The Bylaws of the Santa Cruz Chapter
of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) shall be Santa Cruz County Chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (SC-CAMFT).

ARTICLE II: AREA SERVED

The geographic area served by this chapter is the county of Santa Cruz.

ARTICLE III: OFFICE

The board of directors of this chapter may select a principal office for the transaction of chapter business within the geographic area served by the chapter, or may, from time to time, designate different places within the geographic area served by the chapter where chapter business may be conducted.

ARTICLE IV: OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES

The objectives and purposes of this chapter shall be to advance marriage and family therapy as an art, a science, and a mental health profession; to educate and be of service to mental health professionals and the greater public; and to assist CAMFT in furthering State objectives on a local level. The chapter may pursue such other objectives and purposes that are in the best interest of the members of this chapter that are not in conflict with CAMFT’s articles of incorporation, bylaws, or the CAMFT Code of Ethics. The chapter is a 501(c)(6) organization as registered with the Internal Revenue Service.

ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP A. QUALIFICATIONS AND CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP

Only CAMFT members in good standing shall be eligible for membership in this chapter. Loss of membership in CAMFT shall result in loss of membership in this chapter. Categories of membership shall include clinical, prelicensed, and associate, as defined by the CAMFT bylaws. Voting rights shall be granted to every member of the chapter.

The prelicensed director shall be elected by prelicensed members only.

1. NONTRANSFERABILITY OF MEMBERSHIP No chapter member may transfer his/her membership or any right arising therefrom. All rights as a member of this chapter shall cease upon the member’s death.
2. MEMBERSHIP PROCEDURES 1. Admission to Membership: Membership shall be effective upon the Membership Chair or Co-Chair’s designation of the applicant as an active member in our website database, confirming s/he has met the requirements of that category of membership, including the payment of fees and, for Clinical and Prelicensed members, CAMFT membership. Each membership year starts on the date of that act of designation. All chapter members shall pay dues in accordance with the dues schedules of the chapter and CAMFT and shall abide by the bylaws of the chapter and the CAMFT bylaws and CAMFT Code of Ethics.
3. Termination of Membership: Membership in the chapter shall terminate upon the occurrence of any of the following: resignation, non-payment of dues, expulsion, suspension, or loss of eligibility.
4. Resignation: A member may resign from membership at any time by submitting in writing to the chapter his or her resignation. The effective date of the resignation shall be when the chapter receives the letter of resignation or at such later time as is indicated in the letter.
5. Non-payment of Dues: any member whose dues to the chapter are in default more than thirty (30) days shall be dropped from membership. Default begins one year from the member’s admission date (see ArtV(C)(1) above).
6. Expulsion or Suspension: Any member who has been determined to have violated the CAMFT Code of Ethics and who has been expelled or suspended from membership in CAMFT shall also be expelled or suspended from membership in this chapter. Any member to be expelled or suspended shall be entitled to at least fifteen (15) days’ notice prior to the expulsion or suspension, in addition to a declaration of the reason(s) for expulsion or suspension. Notice may be given by any method reasonably calculated to provide actual notice. Any notice provided by mail shall be given by first class or registered mail and sent to the address of record with the chapter.
7. Loss of Eligibility: Any member, regardless of category or classification, who is no longer eligible for such membership due to a loss in the qualifications entitling such person to hold such membership, including a prelicensed member who has been licensed for ninety (90) days and has not transferred his/her membership to clinical membership, may be dropped from membership, provided a notice is mailed to such member at his/her address of record with the chapter at least thirty (30) days prior to termination of membership.
8. Reinstatement of Membership: a. After Resignation or Termination for Non-payment of Dues: Any member who has resigned his/her membership from the chapter or who has terminated his/her membership because of non-payment of dues may be reinstated to membership provided that such person meets the criteria for that category of membership, is currently a member of CAMFT, has submitted a new application for membership to the chapter accompanied by payment of appropriate dues, application, or other fees, and provided that such person receives a majority vote of the board of directors.
9. After Expulsion or Suspension: Anyone who has been expelled or suspended from membership in the chapter for violation of the CAMFT Code of Ethics may be reinstated when membership within CAMFT is reinstated.

ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS OF MEMBERS

1. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: An annual meeting of members shall be held once a year. Members will be notified as provided in Section F of this article.
2. FREQUENCY OF GENERAL MEETINGS: General meetings shall be regularly scheduled by the president in consultation with the chapter board of directors. Special meetings may be called by the president in consultation with the chapter board of directors or shall be called upon the request of five (5) percent or more of the voting members.
3. PLACE OF MEETINGS: Meetings shall be held at a location within the area served by the chapter.
4. QUORUM: A quorum for any meeting of the members of the chapter during which business is conducted shall be at least fifteen (15) percent of the voting membership. If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of the majority of the voting power represented at the meeting who are entitled to vote and are voting on any matter shall be the act of the members.
5. RECESSED OR ADJOURNED MEETING: When a meeting of members is recessed or adjourned to another time or place, the association may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting.
6. NOTICE OF MEETINGS: Notice of regularly scheduled general meetings shall be made in writing to members not fewer than ten (10) days prior to the meeting. Written notice of any annual or special meeting of members, which occurs at a time other than a regularly scheduled general meeting, shall be given to each member, not fewer than ten (10) nor more than ninety (90) days before the date of the meeting. When an annual or a special meeting is recessed or adjourned for more than fourteen (14) days, a notice of the recessed or adjourned meeting shall be given as if it were the original meeting.

The notice of meeting shall specify the place, date, and hour of the meeting. (1) In the case of a special meeting, the notice shall specify the general nature of the business to be transacted, and no other business may be transacted. (2) In the case of the annual meeting or general meeting, the notice shall specify those matters which the board of directors, at the time the notice is given, intends to present for action by the members.

Notice of any meeting of members shall be given in the following ways: in person, by mail to the address of record, or via email or any other means of communication as approved by the board of directors.

ARTICLE VII: BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS A. POWERS

The activities and affairs of this chapter shall be conducted under the direction of a board of directors, all of whom shall be members of the chapter. Among other powers of the board of directors, the board of directors has the power to select and remove all agents, employees and/or contractors of the chapter, fix compensation, and secure faithful performance of duties prescribed.

1. COMPOSITION OF BOARD: The board of directors shall consist of the elected officers, including president, president-elect, secretary, treasurer, prelicensed director, past president, and no more than two directors at large. The prelicensed director shall be elected from and by the prelicensed membership of the chapter.
2. DUTIES OF OFFICERS 1. President: The president shall, subject to the control of the board of directors, generally supervise, direct, and control the business of the chapter. He/she shall preside over all meetings of the chapter and at all meetings of the board of directors. He/she shall recommend to the board of directors for appointment standing and ad hoc committee chairpersons and members except as otherwise provided in these bylaws. The president shall be an ex-officio member of all committees but shall have no right to vote when serving in an ex-officio capacity. He/she may have such other duties and powers as may be prescribed by the board of directors or these bylaws.
3. President-Elect: The president-elect shall succeed to the presidency. He/she shall in the absence of the president or, in the president’s inability to serve, perform the duties of the president. He/she shall also perform those duties assigned to him/her by the president and/or the board of directors.
4. Secretary: The secretary shall keep or cause to be kept, at such a place as the board of directors may direct, a book of minutes of the proceedings of its members, and the board of directors, with the time and place of holding, whether general or special, and if special, how authorized, the notice given, the names of those present at such meetings, the numbers of members present or represented at such members’ meetings, and the proceedings of such meetings.

The secretary or his/her designee shall keep, or cause to be kept, at such a place as the board of directors may direct, a record of members, showing the name of all members, their addresses, and the class of membership held by each. The secretary or his/her designee is responsible for verifying eligibility for membership with CAMFT. The secretary or his/her designee shall inform CAMFT within thirty (30) days of election or appointment, of the names and addresses of all chapter officers.

The secretary shall give or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the members and of the board of directors required by the bylaws to be given. The secretary shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the board of directors or the bylaws. In the event of the secretary’s absence, his/her duties shall be performed by any member appointed by the president.

1. Treasurer: The treasurer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct books and records of accounts of the properties and business transactions of the chapter, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, losses, capital, retained earnings, and any other matters customarily included in financial statements. The books of accounts shall be open to inspection by any board member at all reasonable times.

