St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised: April 4, 2015 DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. SAINT LOUIS ALUMNAE CHAPTER RULES OF ORDER POLICIES & PROCEDURES 2015 - 2016 S&S Approved: 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. St. Louis Alumnae Chapter POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The St. Louis Alumnae Chapter’s Policies and Procedures shall not conflict with any Grand Chapter Governing Documents and/or updates. Name of Chapter: St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Number: 309 Location of Chapter: St. Louis, Missouri Region: Central Region Chapter Address: St. Louis Alumnae Chapter P.O. Box 410844 St. Louis , MO 63141 Chapter Web and Email Information: www.dst-sla.org Chapter Phone Number: 314-381-2634 Chapter Service Area: Greater Metropolitan St. Louis Area CHAPTER STRUCTURE, GOVERNING BODIES and RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Executive Committee: The Chapter Executive Committee of the Executive Board shall consist of all elected officers: President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Assistant Financial Secretary (if needed). The Executive Committee may make decisions for the chapter in emergency situations only. Its duties shall not supersede the Executive Board and its decisions shall be subject to ratification by the Executive Board. 2. Executive Board: The chapter’s Executive Board shall consist of all elected and appointed officers and positions of the chapter, chairpersons of standing committees including Parliamentarians, Internal Audit Chair and the Immediate Past President. It shall be the duty of the Executive Board to carry out the mandates of the sorority in accordance with all governing documents of the sorority. 3. Committees: a. Standing Committees are listed on the Rules of Order and have a continuing task in relation to the operation of the sorority programs as delineated in this document. The Chapter President appoints Chairpersons of Standing Committees. b. Special Committees and their chair are appointed by the Chapter President for a specific program or assignment and are dissolved when the assignment is complete. Page 2 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: ELECTED OFFICERS & OTHER LEADERSHIP POSITIONS Elected Officers President - The Chapter President shall: 1. speak for the chapter. 2. familiarize herself with all governing documents, especially the Chapter Management Handbook and National Updates. 3. maintain cooperative relationships with other organizations. 4. prepare and maintain chapter paperwork. 5. review original bank statements; receive copies monthly of all bank account statements. 6. authorize all chapter expenses and serve as a signer on chapter checks. 7. authorize the use of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority license plate. 8. initiate the removal of elected and appointed officers, committee chairs and committee members who do not perform the duties to which they have been elected or appointed. 9. serve as the Voting Delegate to the National Convention and Regional Conference. 10. serve as chapter representative to Delta Days in the Nations Capitol, Delta Days in the State Capitol with the Social Action Chair. 11. serve (or her designee) as the chapter representative at Cluster Meetings and State meetings. 12. prepare a report to the chapter for Social Action, local and Regional meetings. 13. exercise all powers and duties generally pertaining to the office of the President. 14. ensure that all fiscal officers are bonded. 15. serve as a member of the Chapter Finance Committee. 16. serve as ex-officio member of all committees except Internal Audit and Nominating. 17. authorize and sign all chapter disbursement checks except checks payable to herself. 18. not “pre-sign” any checks. 19. maintain a “Red Book” of all policy statements received from national and regional officers in a central file after they have been reflected in chapter policies and procedures, where applicable. 20. only vote in matters of secret ballot and/or to break a tie vote, per policies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 21. complete and submit the Acceptance of Fiduciary Responsibility form. 22. facilitate Omega Omega Services (or a designee, who is typically a current or past National or Regional officer or past Chapter President.) 23. be bonded. ! First Vice-President – The First Vice President shall: 1. serve in place or absence of the President as appropriate. 2. be responsible for the programs of the chapter. 3. serve as the RISK MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR of the chapter. The Risk Management Coordinator must secure and submit the following minimum requirements for chapter sponsored or participation in any youth initiative: Position Descriptions, Qualifications, Time Requirements, Evaluation Procedures, and Background Checks. Page 3 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: 4. chair the Program, Planning and Development Committee and approve expenditures of these committees before they are submitted for payment. a. Physical and Mental Health b. International Awareness and Involvement c. Economic Development d. Educational Development e. Community Awareness and Involvement f. Political Awareness and Involvement g. Other chapter programs 1) EMBODI 2) National Impact Day (Formerly International Day of Awareness) 3) Delta Academy 4) Delta GEMS 5) Delta Twinkles 6) Dive Into Books with Delta 7) Breakfast with Santa 5. provide any other services deemed necessary by the President, the body or committee. 6. serve as the Chapter Alternate Delegate to National Convention. 7. be accountable to the body via the Chapter President. ! Second Vice-President – The Second Vice President shall: 1. serve in place of or in the absence of the President when the First Vice President is unavailable or as appropriate. 2. chair Membership Services Committee, be responsible for all membership functions and approve expenditures of these committees before they are submitted for payment. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. Cheer Courtesy Founders Day Rededication June Luncheon Delta Dears Fall Retreat or Round-Up Reclamation and Retention Omega Omega Properties Formal Dance j. Merry Widows Support Group k. Sisters of Support (SOS) l. Check Out the Church m. Telephone Calling Committee n. Volunteer Services o. Fellowship p. Greeters q. Chapter Photographer r. Delta Darlings s. Adopt-A-Delta Dear 3. provide any other services deemed necessary by the President, the body or committees. 4. serve as the Chapter Alternate Delegate to Regional Conferences. 5. be accountable to the body via the Chapter President. ! Recording Secretary - The Recording Secretary shall: 1. keep an accurate record of all proceedings of the chapter (minutes), including all Executive Committee, Executive Board, chapter and called meetings. 2. sign and date all approved minutes. 3. keep on file all committee reports. Page 4 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: 4. record all votes. 5. provide written copies of the minutes at subsequent meetings to financial members. 6. insure minutes are made available on the chapter website for financial members to download prior to the next chapter meeting. 