BYLAWS OF THE UTAH CHAPTER OF THE SOCIETY FOR PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATION (USOPHE)
Revised 2024
We, the undersigned natural persons all being of the age of eighteen years or more, acting as the incorporators under the Utah Nonprofit Corporation and Cooperative Chapter Act, adopt the following Bylaws for such Corporation:
ARTICLE I
NAME AND MISSION
The name of the corporation shall be the Utah Chapter of the Society for Public Health Education (USOPHE). The mission of the Chapter is to improve the health of Utahns by promoting the advancement of the health education/promotion profession and the employment of health educators in the public and private sectors.
ARTICLE II
DURATION OF THE CHAPTER
The period of duration of this corporation is perpetual. The Chapter shall exist in compliance with the provisions of the Utah Nonprofit Corporation Act until such time as the Chapter no longer can fulfill its purposes as outlined in Article III. A majority of the Board of Directors shall be necessary to disincorporate the Chapter.
ARTICLE III
PURPOSE AND POWERS
To act and operate exclusively as a nonprofit corporation pursuant to the laws of the State of Utah, and to act and operate as a charitable organization established to provide professional development to all individuals involved with the practice of health education/promotion and to assist students and other individuals preparing to become health educators. The Chapter will carry out this mission through any of the following activities:
1. Establishing and maintaining a registry of chapter members who are professional health educators.
2. Holding conferences, workshops, and seminars devoted to health education and promotion.
3. Conducting other activities determined by the Board of Directors to be consistent with the mission of the Chapter.
4. Engaging in any and all activities and pursuits, and supporting or assisting such other organizations, as may be reasonably related to the foregoing and following purposes.
5. Engaging in any and all other lawful purposes, activities, and pursuits, which are substantially similar to the foregoing and which are or may hereafter be authorized by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are consistent with those powers described in the Utah Nonprofit Corporation Chapter Act, as amended and supplemented.
6. Soliciting and receiving contributions, spending corporate funds for corporate purposes, and engaging in any activity in furtherance of, incidental to, or connected with any of the other purposes.
ARTICLE IV
RESTRICTIONS
A. Any income received by the Chapter shall be applied to nonprofit purposes and objectives of the Chapter set forth herein, and no part thereof during membership or upon termination of membership, shall insure to the benefit of any private member or individual.
B. The Chapter shall comply with the USOPHE Conflict of Interest Policy as found in Appendix A.
C. In the event of dissolution, the residual assets of the Chapter will be turned over to one or more organizations which themselves are exempt as organizations described in sections 501(c)(3) and 170C2 of the Internal Revenue Code, or the Federal, State or local government for exclusive public purposes.
D. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, this Chapter shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by:
1. An organization exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) or the Internal
Revenue Code of 1954 or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law, or,
2. A corporation, contributions to which are deductible under section 170C2 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1954 or any other corresponding provision of any future United States
Internal Revenue Law.
ARTICLE V
MEMBERS
Section 1 – Membership and Eligibility
A. USOPHE shall offer membership to health education professionals and health education students, and may offer membership to others if their membership enhances and promotes its mission and otherwise adheres to these bylaws.
B. Applications for membership are accepted and processed by the Treasurer. All members with current paid dues shall have one vote in all Chapter business.
C. The Board of Directors may, at its discretion, identify and establish membership types, fees, and discounts.
Section 2 – Dues and Event Fees
Dues and event fees shall be established by the Board of Directors upon recommendations of the Finance Committee. Individual membership dues may be paid at any time during the year. Memberships are valid for 12 months from the time the payment is made.
Should questions arise regarding ambivalence in membership classification and appropriate dues, the case involved may be appealed to the Board of Directors for resolution.
ARTICLE VI
OFFICERS
The officers of the Chapter shall constitute the Board of Directors (“Board” and “Board Members”) and their terms of office and duties shall be provided by these bylaws.
