The National Honorary Beta Club
Constitution and Bylaws

The Constitution of the National Honorary Beta Club
Preamble
Believing that creditable student effort and achievement should be encouraged and rewarded, and seeking to cultivate the ideals of service and leadership in our citizens of tomorrow, the governing body of the National Honorary Beta Club has instituted this organization for the promotion of these ideals, and those stated in the Beta Creed, among elementary and secondary school students. To implement this purpose the following articles have been adopted.

Article I
Name
The name of this organization shall be The National Honorary Beta Club. The name of each individual chapter of the organization shall be designated by the name of the school at which it is located. Article II
Purpose The purpose of this organization shall be: to promote the ideals of honesty, service, morality, ethical conduct, and leadership among elementary and secondary school students, to reward meritorious achievement, and to encourage and assist students in continuing their education after high school. Article III
Governance The governance of The National Honorary Beta Club shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors, officers, committees, and state and local organizations, as provided for in the Bylaws.
Article IV
Membership
The National Honorary Beta Club shall consist of members as provided for in the Bylaws.

Article V
Officers   The National Honorary Beta Club shall have officers as designated in the Bylaws. The qualifications of officers, the methods of their selection, and their respective powers and duties shall be set forth in the Bylaws, Official Operating Codes, Minutes, Handbooks or Manuals.  
Article VI
Amendments   This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the Board of Directors in attendance at any of its regular or called meetings. The proposed amend-ment must be provided all Board Members and the Executive Director at least thirty days prior to the meeting. All officials of the organization are to be notified in writing of any and all amendments to the Constitution and shall abide by them as by the stipulations of the original Constitution.  
Article VII
Bylaws   Bylaws which shall be consistent with this Constitution may be adopted. Such Bylaws may contain any provisions necessary for the orderly administration of the National Honorary Beta Club and its affairs including, but not limited to, the governing authorities, officers, elections, and meetings, provided that should there be any inconsistency between this Constitution and the Bylaws, this Constitution shall prevail.  
Article VIII
Dissolution
Procedures for voluntary dissolution are stated in Article XVIII of the Bylaws. Bylaws
Article I
Governance

The National Honorary Beta Club, henceforth titled The National Beta Club in these Bylaws and in all future use of this title for the organization, shall be governed by: (l) a Board of Directors, (2) State Councils, (3) State Assemblies, (4) members-at-large, (5) local school administrators, and (6) sponsors.
Article III of the Constitution provides for establishing the following specifications as to the governance of the Beta Club:
Section 1. The Board of Directors
Subsection 1- National Officers
The Board shall elect its National Officers: a Chairman and a Chairman-elect for a period of one year at its regular annual meeting. All officers shall assume office the first day of the month following their election;
Subsection 2 - Executive Director
The Board shall select and appoint an Executive Director who will serve as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in man-aging the affairs of the National Beta Club in compliance with policies and procedures established by the Board. The contract shall be for three years and is renewable at the Board's discretion;
Subsection 3 - Board Composition
The Board shall be made up of the chairperson from each State Beta Council;
Subsection 4 - Term of Office
The Board members' terms shall be for three years with no more than one-third of the members of the Board being scheduled for election in one year;
Subsection 5 - Meetings
The Board shall meet at least once a year at such a time and place as shall have been determined at the last preceding meeting of the Board. Special meetings may be called upon the recommendation of the Chairman and Executive Director or through special arrangements approved by the Board of Directors;
Subsection 6 - Quorum
Two-thirds of the Board must be in attendance in order to constitute a quorum;
Subsection 7 - Policies and Regulations
It shall be the duty of the Board to establish all policies and regulations of the National Beta Club;
Subsection 8 - Audit and Budget
The Board shall receive the annual audit of the National Office, and shall approve the annual budget for the next succeeding year;
Subsection 9 - Annual Report
The Board shall receive the annual report of activities, and activities planned for the succeeding year at the Annual Board meeting;
Subsection 10 - Committees
The Board shall set up such organizational committees as shall be necessary for the proper supervision and direction of the affairs of the organization.
Section 2. State Councils
Subsection 1 - Composition
The Council shall be made up of not more than twelve (12) individuals who are actively employed in the field of education within the various states. All Council members, in order to serve, must be associated with schools that have active chapters of Beta Club if the potential exists. One-half of the Council members shall be elected by the State Assembly, one-fourth shall be elected by the Council from the State Assembly, and one-fourth may be elected by the Council from any field of education. The tenure of office of those members elected by the Assembly shall be for a period of three years. The rotation of State Council members elected to three year terms shall be accomplished by electing a proportional number (up to one-third) of these members on an annual basis. The Council-elected members shall hold office at the pleasure of the Council. In the event that an assembly-elected state council member is unable to serve a full term of three years, an election shall be held at the annual state assembly meeting to fill the vacancy. A member elected to fill an unexpired term of one year or less, may succeed himself. If more than one year remains in the unexpired term, a member may not succeed himself.

