In the event of a vacancy occurring in the position of District Vice President, the NARFE Florida President shall contact the Chapter Presidents in that District for selection of an interim District Vice President to be appointed to serve until the next General Election. The person or persons receiving such an interim appointment shall serve in their respective office(s) until the next regularly called NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention.
Section 5. Persons holding the appointive offices provided for under these Bylaws shall hold office at the pleasure of NARFE Florida, Inc. President who appointed them to these offices, and their term of office shall expire with the expiration of the term of the appointing officer, or until their successors are appointed by the newly installed NARFE Florida, Inc. President.
ARTICLE XII. REVENUES
Section 1. The revenues of NARFE Florida, Inc. shall be mainly derived from Ten Percent Funds from the National Association and the payment of each NARFE Florida, Inc. Member Chapter of a Per Capita Tax of one dollar ($1.00) per active member, payable on that chapter’s membership, based on their reconciled M114 report and existing as of the preceding thirtieth (30th) day of November each year. Payment shall be made to NARFE Florida, Inc. Treasurer not later than the first (1st) day of March each year.
The $1.00 Per Capita Tax level will be reviewed annually and the specific amount may be adjusted, within the $1.00 cap, by action of NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board. Any adjustment will be for one year only, the $1.00 cap returning the following year.
Section 2. At each NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention, all officers, delegates, alternate delegates and visitors registering to be recognized as participants in the annual NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention, shall be required to pay a Registration Fee. Upon payment thereof, a badge will be issued to each person, which will properly identify his or her status at that Convention. Without proper evidence of having registered, no person shall be admitted to any session of NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention. NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board shall determine the amount of this Registration Fee, for each ensuing convention, and NARFE Florida, Inc. Member Chapters advised thereof, not less than ninety (90) days in advance of the first day of the NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention. The convention registration shall be conducted by and/or under the supervision of the Convention Registration Chairperson, subject to the approval of NARFE Florida, Inc. Annual Convention Chairperson. Said Registration shall begin no later than the afternoon of the first day immediately preceding the date of the first day's session of NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention, and continue up to the hour of the day scheduled for convening the session at which election of officers shall be held. Registration facilities shall be provided in a convenient location at NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention Headquarters under the direction of the Convention Registration Chairperson.
Section 3. A sum equal to at least the amount of the Per Capita Tax collected in the year in which NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention is held, shall be turned over to the incoming NARFE Florida, Inc. Treasurer.
Section 4. The revenues provided for herein may be supplemented by social activities, donations and/or voluntary contributions.
ARTICLE XIII. ORDER OF BUSINESS/AGENDA
Section 1. The first business session of NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention shall be called to order not later than 10:00 A.M. of the first day of said Convention.
Section 2. Generally, the following order of business will be observed, but this order may be deviated from as dictated by expediency in conducting the business of NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention. Such Order of Business, once approved, the agenda may be changed by the Presiding Officer, provided there is no objection from the delegation:
(a) Opening ceremonies (Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, National Anthem, Welcome Address, and Keynote Speaker);
(b) Call to Order;
(c) Introduction of Distinguished Guests;
(d) Roll Call of Elected Officers;
(e) Preliminary Report of the Credentials Committee;
(f) Adoption of Convention Standing Rules. Needs two-thirds (2/3rds) of the total votes of Delegates Present;
(g) Adoption of the Convention Program/ Agenda;
(h) Approve the Minutes of the Previous Convention;
(i) Present the Minutes of the Previous Executive Board Meetings;
(j) Reading of Communications;
(k) Report of Elected Statewide Officers;
(1) Reports of Committees;
(m) Election of Statewide & District Officers;
(n) Selection of Time, Place and Site for future NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention;
(o) Unfinished Business;
(p) Final Report of the Credentials Committee;
(q) New Business;
(r) Actions for the Good of NARFE Florida, Inc.;
(s) Benediction and Adjournment.
Section 3. The report of the Time, Place, and Convention Site Committee shall be the next-to-last item of the first day of NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention.
Section 4. Election of officers shall be scheduled for the first item of business on the second day of NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention. Installation of the newly elected officers shall be conducted during the annual NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention Banquet. Any business necessary after the installation of officers shall be under the gavel of the newly elected NARFE Florida, Inc. President.
Section 5. A Memorial Service, in memory of deceased members of NARFE Florida, Inc. Member Chapters, shall be a part of the annual NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention proceedings at such time and place as may be arranged by NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention Committee Chairperson, together with NARFE Florida, Inc. Chaplain and President.
Section 6. Any discussion concerning the subjects of race, creed or partisan politics during the business session of NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention shall be prohibited and ruled out of order by the Presiding Officer, NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention.
Section 7. Proceedings of all business sessions of NARFE Florida, Inc. Conventions shall be conducted in accordance with ARTICLE XIV of these Bylaws and NARFE Florida, Inc. President or Presiding Officer shall utilize a Parliamentarian for the purpose of maintaining adherence to the rules of parliamentary procedure during deliberations of NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention.
Section 8. Copies of all annual reports required under these Bylaws shall be in the hands of NARFE Florida, Inc. Secretary not less than ten (10) days prior to the first day of NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention to allow time for duplication thereof, and distribution to the delegates at said Convention, should NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board so decree.
Section 9. Resolutions, other than those concerning amendment of Articles of Incorporation and/or Bylaws, submitted for consideration by NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention shall be:
(a) In the hands of NARFE Florida, Inc. Secretary not later than seventy-five (75) days prior to the first day of the annual NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention;
(b) Transmitted to each NARFE Florida, Inc. Member Chapter and NARFE Florida, Inc. President not later than sixty (60) days prior to the first day of the annual NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention;
(c) Read or distributed to the Convention delegates by a member of NARFE Florida, Inc. General Resolutions Committee with their recommendations thereof. Resolutions thus adopted shall become effective at the close of the convention;
(d) Notwithstanding the above, any immediate resolution may be considered by NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention with the approval of a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote in the affirmative of the delegates and/or proxies present and voting. An immediate resolution is defined as a general, non-Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws resolution originated at NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention and not previously seen and considered in its entirety by NARFE Florida, Inc. Member Chapters.
Section 10. NARFE Florida, Inc. shall, at each Convention, adopt rules for the procedure and government of said Convention.
ARTICLE XIV. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern NARFE Florida, Inc. in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws or any special Rules of Order NARFE Florida, Inc. may adopt.
ARTICLE XV. AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of the delegates and/or proxies present and voting at any Convention of NARFE Florida, Inc., provided:
(a) A resolution proposing such amendment or amendments is/are in the hands of NARFE Florida, Inc. Secretary not less than ninety (90) days prior to the first day of NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention;
(b) Such resolution is transmitted to NARFE Florida, Inc. President, each Member of NARFE Florida, Inc. Executive Board, Past NARFE Florida, Inc. Presidents and each NARFE Florida, Inc. Member Chapter, not later than sixty (60) days prior to the first day of the annual NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention;
(c) Such resolution read or distributed to the Convention delegates by a member of NARFE Florida, Inc. Convention Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws Committee with their recommendations thereof. Amendments thus adopted shall become effective at the close of the convention.
Attested to:
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William H. Leatham, Secretary Date
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Kenneth A. Carter, President Date
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Elaine Hughes, National Secretary Date