Local Chapter: Sample Outline of Chapter Bylaws

SAMPLE OUTLINE OF CHAPTER BYLAWS
MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL NUTRITION ASSOCIATION

THE bylaws of the _________ Chapter of the Mississippi School Nutrition Association -An affiliate of the School Nutrition Association

ARTICLE I -NAME

SECTION A. The name of the organization shall be __________ Chapter of the Mississippi School Nutrition Association.

ARTICLE II -PURPOSE

The purpose of this association shall be to:

SECTION A. Promote the optimal health, nutrition and education of all children supporting nutritionally adequate and educationally sound, financially accountable, non-profit child nutrition and school community nutrition programs.

SECTION B. Promote high standards of child nutrition and school community nutrition programs with emphasis on nutritionally-adequate meals that are appealing to children.

SECTION C. Promote efforts between school personnel, allied organizations, industry and the public to assure every child an opportunity to receive the benefits of the Child Nutrition and Nutrition Education Programs.

SECTION D. Promote high standards, provide appropriate educational program incentives and recognition for professional development of the Child Nutrition personnel.

SECTION E. Promote research and development in Child Nutrition programs.

SECTION F. Promote the establishment of a National Nutrition Policy and legislation which provides optimal nutrition and nutrition education for children.

SECTION G. Promote the involvement of students and the school community in Child Nutrition Programs.

SECTION H. Promote membership and provide services to members.

ARTICLE III • MEMBERSHIP

SECTION A. Members: Membership of the organization shall consist of any person engaged in nutritionally adequate, educationally sound and non-profit child nutrition service work related activities upon payment of dues to the chapter. A person once qualified as a member, but who ceases to be actively engaged in a non-profit child nutrition service may continue as a member, provided he or she does not accept employment in other fields. All membership shall be in keeping with MSNA membership criteria as stated in the MSNA bylaws. Chapter members must hold membership in chapter, state, and national associations.

ARTICLE IV • OFFICERS

SECTION A. The officers of the chapter shall consist of a President, President Elect, and Secretary/Treasurer. The President and President Elect shall hold office for a term of one year. A term of office shall begin on August 1st each year and shall end on July 31st of each year. Elections should be conducted in May of each year. At the end of one year of service, the President Elect shall automatically become President of the Chapter. The Secretary/Treasurer shall be elected in odd years.

ARTICLE V • ELECTION

The election of the office of President Elect shall be conducted annually and for Secretary/Treasurer every other year as provided. The Nominating Committee must present a slate containing two names for each office. Vote shall be by ballot.

ARTICLE VI • MEETINGS

SECTION A. The chapter shall hold at least two meetings during the year.

ARTICLE VII -EXECUTIVE BOARD

SECTION A. The Executive Board shall be composed of the elected officers, who are President, President elect, Secretary and Treasurer. Duties of the Executive Board shall be to determine administrative policies, to manage the business of the chapter and to correlate the program with that of the Mississippi School Nutrition Association.

ARTICLE VIII-EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

SECTION A. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the Executive Board, Standing Committee Chairmen, and Special Committee Chairmen as appointed by the President.

ARTICLE IX -COMMITTEES

SECTION A. The Chapter shall have the following Committees:
1. Plan of Action -Vice President to be Chairman
2. Budget –Secretary/Treasurer to be Chairman
3. Communications
4. Resolutions and Bylaws
5. Public Policy and Legislation
6. Professional Development (Education and Scholarship)
7. Nutrition Standards and Nutrition Education (National School Lunch and School Breakfast Week)
8. Membership and Certification

SECTION B. Special Committees -The President shall appoint, subject to approval of the Executive Board, a Special Committee, provided it may be needed to further the interest of the chapter and to implement the Plan of Action.

ARTICLE X -CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP DUES

SECTION A. Chapter dues shall be determined by the chapter. The Chapter year shall be from August 1 to July 31.

ARTICLE XI -AMENDMENTS

SECTION A. The bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any business meeting, provided all member of the chapter receive copies of the amendments at least thirty days prior to the meeting at which the amendment is to be presented for a vote.

ARTICLE XII-PARLIAMENTARY

SECTION A. Meetings of this association shall be governed by Roberts’ Rules of Order, Newly Revised.

ARTICLE XII – DISSOLUTION OF CHAPTERS

Section A. If members of a chapter decide that the chapter will no longer be an active chapter and shall stop activities and meetings, the officers should do the following:

1. Notify the MSNA Executive Board that the chapter is no longer active.
2. Forward any funds remaining in the treasury to MSNA with the provision that should the chapter be reactivated, the funds will be returned to the chapter.
3. Close any established bank accounts after all obligations have been met and funds have been transferred.
4. Retain chapter records for a period of three years.