In order to unite, in one organization, all persons in the State of California engaged or interested in Work Experience Education, Work-Based Learning programs, and/or other Career Education programs; to encourage the development, promotion, and improvement of Work Experience Education and Work-Based Learning programs; to advance high standards of professional conduct in the field by means including: Professional Work-Based training, Teacher in-service, Work Permit Certification, approved by CDE, and other Professional Developments; to provide an organization through which members may speak out on matters of Public and Professional interest; to encourage creative research in the field; and to disseminate information, this organization has been established and for its governance these By-Laws have been adopted.
Approved: November 2012
Amended July 1, 2015
Amended July 1, 2017
Amended July 1, 2020
Article I: GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article II: GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS
Article III: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Article IV: MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE V: CHAPTERS
ARTICLE VI: CHAPTER PRESIDENTS COUNCIL
ARTICLE VII: ADMINISTRATION: EXECUTIVE BOARD; ELECTED
ARTICLE VIII: ADMINISTRATIVE – EXECUTIVE BOARD DUTIES; ELECTED MEMBERS OF EXECUTIVE BOARD
ARTICLE IX: NON-VOTING, APPOINTED MEMBERS; EXECUTIVE BOARD
ARTICLE X: CONFERENCES / MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION
ARTICLE XI: ELECTIONS
ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENTS; BY-LAWS
ARTICLE XIII: AFFILIATION
ARTICLE XIV: DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY
Article I: General Provisions
Section 1. NAME
Established in 1965 , this nonprofit organization shall be known as the California Association of Work Experience Educators, Incorporated (CAWEE) hereinafter referred to as the Association.
Section 2. FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Association shall be from July 1 (or June Strategic Planning in the current year) through June 30 (or Strategic Planning the following year).
Section 3. RULES OF ORDER
Robert’s Rules of Order, Latest Revised Edition, shall govern the proceedings of the Association meetings not otherwise specified herein.
Section 4. NOTICE OF MEETINGS
Notice of Executive Board meetings, General or Special Business meetings, and Conferences shall be distributed to the appropriate Association members and/or non-members according to the records maintained by the Association membership/mailing database or the respective Regional Representatives. Notices may be distributed through, email, electronic means, or the U.S. Postal Service. US Postal notices will be given four days. Email or Electronic means at least 72 hours prior to a meeting date. Emergency Meetings only require 24 hours notice.
Section 5. QUORUM AND VOTING
A quorum shall be a majority of the members entitled to vote who must be present in order to transact business unless otherwise specified herein. Action by a majority of the quorum present shall constitute a valid vote unless otherwise specified herein. Proxy and/or absentee voting shall be accepted at any Association meeting or election unless otherwise specified herein. Voting may be through appropriate electronic means or the U.S. Postal Service.
Section 6. BALLOTS
Ballots shall be distributed to the voting members according to the records maintained in the official CAWEE membership database. Ballots may be distributed through appropriate electronic means or the U.S. Postal Service at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the ballot return deadline. Ballots shall not be counted prior to the scheduled date of ballot counting.
Section 7. COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT
Effective July 1, 2015, elected Executive Board members hereinafter referred to as the E-Board shall receive no compensation for their services on the E-Board. Expenses may be reimbursed subject to the approved California Association of Work Experience Educators Expense Reimbursement Policy.
Section 8. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
As used in these By-Laws, the masculine, feminine or neutral gender and the singular or plural number shall each be deemed to include the others whenever the context so requires.
Section 9. INDEMNIFICATION
To the fullest extent permitted by law, this corporation shall indemnify its officers, including members formerly occupying any such position, against all expenses, judgments, fines, settlements, and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred by them as they discharged the responsibilities of their offices.
Article II: GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS
Section 1. REGIONS
The Association shall consist of three (3) regions in the State of California: Northern, Central and Southern. The regions shall be divided geographically to provide equitable representation and the most convenient access to regional and county meetings.
