BYLAWS ALABAMA
ASSOCIATION OF NURSING STUDENTS (AANS)
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Alabama Association of Nursing Students, a constituent of the National Student Nurses Association, Inc., herein referred to as the AANS and NSNA respectively.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE
Section 1 The purpose of the AANS is:
a) To provide professional development opportunities for student nursing leaders in Alabama;
b) To provide programs representative of current professional nursing interests and concern;
c) To aid in the development of the whole person, and his/her responsibility for health care of people in all walks of life;
Section 2 The function of the AANS shall include the following:
a) To influence health care, nursing education and the nursing practice environment through legislative and communication activities;
b) To promote and encourage participation in community affairs and activities toward improved health care and related social issues;
c) To represent Alabama nursing students to consumers, institutions, and other organizations;
d) To promote and encourage student participation in interdisciplinary activities;
e) To promote and encourage student recruitment efforts and participation in student and and educational opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, gender, lifestyle, national origin, age and economic status;
f) To encourage collaborative relationships with the Alabama State Nurses Association and the Alabama League for Nursing, as well as other nursing and related health organizations.
ARTICLE III
CONSTITUENT ASSOCIATIONS
Section 1 Local student associations with at least ten (10) active associate or AANS members which have requested designation as a constituent, and whose bylaws conform to the requirements of NSNA and AANS, and have been recognized by a majority vote of the AANS Executive Board, shall be recognized as a constituent.
Section 2 A constituent organization not complying with the requirements of these bylaws may be disqualified by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Board of AANS, provided notice of the anticipated action has been given to constituent two (2) months before such a vote is taken and the constituent is given the opportunity to be heard.
Section 3 School chapters are entities separate and apart from the AANS in their administration of activities with NSNA and AANS exercising no supervision or control over their immediate, daily or regular activities.
Section 4 NSNA and AANS have no liability for any loss, damages, or injuries sustained by third parties as a result of the negligence or acts of school chapters or member thereof. In the event any legal
proceeding is brought against NSNA or AANS as a result of such acts of omission or commission by a school chapter, said school chapter will idemnify and hold harmless the NSNA and AANS from any liability.
ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 Members of the NSNA who are students in good standing at accredited undergraduate Alabama nursing programs constitute the membership of the AANS.
a) School chapters whose membership is composed of active or associate members, whose bylaws have been approved by the AANS Executive Board, shall be recognized as an AANS constituent chapter.
b) A school constituent chapter shall be composed of at least ten (10) members from a school for AANS recognition and NSNA recognition. There shall be only one chapter from each school.
c) A state association shall be composed of at least two (2) schools that meet NSNA constituency requirements.
Section 2 Membership categories:
a) Active members:
1) Undergraduate students enrolled in a state approved program leading to licensure
as a registered nurse.
2) Registered nurses enrolled in undergraduate nursing programs.
3) Active members shall have all the privileges of membership.
b) Associate members:
Pre-nursing students enrolled in college or university programs designated as preparation for an associate or baccalaureate degree in nursing.
Section 3 Non-constituent membership:
a) Sustaining membership:
Sustaining membership shall be open at the state level to any individual or organization interested in furthering the growth and development of AANS upon the approval of the AANS Executive Board.
b) Honorary membership:
Honorary membership may be conferred by two-thirds vote of the House of Delegates upon recommendation by the AANS Executive Board upon persons who have rendered distinguished service or invaluable assistance to AANS. Honorary membership shall have none of the obligations or privileges of membership.
c) Individual members:
Individual membership shall be open at the state and national level to any eligible student when membership in a constituent association is not available. Individual members shall have the same privileges as described in Article IV, Section 2, items a and b.
Section 4 Active, associate or individual membership shall be extended six (6) months beyond completion of a student’s program in nursing. Sustaining membership shall be renewable annually. Honorary membership is for a lifetime.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
Section 1 a) The President shall:
1) Preside at all business meetings of this association and the AANS Executive Board.
2) Appoint special committees with the approval of the AANS Executive Board.
3) Establish and maintain contact with the Executive Director of the Alabama State Nurses Association concerning issues of interest to the nursing profession. 4) Serve as ex-officio member of all committees.
5) Approve expenditures as submitted by the Treasurer and authorized by the AANS Executive Board
6) Be accessible to the President-elect in an advisory capacity for the period of one (1) year.
