NACCS - By-Laws

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PREAMBLE
MISSION STATEMENT
ARTICLE I: OFFICIAL NAME
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
    Section 1: Categories of Membership
    Section 2: Membership Criteria
    Section 3: Membership Benefits
ARTICLE IV: NATIONAL BOARD
ARTICLE V: OFFICERS, TERMS OF OFFICE, AND DUTIES
    Section 1: National Chair
    Section 2: Chair Elect
    Section 3: Treasurer
    Section 4: Secretary
    Section 5: At-large Representatives
    Section 6: Immediate Past Chair
    Section 7: End-of-Term Duties
    Section 8: Membership Notification of Board Member Removal
ARTICLE VI: ELECTION OF OFFICERS
ARTICLE VII: FOCOS
    Section 1: Foco Chapters
    Section 2: Members
    Section 3: Election of Foco Representatives
    Section 4: Foco Representatives Terms and Duties
    Section 5: Representatives for NACCS Committees
    Section 6: Selection of Caucus Foco Representatives
    Section 7: Rules Governing the Establishment of a New Foco
ARTICLE VIII: CAUCUSES
    Section 1: Members
    Section 2: Caucuses
    Section 3: Election of Caucus Chairs
    Section 4: Caucus Chairs Terms and Duties
    Section 5: Representatives for NACCS Committees
    Section 6: Rules Governing the Establishment of a New Caucus
ARTICLE IX: COMMITTEES
    Section 1: Development Committee
Section 2: Policy Committee
Section 3: Grievance Committee
Section 4: Establishment of Committees
ARTICLE X: FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
    Section 1: Fiscal Year
    Section 2: Payment and Collection of Dues
    Section 3: Annual Dues
    Section 4: Use of Dues
ARTICLE XI: NATIONAL BOARD MEETINGS
    Section 1: National Business Meeting
    Section 2: National Board Meetings
    Section 3: National Board Midyear Meeting
ARTICLE XII: RESOLUTIONS
ARTICLE XIII: AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS
ARTICLE XIV: NATIONAL OFFICE
    Section 1: Selection and Responsibility of the Office
    Section 2: Responsibilities of the Executive Director
ARTICLE XV: NATIONAL ARCHIVES
ARTICLE XVI: DISSOLUTION OF ASSOCIATION
    Section 1: Method
    Section 2: Disposition of Assets
APPENDICES TO THE BYLAWS

PREAMBLE
The National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies (NACCS) was founded in 1972 in order to encourage a type of research which it felt could be instrumental in playing a key part in the political actualization of the total Chicana and Chicano community. The Association called for Chicana and Chicano research that was committed, critical, and rigorous. As such, an Association of Chicana and Chicano scholars was envisioned not as an academic embellishment, but as a structure rooted in Chicana and Chicano political life.

The Association has, from the beginning, presupposed a divergence from mainstream academic research. We recognize that mainstream research, based on an integrationist perspective which emphasizes consensus, assimilation, and the legitimacy of societal institutions, has obscured, and distorted the significant historical role which class conflict and group interests have taken in shaping our existence as a people to the present moment. Our research efforts are aimed at directly confronting such tenuous images and interpretations and challenging the structures of inequality based on class, racial, and sexist privileges in this society.

In shaping this challenge, the Association holds that our research should generate information that can lead to effective problem-solving action. Our research should address itself to the pressing problems and issues affecting our communities. It is clear, however, that problem-solving cannot be detached from an understanding of our position in this society. Solutions, in order to be meaningful, must go beyond uncoordinated concrete efforts; they must be organized and guided through study and analysis that suggest possible directions for our communities. Our concern with immediate problems of our people, then, is not separated from a critical assessment of our relatively common situation.

Accordingly, the Association also recognizes and emphasizes the broader scope and significance of Chicana and Chicano research. We must not overlook the crucial political role of ideas in the construction and legitimation of social reality. Dominant theories, ideologies, and perspectives play a significant part in maintaining structures on a theoretical as well as policy level. Thus, it is urgent that we construct theories and perspectives that explain the basic dynamics of the Chicana and Chicano past, present, and future. Since ideas can point to possible directions for our people, they are of fundamental importance in defining and shaping our future.

MISSION STATEMENT
To advance the interests and needs of the Chicana and Chicano community. To advance research in Chicana and Chicano Studies. To advance the professional interests and needs of Chicanas and Chicanos in the academy.

ARTICLE I: OFFICIAL NAME
The official name of this organization shall be the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies. The official acronym is NACCS. [See Appendix I for the history of the Association's name.]

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
The purpose of the organization is to bring together scholars of the Chicana and Chicano experience who share certain basic assumptions. Among these are that the organization:

Bring together scholars of the Chicana and Chicano experience who share certain basic assumptions. These include the ability to do:
research on Chicanas and Chicanos should be broadly integrative in nature rather than fragmented along existing disciplinary lines;
research should be oriented toward the solution of social problems;
work that entails a radical transformation of existing institutions in the United States, and that research should help prepare the ground for such a transformation;
establish communication among Chicana and Chicano scholars across geographical and disciplinary lines and between elementary, secondary, and post-secondary scholars
facilitate the recruitment of Chicanas and Chicanos to all levels of institutions of higher education.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Categories of Membership
There shall be three categories of membership:

Individual membership.
Institutional membership. This includes academic institutions, policy institutes, and organizations.
Honorary membership. This includes NACCS Scholars.