Section 2. MODIFICATIONS; GEOGRAPHIC
Modification to the Northern / Southern / Central boundary or chapter boundaries must be approved by the E-Board.
Article III: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Section 1. STRUCTURE
The organizational structure of the Association shall consist of: Members-at-Large; Counties; Executive Board; Business Advisory Council, Conference Planning Committee, Educational Fact-Checking Committee, and Appointees.
Article IV: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. ELIGIBILITY
Membership in the Association shall be on an annual basis for one calendar year. All members shall be required to adhere to Association By-Laws and policies as adopted by the E-Board.
Section 2. CATEGORIES
There shall be five (5) categories of membership: Regular, Life/Honorary, Retired, Associate and Business/Industry.
Regular Members (certificated/classified): Educators who have responsibility for the Administration, Organization and/or operation of Work Experience Education, all Work-based Learning programs and/or other Career Education, and who have paid Professional Member annual dues to the Association.
Life / Honorary Members: Educators who have paid the Life Membership dues to the Association or those who have served on the Association’s Executive Board as President for at least one (1) fiscal year.
Retired Members (certificated/classified): Educators who have retired from Administration, Operation and/or Organization of Work Experience Education, Work-Based Learning programs and/or Career Education programs, and who have paid Retired Member annual dues to the Association.
Associate Members (non California Resident): Persons who are non-certificated/classified from another state and who have paid Associate Member annual dues to the Association. Educators who have responsibility for Administration, Organization and/or Operation of Work Experience Education, Work-Based Learning programs and/or Career Education programs.
Business/Industry Members: Individuals in a company who are especially interested in Work Experience Education, Work-Based Learning programs and/or other Career Education programs, who have paid annual Business/Industry Member annual dues to the Association.
Section 3. RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES
Regular Members (certificated/classified) shall be entitled to: Vote on all matters coming before the Association, General Business Meetings, Special Meetings, and any authorized meetings or ballots; hold any Association office; receive publications and communications. All other privileges of membership established by the E-Board are subject to applicable rules and regulations.
Life members shall be entitled to: All the rights and privileges of Regular Members.
Retired members shall be entitled to: All the rights and privileges of Regular Members.
Associate Members shall be entitled to: The rights and privileges of Regular Members except the right to vote and hold elective office.
Business/Industry Members shall be entitled to: The rights and privileges of Regular Members except the right to vote and hold elective office.
Section 4. DUES
A “member-in-good-standing” has paid membership dues for the current year and is eligible to vote in the Association’s regional, state, or special elections.
Annual membership dues must be paid to the E-Board approved Entity.
Annual membership dues shall be determined by the E-Board and enacted subsequent to approval by the Executive Board.
Regular Members: Full membership dues.
Retired Members: Regular Membership dues.
Associate Members: Regular Membership dues.
Business/Industry/Life Members: Full membership dues.
Article V: COUNTIES
Section 1. STATUS
Counties are established by boundaries, representatives are appointed by the E-Board.
Section 2. COUNTY MEETINGS
County meetings shall be held at any given date, time, or place chosen by the county representative.
Section 3. MEMBERS
Members of county boundaries must be “members-in-good standing” of the Association.
Notification of appointed county representatives shall be submitted to the respective Regional Representatives by the beginning of the fiscal year and updated as needed.
Section 4. COUNTY REIMBURSEMENT
Counties shall receive a reimbursement each fiscal year for each “member-in-good-standing”.
The amount of the reimbursement shall be in the amount of $10.00 per active member.
A county representative may elect to return such funds to the Association by written notice of the County Representative to the E-Board.
ARTICLE VI: COUNTY PRESIDENTS COUNCIL
Section 1. MEMBERSHIP
The Presidents’ Council shall be composed of the President of each County in the respective region(s) and shall be called as deemed necessary.
In the case that a County President cannot attend a Presidents’ Council meeting a voting member of the Countymay be named as Designee to act in place of the County President by written authorization from the Regional Chapter President.
Section 2. QUORUM AND VOTING
County Presidents or Designees present shall constitute a quorum at a Presidents’ Council Meeting. Each County shall be entitled to one (1) vote on matters coming before the Presidents Council.
