CONSTITUTION OF THE PERFORMING
ARTS DIVISION OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
Amended: July 3, 2023
ARTICLE I. NAME
The name of this organization shall be the National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division.
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
The purpose of this organization is to serve as a division of the National Federation of the Blind; to be a vehicle for collective action by the blind of the nation; to function as a mechanism through which the blind and interested sighted persons can come together to plan and carry out programs to improve the quality of life for the blind; to promote the vocational, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to achieve integration of the blind into society and the entertainment industry on a basis of equality with the sighted; to focus attention upon the problems faced by blind people in the performing arts; to serve as a networking resource to help members achieve their artistic and vocational goals; and to take any other action which will improve the overall condition and standard of living of the blind.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
Section One
The membership of this organization shall be made up of blind people in the performing arts and others interested in promoting the purposes of this organization. The members of this organization are members of the National Federation of the Blind and shall have the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as other members of the National Federation of the Blind.
Section Two
This organization shall be made up primarily of blind people, and it shall be controlled by the blind. A majority of its voting members must be blind.
Section Three
Any member may be expelled for violation of this Constitution, for violation of the policies of the National Federation of the Blind, or for conduct unbecoming of a member of the Federation, by a majority vote of the active members present and voting at any regular business meeting of this organization, or by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors. The National Convention of this organization may reinstate any person who has been expelled. Any person who feels that they have been unjustly expelled from this organization may appeal to the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind, which may (at its discretion) consider the matter and make a binding decision. Unless the decision to suspend or expel is reversed by the
National Convention or by the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind, the ruling of suspension or expulsion shall continue in effect.
Section Four
The name National Federation of the Blind, Federation of the
Blind, or any variant thereof, is the property of the National Federation of the Blind; and if this organization ceases to be a part of the National Federation of the Blind (for whatever reason) it shall forfeit the right to use the name National Federation of the Blind, Federation of the Blind, or any variant thereof.
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The officers of this organization shall be: President, Vice
President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three (3) Board Members. The duties of those officers shall be those customarily associated with their respective offices. The President and Vice President must be blind and actively involved in the performing arts. The officers shall constitute the Board of Directors. Each board member shall serve two (2) year terms. The Board of Directors shall be elected biannually on even numbered years by a majority vote of the members of this organization present and voting at the annual business meeting. All members in good standing are eligible to run for office. There shall be no proxy voting.
ARTICLE V. MEETINGS
Section One
This organization shall hold its annual business meeting in accordance with the National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind. The Board of Directors shall conduct the business of the organization between annual meetings.
Section Two
The President of this organization may call a special meeting of the body at any time the President, or a majority of the Board of Directors, deems such action to be necessary. At such special meeting, at least fifteen (15) members must be present to constitute a quorum to transact business, and written notice must have been sent to each member at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting.
ARTICLE VI. COMMITTEES
The President may appoint such committees as the President deems necessary. The President shall be ex-officio a member of all committees.
ARTICLE VII. DUES
The dues for members of this organization shall be five dollars ($5.00) per year, payable in advance. No person may vote or run for office who is delinquent in the payment of their dues. Annual dues expire on December 31st of each calendar year.
ARTICLE VIII. FUNDS AND FINANCING
The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check or electronic transaction, issued on order of the President, and signed or approved by the Treasurer.
ARTICLE IX. DISSOLUTION
In the event of the dissolution of this organization, or (for whatever reason) it ceases to be a part of the National Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be transferred to the treasury of the National Federation of the Blind.
ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS
This Constitution may be amended at the annual business meeting of the Performing Arts Division by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the active members present and voting, but the amendments shall not become effective until they have been presented to the President of the National Federation of the Blind for review and approval.
ARTICLE XI. CODE OF CONDUCT
The National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division shall abide by the National Federation of the Blind Code of Conduct. All individuals within the organization, including all attendees at NFB-sponsored events, are expected to refrain from the unwelcome and harmful misconduct outlined in the Code, including but not limited to discrimination, abuse, misuse of power, sexual misconduct, conflict of interest, fraud, and other forms of misconduct.
OFFICIAL PLEDGE OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its Constitution.