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WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF THE BLIND CONSTITUTION

Proposed Bylaw Changes November 2009:

Revised November 7, 2009

WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF THE BLIND CONSTITUTION Revised November 7, 2009

 

ARTICLE I -- NAME

 

The name of this organization shall be Washington Council of the Blind.

 

ARTICLE II -- PURPOSE

 

The purpose of this organization shall be to promote opportunity, equality, and independence for legally blind people in the state of Washington and throughout the nation.

 

ARTICLE III -- MEMBERSHIP

 

SECTION 1--MEMBERS

At least the majority of the voting members of this organization must be legally blind.  Membership in the organization shall not be denied on account of race, color, national origin, age (16 or over), sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion political ideology, or physical, mental or sensory disability.  All voting members of its affiliates who Have reached the age of sixteen (16) shall automatically become voting members of this organization with the right to vote, present motions, speak on the floor, serve on committees and hold office, provided that their dues Have been paid to this organization at least thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of the annual convention or special meeting.  Any member Under the age of sixteen who is a voting member at the time of the adoption of this amendment shall continue to be eligible for membership.  Any person Who is not a member of an affiliate and who has reached the age of sixteen May become a voting member at large of this organization, provided his/her Dues have been paid at least thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of The annual convention or special meeting.

 

Section 2--Junior Members

 

All members of affiliates under the age of sixteen (16) shall automatically become junior members of this organization.  Junior members shall pay dues and have all of the rights and privileges of membership except that they may not vote, hold office, serve on the board of directors or receive stipends

 

     SECTION 3--EXPULSION, SUSPENSION, OR OTHER DISCIPLINARY ACTION

 

The convention, by two-thirds vote of the members present and voting may expel, suspend or otherwise discipline any member and/or affiliate for conduct inconsistent with the constitution and/or policies established by the convention provided that the member and/or affiliate named in the proposed action shall receive written notification of the action at least ten days prior to the convention;  provided notice of the proposed action shall be announced to the convention in a previous session; and provided the member and/or affiliate named in the proposed action shall receive a fair hearing with due process.  If expulsion, suspension, or other disciplinary action is proposed between conventions, the President or majority of the Board of Directors shall call a special meeting in accordance with Article VIII Section 2 to vote on the action.  The member and/or affiliate named in the proposed action shall receive a fair hearing with due process. Any member or affiliate whose expulsion or suspension or any other disciplinary action is being considered shall have the right to vote on the issue.

 

ARTICLE IV -- AFFILIATES

 

SECTION 1--APPLICATION FOR AFFILIATION

 

Any local chapter or special interest group desiring to become an Affiliate of this organization shall apply for affiliation by submitting to the President a copy of its constitution,  a list of the names and Addresses of its members and elected officers and associated dues for these members.  A minimum of 5 dues-paying members is required to be considered for affiliation. 

 

The constitution of the new affiliate will be reviewed by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee for conflicts with the WCB state constitution  prior to acceptance.

 

   When this organization, either in

convention assembled, during a special meeting, or by action of the Board of Directors shall have approved the application, it shall issue to the new affiliate a certificate of acceptance.

 

SECTION 2--AFFILIATE RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Annually, on or before February 10th, each affiliate shall provide a mechanism for its members to pay dues to the state organization by forwarding any dues received from those who chose to pay locally along with a list of the names and addresses of the affiliate membership.  Affiliates whose members'

state

dues have not been paid by March 1st of each year shall be delinquent and members of the affiliate shall lose all rights in the organization until all arrears have been paid.  The President shall investigate and report to the board the causes of any delinquency and make recommendations to the board on a resolution of the problem.

 

As new members enter the affiliates, their names, addresses, and dues shall be sent, without delay, to the state organization.  Copies of all amendments to the bylaws or constitution of an affiliate shall be sent without delay to the President of this organization.

 

No group shall be accepted as an affiliate and no group shall remain an affiliate unless at least a majority of its voting members are legally blind.  The President, Vice-President's), and at least a majority of the elected committee or Board of Directors of each affiliate must be legally blind.  The president of this organization shall be an ex-officio member of each affiliate.

