American
Association of
Blacks in
Energy
North Carolina Chapter
By-Laws
Last Revised March 2012
By-Laws
of
The North Carolina Chapter
of the
American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE)
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of the Chapter shall be NORTH CAROLINA CHAPTER - AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF BLACKS IN ENERGY, INC. (hereinafter called the “Chapter”).
ARTICLE II: OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the North Carolina Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy are as follows:
- To develop and maintain an awareness of federal and state regulatory issues regarding energy.
- To provide the National AABE with corporate position statement on energy issues.
- To provide position statements to state legislators on energy issues.
- To inform and educate members on energy issues.
- To provide professional development opportunities for members.
- To provide education and awareness on energy issues to the community.
- To provide energy awareness and support to targeted low-income individuals and the elderly.
- To assist in providing energy assistance programs and expertise to the community.
- To provide college scholarships to students to study science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) or an energy-related course of study.
- To inform and educate college students on energy issues.
- To serve as role models for students.
ARTICLE III: LOCATION OF OFFICE
The principal office of the Chapter shall be at the address of the current President, and at such other places within and outside the State of North Carolina, as determined by the Chapter membership.
ARTICLE IV: SEAL
The seal of the Chapter shall be circular in form with the words “AABE” and “NORTH CAROLINA CHAPTER” around the circumference, and may be applied either by a scroll in ink or by an impression seal. The seal shall be stamped or affixed to such documents as may be prescribed by law, custom, or by the Chapter membership.
ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Membership
In accordance with the National AABE By-Laws, membership is open to the following individuals who reside within North Carolina, or who reside within any other state where that individual’s employer has an office in North Carolina:
A) Employees and owners of energy-related businesses, i.e., a business engaged in research and development, exploration, refining and marketing of primary energy resources such as oil, metal, gas, coal, hydroelectric, nuclear, solar;
B) Consultants who offer expertise primarily in energy-related disciplines serving the energy industry, or serving national governmental agencies;
C) Employees of industry-related trade associations;
D) Educators in the disciplines related to the above categories;
E) Federal, state, and local government officials having energy-related responsibilities;
F) Undergraduate and graduate students who desire to actively support the objectives of the Chapter.
Section 2: Types of Membership
The Chapter shall have two types of membership: Regular and Student.
A) Regular membership shall be open to all employees as outlined in Section 1 above who have become members of National AABE.
B) Student membership shall be open to any full-time, four-year college or graduate student who supports the objectives of the Chapter.
Section 3: Application for Membership
A) The preferred method of payment for an individual to apply for Regular membership in the Chapter is through AABE’s web site ( aabe.org) and joining national and the chapter. One may also submit an application for chapter membership and present evidence of payment of National AABE dues. The individual shall make application and present evidence of payment to the Chapter Membership Committee Chair. One may not just join the Chapter or their payment will only be considered a donation.
B) An individual may apply for Student membership by completing an application for membership and presenting evidence of payment of Chapter dues. The individual shall make application and present evidence of payment to the Chapter Membership Committee Chair.
Section 4: Dues
A) The Executive Committee shall recommend annual Chapter membership dues, subject to approval by the majority of the Regular members present at a meeting.
B) Student members shall pay one-half of the Chapter dues.
C) Membership is based on the calendar year, January 1 – December 31. Active and current membership is no longer honored one year from the date you joined.
D) The dues must be paid in the current calendar year by the date of the annual conference (usually April) on an annual basis. Active and current membership expires for all every year on December 31.
E) Members may withdraw from the Chapter by submitting a letter to the Chapter Secretary.
Section 5: Voting Rights
A) Regular members shall be entitled to a single vote whenever a vote of the Chapter is required.
B) Regular paid members can vote in person, by absentee ballot, or by proxy. Membership Committee will confirm “paid” status and Nominating Committee will send absentee ballot to member to complete voting by date established by the Nominating Committee. Nominating Committee will accept the name of a regular paid proxy designee by date established and confirm “paid” status before allowing he/she to vote on a member’s behalf.
C) A Nominating Committee will be established two months prior to Chapter elections to prepare ballots and update voting members on status of elections. The Nominating Committee will be made up of paid regular members and at least one member of the Executive Board (non-officer).
Section 6: Transfer of Membership
Membership in the Chapter is not transferable or assignable to another person. Upon the death or resignation of a member, the membership shall expire.
Section 7: Attendance
All members are encouraged to attend all meetings.
ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS OF CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Frequency, Time, Place of Meetings
The Chapter shall meet at such frequencies, times, and places as determined by the Executive Committee.
Section 2: Quorum
A) One-fifth (20%) of the Regular members entitled to vote and present or represented by proxy shall constitute a quorum at any meeting.
B) If a quorum is not established at the meeting, a majority of Regular members present may adjourn the meeting.
Section 3: Manner of Acting
A majority of members entitled to vote and present or represented by proxy at a meeting in which a quorum is present shall decide any question brought before the meeting, unless a greater number of votes is required by law or by the Chapter By-Laws.
Section 4: Proxies
At any Chapter meeting, any member entitled to vote may vote by proxy executed in writing by the member, by his or her agent, or by a duly authorized attorney. The proxy shall be filed with the Chapter Secretary before or at the time of the meeting. No proxy shall be valid after 30 days from the date of its execution.
ARTICLE VII: OFFICERS
Section 1: General
A) Student members are not eligible to hold any office.
B) The officers of the Chapter shall be (1) President, (2) Vice President, (3) Secretary, (4) Treasurer, and (5) Historian.
C) Upon ratification of these By-Laws by the Regular members, the Chapter shall elect officers by a majority vote.
