Our Constitution and Bylaws

The National EDSA Organization is a national organization of, by, and for students enrolled in established secondary education programs

The National EDSA Organization serves as an integral part of the organized instructional programs in secondary education, which prepare students for a wide range of careers and occupations in the industry of their choice. The National EDSA Organization is structured on three levels which are local, state and national. The National EDSA Organization is led by a board of directors and six student national officers. Together, they act on recommendations from the national convention delegates and secondary education’s stakeholders to set the vision and policy for the National EDSA Organization.

Just like chapter officers at the local level, the national officers represent the members and actively guide the course of the organization during their year of service. A president, secretary and four regional vice presidents are elected each year at the National EDSA Convention.

The National EDSA Organization is a research and support organization that does not select, control or supervise state EDSA association, local chapter or individual member activities. Educational materials are developed by the National EDSA Organization in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education, and state and local agencies having oversight of education as a service to state and local education agencies and institutions.

The National EDSA Organization Constitution and Bylaws

The National EDSA Constitution and Bylaws provide the founding principles, authority, objectives and procedures of the National EDSA Organization.

State associations function within the constitution of the national organization but may also create individual leadership, award and competition programs. Chapters are chartered through their state organizations.

Proposed amendments to the National EDSA Constitution and Bylaws may be submitted by a state EDSA association, the board of student officers or the National FFA Board of Directors. Proposed amendments from a state EDSA association must be submitted in writing to the national organization by January 1 for review by the National EDSA Board of Directors. All proposed amendments to the National EDSA Constitution and Bylaws must be submitted by the national advisor to the state EDSA associations by March 1. The board of student officers shall present their recommendations concerning each amendment to the delegates at the national convention.

An amendment to the National EDSA Constitution may be adopted by a two-thirds vote of the official delegates at the National EDSA Convention. An amendment to the bylaws shall require a majority vote of the official delegates at the National EDSA Convention. Amendments to the bylaws must not conflict with the National EDSA Constitution.

Accessing our Constitution and Bylaws

In addition to providing an online version of our organization's constitution and bylaws, we have provided a printable PDF version of both the complete constitution and bylaws and a copy of our national constitution and a copy of our bylaws that provides just the provisions for each.

National EDSA Constitution
National EDSA Bylaws
National EDSA Full Constitution and Bylaws

Our Constitution and Bylaws

In addition to the downloadable versions of our constitution and bylaws, we are pleased to be able to provide an online version to assist those looking for information on our organization.

National EDSA Constitution

Editor's Note

The provisions of the National Constitution and Bylaws were officially adopted on December 18, 2001 by the delegates in session at the 6th National EDSA Convention. The first amendments to the National EDSA Constitution and Bylaws were adopted by the delegates in session at the 7th National EDSA Convention on December 23, 2002. The provisions were subsequently amended at the 14th National EDSA Convention in 2009, the 16th National EDSA Convention in 2011, the 20th National EDSA Convention in 2015. The delegates at the 25th National EDSA Convention directed the Constitution and Bylaws Committee to review the provisions of the National EDSA Constitution and Bylaws and recommended a complete revision and modernization of the National Constitution and Bylaws to the delegates in session at the 26th National EDSA Convention. The official delegates in session at the 26th National EDSA Convention on November 20, 2021. The Boards of Directors and National Student Officers ratified the provisions at their winter session in January 2022.

Article I: Organization Name

The legal name of the organization shall be known as the National Educational Diversity Students of America Organization and shall do business as the National EDSA Organization. Recognized units of the organization may officially use the letters “EDSA” and/or the words “Educational Diversity Students of America” to designate the organization, its units and/or members.

Article II: Organization Objectives

The mission goals of the organization are hereby established as follows:

  1. The organization will develop programs that provide students with the tools necessary to succeed in a wide range of careers in the industry of their choice;
  2. The organization will empower and strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and in their work;
  3. The organization will boost the confidence of the educational, economic, and human resources of the community; and
  4. The organization will encourage achievements by members, chapters, districts, and state associations.

To meet the goals established in Section A, the organization will:

  1. Serve as an integral part of the instructional programs in the secondary high schools which may include vocational education;
  2. Create and develop programs that provide students with the ability to develop good work habits and the effective usage of their time;
  3. By empowering the student’s knowledge skills in leadership, volunteerism, communications, human resources, as well as the social and business opportunities and activities that help them to determine a future choice in a career in the industry of their choice;
  4. By recognizing outstanding progressive achievements in Supervised Educational Experience Programs, leadership, and other individual and group activities by providing awards to deserving members, chapters, districts, and state associations;
  5. To be a resource and support organization that does not select, control or supervise state associations, districts, or local chapter or individual member activities. The organization will develop educational materials, programs, services and events as a service to state and local education agencies;
  6. To seek and promote inclusion and diversity in its membership, leadership and staff to reflect the organization’s belief in the value of all human beings;
  7. To create, foster and assist subsidiary chapters in state-or territory-approved educational programs and associations of those chapters in the States, territories, and possessions of the United States;
  8. To build character and develop competent and assertive leadership;
  9. To increase awareness of the global and technological importance of education, community, leadership, and natural resources and their contribution to our well-being;
  10. To promote the intelligent choice and establishment of a career in the industry of the student’s choice;
  11. To make available to state associations, local chapters and members, all official supplies, equipment, programs and services of the organization;
  12. To cooperate with others, including state boards and officials for career and technical education, in accomplishing the foregoing purposes; and
  13. To engage in other activities, consistent with these purposes, determined by the governing body and membership to be for the best interests of the organization.