Subsection 2 - Meetings
The Council shall meet at least once a year at such time and place as shall be determined at the last preceding meeting. Special meetings may be called upon the recommendation of the Council chairman and the Executive Director;

Subsection 3 - Policies and Regulations
The Council shall take under advisement the development of regulations concerning the operation, governance, and servicing of the chapters within the state. The decisions of the Council concerning activities and regulations within the state shall be final, except when the proposed activities and regulations are in conflict with policies established by the Board of Directors, or contained in the Constitution and Bylaws;

Subsection 4 - Chairman
The Council membership shall elect one of its members as chairman for a three-year term. The chairman may be elected for succeeding terms. This individual shall serve as a member of the Board and assume this responsibility the first day of the month following the election of the National Officers;

Subsection 5 - Vice-Chairman
The Council membership shall elect one of its members as vice-chairman for a three-year term. This individual shall serve as a member of the Council and will assume the responsibilities of the chairman in his absence. The vice-chairman may serve succeeding terms.
Section 3. State Assemblies
Subsection 1 - Composition
The Assembly shall be made up of principals and superinten-dents of schools where chapters of the Beta Club exist;
Subsection 2 - Meetings
The Assembly shall meet at least once a year at the time and place of the State Beta Club convention with the Council Chairman presiding;
Subsection 3 - Policies and Regulations
The Assembly shall take under advisement such matters as it sees fit to consider, and shall pass on its findings and recommendations to the Council for official action;
Subsection 4 - Elections
Each Assembly shall elect annually, from among the school principals and superintendents of the state, members to fill a vacancy or vacancies on the Council one-half of these members must be principals. These members of the Council shall hold office for a period of three years. No member elected for a full term shall immediately succeed himself.
Section 4. Members-At-Large
Non-convention states having chapters of the National Beta Club or the National Junior Beta Club are entitled to representation by administrators who serve as members-at-large. A non-convention state is eligible for one member-at-large per club not to exceed twelve members-at-large. These members-at-large are appointed by the Executive Director and would elect from among themselves a spokesperson who would consult directly with the Executive Director concerning the status and growth of Beta Club in that state.
When a non-convention state meets the criteria, as stated in Article IX of the Bylaws, for conducting a state convention at the Junior or Senior level, the members-at-large would become Council members at the time of the first state meeting.
Section 5. Local School Administration
The school administration has the immediate responsibility for the policies and activities of the local clubs.
Section 6. Sponsors
Subsection 1- Club Sponsors
The work of the local club shall be carried on under the supervision and with the advice of a club sponsor. A superin-tendent or principal may choose to personally serve as sponsor, or may appoint someone to act in this capacity, or may leave the selection of a sponsor to the membership of the club.
The extent of the participation of the sponsor in the working of the organization shall be left to each sponsor's discretion. However, in all events, conducting the business of meetings should be left to the students themselves; thus affording the student officers and committees practice in parliamentary pro-cedure.
Subsection 2 - Co-Sponsor
A co-sponsor(s) may be appointed or selected in the same manner as sponsors.
Subsection 3 - State Sponsor
Each state that has a convention shall elect one representative from among the local chapter sponsors to serve as state sponsor for a two-year term.
Subsection 4 - State Sponsor-Elect
Each state that has a convention shall elect one representative from among the local chapter sponsors to serve as state sponsor-elect for a two-year term. The sponsor-elect will become the state sponsor upon the completion of the two-year term or upon the resignation of the state sponsor.
Article II
Membership
Section 1. Charter Membership
Any elementary or secondary school which includes any of the grades 5-12 shall be eligible to apply for a chapter of the National Junior Beta Club, grades 5-9, or the National Senior Beta Club, grades 9-12.
Section 2. Student Membership
Students in the elementary and secondary schools who shall qualify for membership according to stipulations and regulations set forth in these Bylaws shall constitute the individual chapters of the National Beta Club.
A minimum of five members is required to charter a club. There are no restrictions on the maximum number of members per club. Membership is not limited to any certain percentage of the students in the various classes. Requirements of membership are solely qualitative within the scope and regulations specified in these Bylaws.
Section 3. Qualifications
Membership is a privilege and not a right. The qualifications for membership on the part of the student shall be: (a) worthy, moral and ethical character, (b) good mentality, (c) creditable achievement, and (d) commendable attitude. The standards and means for appraising these qualities shall be determined by the administration of the school where the chapter is located. Since the purpose of the organization is to select, honor, and encourage students possessing these characteristics, it shall be within the province of the administration of each school to set up such local standards of membership as shall best serve to bring together in the chapter students who merit distinction because of these qualifications. All students must be performing on or above grade level. Local school administrations are at liberty to limit membership to certain grades.
Specific academic requirements for membership are not established at the national level, since systems of grading and merit-determination vary in different schools. It is recommended that each local school and club establish such academic requirements for membership as shall insure the selection of students of creditable qualifications.
At no time shall membership in the National Beta Club make it incumbent upon a member to alter his or her religious, or political ideas or affiliations.
Section 4. Selection
The method of selection of eligible students and their election to membership shall be determined by the administrative head (administrator) of the school. The Administrator may:
a. Select students for membership according to standards which shall be established, or,
b. Delegate the selection of students for membership to the school faculty, or
c. Nominate and have the faculty select from the nominations.
Section 5. Membership Fees
Subsection 1- National Fees
There are no charter charges.

