HaNegev (Southeast) Region of United Synagogue Youth ... The name of this
organization shall be HaNegev Region and Southeast Region of United.
CONSTITUTION OF
HANEGEV (SOUTHEAST) REGION OF
UNITED SYNAGOGUE YOUTH
Sara Rosenfield President 2003-2004
Stephanie Nichol Director
Adapted Authors: Sam Eppy
Staci Abelow
Executive/Membership/Kadima Vice President 2003-2004
Arvot President 2003-2004
1
CONSTITUTION Of HaNegev (Southeast) Region of United Synagogue Youth PREAMBLE
We, the Jewish Youth of the southeastern part of North America, affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, in order to form a more perfect Region, recognize the fact that youth must perpetuate Judaism and are dedicated to providing a strong Jewish environment, to expressing solidarity with the State of Israel, to striving for the betterment of our brethren at home and abroad, and to promoting the realization of the equality of all people in our own land. In order to further these principles, we therefore establish this Constitution of HaNegev Region of United Synagogue Youth. ARTICLE I--NAME The name of this organization shall be HaNegev Region and Southeast Region of United Synagogue Youth. Within the Region there will be three Sub-Regions, whose names shall be Arvot, Mercaz, and Ein Gedi. ARTICLE II--AIM The aim of the U.S.Y. Movement is to offer opportunities to the Jewish Youth to continue and strengthen its identification with Judaism, with the synagogue as the central agency of Jewish life in America, and to give the Jewish Youth an awareness of the essential harmony between the ideals and traditions of Judaism, modern society, and democracy. In consonance with this aim, U.S.Y. seeks to develop a program based on the personality development, needs, and interests of the Jewish teenager. Section 1. The Objectives A. Study Acknowledgement of the Jewish heritage and ideals is essential to creating Jewish living. Therefore, U.S.Y. dedicates itself to the ideals of Jewish learning by: 1.
Encouraging its members to attend existing institutions of learning.
2.
Encouraging its chapters to establish programs for group study.
3.
Encouraging its members to read books and seek out any other available information of Jewish interest and to undertake a program of individual study.
4.
Encouraging its members to further their interests in the Jewish arts.
B. Observance of Sabbath and Holidays The observance of the Sabbath and Holidays is of basic importance to Jews. Therefore, U.S.Y. dedicates itself to strengthening the observance of the Sabbath and Holidays in accordance with the standards set forth by the International Youth Commission by: 1.
Encouraging its members to attend services on the Sabbath and Holidays. 2
2.
Encouraging its members to join their families in Sabbath and Holiday meals and rituals.
3.
Encouraging its members to refrain from work on the Sabbath and Holidays.
4.
Encouraging its chapters to sponsor programs in the spirit of the Sabbath and Holidays.
C. Prayer Prayer is one of the three pillars of life--Torah (Study), Avodah (Prayer), and G’milut Chasadim (Acts of Loving Kindness). We believe that the Jewish teenager should experience the feelings of kinship and power arising out of public worship and the feeling of the nearness of G-d arising out of private devotion. D. Kashrut The observance of the dietary laws has inculcated Jewish values and has facilitated Jewish survival. Therefore, U.S.Y.: 1.
Requires that its chapters observe the dietary laws at all their functions, at least according to the standards the Region shall establish regarding Kashrut.
2.
Urges all its members to observe Kashrut in their homes and in their lives.
E. The Synagogue The Synagogue has for centuries been the center of Jewish life. Therefore, U.S.Y. dedicates itself to strengthening the synagogue by intensifying the participation of U.S.Y. members in the synagogue program through:
F.
1.
Establishing a Teenage Congregation.
2.
Having members of the Teenage groups, whenever and wherever feasible, participate in the conduct of the synagogue’s services.
3.
Having members of U.S.Y. regard themselves as youth members of the Adult Congregation and as such participate in Congregational functions and affairs.
The Jewish Community
No Jewish youth organization is sufficient unto itself. A Jewish youth organization must share concerns, goals, and activities with other Jewish organizations on behalf of all Jews. To this end, U.S.Y.: 1.
Cooperates with other Jewish groups for common purposes.
2.
Participates in the affairs of the local Jewish community.
3.
Accepts its share of responsibility for Jewish rehabilitation.
4.
