AVRASA BY LAWS
AVRASA BY-LAWS
(As Amended October 4, 2011)
ARTICLE I- NAME
The name of this organization shall be known as AVRASA.
ARTICLE II- MISSION and PURPOSE
AVRASA's mission is to eduacate, advocate and support rehabilitation counselors and social service professionals to provide comprehensive and integrated services to individuals with disabilities.
In pursuant of this mission, AVRASA’s vision is to:
· Promote self-sufficiency for consumers which includes obtaining and maintaining gainful employment
· Enhance the skill level of members through the provision of education and training
· Assist in the continued development of vocational rehabilitation service standards and extend them to all treatment settings
· Assist in the continued development of resources for training rehabilitation professionals
· Foster ongoing communication between rehabilitation professionals and service providers to expand and enhance consumer related services
· Develop mechanisms to facilitate integration of vocational rehabilitation within the overall treatment process
· Function as a clearinghouse for gathering and disseminating information within the rehabilitation community
· Assist in the formulation of state policies and regulations pertinent to vocational rehabilitation and employment
· Serve as an advisory body to the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), the State Legislature, Local Governments and Civic Associations
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
Section I- Qualifications: AVRASA is open to all individuals, agencies and organizations interested in providing comprehensive services to individuals with disabilities.
Section II- Types of Membership: There shall be the following classes of membership: individual professional, organization, student and retiree.
A- Individual Professional: An individual who chooses to join independent of any professional affiliation.
B- Organization: A not-for-profit or for-profit dues paying agency. Includes up to 5 attendees per meeting.
C- Student: An individual who is enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student
(must provide valid school ID).
D- Retiree: An individual who has officially retired from said position
Section III- Annual Dues:
Individual Professional: $ 100.00
Organization: $ 300.00
Student: $ 35.00
Retiree: $ 35.00
Section IV- Membership Year and Dues: The membership calendar year shall run from
January 1st to December 31st. Early Bird registrants are eligible for a 10% discount if dues are received by December 31st of the calendar year.
Section V-Non Members: There is a $35.00 per meeting fee for non-members.
Students (with valid school ID) and Retirees will be charged a $20.00 per meeting fee.
ARTICLE IV- AVRASA OFFICERS TERM OF OFFICE AND DUTIES:
Section I- Officers: The officers of AVRASA shall be President, Past President, First and Second Vice President, Treasurer, Administrative Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and Member at Large.
These officers shall constitute the Executive Committee of AVRASA.
Section II- Terms of Office: Terms of office shall be two years.
Officers may not serve in the same position for more than two consecutive terms.
Section III- Duties of Officers:
General Responsibilities of the Board
· Present a projected one-year plan for AVRASA including meeting schedule, potential workshop topics, goals and objectives, etc.
· Serve as Chair on a Sub-Committee
· Develop partnerships and collaborations with various entities (i.e. OASAS, ASAP, HRA colleges/universities, professional organizations, etc.)
· Conduct presentations on behalf of AVRASA
· Assist with the coordination of program planning activities
A - President
Responsibilities:
· Preside over General Membership and Executive Board Meetings.
· Oversee the coordination of all program planning activities.
· Coordinate meeting agenda for General Membership and Executive Board meetings.
· Supervise all duties of officers (e.g. check writing, review all mailings, etc.)
Qualifications:
· At least three years membership with AVRASA
· At least 2 years experience on the Executive Board of AVRASA
· Ability to attend scheduled membership and Executive Board meetings
· Strong organizational and communication skills
· Administrative experience
· Must have 2 years supervisory experience
· Access to computer, e-mail, internet, fax machine, copier, etc.
B - First Vice President
Responsibilities:
· Preside over General Membership meetings in absence of President
· Ensure that meeting location has all necessary accommodations for speakers
· Initiate contact with guest speakers to identify training needs
· Send confirmation and thank you letters to guest speakers
· Contact CRCC to obtain continuing education credits for workshops
· Distribute CRC certificates to credentialed members
Qualifications:
· At least one year membership with AVRASA
· Ability to attend scheduled membership and Executive Board meetings
· Strong organizational and communication skills
· Administrative experience
· Access to computer, e-mail, internet, fax machine, copier, etc.
C - Second Vice President
Responsibilities:
· Oversee Membership Committee
· Conduct membership outreach
· Maintain and update Membership Profiles and Resource Directory
· Keep accurate records of membership status
Qualifications:
· At least one year membership with AVRASA
· Ability to attend scheduled membership and Executive Board meetings
· Strong writing and computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Word and Excel)
· Administrative experience
· Access to computer, e-mail, internet, fax machine, copier, etc.