The membership fee for entry into the Senior Beta Club (grades 9-12) is thirteen dollars; the fee for Junior Beta Club (grades 5-9) is thirteen dollars. This is the only membership fee the student pays to the national organization. This amount defrays the cost of (l) a certificate of membership, (2) a membership card, (3) an official pin, (4) a subscription to the Beta Club Journal for the time the member is in school, and (5) a seal for the senior high school diploma of each student upon graduation. In addition, these funds contribute the major funding for the operating of the National Office. There will be no refund of membership fees after the student is certified for membership. The membership fee is payable by each stu-dent regardless of the date of affiliation with the organization.
Subsection 2 - Local Fees
Additional assessments may be made by local clubs for purposes of carrying on their work locally. It is strongly suggested that the expense of membership in the club be kept at an absolute minimum, so that no worthy student may thereby be excluded from membership.
Subsection 3 - Convention Fees
a. The National Board of Directors may establish registration fees for attending the state and national conventions.
b. Each State Council may establish a state registration fee for attending the state convention.
Section 6. Induction
Each local club may institute a dignified service for the induction of new members into the organization. The nature and procedure of this ceremony shall be determined by the local chapter and the superintendent and/or principal of the local school. At this induction ceremony the candidates who are being inducted into membership shall be asked to subscribe to the pledge of the national organization as set forth in Section 7. At all induction exercises the superintendent and/or principal of the local school, the president of the local club, or some designated leader shall outline in a brief talk the purposes and objectives of the club. This leader shall then read the pledge slowly, having the inductees repeat each line. The newly inducted members shall then be presented their certificates and membership cards and declared duly elected to full membership in the organization. In the event that a student or students qualify for membership after the date of the regular induction service, the club may induct at any of its regular meetings those students who have been duly nominated and selected. However, the Executive Director must be notified and credentials secured prior to the induction.
Section 7. Pledge
After a student has been nominated and duly elected to membership, and after his certificate has been received from the Executive Director, he shall subscribe to the following pledge before he can be considered a member of the National Beta Club.
Subsection 1 - Senior Pledge
I do solemnly declare that I shall always strive to hold fast to the principles of honesty to endeavor constantly to maintain a creditable record; to cultivate in my life and conduct the principles of morality, service, and leadership. I further pledge myself to cooperate with the members of the National Beta Club in the promotion of a sense of individual responsibility to our school, community, state and nation to make right the master of might; and to consecrate our comradeship to mutual helpfulness and to the betterment of our fellow students.
Subsection 2 - Junior Pledge
I hereby declare that I shall always strive to be honest and truthful at all times to maintain a creditable scholastic record; to be of service to my teachers and fellowmen; to conduct myself in an ethical and moral manner to reflect credit upon my school and community.
Section 8. Certificate
Certificates of membership in the National Beta Club are issued only upon the recommendation of the executive head of the school. No student may become a member of the club unless approved by the head of the school. In all cases an application for membership must be signed by the superinten-dent or principal of the school in which the prospective member is enrolled as a student.
Section 9. Disqualification and Reinstatement
Since the National Beta Club is a merit organization, members who fail to maintain a creditable record, or who give evidence of personal conduct unbecoming members of this club, may be disqualified from membership. 'Personal conduct unbecoming members of this club' includes, but is not limited to, criminal activity, violation of school rules, and other conduct which falls below the moral and ethical standards of the community. However, the administrator may at any time and for reasons which appear to him to be sufficient, disqualify a member from the club. When a member is disqualified, the administrator and secretary of the chapter shall immediately notify the Executive Director. A member may be reinstated, with no additional membership fee, when the administrator determines that the student is once again worthy of membership. All reinstate-ments must be reported promptly to the Executive Director by the administrator and secretary.
Section 10. Graduate Members
Upon graduation, all members shall remain affiliated with the National Beta Club. With approval of the local school administrator and sponsor, they may have all the rights and privileges of membership except that of voting. Graduate members shall not be responsible for the payment of club fees.
Article III
Chapter Officers

