SSPRPA

Article I - Name of Organization
The name of the organization shall be South Suburban Park and Recreation Professional Association, herein after referred
to as S.S.P.R.P.A.

Article II - Statement of Purpose
The S.S.P.R.P.A. is an organization of active park districts and recreation agencies of the south suburban metropolitan area. The main goal of the
S.S.P.R.P.A. is to serve all communities of the south suburban area through better parks and recreation. It is believed through professional ties and
exchange of ideas established by the membership in the S.S.P.R.P.A. that individual park and recreation agencies will benefit by improved
recreational and leisure services. Specific purposes of the group are four fold: (a) to provide educational , sports and activities programs and
activitesactivities that of benefit the to members districts; (b) to represent the interest of member agencies ofin local, state, and federal issues,
(specifically legislation), and problems affecting park/recreation agencies; (c) to develop public information programs which will encourage support
for park and recreation activities; (d) to improve, through mutual association, the park/recreation movement at the state and local level.

Article III - Membership

A. Eligibility - Any functioning municipal recreation agency, YMCA, YWCA, park district, or individual in the South Suburban area is eligible for
membership in S.S.P.R.P.A. Any organization or private agency concerned about parks and recreation, Park Board Commissioners, and
students, will be eligible in the S.S.P.R.P.A.

1. General Member - Any individual working in a park and recreation agency (public, private, commercial and institutional) and/or with
a degree in Parks and Recreation is eligible for membership in the Association.

2. Affiliate Member - Students and vendors may join the Association as non-voting members, but not hold office or chair a committee.
Students and vendors may participate in events, programs, and luncheons at the member fee, and shall receive the directory and
mailings.

B. Term - Membership shall be a one-year term, beginning September 1 and ending August 31.
C. Dues - Membership dues shall be for the term beginning September 1. The Executive Committee shall recommend any changes in the dues
at a regular meeting with recommended changes to be voted on at the next regular meeting with a majority vote of those attending the
meeting.

1. Nominating Committee shall be the Executive Committee.
2. The Nominating Committee shall prepare a slate for each office to submit at the March meeting.
3. Before announcing such slate, the Nominating Committee must secure the consent of each nominee for each office.
4. The Nominating Committee will solicit additional nominations from the membership at the March meeting.
5. The elections timetable shall be at the discretion of the Nominating Committee with counting of votes no later than April 30.
6. Ballots will be mailed to each voting member in good standing, with space for write in votes.
7. Offices of the President-Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer will be considered separate ballots with the highest vote recipient on each ballot, the
winner.
8. In case of ties, the Nominating Committee will choose the winner by a random draw.
9. Installation of officers will occur at the end of the May meeting. The Officers will serve until the next slate is installed.
10. In the event of an office vacancy, a special election will be held at a regular monthly meeting, following a notification to the membership. At
that meeting, the presiding officer will solicit nominations from the floor, and upon a motion to close nominations, shall conduct an election by
ballot. Installation of the new officer will occur at the end of that meeting. That officer will serve until the next slate is installed.
11. If the office of the Past-President becomes vacant, the President shall appoint a previous Past-President to fulfill the duties.

2. The chairperson of each standing committee shall solicit committee members from within S.S.P.R.P.A
3. Any general or affiliate member in good standing is eligible to serve on a committee
4. It is the duty of each standing committee to carry out the functions of their committee as reviewed by the Executive Committee annually.
5. The Executive Committee will consist of the President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Past President, and Chairmen of standing
committees of S.S.P.R.P.A.

1. Any current member of SSPRPA may gather a group of members together as a special interest group.
2. After a minimum of six (6) meetings the said group can request status as a standing committee by submitting a formal letter of intent to the
Executive Committee. The letter of intent must detail the goals and objectives for the desired committee.
3. After review by the Executive Committee, a recommendation will be made to the membership for approval at the May Meeting.

Section B - Resolution and Minutes Writing
All resolutions and other proceedings of S.S.P.R.P.A. shall be in writing and kept in a regular book of records maintained by the secretary, open to the
membership at all reasonable and proper times.

Section C - Rules of Order
Roberts Rules of Order shall govern in all questions of procedure not otherwise provided herein.

