Bylaws:
Massachusetts Science Education Leadership Association (MSELA)
(latest changes approved at the MSELA Annual Meeting of May 14, 2020)
Article I: Name and Purpose
Section I: This organization shall be known as the Massachusetts Science Education Leadership Association Inc. The organization will also be known by the abbreviation, MSELA in communication within the organization.
Section II: The primary objective of this non-profit organization shall be to facilitate a general improvement in science education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by means of a professional exchange of information, ideas. and solutions to common problems through the affiliation of organizations to be described in Article II.
Article II: Membership
Section I A: Membership in this organization is open to individuals who are science education leaders in schools, colleges and universities, science education centers, museums, governmental organizations and corporations which serve or relate to science education.
Section I B: Members or past members, regardless of their current assignment, may have their membership continued or reinstated under Section IA (member of an affiliate group) or Membership at Large.
Section I C: There shall be four types of membership:
1. Active Member - any member as described in Article II, Section I A shall be an active member.
2. Retired Member - any member who retires from active involvement in science education, may continue to be a member of MSELA Dues shall be one-half of an active member.
3. Life Member - a past President of MSELA There will be no dues for a Life Member. He/she will have all the rights and privileges of an Active Member.
4. Corporate Member - a corporation/business may join MSELA with approval of the Executive Board with payment of annual dues. They will be entitled to all rights of an Active Member except the right to vote.
Section I D: The membership year shall be from the date of our Fall Science Leadership Conference, or October 31, if a conference is not held.
Article III: Officers
Section I A: The officers of the Association shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. In addition to the two most immediate past Presidents, the Membership Chairperson, and the Directors-at-Large, these constitute the Executive Committee.
Section I B: A Membership Chair may be appointed annually by the Executive Committee at the first meeting of each membership year. The Membership Chair will be a voting member of the Executive Committee.
Section I C: Three Directors-at-Large may be appointed annually by the Executive Committee. These Directors may serve as liaisons between the Executive Committee and the regional affiliates along with other duties as outlined by the President. They will be voting members of the Executive Committee.
Section II: The term of office for the President and Vice-President shall be two years. The term of office for the Secretary and Treasurer shall be unspecified and rotations in these positions will be recommended to the MSELA membership in the spring Annual Meetings. Election and installation of all officers shall take place at the annual meeting in the spring of each year.
Section III: A Nominating Committee consisting of at least 3 current members and a chair will be will be named by the Executive Committee. A slate of officers will be announced at the Executive Board meeting immediately preceding the Annual Meeting in the spring. Any MSELA member wishing to serve on the Nominating Committee may do so by making a written request to the Executive Board. Any MSELA member in good standing may seek nomination or appointment to the Executive Committee.
Article IV: (Duties of Executive Committee Members)
Section I: The President shall preside at all meetings and shall have general supervision of the affairs of the Association. The President shall be ex-officio, a member of all committees except the Nominating Committee.
Section II: In the absence or disability of the President, the Vice President shall preside and assume the duties of the President.
Section III: In the event of the resignation of any officer, the President shall appoint a pro tempore officer who shall serve until an election for that office is held at the next regular meeting.
Section IV: The Secretary shall record the proceedings of all meetings, keep a list of officers, members of committees, and record attendance for each scheduled meeting.
Section V: The Treasurer shall receive and receipt all monies of the Association and keep a full and accurate record of disbursements and receipts.
Section VI: The Executive Committee, as outlined in Article III, Section I shall manage the affairs of the Association in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws.
Section VII: The Membership Chair’s duties will include but not be limited to the recording of all members of the association, renewal of membership on an annual basis, the solicitation of new MSELA membership, and the development of a Membership Directory and Guide which is to be updated and made available to the MSELA membership on a yearly basis.
Article V: Quorum
Section I: A majority of the members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of the Executive Committee.
Article VI: Amendments
Section I: Proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Committee and general membership, and shall be voted on at the next Annual Membership meeting.
Section II: The Articles of this Constitution may be amended at any annual meeting provided that proper notice (as described in Section I of this Article) is given, and provided that a quorum is present, and provided that the two-thirds (2/3s) of those present so vote. A simple majority of voting MSELA members approves these changes.
Article VII: Operational By-Laws
Section I: An Annual Membership Meeting will be held in the spring of the year. The Annual Meeting will be open to all MSELA members.
Section II: The President may call emergency Executive Committee meetings at any time.
Section III: The location of any meeting shall be determined by the President. The Association shall assume all responsibility for expenses incurred for the refreshments or other incidentals connected with the conduction of these meetings.