The treasurer shall deposit, or shall cause to be deposited, all money and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the chapter with such depositories as may be designated by the board of directors; shall disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the chapter as may be ordered by the board of directors; shall render at such regular meeting of the board, or at such other times as directed by the board, an account of his/her transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the chapter; shall prepare or cause to be prepared a proposed annual budget to be presented to the board of directors prior to the annual membership meeting; and shall have such other powers and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the board of directors or the bylaws.

If required by the board of directors, the treasurer shall give the chapter a bond in the amount and with the surety or sureties specified by the board for faithful performance of the duties of his/her office and for the restoration to the chapter of all of its books, papers, vouchers, money, and other property of every kind in his/her possession, or under his/her control upon death, resignation, retirement, or removal from office.

1. Prelicensed Director: Prelicensed director shall represent prelicensed members’ concerns and shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by the board of directors or by the bylaws.
2. Past President: The past president shall bring consistency and historical perspective to the board of directors and may have duties as assigned by the board of directors.
3. Director-at-Large: Shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by president or by these bylaws.
4. VACANCIES: In the event that a vacancy occurs on the board of directors, except for the office of president, the board of directors may elect, by a majority of the directors then in office, at any regular board of directors meeting, any eligible member of the chapter to fill the unexpired term. In the event of vacancy, the officer’s duties, prescribed in the bylaws, shall be delegated by the president.
5. REMOVAL OF OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS: The board of directors, by a vote of not less than fifty-one (51) percent of its members, shall have the authority to recommend, for approval by the membership, removal from office any one of its members after having given that member an opportunity to speak to the board. Also, the board shall have the authority to remove any of its members from office for cause, without referral of the matter to the membership, so long as no less than eighty percent (80%) of its members so vote, again after having given such member an opportunity to speak to the board regarding the cause.
6. ORDER OF SUCCESSION: In the absence of the president from a meeting over which he/she should preside, the order of succession shall be: president-elect, past-president, secretary, treasurer. Any person in the order of succession may acquiesce to the next-in-line. In the event of a permanent absence of the president, the order of succession shall be: president-elect, past-president, secretary, treasurer. Any person in the order of succession may acquiesce to the next-in-line. If none of the named officers accept the role of president, the board of directors, with a vote of no less than fifty-one (51) percent of its members, shall elect a president from any member of the chapter, who meets the qualifications, to complete the remainder of the current term.
7. MEETINGS 1. Number of Meetings: The board of directors shall meet at least six (6) times during each fiscal year. Dates for these board meetings shall be established by the board of directors. Meetings of the board of directors shall be held at any location within the area served by the chapter as designated from time to time by the board.
8. Notice of Meetings: Meetings of the board shall be held upon not fewer than ten (10) days’ written notice, including via electronic transmission, to board members. Notice of a meeting need not be given to any director who signed a waiver of notice or a written consent to holding the meeting.
9. Special Meetings: Special meetings of the board of directors shall be called by the president upon the written request of any two (2) board members, which may include the president. Such specially-called meetings shall be held within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the written notice. Special meetings of the board shall be held upon at least four (4) days’ notice by first class mail or forty-eight (48) hours’ notice delivered personally or by telephone or via electronic transmission to the directors’ contact information as shown on the records of the chapter.
10. Action by unanimous consent without a meeting: Any action required or permitted to be taken by the board under any provision of law may be taken without a meeting if all members of the board individually or collectively consent in writing, or via electronic means, to such action in any manner specified in the California Nonprofit Corporation Law.
11. QUORUM: At least fifty-one (51) percent of the number of currently filled board of directors’ positions, as authorized in these bylaws, shall constitute a quorum of the board for the transaction of business. Every act or decision made by a majority of the directors present at a meeting duly held at which a quorum is present is the act of the board, except when a greater or lesser number is required by applicable law or by these bylaws. A meeting at which a quorum is initially present may continue to transact business if directors leave the meeting.
12. COMPENSATION: No compensation shall be paid to any committee member or member of the board for performing the duties for which he or she was elected or appointed. Nothing in this section shall prevent board members from receiving reimbursement for expenses or for discounts of CAMFT or SC-CAMFT-sponsored events or services, as may be determined by the board of directors to be just and reasonable.
13. ELECTIONS: 1. Nominations: The board of directors shall appoint, upon recommendation of the president, a nominating committee consisting of a chair, who shall be a member of the board of directors, and at least two (2) eligible voting members of the chapter, none of whom shall be eligible for nomination by the nominating committee. The nominating committee’s function is to nominate qualified members and to certify the eligibility of the candidates for election to the board of directors. The committee, in selecting its nominees, shall seek diversity of representation and shall take into account the geographical, ethnic, and gender composition of the membership. The committee shall propose a slate of candidates for the upcoming year and prepare a ballot. The committee shall inform all nominees of the duties of the offices for which they have been nominated and secure their consent to serve.
14. Eligibility: No person shall be eligible for election unless he or she is a member of the chapter.

