THE VOCATIONAL EVALUATION AND WORK ADJUSTMENT

ASSOCIATION, INC.

A Division of the National Rehabilitation Association

Preamble

The Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment Association, Inc., a professional Division of the National Rehabilitation Association, Inc., has been organized to develop, improve and strengthen practices and skills in both public and private rehabilitation organizations. The Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment Association, Inc. is subject to the provisions of the Constitution and bylaws pertaining to divisions of the National Rehabilitation Association, Incorporated. In order for The Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment Association, Inc. to fulfill its mission, its relationship with the National Rehabilitation Association, Incorporated must be a partnership. That all persons may know this Organization, there is hereby established these Bylaws of The Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment Association, Inc., a division of the National Rehabilitation Association, Incorporated.

Article I

NAME, AFFILIATION AND DEFINITIONS

• Section 1. Organization Name: The name of this Organization is The Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment Association, Inc. (VEWAA), constituted under the provisions for divisional status in the National Rehabilitation Association, Incorporated (NRA).
• Section 2. Definitions: For the text of the Bylaws:

A. Association means NRA.

B. Division means VEWAA.

C. Regions mean any one of the geographic areas of VEWAA, which shall coincide with the geographical area of Regions established by the Board of Directors of NRA for that organization. The names of the Regions shall be the same as adopted by the NRA.

D. Chapter means the designation given by NRA to any of its constituent or affiliated sub-structures in that organization.

Article II

PURPOSE OF THE DIVISION

The purposes of the Division shall be exclusively those that fall within the meaning and context of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as the same may exist or hereafter be amended. Subject to this limitation, the purpose of the Division shall be organized and operated to improve and advance the field of vocational evaluation and work adjustment training in accordance with the Division's charter by:

1. Encouraging and supporting professional training opportunities.

2. Upgrading of professional standards of vocational evaluators and work

adjustment personnel.

3. Promoting ethical practices.

4. Developing methods of close communication including providing a forum for discussion among members and with other professional groups dedicated to rehabilitation.

5. Advocating for the needs of members within the NRA organization.

6. Relating closely to the other NRA units for mutual planning and the development of opportunities for collaboration in the advancement of the fields of rehabilitation.

7. Helping to develop a specific body of knowledge in this field (vocational evaluation and work adjustment), working to disseminate that knowledge as it evolves, and encouraging and stimulating pragmatic research and enlightening inquiry.

8. Encouraging students in leadership training programs through the provision of a web-based employment exchange, mentorship opportunities, opportunities to make professional contacts and avenues to express scholarship in a written format.

9. Providing opportunities for members to network and develop professional relationships with other practitioners, leaders, supervisors, and administrators and leaders.

Article III

MEMBERSHIP

• Section 1. Membership Requirement: Membership in the Association is a prerequisite for Division membership (see Article III Bylaws of NRA for Division Membership qualifications).

Any individual shall be eligible for membership provided that such individual is engaged in or is interested in vocational evaluation or work adjustment training and is a member of the National Rehabilitation Association, Inc. An application for membership shall be submitted to the Membership Committee or directly to the NRA National Office. An individual shall be declared a member of the Association upon determination of eligibility and the receipt of full or installment payment of the annual dues for the first year.

• Section 2. Membership: There shall be only one type of membership: individual, of which there shall be two classes:

a. Professional members shall be those individuals actively engaged in the practice of some aspect of vocational evaluation or work adjustment training. This shall include those individuals who are practitioners, immediate supervisors and administrators, instructors, teachers, researchers in the fields of vocational evaluation or work adjustment, or related professionals.

b. Student members shall be those individuals enrolled in recognized educational programs preparing them for practice in the fields of vocational evaluation or work adjustment.

Dues for all memberships will be determined by the VEWAA Board and endorsed by the NRA Board.