7. receive and maintain all records of the chapter. 8. inform members of meetings, activities, and other relevant information. 9. receive and maintain a record of chapter absenteeism. 10. verify a quorum at meetings. !Corresponding Secretary - The Corresponding Secretary shall: 1. 2. 3. 4. communicate with members, individuals and organizations as appropriate. assist with informing members of meetings, activities, and other relevant information. share appropriate correspondence at chapter meetings. maintain a roster of chapter members as provided by the Financial Secretary. !Treasurer – The Treasurer shall: 1. serve as chair of the Budget (Finance) Committee. 2. keep the official financial records of the chapter. 3. present a written report of chapter disbursements monthly to all chapter members and file for audit. 4. submit to the chapter President a copy of all monthly bank statements. 5. keep actual records of income, disbursement & summary ledgers on a monthly basis. 6. Prepare and submit annual fiscal reports by the established due dates. 7. deposit income received by the financial secretary within two (2) business days. 8. submit grand chapter funds within thirty (30) days of receipt, or as directed within the Administrative Procedures for Membership Intake. 9. make disbursements on written authorization (ensure all checks have two signatures). 10. authorize and sign chapter disbursement checks, except checks payable to herself. 11. not “pre-sign” any checks. 12. complete all necessary grand chapter transmittal of funds forms for dues and other fees. 13. ensure a voucher system is used for the disbursement of funds, with appropriate signatures before disbursement. 14. reconcile all accounts on a monthly basis. 15. prepare financial records for the CPA and Internal Audit Committee’s annual and quarterly reports. 16. ensure books are audited in accordance with current audit guidelines for chapters. 17. present the annual operating budget for the ensuing fiscal year (prepared by the budget/finance committee) to the chapter for approval by May of each sorority year. 18. monitor expenditures of the chapter budget regularly and recommend quarterly modifications as needed. 19. ensure the annual financial report/federal group authorization return is completed. 20. attend the financial training workshops and use the Fiscal Officers Manual as her guide. 21. complete the Acceptance of Fiduciary Responsibility form. 22. be bonded. Page 5 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: !Financial Secretary - The Financial Secretary shall: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. record all income received. issue official receipts for income immediately upon receipt of funds. turn all funds over to Treasurer to meet the two (2) business days deposit requirement. serve as a member of the chapter Budget (Finance) Committee. sign checks only when reimbursement is for the President or the Treasurer or when specifically requested by the President. (This should be a rare occurrence.) 6. generate and maintain a current roster of financial members and provide this roster to chapter members. 7. provide the chapter’s Nominating and Election committees with a financial roster as of March 15th of the current year. 8. assist the Treasurer with preparation of financial records for the CPA and Internal Audit Committee’s quarterly and annual audit reports. 9. attend finance training workshops. 10. present a monthly written report to the chapter of all income received and file for audit 11. serve as a member of the Minerva Circle. 12. complete the Acceptance of Fiduciary Responsibility form. 13. be bonded. (The election to any office does not guarantee or imply an automatic succession to any other office. Exception: when filling vacancies.) ELECTED POSITIONS & Committees INTERNAL AUDITING (Duties/Responsibilities). !The Internal Audit Chair, assisted by her committee, shall: 1. be elected for a two year term, and may serve two consecutive terms. 1. conduct an annual internal audit of the chapter’s financial records and report these findings using the online tool provided by National Headquarters. 2. conduct quarterly financial reviews, and report findings to National Headquarters, and make recommendations to the Finance Committee of the chapter as needed. 3. assess the level of compliance to chapter policies and procedures and internal controls. 4. highlight any organizational problems and recommend solutions. 5. work to improve accountability, ethical and professional practices. 6. help the chapter achieve their stated objectives. The Chapter President shall appoint two members to serve on the Internal Audit Committee. All members of this committee must have finance experience. NOMINATING COMMITTEE !The Nominating Committee Chair and Five (5) Committee members shall be elected individually at the May chapter election. ! The Nominating Committee Chair, with her committee shall: 1. determine upcoming vacancies or term expirations of any elected offices/positions. 2. present a “call to nominations” to notify members when nominations will be accepted for all open elected offices and positions and solicit and receive nominations from chapter members. 3. set the dates for the written nominations period to begin and end. Page 6 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: 4. set the deadline to receive the candidate data profiles, and call a meeting of the nominating committee to review same. 5. obtain written or verbal consent or have prior consent from each candidate. 6. verify with the financial secretary of the chapter that all the candidates for office have paid their dues (Local and National) by March 31st for the ensuing sorority year and ensure that candidates for chapter offices and positions meet all required qualifications. 7. submit a slate of candidates to the Executive Board, and then to the chapter. 8. notify the verified candidates that their candidacy has been verified and when they may begin campaigning. 9. organize, oversee, implement and monitor campaigning. 10. members shall assist the chair with all duties as needed. !The Minerva Circle 1. The Minerva Circle is an elected special committee created solely for the purpose of planning and administering the activities of the Membership Intake Program. 2. Membership Intake is conducted at the pleasure of the chapter upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting. 3. The Minerva Circle shall plan and implement all phases of the Membership Intake Process according to Grand Chapter’s Membership Intake Manual. 4. In the event a position becomes vacant on the Minerva Circle, the President will appoint an eligible replacement within twenty-four (24) hours. 5. The coordinator of the membership intake activities is the Leader of the Minerva Circle. At the end of the intake process, the committee is dissolved. 6. The Minerva Circle shall consist of – Fourteen (14) Sorors –Twelve (12) Membership Intake Positions plus two chapter officers, President and Financial Secretary. a. Leader of the Minerva Circle b. Nine (9) Jewels of the Minerva Circle c. Convener of the Odyssey Experience d. Keeper of the Muses and Graces e.