All Board Members shall be Professional Members of USOPHE by January 1 of the year following their appointment to the board and shall be chosen by the voting membership from a slate of candidates prepared by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
Section 1 – Definition
A. The officers of the Chapter, known as the Board of Directors, shall consist of President, President-Elect, Chapter Delegate to SOPHE, Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate Past-President, Committee Chairs, and a Student Board Member. No individual shall hold more than one elected office at the same time.
B. It shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to establish the policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the Chapter in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation. All Board Members will adhere to and sign the USOPHE Conflict of Interest Policy as they enter their respective term of office.
Section 2 – Duties
A. President
The President shall be the presiding officer of the Chapter and is responsible for the overall administration of the Chapter. The President must be a member of the national SOPHE association, and a Professional Member of USOPHE.
The President shall:
- Oversee all committees and receive report backs.
- Oversee strategic plan.
- Oversee annual by-laws review.
- Conduct all Board meetings.
- Sit on the Finance Committee.
- Attend President/House of Delegate monthly calls.
- Provide resources and information from SOPHE.
- Support Delegate with annual report to SOPHE.
- Be a member of the National SOPHE organization. The President’s membership dues for the national SOPHE organization will be paid for by USOPHE.
- Attend the national SOPHE conference or identify a designee to attend on the President’s behalf, if possible. Costs associated with attendance to the national SOPHE conference may be paid for, in full or part, by USOPHE, as the budget allows. SOPHE conference costs must be approved by the Finance Committee and by the board prior to traveling.
- Serve for a one year appointment.
- Assume the role of the Immediate Past President upon completion of their one-year term.
B. President-Elect
The President-Elect must be a Professional Member of USOPHE (by January 1 of the year following the President-Elect’s appointment to the board) and shall be chosen by the voting membership from a slate of candidates prepared by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The President-Elect performs duties as delegated by the President, and in the absence of the President, assumes the duties of the President. At the conclusion of the term, the President-Elect automatically assumes the office of the President.
The President-Elect shall:
- Provide support to the President on projects.
- Serve as co-chair on the Conference Planning Committee.
- Help organize the USOPHE committees.
- Sit on the Finance Committee.
- Serve for a one year appointment.
- Assume the role of the Immediate Past President upon completion of their one-year term.
C. Chapter Delegate
The Chapter Delegate to SOPHE shall be a professional member of National SOPHE, a Professional Member of USOPHE, and shall be chosen by the voting membership from a slate of candidates prepared by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
The Chapter Delegate to SOPHE shall:
- Participate in Chapter conference calls.
- Represent the Chapter (or identify a proxy) by attending and participating in SOPHE House of Delegates and Chapter Development meetings.
- Act as a channel of communication between SOPHE and USOPHE.
- Be a member of the National SOPHE organization. The Chapter Delegate’s membership dues for the national SOPHE organization will be paid for by USOPHE.
- Attend the national SOPHE conference. Costs associated with attendance to the national SOPHE conference may be paid for, in full or part, by USOPHE, as the budget allows. SOPHE conference costs must be approved by the Finance Committee and by the board prior to traveling.
- Bring SOPHE House of Delegates deliberations to the Chapter, and Chapter issues and concerns to the SOPHE House of Delegates.
- Submit relevant items for each Chapter newsletter.
- Write the Chapter redesignation report for SOPHE to maintain Chapter status as required.
- With assistance from the President, submit the Annual Chapter Report (ACR)to SOPHE.
- Be excluded from the election as the Chapter Delegate to SOPHE, should the occasion arise where the Delegate is elected to serve as an officer in SOPHE.
- Participate in at least one Chapter committee.
- Serve for a two year appointment.