Section 2: Membership Criteria
Individual and Institutional membership is contingent upon payment of annual dues and fees as set forth by the National Board. Members must abide by the principles of the Association set forth by these Bylaws.

Section 3: Membership Benefits
Individual and honorary membership benefits include, but are not limited to, the rights to receive the organizational newsletter and to vote whenever there is a call for a membership vote and the opportunities to participate in conference presentations, to be a member of a Foco and relevant Caucuses, to be nominated for, a Foco Representative or a Caucus Chair, and to be appointed to official NACCS ad-hoc committees.

ARTICLE IV: NATIONAL BOARD
The composition of the National Board shall be the Chair, Chair-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate Past Chair, three At-large Representatives, and the Executive Director. The Board is charged with the responsibility for the governance of the Association.
All National Board members must maintain their good standing within the Association during their term of office, must be active within a Foco or Caucus, must be knowledgeable of the Association and its bylaws, and must promote the general welfare of the Association. The National Board shall oversee and implement all of the Associations policies and procedures. It may establish committees as needed to implement recommendations and resolutions from the membership.

ARTICLE V: OFFICERS, TERMS OF OFFICE, AND DUTIES
The Association shall have the following officers: Chair, Chair-elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate Past Chair, and three At-large Representatives.

Section 1: National Chair
The National Chair shall be the principal officer of NACCS and shall supervise the business affairs of the Association. Duties include, but are not limited to, the organizing and presiding over all National Board activities.
The National Chair is elected as the Chair-Elect and after serving a one-year term succeeds to the position of National Chair for one year. After the one year term, the National Chair will serve as Immediate Past Chair for an additional year.

Section 2: Chair-Elect
The Chair-Elect will be directly elected by the general membership to serve for one year before succeeding to become the National Chair. In the Chairperson's absence, the Chair-Elect of NACCS shall perform the duties of the National Chair. The Chair-Elect also serves as the Program Chair for the annual NACCS conference and the Nominations Committee.
In the event of the National Chair’s resignation, inability, refusal to serve or perform the duties of the position, a vacancy shall be declared and the Chair-Elect shall succeed as the National Chair early on. If this occurrence takes place in the first half of the National Chair’s term, then a special election will be held to fill the Chair-Elect position upon its vacancy. If the vacancy takes place after six months into the term, then the Chair-Elect position will remain vacant until the next scheduled election for the position and the new National Chair will serve until the end of her/his regular term. In the event that the Chair-Elect is unable or unwilling to succeed to the position of National Chair, then the National Board shall select a representative to perform the duties of the National Chair for the unexpired portion of the term.

To be eligible to run for this office, a candidate for Chair-Elect must: (1) be a member in good-standing; (2) have been a member continuously for the previous four (4) years before assuming office; (3) have had significant, active participation in NACCS; (4) have provided a significant, active contribution to Chicana & Chicano Studies; and (5) have contributed to advance the interests and needs of the Chicana & Chicano community. This person cannot hold more than one National Board office in NACCS at the same time, nor run consecutively for this office.

Section 3: Treasurer
The membership shall directly elect the Treasurer for a two-year term. The Treasurer oversees the financial work and health of the Association, is a primary account signatory, and is responsible for assuring that budgets and financial reports are made to the National Board and the membership monthly.

The Treasurer, together with the Executive Director, is responsible for taking charge and custody of all funds and securities of NACCS; receiving and issuing receipts for monies due and payable to NACCS from any source whatsoever; depositing all such monies in the name of NACCS in such banks or depositories as shall be collaboratively selected; and handling dues and allocations of monies for NACCS business. The Treasurer shall, with the National Office, compile and maintain the official list of members in good standing.
To be eligible to run for this office, a candidate for Treasurer must: (1) be a member in good-standing, (2) have been a member continuously for the previous four (4) years before assuming office, (3) have had significant, active participation in NACCS, (4) have made a significant, active contribution to Chicana & Chicano Studies, and (5) have contributed to advance the interests and needs of the Chicana & Chicano community. This person cannot not hold more than one National Board position in NACCS at the same time. The person may be re-elected to serve consecutively in this office one time.

Section 4: Secretary
The general membership will directly elect the Secretary for a two-year term. Duties include, but are not limited to, taking minutes of National Board meetings, and taking minutes at the national business meeting. The Secretary will oversee the preparation and distribution of the approved minutes and other official records of the Association.

During the Annual meeting the Secretary shall be responsible for compiling, duplicating, and distributing the resolutions to be addressed at the national business meeting. The Secretary oversees the compilation of all Association records (e.g., minutes, resolutions, and any other documents produced during the annual meetings, the roster of current officers, minutes of any meetings, and National Board correspondence) and their submission to the Association's official archive. The Secretary will collaborate with the national office to maintain all official records of the Association. In the event that a national office is not in place, the Secretary shall perform the aforementioned duties with the assistance of selected National Board members.

