Constitution - Alliance Handbook - ANJEE: Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education

CONSTITUTION

Article #1 - Name
The name of this organization is Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education.

Article #2 - Purpose
The purpose of the Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education is to provide a structure, for its members, which facilitates the improvement of environmental education efforts.

Article #3 - Goals
The goals of ANJEE are to:

promote environmental education in all formal and informal educational endeavors within the state.
encourage both pre-service and in-service training of teachers and educational administrators in environmental concepts, teaching methods and techniques.
provide a network service for the sharing of environmental education resource, experiences and expertise.
provide leadership in the formation and implementation of environmental education efforts that:*
1. Consider the environment in it's totality - natural and built, technological and social, economic, political, moral,cultural and historical, and health and aesthetic aspects.
2. Recognize the complexity and interrelated nature of environmental problems and their possible solutions.
3. Foster a learning process that continues through all stages of life.
4. Are interdisciplinary, with a focus on critical thinking and problem solving skills.
5. Emphasize active participation in preventing environmental problems and working towards their solutions.
6. Examine global, national, regional and local issues as a context for understanding and action.
7. Recognize the importance of a healthy environment and foster responsibility for assuring a sustainable future.

Article #4 - Membership

Any individual and /or organization who supports the Purpose and Goals of ANJEE is eligible for membership on payment of dues.
Payment of annual dues as prescribed in the By-laws will constitute admission to active membership in the appropriate category.
The amount of the dues will be determined by the Executive Board subject to approval from the Advisory Council and the provisions of the By-laws.
Categories of membership in the Alliance will be:
1. Student
2. Individual
3. Other categories for special events can be created by the Executive Board

Article #5 - Administration and Duties

A. Advisory Council

The Advisory Council will act as advisors to the Executive Board(defined in Article #5, Section B) and will provide a pool for special committees. Executive Board members will be elected from the Advisory Council. The Advisory Council will meet at least twice a year with additional meetings called at the discretion of the Executive Board.
Members of the Advisory Council will be active members of ANJEE.
The Advisory Council will consist of 10 to 25 members serving staggered two year terms and elected by the general membership via ballot. Members can serve no more than two two-year consecutive terms, but can be re-elected after spending one year off the Committee.
Nominations for the Advisory Council will come from the general membership, Advisory Council and Executive Board.
A vacancy occurring on the Advisory Council will be filled by affirmative vote of the rest of the Advisory Council subject to confirmation of the general membership at the next election. A person so elected, will serve the remainder of his\her predecessor's term.
Any member of ANJEE may attend the Advisory Council meetings, but may not vote.
Advisory Council members are expected to be active participants in one of the functioning committees of ANJEE

B. Executive Board

The affairs of ANJEE will be managed by a Executive Board.
Members of the Executive Board must be active members of ANJEE.
The Executive Board will include the President, President-elect, Past-president, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Membership Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Director (when post exists) and Chairs of the Standing Committees. Elected officers can serve no more than two consecutive two-year terms, but may be re-elected after spending one year off the committee.
The Executive Board will meet at least four times each year,have general charge of the affairs of ANJEE, assist in arranging programs, act on bills and expenses of budget-makers, and conduct such other business not otherwise provided for in the Constitution or By-laws.
A quorum will consist of 1/2 the Committee plus one.
Any vacancy of office will be filled by affirmative vote of the Advisory Council. A member elected to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the unexpired term of his/her predecessor.
Executive Board members are selected from the Advisory Council.
Any member of ANJEE may attend the Executive Board meetings, but may not vote.