D. The Secretary
The Secretary maintains the meetings and is responsible for the operations of the Chapter, in partnership with the President and other Board members. The Secretary shall be chosen by the voting membership from a slate of candidates prepared by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
The Secretary shall:
1. Keep a record of all transactions and meetings of the Chapter.
2. Carry out correspondence of the Chapter as directed by the President to the members and Board of Directors.
3. Sit on the Finance Committee.
4. Post all ballots used in election and amending procedures.
5. Notify the Board of Directors of upcoming meetings.
6. Keep an updated history of Chapter events, officers, award recipients, and conferences.
7. Maintain updated records of significant activities of all USOPHE committees.
8. Ensure records are passed onto incoming/new committee chairpersons and board of directors.
9. Coordinate with the Public Relations chair to update and maintain applicable historical information on the website.
10. Assure the Chapter’s historical record is maintained.
11. Maintain Chapter membership list with email addresses.
12. Maintain records of Board member conflict of interest Annual Statements.
13. Serve for a two year appointment.
E. The Treasurer
The Treasurer maintains the Chapter’s finances and budget, in consultation with the President and the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall be chosen by the voting membership from a slate of candidates prepared by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
The treasurer shall:
1. Be the custodian of all monies of the Chapter and will serve as the Chairperson of the Finance Committee.
2. Collects all dues and ensures that all bills against the Chapter are paid.
3. Submit updated financial statements at all regularly scheduled Board meetings.
4. Fully disclose and make available to finance committee members all financial records for review of accuracy and ethical use of funds as outlined in Article IX, Section 3A.
5. Maintain current business license and 501(c)3 non-profit status with IRS and state of Utah.
6. Summarize the financial status of the Chapter to the membership at the Annual Business Meeting.
7. Turn over all funds and properties of the Chapter to his/her successor at the end of his/her term.
8. Serve for a two year appointment.
F. The Immediate Past President is the retiring President and shall serve on the Board of
Directors and Conference Planning Committee as a consultant for one year and shall serve as Chair of the Nominating Committee. This is a one year appointment.
The Immediate Past President shall:
1. Chair the Nomination Committee.
2. Serve as an advisory role to the President, Incoming President, and other Board members.
G. Advocacy Chair
The Advocacy Chair maintains the advocacy unit of the Chapter. The Advocacy Chair plans, coordinates, and executes events, training, and shares resources to enhance member engagement in local, state, and federal advocacy efforts, as it pertains to this Chapter’s mission and vision. The Advocacy Chair shall be chosen by the voting membership from a slate of candidates prepared by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
The Advocacy Chair shall:
- Plan the annual Advocacy Academy to provide training and hands-on experience for participants interested in working with the legislature during the session.
- Track legislation around USOPHE priorities.
- Host monthly advocacy committee meetings.
- Serve a two-year appointment.
H. Conference Planning Chair
The Conference Planning Chair helps plan, coordinates, budgets, and executes the Chapter’s annual conference. The Conference Planning Chair shall be chosen by the voting membership from a slate of candidates prepared by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
The Conference Planning Chair shall:
- Serve as co-chair on the Conference Planning Committee.
- Plan USOPHE’s annual conference.
- Form a committee and recruit members for the Conference Committee.
- Serve a one-year appointment.
J. Membership Chair
The Membership Chair ensures ongoing engagement with Chapter members and recruits new members. The Membership Chair shall be chosen by the voting membership from a slate of candidates prepared by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
The Membership Chair shall:
- Form a committee and recruit members for the Membership Committee.
- Plan and coordinate one annual networking meeting with students and professionals.
- Provide one presentation and/or table presentation at each university.
- Improve the value of USOPHE membership and communicate to potential members.
- Increase membership among professionals and coordinate with the Student Board member to increase membership among students.
- Serve a two-year appointment.
K. Professional Development Chair
The Professional Development Chair oversees and executes professional development opportunities to enhance the skillet and knowledge of health educators, with a focus on Chapter members. The Professional Development Chair shall be chosen by the voting membership from a slate of candidates prepared by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
The Professional Development Chair shall:
- Form a committee and recruit members for the Professional Development Committee.
- Supervise USOPHE interns.
- Provide professional development opportunities for members and students.
- Coordinate activities with the CHES Credentialing Chair.
- Serve a two-year appointment.
