Article I — Name and Geographic Area
The name of this organization shall be the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (PNW AER), serving the states of Oregon and Washington.
Article II — Purpose
The purposes of PNW AER shall be to:
- Support professionals who provide education and rehabilitation services to persons who are blind or visually impaired
- Promote high-quality services through conferences, seminars, publications, and leadership training
- Advance professionalism through university training, credentials, ethics, and interdisciplinary cooperation
- Expand services through research, innovative programs, public policy, and forums for discussion
PNW AER is organized exclusively for educational and charitable purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Article III — Membership
Membership in PNW AER is open to all members of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) who reside or work in Oregon or Washington. There are no separate chapter dues; AER international membership includes chapter membership.
Article IV — Officers
The elected officers of PNW AER shall be:
- President
- President-Elect
- Immediate Past President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Three Members-at-Large
Officers shall serve two-year terms. Elections shall be conducted by electronic ballot. No officer shall serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office.
Article V — Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall consist of all elected officers. The Board shall meet a minimum of twice per year and may conduct business electronically between meetings.
A majority of Board members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Article VI — Committees
The President may appoint standing and ad hoc committees as needed. Committee chairs shall report to the Board of Directors.
Article VII — Meetings
PNW AER shall hold at least one general membership meeting per year, typically in conjunction with the annual conference. Special meetings may be called by the President or by petition of 10% of the membership.
Parliamentary authority for all meetings shall be Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
Article VIII — Elections
Elections shall be held biennially by electronic ballot. The President-Elect shall appoint a Nominations Committee at least 90 days before the election. All AER members in good standing within the chapter's geographic area are eligible to vote and hold office.
Article IX — Amendments
These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members voting, provided that the proposed amendment has been distributed to the membership at least 30 days prior to the vote.
Article X — Fiscal Controls
The fiscal year of PNW AER shall be July 1 through June 30. The Treasurer shall maintain financial records and provide reports to the Board. An annual financial review shall be conducted. In the event of dissolution, assets shall be distributed to AER International or another 501(c)(3) organization.
Non-Discrimination
PNW AER does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability.