2024 - 2026
AAHA Bylaws
and
Standing Rules and
Procedures
Table of Contents
AAHA Bylaws
and
Standing Rules and
Procedures
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Page
Code of Ethics 1
Article I. Name 3
Article II. Purposes 3
Article III. Organization 4
Article IV. Membership 6
Article V. Dues and Fees 8
Article VI. Officers 9
Article VII. Executive Committee 13
Article VIII. Board of Directors 14
Article IX. Committees 15
Article X. Board of Trustees for Research Library and for 18
Life Membership Funds
Article XI Conventions 20
Article XII. Amendments 21
Standing Rules and Procedures 22
ARTICLE I. NAME
The name of this organization shall be the American Association of Handwriting Analysts, Inc.
ARTICLE II. PURPOSES
Section 1. The purposes of this Association shall be:
a. To advance Graphology and its members to the highest level of knowledge in the science of analyzing character through examination of the writing.
b. To promote public recognition of handwriting analysis and to encourage research in Graphology as an important aid in the area:
(1) Identification and description of the character and personality of a scripter, emotional disturbances, and/or physical afflictions related to:
*Counseling Criminology
*Child Development Vocational appraisal
Compatibility Personnel Selection
*Medical Graphology *Graphotherapy
*Must be seeking or have obtained a proper license for the discipline in the state of one’s residence.
(2) The verification of authentication of documents handwritten, printed, or signed for the purpose of Graphological analysis.
c. To provide the opportunity for the interchange of general and technical information concerning practice and research analysis and to conduct workshops, seminars, and other educational programs for handwriting analysis techniques.
d. To publish periodicals, pamphlets, books, and other types of materials to enlighten, inform, and expound on graphology.
e. To develop a resource library with materials which will be available for use by AAHA members in good standing. The general public may visit the library, by appointment with the librarian, but cannot remove materials from the premise.
f. To perform and do any and all such other acts as are necessary, convenient, or proper to the attainment of the foregoing purposes of the Association, including providing and receiving funds to implement these purposes, subject to the limitations set forth in Article III.
Section 2. The commitment of members shall be to the foregoing purposes and to the following pledge:
The American Association of Handwriting Analysts and its individual members will, at all times, recognize their responsibilities in this field of knowledge, giving special observance to its limitations, which they will refuse to exceed. Members will keep faith with the public generally and do no mischief by giving unwarranted information or advice, nor will they adulterate their work with results obtained by other means other than strict examination of the forms of graphic behavior.
ARTICLE III. ORGANIZATION
Section 1. This organization shall be a nonprofit, nonpartisan and nonsectarian organization whose members shall have the sole right to govern and control all its activities through its officers duly elected as provided in the Bylaws.
Section 2. The Association shall be subject to the following provisions:
a. This Association shall be organized and operated exclusively as an exempt organization with the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 as amended (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law) and notwithstanding any other provisions of these Articles, the Association shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue law) or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or its corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue law).
b. No part of the net earnings of the Association shall inure to the benefit of any Officer or Chairperson of the Association, or any private individual (except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to or for the Association affecting one or more of its Purposes), and no Officer or Chairperson of the Association, or any private individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the corporate assets upon dissolution of the Association.
c. No substantial part of the activities of the Association shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Association shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publication or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf on any candidate for public office.
d. The following transactions shall be specifically prohibited to the Association:
(1) The loan of any part of the Association’s income or corpus without the receipt of adequate security and a reasonable rate of interest (but under no circumstances shall a loan be made to any Officer or Chairperson of the Association).
(2) The payment of any compensation, in excess of a reasonable allowance for salary or other compensation for personal services actually rendered.
(3) The making of any part of the Association’s services available on a personal basis.
(4) The making of any substantial purchase of securities or any other property, for more than adequate consideration in money or money’s worth.
(5) The sale of any substantial part of the Association’s securities or other property, for less than adequate consideration in money or money’s worth.
(6) Engaging in any other transaction which results in substantial diversion of the Association’s income or corpus, to any of the Officers or Chairpersons of the Association, any person who shall have made a substantial contribution to the Association, a member of the family of such Officer or Chairperson or person having made a substantial contribution.
e. Upon dissolution of the Association, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all liabilities of the Association, dispose of all the assets of the Association exclusively for the purposes of the Association in such manner, or to such organization of organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law) as the Board of Directors shall determine. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Circuit Court of the county exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations as said court shall determine which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
f. Operational Limitations. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the Association shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under 501 (c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue law) or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue law).
g. Fiscal Year: Shall be from September 1 through August 31.
Section 3. The Association shall have three Regions. Each Region shall be organized and directed by Regional Chairpersons. Each Regional Chairperson sits on the Board of Directors.
a. The following Regions have been formed and are in operation.
1. USA: All fifty states
2. Canadian: All Provinces
3. International: All other Countries and Territories
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership in this Association shall be individual and of four levels: Certified, Associate, Affiliate, and Honorary. Initial membership in the American Association of Handwriting Analysts shall be as Affiliate. An application for Associate or Certified examination may be made at any time after that.
Section 2. Qualifications for Membership.
a. Certified members shall have passed an examination administered in the manner prescribed by the Accreditation Committee, or have been approved by the Accreditation Committee based on current membership in an Executive Committee approved organization and having passed their equivalent Certified level exam.
b. Associate members shall:
(1) Have passed an examination administered in the manner prescribed by the Accreditation Committee.
(2) Be a prerequisite to advancing to the Certified level.
(3) Make application for Certified level membership at any time thereafter.
(4) Not be a requirement if member is approved under Section 2. a. above.
c. Affiliate members shall:
(1) Strive to grow in the knowledge and application of handwriting analysis techniques.
(2) Make application for Associate level membership at any time.
d. Honorary members shall:
(1) Have made a distinguished contribution to the field of handwriting analysis.
(2) Have been recommended by the Board of Directors for Honorary Membership.
(3) Have received a three-fourths (3/4) vote by ballot at any convention.
Section 3. Privileges of Membership.
a. Certified members shall have all privileges of membership.
b. Associate members shall have all privileges of membership.
c. Affiliate members shall receive the Association’s Newsletter and may attend designated meetings. They have no voting privileges until they are members in good standing for five consecutive years.
d. Honorary members may attend all meetings and receive all publications but have no other privileges. They shall be exempt from all obligations of the Association.
Section 4. Application for Membership.
a. Membership application forms may be obtained from the Membership Chairperson or other members of the Association.
b. Membership applications shall be submitted to the Treasurer with the current annual dues and, when appropriate, the initiation fee.
c. Submitted Membership applications(s) shall be sent to the Membership Chairperson by the Treasurer in a timely manner.
Section 5. Application for Change of Membership Level.
a. Any member in good standing may seek a higher level of membership by fulfilling the requirements as set forth in Article IV Section 2 and submitting a completed examination application along with the required fee to the AAHA Treasurer.
b. The examination applicant taking the Associate or Certified test must return the exam within three months (or by the approved extension date). Failure, by the applicant to return the exam within three months (or by the approved extension date) or did not pass the original examination
will have to wait 1 (one) year to reapply to take the applicable exam again. The applicant must then send a new application with the designated fee to the AAHA Treasurer with an explanation that the application is for an exam retry. The applicant must be a member in good standing to reapply for the examination.