Each local chapter shall elect officers. Officers are (l) President, (2) Vice-President, (3) Secretary and (4) Treasurer. Other officers may be elected to meet specific needs in a local club. These officers shall be elected by the members of the local club, in any manner that may be agreed upon, and shall hold office for one year. The chapter secretary shall transmit the names of the newly-elected officers immediately to the Executive Director.
Section 1. President
The president of the local chapter shall have general supervision of the local organization and shall, in cooperation with the head of the local school administration and with the executive committee of the local chapter, determine all policies and general activities of the chapter. The president shall preside at all meetings; shall appoint all committees of the club, as set forth hereinafter and shall see that the local chapter is properly represented at all interclub meetings and conventions.
Section 2. Vice-President
The vice-president shall act in the place of the president in the event of the latter's absence from the school or the meetings. The vice-president shall also act as chairman of the executive committee, and shall serve as general assistant to the president.
Section 3. Secretary
The secretary shall keep all records of the local chapter keep minutes of all meetings, and carry on all correspondence of the club.
Section 4. Treasurer
The treasurer shall have general charge of the finances of the local club, collect all fees, pay approved bills, and make financial returns to the Executive Director. All financial transactions shall be consistent with the policies of the local school. Furthermore, the treasurer shall make a full statement of the financial condition of the local club at the last regular meeting of the school year, at which time the treasurer shall turn over all monies and financial records to the incoming treasurer. If a local chapter so desires, it may nominate and elect one of its members to serve as secretary-treasurer.
Article IV Meetings
Section 1. Chapter Meetings
Each chapter of the club shall meet at least once a month upon a day and at an hour that shall be determined by the club at its first regular meeting of the school year, and after consultation with the sponsor and administrator. The place of meeting shall also be determined at the first meeting of the school year. Where possible, it is advisable that the local chapter have its private clubroom. Special meetings may be called by the president or upon a two-thirds majority vote of the membership, or upon call of the sponsor or administrator. Guests may be invited to meetings of the club except at executive sessions. A social period may be held after each regular meeting. In addition to this feature of each regular meeting, the club may institute certain meetings given over entirely to social features. However, it must be remembered that the Beta Club is a service-merit club and not a social organization.
Section 2. Committees
The President, with consultation of the club sponsor and the administrator, shall appoint the following standing committees:
Subsection 1 - Executive Committee
The executive committee shall consist of the Vice-President as chairman and additional members appointed by the president. The duties of this committee shall be to advise the president and to assist this officer in the general management of the club.
Subsection 2 - Program Committee
It shall be the duty of this committee, appointed by the president, to plan all programs of the club and see that such programs are carried out.
Subsection 3 - Entertainment Committee
The entertainment committee, appointed by the president, shall plan and supervise all special entertainment and social meetings of the club.
Subsection 4 - Ad Hoc Committees
Such committees may be appointed by the President to address a specific club concern or project.
Section 3. Suggested Order of Business
1. Meeting called to order by presiding officer.
2. Roll call.
3. Reading and approval of minutes of last meeting.
4. Unfinished business.
5. Reports of officers.
6. Reports of special committees.
7. New business.
8. Meeting turned over to students in charge of program for the meeting.
9. Program concluded and meeting turned back to president.
10. General discussion of the subject of the program.
11. Adjournment.
12. Social period.  
Section 4. Programs  
At each regular meeting of the club, a program, both infor-mative and enriching, may be carried out. Programs are to be coordinated by the program committee in any manner it deems appropriate. Programs are to be submitted to the sponsor and administrator for approval if directed. Suggested program material will be furnished by the Executive Director.
Article V
Bylaws
Bylaws may be instituted by local chapters whereby they may regulate themselves in their own special circumstances. A copy of the Bylaws adopted shall be submitted to the Executive Director. In no case may local Bylaws contradict any of the provisions of the National Beta Constitution, Bylaws, or other official policies or rules of conduct that will be contrary to the spirit and purposes of the national organization. If, in the opinion of the Executive Director, any such Bylaws adopted by individual chapters do tend to make for the detriment of the organization, it shall be within the province of the Board of Directors to annul any part or all of the proposed Bylaws. The local club concerned shall be duly notified of such action.
Article VI
Identification and Recognition
Section 1. Motto
The Motto of the club shall be Ducamus aliis serviendo "Let us lead by serving others."
Section 2. Colors
The colors of the Beta Club shall be old gold and black.
Section 3. Charter
There shall be issued to each club qualifying for affiliation with the national organization a charter which shall attest to its membership. This charter shall carry the name, seal, and insignia of the national organization and shall bear the signa-tures of the Chairman of the Board and the Executive Director.
Section 4. Certificates
Each student member of the National Beta Club shall, upon qualifying for membership, be issued a certificate of member-ship; said certificate shall bear the name and insignia of the club, and shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board and Executive Director. It shall be attested to by the administra-tive head of the local school and the sponsor of the local chapter.
Section 5. Membership Card
This card, bearing the organization insignia, signed by the Executive Director, and to be countersigned by the member shall be issued to each student member. The card shall state that the student whose name appears on it has been duly initiated into the National Beta Club.
Section 6. Seals
Each student member in good standing shall be issued a gold seal of the Beta Club to be attached to his senior high school diploma. This seal shall be sent to the club sponsor just prior to the graduation period.
Section 7. Pin
Each member of the Beta Club is entitled to wear a Beta Club pin signifying his membership. Said pin displays the organizational logo in black and gold. It shall accompany initial membership credentials.
Section 8. Emblem, Insignia, Logo
The emblem of the club shall be a shield with three stars at the top, the letter B in the center, and an eagle with outspread wings at the base.
The insignia of the club, to be used on all charters, certificates, membership cards, documents, and stationery of the club, shall conform to the features of the emblem as set forth in this Article, with a knight's head above, and the words Achievement, Character, Leadership circling underneath.
The insignia or emblem of the National Junior Beta Club shall be a shield with the letter B in the center encircled with the words Junior Beta.
These Beta Club logos are registered trademarks with the United States Government Patent Office. The reproduction of these logos by any company or manufacturer other than the National Headquarters is prohibited by law. The Board may give permission to a company or manufacturer by contract to reproduce the Beta Club logos.
Section 9. Song
Beta Club Song

