Kaufman FFA

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Constitution/By-Laws

Kaufman FFA Chapter

Constitution

ARTICLE I - Name, Mission and Strategies

Section A. The name of this organization shall be the Kaufman FFA Chapter of the National FFA Organization and the Texas FFA Association.

Section B. The mission and strategies for this chapter are as follows:

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

1. Develops competent and assertive agricultural leadership.

2. Increases awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being.

3. Strengthens the confidence of agriculture students in themselves and their work.

4. Promotes the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career.

5. Encourages achievement in supervised agricultural experience programs.

6. Encourages wise management of economic, environmental and human resources of the community.

7. Develops interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications, human relations and social interaction.

8. Builds character and promotes citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism.

9. Promotes cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all people.

10. Promotes healthy lifestyles.

11. Encourages excellence in scholarship.

ARTICLE II - Organization

Section A. The Kaufman Chapter of FFA is a chartered local unit of the Texas Association of FFA, which is chartered by the National FFA Organization.

Section B. This chapter accepts in full the provisions in the constitution, bylaws and policies of the Texas Association of FFA and the National FFA Organization and the policies and regulations of the Kaufman Independent School District.

ARTICLE III - Membership

Section A. Membership in this chapter shall be of four kinds: (1) Active; (2) Alumni; (3) Honorary and (4) Junior, as defined by the National and Texas FFA Constitutions and by Texas FFA Association membership policies.

Section B. The regular activities of this chapter shall be carried on by the active membership.

Section C. To be eligible for active membership in this chapter, a student must meet the membership eligibility requirements of the National FFA Organization, the Texas FFA Association, and the Kaufman FFA Chapter . Active members in good standing may vote on all business brought before the chapter. An active member shall be considered in good standing when he or she:

1. Be enrolled in at least one Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources course during the school year and/or follow a planned course of study; either course must indicate a supervised agricultural experience program, the objective of which is to gain experience inn agriculture related careers.

2. Show an interest in the affairs of the Association by attending meetings, striving for degrees of membership, and participating in other organized activities of the chapter.

3. Pay all current District, Area, State and National dues by the date determined by the chapter.

4. Display conduct consistent with the ideals and purposes of the National FFA Association & with Kaufman ISD’s student conduct.

5. Meets all other local standards and requirements described in this chapter’s bylaws and policies.

Section D. The membership of Kaufman FFA Alumni must follow and adhere to the

guidelines and requirements which are stated in Kaufman FFA Alumni’s Constitution.

Section E. This chapter may elect to have a junior FFA organization. Junior members must meet all junior FFA membership requirements described in the Texas FFA Association Constitution and policies. A junior member shall be considered in good standing when he or she:

Shows an interest in the affairs of the organization by participating in organized activities of the chapter. Pays local and state dues by the date determined by the chapter.
Displays conduct consistent with the ideals and purposes of the National FFA Organization and with Kaufman ISD’s code of student conduct.
Meets all other local standards and requirements described in this chapter’s bylaws and policies.

Section F. Names of applicants for membership shall be filed with the secretary and/or the chairman of the membership committee.

Section G. The membership year for this chapter shall begin on September 1 and end on August 31 of each year.

Section H. Honorary Membership – Farmers, school superintendents, principals, school board trustees, advisory committee members, chapter advisors, teachers, staff members in agriculture, food and natural resource education, business peoples, support group members and others who are helping to advance agricultural education and FFA and who have rendered outstanding service may be elected to honorary membership. Honorary membership in this chapter shall be limited to the Honorary Chapter FFA Degree. Honorary Chapter FFA Degree recipients shall be entitled to wear the official silver or gold emblem pin.

ARTICLE IV - Emblems

Section A. The emblem of the FFA shall be the emblem for the chapter.

Section B. Emblems used by the members shall be designated by the National FFA Organization.

ARTICLE V - Degrees and Privileges of Active Membership

Section A. There shall be four degrees of active membership based on individual achievement. These degrees are: (1) Greenhand FFA Degree, (2) Chapter FFA Degree, (3) State FFA Degree and (4) American FFA Degree. All Greenhands are entitled to wear the regulation bronze emblem pin. All members holding the Chapter FFA Degree are entitled to wear the regulation silver emblem pin. All members holding the State FFA Degree are entitled to wear the regulation gold emblem charm. All members holding the American FFA Degree are entitled to wear the regulation gold emblem key.

