Proposed Changes to the Constitution of The National Federation of The Blind of Kentucky
1. Article III Membership, Section One, Item 2: - Active Members
Current Wording: Any person who is not affiliated with a local chapter or division, may become an active member of this organization by requesting membership at-large and remitting his/her/ dues to the President of this organization by the first day of January each year, and complying with requirements established by the Board of Directors.
Proposed Wording: Any person who is not affiliated with a local chapter or division, may become an active member of this organization by requesting membership at-large and remitting their dues to the President of this organization by the first day of January each year, and complying with requirements established by the Board of Directors.
Justification: The pronoun “their” was added for inclusivity.
2. Article III Membership, Section One, Item 3: - Active Members
Current Wording: Dues must be received by no later than 60 (sixty) days from the date of the scheduled state Convention to vote, serve on committees, speak on the floor, hold office and qualify for membership pricing during the annual state convention.
Proposed Wording: Dues must be received by no later than 60 (sixty) days from the date of the scheduled state Convention to vote, serve on committees, speak on the floor, and hold office.
Justification: The section relating to membership pricing has been removed as it is no longer applicable.
3. Article IV Local Chapters, Section Two—Dissolution
Current Wording: If, at the end of that period, said chapter is still dissolved, for whatever reason, said funds shall become the property of the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky, and the local chapter shall forthwith cease to use the name National Federation of the Blind, Federation of the Blind, or any variant thereof.
Suggested Wording: If, at the end of that period, said chapter is still dissolved, for whatever reason, said funds shall become the property of the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky, and the local chapter shall forthwith cease to use the name National Federation of the Blind, Federation of the Blind, or any variant thereof. Also to cease using all associated logos and trademarks.
Justification: Adding this sentence ensures that dissolved chapters cannot continue using the organization’s logos or trademarks, protecting the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky’s brand, reputation, and legal rights.
4. Article IV Local Chapters, Section Three- Expulsion
Current Wording: Any local chapter may be expelled for misconduct or violation of this constitution, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting at the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky or by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors.
Suggested Wording: Any local chapter may be expelled for misconduct or violation of this constitution, by a simple majority vote of the members present and voting at the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky or by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors.
Justification: The proposed change aligns the expulsion threshold with the National Federation of the Blind’s constitution, ensuring consistency across organizational levels. Additionally, it provides the Board of Directors with greater flexibility to act decisively in urgent or exceptional circumstances, while still maintaining appropriate safeguards for due process.
5. Article V. Divisions
Suggested Addition: If a division is to be dissolved or expelled, it shall be subject to the same procedures and requirements as Chapters, as detailed in Article IV, Local Chapters, Sections Two and Three.
Justification: This addition ensures clarity and consistency by specifying that divisions are subject to the same dissolution and expulsion procedures as chapters, thereby preventing ambiguity in organizational governance.
6. Article VI Officers and Their Duties, Section Two--Replacement of Officers
Current Wording: Should the President, for any reason, be unable to complete their instead of his/her term of office, their instead of his/her duties shall be assumed by the First Vice President. In turn the Second Vice President would become the First Vice President. Replacement of the Second Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer shall be by appointment of the President with the approval of the Board of Directors.
Suggested Wording: Should the President, for any reason, be unable to complete their term of office, their duties shall be assumed by the First Vice President. In turn the Second Vice President would become the First Vice President. Replacement of the Second Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer shall be by appointment of the President with the approval of the Board of Directors.
Justification: This modification corrects pronoun usage to be inclusive and eliminates ambiguous wording, ensuring clarity and consistency in the description of officer succession and appointments.
7. Article XI. Disbursement of Funds
Current Wording: All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check, issued on written order of the President, and signed by the Treasurer. All disbursements shall be made in accordance with policies established by the Board of Directors.
Suggested Wording: All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check or via electronic funds transfer (EFT). The established bank account shall be used, and disbursement of funds shall be issued on written order of the President and confirmed via email for EFT or if via check, signed by the Treasurer. All disbursements shall be made in accordance with policies established by the Board of Directors.
Justification: The addition of electronic funds transfer (EFT) provides the organization with greater flexibility in managing financial obligations and streamlines the reimbursement and payment process, while maintaining appropriate oversight and adherence to Board-established policies.
8. Article XIII. Amendments
Current Wording: This constitution may be amended at any annual convention of this organization by a two- thirds (2/3) vote of the active members present and voting. All proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the President of this organization at least sixty (60) days prior to the convention. The President shall inform the membership of the substance and nature of such proposals at least fifteen (15) days prior to the convention. Amendments adopted shall be incorporated into this constitution. The Constitution as amended shall be made available to all members.
Suggested Wording: This constitution may be amended at any annual convention of this organization by a two- thirds (2/3) vote of the active members present and voting. All proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the President of this organization at least thirty (30) days prior to the convention. The President shall inform the membership of the substance and nature of such proposals at least fifteen (15) days prior to the convention. Amendments adopted shall be incorporated into this constitution. The Constitution as amended shall be made available to all members. A copy of the newly adopted constitution shall be sent to the President of the National Federation of the Blind without undue delay.
Individual Sections to be voted on:
1. All proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the President of this organization at least thirty (30) days prior to the convention.
2. A copy of the newly adopted constitution shall be sent to the President of the National Federation of the Blind without undue delay.
Justification: This change shortens the submission period to allow the Constitution committee adequate time to review proposed amendments for accuracy and clarity before notifying the membership. It also ensures compliance with organizational procedures by requiring that the President of the National Federation of the Blind promptly receives a copy of the newly adopted constitution.