• Section 3. Membership Rights: No person shall be denied membership in the Division because of race, creed, disability, sex, or national origin.
• Section 4. Membership Entitlement: Professional membership in the Division shall entitle members:

A. To receive the official publications of the Division;

B. To become members of affiliated regional and/or state units;

C. To hold an elective office, to serve as a member of the Board, and to serve as a member of the Membership Assembly, if elected or appointed;

D. To participate in the national meetings of the Division and in the regional and state meetings of the region and state in which they work or reside and to attend Board meetings; and

E. To vote in the election of the Board of Directors, officers, board members, and the Representative to the NRA Board.

Student membership in the Division shall entitle members:

A. To receive the official publications of the Division;

B. To become members of affiliated regional and/or state units;

C. To serve as a member of the Board and to serve as a member of the Membership Assembly, if elected or appointed;

D. To participate in the national meetings of the Division and in the regional and state meetings of the region and state in which they reside or attend school and to attend Board meetings and;

E. To vote in the election of Board of Directors, the officers, board members, and the Representative to the NRA Board.

• Section 5. Membership Year: The membership year shall correspond to the membership year as defined by the Association.
• Section 6. Any member desiring to resign from the Division shall submit his/her resignation in writing to the Secretary of the Division who shall present it to the Executive Committee for action.
• Section 7. Membership in the Division may be revoked for failure to pay the annual dues or for engaging in practices in violation of the Association/Division's Code of Ethics.

The Executive Committee shall consider all cases wherein membership may be revoked and in cases where violations of the Code of Ethics are charged, shall notify in writing the member so charged 90 days prior to the final decision by the Executive Committee. Said member shall have

the opportunity to answer the charges either in person or in writing within 90 days following notification of the charges. Said member shall be notified in writing of the Executive Committee's decision within 14 days of said decision.

Article IV

THE MEMBERSHIP ASSEMBLY

• Section 1. Membership in the Membership Assembly: Membership in the Membership Assembly shall be open to all Division members in good standing. All members present at the Membership Assembly shall have voting rights.
• Section 2. Powers of the Membership Assembly: The membership hereby delegates its control of the Division to the Membership Assembly subject to Association's approval as hereinafter specified; the Membership Assembly:

A. Shall be the law making and policy-making body of the Division;

B. May adopt amendments to the Bylaws of the Division;

C. May delegate to the Board any of its power except the election of Board

Members and Officers and adoption of amendments to the Bylaws.

• Section 3. Method of Conducting Business: All business conducted by the Membership Assembly shall be according to Robert's Rules of Order.

Article V

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• Section 1. Composition of the Board: The Board of Directors, hereinafter referred to as "the Board," shall consist of four (4) Board Members-At Large, the Officers of the Division, (the President, the Immediate Past-President, the President-Elect, the Secretary and the Treasurer), and the Representative to the Association Board.
• Section 2. The Board shall have general supervision of the affairs of the Division between its business meetings, shall fix the hour and place of special meetings, make recommendations to the Division, shall elect by its own vote, the Division's Representative to NRA, and shall perform such other duties as are specified in these Bylaws. The Board shall be subject to the orders of the Division, and none of its acts shall conflict with action taken by the Division.
• Section 3. Unless otherwise ordered by the Board, the regular meetings of the Board shall be held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Division. Special meetings of the Board can be called by the President and shall be called upon the written request of four members of the Board. Special meetings may be conducted by telephone conference and voting may be conducted by mail or e-mail.
• Section 4. The Board shall have the authority to fill, by the votes of its own Board members, the officer and board positions that have become vacant between elections, except for the offices of President and President-elect. Any eligible Division member in good standing for the unexpired term may fill the vacancy.

A temporary vacancy may be filled by the direction of the Executive Committee until the absent board member is able to resume his/her duties or a new board member is duly elected.

• Section 5. Should the Presidency become vacant, the President-elect shall assume the Presidency and complete the remainder of that term and the President-elect's own natural term. A vacancy in the President-elect's office shall be filled at the next regular election. Should both the President's and the President-elect's offices become vacant at the same time, the Board shall have the authority by majority vote of its own members to elect a President Pro-tempore until the next regular election.
• Section 6. Powers & Duties of the Board: The Board shall have the power to conduct the affairs of the Division, subject to the limits of the Bylaws of the Division and decision of the Assembly. Additionally, the NRA Board must approve all legal agreements and contracts. The Board’s authority shall include, but not be limited to the following:

A. Adoption of a fiscal year and policy for the Division;

B. Adoption of a budget and authorizing its officers to carry out the activities set out in the budget;

C. To establish Divisional Dues subject to Association endorsement;

D. Designating the person(s) to sign and countersign all checks, drafts, and other orders for paying monies or to obligate the Division by signing

notes, orders, promises to pay, or contracts;

E. Call and sponsor an annual meeting of the Division;

F. Hearing and acting upon committee reports;

G. Appointing standing and ad hoc committees, prescribing their functions,

the terms of their members, hearing and acting on committee reports;

