AAPC Mid-Atlantic Chapter By-Laws

Article I. Name

The name of the Chapter shall be the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the American Association of Political and Public Affairs Professions (AAPC). It shall be a member chapter of the national organization American Association of Political and Public Affairs Professions (AAPC).

Article II.  Purpose

The purpose of the Chapter is to promote professional development, collegiality, advancement and membership in the national American Association of Political Consultants.  Chapter jurisdiction will cover people who either work or reside in the states of: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the federal District of Columbia inclusive for purpose of membership.

Article III.  Membership

Membership shall consist of two types: Regular and Student. Student members shall have all rights and benefits of Regular members except they shall not be allowed voting privileges in Chapter business or elections. The Chapter shall also encourage membership from individuals affiliated with policy, elected (at all levels), corporate, and other politically related workplaces.

Article IV.  Dues

The Board of Directors shall retain the right to impose dues upon members in conjunction with the national organization.

Article V.  Board Meetings

Board members will be given at least two (2) weeks notice before a meeting.  A quorum will consist of a majority of the entire Board membership. Board members shall meet quarterly (four times per year) on a regular schedule and in a place to be set by the President.  A member shall be deemed in attendance in person, via telephone conference call or videoconference.

All meetings shall be conducted informally by the President, or in his or her absence by the vice-president or the presidential designee. Where official business is conducted, Roberts Rules of Order (in its most current edition) shall apply. In all votes before the Regular membership, a simple majority of established quorum shall prevail. Where a tie vote occurs, the presiding officer shall decide.

Article VI.  Directors

There will be twelve (12) directors (inclusive of 5 Officers) elected for one-year terms by the members at the annual meeting.  Four directors shall be Democratic-affiliated,  four shall be Republican affiliated, and four shall be non-affiliated. Directors are to be elected by a majority of established quorum present.  A quorum present includes Board members present by telephone or video conference.  No director may serve for more than five (5) consecutive terms, nor more than two in any one office.  Directors must adhere to general membership requirements and be current in dues owed.

Succession to office is not automatic, and a slate of directors may be selected by the Board at the Board meeting immediately preceding the annual meeting to serve in each office.  It is recommended, but not required, that the chapter President’s party affiliation or non-affiliation be different from that of the immediately preceding chapter President. The election shall occur at the annual meeting with nominations, other than the Board recommended slate, being accepted from the floor. The President shall preside at the election unless he/she is a candidate for office, in which case the Board will nominate and elect another Board member as presiding officer for only the election to office for which the President is a candidate.

Directors shall be chosen by considering the following criteria: length of service to the Chapter/AAPC, length of time in the profession, regional balance, party affiliation (including the general requirement to have representatives of both major political parties), and current ability and desire to assist the chapter in its goals – including personal time and financial commitments. No other considerations will be made.

Article VII.  Officers

The officers may consist of President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer , Program Director #1, Program Director #2,and Member Communications Director.  The President will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Chapter and must have previously served for at least one full elected term as a chapter officer.  The President shall assign further Director responsibilities, other than those provided in By-laws. The President may also assign non-Board voting Committee Chairmen on an “as needed” basis.  The Vice President shall be prepared to fulfill any responsibilities that the President is required to perform upon the President’s request or in the absence of the President. The Secretary-Treasurer will be responsible for maintaining the records of the Chapter, handling its monies and recording and distributing Board Meeting minutes. The Program Directors are responsible for the creation and execution of regular chapter events. Presidents who complete at least one full term in office and who do not seek re-election shall become President Emeritus and shall invited and  allowed to participate in all Board meetings as a non-voting Board member.

Article VIII.  Removal of Officers, Board Members, or Members

Officers or Board members may be removed for any reason by a two-thirds vote of the Board members present at a fully notified Board Meeting.  The subject of removal shall be notified and provided at least two weeks (2) notice to conduct a defense before a formal vote for removal.

The Board of Directors also reserves the right to withdraw chapter membership of any member who, in their opinion, violates the AAPC Code of Conduct or accepted professional standards. In all cases, the accused shall be notified and be able conduct a defense before a vote is made.

Article X.  Amendment of By-laws

The By-laws may be amended or repealed by a majority vote at a Board meeting.  All changes will be enacted, unless otherwise provided, within 30 days of an official vote. During this time a full notification will be made to the General membership of the chapter.  Full notification shall be fulfilled by either e-mail or by posting on the official Mid-Atlantic Chapter website (www.midatlanticaapc.com)

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Audit of Accounts

The Board is responsible for insuring that members have access to the annual written report on the financial position of the chapter. This statement shall be in the form of a balance sheet showing the particulars of its liabilities and assets, and a statement of its income and expenditures for the past year.  Full notification shall be given to the entire chapter by e-mail or by posting on the official Mid-Atlantic Chapter website (www.midatlanticaapc.com)

  • Loans – No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the organization and no evidence of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by a two-thirds majority vote of the board.
  • The chapter shall not enter into any financial obligation exceeding $2,500 unless authorized by a two-thirds majority vote of the board.
  • Unless authorized by a two-thirds majority vote of the board, any financial or legal obligation entered into by a board or chapter member without approval of the Board, shall be deemed a personal obligation by that individual.