Dedicates itself to strengthening the ties between American, Israeli, and all other world Jewry. 3
G. Centrality of the State of Israel The State of Israel, the Jewish homeland, should remain at the forefront of the concerns of world Jewry. Because of its connection to Jewish spirituality and the history of our people and its importance to Jewish continuity, promoting awareness and love for Israel shall remain a principal aim for U.S.Y. Therefore, U.S.Y. shall: 1.
Encourage its members to study and become knowledgeable of current events in Israel as well as Jewish history in the land in order to perpetuate accuracy in opinion and to educate other Jews and non-Jews.
2.
Encourage its members to express solidarity with the State of Israel and work to secure its survival.
3.
Strongly encourage its members to participate in summer programs, college freshman programs, and/or independent trips to Israel so that they may attain a personal connection with the Holy Land.
H. The Brotherhood of Man The welfare of humanity is a principal concern of Jews. Therefore, U.S.Y. cooperates on the local, national and world levels in the cause of the betterment of humanity by: 1.
Promoting democracy.
2.
Promoting worldwide understanding.
3.
Promoting human welfare.
4.
Undertaking tzedakah (charity) projects.
ARTICLE III--MEMBERSHIP Section 1. Qualifications Qualifications for member youth groups (chapters) shall be as follows: A. Member youth groups are in agreement with the aims and objectives of U.S.Y. as set forth in the International and Regional Constitutions. B. The youth group is affiliated and in good standing with the Regional and International Organization. C. The youth group sets the age limit as being from Ninth grade through Twelfth grade. If a youth group finds it necessary to set age limits different from those set forth in this Constitution, it must submit a written request to the Regional Youth Commission and inform the Regional Executive Board and Regional Director of its intentions. D. The number of members in the youth group shall be unlimited.
4
Section 2. Responsibilities Any member youth group that fails to fulfill its responsibilities to the Regional organization may be named not in good standing. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the member youth groups to maintain communications with all arms of the Regional organization, which includes the Regional Director, Regional Executive officers, and General Board members. ARTICLE IV--DUES Section 1. Amount The Regional Executive Board, upon consultation with the Regional Director, has the power to determine the amount of dues levied upon the Region. Section 2. Fiscal Year The fiscal year shall begin July 1st and shall end June 30th. Section 3. Arrears All member youth groups that have not paid their dues prior to the Sub-Regional Conventions will be regarded as not in good standing. In the event that a Sub-Regional convention takes place before dues are officially due to the Region, member youth groups shall have all dues from the last year in to be regarded as in good standing. Those groups that are not in good standing with either the Regional or International organization will be denied all privileges until said arrears are paid. Section 4. Regional Subsidy Program The Executive Board, in consultation with the Regional Youth Commission, will regulate Regional subsidies. ARTICLE V--REGIONAL ORGANIZATION Section 1. Regional Bodies HaNegev Region shall be organized into four bodies: The General Assembly, the Executive Board, the General Board, and the Regional Director. Section 2. General Assembly A. The General Assembly shall be composed as follows: 1.
All Regional Executive Officers and Sub-Regional Board Members.
2.
Immediate past Regional Officers still of the U.S.Y. membership age set forth in this Constitution who do not otherwise have a vote according to the provisions set forth in this Constitution.
3.
Two delegates per chapter for the first 25 members or less and an additional delegate for every additional 20 members or a fraction thereof. There shall be a maximum of 8 delegates per chapter.
4. Each delegate shall have one vote. There shall be no proxy votes.
5
B. The General Assembly shall meet at the Regional Convention(s) and Encampment. Additional meetings may be called by the Regional President, by petition of 2/3 of the Executive Board, or by petition of one-half of the affiliated chapters. C. A quorum of the General Assembly shall consist of a majority of all affiliated chapters as well as a majority of delegates. Section 3. Executive Board A. The power of legislation in the Region shall be vested in an Executive Board which shall consist of the following: 1.
All Regional Officers: a President, five Vice Presidents, and three Sub-Regional Presidents.
2.
All International U.S.Y. officers who do not hold a position as an Executive Officer and the immediate Past-President of the HaNegev Region may have the right to debate, but not vote.
