Updated 08/04

FLORIDA SkillsUSA

 

BYLAWS

 

              Secondary and Postsecondary Divisions                                      

 

Article I                                                          Name

 

(Section 1)

 

The official name of this organization shall be the Florida SkillsUSA and shall be referred to hereafter as Florida SkillsUSA.

 

Article II                                                         Purpose

 

(Section 1)

 

1.         To unite in a common bond, without regard to race, creed, sex, or national origin, full-time and part-time students enrolled in secondary and postsecondary vocational education courses.

 

2.         To develop leadership skills through participation in educational, vocational, civic, recreational and social activities.

 

3.         To help students establish realistic occupational goals while fostering a deep respect for the dignity of work.

 

4.         To develop studentıs abilities to plan, organize, and carry out worthy activities and projects through the use of the democratic process.

 

5.         To promote high standards in trade ethics, workmanship and safety.

 

6.         To foster a wholesome understanding of the functions of labor and management                       combined with recognition of their mutual interdependence.

 

7.         To develop patriotism through knowledge of our nationıs heritage and the practice of democracy.

 

8.         To create among all members, a sincere interest in and esteem for trade and industrial education.

 

9.         To emphasize the importance of continuous education consistent to the needs of the individual and the requirements of his/her chosen occupation.

 

 

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Article III                                                        Organization

 

(Section 1)

 

Florida SkillsUSA is an association of local chapters of the state of Florida operating in accordance with a charter granted by the National Vocational Industrial Clubs of America on the 3rd day of December,1967.

 

Active local chapters of Florida SkillsUSA shall be organized in schools where vocational classes are functioning to prepare students for future employment in the world of work.

 

(Section 2)

 

The administration and authority of Florida SkillsUSA shall be vested in the Executive Council of Florida SkillsUSA, with all members having voting privileges.

 

The Executive Council consists of the members of the Executive Board of Directors of Florida SkillsUSA, Inc. and the (10) ten state officers listed in Article V, Section 1 of these bylaws.

 

A member who is elected to a National office shall be a non-voting Ex-officio member to the Executive Council for the term of their National office.

 

(Section 3)

 

The State SkillsUSA Director is the administrative officer of Florida SkillsUSA. The State Director shall be appointed by and responsible to the Executive Board of Directors of Florida SkillsUSA, Inc. for conducting the work of the state program for Florida SkillsUSA.

 

(Section 4)

 

The State Officer Trainer shall be appointed on an annual basis by the Executive Board of Directors of Florida SkillsUSA, Inc., and with the State SkillsUSA Director, be responsible for training and development of the State Officers.

 

(Section 5)

 

The Florida Association shall be divided into regions. The regional boundaries will be regulated by the Executive Board of Directors of Florida SkillsUSA, Inc.

 

 

 

 

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(Section 6)

 

Charters shall be issued by the State SkillsUSA Director in accordance with the following requirements:

 

1.             Florida SkillsUSA charters shall be issued in the name of the school and only one charter may be authorized per school.

 

2.             There may be multiple chapters within a school club to accommodate morning, afternoon, and evening sessions.

 

3.             Each chapter must meet the minimum number of members specified in Article IV, Section 1. Students from each chapter may enter regional competition.

 

Article IV                                                       Membership

 

(Section 1)

 

Chapter membership shall be comprised of at least six (6) student members and one (1) active advisor.

 

(Section 2)

 

The membership year of Florida SkillsUSA shall extend from September 1 of one year through August 31 of the following year. Classes of membership in Florida SkillsUSA shall be:

(1)           Active

(2)           Professional

(3)           Honorary Life                       

 

2.             Active Membership:  Full-time or part-time students enrolled in vocational education courses for the purpose of preparing students for future employment in the world of work.

 

3.             Professional Members: Persons concerned with, or participating in, the professional development of Florida SkillsUSA. Such members include all industrial teachers, administrators, supervisors, teacher-educators, chapter advisory, and other interested persons who subscribe to the principles and objectives of SkillsUSA. Unless a member of the Executive Board of Directors, Professional Members may only vote in advisors= meetings.

