Gamma Alpha Chapter of Psi State (Georgia)
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
Gamma Alpha Bylaws—Adapted from the GA State
(Psi )
Organization Bylaws
ARTICLE I. NAME
Section A.
The
Delta Kappa Gamma Society International may also be known as the Society, Delta
Kappa Gamma, DKG, or by the Greek letters. The name of this organization shall
be Gamma Alpha of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a not-for-profit
educational organization and its political jurisdiction as designated by GA
State (Psi) Organization
Section B.
A Greek letter or a combination of Greek letters shall designate the Gamma Alpha organization in GA State (Psi) Organization.
ARTICLE II. OBJECTIVES
The objectives of Gamma Alpha shall be to:
1. Promote the seven purposes of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International:
Ø To unite women educators of the world in a genuine spiritual fellowship
Ø To honor women who have given or who evidence a potential for distinctive service in any field of education
Ø To advance the professional interest and position of women in education
Ø To initiate, endorse, and support desirable legislation or other suitable endeavors in the interests of education and of women educators
Ø To endow scholarships to aid outstanding women educators in pursuing graduate study and to grant fellowships to women educators from other countries
Ø To stimulate the personal and professional growth of members and to encourage their participation in appropriate programs of action
Ø To inform the members of current economic, social, political, and educational issues so that they may participate effectively in a world society.
2. Promote the Society Mission of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International:
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal
growth of leading women educators impacting education.
3. Promote the vision statement of the Society: Leading Women Educators Impacting
Education Worldwide.
4. Act as a liaison between GA State (Psi) Organization and the international organization.
5. Organize Delta Kappa Gamma chapters within the state.
6. Provide leadership training for Gamma Alpha chapter leaders and its members.
7. Provide a notebook, flash drive, and/or other electronic methods of communication indicating leadership information for the Gamma Alpha chapter president.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
1. The membership shall be composed of active, reserve, and honorary members who hold membership within Clayton County, District 3. Membership is by invitation and initiation. A member who accepts an invitation to membership and is initiated into the Society becomes a member of Gamma Alpha, GA State (Psi) Organization, and The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.
2. Gamma Alpha has the authority to act in matters of membership and membership
records shall be kept at the chapter level.
3. Membership practices shall be consistent with the Constitution, Article III.
2. Reserve membership shall be granted only to those who are unable to participate fully in the activities of Gamma Alpha because of physical disability and/or geographic location. A reserve member, so requesting, shall be restored to active membership.
3. Honorary chapter members shall be women, not eligible for active membership, who have rendered notable service to education or to women in Clayton County and are elected to honorary membership in recognition of such service. They shall be privileged to participate in all activities except that of holding office.
Gamma Alpha shall have full power to act in matters of chapter membership.
1. Gamma Alpha shall screen prospective members.
2. Gamma Alpha may invite prospective members from inside and outside Clayton County.
3. Candidates for active membership shall be voted upon in a chapter meeting by two-thirds of the majority vote of the membership.
4. Candidates for honorary membership at the Gamma Alpha level shall be elected by the two-thirds of the majority vote of the membership.
Section D. State Honorary Members
1. Any Gamma Alpha member may submit a name for honorary membership in GA State (Psi) Organization to the GA State (Psi) Organization Membership Committee Chairman. The nominee should be a woman ineligible for active membership who has made contributions of statewide significance to women or education.
Section E. Gamma Alpha Transfer
A member in good standing may be transferred from one chapter to another upon application to the International Headquarters.
Section F. Gamma Alpha Termination of Membership
1. Membership in the Society is terminated for one of three reasons: non-payment of dues and fees, resignation, or death.
2. A complete record of membership including those members whose membership has been terminated shall be kept by the chapter. The record shall include the reason and the date of termination. Form 18 and Form 18A shall be filed with international. A report of the members terminated shall be part of the minutes of the chapter meeting. Letters of resignation shall be kept by Gamma Alpha and in its files.