 

SECTION 3--EXPULSION, SUSPENSION, OR OTHER DISCIPLINARY ACTION BY an affiliate.

 

Each new affiliate must have a provision in its constitution or bylaws that protects the rights of its members consistent with the provision of Article III Section 3 of this constitution.

 

ARTICLE V -- DUES

 

Annual membership dues in this organization shall be the sum of the state

(WCB) dues, $5.00, and the national (ACB) dues, in accordance with the American council of the Blind constitution.  The WCB treasurer will forward the appropriate national dues to ACB.

In accordance with Article

IV of this constitution, affiliates may pay the state dues of their members.

Members at large or any member who chooses to pay their dues directly to The state must pay on or before February  10th and their dues will be delinquent after March 1st.  A lifetime membership may be secured for a fee of $100.00.

No member shall be entitled to vote at the annual convention or special meeting whose dues have not been paid at least thirty days prior thereto.

 

ARTICLE VI -- OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES

 

SECTION 1--OFFICERS

 

On odd-numbered years, there shall be elected a President, First Vice-President, and a Treasurer; and on even-numbered years, there shall Be elected a Second Vice-President and Secretary each for two year terms.

No officer shall serve for more than two consecutive full terms in the same office.  The President, First Vice-President, and Second  Vice-President must be legally blind.  The terms of all officers shall begin on the First day of January following the convention at which they are elected.

 

Section 2:  On the first day of the  annual state convention immediately

 

following the report of the Nominating committee  the chair shall call for other candidates to seek the floor and announce their intent to run for elected office.

 

SECTION 3 --ELECTIONS

 

Officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the members who are Present and voting.  There shall be no proxy voting.  Voting shall be by secret ballot unless otherwise decided by a majority of the members present and voting.  If no nominee receives a majority vote on a given ballot, the persons receiving the two highest vote totals shall remain on the list Of nominees and a subsequent ballot shall be taken to determine a majority.

 

SECTION 4--DUTIES

 

The duties of each officer shall be those customarily performed by such officers.  In addition, the secretary and the treasurer shall be charged with the maintenance and safe keeping of the records of the organization.  Each officer shall be responsible for passing on organization records to All newly elected officers within thirty days after the convention in which Each officer is elected.

 

SECTION 5--VACANCIES

 

Should a vacancy occur in the office of President, the First Vice-President shall function as President until the next business meeting of the organization at which time the membership shall hold an election to fill The office of President for the remainder of the term.  Should a vacancy Occur in any office other than President, the Board of Directors shall appoint A replacement/replacements to serve until the next business meeting of the organization.

 

SECTION 6--REMOVAL OF OFFICERS

 

Except as specifically  provided in the foregoing provisions, no officer Or other board member may be appointed and no officer or board member may Be removed other than by vote of the membership in convention assembled or Duly called special meeting as provided by Article VIII Section 2.  The convention may remove any officer or member of the Board of Directors at Any meeting thereof provided that removal of an officer or member of the Board shall require a two-thirds affirmative vote of the members present and voting.  At least ten days notice shall be required prior to such an Action.

As in the case of removal from membership a fair hearing with due Process shall be observed.  If any officer or board member be so removed, a replacement may be elected upon a majority vote as in the case of Regular elections.

 

ARTICLE VII -- DIRECTORS

 

SECTION 1

 

The Board of Directors shall consist of five constitutional officers, The immediate past president, and six general directors. The immediate past president shall be automatically appointed to the board without seeking election unless he/she has sought and been elected to another officer position. Three of the general directors shall be elected for two-year terms at the convention during even-numbered years and three during odd-numbered years. No person shall serve as a general director for more than two consecutive full terms. A majority of the directors must be legally blind.

The six directors shall be elected in the same manner as that prescribed For the election of officers.  The terms of all directors  shall begin on the first day of January following the convention at which they are elected.

 

SECTION 2

 

The Board of Directors shall hold open board meetings three times a year at the call of the President or by written call signed by any three of the board members.  The Board shall advise the President and shall have charge of the affairs of the organization between conventions.  At least six members of the Board of Directors must be present at any meeting to constitute a quorum to transact business.  The Board of Directors may be polled by telephone or by mail ballot on any question.

