Southern New Jersey Chapter's Constitution

I. Name
The name of the chapter shall be the Southern New Jersey Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of German.

II. Purpose
The purpose of the chapter conforms to that of the national organization. It proposes to advocate for the teaching of German in the geographic area covered by this Chapter, to support the ongoing professional development of teachers of German, and to encourage a spirit of cooperation and fellowship among its members.

III. Membership
Any teacher of German or anyone interested in the teaching of German may join the chapter and the national association upon the payment of the annual dues as specified by the by-laws of the national association. All chapter members must belong to the national association. Membership will be retained by the continued payment of the annual dues.

  1. The national dues, which include subscription to the official publications of the national organization, are payable in September of the membership year for which they are intended. Only member in good standing may exercise the privileges of membership.
  2. Annual chapter dues are payable in September of the membership year for which they are intended.
  3. Graduate and undergraduate students whose status is verified by the chairperson of their departments may become Junior Members upon the payment of the annual dues for Junior Membership.
  4. A teacher who at the time of retirement has been a member of the AATG for at least fifteen years may elect Emeritus Membership. The dues for this type of membership are defined in the by-laws of the national organization.
  5. Honorary membership in the AATG may be granted only in accordance with the stipulations in the national constitution.
IV. Officers, Nominating Committee and Elections
  1. The officers of the chapter are the president, the vice-president, the secretary, and the treasurer (or secretary/treasurer).
  2. The nominating committee shall be constituted in accordance with the appropriate section(s) of Robert's Rules of Order. This committee asks for suggestions for nomination from the membership and attempts to present at least two candidates for each office.
  3. The slate shall be made known to all chapter member at least three weeks prior to the time of the election.
  4. Election shall be by secret ballot or by show of hands.
V. Administration
The administration of the chapter shall be in the hands of the Executive Committee which consists of the officers. In addition, the ex-president of the chapter may be a member of the Executive Committee for one year following his/her tenure in office.

VI. Meetings
The chapter shall meet at least two times a year. The time and the place of meeting shall be determined by the president after due consultation with the Executive Committee.

VII. Changes in the Constitution
The constitution of the chapter may be amended by a two-thirds vote of members present at any regular meeting. Such amendment or amendments may be proposed by the Executive Committee or by written notice to the Executive Committee by at least four members of the chapter not later than one month in advance of the meeting at which action is to be taken. The secretary shall submit such proposed amendment or amendments to the membership at least three weeks prior to the time of final action.

VIII. By-laws may be adopted or changed at any annual meeting of the chapter by a majority of the members present, provided that written notice of the proposed changes is sent to all the members at least thirty days prior to such meeting.

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