H. Serving as the final judge of the results of elections in the Division;

I. Initiating, formulating and carrying out cooperative agreements and

contracts with other organizations, agencies, and groups to advance the

goals of the Division;

J. The Board shall have the authority to accredit Regional Units and State

Units, approve Regional and State Constitutions and Bylaws, and define

geographical boundaries of such units;

K. Proposing resolutions and other policy statements to the Assembly;

L. The Board shall meet at least once a year. The meeting(s) shall be called by the President, by the President-Elect in the absence of the President, or upon the written petition of 4 Board members;

M. A quorum shall consist of 4 members of the Board providing the President or President-Elect is presiding;

N. The Board shall have authority to transact all business excluding

amendments to the Bylaws of the Division between meetings of the

Division, except as may be delegated to the Executive Committee;

O. The Board shall determine the method whereby the membership is

informed of actions of the Division.

P. All business conducted by the Board of Directors shall be according to

Robert's Rules of Order.

• Section 7. Composition & Duties of the Executive Committee: There shall be an Executive Committee of the Board composed of the President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate Past-President, and Representative of the Division to the Association Board. The Executive Committee shall have the authority to conduct the affairs of the Division between meetings of the Board, excluding amendments to the Bylaws. All business conducted by the Executive Committee shall be according to Robert's Rules of Order.

A. President: The President shall preside over the Division, the Assembly, the

Board, and the Executive Committee and shall take office on January 1

following the Membership Assembly at which they served as President-

Elect. Additionally, the President is responsible for:

1. Serving as official representative of the Division in carrying out

the policies of the Division.

2. Calling the meetings of the Division, the Membership Assembly,

the Board, and the Executive Committee.

3. Appointing, with the approval of the Board, the Chairpersons of all standing and ad hoc committees, with the exception of the

Nominations and Elections Committee, provided for in Article VII,

Section 1, of the Constitution, and the Executive Committee,

provided for in Article V, Section 5, of the Constitution.

4. Serving as ex-officio member without voting privileges on all

appointed committees.

5. Appointing, with the approval of the Board, Division

representation to all Association committees to which representation is authorized within sixty (60) days after the annual

meeting.

6. Signing of checks as an alternative for the Treasurer and

countersigning checks in excess of $1,000.00. The President may

authorize other officers to sign checks for the Division. The

President shall ensure that all persons authorized to sign checks are appropriately bonded.

7. A requirement for submission of an annual report, budget and list

of officers (or a broader reference to submission of reports as

required by NRA) to NRA, with person responsible.

8. Appoint alternatives if NRA Board Representative will be unable

to attend board meetings.

B. President-Elect: The President-Elect shall serve on the Board and the

Executive Committee and shall assume the presidency on January 1 following the annual meeting of the Membership. If the presidency of the Division should become vacant, or if the President is unable to perform the duties of the office due to temporary circumstances, the President-Elect shall serve as President until such time as the President is again able to resume such duties. In the absence of the President, the President-Elect shall preside over meetings.  The President or Board may assign the President-Elect other duties from time to time.

C. Secretary: The Secretary shall serve on the Board and the Executive

Committee, and shall take office January 1 following the annual conference at which elected and serve a two year term. The Secretary shall be elected in the odd numbered years. Minutes shall be kept of all meetings of the membership, of the Board, and of the Executive Committee, and shall be distributed or presented at any meetings as directed by the President. At the direction of the President, the Secretary shall issue notices of membership meetings, Board meetings, and

Executive Committee meetings.

D. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall serve on the Board and the Executive

Committee and shall take office on January 1 following the annual conference at which elected and serve for two calendar years. The Treasurer shall be elected in the even numbered years. Books and records including assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, and losses of financial transactions shall be maintained shall be maintained and in the custody of the Treasurer, in accordance to accounting practices and procedures outlined by the National Office. In addition, current and accurate accounts of the property and business transactions of the

Division including assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, and losses shall be kept. The Treasurer must be bonded. An annual report of the financial status of the Division shall be presented to the membership at the annual meeting.

E. Immediate Past-President: The Immediate Past-President shall serve on the Board and the Executive Committee and shall assume office at the end of the presidential term and serve to the end of the next calendar year annual conference. The Immediate Past- President shall chair the Nominations and Elections Committee. An additional duty of this

officer shall be to act as an advisor to the President.

F. Representative to the Board of the Association: The Representative to the Association Board shall serve on the Board, the Executive Committee, and the Association Board. The term of office shall be three years, and shall begin and end in accordance with the Association's Constitution and Bylaws. Notify VEWAA's President if unable to attend meeting of the Association’s Board and recommend an alternative for approval by President.