 

4.             Honorary Life Members: Individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development of Florida SkillsUSA. Such memberships are awarded by the Florida Executive Board of Directors. Honorary Life Members shall pay no Florida dues. They have the same voting privileges as Professional Members.  

 

  

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(Section 3)

 

State SkillsUSA membership dues shall be variable with the directives of the SkillsUSA Executive Board of Directors and the Florida SkillsUSA, Inc. Executive Board of Directors. All classes of membership shall pay state dues with the exception of Honorary Life Membership.

 

Article V                                                        State Officers

 

(Section 1)

 

THE STATE OFFICERS OF FLORIDA SkillsUSA SHALL CONSIST OF:

(1)           President

(2)           Vice President

(3)           Secretary

(4)           Parliamentarian

(5)           Reporter

(6)           Historian

(7)           Goodwill Ambassador

(8)           Education Coordinator

(9)           Awards Coordinator

(10)       Sergeant at Arms

 

(Section 2)

 

ELIGIBILITY FOR HOLDING A STATE OFFICE IN FLORIDA SkillsUSA SHALL INCLUDE:

(1)       Active member status in Florida and National SkillsUSA.

(2)       Enrolled in a vocational course of study.

(3)       A certified grade point average of at least 3.0 in the vocational subject in which the student is currently enrolled.

(4)       Maintaining at least a 2.5 grade point average in all other subjects not included in Section 2.3.

(5)       The written endorsement of

 

(a) The local school chapter advisor,

            (b) The studentıs vocational teacher,

(c) The school administrator,

(d) The secondary studentıs parent/guardian,

(e) The employer (if applicable), and (f) the Regional SkillsUSA Coordinator.

 

 

 

(Section 3)

 

Officers shall serve for a term of one year.

 

(Section 4)

 

In the event of the inability of a state officer to complete a term of office in Florida SkillsUSA, or the inability of a state officer to fulfill his/her duties, the Florida Executive Council may, by majority vote, declare the office vacant.

 

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(Section 5)

 

The vacancy of President will be filled by the Vice President. In the event of a vacancy in a state office not otherwise specified, may be left vacant or an appointment to the position may be made by the Regional Coordinator from the region in which the vacancy occurred. The vacancy shall be filled by a SkillsUSA member in good standing and approved by the Executive Council at the next meeting.

 

Article VI                                                       Regional Officers

 

(Section 1)

 

THE REGIONAL OFFICERS OF FLORIDA SkillsUSA CONSIST OF:

(1)       President

(2)       Vice President

(3)       Secretary

(4)       Parliamentarian

(5)       Reporter

(6)       Historian

(7)       Sergeant at Arms

 

(Section 2)

 

Regional officers may comprise either secondary or postsecondary divisions.

 

(Section 3)

 

Eligibility for holding a regional office shall be the same as for holding a state office as described in Article V, Section 2.

 

(Section 4)

 

In the event there is an insufficient number of candidates for regional office, position vacancies may be appointed by the Regional SkillsUSA Coordinator.

 

(Section 5)

 

Regional Officers shall serve until a new slate of Regional Officers has been duly elected.   

 

 

 

 

 

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Article VII                                          Local Chapter Officers

 

(Section 1)

 

LOCAL CHAPTER OFFICERS OF FLORIDA SkillsUSA SHALL CONSIST OF:

1.         President

2.         Vice President

3.         Secretary

4.         Treasurer

5.         Parliamentarian

6.         Reporter

7.         Historian

 

(Section 2)

 

A local school may elect additional chapter officers as needed.

 

(Section 3)

 

Eligibility for holding a local chapter office shall include active membership in the local chapter, Florida, and SkillsUSA. Each candidate must be enrolled in a vocational course, have the support of his/her local school administration, and have the approval of the local school SkillsUSA advisor.

 

(Section 4)

 

Local SkillsUSA officers shall serve for the membership year.

 

Article VIII                                         Election of Regional Officers

 

(Section 1)

 

All Regional Officers shall be elected annually at the Regional Orientation Workshop, unless otherwise designed by the Executive Board of Directors and shall serve for the forthcoming year.