 

ARTICLE VIII -- MEETINGS

 

SECTION 1--CONVENTION

 

This organization shall hold an annual convention in the fall, the time and place of which shall be fixed by the membership or if this is not possible, by the Board of Directors.  At least twenty percent of the voting members must be present to constitute a quorum to transact business at any convention.

 

The convention is the legislature and supreme authority of this organization.  As such, it has final authority with respect to all issues of policy except where the constitution has delegated specific authority to A committee.  Its decision shall be made after opportunity has been afforded for full and fair discussion.  Voting or making motions by proxy is prohibited.

 

SECTION 2--SPECIAL MEETINGS

 

The President of the organization may call a special meeting of the membership at any time he/she or a majority of the Board of Directors deems such action to be necessary, but at such special meetings, at least twenty percent of the membership must be present to constitute a quorum to transact business, and written notice must have been sent to the membership and affiliates  at least ten days prior to the date of the meeting.  Upon written petition of twenty percent of the general membership to the President and Board of Directors, a special meeting must be convened within thirty days of the date specified on said written petition.

 

 

ARTICLE IX Procedures

 

In the absence of provisions contained herein or in the Bylaws, all proceedings of this organization shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised.

 

ARTICLE X -- Freedom from Liability

 

All members of the board of the Washington Council of the Blind Inc.

shall be held free from liability from legal actions brought against the Corporation because of decisions made by the board in good faith for the good of the Corporation.

 

 

Article XI -- DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS

 

The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. The President's signature shall be on record with the bank or banks.  All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on order of the president, transacted by The treasurer and signed by the treasurer or an agent selected by the board.

In the event of dissolution, all assets of this organization shall be given To an organization with similar purposes which has received a Section

501-C3

certification by the Internal Revenue Service.

 

ARTICLE XII -- AMENDMENTS

 

This constitution and bylaws may be amended at any convention of this organization, constitutional amendments by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote and bylaw amendments by a simple majority vote of those present and voting provided that the proposed amendment to the constitution and/or bylaws has been submitted in writing to the Constitution and Bylaws Committee on or before the first order of business at its preconvention meeting and provided that both the original language and the proposed amending language have been read on  the floor of the convention at least 24 hours prior to the motion  to amend.

 

WCB Bylaws

 

Bylaw 1:  WCB Standing committees

The following standing committees  are established and unless otherwise specified in the constitution all appointments to them should be completed by the first face to face board meeting each

year:

 

A. Advocacy

 

this committee works on individual and general issues of discrimination

that come to the attention of WCB throughout the year.            Its

members are

called upon to do research and communicate on behalf of the organization with employers, businesses, other organizations and individuals in order to promote advocacy.

 

B. Aging and Blindness

 

This committee's focus is the senior blind. It works throughout the year on ideas to improve the lives of senior citizens experiencing vision loss as well as tracks and reports on issues of concern to the board and members of WCB. 

 

C. Awards

 

This committee administers the WCB Awards Program by processing Nominations for specific awards, making the selections for awards as they deem appropriate, and presenting the awards at the annual banquet of WCB.

The Awards Committee is made up of three members.  The deadline for submission of nominations is August 31. 

 

D. Constitution and Bylaws

 

The constitution and bylaws committee shall be appointed by the president no less than 60 days before the opening of the annual convention.  Unless other arrangements are made by the president this committee shall meet immediately following the preconvention board meeting.  The first order of business will be to report the slate of proposed amendments.  Unless withdrawn by the author all proposed amendments  must  be passed out of committee to the floor with either a do pass, do not pass or no recommendation.

 

E. Convention

 

This committee is the planning group for the WCB state convention.

 

F. Crisis

 

This committee administers the WCB Crisis program.

 

G. Environmental Access

 

This committee addresses environmental access issues specific to

blindness.  It    tracks and reports  such concerns  to the board and

members of WCB.

 

H. Families with Blind Children

 

This committee addresses issues specific to children who are blind and addresses the associated concerns of family members.

 

I. Finance

1. This committee develops the WCB annual budget which is presented at the preconvention board meeting and voted on at the general membership business meeting.  Budget line items approved by

the convention may   be adjusted by the board of directors between

conventions.

 

2.  This committee processes all grant requests received by WCB and reports them to the board for action with a do pass, do not pass or no recommendation.  Grant requests must be submitted in writing using the WCB grant application form and will be awarded primarily to 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental entities.  Grants or parts of grants will not be awarded by the WCB to fund salaries or to supplant other funding.

 

3.  Any motion coming before the WCB board to allocate award or grant funds without going through the finance committee processes provided for

in   parts 1 and 2 of this

 bylaw shall require a unanimous affirmative vote  of all board members present and voting to pass.

 

 

J. First-Timers

 

This committee administers the WCB First-Timer Awards Programs for both the state and national conventions  by processing applications and selecting the award winners.

 

K. History

 

This committee is responsible for preserving the history of the WCB and that of the organizations which preceded it.

 

L. Investment

 

This committee tracks the financial investments of the WCB and recommends changes in our investment strategy to the board.

 

M. Leadership

 

This committee plans the WCB state Leadership and training seminars.

 

 

N. Legislative

 

This committee tracks and reports  legislative issues to the board and members of WCB.

 

O. List serve

 

This committee works as moderators of the WCB email list, overseeing the list activity, ensuring that the list runs smoothly and keeping list rules up to date and relevant.

 

P. Membership

 

This committee works to increase membership in the WCB, assists new chapters to get started and provides support and consultation to existing chapters.

 

Q. Newsline 

 

This committee is the editorial body  for the state newsletter, the Newsline.  It reviews and processes all submitted articles and makes other editorial decisions regarding the next issue.  With board concurrence it may also establish  policy surrounding this publication.

 

R. Nominating

 

The president shall appoint a Nominating committee of 3 persons not less than sixty days before the annual convention. No person who is seeking election shall serve on the nominating  committee. The nominating Committee shall report at the opening meeting  of the first day of the annual convention the name of the candidate nominated for each position to be filled.

 

S.  Scholarship

 

This committee administers the WCB scholarship Program by processing applications, interviewing applicants,  selecting the scholarship winners and presenting these awards at the WCB State Convention.

 

T.  Website Oversight

 

This committee will act as the WCB's principle agent for maintaining a website that is

informative, secure and accessible.   Responsibilities shall include but

not be limited to supervising our domain name registration,  selecting the  web hosting service, directing a website developer, reviewing all website content and maintaining frequent independently stored backup copies of the site.  The committee shall seek guidance from the board and obtain concurrance from the president  for all contracting decisions.

 

Bylaw 2:  WCB Delegates to American Council of the Blind (ACB) Convention

 

A. The president of WCB will be our delegate to the ACB convention.  If,

at the time of the WCB fall convention,   it is known that the president

will not be able to serve as delegate, a separate election will be held to fill that position 

 

B. At the fall convention an alternate delegate and substitute will be elected from the general membership in a single election, the person getting the greatest number of votes  becoming the alternate and the person getting the second most votes  becoming the substitute.  If the delegate or alternate is later unable  to attend the convention, the alternate will replace the delegate and  the substitute will replace the alternate.  The president or his/her designee will determine the eligibility of a candidate to run for these positions.

 

C. Nominating Committee Representative

It is expected that the  WCB delegate  or the alternate delegate to the ACB Convention shall serve as WCB's representative to the ACB Nominating committee.  However, if neither of them is able to attend the nominating committee meeting, the delegate will select another member to serve.

 

D. Eligibility  and expectations:

All persons elected specifically to serve in any of the above delegate  positions must have attended at least one ACB convention and no one may serve as alternate for two consecutive conventions.

No one may serve who has outstanding WCB loan payments in default.  It is anticipated that the delegate and alternate will be seated with the WCB delegation during business meetings of the general assembly.

While absence from the delegation may be necessary, it is expected that one or the other must  be present at all general sessions in case there is a standing vote.

The alternate will assist the delegate with convention duties, and will also be responsible for providing guidance to WCB members attending their first ACB convention.

 

E. Travel

 Unless other arrangements are approved in advance by the WCB president,  WCB will directly purchase round trip coach fare airline tickets for The delegate and alternate delegate and will directly pay lodging expenses.  In lieu of air transport, mileage will be reimbursed at the current office of financial management (OFM) mileage rate up to a limit not to exceed the cost of coach airfare.