Section B. Greenhand FFA Degree. Minimum qualifications for election:

(Refer to Texas FFA Constitution.)

1. Be enrolled in agriculture, food and natural resources course as defined by Texas FFA membership policies for high school credit and have satisfactory plans for a supervised agricultural experience program.

2. Learn and explain the meaning of the FFA Creed, Motto, and Salute.

3. Describe and explain the meaning of the FFA emblem and colors.

4. Demonstrate a knowledge of the FFA Code of Ethics and the proper use of the FFA jacket.

5. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the organization, the chapter constitution and bylaws, and the chapter Program of Activities.

6. Personally own or have access to the Official FFA Manual and the FFA Student Handbook.

Submit a written application for the Greenhand FFA Degree.

Section C. Chapter FFA Degree. Minimum qualifications for election:

(Refer to Texas FFA Constitution.)

1. Must have received the Greenhand FFA Degree.

2. Must have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least two semesters of systematic school instruction in agriculture, food and natural resources education at or above the ninth grade level, have in operation an approved supervised agricultural experience program and be enrolled in an agriculture, food and natural resources course.

3. Must have participated in the planning and conducting of at least three official functions in the chapter Program of Activities.

4. Must have earned and productively invested at least $50 by the member's own efforts and worked at least fifty hours in excess of scheduled class time and have developed plans for continued growth and improvement in a supervised agricultural experience program. The combination of hours and dollars must equal or exceed the number 200.

5. Must have effectively led a group discussion for 15 minutes.

6. Must have demonstrated five procedures of parliamentary law.

7. Have participated in at least 10 hours of community service activities. These hours are in addition to and cannot be duplicated as paid or unpaid SAE hours.

8. Must show progress toward individual achievement in the FFA award programs.

9. Must have a satisfactory scholastic record.

10. Must submit a written application for the Chapter FFA Degree.

Section D. State FFA Degree. Minimum qualifications for selection:

(Refer to Texas FFA Constitution)

Have received the Chapter FFA Degree.
Have been an active FFA member for at least two years (24 months) at the time of receiving the State FFA Degree.
Have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least four semesters of systematic school instruction in Agriculture Food and Natural Resources at or above the ninth grade level, which includes a supervised agricultural experience program.
Have earned and productively invested at least $200 and worked at least 200 hours in excess of scheduled class time, in a supervised agricultural experience program. The combination of hours and dollars must exceed or equal the number 800.
Have demonstrated leadership ability by:
1. Performing ten procedures of parliamentary law.
2. Giving a six-minute speech on a topic relating to agriculture or the FFA.
3. Serving as an officer, committee chairperson, or participating member of a major committee.
Have a satisfactory scholastic record as certified by the local agriculture, food and natural resources instructor and the principal or superintendent.
Have participated in the planning and completion of the chapter program of activities.
As of April 1, have completed ten activities above the chapter level in at least three of six different categories: leadership development events, career development events, conventions and meetings, project shows, student awards and leadership and service as described in policies adopted by the Board of Directors.
As of April 1 of the year the member is to receive the degree, have participated in at least 25 hours of community service within at least two different community service activities. These hours are in addition to and cannot be duplicated as paid or unpaid SAE hours.

Written records of achievement of all requirements, verified by the chapter FFA advisor, shall be submitted to the District Association as required by District 1 FFA Association and submitted to the State Association at least one month prior to the State FFA convention at which the State FFA Degree is to be received. The State FFA Executive Director shall provide for a review of the records and submit a recommendation to the State FFA Board of Directors, which shall nominate at the State FFA convention the candidates who have been found worth to receive the honor.

Section E. American FFA Degree. Minimum qualifications for selection:

(Refer to Texas FFA Constitution)

Have received the State FFA Degree, have been an active member for the past three years (36 months), and have a record or satisfactory participation in the activities on the chapter and state levels.
Have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least three years (540 hours) of systematic secondary school instruction in an Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources program or have completed the program of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the school last attended.
Have graduated from high school at least twelve months prior to the national convention at which the degree is to be granted.
Have in operation and have maintained records to substantiate an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program through which a member has exhibited comprehensive planning, managerial and financial expertise.
A student after entering agricultural education must have: a. earned at least $10,000 and productively invested at least $7,500; or b. earned and productively invested $2,000 and worked 2,250 hours in excess of scheduled class time. Any combination of hours, times a factor of 3.56, plus actual dollars earned and productively invested must be equal to or greater than the number 10,000. Hours used for the purpose of producing earning reported as productively invested income shall not be duplicated as hours of credit to meet the minimum requirements for the degree.
Have a record of outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement and have achieved a high school scholastic record of "C" or better as certified by the principal or superintendent.
Have participated in at least 50 hours of community service, within at least 3 different community service activities. These hours are in addition to and cannot be duplicated as paid or unpaid SAE hours.
Submit an application and supporting documentation pursuant to the deadlines and requirements described in Texas FFA policies and procedures.