L. CHES Credentialing Chair.
The CHES Credentialing Chair coordinates all CHES and MCHES credentialing requests from external organizations and for internal activities. The Professional Development Chair shall be chosen by the voting membership from a slate of candidates prepared by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
The CHES Credentialing Chair shall:
1. Coordinate CHES activities with the Professional Development Chair and oversee the CHES credit process for all USOPHE events and activities requiring CHES credits.
2. Oversee the CHES credentialing process for external organizations hosting CHES-eligible events and activities, as requested, and as deemed reasonable by the CHES credentialing chair and the Board of Directors.
3. Serve a two-year appointment.
M. Public Relations Chair
The Public Relations Chair coordinates all communications to the general public and membership, including press releases, social media, email, and newsletters. The Public Relations Chair shall be chosen by the voting membership from a slate of candidates prepared by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
The Public Relations Chair shall:
- Form a committee and recruit members for the Public Relations Committee.
- Prepare, edit, and publish USOPHE newsletters at least quarterly, and update and maintain USOPHE website content by the 15th of each month.
- Coordinate with the committee chairs to update and maintain applicable committee information on the website.
- Frequently use online graphic design tools, a social media planner, social media management platform, and other appropriate tools, to create content, schedule and publish USOPHE social media, digital, and online content.
- Write timely news releases regarding USOPHE activities as requested by the Board.
- Serve as the USOPHE Public Information Officer (PIO).
- Serve a two-year appointment.
N. Special Projects Chair
The Special Projects Chair shall explore opportunities to support the Board of Directors and membership to help achieve the mission of the organization, and coordinate special projects as directed by the President. The Special Projects Chair shall be chosen by the voting membership from a slate of candidates prepared by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The Special Projects Chair shall serve a two-year appointment.
O. Student Board Member
The Student Board Member must be a Student Member of USOPHE (by January 1 of the year following the Student Board Member’s appointment to the board) and shall be elected by the voting membership from a slate of candidates prepared by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
The Student Board Member shall:
1. Represent the voice of student members.
2. Attend board meetings.
3. Coordinate student projects.
4. Solicit nominees for the Shelley Fuller Health Education Scholarship.
5. Lead the University Ambassador Program with support from the Membership Chair
6. Sit on the membership committee.
7. Assist in recruiting additional student members.
8. Serve for a one year appointment.
Section 3 – Vacancies and Terms
A. If any office of the Chapter, except that of the President-Elect, becomes vacant, the Board of Directors shall appoint an officer to fill such vacancy. The officer so appointed shall serve until the next election by the voting membership. If the office of President-Elect becomes vacated, a special nomination and election will be conducted by the voting membership and supervised by the Board of Directors.
B. The terms of office shall be as follows:
1. The President, President-Elect, and Immediate Past President shall be one year.
2. The Chapter Delegate to SOPHE shall be two years
3. The Secretary and Treasurer shall be two years
a. The Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected on alternating years. The Secretary shall be elected on even numbered years and the Treasurer shall be elected on odd numbered years.
4. The following Chairs shall be two years:
- The Advocacy Chair, Public Relations Chair and the Professional Development Chair shall be elected in the odd numbered year.
- The Membership Committee Chair, and the Special Projects Chair shall be elected in the even numbered year.
5. The Conference Planning Chair shall be one year and elected each year.
6. The Student Board Member shall be one year and elected each year.
C. Upon completion of their Term, each Board Members must:
1. Transfer all files (written and electronic) to the incoming Chapter Delegate to SOPHE following the Annual Conference.
2. Provide a brief orientation on the duties of the position to the incoming Board Member.
Section 4 – Compensation
Officers, as such, shall not receive any monetary compensation for their services but may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred by the performance of service rendered for the Chapter.
Officers will receive one free year of their USOPHE membership for each year of their service on the board.
