Constitution of ALNENA
CONSTITUTION
of the
ALABAMA CHAPTER
of the
NATIONAL EMERGENCY NUMBER ASSOCIATION
ARTICLE I – NAME
This 501(c)(3) organization chartered in the State of Alabama shall be known as the Alabama Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association (ALNENA) also referred to as the “chapter,” under a charter granted by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) Executive Board.
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE
The purpose of the chapter shall be to assist in the fulfillment of the National Emergency Number Association mission by:
- Leading in the development, availability, implementation and enhancement of a universal emergency telephone number, common to all jurisdictions, through research, planning, training and education;
- Representing its members before communications regulatory agencies and appropriate policy making and legislative bodies;
- Enabling all citizens to have immediate access to emergency public safety services so that safety of human life, protection of property and civic welfare are benefited to the utmost degree; and
- Aiding and assisting in the timely collection and dissemination of information relating to a universal emergency telephone number.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership Application
- Applications for membership shall be submitted to the NENA office on standard forms as approved and directed by the NENA executive board.
- NENA shall not be discriminatory in any of its practices.
- Membership categories shall be the same as for NENA: public sector members, private sector members, emergency dispatcher members, and associate members.
- Automatic membership in the chapter shall be granted to those NENA members who reside or work within this chapter’s geographic jurisdiction.
Section 2. Dues
- Membership dues are payable as of January 1 each year. Members who are delinquent over 90 days from January 1 may be dropped from the chapter membership rolls in accordance with NENA executive board policy.
- The NENA executive board shall set the annual dues for all membership categories.
Section 3. Voting and Officer Restrictions
All Private Sector, Public Sector and Hall of Fame members of this chapter have the right to vote and the right to hold elected offices of the chapter, subject to the restrictions for office or as otherwise restricted herein. Members may run for only one position/office during any election.
ARTICLE IV – QUARTERLY MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
Quarterly membership meetings will be scheduled by the President on the fourth Thursday of the months of January, April, and July at 10:00 A.M. unless otherwise determined by the President and/or Executive Board. The fourth Quarterly membership meeting will be the Annual meeting and will be set by the Executive Board of Officers. The schedule for quarterly membership meetings will be announced by the President.
ARTICLE V – OFFICERS
Section 1. Designation
The offices of the chapter shall consist of the following: President, First Vice President, Second Vice President and regional Vice Presidents from each of the four regions LATAs: Montgomery (Autauga, Elmore, Chambers, Lee, Macon, Russell, Montgomery, Lowndes, Bullock, Barbour, Pike, Crenshaw, Coffee, Dale, Henry, Geneva and Houston Counties), Mobile (Greene, Hale, Perry, Sumter, Dallas, Marengo, Choctaw, Wilcox, Butler, Monroe, Clarke, Washington, Conecuh, Covington, Escambia, Baldwin and Mobile Counties), Birmingham (Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Bibb, Jefferson, Blount, Shelby, Chilton, St. Clair, Talladega, Coosa, Calhoun, Clay, Tallapoosa, Cleburne and Randolph Counties), and Huntsville (Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Morgan, Cullman, Madison, Jackson, Marshall, DeKalb, Cherokee and Etowah Counties) and Private Sector Vice President.
All offices will be filled by election at the Annual Meeting of the Alabama Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association subject to the following:
- Candidates for the office of Regional Vice President must reside within the region for which they are nominated and must provide a letter of support from the governing body of the agency for which they are employed, elected or appointed.
- Candidates for the office of Private Sector Vice President must hold a Private Sector Membership and have their primary residence in the state of Alabama. A letter of support from their employing company is required.
- If the membership classification of an officer changes during their term of office, such that the officer is no longer eligible to hold the office, the office shall be declared vacant.
Section 2. Election Procedure
2.1 The Chairman of the Nominating Committee shall request nominations for particular offices from the membership via email notice utilizing the ALNENA email list and by posting on the home page of the chapter web site at least 120 days before the Annual Meeting. Nominees must be eligible to hold the office for which nominated in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws.
2.2 After receipt of nominations from the membership, the Nominating Committee will report a final slate of candidates at least 40 days before the date of the Annual Meeting. Officers shall be elected by secret ballot from this final slate, prepared as required by this section.
2.3 Ballots shall be distributed to members in good standing by mail and/or electronic means at least 40 days prior to the annual meeting.
2.4 Election ballots shall be returned to the nominating committee as designated on the ballot. No ballot will be counted if received after the date listed on the ballot. Ballots shall be accepted by mail and/or electronics means as approved by the Executive Board. Members shall have a minimum of 30 days to submit completed ballots.