Section 6. Resignation from Membership.
a. Any member in good standing may resign by submitting a written statement of resignation to the Secretary.
ARTICLE V. DUES AND FEES
Section 1. Dues and Fees.
Annual dues shall be payable as given in the Standing Rules:
a. Membership dues shall be published in the Standing Rules of the AAHA Bylaws.
b. AAHA Life membership: Any member, in good standing for at least five (5) consecutive years, may pay a fee over a two (2) year period for an AAHA Life Membership. Life members may be assessed a maintenance fee when cost per member exceeds AAHA membership service costs (publications, etc.). The Life Membership fee shall be published in the Standing Rules of the AAHA Bylaws.
c. Honorary members: None.
Section 2. Fees.
a. The initiation fee shall be published in the Standing Rules of the AAHA Bylaws.
Section 3. Refund of Dues.
a. Cancellation of membership by Association action: A refund of the current year’s dues will be made.
b. Cancellation of membership by Member action: A member in good standing requesting any formal resignation shall not be eligible for a refund of dues previously paid.
Section 4. Accreditation Processing Fee.
a. There shall be a processing fee determined each year by the Accreditation Committee based on the expenses to process the exams to upgrade from the Affiliate level to the Associate level or from the Associate level to the Certified level. At the end of each fiscal year, the Accreditation Committee shall announce and publish those fees through the Dialogue and AAHA website. Failure, by the applicant to return the exam within three months (or by the approved extension date) or did not pass the original examination will be required to pay the full amount of the original fee to retake the examination.
ARTICLE VI. OFFICERS
Section 1. Elective Officers
c. Elective positions shall be for a two (2) year term extending from September 1 through August 31. Elections will be held in even years.
a. Nominations.
A Nominating Chair shall be appointed by the Executive Committee. The Nominating Chair shall select at least 3 (three) members to serve as the Nominating Committee along with the Nominating Chair. One member of the Nominating Committee shall be a member of the AAHA Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee shall select one or more nominees for each office to be filled at the next even year convention. Only those nominees who have given their consent to serve shall be eligible for nomination by the Nominating Committee.
b. Method of Election.
(1) Notice will be printed in the Winter Newsletter or communicated electronically or by other mail six (6) months prior to the even year AAHA Convention informing members that if they wish to serve in an elective position, or suggest another candidate with the approval of that candidate, to notify the Nomination Chair within four (4) months prior to the even year AAHA Convention. Voting ballots, with a place to check “Yes” or “No”, with all nominee names, will be mailed in the Spring Newsletter or communicated electronically or other mailings three (3) months prior to the even year AAHA Convention. Certified and Associate members and members who have been in good standing for at least five (5) consecutive years have the privilege of voting.
(2) Voting ballots must be returned by mail or communicated electronically to the designated Nominating committee member who should receive them no later than ten (10) days before the even year AAHA Convention. The voting ballots will be brought to the even year AAHA Convention unopened by the designated Nominating Committee member. The voting ballots will be opened and counted by members of the Nominating Committee at the AAHA General meeting with the results reported to the attending members. Voting ballots after they are opened will be available for examination at the General Meeting by all attendees.
(3) A majority of properly returned ballots shall constitute an election.
c. Filling Vacancies.
(1) In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, the Vice-President shall automatically become President.
(2) A vacancy occurring in any other office shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Board of Directors. Election may be conducted by secure mail, Internet email, Audio conference, and/or Videoconference.
Section 3. Duties of Officers.
a. The President Shall:
(1) Be the presiding officer of the Convention, all meetings of the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee;
(2) Appoint all standing committees, special committees, and individuals for special tasks;
(3) Coordinate the activities and promote the objectives of the Association;
(4) Sign any such documents as require signature by the President;
(5) Be empowered to sign checks in the absence or inability of the Treasurer;
(6) Submit a written annual report regarding the achievements of the Association, by July 1st of each year.
b. The Vice-President shall:
(1) Assist the President and shall assume the duties of the President in the absence or inability of that Officer to serve;
(2) Work with the Regional Chairpersons to enhance regional programs and stimulate the recruitment of new members;
(3) May be assigned further duties by the President, the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee;
(4) Submit a written annual report, to the President, pertaining to Regional events, by July 1st of each year.
c. The Secretary shall be responsible for:
(1) Recording the proceedings of all meetings of the Association, the Board, and the Executive Committee;
(2) Keeping a current set of the Association Bylaws, and Standing Rules and Procedures;
(3) Conducting the general correspondence of the Association as directed by the President, Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.
(4) Performing such other duties pertaining to this office as may be delegated by the President, Executive Committee, and the Board of Directors.
d. The Treasurer shall:
(1) Keep an accurate record of receipts and disbursements and deposit the funds in the manner prescribed by the Board of Directors;
(2) Disburse funds and current expenses of all items in the current, approved budget. Payment(s) for items exceeding the adopted budget and non-budgeted items shall be paid upon approval of the Board of Directors.
(3) Receive all funds by the Association and promptly deposit them in an FDIC insured account in a nationwide bank approved by the Board of Directors.
(4) Collect dues.
(5) Present quarterly financial income and expense reports to the Board of Directors per the fiscal calendar. Present a complete end of year income and expense report to the Board of Directors by September 15th. Give an interim yearly income and expense report to the Board of Directors by July 1st.
(6) Close the books and prepare a financial Income and Expense Statement, including copies of bank and investment account statements, by September 30 of each year. The Statement will be submitted to the Executive committee by October 30 after review by the Finance Committee. An outgoing Treasurer shall close the books and submit them to the incoming Treasurer within three (3) weeks after leaving office. The incoming Treasurer and other members of the Finance Committee will review the records and determine the necessity for an audit.
(7). Regularly review the assets of the Association and advise the Executive Committee of their most advantageous placement for investment purposes.
(8) Request budget inputs from all Officers and Committee Chairpersons by May 15th of each year. Officers and Committee Chairpersons must submit their budgets for the next fiscal year to the Treasurer by June 15th. The Treasurer and Financial Chairperson will prepare a proposed budget by July 1st of each fiscal year and submit to the Executive Committee. The proposed budget will be submitted to the AAHA Board of Directors no later than July 30th for review of their budget input. Any Officer or Committee Chairperson who does not submit a budget for the next fiscal year will be given the budget as stated in the Standing Rules and Procedures of the AAHA Bylaws.
(9) Update signatory cards on all Association Bank Accounts whenever there is a change of officers who are designated to be on these accounts.