1. The Beta Club's for leadership, for loyalty and truth; the Beta Club's for fellowship, a guide and help to youth. 2. So here's to Beta's fellowship, to courage and the right; and here's to Beta's leadership: a beacon in the night. Chorus: Then let's stick together in fair or foul weather: We'll find that there's no better plan. 'Twill make school days brighter and make our paths lighter to serve wherever we can.
Article VII
Forfeiture or Revocation of Charter

Section 1. Forfeiture
Any chapter of the National Beta Club which shall fail to fulfill the provisions of the National Constitution and Bylaws, or which shall conduct its affairs and business in such a way as to contradict or impede the progress and purposes of the organization, shall forfeit its charter. In the event that a charter is to be canceled at the request of the local chapter and administrator, the National Office will recognize and register such cancellation.
Section 2. Revocation
The National Office may revoke a Beta Club charter when a club fails to fulfill the provisions of the National Constitution and Bylaws or conducts its affairs and business in a manner which contradicts or impedes the progress and purpose of the organization.
Section 3. Right of Appeal
Reasons of forfeiture or revocation will be documented by the Executive Director and communicated to the local adminis-trator. The Board of Directors will receive and act upon any appeals.
Article VIII
Field Representatives
Chapters of the Beta Club shall be contacted as frequently as possible by field representatives whose duty it shall be to visit the clubs and render such assistance as is feasible, and as is desired by the school administrators and the local clubs. The appointment of such field representatives shall be made by the Executive Director upon the recommendation of the Council Chairman of the state in which the field representative is to serve.
All field representatives shall be under the immediate super-vision of the Executive Director. After consultation with the Council Chairman, the Executive Director may remove any field representative for sufficient cause and ask for another recommendation from the Council Chairman concerned. Compensation to such field representatives shall be determined by the Board.
Field representatives shall contact clubs only through, and with the consent of, the school administrator. They shall cooperate with the school administrators, sponsors, student officers, and the State Councils in the promotion of club organization and activities in the state. In all their relations with the clubs and schools, they shall exercise every care to promote the ideals and purposes of the Beta Club.
Article IX
State Conventions

There may be held annually a convention of members of the National Beta Club in each state, on Junior or Senior level where the total membership justifies such a convention. The criteria for holding a state convention are: 50 Junior clubs and 2500 Junior members at the Junior level; and 50 Senior clubs and 2500 Senior members at the Senior level. The time and place of these conventions shall be determined by the Council upon the recommendation of the Executive Director in consultation with the State Officers and State Sponsor.
A non-convention state, meeting the above criteria, may begin a convention upon the recommendation of the members-at-large and the Executive Director with the approval of the Board.

