By- Laws of the Blount County Foster Parent Association
ARTICLE I - IDENTIFICATION
Section 1. Name and Nature - The name of this organization shall be the BLOUNT COUNTY FOSTER PARENT ASSOCIATION (**08/13/2014) a voluntary nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of Tennessee (hereinafter referred to as “Association” and/or “BCFPA”).
Section 2. Principal Office and Agent - The Principal office of the Association, shall be located in the city and/or county of residence of the current President of the Association. The business of the Association shall be conducted at such office.
ARTICLE II - PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES
Section 1. The purpose for which the Association is organized shall be benevolent, charitable and educational with the following specific objectives:
(A) To encourage and motivate participation of foster/adoptive parents and other interested persons, agencies and organizations desirous of working together and promoting the general welfare of foster children;
(B) To encourage communications between foster/adoptive parents and other persons concerned with the growth and development of foster children in their care and custody;
(C) To develop a better understanding by the general public of certain inherent problems in providing foster home care;
(D) To act as Trustee of any funds or property the association may receive under specific grants or agreements or under any will, or to have and exercise the right to hold and manage such funds or property under the terms and conditions imposed by any such trust, grant, agreement or will, insofar as such terms and/or conditions are within the scope and purposes of the Association; and
(E) To be the spokesman for foster/adoptive parents in Tennessee and children under their care and custody regarding any legislative actions and governmental programs affecting their health and welfare.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Eligibility & Classes - The membership of the Association shall be open to and consist of individuals subscribing to the purposes and objectives of the Association and agreeing to abide by its Charter and By-Laws. Individuals shall be eligible for membership without regard to race, creed, color or national origin. The membership of the association shall be classified as Active and Associate members.
Section 2. Dues – Annual dues for Active members shall be determined by the Board of the Association as the affairs of the Association may from time to time require. All dues shall be payable to the Treasurer of the Association on or before the 1st day of July of each year. Upon failing to pay membership dues for a period of thirty days, an Active member shall not be entitled to membership privileges, including voting in any election or participation in any program sponsored by the Association. Dues are currently $52.00 per family (**7/1/23).
Section 3. Privileges - Only Active and paid members shall have the privilege of voting and serving as officers and/or directors of the Association.
Section 4. Termination - Membership in the Association shall be terminated automatically upon (1) the resignation of a member; (2) by action of the Association (after thorough investigation of circumstances surrounding any complaint or charges filed against a member).
ARTICLE IV - MEETINGS
Section 1. Annual Meeting - There shall be an annual meeting of the Association each year, the time and place to be determined by the Association, for purposes of the election of officers and receiving reports and the transaction of other business. Meetings shall be open to Active and Associate members.
Section 2. Special Meetings - Special business meetings of the Association may be called by the President. Only such business for which any special meeting may be called to consider shall be discussed and acted upon.
Section 3. Quorum - A quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting (annual or specially called) of the Association shall be the Active members present in person.
Section 4. Voting - Each Active member in good standing shall be entitled to one vote.
Section 5. Order of Business - The agenda at any regular meeting of the Association shall be as follows:
(A) Call to order
(1) Proof of notice of meeting
(2) Establishment of a quorum
(3) Reading of minutes
(4) Receiving communications
(5) Election of officers and directors
(6) Reports of officers
(7) Reports of committees
(8) Unfinished business
(9) New business
(10) Adjournment
Section 6. Parliamentary Rules - Unless these bylaws provide otherwise, the parliamentary rules contained in “Roberts Rules of Order” (latest revised edition) shall govern all meetings of the Association and Committees of the Board.
ARTICLE V - OFFICERS
Section 1. Election and Term - The officers of the Association shall be a president, a Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Fundraiser. The officers shall be elected by and from the membership of the association at its annual meeting. All officers shall hold office for a term of three years or until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified. No officers who have served three (3) full terms shall be eligible for re-election until at least one year shall have passed.