C. Officers
The officers of ANJEE will consist of:

President
Opens and facilitates regular meetings of the Executive Board,sets agenda for Steering and Advisory Council meetings, oversees business affairs of ANJEE, coordinates standing and special committees,coordinates with Vice-president and Executive Director, with Executive Director, produces Annual Report, appoints committee chairs as necessary and mentors the President-elect.
The President will serve a one-year term.
President-elect
Assists President in all above duties, acquiring knowledge and skills necessary for his/her term as President.
The President-elect makes a three-year commitment. In the first year he/she serves as President-elect, the second year, he/she serves as President and in the third year, he/she serves as an active, mentoring Past-president.
Past-president
Serves as an active mentoring Past-president, assisting the President and President-elect in all above duties.
The Past-president will serve a one-year term.
Vice-president
Assists the President in administrative responsibilities and assumes the duties of the office of President when needed. Coordinates Annual Retreat, along with the appropriate regional Program Committee.The Vice-president will serve a two-year term, no more than two two-year consecutive terms.
Membership Secretary
Keeps the records of members and dues. Serves as chairperson to the Membership and Public Relations Committee.
The Membership Secretary will serve a two-year term, no more than two two-year consecutive terms.
Treasurer
Receive monies, keep a continuous and complete record of the finances of ANJEE, pay bills as authorized by the approved budget and/or Executive Board. The Treasurer will prepare and present a yearly audit and an annual budget to the Steering and Advisory Councils at the close of each membership year. The budget will, after review and approval by the Executive Board, be presented to the general membership at the Annual Meeting for final ratification. The Treasurer will also serve as a member of the Finance Committee.
The Treasurer will serve a two-year term, no more than two two-year consecutive terms.
Recording Secretary
Keeps meeting minutes for Advisory and Executive Board meetings. Forwards minutes to committee members within two weeks of the meeting.

Officers' terms are staggered. The Vice-president and Recording Secretary serve concurrent terms. The Membership Secretary's term is concurrent with the Treasurer's.

D. Standing Committees

Chairpersons of standing committees will be selected from the members of the Advisory Council and will serve on the Executive Board. Chairpersons will:
1. Coordinate and Chair Committee Meetings;
2. Contact all Committee members and volunteers to welcome them to the Committee;
3. With Committee, plan events and activities according to the Strategic Plan and the ANJEE Constitution;
4. Submit Meeting Minutes to the President, Planning Committee Chairperson and all committee members;
5. Maintain updated records of all committee members; and
6. Mentor potential future chairpersons.
The committee chair may choose members of the standing committees from the ANJEE general membership.
The Standing Committees of ANJEE will be:
1. Finance Committee
  The Finances Committee will identify means of raising funds,identify appropriate sources of funding, and develop grant proposals and requests for funding. The Treasurer will be a member of this Committee, but not its chair.
2. Publications Committee
  The Publications Committee will provide a quality newsletter on a regular basis. The chair of this Committee serves as the Newsletter Editor, is a member of the Executive Board and is expected to attend Steering and Advisory Council meetings.
3. Conference Committee
  The Conference Committee coordinates the Annual ANJEE Conference and as such is responsible for all details and logistics associated with providing a two-day professional development conference for environmental educators. The chair is selected by the President.
4. Membership Committee
  The Membership Committee keeps records, reviews demographics and interests of general membership, develops a membership report twice per year, organizes membership campaigns, initiates and coordinates activities (along with Program Committee and Public relations Committee) to promote membership. The Membership Secretary chairs this committee.
5. Public Relations Committee
  The Public Relations Committee promotes the organization through special events, special programs and traditional media avenues,develops promotional materials and tracks their availability and distribution. The chair is selected by the President.
6. Program Committee
  The Program Committee(s) organizes and sponsors regional special events and in-service workshops for members and potential members to develop skills, enhance networking and provide enrichment opportunities. Also supports and promotes programming developed by and for members and non-members. The Program Committee is divided regionally; North, Central, South.
7. Planning Committee
  The Planning Committee represents ANJEE in statewide efforts in educational reforms that enhance the quality of environmental education in the state. Involved in coordinating and implementing the organization's Strategic Planning efforts. Chair is liaison to NAAEE.

E. Special Committees
The Executive Board may appoint special committees as deemed advisable.Currently (January 2000) the functioning special committees areas follows:

Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee identifies, approves and nominates candidates for the elected positions in ANJEE, keeps records of terms and offices.
Awards Committee
Coordinates ANJEE's Annual Awards Program.
ANJEE Affiliates
ANJEE affiliates operate as special committees.

Article #6 - Amendment
Amendments to this Constitution will be approved by the Executive Board and the Advisory Council and brought to the Annual Meeting for vote. The full membership must be advised at least one month before the Annual Meeting.

Article #7 - By-laws
The Executive Board and the Advisory Council will establish By-laws.Such By-laws may be introduced at any Advisory Council meeting and will take effect upon approval by a simple majority.

Article #8 - Adoption
This Constitution and By-laws will be effective upon adoption by the Executive Board, subject to approval by the Advisory Council at its next meeting.
Adopted: September 23, 1985.
Revised: January 1994.
Revised: January 1999.

* Re: Article #3. Based on the criteria for environmental education as defined in the Tblisi Declaration, Intergovernmental Conference on Environmental Education, October, 1977.