* Chapter President f. * Chapter Financial Secretary *NOTE: These two (2) officers are not elected to the Minerva Circle, but are members by virtue of their elected offices. APPOINTED OFFICERS (Duties/Responsibilities) ! Parliamentarians - The Parliamentarians shall: 1. serve as an advisor to the President and to the membership as requested by the President on issues requiring parliamentary interpretation according to the governing documents listed on the last page of this document. 2. discuss with the President possible items for interpretation prior to each chapter meeting. 3. coordinate and/or provide presentations/training and Delta Internal Development (DID) for the chapter on Parliamentary Procedure as directed by the President. Page 7 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: 4. per policies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Parliamentarians have the right to vote on chapter business, same as all chapter members. 5. serve as a member of the Executive Board. ! Chaplains – The Chaplains shall lead chapter members in prayers, invocations, benedictions and words of inspiration during chapter meetings, ritualistic ceremonies and other capacities as requested by the chapter President. ! Sergeants-at-Arms – The Sergeants-at-Arms shall: 1. maintain order at all meetings and chapter sponsored events. 2. check the credentials of Sorors and deny entrance to unauthorized individuals. 3. deny entrance to improperly dressed Sorors. 4. serve as a teller for the presiding officer. 5. count votes by show of vote cards and/or hand when called upon to do so. APPOINTED POSITIONS (Duties/Responsibilities) ! Heritage and Archives (Historian) - The Historian shall: 1. photograph (in concert with the chapter photographer) chapter sponsored events and activities. 2. maintain all chapter scrapbooks, historical periodicals and other archived materials. 3. maintain the chapter’s history. ! The Chapter Photographer shall collaborate with the Historian and Journalist to photograph chapter events and activities for chapter archives. ! Custodian of Properties – The Custodian of Properties, with her committee shall: 1. organize, catalog, disperse and collect chapter properties and maintain a written inventory. 2. maintain ceremonial properties for usage as needed. 3. Inform appropriate officers when properties need to be replaced. ! Journalist (Public Relations) - The Journalist shall: 1. maintain a file of all media outlets for potential use by the chapter. 2. prepare press releases and distribute them to designated media as approved by the chapter President. 3. collaborate with the Technology Committee in preparing and submitting regular reports of chapter activities to the Regional Journalist and the National Journalist for inclusion in their publications, with the approval of the chapter President. 4. report annually the results of media activity. !Committee Chairs 1. The committee chairs (with the exception of the elected Internal Audit chair and Nominating chair) are appointed by the President and have the same duties as Standing Committee chairs. They shall serve on the chapter’s Executive Board, and follow the job descriptions shown in this document and other governing documents of the sororitiy. Page 8 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: 2. Sorors must be financial with the chapter and Grand Chapter for the fiscal year to chair a committee. 3. Chairs may schedule meetings as often as necessary to facilitate their assignments in an efficient and effective manner. 4. The Chair has the responsibility of ensuring that the committee meets the outlined objectives and should offer assistance toward that end. !Election Chair and Committee - Election Chair and five (5) Committee members shall: 1. be appointed by the President each sorority year at the time the task is needed, to conduct and oversee the election process of the chapter. 2. be appointed prior to the announcement of the slate by the Nominating committee. 3. prepare election ballots. 4. collect, count, and tabulate the ballots cast by the Chapter membership in each election. 5. not be a candidate for any office or appear on any ballot in an election in which that member is counting the votes. 6. provide the Chapter President with a written report of the election results along with all of the ballots cast for filing in chapter archives. 7. report the outcome of the vote, to the chapter. (The President reports election results.) The election of chapter officers and acceptance of members into the sorority shall be by a majority vote of chapter members present and voting, by secret ballot. ! ASSISTANTS to ELECTED FINANCIAL OFFICERS: The large membership of the chapter makes it necessary that financial officers may have assistance. Assistants may be elected for two year terms, and run for a second term if eligible. 1. Assistant Financial Secretary - The Assistant Financial Secretary shall: a. be elected by the chapter. b. assist in the collection of funds and can be assigned to assist chapter committees with the collection of funds for chapter events. c. assist with all Financial Secretary duties except signing checks, depositing funds and managing d. be bonded. e. not serve as a member of the Minerva Circle. 2. Assistant Treasurer - The Assistant Treasurer shall: a. be elected by the chapter. b. assist with all Treasurer duties except signing checks, depositing funds and managing accounts. c. be bonded. TERMS OF OFFICE: 1. Beginning with the 2014 May election, the Financial Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected for two-year terms. Their elections shall be staggered to afford overlapping terms for purposes of continuity. Page 9 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: 2. The following elected officers and positions may serve two consecutive terms if reelected: President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Assistants to the Treasurer and the Financial Secretary, and Internal Audit Chair, each TERM being two years. 3. The elected Nominating Committee Chair and Members, and the Appointed Elections Committee may only serve one term; a TERM being two years. FILLING VACANCIES 1. When the office of President becomes vacant during the current fiscal year due to: 1) a member not being elected during the chapter elections; or 2) as a result of an unexpected vacancy, the 1st Vice President shall become President. The 2nd Vice President shall assume the position of 1st Vice President, and the President shall appoint a soror to serve as 2nd Vice President who meets the eligibility requirements for elected positions as described in this document. 2. For other elected offices, appointed officers and chairs, the President will fill all vacancies within thirty (30) days, with the approval of the Executive Committee. 3. In the event the Chapter President cannot fill the vacant position due to chapter members not meeting eligibility requirements for an elected position or unwillingness to serve, she shall contact the Regional Director for approval for special dispensation to make said appointment. 