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National Executive Council Handbook My role: I acknowledge that my primary roles as a council member are to contribute to defining the organization’s mission and governing the fulfillment of that mission, and to carry out the functions of the office of NEC Member and/or Officer as stated in the bylaws. My roles as a council member will focus on the development of policies that govern the implementation of institutional plans and purposes. These plans should be coordinated with the Executive Director at Headquarters for their implementation. My commitment: I will exercise the duties and responsibilities of this office with integrity, collegiality and care. I pledge: To establish as a high priority my attendance at all meetings of the board and committees on which I serve. To be prepared to discuss the issues and business addressed at scheduled meetings, having read the agenda and all background material relevant to the topics at hand. To work with and respect the opinions of my peers who serve this council and to leave my personal prejudices out of all council discussions. To always act for the good of the volkssporting community. To represent this organization in a positive and supportive manner at all times and in all places. To observe the parliamentary procedures and display courteous conduct in all board and committee meetings. 1001 Pat Booker Road, Suite 101 Universal City, Texas 78148 Phone: 210.659.2112 Fax: 210.659.1212 Email: [email protected] Revised 9/4/2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1 II. Mission, Vision and Values Statement ......................................................................... 2 III. National Executive Council ........................................................................................... 3 A. Members .............................................................................................................. 3 B. Duties ................................................................................................................... 3 C. Guidelines for NEC Members ............................................................................. 4 D. Conflict of Interest - Whistle Blower - Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure ....... 5 E. Council Member Expectations ........................................................................... 7 F. Executive Committee .......................................................................................... 8 G. Appointed Officials ............................................................................................. 8 H. Executive Director ............................................................................................... 9 IV. Governing Documents ................................................................................................ 10 A. IVV Rules ............................................................................................................ 10 B. Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws .............................................................. 10 C. Policy Manual .................................................................................................... 10 D. Robert’s Rules of Order (Parliamentary Guidance) ....................................... 10 V. Administrative .............................................................................................................. 13 A. Tools ................................................................................................................. 13 1. Equipment ............................................................................................... 13 2. Supplies .................................................................................................. 13 3. Personal .................................................................................................. 14 B. Consignments ................................................................................................... 14 C. Reimbursement of Expenses and Supplies Provided by AVA ...................... 18 D. Non-Profit and Donations ................................................................................. 22 VI. Meetings ....................................................................................................................... 23 A. Guidelines .......................................................................................................... 23 B. When and Where ............................................................................................... 25 C. Dress Code ........................................................................................................ 29 VII. Council Duties .............................................................................................................. 30 A. President ............................................................................................................ 30 B. Vice President ................................................................................................... 31 C. Secretary ............................................................................................................ 32 D. Treasurer ............................................................................................................ 33 E. Regional Directors ............................................................................................ 33 VIII. Committees ................................................................................................................. 38 A. Committee Chairs ............................................................................................. 38 B. Committees ........................................................................................................ 38 IX. Recognition/Awards Program..................................................................................... 40 A. The AVA Honors Program ................................................................................ 40 B. Special Recognition Awards ............................................................................ 40 C. Regional Level Awards ..................................................................................... 41 X. NEC Special Fund Raising Events ............................................................................. 42 XI. History of Biennial Conventions and Presidents ...................................................... 44 I. INTRODUCTION International History In January of 1968, six sports clubs from Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria banded together to form the Internationaler Volkssportverband E.V. (IVV). Translated, it means, International Federation of Popular Sports. The objective of this new organization which was referred to as the “IVV” was to provide outdoor sports that would be free of competitive pressures and time clocks. The hallmark: Out- of-doors, non-competitive events where “Everyone’s A Winner!” National History Volkssporting made its debut in the United States as the direct result of efforts by the Rev. Mr. Kenn Knopp, a Catholic Deacon living in Fredericksburg, Texas. He was instrumental in organizing IPS-USA (International Peoples’ Sports-United States of America) an organization to govern American volkssporting. It was chartered and incorporated in the state of Texas on 28 April 1976 and it was accepted as an Associate Member of the IVV two days later on 30 April. The first volksmarch was held at Fredericksburg, Texas on 12-13 June 1976 as part of the celebration of the Bicentennial of American Independence. About 230 people took part in this historic volkssport event on American soil. The first national convention for American Volkssport clubs and volkssporters was held in Yellow Springs, Ohio (Dayton area) 15-17 June 1979. Eighteen of 21 clubs attended the first national convention and Dr. David Toth was elected as the first president. During the convention the organization’s founding name (IPS-AVA) was changed to the American Volkssport Association (AVA) so the name would better reflect this country. Also, the name change would avoid any confusion with the name of the parent organization, the International Federation of Popular (Peoples’) Sports. The return of military members and their families to the United States from Europe were the catalysts to establish and promote volkssporting nationally. The American Volkssport Association (AVA) became the 12th member country of the IVV on 7 July 1979. 1 II. MISSION STATEMENT The AVA is the advocate for the promotion and organization of walking and other noncompetitive sporting events that encourage physical fitness, fun, and friendship for people of all ages and abilities. VISION STATEMENT To be recognized as the premier noncompetitive sports organization in the United States with sustained growth and a sound financial base. VALUES STATEMENT The AVA values fun, fitness and friendship through quality, family oriented noncompetitive events. This promotes America’s spirit of teamwork where everyone can achieve their personal best. i.e., “Everyone’s A Winner!” 2 III. NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL A. Members The National Executive Council (NEC) consists of four Officers, ten Regional Directors and an Executive Director. 1. The Officers are President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer. The Officers are elected at-large at the biennial convention. They each have one vote. 2. Regional Directors represent constituents