To be eligible to run for this office, a candidate for Secretary must: (1) be a member in good-standing, (2) have been a member continuously for the previous 4 years before assuming office, (3) have had significant, active participation in NACCS, (4) have had a significant, active contribution to Chicana & Chicano Studies, and (5) have contributed to advance the interests and needs of the Chicana & Chicano community. This person cannot hold more than one Executive Committee office in NACCS at the same time. The person may be consecutively re-elected to serve in this office one time.

Section 5: At-large Representatives
To be eligible to run for this office, a candidate must: (1) be a member in good-standing, (2) have been a member continuously for the previous two (2) years before assuming office, (3) have had significant, active participation in NACCS, (4) have had a significant, active contribution to Chicana & Chicano Studies, (5) have contributed to the advancement of the interests and needs of the Chicana & Chicano community, and (6) have actively participated in a NACCS Foco or Caucus. This person cannot hold more than one National Board office in NACCS at the same time. The person may be consecutively re-elected to serve in this office one time. In the event that an at-large representative cannot fulfill the duties of the office, the National Board shall request a special election by the membership to replace the representative.

Section 6: Immediate Past Chair
The Immediate Past Chair is the immediate past National Chair. The Past Chair sits on the National Board for one year and serves as an advisor to the National Chair and the National Board. The primary responsibility for the Past Chair is the maintenance of the Association's Bylaws. The current National Board will designate other duties e.g., Policy Committee Chair,

Section 7: End-of-term duties
Upon vacating posts, within ninety (90) days all officers shall submit copies of their official records to the National Office and the Association's archives.

Section 8: Membership Notification of Board Member Removal
In the event that the NACCS Board invokes Article 5, Section 2 of the NACCS By-laws regarding all nationally elected board members, the NACCS Board will immediately notify the membership of the action taken and cite the by-law section outlined above. The duties of the removed officer will be assigned to the remaining board members. The membership will receive notification through appropriate forms of communication used by NACCS.

ARTICLE VI: ELECTION OF OFFICERS
All national officers of the Association, with the exception of the National Chair, and Immediate Past Chair, shall be elected directly by the membership, in such a manner as the National Board shall decide to maintain diversity across geography, gender and sexuality, and membership classification.

A Nominating Committee, consisting of members of the National Board, will solicit nominations from the Focos, and Caucuses. The general membership shall vote prior to the Annual Conference. The new officers will be announced at the Annual Conference and also in the post-conference newsletter.

ARTICLE VII: FOCOS
In keeping with the grassroots origins of the Association the basic operating unit of the Association shall be at the regional level. These units shall be designated Focos. Focos are geographically delimited chapters determined by the existence of Chicana and Chicano Studies programs, historical significance of geographical areas to Chicana and Chicano communities, and concentration of Chicanas and Chicanos. Focos are sources of initiative in the Association. The internal structure and activities of the Focos is determined by the membership in keeping with the general mission and direction of the Association as expressed in the Bylaws:

Section 1: Foco Chapters
The Association shall be represented in the following regions:
1. Colorado
2. Rocky Mountain
2. East Coast
3. Midwest (includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin)
4. Mexico
5. Northern California (Fresno and northern California)
6. Pacific Northwest (Idaho, Oregon, and Washington)
7. Rocky Mountain (Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming)
8. Southern California (Santa Barbara and southern California)
9. Tejas

Section 2: Members
Members of the Foco must reside within the designated area, be paid members of the Association, and subscribe generally to the mission of the Association.

Section 3: Election of Foco Representatives
The Foco shall elect a Representative that serves as the principal officer for the region for a two-year term. The Representative is elected during the annual meetings. The candidate for Foco Representative must be an active member of the Foco and a member of the Association. In cases where a duly elected Representative is unable or unwilling to serve the Foco shall conduct a new election, or the National Chair, in consultation with Foco members may appoint an interim Representative until a permanent Representative is elected by the Foco membership.

Section 4: Foco Representatives Terms and Duties
Each Foco shall elect one Representative for a two-year term, beginning and ending at the annual meetings. The Foco Representative shall serve as the principal officer for the region. The Foco Representatives may serve as members of the Annual Conference Program Committee. The Foco Representative must be familiar with the operations of the Association and its Bylaws. Each Foco Representative is responsible for the following: organizing and presiding over all Foco activities and affairs, encouraging new and renewed membership, overseeing all communications with Foco members, maintaining regular communication with the National Chair and other members of the National Board regarding the activities and needs of the Foco, organizing and presiding over the Foco business meetings, compiling and submitting resolutions in the appropriate manner and designated for their consideration at the annual meeting, compiling written reports of regional activities for the Association's newsletter, and promoting the general welfare of the Association.

Section 5: Representatives for NACCS Committees
During the Annual Conference, the Foco must also provide the National Board with a list of names of individuals from the Foco to participate on various committees as listed in Art. VIII. The Foco Representative will present the list to the National Board, which will appoint or recommend members to committees as needed.