4. If a member is removed from the Minerva Circle or resigns, the President will appoint another member to fulfill that position within twenty-four (24) hours. This person must meet all MIT training requirements. NOTE: ALL chapter members are encouraged to attend Regional Conferences and National Conventions to become familiar with proceedings, and prepare to serve in key chapter positions. MEETINGS: When, Frequency, Duration 1. Executive Board Meetings: The Executive Board shall meet monthly (during the sorority year) to receive committee reports and exchange chapter information as needed. 2. Executive Committee Meetings: The Executive Committee meets monthly or at the discretion of the President to plan the business of the chapter. 3. Chapter Meetings: Chapter meetings shall be held on the first (1st) Saturday of each month, from September through June. Exceptions may be made in September when a “Retreat”, or “Round-Up” may be held, and at other times due to weather conditions or scheduling conflicts. 4. Called or Special Meetings (synonymous) may be held at the discretion of the President and convened to consider one or more items of business specified in the call of the meeting, requiring immediate attention. Notice of the time, place and purpose of the meeting shall be mailed or emailed to all members ten (10) days in advance. Minutes will be made available to all Page 10 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: financial members on the chapter website. There must be a quorum present for business to be validly transacted. 5. Standing Committees: Meeting times and dates for standing committees are at the discretion of the committee chair as necessary to perform their duties. NOTE: Members may be notified of Executive Committee, Executive Board and Standing Committee meetings by telephone, email or postal mail. QUORUMS Executive Committee Meeting: A quorum is established when 33% of Executive Committee members are present in a meeting. Executive Board Meeting: A quorum is established when 33% of Executive Board members are present in a meeting. Chapter and Called (Special) Meetings: A quorum is established when 33% of the financial members are present in a meeting. Committee Meetings: A quorum is established when 33% of the financial members of the committee are present in a meeting. NOTE: Once established, a quorum remains in effect for the duration of the meeting. If a quorum is lost during the course of the election process, then the election should be postponed until the next meeting when a quorum is present. HOWEVER, if the quorum is lost after the election process has ended, and the results of the election have not been reported to the chapter, the election results stand. COMMITTEE DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES & MEMBERSHIP COMPOSITION Standing Committees (elected and appointed): The Chapter’s Standing Committee chairs and members shall follow the duties for tasks related to chapter operation as stated in the governing documents and any updates from Grand Chapter. Chairpersons should be financial members of the chapter. Meeting times and dates are at the discretion of the Chair in collaboration with committee members to facilitate their duties. Standing Committees: Arts and Letters, Choir, Finance, Heritage and Archives, Internal Audit, Membership Services, Nominating, Presidents Advisory Council, Program Planning and Development, Properties, Protocol and Traditions, Public Relations/Journalist, Rituals and Ceremonies, Social Action and Technology. Special Committees: Ariya, Elections, Chapter Directory, Founders Day Observance, Minerva Circle The CHOIR performs selections at chapter events, and represents the chapter at other events. The PRESIDENTS ADVISORY COUNCIL is comprised of currently financial past chapter Presidents of the chapter who agree to serve. This committee shall: 1. meet at the call of the President and as often as necessary to conduct business. 2. review, develop, maintain and revise Rules of Order and Policies and Procedures in accordance with Grand Chapter guidelines and updates. Page 11 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: 3. receive from the Chapter President proposed amendments to the Chapter Polices and Procedures from chapter members and evaluate for inclusion in policies and procedures 4. present revised Rules of Order and Policies and Procedures to chapter members for approval, and prepare same for submission to the Regional Scholarship and Standards member. 5. stimulate interest in and educate members in using and understanding Policies and Procedures and other sorority governing documents. 6. encourage and support younger chapter members in their quest for chapter positions and offices. th The 14 National President and current Chapter President are ex-officio members. Special Committees: Committees appointed or elected for a definite program or assignment, usually with a time limit in which to complete the assignment. When the task is completed, the committee’s business is considered finished and the committee is dismissed. Examples: Ariya, Elections, Chapter Directory, Housing. The ARIYA Celebration Committee makes available opportunities for guidance, academic support, financial and life skills training, college preparatory and introduction to college life, as well as scholarships. The training culminates with the ARIYA celebration, presenting students to the St. Louis community in April. Ad hoc Committees: Ad Hoc Committees are one-time only committees, appointed for special assignments. FISCAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Roles and Responsibilities (SEE also Duties/Responsibilities of Financial Officers) General Operating Procedures The policies set forth in this document are intended to serve as guidelines and procedures for the fiscal operations of the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in regards to financial accounting and receiving and disbursement of funds. The leadership team of the chapter has as part of its composition, fiscal officers elected by the chapter. These officers have fiduciary responsibilities specific to each position. The division of fiscal responsibilities must be in line with those defined in the Fiscal Officers Manual, and other duties as may be determined by the chapter and as detailed in this document. NATIONAL DUES: National dues are $125 and per capita fee per member is $10. 1. Grand Chapter Dues Late Fee A $5.00 Grand Chapter late fee shall be assessed to any member paying dues from April 1 to June 30. 2. Grand Chapter Reinstatement Fee (beginning July 1) Grand Chapter Reinstatement Fee - $15.00 If a soror has not paid all dues and fees for two or more years, she shall pay a Reinstatement Fee of $25.00. Page 12 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: LOCAL DUES: Dues are determined by Chapter vote annually. 1. Current regular local dues for St. Louis Alumnae Chapter are $263.75. 2. Retirees Local Dues are $213.50 3. Local and National dues are due and payable from January 1 – March 31. Failure to do so by an officer will result in removal from office utilizing the “Procedure for Removal from Office”. 