 

(Section 2)

 

Each candidate shall submit the Official Candidate Form for Regional Officers to the Regional Coordinator by the designated date.

 

 

 

 

 

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Article IX                                           Election of State Officers                                                

(Section 1)

 

All State officers shall be elected annually at the State Skills and Leadership Conference, unless otherwise designated by the Executive Board and shall serve for the forthcoming year.

 

(Section 2)

 

Each candidate shall submit the Official Candidate Form for State Officer Candidates to the Regional Coordinator prior the Regional Contests.

 

(Section 3)

 

The slate of officers shall be presented at a designated time during the Regional SkillsUSA Competition. Nominations may be made from the floor provided an Official Candidate Form for officers has been submitted to the Regional Coordinator.

 

(Section 4)

 

One secondary and one postsecondary candidate will be elected by delegate vote at the Regional SkillsUSA Competition to run for state office.

 

In the event there are no candidates representing both divisions, two (2) candidates may be elected from one (1) division, either secondary or postsecondary.

 

(Section 5)

 

Candidates for State Office will campaign for one of the offices listed in Article V, Section 1.

 

(Section 6)

 

The slate of officers shall be presented at a designated time during the State Skills and Leadership Conference. Nominations may be made from the floor provided an Official Candidate Form for officers has been submitted to the Regional Coordinator and only if a vacancy exists.

 

(Section 7)

 

Voting shall be done by ballot and officers shall be elected by majority vote of the delegates. The office of president will be announced during the House of Delegates meeting, or other designated time. Only candidates whose bid for president was unsuccessful will be allowed to declare a second choice for office and may declare only for an undeclared office.

 

 

 

 

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Article X                                            Duties of State Officers

 

(Section 1)

 

THE PRESIDENT SHALL:

1.         Preside with the State SkillsUSA Director over Executive Council meetings.

2.         Preside over delegate assemblies of Florida SkillsUSA.

3.         Provide leadership and delegate responsibilities.

4.         Conduct meetings following correct parliamentary procedure.

5.         Maintain contact with regional officers and members.

6.         Represent Florida SkillsUSA officially in school-community relations.

7.         Design and coordinate the Opening General Session at all state meetings.

8.         Complete other duties as assigned by the State Director or State Officer Trainer.

 

(Section 2)

 

THE VICE PRESIDENT SHALL:

1.         Preside at all meetings and other official functions of Florida SkillsUSA in the absence of     the President.

2.         Assume the duties of the State President should that office be vacated for any reason.

3.         Assist the President in the discharge of all duties.

4.         Serve as a link between the President and all committees.

5.         Act as chairperson in developing the State Skills and Leadership printed program.

6.         Act as the credentials chairman at all voting delegate assemblies.

7.         Promote the Alumni Association in Florida.

8.         Complete other duties as assigned by the State Director or State Officer Trainer.

 

(Section 3)

 

THE SECRETARY SHALL:

1.         Maintain an accurate record of all SkillsUSA business to include correspondence and minutes for all official council meetings

2.         Coordinate all fund raising activities for Florida SkillsUSA.

3.         Work in cooperation with the president to develop an agenda.

4.         Write the communications authorized by the president.

5.         Count and record the rising or ballot votes of the delegates or committee members.

6.         Keep an accurate membership roll.

7.         Provide minutes of the previous meeting.

8.         Complete other duties as assigned by the State Director or State Officer Trainer.

 

 

 

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(Section 4)

 

THE PARLIAMENTARIAN SHALL:

1.         Ensure that the Executive Council does not act contrary to National or Florida                       Constitution and Bylaws.

2.         Annually review the Florida SkillsUSA bylaws and make recommendations as needed.

3.         Follow the most recently revised Roberts Rules of Order when not in conflict with   National or Florida Constitutions and Bylaws.