Expenses essential to the transaction of WCB business are reimbursable.

These expenses may include taxi fares, parking fees, bridge and ferry tolls and the cost of ground transportation.  Per diem  will be calculated and paid in

accordance with the per diem rates published   by  OFM.  All filings for

reimbursement must include the WCB reimbursement form and associated receipts.

 

Bylaw 3: WCB Stipends and Loans to Attend the ACB Convention     

 

A.  each year when provided for in the budget WCB members may request a travel stipend from WCB to attend he ACB National Convention.

  Each year, on or before its  first face to face  board meeting, the Board shall set the  amount  of this stipend,  the application deadline and

identify a point of contact.   Each applicant  must personally either

call or write

the designated point of contact and request a stipend.  after confirmation of eligibility by the president or his/her designee the state treasurer will write a check to each individual for the stipend amount within one month of the application deadline.

 

B.  Each year WCB members may request a no interest loan  from WCB to attend the ACB national convention.  Each year, on or before its first face to face  board meeting, the board shall set the maximum limit of this loan and

set   the application deadline.  All applicants must personally either

call or

email the president or his/her designee and request such a loan.  After confirmation of eligibility by the president or his/her designee a promissory note will be sent to the applicant.  A check will be sent to the applicant  when WCB receives  the signed promissory note.

 

C. Eligibility  and Expectations

In order to receive either a stipend or a loan from WCB to attend the ACB convention, an individual needs to have been a WCB member for at least one year prior to the day of the opening session of the convention and must have no outstanding WCB loan payments in default It is anticipated that both stipend and loan recipients will participate in the convention in general, including plenary sessions and meetings of special interest affiliates.

 Unless other arrangements are approved in advance by the WCB president, these individuals will be required to attend WCB caucus meetings and be seated with our delegation during the principle business session dates and times  as published in the ACB Convention program for That year.  In addition loan recipients must sign a promissory note which stipulates that the loan will be paid back in TEN (10)  consecutive payments of $10% of the total loan. 

 

Bylaw 4:  WCB First-Timers to ACB Convention

 

A. Each year one WCB member will be selected to be WCB's first-timer

delegate to the ACB national convention.   This person will have their

expenses to attend the convention covered by WCB.  Prospective applicants musts send a personal application letter to the chair of the First-Timers Committee requesting this award.  After the president or his/her designee has  confirm the eligibility of each applicant the committee will review the applications and select the winner.

 

B. Eligibility and Expectations

 

In order to be considered for this  award an individual needs to have never previously attended an ACB convention.

The applicant  must have been a WCB member for at least one year prior to the day of the opening session of the convention and must have no outstanding WCB loan payments in default.

It is anticipated that first-timer recipients will participate in the convention in general, including plenary sessions and meetings of special interest affiliates.  Unless other arrangements are approved in advance by the WCB president, these individuals will be required to attend WCB caucus meetings and be seated with our delegation during the principle business session dates and times  as published in the ACB Convention program for that year.

First-timers must    write an article for the Newsline

relating their experience at the convention.

 

C. Travel

 Unless other arrangements are approved in advance by the WCB president,  WCB will directly purchase round trip coach fare airline tickets for First-timers and will directly pay lodging expenses.  In lieu of air transport, mileage will be reimbursed at the current OFM mileage rate up to a limit not to exceed the cost of coach airfare.

Expenses essential to the

transaction of WCB business are reimbursable.  These expenses may include taxi fares, parking fees, bridge and ferry tolls and the cost of ground transportation.  Per diem  will be calculated and paid in

accordance with the per diem rates published   by  OFM.  All filings for

reimbursement must include the WCB reimbursement form and associated receipts.

 

Bylaw 5:  WCB Representative to ACB Affiliate President's (Mid-year) Meeting

 

A. The president of WCB will be our representative  to the ACB

(mid-year) president's meeting.

 

B. In the event that the president cannot attend the (mid-year) president's meeting the first or second vice-president shall be the Representative, or if necessary,  an alternative  member may be selected by the board from among its members.