4. Golden/Diamond Life members shall pay: A. Local chapter dues B. No annual Grand Chapter dues C. $10.00 per capital fee D. No late and/or reinstatement fees SPECIAL LOCAL DUES Categories Retired members who 1) are no longer employed full time, 2) have been financial with the Chapter consecutively for five years immediately preceding their retirement date, 3) and who have reached the age of 65 may request special dues consideration. Those members who have reached retirement age (65), and have less than five years in the chapter will be eligible to request special dues consideration once the five consecutive years requirement has been met. Local dues for qualified retirees shall be reduced by $50.25 (fifty dollars and twenty-five cents). DUES WAIVERS a. Beginning with financial officers elected for the 2013 – 2014 sorority year, local dues shall be waived in their 2nd year of office. [Financial officers elected prior to 2013 shall continue their current dues waiver for their 2nd and 3rd years (per chapter vote) until their term is completed.] b. Collegiate members who are financial members transferring to the Saint Louis Alumnae Chapter within the current sorority year shall have their dues waived for the remainder of that year if the transfer occurs immediately upon graduation. UNCONSUMED DUES a. The chapter will transfer unconsumed dues to a Soror’s new chapter when a written request is submitted by the member. b. To transfer unconsumed dues, the member requesting the transfer must complete the Member Information and Former Chapter section of the Dues Transfer Form. c. The requesting member must submit the form to the Financial Secretary of the new chapter. d. The Treasurer of the soror’s current chapter will submit the unconsumed dues to the mailing address of the new chapter. Page 13 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: TRAVEL POLICIES: National Conventions and Regional Conferences National Convention & Regional Conference expenses for the chapter Delegate and the alternate Delegates shall be paid by the chapter. Eligible expenses include registration fees, air or rail transportation, if driving, mileage at the IRS prescribed rate, lodging at one half of the regular convention room rate (in a shared room) for the duration of the conference or convention, payment for the Social Action Luncheon, plus a meal allowance of $300 for a National Convention and $150 for a Regional Conference. The President or designated delegate will be allowed up to $100 yearly to purchase updated Delta documents. Appropriate receipts are required for reimbursement. Registration fees and transportation fees for Chapter President and Social Action chair will be assumed for Delta Days in the Nations Capitol and at the State Capitol. SELECTION OF DELEGATES The St. Louis Alumnae Chapter voted to incorporate the following process for selection of Voting and Alternate Delegates. The incoming President shall be the Convention and Conference Delegate; the incoming 1st Vice President shall serve as Alternate Delegate to the National Convention; the Incoming 2nd Vice President shall serve as Alternate Delegate to the Regional Conference. If a Vice President cannot attend the designated convention/conference, the other Vice President shall attend. If both cannot attend, the order of succession as per Roberts Rules of Order will prevail, i.e., Recording Secretary is next in line. Delegates and representatives at State and National events shall prepare a report of the event to the chapter. SOCIAL ACTION (A National Focus) ! The Social Action Chair, under the auspices of the Social Action Commission shall institute activities that foster: 1. 2. 3. 4. Interest in social action and education of chapters on current issues Sponsoring Voter Registration and voter education programs Combating Voter Suppression The full restoration of voting rights for individuals who have paid their debt to society (ex-offenders) 5. Affordable Health Care and access to quality health care 6. Financial Literacy and Economic Empowerment 7. Support for HBCU’s 8. Partnership with Political Awareness and Involvement 9. Gender equality 10. Racial Profiling 11. Develop the potential for Delta’s influence in the community and Nation. ! The Social Action Chair shall: 1. be appointed by the Chapter President. 2. serve, along with the Chapter President, as Chapter Representatives at Delta Days in the Nations Capitol and at the State Capitol and together report back to the chapter. Page 14 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: 3. Encourage Sorors to attend Social Action activities, and to support the Social Action budget by purchasing Delta license plates. 4. Prepare meaningful Social Action experiences for the chapter at the local level, in conjunction with the Political Awareness and Involvement Committee. i.e. City/County council meetings, other community boards, debates, Candidate Forums, Voter Registration events, education of the chapter on Political and Social issues, local community involvement, etc. In order to insure chapter representation, Registration expenses and Transportation costs for the Chapter President (or her designee) and the Social Action Chair (or her designee) to attend Delta Days in the Nations Capitol and at the State Capital shall be assumed from the chapter budget. The costs for her portion of a shared room shall be paid from the Social action budget for the Social Action Chair to represent the chapter at Delta Days in the Nations Capitol and at the State Capitol with the Chapter President. Remaining Social Action budget shall be used to foster the above projected goals for the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter on a regular basis. STEP SHOW POLICY A designated team shall represent the Chapter at step shows, as well as other step performances, as approved by the chapter. The team shall ensure that National Step Show guidelines as defined in Delta’s guiding documents (Chapter Management Handbook, Fiscal Officers Manual, or other governing documents) as established by the National Scholarship and Standards Committee. NSF CHECK POLICY – Sorors When a soror’s check is returned for insufficient funds, the soror will be responsible for any related fees charged by the bank. For two (2) years thereafter, all monies submitted to the chapter by that soror must be by cash, money order or cashier’s check. NSF CHECK POLICY – Others When checks are returned for insufficient funds from individuals who are not members of the chapter, such individuals will be responsible for related fees charged by the bank. No other checks will be accepted from the writer of the check. SCHOLARSHIP POLICY Educational Development, as one of our Five point Programmatic Thrusts under Program Planning and Development shall foster academic support. The St. Louis Alumnae Chapter shall provide academic scholarships on an annual basis to male and female graduating high school seniors through the Scholarship committee, under Educational Development. Scholarship awards range from $500.00 to $5,000.00 based on availability of funds. Students must complete an application process to be considered, and show documentation of acceptance to an accredited post secondary program. Page 15 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: Educational Development committee shall conduct programs and projects designed to address the need for excellence in education. These programs range from tutorial services to the awarding of scholarships. Scholarships are supported through chapter members’ voluntary contributions of $40 per year to the Mind Guard program, and may also be supported through fund-raisers that are