African American Voices at The Ohio State University

ARTICLE I- Name, Purpose and Non-Discrimination Policy of the Organization

Name: African American Voices at The Ohio State University

Purpose: Our purpose is to foster an environment on campus whereby students can come together to celebrate God’s existence through song as well as contribute to the urban community while striving to achieve academic excellence. And while doing so, sharing the African American tradition with others.

Non-Discrimination Policy: This organization and its members shall not discriminate against any individual(s) for reasons of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, age, or Vietnam- era veteran status.

ARTICLE II- Membership

Participants of the African American Voices choir must be enrolled students of the university, musically equipped and have time, discipline, and kindred spirit to meet overall goals of the program. Must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Those who do not will receive a verbal and written warning. If status does not change by next quarter they will be dismissed. Board members that do not maintain a 2.0 will be dismissed from their position.

ARTICLE III- Organization Leadership

Each member is elected by the general body and will serve for one academic year. Must attend all choir rehearsals, meetings and engagements on time. E-Board must be 15 minutes early than general body before engagement.

President- Provide effective leadership that ensures all facets of the choir are operation together; Chair and manage all E-Board meetings and choir rehearsals; Prepare agenda for all meetings and rehearsals; Communicate with the Advisor , act as spokesperson for choir, Delegate responsibility to other board members, Appoint members of E-Board if a member is terminated or resigns

Vice President- Act in conjunction with share responsibility with president. Serves in absents of President. Oversees all committees; Coordinate engagement, traveling, and housing arrangements for traveling. Collect all monies from engagement and turn them over to treasure.

Treasurer- Account for all choir financial transactions; Provide treasurer reports to the E-Board and choir as called for; Meet at least twice a month with the Pres, vice pres. And secretary on all money business Music Director- Be prepared each rehearsal; Teach songs and parts; Provide song taps to section leaders and musicians as needed; Provide section leaders and musicians with a list of songs for a performance at least 48 hours in advance to engagement; Communicate with president

Section Leader- Be prepared for rehearsal; Teach section parts; Report all issues relating to your section to the Musical Director and the President; Meet with the other section leaders at least twice a month; Call members of section about engagements, change in rehearsal, or any other choir information.

Chaplin’s- The chaplains are non-voting members of the E-Board. Their job is to provide spiritual stability throughout the choir though the manner of scripture, prayer, and any other inspirational methods they choose, before and after engagements and rehearsals

ARTICLE IV- Advisor or Advisory Board

Supports participation in student organization Work with organization but not dictate group’s programs or activities, but be frank in offering suggestions. Be informed of decisions and plans of group and know goals of the group Attend E-Board meetings as needed and engagements in entirety

ARTICLE V- Meetings of Organization Executive Board meets twice a month Band meets twice a month Section Leaders meet twice a month General Body meets once a week for the entire academic year (except summer quarter) and any other meetings deemed necessary

ARTICE V1- Contracts/Engagements

For any proposed engagement, Vice President must provide contracts between the organization and the paying party. Once contract has been signed, the choir must perform at the engagement according to the contract stipulation. During performance, the entire choir will perform. Once under contract the organization is obligated to perform.

ARTICEVII- Method of Amending Constitution

Proposed amendments must be in writing and will not be acted upon but read in the Executive Board meetings in which they are proposed, will be read again at a specified number of subsequent Board meetings and the general meeting in which the votes will be taken. It will require either a 2/3 or ¾ majority of the Executive body. Additionally a majority or 2/3 vote of membership will be required for an amendment. Voting amongst the general body will be done when deemed necessary. ARTICLE VIII- Method of Dissolution of Organization

Poor attendance, poor academic achievement, and social misconduct are all grounds for dismissal from choir. The procedure for dismissal will begin with a written and verbal warning. If the conduct persists then a written dismissal notice will be mailed.

By-Laws

ARTICE I- Parliamentary Authority

Meetings shall follow the order of Robert’s Rule of Order or a modified version thereof

ARTICLE II- Membership

To become a member must pay dues of $10.00 a quarter. Dues must be paid by third week of every quarter, or an additional $1.00 will be added every additional week that it is late. There are no refunds Engagements fees are non-refundable. This stipulation must be put in every contract that AAV makes with an employer. Engagements fees vary with location and cost of transportation to the choir. Attendance: 3 unexcused absences he/she will be dismissed from choir. After 2 he/she will received written warning. In order to be excused the secretary must be notified 24 hours ahead of time. Same holds for E- Board. After 2 unexcused the member will leave position. Choir members who do not attend the rehearsal before a performance will not be permitted to sing in the performance. He/she will be encouraged to attend to support the choir. Each choir member is required to complete four fundraising/service activities

ARTICLE III- Attire

Female choir members must have in their wardrobe, the following attire: All black dress or black blouse/black shirt; all black dress pants; white blouse; all black dress shoes; and black or flesh colored hosiery. (NO formfitting clothing please and black means all black!) Male choir members must have in their wardrobe the following attire: All black dress pants; black shirt; white shirt; black dress socks; black dress shoes; dress tie In addition to those items, choir member will be asked to wear uniform choir attire, which will be purchased, rented, borrowed during school year.

ARTICLE IV- Election/Appointment of Government Leadership

Elected officers must be enrolled students a The Ohio State University Resignation must be written two weeks prior to leaving. Impeachments will be decided by the executive board if the President falters or dysfunction in his/her duties, after which Vice-President becomes new president. Elections are held a mother prior to the ending of academic year. The general body will make nominations one-week prior to elections. A ballot will be formulated. The general body will then vote new officers during week of elections Emergency appointments: If a member of the executive board resigns, impeached or for any reason is unable to fill duties, the President will appoint a member to take the place of that board member. He/she may bring it to the E-Board as a matter of discussion, but the President has the final say

ARTICLE V- Method of Amending By-Laws

By-laws may be amended by proposing in writing and reading the amendment at an executive board meeting of the executive membership and then bringing the proposal to a vote at eh following meeting at which the proposal must win by 2/3 majority in order to be accepted in the constitution.