Article X
State Student Officers
Section 1. Senior Officers
Subsection 1 - Officers
It is customary to have a president, vice-president, and secretary of the National Beta Club in each state. These officers shall be elected from among the rising Beta Club seniors and will hold office for one year. There shall be an executive committee consisting of elected officers, the state sponsor, the state sponsor-elect, a council member and the chairpersons of the academic competitions.
Subsection 2 - Election Process
The election of these officers shall be by individual vote of the Beta Club members who attend the state convention. Simple plurality will be used, since it is impossible to have a run-off' vote. A ballot is given each Beta Club member at registration with the exception of the existing state officers. Individual states may use a delegate method of voting if approved by a two-thirds State Council vote. No proxy voting is allowed. Candidates for state offices must be present for the entire Beta Convention. They must pledge to attend the convention the following year, unless providentially hindered. If for any reason an elected officer is unable to serve, the runner-up in that election will be asked to fill the vacancy.
Subsection 3 - Tie Breaking
In the event of a tie for any state office, the existing state officers will then execute the right to vote and will be given a ballot to break the tie.
Subsection 4 - Duties
It shall be the duty of the state president to preside and address the convention at one general session at the annual state convention. The vice-president shall assist the president and shall preside and address the convention at one general session. The secretary shall attend to necessary correspondence, preside and address the group at one general session. The executive committee serves as an advisory board to the state council and national officials regarding convention activities. Additional duties may be given to officers as convention activities are added to the program format. As state student officers serve as role models for other club members and as ambassadors of goodwill for the state and national organization, each state student officer must adhere closely to the qualifications for membership set forth in Article II, section 3 of these Bylaws. State student officers shall cooperate fully with the state officials and the national office staff.
Section 2. Junior Officers
Subsection 1 - Officers
It is customary to have a president, vice-president, secretary, reporter and chaplain of the National Junior Beta Club in each state. These officers shall be elected from among the returning seventh or eighth grade Junior Beta Club members and will hold office for the ensuing year. No officer shall serve more than one term in any office as a Junior Beta Club member. There shall be an executive committee consisting of elected officers, their sponsors, the state sponsor, the state sponsor-elect, a council member and the chairpersons of the academic competitions.
Subsection 2 - Election Process
The election of these officers shall be by individual vote of the Junior Beta Club members who attend the state convention. Simple plurality will be used, since it is impossible to have a "run-off" vote. A ballot is given each Junior Beta member at registration with the exception of the existing state officers. Individual states may use a delegate method of voting if approved by a two-thirds State Council vote. No proxy voting is allowed. Candidates for state offices must be present for the entire Junior Beta Convention. They must pledge to attend the convention the following year, unless providentially hindered. If for any reason an elected officer is unable to serve, the runner-up in that election will be asked to fill the vacancy.
Subsection 3 - Tie Breaking
In the event of a tie for any state office, the existing state officers will then execute the right to vote and will be given a ballot to break the tie.
Subsection 4 - Duties
It shall be the duty of the state president to preside at one general session of the annual state convention. The vice- president shall assist the president and preside at one general session. The secretary shall attend to all necessary correspondence and preside at one general session. The reporter compiles all newsletters, writes and submits articles and pictures to state and local newspapers and to the National Beta Club Journal. The chaplain shall be responsible for an inspiration at each of the general sessions. The executive committee serves as an advisory board to the state council and national officials regarding convention activities. Additional duties may be given to officers as convention activities are added to the program format. As state student officers serve as role models for other club members and as ambassadors of goodwill for the state and national organization, each state student officer must adhere closely to the qualifications for membership set forth in Article II, Section 3 of these Bylaws. State student officers shall cooperate fully with the state officials and the national office staff. Article XI
National Convention
Section 1. National Senior Convention
There shall be held annually a convention of members from Senior Beta Clubs. Club attendance at State Beta Convention, if one is held in the state, is mandatory for attendance at the National Convention. Each club eligible for attendance will be permitted an unlimited number of delegates to the convention. However, voting delegates will be determined by the number of members in the local club:
Number Club Members Number Voting Delegates

0-100 members 4
101-150 members 5
151-200 members 6
201-250 members 7
251-300 members 8
301-350 members 9
351-400 members 10
401-450 members 11
451-500 members 12

