BY-LAWS OF

THE SUNCOAST FLORIDA ORFF PROVISIONAL CHAPTER

of the

American Orff-Schulwerk Association

ARTICLE I - Membership

Section 1. Membership Categories and Privileges

A. Regular Members

  1. Voting privileges

  2. Access to membership directory and newsletters

  3. Member rates at chapter workshops

  4. Required national AOSA membership

  (Note: Chapter must maintain minimum 8 national members for chartered status)

B. Institution Members

  1. Full privileges of regular members, with the exception of voting privileges, unless specified as an AOSA member

C. Industry Members

D. Student Members

  1. Full privileges of regular members

  2. Must be enrolled full-time in an educational institution

  3. Dues set at half of regular membership rate

E. Honorary Members

  1. Full privileges of regular membership

  2. Exempt from dues and workshop fees

  3. Selection criteria:

    a. Visual and Performing Arts Coordinators for Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Polk Counties

    b. Past Presidents of the Suncoast Florida Orff Chapter and The Greater Tampa Bay Area Orff Chapter

 Retired Members

  1. Age 55 or older and retired

  2. Full privileges of regular membership

  3. Dues set at half of regular membership rate

Section 2. Additional Categories

The Executive Board may establish additional membership categories as needed.

Section 3. Dues and Fees

  1. Structure

    a. Set by Executive Board majority vote

    b. Reviewed annually

    c. Due dates: End of May (before AOSA programming report)

ARTICLE II - Elected Offices

Section 1. Terms of Office

  1. Length: 2 year(s)

  2. Term limits: Maximum two consecutive terms in same office

  3. Term schedule: [Choose one]

    a. All officers elected simultaneously
    b. Staggered terms (specify schedule)

Section 2. Elections

  1. Nominating Committee

    a. Appointed by President by November 1

    b. Minimum three members not on Executive Board

  2. Duties include:

    a. Identifying qualified candidates

    b. Verifying willingness to serve

    c. Preparing election ballot

  3. Election Procedures

    a. Nominations due by March 31

    b. Elections completed by April 30

    c. Voting method:Google Form

    d. Required majority/plurality: simple majority

Section 3. Vacancies

  1. Presidential Vacancy

    a. Vice President assumes office

    b. Special election for new Vice President within 30 days

  2. Other Vacancies

    a. Filled by Presidential appointment

    b. Requires Executive Board approval

    c. Term: remainder of vacant position

Section 4. Removal of Officers

  1. Grounds for Removal

    a. Failure to maintain AOSA membership

    b. Neglect of duties

    c. Unethical conduct

     _______ [other grounds]

  2. Process

    a. Written notice required: 14 days

    b. Hearing opportunity before Executive Board

    c. Two-thirds vote required for removal

    d. The decision of the executive board is final, and cannot be appealed.

ARTICLE III - Duties of Officers

Section 1. Executive Board

  1. General supervision of chapter

  2. Transaction of routine business

  3. Financial oversight

  4. Strategic planning

  5. Policy development

Section 2. President

  1. Presides at meetings

  2. Make appointments with Board approval

  3. Review monthly bank statements

  4. Serve as primary AOSA liaison

  5. Submit required reports to AOSA

Section 3. Vice President

  1. Assist President

  2. Presides in President's absence

  3. Develop workshop schedule

  4. Oversee program planning

  5. Other duties as assigned

Section 4. Secretary

  1. Record and maintain meeting minutes

  2. Manage correspondence

  3. Maintain official records

  4. Track membership data

  5. Submit required documentation

Section 5. Treasurer

  1. Financial Management

    a. Maintain accurate financial records

    b. Process receipts and disbursements

    c. Prepare financial reports

    d. Ensure tax compliance and completion of all IRS filings

    e. Maintain required documentation

  2. Reporting

    a. Monthly Executive Board reports

    b. Annual financial statement

    c. Tax filings

    d. Budget preparation

  3. Internal Controls

    a. Dual signatures required over $599

    b. Monthly bank reconciliation

    c. Documentation of all transactions

    d. Adherence to approved budget

Section 6. Board Member at Large

  1. Assist with chapter initiatives, take on special, adaptive projects based on their expertise, and represent the general membership in decision-making.

  2. Actively represents the Suncoast Florida  Orff Chapter in a professional manner

  3. Break ties in voting

ARTICLE IV - Committees

Section 1. Standing Committees

Optional Positions and/or Committee Chair:

  1. Past President (advisory role):  Provides guidance and continuity by supporting current leadership with insight and past experience.

  2. Accessibility Chair: Promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all chapter activities and programming.

  3. Program Chair: Plans and coordinates workshops, presenters, and social event logistics for the chapter under direction of the Vice President.

  4. Publicity/Social Media Chair: Manages communication, marketing, and social media to promote chapter events and updates.

  5. Historian: Documents and preserves the chapter’s activities, events, and milestones.

  6. Membership Chair: Recruits, welcomes, and supports members while maintaining membership records under the direction of the Secretary.

  7. Equipment Chair: Organizes, maintains, and coordinates the use and transport of chapter instruments and materials.

  8. Hospitality Chair: Coordinates refreshments and helps create a welcoming environment at events (breakfast, ice breakers, etc.).

  9. National Membership Chair: Serves as the liaison for national organization membership and supports members with enrollment/renewal.

  10. College Liaison: Connects with local colleges and universities to engage and support student involvement in the chapter.

Section 2. Special Committees

●      Established as needed by Executive Board

ARTICLE V - Financial Management

Section 1. Fiscal Year

July 1 through June 30

Section 2. Budget

  1. Annual budget prepared by Treasurer and President

  2. Approved by Executive Board

  3. Review schedule: Adopt at the end of fiscal year

ARTICLE VI - Amendments

Section 1. Process

  1. Proposed by Executive Board or petition of simple majority members

  2. Notice required: 14 days

  3. Voting threshold: 2 weeks

  4. Effective date of approved amendments: once simple majority vote is completed

ARTICLE VII - Parliamentary Authority

Section 1. Roberts Rules of Order, revised, shall govern all proceedings not covered by these bylaws, chapter constitution, or AOSA regulations.

Adopted: 5/14/26

Last Revised:5/14/26