Section D - Voting
The ayes and nays shall be taken upon passage of motions and upon all propositions to create any liability or for the expenditure or appropriation of
money, and in all cases, at the request of any member in good standing, and shall be entered upon the minutes of the proceeding. A majority of
members in good standing present at the meeting shall approve any action of S.S.P.R.P.A. Each general member in good standing will be allowed one
vote.

Section E - Meetings
S.S.P.R.P.A. will hold monthly meetings each month from September through May. The Executive Board has the authority to change a meeting dates
due to holidays, or State/National Events that may affect attendance at meetings. Executive Committee meetings will take place at the discretion of
the current President.

Article VII - Amendments
The By-Laws may be amended by a simple majority of the general membership in good standing present at a general meeting following a notification
of proposed amendments at the previous general meeting.

Article VIII - Duties & Responsibilities
President

1. Preside over all monthly meetings of the membership and also serve as chairperson of Executive Committee.
2. See that all workshops, seminars, and special programming are carried out through the appointment of committee chair people.
3. Assist the Treasurer in formulating and overseeing a working budget for the fiscal year, and preparation of annual year-end audit.
4. Serve as member of S.S.P.R.P.A. Nominating Committee for preparing slate of officers for the upcoming year.
5. Attend as many S.S.P.R.P.A. sponsored events as possible.
6. Promote S.S.P.R.P.A. and its activities.

1. Prepare and present a report at regular monthly meetings as needed.
2. Attend Executive Committee Meetings.
3. Assume duties of the President during his/her absence.
4. Assist the Treasurer in formulating and overseeing a working budget for the fiscal year.
5. Assist the President in preparation of over-all operating budget.
6. Perform year end audit.
7. Act as advisor and consultant to President and Committee members.
8. Attend as many S.S.P.R.P.A. sponsored events as possible.
9. Serve as Chairman of the Nominating Committee.
10. Secure committee chairs for the following year.
11. Perform any special duties or assignments as directed by the President or Executive Committee.
12. Assume the Presidency at the expiration of the term of the incumbent.

1. Prepare and present a report at all regular monthly meetings.
2. Attend Executive Committee Meetings.
3. Assist in the preparation of annual year end audit
4. Take minutes at all meetings and compiles a notebook of all S.S.P.R.P.A. business.
5. Submit minutes to webmaster.
6. Respond to correspondence pertaining to S.S.P.R.P.A. business as directed by the Executive Committee.
7. Keep an organized file to be given to the incoming Secretary.
8. Serve on the Nominating Committee.
9. Perform any special duties or assignments as directed by the President or Executive Committee.
10. Act as a liaison between membership and webmaster
11. Secure insurance policy for S.S.P.R.P.A. meetings and events.
12. Attend as many S.S.P.R.P.A. sponsored events as possible.

1. Attend regular monthly meetings. Prepare and present a report at all regular monthly meetings.
2. Attend Executive Committee Meetings.
3. Deposits funds in appropriate accounts, and upon approval, draws and disburses checks.
4. Be responsible for close fiscal controls that necessitates frequent communication with Executive Committee members.
5. Submit records for the year-end audit.
6. Be responsible for the formation of the S.S.P.R.P.A. budget for the upcoming year.
7. Keep an organized file to be given to the incoming Treasurer.
8. Serve on the Nominating Committee.
9. Perform any special duties or assignments as directed by the President or Executive Committee.
10. Keep proper record of the S.S.P.R.P.A FEIN
11. Keep proper record and status of the S.S.P.R.P.A tax exempt number
12. Attend as many S.S.P.R.P.A. sponsored events as possible.

1. Prepare and present a report at regular monthly meetings as needed.
2. Attend Executive Committee Meetings.
3. Ensures continuity from past to present Executive Committee by seeing that previous commitments made under his/her administration are
carried out to completion.
4. Serves in an advisory capacity to the President.
5. Perform any special duties or assignments as directed by the President or Executive Committee.
6. Review by laws annually and make any necessary recommendations to the Executive Committee.
7. Assist Awards Chairpersons with member service awards.
8. Attend as many S.S.P.R.P.A. sponsored events as possible.
9. Recognize retiring members of S.S.P.R.P.A.