7) Have the power to disburse funds with the approval of the AANS Executive Board in the event of a vacancy in the office of the Treasurer.
8) Be bonded.
9) Perform all duties as outlined in the AANS Policy Manual.
10) Perform all duties pertaining to the office and represent AANS in all matters relating to the AANS, NSNA or the ALN.
b) The Vice-President shall:
1) Assume the duties of the President in his/her absence.
2) Assume the duties of the President in the event of a vacancy.
3) Be responsible for obtaining speakers for the AANS annual convention, and assist with additional AANS annual convention planning as needed.
4) Perform other duties as assigned by the President.
5) Oversee all arrangements and planning for the AANS annual convention, and report these activities to the AANS Executive Board.
6) Be responsible for the compilation and production of the AANS annual convention program.
7) Be bonded.
8) Perform all duties as assigned by the AANS President.
d) The Secretary shall:
1) Notify all AANS constituent associations of the time and place of all meetings of the AANS.
2) Record and distribute the minutes of all AANS meetings. Distribution of the minutes shall be as follows: copy to each AANS Executive Board member at least one week prior to the next scheduled meeting, and said minutes shall be sent to NSNA, in
the same timely manner as per the required method.
3) Keep all records of all official correspondence of AANS and NSNA.
4) Conduct all general correspondence of the AANS as requested by the AANS President.
5) Keep on file as permanent records, all reports, papers, and documents submitted to the AANS Secretary.
6) Complete and distribute a contact list of all constituents and their offices following the AANS annual meeting.
7) Send to NSNA the names and addresses of new AANS Executive Board officers and ongoing activities of the AANS as required.
8) Perform other duties as assigned by the AANS President.
e) The Treasurer shall:
1) Act as custodian of organizational funds and deposit these funds in a bank approved by the AANS Executive Board.
2) See that the system of collecting dues and distributing membership forms is carried out as outlined by the NSNA.
3) Have books reviewed by a Certified Public Accountant within two (2) months, or when AANS funds are available, after the AANS annual meeting.
4) Be bonded.
5) See that the system of collecting dues and distributing membership forms is carried out as outlined by NSNA.
6) File required reports to the Internal Revenue Service as required.
7) Perform other duties as assigned by the AANS President.
f) The Communications Director shall:
1) Organize information flow from NSNA to the membership of AANS via the website.
2) Coordinate the communication of the AANS Executive Board with the membership
through all media including the website, broadcast email, and reporting of events through online newsletters.
3) Manage the AANS website by keeping it current.
4) Be responsible for collating and posting information for website newsletter as planned by the AANS Executive Board.
5) Organize any online pre-registration and onsite registration of the annual convention.
6) Serve as Executive Board liaison to the vendor of the AANS website.
7) Post the AANS Executive Board meeting and House of Delegates meeting minutes on the AANS website.
8) Perform other duties as assigned by the President.
g) The Director North shall:
1) Determine AANS constituency of school associations within his or her assigned ASNA districts.
2) Monitor campaigning by the candidates running for AANS Executive Board offices and work with other officers to enforce all campaign regulations during the AANS annual convention.
3) Plan the “Meet the Candidates” session of those campaigning for AANS Executive Board offices at the annual meeting.
4) Serve as a liaison to the Deans and Faculty Advisors of nursing schools in the assigned area of Alabama.
5) Facilitates membership/recruitment activities in North Alabama nursing schools.
6) Perform other duties as assigned by the AANS President.
h) The Director South shall:
1) Determine AANS constituency of school associations within his or her assigned ASNA districts.
2) Monitor campaigning by the candidates running for AANS Executive Board offices and work with other officers to enforce all campaign regulations during the AANS annual convention.
3) Investigate complaints of campaign violations on those running for AANS Executive Board offices.
4) Develop a Board-approved official slate of AANS Executive Board officer candidates and present to the membership in the House of Delegates at the annual meeting.
5) Serve as a liaison to the Deans and Faculty Advisors of nursing schools in the assigned area of Alabama.
6) Facilitates membership/recruitment activities in South Alabama nursing schools.
7) Perform other duties as assigned by the AANS President.
i) The Breakthrough to Nursing Chairperson shall:
1) Coordinate elementary and high school nursing recruitment activities as authorized by
the AANS Executive Board.