2.5 The full Nominating Committee will count each ballot. Challenges as to the validity of any ballot shall be settled by the Executive Board of officers. Upon completion and certification of the ballot count, the results shall be forwarded to the President.
2.6 Ballots shall be maintained for 90 days or until all challenges are resolved.
2.7 Election to office shall be determined by receiving a simple majority (50% plus 1) of the votes cast. If more than two candidates compete for the same office, and a simple majority of one candidate is not achieved, the candidate receiving the most votes shall be declared the winner.
ARTICLE VI – INTERNET
Section 1. Website
The chapter will prepare and publish or cause to be prepared and published, a web site which will be updated at regular intervals. This web site may contain technical, administrative, operational, training, and educational information considered to be of interest to the membership of this chapter and to other people interested in public safety communications. This internet web site will be known as the Official Publication of the chapter.
Section 2. Email List
The chapter will provide a means of distribution of official notices via email. Members of the chapter may be required to subscribe and/or otherwise maintain an account with the email service in order to receive notices.
2.1 The email list may also be used to disseminate non-official notices and questions and/or requests for information directly from members.
2.2 The email list may not be used to disseminate commercial announcements, advertisements, press releases, and other such messages that promote a particular company or product.
2.3 Public Sector members may send messages pertaining to training classes or similar events they are hosting even though the class or event is provided by a commercial entity.
2.4 Violations of the intent of the email list, including but not limited to, use of derogatory or obscene language, sending commercial messages, sending off-topic messages, denigrating another member, or other activity deemed to negatively impact the usefulness of the email system may cause a member to lose their privilege to send messages.
2.5 The Executive Board will review any allegations of abuse or improper use and authorize a member to be put on non-sending status or moderated status. Members will not be removed from receiving messages as official chapter notices are sent via the email list.
ARTICLE VII – ANNUAL MEETING
Section 1. Definition
The annual meeting of this chapter shall be held at the forth Quarterly Membership Meeting.
Site and date for the Annual Meeting of the chapter shall be the responsibility of the Executive Board of Officers.
Section 2. Conference Quorum
The members attending the Annual Meeting shall constitute a Quorum.
Section 3. Conference Rules
Conference Rules may be established by a majority vote of the Annual Conference Quorum. The Conference Rules shall be part and parcel of these bylaws provided the provisions of Bylaws Article XIV, Section 3 are waived with respect to the Conference Rules only.
ARTICLE VIII – TRADE MARK PROTECTION
The NENA logo is a registered trademark and its use, except as specifically provided for in this Article, shall be strictly controlled by the Executive Board of the National Association.
- Chapters are specifically authorized to use the logo for stationary purposes in the pursuit of their normal business activities.
- The use of the logo in the manufacture of jewelry and hardware and in conjunction with the identification and/or commercial activities is expressly prohibited except as provided for herein
- Any deviation from the restrictions above shall require the express written authority of the Executive Board of the National Emergency Number Association in each particular instance.
ARTICLE X – OFFICERS (GENERAL)
Section 1. Terms of Office
Elected officers shall assume their duties and authorities at the Annual Meeting at which they are elected. Officers shall remain in office until the installation of their elected successor, or the investiture of their successor, as provided in Section 2 herein.
The President, First Vice President, and Second Vice President terms shall be for one year, starting and ending at the Annual Meeting. The Region and Private Sector Vice President terms shall be for two years, starting and ending at the Annual Meeting on the following schedule:
Odd Numbered Years
Mobile Region Vice President
Birmingham Region Vice President
Private Sector Vice President
Even Numbered Years
Montgomery Region Vice President
Huntsville Region Vice President
Section 2. Succession of Office
At the Annual Meeting, an investiture will be held wherein the person holding the office of First Vice President shall succeed to the office of President, and the person holding the office of Second Vice President shall succeed to the office of First Vice President. The newly elected Second Vice President, Private Sector Vice President and Regional Vice Presidents will also assume their Offices.
Section 3. Vacancies in Office
A vacancy in the Office of President shall be filled by the First Vice President for the remainder of the vacated term and the following regular term.
Should the office of First Vice President become vacant, the Second Vice President shall automatically become First Vice President for the remainder of the vacated term and the following regular term.
Should the office of Second Vice President become vacant, the First President shall assume the duties and responsibilities of the Second Vice President for the remainder of the term or the Executive Board may appoint an interim Second Vice President.
Vacancies in the offices of Private Sector Vice President and Regional Vice President(s) shall be filled by appointment by the Executive Board until the next Annual Meeting when the position will be filled, for the remaining term, by election.
