RI-AATG Constitution

Constitution of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of German (February 2001)

I. Name

The name of the Chapter shall be the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of German.

II. Purpose

The purpose of the Chapter conforms to that of the national organization. It proposes to promote and improve the teaching of German in the State of Rhode Island, and to encourage the spirit of cooperation and fellowship among its members.

III. Membership

1. Any teacher of German or anyone interested in the teaching of German may become a member of the Chapter and of the national association upon the payment of the annual dues as specified by the by-laws of the national association. No one can be a member of a chapter alone. All Chapter members belong first to the national association. Membership will be retained by the continued payment of the annual dues.
2. The annual dues, which include subscription to the official publications of the national association, are payable in September of the membership year for which they are intended. Only members in good standing may exercise the Privileges of membership.
3. Graduate and undergraduate students who are certified by the chairperson of their department may become student members upon payment of the annual dues for student membership.
4. A teacher who at the time of retirement has been a member of AATG for at least fifteen years may elect emeritus membership. The dues for this type of membership are defined in the by-laws of the national association.
5. Honorary membership in the AATG may be granted only in accordance with the stipulations in the national constitution.

IV. Officers, Nominating Committee and Elections

1. The officers of the Chapter shall be the President, the Vice-President, and the Secretary-Treasurer. They shall be elected for a term of two years and are eligible for reelection to the same office for the immediately succeeding term once only.
2. When feasible, candidates for President shall be chosen alternatively from the elementary/secondary school level and the college/university level.

V. Administration

The administration of the Chapter shall be in the hands of the Executive Council, which shall consist of the officers provided for in Section IV. The outgoing President of the Chapter shall be a member of the Executive Council for one year following his or her retirement from office.

VI. Meetings

The Chapter shall meet at least two times a year. One of these meetings shall be held jointly with the Rhode Island Foreign Language Association. The members present shall constitute a quorum.

VII. Changes in the Constitution

The Constitution of the Chapter may be amended by a two-thirds vote of members present at any regular meeting. Such amendment or amendments may be proposed by the Executive Council or by written notice to the Executive Council by at least three members of the Chapter not later than one month prior to the meeting at which action is to be taken. At least three weeks prior to the time of final action, the Secretary/Treasurer shall submit to the membership such proposed amendment or amendments and the report of the Executive Council thereon.

VIII. By-Laws

By-laws may be adopted or changed at any annual meeting of the Chapter by majority of the members present, provided that written notice of the proposed changes is sent to all members at least thirty days prior to such meeting.