Section 6: Selection of Caucus Foco Representatives
In conjunction with the Caucuses, the Foco will select Caucus Representatives for each of the Association's Caucuses. These Representatives are responsible for representing the interests of the given Caucus within the Foco during the annual conference. The Caucus Foco Representatives' duties are to: attend all Foco meetings; represent the interests of the Caucus within the Foco; and communicate and report to the Caucus Chair about Foco activities. The term of the Caucus Foco Representative is for one year. In the event that a Caucus Foco Representative is not elected during the annual meetings, the Caucus Chair is encouraged to work with the Foco Representative to appoint a Caucus Foco Representative from within its membership.

Section 7: Rules Governing the Establishment of a New Foco
A proposal for a new Foco shall first be presented to the National Board for review with a list of 30 paid NACCS members representing the new region and the name of the new Foco Representative. If approved, a resolution shall then be submitted by the new region at the national business meeting. If the resolution is passed by the membership the proposal will then become a new Foco which will constitute an additional representative on the National Board with all the rights and responsibilities described in these Bylaws.
A Foco shall need a minimum of thirty (30) members in good standing to be created, and maintained. If any Foco falls below thirty members in good standing, they will have one-year gain the minimum membership for continuation. If this minimum is not reached within the year, the Foco will be subject to dissolution by the National Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

ARTICLE VIII: CAUCUSES
Caucuses represent initiatives in the Association. Caucuses are groups of members in the Association who address substantive issues and organizational structure relevant to the Association. The internal structure of the Caucuses is determined by their membership who reflect the general tone and direction of the Association. Caucuses must elect a Chair to oversee Caucus business, select Caucus Foco Representatives, and submit names to the National Board for NACCS committees. The Caucuses are expected to work from within the Focos. Caucuses are required to maintain at least thirty (30) members in good standing to remain active. If any Caucus falls below thirty members in good standing, they will have one year from the end of the annual conference to the beginning of the next conference to regain the minimum membership for continuation. If this minimum is not reached within a year, the Caucus will be subject to dissolution by the National Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

Section 1: Members
The members of the Association may choose to be part of any Caucus based on the descriptions and limitations provided. There is no requirement that members of the Association must participate in Caucuses. Some caucuses may serve as safe places for the Association's members, and members should take this into consideration when choosing to participate in a Caucus.

Section 2: Caucuses
NACCS shall be represented in the following caucuses:
1. Chicana Caucus: The Chicana caucus is concerned with gender equity and the needs and interests of women, heterosexual, and lesbians. The Caucus addresses issues of sexism and patriarchy in the Association and in everyday life. At the annual conference, the Caucus membership in good standing elects one representative as Chair for a two-year term, and one representative as a Chair-Elect also for a two-year term.

2. Rene Nuñez Political Action: This Rene Nuñez Political Action Caucus, also known by its acronym COMPAS, consists of persons interested in the empowerment and welfare of the Chicana and Chicano community. The Caucus is concerned with direct social action to address issues in our community and the organization. At the annual conference the Caucus membership in good standing selects a Chair for a two-year term at the Association's annual meeting.

3. Graduate Student Caucus: The Graduate Student Caucus consists of graduate students. The Caucus is concerned with providing a network for graduate students, promoting communication between graduate students, encouraging progressive research, and addressing issues affecting our communities. At the annual conference, the Caucus membership in good standing elects one person as Chair for a one-year term.

4. Caucus Estudiantista Estudiantil Activista: The Caucus Estudiantista Estudiantil Activista consists of high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. The Caucus is concerned with equity for students and the needs and interests of students. Unlike the other Caucuses two students are selected by the membership in good standing as Chairs of this caucus, one male and one female student. If possible a graduate student and an undergraduate student shall be represented. Both of these students serve for a one-year term.

5. Lesbian, BiMujeres, and Trans Caucus: The Lesbian, BiMujeres, and Trans Caucus was founded to address and challenge the ongoing homophobia and heterosexism prevalent within academia and academic associations. The Caucus supports Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered agendas and affords space in NACCS to meet, to have workshops, and to discuss issues in Chicana and Chicano studies and the transformation process that is education. The Caucus membership in good standing elects a Chair for a two-year term at the Association’s annual meeting.

6. Jotería Caucus: The Jotería Caucus consists of all persons who identify as Jota, Joto, Jotx, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Trans, Two-Spirit, Non- Binary, Gender Non-Conforming, Questioning, Fluid and all other identities that fall outside of the gender and sexuality binary systems. The caucus is concerned with providing a network for students, scholars and community members who would like to address issues of gender and sexuality, Jotería Studies and Trans Studies as well as actively challenge homophobia, heterosexism, transphobia as it intersects with the experiences of the Chicanx community. At the annual conference, the Caucus membership in good standing elects one representative as Chair for a two-year term, and one representative as a Chair-Elect also for a two-year term.

7. Community Caucus: The Community Caucus is comprised of community activists from all parts of the country. It is concerned with issues of community empowerment and with the needs and interests of the community. The Caucus membership in good standing elects a Chair for a two-year term at the Association's annual meeting.

8. K-12 Caucus: The K-12 Caucus consists of any person concerned with the development, promotion, and institutionalization of Chicana and Chicano Studies in K-12 curricula. The Caucus membership in good standing elects a Chair for a two-year term at the Association’s annual meeting.