2) Be responsible for credentialing delegates for the House of Delegates at the AANS annual meeting.
3) Obtain and process applications for the Breakthrough to Nursing Scholarship essay contest.
4) Recruit a committee and perform other duties as assigned by the AANS President.
j) The Community Health Chairperson shall:
1) Develop a Community Health State Project for duplication across Alabama as authorized by the AANS Executive Board. The State Project addresses health concerns in Alabama communities through activities such as fund-raising, political awareness, and/or education.
2) Recruit a committee from constituent members to assist in planning a Community Health State Project workshop at the AANS Annual Convention. These plans should include the themes, the delivery method(s) and materials, speakers, resources and schedule. The purpose of the workshop is to train and recruit constituent participation and candidates for State Project implementation in the year following the workshop.
3) Process all awards for NSNA and AANS annual convention.
4) Perform other duties as assigned by the AANS President.
k) The Legislative Chairperson shall:
1) Monitor legislative activity of local, state, and national government concerning nursing and other health care professions, and report these activities to the AANS.
2) Take charge of AANS legislative business and resolutions, reporting to the AANS
Executive Board.
3) Serve as parliamentarian during all meetings of the AANS and the AANS Executive Board.
4) Plan activities and communication for ASNA Legislative Day.
5) Perform other duties as assigned by the AANS President.
Section 2 Officer Eligibility:
Only NSNA members who shall have nursing student status throughout three-fourths of a term of office are eligible for an AANS Executive Board office.
Section 3 Terms of Office:
The term of office shall be one (1) year from the adjournment of the AANS annual meeting at which new officers are elected and duly installed.
ARTICLE VI
ELECTIONS
Section 1 The AANS Executive Board officers shall be elected at the AANS annual meeting.
Section 2 All elections shall be by ballot, and the ballots shall be destroyed immediately after tally.
Section 3 A plurality vote of all delegates present and entitled to vote shall constitute an election.
ARTICLE VII
MEETINGS
Section 1 Meetings of the AANS shall be held at such times and places as will be determined by the AANS Executive Board.
Section 2 Special meetings of the association membership may be called by the AANS President upon written request of one-third or more of the AANS constituent associations.
Section 3 All meetings of the AANS shall be open unless voted otherwise by the voting body of this association.
Section 4 The President shall have the power and authority to call a meeting of the AANS Executive Board when it is deemed necessary.
Section 5 All other powers of the association are vested in and shall be exercised by the AANS Executive Board during the interim between meetings of the association, except that the AANS Executive Board shall not nullify or modify any action taken by the House of Delegates at convention, and subject to provisions of these bylaws.
Section 6 The AANS Executive Board shall not be responsible for any claim, contract, Board office or AANS member constituent unless the same was authorized in writing by the AANS Executive Board.
Section 7 If any officer misses more than two (2) meetings of AANS, this may constitute negligence and termination shall be at the discretion of the AANS Executive Board.
Section 8 Annual Meeting:
a) There shall be an annual meeting of AANS constituents at a time specified by the AANS Executive Board. This shall also be known as the AANS Annual Convention.
b) The purpose of the AANS Annual Convention shall be to discuss the accomplishments, problems, priorities, yearly activities and to share ideas. The AANS Executive Board will also offer advice in the areas of constituency, leadership, and finances.
ARTICLE VIII
HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Section 1 The power of the AANS shall consist of the duty accredited from the AANS constituent school associations, also known as chapters.
Section 2 The voting power shall be allocated as follows:
a) Each AANS constituent association shall be entitled to delegates at the AANS annual meeting according to the number of members in good standing prior to the annual meeting. A member in good standing is defined as a NSNA member with proof of membership.
b) The method of preparing the slate of delegates for the AANS annual meeting should include the following:
1) Only members of the AANS school association may vote on said delegates.
2) All delegates must be members of the AANS school association.
c) Delegate representation of accredited schools of nursing at the AANS Annual meeting shall
be:
1) One delegate for each ten members
2) One delegate for other schools with at least one NSNA member.
Section 3 Members who are in attendance, but are not voting delegates, may participate in discussions in the House of Delegates if recognized, but may not make motions or have voting power.
Section 4 The AANS is entitled to representation at the annual meeting or special meetings of NSNA according to the NSNA bylaws.