Limitations: No person shall be placed on the ballot or appointed to the board of directors if such person, in serving out his or her present or appointed term, will have served on the board of directors for four (4) consecutive years or more, whether by appointment or election.

It is considered a break in consecutive years of service if a member has not served on the board for at least six (6) months. This provision shall be inapplicable to a person who is placed on the ballot for the office of president elect/president/past president.

1. Election Procedures: The nominating committee will set an election date prior to the end of the fiscal year. That date shall either coincide with a regular membership meeting for in-person voting, or shall be the date that ballots must be returned via mail or electronic means to be counted. The nominating committee shall announce the slate of nominees for office, along with any applicable referendums, to all voting members, in writing or via electronic means, at least fourteen (14) days prior to the election date. The ballot may be presented for voting in person at the regular membership meeting or may be mailed or communicated via electronic means, at least fourteen (14) days prior to the election date, with directions about how to return the ballot by the election date.

The candidate receiving the largest number of votes in each position shall be elected. In the event of a tie, a run-off election shall be conducted by the president.

At the discretion and upon approval of the board of directors, any action which may be taken at any regular or special meeting of members may be taken without a meeting when the chapter distributes a ballot, and any related material, sent by mail or by electronic means to every member entitled to vote. That ballot shall set forth the proposed action, provide an opportunity to specify approval or disapproval of any proposal, and provide a reasonable time within which to return the ballot to the chapter. Only those members of the chapter who have given unrevoked consent to receive a ballot by electronic means and have an electronic address in the records of the chapter shall be sent a ballot via electronic means.  To be valid, a ballot must be returned in the official ballot envelope or by electronic means as approved by the board of directors.

1. Rotation and Term of Office: Whenever possible, a president-elect shall be elected each year who shall serve for three (3) years: the first year as president-elect, the second year as president, and the third year as past president of the chapter. The secretary, treasurer, directors-at-large, and prelicensed director shall be elected each year for a term of one year.
2. Special Election: The board of directors, by a vote of not less than fifty-one (51) percent of its members, shall have the authority to call for a special election. The election shall be announced in writing or via electronic means to voting members at least fourteen (14) days prior to the date of the election.

ARTICLE VIII: STANDING COMMITTEES A. BYLAWS COMMITTEE

The bylaws committee shall consider the advisability of bylaw amendments, hear or review all proposed amendments, and make recommendations to the board of directors regarding amendments to the bylaws.

1. NOMINATING COMMITTEE: The nominating committee shall select qualified nominees for election to the board of directors. The committee shall prepare a slate and ballot of members to be elected as described in these bylaws. The committee shall oversee election procedures and perform such other duties and tasks as described in Article VII-J.
2. FINANCE COMMITTEE: The finance committee shall evaluate the financial status of the chapter, and in conjunction with the treasurer, recommend to the board of directors changes in dues and assessments, and make such other recommendations as may be necessary to provide income and fiduciary stability for the chapter to carry out its activities.
3. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: The membership committee shall promote membership in the chapter and may, from time to time, publish a directory of chapter members. The membership committee will assist in verifying eligibility of prospective members in the chapter.
4. ETHICS COMMITTEE: The ethics committee shall inform chapter members of the CAMFT Code of Ethics. The ethics committee shall serve in an educational capacity for the members and the public regarding ethical practices and shall promote compliance with these.
5. SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Such other committees, subcommittees, commissions, or task forces may be created and appointed by the board of directors as in its judgment may be necessary. The duties and terms of any such special committee shall be prescribed by the board of directors.
6. APPOINTMENT OF STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS AND MEMBERS: Standing committee chairpersons shall be appointed by the president in consultation with the board of directors. Standing committee members shall be appointed by the president in consultation with the chairperson.