ARTICLE VI – Officers and Executive Committee

Section A. The offices of an FFA chapter shall be: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter and sentinel. Other officers may be elected as deemed appropriate. The teacher(s) of agriculture, food and natural resources shall be the FFA advisor(s). Chapter officers shall be elected annually by first completing the application process. Applicants will be interviewed and quizzed on FFA knowledge. Teacher recommendations will factor into election process. The members present at a regular meeting or called special meeting of the chapter will conduct a popular vote. Procedures for electing officers and specific duties of each office are described in the bylaws of this chapter.

Section B. Pursuant to the provisions of the national and state constitutions, all chapter officers shall have attained the chapter FFA degree.

Section C. Officers shall serve from the posting/ notification of position to the succession of new officers the following year. Officers not upholding ideas/ standards of the National FFA organization/ Kaufman ISD, are subject to removal from office.

Section D. The elected officers of the chapter shall constitute the executive committee which shall convene to plan the activities of the chapter. Standing committee chairpersons may also be named as members of the executive committee. All policy decisions of the executive committee must be approved by the chapter. Telephone conferences of the executive committee may be called and considered meetings provided that all participating members may participate and be heard simultaneously.

Section E. Pursuant to the applicable constitutional, bylaw and policy provisions of the district, area and state associations and of the National FFA Organization, this chapter may nominate candidates for offices above the chapter level in a manner consistent with the provisions of its bylaws and policies. Candidates for district and area office shall have attained the chapter degree at the time of the district or area election. Candidates for state office shall hold the state degree at the time of the state election. Candidates for national office shall hold the American Degree at the time of their election to office.

ARTICLE VII - Committees

Section A. The standing committees of the chapter shall be described in the bylaws. The chapter may, at any meeting, create additional standing committees.

Section B. The chapter president shall appoint all committees and committee chairs. The terms of all committees shall expire on a date described in the chapter’s annual strategic action plan. Committee expiration may vary depending on duties but no standing committee term shall extend past the end of the fiscal year. The president shall have the authority to remove or reassign any committee chairperson or member, with the consent of the advisor.

Section C. No committee shall have the authority to expend chapter funds (unless expressly authorized to do so), amend the chapter’s constitution, bylaws or policies, appoint or remove a committee member, or take any action outside the scope of authority delegated to it by the chapter.

ARTICLE VII - Dues

Section A. Full local, district, area, state and national dues shall be paid by all active members.

Section B. No member shall be considered as active and in good standing unless he/she pays full local, district, area, state and national FFA dues.

ARTICLE VIII - Meetings

Section A. Meeting dates and times shall be fixed by the chapter’s executive committee with the advice and consent of the chapter advisor. Special meetings may be called by the president, by a majority vote of the executive committee or by the chapter advisor(s).

Section B. Proxy and cumulative voting are prohibited.

ARTICLE IX - Amendments

Section A. This constitution may be amended or changed at the regular chapter meeting held in October; by a two-thirds vote of the votes cast by a quorum of active members present providing it is not in conflict with the National FFA Organization or Texas FFA Association constitution, bylaws or policies Amendments must not conflict with the policies and/or regulations of the Kaufman Independent School District. Members shall be notified by mail, electronic mail or classroom announcement at least 30 days prior to a meeting at which any constitutional amendment is to be considered.

Section B. Bylaws may be adopted to fit the needs of the chapter at the regular chapter meeting held in October by a majority vote of a quorum of active members present providing such bylaws do not conflict in any way with the constitution, bylaws or policies of the Texas FFA Association, National FFA Organization or the Kaufman Independent School District. Members shall be notified by mail, electronic mail or classroom announcement at least 30 days prior to a meeting at which any amendment to the bylaws is to be considered.

ARTICLE X – Parliamentary Procedure

Section A. The Parliamentary Guide for FFA by Jarrell D. Gray shall be used as a guide for all chapter meetings. The latest edition of Roberts Rules of Order shall be the final authority in governing the actions of all chapter meetings.