Section 5 In the event of a special meeting of AANS, notification of the delegate representation will be handled at the discretion of the AANS Executive Board of AANS.
ARTICLE IX
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1 The AANS Executive Board shall consist of the elected officers.
Section 2 The AANS Executive Board shall meet before the annual meeting of the association, immediately following the annual meeting, and at such times deemed necessary by the simple majority vote of the AANS Executive Board.
Section 3 The AANS Executive Board shall:
a) Transact business of the association between meetings and report such transaction at the next meeting of the association.
b) Have the power to fill vacancies in any office except President.
c) Approve budgets, authorize all monetary disbursements, and ensure an annual review of the accounts at the close of the fiscal year.
d) Assume responsibility with regard to constituents as specified in Article III in these bylaws.
e) Devise a program of action, implementing and augmenting the purposes of this association, for presentation to membership.
Section 4 The AANS shall have one (1) voting delegate at the NSNA annual meeting. The delegate shall be the AANS President or an alternative designated by the AANS Executive Board if the President is unable to attend.
Section 5 No member of the AANS Executive Board shall hold two (2) voting positions simultaneously on such Board.
Section 6 The AANS Executive Board shall, at its discretion, establish other committees as deemed necessary to carry on the work of the association, and determine the functions, terms, and membership of these committees.
ARTICLE X: CONSULTANTS
State Consultants serve in an advisory capacity to the Executive Board of the AANS and enhance communication among nursing organizations, including the NSNA:
1) One is appointed by the ASNA (Alabama State Nurses Association).
2) One is appointed by the ALN (Alabama League for Nursing).
3) The immediate past President shall serve in an advisory capacity for a period of one (1) year.
4) The ASNA and ALN appointed consultants serve subject to the annual approval of the
AANS Executive Board.
5) Consultants of the association shall attend the meetings of the AANS Executive Board and shall have the privilege of speaking without a vote.
ARTICLE XI
DUES
Section 1 Changes in the annual dues for members for AANS shall be established by the AANS Executive Board and approved by the membership at the AANS annual meeting of the association. State dues are paid in addition to the current dues for membership in the NSNA on an annual basis.
Section 2 Dues shall be collected in accordance with the procedures circulated by the Treasurer of NSNA. The student becomes a member in good standing upon receipt of his/her membership card.
Section 3 NSNA and AANS dues shall be payable directly to NSNA. NSNA shall remit each state constituent the dues received on behalf of the constituent. School dues shall be collected separately.
Section 4 The annual dues of sustaining members shall be established by the NSNA, and shall be paid directly to the NSNA.
Section 5 Any member who fails to pay current dues shall forfeit all privileges and membership.
ARTICLE XII
QUORUM
Section 1 A simple majority of the AANS Executive Board officers shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the AANS Executive Board.
Section 2 A simple majority of the committee members shall constitute a quorum at all meetings.
ARTICLE XIII
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
Meetings of this association shall be conducted according to parliamentary guidelines as set forth in the most recent edition of Robert’s Rule of Order as long as these rules have no direct conflict with these bylaws.
ARTICLE XIV
AMENDMENTS
Section 1 These bylaws may be amended at the annual meeting of this association by a two-thirds vote of the House of Delegates entitled to vote, due notice having been given.
Section 2 All proposed amendments shall be prepared by the Committee on Bylaws and submitted to the AANS Executive Board for approval at least two (2) months before the AANS annual meeting.
Section 3 Proposed amendments may be submitted to the Committee on Bylaws by any constituent association.
Section 4 Copies of all proposed amendments shall be sent to the President of the constituent associations at least four (4) weeks prior to the AANS annual meeting.
Section 5 These bylaws may be amended without previous notice at the AANS annual meeting or at a meeting duly called for such a purpose by a ninety-nine (99%) vote of those present entailed to vote and voting.
Section 6 An amendment to these bylaws shall become effective immediately upon its approval at the AANS annual meeting unless the amendment specifies a time for it going into effect.
Section 7 Amendments to the bylaws of NSNA adopted at the NSNA annual meeting which directly relate to the business of the constituent associations in the area of conformity, shall automatically and immediately affect the necessary amendment to the bylaws of the constituent associations and shall promptly be incorporated into their bylaws.
