dsa bylaws - Deaf Seniors of America

DSA BYLAWS Proposed Amendments to the Bylaws -Deaf Seniors of America “DSA”DSA Conference in Asheville, NC August 23 – 27, 2015

DSA BYLAWS COMMITTEE DSA Conference in Asheville, NC August 23 – 27, 2015

Committee Members Raymond Kilthau Harold Mowl Renwick Dayton Special Thanks To: Nancy Rarus – DSA President DSA Board of Directors Libby Pollard, DSA Parliamentarian Ernie Hahn, DSA Newsletter Editor

PRESENTATION FORMAT We have ONE hour to complete bylaws session. To save time, we will discuss ONLY the provisions that have been amended, added, or deleted. Any “NEW” amendment or proposals will be carried over to next DSA Conference. If there are no objection to the proposed amendments here, we will consider the amendment accepted, and move on to the next one. Strongly recommend everyone to have copy of the proposed bylaws in hand while we go through this. Where there are amendments, inserts or deletion, the item is in BLUE and Underlined

Current Wording – As of August 27, 2012 To be amended by

If adopted, would read Proposed by:

Rationale:

Corrections • We caught typos after the Bylaws went to print in New Horizons.

Article III: Membership Section 3: Honorary Members • Remove the last paragraph “Associate membership..” As this is already defined in Section 2:

• Article X: Indemnification - Incorrect Heading –Should read • Article X: Conflict Of Interest

• ARTICLE XIV: Amendments • Section 3: Suspensions These Bylaws may be suspended for a specific purpose by four-fifths (4/5) vote of those present any regular conference. • Should Read As: These Bylaws may be suspended for a specific purpose by four-fifths (4/5) vote of those present and voting at DSA Business Meeting at any regular conference.

Current Wording – As of August 27, 2012 ARTICLE I Name The name of this association shall be Deaf Seniors of America, Incorporated, hereinafter referred to as "DSA."

To be amended by

NO CHANGE

If adopted, would read ARTICLE I Name The name of this association shall be Deaf Seniors of America, Incorporated, hereinafter referred to as "DSA."

Proposed by: DSA Bylaws Committee Rationale:

ARTICLE II Object Section 1: The object of DSA shall be to serve as an advocate for deaf seniors by providing information and educational programs designed to enhance their physical, economic and social wellbeing; and to otherwise promote the common interests of deaf seniors. To be amended by NO CHANGE

ARTICLE II Object Section 1: The object of DSA shall be to serve as an advocate for deaf seniors by providing information and educational programs designed to enhance their physical, economic and social wellbeing; and to otherwise promote the common interests of deaf seniors.


ARTICLE II Object Section 2: DSA shall not engage in partisan political activity.

To be amended by NO CHANGE

ARTICLE II Object Section 2: DSA shall not engage in partisan political activity.


ARTICLE II Object Section 3: No part of the net earnings of DSA shall accrue to the members, directors or officers except for reasonable reimbursement for expenses incurred in performance of official DSA duties.

To be amended by

Change word “accrue” to “inure” -- Added Text in BLUE

ARTICLE II Object Section 3: No part of the net earnings of DSA shall inure to the members, directors or officers except for reasonable reimbursement for expenses incurred in performance of official DSA duties. Reimbursement for specific duties assigned to a DSA member by the DSA President, with approval of the Board, is permissible. Proposed by: Michael Lockhart, DSA Treasurer Rationale: Wording is incorrect. Added Board approval needed for reimbursements.

ARTICLE III Membership Section 1: Active membership shall be open at any time to any deaf persons 50 years or older residing in the United States of America.

To be amended by

NO CHANGE

ARTICLE III Membership Section 1: Active membership shall be open at any time to any deaf persons 50 years or older residing in the United States of America. Proposed by: Rationale:.

ARTICLE III Membership Section 2: Associate membership shall be open to any hearing person or any deaf non-resident of the United States of America who support the object and goals of DSA. Associate members shall have all privileges of Active membership except holding office at any time.

To be amended by

NO CHANGE

ARTICLE III Membership Section 2: Associate membership shall be open to any hearing person or any deaf non-resident of the United States of America who support the object and goals of DSA. Associate members shall have all privileges of Active membership except holding office at any time. Proposed by: Rationale:.

ARTICLE III Membership

To be amended by

ADD Section 3 – Text in BLUE

ARTICLE III Membership Section 3: Honorary Members Honorary membership status shall be conferred by biennial national conference resolution or by the Board to individuals in recognition of their distinguished service to the DSA. Honorary members are not eligible to hold office, unless such individuals are DSA members in good standing. Proposed by: DSA BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Add provision for Honorary Memberships.

ARTICLE IV Dues Section 1: Membership Dues shall be set by resolution at national conferences.


ARTICLE IV Dues Section 1: Membership Dues shall be set by resolution at national conferences.

Proposed by: Rationale:

ARTICLE IV Dues Section 2: Membership Dues shall be effective from national conference up to the next national conference..


ARTICLE IV Dues Section 2: Membership Dues shall be effective from national conference up to the next national conference.


ARTICLE IV Dues

To be amended by ADD SECTION 3 – Text In BLUE

Section 3: The Board shall determine policy and procedures for collecting dues.


ARTICLE V Meetings

To be amended by CHANGE current Article V – Meetings to Article VI INSERT Article V – Bona-fide Organizational Membership Article V: Bona-fide Organizational Membership Section 1: Organizational Membership There shall be two categories of bona-fide organizational membership: not-for-profit and for- profit. Section 2: Organizational Membership Fees Organizational Memberships and fees shall be approved by the Board. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITEE Rationale: Provides Additional Membership Tiers

ARTICLE V Meetings Section 1: Meetings of DSA shall be held at national conferences held in odd numbered years at sites to be determined by the Executive Board.

To be amended by Change Article Number # V to ARTICLE #VI Reword Section 1

Article VI: Meetings Section 1: Biennial Meetings Meetings of DSA shall be held at national conferences held in odd numbered years at sites to be determined by the Board.

Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

ARTICLE V Meetings Section 2: Bids for national conferences may be submitted for vote during business meeting at a given conference. Final determination, however, shall be made by the Executive Board.

To be amended by Reworded Section 2. Change Current Section #2 to Section #6.

Article VI: Meetings Section 2: Board Meetings The Board shall meet at least twice between DSA Conferences, or upon the request of the President.


ARTICLE V Meetings Section 3: Special meetings may be called by the President with concurrence of the Board or when so requested by one-tenth of all active members. Business conducted during special meetings shall be confined to the purpose of the special meeting. To be amended by Replacing Current Section #3. Change Current Section #3 to Section #4.

Article VI: Meetings Section 3: Quorum in Board Meetings The majority of Board members shall constitute a quorum.


ARTICLE V Meetings Section 4: One hundred fifty (150) members of DSA registered during conferences shall constitute a quorum for conducting business. To be amended by Change Current Section #4 to Section #9.

Article VI: Meetings Section 4: Special Meetings Special meetings may be called by the President with concurrence of the Board or when so requested by onetenth of all active members. Business conducted during special meetings shall be confined to the purpose of the special meeting. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

ARTICLE V Meetings

To be amended by ADD Section 5

Article VI: Meetings Section 5: Executive Session The Board shall convene in executive session where circumstances warrant, i.e., when discussing matters of sensitive, personnel, or litigious nature. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

ARTICLE V Meetings


Article VI: Meetings Section 6: Bids for National Conference Bids for national conferences may be submitted for vote during business meeting at a given conference. Final approval, however, shall be made by the Board. If no bids, then the board assumes responsibility. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

ARTICLE V Meetings


Article VI: Meetings Section 7: Conference Format The biennial national conference format and duration shall be proposed by the Host City at least one year in advance.


ARTICLE V Meetings


Article VI: Meetings Section 8: Call to Conference The President of the Board shall issue an official call to the biennial national conference at least six (6) months in advance.


ARTICLE V Meetings


Article VI: Meetings Section 9: Business Quorum One hundred fifty (150) members of DSA registered during conferences shall constitute a quorum for conducting business.