ARTICLE XI – OFFICE (DUTIES AND AUTHORITY)
Section 1. President
1.1 Authority
The President’s power shall include the authority to:
- Carry out duties as designated in this Article, and those policies duly adopted by the Executive Board
- Appoint special committees to perform tasks deemed necessary
- Call any committee into session at any time
1.2 Duties
In addition to such other authority, the President’s duties shall include the following:
- Preside at all meetings of this chapter and/or the Executive Board and serve as Chair of the Executive Board
- Appoint committees in accordance with Article XI of these Bylaws
- Report on the state of the chapter to the membership at its Annual Meeting
- Carry out the purposes of this chapter as set forth in its Constitution and Bylaws
- Keep the Executive Board informed of chapter matters
1.3 Parliamentary Authority
The President’s parliamentary decision upon the meeting floor shall be final, provided it not be in conflict with the Meeting Rules of this chapter; and for other matters by Roberts Rules of Order to the extent practicable.
Section 2. Vice President(s)
2.1 The Vice Presidents will serve on the Executive Board and will conduct the business of the chapter in accordance with these bylaws. The Vice Presidents will report to the Executive Board and the membership, information and/or activities associated with the sector, region or designation of duties represented by their office.
2.2 It shall be the duty of the First Vice President to perform all the duties of the President in his/her absence. When so acting, the First Vice President shall have all powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President. The First Vice President shall perform, or cause to be performed, the duties of Secretary and have such other duties and exercise such other authority as from time to time may be delegated by the Executive Board.
2.3 It shall be the duty of the Second Vice President to perform, or cause to be performed, the duties of Treasurer of the chapter. The Second Vice President shall have such other duties and exercise such other authority as from time to time may be delegated by the Executive Board.
2.4 The Secretary shall provide for the notice and keeping of minutes and records of the Annual Meeting of the chapter, and serve as the Secretary of all meetings of the chapter and/or Executive Board.
The Secretary shall have such other duties and exercise such authority as from time to time may be delegated or assigned by the President or Executive Board.
2.5 It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to provide for the keeping of the books and accounts of this chapter and to furnish reports of the same at all meetings of the chapter and Executive Board.
The Treasurer shall have such other duties and exercise such authority as from time to time may be delegated or assigned by the President or Executive Board.
Section 3. Executive Board
3.1 Members
The Executive Board membership shall include the President, Immediate Past President, and all Vice Presidents. The Immediate Past President shall meet with and serve the Executive Board in an advisory capacity, without a vote.
3.2 Authority
Authority is hereby provided for the Executive Board, between Annual Meetings, to perform all functions and do all acts which this chapter might do or perform except it shall not have the power to amend the Constitution and Bylaws. Its decisions shall be final in matters determined “reasonable and proper.” It has the power to convene or poll itself by a majority vote.
The Executive Board may expend funds from the treasury not to exceed $2,500 or one-half the treasury balance, whichever is smaller, without a vote of the membership.
3.3 Duties
The Duties of the Executive Board are as follows:
- Make appropriate recommendations to the membership at the Annual Meeting on matters considered by the Board since the last Annual Meeting
- Supervise all accounts and expenses of the chapter and review the audit of the accounts of the chapter
- Review, modify as necessary and approve the proposed budget of the Alabama Chapter, such budget to show anticipated revenue, expenses and the desired objective and anticipated expenses of any projects that are not a part of the regular activities of the chapter.
- Conduct the Annual Conference.
3.4 Meetings
The Executive Board shall meet at such times and places as the President shall designate, or as the Board itself may otherwise deem necessary by a majority vote of its members.
If both the President and the First Vice President are absent from a meeting, and if a quorum is otherwise present, any member may call the meeting to order and the first order of business must be to elect a temporary Chair to serve for the duration of the meeting or until the President or First Vice President arrives, whichever occurs first.
3.5 Quorum
A meeting of the Executive Board shall not be official and no business may be conducted unless attended by a majority of its members.
3.6 Compensation
Board members shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for expenses related to their service. Board members may also receive compensation for performing work for the chapter.
ARTICLE XII – COMMITTEES
Section 1. Standing Committees
1 Nominating Committee
The members of this committee are the Immediate Past President and other members appointed by the Executive Committee, preceding the Annual Meeting by at least 120 days. The Immediate Past President will serve as the Chair of this committee.
The Committee shall report a slate of nominees for President, First Vice President and designated Regional Vice Presidents as otherwise specified herein. The slate of nominees shall be presented to the membership in accordance with the election procedures stated in the Constitution and Bylaws, Article IV, Section 2.
2 Gulf Coast 9-1-1 Conference Committee
The members of this committee shall be appointed by the President with the consent of the Executive Committee.
Section 2. Special Committees
Special committees may be appointed by the President as necessary. Members of these committees shall serve at the pleasure of the President and their terms otherwise shall expire concurrently with that of the President.