(10). Perform such other duties pertaining to this office as may be delegated by the President, Executive Committee, and the Board of Directors.
e. All officers shall perform the duties prescribed by these Bylaws, Standing Rules and Procedures, and by the Parliamentary Authority adopted by the Association.
f. Any officer of the Association unable to perform the duties of the respective office for any reason whatsoever for a period of ninety (90) days shall submit a resignation from such office to the Board of Directors. In the absence of such resignation, the Board may declare the office vacant and elect a successor to fill the vacancy. The new member will be elected by a majority vote of the remaining members.
g. The retiring officer shall deliver the material pertaining to this office to his/her successor or President within three (3) weeks from the notice to retire.
ARTICLE VII. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1. Membership. The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Finance Chair, Bylaws and Rules Chair, Membership Chair, and the Immediate Past President (non-voting).
Section 2. Duties. The Executive Committee shall:
a. Transact all necessary and delegated business of the Board in the interim between meetings of the Board, provided none of its acts shall conflict with action taken by the Board of Directors, or the Convention body.
b. Assist the President in the appointment of committees and appointive Officers.
c. Report to the Board of Directors at each Board meeting and at other times as requested.
d. Review and approve the Treasurer’s Proposed Budget and the Financial Income and Expense Statement. If deemed necessary, these documents will be submitted to the Board of Directors for review. These documents shall be published in the next available Dialogue, commensurate with its deadline.
Section 3. Business by Secure Mail Service, Internet Email, or Telecommunications.
a. A majority of the members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum at any of the meetings.
ARTICLE VIII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. Membership. The Board of Directors shall consist of the following members: The President, the Vice-President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, the Chairpersons of Standing Committees, and the Immediate Past President (non-voting).
Section 2. Duties. The Board of Directors shall be the administrative body of the Association and shall:
a. Have general supervision of the affairs of the Association in the interim between conventions;
b. Be subject to the orders of the Association, and none of its acts shall conflict with action taken by the Convention;
c. Do whatever is necessary for the furtherance of the Purpose of the Association and the attainment of its Object.
d. Make recommendations to the Association, including proposed amendments to the Bylaws;
e. Delegate such powers and duties to the Executive Committee as can best be handled by that Committee;
f. Perform such other duties as are specified in these Bylaws;
g. Be responsible for the publication of the Newsletter.
Section 3. Business by Secure Mail Service, Internet Email, or Telecommunication.
a. The Board of Directors may conduct any business by secure Mail Service, Internet email, Audio conference, and/or Videoconference, which requires action by the Board in the interim between its meetings. The Secretary must record all voting, by whatever communication is used.
Section 4. Vacancies. Vacancies on the Board of Directors, except that of the President, shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Board Members.
Section 5. Meetings.
a. The first regular meeting of the Board shall be held in the Convention City before the adjournment of the Convention. The second regular meeting shall be held immediately prior to the next Convention in the Convention City.
b. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President or shall be called at the written request of the majority of the Board. No business other than that for which a special meeting is called shall be transacted except by unanimous consent.
Section 6. Quorum. A majority (51%) of the Board membership shall constitute a quorum at any meeting except at the annual convention. A majority (75%) of the board membership registered at an annual convention shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE IX. COMMITTEES
Section 1. Standing Committees. All functions that are continuous throughout the year shall be represented by Standing Committees.
a. Standing Committees shall be Accreditation, Bylaws and Rules, Education, Ethics, Finance, Historian, Membership, Newsletter, Public Relations, Regional, Research, and Website.
b. All Standing Committees and/or Standing Committee Chairpersons shall be appointed by the President with the assistance of the Executive Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
c. Additional Standing committees shall be created by the Association, the Board of Directors, or the Executive Committee when deemed advisable.
d. The appointment of Standing Committees shall be made within three (3) months following the close of the Convention.
Section 2. Special Committees. All functions whose existence ceases with the conclusion or the completion of a specified activity shall be represented by Special Committees.
a. Special Committees shall be: Nominating, and Convention.
b. These Special Committees, with the exception of the Nominating Committee, shall be appointed by the President and approved by the Executive Committee. Additional Special Committees may be created and appointed in the same manner.
Section 3. Ex Officio Member.
a. The President shall be ex officio member of all committees, with the exception of the Nominating Committee.
Section 4. Duties of Committees.
a. All Committees shall govern their activities by these Bylaws and/or by the direction of the Board, the Executive Committee, and the parliamentary authority adopted by the Association.
b. All Committees, with the exception of the Nominating Committee, shall notify the President of all meetings and shall send copies of official correspondence to the President.
c. All Committee Chairpersons shall submit a written report, to the President, on the events and happenings within their committees, by July 1st of each year, or at any other time the Board of Directors may feel it necessary.
d. The Accreditation Committee shall be Chaired by a Certified member of AAHA. The Accreditation committee shall administer exams and evaluate the qualifications of applicants for levels of Associate and Certified membership. The Accreditation Chairperson shall notify the Executive Committee and Newsletter Editor accordingly when a member passes his/her examination.
e. The Bylaws and Rules Committee shall have for its primary function the correlation of proposed amendments to the Bylaws, Standing Rules and Procedures, submitted by any member, the Board, Executive Committee, or any Committee, and to put them in proper form for presentation at the Annual Convention. The Bylaws and Rules Chairperson may propose amendments and make recommendations. The Bylaws and Rules Chairperson shall act as parliamentary proceedings advisor to the President during meetings.
f. The Education Committee shall:
(1) Propose general guidelines for study and confer with the Accreditation committee when preparing reading lists for the membership.
(2) Make recommendations to the Executive Committee for organizations to be included on the Approved List of Certified Organizations.
g. The Ethics Committee shall act as a monitor and will advise, warn or caution when principles are sidestepped, stretched, or are otherwise beyond the boundaries of generally accepted standards of conduct.
h. The Finance Committee shall prepare an annual budget, assist the Treasurer in preparing the Financial Income and Expense Statement, audit or arrange for an audit of the Association’s financial records. The duties include:
(1) Soliciting inputs from all Officers and Chairpersons and assist the Treasurer in preparing a proposed budget by July 31 for the next year. This budget shall be approved by the Executive committee and published in the Dialogue.
(2) Reviewing the Treasurer’s Financial Income and Expense Statement by Sept. 30. This statement will be reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee and published in the Dialogue.
(3) Review the AAHA Treasurer’s financial records on the odd numbered years after the close of the fiscal year on August 31st. The Financial Chairperson shall present this review to the Executive Committee by September 30th for their approval. The AAHA Treasurer’s financial audit, by the AAHA Vice President, Secretary, and the Finance Chair, on the even numbered years, shall be completed within two months of end of fiscal year (August31) in even fiscal years, and distributed to the Board of Directors for their approval.
(4) Reporting on the major financial activities at the Convention Board meeting.
i. The Historian will prepare a narrative account of the Association’s activities while in office.