4.         Assist the president during the House of Delegates meeting.

5.         Design and coordinate the Annual House of Delegates= meeting.

6.         Complete other duties as assigned by the State Director or State Officer Trainer.

 

(Section 5)

 

THE REPORTER SHALL:

1.         Write and coordinate the SkillsUSA PRIDE Newsletter covering all Florida SkillsUSA activities

2.         Obtain information from local reporters for the Updated SkillsUSA PRIDE newsletter.

3.         Ensure that Florida SkillsUSA activities are duly publicized in the various media outlets.

4.         Provide the historian with relevant historical information.

5.         Complete other duties as assigned by the State Director or State Officer Trainer.

 

(Section 6)

 

THE HISTORIAN SHALL:

1.         Record, maintain, and update the historical records of all pertinent SkillsUSA activities.

2.         Prepare a scrapbook of SkillsUSA events to be archived by the State SkillsUSA Director.

3.         Design and coordinate the installation ceremony of officers.

4.         Complete other duties as assigned by the State Director or State Officer Trainer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(Section 7)

 

THE GOODWILL AMBASSADOR SHALL:

1.         Promote fair and active representation for all student members.

2.         Prepare the  thought for the day when needed

3.         Send remembrances to members, advisors, and others as appropriate.

4.         Assist the Sergeant At Arms with VIP responsibilities.

5.         Assist the Secretary with state officer fund raising activities.

6.         Provide a written evaluation of the Officer Retreat to the State Officer Trainer.

7.         Coordinate social and goodwill activities.

8.         Complete other duties as assigned by the State Director or State Officer Trainer.

 

(Section 8)

 

THE EDUCATION COORDINATOR SHALL:

1.         Demonstrate leadership abilities and encourage student involvement.

2.         Serve as the chief officer for the Professional Development Program (PDP).

3.         Serve as the chief officer for the Florida Statesman Award.

4.         Promote in service leadership training for the Executive Council.

5.         Coordinate educational programs for students/advisors during state conferences.

6.         Coordinate the administration of the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test

7.         Assist in the design of the State Officer Leadership Orientation Workshop.

8.         Complete other duties as assigned by the State Director of State Officer Trainer.

 

(Section 9)

 

THE AWARDS CHAIRMAN SHALL:

1.         Act as chairperson of the awards ceremony at the Closing General Session of the State Skill and Leadership Conference.

2.         Serve as co-chairperson with the President for designing the Opening General Session at the State Skill and Leadership Conference.

3.         Assist the Vice President in developing the State Skill and Leadership printed program.

4.         Contact business, industry, and other supportive agencies for donations, scholarships, etc., and follow-up with appropriate correspondence.

5.         Design and coordinate the awards ceremony at State Conference.

6.         Complete other duties as assigned by the State Director or State Officer Trainer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(Section 10)

 

THE SERGEANT AT ARMS SHALL:

1.         Monitor membership activity at all official functions.

2.         Act as official host for industry representatives.

3.         Assist Awards Chairperson in the security of awards.

4.         Escort VIPs.

5.         Assist the Vice President in monitoring credentials at all delegate assemblies.

6.         Submit articles to the SkillsUSA Journal and other pertinent publications.

7.         Complete other duties as assigned by the State Director or State Officer Trainer.

 

Article XI                                                       Delegates

 

(Section 1)

 

SkillsUSA members shall exercise their franchise through the House of Delegates meeting at the Regional, State, and National levels.

 

(Section 2)

 

Each Chartered SkillsUSA school shall be allowed three (3) voting delegates at the Regional Leadership Orientation Workshop and the Regional SkillsUSA Competitions. Proxy voting shall not be allowed.

 

(Section 3)

 

Each chapter shall elect members who shall be considered voting delegates at the State Skill and Leadership Conference. The number of delegates shall be determined in accordance with the following apportionment:

7-12 members - - 1 Delegate

          13-24 members - - 2 Delegates

          25-49 members - - 3 Delegates

          50-79 members - - 4 Delegates

          80-200 members - -5 Delegates

 

In addition, one delegate shall be granted for each one hundred SkillsUSA members thereafter.