H MEETINGS AND ACTIONS OF COMMITTEES: 1. Meetings: Committees shall meet at such times as determined either by resolution of the board of directors, by resolution of the committee, or by a committee chairperson, with the prior approval of the president. Meetings of committees shall be held at any place designated by the board, the committee, or the committee chairperson.

1. Notice: Meetings of committees shall be held upon not fewer than ten (10) days’ notice, or with the consent of all committee members to shorter notice.
2. Quorum: A majority of the committee members of each committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
3. Reports: The committee chair will provide a committee status report to the board of directors each month.

ARTICLE IX: FINANCES A. FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the chapter shall be as determined by the board of directors of the chapter.

1. SETTING OF DUES: The annual dues of the chapter shall be determined at the annual meeting of the chapter or by ballot at any other time, as determined by the board of directors.

A dues increase shall be passed only following a two-thirds majority vote of the board of directors and a majority vote of the quorum present at the annual meeting, or if the membership vote is taken by ballot, a majority of the ballots approving the dues increase.

Notification of any change in the annual dues shall be made to all members affected as soon after the vote as is practicable and reasonable, but not fewer than thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of any such increase.

1. PAYMENT OF DUES, FEES AND ASSESSMENTS: Each member in good standing, except as otherwise exempt by the bylaws, must pay, within the time and on the conditions set forth in these bylaws, or where appropriate as established by the board of directors and/or by the membership, such fees, dues, and assessments as are fixed from time to time by the board of directors and/or the membership.

As provided above in ArtV(C)(1), Initial membership, or re-activation of membership after a period of non-membership, requires prior payment of dues. Renewal of membership (to continue without interruption) requires payment within thirty (30) days of the end of the current year of membership.

1. BUDGET: The proposed budget for each year shall be presented to the board of directors by the treasurer prior to the end of the fiscal year. The proposed budget shall be approved by a majority vote of the board of directors. The board of directors is empowered to make any changes in the budget necessitated by circumstances and consistent with the priorities of the chapter.
2. DEPOSITORY: The board of directors shall select and designate such bank or trust company as they deem advisable as official depository of the funds of the chapter and prescribe the manner in which such funds shall be withdrawn.

F: AUDIT: Each year the board will direct someone other than the treasurer to audit the chapter’s financial records and report back to the board. (HAVEN’T DONE THIS IN YRS)

ARTICLE X: RECORDS AND REPORTS, INSPECTION A. MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF BYLAWS

The secretary shall keep the bylaws of the chapter as amended to date, which shall be open to inspection by the members’ at all reasonable times. The chapter shall provide CAMFT with a copy of the chapter bylaws and any amendment(s) thereafter made.

1. MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF OTHER RECORDS: The accounting books, records, and minutes of proceedings of the members of the board of directors and any committee(s) of the board of directors shall be maintained in the selected office of the chapter or with the treasurer and/or secretary of the chapter. The minutes and the accounting books and records shall be kept in written, typed, or electronic form. The minutes, accounting books, and records shall be open to inspection on the written demand of any member, at any reasonable time for a purpose reasonably related to the member’s interest as a member. The inspection may be made in person or by an agent or attorney, and shall include the right to copy and make extracts of documents at the requesting person’s expense.
2. INSPECTION BY DIRECTORS: Every director shall have the right at any reasonable time to inspect all books, records, and documents of every kind, and the physical properties of the chapter. This inspection by a director may be made in person or by an agent or attorney, and the right of inspection includes the right to copy and make extracts of documents at the requesting person’s expense.
3. ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS: The chapter shall provide to the board of directors, and shall notify each member yearly of the member’s right to receive, an annual report. An annual report shall be prepared not later than one hundred and twenty (120) days after the close of the chapter’s fiscal year. Such report shall contain in appropriate detail the following:
4. A balance sheet as of the end of the fiscal year, an income and expense statement and statement of change in financial position for such fiscal year.
5. A statement of the place where the names and addresses of the current members are located.
6. Any information required by Section 8322, or its successor section(s), of the California Non-profit Corporation Law, dealing with insider transactions. Such reports shall be accompanied by any report thereon of independent accountants, or if there is no such report, the certificate of an authorized officer of the chapter that such statements were prepared without audit from the books and records of the chapter.

Upon written request of a member, the board shall promptly cause the most recent annual report to be sent to the requesting member.