Section 2. President - The president shall be the chief executive officer of the association and will preside at all meetings of the Association,; execute, along with the Secretary or Treasurer, all conveyances, checks, notes, contracts or other instruments authorized by the Association; appoint all committees and the chairmen thereof, as provided in these Bylaws; serve as an ex-officio member of all standing committees; provide the leadership necessary to assure that the work of all committees be performed so that the objectives and purposes of the Association are realized to the fullest extent possible during his/her term of office.
Section 3. Vice-President - The Vice-President shall serve as an aide to the President in providing the leadership necessary for the Association to realize its objectives. In the Case of the death or absence of the President or of his/her inability to act, the vice-president shall perform the duties of the President.
Section 4. Secretary - The secretary shall keep and maintain the minutes of all meetings of the Association. The same in a minute book provided for that purpose; see that all notices are duly given in accordance with these Bylaws; be custodian of the corporate records, the Charter of Incorporation and Bylaws; attest all documents, the execution of which has been duly authorized by the Association; supervise the keeping of a membership roster of Active and associate members; and in general, perform all duties incident to the office of secretary.
Section 5. Treasurer - The treasurer shall have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities of the Association; receive and give receipts for all monies due and payable the Association from any source whatsoever; deposit all such monies in the name of the Association in such banks or other depositories as shall be designated by the Association; prepare and render an annual report to the association.
Section 6. Fundraiser - The fundraiser shall have charge and custody of and be responsible for contacting businesses for donations of food for upcoming parties, door prizes for the Christmas party and any type of children’s activity that requires donations, the exception being the annual Christmas Angel Tree gifts.
Section 6. Compensation - The officers of the association shall receive no compensation by virtue of their office.
Section 7. Vacancies - Any vacancy occurring in the offices of vice-president, secretary or treasurer because of death, resignation, disqualification or otherwise, shall be filled by the Association for the un-expired portion of said officer’s term.
ARTICLE VI - COMMITTEES AND COUNCIL
Section 1. Special Committee Special - committees consisting of not less than three (3) members may be appointed by the President or elected by the board in its discretion, to perform such special tasks or specific assignments as circumstances may warrant. These committees shall limit their activities to the accomplishment of the task for which created and shall have no power to act except as specifically conferred by authorization of the Board or the Association Board. Upon completion of the tasks or assignments for which appointed, such committees shall stand discharged.
Section 2. Advisory Council - An advisory council may be elected by the Board at the annual meeting from a roster of participants in program activities supported by the Association. Members of the advisory council shall be those persons who have demonstrated a special interest in the purposes of the Association by their participation in its programs and activities and whose experience and knowledge of foster care would greatly benefit the Association. Members of the advisory council shall serve in an advisory capacity only; shall be considered as resource personnel; shall consist of persons whose reputations are well-known as willing to contribute their talents and/or expertise to enable the Association in achieving its goals; and shall be capable of advising the officers and directors of the Association.
Section 3. Quorum - A majority of the members of any committee of the association shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless the committee shall, by majority vote of its members, decide otherwise.
ARTICLE VII - FISCAL AFFAIRS
Section 1. Fiscal Year - The fiscal year of the Association shall be such twelve (12) month period.
Section 2. Contracts - The Board of the Association may authorize any officer(s) or agents of the Association to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Association and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
Section 3. Books and Records - The Association shall keep correct and complete books and records of its accounts, meetings and proceedings of the Association.
Section 4. Checks and Drafts - All checks, drafts or orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the association shall be co-signed by the Treasurer or President of the Association.
Section 5. Depositories - All funds of the Association shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Association in such banks or other depositories as the Board of the Association may select.
ARTICLE VIII
Section 1. Dissolution – In the event that the Blount County Foster Parent Association dissolves, any monies that remain in the bank account will be donated to the Blount County United Way.
ARTICLE IX - AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed and new bylaws adopted by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting at any regular or special meeting of the Association, provided a full statement of any proposed amendment shall have been published in the notice calling the meeting at least thirty (30) days prior thereto.