9. Indigenous Peoples/Indigenous Knowledges Caucus: The Indigenous Caucus is an inter-national organization of Indigenous/Xican@ (Chican@) scholars and activists committed to education as a process of emancipation. We seek to further the teaching, study, representation, and collegial relationships among all our relations. To support the decolonization of Indigenous Peoples throughout the world, the Caucus advocates the following interventions: endorse the development of critical, creative, ethical, and intuitive thinking, skills, and actions; promote and protect Indigenous Peoples' sovereignty, languages, lands, cultures, resources, sexualities, and rights, work towards the creation of an effective and pro-Indigenous United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; provide support, resources, and advocacy for Indigenous scholars working within the university; advance library teaching, research, service, and relations; and disseminate statements and positions on local, national, and global events that affect Indigenous Peoples.

Section 3: Election of Caucus Chairs
At the Caucus meeting held during the annual national conference of the Association, the membership in good standing for each Caucus shall elect a Caucus Chair. The Caucus Estudiantista/Estudiantil will elect two Co-Chairs. In the event of resignation or inability to serve, the National Chair, in consultation with the Caucus members in good standing, may appoint an interim Chair until a Chair is elected by the Caucus membership in good standing.

Section 4: Caucus Chairs Terms and Duties
Each Caucus Chair shall serve for a two-year term beginning and ending at the annual meetings. The Caucus Estudiantista/Estudiantil Co-Chairs will serve for one year?. Representatives for NACCS Committees. The Caucus Chairs shall serve as members of the Annual Conference Program Committee. The Caucus Chair must be familiar with the operation of the Association and its Bylaws. Each Caucus Chair is responsible for the following: overseeing all communications with Caucus members; maintaining regular communication with the National Chair and other members of the National Board regarding the activities and needs of the Caucus; organizing and presiding over the Caucus' business meetings; compiling and submitting resolutions within the appropriate manner and designated time frame at the annual business meeting; providing a written report of Caucus activities for publication in the NACCS newsletter; promoting the general welfare of the Association; and representing the interests of their respective caucuses within NACCS.

Section 5: Representatives for NACCS Committees
During the Annual Conference, the Caucus must also provide the National Board with a list of names of individuals from the Caucus to participate on various committees as listed in Art. IX. The Caucus Chair will present the list to the National Board, which will recommend members to committees as needed.

Section 6: Rules Governing the Establishment of a New Caucus
A proposal for a new Caucus shall first be presented to the National Board for review with a list of 30 paid NACCS members representing the new group. A new Caucus must bring a diverse perspective not represented within an established caucus or in the discipline. If approved by the National Board, the proposed Caucus members shall then submit a resolution to the general membership for a vote at the national business meeting. If the resolution is passed by the membership the group shall become a new Caucus as an ad-hoc committee for a period of two years. The Chair(s) is responsible for organizing and locating meeting space at the annual conference. At the end of two years, the ad-hoc committee must submit a mission statement, activity report, and membership list of NACCS paid members representing a new Caucus. Upon the recommendation of the National Board the ad-hoc committee becomes a permanent Caucus or may continue as an ad-hoc committee.

Caucuses shall need a minimum of thirty (30) members in good standing to be created, and maintained. If any Caucus falls below thirty members in good standing, they will have one year from the national conference meeting to the next national conference meeting to regain the minimum membership for continuation. If this minimum is not reached within a year, the Caucus will be subject to dissolution by the National Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

ARTICLE IX: COMMITTEES
Section 1: Development Committee
The Development Committee is facilitated by of a Chair appointed by the National Board. The Committee shall include various members but no less than three other members who are appointed by the National Board. This Committee shall develop proposals for a permanent endowment and other funding for Association.

Section 2: Policy Committee
The Policy Committee is comprised of three members appointed by the National Board. The Immediate Past Chair acts as Chair of the Policy Committee. The Committee shall update the Association's Bylaws as needed and required by resolutions passed by the body. The Policy Committee shall also be responsible for collecting resolutions passed at the annual conference. In addition, the Policy Committee will also provide the National Board with recommendations of new articles and/or sections that need to be addressed in the Association. If the National Board approves the recommendation(s), these shall be presented to the membership for a vote and ratification as stipulated in Art. XII. Other policy related actions may be assigned by the National Board.

Section 3: Grievance Committee
The Grievance Committee is not a standing committee; rather it is an ad-hoc committee consisting of three NACCS members. The appointed ad-hoc committee is created with the explicit purpose of reviewing grievances related to the conduct of the official NACCS membership at the annual conferences. The National Board appoints the Committee. This appointed committee has two functions: 1) to investigate and document complaint(s) by NACCS members against NACCS officers, members, and/or NACCS; 2) to request from aggrieved members written documentation of their complaints from their own perspective.
The complaint documents will be presented to the National Board. The National Board will review the facts as stated in writing by the aggrieved person and the one allegedly committing the cause for complaint. If the allegations are sufficiently substantiated, the National Board will sanction the member or members as stated in the Association's Bylaws.

Section 4: Establishment of Committees
The National Board shall establish ad hoc or standing committees as necessary.

