By-Laws
October 2003

ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Visual Resources Association New England Chapter, hereafter referred to as the Chapter. The geographic scope of the Chapter shall include the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
The purpose of the Chapter shall be to encourage professional enrichment and communication among Chapter members in the New England area. It will serve to support the Visual Resources Association.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
A. Visual Resources Association members in good standing are eligible for membership.

B. Dues:
1. Upon chapter establishment, membership dues will be $15.00 per year. Dues will be payable annually by January 15.
2. The Chapter shall have the right to propose additional fees for specific projects, subject to the approval of the membership.

C. Privileges:
1. Chapter Members in good standing are eligible to vote and/or hold office.
2. All members shall be entitled to receive minutes, announcements of meetings, and other notices of general interest to the membership.

ARTICLE IV: MEETINGS
A. Chapter meetings shall be called by the Chair.
B. Meetings are to be held at least twice annually.
C. Members may invite non-members to meetings. Non-members may be charged a slightly higher registration fee than members.
D. Students (with proper identification) may be invited to meetings at a reduced fee.

ARTICLE V: OFFICERS
A. Chapter officers shall consist of a Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.
B. Chapter officers must be chapter members in good standing.
C. Terms:
1. The terms for office shall be two calendar years, staggered. There will be an initial combined position of Secretary/Treasurer for one year upon chapter establishment. After the first year, an election will be held for Treasurer.
2. If, due to unforeseen circumstances, an officer is unable to complete his/her term, an interim officer will be appointed by a committee. This committee will consist of the remaining officers and one volunteer chapter member.
3. An officer may be re-elected for an indefinite number of consecutive terms.

D. Description of Duties:

1. The Chair shall
a. be the representative of the Chapter on its official business, or designate a substitute.
b. serve as program coordinator at Chapter meetings.
c. make arrangements with a host for meetings.
d. develop programs and agendas in consultation with the Secretary and members of the Chapter.
e. write and submit an annual report to the membership.
f. submit an annual and mid-year report to the VRA President.

2. The Secretary shall
a. keep minutes of Chapter meetings.
b. be responsible for Chapter correspondence.
c. maintain the Chapter mailing list.
d. produce and distribute notices of meetings and announcements.
e. establish and maintain the Chapter Archives.

3. The Treasurer shall
a. establish and maintain financial accounts for the Chapter.
b. collect and process membership dues.
c. keep financial records and report to the membership at Chapter meetings.

ARTICLE VI: ELECTIONS
A. Officers shall be elected from nominations received from the floor at the fall meeting.
B. Officers shall be elected by a plurality of votes cast by the members. Voting will be conducted by regular mail or electronically.

ARTICLE VII: AMENDMENTS
A. Amendments to the Bylaws may be proposed and submitted to the Chapter in writing by voting members.
B. 1. Approval of a 2/3 majority of voting members shall be necessary to amend the Bylaws.
2. Voting will take place via regular mail, electronically, or in person.
C. 1. When Chapter members have approved changes to the bylaws, the revised Chapter bylaws will be submitted to the VRA Executive Board for review
2. Bylaw revisions are not official until they have been approved by the VRA Executive Board.
D. The Bylaws shall be reviewed at least every five years.
Approved by the VRA Executive Board, December 2003.