• Section 8. The Executive Committee shall have the general supervision of the affairs of the Division between its business meetings, shall fix the hour and place of special meetings, make recommendations to the Division, shall elect by its own vote, the Division’s Representative to NRA, and shall perform such other duties as are specified in these Bylaws. The Executive Committee shall be subject to the orders of the Division, and none of its acts shall conflict with action taken by the Division.

Article VI

OFFICERS

• Section 1. Officers of the Division: The officers of the Division shall be the President, the Immediate Past-President, the President-Elect, the Secretary, and the Treasurer, and four Members at Large, one of whom will serve as a Representative to the Association Board. These officers shall perform the duties prescribed by these Bylaws and by the parliamentary authority adopted by the Division.
• Section 2. Terms of the Elective Officers:

a. The President and the President-elect shall be elected for one-year

terms.

b. The Secretary, Treasurer, and Members at Large shall be elected for

two-year terms, with 2 members at large elected in the even numbered

years and 2 members at large elected in the odd numbered years.

c. The Representative to the Association Board shall be elected for a

three-year term.

• Section 3. Board Members At Large: The Board Members At Large shall be elected from the current active Division membership to serve two years or until their successors are elected, and the terms of their office shall begin on January 1 of the year immediately following their election and continue for 2 years until December 31. The terms of office will be arranged so that not more than three nor less than two shall be elected in any one year.
• Section 4. No member shall hold more than one office at a time, with the exception that the Representative to the Association Board may hold another office; and no member shall serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office.

Article VII

NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

• Section 1. Nominations: There shall be a Nominations and Elections Committee appointed by the President. The Immediate Past-President of the Division shall serve as Chairperson. Nominations shall be conducted according to Robert's Rules of Order for mail nominations.
• Section 2. Elections: The election of officers and Representative to the Association Board shall be by mail ballot according to Robert's Rules of Order under the supervision of the Nominations and Elections Committee.
• Section 3. Requirements for Election: To be elected to an office, the candidate for the office must receive a plurality of the votes cast.

Article VIII

MEETINGS

• Section 1. General Assembly: There shall be at least one general Membership Assembly of the membership each membership year in conjunction with the Division’s annual meeting, and in conjunction with the National Rehabilitation Association’s annual meeting. The announcement of any membership meeting shall be made at least thirty (30) days in advance to all members.
• Section 2. Special Meetings: Special meetings may be called by the President or in the absence of the President, by the President-Elect, when directed by the Board, or on petition of ten (10) percent or more of the members.

Article IX

QUORUM

• Section 1. Membership Assembly Quorum: A quorum of membership at any regular or special meeting of the Membership Assembly shall consist of five (5) percent of the total membership or twenty-five (25) members, whichever is less.
• Section 2. Board of Director's Quorum: A quorum for a Board meeting shall consist of the President or President-Elect and four members of the Board.
• Section 3. Executive Committee Quorum: A quorum of the Executive Committee shall consist of either the President or the President-Elect and two other members of the Executive Committee.

Article X

DISCLAIMER

Any provision of the Bylaws or any amendment thereto which is in conflict with the Bylaws of the Division shall be deemed to be null and void, but such portions so held to be null and void shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of any other portion thereof.

Article XI

COMMITTEES

• Section 1. Not later than sixty (60) days following adjournment of the annual meeting of the Division, the President, subject to confirmation by the Board, may choose appoint the Chairpersons of all standing committees, with the exception of the Chairperson of the Nominations and Elections Committee. The Board shall determine terms of office of committee members. Standing committees are as follows:

A. Membership Committee: The Membership Committee shall be

composed of the Division Membership Chairperson and members selected by Chairperson. The function of this committee shall be to organize and direct the recruitment of membership for the Division and to make recommendations to the Board with respect to such activities. The

Committee shall serve from January 1 through December 31. The Membership Committee shall consist of three to seven members, as the current number of members permits. Said committee shall submit a membership recruitment plan to the Executive Committee within 30 days of appointment.

B. Program Committee: The function of this committee shall be to plan the convention program for the annual meeting of the Division. The President, subject to approval by the Executive Committee, shall appoint a Program Committee of three to five members promptly after the annual meeting. Said committee shall plan the annual meeting of the Division, submitting such plan to the Executive Committee within 90 days of appointment.

