THE CONSTITUTION OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND PERFORMING ARTS DIVISION
ARTICLE I – NAME
The name of this organization shall be the National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division.
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE
The purpose of this organization is to serve as a division of the National Federation of the Blind; to be a vehicle for collective action by the blind of the nation; to function as a mechanism through which the blind and interested sighted persons can come together to plan and carry out programs to improve the quality of life for the blind; to promote the vocational, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to achieve the integration of the blind into society and the entertainment industry on a basis of equality with the sighted; to focus attention upon the problems faced by blind people in the performing arts; to serve as a networking resource to help members achieve their artistic and vocational goals; and to take any other action which will improve the overall condition and standard of living of the blind.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
Section One
The members of this organization shall be blind people in the performing arts and others interested in promoting the purposes of this organization. The members of this organization are members of the National Federation of the Blind and shall have the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as other members of the National Federation of the Blind.
Section Two
This organization shall be made up primarily of blind people, and it shall be controlled by the blind. A majority of its voting members must be blind.
Section Three
Any member may be expelled for violation of this Constitution, for violation of the policies of the National Federation of the Blind, or for conduct unbecoming to a member of the Federation, by a majority vote of the active members present and voting at any regular business session of this organization, or by two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. The National Convention of this organization may reinstate any person who has been expelled. Any person who feels that he/she has been unjustly expelled from this organization may appeal to the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind, which may (at its discretion) consider the matter and make a binding decision. Unless the decision to suspend or expel is reversed by the National Convention or by the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind, the ruling of suspension or expulsion shall continue in effect.
Section Four
The name National Federation of the Blind, Federation of the Blind, or any variant thereof, is the property of the National Federation of the Blind; and if this organization ceases to be a part of the National Federation of the Blind (for whatever reason) it shall forfeit the right to use the name National Federation of the Blind, Federation of the Blind, or any variant thereof.
ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The board of directors shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three board members. The duties of the officers shall be those customarily associated with their respective offices. The president and vice president must be blind and actively involved in the performing arts. Each board member shall serve in terms of two years. The board members shall be elected biannually on even numbered years by a majority vote of the members of this organization present and voting at the annual meeting. All members in good standing are eligible to run for office. There shall be no proxy voting.
ARTICLE V – MEETINGS
Section One
This organization shall hold its annual meeting at the time and place of the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind. The Board of Directors shall conduct the business of the organization between annual meetings.
Section Two
The President of this organization may call a special meeting of the body at any time he/she, or a majority of the Board of Directors, deems such action to be necessary. At such special meetings at least fifteen (15) members must be present to constitute a quorum to transact business, and written notice must have been sent to each member and to the members of the Board of Directors at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting.
ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES
The President may appoint such committees as he/she or the organization deems necessary. The President shall be an ex officio member of all committees.
ARTICLE VII – DUES
The dues for members of this organization shall be five dollars ($5.00) per year. No person may vote or hold office who is delinquent in the payment of his/her dues.
ARTICLE VIII – FUNDS AND FINANCING
The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check, issued on order of the President, and signed by the Treasurer.
ARTICLE IX – DISSOLUTION
In the event of the dissolution of this organization, or (for whatever reason) it ceases to be a part of the National Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be transferred to the treasury of the National Federation of the Blind.
ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS
This constitution may be amended by two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any meeting of this organization; but the amendments shall not become effective until they have been presented to the President of the National Federation of the Blind for review and approval.