Kaufman FFA Chapter

Bylaws

ARTICLE I. – Relationship to Constitution

The Bylaws shall be a part of the Constitution of the Kaufman Chapter of FFA.

ARTICLE II. – Location of Offices

The headquarters and principal office of the Kaufman Chapter of FFA shall be at Kaufman High School, 3205 South Houston Street, Kaufman, Texas 75142

ARTICLE III – Procedures for Electing Officers

Section A. The chapter shall adopt rules related to the election of Chapter and Greenhand officers which shall include, but not be limited to, designation of elections committee, filing deadlines, application forms, testing procedures and election date.

Section B. Qualified members shall declare intent to be considered for Chapter and Greenhand office by filing the required forms by the prescribed filing deadline pursuant to the rules adopted by the chapter.

Section C. Chapter officers shall be selected by a combination of (1) Written exam score, (2) Teacher Recommendations), (3) Application, (4) Interview score (5) Secret ballot vote of the members present a regular or called special chapter meeting.

Section D. Greenhand officers shall be selected by a combination of (1) Written exam score, (2) Application,(3) Secret ballot vote of the members present a regular or called special chapter meeting.

Section E. All written materials related to a Chapter and Greenhand election shall be deposited and retained in a secure location for no less than 30 days following the announcement of election results.

Section F. Appeals or protests related to a chapter election shall be filed pursuant to the grievances procedures of the Kaufman Independent School District.

ARTICLE IV – Duties of Officers

Section A. It shall be the duty of all officers to fulfill the responsibilities described in the officer contracted adopted by the chapter and agreed to by each officer at the time of declaring candidacy for chapter office.

Section B. The president shall preside at all of the chapter’s meetings, shall sign all official documents or authorize execution of said documents, appoint student committees and serve as an ex-officio member of all student committees, coordinate all chapter operations, represent the chapter in official functions and perform other such duties as usually pertain to the office of president.

Section C. The vice president shall perform the duties of the president in the event of the disability, death, resignation, removal or other inability of the president to perform such duties, develop the chapter’s program of activities, coordinate the operations of all student committees, serve as an ex-officio member of all student committees and perform such other duties and further duties as may be imposed upon him or her by the chapter.

Section D. The secretary shall make and keep correct records or minutes of proceedings of the chapter and executive committee, prepare and post meeting agendas, file reports, maintain member activity records, issue membership cards, update policy documents as directed and perform such other duties and further duties as may be imposed upon him or her by the chapter.

Section E. The treasurer shall have responsibility for accounting of all funds and property of the chapter. The treasurer shall provide direction and oversight to any and all who handle the monies of the chapter, assuring that the financial policies of the chapter and Kaufman Independent School District are followed completely, present financial reports, chair the budget and finance committee and perform such other duties and further duties as may be imposed upon him or her by the chapter.

Section F. The reporter shall chair the chapter public relations committee and develop public relations strategies to accurately define the public image of the agricultural education program and FFA chapter, develop or cause to be developed press releases concerning chapter activities, maintain chapter social media accounts, develop working relationships with all local and school district media, ensure a complete photographic record of all chapter activities and perform such other duties and further duties as may be imposed upon him or her by the chapter.

Section G. The sentinel shall have responsibility for all meeting related equipment and shall maintain an inventory of all such equipment, ensure that all meeting and social venues are ready to receive members and guests prior to each function, take charge of candidates for degree and award ceremonies, assist the president in maintaining order, ensure a welcoming environment for guests and perform such other duties and further duties as may be imposed upon him or her by the chapter.

Section H. The historian shall have responsibility for documenting events to create a complete and accurate chapter history and compile such documentation such as, but not limited to newspaper and magazine articles, photographs, video footage, significant web-based content, ceremony and banquet programs and other memorabilia which may be maintained to provide future generations a glimpse into the chapter's history. The historian shall also maintain records of historically significant anniversaries, past degree and award recipients, officers and alumni of distinction and periodically create displays which foster pride among the members and perform such other duties and further duties as may be imposed upon him or her by the chapter.

Section I. The parliamentarian shall achieve a level of proficiency in parliamentary law, as prescribed in policies adopted by the chapter and shall rule on all questions of parliamentary conduct at chapter meetings, conduct parliamentary workshops for younger members or develop other content or achievement benchmarks that foster value for mastery of parliamentary procedures. The parliamentary shall have custody of the chapter's parliamentary reference texts and shall perform such other duties and further duties as may be imposed upon him or her by the chapter.