ARTICLE V Meetings


Article VI: Meetings Section 10: Electronic Meetings

Meetings of the Board may be held electronically in accordance with the following guidelines and requirements: Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

ARTICLE V Meetings

To be amended by ADD Section 10 a., b., c., (d., e., next slide) Article VI: Meetings Section 10: Electronic Meetings a) Electronic Board meetings may be conducted by teleconferencing or computer conference. b) In any electronic Board meeting, at least two members of the Board must be present. c) So long as a quorum of the Board is physically present for a meeting, other members of the Board may participate in the meeting electronically without a formal approval process. If less than a quorum of the Board is physically present at a Board meeting, any member of the Board may request the electronic Board meeting and the meeting must be approved by a quorum of the Board. Approval may occur at the Board meeting in question. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

ARTICLE V Meetings

To be amended by ADD Section 10 d., e., Article VI: Meetings Section 10: Electronic Meetings d. DSA Members are not entitled to request electronic meetings of the Board or to monitor or participate in Board meetings from remote locations, unless invited to do so by the Board. e. Notice of each electronic Board meeting will be provided at least 24 hours prior to the electronic meeting. The notice will include a description of electronic means to be used to connect remote to the Board meeting.


ARTICLE VI Officers/Terms Section 1: The officers of DSA shall be active members and shall be a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The officers except the treasurer shall be elected at each national conference to serve two-year terms. The treasurer shall be elected to serve a four-year term. Any officer is eligible to serve three consecutive terms in the same office. To be amended by Change Title of Article - Renumber Article Number # VI to Article Number #VII – Re-Word Section 1.

ARTICLE VII: Board Of Directors Section 1: Board The Board Of Directors hereinafter shall be referred to as “Board.” The Board hall be composed of the Officers and three (3) Board Members. The board may also include up to two (2) additional members at large. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

ARTICLE VI Officers/Terms Section 2: One of the three Board Members shall be elected to a six-year term at national conferences. (There will be two other members serving the two and four remaining years respectively.)

To be amended by Change Title of Article - Renumber Article Number # VI to Article Number #VII – Re-Word Section 2.

ARTICLE VII: Board Of Directors Section 2: Authority The Board shall have authority to make decisions between national conferences in accordance with the object of DSA and as needs may arise. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

ARTICLE VI Officers/Terms Section 3: Vacancies in offices and board membership between national conferences shall be filled by the Executive Board.


ARTICLE VII: Board Of Directors Section 3: Members at Large The Board shall reserve the right to appoint up to two members at large to serve a term of two years.


ARTICLE VI Officers/Terms Section 4: Candidate(s) will be eligible to run for any office after attending at least one prior DSA Conference.


ARTICLE VII: Board Of Directors Section 4: Resignation Resignations must be submitted in writing to the President or the Secretary.


ARTICLE VI Officers/Terms

To be amended by Change Title of Article - Renumber Article Number # VI to Article Number #VII – ADD Section 5.

ARTICLE VII: Board Of Directors Section 5: Removal from Office Elected and appointed Board members may be removed for failure to carry out their duties or for other good and sufficient reason by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the Board members present and voting. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

ARTICLE VII Executive Board Section 1: The Executive Board shall be composed of the officers and three (3) Board Members. The board may also include up to two (2) additional members at large.

To be amended by Change Title of Article - Change Article Number # VI to Article Number #VII - Reworded Section 1:

ARTICLE VII: Board Of Directors Section 1: Board The Board Of Directors hereinafter shall be referred to as “Board.” The Board shall be composed of the Officers and three (3) Board Members. The board may also include up to two (2) additional members at large. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

ARTICLE VII Executive Board Section 2: One of the three Board Members shall be elected to a six-year term at national conferences. (There will be two other members serving the two and four remaining years respectively.)


ARTICLE VII: Board Of Directors Section 2: Authority The Board shall have authority to make decisions between national conferences in accordance with the object of DSA and as needs may arise. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

ARTICLE VII Executive Board Section 3: Vacancies in offices and board membership between national conferences shall be filled by the Executive Board.


ARTICLE VII: Board Of Directors Section 3: Members at Large The Board shall reserve the right to appoint up to two members at large to serve a term of two years.


ARTICLE VII Executive Board Section 4: Candidate(s) will be eligible to run for any office after attending at least one prior DSA Conference.


ARTICLE VII: Board Of Directors Section 4: Resignation Resignations must be submitted in writing to the President or the Secretary.