Section 3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Items of business transacted at a Presidents’ Council meeting shall not be binding upon the Association unless specified herein. Recommendations shall be provided to the counties, the Association standing committees, and the E-Board.
Each Presidents’ Council is responsible for filling a vacancy in the office of its respective Regional Representative as prescribed in Article VII, Section 11.
Section 4. MEETINGS
Each Presidents’ Council shall meet at Association conferences at a date, time, and place specified by the E-Board.
Additional Presidents Council meetings may be held at any given date, time, or place specified by a majority of the Chapter Presidents in the region or as requested by action of the E-Board.
ARTICLE VII: ADMINISTRATION: EXECUTIVE BOARD; ELECTED
Section 1. POWERS
Except as otherwise provided by the Articles of Incorporation or these By-Laws, the powers of the Association shall be exercised, its property shall be controlled, and its affairs shall be conducted by the elected members of the E-Board.
Section 2. COMPOSITION
All members of the E-Board will act as voting members. The E-Board shall consist of nine(13) thirteen officers of the Association: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, three (3) Southern Regional Representatives, three (3) Northern Regional Representatives, two (2) Central Representatives, and one (1) Classified Representative The Membership will elect the Board Clerk from the membership (hereinafter referred to as Representatives). Only on the occasion of a tie vote will the President vote at an E-board and Association meeting unless otherwise specified herein.
Section 3. MEETINGS
The E-Board shall meet at each of the Association conferences on a date, time and place set by the E-board. The E-Board will meet on the first Wednesday of every month via video conference, and the membership will be invited to attend. In the event of a conflict meeting date could change to the following Wednesday. Additional meetings of the E-Board may be called at any given time by the President or by a majority of the voting members of the E-Board.
Section 4. QUORUM AND VOTING
A majority of the voting members of the E-Board shall constitute a quorum.
Each member shall be entitled to one (1) vote on all matters coming before the E-Board.
In order to vote, an E-Board member must be present or vote by email with their verified email address. There shall be no voting by proxy.
Section 5. ELIGIBILITY
Candidates for an elected position on the E-Board must have been a member of the Association for at least one (1) full year and be in at least their second year of membership. Eligibility is based on consecutive years of membership.
Candidates for an E-Board position must be Regular, Life, or Retired members of the Association. Candidates must be a current “member in good standings”.
Presidential Candidates must have served at least one (1) year in a voting position on the E-Board.
Regional Representative: Candidates must be voting members in their respective regions.
Candidates shall submit declarations of candidacy as prescribed in Article XI, Section 2.
Section 6. TERMS OF OFFICE
The President shall take office on July 1 or Strategic Planning, and serve in the designated capacity for two (2) years coinciding with the fiscal year of the Association.
The elected Northern, Central and Southern Representatives shall take office on July 1 or Strategic Planning and shall be elected as their terms expire for a two (2) year period in order to keep a rotation of one (1) new representative from each region.
President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, three (3) Southern Regional Representatives, three (3) Northern Regional Representatives, two (2) Central Representatives, and one (1) Classified Representative, and Board Clerk.
No person shall hold more than one (1) elected position on the E-Board at the same time.
No officer shall be elected to the same office for more than two (2) consecutive terms.
Section 7. VACANCY
A vacancy or vacancies on the E-Board shall exist on the occurrence of the following:
Failure to attend two (2) or more E-Board meetings within a fiscal year and a majority vote of the E-Board;
Section 8. RESIGNATION
Any elected E-Board member may resign by giving written notice to the President of the Association.
Personal delivery, electronic means, or the U.S. Postal Service may deliver such notice.
A resignation shall take effect immediately on the date of the receipt of such notice. The President shall acknowledge a notification of resignation immediately upon its receipt. Such acknowledgement shall be in writing with a copy sent to all elected E-Board members.
Section 9. REMOVAL
Elected officers may be removed from office by a petition to from the E-Board to the elected E-Board member.