ARTICLE VII
NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Section 1 – Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee shall consist of a minimum of three members: the Nominating Committee Chairperson (Past-President) and at least two current USOPHE members. This Committee shall solicit nominations from the membership for President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Chapter Delegate to SOPHE, Board members (including Student Board Member), Catherine Summerhays Award, Shelly Fuller Health Education Scholarship Fund, and Rookie of the Year Award, determine eligibility and present to the Board in writing the nominations. The Board will submit these names to the membership no less than 30 days prior to the Annual Business Meeting. All nominees for President-Elect must be a Professional Member with a minimum of three years professional health education experience. All other officers, with the exception of the student representative, must be a current Professional Member by January 1st of the year following their appointment to the board. In the event that an individual is nominated for more than one office, then he/she must select one office.
Section 2 – Elections
The officers shall be elected by the voting membership of the Chapter prior to the Annual Business Meeting by online ballots made available at least 30 days prior to the Annual Business Meeting. The Secretary and Nominations Committee Chairperson shall count the ballots to determine the election outcome. If the Secretary is on the ballot, the President shall appoint a member(s) of the Board of Directors to assume this duty. Voting results shall be announced at the Annual Business Meeting.
Section 3 – Installation of Elected Officers
The person(s) elected to their position(s) shall be installed January 1 following the election and will receive materials, budget expenditures, and instructions from the outgoing officers after the Annual Business Meeting.
ARTICLE VIII
MEETINGS
Section 1 – Regular Chapter Membership Meetings
A. There shall be an Annual Conference of the membership planned and conducted by the Conference Planning Committee and Board of Directors, and sponsored by the Chapter.
B. There shall be an Annual Business Meeting planned by a member(s) of the and conducted by the President, wherein elections, amendments of the bylaws and other committee reports will be made.
Section 2 – Additional Chapter Membership Meetings
With thirty days written notice additional meetings of the membership may be called by the Board of Directors as needed.
Section 3 – Time Place and Notice of Chapter Membership Meetings
The time and place for each meeting shall be fixed by the Board of Directors in consultation with the appropriate committee chairs. Notice of the Annual Business Meeting shall be sent to each member of the Chapter at least 45 days prior to the date of the meeting. Special meetings may be called with less notice upon the approval of the Board of Directors.
Section 4 – Meetings of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall have a minimum of six meetings each year. Additional meetings shall be called by the President alone or by the written request of three members of the Board. At all such meetings of the Board, a majority of the Board shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum (five members). Action of a majority of the members shall constitute the act of the Board. Notice to Board members of all Board meetings shall be given electronically or by other means at least ten (10) days before the meeting. Special (emergency) meetings may be called with shorter notice upon verbal approval of a majority of the Board.
Section 6 – Meeting Attendance
Any members of the Board of Directors (See Article IX, Section 1) failing to attend two consecutive Board meetings unexcused, shall be considered as vacating the position and maybe removed from their position by unanimous vote of the Board. The Board shall have authority to appoint a person to fill the vacancy until the next general election for that position.
ARTICLE IX
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1 – Types of Committees
The following standing committees may be established:
A. Advocacy
B. Conference Planning
C. Finance
D. Nominating
E. Membership
F. Public Relations
G. Professional Development
H. Special Projects
Section 2 – Membership of Committees
A. The Business and affairs of the Chapter shall be guided and coordinated by the Board of Directors.
B. Voting rights at all meetings shall be limited to the Board of Directors. Consultation may be sought from other members of the committees.
C. The number of members serving on each standing committee shall be determined by the chairperson of the committee with recommendation by the Board of Directors. The exception to this is the Nominating Committee (See Article VII, Section 1), and the Finance Committee (see Article IX, Section 3A).
D. Ad hoc committees may be appointed by the President and with approval of the Board of Directors, which shall define their scope and charge.
Section 3 – Duties of the Committees
A. The Treasurer will chair the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee shall consist of
the following members: President, President-Elect, Secretary, and up to two additional USOPHE members as needed. The committee shall:
1. Provide updated financial information to the Board of Directors at all regularly scheduled meetings.
2. Verify membership database system is sending email notifications out 15 days and 1 day before membership renewals are due.
