SCAE4-HA Constitution
The Constitution and Bylaws of the South Carolina Association of Extension 4-H Agents herein outlined will in no way are construed to abrogate, infringe upon, or be in conflict with the Constitution of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents nor will this Constitution and Bylaws be construed as infringing upon or being in conflict with the Constitution of other South Carolina Cooperative Extension Associations.
Article I: Name
The name of this association shall be "South Carolina Association of Extension 4-H Agents."
Article II: Purpose
Section 1: The primary purpose of the South Carolina Association of Extension 4-H Agents is to promote the profession of Extension 4-H and youth work in South Carolina.
Section 2: The objectives of the Association are as follows:
1. To advance the professional status of the Extension personnel involved in 4-H and youth work in South Carolina.
2. To encourage professional improvement and improve professionalism among its members.
3. To provide a medium for the exchange of ideas, methods and techniques as they relate to planning and implementing the Extension 4-H and youth development program within South Carolina, and to further provide the same opportunities with Extension 4-H and youth workers throughout the nation, through affiliation with the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents.
4. To promote and increase interest in Extension 4-H and youth development work as a career.
5. To promote understanding and cooperation among all Extension workers to strengthen the total Extension program.
Article III: Membership
Section 1: Membership in the Association is open to all professional county, area, and state staff members (including Volunteer Coordinators (amended 09/91) of the South Carolina Cooperative Extension System (to include all 1862 and 1890 Programs (amended 09/93) who promote and/or work with the 4-H youth program. Said active members shall uphold this Association by attending meetings, voting, paying national and/or state dues, holding offices, performing other special assignments, and by upholding the Association=s constitution and bylaws. Officers shall be nominated and/or elected from membership who are directly involved with 4-H youth.
Section 2: All former professional staff members of the South Carolina Cooperative Extension System shall be eligible for life membership. (Amended 09/91) Upon the payment of a onetime fee of double the current annual membership dues, life members shall have all the rights and privileges of membership in the association except the right to vote, hold office, or serve as official delegates to the national meetings.
Section 3: Honorary membership shall be extended to members as determined by the Board of Directors and majority vote of the membership in attendance at the annual conference. Nominations for honorary membership shall be made by the Recognition Committee.
Section 4: State membership only will not be allowed to:
A. participate in DSA Award (this is sponsored through the National Association);
B. 25 Year Service Award (this is sponsored through the National Association);
C. receive Achievement in Service Award (this is sponsored through the National Association);
D. serve on the SCAE4-HA Board of Directors (this means cannot hold office or serve as chairman of a standing committee);
E. receive News and Views (National Association publication).
Section 5: Affiliate Members cannot participate in DSA Award, 25 Year Service Award, Achievement in Service Award, hold office, vote, chair a standing committee, or receive News and Views (NAE4-HA guidelines). (amended 09/91)
A. Cooperative Affiliate Membership is open to all businesses that promote and/or work with the 4-H youth program through the Cooperative Extension System. Annual fees will be determined by the
B. Finance Committee. Membership is granted with a one time majority approval by the Board of Directors.
C. Individual Affiliate Membership is open to all individuals who promote and/or work with 4-H youth program throughout the Cooperative Extension System. Annual fees will be determined by the
D. Finance Committee. Membership is granted with one time majority approval by the Board of Directors.
Article IV: Officers
Section 1: The officers of this Association shall be: President, President-Elect, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Section 2: The officers shall be elected at the annual meeting of the Association and shall serve for two years, or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. No officer shall be eligible to succeed himself or herself, except that any officer appointed or elected to fulfill an unexpired term may be elected to a regular term in that office.
Section 3: The South Carolina Association of Extension 4-H Agents shall be divided into 5 districts corresponding to the 4 Clemson University Extension districts, with the fifth district consisting of State Extension Specialists and Administration.
Section 4: The Board of Directors shall be composed of the following:
- VOTING MEMBERS - President, President-elect, Vice-president, Immediate Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, District Senior Directors, District Junior Directors, and Standing Committee Chairmen. (amended 09/92)
- EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS - Persons serving in a leadership position of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, and Advisor (Assistant Director of Extension, Family and Youth Development or his/her designee or as appointed by Extension Administration.(amended 09/96)
Article V: Meetings
Section 1: The Association shall have at least one annual meeting for the purpose of furthering the objectives of this Association; receiving reports of officers and committees; electing officers; and transacting any other business that may arise. Business meetings may be closed to all except voting members of the Association and invited guests as determined by the President.
Section 2: The Executive Committee shall meet upon the call of the President.
Article VI: Powers
Section 1: This Association shall have all the powers usually exercised by educational and service organizations and those that may be especially authorized by the members.
Section 2: This Association may join state, regional, national and/or other organizations serving the needs of the Extension workers and Extension Service.
Section 3: This Association may delegate some of its powers to the districts and/or committees to properly and effectively carry out its purpose.
Article VII: Quorums
Section 1: Those members present at any annual or special meeting of the Association shall be considered a quorum provided the membership is notified of the meeting at least 20 days in advance.
Section 2: A quorum of the Board of Directors shall consist of not less than a majority.
Section 3: A quorum of the Executive Committee shall consist of not less than three officers.
Article VII: Ratifications and Amendments
Section 1: Ratifications of the constitution and attached bylaws may be accomplished by a vote of two-thirds of the Association, provided the membership is notified in writing of the ratifications note at least 20 days in advance. Said notice shall include a copy of the proposed constitution and by-laws.
Section 2: This constitution and/or attached by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any annual or special meeting of the Association provided the total membership is notified in writing of the proposed change at least 20 days prior to the meeting. This constitution and/or attached by-laws may also be amended by a two-thirds vote of the total current membership by mail.
Article IX: Audits and Budgets
A Finance Committee of the Association shall audit the financial records of the Treasurer each year or when deemed necessary. The President will have the power to appoint a Finance Committee consisting of a representative from each district.