The time and place of this convention shall be determined by the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Executive Director in consultation with the National Student Officers and National Sponsor.
Section 2. National Junior Convention
There shall be held annually a convention of members from Junior Beta Clubs. Club attendance at state Beta Convention, if one is held in the state, is mandatory for attendance at the National Junior Convention. Each club eligible for attendance will be permitted an unlimited number of delegates to the convention. However, voting delegates will be determined by the number of members in the local club with the ratio the same as for the Senior National Convention.
The time and place of this convention shall be determined by the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Executive Director in consultation with the National Junior Beta student officers and National Sponsor.
Article XII
National Student Officers
Section 1. Senior Officers
Subsection 1 - Officers
There shall be a president, vice-president, and secretary of the National Beta Club. These officers shall be elected from among current state officers and will hold office for one year. No officer shall serve more than one term.
Subsection 2 - Election Process
The election of these officers shall be by delegate vote at the national convention as set forth in Article XI. After the first ballot, the list of candidates will be reduced to the top three in each race. These three candidates for each office will then go into the run-off and a simple plurality will be used to determine the winners. Candidates for national office must be present for the entire national convention. They must pledge to attend the convention the following year, if elected, unless providentially hindered. If for any reason an elected officer is unable to serve, the runner-up in that election will be asked to fill the vacancy.
Subsection 3 - Election Tie Breaking
In the event of a tie for any national office, the existing national officers will then execute the right to vote and will be given a ballot to break the tie. National officers may not otherwise be voting delegates to the convention.
Subsection 4 - Duties
It shall be the duty of the national president to preside and address the group at one of the general sessions of the convention. The vice-president shall assist the president, preside and address the group at one general session. The secretary shall attend to necessary correspondence, preside and address the group at one general session. Additional duties may be given to officers as convention activities are added to the program format. As national student officers serve as role models for other club members and as ambassadors of goodwill for the national organization, each national student officer must adhere closely to the qualifications for membership set forth in Article II, section 3 of these Bylaws. National student officers shall cooperate fully with the national office staff.
Section 2. Junior Officers
Subsection 1- Officers
There shall be a president, vice-president, secretary, reporter, and chaplain of the National Junior Beta Club. These officers shall be elected from among current state officers and will hold office for one year. Candidates for a National Junior Beta Club office must be a member of a Junior Beta Club the following year in order to serve as a National Junior Beta Club officer. A student may serve only one term as a National Junior Beta officer.
Subsection 2 - Election Process
The election of these officers shall be by voting as described in Article XI, Section 2. After the first ballot, the list of candidates will be reduced to the top two in each race. These two candidates for each office will then go into a run-off and the candidate with the majority of the votes will be declared the winner in each race. Candidates for national junior office must be present for the entire national junior convention. They must pledge to attend the convention the following year, if elected, unless providentially hindered. If for any reason an elected officer is unable to serve, the runner-up in the election will be asked to fill the vacancy.
Subsection 3 - Election Tie Breaking
In the event of a tie for any national junior office, the existing national junior officers will then execute the right to vote and will be given a ballot to break the tie.
Subsection 4 - Duties
It shall be the duty of the national junior president to preside at one of the general sessions at the annual national junior convention. The national junior vice-president shall assist the president, preside and address the group at one general session. The National junior secretary shall attend to the correspondence, preside and address the group at one general session. The National Junior reporter shall help with the campaign, preside and address the group at one general session. The National junior chaplain shall be responsible for presenting the inspiration at each of the general sessions of the National Junior Beta Convention. Additional duties may be given to officers as convention activities are added to the program format. As national Junior student officers serve as role models for other club members and as ambassadors of goodwill for the national organization, each national student officer must adhere closely to the qualifications for membership set forth in Article II, section 3 of these Bylaws. National Junior student officers hall cooperate fully with the national office staff.
Article XIII
Educational Endowment Fund
The Board may allocate any surplus accruing in the treasury above operating costs of the National Beta Club to an educational endowment fund. This shall be used to promote educational opportunities for the membership, in any manner that may be determined by the Board of Directors of the National Beta Club.
Article XIV
Discrimination Prohibited   In administering its affairs, the National Beta Club shall not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, creed color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age or physical disability.
Article XV
Indemnification

Each Director and Officer of the National Beta Club shall be indemnified against all expenses actually and necessarily incurred by such Director or Officer in connection with the defense of any action, suit, or proceedings to which they have been made a party by reason of being or having been such Director or Officer except in relation to matters as to which such Director or Officer shall be adjudicated in such action to the fullest extent authorized by law.