The petition must contain verified signatures of at least two-thirds majority of the number of current E-Board members.
Verification of signatures is the responsibility of the E- Board as prescribed in Article VIII, Section 3.
Verification of signatures must be completed in no more than fourteen (14) calendar days after official receipt of the petition by the E-Board.
Reasons for removal include, but are not limited to:
Section 10. VOTING
Voting shall take place by U.S. Postal Service or other method that would allow for a secret ballot and meet the requirements of this Article.
Completed ballots must be returned and received by the E-Board no later than thirty (30) calendar days after ballot distribution.
Votes shall be tabulated by the President’s designee from the general membership with approval of the E-Board.
A special recall vote shall be held within thirty (30) calendar days after the E-Board verification and acceptance of the petition.
A majority of the ballots cast constitutes the decision.
Section 11. FILLING A VACANCY
A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled by the Vice-President for the remaining portion of the unexpired term.
A vacancy in the office of Vice President shall be filled by a majority vote of the E-Board. The person so elected shall serve for the remaining portion of the unexpired term.
A vacancy in the office of Secretary shall be filled by a majority vote of the Executive Board. The person so elected shall serve for the remaining portion of the unexpired term.
A vacancy in the office of Treasurer shall be filled by a majority vote of the Executive Board. The person so elected shall serve for the remaining portion of the unexpired term.
A vacancy in the office of any Regional Representatives (8) shall be filled by a majority vote of the Executive Board. The person so elected shall serve for the remaining portion of the unexpired term.
A vacancy in the office of Classified Representative shall be filled by a majority vote of the Executive Board. The person so elected shall serve for the remaining portion of the unexpired term.
A vacancy in the office of Board Clerk shall be filled by a majority vote of the Executive Board. The person so elected shall serve for the remaining portion of the unexpired term.
Such a vote may be at an Executive Board meeting, through electronic means, or U.S. Postal Service.
ARTICLE VIII: ADMINISTRATIVE – EXECUTIVE BOARD DUTIES; ELECTED MEMBERS OF EXECUTIVE BOARD
The duties prescribed herein may be re-assigned as approved by a majority vote of the E-Board.
Section 1. PRESIDENT
The President is the Chief Executive Officer of the Association and subject to the control of the By-Laws and the E-Board shall have all the power and authority normally accorded to an Association President.
The President shall be responsible for the following duties:
Section 2. VICE PRESIDENT
The Vice-President shall act for the President in case of the President’s absence or disability and, when so acting, shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the President.
The Vice President shall be responsible for the following duties:
Section 3. SECRETARY
The Secretary ensures that official records are maintained of members of the organization and Board. He/She ensures that these records are available when required for reports, elections, referenda, other votes, etc. The Secretary ensures that an up-to-date copy of the bylaws is available at all meetings.
The Secretary shall be responsible for the following duties:
Section 4. TREASURER
The Treasurer shall assure the safekeeping and custody of all funds of the CAWEE, shall oversee deposit of such funds as required by the E-Board, shall assure adequate and correct amounts of CAWEE's properties and business transactions, shall render reports and accountings as required by the E-Board, and shall in general perform all duties incident to the office of the Treasurer and such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws, or which may be assigned from time to time by the E-Board. (a) Execution of Checks, Notes, Contracts. All invoices shall be submitted to the Treasurer for approval to pay. Directors, checks, drafts, promissory notes, orders for the payment of money, and other evidence of indebtedness of the CAWEE shall be signed by the Treasurer and approved by E- Board designated person or persons for any amount in excess of $1,000.00.
The Treasurer shall be responsible for the following duties:
Section 5. REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
The Northern and Southern regions are entitled to three (3) Representatives elected by and from the general membership of each respective region. The Central region is entitled to two (2) representatives to be elected by and from the general membership of each respective region.