 

(Section 4)

 

Ten State Officers (Article V, Section 1) shall be considered voting delegates at large at the State SkillsUSA Conference. Chapters from which the ten officers are elected will be entitled to their regular delegation as indicated in Article XI, Section 3. The ten State Officers will not be counted as his/her chapterıs delegates.

 

 

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(Section 5)

 

The number of voting delegates to the National Conference shall be variable with the directives of the National Constitution. The number of alternates shall be the same as the number of delegates. The ten State Officers are automatically voting delegates, provided they have full-filled the responsibilities of their office, as approved by the Executive Board of Directors. The Executive Board of Directors will prescribe the conditions under which remaining National Delegation posts are filled.

 

Article XII                                                      Meetings

 

(Section 1)

 

Each region shall hold an Officers Training Workshop. Each region shall elect a full slate of regional officers as specified in Article VI, Section 1. Meetings may be called by the Regional President, with the approval of the Regional Coordinator, or at the Regional Coordinatorıs discretion.

 

(Section 2)

 

The Executive Council of Florida SkillsUSA shall meet at least two times each year for regular meetings prior to the State Skills and Leadership Conference. The State President may call a special meeting of the State Executive Council with the approval of the Executive Board of Directors of Florida SkillsUSA, Inc.

 

(Section 3)

 

The State SkillsUSA Director may call meetings of the Executive Council in order to conduct business for the smooth operation of Florida SkillsUSA.

 

(Section 4)

 

The annual business meeting of Florida SkillsUSA House of Delegates shall be held in conjunction with the Florida State Skills and Leadership Conference, (Article XI, Section 3).

 

Article XIII                                                     Finances

 

(Section 1)

 

All membership dues of Florida SkillsUSA shall be entrusted to the Florida State SkillsUSA Director and deposited in the official bank account of Florida SkillsUSA, Inc. according to the rules and regulations governing all non-profit organizations.

 

The accounts of Florida SkillsUSA shall be audited each year according to the rules and regulations stipulated by the Executive Board of Directors of SkillsUSA, Inc.

 

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(Section 2)

 

Annual dues shall be established by the Executive Board of Directors of Florida SkillsUSA, Inc.

 

(Section 3)

 

Expenditures of SkillsUSA funds shall be reported to the Executive Board of Directors by the State SkillsUSA Director and made a matter of record in the minutes of the meeting at which they are reported.

 

Each expenditure of Florida SkillsUSA shall be made by a check drawn against the checking account and signed by the State SkillsUSA Director and/or any authorized co-signers designated by the Executive Board of Directors of Florida SkillsUSA, Inc.

 

(Section 4)

 

A proposed budget for Florida SkillsUSA will be prepared by the State SkillsUSA Director, approved by the Executive Board of Directors at the first annual organizational meeting, and submitted to the organizationıs audit committee.

 

(Section 5)

 

Each month, the State SkillsUSA Director shall obtain an account statement indicating deposits and expenditures.

 

(Section 6)

 

Upon dissolution, the assets of Florida SkillsUSA shall be distributed to a non-profit organization, foundation, or corporation, which has established its tax-exempt status under the internal revenue code.

 

Article XIV                                                    Parliamentary Authority

 

(Section 1)

 

The most recently revised Roberts Rules of Order shall be the final authority for Florida SkillsUSA on all questions of procedure and parliamentary law not covered by the Constitution and Bylaws of this organization.

 

(Section 2)

 

No rules or regulation shall be adopted which are contrary to the National or Florida SkillsUSA Constitution and Bylaws.

 

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Article XV                                         Amending the Bylaws

 

(Section 1)

 

Proposed amendments to this document shall be submitted, in writing, to the State Director at least sixty days prior to the House of Delegates Annual Business Meeting.

 

(Section 2)

 

The Executive Board of Directors shall review the proposed amendments and submit them to all schools for consideration at least seven days prior to the House of Delegates Annual Business Meeting.

 

(Section 3)

 

A two-thirds majority, affirmative vote of those delegates in attendance at the House of Delegates Annual Business Meeting is required to amend the bylaws.

 

(Section 4)

 

Upon ratification, changes to the bylaws shall immediately become effective.

 

 

 

 

 

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