B. Any legislative decision of the Executive Board may be vetoed by a 2/3 majority of the General Assembly. C. Meetings of the Executive Board may be called by the President at his initiative or by petition of one-half of its members to the President. D. A quorum of the Executive Board shall consist of 2/3 of its members, provided that each SubRegion is represented at the quorum. If an officer is the sole representative of his/her SubRegion on the Executive Board, s/he shall select an elected official from his/her Sub-Regional board to attend the quorum. If no such person can be found to attend the quorum, the representation of the Sub-Region in question shall not be necessary for the quorum to convene and vote. E.
The Executive Board shall meet at least thrice per year with one meeting being held at the Regional Convention at the beginning of the board’s term, one being held in August and one being held within close proximity to the beginning of the new calendar year.
F.
All Regional laws shall pass the Executive Board upon a majority of votes cast excluding abstentions and blank ballots.
G. Candidacy 1.
a.
b.
2.
A candidate for office must submit a qualification sheet and a pledge sheet signed by s/he and his/her parents at least 28 days prior to the Regional Convention at which elections will take place. A list of these candidates will then be published. In the event of an unoccupied office or an unopposed candidate, a second qualification sheet and pledge sheet will be circulated, and those U.S.Y. members wishing to become a candidate for those specific offices will be responsible for submitting these sheets in the same fashion as stated above, 14 days prior to the Regional Convention at which elections will take place.
All candidates for office shall meet the following criteria: Any person who is a member in good standing for one year in a chapter which is in 6
good standing with HaNegev Region for a period of one year prior to the election shall be eligible for nomination for office, provided that the person will not be graduating from high school for one full year after s/he is elected and will agree to maintain the standards set forth in sub-section J-1 of this Section. All candidates shall meet the following criteria (Passed 08-09) - A candidate for the office of Regional President or one of the five Regional Vice Presidents must have previously held at least two positions on Chapter Board, or Regional General Board. Combinations include two positions on Chapter Board, two positions on Regional General Board, or one position on Chapter Board and one position on Regional General Board. Sub-Regional Board also fills the requirement for one position of the two required. A candidate for the office of Sub-Regional President must have previously held one position on Chapter Board, Regional General Board, or Sub-Regional Board.
3.
Any person holding the same office for two consecutive years shall be ineligible for candidacy for that office.
4.
Any person running for the office of President must be willing to serve under any of the five defined Vice Presidential duties should the need arise: Religion/Education, Israeli Affairs, Social Action/Tikun Olam, Membership/Kadima, and Communications. Conversely, all candidates shall possess some degree of skill in the affairs of each of the Vice Presidential duties.
H. Election of Officers 1. a. The President and Vice Presidents shall be elected annually by the General Assembly and shall hold office until their successors are duly elected and installed. b. The Sub-Regional Presidents shall be elected annually by the General Assembly of their respective Sub-Regions and shall hold office until their successors are duly elected and installed. 2.
a. The election of the President and Vice Presidents shall be conducted at the Spring Regional Convention and the new officers shall be inducted into office at the same convention. b. The election of the Sub-Regional Presidents shall be conducted at the Spring Sub-Regional Conventions.
3.
A candidate shall be elected to an office if s/he receives a majority of votes cast by the General Assembly, excluding blank ballots and abstentions.
4.
a .If a candidate is running for an office unopposed, she/he shall be elected to that office if she/he receives a majority of voted cast by the General Assembly, excluding blank ballots and abstentions. b. If a candidate running for an office unopposed does not receive a majority of votes cast, excluding blank ballots and abstentions, the newly elected officers will have a maximum of two (2) weeks from the conclusion of the Spring Sub-Regional conventions (for a Sub-Regional office) or Regional Convention (for a Regional office) to appoint a USYer to fulfill the duties of the vacant office. They USYer 7
shall be selected based upon previous demonstration of leadership abilities, interest in the office, Youth Director Recommendation, application, and interview. This excludes the candidate who was previously opposed by the region. 5.
If more than two candidates run for an office, and no candidate receives a clear majority of the votes, those two candidates who received the highest number of votes shall be considered in a run-off election on a second ballot.
6.
The order of elections shall be President, Religion/Education Vice President, Israel Affairs Vice President, Social Action/Tikun Olam Vice President, Membership/Kadima Vice President, and Communications Vice President.
7.
a. Presidential candidates shall be permitted to be a candidate for no more than two (2) different offices at the election (i.e. Presidential candidates may only “drop down” to one (1) of the vice-presidential elections). b. All vice-presidential candidates shall be permitted to be a candidate for only one office (i.e. vice-presidential candidates may not “drop down” to any other vicepresidential elections).