ARTICLE X: FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
Section 1: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.

Section 2: Payment and Collection of Dues
Payment of dues shall be sent to the national business office. The national business office shall be responsible for the collection of dues during the fiscal year. In the event that a national office is not in place, the National Board shall appoint the Treasurer or a National Board member to collect dues.

Section 3: Annual Dues
The National Board shall determine annual membership dues payable to the Association. The National Board shall then recommend a dues scale to the membership. Passage of a dues increase requires 2/3-member vote approval.

Section 4: Use of Dues
Dues will be used in the interest and development of the Association as deemed necessary by the National Board or as stipulated by the membership during the annual meetings. [See App. IV for further descriptions of dues.]

ARTICLE XI: NATIONAL BOARD MEETINGS
Section 1: National Business Meeting
The National Board shall hold the annual business meeting of the membership for the purpose of transacting the Association's business at the national conference at a specified time and place (so as to insure maximum participation of members). The time and place shall be stipulated by the National Board.

Section 2: National Board Meetings
The National Board will officially meet at least three times during the annual conference. The National Board will determine additional meetings during the annual conference.
Section 3: National Board Midyear Meeting
The National Board shall meet at the proposed conference site to approve the conference budget and conduct other organizational business. This meeting shall occur at the end of October. Specific dates will be determined during the annual meetings.
ARTICLE XII: RESOLUTIONS
All resolutions submitted during the national business meeting must emerge from and be approved by the Foco or Caucuses. Resolutions from the floor will not be entertained.
Foco Representatives and Caucus Chairs are responsible for collecting typed resolutions from the authors. They are responsible for submitting their approved resolutions to the NACCS Secretary at least twenty-four hours before the business meeting begins.
The National Board will meet prior to the business meeting in which resolutions will be presented to the body, to review each resolution for appropriate guideline procedure.
Votes on resolutions that do not have bylaw implications require only a majority vote.
ARTICLE XIII: AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS
Amendments to the Bylaws shall be presented as resolutions as stipulated in Art. XII. The resolution must meet approval by a two-thirds vote of the voting membership. Approval of amendments may also be conducted by mail to the membership if the National Board deems it necessary.
ARTICLE XIV: NATIONAL OFFICE
Section 1: Selection and Responsibilities of the Office
The Association will maintain a national office. This office shall be responsible for maintaining the Association's newsletter, an updated membership list, the website, correspondences (electronic and printed), etc. Selection of a national office shall be based on a call for proposals, a site visit review by a committee appointed by the National Board, a report from the site committee, and a vote by the National Board. The membership will determine the site of the national office with recommendations from the National Board. The national office will be headed by the Executive Director of the Association, who will be affiliated with the selected institution that hosts the national office. The location of a national office will be reviewed every five years. Should the current site wish to retain its status as the national office, a proposal for renewal will be considered alongside proposals and criteria for a new location. Removal of an office before its five-year term is expired requires a majority vote of the National Board. In the event that no office is in place, the National Board shall make the necessary arrangements to conduct national office duties.

Section 2: Responsibilities of the Executive Director
The duties of the Executive Director of the national office shall include the successful realization of the following: supervising the national office; corresponding with the membership; maintaining NACCS files; maintaining the membership database; fielding phone and email inquiries; maintaining and updating the official website; issuing the call for papers; coordinating the conference registration; maintaining a national directory of Chicana and Chicano Studies centers, programs, and departments; and maintaining a national directory of Chicana and Chicano faculty. Removal of the Executive Director requires a majority vote by the National Board. In the event that a national office site is not available or the vacancy of the Executive Director, the National Board shall call for new proposals for such, appoint an interim Executive Director and/or distribute the Executive Director's responsibilities amongst the National Board.

ARTICLE XV: NATIONAL ARCHIVES
The Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection at the University of Texas at Austin is the official repository of the NACCS archive. The Librarian overseeing the Mexican American Collection shall be our official contact. At the end of each officer's and/or committee member's term, records of their work are required to be sent to the archives.

ARTICLE XVI: DISSOLUTION OF ASSOCIATION
Section 1: Method
The Association may be dissolved in the following manner. A petition for dissolution must be signed by ten percent of the members of at least eight Focos. This petition shall be submitted to the National Board and a postal ballot to dissolve shall be sent to all members. Passage of the petition requires a two-thirds vote of those valid returned ballots to uphold the petition to dissolve.

Section 2: Disposition of Assets
Upon dissolution, all assets shall first be used to discharge all obligations of the Association. Any remaining assets of the Association, including all moneys and any other tangible assets shall be donated to a recognized educational institution or institutions and /or organization or organizations that will be determined by the National Board.