D - Past President
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
· Served in the capacity of President of AVRASA in a previous term
· Ability to attend scheduled membership and Executive Board meetings
· Strong organizational and communication skills
· Administrative experience
· Must have 2 years supervisory experience
· Strong writing and computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Word and Excel)
· Access to computer, e-mail, internet, fax machine, copier, etc.
E - Administrative Secretary
Responsibilities:
· Take accurate minutes of General Membership and Executive Board meetings
· Present minutes to Chairpersons for review in a timely fashion (i.e. two weeks after General/Board Meetings)
· Forward final copy of minutes to Corresponding Secretary for distribution to membership
· Maintain updated records of all meetings, events, and activities
Qualifications:
· At least one year membership with AVRASA
· Ability to attend scheduled membership and Executive Board meetings
· Strong writing and computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Word and Excel)
· Administrative experience
· Computer literate, access to e-mail, internet, fax machine, copier, etc.E - Corresponding Secretary
Responsibilities:
· Distribute Computer literate, access to e-mail, internet, fax machine, copier, etc.
· Responsible for bringing sign in sheets, evaluations and workshop material to general membership meetings
· Maintain website
· Take accurate minutes of General Membership and Executive Board meetings in absence of the Administrative Secretary
· Manage AVRASA voice mail (i.e. update greeting, retrieve messages, forward messages to appropriate Board member)
Qualifications:
· At least one year membership with AVRASA
· Ability to attend scheduled membership and Executive Board meetings
· Strong writing, organizational and communication skills
· Administrative experience
· Strong computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Word and Excel)
· Access to e-mail, internet, fax machine, copier, etc.
F - Treasurer
Responsibilities:
· Maintain all books of account showing all receipts and disbursements
· Maintain membership status of all agencies and individuals
· Prepare and submit all financial reports required by law
· Submit a financial status report at General and Board meetings on financial balance of AVRASA account
· Responsible for depositing all monies within 48 hours of receipt
· Monitor account activity online and report any irregularities to the Board
· Interface with and assist the Association’s Accountant in preparing financial statements and/or documents required by government regulatory agencies
· Work with Second Vice President to oversee the collection of membership dues at general membership meetings
Qualifications:
· At least one year membership with AVRASA
· Ability to attend scheduled membership and Executive Board meetings
· Proficient with accounting software (i.e. Quicken, QuickBooks)
· Strong writing, organizational and communication skills
· Administrative experience
· Strong computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Word and Excel)
· Access to computer, e-mail, internet, fax machine, copier, etc
G - Member at Large
Responsibilities:
· Provide Executive Board with up-to-date reports on status of all subcommittees
· Serve as Supervisor’s Committee Chair and Nominating Committee Chair
· Serve as liaison and create partnerships with other professional organizations
· Provide legislative updates during membership and Board meetings
Qualifications:
· At least one year membership with AVRASA
· Ability to attend scheduled membership. Executive Board meetings as well as meetings of other professional organizations
· Strong writing, organizational and communication skills
· Strong computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Word and Excel)
· Access to computer, e-mail, internet, fax machine, copier, etc.
Section II-Order of Succession:
Should an office position become vacant before regular elections, the Board may select one of the following options:
1) Mid year elections will be held to fill an office
2) A qualified existing officer may interview for the position
ARTICLE V- MEETING
Section I:
There shall be bi-monthly General Membership Meetings of AVRASA on a date to be fixed by the Executive Board. These meetings shall be held for the transaction of necessary AVRASA business and for the election of AVRASA officers when applicable.
Section II-Notices:
Members shall be given at least 30 days notice of annual meetings and at least five days notice of special meetings
Section III Voting:
1. The Nominating Committee, Chaired by the Member at Large, will identify candidates from the pool of general members.
2. One month prior to the election of officials, nominations for candidates shall be taken and announced in the meeting's minutes. Candidates may be nominated by:
· Themselves
· Dues paying members
3. On the day of the election, candidates must give a 5 minute speech highlighting their interest in running for an Executive Committee or Advisory Board seat. Time will be allotted for questions and answers.
4. Members of the Executive Committee and all dues paying members may vote for officials.
5. Votes will be taken anonymously by written ballot.
6. Officials will be elected by simple majority.
Section V- Agenda:
The President shall prepare an agenda for every meeting. There shall be six meetings held bi-monthly throughout the year. These meetings shall serve as an opportunity to transact business, distribute information and provide continuing education.
