Kansas Activity Directors Association

K.A.D.A. By-Laws and Code of Ethics

Kansas Activity Directors Association

By-laws

I.                    Name

The name of the association shall be Kansas Activity Directors Association, hereinafter referred to as K.A.D.A.

II.                Object.

The object and purpose of this representative association, established as a nonprofit organization shall be:

1. A.                  The cultivation of excellence in the provision of activities programming for primarily geriatric populations, which may include populations with special needs who receive services in a primarily geriatric setting such as long term health care facilities, retirement housing, adult day services, assisted living, senior centers, etc.
2. B.                  Advocacy to/for the individuals providing these services, by means of: 
   1. Assessing and impacting government relations and public relations.
   2. Authorizing appropriate research.
   3. Providing education and networking.

III.             Members

Membership in KADA shall be open to individuals employed in, individuals or groups interested in or supportive of the provision of activities programming for health care, primarily geriatric populations, which may include populations with special needs who receive services in a health care, predominantly geriatric setting.

1. A.                  Classification
   1.  Active ~ An active member in good standing shall have full voting privileges and the right to hold office and serve on committees.

A member in good standing is:

1. Individuals currently employed in providing activities in primarily geriatric healthcare setting such as long term care health facilities, retirement housing, adult day services, assisted living, senior centers, etc.
2. Individuals currently employed as activity consultants, educators or administrators/managers in the field of activities.
3. Individuals who maintain an interest in the activity profession with the intent of re-entering the field.
4. First year student enrolled in an activity directors course.
5. Current paid dues.

IV.              Membership entitlement

Membership may include individual or facility membership.

1. Decreased cost for yearly conference and other KADA events and other opportunities as they are offered.
2. Three (3) newsletters per year.
3. One (1) vote at the yearly meeting per membership by official ballot in person or by official mailing.
4. Web site for networking with other professionals.
5. Membership cards and/or certificates will be issued.            
   1. One representative from each of the districts is eligible to receive assistance to attend the national conference. Representatives who wish to attend can apply to KADA foundation for assistance, as funds are available as established by the executive board. 
   2. Upon return from the national conference they will report on the conference and possibly speak at the yearly KADA conference.
   3. Fifty percent (50%) of the President’s expenses will be paid for attendance at national conference.  This includes transportation, meals, and registration.
   4. If the President is unable to attend, the NAAP representative(s) will attend in his/her place not to exceed fifty percent (50%) total.  If they are unable to attend a representative will be chosen by the President and a two-third (2/3) vote of the executive committee.
6. Privilege to nominate for annual awards.
7. Eligible to apply for a grant from the KADA foundation.

V.                 Dues and Finances

The executive board shall determine annual dues.  The payment of dues shall be made for membership at or before the annual conference and will be valid for a period of one (1) year until next annual conference.  These payments will be held with the office of the Treasurer.  Membership renewal notices will be sent with the yearly conference brochure. 

If a member is not able to attend the yearly conference, renewal must be post-marked on/before anniversary date.  

Dues may be increased/decreased as stated by the standing board in accordance with the needs set.

1. Audit ~ The financial records of KADA shall be audited either internally or professionally as determined by the board annually, or at the end of the fiscal year, and at other times as requested by the board.  All audit reports shall be submitted, in writing, to the board.
2. The signatures of two (2) executive board members are required on all KADA checks and the checkbook is to be balanced and presented at all meetings.  The Treasurer will provide copies of each bank statement to the executive board upon request. 

VI.     The Board

The board consists of five (5)-voting offices hereinafter referred to as the Executive board.  The executive board consists of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.  These are elected positions.  The fifth position is a board member, selected by the president.  The following offices are appointed positions as selected by the executive board hereinafter know at as the Executive committee: NAAP representative(s), NCCAP representative, Editor, Education Services coordinator, Archivist, Membership Services coordinator, Member at Large, Representative to supportive organizations.

1. Voting:  As this may arise, a vote by mail may be taken when necessary and shall constitute a separate mailing from other association business.  A vote by telephone,
2. E-mail, or fax may also be taken when necessary.  These actions may be verified and made a part of the minutes of the next meeting.

Qualifications:

To be eligible for President, a person shall:

1. Have been an active member in good standing for at least two (2) years prior to nomination and have served on the KADA board within the last (6) years prior the nomination.

To be eligible for Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, a person shall:

1. Have been an active member in good standing for at least two (2) years prior to nomination and have served actively at least one (1) year on a KADA committee or at the district level prior to nomination.

1. Duties of the Board

Board members both Executive board and Executive committees shall perform the duties provide in this section and such other duties as are prescribed for the office in these by-laws and the policies and procedures and shall be guided by at all times by the by-laws and policies and procedures of KADA.  Failure to perform said duties should result in removal from office by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the executive board.

