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The contents of our October newsletter include the following:
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 Introduction:
Deadline for AGM attendance Notice: In our schedule in the September newsletter we listed first the option to register October 18th before 8:00 am if you had not pre-registered. If you plan on doing that Lynn at TheWisdomWithin@frontiernet.net needs to know before noon October 12th as explained below. Otherwise if you plan on attending the AGM October 18th, we must receive your registration form and the $100.00 fee before Noon October 12th as we have to notify the Tuscany before midnight October 12th of the number of attendees for them to prepare for. I know some of you have told me you would be at the AGM and you are not on the registration list. Do not travel to Las Vegas and find out you did not register, or let Lynn know you planned on attending the AGM and the Tuscany has not prepared room or food for you. To be on the voting list you must be current with your dues or if you are a new member you will need to get your applications, fees and registration to Lynn before Noon on Oct. 12th. Lynn will also be preparing a list for check in and out to qualify you for the four (4) CEU’s you will receive for attending. One of the afternoon’s highlights will be a panel discussion by four BAUSA instructors. They invite your questions ahead of time. They will also answer questions that are not submitted in advance, but by submitting them early you will assure that your questions will be addressed. Simply send your questions to Sue Rutter USAdmin@Bowenwork.com with “Question for Panel” in the subject line.
Research here and from down under
Research is on our agenda for the AGM, put your thinking caps on and come up with some ideas for research, both certified type research and other projects that will aid us as Bowenwork Practitioners to improve our service to our clients. Read the letter from the Bowen Association in Australia sent to our association asking us to participate in some research that they are working on. We will need to evaluate their offer and decide if we can/or want to participate in their research. Read this letter and be prepared to discuss it and other research options that may be presented. Constitution and By-Laws
Only minor things and they will be marked in red with the exceptions of deletions which I will mention. This should be your last copy before the AGM so you may want to print it and bring it with you with any notes you may want to discuss. After a brief discussion we with vote to ratify both the Constitution and By-Laws so study them so you are up to date on the contents. The constitution: 4.2 Suggestion has been made to Change Honorary Member to either Honorary Professional Member or Lifetime Professional Member. I need to hear from you on this so I will have an idea what the membership wants before I get to the AGM. Added to 7.4 and our outside representatives this was added due to an oversight when we added the outside representatives. The By-Laws: We have deleted the amount of the membership dues from 2.2 because we give the Board of Directors the responsibility of setting that amount each year. By leaving it in we would have to have an amendment anytime they made a change thereby making it an item the members would have to vote on and negating the Directors authority to make the change. The decision on Honorary Member the same as mentioned above in the constitution. The last item in 2.2 Added the word Membership and at the end of sentence no dues but donations or funding accepted. ARTICLE 1. NAME 1.1 The corporate name of this organization is “American Association of Bowenwork Practitioners” (hereafter referred to in this document as “AABP”). ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE 2.1 To support credentialed Bowenwork practitioners and practitioners-in-training by increasing opportunities for members’ professional development and educating the public and healthcare professionals about Bowenwork’s effectiveness. ARTICLE 3. GOVERNANCE 3.1 The governance of AABP shall be under the direction of a Board 3.2 The organization may perform any function or purpose permitted by the organization’s Articles of Incorporation and this Constitution. ARTICLE 4. MEMBERS 4.1 The majority of the membership of this organization shall consist of credentialed Bowenwork practitioners and practitioners-in-training. 4.2 Membership categories shall be: Voting Memberships: Professional Member Full Member Honorary Professional Member or Lifetime Professional Member Non-Voting Memberships: Student Member
4.3 The descriptions and guidelines for these membership categories are included in the By-Laws. Additional categories may be added from time to time as determined by the Board of Directors. 4.4 Benefits and dues for each category of membership shall be reviewed by the Board of Directors annually. ARTICLE 5. OFFICERS, TERMS AND DUTIES 5.1 Officers. All officers of AABP must be voting members. The officers shall consist 5.2 Terms. The normal term of office shall be two (2) years. New officers shall assume their duties beginning the first day of the month following the election of officers. The Nominating and Elections Committee shall develop procedures to provide for staggered terms for officers and members-at-large of the board of directors, with (3) three years as the maximum term of office. Officers may run for re-election. 5.3 President. The President shall have the general oversight of the organization and shall, in consultation with the appropriate persons, direct the affairs of AABP. He/she shall chair the AABP annual general meeting (AGM) and shall call and chair meetings of the Executive Committee as well as any special meetings of members. He/she shall chair the Board of Directors if the Board of Directors has not selected a chairperson. 