Section G. Gamma Alpha Reinstatement
A former member shall be reinstated to membership by the chapter receiving the request. The member does not pay a reinstatement fee.
ARTICLE IV. FINANCES
Section A. Initiation Fee
An initiation fee of U.S. $10.00 shall be required of all active members except honorary members.
Section B. Annual Dues
Annual dues shall be required of active and reserve members on all levels of the Society.
1. International dues shall be an amount determined in accordance with the International
Standing Rules.
2. State organization dues shall be an amount determined in accordance with state organization bylaws.
3. Gamma Alpha dues shall be in the amount of $80.00.
4. Each Gamma Alpha member shall pay the international dues ($40.00), international scholarship fee ($1.00), state dues ($10.00), chapter dues ($24.00), and a special assessment fee of $5.00 for the Educational Excellence Project, teacher education bags.
Section C. Honorary Fee
A lifetime fee of U.S. $49.50 for international publications shall be paid for each honorary member at the time of initiation. This fee shall be paid by the initiating unit of the Society.
Section D. Scholarship Fee
A scholarship fee of U.S. $1.00 shall be paid annually by each active and reserve member, unless the chapter gives its own scholarship, then the fee is $.40 per member. (Scholarships can only be given to members.)
Section E. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Society shall be July 1-June 30 inclusive.
Section F. Assessments
Assessments may be levied only by Gamma Alpha. Reserve and honorary members are exempt.
Section G. GA State (Psi ) Organization Funds
GA State (Psi) Organization maintains several funds, each of which has a worthwhile and specific purpose and are maintained according to Society guidelines. Gamma Alpha members are encouraged to make contributions as general gifts and memorials to these funds. (See Article IV, Finances, Section G, GA State (Psi) Organization Rules)
Section H. Annual Dues and Fees
1. The GA State (Psi) Organization Finance Committee may recommend a change to the state annual dues. The amount to be voted upon shall be presented to the membership in the winter issue of the GA State (Psi) Organization News and to the GA State (Psi) Organization Executive Board for approval at the fall meeting prior to the state convention. The approved amount shall be presented to the state convention for adoption. Each active and reserve Gamma Alpha member shall pay the amount adopted by the convention.
2. Gamma Alpha dues
The total amount shall include international dues, the international scholarship fee, state dues, and chapter dues (as well as the Gamma Alpha assessment, if levied). Each active and reserve member shall pay the approved amount. On November 1, members whose dues have not been paid shall be reported as dropped on Form 18A.
Section I. Payment of Dues and Fees
1. All dues and fees shall be collected by the Gamma Alpha treasurer. State and international dues and scholarship fee shall be forwarded to the state treasurer.
2. Annual dues and fees shall be paid no later than October 31of each year. On November 1 members shall be dropped for non-payment of dues and fees.
3. Members initiated on or after July 1 and before April 1 shall pay initiation fees, dues, and scholarship fee at the time of initiation. Members reinstated on or after July 1 and before April 1 shall pay dues and scholarship fees only. Immediately thereafter, the state and international portions of the dues and scholarship fees shall be sent to the state treasurer.
4. Members initiated on or after April 1 and before July 1 shall pay only initiation fees at the time of initiation. Immediately thereafter, the state and international portions of the fees shall be sent to the state organization treasurer. Members reinstated on or after April 1 and before July 1 shall pay no fees at the time of reinstatement. Dues and scholarship fees for the ensuing year shall be paid no later than October 31.
5. Honorary members at the international, state, and chapter levels are exempt from paying dues and the international scholarship fee.
Section J. Available Fund
1. The Available Fund shall be the operating fund for the Gamma Alpha budget.
It is the fund from which expenses are paid in accordance with the approved budget.
Its source of money is membership dues and fees as well as contributions
from the members.
2. The budget for the Gamma Alpha Chapter Available Fund shall be adopted at the time
established in the chapter’s rules.
3. An annual audit/ financial review shall be conducted for the Chapter Available Fund.
ARTICLE V. ORGANIZATION
INTERNATIONAL CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE V, INTERNATIONAL STANDING RULES 5.21
Section A. Levels of Organization
The three levels of organization are chapter, state organization, and international.