Suggested order of business:
1. Welcome
2. Reading and Acceptance of minutes
3. Treasurer’s Report
4. Committee Report(s)
5. Old Business
6. New Business
7. Legislative Updates
8. Announcements
9. Continuing Education Workshop
The President can modify the meeting agenda in accordance to recommendations from Executive Committee and/or organizational needs.
ARTICLE VI - STANDING COMMITTEES
Conference Planning: This committee is responsible for organizing the conference format, identifying speakers and location. This committee is also responsible for marketing the conference and creating a budget.
Advocacy Committee: This committee is responsible for designing efforts to advocate for the field and promote Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling efforts.
Marketing Committee: This committee is responsible for organizing and distributing marketing material to include brochures, announcements, newsletters, etc. both in print and in the media.
Membership Committee: This committee is responsible for recruiting members and organizing membership drives.
Supervisors: This committee is comprised of Directors, Coordinators and Supervisors of Rehabilitation Professionals. The committee is responsible for providing its members with peer supervision, education and training.
Additional committees: To be determined by the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE VIII- EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section I- Composition: The Executive Committee shall consist of all officers of AVRASA as indicated in Article V, Section I.
Section II- Functions: The Executive Committee shall be the governing body of AVRASA between meetings of the general membership; it shall direct the policies, management and procedures of AVRASA and may make such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary and which will be consistent with the By-laws.
Section III- Meetings: The Executive Committee shall meet monthly and will hold weekly teleconference meetings. Special meetings shall be called anytime upon at least 72 hours of notice by the President, or in his/her absence, by the First Vice President.
ARTICLE VIII - BY-LAWS
Section 1. Amendment. These by-laws may be amended from time to time as follows:
(a) The Executive Committee may propose amendments for approval.
(b) Proposed amendments may be submitted to the Executive Committee through the President. Such proposals shall be submitted at least 90 days prior to the general membership meeting at which such proposed amendments are to be discussed.
(c) At least 30 days prior to member association action, the proposed amendment and the Executive Committee's recommendations shall be made available to all members.
(d) Proposed amendments recommend by the Executive Committee shall be acted upon by the general membership by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members present at a scheduled general membership meeting with at least 30 days notification of members.
(As Amended October 4, 2011)
ARTICLE I- NAME
The name of this organization shall be known as AVRASA.
ARTICLE II- MISSION and PURPOSE
AVRASA's mission is to eduacate, advocate and support rehabilitation counselors and social service professionals to provide comprehensive and integrated services to individuals with disabilities.
In pursuant of this mission, AVRASA’s vision is to:
· Promote self-sufficiency for consumers which includes obtaining and maintaining gainful employment
· Enhance the skill level of members through the provision of education and training
· Assist in the continued development of vocational rehabilitation service standards and extend them to all treatment settings
· Assist in the continued development of resources for training rehabilitation professionals
· Foster ongoing communication between rehabilitation professionals and service providers to expand and enhance consumer related services
· Develop mechanisms to facilitate integration of vocational rehabilitation within the overall treatment process
· Function as a clearinghouse for gathering and disseminating information within the rehabilitation community
· Assist in the formulation of state policies and regulations pertinent to vocational rehabilitation and employment
· Serve as an advisory body to the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), the State Legislature, Local Governments and Civic Associations
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
Section I- Qualifications: AVRASA is open to all individuals, agencies and organizations interested in providing comprehensive services to individuals with disabilities.
Section II- Types of Membership: There shall be the following classes of membership: individual professional, organization, student and retiree.
A- Individual Professional: An individual who chooses to join independent of any professional affiliation.
B- Organization: A not-for-profit or for-profit dues paying agency. Includes up to 5 attendees per meeting.
C- Student: An individual who is enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student
(must provide valid school ID).
D- Retiree: An individual who has officially retired from said position
Section III- Annual Dues:
Individual Professional: $ 100.00
Organization: $ 300.00
Student: $ 35.00
Retiree: $ 35.00
Section IV- Membership Year and Dues: The membership calendar year shall run from
January 1st to December 31st. Early Bird registrants are eligible for a 10% discount if dues are received by December 31st of the calendar year.
Section V-Non Members: There is a $35.00 per meeting fee for non-members.
Students (with valid school ID) and Retirees will be charged a $20.00 per meeting fee.
ARTICLE IV- AVRASA OFFICERS TERM OF OFFICE AND DUTIES:
Section I- Officers: The officers of AVRASA shall be President, Past President, First and Second Vice President, Treasurer, Administrative Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and Member at Large.
These officers shall constitute the Executive Committee of AVRASA.
Section II- Terms of Office: Terms of office shall be two years.