5.4 Vice President. The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President in the event of his/her absence or incapacity. He/she shall provide procedural guidance to the President in the conduct of all meetings and shall assist the President and assume any other responsibilities assigned by the President. 5.5 Secretary. The Secretary shall write and maintain the minutes and records of all meetings of the Executive Committee, the AGM, and any Special Meetings. He/she shall manage the organization’s correspondence with members and outside entities and, with the cooperation of the Treasurer, maintain an up-to-date list of current members. 5.6 Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be responsible for maintaining the financial records of the organization, collecting dues and fees, paying bills, submitting required governmental reports and submitting financial reports to the Executive Committee upon request with fourteen (14) day prior notice and an annual financial report at the AGM. The Treasurer shall present the annual budget proposal to the Executive Committee based on requests from committee chairpersons and members of the Executive Committee. 5.7 Second Vice President. The Second Vice President shall serve as chairperson of the Nominating and Elections Committee and shall assume any other responsibilities assigned by the President. 5.8 Resignation and Removal of Officers. An officer may resign at any time by giving a sixty (60) day written notice to all members of the Executive Committee. The officer resigning may remain on the Board of Directors for their remaining term if they so designate. An officer may be removed from office at any time by unanimous vote of the remaining officers for failure to perform his/her duties or for other just cause providing that he/she is given a fair opportunity to present his/her case. The decision of the Executive Committee may be appealed to the Board of Directors. 5.9 Vacancies. A vacancy in any office may be filled by majority vote of the remaining officers. Call on the Past President to break a tie if/when necessary. The person appointed to fill a vacancy will serve until the next regularly scheduled election.
ARTICLE 6. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 6.1 Composition. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the officers as designated in Article 5 of this Constitution. 6.2 Duties and Responsibilities. The Executive Committee shall (a) act for the organization between AGM’s, (b) take all actions necessary to fulfill the objectives of AABP within the constraints imposed by this Constitution and the organization’s By-Laws, (c) manage the budget, (d) propose a budget for the next year to the Board of Directors at least thirty (30) days prior to the AGM, (e) establish any standing and ad hoc committees it deems necessary and appoint the chairpersons thereof and (f) make minutes of its meetings available to the Board of Directors within seven (7) days of each meeting. 6.3 Meetings. The Executive Committee shall meet and confer in person or by conference call (by phone or electronic means) at least four (4) times a year.
ARTICLE 7. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 7.1 Composition. The Board of Directors shall be composed of the officers, the Past President, the chairpersons of all standing committees, five (5) voting members elected at large with consideration given to representation from all regions, two (2) representatives appointed by BAUSA and two (2) outside representatives selected from our Special Interest Members. 7.2 Duties and Responsibilities. The Board of Directors shall (a) establish policy and guide the direction of the organization, (b) provide feedback on the present operation and performance of the organization as it relates to members’ needs, (c) adopt a budget for the next year after reviewing the budget proposed by the Executive Committee, (d) review and establish fees, categories, qualifications, benefits and duties of membership, (e) receive and review reports from the Executive Committee and the Committee Chairpersons on the activities of the organization, (f) undertake any other duties deemed necessary by the Executive Committee in support of the objectives of the organization. 7.3 Meetings. The Board of Directors shall meet annually in conjunction with the AGM and at any other time(s) deemed necessary by the President or requested by petition of a majority of the board members. At least fifteen (15) days prior written notice of the date, time, and agenda for special meetings shall be given to the members of the Board. Special meetings can be in person, by phone or by electronic means as determined by the Executive Committee. The President shall chair all meetings of the Board of Directors if the Board of Directors has not selected a Chairperson. Any Director may waive advance notice in writing, including by email or facsimile. 7.4 Nominations and Elections. The elected members-at-large and our outside representatives of the Board of Directors shall be nominated and elected in accordance with the procedures contained in the by-laws for the nomination and election of officers. 7.5 Resignation and Removal of Directors. A Director may resign at any time by giving a 60 day written notice to all members of the Executive Committee. A Director may be removed from office at any time by unanimous vote of the Executive Committee for failure to perform his/her duties or for other just cause providing that he/she is given a fair opportunity to present his/her case. The decision of the Executive Committee may be appealed to the Board of Directors. 