ARTICLE I.  NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Associated Chemistry Teachers of Texas (ACT₂).

ARTICLE II.  PURPOSE

The purpose of this educational organization shall be to improve the quality of teaching of chemistry and chemical education throughout the state of Texas, to provide common ground for the exchange of ideas, and to recognize and support those interested in the teaching of chemistry at all levels. ACT₂ shall not conduct or carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and its regulations as they now exist or as they hereafter may be amended.

 ARTICLE III.  MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1 – The active membership shall consist of all who are interested in the teaching of chemistry at all education levels and who shall assent to the constitution and pay the regular dues.

                      SECTION 2 – An honorary member shall be one who has rendered meritorious service as a member of this association and who has retired from active teaching.  He/she shall have all the privileges of an active member except the holding of an elected office, voting, and payment of dues.  Meritorious service shall be determined by the Executive Board.

 ARTICLE IV.  OFFICERS

SECTION 1 – The officers of the organization shall be the president, president-elect, past president, secretary, treasurer and editor of the newsletter, and shall constitute the Executive Board.

SECTION 2 – The president-elect, president and past president shall each serve a two year term with direct succession from the president-elect to president to past president.

SECTION 3 – The past president shall not be elected to any office of the Associated Chemistry Teachers of Texas until three years after his/her term as past president. 

SECTION 4 – The secretary shall serve a term of office for two years and may be reelected. 

SECTION 5 – The treasurer shall serve a term of office for two years and may be reelected. 

SECTION 6 – The editor of the newsletter shall serve a term of office for two years and may be reelected. 

SECTION 7 – In the event of a resignation, death, or removal from office of the president, the president-elect shall assume the vacant office and complete the unexpired term plus the term he/she was elected to serve. 

SECTION 8 – In the event of a vacancy in any other office except that of past president, the Executive Board shall appoint a replacement.

 ARTICLE V.  ADVISORY BOARD

The Advisory Board shall consist of the Executive Board and the Regional Directors from designated regions in Texas.

 ARTICLE VI.  MEETINGS

There shall be at least one meeting a year which shall be held in the fall in conjunction with the CAST conference sponsored by the Science Teachers’ Association of Texas (STAT).  In even numbered calendar years, a second meeting shall be held in the summer at the association’s biennial conference.

 ARTICLE VII.  AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1 - This constitution may be amended by a majority vote of all active members of the association.

SECTION 2 - A proposed amendment shall be published in two consecutive newsletters prior to the vote.

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I.  ELECTION OF OFFICERS

SECTION 1 – The officers of the association shall be elected at the biennial conference and assume office August 1. 

SECTION 2 – The Executive Board shall publish a Call for Nominations in the newsletter prior to the biennial conference.

SECTION 3 – The election of officers shall be ballot cast by active members.  A majority of votes shall be necessary for election.  Write-in candidates are allowed and must agree to serve if elected.

ARTICLE II.  DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE BOARD

SECTION 1 – The duties of officers shall be those usual to their respective offices. 

SECTION 2 – The president shall preside at all general meetings of the association, the Executive Board, and the Regional Directors.

SECTION 3  - The president-elect shall be the Chairperson of the biennial conference.

SECTION 4 – The secretary shall keep the minutes and records of the association.  He/she shall conduct the correspondence and perform all other duties performed by such an officer. 

SECTION 5 – The treasurer shall receive all dues and pay out monies belonging to the association, prepare an annual financial report to be published in the fall newsletter, and maintain a membership roster.

SECTION 6 – The editor of the newsletter shall prepare a newsletter at least three times a year.

SECTION 7  - The Executive Board shall have at least two meetings per year and shall conduct the business of the association including the approval of the annual budget and the appointment of ad hoc committees.

 ARTICLE III.  REGIONAL DIRECTORS

SECTION 1 - The Regional Directors shall consist of representatives from regions across Texas. 

SECTION 2 – The Executive Board of ACT₂ shall nominate, approve and install new Regional Directors when necessary.

SECTION 3 - The Regional Directors shall act as an advisory board and shall serve as liaisons for the various regions.

SECTION 4 – There shall be at least one meeting a year.

 ARTICLE IV.  DUES

SECTION 1 – The dues of each active member shall be set by the Executive Board.

SECTION 2 – Dues are payable at the beginning of each fiscal year.  The fiscal year shall be from August 1 – July 31.

 ARTICLE V. AMENDMENTS 

SECTION 1 - These by-laws may be amended by a vote of all active members.  The amendment shall be adopted when approved by a majority of those casting votes by the election deadline.

SECTION 2 - A proposed amendment to the by-laws shall be published in two consecutive newsletters prior to the vote.