ASSOCIATION OF NURSING STUDENTS (AANS)
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Alabama Association of Nursing Students, a constituent of the National Student Nurses Association, Inc., herein referred to as the AANS and NSNA respectively.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE
Section 1 The purpose of the AANS is:
a) To provide professional development opportunities for student nursing leaders in Alabama;
b) To provide programs representative of current professional nursing interests and concern;
c) To aid in the development of the whole person, and his/her responsibility for health care of people in all walks of life;
Section 2 The function of the AANS shall include the following:
a) To influence health care, nursing education and the nursing practice environment through legislative and communication activities;
b) To promote and encourage participation in community affairs and activities toward improved health care and related social issues;
c) To represent Alabama nursing students to consumers, institutions, and other organizations;
d) To promote and encourage student participation in interdisciplinary activities;
e) To promote and encourage student recruitment efforts and participation in student and and educational opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, gender, lifestyle, national origin, age and economic status;
f) To encourage collaborative relationships with the Alabama State Nurses Association and the Alabama League for Nursing, as well as other nursing and related health organizations.
ARTICLE III
CONSTITUENT ASSOCIATIONS
Section 1 Local student associations with at least ten (10) active associate or AANS members which have requested designation as a constituent, and whose bylaws conform to the requirements of NSNA and AANS, and have been recognized by a majority vote of the AANS Executive Board, shall be recognized as a constituent.
Section 2 A constituent organization not complying with the requirements of these bylaws may be disqualified by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Board of AANS, provided notice of the anticipated action has been given to constituent two (2) months before such a vote is taken and the constituent is given the opportunity to be heard.
Section 3 School chapters are entities separate and apart from the AANS in their administration of activities with NSNA and AANS exercising no supervision or control over their immediate, daily or regular activities.
Section 4 NSNA and AANS have no liability for any loss, damages, or injuries sustained by third parties as a result of the negligence or acts of school chapters or member thereof. In the event any legal
proceeding is brought against NSNA or AANS as a result of such acts of omission or commission by a school chapter, said school chapter will idemnify and hold harmless the NSNA and AANS from any liability.
ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 Members of the NSNA who are students in good standing at accredited undergraduate Alabama nursing programs constitute the membership of the AANS.
a) School chapters whose membership is composed of active or associate members, whose bylaws have been approved by the AANS Executive Board, shall be recognized as an AANS constituent chapter.
b) A school constituent chapter shall be composed of at least ten (10) members from a school for AANS recognition and NSNA recognition. There shall be only one chapter from each school.
c) A state association shall be composed of at least two (2) schools that meet NSNA constituency requirements.
Section 2 Membership categories:
a) Active members:
1) Undergraduate students enrolled in a state approved program leading to licensure
as a registered nurse.
2) Registered nurses enrolled in undergraduate nursing programs.
3) Active members shall have all the privileges of membership.
b) Associate members:
Pre-nursing students enrolled in college or university programs designated as preparation for an associate or baccalaureate degree in nursing.
Section 3 Non-constituent membership:
a) Sustaining membership:
Sustaining membership shall be open at the state level to any individual or organization interested in furthering the growth and development of AANS upon the approval of the AANS Executive Board.
b) Honorary membership:
Honorary membership may be conferred by two-thirds vote of the House of Delegates upon recommendation by the AANS Executive Board upon persons who have rendered distinguished service or invaluable assistance to AANS. Honorary membership shall have none of the obligations or privileges of membership.
c) Individual members:
Individual membership shall be open at the state and national level to any eligible student when membership in a constituent association is not available. Individual members shall have the same privileges as described in Article IV, Section 2, items a and b.
Section 4 Active, associate or individual membership shall be extended six (6) months beyond completion of a student’s program in nursing. Sustaining membership shall be renewable annually. Honorary membership is for a lifetime.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
Section 1 a) The President shall:
1) Preside at all business meetings of this association and the AANS Executive Board.
2) Appoint special committees with the approval of the AANS Executive Board.
3) Establish and maintain contact with the Executive Director of the Alabama State Nurses Association concerning issues of interest to the nursing profession. 4) Serve as ex-officio member of all committees.
5) Approve expenditures as submitted by the Treasurer and authorized by the AANS Executive Board
6) Be accessible to the President-elect in an advisory capacity for the period of one (1) year.