3. Study and suggest the financial policies of the organization.
4. Prepare a financial report of the year’s business and report to the membership at the Annual Business Meeting.
5. Recommend membership dues, CHES credit fees, and other dues or fees as they may arise for approval by the Board of Directors.
6. Prepare a budget proposal containing the expected revenues and expenditures for the next fiscal year. The fiscal year is January 1st to December 31st. This is submitted to the Board of Directors for review and approval no more than 60 days after the first Board meeting of the year beginning January 1.
7. Fully disclose and make available to finance committee members all financial records for review of accuracy and ethical use of funds.
8. Coordinate with the public relations chair to update and maintain applicable committee information on the website
information on the website.
B. The Advocacy Chair will oversee the Advocacy Committee. A minimum of at least two USOPHE members will serve on the committee. The Advocacy Committee shall:
1. Recommend a position for the Chapter to the Board of Directors on legislative matters.
2. Monitor local, state, and federal legislation to identify health education issues which should be brought to the attention of the Chapter for possible action.
3. Propose, when appropriate, legislation relating to health education.
4. Submit a proposed budget to the Finance Committee of anticipated yearly revenues/expenditures no more than 60 days after the first Board meeting of the year beginning January 1.
5. Coordinate with the public relations chair to update and maintain the applicable committee information on the website.
6. Advance USOPHE member advocacy awareness and involvement by seeking and providing training opportunities and sharing resources to USOPHE members.
C. The Nominating Committee shall:
1. Carry out the procedures described in Article VII of the bylaws.
2. Submit a proposed budget to the Finance Committee of anticipated yearly revenues/expenditures no more than 60 days after the first Board meeting of the year beginning January 1.
3. Coordinate with the public relations chair to update and maintain applicable committee information on the website.
D. The President Elect and the Conference Planning Chair will co-chair the Conference Planning Committee. Members of USOPHE will be invited to join the committee as well. The Conference Planning Committee shall:
1. Plan and conduct the program of the Annual Conference.
2. Submit a proposed budget to the Finance Committee of anticipated yearly revenues/expenditures no more than 60 days after the first Board meeting of the year beginning January 1.
3. Coordinate with the public relations chair to update and maintain applicable committee information on the website.
E. The Public Relations Chair will oversee the Public Relations Committee. A minimum of at least four USOPHE members will serve on the committee.
The Public Relations Committee shall:
1. Prepare, edit and publish USOPHE newsletters quarterly and special editions as the need arises.
2. Coordinate with the appropriate committee chairs regarding the publicity of workshops, conferences, and training opportunities.
3. Update and maintain electronic media to disseminate information via the website as feasible.
4. Write timely news releases regarding USOPHE activities.
5. Prepare appropriate articles for periodicals and/or trade journals, (i.e., National Center for Health Education, State or County Health Dept newsletters).
6. Submit a proposed budget to the Finance Committee of anticipated yearly revenues/expenditures no more than 60 days after the first Board meeting of the year beginning January 1.
F. The Professional Development Chair will oversee the Professional Development Committee. The Credentialing Chair will oversee all CHES credentialing and will serve on the committee with at least one other USOPHE member on the committee.
The Professional Development Committee shall:
1. Facilitate the professional development of health educators through continuing education efforts.
2. Coordinate with USOPHE committees and others in an effort to promote integrated, effective sharing of knowledge and information.
3. Ensure representation on the USOPHE conference planning committee and adequate offering of CHES credits.
4. Communicate with professional organizations to encourage submission of internship opportunities to maintain the online USOPHE internship directory. The Professional Development Chair will conduct potential intern interviews and perform supervision of all intern activities.
5. Evaluate event applications according to The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc., guidelines for criteria of meeting Category I Continuing Education Contact Hours for educational conferences sponsored by the Chapter.
6. Encourage members of the Chapter to become Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES).
7. Work with potential continuing education providers to get CHES approved and set up for events.
8. Make suggestions to the Board of Directors pertaining to other member services that might be provided by this committee and respond to the Board’s wishes.