When approved by the membership, it will become a permanent part of the Association’s
history.
j. The Membership Committee shall:
1. Mail Membership renewal letters per Standing Rules and Procedures.
2. Issue New Membership card(s) in a timely manner.
3. Maintain an accurate and up-to-date record of AAHA members.
k. The Newsletter Committee shall issue a newsletter at intervals and frequencies as given in the Standing Rules, and shall solicit and select appropriate articles and other materials for the educational and informative benefit of the membership. The Chairperson shall be named the “Editor”.
l. The Public Relations Committee shall handle publicity for the Association.
m. The Regional Committee shall be responsible for coordinating the work of study groups within the assigned regions. Initiate programs which will strengthen the Association. Submit a written annual report to the President by each Regional Chairperson explaining the event(s) that took place in their respected regions, by July 1st of each year.
n. The Research Committee shall encourage, promote, assist in the design of, and conduct research on the reliability and validity of Handwriting Analysis and shall inform members of the results of published research.
o. The Website Committee shall be responsible for additions and changes to the AAHA website.
p. The Nominating Committee shall perform the duties as outlined in Article VI, Section 2.
q. The Convention Committee shall co-operate with the Executive Committee and the Convention Finance Chairperson in developing and carrying out plans for the AAHA convention.
ARTICLE X. BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR RESEARCH LIBRARY AND FOR LIFE MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT FUNDS
Section 1. Membership.
a. There shall be a Board of Trustees consisting of nine (9) Life members of the American Association of Handwriting Analysts.
b. The Board shall elect a Chairperson who is a member of the Board of Directors of the Association, and shall elect a Secretary-Treasurer, each to serve a three (3) year term by majority vote.
c. They may be re-elected.
d. The Chairperson shall be responsible for accounting for all equipment purchased with AAHA funds.
Section 2. Purposes and Duties.
a. The Board of trustees shall be the administrative body charged with the responsibility of the maintenance and management of the Research Library.
b. Life Member dues will be kept in a separate account and any disposition of Life Membership dues shall be approved by the Board of Trustees and recommended to the Board of Directors of the American Association of Handwriting Analysts.
c. Interest from Life Membership Investment Funds shall be a part of the operating budget of the American Association of Handwriting Analysts.
d. The Chairperson shall report the activities of the Board of Trustees to the Board of Directors at its preconvention meeting.
e. A majority of the Board of Trustees shall constitute a quorum at any of its meetings.
f. Business and voting may be conducted by secure mail service, Internet email and/or telecommunications.
Section 3. Election to the Board of Trustees.
a. Presently, Life Members shall elect three (3) members to the Board of Trustees to serve nine (9) year terms, and they may be re-elected. Elections shall be held triennially from 1972.
b. The Secretary-Treasurer shall mail ballots to all members. All ballots may be mailed to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees not later than fifteen (15) days before Convention, or they may be handed to the Secretary in a sealed envelope properly marked, at the Convention. All such ballots shall be opened and counted at the time of the elections at the Annual AAHA Convention.
c. Election shall be by plurality vote.
d. A quorum shall be 50% of the Life Members registered at the Convention.
Section 4. Meetings
a. The Board of Trustees shall meet at least once a year.
Section 5. Vacancies.
a. Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Trustees shall be filled by the remaining members.
Section 6. Amendment.
a. Any proposed amendment to Article X shall first be approved by the Board of Trustees and recommended to the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XI. CONVENTIONS
Section 1. Annual Convention.
a. An even year Convention shall be held at a time and place as shall be determined by a majority vote of the Board of directors, subject to change by the Board in case of emergency.
b. Ordinarily, a member attending the Convention must pay a registration fee. However, a member attending for the sole purpose of voting at the even year Meeting need not pay a registration fee.
Section 2. Special Meetings.
a. Special meetings may be called during a Convention by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Purpose.
a. The purpose of the Convention is to elect officers, to receive committee reports, and to conduct such business as may properly come before the members, and to present professional lectures, seminars, and class instruction.
Section 4. Notice.
a. The membership shall be notified of the time and place of the Annual Convention through the Newsletter or by first class mail, not less than ninety (90) days prior to the opening date of the convention, except in the case of an emergency.
Section 5. Voting Body.
a. The voting body of the Association shall consist of the Certified and Associate members in good standing, and the Affiliate members in good standing for five or more consecutive years.
Section 6. Quorum
a. The quorum at any Convention of the Association shall be 51% of the registered voting members in attendance at the General Meeting, and members not registered by attending the General Meeting for the sole purpose of voting.
ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These Bylaws may be amended only at the even year convention as follows:
a. By mailed votes, cast on ballots printed in the Association’s Newsletter or communicated electronically or by other mail at the same time as the proposed amendment(s). The proposed amendment(s) and voting ballot shall be published in the Association’s Newsletter or communicated electronically or by other mail at least thirty (30) days prior to the Convention. The voting ballot, signed by the member in good standing, must be mailed to the AAHA Secretary and received no later than one week before the convention. The AAHA Secretary shall open the mailed voting ballots at the convention General Meeting where they will be counted and tallied by the Secretary and one other selected person. All unsigned ballots shall be eliminated from the count.
Section 3. Any revision or amendment adopted at a Convention shall become effective upon adoption by the Convention unless otherwise specified.
STANDING RULES AND PROCEDURES
1. Standing Rules and Procedures, which interpret or supplement the fundamental laws as set forth in these Bylaws, may be established from time to time as the need arises, by a majority vote of the AAHA Board of Directors. They may be suspended temporarily by a majority vote.
2. A Newsletter shall be issued at least four (4) times quarterly each fiscal year. It shall contain news items, educational material and feature articles. It shall contain the name, state, and country of any new member as well as new membership status gained by passing accreditation exams.
3. A current copy of the Association’s Bylaws, Standing Rules and Procedures shall be available to each member in good standing upon request and to each new member with the membership card.
4. A registered or Professional Parliamentarian may be employed when deemed advisable by the Board of Directors.
5. The rules contained in the most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the Association in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Bylaws or the Standing Rules and Procedures of the Association.
6. AAHA annual dues are $60.00. An invoice for renewal will be sent to members on September 1st of each year. If dues are not paid by September 30th, a reminder notice will be sent. If dues are not paid by October 31st, the member will be deemed inactive.
7. New Members – Individuals that join between June 1st – August 31st, will be treated as having paid dues through the following fiscal year.
8. AAHA Life Membership fee is six hundred dollars ($600.) payable over a two year period.
9. The AAHA initiation fee shall be fifteen dollars ($15.).
10. Accreditation fee for the Associate exam is $150.00. Accreditation fee for the Certification exam is $200.00.
11. The budget for next fiscal year shall be twenty five dollars ($25.) for any Officer or Chairperson who does not submit a proposed budget to the AAHA Treasurer by June 15.
12. AAHA Certified Members are to be known as Certified Graphologist.
13. IGAS Master Graphoanalysts will be accepted as AAHA Certified members without having to take the AAHA Certified accreditation test, if they are AAHA members in good standing and have submitted a copy of their IGAS Master in Graphoanalysis certificate to the AAHA Accreditation Chair.
Page
Code of Ethics 1
Article I. Name 3
Article II. Purposes 3
Article III. Organization 4
Article IV. Membership 6
Article V. Dues and Fees 8
Article VI. Officers 9
Article VII. Executive Committee 13
Article VIII. Board of Directors 14
Article IX. Committees 15
Article X. Board of Trustees for Research Library and for 18
Life Membership Funds
Article XI Conventions 20
Article XII. Amendments 21
Standing Rules and Procedures 22
ARTICLE I. NAME
The name of this organization shall be the American Association of Handwriting Analysts, Inc.