 

C. Eligibility  and expectations:

A member  selected to serve as alternate representative to ACB

(mid-year)

must have been a member for 1 year prior to the date of the (mid-year) meeting and have attended at least one ACB convention.

No one may serve who has outstanding WCB loan payments in default. 

 

D. Travel

 Unless other arrangements are approved in advance by the WCB president,  WCB will directly purchase round trip coach fare airline tickets for The representative to attend (mid-year.) And will directly pay lodging expenses.  In lieu of air transport, mileage will be reimbursed at the current OFM mileage rate up to a limit not to exceed the cost of coach airfare.

Expenses essential to

the transaction of WCB business are reimbursable.  These expenses may include taxi fares, parking fees, bridge and ferry tolls and the cost of ground transportation.  Per diem  will be calculated and paid in

accordance with the per diem rates published   by  OFM.  All filings for

reimbursement must include the WCB reimbursement form and associated receipts.

 

 

Bylaw 6:  WCB Representatives to the ACB Legislative  Seminar

 

A.  Up to four WCB members may be selected each year to attend the annual ACB legislative seminar.  The selection committee shall include 1.

the president, 2. a person appointed by the president and 3. the chair of the legislative committee or a designee of that chair.

 

B. Eligibility  and Expectations

 

Applicants must have been a WCB member for at least one year prior to the date of the seminar and must have no outstanding WCB loan

payments in default.   Each applicant must submit a personal letter to

the president requesting this appointment.  The following eligibility criteria will be evaluated in this selection process:

 

1. either current or past Service on the WCB legislative committee 2. Personal Experience directly  contacting congress or our state legislature regarding issues effecting the lives  of persons who are

blind.  

3.  Participation in congressional or legislative hearings on such issues 4. A history of writing letters to their congressional and legislative representatives regarding such issues 5. A personal strong and convincing commitment to engage in one or more of activities 1-4 after they return from the seminar.

 

As soon as possible after their return attendees must submit an article  to the Newsline on their seminar experience.

 

C.  Travel Expenses

Unless other arrangements are approved in advance by the WCB president, WCB will directly purchase round trip coach fare airline tickets and will directly pay double occupancy lodging expenses.  In lieu of air transport, mileage will be reimbursed at the current OFM mileage rate up to a limit not to exceed the cost of coach airfare.  Expenses essential to the transaction of WCB business are reimbursable.  These expenses may include taxi fares, parking fees, bridge and ferry tolls and the cost of ground transportation.  Per diem  will be calculated and paid in

accordance with the per diem rates published   by  OFM. 

All filings for reimbursement must include the WCB reimbursement form and associated receipts.

 

Bylaw 7: WCB Sponsored Attendance  to State Board Meetings and Seminars

 

A.  WCB will pay the travel and  lodging  costs of officers, board Members and designated affiliate representatives to attend all regular and special board meetings with the exception of the preconvention board meeting.  Other special training seminars may be approved by the board and members may be selected from the general membership to attend such seminars.  All members selected to attend such seminars will also qualify to have travel and lodging  costs covered by WCB.

 

B. Each affiliate who does not already have a member on the board may designate a member to attend board meetings as their representative.  These members may not make motions or vote but otherwise can participate fully in meetings of the board.

 

C. Eligibility and Expectations

 

In order to qualify for WCB sponsorship to attend a board meeting or seminar an individual must have been a WCB member for at least six months prior to the date of the specific event.  This requirement may be waived for charter members of new WCB affiliates.  No member will qualify for sponsorship to a special seminar if they have outstanding WCB loan payments in default.  Eligibility will be confirmed by the president or his/her designee.  If an elected  officer or board member falls behind in a loan payment they must immediately contact the WCB president and make arrangements to pay off the loan in a lump sum or reschedule the payments to make it possible to pay it off by the deadline before services will be resumed.

 

Officers, board members and affiliate representatives are required to Attend quarterly face to face meetings and board members  are expected to also participate in the less formal monthly board telephone conference calls.

Board members and affiliate representatives must    make

reports from the quarterly board  meetings at their respective local affiliate meetings.