approved by chapter vote. VOUCHER- EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT POLICY Requests for reimbursement of funds for chapter budgeted expenses shall be submitted to the Treasurer using a voucher. Original receipts must be attached to the voucher. Signatures of the committee chair and the Chapter President are mandatory. All reimbursements must be pre-approved by the Vice President and/or chair of that committee if applicable, before reimbursement. Exceptions will not be allowed. DUES/FEES COLLECTION POLICY Dues shall be paid to the Financial Secretary by cash, money order, cashier’s check, personal check and/or credit/debit card. FISCAL REPORTS Financial officers shall present monthly reports to chapter members and file for audit. Written reports will be available for all members. End of year reports are presented at the June meeting. Financial officers shall submit all required reports to Grand Chapter according to National guidelines. The Internal Audit Committee shall conduct quarterly reviews and an annual internal audit, and provide finance quarterly recommendations to the Treasurer and Financial Secretary. FUND-RAISING Fund raising events/activities must be presented to and approved by financial members of the chapter. When fund-raising events are planned within a shared service area or outside of the local service area, St. Louis Alumnae Chapter shall inform the chapter with whom they share the service area or whose service area it is. A written notice shall be provided as a courtesy, with a copy to the Regional Director. Chapters are encouraged to work cohesively when these instances occur. (HOT off the press; National Scholarship an Standards Committee (December, 2013). BONDING The Chapter President, Financial Secretary, Treasurer and Financial Secretary, shall hold General Bonding Insurance in the amount of $20,000 each, and appropriate General Liability coverage. In the event an Assistant Financial Secretary and/or Assistant Treasurer are elected they shall each hold General Bonding Insurance in the amount of $20,000. Page 16 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: BUDGETING The Finance Committee, chaired by the Chapter Treasurer, is responsible for creating the chapter budget for the ensuing sorority year. The budget shall outline how dues are used. The Finance committee shall request budgeting concerns from committee chairs prior to preparation of the budget. The Finance Committee Chair shall review and recommend budget modifications to the chapter on a quarterly basis, or as needed to support chapter programs, per chapter vote. Budget recommendations shall be with approval of the membership by the May chapter meeting. A change in dues structure for the ensuing year must be approved by two thirds (2/3) vote of chapter members present and voting. Voting to revise the dues structure shall be done no later than the December chapter meeting to be effective for upcoming dues payment period. CHEER COURTESY GUIDELINES • • • • • • Sorors must notify the President and Chair of Cheer Courtesy of needs as quickly as possible so that appropriate courtesies may be extended in a timely manner PASSING OF A SOROR: The family of a deceased chapter member shall be offered the option to choose: a) $40.00 monetary token, b) a plant, or c) $40.00 donation to Mind Guard, a charity, or other non-profit institution in memory of the deceased soror, ILLNESS: A hospitalized soror shall receive a plant or token of $40.00 once during the year, after which cards will be sent. A card will be sent if the soror is home for a week. DEATH OF 1ST DEGREE RELATIVE OF A SOROR: (parent, sibling, child or spouse.) The soror has a choice of a plant, a $40.00 token, a $40.00 donation to Mind Guard or a non-profit charity of her choice. This courtesy is extended upon each occurrence during the year. Cards will be sent in the passing of all second-degree relatives. WEDDINGS: A $40.00 monetary token is presented for a first time wedding. BIRTHS: A monetary token of $40.00 is presented when a soror welcomes her first child. In the sad event of the passing of a soror, the Chapter President and Chair of Cheer Courtesy must be notified immediately so that “Calling Post” notification may be activated to inform chapter members of her passing and final arrangements. Families of deceased members should be advised of the option for an Omega Omega service when the sorority is notified. This final Rite of Passage will be provided only at the request of the family. ALL sorors should attend if at all possible. The “Calling Post” will be activated in the death of a first (1st) degree relative of chapter members (parent, sibling, child or spouse.). Other Cheer Courtesy needs may be announced at chapter meetings, shared through email notifications, the “Telephone Call Committee” and/or printed in the chapter updates. Only the Chapter President or her designee is authorized to activate the “Telephone Call Committee” or “Calling Post” notification. Page 17 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: CHAPTER ELECTION of OFFICERS/POSITIONS TIME OF ELECTION – Chapter elections are held at the May meeting. 1. Elected and appointed officers shall not serve more than two consecutive two year terms in the same office. 2. Five (5) Nominating Committee members and Chair shall be elected individually at the the May meeting along with other chapter offices whose terms are vacant. They shall serve a single, two year term. Members of this committee are ineligible to be candidates for office while serving on the committee. If they wish to run for an office they must resign from the committee before the call for nominations. 3. The Internal Audit Committee Chair shall be elected at the May chapter election. 4. All members elected to an office or position shall be installed in June. (A May installation may be held in the event of conflicts such as National or Regional events.) ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA for HOLDING OFFICE Each soror seeking an elected office or position in the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. shall: 1. Be financial with the chapter and Grand Chapter for the fiscal year in which the election takes place and maintain financial status during her term(s) of office as verified by the Financial Secretary as of March 31st of the current sorority year. 2. Complete and submit to the Nominating Committee Chair a Candidate’s Data Profile at the designated time. 3. Obtain Candidate Data Profile Forms from: a) The Nominating Committee Chair b) The Chair’s designee c) The Chapter website 4. Have attended at least one Regional Conference or National Convention within the three (3) years immediately prior to the election. NOMINATIONS, ELECTIONS & VOTING GUIDELINES 1. All chapter members shall receive written notification (10) ten calendar days prior to a chapter election; voting whether to proceed or not to proceed with membership intake process; and voting on the acceptance of candidates for membership into the sorority. Absentee ballots are not recognized in Delta Sigma 2. 3. 4. 