1. The term chapter shall designate the local unit.
2. The state name shall be GA State (Psi) Organization.
3. The terms international and Society shall designate the overall organization with the
total membership – The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.
bylaws. Gamma Alpha shall have no fewer than twelve members.
Section C. Gamma Alpha Chapter Standing Rules
1. Gamma Alpha shall have Chapter Rules, which are consistent with the International
Constitution. International Bylaws, GA State (Psi) Organization Bylaws and GA State (Psi) Organization Standing Rules.
2. Chapter Rules shall be submitted by the Gamma Alpha president to the Chairman of the GA State (Psi) Organization Bylaws and Standing Rules Committee after adopted changes have been inserted. The Bylaws and Standing Rules Committee shall ascertain that the Gamma Alpha Chapter Standing Rules are consistent with the state and international governing documents.
ARTICLE VI. GAMMA ALPHA OFFICERS AND RELATED PERSONNEL
CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE IV
AND V
1. Officers
The Gamma Alpha officers, all of whom must be members of the Society, shall be a president, a first vice-president, a second vice-president, a recording secretary, a corresponding secretary (all elected), a treasurer (selected by the executive board), and a parliamentarian (appointed by the president). The term of office shall be two years or until a successor is named for all offices, except that of treasurer who may serve more than two terms.
2. Vacancies in Office
In the event that a Gamma Alpha member holding an elective or appointed position at the chapter level is unable to perform her duties, the position shall be declared vacant by the Gamma Alpha officers and a successor named by the Gamma Alpha president.
Section B. Duties of Gamma Alpha Officers
1. President
a. The president shall in addition to duties listed in Standing Rules, Section II., Duties of Officers and Related Personnel:
(1) act as presiding officer at regular and called meetings and direct the activities of the chapter.
(2) act as chairman of the executive board.
(3) appoint a parliamentarian from the membership.
(4) appoint standing and special committees.
(5) approve payments expenses, a budget, and a financial review.
(6) approve all publications.
(7) fill by appointment all vacancies in office.
(8) represent the Society at meetings, conferences, and other events.
(9) take action, with the advice and approval of the her executive board, on
matters which cannot be deferred until the next convention or meeting
(10) serve, ex officio, in the process of budget development and supervision of finances.
(11) execute, with the chapter treasurer, legal documents pertaining to the chapter. A legal document may be executed only when it has been authorized by a state
organization convention or the chapter’s executive board.
.
2.
Vice-President
a. First Vice-President
The first vice-president shall serve as presiding officer in the absence of the president and, in the event of the resignation or death of the president, shall succeed to the presidency and serve until the next regular election of officers. The first vice-president shall perform such other duties as the president or the executive board shall assign to her.
b. Second Vice-President
The second vice-president shall serve as presiding officer in the absence of both the president and the first vice-president and, in the event of the resignation or death of either the president or the first vice-president, shall succeed to the office of first vice- president and serve until the next regular election of officers. The second vice- president shall perform such other duties as the president or the executive board shall assign to her.
3. Recording Secretary
The recording secretary shall keep minutes of each meeting and furnish the president with a copy of such minutes. She shall serve as secretary to the executive board.
4. Corresponding Secretary
The corresponding secretary shall carry on such correspondence as may be delegated by the president.
5. Treasurer—Selected by the Gamma Alpha Executive Board
a. The treasurer shall in addition to duties listed in Standing Rules, Section II., Duties of Officers and Related Personnel:
(1) receive and pay out all money belonging to the chapter.
(2) keep an accurate account of receipts and expenditures.
(3) keep a file of receipts, bills, and bank statements.
(4) present a report at each regular meeting.
(5) annually file required tax reports with the Internal Revenue Service.
(6) surrender the financial records to the chapter finance committee for an annual audit/financial review the accounts of the chapter.
(7) serve as an ex-officio member, without vote if under remunerative contract for her services, on the executive board.