7.6 Vacancies. A vacancy in any of the elected seats on the Board of Directors may be filled by a majority vote of the Executive Committee. The person appointed to fill a vacancy would serve until the next regularly scheduled election. ARTICLE 8. MEETINGS 8.1 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM will be held annually. Notice of the place, time, and mode of meeting in person, by phone or by electronic means of each AGM shall be mailed or emailed to all members at least ninety (90) days before the meeting. The notice of the AGM shall include to the extent possible description of the particular matters to be considered for approval by the voting members. A complete agenda shall be sent to all members no later than two weeks (14 days) before the AGM. 8.2 Special Meetings. Special meetings of membership may be called by the Executive Committee as needed or when petitioned by one-fifth (1/5) of the voting members. Notice of the time, place, mode of meeting in person, by phone or by electronic means and the specific purpose(s) of a Special Meeting must be received by the President at least four (4) weeks prior to the date on which the meeting is to be held. The President must announce the meeting within one (1) week of receiving the notice. 8.3 Minutes. Minutes of the AGM shall be published in the AABP newsletter and/or distributed by email. Request will be honored for copies to be mailed. 8.4 Quorum. A quorum for the AGM or special meetings shall be one-tenth (1/10) of the voting members. Should a quorum not be present at any meeting in which a vote is required the Executive Committee will prepare a summary of the proposal, including all arguments pro and con, and poll all voting members through a mailed or emailed ballot, the ballot to be returned within a time determined by the Executive Committee. Whether in person or by email or mail, the total vote required in any matter before the membership must be equal to or exceed one-tenth 1/10 of the voting members. 8.5 Voting. Except for amendments to the Constitution or By-Laws, motions shall be passed by a majority of those voting. Voting may be by proxy as described in the by-laws. ARTICLE 9. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION 9.1 Proposal. Amendment(s) may be proposed in writing by the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors or petition by twenty percent (20%) of the voting members. Proposals that might impact local, state or federal governmental legislation require prior approval from BAUSA before they can be brought to the membership. 9.2 Ballot. The Executive Committee shall mail or email to all voting members any proposed amendment(s) together with all arguments pro and con, and a ballot, to be returned and tallied within a stated period of time. 9.3 Voting. Passage of amendments to the Constitution requires a quorum of 25% of voting members participating and a two-thirds (2/3) majority of those voting. Voting may be either by mail, email or through the AABP web site. 9.4 Notification. All members shall be notified of any amendment(s) to the Constitution within one (1) week by email, mail or newsletter. Date Ratified ___________________________________
ARTICLE 1. FISCAL YEAR
1.1 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of AABP shall be May 1st through April 30th. ARTICLE 2. MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES, REQUIREMENTS AND DUES
2.1 Benefits and fees for each category of membership shall be determined and 2.2 Membership categories shall be: Voting Memberships: Professional Member Practitioner must be certified by the BTAA. Practitioner must be current with registration fees to BTAA/BAUSA. Practitioner must have signed the AABP Code of Ethics. Practitioner must have paid the annual AABP membership dues. Practitioner must show proof of liability insurance coverage. Full Member Practitioner-in-training must have completed Bowenwork Module 6. Practitioner-in-training must be current with registration fees to BTAA/BAUSA. Practitioner-in-training must have signed the AABP Code of Ethics. Practitioner-in-training must have paid the annual AABP membership dues. Honorary Professioal Member Non-Voting Memberships:
Student Member Student must be enrolled in the Bowenwork Training Program. Student must be current with registration fees to BTAA/BAUSA. Student must have signed the Bowenwork Training Program’s Code of Ethics. Student must have paid the annual AABP membership dues. Special Interest Member: “Friends of Bowenwork” Membership by request, of Executive Committee or Board of Directors, based o special interest in Bowenwork, e.g., research, training, legislative, etc. No dues but donations or funding will be accepted. ARTICLE 3. STANDING COMMITTEES 3.1 Any member in good standing may serve on a standing committees unless specified otherwise in the committee’s descriptions. The chairperson of each standing committee shall be a voting member and shall serve on the Board of Directors. 3.2 Nominating and Elections Committee. (a)Purpose: To nominate candidates for office and oversee the elections process. (b) Composition: The Nominating and Elections Committee for the coming year shall be appointed by the Executive Committee no later than 120 days prior to the start of the fiscal year. The committee shall consist of from three to seven members and be reasonably representative of the membership. The Second Vice President shall chair the Nominating and Elections Committee except if s/he is running for re-election, in which case the First Vice President will stand in as Chairperson of the Nominating and Elections Committee. (c) Duties. The committee shall execute the duties described in (d) and (e) below and shall follow the same procedure for the nomination and election of the members-at-large and outside representatives of the Board of Directors. (d)Nomination of Officers. Initial calls for nominations shall be mailed or emailed to all voting members no later than sixty five (65) days before the beginning of the names may be placed in nomination at the request of at least five (5) voting Elections Committee, no later than fifteen (15) days after the start of the fiscal year,