ARTICLE II. PURPOSES
Section 1. The purposes of this Association shall be:
a. To advance Graphology and its members to the highest level of knowledge in the science of analyzing character through examination of the writing.
b. To promote public recognition of handwriting analysis and to encourage research in Graphology as an important aid in the area:
(1) Identification and description of the character and personality of a scripter, emotional disturbances, and/or physical afflictions related to:
*Counseling Criminology
*Child Development Vocational appraisal
Compatibility Personnel Selection
*Medical Graphology *Graphotherapy
*Must be seeking or have obtained a proper license for the discipline in the state of one’s residence.
(2) The verification of authentication of documents handwritten, printed, or signed for the purpose of Graphological analysis.
c. To provide the opportunity for the interchange of general and technical information concerning practice and research analysis and to conduct workshops, seminars, and other educational programs for handwriting analysis techniques.
d. To publish periodicals, pamphlets, books, and other types of materials to enlighten, inform, and expound on graphology.
e. To develop a resource library with materials which will be available for use by AAHA members in good standing. The general public may visit the library, by appointment with the librarian, but cannot remove materials from the premise.
f. To perform and do any and all such other acts as are necessary, convenient, or proper to the attainment of the foregoing purposes of the Association, including providing and receiving funds to implement these purposes, subject to the limitations set forth in Article III.
Section 2. The commitment of members shall be to the foregoing purposes and to the following pledge:
The American Association of Handwriting Analysts and its individual members will, at all times, recognize their responsibilities in this field of knowledge, giving special observance to its limitations, which they will refuse to exceed. Members will keep faith with the public generally and do no mischief by giving unwarranted information or advice, nor will they adulterate their work with results obtained by other means other than strict examination of the forms of graphic behavior.
ARTICLE III. ORGANIZATION
Section 1. This organization shall be a nonprofit, nonpartisan and nonsectarian organization whose members shall have the sole right to govern and control all its activities through its officers duly elected as provided in the Bylaws.
Section 2. The Association shall be subject to the following provisions:
a. This Association shall be organized and operated exclusively as an exempt organization with the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 as amended (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law) and notwithstanding any other provisions of these Articles, the Association shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue law) or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or its corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue law).
b. No part of the net earnings of the Association shall inure to the benefit of any Officer or Chairperson of the Association, or any private individual (except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to or for the Association affecting one or more of its Purposes), and no Officer or Chairperson of the Association, or any private individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the corporate assets upon dissolution of the Association.
c. No substantial part of the activities of the Association shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Association shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publication or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf on any candidate for public office.
d. The following transactions shall be specifically prohibited to the Association:
(1) The loan of any part of the Association’s income or corpus without the receipt of adequate security and a reasonable rate of interest (but under no circumstances shall a loan be made to any Officer or Chairperson of the Association).
(2) The payment of any compensation, in excess of a reasonable allowance for salary or other compensation for personal services actually rendered.
(3) The making of any part of the Association’s services available on a personal basis.
(4) The making of any substantial purchase of securities or any other property, for more than adequate consideration in money or money’s worth.
(5) The sale of any substantial part of the Association’s securities or other property, for less than adequate consideration in money or money’s worth.
(6) Engaging in any other transaction which results in substantial diversion of the Association’s income or corpus, to any of the Officers or Chairpersons of the Association, any person who shall have made a substantial contribution to the Association, a member of the family of such Officer or Chairperson or person having made a substantial contribution.
e. Upon dissolution of the Association, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all liabilities of the Association, dispose of all the assets of the Association exclusively for the purposes of the Association in such manner, or to such organization of organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law) as the Board of Directors shall determine. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Circuit Court of the county exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations as said court shall determine which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
f. Operational Limitations. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the Association shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under 501 (c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue law) or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue law).
g. Fiscal Year: Shall be from September 1 through August 31.
Section 3. The Association shall have three Regions. Each Region shall be organized and directed by Regional Chairpersons. Each Regional Chairperson sits on the Board of Directors.
a. The following Regions have been formed and are in operation.
1. USA: All fifty states
2. Canadian: All Provinces
3. International: All other Countries and Territories
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership in this Association shall be individual and of four levels: Certified, Associate, Affiliate, and Honorary. Initial membership in the American Association of Handwriting Analysts shall be as Affiliate. An application for Associate or Certified examination may be made at any time after that.
Section 2. Qualifications for Membership.
a. Certified members shall have passed an examination administered in the manner prescribed by the Accreditation Committee, or have been approved by the Accreditation Committee based on current membership in an Executive Committee approved organization and having passed their equivalent Certified level exam.
b. Associate members shall:
(1) Have passed an examination administered in the manner prescribed by the Accreditation Committee.
(2) Be a prerequisite to advancing to the Certified level.
(3) Make application for Certified level membership at any time thereafter.
(4) Not be a requirement if member is approved under Section 2. a. above.
c. Affiliate members shall:
(1) Strive to grow in the knowledge and application of handwriting analysis techniques.
(2) Make application for Associate level membership at any time.
d. Honorary members shall:
(1) Have made a distinguished contribution to the field of handwriting analysis.
(2) Have been recommended by the Board of Directors for Honorary Membership.
(3) Have received a three-fourths (3/4) vote by ballot at any convention.
Section 3. Privileges of Membership.
a. Certified members shall have all privileges of membership.
b. Associate members shall have all privileges of membership.
c. Affiliate members shall receive the Association’s Newsletter and may attend designated meetings. They have no voting privileges until they are members in good standing for five consecutive years.
d. Honorary members may attend all meetings and receive all publications but have no other privileges. They shall be exempt from all obligations of the Association.
Section 4. Application for Membership.
a. Membership application forms may be obtained from the Membership Chairperson or other members of the Association.
b. Membership applications shall be submitted to the Treasurer with the current annual dues and, when appropriate, the initiation fee.
c. Submitted Membership applications(s) shall be sent to the Membership Chairperson by the Treasurer in a timely manner.
Section 5. Application for Change of Membership Level.
a. Any member in good standing may seek a higher level of membership by fulfilling the requirements as set forth in Article IV Section 2 and submitting a completed examination application along with the required fee to the AAHA Treasurer.
b. The examination applicant taking the Associate or Certified test must return the exam within three months (or by the approved extension date). Failure, by the applicant to return the exam within three months (or by the approved extension date) or did not pass the original examination
will have to wait 1 (one) year to reapply to take the applicable exam again. The applicant must then send a new application with the designated fee to the AAHA Treasurer with an explanation that the application is for an exam retry. The applicant must be a member in good standing to reapply for the examination.
Section 6. Resignation from Membership.
a. Any member in good standing may resign by submitting a written statement of resignation to the Secretary.
ARTICLE V. DUES AND FEES
Section 1. Dues and Fees.