D) The officers shall hold their position for two years, unless reelected for another term.
E) Election shall be held at the October meeting.
F) A majority of Regular members present shall elect officers by a closed ballot.
G) A person may hold one office (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer or Historian) and serve on standing committees.
H) Officers and Committee Chairpersons should have been active dues paying members before obtaining these roles.
I) In all cases where the duties of any officer, agent, or employee are not described by the By-Laws, the officer, agent, or employee shall follow the orders and instruction of the President.
J) Officers are required to review and approve communications prior to dissemination to the full membership. The Executive Committee will be informed of the changes; however, they are not required to review communications in advance.
Section 2: Removal
Any officer may be removed by the Chapter membership with or without cause by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Regular members.
Section 3: Vacancies
The Executive Committee (officers and committee chairs) shall appoint a regular member to fill a vacancy upon the death, resignation, removal, or disqualification of an officer.
Section 4: Duties of Officers
The powers and duties of Chapter officers shall correspond to the functions specified for National AABE officers, subject to the functional limitations imposed by Chapter status.
Section 5: President
The President:
A) Shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Chapter, and subject to the directions of the Chapter;
B) Shall have general charge of the business affairs and property of the Chapter and general supervision over its other officers, employees, and agents;
C) Shall preside at all Chapter meetings;
D) Shall appoint a Nominating Committee to recommend a slate of officers to be presented at the October meeting;
E) Shall exercise all powers, and perform all duties incident to the office of a president subject to the directions of the Chapter, and;
F) Shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Chapter.
Section 6: Vice President
The Vice President:
A) Shall appoint the chairpersons of all North Carolina Chapter standing committees.
B) Shall coordinate the activities of the above Committees;
C) Shall perform all other duties as may be assigned by the Chapter or the President; and
D) Shall perform all the duties of the President at the request of the President or in his or her absence or disability.
Section 7: Secretary
The Secretary:
A) Shall keep or cause to be kept a record of all the proceedings of the Chapter meetings in books provided for the purpose;
B) Shall be the custodian of the Chapter records;
C) Shall keep a membership book containing the names and addresses of all Chapter members;
D) Shall have charge of the membership book and Chapter seal;
E) Shall distribute a typed copy of the minutes within two weeks of the meeting; and
F) Shall perform the general duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties in these By-Laws or as may be assigned by the Chapter or President.
Section 8: Treasurer
The Treasurer:
A) Shall appoint a Finance Committee as required and approved by the President.
B) Shall serve along with President as one of two required check signers with the Secretary acting as a back-up.
C) Shall have charge and supervision over and be responsible for the moneys, securities, receipts, and disbursements of the Chapter;
D) Shall cause the moneys and other valuable effects of the Chapter to be deposited in the name and to the credit of the Chapter in such banks or trust companies or with such bankers or other depositories as shall be selected in accordance with these By-Laws;
E) Shall cause the moneys of the Chapter to be disbursed by checks or drafts (signed as provided by these By-Laws) upon the authorized depositories of the Chapter and cause to be taken and preserved proper vouchers for all moneys disbursed;
F) Shall be the principal accounting officer of the Chapter, and as such, shall keep complete books and records of accounts, give such information to the National AABE Treasurer, and prescribe and maintain an adequate system of internal audit;
G) Shall render to the Chapter or the President, whenever requested, a statement of the financial statement of the Chapter;
H) Shall be empowered to obtain financial information from all officers or agents of the Chapter; and
I) Shall perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer, and such other duties as may be assigned by the Chapter or President.
Section 9: Historian
The Historian:
A) Shall appoint a committee to compile and interpret records and documents;
B) Shall update the historical records annually for inclusion in a Chapter directory;
C) Shall compile a history of AABE - North Carolina Chapter to include photographs, newsletters, etc.;
D) Shall provide historical information requested by the Executive Committee; and
E) Shall perform all other duties as may be assigned by the Chapter or the President.
ARTICLE VIII: ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
Section 1: Execution of Instruments
A) As authorized by these By-Laws, by the Executive Committee, or by the Regular members, the President may enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name and on behalf of the Chapter.
B) The Chapter may authorize any other officer or agent to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name and on behalf of the Chapter.
Section 2: Loans
A) No loan or advance shall be contracted on behalf of the Chapter, and no note, bond or other evidence of indebtedness shall be executed or delivered in its name, except as may be authorized by the Chapter.
B) Any such authorization may be general or limited to specific loans or advances, or notes, bonds or other evidence of indebtedness.
C) Any officer or agent of the Chapter so authorized may effect loans and advances on behalf of the Chapter, and in return for any such loans or advances may execute and deliver notes, bonds or other evidence of indebtedness of the Chapter.
D) No loans may be made by the Chapter to officers, and any officer who assents to or participates in the making of any such loan shall be liable to the Chapter for the amount of such loan until the repayment thereof.
Section 3: Deposits
Any funds of the Chapter may be deposited in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as may be determined by the Chapter, or by such officers or agents as may be authorized by the Chapter to make such determination.
Section 4: Checks, Drafts, etc.
All notes, drafts, bills of exchange, acceptances, checks, endorsements and other evidences of indebtedness of the Chapter, and its orders for the payment of money, shall be signed by such officer or officers or such agent or agents of the Chapter, and in such manner as the Chapter may determine.
ARTICLE IX: COMMITTEES
Section 1: Appointment
The President may appoint such standing or temporary committees as required to accomplish the objectives of the Chapter.
Section 2: Eligibility
Regular and Student members are eligible to be appointed to a committee.