5. Theta Sorority, Inc. Write-in candidates are prohibited and provisions for write-in candidates shall not be included on the ballot. Candidates become disqualified if any violation of nominating or campaign guidelines occurs. If disqualified, the soror cannot run from the floor. Individuals who were not slated may run from the floor in April if they meet eligibility requirements and submit the required Data Profile Form at the time of nomination. Elected officers shall not serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office. Page 18 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: 6. A majority vote is more than half of the votes cast by members entitled to vote (excluding blanks, or abstentions), at a properly called meeting. (Example: 19 x ½ = 9½ . 10 votes needed for majority.) NOMINATING and ELECTION PROCESS FEBRUARY 1. The Nominating Committee Chair shall present the “Call to Nominations” at the February chapter meeting, and present open offices and positions to the chapter. She shall also inform members when nominations will be accepted. 2. The Nominating Committee spells out the requirements and expectations and provides a deadline for submitting the Candidate’s Data Profile. 3. Any financial soror who nominates a soror for an office shall confer with and obtain that soror’s written or verbal consent before submitting said soror’s name in writing or nominating her from the floor. 4. The Nominating soror shall advise the nominee that she must complete a Candidate’s Data Profile Form and submit it to the Nominating Committee Chair at the designated time. APRIL 1. The Elections Committee (Chair and 5 Committee members) shall have been appointed prior to the slate announcement. 2. The Nominating Committee shall present their slate of eligible, verified candidates to the Executive Board and then to the chapter. The presiding officer opens the floor for nominations. After each position is read, the President shall call three times - “Are there any other nominations for the office of _________?” If there are no nominations from the floor, thereafter the nominations for that position shall be CLOSED. This shall be repeated for each open position until all positions have been called. If there are no nominations, then the nominations shall be CLOSED. 3. Those candidates nominated from the floor shall be in compliance with all eligibility criteria for holding office. 4. The Nominating Committee presents the complete slate (including those previously slated and eligible nominations from the floor) (the Nominating Committee shall verify nominations from the floor) and sorors are asked to come forward and be presented. 5. The committee prepares and publishes the slate of candidates. 6. A chapter vote is taken to accept the report of the Nominating Committee, with the caveat that a Candidate’s Data Profile is required at the time of her nomination from a soror running from the floor, AND her eligibility will be verified. If these requirements are not met and she is NOT eligible she WILL NOT be placed on the ballot for the chapter vote. 7. The report of the slate, which was accepted by chapter vote and verified by the nominating committee, will then be given to the Elections Committee to prepare the ballot for the May election. Page 19 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: 8. CAMPAIGNING may begin after the April meeting for all eligible, verified candidates, and end at midnight on the fourth Tuesday in April of each sorority year. 9. Campaigning may take place at any closed Delta events. 10. Campaigning may take the form of telephone calls, emails, flyers and other modes of communication and may include edible and/or non-edible items. 11. Campaign expenses may not exceed $500 (five hundred dollars) with documentation submitted to the Elections Chair by the 4th Wednesday in April after campaigning ends. If it is found that campaigning exceeds this amount the candidate may be disqualified. MAY ! It shall be the duty of the Elections Committee to: 1. Conduct the election of the chapter. 2. The committee Chair and members shall not be candidates for an office while serving on the Elections Committee. 3. Develop rules for electing chapter officers and present to the Executive Board and then to the chapter for approval prior to the elections being held. 4. Provide a ballot for each financial soror on the day of the election, and follow the guidelines spelled out in this document. 5. Prepare a listing of the names of candidates in the chapter update and/or newsletter. 6. Collect, count and tabulate the ballots cast by the chapter membership in each election. (A majority vote is more than half of the votes cast by members entitled to vote, excluding blanks, or abstentions, at a properly called meeting.) 7. (Example: 19 x ½ = 9½ . 10 votes needed for majority.) 8. Provide the Chapter President with a written report of the election results, along with all ballots cast for filing in chapter archives. 9. Provide an opening and closing time for voting, and after the voting has closed then ballots should not be issued. • The Chair of the elections Committee reads the election report and hands it to the Presiding Officer. • The Presiding Officer reads the report and declares the result of the vote. In each case, where the candidate has the majority, the Presiding Officer declares that candidate elected. • The election report is entered into the minutes becoming a part of the official records of the chapter. No chapter vote is needed to approve. ELECTION: METHOD OF VOTING 1. The chapter shall provide prior written notice of at least ten (10) days for the election of officers and elected positions, voting to proceed or not to proceed with Membership Intake process, and voting on the acceptance of new members into the sorority. For members who do not have access to electronic mail, US Postal mail must be used. 2. Voting privileges shall be extended to chapter members only. 3. Chapter elections occur through a secret ballot. 4. There shall be no campaigning at the May meeting Page 20 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: 5. A QUORUM of 33% of the members must be present. 6. All candidates for office shall be present on the day of the election. If a candidate is absent the chapter will vote on extenuating circumstances. Note: Extenuating circumstances shall be: attendance at Regional or National Meetings of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., job responsibilities, illness of soror or immediate family member. 7. Election of chapter officers and acceptance of members into the sorority shall be done by a majority vote of the chapter members present and voting by secret ballot. 8. The vote to proceed with membership intake shall be by a two thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting. 9. If the motion passes to conduct membership intake and the decision is reconsidered, then a motion must be passed to rescind the decision to conduct membership intake, and must pass by two thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting. 10. Per policies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Parliamentarians have the right to vote on chapter business, same as all chapter members. 