Constitution of the Clarkstown High School South Chapter of the Junior State
PREAMBLE
We, the citizens of the Clarkstown High School South Chapter of the Junior State, in order to achieve high standards of citizenship, improve our understanding of democratic processes, develop responsibility in the individual, and promote involvement in community affairs, do establish this organization.
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this organization shall be “The Clarkstown High School South Chapter of the Junior State”.
ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP
SECTION A
Membership will be granted to all students who have paid required annual membership taxes and are attending Clarkstown High School South.
SECTION B
Members are expected to follow proper procedure and show respect for established rules at all Junior State functions.
SECTION C
Membership may be denied to those who show continual disrespect and disregard for established rules and regulations of the Junior State of America.
ARTICLE III: OFFICERS
SECTION A
Any student may run for office provided that a person is a chapter member that has fulfilled two of the following three requirements during the scholastic year:
(i.) has been moderator, main affirmative, or main negative speaker at least three (3) times during weekly JSA meetings.
(ii.) has attended 50% of all JSA meetings or more.
(iii.) has attended either one (1) state conventions or two (2) regional conventions.
SECTION B
Nominations for the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer will commence two weeks after the Northeast JSA Spring State Convention. Elections will occur at the proceeding week’s meeting. Only members who have paid membership taxes by the Spring State Convention may vote in the election. The candidate receiving a plurality of votes cast shall be declared the winner.
SECTION C
The term of all elected officers shall start at the last meeting of the year during which they are elected and end at the last meeting of the next year. The incoming president will be sworn in by the outgoing president at this final meeting. In the case of a vacant position, the President may appoint a replacement with the approval of a majority of the chapter. If the president resigns or is impeached, the Vice President becomes President.
SECTION D
There shall be four (4) elected officers:
1. President – This officer is the chief executive of the chapter and is responsible for representing the chapter at all JSA functions. The President will preside over all meetings and is responsible for the chapter’s continued growth and activity. The President may appoint other officers as the need arises.
2. Vice President – This officer assists the President and is first in the line of succession to the Presidency.
3. Secretary – This officer keeps the minutes of all meetings and records and maintains all chapter records.
4. Treasurer – This officer is in charge of all monetary matters of the chapter. The Treasurer heads all chapter fundraising activities and collects all member taxes. The Treasurer also keeps records of all financial gains and losses over the course of his or her term.
SECTION E
Officers may be appointed at the discretion of the elected officers and the teacher-advisor to direct essential areas of chapter activities.
SECTION F
There shall be a minimum of two (2) appointed officers:
1. Director of Debate – This officer is in charge of creating debate topics for each meeting and providing a brief summary of each debate topic.
2. Director of Activism – This officer is in charge of establishing an activism cause for the school year with the consent of a majority of the chapter members, educating the members about the cause, and galvanizing chapter members to action.
SECTION G
Any officer may be removed for failing to uphold their position by a two-thirds vote of chapter members present and voting, provided that notice has been given that this motion will be considered. An impeached officer will be given a minimum of three minutes to speak before the chapter votes on his or her status.
ARTICLE IV: TEACHER-ADVISOR
SECTION A
The teacher-advisor of the Clarkstown High School South JSA Chapter reserves the right to veto any board decision that he or she feels is unconstitutional or against the best interests of the school or chapter membership.
SECTION B
Following a meeting with the board members, the teacher-advisor may expel any chapter member who is considered in violation of Article II, Section B.
SECTION C
Any new departments that are deemed necessary by the board may be created as long as the teacher-advisor finds the new department appropriate.
ARTICLE V: ACTIVITIES
SECTION A
The chapter shall meet a minimum of twice a month during the school year. Meetings may be called by the President or Teacher-Advisor.
SECTION B
All meetings shall be run according to Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised Edition.
ARTICLE VI: AMENDMENTS
This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the chapter members.
ARTICLE VII: RATIFICATION
This Constitution shall take effect upon ratification by the board members and the teacher-advisor.
