CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
OF THE LACTATION CONSULTANT ASSOCIATION OF GREATER WASHINGTON
(An affiliate of the International Lactation Consultant Association since 1988)

ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this affiliate of the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) shall be the Lactation Consultant Association of Greater Washington (LCA of GW or the Affiliate).

ARTICLE II
PURPOSES
The purposes of LCA of GW are to:
1. serve as a continuing education and networking resource for its members,
2. promote the professional growth of lactation consultants by sharing knowledge gained through research and clinical experience,
3. enhance the reputation, image, and credibility of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC's), the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, and the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) in a responsible and professional manner, and
4. develop further goals and objectives as determined by the membership.

ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
Membership in LCA of GW is open to all individuals committed to breastfeeding and human milk for human infants worldwide.

There shall be two categories of membership, Voting & Associate:
A VOTING MEMBER
a. holds the title of IBCLC and
b. maintains current LCA of GW membership status.
VOTING MEMBERS may:
· attend affiliate meetings,
· receive the affiliate newsletter,
· hold office within the affiliate,
· vote on affiliate matters and
· apply for CERPs offered by the affiliate.

An ASSOCIATE MEMBER
a. is not an IBCLC and
b. has an interest in the purpose of the affiliate.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS may:
· attend affiliate meetings,
· contribute to affiliate meeting discussions,
· receive the affiliate newsletter and
· apply for CERPs offered by the affiliate.

An ASSOCIATE MEMBER may NOT vote on affiliate matters.

ARTICLE IV
MEETINGS
There shall be four (4) annual affiliate meetings at dates & times to be determined by the membership at the September affiliate meeting.

ARTICLE V
OFFICERS & EXECUTIVE OFFICERS COMMITTEE
The offices of this affiliate shall be: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The current officers along with the Past President shall comprise the Executive Officer Committee (EOC).

President and Secretary shall be elected in even year elections. Vice President and Treasurer shall be elected in odd year elections. All EOC positions shall be open to all current members in good standing. EOC members may hold as many terms as desired, if elected.

Section a: OFFICERS DUTIES
The PRESIDENT shall:
1. call and preside over all Affiliate & EOC meetings,
2. maintain a file of Affiliate records including but not limited to:meeting minutes & agendas, correspondence, treasury reports.
3. support officers & committees in their efforts,
4. appoint committees (with support of the membership).

The VICE PRESIDENT shall:
1. preside over meetings in President's absence,
2. determine & provide for educational offerings (with members assistance and cooperation),
3. serve as host(ess) for guest speakers,
4. procure appropriate meeting locations,
5. procure & distribute continuing educational credits (CERPs), and
6. maintain the Affiliate library.

THE OFFICE OF VICE PRESIDENT MAY BE HELD BY TWO INDIVIDUALS WITH THE SHARED TITLE OF CO-VICE PRESIDENT. If & when the President cannot perform a duty he/she shall select a co-vice president to fulfill that duty.

The SECRETARY shall:
1. record minutes of all Affiliate & EOC meetings,
2. record meeting attendance,
3. maintain current membership list,
4. disseminate the above to members in a timely manner.

The TREASURER shall:
1. keep an accurate account of all financial transactions of the Affiliate,
2. collect annual dues,
3. notify members of past due membership,
4. disburse funds per request of the EOC &/or membership,
5. provide a financial report at each Affiliate meeting (a copy of which shall be provided to the Secretary for inclusion in the minutes),
6. take minutes at Affiliate meetings in the absence of the Secretary,
7. prepare & present an annual report at the end of the fiscal year,
8. prepare & present a comprehensive report at the end of treasurer term for review by EOC.

The EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMITTEE shall:
1. hold an annual meeting to include newly elected members and immediate past members (other meetings may be called by the President as needed),
2. be responsible for the operations of the Affiliate,
3. consider & respond to the needs of the Affiliate membership,
4. develop & implement an annual budget,
5. assist the President in the support of committees' work,
6. review treasurer's report at the end of each Treasurer's term,
7. review policies as needed.

ARTICLE VI
ELECTIONS & VOTING

Section a: nomination of officers
· president appoints Nominating Committee in September
· committee solicits nominations from voting membership
· committee reports slate of candidates to members 30 days prior to March meeting

Section b: election of officers
· EOC provides written ballot to each member
· members may vote by mail or in person at March meeting
· write in votes will be accepted
· all ballots must be received by March meeting
· EOC or delegate tallies ballots and reports results to members at March meeting
· President notifies newly elected officers

Section c: vacancies on EOC
· President vacancy - vice president shall fulfill term of office;
In the event of Co-Vice Presidents, either may serve.
In the event both wish to serve: a special election shall take place.
· Other vacancies:
* vacancies of less than 6 months (remaining of term) shall be filled by Presidential appointment.
* vacancies of more than 6 months (remaining of term) shall be filled by special election.

Section d: ByLaw Amendments
Proposed ByLaw amendments shall be presented to members in
writing a minimum of 30 days prior to voting.
Section e: other voting
The membership shall be given a chance to discuss and vote on all special projects and on all expenditures exceeding $100 (total). A majority of members present at the meeting shall be sufficient to carry a vote.
Section f: special elections
Members shall be notified within 30 days of vote (in writing) of special elections. Votes shall be tallied as outlined in EOC voting procedures.

ARTICLE VIII
DUES & FINANCE
The Executive Officer Committee shall set the annual dues fee bi-annually (at the first EOC meeting following the election of each new President). The EOC shall also plan the upcoming year's budget in September of each year. The Secretary shall provide a written copy of said budget to members upon request.
Annual dues are payable at the September General Meeting. If dues not paid by the December General Meeting, the member shall be dropped from the roster and shall no longer have voting privileges.
The fiscal year shall be from January 1 to December 31.

ARTICLE IX
COMMITTEES
There shall be two types of committees: Standing & Special.
STANDING COMMITTEES shall be determined by a vote of the membership. These committees serve a continuing purpose within the Affiliate.
(Example: Nominating).
SPECIAL COMMITTEES may be determined by the membership or the EOC.
These committees serve a temporary purpose and shall disband when goals are met.(Example: Breastfeeding Month/Week).
Committees may be comprised of voting AND Associate member volunteers.
All committees shall elect a chairperson who will serve as a liaison to the EOC and the membership.

ARTICLE X
DISSOLUTION
In the event of dissolution of the Lactation Consultant Association of Greater Washington, any assets shall be distributed to an organization whose purposes and objectives promote breastfeeding education and support. A majority of members present shall determine the distribution of said assets.

ARTICLE XII
DECLARATION
The affiliate is responsible for its actions and/or statements. Individual members do not necessarily reflect the approval and/or support of LCA of GW.