11. The President will only vote in matters of secret ballot and/or to break a tie vote. SPECIAL ELECTIONS Minerva Circle - The Minerva Circle shall be elected at a special election prior to Membership Intake of the chapter using guidelines in the Membership Intake Manual. INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS All elected Chapter officers, elected committee chairs and members shall be installed in June. A National Officer, or Past Chapter President may serve as the installing officer TRANSITION OF OFFICERS A transition meeting shall be held for outgoing officers and positions to pass duties, responsibilities, forms and any materials associated with the office to incoming officers. The Transition of Officers period shall be from the May election through July 1st, per the National Scholarship and Standards Committee’s mandate effective July 16, 2012. The incoming officer is a participant in all chapter related administrative activities once elected. She shall be attentive, open to activity and observing during the transition period. The outgoing officer has the sole responsibility of closing out all chapter requirements for compliance and submitting all paperwork to National Headquarters for the year. The Chapter President will provide leadership and dates for transition meetings and duties. MEMBERSHIP INTAKE POLICIES 1. Members must be notified 10 days prior to conducting the vote to proceed with Membership Intake. Written notice shall be by US Postal mail only. 2. After chapter vote to take in new members, the chapter shall follow procedures outlined in the Membership Intake Handbook for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Page 21 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: 3. Candidates for Alumnae Membership Intake must reside in the chapter service area as identified by Chapter Charter or source documentation provided from National Headquarters or Regional Director. 4. The chapter vote for membership intake requires two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership that is present and voting on the day the chapter votes. 5. The Jewels are no longer elected by position but shall be elected as a group. 6. If a member is removed from the Minerva Circle or resigns, the President will appoint another member to fulfill that position within 24 hours. This person must meet all MIT training requirements. 7. Candidates who are related to Minerva Circle members: • A member of the Minerva Circle is allowed to continue to serve on the Minerva Circle if an applicant is a family member. • Minerva Circle Members must recuse themselves from scoring the application packet and interviewing a family member. • A Minerva Circle Member retains her right to vote on all applicants. PROCEDURE FOR REMOVAL FROM OFFICE 1. The Financial secretary must notify the Chapter President of non-financial Sorors holding an elected or appointed office by June 30th of the current sorority year. 2. The Chapter President must give notification to the soror that dues must be received by the Financial Secretary in the form of a cashier’s check or money order to continue in the elected or appointed office at a designated time. 3. If dues are not received by the Financial Secretary by the designated time, that office shall be vacated. 4. The Chapter President notifies the soror in writing that she will be replaced. Elected officers must be replaced in a Chapter meeting. The replacement of appointed officers is at the discretion of the Chapter President. Current St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Policies and Procedures states: “for other elected offices (other than President and Vice Presidents) the President will fill all vacancies within 30 days with the approval of the Executive Committee. (See: Filling Vacancies in this document) 5. IMPEACHMENT – The impeachment process shall be carried out in accordance with the Impeachment Procedures outlined in the Chapter Management Handbook, Newly Revised By National Scholarship and Standards, April 2011, Section 1700, Member/Chapter Discipline, pp. 358-369, in compliance with “HOT Off the Press” Appeal Process, effective November 28, 2012. AMENDMENTS FOR CHAPTER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 1. Chapter members will be notified that revisions in Policies and Procedures may be submitted to the Chapter President using the “Policies and Procedures Amendment Form” by the March chapter meeting to be “formally” considered. (This allows chapter members to share suggested improvements or concerns for consideration and possible inclusion in the Policies and Procedures document.) The amendment form may be obtained from any active member of the Presidents Advisory Council (PAC). Page 22 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Revised - 04/04/2015 S&S Approved: 2. After review, the President shall pass proposed amendments to the Presidents Advisory Council to prepare policies not in conflict with Grand Chapter’s governing documents 3. PAC shall complete and submit to Executive Board for review. 4. The Executive Board shall notify the chapter when the draft has been placed on the chapter website for a minimum of thirty days review. 5. After prior notice, revisions shall be reviewed at a chapter business meeting for a two/thirds vote of members present and voting. 6. After approval by the National Scholarship and Standards Committee, copies will be made available for chapter members within 60 days. 7. The Chapter Rules of Order/ Policies and Procedures shall be reviewed at least annually and as needed to determine ongoing compliance, and to reflect Constitutional change. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY & GOVERNING DOCUMENTS • Corporate Charter • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Grand Chapter Constitution and Bylaws, 2013 Edition • Grand Chapter’s Fiscal Officers Manual • Internal Audit Manual • Chapter Management Handbook • Chapter Rules of Order and Policies & Procedures • Heritage and Archives Manual of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. • Conduct of Ritualistic and Ceremonies protocol for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. • The current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised is the resource for all matters not covered in Delta’s Governing Documents POLICIES AND PROCEDURES DRAFT AND REVISION DATES 12/86 12/88 1989 1990 01/95 03/97 02/99 10/99 06/02 03/03 Drafted Revised Revised Revised Revised Revised Revised Revised Revised Revised 03/04 05/05 11/10 11/11 10/12 10/13 12/13 08/14 04/04 Revised Revised Revised Revised Revised Revised Revised Revised Revised Page 23 of 24 4St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Rules of Order/Policies and Procedures Submitted by: Revised - 04/04/2015 Mitchelle Price S&S Approved: April 4, 2015 Chapter President Date Mitchelle Price Signature Address: P. O. Box 410844 Saint Louis, Missouri 63141 Telephone: 314- 381-2634 Email address: [email protected] Members - Presidents Advisory Council Mildred R. Anderson, Ph. D. E. Kim Banks Rebecca M. Barnes, Chair Janet H. Bonner Doris J. Carter Odessa Chambers Queen D. Fowler, Ph. D. Teresa Hargrow-Simmons Thomasina F. Hassler, Ph. D. Thomasina F. Hassler, Ph. D. Lila M. Hunter Mary K. Jones Ruth M. Lewis Sandra Lucado Betty C. Patton Honorable Gloria C. Reno Elizabeth H. Thomas Ex-Officio Frankie Muse Freeman, Esq., 14th National President Mitchelle Price, Chapter President Page 24 of 24
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