- ARTICLE I: Name
- The name of the orgainzation shall be Maine Lactation Consultant
Association, hereafter referred to in the by-laws as “MELCA”
- ARTICLE II: Purpose
- The purpose of this organization is to: Further visibility
and professional growth of lactation consultants in Maine Enhance
the growth of ILCA, and Provide for education, communication,
networking and mutual support among lactation consultants and
other health workers concerned with breastfeeding and related
issues. Advocate for lactation consultants; Foster awareness
of breastfeeding and human milk feeding as important mesures
for health promotion and disease prevention; Heighten recognition
of the consequences of artificial feeding of infants and children.
- ARTICLE III: Membership
- Membership is open to any individual interested. Payment of
dues shall be required for membership. Members will pay dues
in an amount determined by the Executive Board. Dues cover January
through December of the current year.
- ARTICLE IV: Officers
-
Section A
Up to six officers but not less than two make up the Executive
Board which is responsible for the operation of the Affiliate
and for setting up policy. Officers must be MELCA members in
good standing.
- The president and the Vice President must be certified as
an IBCLC for at least two years and members of ILCA in good
standing. If there is no Vice President, one other officer must
fill these requirements.
-
Section B
Officers will be nominated in the Spring of each year when vacancies
occur. A list of nominations will be presented to the general
membership for a vote no later than the Fall of each year.
- New Officers will assume their responsibilities on January
01.
-
Section C
- Officers will be elected for a term of three years, except
in the case of the first election where two positions will be
elected for a term of two years.
- ARTICLE V: Duties and Responsibilities of Officers
Section A
- President:The President shall be the organizational
representative to ILCA and to the public, and shall be responsible
for calling and presiding over MELCA meetings and meetings of
the Executive Board.
-
Section B
- President: The Vice President shall perform the duties
of the President in the President‘s absence and arrange Educational
Programs.
Section C
- Secretary: The secretary shall be responsible for taking
business meeting minutes, recording attendance, and producing
the MELCA Newsletter.
-
Section D
- Treasurer:The treasurer shall be responsible for an
accurate accounting of all monies, the collection of dues, reminder
notices of dues and the disbursement of funds. At each meeting
the Treasurer will report to the membership, the state of the
Treasury. Expenditures of $51 or more will be pre-approved by
a majority of voting members present at a business meeting.
Section E
- Immediate past president may remain on the executive board
as a resource to the newly elected board.
Section F
- Other duties shall be performed by the Officers as determined
by the Executive Board. Other positions will be determined as
needed.
- ARTICLE VI: Voting
- The membership shall vote to elect officers and to amend the
bylaws. A simple majority of those members present at a meeting
shall be sufficient to carry a vote. Voting may be done by ballot
or a show of hands.
- ARTICLE VII: Vacancies
- A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled by the
Vice President. A vacancy in another office may be appointed
to fill-out the term of the office by a simple majority vote
to the Executive Board.
- ARTICLE VIII: Nominations and Elections
- The President will appoint a Nominating Committee who will
solicit nominations from the membership of MELCA. The slate
of officers will be reported to the President and mailed to
all members by November 1st of each election year, tallied and
reported to the President. Officers shall be elected by a majority
of those voting. New officers assume responsibilities on January
1st of the coming calendar year following their election.
- ARTICLE IX: Meetings
- Meetings shall be held no less than twice a year.
- ARTICLE X: Dissoultion
- MELCA may be dissolved by a simple majority vote. Any assets
shall be distributed to ILCA.
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