BYLAWS
ARTICLE I-Name
Name. The name of the organization shall be the St. Louis Metro Black Deaf Advocates hereafter referred to as
STLMBDA
ARTICLE II-Objectives
Objective. The objective of STLMBDA shall be organized and operate mainly to promote the leadership
development, economic and education opportunities, social equality, and to safeguard the general health and welfare of black deaf and hard of hearing people.
ARTICLE III-Membership
Section 1: Eligibility Members
1.1 Any person actively involved in supporting or advocating the aims of STLMBDA as set forth in these Bylaws may
become member upon payment of Dues.
1.2 There shall be four (4) classifications of memberships: Regular, Senior, Student, and organizational memberships.
Section 2: Regular Membership
2.1 Regular membership is defined as a person who participates in STLMBDA meetings and has be to an actively
member.
2.2 Right of regular members are:
A) The right to serve on local chapter as St. Louis Metro Black Deaf Advocates (STLMBDA)
B) The right to serve on committee.
C) The right to hold an office.
D) Full voting and voicing privilege
Section 3: Senior Membership
3.1 Senior citizen member shall be applied to any individuals at the age Fifty Five (55) and older, upon payment of
annual due.
Section 4: Student Membership
4.1 Student member shall be applied to any individuals who are currently enrolled full time or part time at secondary or post-secondary programs, upon payment of annual due.
Section 5: Organizational Membership
5.1 Any organization with an interest in supporting the purposes and activities of the STLMBDA.
5.2 Organization membership is defined as any organization, agency or group paying organizational due to
STLMBDA.
5.3 Organization members can choose to represent them at STLMDA chapter meetings.
5.4 Rights of organizational members are: the right to serve on local committee with their voicing privileges.
Section 6: Expiration
6.1 Expiration of STLMBDA membership shall be the same month of the following year from the date member due paid.
Section 7: Membership Oath
7.1 Upon being initiated as member, new member shall appear in front of the membership at general meeting and take the following obligation:
“On my honor, I solemnly promise to abide by the bylaws of the Saint Louis Metro Black Deaf Advocates, be loyal and faithfully do my best to promote the best interest of this organization.”
ARTICLE IV-Dues
Section 1: Dues shall be decided by the STLMBDA Board and subjected to change according to NBDA guidelines.
Section 2: Individuals who pay for their membership dues to by a check are not members until their check clears. Once the check clears, they will become full members with all rights and privileges.
Section 3: Individuals who submit checks for membership dues that are not honored by their banks will be charged the current bank penalty fees plus administration costs.
Section 4: Individual who pay for their membership due in cash become full members immediately and can exercise all their rights and privileges of membership including being able to vote.
Section 5: Dues are payable annually on the anniversary date of enrollment as member.
Section 6: Member dues amount: Regular member- $30, Student member- $20, Senior member- $25, and Organization member- $75 - $100.
ARTICLE V-Board of Directors
Section 1: The Board of Directors shall be comprised of the following; President, Vice President, Secretary, and
Treasurer, Chapter Liaison, and two (2) Member at Large elected by the voting members of STLMBDA.
Section 2: Board of Directors and Duties
The Board of Directors shall:
A) Have general supervision of the affairs of STLMBDA between any meetings,
B) Make recommendations to STLMBDA
C) Perform such other duties as are specified in these bylaws,
D) Oversee and solicit funds for specific STLMBDA purposes
E) President and Vice President of STLMBDA must be Black and Deaf or Hard of Hearing and be the
members of the community and black deaf community
Section 3: President
3.1 The President shall:
A) Be the chief spokesperson for STLMBDA;
B) Call special meeting if needed
C) Appoint all committee chairs as needed subject to the approval of Board of Director
D) Shall Preside the general meeting
E) Shall prepare the agenda for general membership and board meetings
F) Be a member in good standing of the National organizations and local chapters prior to the
term of office
G) Perform all duties to the office of the President as may be prescribed by the Board of Director
H) Be ex-officio member of all committee
I) Shall co-sign all checks and shall be with the assistance of the Treasurer.
J) Shall supervise interpreters.
Section 4: Vice President
4.1 The Vice President shall:
A) Assume the duties of the President in the absence of the President or when the office of the
President become vacant;
B) Serve as the Chairperson of the Bylaws Committees unless otherwise appointed by the
President with consent of the board of directors; and
C) Perform all duties incident to the office of the Vice President as may be prescribed by the Board
of Directors.
D) Shall preside the Board of Director meeting
Section 5: Secretary
5.1 The Secretary shall:
A) Be responsible for the minutes of the STLMBDA meetings of the Board of Directors
B) See that all notices of the board and general meetings of the Board of Directors
C) Be custodian of the correspondences, records, information and materials of STLMBDA
D) Keep an update record of names and addresses of STLMBDA members
E) Perform all duties to the office of the Secretary and the Board of Directors may design.
Section 6: Treasurer
6.1 The Treasurer shall:
A) Be responsible for and oversee all financial administration of STLMBDA.