Officially APPROVED and ADOPTED as amended by the Active Members in attendance at the Annual Meeting of the Association on the 13th day of August, 2014
ARTICLE I - IDENTIFICATION
Section 1. Name and Nature - The name of this organization shall be the BLOUNT COUNTY FOSTER PARENT ASSOCIATION (**08/13/2014) a voluntary nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of Tennessee (hereinafter referred to as “Association” and/or “BCFPA”).
Section 2. Principal Office and Agent - The Principal office of the Association, shall be located in the city and/or county of residence of the current President of the Association. The business of the Association shall be conducted at such office.
ARTICLE II - PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES
Section 1. The purpose for which the Association is organized shall be benevolent, charitable and educational with the following specific objectives:
(A) To encourage and motivate participation of foster/adoptive parents and other interested persons, agencies and organizations desirous of working together and promoting the general welfare of foster children;
(B) To encourage communications between foster/adoptive parents and other persons concerned with the growth and development of foster children in their care and custody;
(C) To develop a better understanding by the general public of certain inherent problems in providing foster home care;
(D) To act as Trustee of any funds or property the association may receive under specific grants or agreements or under any will, or to have and exercise the right to hold and manage such funds or property under the terms and conditions imposed by any such trust, grant, agreement or will, insofar as such terms and/or conditions are within the scope and purposes of the Association; and
(E) To be the spokesman for foster/adoptive parents in Tennessee and children under their care and custody regarding any legislative actions and governmental programs affecting their health and welfare.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Eligibility & Classes - The membership of the Association shall be open to and consist of individuals subscribing to the purposes and objectives of the Association and agreeing to abide by its Charter and By-Laws. Individuals shall be eligible for membership without regard to race, creed, color or national origin. The membership of the association shall be classified as Active and Associate members.
Section 2. Dues – Annual dues for Active members shall be determined by the Board of the Association as the affairs of the Association may from time to time require. All dues shall be payable to the Treasurer of the Association on or before the 1st day of July of each year. Upon failing to pay membership dues for a period of thirty days, an Active member shall not be entitled to membership privileges, including voting in any election or participation in any program sponsored by the Association. Dues are currently $52.00 per family (**7/1/23).
Section 3. Privileges - Only Active and paid members shall have the privilege of voting and serving as officers and/or directors of the Association.
Section 4. Termination - Membership in the Association shall be terminated automatically upon (1) the resignation of a member; (2) by action of the Association (after thorough investigation of circumstances surrounding any complaint or charges filed against a member).
ARTICLE IV - MEETINGS
Section 1. Annual Meeting - There shall be an annual meeting of the Association each year, the time and place to be determined by the Association, for purposes of the election of officers and receiving reports and the transaction of other business. Meetings shall be open to Active and Associate members.
Section 2. Special Meetings - Special business meetings of the Association may be called by the President. Only such business for which any special meeting may be called to consider shall be discussed and acted upon.
Section 3. Quorum - A quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting (annual or specially called) of the Association shall be the Active members present in person.
Section 4. Voting - Each Active member in good standing shall be entitled to one vote.
Section 5. Order of Business - The agenda at any regular meeting of the Association shall be as follows:
(A) Call to order
(1) Proof of notice of meeting
(2) Establishment of a quorum
(3) Reading of minutes
(4) Receiving communications
(5) Election of officers and directors
(6) Reports of officers
(7) Reports of committees
(8) Unfinished business
(9) New business
(10) Adjournment
Section 6. Parliamentary Rules - Unless these bylaws provide otherwise, the parliamentary rules contained in “Roberts Rules of Order” (latest revised edition) shall govern all meetings of the Association and Committees of the Board.
ARTICLE V - OFFICERS
Section 1. Election and Term - The officers of the Association shall be a president, a Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Fundraiser. The officers shall be elected by and from the membership of the association at its annual meeting. All officers shall hold office for a term of three years or until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified. No officers who have served three (3) full terms shall be eligible for re-election until at least one year shall have passed.