1. President ~ The President shall be the chief executive officer and official spokesperson of KADA, chair the executive board, and other committees. Perform such other duties as applicable to the office as prescribed by the parliamentary authority adopted by the organization. Shall oversee all daily operations and growth of the organization.
2. Vice-President ~ The Vice-President shall fill the unexpired term if a vacancy occurs in the office of president, perform the duties of the president in the absence of the president, be responsible for government relations and perform such other duties as applicable to the office as prescribed by the parliamentary authority adopted by the organization.  Oversee the daily operation and growth of the organization in partnership with the president.
3. Secretary ~ The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping and maintaining an accurate and accessible permanent form of the minutes of all meetings of KADA, be responsible for the by-laws of KADA. Other duties as applicable to the office as prescribed by the parliamentary authority adopted by the organization.
4. Treasurer ~ The Treasurer shall be responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of KADA and perform such other duties as applicable to the office as prescribed by the parliamentary authority adopted by the organization.  The treasurer must also be bonded.
5. Immediate Past-President ~ Immediate Past-President serves as an advisory position.
6. Editor ~ Write, collect and edit articles for the KADA newsletter to be published three (3) times each year.  Assist with conference brochure.
7. NAAP & NCCAP Representative ~ Serve as a liaison between the district, state and national organizations.
8. Education Services Coordinator ~ Coordinate education programs for KADA members on a statewide level.
9. Archivist ~ Maintain an accurate, objective and entertaining record of the organization and membership. 
10. Membership Services Coordinator ~ Respond to requests regarding KADA and membership, maintain accurate records of the current membership, oversee membership drives to increase membership in organization.  Coordinate nominations and voting procedures.
11. Representative to Supportive Organizations ~ Encourage communication with other organizations that share goals regarding activities programming for health care, primarily geriatric populations, which may include populations with special needs who receive services in a health care, predominantly geriatric setting, Such as KHCA, KAHSA, KTRS, and KPNHA.

VIII.      Term of Office

The standards of practice for the Term of office shall be for two (2) years.  Elections will be held for two (2) offices per year at the annual conference.  Elected and appointed boards shall assume duties immediately following the close of the yearly conference.  

1. No board member may serve more than two (2) consecutive terms in the same office unless voted by the executive board.
2. Elections will be at conference. 
3. Any officer found to have mishandled KADA funds will be immediately asked to resign his/hers position and will forfeit the right to hold an executive position in the future.
4. Failure to perform said duties shall result in removal from office by 2/3 vote by executive board.
5. The executive board may approve of additional representatives for the supporting organizations.
6. A quorum is necessary to transact business of the executive board shall be three (3) of the elected officers.
7. An elected or appointed board member serving an incomplete term as deemed by the board is eligible to be elected to two (2) more complete terms in the office.  A board member who has served more than half a term in an office is considered to have served a full term.           

IX.             Vacancy in Office

1. When an officer wishes to resign during his/her term, they shall inform the Secretary in writing within three (3) to five (5) days of the next executive board meeting.
2. A vacancy in any elected position other than of the president shall be filled by the executive board, as deemed by the executive board.

X.                Standards of Practice ~ Code of Ethics

All members shall make these commitments to fellow members. 

To fellow members:

1. Respect the individual members’ positions and opinions.
2. Provide the atmosphere for a congenial working relationship.
3. Maintain a high degree of loyalty, responsibility, and confidentiality in all matters.
4. Treat with respect the findings, views, and action of others, use proper channels to express judgment.
5. When speaking to any group, any references to KADA will be clearly delineated as to whether it is a personal or an official position of KADA.
6. To avoid the substance or appearance of conflict of interest.
7. To treat as confidential, and for association uses only, any preliminary research, positions, or information generated by KADA.
8. Keep lines of communication open for mutual support.

1. Take every opportunity to educate the membership of their responsibility to the clients/residents served and to the profession.
2. To assume responsibility to fellow professionals through support, cooperation and education.
3. Assume responsibility for maintaining an association focus on primarily geriatric populations served in settings such as long term health care facilities, retirement housing, adult day services, assisted living, senior centers, while recognizing the activity professional’s role in relationship to other disciplines in the health care system.

XI.             Disciplinary Action

Disciplinary action shall be taken against a member when there has been a determination by the Executive Board that a member has engaged in conduct, which is in violation of KADA code of ethics. 

XII.         Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the proceedings of KADA. 

XIII.      Review & Amendments of the By-laws

1. By-laws shall be reviewed yearly and/or revised as needed.
2. Proposed amendments to the by-laws shall be presented in writing to the secretary for consideration by the by-law committee.
3. Upon majority approval by the board, proposed amendments to the by-laws shall be submitted to the active KADA membership at yearly conference and/or through a mail ballot. 
4. Amendments shall be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote.  Mail ballots shall be returned within thirty (30) days of postmark date of mailing.

XIV.       Dissolution

Should the organization be dissolved for any reason, the remaining assets shall be distributed for purposes within the scope of the Internal Revenue Code, Section 501 (c) (6), or any amendment thereto, and in accordance with the corporate statutes of Kansas.

XV.           Meetings

1. Annual members meeting: will be held at yearly conference.
2. Executive Board meeting: These shall consist of at least three (3) executive board members present.  These are to be held as needed, regularly as deemed by the board.  Written report must be taken.
3. Executive committee meetings: These are to be held as needed.  Written report must be taken.
4. Post conference meeting: A meeting of the newly installed board may be held, at the direction of the Emergency meeting: May be called by the executive board or the President with a majority of the executive board present.  Written report must be taken.
5. Other meetings: As needed & scheduled.
   1. Observers:  KADA members may observe meeting of the board.  The executive board may have the authority to declare a closed session.