7) Have the power to disburse funds with the approval of the AANS Executive Board in the event of a vacancy in the office of the Treasurer.
8) Be bonded.
9) Perform all duties as outlined in the AANS Policy Manual.
10) Perform all duties pertaining to the office and represent AANS in all matters relating to the AANS, NSNA or the ALN.
b) The Vice-President shall:
1) Assume the duties of the President in his/her absence.
2) Assume the duties of the President in the event of a vacancy.
3) Be responsible for obtaining speakers for the AANS annual convention, and assist with additional AANS annual convention planning as needed.
4) Perform other duties as assigned by the President.
5) Oversee all arrangements and planning for the AANS annual convention, and report these activities to the AANS Executive Board.
6) Be responsible for the compilation and production of the AANS annual convention program.
7) Be bonded.
8) Perform all duties as assigned by the AANS President.
d) The Secretary shall:
1) Notify all AANS constituent associations of the time and place of all meetings of the AANS.
2) Record and distribute the minutes of all AANS meetings. Distribution of the minutes shall be as follows: copy to each AANS Executive Board member at least one week prior to the next scheduled meeting, and said minutes shall be sent to NSNA, in
the same timely manner as per the required method.
3) Keep all records of all official correspondence of AANS and NSNA.
4) Conduct all general correspondence of the AANS as requested by the AANS President.
5) Keep on file as permanent records, all reports, papers, and documents submitted to the AANS Secretary.
6) Complete and distribute a contact list of all constituents and their offices following the AANS annual meeting.
7) Send to NSNA the names and addresses of new AANS Executive Board officers and ongoing activities of the AANS as required.
8) Perform other duties as assigned by the AANS President.
e) The Treasurer shall:
1) Act as custodian of organizational funds and deposit these funds in a bank approved by the AANS Executive Board.
2) See that the system of collecting dues and distributing membership forms is carried out as outlined by the NSNA.
3) Have books reviewed by a Certified Public Accountant within two (2) months, or when AANS funds are available, after the AANS annual meeting.
4) Be bonded.
5) See that the system of collecting dues and distributing membership forms is carried out as outlined by NSNA.
6) File required reports to the Internal Revenue Service as required.
7) Perform other duties as assigned by the AANS President.
f) The Communications Director shall:
1) Organize information flow from NSNA to the membership of AANS via the website.
2) Coordinate the communication of the AANS Executive Board with the membership
through all media including the website, broadcast email, and reporting of events through online newsletters.
3) Manage the AANS website by keeping it current.
4) Be responsible for collating and posting information for website newsletter as planned by the AANS Executive Board.
5) Organize any online pre-registration and onsite registration of the annual convention.
6) Serve as Executive Board liaison to the vendor of the AANS website.
7) Post the AANS Executive Board meeting and House of Delegates meeting minutes on the AANS website.
8) Perform other duties as assigned by the President.
g) The Director North shall:
1) Determine AANS constituency of school associations within his or her assigned ASNA districts.
2) Monitor campaigning by the candidates running for AANS Executive Board offices and work with other officers to enforce all campaign regulations during the AANS annual convention.
3) Plan the “Meet the Candidates” session of those campaigning for AANS Executive Board offices at the annual meeting.
4) Serve as a liaison to the Deans and Faculty Advisors of nursing schools in the assigned area of Alabama.
5) Facilitates membership/recruitment activities in North Alabama nursing schools.
6) Perform other duties as assigned by the AANS President.
h) The Director South shall:
1) Determine AANS constituency of school associations within his or her assigned ASNA districts.
2) Monitor campaigning by the candidates running for AANS Executive Board offices and work with other officers to enforce all campaign regulations during the AANS annual convention.
3) Investigate complaints of campaign violations on those running for AANS Executive Board offices.
4) Develop a Board-approved official slate of AANS Executive Board officer candidates and present to the membership in the House of Delegates at the annual meeting.
5) Serve as a liaison to the Deans and Faculty Advisors of nursing schools in the assigned area of Alabama.
6) Facilitates membership/recruitment activities in South Alabama nursing schools.
7) Perform other duties as assigned by the AANS President.
i) The Breakthrough to Nursing Chairperson shall:
1) Coordinate elementary and high school nursing recruitment activities as authorized by
the AANS Executive Board.