8.
I.
Each candidate for office shall be nominated by no more than one person, lasting no longer than thirty (30) seconds, followed by a second to the nomination from a member of the General Assembly.
Qualifications and Standards for Officers Standards for holding a Regional Office are as follows: 1. Must attend 75% of all chapter functions. 2. Must attend a minimum of four religious services monthly 3. Must attend a minimum of six hours of Judaic study monthly 4. Must have a reading knowledge of Hebrew. 5. Must attend 100% of Regional and Sub-Regional functions unless involved in a program of Jewish content at the same time. 6. Must observe the Sabbath and Holidays following the guideline of the Conservative Movement regarding travel and refrain from participation in all school activities and standardized tests on the Sabbath and Holidays. 7. All Regional Officers should, under a moral obligation, keep Kashrut outside the home, and inside if possible. 8. Must refrain from the use of all illegal substances including drugs and alcohol. 9. As leaders of U.S.Y., the Officers serve as accessible Jewish role models to the U.S.Y. Constituency. In that capacity, they are expected to aspire to become ideal Conservative Jews, reflecting a strong commitment to Jewish survival and the performance of Mitzvot. Therefore, it is expected that leaders of the Region will refrain from relationships that can be construed as interdating.
J.
Individual Powers of Officers 1.
The Regional Officers shall perform the duties and have the powers usually associated with their respective offices, except as more specifically enumerated in this Constitution.
2.
President. a. The President shall preside over all plenary sessions of the Regional 8
Convention(s) and over all meetings of the Executive Board and the General Assembly. b. The President shall have the right to call meetings of the Executive Board, the General Board, and the General Assembly at his/her initiative. c. The President shall have the right to establish any and all committees for the proper functioning of the Region with the approval of the Executive Board. d. The President shall have the right to appoint and remove all committee chairmen at his/her discretion with the approval of the Executive Board. e. The President shall serve as an ex-officio member of all permanent committees. f. The President shall be vested with the executive power of HaNegev Region and shall be its accredited representative. g. The President shall report to the Regional Convention at the end of his/her term as to the state of the organization and shall make recommendations for its improvement. h. The President shall have the final decision as to the specific duties of the Vice Presidents upon discussion and approval of all officers. i. The President shall bestow the title and responsibilities of Executive Vice President/Special Projects Secretary upon the Vice President whom s/he deems fit, with the approval of the Executive Board. 3. Five Vice Presidents a. They shall serve as ex-officio members of all permanent committees. b. They shall assist the President in carrying out his/her duties. c. They shall perform the preceding specific duties and any others as outlined by the Regional President and the rest of the Executive Board. 1. Religion/Education Vice President shall be responsible for the implementation of all aspects of the religious and educational programming in the Region, in addition to overseeing all standing committees pertaining to the aforementioned areas. S/he shall also be responsible for overseeing any committees as determined by the President in consultation with the Executive Board. 2. Israel Affairs Vice President shall be responsible for the implementation of all aspects of Israel awareness and affairs programming in the Region. S/he shall also be responsible for promoting International Israel programs in the Region. In addition s/he shall be the overseeing officer for all standing committees pertaining to the aforementioned areas and shall also be responsible for overseeing any committees as determined by the President in consultation with the Executive Board. 3. Social Action/Tikun Olam Vice President shall be responsible for the implementation of all aspects of Social Action and shall serve as the overseeing officer of the Tikun Olam program in the Region. S/he shall 9
be responsible for all Tikun Olam programming, fund-raising and collecting of Tikun Olam pledges. In addition s/he shall be the overseeing officer for all standing committees pertaining to the aforementioned areas and shall also be responsible for overseeing any committees as determined by the President in consultation with the Executive Board. 4. Membership/Kadima Vice President shall be responsible for the implementation of all aspects of membership expansion and retention and Kadima programming and shall serve as the overseeing officer of the Membership Committee. In addition s/he shall be the overseeing officer for all standing committees pertaining to the aforementioned areas and shall also be responsible for overseeing any committees as determined by the President in consultation with the Executive Board. 5. Communications Vice President shall be responsible for the keeping of strong communications between the Executive Board and the rest of the Region. S/he shall keep a record of all meetings of the Executive Board and all sessions of the General Assembly. S/he shall mail, e-mail, or post on the Regional Website copies of the minutes of the aforementioned meetings to all Executive Board members, all affiliated chapters, and to the Youth Commission within one week of the meeting. S/he shall keep accurate and revised copies of the Constitution as well as old copies for consultation. S/he shall issue such correspondence as the President directs. S/he shall compile mailing lists of all the members of the Executive Board, all Chapter Presidents, advisors, Youth Directors, and Youth Commission members, and see that each of the aforementioned receive a copy of the mailing lists. S/he shall be responsible for the implementation of a Regional Newsletter, a regularly updated Website, any and all Regional Online Programs and yearbook(s). S/he shall be responsible for publicity of the various Regional programs to the General Board committees. In addition s/he shall be the overseeing officer for all standing committees pertaining to the aforementioned areas and shall also be responsible for overseeing any committees as determined by the President in consultation with the Executive Board. 4.