(8) serve ex-officio in the process of budget development and supervision of finances.
b. follow appropriate procedures to ensure the safety and proper handling of chapter money as established by the Gamma Alpha finance committee.
6. Parliamentarian—Appointed by the Gamma Alpha President
a. The parliamentarian shall:
(1)act as advisor to the officers and the chapter members in matters pertaining to interpretation of the Constitution and to parliamentary usage.
(2) serve as an ex-officio member, without vote, on the Gamma Alpha executive board.
Note: If Gamma Alpha needs a specifically trained parliamentarian, the service of a non-member who has the desired skills shall be utilized.
Note: Parliamentary authority is designated for the governance of Gamma Alpha in instances in which the authority is not inconsistent with the Constitution or other adopted Society rules.
Section C. Gamma Alpha Election and Term of Officers
1. Gamma Alpha officers, except the treasurer, shall be elected in even-numbered years.
2. The term of each elected officer shall be two years or until a successor is named. No officer, except the treasurer, may serve in the same office longer than two terms in
succession. Officers shall take office on July 1 following their election.
3. The treasurer shall be selected by the Gamma Alpha executive board each biennium.
Section D. Related Personnel
Gamma Alpha related personnel, all of whom must be a member of the Society, shall be an appointed parliamentarian and webmaster.
(1) act as advisor to the officers and the members of Gamma Alpha in matters
pertaining to interpretation of the Constitution and to parliamentary usage.
(2) serve as an ex-officio member, without vote, on the Gamma Alpha Executive Board.
(3) serve as an ex-officio member, without vote, on the Gamma Alpha Standing Rules and Bylaws Committee.
2. Gamma Alpha Webmaster
The webmaster shall:
a. design and maintain the Gamma Alpha website adhering to the Policy for Use of Electronic Communications and using the guidelines for websites located in the latest edition of Guidelines for State Organization and Chapter Communications Committee Chairmen (available from international).
b. adhere to the policies and adapt the duties of webmaster.
Section F. Term of Office for Gamma Alpha Appointed and Elected Related Personnel
Officers and elected related personnel shall serve a two-year term, concurrently with the chapter officers, unless otherwise specified, begin their term of office on July 1.
Section G. Gamma Alpha Vacancies
In the event that a member holding an elective or appointed position is unable to perform her duties, the position shall be declared vacant by the Gamma Alpha officers and a successor named by the Gamma Alpha president.
ARTICLE VII. GAMMA ALPHA EXECUTIVE BOARD
CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE VII
Section A. Gamma Alpha Executive Board
1. The Gamma Alpha executive board shall be the elected officers of the chapter members, the immediate past president, and such other voting members as shall be determined by its members. The treasurer and the parliamentarian shall be ex-officio members, the parliamentarian without vote, and the treasurer also without vote, if under remunerative contract for her services.
2. Duties of the Gamma Alpha Executive Board
The executive board shall:
a. select the treasurer for the biennium.
b. act in matters requiring immediate action and decision.
c. recommend policies and procedures for consideration by members.
d. establish rules for budget development and approval and for the supervision of
the finance committee.
3. Meetings of the Gamma Alpha Executive Board:
a. Meetings of the Gamma Alpha executive board shall be held at least twice annually. The board may meet at other times upon the call of the president.
b. A quorum shall be a majority of the voting members of the board.
ARTICLE VIII. GAMMA ALPHA STANDING COMMITTEES
CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE VIII
General Procedures for Gamma Alpha Standing and Special Committees
1. Gamma Alpha shall fulfill its constitutional responsibilities by establishing committees as needed.
2. Gamma Alpha shall organize its committees in order to accomplish its constitutional responsibilities by classifying the committees into 3 areas: Society Business, Society Mission and Purposes, and Special Committees.
3. All standing committee chairmen and members shall be appointed by the president, except for the Nominations Committee, who is elected by the chapter members. The president may also ask members to volunteer to serve on committees based on their interest levels.