ARTICLE XI: LIABILITY OF MEMBERS

No member, regardless of the class or category of membership held, and whether or not a voting member, shall be personally or otherwise liable for any of the debts, liabilities, and/or obligations of the chapter. Nothing in this article shall be construed to relieve any person of any liability imposed by the California Nonprofit Corporation Laws regarding unauthorized distributions.

ARTICLE XII: PROPERTY

The title to all property, funds, and assets of the chapter shall be held by the chapter, through its board of directors, and they shall have complete control over the acquisition, administration, and disposition of any property, funds, or assets. The chapter may accept gifts, legacies, devices, donations, and/or contributions in any amount and in any form upon such terms as may be decided by the board of directors.

ARTICLE XIII: USE OF NAME

No member shall speak in the name of the chapter without authorization from the president or board of directors.

ARTICLE XIV: STAFF

The chapter board of directors may employ staff whose terms and conditions of employment shall be specified by the board. Such staff may manage and direct the activities of the chapter as prescribed by the board of directors and shall be responsible to the board.

ARTICLE XV: AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS A. INITIATION OF AMENDMENTS

Amendments to the bylaws may be initiated in either of two ways. 1. The board of directors, either alone or upon recommendation of the bylaws committee, may initiate a bylaw amendment, or 2. Ten (10) members of the chapter may, by a written petition addressed to the secretary of the chapter, initiate an amendment.

1. ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS: Proposed amendments which have received at least a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the board of directors present shall be recommended to the membership for ratification by ballot. A written or electronic copy of the proposed amendment or amendments shall be sent to all voting members of the chapter at least three (3) weeks prior to the time of voting. There shall be specified on the ballot a deadline for return of the ballot. At least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of ballots returned or a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the quorum present at the annual meeting shall be required for ratification of the proposed amendment(s).

ARTICLE XVI: DIVISION OF THE CHAPTER

Division of the chapter into two chapters may be initiated by a recommendation passed by at least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the board of directors. Upon passage by the board, the recommendation for division shall be recommended to the membership for ratification by ballot. A written or electronic copy of the proposal shall be sent to all voting members of the chapter at least three (3) weeks prior to the time of voting. There shall be specified on the ballot a deadline for return of the ballot. At least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of ballots returned or a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the quorum present at the annual meeting shall be required for ratification of the proposed division.

The proposed division shall be submitted to the CAMFT board of directors for their approval and for chartering of the two chapters created by the division.

ARTICLE XVII: MERGER OF THE CHAPTER

Merger of the chapter with another chapter may be initiated by a recommendation passed by at least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the board of directors of each chapter. Upon passage by the board of each chapter, the merger shall be recommended to the membership of each chapter for ratification by ballot. A written or electronic copy of the recommendation shall be sent to all voting members of each chapter at least three (3) weeks prior to the time of voting. There shall be specified on the ballot a deadline for return of the ballot. At least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of ballots returned or a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the quorum present at the annual meeting shall be required for ratification of the proposed merger. The proposed merger shall be submitted to the CAMFT board of directors for their approval and chartering.

ARTICLE XVIII: DISSOLUTION

Dissolution of the chapter, whether voluntary or involuntary, shall be conducted in accordance with applicable law.

In the event of the dissolution of the chapter, all assets and funds of the chapter shall, after debts and/or obligations are paid, be distributed to one or more charitable organization(s) or foundation(s) as determined by the board of directors.

ARTICLE XIX: RULES OF ORDER: PARLIAMENTARIAN

Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, shall govern all meetings of the chapter in which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws, unless modified, by the majority of the voting members present.

The parliamentarian shall be appointed by the president from among the members of the board of directors. The parliamentarian shall have the responsibility to ensure compliance with the bylaws and Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, unless modified, at all meetings of the board of directors and all official meetings of the chapter.

CERTIFICATION OF THE SECRETARY

I, the undersigned, certify that I am presently elected and acting secretary of the Santa Cruz

Chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, and that the above bylaws are as adopted at a meeting of the board of directors held on March 5, 2016 and by majority vote of the membership as recorded in print and electronic ballots distributed that were mailed and sent out, January 4, 2016 and received by January 27, 2016 per Articles VIIG(4) and XVB above. ____________________________________________

 

(signed)

Ellen Garfield, LMFT, Secretary