B) Maintain proper accounts and give receipts for money Dues and payable to STLMBDA and
NBDA and deposit all such money in the name of STLMBDA in appropriate bank or financial
institutions
C) Maintain and update memberships list for immediate and future contact with members
D) File timely reports with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and maintain STLMBDA incorporation
status
E) Performs all the duties incident to the office of the Treasurer and such duties as may be
assigned by the Board.
Section 7: STLMBDA Liaison (Representative)
7.1 The STLMBDA Liaison shall:
A) Represent STLMBDA to the Midwestern Regional Representative of National Black Deaf
Advocates (NBDA)
B) Submit a written summary of STLMBDA activities to the NBDA Mid-term meeting and NBDA
convention through Midwestern Regional Representative
C) Provide a report to STLMBDA membership of activities of NBDA from the mid-term meeting
and NBDA convention
D) Represent STLMBDA at varies statewide and national organizations whose mission is
consistent with the objectives, goals and mission of NBDA and STLMBDA.
E) Report and preside at general meeting during the absence of the President and Vice President.
F) Provide reports and information to the NBDA newsletter.
Section 8: Members At Large
8.1 The two (2) Members at Large shall:
A) Are the two (2) voting members of STLMBDA Board of Directors and are familiar with Roberts
Rule of Order
B) Accepts responsibilities for STLMBDA assignments by STLMBDA President.
C) Attends STLMBDA board, membership, and any committees meetings for which they have
responsibility
D) Understanding cultures and recruit future STLMBDA leaders
E) Makes recommendation to STLMBDA President for committee appointments.
F) Are available to receive direct feedback from members for input to STLMBDA board and to
communicate to inquiring members, appropriate information regarding actions of STLMBDA
board.
G) Mentors are available to provide advice to elected and appointed volunteers
H) Keep the records members’ attendance at the general meetings.
Section 9: Board of Directors’ Oath
The newly elected Board members shall be sworn in by the most immediate past officer in attendance following the
election. The new Board members shall repeat the following oath:
“I (NAME), do hereby pledge myself to follow by the By-Laws and Policy of St. Louis Metro Black Deaf Advocates and
to faithfully perform the duties of my office as (POSITION) to the best of my knowledge and ability.”
ARTICLE VI-Committees
Section 1:
The standing committees of STLMBDA shall:
1) Bylaws Committees
2) Fundraising Committees
3) Election Committees
4) Education Committees
5) Membership Committees
Section 2: The chairperson of any such committee shall report to the Vice President. The Vice President is the primary Board of Director responsible for routine oversight of the Committees, and for ensuring their coordinator and
cooperation with the Board of Directors and members of STLMBDA.
Section 3: Bylaws Committees
A) Member in good standing of STLMBDA for a year.
B) Clarify all conflicts in the Bylaws.
C) Accept proposed changes to the Bylaws.
D) Consist of at least three (3) active members appointed by the Vice President with Board of
Directors’ and members’ approval,
E) Work with the Vice President to review all proposed Bylaws amendments from the general
meeting and/or to update the Bylaws,
F) Maintain an official text of the Bylaws incorporating all changes as adopted by the
membership and shall verify as correct all published texts of the Bylaws.
Section 4: Fundraising Committees
A) Member in good standing of STLMBDA for a year.
B) Treasurer must be involve with Fundraising Committees for money handle.
C) Consist of at least three (3) active members appointed by the Vice President with Board of
Directors’ and members’ approval
D) Commitment to the vision, mission, and goal of STLMBDA
E) Provide input into development of the annual events fundraising (including annual
conferences, private events, silent auctions, cookouts, and etc.)
F) Report activities and communicate to the Chair of the Fundraising Committee
G) Liaise and communicate as appropriate with the Board of Director
H) Preparation for and participation in up to once monthly meeting (as needed)
I) Reports directly to the STLMBDA Board of Directors
Section 5: Election Committees
A) Member in good standing of STLMBDA for a year.
B) Consist of three (3) active members voted by majority of members sixty (60) days prior to
Election, with understanding these three selected members shall vote for chairperson,
C) Review the policies and procedures of the nominating committees with the committee
partners and members and insure that all activities of the committee are in agreement
D) Review nominees qualification for office
E) Solicit nomination from the meeting of STLMBDA
F) Hold office hours during the general or election meeting to provide information and
clarification on the nomination and elections process
G) Facilitate the candidates forum at the meeting
H) Reviews nominations from two (2) Member at larges
Section 6: Educational Committees
A) Member in good standing of STLMBDA for a year.
B) Consist of three (3) active members including the Vice President, who will appoint his/her
committee members from STLMBDA and
C) Provide educational programs in benefiting the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Community
D) Provide quality educational opportunities that engage and prepare STLMBDA for success in
learning.
E) Create positive, safe, and successful learning environments
F) Develop collaborative educational relationships the entire community, including individuals,
families, businesses, and organizations
Section 7: Membership Committees
A) Member in good standing of STLMBDA for a year.
