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Q. What is the purpose of Chapter bylaws? A. The Bylaws are the governing documents of the Chapter and is there to guide the chapter board's actions and decisions. They are helpful in preventing or resolving conflicts and disagreements. They can protect the organization from potential problems by clearly outlining rules around authority levels, rights, and expectations.
Q. How do Chapters amend their bylaws? Step 1: The chapter bylaws committee reviews the current bylaws and propose amendments to the chapter Board. Suggestion: compare with CAMFT Bylaws Step 2: The chapter Board reviews and votes on proposed bylaw amendments Step 3: In order to ensure any proposed bylaw amendments do not conflict with CAMFT bylaws, the proposed bylaw amendments need to be reviewed by: (a) independent legal counsel and CAMFT, or (b) CAMFT only.
Chapter Board of Directors Orientation/Onboarding Template
Chapter Board of Directors Duties/Responsibilities Template
Q. We have added a Board member mid-year. Do I need to notify anyone? A. Yes! Please email Michele Champion, Chapter Relations Manager, at mchampion@camft.org to let her know so that we can update the Chapter Leadership listserv and our website/records.
Q. How many pre-licensees can we have on our chapter board? A. CAMFT’s bylaws state that a chapter’s board may be comprised of no more than 35% pre-licensed or associate members. Such members cannot serve as President of the chapter. If you would like to request a variance for one of these rules, please contact Michele Champion, Chapter Relations Manager, at mchampion@camft.org.
Q. Can our chapter cover costs for a board member to attend an event? A. If the event is related to the board member’s chapter duties, yes! The board member can be reimbursed for their expenses to attend such an event.
Q. Can our chapter board meet via electronic means? A. Yes! Board meetings can take place over the phone or videoconference, in addition to in-person meetings. Board meetings cannot take place over email, but email can be used for unanimous written consent for decisions.
Q. Can we change when our elections are held? A. If your chapter bylaws specify when elections are held, you would need to amend the bylaws to change the election date.
Q. Can our chapter have two individuals serve as co-Presidents? A. Please look at your chapter’s bylaws to make sure this practice is not prohibited and contact Michele Champion, Chapter Relations Manager at mchampion@camft.org for more information. While California Corporations Code does not prohibit this practice, it is not necessarily a best practice.
III. Current Chapter Responsibilities
Chapter Playbook Table of Content
V. Financial Management