		Promoting and Improving Environmental Education for people of all ages in New Jersey


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Home Members About Us About Us Alliance Song Regions North Central South Affiliates Schoolyard NJNREC WPNJ Membership Conference Calendar Press/Media Press/Media Getting the Word Out Teachers Students Links Awards		CONSTITUTION Article #1 - Name The name of this organization is Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education. Article #2 - Purpose The purpose of the Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education is to provide a structure, for its members, which facilitates the improvement of environmental education efforts. Article #3 - Goals The goals of ANJEE are to: promote environmental education in all formal and informal educational endeavors within the state. encourage both pre-service and in-service training of teachers and educational administrators in environmental concepts, teaching methods and techniques. provide a network service for the sharing of environmental education resource, experiences and expertise. provide leadership in the formation and implementation of environmental education efforts that:* Consider the environment in it's totality - natural and built, technological and social, economic, political, moral,cultural and historical, and health and aesthetic aspects. Recognize the complexity and interrelated nature of environmental problems and their possible solutions. Foster a learning process that continues through all stages of life. Are interdisciplinary, with a focus on critical thinking and problem solving skills. Emphasize active participation in preventing environmental problems and working towards their solutions. Examine global, national, regional and local issues as a context for understanding and action. Recognize the importance of a healthy environment and foster responsibility for assuring a sustainable future. Article #4 - Membership Any individual and /or organization who supports the Purpose and Goals of ANJEE is eligible for membership on payment of dues. Payment of annual dues as prescribed in the By-laws will constitute admission to active membership in the appropriate category. The amount of the dues will be determined by the Executive Board subject to approval from the Advisory Council and the provisions of the By-laws. Categories of membership in the Alliance will be: Student Individual Other categories for special events can be created by the Executive Board Article #5 - Administration and Duties A. Advisory Council The Advisory Council will act as advisors to the Executive Board(defined in Article #5, Section B) and will provide a pool for special committees. Executive Board members will be elected from the Advisory Council. The Advisory Council will meet at least twice a year with additional meetings called at the discretion of the Executive Board. Members of the Advisory Council will be active members of ANJEE. The Advisory Council will consist of 10 to 25 members serving staggered two year terms and elected by the general membership via ballot. Members can serve no more than two two-year consecutive terms, but can be re-elected after spending one year off the Committee. Nominations for the Advisory Council will come from the general membership, Advisory Council and Executive Board. A vacancy occurring on the Advisory Council will be filled by affirmative vote of the rest of the Advisory Council subject to confirmation of the general membership at the next election. A person so elected, will serve the remainder of his\her predecessor's term. Any member of ANJEE may attend the Advisory Council meetings, but may not vote. Advisory Council members are expected to be active participants in one of the functioning committees of ANJEE B. Executive Board The affairs of ANJEE will be managed by a Executive Board. Members of the Executive Board must be active members of ANJEE. The Executive Board will include the President, President-elect, Past-president, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Membership Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Director (when post exists) and Chairs of the Standing Committees. Elected officers can serve no more than two consecutive two-year terms, but may be re-elected after spending one year off the committee. The Executive Board will meet at least four times each year,have general charge of the affairs of ANJEE, assist in arranging programs, act on bills and expenses of budget-makers, and conduct such other business not otherwise provided for in the Constitution or By-laws. A quorum will consist of 1/2 the Committee plus one. Any vacancy of office will be filled by affirmative vote of the Advisory Council. A member elected to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the unexpired term of his/her predecessor. Executive Board members are selected from the Advisory Council. Any member of ANJEE may attend the Executive Board meetings, but may not vote. C. Officers The officers of ANJEE will consist of: President Opens and facilitates regular meetings of the Executive Board,sets agenda for Steering and Advisory Council meetings, oversees business affairs of ANJEE, coordinates standing and special committees,coordinates with Vice-president and Executive Director, with Executive Director, produces Annual Report, appoints committee chairs as necessary and mentors the President-elect. The President will serve a one-year term. President-elect Assists President in all above duties, acquiring knowledge and skills necessary for his/her term as President. The President-elect makes a three-year commitment. In the first year he/she serves as President-elect, the second year, he/she serves as President and in the third year, he/she serves as an active, mentoring