Each Representative shall be responsible for the following duties:
Section 6. CLASSIFIED REPRESENTATIVE
The Classified Representative shall be responsible for the following duties:
Section 7. BOARD CLERK
The Board Clerk of the E-Board plays a critical role in fostering communication and ensuring proper management and utilization of important organizational records. CAWEE’s organization’s bylaws will set the duties of the Board Clerk, however, duties may change from time to time as may be assigned by the board. A Board Clerk’s role is to meet the unique structure and needs of the organization.
The Board Clerk shall be responsible for the following duties:
ARTICLE IX: NON-VOTING, ADVISORY PANEL MEMBERS
Section 1. ADVISORY PANEL
Non-voting, Non-Member Advisory Panel personnel may include, but not be limited to chairpersons of Standing Committees and Representatives of: California Department of Education; Labor, Business/Industry; Business Advisory Council; Chancellors’ Office; California Community Colleges; and/or other positions as appointed by the President and approved by the E-Board.
Section 2. DUTIES
Each Representative shall be responsible for the following duties:
Section 3. TERM OF OFFICE
Acting member of the E-Board for one (1) fiscal year.
May be reappointed without term limit.
Section 4. RESIGNATION
Except as provided herein, any appointed Board member may resign by giving written notice to the President of the Association.
Personal delivery, electronic means, or U.S. Postal Service may deliver notice.
The resignation shall take effect on the date of the receipt of such notice.
The President shall acknowledge a notification of resignation immediately upon its receipt. Such acknowledgement shall be in writing with a copy sent to all elected E-Board members.
Section 5. STANDING COMMITTEES
The Standing Committees of the Association may include but not be limited to: Conference, Finance, Legislation, Membership, Public Relations/Communications, Program Standards, and Technical/Web Site.
Any member in good standing may serve as a committee member or chairperson.
Each committee shall maintain records of the minutes of its meetings.
Committee meetings shall be subject to call by the respective committee chairpersons or by action of the E-Board.
Conference Committee
As determined by the E-Board, the Conference Committee or the contracted Conference Planner shall be responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:
Finance Committee
As determined by the E-Board, the Finance Committee or the President and the contracted financial person, shall be responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:
Legislative Committee
Membership Committee
Public Relations/Communications Committee
Program Standards Committee
ARTICLE X: CONFERENCES / MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION
Section 1. CONFERENCES
There will be two (2) conferences of the Association, a Fall Conference and a Spring Conference., if possible.
One conference shall be in the northern/central region and one in the southern/central region, with the dates, site, budget and program to be approved by the E-Board.
Section 2. GENERAL BUSINESS MEETINGS
There shall be an annual General Business Meeting in every Association fiscal year.
The voting members present at General Business Meetings at each conference shall be empowered to take action on items on the agenda.
Business transacted at General Business Meetings shall not be binding upon the Association unless validated by an official ballot to the voting membership.
Section 3. SPECIAL MEETINGS
Special meetings are held under the following conditions:
The voting members present at a Special Meeting shall be empowered to take action on items on the agenda.
Business transacted at a Special Meeting shall not be binding upon the Association unless validated by an official ballot to the voting membership.
ARTICLE XI: ELECTIONS
Section 1. VOTING
Election of Association E-Board officers shall be held annually. A majority vote of the ballots cast by voting members shall constitute the election of the vacant E-Board positions.
Section 2. CANDIDACY
No later than March 1 each candidate for the office of President-Elect and Regional Representative shall submit a declaration of candidacy to the Past-President for eligibility screening.
The form and format of the declaration of candidacy shall be specified and approved by the E-Board.
All candidates shall agree to attend the Strategic Planning session(s) prior to the following school year if elected, when submitting an application of Candidacy for any vacant E-Board position.
Section 3. BALLOTS AND VOTING
Ballots for election of vacant E-Board positions shall be prepared and distributed to voting members by the E-Board Appointee.
The form and format of the ballot shall be specified and approved by the E-Board and shall include, but not be limited to
Voting for the elective offices shall take place by a method that would allow for a secret ballot and meet the requirements of this Article.
Ballots shall be distributed to all voting members no later than April 1 of the current election year.