C. Nominations Awards and Elections Committee: The Nominations and Elections Committee shall consist of three to five members, each from a different region, including the immediate Past President, who shall chair said committee, shall be elected by the Delegate Membership Assembly. The functions of this committee shall be:

1. To annually seek nominations from the membership for each elected office of the Division to be filled and biannually seek

nominations for Treasurer.

2. To annually seek nominations from the membership for the Regional Board Member positions to be filled for a two-year term.

3. To tri-annually seek nominations from the membership for the Representative to the Association Board.

4. To prepare a mail ballot following the close of

nominations as prescribed in Bylaws, Article VII, Section 2.

5. To conduct the election process as specified by the Bylaws.

6. To seek highly qualified individuals for VEWAA awards.

D. Publications Committee: A Publications Committee of three to five

members, including the editors of the official publications of the Division, shall be appointed by the President, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. Said committee shall make nominations to the Executive Committee for the appointment to the positions of editor or editors of the Division’s official publications. Said committee shall make policy recommendations to the Executive Committee regarding the official publications of the Division.

• Section 2. Duties of Committees: The chairpersons of all committees shall insure that records of each committee be completed and submitted to the President at the time of the annual meeting of the Division.
• Section 3. Ad Hoc Committees: The President may, with Board approval, appoint such other committees as may be deemed necessary. The President shall be ex-officio a member of all committees except the Nominations and Elections Committee. The following are examples of Ad Hoc Committees that might be appointed:

A. Bylaws Committee: The Bylaws Committee may consist of three to seven members, each from a different region, appointed by the President, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. The Bylaws Committee’s purpose is to assess the Bylaws of the Division to determine where changes may be required. It shall develop and recommend to the Board such changes in the Bylaws documents as will aid the organization to meet its objectives and represent the interests of its members. Said committee shall also maintain the official copy of the Division’s charter and bylaws and a file of all the Unit and Regional constitution’s and bylaws.

B. Ethics Committee: An Ethics Committee of three to five members may

be appointed by the President, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee, promptly after the annual meeting, whose duty it shall be to make recommendations to the Executive

Committee regarding the Association/Division’s Code of Ethics.

C. Credentials Committee: The Membership Assembly may elect A

Credentials Committee of three to five members. Said committee’s purpose is to establish rules for certifying delegates from the various units and other membership areas to the Membership Assembly in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws.

D. Marketing Committee: A Marketing Committee of three to five

members may be appointed by the President, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. Said committee’s purpose is to develop and disseminate materials to educate the general public, students, consumers and rehabilitation professionals about vocational evaluation and work adjustment and VEWAA.

E. Governmental Affairs Committee: A Governmental Affairs Committee

of three to five members may be appointed by the President, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. Said committee shall develop and disseminate materials to educate governmental officials and legislators about vocational evaluation and work adjustment and

VEWAA.

F. Multi-Cultural Committee: A Multi-Cultural Committee of three to five

members shall be appointed by the President, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. Said committee will include an individual appointed as the Chair. This committee will work to increase writing, research and training in the field related to multi-cultural concerns.

Article XII

STATE AND REGIONAL UNITS

• Section 1. State Units: State units of the Division may be formed by member groups within a defined geographical area, which comprises the boundaries of the particular state under regulations adopted by the Board.
• Section 2. Regional Units: Members of the Division residing or working within a region may form a Regional Organization Unit under regulations adopted by the Board. Duties of the Regional Organization Units shall be to:

A. Hold an annual conference of its members in conjunction with the

Association’s regional conference.

B. Undertake such other activities as the membership may desire if such

activities are not in conflict with the objectives and purposes of the Division.

• Section 3. Procedures for State and Regional Affiliations: A group of members wishing to be approved as a Regional Unit or State Unit of the Division shall:

A. Submit a written Constitution and Bylaws not in conflict with the

Association’s Constitution or the Division’s Bylaws to the Division Board for approval.

B. Submit a letter requesting Unit approval along with a slate of officers.

• Section 4. Unit Reports: Each Regional and State Unit shall submit to the Division an annual report covering the activities of the Unit for the preceding year.
• Section 5. Disaffiliation:

A. A State or Regional Affiliation may be suspended from VEWAA if it

pursues policies contrary to those of the Division and the Association.

Article XIII

PUBLICATIONS

The official publication of the Division shall be The Journal of Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment and the VEWAA Bulletin. Each shall be published quarterly.