(e)Election of Officers. Officers shall be elected in an election process conducted by mail and/or email. An election ballot containing the names of the nominees and biographical information shall be sent to all voting members no later than thirty-five (35) days after the start of the fiscal year. In order to be counted, election ballots must be returned to the Nominating and Elections Committee no later than fourteen (14) days after the date the ballot is sent, or the vote may be cast on the members- only portion of the AABP web site when it becomes operational. The Nominating and Elections Committee shall tally the ballots within two (2) business days. The individual receiving the most votes for each office shall be deemed elected and shall be so notified by the committee. The results of the election shall be announced to the membership by email or in the next newsletter. 3.3 Marketing Committee Purpose: To enhance public awareness of Bowenwork by publishing and distributing information supporting the effectiveness of Bowenwork both by itself and as a complementary technique used to support and enhance healthcare. Develop good working relationships with professionals’ and other complementary practitioners. 3.4 Website Committee Purpose: To support the growth of member’s knowledge through a system, providing Bowenwork information, an opportunity to share and AABP association contacts. A venue by which practitioners may be encouraged and advice shared so we may all profit from acquired knowledge and enhance our effectiveness as practitioners and help each other expand our business. 3.5 Legislative Committee Purpose: To support the right to practice in our individual regions by sharing information and giving general support to members as they deal with governmental agencies that regulate massage and/or other professions. 3.6 Ethics Committee Purpose: To provide and promote high standards of practice and ethics in the practice of Bowenwork. Future: develop standards of practice and procedures for assuring that unethical behavior by practitioners is addressed and measures taken to correct the problem and/or apply disciplinary procedures. 3.7 Research Committee Purpose: To provide encouragement, support and interaction on research projects and to provide a means to educate professionals and the public about research results. 3.8 Other Committees. The Executive Committee shall be authorized to establish any standing or ad hoc committees it deems necessary to carry out AABP objectives and to appoint the chairpersons thereof. ARTICLE 4. AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS 4.1 Proposal. Amendment(s) may be proposed in writing by the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors or petition by ten percent (10%) of the voting members. 4.2 Ballot. The Executive Committee shall mail or email to all Board members any 4.3 Voting. Passage of amendment(s) to the by-laws requires a quorum of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board members participating. The amendment(s) shall be submitted to all Board members by mail or email and shall be approved by a majority of those voting either by mail, email or through the AABP web site. 4.4 Notification. All members shall be notified of any amendment(s) to the by-laws in the next mailing, by email or newsletter. ARTICLE 5. ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL PROVISIONS 5.1 Membership Fees. The Board of Directors shall annually review and establish, if 5.2 Membership Term. Payment of the appropriate membership fee shall entitle a 5.5 Claims. No individual member or groups of members shall have claim to any property belonging to AABP. 5.6 Books and Records. AABP shall keep current and complete books and records of account, and shall keep minutes of the proceedings of the AABP AGM, Executive Committee and Board meetings, Minutes of the committee meetings shall be the responsibility of the individual committees. Specific books and records of the corporation may be inspected by any member or the member’s agent, with five (5) business days notice, for any proper purpose at any reasonable time according to Law. AABP is incorporated in the State of Texas the registered agent is Neil Hall and the principal office is located at 710 Butternut St. Suite B, Abilene, Tx. zip code 79602. ARTICLE 6. DISSOLUTION OF THE ORGANIZATION 6.1 Upon dissolution of the organization, and after the payment or the provisions for ARTICLE 7 . ETHICS 7.1 The members of AABP shall be governed by the AABP Code of Ethics. At a later time, when needed, we may set up a Standards of Practice and Ethical Principles (SOP/EP) to be developed by a Board of Administration of Standards, Ethics, and ARTICLE 8. CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST AND BUSINESS ETHICS 8.1 Membership in AABP carries with it a responsibility to be constantly aware of the importance of ethical conduct not only to our clients and associates in healthcare but also in our business dealings. Therefore when representing AABP all members shall avoid matters in which a conflict of interest may exist. Exactly what constitutes a conflict of interest or an unethical business practice is both a moral and a legal question. The officers of AABP reserve the right, however, to determine when an activity of a member or group of members conflicts with AABP’s interests and to take whatever action is necessary to resolve the situation. Although it is not possible in a general policy statement of this sort to define all the various circumstances and relationships that would be considered unethical, the following examples suggest some of the types of activities that would be considered unethical: 1. Carrying on AABP business with a firm in which the member, or a close associate or relative of the member, has a substantial ownership or interest, if substantial personal or financial gain would be the result. 2. Accepting substantial gifts or excessive entertainment from an outside organization or agency to influence the obtaining of business or other favors. 3. Misusing privileged information or revealing confidential data to outsiders. 4. Using one’s position in AABP or knowledge of its affairs for outside personal gain. ARTICLE 9. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE 9.1 Except as provided herein, Robert’s Rules of Order shall be used as a guideline Date Ratified :________________________________________ A link to research letter from Australia.Research Letter |