Official Record of Bylaws Modifications

Article IX: Chapter Affiliation

Section: 

Rationale: Having Chapters affiliated with the National ASLTA has become much more complex under IRS regulations. There has been a continuous lack of compliance with IRS regulations related to local chapters. To protect the National organization, it is in the best interest of the members that local chapters are independent and no longer affiliated with the National ASLTA. The National ASLTA Board is working on behalf of members to Trademark “ASLTA” so that local organizations cannot use the name. 

Voted in Favor: 27

Voted Against: 2

Abstained: 4

Current Language:

Section 1, Recognition of Local Chapters. The Chapters Affiliation Director shall have the authority to officially recognize local chapters of ASLTA.

Section 2, Dues. Dues for affiliated ASLTA Chapters shall be determined by majority vote of the Board of Directors. Dues are payable yearly. The membership cycle is September 1 through August 31. Affiliated ASLTA Chapters in arrears for more than three months after payment is due shall be dropped from membership.

Section 3, Compliance With Guidelines for Local Chapters. Affiliated ASLTA chapters must comply with requirements as stipulated in the Guidelines for Local Chapter Affiliation and Maintenance. If an affiliated ASLTA chapter updates their bylaws, they shall send their updated bylaws with their renewal fees (due September 1).

Section 4, Termination of Official Recognition of Local Chapters. The Chapters Affiliation Director, with the approval of the Board of Directors, shall have the authority to terminate the recognition of any local ASLTA chapter that fails to abide by the philosophy, bylaws and policies of ASLTA, and / or to maintain itself as an active organization.

Proposed Language:

Section 1, Recognition of Local Chapters. The Chapters Affiliation Director shall have the authority to officially recognize local chapters of ASLTA.

Section 2, Dues. Dues for affiliated ASLTA Chapters shall be determined by majority vote of the Board of Directors. Dues are payable yearly. The membership cycle is September 1 through August 31. Affiliated ASLTA Chapters in arrears for more than three months after payment is due shall be dropped from membership.

Section 3, Compliance With Guidelines for Local Chapters. Affiliated ASLTA chapters must comply with requirements as stipulated in the Guidelines for Local Chapter Affiliation and Maintenance. If an affiliated ASLTA chapter updates their bylaws, they shall send their updated bylaws with their renewal fees (due September 1).

Section 4, Termination of Official Recognition of Local Chapters. The Chapters Affiliation Director, with the approval of the Board of Directors, shall have the authority to terminate the recognition of any local ASLTA chapter that fails to abide by the philosophy, bylaws and policies of ASLTA, and / or to maintain itself as an active organization.

Language if adopted would read:

Article VI: Duties of Officers

Section: 

Rationale: This amendment has both minor and major changes to this article. The minor changes are simple language changes to correct and standardize formatting. The major changes will help to develop a better structure within the organization and to clarify duties of some of the Board positions. 

One change includes the elimination of the Chapters Affiliation Director position. It is the goal of the Board and the Bylaws Committee to hold discussions during the 2023 conference on developing a new Board position to replace that one. Some of the changes are simple language changes to correct and standardize formatting. 

Voted in Favor: 28

Voted Against: 0

Abstained: 2

Current Language

Section 1, Duties of the President. The President shall be the primary elected officer. They shall preside at all Board meetings and be responsible for the oversight of all Board duties. They shall also be responsible for coordination of all Board activities, including but not limited to preparation of the Board meeting agendas, appointing committee chairs and overseeing the implementation of committee work.

Section 2, Duties of the Vice President. The Vice President shall serve in the absence of the President. They shall succeed to the office of President should that office become vacant prior to the expiration of the term of office of the President. The Vice President will oversee bylaws compliance and maintenance of Association policies and procedures. In addition, the Vice President shall perform all duties as assigned by the President and approved by the Board of Directors.

Section 3, Duties of the Secretary. The Secretary shall keep accurate and complete minutes of all meetings of the organization and the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall maintain a roster of all members of the Association, and shall keep on file all documents, disks, communications and other papers related to the business of ASLTA.

Section 4, Duties of the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall ensure that accurate financial records are kept and maintained, and reports are made at each Board meeting, and an audit is performed annually. The Treasurer shall obtain their ASLTA certification within one year of being elected to the position.

Section 5, Duties of Evaluation and Certification Director. The Evaluation and Certification Director will manage the Evaluation, Revision and Appeals Committee and serve as liaison between the Evaluation Committee and Board of Directors. Any Board items related to Evaluation and Certification will require the Evaluation and Certification Director’s presence at the ASLTA Board meeting.

Section 6, Chapter Affiliation Director. The Chapter Affiliation Director shall have charge of all affiliated ASLTA chapters. They shall oversee the affiliation process and maintenance process of chapters, including submission of chapter bylaws, fulfillment of required procedures for affiliation and annual maintenance of chapters in good standing.