Officers may not serve in the same position for more than two consecutive terms.
Section III- Duties of Officers:
General Responsibilities of the Board
· Present a projected one-year plan for AVRASA including meeting schedule, potential workshop topics, goals and objectives, etc.
· Serve as Chair on a Sub-Committee
· Develop partnerships and collaborations with various entities (i.e. OASAS, ASAP, HRA colleges/universities, professional organizations, etc.)
· Conduct presentations on behalf of AVRASA
· Assist with the coordination of program planning activities
A - President
Responsibilities:
· Preside over General Membership and Executive Board Meetings.
· Oversee the coordination of all program planning activities.
· Coordinate meeting agenda for General Membership and Executive Board meetings.
· Supervise all duties of officers (e.g. check writing, review all mailings, etc.)
Qualifications:
· At least three years membership with AVRASA
· At least 2 years experience on the Executive Board of AVRASA
· Ability to attend scheduled membership and Executive Board meetings
· Strong organizational and communication skills
· Administrative experience
· Must have 2 years supervisory experience
· Access to computer, e-mail, internet, fax machine, copier, etc.
B - First Vice President
Responsibilities:
· Preside over General Membership meetings in absence of President
· Ensure that meeting location has all necessary accommodations for speakers
· Initiate contact with guest speakers to identify training needs
· Send confirmation and thank you letters to guest speakers
· Contact CRCC to obtain continuing education credits for workshops
· Distribute CRC certificates to credentialed members
Qualifications:
· At least one year membership with AVRASA
· Ability to attend scheduled membership and Executive Board meetings
· Strong organizational and communication skills
· Administrative experience
· Access to computer, e-mail, internet, fax machine, copier, etc.
C - Second Vice President
Responsibilities:
· Oversee Membership Committee
· Conduct membership outreach
· Maintain and update Membership Profiles and Resource Directory
· Keep accurate records of membership status
Qualifications:
· At least one year membership with AVRASA
· Ability to attend scheduled membership and Executive Board meetings
· Strong writing and computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Word and Excel)
· Administrative experience
· Access to computer, e-mail, internet, fax machine, copier, etc.
D - Past President
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
· Served in the capacity of President of AVRASA in a previous term
· Ability to attend scheduled membership and Executive Board meetings
· Strong organizational and communication skills
· Administrative experience
· Must have 2 years supervisory experience
· Strong writing and computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Word and Excel)
· Access to computer, e-mail, internet, fax machine, copier, etc.
E - Administrative Secretary
Responsibilities:
· Take accurate minutes of General Membership and Executive Board meetings
· Present minutes to Chairpersons for review in a timely fashion (i.e. two weeks after General/Board Meetings)
· Forward final copy of minutes to Corresponding Secretary for distribution to membership
· Maintain updated records of all meetings, events, and activities
Qualifications:
· At least one year membership with AVRASA
· Ability to attend scheduled membership and Executive Board meetings
· Strong writing and computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Word and Excel)
· Administrative experience
· Computer literate, access to e-mail, internet, fax machine, copier, etc.E - Corresponding Secretary
Responsibilities:
· Distribute Computer literate, access to e-mail, internet, fax machine, copier, etc.
· Responsible for bringing sign in sheets, evaluations and workshop material to general membership meetings
· Maintain website
· Take accurate minutes of General Membership and Executive Board meetings in absence of the Administrative Secretary
· Manage AVRASA voice mail (i.e. update greeting, retrieve messages, forward messages to appropriate Board member)
Qualifications:
· At least one year membership with AVRASA
· Ability to attend scheduled membership and Executive Board meetings
· Strong writing, organizational and communication skills
· Administrative experience
· Strong computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Word and Excel)
· Access to e-mail, internet, fax machine, copier, etc.
F - Treasurer
Responsibilities:
· Maintain all books of account showing all receipts and disbursements
· Maintain membership status of all agencies and individuals
· Prepare and submit all financial reports required by law
· Submit a financial status report at General and Board meetings on financial balance of AVRASA account
· Responsible for depositing all monies within 48 hours of receipt
· Monitor account activity online and report any irregularities to the Board
· Interface with and assist the Association’s Accountant in preparing financial statements and/or documents required by government regulatory agencies
· Work with Second Vice President to oversee the collection of membership dues at general membership meetings
Qualifications:
· At least one year membership with AVRASA
· Ability to attend scheduled membership and Executive Board meetings
· Proficient with accounting software (i.e. Quicken, QuickBooks)
· Strong writing, organizational and communication skills
· Administrative experience
· Strong computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Word and Excel)
· Access to computer, e-mail, internet, fax machine, copier, etc
G - Member at Large
Responsibilities:
· Provide Executive Board with up-to-date reports on status of all subcommittees
· Serve as Supervisor’s Committee Chair and Nominating Committee Chair
· Serve as liaison and create partnerships with other professional organizations
· Provide legislative updates during membership and Board meetings
Qualifications:
· At least one year membership with AVRASA
· Ability to attend scheduled membership. Executive Board meetings as well as meetings of other professional organizations
· Strong writing, organizational and communication skills
· Strong computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Word and Excel)
· Access to computer, e-mail, internet, fax machine, copier, etc.