ARTICLE VII Executive Board

To be amended by Change Title of Article - Change Article Number # VI to Article Number #VII - ADD Section 5:

ARTICLE VII: Board Of Directors Section 5: Removal from Office Elected and appointed Board members may be removed for failure to carry out their duties or for other good and sufficient reason by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the Board members present and voting. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory


To be amended by Change Article Title - Change Article #VII to #VIII

ARTICLE VIII: Officers/Terms Section 1: Officers The Officers of DSA shall be active members and shall be a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and three (3) Board Members. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory


To be amended by ADD a., b., c., d., e. ARTICLE VIII: Officers/Terms

a) b) c) d)

The Officers except the treasurer shall be elected at each national conference to serve two (2) year terms. The treasurer shall be elected to serve a four (4) year term. Any Officer is eligible to serve three – two year terms consecutively in the same office. One of the three Board members shall be elected to a six (6) year term at national conferences. There will be two (2) other Board members serving the two (2) and four (4) remaining years respectively. e) All Board members are required to have access to internet services and video phones. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

ARTICLE VII Executive Board Section 2: The Executive Board shall have authority to make decisions between national conferences in accordance with the object of DSA and as needs may arise.

To be amended by Reword Section 2 ARTICLE VIII: Officers/Terms Section 2: Vacancies Vacancies in offices and board membership between national conferences shall be filled by the Board.


ARTICLE VII Executive Board Section 3: The Executive Board shall reserve the right to appoint up to two members at large to serve a term of two years.

To be amended by Reword Section 3 ARTICLE VIII: Officers/Terms Section 3: Eligibility Candidate(s) will be eligible to run for any office after attending at least one prior DSA Conference.


ARTICLE VIII - Duties of Officers and Board Members

To be amended by Change Article Number # VIII to Article Number #IX Article IX: Duties of Officers and Board Members


ARTICLE VIII - Duties of Officers and Board Members Section 1: The President shall: a. Preside at all meetings of the DSA and of the Executive Board of Directors and shall have general care. b. Appoint the Committee chairs, with the approval of appointments by the Executie Board. c. Have a basic knowledge of parliamentary procedures. d. Be an ex-officio of all DSA committees. To be amended by Change Article Number # VIII to Article Number #IX – Reword Section 1. Article IX: Duties of Officers and Board Members Section 1: General Duties: a) The Board shall have general control of the affairs of the DSA between biennial national conferences. b) The Board shall undertake actions to ensure the financial health and growth of the DSA. c) The Board shall have the power to fill Board vacancies except for the office of President as they may occur between biennial national conferences, to appropriate money from the operating fund, and to ensure that the current expenditures of the DSA shall not at any time exceed the regular income for each fiscal year. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

ARTICLE VIII - Duties of Officers and Board Members Section 2: The Vice President shall: a. Peform the duties of president in her/his absence or inability to serve. To be amended by Change Article Number # VIII to Article Number #IX – Reword Section 2. Article IX: Duties of Officers and Board Members Section 2: The President shall: a) Be the chief spokesperson for the DSA and shall chair business meetings of the biennial national conference, the Board and shall have general care. b) With the approval of the DSA Board, shall appoint the chair of each standing committee, other than the Finance Committee. c) Have a basic knowledge of parliamentary procedures. d) Be an ex-officio of all DSA committees. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

ARTICLE VIII - Duties of Officers and Board Members Section 3: The Secretary shall: a. Record in the minutes of all DSA meetings of the Executive Board and of the conference. b. Keep the minutes. c. Prepare or assist the president in preparing the agenda for meetings. d. Send the proceedings and minutes of the meeting of the Executive Board and conference of the DSA to the Editor to print in the New Horizons.

To be amended by Change Article Number # VIII to Article Number #IX – Reword Section 3. Article IX: Duties of Officers and Board Members Section 3: The Vice President shall: Serve at any time the President is unable to serve, or when the office of the President becomes vacant. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

ARTICLE VIII - Duties of Officers and Board Members Section 4: The Treasurer shall: a. Be a custodian of all funds of the DSA. b. Keep an accurate list of members in good standing. c. Send an itemized annual report of receipts and disbursements to the Editior to print in the New Horizions. To be amended by Change Article Number # VIII to Article Number #IX – Reword Section 4.

Article IX: Duties of Officers and Board Members Section 4: The Secretary shall: a) Record in the minutes of all DSA meetings of the Board and of the conference. b) Keep the minutes. c) Prepare or assist the president in preparing the agenda for meetings. d) Send the Conference proceedings to the Editor to print in the New Horizons. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

ARTICLE VIII - Duties of Officers and Board Members Section 5: The Board Members shall: a. Serve as members of the Executive Board. b. Give assistance in any way possible. To be amended by Change Article Number # VIII to Article Number #IX – Reword Section 5.

