A Note from the Strategy Team
As many of you know, it has taken considerable time to develop new bylaws for AIM. We were unable to locate the original bylaws (only Articles of Incorporation and Articles of Amendment were available through state agencies), and started our work with a version of the bylaws that was clearly in the process of being revised. The purpose of the proposed bylaws, which have been reviewed, revised and approved by legal counsel and the AIM Strategy Team, is to have bylaws that both comply with current laws and reflect how AIM actually functions.
At the County-Wide Action Team meeting on September 17, we will vote on the proposed, revised bylaws. Because our meeting via Zoom can be complicated, please contact Linda Bleadingheiser (AIM’s Secretary) prior to the meeting regarding any questions that you have. She can be reached by email at healthscope@att.net or by phone at 301-275-0504.
A summary of the proposed bylaws is below:
- The name, objective and purposes of AIM were not changed.
- The process of approving Member Organizations and revocation of membership was specified in Article II.
- The duplicate duties of the Delegates Assembly and the Countywide Action Team were eliminated by combining them as duties of the County-Wide Action Team. The County-Wide Action Team is described in Article III. It is composed of one representative from each Member Organization with the right to vote on matters before the team, including AIM’s agenda; meetings require at least five days notice; one-third of the total number of Member Organizations represented by at least one person at a County-Wide Action Team meeting constitutes a quorum, and each Member Organization present is entitled to one vote; affirmative vote of a majority of Member Organizations presents is required for any action of the County-Wide Action Team.
- The Strategy Team (Board of Directors) is described in Article IV. It is composed of a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 15 key leaders from Member Organizations who are able to—build power and influence, participate in at least one AIM issue campaign, committed to developing new leaders, participate in IAF training, willing to commit significant time and energy, and not be an elected official or run for elected office. One-third of the members constitute a quorum for business, and an affirmative vote of a majority of those present is required for the work of this team. Members of the Strategy Team are nominated by a member of the Strategy Team and elected by a majority vote at a County-Wide Action Team meeting. Strategy Team members’ terms expire at the second annual meeting after their election and until successors are elected and qualified. The Strategy team performs planning functions for AIM and is concerned with all matters essential to the work of AIM.
- The Executive Leadership Team (Officers) is described in Article V. It is comprised of at least four officers—two Co-Chairpersons (one of whom is designated President at the time of their election), the Secretary, the Treasurer, and other officers as deemed necessary by the Co-Chairs. They are members of the Strategy Team who are nominated and elected by a majority vote of the Strategy Team. Three members of the Executive Leadership Team constitute a quorum. They are responsible for managing AIM’s business and affairs, property, and general supervision over agents of AIM. Specific duties of the Secretary and Treasurer are specified in Sections 5.7 and 5.8.
- Ad Hoc Issues Teams are described in Article VI. These are temporary teams formed periodically (subject to confirmation by the Strategy Team) to address specific issues by conducting initial research, designing strategies, addressing issues, monitoring progress, and making regular reports to the Strategy Team and the County-Wide Action Team.
- Dues and Finances are specified in Article VII. Dues and payment schedules are approved by the Strategy Team. Finances are managed by the Executive Leadership Team. Loans must be approved by the Strategy Team. Changes are minimal.
- Reimbursement, Liability, Indemnification are described in Article VIII and have minimal changes.
- Affiliated Transactions, Interested Officers are described in Article IX and have minimal changes.
- Amendments and Dissolution are specified in Article X and have minimal changes.