 

D. Travel Expenses

 

Unless other arrangements are approved in advance by the WCB president,  WCB will directly purchase round trip coach fare airline tickets for Board members and other attendees qualifying for WCB sponsorship  and will directly pay lodging expenses.  In lieu of air transport, mileage will be reimbursed at the current OFM mileage rate up to a limit not to exceed the cost of coach airfare.  Expenses essential to the transaction of WCB business are reimbursable.  These expenses may include taxi fares, parking fees, bridge and ferry tolls and the cost of ground transportation. 

Per diem  will be calculated and paid in

accordance with the per diem rates published   by  OFM.  All filings for

reimbursement must include the WCB reimbursement form and associated receipts.

 

Bylaw 8: First-Timers and Other Sponsorship to the WCB State Convention

 

A. Each year the WCB will select one or more members to attend the state convention as First-Timers.  Application procedures and the application deadline date will be determined by the board and announced on or Before the second face to face board meeting of the year.  Each First-Timer applicant must submit a personal letter to the chair of the First-Timer

committee requesting this award.    First-Timers must not have

previously attended a WCB

state convention.  After the president or his/her designee has confirmed eligibility the committee will review the applications and select the award winner's).

 

B. First-Timer Benefits

 

First-Timers will have all or most of their state convention expenses covered by WCB.  First-Timers will  be encouraged to utilize a WCB sponsored convention bus, if one is available to them.  If not, they will be provided the travel stipend amount allocated to WCB members that year.  Convention registration will be directly paid for the first-timers, as will lodging.

 

C. Travel Stipends to State convention

Each year, at its discretion, the board will provide for a travel stipend which will be available to all members who do not have access to the WCB sponsored bus and who do not otherwise have convenient access to transportation to the convention. When the stipend is provided the board will determine the amount of the stipend, what parts of the state will qualify for this benefit and will designate a point of contact and the contact deadline for making this request.  Each applicant  must

Personally either call or write the designated point of contact   and

request a stipend.  After confirmation of eligibility by the president or his/her designee the state treasurer will write a check to each individual for the stipend amount within one month of the application deadline.

 

D. Free Rooms at WCB State Convention

Each year   2 free rooms may be provided at the state convention, one

for 2 men and one for 2 women.  Those applying must call  the WCB 800 phone number individually during the time specified in the WCB convention bulletin.  The selection process is performed by the president.  Priority will be given to applicants  who have never previously utilized the  WCB convention free room and for these first

time applicants the space will be allocated on a first call   first

serve basis.  When  there are not 2 first time applicants fore either room then a drawing will be held among the prior use applicants for the remaining space.

 

E. Eligibility and Expectations

All recipients of the above sponsorships to the WCB state convention must have been a member for 6 months as of the opening day of the convention.  The 6 month requirement may be waived for charter members Of new WCB affiliates.  No member will be selected as a First-Timer nor qualify for a travel stipend or free room who has an outstanding WCB loan in default.

 

Bylaw 9:  WCB Equipment Loan Program

 

A. WCB's Equipment Loan Fund is managed by the Washington Assistive Technology Foundation Access Fund.  Applications will be submitted directly to WATF and WATF will confirm eligibility with the WCB president or his/her designee.

 

B. Eligibility:

In order to qualify for a WCB equipment loan an individual must have been a member for 6 months  prior to the date of the application and Must not have any outstanding WCB loans in default.

 

Bylaw 10:  WCB Crisis               Aid Program

     

A.  All potential crisis aid situations that come to our attention will be forwarded to the chair of the Crisis Aid committee. 

committee.  The three committee members who can be contacted in the shortest period of time will convene a meeting  to judge the merits of each situation and make a decision based on established criteria.  The decision of this committee to grant assistance shall be final and not appealible.  Crisis Aid recipients Will never receive cash from WCB.  After the committee has confirmed eligibility  The WCB treasurer will write a check directly to the associated service or agency best suited to address the crisis. 

 

B.  Guidelines for providing Crisis Aid:

     

1.  Up to $300 for food, medicine or utilities, such as power, phone, gas and water

 

 2.  Up to $300 for emergency medical expenses for a working guide dog

 

  3.  Up to $1,000 for disaster relief, such as fire and flood.

 

C.  Eligibility

All legally blind persons in the State of Washington qualify for crisis aid including those who are not members of WCB.  Applicants may be required to provide documentation of legal blindness.  This is a one

time only award   Persons who are not

legally blind or who have received crisis aid in the past are not eligible to apply.