Article IX: Duties of Officers and Board Members Section 5: The Treasurer shall: a) Be a custodian of all funds of the DSA. b) Keep an accurate list of members in good standing. c) Send an itemized semi-annual report of receipts and disbursements to the Editor to print in the New Horizons twice a year. d) Serve as chair of the Finance Committee. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

To be amended by Change Article Number # VIII to Article Number #IX – ADD Section 6.

Article IX: Duties of Officers and Board Members Section 6: Executive Director. The Board shall be empowered to appoint an Executive Director to serve as the chief administrative officer of the DSA. The Executive Director shall report to the President of the DSA and shall serve as a non-voting exofficio member of the Board.



Article IX: Duties of Officers and Board Members Section 7: Assumption of Office. Elected Board Member shall assume their respective duties immediately after adjournment of the biennial national conference. Appointed Board Members shall assume their respective duties immediately upon accepting appointment by the Board.



Article IX: Duties of Officers and Board Members Section 8: Compensation Members of the Board shall serve without receiving compensation except for standard expense reimbursement for costs incurred in discharge of duties.


To be amended by Add Article X: Conflict of Interest

Article X: Conflict of Interest All persons either elected or appointed to an office (including but not limited to any Board or Committee members), prior to acceptance and during tenure of that position, shall consider each item of business, where they have a vote or decision authority, to determine if a real or perceived conflict exists with the interests of the Organization. A conflict of interest is defined as any situation in which a member’s decisions or votes could substantially and directly affect the member’s professional, personal, financial or business interests. In the event that a person nominated for or holding an office finds himself or herself in such a position, he or she shall promptly disclose the conflict of interest to the Board and recuse himself or herself at any Board or committee meeting from any deliberations or vote on the matter giving rise to the conflict of interest. A copy of the disclosure statement shall be reviewed by Board. Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

To be amended by Add Article XI: Indemnification

Article XI: Indemnification The DSA shall indemnify any Board member or employee of the DSA against expenses actually incurred by such person in connection with the defense of any civil action, suit, or proceeding in which such person is made a party by reason of being or having been such Board member or employee and is found to be not liable. Such indemnification shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which such Board member or employee may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of the Board, or otherwise.


ARTICLE IX Committees Section 1: Standing committees to be appointed by the President shall be Ways and Means, Resolutions, Nominations and Election, Law and Awards. Section 2: Other committees may be appointed by the President for stated purposes. To be amended by

Change Article Number #IX to Article Number #XII - Change Section 1, add b.

ARTICLE XII: Committees

Section 1: Standing Committees: a) Standing committees to be appointed by the President shall be Ways and Means, Resolutions, Nominations and Election, Law, Editorial Board, and Awards. b) Other committees may be appointed by the President for stated purposes Proposed by: BYLAWS COMMITTEE Rationale: Self Explanatory

ARTICLE IX Committees Section 2: Other committees may be appointed by the President for stated purposes.

To be amended by

Change Article Number #IX to Article Number #XII - Change Section 2. ARTICLE XII: Committees Section 2: Ad Hoc and Special Committees. The Board Members may also form ad hoc or special committees as needed, with chair of each to be appointed by the President.

Proposed by: DSA Bylaws Committee / DSA Editorial Board Rationale: It is logical to designate the Editorial Board (For New Horizons or other publications) as a standing committee, where it may appropriately develop guidelines toward duties, functions and operations in its own committee policy manual.

ARTICLE IX Official Publication Section 1:

DSA shall have an official publication, New Horizons. It shall be sent to all members at least four (4) times a year.

To be amended by

Change Article Number #IX to Article Number #XIII

ARTICLE XIII: Official Publication Section 1: DSA shall have an official publication, New Horizons. It shall be sent to all members at least four (4) times a year.

Proposed by: DSA Bylaws Committee / DSA Editorial Board Rationale: see next slide

ARTICLE IX Official Publication

Section 2: DSA shall have the Editiorial Board appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive Board. The Editiorial Board shall have the following power of: a. Defining the operations of New Horizions. b. Defining the duties of the Editor and c. Deciding the compensation for the Editor. To be amended by Change Article Number #IX to Article Number #XIII - Reword Section 2 a., b., c. ARTICLE XIII: Official Publication

Section 2: a) The Board shall have an Editorial Committee assigned as a standing committee (Under Article XII). b) DSA shall have an Editorial Committee appointed by the President with the approval of the Board. c) The Editorial Committee shall develop guidelines regarding its duties, functions, and operations in a committee policy manual subject to approval by the Board. Proposed by: DSA Bylaws Committee / DSA Editorial Board Rationale: see next slide

ARTICLE IX Official Publication Section 3: All policies of the New Horizons shall be consistent with the aims and objectives of the DSA.