2) Be responsible for credentialing delegates for the House of Delegates at the AANS annual meeting.
3) Obtain and process applications for the Breakthrough to Nursing Scholarship essay contest.
4) Recruit a committee and perform other duties as assigned by the AANS President.
j) The Community Health Chairperson shall:
1) Develop a Community Health State Project for duplication across Alabama as authorized by the AANS Executive Board. The State Project addresses health concerns in Alabama communities through activities such as fund-raising, political awareness, and/or education.
2) Recruit a committee from constituent members to assist in planning a Community Health State Project workshop at the AANS Annual Convention. These plans should include the themes, the delivery method(s) and materials, speakers, resources and schedule. The purpose of the workshop is to train and recruit constituent participation and candidates for State Project implementation in the year following the workshop.
3) Process all awards for NSNA and AANS annual convention.
4) Perform other duties as assigned by the AANS President.
k) The Legislative Chairperson shall:
1) Monitor legislative activity of local, state, and national government concerning nursing and other health care professions, and report these activities to the AANS.
2) Take charge of AANS legislative business and resolutions, reporting to the AANS
Executive Board.
3) Serve as parliamentarian during all meetings of the AANS and the AANS Executive Board.
4) Plan activities and communication for ASNA Legislative Day.
5) Perform other duties as assigned by the AANS President.
Section 2 Officer Eligibility:
Only NSNA members who shall have nursing student status throughout three-fourths of a term of office are eligible for an AANS Executive Board office.
Section 3 Terms of Office:
The term of office shall be one (1) year from the adjournment of the AANS annual meeting at which new officers are elected and duly installed.
ARTICLE VI
ELECTIONS
Section 1 The AANS Executive Board officers shall be elected at the AANS annual meeting.
Section 2 All elections shall be by ballot, and the ballots shall be destroyed immediately after tally.
Section 3 A plurality vote of all delegates present and entitled to vote shall constitute an election.
ARTICLE VII
MEETINGS
Section 1 Meetings of the AANS shall be held at such times and places as will be determined by the AANS Executive Board.
Section 2 Special meetings of the association membership may be called by the AANS President upon written request of one-third or more of the AANS constituent associations.
Section 3 All meetings of the AANS shall be open unless voted otherwise by the voting body of this association.
Section 4 The President shall have the power and authority to call a meeting of the AANS Executive Board when it is deemed necessary.
Section 5 All other powers of the association are vested in and shall be exercised by the AANS Executive Board during the interim between meetings of the association, except that the AANS Executive Board shall not nullify or modify any action taken by the House of Delegates at convention, and subject to provisions of these bylaws.
Section 6 The AANS Executive Board shall not be responsible for any claim, contract, Board office or AANS member constituent unless the same was authorized in writing by the AANS Executive Board.
Section 7 If any officer misses more than two (2) meetings of AANS, this may constitute negligence and termination shall be at the discretion of the AANS Executive Board.
Section 8 Annual Meeting:
a) There shall be an annual meeting of AANS constituents at a time specified by the AANS Executive Board. This shall also be known as the AANS Annual Convention.
b) The purpose of the AANS Annual Convention shall be to discuss the accomplishments, problems, priorities, yearly activities and to share ideas. The AANS Executive Board will also offer advice in the areas of constituency, leadership, and finances.
ARTICLE VIII
HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Section 1 The power of the AANS shall consist of the duty accredited from the AANS constituent school associations, also known as chapters.
Section 2 The voting power shall be allocated as follows:
a) Each AANS constituent association shall be entitled to delegates at the AANS annual meeting according to the number of members in good standing prior to the annual meeting. A member in good standing is defined as a NSNA member with proof of membership.
b) The method of preparing the slate of delegates for the AANS annual meeting should include the following:
1) Only members of the AANS school association may vote on said delegates.
2) All delegates must be members of the AANS school association.
c) Delegate representation of accredited schools of nursing at the AANS Annual meeting shall
be:
1) One delegate for each ten members
2) One delegate for other schools with at least one NSNA member.
Section 3 Members who are in attendance, but are not voting delegates, may participate in discussions in the House of Delegates if recognized, but may not make motions or have voting power.
Section 4 The AANS is entitled to representation at the annual meeting or special meetings of NSNA according to the NSNA bylaws.