4. Each standing committee chairperson and member is appointed to serve for the biennium until a successor is named.
5. Committee matters requiring immediate committee action may be voted upon by mail, telephone, email, or fax.
7. A quorum for the standing committees shall be a majority of the committee’s members.
8. The president, immediate past-president, finance committee chairperson, and the treasurer should attend the Finance Committee meeting.
9. Each committee chairperson shall:
1. notify the members of the date, time, and place for each meeting.
2. set the agenda for each committee meeting.
3. encourage open participation among members.
4. insure the accomplishment of committee goals through committee participation.
5. appoint one of the committee members as recording secretary.
6. reschedule the meeting or addressing the committee by electronic communication, if a quorum is unlikely.
Section A. Committee Structure
A list
of the duties and responsibilities for the Gamma Alpha Standing and Special
Committees is also located in Gamma Alpha Standing Rules. The chapter is
responsible to international for the work of the committee and may be requested
to send reports or documents regarding the work of the chapter committees.
*Indicates Gamma Alpha Committees ** Indicates GA State (Psi) Organization Committees
1. Society Business
Bylaws and Standing Rules*
Communications*
Executive Board Meeting Arrangements**
Expansion and Chapter Support**
Finance*
History**
Leadership Development*
Membership*
Minutes Approval**
Nominations*
Non-Dues Revenue**
SAP-Strategic Action Plan**
Scrapbook*
State Convention**
Technology**
2. Society Mission and Purposes
Educational Excellence*
Educational Law & Policy**
Global Impact**
International/State Projects**
Personal Development*
Professional Development*
Scholarship*
State Achievement Award**
Special Gamma Alpha Committees
Gamma Alpha Gals
Hospitality
Remembrance
Inspiration
ARTICLE IX. AREAS OF GAMMA ALPHA ACTIVITY
CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE IX
Section A. Gamma Alpha Chapter Meetings
Meetings shall be held five times per year. Two-thirds majority vote of the membership shall stand as a quorum. Meetings shall be held in the months of October, December, February, March, and April.
A GA State (Psi) Organization Convention is held in odd-numbered years, the dates and site to be determined by the GA State (Psi) Organization Executive Board.
A GA State (Psi) Organization Leadership Institute is held in even-numbered years in the spring.
A chapter president, who is unable to attend a meeting of the leadership institute or GA State (Psi) Organization Convention, shall appoint an official representative from the chapter membership, who shall have full privileges of participation as a chapter president.
Section B. Gamma Alpha Executive Board Meetings
Meetings of the executive board shall be held at least twice annually—September and January. The board may meet at other times upon the call of the president. A quorum is the majority of the voting members.
Section C. Gamma Alpha Publications Approved by the Gamma Alpha President
1. Yearbook
a. Gamma Alpha shall compile a yearbook for each biennium.
b. Current Gamma Alpha Standing Rules and Bylaws shall be included in each yearbook.
c. The chapter yearbook and standing rules and bylaws shall be distributed to members electronically.
d. The president or her official representative shall submit a copy of
Gamma Alpha Standing Rules and Bylaws) at the GA State (Psi) Organization Executive Board meeting held in the fall of each even-numbered calendar year and present to the state standing rules and bylaws chairman.
2. Directory
a. Gamma Alpha shall compile a chapter directory for each biennium.
b. The chapter directory shall include the members’ names, home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, current educational occupation, and birthdays.
c. The chapter directory shall be handed out to members at the informal gathering held in September.
3. Gamma Alpha Standing Rules and Bylaws
a. Gamma Alpha shall have rules to govern its chapter. The Standing Rules and Bylaws shall be compatible with the Constitution, International Standing Rules, GA State (Psi) Organization Bylaws, and GA State (Psi) Organization Standing Rules.
b. Copies of the Gamma Alpha Standing Rules and Bylaws shall be distributed to members.
c. Gamma Alpha shall submit a hard or electronic copy of its Standing Rules and Bylaws to the GA State (Psi) Organization State Bylaws and Standing Rules Committee Chairman at the fall meeting of the GA State (Psi) Organization Executive Board in odd-numbered calendar years.