Section 7, Professional Development Director. The Professional Development Director shall be responsible for coordinating all aspects of professional development activities, including but not limited to conference planning and coordinating professional development opportunities for ASLTA members.

Section 8, Communications Director. The Communications Director will be responsible for all publicity and outreach by the Board to the membership.

Section 9, ASlHS National Coordinator. The National Coordinator, as a program representative to the ASLTA Board, will ensure program goals, projects, and initiatives are completed that focus on providing additional value to ASL teachers and students to enhance ASL education in heritage language and world language contexts. On an annual basis, the National Coordinator will present ASLHS plans, projects, and budget for the next following year’s activities to the Board.

Section 10, Compensation. Members of the Board of Directors shall serve without compensation except for standard expenses as approved by the Board of Directors.

Proposed Language

Section 1, Duties of the President. The President shall be the primary elected officer. They shall preside at all Board meetings and be responsible for the oversight of all Board duties. They shall also be responsible for coordination of all Board activities, including but not limited to preparation of the Board meeting agendas, appointing committee chairs and overseeing the implementation of committee work.

Section 2, Duties of the Vice President. The Vice President shall serve in the absence of the President. They shall succeed to the office of President should that office become vacant prior to the expiration of the term of office of the President. The Vice President will oversee bylaws compliance, and maintenance of Association policies and procedures, and the coordination and implementation of committee work. In addition, the Vice President shall perform all duties as assigned by the President and approved by the Board of Directors.

Section 3, Duties of the Secretary. The Secretary shall keep accurate and complete minutes of all meetings of the organization and the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall maintain a roster of all members of the Association, and shall keep on file all documents, disks, communications, and other papers related to the business of ASLTA.

Section 4, Duties of the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall ensure that accurate financial records are kept and maintained, and reports are made at each Board meeting, and an audit is performed annually. The Treasurer shall obtain their ASLTA certification within one year of being elected to the position.

Section 5, Duties of Evaluation and Certification Director. The Evaluation and Certification Director will shall manage the Evaluation, Revision and Appeals Committee and serve as liaison between the Evaluation Committee and Board of Directors. Any Board items related to Evaluation and Certification will require the Evaluation and Certification Director’s presence at the ASLTA Board meeting.

Section 6, Chapter Affiliation Director. The Chapter Affiliation Director shall have charge of all affiliated ASLTA chapters. They shall oversee the affiliation process and maintenance process of chapters, including submission of chapter bylaws, fulfillment of required procedures for affiliation and annual maintenance of chapters in good standing. As of July 1, 2023, the Chapter Affiliation Director position will be dissolved and this Section will be removed from the Association Bylaws.

Section 7, Professional Development Director. The Professional Development Director shall be responsible for coordinating all aspects of professional development activities, including but not limited to conference planning and coordinating professional development opportunities for ASLTA members.

Section 8, Communications Director. The Communications Director will shall be responsible for all publicity and outreach by the Board to the membership and the public at-large.

Section 9, ASLHS National Coordinator. The National Coordinator, as a program representative to the ASLTA Board, will ensure program goals, projects, and initiatives are completed that focus on providing additional value to ASL teachers and students to enhance ASL education in heritage language and world language contexts. On an annual basis, the National Coordinator will present ASLHS plans, projects, and budget for the next following year’s activities to the Board.

Section 10, Compensation. Members of the Board of Directors shall serve without compensation except for standard expenses as approved by the Board of Directors.

Language if adopted would read;

Section 1, Duties of the President. The President shall be the primary elected officer. They shall preside at all Board meetings and be responsible for the oversight of all Board duties. They shall also be responsible for coordination of all Board activities, including but not limited to preparation of the Board meeting agendas.

Section 2, Duties of the Vice President. The Vice President shall serve in the absence of the President. They shall succeed to the office of President should that office become vacant prior to the expiration of the term of office of the President. The Vice President will oversee bylaws compliance, maintenance of Association policies and procedures, and the coordination and implementation of committee work. In addition, the Vice President shall perform all duties as assigned by the President and approved by the Board of Directors.

Section 3, Duties of the Secretary. The Secretary shall keep accurate and complete minutes of all meetings of the organization and the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall keep on file all documents, disks, communications, and other papers related to the business of ASLTA.

Section 4, Duties of the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall ensure that accurate financial records are kept and maintained, reports are made at each Board meeting, and an audit is performed annually. The Treasurer shall obtain their ASLTA certification within one year of being elected to the position.

Section 5, Duties of Evaluation and Certification Director. The Evaluation and Certification Director shall manage the Evaluation, Revision and Appeals Committee and serve as liaison between the Evaluation Committee and Board of Directors.