9. Carry out procedures for the Annual Conference as described in Article VIII, Section lA.
10. Promote the advancement of the health education profession and the employment of health educators in the public and private sector.
11. Extend health education efforts to private, community and non-traditional settings through cooperative planning, sponsorships, and dissemination.
12. Submit a proposed budget to the Finance Committee of anticipated yearly revenues/expenditures no more than 60 days after the first Board meeting of the year beginning January 1.
13. Coordinate with the public relations chair to update and maintain applicable committee information on the website.
G. The Membership Chair will oversee the Membership Committee. The Student Board Member and at least one USOPHE member will serve on the committee.
The Membership Committee shall:
- Form a committee and recruit members for the Membership Committee.
- Plan and coordinate one annual networking meeting with students and professionals.
- Provide one presentation and/or table presentation at each university.
- Improve the value of USOPHE membership and communicate to potential members.
- Increase membership among professionals.
H. The Special Projects Chair will oversee the Special Projects Committee. At least one USOPHE member will serve on the committee.
The Special Projects Committee shall:
- Explore opportunities to integrate social determinants of health into Board activities, and coordinate other special projects as directed by the President.
ARTICLE X
AWARDS
At the discretion of the Board of Directors, awards may be presented during the Annual Business Meeting or Annual Conference, or whenever the officers deem appropriate.
ARTICLE XI
AFFILIATION
By vote of the membership, the Chapter may affiliate with selected national or state organizations.
ARTICLE XII
FINANCES
Section 1 – Fiscal Year
Fiscal year of the Chapter shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31.
Section 2 – Expenditures and Deposits
The Board of Directors shall approve all expenditures of Chapter funds when the expenditure is not pre- approved in Board of Directors budgets. All monies received by the Chapter shall be deposited to the account of the Chapter.
Section 3 – Disbursements
All disbursements of funds shall be from a checking account through checks or an account debit card. The Treasurer shall approve all disbursements. Receipts shall be collected and stored for all disbursements. Any officer receiving reimbursement cannot sign his/her own reimbursement check. Receipts are required for reimbursement in any amount.
Section 4 – Accounting
The financial records of the Chapter shall be audited in a manner determined by the Board of Directors as outlined in Article IX, Section 3A, and a report shall be submitted to the membership by the Finance Committee Chairperson (Treasurer). (See Article VI, Section 2D).
ARTICLE XIII
PUBLICATIONS
A. The Chapter may publish or sponsor the publication of periodicals, newsletters, monographs, or books. Such publication or sponsorships shall be authorized by the Board of Directors.
B. Any committee of the Chapter may publish a report, provided that publication has been approved by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XIV
AMENDMENTS
Section 1 – Initiation
Proposed amendments to the bylaws may be initiated by any voting member or by the Board of Directors and presented through the Board of Directors to the membership, in writing, at least thirty (30) days before the Annual Business Meeting or any called meeting of the Chapter during which the amendment will be voted upon.
Section 2 – Voting
The bylaws may be amended by a majority of the members present at the Annual Business Meeting and those submitting absentee ballots.
ARTICLE X
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES
Sessions of the Chapter and all other business shall be conducted in accordance with the Articles and Bylaws and in accordance with the Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised.
APPENDIX A
Utah Chapter of the Society for Public Health Education – Conflict of Interest Policy
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE
The purpose of the conflict of interest policy is to protect this tax-exempt organization’s interest when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer or director of the Organization or might result in a possible excess benefit transaction. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to nonprofit and charitable organizations.
ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS
1. Interested Person
Any director, principal officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest, as defined below, is an interested person.
2. Financial Interest
A person has a financial interest if the person has, directly or indirectly, through business, investment, or family:
A. An ownership or investment interest in any entity with which the Organization has a transaction or arrangement,
B. A compensation arrangement with the Organization or with any entity or individual with which the Organization has a transaction or arrangement, or
C. A potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which the Organization is negotiating a transaction or arrangement.
Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are not insubstantial.
A financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. Under Article III, Section 2, a person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the appropriate governing board or committee decides that a conflict of interest exists.
ARTICLE III
PROCEDURES
1. Duty to Disclose
In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the directors and members of committees with governing board delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement.
2. Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists
After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the governing board or committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon. The remaining board or committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exists.
3. Procedures for Addressing the Conflict of Interest
A. An interested person may make a presentation at the governing board or committee meeting, but after the presentation, he/she shall leave the meeting during the discussion of, and the vote on, the transaction or arrangement involving the possible conflict of interest.
B. The chairperson of the governing board or committee shall, if appropriate, appoint a disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement.
C. After exercising due diligence, the governing board or committee shall determine whether the Organization can obtain with reasonable efforts a more advantageous transaction or arrangement from a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of interest.
D. If a more advantageous transaction or arrangement is not reasonably possible under circumstances not producing a conflict of interest, the governing board or committee shall determine by a majority vote of the disinterested directors whether the transaction or arrangement is in the Organization’s best interest, for its own benefit, and whether it is fair and reasonable. In conformity with the above determination it shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction or arrangement.
4. Annual Statement Records
A. Each Board member shall sign the Annual Reporting Statement no later than January 30 of the year they begin their term, or within 30 days of beginning their term if they began their term outside a traditional election.
B. The Secretary shall maintain all signed Annual Statement Records.
5. Violations of the Conflicts of Interest Policy
A. If the governing board or committee has reasonable cause to believe a member has failed to disclose actual or possible conflicts of interest, it shall inform the member of the basis for such belief and afford the member an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose.
B. If, after hearing the member’s response and after making further investigation as warranted by the circumstances, the governing board or committee determines the member has failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.
ARTICLE IV
RECORDS OF PROCEEDINGS
The minutes of the governing board and all committees with board delegated powers shall contain:
A. The names of the person who disclosed or otherwise were found to have a
financial interest in connection with an actual or possible conflict of interest, the nature of the financial interest, any action taken to determine whether a conflict of interest was present, and the governing boards or committees decision as to whether a conflict of interest in fact existed.
B. The names of the persons who were present for discussions and votes relating to
the transaction or arrangement, the content of the discussion, including any alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement, and a record of any votes taken in connection with the proceedings.
ARTICLE V
COMPENSATION
1. A voting member of the governing board who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Organization for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member’s compensation.
2. A voting member of any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Organization for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member’s compensation.
3. No voting member of the governing board or any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Organization either individually or collectively, is prohibited from providing information to any committee regarding compensation.
ARTICLE VI
ANNUAL STATEMENTS
Each director, principal officer and member of a committee with governing board delegated powers shall annually sign a statement which affirms such person:
A. Has received a copy of the conflicts of interest policy;
B. Has read and understands the policy;
C. Has agreed to comply with the policy;
D. Understands the Organization is charitable and in order to maintain its federal tax exemption it must engage primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of its tax-exempt purposes.
ARTICLE VII
PERIODIC REVIEWS
To ensure the Organization operates in a manner consistent with charitable purposes and does not engage in activities that could jeopardize its tax-exempt status, periodic reviews shall be conducted. The periodic reviews shall, at a minimum, include the following subjects:
A. Whether compensation arrangements and benefits are reasonable, based on competent survey information, and the result of arm’s length bargaining.
B. Whether partnerships, joint ventures, and arrangements with management organizations conform to the Organization’s written policies, are properly recorded, reflect reasonable investment or payments for goods and services, further charitable purposes and do not result in inurement, impermissible private benefit or in an excess benefit transaction.
ARTICLE VIII
USE OF OUTSIDE EXPERTS
When conducting the periodic reviews as provided for in Article VII, the Organization may, but need not, use outside advisors. If outside experts are used, their use shall not relieve the governing board of its responsibility for ensuring periodic reviews are conducted.