Past-president. Past-president Serves as an active mentoring Past-president, assisting the President and President-elect in all above duties. The Past-president will serve a one-year term. Vice-president Assists the President in administrative responsibilities and assumes the duties of the office of President when needed. Coordinates Annual Retreat, along with the appropriate regional Program Committee.The Vice-president will serve a two-year term, no more than two two-year consecutive terms. Membership Secretary Keeps the records of members and dues. Serves as chairperson to the Membership and Public Relations Committee. The Membership Secretary will serve a two-year term, no more than two two-year consecutive terms. Treasurer Receive monies, keep a continuous and complete record of the finances of ANJEE, pay bills as authorized by the approved budget and/or Executive Board. The Treasurer will prepare and present a yearly audit and an annual budget to the Steering and Advisory Councils at the close of each membership year. The budget will, after review and approval by the Executive Board, be presented to the general membership at the Annual Meeting for final ratification. The Treasurer will also serve as a member of the Finance Committee. The Treasurer will serve a two-year term, no more than two two-year consecutive terms. Recording Secretary Keeps meeting minutes for Advisory and Executive Board meetings. Forwards minutes to committee members within two weeks of the meeting. Officers' terms are staggered. The Vice-president and Recording Secretary serve concurrent terms. The Membership Secretary's term is concurrent with the Treasurer's. D. Standing Committees Chairpersons of standing committees will be selected from the members of the Advisory Council and will serve on the Executive Board. Chairpersons will: Coordinate and Chair Committee Meetings; Contact all Committee members and volunteers to welcome them to the Committee; With Committee, plan events and activities according to the Strategic Plan and the ANJEE Constitution; Submit Meeting Minutes to the President, Planning Committee Chairperson and all committee members; Maintain updated records of all committee members; and Mentor potential future chairpersons. The committee chair may choose members of the standing committees from the ANJEE general membership. The Standing Committees of ANJEE will be: Finance Committee The Finances Committee will identify means of raising funds,identify appropriate sources of funding, and develop grant proposals and requests for funding. The Treasurer will be a member of this Committee, but not its chair. Publications Committee The Publications Committee will provide a quality newsletter on a regular basis. The chair of this Committee serves as the Newsletter Editor, is a member of the Executive Board and is expected to attend Steering and Advisory Council meetings. Conference Committee The Conference Committee coordinates the Annual ANJEE Conference and as such is responsible for all details and logistics associated with providing a two-day professional development conference for environmental educators. The chair is selected by the President. Membership Committee The Membership Committee keeps records, reviews demographics and interests of general membership, develops a membership report twice per year, organizes membership campaigns, initiates and coordinates activities (along with Program Committee and Public relations Committee) to promote membership. The Membership Secretary chairs this committee. Public Relations Committee The Public Relations Committee promotes the organization through special events, special programs and traditional media avenues,develops promotional materials and tracks their availability and distribution. The chair is selected by the President. Program Committee The Program Committee(s) organizes and sponsors regional special events and in-service workshops for members and potential members to develop skills, enhance networking and provide enrichment opportunities. Also supports and promotes programming developed by and for members and non-members. The Program Committee is divided regionally; North, Central, South. Planning Committee The Planning Committee represents ANJEE in statewide efforts in educational reforms that enhance the quality of environmental education in the state. Involved in coordinating and implementing the organization's Strategic Planning efforts. Chair is liaison to NAAEE. E. Special Committees The Executive Board may appoint special committees as deemed advisable.Currently (January 2000) the functioning special committees areas follows: Nominating Committee The Nominating Committee identifies, approves and nominates candidates for the elected positions in ANJEE, keeps records of terms and offices. Awards Committee Coordinates ANJEE's Annual Awards Program. ANJEE Affiliates ANJEE affiliates operate as special committees. Article #6 - Amendment Amendments to this Constitution will be approved by the Executive Board and the Advisory Council and brought to the Annual Meeting for vote. The full membership must be advised at least one month before the Annual Meeting. Article #7 - By-laws The Executive Board and the Advisory Council will establish By-laws.Such By-laws may be introduced at any Advisory Council meeting and will take effect upon approval by a simple majority. Article #8 - Adoption This Constitution and By-laws will be effective upon adoption by the Executive Board, subject to approval by the Advisory Council at its next meeting. Adopted: September 23, 1985. Revised: January 1994. Revised: January 1999. * Re: Article #3. Based on the criteria for environmental education as defined in the Tblisi Declaration, Intergovernmental Conference on Environmental Education, October, 1977.