Bylaws

Article I. Membership

Section 1: Member Requirements

To become a member in good standing, individuals must:

  1. Complete a membership application form approved by the ATAA Board of Directors.
  2. Pay annual membership dues as outlined below.
  3. Abide by the Articles of Incorporation, Mission Statement, and Bylaws of ATAA.
  4. Enjoy full membership benefits, including voting rights (where applicable) and access to ATAA services, news, and events.

Section 2: Membership Levels

The ATAA offers the following membership levels:

  • Family Membership ($60 per year): Includes two adults and dependent children under 21 years of age.
  • Individual Membership ($35 per year): For a single person.
  • Student Membership ($10 per year): For full-time students in higher education institutions (above high school). Full-time employees are not eligible for this level.

Section 3: Voting Rights

  • Family Membership: Two adults may vote.
  • Individual Membership: One vote per member.
  • Student Membership: No voting rights.

Members must be in good standing for at least one year prior to elections to be eligible to vote.

Section 4: Resignation

Members may resign by submitting a written notice to the ATAA Board of Directors. Membership dues will not be refunded upon resignation.

Section 5: Expulsion

The ATAA President, Executive Committee, or Board of Directors may recommend the expulsion of any member whose activities are deemed harmful to the organization’s goals. Expulsion requires a two-thirds majority vote of the Board. The member will be notified at least 15 days before the expulsion takes effect.

Article II. General Assembly and Elections

Section 1: Authority

The General Assembly is the highest governing body of ATAA, responsible for setting the vision, policies, and goals of the organization.

Section 2: Organization

The General Assembly consists of all voting ATAA members in good standing. Meetings are conducted according to standard parliamentary rules.

  • Regular Meeting: Held annually. A simple majority constitutes a quorum. If not attained, a second meeting will require only a quarter of the membership to proceed.
  • Special Meeting: Can be called by the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, or by a majority request of the members.

Section 3: Voting

Members may vote in person, by mail, electronically, or by proxy. Proxies must be signed and submitted before the General Assembly meeting.

Article III. Board of Directors

Section 1: Authority and Responsibilities

The Board of Directors oversees the ATAA’s vision, policies, and financial matters. It meets at least four times per year to review activities and ensure compliance with the organization’s objectives.

Section 2: Organization

The Board consists of five members, including the current and previous presidents. Board members serve two-year terms, with two seats available for election each year.

Article IV. Executive Committee

Section 1: Authority and Responsibilities

The Executive Committee manages the day-to-day operations and financial decisions of ATAA.

Section 2: Organization

The Executive Committee consists of:

  • President
  • Executive Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Vice President of Development
  • Vice President of Cultural Affairs
  • Vice President of Communications

The President may appoint up to two additional members with Board approval.

Article V. Committees

Special committees may be formed by the President or Chairperson of the Board. The Board must approve their responsibilities, authority, and dissolution.

Article VI. Financial Management

ATAA financial resources are managed through an Operating Budget Account for annual expenses and a Reserve Fund Account for long-term financial stability.

Article VII. Conflict of Interest Policy

Board members, Executive Committee members, and all other members must avoid conflicts of interest. Any potential conflicts must be disclosed to the Board for resolution.

Article VIII. Dissolution

ATAA may be dissolved by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership or due to legal judgment or financial insolvency. Upon dissolution, all assets will be transferred to a charity that fits the IRS Section 501(c)(3) guidelines.

Article IX. Amendments

Amendments to these bylaws require a two-thirds majority vote of the General Assembly and must be proposed by the Board of Directors or by five members in good standing.