Section 3. Duties of Committees
Where not otherwise specified, duties of committees shall be designated by the President.
ARTICLE XIII – OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
There shall be an official internet web site of this chapter, which shall be governed by the Executive Board. The operation of this web site shall be the responsibility of the Executive Board.
Posting notices prominently on the home page of the web site and sending an email notice to the ALNENA email list shall be considered proper and official notice to the membership when such is required or desired.
ARTICLE XIV – PROCEDURES
Section 1. Amendment Procedure
1.1 Statement of Restrictions
The Constitution and/or Bylaws of this chapter may be amended only by a majority vote of the voting membership, as specified herein.
1.2 Requirements
The proposal to amend the Constitution and/or Bylaws of the chapter shall be honored from any chapter member. Errors in the format of such proposal shall not be sufficient cause for rejection.
An amending proposal shall be submitted by the maker in written form to the Executive Board and its format shall in order be:
- Indication of the name of the maker of the proposal
- Indication of the intent of the proposal
- Indication of the Annual Meeting where consideration is desired
- Indication of the Article(s), Section(s), and Paragraph(s) of the Constitution and/or Bylaws proposed to be amended;
- Proposed amending language
1.3 Drafting Resolutions to Amend
A resolution to amend the Constitution and/or Bylaws of this chapter shall be based upon required amending proposal and with the guidance of the Executive Board; it shall be so devised and drafted by the President.
A copy of the draft resolution shall be provided to the maker prior to the publication for his/her concurrence.
Participation by the Executive Board in these matters shall not be construed to imply their support of the measures considered therein except when the Executive Board initiates an amending resolution
1.4 Required Publication
An amending resolution which has been processed with the requirements of Sections 1.2 and 1.3 of this Article shall be published and distributed to all members of this chapter no less than 30 days before the Annual Meeting for consideration.
1.5 Quorum Revision of Resolutions
An Annual Meeting quorum may make amendments to a resolution to amend the Constitution and/or Bylaws by means of a majority vote on each proposed resolution amendment.
1.6 Effective Date of Amendments
Resolutions passed and adopted by this chapter in accord with other provisions of the Constitution and/or Bylaws shall be in force and effect upon the adjournment of the Annual Meeting where considered and adopted, provided an exception to this effect is not otherwise contained in the language of the resolution adopted.
Section 2. Impeachment
A two-thirds majority vote of the total membership shall be required for the removal from office of an officer of this chapter.
Section 3. Parliamentary Procedure
Upon any question coming before this chapter not otherwise specifically provided for in the Constitution and/or Bylaws, the presiding officer shall be governed to the extent practicable by Roberts Rules of Order.
ARTICLE XV – DISBURSEMENT OF ASSETS UPON DISSOLUTION
Should the Alabama Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association be dissolved, all assets shall be distributed to an organization, or organizations, of similar purpose as selected by a two-thirds majority vote of an Annual Meeting quorum, or by the Executive Board if between Annual Meetings.
ARTICLE XVI – GRANTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
Section 1. Application for Funds
The President of the chapter or any member designated by the President may make application to philanthropic organizations, corporations, agencies, groups or persons for grants or contribution of funds or property for carrying out general or specific purposes of this chapter.
No application shall be made to, or contribution received from, any person or agency except after a determination by the Executive Board that a grant or contribution to the chapter would be motivated by the desire to further the purposes of the chapter and not to derive personal benefit or privilege to the donor.
Section 2. Acceptance of Grant or Contribution
Any member who may be offered a grant, or contribution, or contract for this chapter shall immediately notify the President and no grant or contribution shall be finally accepted by the chapter except upon approval of the Executive Board. The terms of such grant or contribution shall be set forth in writing and signed on behalf of the chapter and the donor.
Section 3. Administration of Funds
Any grant or contribution of the chapter shall be credited to its general fund unless, under the terms thereof, a special fund is required of such grant or contribution. This special fund shall follow the procedure defined for general funds of the chapter, unless provided otherwise in the terms of the grant or contribution and agreed upon by the Executive Board.
ARTICLE XVII – RETENTION OF PROPERTY INTEREST
Section 1. Retention of Title
All rights, title, and interest, both legal and equitable, in and to the property of this chapter shall remain in the chapter.
Section 2. Requirements for Return of Property
All property of the chapter in the possession or trust of a member or employee shall be returned immediately to the chapter in the event of his/her death, resignation, suspension, or expulsion.
Amended on 12 October 2021 at the Annual Conference and Meeting of the Alabama NENA Chapter
Amended on 13 October 2016 at the Annual Conference of the Alabama NENA Chapter
