ALPHA GAMMA CHAPTER
EPSILON SIGMA PHI
CONSTITUTION
Amended September 1, 2001
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this association shall be Alpha Gamma Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, the Alaska Chapter of the National Honorary Extension Fraternity, Inc.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE
The purpose of this association shall be exclusively charitable and educational within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code of 1954 (or corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law). This purpose includes, but is not limited to, recognizing excellence in the Extension community; providing opportunity for networking fellowship, and collaborative efforts; fostering leadership development through mentoring Extension professionals in the philosophy and professional practice of Extension education; and facilitating professional development.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
Epsilon Sigma Phi is an equal opportunity/affirmative action fraternity. Epsilon Sigma Phi is committed to the active involvement of all its members regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Epsilon Sigma Phi values and seeks a diverse membership.
Section I. MEMBER. An Extension professional (currently employed by or retired from an entity of the Cooperative Extension System) who has exhibited excellence in programming and leadership. Members continue to provide leadership and excellence in Extension programming throughout their career and during retirement.
Section 2. LIFE MEMBERSHIP. Members who are retired from the Cooperative extension System, may obtain a paid-up life membership by paying an amount equal to five times the annual dues at the time of the purchase of paid-up life membership. These members hold equal rights and privileges to those paying annual dues.
Section 3. TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP. A member may transfer membership when the Executive Director receives notice from the secretary of the chapter accepting transfer.
ARTICLE IV
BUSINESS
Section 1. PLACE OF BASENESS.The principal place of business of Epsilon Sigma Phi shall be the Fairbanks, Alaska.
Section 2. FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of Epsilon Sigma Phi shall begin on the first day of October and end on the last day of September the following year.
Section 3. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Alpha Alpha Gamma Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi shall be held at the principal place of business, or at any other place in the State of Alaska that is reasonably accessible to the members of the Alpha Gamma Chapter, determined by the executive board. The annual meeting shall be held during Annual Cooperative Extension Conference or via audioconference if no annual conference is held.
ARTICLE V
EXECUTIVE BOARD
The officers of this association shall consist of a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, historian, and editor, who shall be elected at large and shall also serve as members of the executive board. The officers shall be elected annually at the annual meeting of the Alpha Gamma Chapter and shall serve until their successors are elected and qualify.
ARTICLE VI
LIABILITY
Epsilon Sigma Phi shall in no way be liable for the acts of individual members of the National Council, nor for officers who may act beyond their authority. Officers individually or collectively shall not be liable for Epsilon Sigma Phi, unless they have acted beyond their authority as officers.
ARTICLE VII
NON-PROFIT CORPORATION
Epsilon Sigma Phi shall be a non-profit corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
ARTICLE VIII
DISSOLUTION
If upon dissolution of Epsilon Sigma Phi the assets exceed the outstanding obligations, such balances shall be determined by the voting membership at the time of dissolution.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS
The Constitution may be amended in whole or in part at any annual or special meeting of the members of the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi; provided that such action has been duly announced in the notice of the meeting at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting and a complete text of the proposed amendments has been given in notice of the meeting; provided there is a quorum of eligible voters at the meeting and/or those who voted by mail; and provided that two-thirds (2/3) of members voting at such meeting and/or by mail, approve such amendments.