4. Gamma Alpha Newsletter
Gamma Alpha shall publish a newsletter titled Gamma Alpha NewsNotes. The editor or coeditors of the newsletters shall submit a copy of each of its newsletters (4 each year—8 per biennium) to the GA State (Psi) Organization News editor, the GA State (Psi) Organization Communication Committee Chair, the appropriate district director, and the state president. Each publication shall be submitted to the Gamma Alpha president for her approval prior to its being printed and distributed.
Gamma Alpha may meet through electronic communication as long as all the members may simultaneously hear one another and participate during the meeting. Gamma Alpha shall adhere to The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International “Policy for the Use of Electronic Communications” located in the GA State (Psi) Organization Standing Rules, Appendix III. Additional information regarding electronic communications and other communications is located in the Guidelines for State Organization and Chapter Communications Committee Chairmen. This publication may be obtained from International Headquarters.
Section D. Scholarships for Gamma Alpha Members
The Society offers up to twenty-nine annual international scholarships for graduate study. Members applying for international scholarships may pursue any field of graduate study.
International scholarships may be granted for pursuing a first masters. The applicant is required to: (1) have completed a bachelor’s degree, or (2) be accepted and enrolled in a graduated program of a nationally accredited institution of higher education, preferably pursuing a doctoral degree.
Planning Day
Planning Day will be held in July in even-numbered years for the purpose of planning and sharing files and advice between outgoing Gamma Alpha officers. The Gamma Alpha president will secure a location, designate a date and time, and invite the members to attend. Any outgoing Gamma Alpha officer who is unable to attend should write her suggestions, collect materials, and mail suggestions, materials, files, etc. to her successor. A second planning meeting may be held during the second year of the biennium.
ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS
Amendment procedures to the GA State (Psi) Organization Bylaws, GA State (Psi) Organization Standing Rules, and Constitution and International Standing Rules are located in the GA State (Psi) Organization Bylaws document.
The Standing Rules and Bylaws Chair shall:
1. receive the Chapter Rules Checklist at the GA State (Psi) Organization Executive Board meeting in September from the chapter president.
2. revise and amend the Standing Rules and Bylaws based on the Chapter Rules Checklist.
3. send the documents via email to the chapter members for review and feedback.
4. revise and amend the documents based on members’ feedback.
5. approve the documents by two-thirds of the majority of the membership at the fall meeting.
ARTICLE XI. DISSOLUTION
CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE XII
Section A. Gamma Alpha Dissolution
1. Before a chapter can be dissolved, Gamma Alpha must obtain the approval of the GA State (Psi) Organization Executive Board.
2. Careful consideration shall be given to the manner in which those desiring to maintain membership transfer to another chapter follow international transfer procedures.
3. All liabilities and obligations shall be paid and satisfied or adequate provisions shall be made therefore.
4. Any remaining funds in the Gamma Alpha account shall be sent to the GA State (Psi) Organization treasurer.
5. The chapter shall present its Society paraphernalia, publications, and chapter records to the GA State (Psi) Organization Executive Secretary.
6. Gamma Alpha’s paraphernalia, the Society publications, its charter and records shall be retained in the state archives and made available for use.
7. Gamma Alpha’s charter must be returned to GA State (Psi) Organization to be forwarded to The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Headquarters.
8. The GA State (Psi) Organization Executive Board shall decide whether or not the Greek name of a dissolved chapter shall be reused.
ARTICLE XII. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE XIII
Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (current edition) or another recognized manual of parliamentary procedure is designated for the governance of GA State (Psi) Organization and its chapters in all instances not provided for in society adopted rules, i.e., Constitution, International Standing Rules, GA State (Psi) Organization Bylaws, GA State (Psi) Organization Standing Rules, and Chapter Rules.
ARTICLE XIII, DATING OF
BYLAWS
The Gamma Alpha Standing Rules and Bylaws were amended on October 15, 2016.
This page last updated 10/29/2016