Annual dues shall be payable as given in the Standing Rules:
a. Membership dues shall be published in the Standing Rules of the AAHA Bylaws.
b. AAHA Life membership: Any member, in good standing for at least five (5) consecutive years, may pay a fee over a two (2) year period for an AAHA Life Membership. Life members may be assessed a maintenance fee when cost per member exceeds AAHA membership service costs (publications, etc.). The Life Membership fee shall be published in the Standing Rules of the AAHA Bylaws.
c. Honorary members: None.
Section 2. Fees.
a. The initiation fee shall be published in the Standing Rules of the AAHA Bylaws.
Section 3. Refund of Dues.
a. Cancellation of membership by Association action: A refund of the current year’s dues will be made.
b. Cancellation of membership by Member action: A member in good standing requesting any formal resignation shall not be eligible for a refund of dues previously paid.
Section 4. Accreditation Processing Fee.
a. There shall be a processing fee determined each year by the Accreditation Committee based on the expenses to process the exams to upgrade from the Affiliate level to the Associate level or from the Associate level to the Certified level. At the end of each fiscal year, the Accreditation Committee shall announce and publish those fees through the Dialogue and AAHA website. Failure, by the applicant to return the exam within three months (or by the approved extension date) or did not pass the original examination will be required to pay the full amount of the original fee to retake the examination.
ARTICLE VI. OFFICERS
Section 1. Elective Officers
- The elective officers of this Association shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
c. Elective positions shall be for a two (2) year term extending from September 1 through August 31. Elections will be held in even years.
- Appointive Assistants, such as Assistant Secretary, Assistant Treasurer, may be appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive Committee.
- All changes to operating procedures or amendment changes to the AAHA Bylaws and Standing Rules require prior approval by the Executive Committee before the implementation of operating procedure changes or AAHA Bylaws and Standing Rules amendment voting ballot preparation.
- The AAHA Treasurer’s financial audit, by the AAHA Vice President, Secretary, and the Finance Chair, on the even numbered years, shall be completed within two months of fiscal year (August 31) in even fiscal years, and distributed to the Board of Directors for their approval.
- An officer and/or member of the Board of Directors is allowed one vote per issue and/or item regardless of the number of offices held by that officer and/or member of the Board of Directors.
a. Nominations.
A Nominating Chair shall be appointed by the Executive Committee. The Nominating Chair shall select at least 3 (three) members to serve as the Nominating Committee along with the Nominating Chair. One member of the Nominating Committee shall be a member of the AAHA Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee shall select one or more nominees for each office to be filled at the next even year convention. Only those nominees who have given their consent to serve shall be eligible for nomination by the Nominating Committee.
b. Method of Election.
(1) Notice will be printed in the Winter Newsletter or communicated electronically or by other mail six (6) months prior to the even year AAHA Convention informing members that if they wish to serve in an elective position, or suggest another candidate with the approval of that candidate, to notify the Nomination Chair within four (4) months prior to the even year AAHA Convention. Voting ballots, with a place to check “Yes” or “No”, with all nominee names, will be mailed in the Spring Newsletter or communicated electronically or other mailings three (3) months prior to the even year AAHA Convention. Certified and Associate members and members who have been in good standing for at least five (5) consecutive years have the privilege of voting.
(2) Voting ballots must be returned by mail or communicated electronically to the designated Nominating committee member who should receive them no later than ten (10) days before the even year AAHA Convention. The voting ballots will be brought to the even year AAHA Convention unopened by the designated Nominating Committee member. The voting ballots will be opened and counted by members of the Nominating Committee at the AAHA General meeting with the results reported to the attending members. Voting ballots after they are opened will be available for examination at the General Meeting by all attendees.
(3) A majority of properly returned ballots shall constitute an election.
c. Filling Vacancies.
(1) In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, the Vice-President shall automatically become President.
(2) A vacancy occurring in any other office shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Board of Directors. Election may be conducted by secure mail, Internet email, Audio conference, and/or Videoconference.
Section 3. Duties of Officers.
a. The President Shall:
(1) Be the presiding officer of the Convention, all meetings of the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee;
(2) Appoint all standing committees, special committees, and individuals for special tasks;
(3) Coordinate the activities and promote the objectives of the Association;
(4) Sign any such documents as require signature by the President;
(5) Be empowered to sign checks in the absence or inability of the Treasurer;
(6) Submit a written annual report regarding the achievements of the Association, by July 1st of each year.
b. The Vice-President shall:
(1) Assist the President and shall assume the duties of the President in the absence or inability of that Officer to serve;
(2) Work with the Regional Chairpersons to enhance regional programs and stimulate the recruitment of new members;
(3) May be assigned further duties by the President, the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee;
(4) Submit a written annual report, to the President, pertaining to Regional events, by July 1st of each year.
c. The Secretary shall be responsible for:
(1) Recording the proceedings of all meetings of the Association, the Board, and the Executive Committee;
(2) Keeping a current set of the Association Bylaws, and Standing Rules and Procedures;
(3) Conducting the general correspondence of the Association as directed by the President, Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.
(4) Performing such other duties pertaining to this office as may be delegated by the President, Executive Committee, and the Board of Directors.
d. The Treasurer shall:
(1) Keep an accurate record of receipts and disbursements and deposit the funds in the manner prescribed by the Board of Directors;
(2) Disburse funds and current expenses of all items in the current, approved budget. Payment(s) for items exceeding the adopted budget and non-budgeted items shall be paid upon approval of the Board of Directors.
(3) Receive all funds by the Association and promptly deposit them in an FDIC insured account in a nationwide bank approved by the Board of Directors.
(4) Collect dues.
(5) Present quarterly financial income and expense reports to the Board of Directors per the fiscal calendar. Present a complete end of year income and expense report to the Board of Directors by September 15th. Give an interim yearly income and expense report to the Board of Directors by July 1st.
(6) Close the books and prepare a financial Income and Expense Statement, including copies of bank and investment account statements, by September 30 of each year. The Statement will be submitted to the Executive committee by October 30 after review by the Finance Committee. An outgoing Treasurer shall close the books and submit them to the incoming Treasurer within three (3) weeks after leaving office. The incoming Treasurer and other members of the Finance Committee will review the records and determine the necessity for an audit.
(7). Regularly review the assets of the Association and advise the Executive Committee of their most advantageous placement for investment purposes.
(8) Request budget inputs from all Officers and Committee Chairpersons by May 15th of each year. Officers and Committee Chairpersons must submit their budgets for the next fiscal year to the Treasurer by June 15th. The Treasurer and Financial Chairperson will prepare a proposed budget by July 1st of each fiscal year and submit to the Executive Committee. The proposed budget will be submitted to the AAHA Board of Directors no later than July 30th for review of their budget input. Any Officer or Committee Chairperson who does not submit a budget for the next fiscal year will be given the budget as stated in the Standing Rules and Procedures of the AAHA Bylaws.
(9) Update signatory cards on all Association Bank Accounts whenever there is a change of officers who are designated to be on these accounts.
