Constitution
of SFT Retirees,
A Chapter of the
Scranton Federation of Teachers:
AFT Local 1147
Article I: Name
The name SFT Retirees, a Chapter of the Scranton Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 1147 shall identify the membership and operation of this organization.
Article II: Purpose
The purposes of this organization shall promote these goals:
1. To pursue the interests and welfare of SFT Retirees
2. To support the aims and objectives of the Scranton Federation of Teachers
(SFT), The Pennsylvania Federation of Teachers (PaFT), and the American
Federation of Teachers (AFT)
Article III: Affiliations
This organization functions as a chapter of the Scranton Federation of Teachers (SFT) and through this affiliation, with the Pennsylvania Federation of Teachers (PaFT), and the American federation of Teachers (AFT).
The Chapter shall take no action conflicting with the policies and decisions of the membership or executive boards of any of these organizations. No provision of or proposed amendment to this constitution shall violate the constitution and/or bylaws of SFT, PaFT, or AFT.
Article IV: Membership
1. This organization shall avail full membership to retired employees who are members of AFT.
2. Individuals shall only obtain full membership through the payment of required dues of the Chapter, state, and national affiliates.
3. The Chapter shall extend the right to vote and hold office to these full members.
Article V: Dues and Finances
1. The Executive Committee shall propose the annual dues of the SFT Retirees; the financial report submitted by the Treasurer each September shall provide the basis for the determination of dues.
2. The membership year shall run from September 1 through August 31. Members must pay their annual dues by the last day of August for the subsequent membership year. Any members who first join on or after January 1 shall pay dues upon application prorated for each month remaining in that membership year.
3. Members shall remit their annual dues to the Chapter Treasurer, payable to SFT Retirees.
4. The Executive Committee shall maintain a Chapter funds account, and they shall control and direct Chapter expenditures.
5. The Treasurer shall pay all properly submitted bills as the Executive Committee authorizes.
Article VI: Elections
1. The membership shall elect all Chapter officers every two years at the June meeting of the Chapter.
2. Every member in good standing may offer or may accept a nomination for any office.
3. Only those members present at the scheduled meeting shall cast ballots to elect Chapter officers.
4. If no candidate achieves a majority, the names of the two candidates receiving the greater number of votes shall appear on a run-off ballot. Members attending the regular Chapter meeting in July shall vote by secret ballot to decide the office. Should a tie result from this process, the re4spective candidates shall draw lots at that meeting to determine who shall serve in the office.
Article VII: Chapter Officers
1. The SFT Retirees Chapter shall incorporate these offices: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, and Corresponding Secretary who shall serve a two-year term commencing September 1.
2. The President shall preside over Chapter and Executive Committee meetings, represent the Chapter in all SFT, PaFT, and AFT bodies, appoint members of standing committees of the Chapter, and call regular and special meetings of the Executive Committee and general membership.
3. The Vice-President shall assume executive duties and responsibilities in the absence of the President and shall perform other duties that the President may designate.
4. The Treasurer shall maintain all Chapter bank accounts, financial, and membership records, as well as collect dues from new and continuing members, and pay Chapter bills. the Treasurer shall present a financial report at each meeting of the Executive Committee and once a year at a Chapter's general membership meeting.
5. The Recording Secretary shall prepare and report the minutes of Chapter and Executive Committee meetings and shall maintain Chapter records.
6. The corresponding Secretary shall notify Chapter members of general membership meetings, elections, and other Chapter functions, as well as communicate with members regarding specific concerns and issues.
Article VIII: Executive Committee
1. The Executive Committee shall comprise all elected Chapter officers as well as the leaders of committees established to oversee legislation, membership, publicity, programs and action correspondence.
2. The Executive Committee shall approve an annual budget, make required expenditures, interpret the Constitution, act on policy matters for the organization, present new policy recommendations to the membership for their consideration, and perform all other duties enumerated in the Constitution.
3. The Executive committee shall meet at least four times during the year. Special meetings may occur at the call of the President or by petition from a majority of the Executive Committee.
Article IX: Quorums
A quorum at a general membership meeting shall consist of attendance by five members of the Executive Committee and no fewer than ten members of the general body.
Article X: Amendments
A majority of the Executive Committee or at least thirty percent of those designated as full members may offer an amendment to this constitution at any properly-noticed general membership meeting. this proposed change shall require approval 9of two thirds of the members in attendance, furthermore, ditribution of the proposed amendment to the full Chapter membership must occur fourteen days prior to a ratification vote.
Article XI: Parliamentary Procedure
All duly constituted bodies of this organization shall conduct meetings in compliance with Robert's Rules of Order.
Article XII: Authorization
This Constitution becomes effective upon ratification by those members who attend the meeting called for its enactment.