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Revised: 1979 Colorado Springs, CO
Distributed: 1980 Houston, TX
Revised: 1981 Riverside, CA
Distributed: 1982 Tempe, AZ
Distributed: 1983 Ypsilanti, MI
Revised: 1983 Ypsilanti, MI
Revised: 1984 Austin, TX
Distributed: 1985 Sacramento, CA
Revised: 1985 Sacramento, CA
Distributed: 1986 El Paso, TX
Revised: 1988 Boulder, CO
Distributed: 1989 Los Angeles, CA
Revised: 1990 Albuquerque, NM
Revised: 1992 San Antonio, TX
Revised: 1995 Spokane, WA
Revised: 1997 Sacramento, CA
Revised: 1999 San Antonio, TX
Distributed: 2000 Portland, OR and Website
Revised: 2001 Tucson, AZ
Revised: 2002 Chicago, IL
Revised: 2005 Miami, FL
Revised: 2006 Guadalajara, Jal, MX
Distributed: 2007 San Jose, CA and Website
Revised: 2009 New Brunswick, NJ
Updated: 2012 San Antonio, TX
Updated: 2014 Salt Lake City, UT
Updated: 2016 Denver, CO
Updated: 2017 Irvine, CA

Founded in 1972 and Incorporated in 1992

APPENDICES TO THE BYLAWS
History of Official Name
Guidelines for Establishment of New Focos
Grievance Committee Procedure
Dues
Sexual Harassment Statement
Resolutions Guidelines
NACCS Scholar Criteria
Guidelines for Student Premio Submissions

APPENDIX I: History of Official Name
The Association was first named the National Caucus of Chicano Social Scientists from 1972-1973. After the Caucus's first meeting on November 17, 1973, at the University of California at Irvine, the members of the steering committee unanimously voted to change the name to the National Association of Chicano Social Scientists (NACSS).

In 1976, during the 3rd NACSS Conference, participants voted to rename the organization the National Association for Chicano Studies (NACS).

In 1995, during the National Conference in Spokane, Washington, the body unanimously voted to change the name from the National Association for Chicano Studies to the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies (NACCS).

APPENDIX II: Guidelines for the Establishment of New Focos
The proposal for the establishment of a new Foco must meet the following criteria:

Identify academic programs/departments/policy centers/student program services within the region.
Provide the National Board with a minimum of 30 NACCS members who reside within the region. Among the 30 members, at least 5 must hold faculty, student services staff, and/or other academic posts.

If the National Board accepts the Foco proposal, it will then exist as a Foco "in formation" for a period of two years. A Foco in formation does not have representation on the National Board. However, the National Board and the Conference Site Committee shall assist the Foco in formation by providing the members with meeting space, publicity, and advice to arrive at their goal. At the end of the two years the Foco in formation must have arrived at, and maintained a minimum of 3O NACCS members. If the Foco in formation meets the prescribed criteria, they may present a resolution for Foco status to the National Board. The National Board will then present a resolution to the body for ratification.

If the Foco in formation does not meet these specifications within the designated time, the petition is vacated.

APPENDIX III: Grievance Committee Procedure
All physical assaults by any person, member, or non-member of NACCS will be reported immediately to the local police authorities for their jurisdiction and their determination. Physical assaults are not matters of adjudication by the National Board. Complaints and grievances against members of NACCS become matters for the National Board as stated in by the NACCS Bylaws.
The police report may be taken up as an agenda item for the National Boards deliberations in the event that the police charges are against a NACCS member. The sanctions pertaining to these types of assault charges will be dictated by the sanctions in the Bylaws.

Sanctions for fighting: Any NACCS member who is charged with fighting, assaulting another NACCS member, will receive a registration fee refund and be asked to leave the premises immediately.
Sanctions for discrimination: Complaints of discrimination, of any order, will be brought to the attention of the perpetrator immediately. This communication will be in writing and will contain the allegations as determined by the ad-hoc committee appointed to address the discovery issues. The sanctions will be determined by the National Board.

APPENDIX IV: Dues

Dues shall be applied to the following:

To cover administrative costs of the Association's business.
To cover costs of selected proceedings from the national conference and newsletters to the membership.
To ensure meetings of the National Board during the course of the year.
To provide complimentary childcare at the national NACCS conference.

APPENDIX V: Violence-Sexual Harassment Statement
NACCS is committed to ensuring, in its national and regional conferences, meetings and events, an environment free of sexual violence/harassment for all persons of all sexual orientations. The Association acknowledges that sexual violence/harassment for people of all genders and sexual orientations has been a continuing problem in the Association. Sexual violence/harassment is the deliberate or repeated unwelcome conduct of sexual nature. It is distinguished from voluntary sexual relationships by the introduction of the elements of coercion, threat, or unwanted attention. It is the IMPACT of the behavior, not the INTENT, which is used to determine whether the behavior constitutes sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment can also be an environmental issue. A hostile environment is created by sexual jokes or remarks, sexually explicit pictures, or unwelcome physical contact. Sexual harassment can occur between men and women, men, and other men, or between women. There is also same gender harassment and women harassing men. By far, however, the majority of sexual harassment cases involve a man in position of power over a woman. Sexual harassment can involve a professor and a student; a teaching assistant and a student; a supervisor and an employee: colleagues, co-workers, and peers; or strangers. Sexual harassment can affect the harassed by causing confusion, self-doubt, humiliation, anxiety, guilt, and physical stress.

Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination that is covered under Title VII of the amended 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Illegal and unacceptable behavior includes:

Unwelcome teasing, jokes, remarks, or questions about sex.
Unwelcome sexually suggestive looks or gestures.
Unwelcome and deliberate touching or body contact such as patting or pinching.
Unwelcome pressure for dates and sexual favors.
Unwelcome letters, telephone calls, or materials on the subject of sex.
There are several options in responding to sexual harassment. If you feel sexually harassed, trust your feelings and instincts.

You may do any or all of the following:

Communicate your disapproval with the harasser in person or in writing. How to communicate is important; be direct and firm.
Write a letter to the harassed and, in addition, another person with jurisdiction.
Provide a detailed account of what happened with dates, place, and description.
Describe your feelings.
Explain what you want to happen next.
File a legal complaint, documenting all incidents, conversations, and witnesses. Inform yourself about grievance procedures.

The National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies, and particularly the NACCS Chicana Caucus, encourages those who have been sexually harassed to step forward. Any person who feels she or he has been harassed, should contact a NACCS officer or the National Office.

The National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies, the Chicana Caucus, the Lesbian Caucus, and the Joto Caucus encourages those who have been sexually harassed/violated to report the situation to a NACCS National Board member, the Chairs of the Chicana Caucus, the LBMT Caucus, or the Joto Caucus. NACCS will investigate the complaint, send a formal letter of apology to the victim of violence/harassment, and also encourage the person to speak/consult with a member(s) of the National Board.

APPENDIX VI: Resolutions Guidelines
The guidelines for submitting resolutions follow:

All resolutions must be submitted for consideration during the general business meeting and need to emerge from and be approved by the Focos or Caucuses. The Foco and Caucus meetings are scheduled before the national business meeting and will be the main avenue for processing Foco and Caucus resolutions. Resolutions from the floor during the business meeting will not be entertained.

Foco Representatives and Caucus Chairs are responsible for typing and submitting Foco and Caucus approved resolutions to the NACCS Secretary before the national business meeting. A designated time and place will be announced at the national conference to all members regarding deadline.

All resolutions submitted must conform to the following rules:

Resolutions must identify what Foco/Caucus is putting the resolution forth;
Resolutions must provide names of contact person(s) with phone numbers in case further clarification is necessary;
If the resolution has budget implications, the resolution must include amount and purpose for requested monies. The resolution must be worded in such a way that the implementation of such is realistic in terms of funding requirements and logistics involved;
The Foco/Caucus must take responsibility for wording its resolution in such a manner that it is a resolution and not a call for support on an issue relevant to only one region;
Resolutions need to be edited in order to make sense and keep copying costs down;
Resolutions must provide names of persons and their positions who are expected to act on behalf of NACCS.

Resolutions that do not meet the criteria will not be on the agenda for the business meeting. Once the resolutions are approved by the National Board, the NACCS Secretary will compile, duplicate, and distribute the Foco and Caucus resolutions before the NACCS general business meeting.

A consent agenda format (all resolutions are approved automatically unless a member requests that a specific resolution be removed for discussion and vote) will be followed during the business meeting.

The location of available computers and other necessary resources needed by the Focos and Caucuses to produce the resolutions will be announced and made available at the national conference site.

Resolutions that have been passed by the membership will go into immediate effect.

Any questions should be directed to the National Chair or Secretary.

APPENDIX VII: NACCS Scholar Criteria
Criteria for such recognition includes:

A scholar's history of involvement in the development of Chicana and Chicano Studies as a discipline; and/or; an individual's significant contributions to scholarly research and writing on the Mexican population in the United States, and
An individual's significant contribution to the NACCS organization.

Nominations for such an award must come from Focos, Caucuses, the Conference Site Committee, or the National Board. The nomination must be limited to a one-page vita and a two-page letter of nomination describing how the candidate meets the criterion set forth. In addition to the letter of nomination, a complete packet must include supporting materials (selected list of publications and other letters of support).

To ensure the special quality of the award, nominees should be scholars whom the majority of the NACCS membership would readily recognize. This award is not necessarily an annual award.

Nominations shall be sent to the NACCS Scholar Committee. The mechanics of carrying out this endeavor should be by the mutual consent of the National Board.

APPENDIX VIII: Guidelines for Student Premio Submissions
Papers will be judged on originality, content, composition, and style. The Premio the opportunity to submit the paper for publication in the NACCS proceedings and the opportunity to present the paper at the annual meeting.

Participants must be enrolled at an institution of higher education and be members of NACCS.

FOUR copies of the manuscript must be submitted. One copy should include a cover page with the student's name, address, telephone number and institutional affiliation. All copies must indicate Undergraduate or Graduate submission. The remaining copies must only have a cover page with the title and student designation. Authors must follow appropriate writing manual guidelines, e.g., MLA or Chicago Manual of Style. Papers must be fully referenced, typed and double-spaced, and must use an 11 pt. Courier font. Manuscript must not exceed 25 pages.

Any submissions that are received that do not meet the above specifications will be automatically disqualified.

Notification will be issued before the national conference. Awards will be announced during the National Conference.

APPENDIX IX: Blessing at National Conference
The NACCS board will work with the Indigenous Caucus representatives and conference site Foco representatives to ensure that every annual conference begin with a traditional blessing.