Executive Vice President/Special Projects Secretary a. b. c. d. e.
f.
Shall be appointed by the President from among the five Vice Presidents. Shall preside over Regional Board Meetings in the absence of the President. Shall have the duty, right and power of the President during the President’s absence or in the event of his/her incapacity. Shall be responsible for promoting non-Israel U.S.Y. summer programs. The Executive Vice President of the Region shall function as the “Special Projects Secretary.” S/he shall be available to serve in any capacity and under any circumstances as directed by the President in consultation with the Executive Board. A Vice President who receives the bestowment of the title and responsibilities of Executive Vice President shall also retain the responsibilities of his/her Vice Presidency.
10
5. Sub-Regional Presidents, one from each Sub-Region. a. They shall be the representatives of their respective Sub-Regions in all Regional matters and act as the liaisons between the Regional Executive Board and their respective Sub-Regional Boards and Sub-Regions. b. They shall have the responsibility of keeping all the chapters in the SubRegion as well as the other Sub-Regions and Regional officers informed of the activities of and in their respective Sub-Regions. c. They shall have the responsibility of calling meetings with their Sub-Regional boards whenever necessary and no less than once per month. d. They shall be members of the Executive Board, and will have all rights and responsibilities of Regional Officers. e. They shall fulfill any other duties as directed by the Regional President. K. Collective Duties
L.
1.
The Executive Board shall establish all committees necessary and proper for the functioning of HaNegev Region.
2.
The power to interpret this Constitution, the contents thereof, and all by-laws, rules, regulations and orders of this organization shall rest with the Executive Board.
3.
It is incumbent upon all arms of the Regional Organization to maintain good communications with all chapters in the Region.
Vacancies and Resignations 1.
a. In the event that there is a vacancy in the office of President, the Executive Vice President shall automatically become President and shall serve the remainder of the President’s current term. b. If there is no Executive Vice President, the General Assembly shall choose from interested parties among the five Vice Presidents. Said candidate must be voted in by a majority of the General Assembly, excluding blank ballots and abstentions. Upon appointment to the office of President, s/he shall serve the remainder of the President’s current term. S/he shall also appoint a U.S.Y.er s/he deems fit to the position s/he has left vacant, with the approval of the Executive Board.
2.
In the event that there shall be any other vacancy including resignations on the Executive Board, the Executive Board shall make recommendations to the President, based upon prior interest in the position or in the activities the office requires. The President shall report back to the board with a narrowed list of candidates, at which point the Executive Board, excluding the person affected, shall vote on the matter. The person selected to fill the vacancy shall serve the remainder of the current term. 3. Any person who was removed or asked to resign from office for a subregional or regional board position due to infringement of any of the standards for officers shall be ineligible to run for sub-regional or regional board for the following year. (Passed 2004-2005)
11
G. Impeachment 1.
Impeachment proceedings against any Regional Officer may be initiated upon written charges signed by one delegate from one-half of the affiliated chapters or by a twothirds vote of the Regional Executive Board excluding blank ballots and the vote of the person affected. These must be submitted to the Regional Communications Vice President unless the latter is the object of the charges, in which case the petition shall be submitted to the Regional Executive Vice President. In the event that the Communications Vice President is also the Executive Vice President, the charges shall be submitted to the President. Copies of these charges shall then be forwarded to the person facing impeachment, whereupon s/he may submit his/her answer to the charges within twenty (20) days after the receipt thereof. The Communications Vice President shall forward the answer to all affiliated chapters within one week after the receipt thereof. These groups shall submit in no less than thirty (30) days and not more than forty-five (45) days after the receipt of the aforementioned charges, a ballot containing the signatures of chapter officers indicating the chapter’s affirmative or negative vote toward the impeachment.