Section 5 In the event of a special meeting of AANS, notification of the delegate representation will be handled at the discretion of the AANS Executive Board of AANS.
ARTICLE IX
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1 The AANS Executive Board shall consist of the elected officers.
Section 2 The AANS Executive Board shall meet before the annual meeting of the association, immediately following the annual meeting, and at such times deemed necessary by the simple majority vote of the AANS Executive Board.
Section 3 The AANS Executive Board shall:
a) Transact business of the association between meetings and report such transaction at the next meeting of the association.
b) Have the power to fill vacancies in any office except President.
c) Approve budgets, authorize all monetary disbursements, and ensure an annual review of the accounts at the close of the fiscal year.
d) Assume responsibility with regard to constituents as specified in Article III in these bylaws.
e) Devise a program of action, implementing and augmenting the purposes of this association, for presentation to membership.
Section 4 The AANS shall have one (1) voting delegate at the NSNA annual meeting. The delegate shall be the AANS President or an alternative designated by the AANS Executive Board if the President is unable to attend.
Section 5 No member of the AANS Executive Board shall hold two (2) voting positions simultaneously on such Board.
Section 6 The AANS Executive Board shall, at its discretion, establish other committees as deemed necessary to carry on the work of the association, and determine the functions, terms, and membership of these committees.
ARTICLE X: CONSULTANTS
State Consultants serve in an advisory capacity to the Executive Board of the AANS and enhance communication among nursing organizations, including the NSNA:
1) One is appointed by the ASNA (Alabama State Nurses Association).
2) One is appointed by the ALN (Alabama League for Nursing).
3) The immediate past President shall serve in an advisory capacity for a period of one (1) year.
4) The ASNA and ALN appointed consultants serve subject to the annual approval of the
AANS Executive Board.
5) Consultants of the association shall attend the meetings of the AANS Executive Board and shall have the privilege of speaking without a vote.
ARTICLE XI
DUES
Section 1 Changes in the annual dues for members for AANS shall be established by the AANS Executive Board and approved by the membership at the AANS annual meeting of the association. State dues are paid in addition to the current dues for membership in the NSNA on an annual basis.
Section 2 Dues shall be collected in accordance with the procedures circulated by the Treasurer of NSNA. The student becomes a member in good standing upon receipt of his/her membership card.
Section 3 NSNA and AANS dues shall be payable directly to NSNA. NSNA shall remit each state constituent the dues received on behalf of the constituent. School dues shall be collected separately.
Section 4 The annual dues of sustaining members shall be established by the NSNA, and shall be paid directly to the NSNA.
Section 5 Any member who fails to pay current dues shall forfeit all privileges and membership.
ARTICLE XII
QUORUM
Section 1 A simple majority of the AANS Executive Board officers shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the AANS Executive Board.
Section 2 A simple majority of the committee members shall constitute a quorum at all meetings.
ARTICLE XIII
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
Meetings of this association shall be conducted according to parliamentary guidelines as set forth in the most recent edition of Robert’s Rule of Order as long as these rules have no direct conflict with these bylaws.
ARTICLE XIV
AMENDMENTS
Section 1 These bylaws may be amended at the annual meeting of this association by a two-thirds vote of the House of Delegates entitled to vote, due notice having been given.
Section 2 All proposed amendments shall be prepared by the Committee on Bylaws and submitted to the AANS Executive Board for approval at least two (2) months before the AANS annual meeting.
Section 3 Proposed amendments may be submitted to the Committee on Bylaws by any constituent association.
Section 4 Copies of all proposed amendments shall be sent to the President of the constituent associations at least four (4) weeks prior to the AANS annual meeting.
Section 5 These bylaws may be amended without previous notice at the AANS annual meeting or at a meeting duly called for such a purpose by a ninety-nine (99%) vote of those present entailed to vote and voting.
Section 6 An amendment to these bylaws shall become effective immediately upon its approval at the AANS annual meeting unless the amendment specifies a time for it going into effect.
Section 7 Amendments to the bylaws of NSNA adopted at the NSNA annual meeting which directly relate to the business of the constituent associations in the area of conformity, shall automatically and immediately affect the necessary amendment to the bylaws of the constituent associations and shall promptly be incorporated into their bylaws.