Section 2. President - The president shall be the chief executive officer of the association and will preside at all meetings of the Association,; execute, along with the Secretary or Treasurer, all conveyances, checks, notes, contracts or other instruments authorized by the Association; appoint all committees and the chairmen thereof, as provided in these Bylaws; serve as an ex-officio member of all standing committees; provide the leadership necessary to assure that the work of all committees be performed so that the objectives and purposes of the Association are realized to the fullest extent possible during his/her term of office.
Section 3. Vice-President - The Vice-President shall serve as an aide to the President in providing the leadership necessary for the Association to realize its objectives. In the Case of the death or absence of the President or of his/her inability to act, the vice-president shall perform the duties of the President.
Section 4. Secretary - The secretary shall keep and maintain the minutes of all meetings of the Association. The same in a minute book provided for that purpose; see that all notices are duly given in accordance with these Bylaws; be custodian of the corporate records, the Charter of Incorporation and Bylaws; attest all documents, the execution of which has been duly authorized by the Association; supervise the keeping of a membership roster of Active and associate members; and in general, perform all duties incident to the office of secretary.
Section 5. Treasurer - The treasurer shall have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities of the Association; receive and give receipts for all monies due and payable the Association from any source whatsoever; deposit all such monies in the name of the Association in such banks or other depositories as shall be designated by the Association; prepare and render an annual report to the association.
Section 6. Fundraiser - The fundraiser shall have charge and custody of and be responsible for contacting businesses for donations of food for upcoming parties, door prizes for the Christmas party and any type of children’s activity that requires donations, the exception being the annual Christmas Angel Tree gifts.
Section 6. Compensation - The officers of the association shall receive no compensation by virtue of their office.
Section 7. Vacancies - Any vacancy occurring in the offices of vice-president, secretary or treasurer because of death, resignation, disqualification or otherwise, shall be filled by the Association for the un-expired portion of said officer’s term.
ARTICLE VI - COMMITTEES AND COUNCIL
Section 1. Special Committee Special - committees consisting of not less than three (3) members may be appointed by the President or elected by the board in its discretion, to perform such special tasks or specific assignments as circumstances may warrant. These committees shall limit their activities to the accomplishment of the task for which created and shall have no power to act except as specifically conferred by authorization of the Board or the Association Board. Upon completion of the tasks or assignments for which appointed, such committees shall stand discharged.
Section 2. Advisory Council - An advisory council may be elected by the Board at the annual meeting from a roster of participants in program activities supported by the Association. Members of the advisory council shall be those persons who have demonstrated a special interest in the purposes of the Association by their participation in its programs and activities and whose experience and knowledge of foster care would greatly benefit the Association. Members of the advisory council shall serve in an advisory capacity only; shall be considered as resource personnel; shall consist of persons whose reputations are well-known as willing to contribute their talents and/or expertise to enable the Association in achieving its goals; and shall be capable of advising the officers and directors of the Association.
Section 3. Quorum - A majority of the members of any committee of the association shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless the committee shall, by majority vote of its members, decide otherwise.
ARTICLE VII - FISCAL AFFAIRS
Section 1. Fiscal Year - The fiscal year of the Association shall be such twelve (12) month period.
Section 2. Contracts - The Board of the Association may authorize any officer(s) or agents of the Association to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Association and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
Section 3. Books and Records - The Association shall keep correct and complete books and records of its accounts, meetings and proceedings of the Association.
Section 4. Checks and Drafts - All checks, drafts or orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the association shall be co-signed by the Treasurer or President of the Association.
Section 5. Depositories - All funds of the Association shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Association in such banks or other depositories as the Board of the Association may select.
ARTICLE VIII
Section 1. Dissolution – In the event that the Blount County Foster Parent Association dissolves, any monies that remain in the bank account will be donated to the Blount County United Way.
ARTICLE IX - AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed and new bylaws adopted by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting at any regular or special meeting of the Association, provided a full statement of any proposed amendment shall have been published in the notice calling the meeting at least thirty (30) days prior thereto.
Officially APPROVED and ADOPTED as amended by the Active Members in attendance at the Annual Meeting of the Association on the 13th day of August, 2014