Section J. The chaplain shall present invocations or benedictions at chapter functions and conduct or cause to be conducted reflections and camps, conferences and workshops as deemed appropriate by the chapter and shall perform other such duties and further duties as may be imposed on him or her by the chapter.

Section K. The Greenhand officers shall be present at chapter functions, stand in for absent members at meetings by completing opening and closing ceremonies, and participate in other events as designated by chapter officers.

ARTICLE V – Resignation, Removal of Officers, Officer Vacancies

Section A. The advisor(s) may, with good cause, remove any officer elected by the chapter. Good cause shall include, but not be limited to, violation of the provisions of the chapter’s officer contract, violation of chapter or departmental rules of conduct, violation of the school code of student conduct or violation of state or federal laws.

Section B. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the advisor(s). Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified in the notice, and, unless otherwise specified in the notice, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

Section C. Should an office become vacant; the officers shall shift up to assume the title and duties of the new office. The executive committee and advisor(s) may appoint an interim officer to fill any other vacancy until the chapter elects a qualified replacement.

ARTICLE VI – Committees

Section A. The standing committees of the chapter shall be in harmony with the National FFA Organization’s Quality Standards for Local Chapters. The committee designations and description contained in these bylaws shall be amended to reflect the most current quality standards for Local Chapters adopted by the National FFA Organization for the membership year following revision of such standards. Such amendments shall me made without action by the chapter.

Section B. Members of this chapter may be assigned to a committee which is deemed commensurate to the member’s interests, talents and skills. The chapter shall not be obligated to staff all committees, but any of the standing committees may be activated by the chapter president without the action of the chapter.

Section C. Each standing committee shall develop and submit to the executive committee a plan within the committee’s scope of responsibility and an estimated budget within the timelines prescribed by the president. Each committee shall make regular and timely reports to the chapter concerning progress towards its respective goals.

Section D. The standing committees of the chapter and their respective duties are:

Student Development-Leadership shall plan and execute strategies which help each member develop technical, human relations and decision-making leadership skills to enhance personal success.
Student Development-Healthy Lifestyles shall plan and execute strategies which promote the well-being and self-esteem of each student, mentally and or physically.
Student Development-Supervised Agricultural Experience shall plan and execute strategies which promote student involvement and growth through agriculture- related experience and/or entrepreneurship.
Student Development-Scholarship shall plan and execute strategies which develop a positive attitude toward lifelong learning experiences.
Student Development-Agricultural Career Skills shall plan and execute strategies which develop agricultural occupation and career skills through a progressive learning environment.
Chapter Development-Recruitment shall plan and execute strategies to increase agricultural education enrollment and/or FFA membership and encourage greater participation.
Chapter Development-Financial shall plan and execute strategies which encourage thrift and good financial management among members through earnings, savings and investments.
Chapter Development-Public Relations shall plan and execute strategies to promote a positive image of agricultural education and FFA and to inform students, parents, school officials and the community about chapter and member accomplishments.
Chapter Development-Leader Development shall plan and execute strategies to develop teamwork and cooperation skills among chapter officers, committees and members.
Chapter Development-Support Group Relations shall plans and execute strategies to develop and maintain positive relations among the FFA, parents, community leaders and industry.
Community Development-Economic Development shall plan and execute strategies designed to improve the economic welfare of the community.
Community Development-Environmental Awareness shall plan and execute strategies to preserve natural resources and develop more environmentally responsible individuals.
Community Development-Human Resources shall plan and execute strategies intended to improve the welfare and well being of members and citizens of the community.
Community Development-Citizenship shall plan and execute strategies to encourage members to become active, involved citizens in their school, community and country.
Community Development-Agricultural Awareness shall plan and execute strategies to help the public become better informed about the food system and related agricultural issues.

Section E. Subcommittees of a standing committee may be created by the president, executive committee, advisor or by the committee with the permission of the president and advisor.

ARTICLE VII – Transactions of the Chapter

Section A. The fiscal year of the chapter shall begin on June 1st and end on May 31st.

Section B. The chapter shall adopt policies and procedures consistent with the fiduciary policies, procedures and audit standards of the Kaufman Independent School District.

ARTICLE VIII – Grievances and Appeals

Grievances and appeals shall be addressed under the auspices of the student grievance policies and procedures of the Kaufman Independent School District.