1. Prepare and present a report at all regularly monthly meetings as needed.
2. Prepare and submit an annual budget and goals and objectives request to the Executive Committee by June 30.
3. Serve on the Executive Committee.
4. Perform any special duties or assignments as directed by the President or Executive Committee.
5. Keep a file to be given to the incoming chair.
6. Solicit members for their respective committee.
7. Submit meeting minutes of the committee to the Webmaster.

1. Keep updated list of S.S.P.R.P.A. members as membership dues are collected.
2. Encourage potential members to join S.S.P.R.P.A.
3. Work closely with the Treasurer in keeping accurate records of dues payments.
4. Prepare the annual membership directory.
5. Keep the Publicity Chair and Webmaster advised of new members so that they are included on the mailing list.

1. Establish and set agenda for meetings based on current events.
2. Establish someone to take minutes/notes in the meeting and communicate them in a timely fashion to the committee.
3. Encourage a positive relationship with IPRA, IAPD, JLC, PDRMA, other affiliate organizations, and legislators for open communication
lines.
4. Be represented at any functions that are relevant to the current platform issues and political issues.
5. Mentor other members of S.S.P.R.P.A. by hosting various meetings and workshops that will encourage involvement in the legislative
process.
6. Make and present awards and recognition to outstanding legislators serving S.S.P.R.P.A. member districts.
7. Assist with the Annual Community Leader Banquet.
8. Coordinate NRPA Conference Social.

1. Schedule monthly programs to coincide with the general membership meetings.
2. Secure meeting locations for the year and communicate to Publicity Chair, Membership Chair and Webmaster.
3. Solicits program ideas from the membership.
4. Evaluate programs and workshops; makes recommendations to the Executive Committee regarding future program directions.
5. Organize and implement workshops, addressing the needs and interests of S.S.P.R.P.A. members.
6. Inform the IPRA Office of all scheduled workshops and pertinent information.
7. Apply to the NRPA Certification Board for CEU's
8. Publicize the workshops through NRPA publications, affiliate organization newsletters and workshop brochures.

1. Solicit and secure meeting sponsors. Work closely with Social Chair on sponsorships.
2. Develop guidelines for sponsorship recognition for all levels of support.
3. Recognize sponsors at regular monthly meetings.
4. Maintain good rapport with affiliate members.
5. Assist Membership Chair in the recruitment of affiliate members.
6. Communicate meeting sponsors to Publicity Chair, Membership Chair and Webmaster.

1. Compile information that may be of interest or education to the members.
2. Solicits articles and news items for the website.
3. Design, coordinate, layout, and distribute the monthly meeting announcements.
4. Submit relevant articles and information for IPRA and IAPD publications.
5. Take photos and keep a photo library of S.S.P.R.P.A. events.

1. Make arrangements for State Conference hospitality room including, but not limited to, securing room, purchasing snacks and
beverages, arranging entertainment, securing liquor pass and insurance and notifying selected IPRA/IAPD dignitaries and all S.S.P.R.P.A.
members.
2. Arrange for September, December and May Socials to take place at those monthly meetings. If requested by Executive Committee
and/or membership schedule additional group outings throughout the year. .
3. Solicit sponsorships for events and acknowledge accordingly. Work closely with Sponsorship Chair.

1. Select four Executive Committee members to determine award winners.
2. Prepare nomination brochure for annual awards.
3. Review applications with the committee and select recipient by the May meeting.
4. Obtain awards for presentation.
5. Present awards at the May meeting.
6. Recognize 5-year increments of S.S.P.R.P.A Membership.

1. Present S.S.P.R.P.A. to statewide college and university students on the goals of the committee and S.S.P.R.P.A.
2. Plan, implement, and evaluate two gatherings for students outside of regular monthly meetings.
3. Work with Membership Chairperson to promote student involvement in S.S.P.R.P.A. and membership listing.
4. Coordinate Student Scholarship and submit to S.S.P.R.P.A Executive Committee for selection.
5. Solicit S.S.P.R.P.A members to serve as mentors to students to assist in networking opportunities.