Section 6, Chapter Affiliation Director. The Chapter Affiliation Director shall have charge of all affiliated ASLTA chapters. They shall oversee the affiliation process and maintenance process of chapters, including submission of chapter bylaws, fulfillment of required procedures for affiliation and annual maintenance of chapters in good standing. As of July 1, 2023, the Chapter Affiliation Director position will be dissolved and this Section will be removed from the Association Bylaws.

Section 7, Professional Development Director. The Professional Development Director shall be responsible for coordinating all aspects of professional development activities, including but not limited to conference planning and coordinating professional development opportunities for ASLTA members.

Section 8, Communications Director. The Communications Director shall be responsible for all publicity and outreach by the Board to the membership and the public at-large.

Section 9, ASLHS National Coordinator. The National Coordinator, as a program representative to the ASLTA Board, will ensure program goals, projects, and initiatives are completed that focus on providing additional value to ASL teachers and students to enhance ASL education in heritage language and world language contexts. On an annual basis, the National Coordinator will present ASLHS plans, projects, and budget for the next following year’s activities to the Board.

Section 10, Compensation. Members of the Board of Directors shall serve without compensation except for standard expenses as approved by the Board of Directors.

Article IV: Meetings

Section: 4, Board of Directors Meetings

Rationale: Robert’s Rules of Order (RRO) requires that Bylaws explicitly state if a Board can meet electronically / virtually rather than being required to meet in person. 

Voted in Favor: 31

Voted Against: 0

Abstained: 0

Current Language:

Section 2, Standing Committees. The National ASLTA will have the following four (4) standing committees: Bylaws Committee, Finance Committee, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, and Evaluation and Certification Revision Committee.

Section 7, Ad Hoc/Special Committees. In conjunction with General Meetings, a Nominations Committee, Awards Committee, and Conference Committee must be established on odd numbers years. Additionally, the National ASLTA may choose to establish a variety of ad hoc committees as needed.

Proposed Language:

The National ASLTA will have the following four (4) five (5) standing committees: Bylaws Committee, Steering Committee, Finance Committee, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, and Evaluation and Certification Revision Committee. Standing committees shall meet at least once monthly, either in-person or via video conferencing.

Section 7, Ad Hoc/Special Committees. In conjunction with General Meetings, a Nominations Committee, Awards Committee, and Conference Committee must be established on odd numbers years. Additionally, the National ASLTA may choose to establish a variety of ad hoc committees as needed. Ad hoc committees shall meet at least once monthly until the purpose and goals of the committee are met, either in-person or via video conferencing.

Language if adopted would read:

The National ASLTA will have the following five (5) standing committees: Bylaws Committee, Steering Committee, Finance Committee, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, and Evaluation and Certification Revision Committee. Standing committees shall meet at least once monthly, either in-person or via video conferencing.

Section 7, Ad Hoc/Special Committees. In conjunction with General Meetings, a Nominations Committee, Awards Committee, and Conference Committee must be established on odd numbers years. Additionally, the National ASLTA may choose to establish a variety of ad hoc committees as needed. Ad hoc committees shall meet at least once monthly until the purpose and goals of the committee are met, , either in-person or via video conferencing.

Article IV: Meetings

Section: 4, Board of Directors Meetings

Rationale: Robert’s Rules of Order (RRO) requires that Bylaws explicitly state if a Board can meet electronically / virtually rather than being required to meet in person.

Voted in Favor: 31

Voted Against: 0

Abstained: 0

Current Language:

The Board of Directors shall meet at least once monthly. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President or at least four (4) Board members.

Proposed Language

The Board of Directors shall meet at least once monthly, either in-person or via video conferencing. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President or at least four (4) Board members.

Language if adopted would read:

The Board of Directors shall meet at least once monthly, either in-person or via video conferencing. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President or at least four (4) Board members.

Article V: Board of Directors

Section: 2

Rationale: The bylaws contain duties for each individual officer but not for the Board of Directors as a whole. This amendment would add duties for the Board as a whole. 

Voted in Favor: 30

Voted Against: 0

Abstained: 0

Current language: n/a

Proposed Language:

Section 2, Duties of the Board. The National ASLTA Board shall have general supervision of all operations and business dealings of the National ASLTA between biennial meetings. They shall be
responsible for supervising the implementation of any motions and resolutions made at the biennial meetings. They shall create and approve the budget and oversee the spending of funds. They will have the authority to enter into contracts and develop and agree to Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with other organizations. The Board shall endeavor to find ways to grow the organization and ensure its continued success.

Language if adopted would read:

Section 2, Duties of the Board. The National ASLTA Board shall have general supervision of all operations and business dealings of the National ASLTA between biennial meetings. They shall be responsible for supervising the implementation of any motions and resolutions made at the biennial meetings. They shall create and approve the budget and oversee the spending of funds. They will
have the authority to enter into contracts and develop and agree to Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with other organizations. The Board shall endeavor to find ways to grow the organization
and ensure its continued success.