Article XVI
Conflict of Interest
Section 1. Definition
A Director shall be considered to have a conflict of interest if (a) such Director has existing or potential financial or other interests which impair or might reasonably appear to impair such member's independent, unbiased judgment in the discharge of his or her responsibilities to the National Beta Club or (b) such Director is aware that a member of his or her family (which for purposes of this paragraph shall be a spouse, parents, siblings, children and any other relative if the latter reside in the same household as the Director), or any organization in which such Director (or member of his or her family) is an officer, director, employee, member, partner, trustee or controlling stockholder, has such existing or potential financial or other interests.
Section 2. Disclosure
All Directors shall disclose to the Board any possible conflict of interest at the earliest practicable time. No Director shall vote on any matter under consideration at a Board or committee meeting in which such Director has a conflict of interest. The minutes of such meeting shall reflect that a disclosure was made and that the Director, having a conflict of interest abstained from voting. Any Director who is uncertain whether a conflict of interest may exist in any matter may request the Board or committee to resolve the question by majority vote.
Article XVII
Compliance with Internal Revenue Code
No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall be used to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distribution in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article II of the Constitution.
No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
Article XVIII
Dissolution   Following a year's notice the National Honorary Beta Club can be voluntarily dissolved with an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the membership of the Board of Directors in a meeting called to determine dissolution.
In the event that The National Beta Club is dissolved as a corporation within the State of South Carolina, and ceases to exist for stated purposes and goals, said Certificate of Dissolution shall be filed with the Secretary of State in accordance with the statutes of the State of South Carolina pertaining to the dissolution of a nonprofit corporation. Any assets shall be distributed to organizations which are organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes, as shall at the time qualify as exempt organizations under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (1954).
Article XIX
Amendments
Section 1. Process
These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the Board of Directors in attendance at any of its regular or called meetings. The proposed amendment(s) must be provided all Board Members and the Execu-tive Director at least thirty days prior to the meeting. All club officials of the organization are to be notified in writing of any and all amendments to the Constitution and shall abide by them as by the stipulations of the original Constitution.
Section 2. Responsibilities
Prior to each annual meeting of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee shall review these Bylaws and recommend any necessary changes.
Section 3. Effective Date
Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws, passed by the Board of Directors, become effective immediately following the vote; unless a different date is requested by the originators and is approved by the Board as specified in the motion of amendment.
Section 4. Interval Required for Amendments
The Constitution, Bylaws, and any amendments passed by the Board of Directors, must stand for three years before such articles or sections can be acted upon again, except by unanimous Board approval.
Article XX
Rules of Order
Section 1. Procedure
Questions of procedure shall be decided according to Robert's Rules of Order, unless otherwise provided for in the Constitution and Bylaws.
Section 2. Detailed Duties
Specific and detailed duties of all officers, committees, panels and special appointments shall be carried out as prescribed in all official Operating Codes, Handbooks, or Manuals.
Reference Guide to Bylaws
Article I Governance
Section 1 The Board of Directors
Subsection 1 National Officers
Subsection 2 Executive Director
Subsection 3 Board Composition
Subsection 4 Term of Office
Subsection 5 Meetings
Subsection 6 Quorum
Subsection 7 Policies and Regulations
Subsection 8 Audit and Budget
Subsection 9 Annual Report
Subsection 10 Committees
Section 2 State Councils
Subsection 1 Composition
Subsection 2 Meetings
Subsection 3 Policies and Regulations
Subsection 4 Chairman
Subsection 5 Vice-Chairman
Section 3 State Assemblies
Subsection 1 Composition
Subsection 2 Meetings
Subsection 3 Policies and Regulations
Subsection 4 Elections
Section 4 Members-at-Large
Section 5 Local School Administration
Section 6 Sponsors
Subsection 1 Club Sponsor
Subsection 2 Co-Sponsor
Subsection 3 State Sponsor
Subsection 4 State Sponsor-Elect
Article II Membership
Section 1 Charter Membership
Section 2 Student Membership
Section 3 Qualifications
Section 4 Selection
Section 5 Membership Fees
Subsection 1 National Fees
Subsection 2 Local Fees
Subsection 3 Convention Fees
Section 6 Induction
Section 7 Pledge
Subsection 1 Senior Pledge
Subsection 2 Junior Pledge
Section 8 Certificate
Section 9 Disqualification and Reinstatement
Section 10 Graduate Members
  Article III Chapter Officers
Section 1 President
Section 2 Vice-President
Section 3 Secretary
Section 4 Treasurer     Article IV Meetings
Section 1 Chapter Meetings
Section 2 Committees
Subsection 1 Executive Committee
Subsection 2 Program Committee
Subsection 3 Entertainment Committee
Subsection 4 Ad Hoc Committees
Section 3 Suggested Order of Business
Section 4 Programs
Article V Bylaws
Article VI Identification and Recognition
Section 1 Motto
Section 2 Colors
Section 3 Charter
Section 4 Certificates
Section 5 Membership Card
Section 6 Seals
Section 7 Pin
Section 8 Emblem, Insignia, Logo
Section 9 Song
Article VII Forfeiture or Revocation of Charter
Section 1 Forfeiture
Section 2 Revocation
Section 3 Right of Appeal
Article VIII Field Representatives
Article IX State Conventions
Article X State Student Officers
Section 1 Senior Officers
Subsection 1 Officers
Subsection 2 Election Process
Subsection 3 Election Tie Breaking
Subsection 4 Duties
Section 2 Junior Officers
Subsection 1 Officers
Subsection 2 Election Process
Subsection 3 Election Tie Breaking
Subsection 4 Duties
Article XI National Convention
Section 1 National Senior Convention
Section 2 National Junior Convention
Article XII National Student Officers
Section 1 Senior Officers
Subsection 1 Officers
Subsection 2 Election Process
Subsection 3 Election Tie Breaking
Subsection 4 Duties
Section 2 Junior Officers
Subsection 1 Officers
Subsection 2 Election Process
Subsection 3 Election Tie Breaking
Subsection 4 Duties
Article XIII Educational Endowment Fund
Article XIV Discrimination Prohibited
Article XV Indemnification
Article XVI Conflict of Interest
Section 1 Definition
Section 2 Disclosure
Article XVII Compliance with Internal Revenue Code
Article XVIII Dissolution
Article XIX Amendments
Section 1 Process
Section 2 Responsibilities
Section 3 Effective Date
Section 4 Interval Required for Amendments
Article XX Rules of Order
Section 1 Procedure
Section 2 Detailed Duties

    Validity Note: The text of the Beta Club Constitution was revised by the Board of Directors at its June 1999 meeting, in accordance with provisions stated in the Constitution.