(10). Perform such other duties pertaining to this office as may be delegated by the President, Executive Committee, and the Board of Directors.
e. All officers shall perform the duties prescribed by these Bylaws, Standing Rules and Procedures, and by the Parliamentary Authority adopted by the Association.
f. Any officer of the Association unable to perform the duties of the respective office for any reason whatsoever for a period of ninety (90) days shall submit a resignation from such office to the Board of Directors. In the absence of such resignation, the Board may declare the office vacant and elect a successor to fill the vacancy. The new member will be elected by a majority vote of the remaining members.
g. The retiring officer shall deliver the material pertaining to this office to his/her successor or President within three (3) weeks from the notice to retire.
ARTICLE VII. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1. Membership. The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Finance Chair, Bylaws and Rules Chair, Membership Chair, and the Immediate Past President (non-voting).
Section 2. Duties. The Executive Committee shall:
a. Transact all necessary and delegated business of the Board in the interim between meetings of the Board, provided none of its acts shall conflict with action taken by the Board of Directors, or the Convention body.
b. Assist the President in the appointment of committees and appointive Officers.
c. Report to the Board of Directors at each Board meeting and at other times as requested.
d. Review and approve the Treasurer’s Proposed Budget and the Financial Income and Expense Statement. If deemed necessary, these documents will be submitted to the Board of Directors for review. These documents shall be published in the next available Dialogue, commensurate with its deadline.
Section 3. Business by Secure Mail Service, Internet Email, or Telecommunications.
- Business may also be conducted by secure Mail Service, Internet email, Audio conference, and/or Videoconference in the interim between meetings of the Executive Committee. The Secretary must record all voting, by whatever communication is used.
a. A majority of the members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum at any of the meetings.
ARTICLE VIII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. Membership. The Board of Directors shall consist of the following members: The President, the Vice-President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, the Chairpersons of Standing Committees, and the Immediate Past President (non-voting).
Section 2. Duties. The Board of Directors shall be the administrative body of the Association and shall:
a. Have general supervision of the affairs of the Association in the interim between conventions;
b. Be subject to the orders of the Association, and none of its acts shall conflict with action taken by the Convention;
c. Do whatever is necessary for the furtherance of the Purpose of the Association and the attainment of its Object.
d. Make recommendations to the Association, including proposed amendments to the Bylaws;
e. Delegate such powers and duties to the Executive Committee as can best be handled by that Committee;
f. Perform such other duties as are specified in these Bylaws;
g. Be responsible for the publication of the Newsletter.
Section 3. Business by Secure Mail Service, Internet Email, or Telecommunication.
a. The Board of Directors may conduct any business by secure Mail Service, Internet email, Audio conference, and/or Videoconference, which requires action by the Board in the interim between its meetings. The Secretary must record all voting, by whatever communication is used.
Section 4. Vacancies. Vacancies on the Board of Directors, except that of the President, shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Board Members.
Section 5. Meetings.
a. The first regular meeting of the Board shall be held in the Convention City before the adjournment of the Convention. The second regular meeting shall be held immediately prior to the next Convention in the Convention City.
b. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President or shall be called at the written request of the majority of the Board. No business other than that for which a special meeting is called shall be transacted except by unanimous consent.
Section 6. Quorum. A majority (51%) of the Board membership shall constitute a quorum at any meeting except at the annual convention. A majority (75%) of the board membership registered at an annual convention shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE IX. COMMITTEES
Section 1. Standing Committees. All functions that are continuous throughout the year shall be represented by Standing Committees.
a. Standing Committees shall be Accreditation, Bylaws and Rules, Education, Ethics, Finance, Historian, Membership, Newsletter, Public Relations, Regional, Research, and Website.
b. All Standing Committees and/or Standing Committee Chairpersons shall be appointed by the President with the assistance of the Executive Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
c. Additional Standing committees shall be created by the Association, the Board of Directors, or the Executive Committee when deemed advisable.
d. The appointment of Standing Committees shall be made within three (3) months following the close of the Convention.
Section 2. Special Committees. All functions whose existence ceases with the conclusion or the completion of a specified activity shall be represented by Special Committees.
a. Special Committees shall be: Nominating, and Convention.
b. These Special Committees, with the exception of the Nominating Committee, shall be appointed by the President and approved by the Executive Committee. Additional Special Committees may be created and appointed in the same manner.
Section 3. Ex Officio Member.
a. The President shall be ex officio member of all committees, with the exception of the Nominating Committee.
Section 4. Duties of Committees.
a. All Committees shall govern their activities by these Bylaws and/or by the direction of the Board, the Executive Committee, and the parliamentary authority adopted by the Association.
b. All Committees, with the exception of the Nominating Committee, shall notify the President of all meetings and shall send copies of official correspondence to the President.
c. All Committee Chairpersons shall submit a written report, to the President, on the events and happenings within their committees, by July 1st of each year, or at any other time the Board of Directors may feel it necessary.
d. The Accreditation Committee shall be Chaired by a Certified member of AAHA. The Accreditation committee shall administer exams and evaluate the qualifications of applicants for levels of Associate and Certified membership. The Accreditation Chairperson shall notify the Executive Committee and Newsletter Editor accordingly when a member passes his/her examination.
e. The Bylaws and Rules Committee shall have for its primary function the correlation of proposed amendments to the Bylaws, Standing Rules and Procedures, submitted by any member, the Board, Executive Committee, or any Committee, and to put them in proper form for presentation at the Annual Convention. The Bylaws and Rules Chairperson may propose amendments and make recommendations. The Bylaws and Rules Chairperson shall act as parliamentary proceedings advisor to the President during meetings.
f. The Education Committee shall:
(1) Propose general guidelines for study and confer with the Accreditation committee when preparing reading lists for the membership.
(2) Make recommendations to the Executive Committee for organizations to be included on the Approved List of Certified Organizations.
g. The Ethics Committee shall act as a monitor and will advise, warn or caution when principles are sidestepped, stretched, or are otherwise beyond the boundaries of generally accepted standards of conduct.
h. The Finance Committee shall prepare an annual budget, assist the Treasurer in preparing the Financial Income and Expense Statement, audit or arrange for an audit of the Association’s financial records. The duties include:
(1) Soliciting inputs from all Officers and Chairpersons and assist the Treasurer in preparing a proposed budget by July 31 for the next year. This budget shall be approved by the Executive committee and published in the Dialogue.
(2) Reviewing the Treasurer’s Financial Income and Expense Statement by Sept. 30. This statement will be reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee and published in the Dialogue.
(3) Review the AAHA Treasurer’s financial records on the odd numbered years after the close of the fiscal year on August 31st. The Financial Chairperson shall present this review to the Executive Committee by September 30th for their approval. The AAHA Treasurer’s financial audit, by the AAHA Vice President, Secretary, and the Finance Chair, on the even numbered years, shall be completed within two months of end of fiscal year (August31) in even fiscal years, and distributed to the Board of Directors for their approval.
(4) Reporting on the major financial activities at the Convention Board meeting.
i. The Historian will prepare a narrative account of the Association’s activities while in office.
