CHAPTER BYLAWS
Article I. Name and Purpose
Section A. Chapter Name
The legal, registered name of this organization is the South Carolina Midlands Chapter of the Association for Talent Development. The Chapter may “do business as” ATD South Carolina. The registered office of the Chapter shall be located in the State of South Carolina.
Section B. Affiliation with the National Association
The Chapter is an affiliate of the Association for Talent Development, a non-profit educational association under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) of 1986. The Association and its Chapters are not organized for profit, and no part of their net earnings shall benefit any member or private individual or business, except for payment or reasonable compensation for services rendered.
Section C. Governance and Management of Chapter
The Chapter shall be governed and managed by a Board of Directors elected annually by the membership. The Board of Directors shall set policies within the limits prescribed by these bylaws.
Section D. Purpose
The Chapter is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) of 1986 as amended and may make expenditures for one or more of these purposes. Without limiting or expanding the foregoing, the Chapter’s mission is to empower professionals to develop talent in the workplace, with a vision to create a world that works better. Our purpose is to serve talent development professionals by:
We serve professionals who help others achieve their full potential by offering trusted content, idea sharing, and a strong professional community.
Section E. Equal Opportunity
The Chapter offers equal opportunity to all eligible and qualified members, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, veteran status, or disability.
The Chapter will consistently work to create a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB). These initiatives are reflected in the accountability we expect and hold in the service of our Board, members, and volunteers. When hosting and planning events, we will support an inclusive environment that will be evident in how we choose speakers, provide learning materials, employ technology, and through various methods of communications. Our goal is to ensure equity and opportunities for all to enjoy what we offer as a high-achieving chapter of ATD.
Section F. Political Activities
The Chapter shall not engage in significant political activity nor influence legislation and shall not advocate or campaign for legislation or a defeat of proposed legislation. The Chapter shall not directly or indirectly participate in, including the publishing or distribution of statements, any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.
Section G. Inurement
No part of the net earnings of the Chapter shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its directors, officers, employees, or other private persons, except that the Chapter shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of IRC Section 501(c)(3) purposes.
Article II. Membership
Section A. Eligibility
Membership in the Chapter is open to those who have interests or responsibilities in talent development, and/or who are interested in advancing the objectives of the Chapter and the Association; and subscribe to and are qualified under these bylaws. A Chapter member in good standing is one who meets the requirements for membership, and whose membership is in an active, paid status (good standing).
Section B. Dues
Dues, fees, and terms of Chapter membership will be set by the Board of Directors. Dues are non-refundable. Chapter memberships may be transferable after careful review and approval by the board or designee.
Section C. Suspension or Termination of Membership
The Board of Directors may, by a two-thirds vote of those present, suspend or terminate the membership of any individual for actions or behavior in violation of these bylaws or deemed detrimental to the best interests of the Chapter.
Article III. Board of Directors
Section A. Duties and Responsibilities
The management of the affairs of the Chapter shall be vested in the Board of Directors. It shall be the duty of the Board to carry out the objectives and purposes of the Chapter, and to this end, it may exercise all powers of the Chapter. The Board of Directors shall ensure Chapter compliance with National guidelines. An ATD South Carolina Board member shall not serve concurrently on the board of another ATD chapter.
Additional duties of the Board may include: establishing policy for the operation of the Chapter; approving the strategic plan, the annual plan, and the budget; approving categories of membership; authorizing new committees of the Chapter; and performing other functions as appropriate for the Board of Directors.
Section B. Board Membership
The Board of Directors will consist of not less than five (5) and not more than fifteen (15) qualified individuals elected from among Chapter members. The Board of Directors shall continue in office until successors are duly installed unless the position has been formally terminated.
At a minimum, the five (5) positions shall include President and four other board members whose duties include the key responsibilities required to ensure the effective management of the chapter.
All Directors will have position descriptions approved by the Board, listing the duties and responsibilities of each position. Position descriptions will be available to Chapter members and potential Board members through the chapter website. Updates to board member position descriptions must be made at least 30 days prior to scheduled elections.
President
As the Chief Executive Officer of the Chapter, the President is responsible for managing the Chapter in accordance with these bylaws and the laws of South Carolina. The President also serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors, and presides over, and sets the agenda for, meetings of the Board of Directors and membership meetings, except as noted in Article VII of these bylaws; and oversees the management of the Chapter.
