Constitution of BBASx
Article 1—Name
The official name of this organization shall be “BBASx.”
Article II—Purposes
The purposes of this organization are:
• To assist local schools in creating environments that are equitable and safe for all students
• To foster a deep respect for diversity in the classroom
• To unite full-time students in a common bond without regard to race, sex, religion, creed or
national origin
• To develop leadership abilities
• To create enthusiasm for learning
• To develop the ability of students to plan together, organize and carry out worthy activities
and projects through the use of the democratic process
Article III – Non-Discrimination Policy
This organization and its members shall not discriminate against any individual(s) for reasons
of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, or veteran status.
Article III—Organization
Section 1. The BBASx
shall be affiliated with Being Black at School. The
chapter shall operate in accordance with its chapter granted by Being Black at School.
Section 2. (For chapters organized as an afterschool clubs or organization) The BBASx
chapter shall be organized as an afterschool activity, and meet full compliance with all school
rules and regulations for afterschool programming/activates/clubs.
Section 3. (For chapters organized into community organizations sections) The BBASx
chapter shall be organized and meet at the
located at
on . One members of the Advisory Committee will be
represented by a leader of the hosting community organization. Community organizations
are at no obligation to the chapter. Agreements established with the community organization
will be documented in the by-laws (Article XI) of this constitution.
Section 4. The chapter shall be governed by a Student Executive Committee, and will be over
seen by an advisor(s). The chapter is responsible for managing a calendar of activities.
Section 5. A chapter Advisory Committee composed of students, educators, school leaders,
community leaders, and parents shall be selected by the Student Executive Council. The
Advisory Committee shall provide counsel, advice, and assistance to the section in carrying
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out section’s functions. The Advisory Committee shall assist in the administration of the
chapter programming when applicable.
Article IV—Membership
Section 1. Membership in the chapter shall be open to students enrolled in the communities
local schools.
Section 2. Chapter membership shall be open to all students regardless of race, sex, religion,
creed, national origin or ability level.
Section 3. National membership shall be permitted only through the chapter, and all
members of the local chapter must be members of national organization.
Section 4. Classes of membership that will be recognized are:
Active Membership—Voting membership will be reserved for students enrolled in local
schools. Others such as educators, school leaders, community leaders, and parents are
encouraged to become members as non-voting honorary members.
Alumni Membership (Non-voting members) —Former active members who are no longer enrolled in
local schools, but still wish to serve their community.
Honorary Membership (Non-voting members)—Honorary membership will be reserved for
educators, school leaders, community leaders, and parents who have made a significant
contribution to the advancement of equity and safety for all students in their community.
Honorary members are eligible for all benefits of membership, and may serve of the Advisory
Committee, however are not eligible for serving on the Student Executive Committee or
eligible to vote.
Section 5. A membership year shall be from September 1 through August 31. A $5.00
student, $10.00 advisor membership fee is required to become a national member.
Article V—Executive Committee
Section 1. There shall be an executive committee for each chapter consisting of president,
vice president, secretary, and treasurer.
Section 2. The chapter officers shall be nominated and elected by ballot at the first
regular chapter meeting of each school year. A majority vote of the active members shall be
necessary to elect an officer.
Section 3. The presidents and vice presidents of the chapter and the advisor will also serve
on the Advisory Committee.
Article VI—Chapter Meetings
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Section 1. Regular chapter meetings shall be held during the school year.
Section 2. The appropriate executive council shall meet in advance of every section or
chapter meeting.
Section 3. Parliamentary procedure of all meetings will be governed by Robert’s Rules of
Order, Newly Revised.
Article VII—Finances
Section 1. The chapter will be responsible for their own finances.
Section 2. The chapter advisor shall be responsible for the finances and will furnish an annual
audit to Being Black at School’s Advocacy Team.
Section 3 (For chapters organized as an afterschool clubs or organization). The chapter is also responsible
for any additional finance responsibilities required to meet full compliance with all school
rules and regulations for afterschool programming/activates/clubs.
Article VIII—Voting
Each active member in good standing shall have the right to cast his or her vote concerning chapter
business and election of officers.
Article IX—Logo, emblem and colors
The logo, ceremonial emblem and colors of BBASx
shall be set by Being Black at
School Advocacy Team. The wearing or use of the logo, emblem and colors will be governed by the
national organization.
Article X—Amendments
The chapter constitution shall be amended as follows:
A. All proposed amendments to the constitution shall be submitted in writing to the chapter
Student Executive Council.
B. If the Executive Council passes the proposed amendment or an amended form of the
proposed amendment by a majority vote, and the membership votes by two-thirds majority
for the amendment, it shall be effective.
Article XI—Rules, regulations and bylaws
Section 1. Such rules, regulations and bylaws as are deemed necessary for the proper
conduct of this organization shall be adopted.
Section 2. No rules, regulations or bylaws shall be adopted that are contrary to this
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constitution.
Section 3. The bylaws for this chapter are as follows (Items to include in the chapter bylaws include
the formation of committees and their duties, agreements with outside organizations, and the function of the Advisory
Committee):
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