2.
A vote of two-thirds of all affiliated chapters, excluding blank ballots, and threefourths of the Regional Executive Board, excluding blank ballots shall be necessary to remove the impeached officer from his/her position. The vote of the officer under consideration shall not be counted when the Regional Executive Board is taken.
Section 4. The Director The Regional Director shall assist in coordinating all Regional business and shall act as advisor to the Regional Officers. Section 5. The General Board A. Each officer on the Executive Board shall decide which standing committees of a Regional or Sub-Regional General Board are necessary and proper for the execution of his/her duties as a Regional Officer, upon consultation with the Regional President and Director. B. Those U.S.Y.ers who wish to serve on a standing committee of Regional or Sub-Regional General Board must submit an application stating their qualifications and ideas for a General Board position in order to be considered for a position. 1.
2.
3.
The application shall be available to U.S.Y.ers no later than the day after the Regional Encampment ends and must be available to U.S.Y.ers both on paper and on the Regional Website. The application shall include descriptions of the responsibilities of all General Board positions. The Regional President shall assign a deadline for said applications to be returned, either by mail or e-mail. U.S.Y.ers must submit the application to the Regional office by the set deadline. In the event that a position on a General Board has no applicants, the overseeing officer may appoint any U.S.Y.er whom s/he deems fit for the position.
C. The duties and responsibilities of a particular committee or person on Regional or SubRegional General Board is at the discretion of the overseeing officer.
12
D. The standards for Regional and Sub-Regional General Board members shall be as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4.
They must attend 75% of chapter events They must attend 100% of Sub-Regional and Regional events They must attend two congregational religious services per month, one being on the Sabbath They will be encouraged to observe the mitzvot and standards that make up the standards of the Regional and Sub-Regional Executive Boards.
E. It is incumbent of the overseeing officer to maintain good communications with his/her General Board, and likewise it is obligatory for General Board members to maintain good communications with their respective overseeing officer.
ARTICLE VI--INTERNATIONAL SUPREMACY The International U.S.Y. Constitution shall be the supreme law of this Organization. No laws, resolutions, or regulations shall be passed by HaNegev Region of the United Synagogue Youth that are in direct conflict with the laws, resolutions or regulations of the International Organization. The Executive Board of HaNegev Region shall decide which laws are in violation of the article. ARTICLE VII--CONCLAVE Section 1. The Regional Convention(s) shall be held no less than annually at such time(s) and place(s) as shall be directed by the Regional Executive Board. Section 2. The Regional Encampment shall be held annually at such time and place as shall be directed by the Regional Executive Board. Section 3. Attendance at all Regional Conclaves shall be decided by the Regional Executive Board. Section 4. Additional Conclaves may be called on the initiative of the Regional President, by petition of twothirds of the Regional Executive Board, or by petition of one-half of all affiliated chapters. All requests for additional Conclaves shall be presented to the Youth Commission.
13
ARTICLE VIII—SUB-REGIONS Section 1. HaNegev Region shall be divided into three Sub-Regions. A. Arvot Sub-Region shall consist of all affiliated chapters in the state of Florida in the counties of Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Monroe, Collier, and in surrounding islands. B. Mercaz Sub-Region shall consist of all affiliated chapters in the state of Florida not included in Arvot excluding the Panhandle. C. Ein Gedi Sub-Region shall consist of all affiliated chapters and synagogues in the Southeast Region of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism in the states of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and in the Panhandle of Florida. Section 2. A. Each Sub-Region shall meet and consider all Sub-Regional officers. B. Each Sub-Region shall have a President, Vice President and Secretary to be elected annually. C. Sub-Regional officers shall be required to uphold all standards set for the Regional Board. D. Each Sub-Region shall have the power to adopt any legislation that does not conflict with the Regional or International laws. E. No Sub-Region shall levy dues upon its members. F.
All Sub-Regional elections shall be held annually at Spring Sub-Regional Convention and before June 30th of each year, or at a Sub-Regional conclave or officially called meeting.