Other Board Members may include, but are not limited to, the following titles or a similar equivalent:
- Past President
- President-Elect
- Vice President of Finance
- Vice President of Administration
- Vice President of Membership
- Vice President of Programs
- Vice President of Technology
- Vice President of Marketing
- Vice President of Partnerships and Special Projects
- Vice President of Upstate Geographic Interest Group (GIG)
- Vice President of Lowcountry Geographic Interest Group (GIG)
- Board Member at Large
Section C. Qualifications
Persons seeking to serve on the Board of Directors must be Chapter members in good standing as specified in these bylaws. Board members are required to maintain membership in the National Association. Board candidates must have been members in good standing for a minimum of one (1) year in a local ATD chapter.
Section D. Terms
Board members shall be elected to serve terms of one (1) year. Board members may stand for re-election to the same board position or apply for candidacy for another board position.
Section E. Conduct of Chapter Business
Section F. Meetings
The Board of Directors will meet at least quarterly. The date, time and planned location (physical or virtual) of scheduled Board meetings will be announced at least thirty (30) days in advance. The Board may conduct Chapter business outside of scheduled meetings by calling a special meeting and/or by requesting action to be taken through electronic communication. Board business specifically addressed in these Bylaws (such as removal of members or Board members) shall not be covered in these “called” meetings.
Section G. Compliance
Section H. Removal
Section I. Vacancies
The President may, with the approval of the majority of the Board of Directors, waive the 1-year membership requirement to fill a current vacancy if no members who meet the requirement are available and/or willing to fill the position. This is contingent on the proper vetting of the member by the Board of Directors.
Article IV. Election of Board Members
Section A. Nominating Committee
The President-Elect will form a Nominating Committee with the approval of the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee will have no fewer than five (5) members, and will include the President-Elect, the President, and three (3) Chapter members in good standing not currently serving in elected positions.
Section B. Presentation of Officer Slate
The Nominating Committee will present a slate of qualified candidates to the Board of Directors prior to membership elections. Elections must occur at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the end of the current Board terms.
Section C. Election
A Board member will be elected by receiving a two-thirds majority of the votes cast by Chapter members for the respective position.
Article V. Internal Financial Review
Section A. Internal Financial Review
A financial review will be conducted annually at the end of each calendar year or more frequently if circumstances dictate, by the Financial Review Committee, with findings report to the Board of Directors. The Financial Review Committee shall consist of a minimum of three members in good standing to include at least one board member and one general member (excludes the Chapter President and Vice President of Finance).
In the event a general member cannot serve on the Financial Review Committee, the Board will contact another ATD Chapter to conduct the internal review.
Section B. External Financial Audit
An external audit will be conducted every three (3) years, and may be undertaken more frequently if circumstances dictate. The external audit will be conducted by a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB).
Section C. Communication of Financial Review Findings
The results of the financial reviews and audits will be published and made available to the Chapter members no later than 90 days into the upcoming fiscal year.
Article VI. Committees
Section A. Establishment and/or disbandment
In addition to interest groups and committees specified in these bylaws, interest groups and committees may be established or disbanded by the Board of Directors. All are subject to the oversight and direction of the Board or those authorized by that body.
Article VII. Special Meetings of the Chapter
Section A. Special Meetings of the Chapter
Special meetings of the Chapter may be called by the Board of Directors.
Article VIII. Indemnification
Section A. Indemnification
The Board of Directors may seek and maintain such indemnification to the fullest extent available under the laws of the State of South Carolina to protect the Chapter, Chapter members, Board members, officers, employees, and agents.
Article IX. Amendment and Modification of Bylaws
Section A. Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed by the Bylaws committee every two years. Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Board.
Section B. Notice of any potential change must be published and distributed to the membership at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to voting on such measures. Electronic distribution is acceptable.
Section C. Amendments must be approved by a majority of Chapter members through a vote.
Section D. Notice of approved changes to these Bylaws shall be published or distributed to all Chapter members (no later than sixty (60) days) following adoption.
Article X. Dissolution of Chapter & Liquidation of Assets
Section A. Dissolution of Chapter
The Chapter may be dissolved by a vote of two-thirds of Chapter members in good standing.
Section B. Upon dissolution of the Chapter, and after all of its liabilities and obligations have been paid, satisfied and discharged, or adequate provisions made therefore, all of the Chapter’s remaining assets shall be distributed to the Association for Talent Development, the Chapter’s national organization.
Approved by membership: 06/12/07
Reviewed by Board 01/15/2013 (no changes necessary)
Reviewed by Board 03/20/2015 (changes suggested and Board approved)
Approved by membership 04/20/2015
Reviewed by Board 01/29/2018 (change suggested and Board approved)
Approved by membership 02/09/2018
Reviewed by the Board 7/27/2020 (changes suggested and Board approved)
Approved by membership 08/31/2020
Changes proposed by the Bylaws committee; Board approved 10/6/2023
Approved by membership 11/30/2023 (adopted 1/1/2024)