Section II-Order of Succession:
Should an office position become vacant before regular elections, the Board may select one of the following options:
1) Mid year elections will be held to fill an office
2) A qualified existing officer may interview for the position
ARTICLE V- MEETING
Section I:
There shall be bi-monthly General Membership Meetings of AVRASA on a date to be fixed by the Executive Board. These meetings shall be held for the transaction of necessary AVRASA business and for the election of AVRASA officers when applicable.
Section II-Notices:
Members shall be given at least 30 days notice of annual meetings and at least five days notice of special meetings
Section III Voting:
1. The Nominating Committee, Chaired by the Member at Large, will identify candidates from the pool of general members.
2. One month prior to the election of officials, nominations for candidates shall be taken and announced in the meeting's minutes. Candidates may be nominated by:
· Themselves
· Dues paying members
3. On the day of the election, candidates must give a 5 minute speech highlighting their interest in running for an Executive Committee or Advisory Board seat. Time will be allotted for questions and answers.
4. Members of the Executive Committee and all dues paying members may vote for officials.
5. Votes will be taken anonymously by written ballot.
6. Officials will be elected by simple majority.
Section V- Agenda:
The President shall prepare an agenda for every meeting. There shall be six meetings held bi-monthly throughout the year. These meetings shall serve as an opportunity to transact business, distribute information and provide continuing education.
Suggested order of business:
1. Welcome
2. Reading and Acceptance of minutes
3. Treasurer’s Report
4. Committee Report(s)
5. Old Business
6. New Business
7. Legislative Updates
8. Announcements
9. Continuing Education Workshop
The President can modify the meeting agenda in accordance to recommendations from Executive Committee and/or organizational needs.
ARTICLE VI - STANDING COMMITTEES
Conference Planning: This committee is responsible for organizing the conference format, identifying speakers and location. This committee is also responsible for marketing the conference and creating a budget.
Advocacy Committee: This committee is responsible for designing efforts to advocate for the field and promote Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling efforts.
Marketing Committee: This committee is responsible for organizing and distributing marketing material to include brochures, announcements, newsletters, etc. both in print and in the media.
Membership Committee: This committee is responsible for recruiting members and organizing membership drives.
Supervisors: This committee is comprised of Directors, Coordinators and Supervisors of Rehabilitation Professionals. The committee is responsible for providing its members with peer supervision, education and training.
Additional committees: To be determined by the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE VIII- EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section I- Composition: The Executive Committee shall consist of all officers of AVRASA as indicated in Article V, Section I.
Section II- Functions: The Executive Committee shall be the governing body of AVRASA between meetings of the general membership; it shall direct the policies, management and procedures of AVRASA and may make such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary and which will be consistent with the By-laws.
Section III- Meetings: The Executive Committee shall meet monthly and will hold weekly teleconference meetings. Special meetings shall be called anytime upon at least 72 hours of notice by the President, or in his/her absence, by the First Vice President.
ARTICLE VIII - BY-LAWS
Section 1. Amendment. These by-laws may be amended from time to time as follows:
(a) The Executive Committee may propose amendments for approval.
(b) Proposed amendments may be submitted to the Executive Committee through the President. Such proposals shall be submitted at least 90 days prior to the general membership meeting at which such proposed amendments are to be discussed.
(c) At least 30 days prior to member association action, the proposed amendment and the Executive Committee's recommendations shall be made available to all members.
(d) Proposed amendments recommend by the Executive Committee shall be acted upon by the general membership by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members present at a scheduled general membership meeting with at least 30 days notification of members.
AVRASA
Mailing Address: 1461-A First Avenue #131 New York, NY 10075
Telephone: (212) 252-2378 Email: [email protected]
"Special thanks to our members, and affiliates for their on-going support; we appreciate you!"
Mailing Address: 1461-A First Avenue #131 New York, NY 10075
Telephone: (212) 252-2378 Email: [email protected]
"Special thanks to our members, and affiliates for their on-going support; we appreciate you!"