G. Sub-Regional elections shall follow in the same manner as Regional elections, including nominations, “drop downs”, etc. Section 3. A. The Sub-Regions shall take measures, not in conflict with Regional or International laws or Constitutions, for the best interest of U.S.Y in their respective areas. B. The Sub-Regional officers shall promote the aims and objectives of U.S.Y. and promote a feeling of unity among the U.S.Y. chapters within their designated areas by: 1.
Keeping lines of communication constantly open between themselves and the U.S.Y. chapters.
2.
Assisting the U.S.Y. chapters when problems or requests for advice occur, either by themselves or in consultation with the Regional Director and/or the Regional Executive Board.
Specifically, and to clarify, Sub-Regional Officers’ duties are: a. b.
To become an integral part of the chapters they oversee. To assist with any problems within the chapter. 14
c. d. e.
3.
To relay all Regional business, programming, drives, etc. to chapters that they oversee. To assist in the carrying out of the goals that the officer of the Sub-Region and the chapter have made for the latter. To be responsible for all duties as requested by the Regional President in connection with the Sub-Regional President, who acts as a liaison.
The standards for Sub-Regional officers shall be those enumerated for the Regional Executive officers in Article V, Section 3, Clause I of this Constitution and shall be duly enforced.
Section 4. A. Each Sub-Region shall meet twice annually at official Sub-Regional conventions. At the second convention, the Sub-Regions shall meet and consider all Sub-Regional officers. B. Minutes of all Sub-Regional meetings shall be taken by the Sub-Regional Secretary and forwarded immediately following them to the Regional Youth Director and Regional President. ARTICLE IX--AWARDS Section 1. Chapters of Excellence. Each year the Region shall consider qualifications for and eligible chapters for awards for Chapters of Excellence to be given out at a Spring Regional Convention. Section 2. HUSY Camel. Each year at HaNegev Spring Regional Convention, the award for best Sub-Region shall be given to the Sub-Region that expresses the most ruach, Sportsmanship, Participation in Programming, and Goodwill. The award shall be HUSY Camel. HUSY Camel shall be considered the Regional mascot. Section 3. SEUSY Camel. SEUSY Camel is a Ruach Award that shall be presented to the chapter that displays the most ruach at the Regional Encampment each year. The Executive Board shall choose the chapter that wins the camel. Some criteria for this award include ruach, Participation in Programming, Cooperation in Programming, and Goodwill during Encampment. No chapter shall be eligible to win the SEUSY Camel in two consecutive years. ARTICLE X--PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE All rules of order not specifically mentioned in this Constitution shall be taken from Robert’s Rules of Order: Revised Edition, by Henry Robert. ARTICLE XI--CONSTITUTIONS Section 1. Amendments, Revised Constitutions, and New Constitutions. A. Amendments to the Constitution, Revised Constitutions, or New Constitutions shall be first proposed to the Regional Executive Board where they shall pass by a 2/3 majority of votes cast excluding blank ballots and abstentions.
15
B. Upon passing a 2/3 majority of the Executive board, Amendment, Revised Constitution, or New Constitution may be ratified in one of two ways: 1. By a two-thirds majority of all votes cast in the General Assembly excluding blank ballots and abstentions OR 2. By a two-thirds majority of affiliated chapters in the Region, where each chapter has one vote, excluding blank ballots and abstentions. If the Executive Board passes the proposed Amendment, Revised Constitution, or New Constitution, they reserve the authority to determine which of the aforementioned modes of action will be taken on the proposed Amendment, Revised Constitution, or New Constitution. Section 2. Previous Constitutions. A. HaNegev Region shall acknowledge the important contributions of the Constitution of February 1957 and the Constitution of April 1992, and shall recognize those previous Constitutions as important documents in the history of the Region, though they shall have no legal authority. B. Upon ratification, this Constitution shall be the only valid Constitution and all previous Constitutions shall become null and void. C. Upon ratification, this Constitution and all provisions herein shall become Regional law.
Section 3. Ratification. Under the provisions set forth in the April 1992 Constitution, this Constitution shall be ratified and shall go into effect immediately following a majority vote by the Executive Board of HaNegev (Southeast) Region of United Synagogue Youth, excluding blank ballots and abstentions, followed by a two-thirds majority of votes in the General Assembly excluding blank ballots and abstentions.
16