Completed confidential ballots must be returned and received by the appointee no later than April 30 of the current election year.
No ballot shall be opened or counted prior to April 30 of the current election year.
Ballots shall be counted and the results tabulated no later than May 5 of the current election year.
Votes shall be tabulated by the President’s designee from the general membership with approval of the E-Board.
Newly elected officers will be notified prior to releasing the election results to the general membership.
Section 4.TIE VOTES
In the event of a tie vote, a run-off election shall be held within fourteen (14) calendar days of vote tabulation and notification to the President of a tie vote.
Votes must be received and tabulated by the President’s designee no later than May 20 and final results released to the elected officer and the general membership no later than May 21.
Section 5.DATES
The dates provided for in this Article may be adjusted by a majority vote of the E-Board.
ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENTS; BY-LAWS
Section 1. PROPOSAL
The E-Board may initiate a proposed amendment by a majority vote.
A member may submit a proposed amendment to the E-Board for inclusion on a ballot.
Any voting member may submit a proposed amendment, in writing, to the Northern, Central and Southern Regional representative.
The proposed amendment shall be included on the agenda and presented in writing at the next scheduled E-Board meeting.
Section 2. BALLOTS AND VOTING
Ballots shall present any arguments in favor of or opposed to the proposed amendment. The form and format of such ballots shall be specified by the E-Board.
The E-Board will take a position on the amendment and make a recommendation at the time the amendment is submitted to the membership for a vote.
Ballots shall be prepared by the appointee and distributed to all voting members within thirty (30) calendar days after the requirements of this article have been fulfilled.
Voting shall take place by a method that would allow for a confidential ballot and meet the requirements of this Article.
Completed confidential ballots must be returned to and received by the E-Board within thirty (30) calendar days of the date of the ballot distribution.
Votes shall be tabulated by the E-Board or a President’s designee from the general membership with approval of the E-Board. No ballot shall be opened or counted prior to the scheduled date of ballot counting.
Section 3. EFFECTIVE DATE
Proposed amendments become effective after E-Board verification of an affirmative majority vote of the ballots cast. The E-Board shall publicize and implement the results.
ARTICLE XIII: AFFILIATION
Affiliation with related educational organizations shall be by majority vote of the E-Board.
ARTICLE XIV: DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY
Section 1. INCOME AND ASSETS
The property of this corporation is irrevocably dedicated to educational purposes and no part of the net income or assets of this organization shall ever benefit any director, officer, member or any private person.
Section 2. CAWEE Work Permit Employment Authorization
To secure the authenticity of the Work Permit Employment Authorization and the administering of theAuthorization Assessment. CAWEE shall be the only party to have possession of the CAWEE Work Permit Employment Authorization, in accordance with the online training program established by E-Academics.
Section 3.SURPLUS
The E-Board may dispose of surplus Association property by gift or sale to non-profit organizations which are organized and operated exclusively for educational purposes and which have established tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Intention to dispose of surplus property will be posted in the Newsletter. Association property will not be given or sold to any present or past Association member.
ARTICLE XV: SUPERSEDING CLAUSE
The above provisions of these By-Laws shall be effective as of (date) and shall constitute the sole and complete By-Laws of the California Association of Work Experience Educators. All pre-existing By-Laws, Constitution, rules, or regulations shall be deemed to be of no further force or effect.
Membership Vote and Approval: November 2012
Effective Date: July 2013
Amended Article VII, Section 6 - Membership Vote and Approval: November 2013
Effective Date: July 2014
Amended Article 1, Section 7 – Membership Vote and Approval: September 2015
Effective Date: July 2015
Amended Article VIII, Section 4 – Membership Vote and Approval: October 2017
Effective Date: July 2017
Amended Article II, Sections 1 and 2 – Geographic Regions; Article VII, Sections 2 and 6 – Administration; Executive Board; Elected; and Article XII – Amendments; By-Laws: Membership Vote and Approval: October 2019
Effective Date: July 2019
Effective Date: July 1, 2020