 

Bylaw 11:  WCB Scholarship Program

 

A. Scholarship applicants must complete and submit an application and be interviewed by the WCB Scholarship Committee. 

Decisions of the Scholarship committee to Award scholarships shall be final and not appealible.  All legally blind persons admitted to academic and vocational training programs for the current application year are encouraged to apply.  Confirmation of eligibility will be at the discretion of the scholarship chair. 

 

B. Eligibility and Expectations

 

1.  The applicant must be legally blind.

 

2.  The applicant must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited vocational school, college or university.

 

 

3.  The applicant must be a resident of Washington state.  (A resident of Washington state is defined as an individual whose physical residence has been in Washington state for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months at the time of application.)

 

4. Unless other arrangements are approved in advance by the Scholarship chair, recipients must attend the banquet at the WCB fall state convention to receive their awards. 

 

C. Convention Expenses

 

1. The scholarship recipient, along with one other person of their choice, will be our guests at the state convention banquet.  If they wish to stay at the hotel that night, WCB will directly pay for lodging for them both for one night.

 

2. If the scholarship recipient wishes to attend all or any part of the convention, WCB will directly pay for lodging for both persons for these additional nights.  WCB will also directly pay  all associated convention preregistration costs but only for the scholarship recipient.

In

the event that meals are not included in the student's preregistration, per diem will be calculated and paid in accordance with the per diem

rates published   by  OFM. 

Reasonable travel costs, including  bus, train, or mileage, may also be covered.  mileage will be reimbursed at the current OFM  mileage rate.  Unless approved in advance by the scholarship chair, Airfare will  not be covered.

  

3. Scholarship awards to WCB members supersede any other state convention stipends or awards.

 

 

Bylaw 12 Reasonable Accommodation

 

A. The Washington Council of the Blind provides certain accommodations To persons with disabilities attending WCB events in an effort to Facilitate their participation in such events.  The WCB however, does not provide services of a personal nature, such as assistance in eating, toileting, dressing or provision/administering of medications.  While persons requiring such assistance are welcome to attend WCB events, they are responsible for providing any such assistance that they may need.

 

B. All travel related requests for reasonable accommodation, whether to Attend WCB board meetings or to transact other WCB business, must be Submitted In writing and be approved in advance by the WCB president.

Only one

Request needs to be made and approved for the same ongoing accommodation.  However, the WCB president reserves the right to review and/or modify Ongoing accommodations on a periodic basis.

 

Bylaw 13:  Chapter Stipends

 

WCB may, when the budget permits, issue to each chapter an annual stipend providing chapters meet the following criteria:

 

1.  The chapter will ensure that dues and requested contact information for all chapter members, including a list of the current year's elected officers and board members, must be received by the designated representatives of WCB by February 10 of the given year.

 

2.    The chapter must advise WCB of dates and location of all regularly

 

scheduled meetings.  Except for special interest affiliates, the chapter

 

agrees to hold 10 (ten) regular meetings per year.  In the case of special interest affiliates, each affiliate must advise WCB with regard to its meeting schedule and location, and must hold at least 1 (one) regular meeting per year.  The dates and location of chapter and affiliate meetings must be received by the designated representatives of WCB by February 10 of the given year.

 

3.  The chapter president or designee must provide to the Chair of the WCB Constitution and Bylaws Committee an electronic copy of its current chapter Constitution & Bylaws by the February 10 deadline.

 

4.  A chapter must have had representation at a majority of the previous

 

year's WCB scheduled board meetings.

 

FIRST DRAFT: 12/2/89

Revised: 1/28/90

Revised and Adopted 3/3/90

Amended November 1992

Amended October 23, 1993

Amended November 13, 1999

Amended November 11, 2000

Amended October 26, 2002

Amended and added bylaws October 29, 2005 Amended November 11, 2006 Amended November 3, 2007.

      Amended October 25, 2008

Amended November 7, 2009

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