When approved by the membership, it will become a permanent part of the Association’s
history.
j. The Membership Committee shall:
1. Mail Membership renewal letters per Standing Rules and Procedures.
2. Issue New Membership card(s) in a timely manner.
3. Maintain an accurate and up-to-date record of AAHA members.
k. The Newsletter Committee shall issue a newsletter at intervals and frequencies as given in the Standing Rules, and shall solicit and select appropriate articles and other materials for the educational and informative benefit of the membership. The Chairperson shall be named the “Editor”.
l. The Public Relations Committee shall handle publicity for the Association.
m. The Regional Committee shall be responsible for coordinating the work of study groups within the assigned regions. Initiate programs which will strengthen the Association. Submit a written annual report to the President by each Regional Chairperson explaining the event(s) that took place in their respected regions, by July 1st of each year.
n. The Research Committee shall encourage, promote, assist in the design of, and conduct research on the reliability and validity of Handwriting Analysis and shall inform members of the results of published research.
o. The Website Committee shall be responsible for additions and changes to the AAHA website.
p. The Nominating Committee shall perform the duties as outlined in Article VI, Section 2.
q. The Convention Committee shall co-operate with the Executive Committee and the Convention Finance Chairperson in developing and carrying out plans for the AAHA convention.
ARTICLE X. BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR RESEARCH LIBRARY AND FOR LIFE MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT FUNDS
Section 1. Membership.
a. There shall be a Board of Trustees consisting of nine (9) Life members of the American Association of Handwriting Analysts.
b. The Board shall elect a Chairperson who is a member of the Board of Directors of the Association, and shall elect a Secretary-Treasurer, each to serve a three (3) year term by majority vote.
c. They may be re-elected.
d. The Chairperson shall be responsible for accounting for all equipment purchased with AAHA funds.
Section 2. Purposes and Duties.
a. The Board of trustees shall be the administrative body charged with the responsibility of the maintenance and management of the Research Library.
b. Life Member dues will be kept in a separate account and any disposition of Life Membership dues shall be approved by the Board of Trustees and recommended to the Board of Directors of the American Association of Handwriting Analysts.
c. Interest from Life Membership Investment Funds shall be a part of the operating budget of the American Association of Handwriting Analysts.
d. The Chairperson shall report the activities of the Board of Trustees to the Board of Directors at its preconvention meeting.
e. A majority of the Board of Trustees shall constitute a quorum at any of its meetings.
f. Business and voting may be conducted by secure mail service, Internet email and/or telecommunications.
Section 3. Election to the Board of Trustees.
a. Presently, Life Members shall elect three (3) members to the Board of Trustees to serve nine (9) year terms, and they may be re-elected. Elections shall be held triennially from 1972.
b. The Secretary-Treasurer shall mail ballots to all members. All ballots may be mailed to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees not later than fifteen (15) days before Convention, or they may be handed to the Secretary in a sealed envelope properly marked, at the Convention. All such ballots shall be opened and counted at the time of the elections at the Annual AAHA Convention.
c. Election shall be by plurality vote.
d. A quorum shall be 50% of the Life Members registered at the Convention.
Section 4. Meetings
a. The Board of Trustees shall meet at least once a year.
Section 5. Vacancies.
a. Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Trustees shall be filled by the remaining members.
Section 6. Amendment.
a. Any proposed amendment to Article X shall first be approved by the Board of Trustees and recommended to the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XI. CONVENTIONS
Section 1. Annual Convention.
a. An even year Convention shall be held at a time and place as shall be determined by a majority vote of the Board of directors, subject to change by the Board in case of emergency.
b. Ordinarily, a member attending the Convention must pay a registration fee. However, a member attending for the sole purpose of voting at the even year Meeting need not pay a registration fee.
Section 2. Special Meetings.
a. Special meetings may be called during a Convention by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Purpose.
a. The purpose of the Convention is to elect officers, to receive committee reports, and to conduct such business as may properly come before the members, and to present professional lectures, seminars, and class instruction.
Section 4. Notice.
a. The membership shall be notified of the time and place of the Annual Convention through the Newsletter or by first class mail, not less than ninety (90) days prior to the opening date of the convention, except in the case of an emergency.
Section 5. Voting Body.
a. The voting body of the Association shall consist of the Certified and Associate members in good standing, and the Affiliate members in good standing for five or more consecutive years.
Section 6. Quorum
a. The quorum at any Convention of the Association shall be 51% of the registered voting members in attendance at the General Meeting, and members not registered by attending the General Meeting for the sole purpose of voting.
ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These Bylaws may be amended only at the even year convention as follows:
a. By mailed votes, cast on ballots printed in the Association’s Newsletter or communicated electronically or by other mail at the same time as the proposed amendment(s). The proposed amendment(s) and voting ballot shall be published in the Association’s Newsletter or communicated electronically or by other mail at least thirty (30) days prior to the Convention. The voting ballot, signed by the member in good standing, must be mailed to the AAHA Secretary and received no later than one week before the convention. The AAHA Secretary shall open the mailed voting ballots at the convention General Meeting where they will be counted and tallied by the Secretary and one other selected person. All unsigned ballots shall be eliminated from the count.
- By unanimous vote without previous notice.
Section 3. Any revision or amendment adopted at a Convention shall become effective upon adoption by the Convention unless otherwise specified.
STANDING RULES AND PROCEDURES
1. Standing Rules and Procedures, which interpret or supplement the fundamental laws as set forth in these Bylaws, may be established from time to time as the need arises, by a majority vote of the AAHA Board of Directors. They may be suspended temporarily by a majority vote.
2. A Newsletter shall be issued at least four (4) times quarterly each fiscal year. It shall contain news items, educational material and feature articles. It shall contain the name, state, and country of any new member as well as new membership status gained by passing accreditation exams.
3. A current copy of the Association’s Bylaws, Standing Rules and Procedures shall be available to each member in good standing upon request and to each new member with the membership card.
4. A registered or Professional Parliamentarian may be employed when deemed advisable by the Board of Directors.
5. The rules contained in the most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the Association in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Bylaws or the Standing Rules and Procedures of the Association.
6. AAHA annual dues are $60.00. An invoice for renewal will be sent to members on September 1st of each year. If dues are not paid by September 30th, a reminder notice will be sent. If dues are not paid by October 31st, the member will be deemed inactive.
7. New Members – Individuals that join between June 1st – August 31st, will be treated as having paid dues through the following fiscal year.
8. AAHA Life Membership fee is six hundred dollars ($600.) payable over a two year period.
9. The AAHA initiation fee shall be fifteen dollars ($15.).
10. Accreditation fee for the Associate exam is $150.00. Accreditation fee for the Certification exam is $200.00.
11. The budget for next fiscal year shall be twenty five dollars ($25.) for any Officer or Chairperson who does not submit a proposed budget to the AAHA Treasurer by June 15.
12. AAHA Certified Members are to be known as Certified Graphologist.
13. IGAS Master Graphoanalysts will be accepted as AAHA Certified members without having to take the AAHA Certified accreditation test, if they are AAHA members in good standing and have submitted a copy of their IGAS Master in Graphoanalysis certificate to the AAHA Accreditation Chair.