1. Understanding the Chapter Organization beginning November 1, 2016

2.  The Chapter By-laws will be the governing document for all chapter procedures  The By-law template, along with the National Articles of Incorporation and National By-laws will govern the Chapter for the first year from November 1, 2016 to October 31, 2017.

3.  Each Chapter will be responsible for developing their own By-laws between November 1, 2016 and the start of the 2017 Chapter Convention  The first order of business at the 2017 Chapter Convention will be to adopt the proposed By-laws that have been developed over the past few months.

4.  During the period from November 1, 2016 to October 31, 2017 the Chapter will business will be conducted by the Executive Committee.  The Executive Committee will consist of the following: ◦ Co-Presidents (one representing each of the former organizations – the League and NAPUS) ◦ Co-Secretary-Treasurers (one representing each of the former organizations) ◦ Co –Retiree Presidents (one representing each of the former organizations)

5.  Executive Committee – continued ◦ Four Vice-Presidents (two will have been elected from each of the former organizations – NAPUS and the League at their respective Chapter/Branch conventions in the spring/summer 2016) ◦ Note: if there are no officers available from one organization, or the other, it will be up to the National President to work with the members in that chapter to find individuals willing to serve. In the event that no one can be found the chapter will be governed by whatever officers there are for the one year interim period.

6.  One of the first orders of business for the new Executive Board at their organizational meeting that must be held within 60 days of November 1, 2016, will be to select a site for the 2017 Chapter Convention.  These Chapter Conventions will need to be held on a date that is mutually agreeable; however, they must take place prior to the start of the 2017 UPMA National Convention.

7.  Preamble – This can be adjusted any way you see fit; however, the template attempted to be all inclusive.  Article I- Name: this will be the same for all Chapters starting out. It will only change if there are chapters that decided to join with another chapter.  Article II – Purpose: this will be the same for all Chapters starting out  Article III – Membership: this will be the same for all Chapters

8.  Article IV – Meetings: There is some suggested language, but it will be up to each Chapter to determine how many meetings they feel they need to operate during the year.  Article V – Election of Officers: The expectation is that each chapter will have a President, an Executive Vice-President, a Secretary-Treasurer (this position could be split if the chapter so chooses) in addition how ever many other Vice- Presidents the Chapter believes they need.

9.  Article V (continued): It shall be up to the Chapter to determine if they want the editor to be a member of the Executive Board and if that will be an elected, or appointed position.  The length of the terms of office will be up to each Chapter to determine. However, all of the terms of office should run concurrently with the National Articles of Incorporation and By-laws to commence on November 1 of the year the election takes place.

10.  Article V (continued): You will need to include language in the By-laws relating to how elections will be held, etc.  Article VI – President: The duties of the office of president should be spelled out here. This will be up to the discretion of the Chapter.  Article VII – Executive Vice-President: These duties should be spelled out here. Again, this is at the discretion of the Chapter.

11.  Article VIII – At Large Vice-Presidents: The number and duties of each will be determined by the Chapter going forward; however, a breakdown similar to the one included in the template should be used for the 2016-17 year.  Article IX – Secretary-Treasurer: Their duties would be spelled out here. Again, if the chapter chooses to they can divide these duties into two separate positions.

12.  Article X – Editor: The duties will be spelled out here.  Article XI – Executive Committee: This is where the parameters would be set for what duties the Executive Committee will have regarding how the business of the Chapter is conducted.  Article XII – Sergeant-At-Arms: This is up to the discretion of the Chapter.

13.  Article XIII – National Convention Roll Call Voting Procedures: This article CANNOT be changed until after October 31, 2018.  Article XIV – Bonds: This will be up to the Chapter to determine whether they want to be bonded, or not, and what the amount will be. It is highly recommended that you be bonded to protect the membership of the chapter.

14.  Article XV – Dues: It is recommended that this be the amount as prescribed by the national governing documents to avoid any confusion.  Article XVI – Official Publication: This is where you will determine what the name of the publication will be; how many times per year it will be published; and whether, or not, the Chapter will maintain a website.  Article XVII – Amendments: This is where you will define your chapter’s procedures for amendments.

15.  The Chapter Template is in place to govern your chapter for the first year.  The Chapter will be responsible for developing their own By-laws during the first year the new organization is in place.  As was stated, there are many items that can be determined by the Chapter; however, there are some procedures in place that cannot be changed. Specifically the voting by percentage must stay in place for the first two years.

16. Questions?