B) Host and lead new members receptions at general meetings
C) Serve as greeters and facilitators at meetings.
D) Provide welcome, orientation and support for new members
E) Maintain and update new membership materials
F) Respond to inquiries regarding membership
Section 8: CRITERIA OF GOOD STANDING MEMBERSHIP
The criteria of a good standing member shall:
a) Be active member by paying membership dues within thirty (30) days after expiration.
b) Attend at least five (5) general meetings of STLMBDA per year.
c) Be entitled to vote and hold office as President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer in the
organization with two (2) years of continuous membership.
d) Be entitle to vote and hold office as Member at Large with one (1) year of continuous membership.
e) Must be resident of St. Louis Metro Area more than at least two (2) years and continuous be a good
standing member of STLMBDA
ARTICLE VII Term of Office
Section 1: One term is equivalent to two (2) years.
Section 2: Board of Directors cannot serve more than four (4) consecutive terms.
Section 3: Board of Directors are elected in November, newly elected Board of Directors shall assume their respective positions effective January 1 st of the new calendar year. They shall be sworn in by the most immediate past board in attendance following the election. The new Board of Directors shall repeat the following oath: Refer to Article V: Section 9.
ARTICLE VIII-Meetings
Section 1: General Meetings
1. The general meetings of STLMBDA shall be held on the third (3 rd ) Saturday of the month.
2. Notice of meeting shall be emailed, Facebook group, website, bullet boards from community, or mailed to
members at least two (2) weeks early before the date.
3. General meetings will be held nine (9) months from January through December except June, July, and August.
4. In month of August we will have Regional and National Conferences.
5. If there will be a date conflict or unforeseen circumstance the board can reschedule the general meeting to
another time depend on members vote.
Section 2: Special Meetings
1. Special meetings may be called by the President of STLMBDA with the Board of Directors approval or shall be called upon the written request of two/third (2/3) members of STLMBDA in good standing.
2. The purpose of special meeting announcement with at least two (2) weeks’ notice and shall be posting on website,
Facebook group, emailed or etc.
Section 3: Quorum
1. A quorum is established when a minimum of ten (10) or members in good standing for the conduct of any general
meeting, special meeting, or events of STLMBDA.
Section 4: Board of Director Meetings
1. The Board of Directors shall meet in an hour before general meeting start.
2. Notice shall be given to each Board of Directors at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of every general
meetings.
Section 5: Voting Rights
1. Each active member and one representative from an organizational member is entitled to one vote.
2. Votes may be cast by secret ballot or show of hands.
3. Voting for Election of officers is by secret ballot only.
4. Voting procedure decisions are made by the President and Vice President
5. There shall be no proxy voting.
Section 6: Agendas
The order of business at general meeting of STLMBDA shall be as follows:
1) Call to order
2) Recognition of visitors and new members
3) Approval of Minutes of the previous meeting
4) Officer’s Reports
5) Committees Reports
6) Old Business
7) New Business
8) Announcements
9) Adjournments
The order of business at Election meeting of STLMBDA shall be as follows:
1) Call to order
2) Recognition of Visitors and new members
3) Approval of Minutes of the previous meeting
4) Nominations announced by Nomination Committees 5)
Additional nominations on the floor (if any)
6) Election of Board of Directors and Members at Large
7) Board of Directors’ Oath
8) Announcements
9) Adjournment
ARTICLE IX-Parliamentary Authority
Section 1: Robert Rules of Order. All matters not covered by these the current edition of Robert Rules of shall
govern bylaws Order, Newly Revised. These bylaws shall be in effect until amendment as provided in Article X
ARTICLE X Amendment
Section 1: Amendment. These Bylaws may be amended upon affirmative vote of two-third (2/3) of the voting
members at the biennial NBDA national conference provided that the amendments are submitted to the Bylaw
Committee sixty (60) days prior to the conference, and that copies of proposed Amendments are sent to the Chapter
Representatives thirty (30) days prior to the start of the NBDA biennial national conference, and those Amendments are read during the conference and acted upon immediately thereafter.
Section 2: Suspension. Provisions of these Bylaws may be suspended in unforeseen and urgent circumstances by 2/3 vote of the voting members present and voting.
ARTICLE XI-Dissolution
Section 1: Upon dissolution of St. Louis Metro Black Deaf Advocates (STLMBDA) shall be sent to the headquarters,
National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) in the event NBDA is dissolved, the money shall be distribute to 501©3
organizations with goals and objectives consistent to those of STLMBDA and NBDA.
Section 2: If the St. Louis Metro Black Deaf Advocates is reactivated within five (5) years, the asset shall be
transferred back to the St. Louis Metro Black Deaf Advocates. If the St. Louis Metro Black Deaf Advocates is not
reactivated within five (5) years, such assets such shall be deemed forfeited to NBDA.
Adopted on September 17, 2016
STLMBDA Bylaws Committee
Tiara Mason, Chairperson
Marvin Haynes
Felicia Taylor
Sonya Smith
Revised on January 4, 2017.