Article XIV

AUDIT

There shall be an annual audit of the financial affairs of the Division conducted by the Association.

Article XV

DISSOLUTION CLAUSE

• Section 1. The dissolution of the Division can be achieved by a vote of two thirds of the Division’s voting membership through a mail ballot. This mail ballot must be conducted and supervised by a special committee appointed by the National Rehabilitation Association President.
• Section 2. The Division shall use its funds only to accomplish the objectives and purposes specified by these bylaws. No part of said funds shall inure or be distributed to the members of the Division. On dissolution of the Division, the Board of Directors shall distribute any remaining funds to the National Rehabilitation Association, a 501(c)(3) organization, which is devoted to similar intents and purposes as the Division.

Article XVI

AMENDMENTS

• Section 1. Amendments Proposed by Membership: Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed at any business meeting of the Division, and, if approved by a majority of the members present, such proposed amendments shall be referred to the Bylaws Committee for study and reported to the VEWAA Board with its recommendations. The VEWAA Board will submit proposed VEWAA Bylaws changes to the Board of the Association for approval. Upon Board of the Association’s approval the changes will be submitted to the VEWAA membership. If approved by two-thirds of the membership at the Assembly or mail vote, such amendments shall become effective at the annual meeting unless otherwise stipulated within the amendment.
• Section 2. Amendments Proposed by the Board: When a change in the Bylaws is needed, in the opinion of the President, Executive Committee, or the board, such recommendations shall be made to the Bylaws Committee. This committee shall prepare such needed amendments and submit them to the Board. If approved by a majority of the Board, the amendment shall be submitted to the Board of the Association for approval. If approved by the Board of the Association the amendment shall be submitted to the VEWAA membership for approval.
• Section 3. All VEWAA Bylaws amendments must be consistent with the Association Constitution and Bylaws, Policy, and be approved by the Association Board.

Article XVII

FAIR HEARING PROCEDURES FOR

DIVISION MEMBERS AND OFFICE HOLDERS

Any individual who is a current member of the Division who feels that he/she has a membership problem is encouraged to contact his/her Chapter President for an informal discussion towards resolving the issue. Most problems can and should be resolved at this point. In the event the member feels that it would not be in his/her best interest to approach the Chapter President, the member should contact a Board Member who will present the issue to the Board, so that action

can be taken to resolve the matter in a judicious and expeditious manner.

Grievances: Charges advanced by members of unfair treatment or dissatisfaction with any aspect of membership in the Division beyond the control of a member but subject to the control of the Division are appropriate matters for the fair hearing procedures described above.

Nongrievable Matters: Matters limited by law and/or which are outside the scope of the Division’s authority or control should not be presented for fair hearing; however, matters that are unclear regarding grievability will be heard, and members will be advised whether those matters are grievable or not. Under usual circumstances, a member may be notified that his/her membership may be revoked because of a violation of the “VEWAA Code of Ethics”; or, an

officeholder may be notified that he/she may be removed from office because of malfeasance, nonfeasance, or violation of the “VEWAA Code of Ethics”. Persons who receive such notices also have the right to a fair hearing. The Division will adhere to the following steps when removal from membership or office is considered:

1. The violation or failure is reported to the Board.

2. The person charged will be notified in writing of all charges brought against him/her and will be encouraged to respond to such charges.

3. A committee is appointed by the Board to investigate the charges.

4. Findings of the committee are reported to the Board.

5. Findings of the committee are reported to the Board to either remove, admonish, or exonerate the member/officeholder charged. The person who is charged has a right to a fair hearing by the Board prior to such action.

6. Any member/officeholder who is charged with the violation of, or noncompliance with office or membership rules and who is removed by the Board shall be notified in writing of this action.

Article XVIII

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Members of the VEWAA Division shall not engage in any employment, activity or enterprise which has been or may be determined to be inconsistent, incompatible, or in conflict with duties, functions, ethics or responsibilities of their NRA or VEWAA membership.

Adopted September 21, 1976 Hollywood, FL

Amended September 26, 1978 Salt Lake City, UT

Amended September 18, 1979 Chicago, IL

Amended August 28, 1980 Louisville, KY

Amended August 19, 1984 Atlanta, GA

Amended November 17, 1991 Louisville, KY

Amended December 6, 1992 San Diego, CA

Amended November 1995 Dallas, TX

Amended March 14, 1997 Colorado Springs, CO

Amended January 26, 1998 Colorado Springs, CO