To be amended by Change Article Number #IX to Article Number #XIII – NO Change Section 3 ARTICLE XIII: Official Publication Section 3: All policies of the New Horizons shall be consistent with the aims and objectives of the DSA. Proposed by: DSA Bylaws Committee / DSA Editorial Board Rationale: The issues raised regarding compensation to the New Horizons Editor would be resolved by the addition of clarifying language in Section 3 of Article II. The proposed amended language would also cover any other specific persons who may require such reimbursement for specific tasks assigned by the DSA Board in the future.

ARTICLE XI Amendments Section 1: The bylaws may be amended by two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting at any regular conference if provided therein.

To be amended by CHANGE Article Number #XI to Article Number #XIV - RE word Section 1 ARTICLE XIV: Amendments Section 1: The bylaws may be amended by two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present during the DSA Business Meeting at any regular conference. Proposed by: DSA Bylaws Committee Rationale:

ARTICLE XI Amendments Section 2: Proposed amendments offered prior to a conference shall be submitted in writing to the Law Committee on revisions of bylaws at least one hundred twenty (120) days before the date of the conference, a brief of such amendment as approved by the committee shall be made public in the issue of New Horizons prior to the conference. To be amended by CHANGE Article Number #XI to Article Number #XIV - No change to Section 2 ARTICLE XIV: Amendments Section 2: Proposed amendments offered prior to a conference shall be submitted in writing to the Law Committee on revisions of bylaws at least one hundred twenty (120) days before the date of the conference, a brief of such amendment as approved by the committee shall be made public in the issue of New Horizons prior to the conference. Proposed by: DSA Bylaws Committee Rationale:

ARTICLE XI Amendments To be amended by

CHANGE Article Number #XI to Article Number #XIV - ADD Section 3 and 4 ARTICLE XIV: Amendments Section 3: Suspensions These Bylaws may be suspended for a specific purpose by four-fifths (4/5) vote of those present and voting at DSA Buisness Meeting at any regular conference. Bylaws Committee recommends the following alternative language.

Section 3: Suspensions These Bylaws may be suspended for a specific article and/or section by four-fifths (4/5) vote of those present and voting at DSA Buisness Meeting at any regular conference.

Section 4: Editing Changes The organization Secretary is permitted to make corrections of non-substantive errors in spelling, grammar or numbering without amendment, subject to approval of the Board. Proposed by: DSA Bylaws Committee Rationale: Strengthening the Bylaws Amendment process

To be amended by ADD Article XV

ARTICLE XV: Parliamentary Authority Robert’s Rules of Order. Unless otherwise provided for in these bylaws, the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the parliamentary authority of the DSA.


ARTICLE XII Dissolution Upon the affirmative vote of a three-fourths (3/4) of the membership of the DSA, DSA shall be dissolved or otherwise shall cease to exist and all assets of the DSA shall revert to 501(c)(3) organizations whose primary object is the interest of deaf senior citizens. To be amended by CHANGE Article Number #XII to Article Number #XVI

ARTICLE XVI: Dissolution Upon the affirmative vote of a three-fourths (3/4) of the membership of the DSA, DSA shall be dissolved or otherwise shall cease to exist and all assets of the DSA shall revert to 501(c)(3) organizations whose primary object is the interest of deaf senior citizens.

Proposed by: DSA Bylaws Committee Rationale: Self explanatory

To be amended by ADD CERTIFICATE OF SECRETARY I certify that I am the duly elected and acting Secretary of the Deaf Seniors Of America Association; that these Amended and Restated Bylaws are the Bylaws of this organization as adopted by the affirmative vote of _ (Insert number/Percentage)____ of the Membership present and voting at the DSA Business Meeting, [Insert Location of conference] on [insert date]. _______________________________ [Insert name of Secretary], DSA Secretary Proposed by: DSA Bylaws Committee Rationale: For better record keeping purposes.