This organization is organized exclusively for educationa purposes that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding section of any future tax codes. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article II hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the organization 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, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

Article III: Dissolution

Upon the dissolution of the corporation, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government for a public purpose. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said court shall determine which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

Article IV: Organization

The National EDSA Organization is the organization of, by and for students enrolled in secondary education programs. It shall consist of chartered state associations composed of not less than four chapters chartered by a state association and having a total student membership of not less than 130 members. In the event a state association falls below the 130 members and four chapters, it shall remain as a chartered state association of the National EDSA Organization. More than one chapter may be chartered in a school when deemed appropriate by the state governing body.

When a state association is chartered, the state association must file with the Internal Revenue Service, Form 1023 Application for Tax Exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Chapters of the National EDSA Organization shall be chartered only in such schools where recognized systematic instruction in secondary education is offered under the provisions of federal education legislation. Such chapters shall operate as an integral part of the instructional education program.

Schools with large enrollments and/or multiple programs in secondary education may establish subsidiary chapters of the parent chapter. Each subsidiary chapter shall be organized and operated in accordance with all the provisions of the national, state and local constitutions. Subsidiary chapters shall be coordinated by the officers and advisors of the parent chapter.

Students enrolled in recognized secondary education may meet in state convention, adopt a constitution which shall not conflict with that of the national organization, elect officers, develop a Program of Activities and apply to the national organization for a state association charter. Upon receipt of a charter from the national organization, the state association shall be part of the National EDSA Organization and shall be empowered to charter local chapters.

State associations must require that an application for a chapter charter be signed by the school principal, school superintendent and have the approval of the school board.

Article V: Membership

Membership in the National EDSA Organization shall be of two types: Student and Adult.

Student Membership - To be eligible for membership in a chartered EDSA chapter, a student must be enrolled in a secondary education program. State associations may consider “secondary education programs” to be grades 5-12. To become a student member and retain membership, a student must:

  1. While in school, be enrolled in at least one secondary education course during the school year and/or follow a planned course of study; either course must include a supervised educational experience program, the objective of which is preparation for a career in the industry of their choice.
  2. Show an interest in the affairs of the organization by attending meetings, striving for degrees of membership and participating in other organized activities of the chapter.
  3. Pay all current state and national dues or program affiliation fee by the date determined by the chapter.
  4. Display conduct consistent with the ideals and purposes of the National EDSA Organization. A member may retain student membership until November 30, following the fourth National EDSA Convention after graduation from high school.

A member in good standing at the time of induction into the armed forces of the United States of America or into the EDSA international program shall be in good standing during the period of active service without further payment of dues or attendance at meetings. Time spent in the armed forces or EDSA international program shall not be considered as elapsed time in determining the maximum period of four conventions following graduation from high school or leaving high school. Members using this waiver of service time for the purpose of maintaining student membership for application for advanced degrees of membership must resume active participation within six months after having been honorably discharged from military service or completing their EDSA international program and indicate such a desire by paying dues and attending meetings. Members participating in a six-month armed services program or participating in the EDSA international program for six months shall be eligible for one full year of extended membership. No individual may retain student membership beyond his or her twenty-third birthday.

Adult Membership - Membership shall be open to former student members and honorary degree recipients, present and former professional educators, parents of EDSA members and others interested in and supportive of the EDSA.

Article VI: Membership Dues

Annual membership dues and program affiliation fees of the National EDSA Organization shall be established by a majority vote of the delegates at the national convention. In the event the annual national convention is not held and/or the official delegates fail to set dues and program affiliation fees, the annual membership dues and program affiliation fees of the national organization will remain the same as the previous year. The National EDSA Governing Body shall submit its recommendation concerning dues and program affiliation fees to each state association at least 45 days prior to the National EDSA Convention.

The membership year of the National EDSA Organization shall be from August 1 to July 31.

Annual membership dues and program affiliation fees of a state EDSA association shall be established by a majority vote of the delegates present at the state EDSA convention.

All annual membership dues and program affiliation fees of a district are to be set by a majority vote of the delegates present at the annual district convention.

The annual membership dues and program affiliation fees of a chapter shall be established by a majority vote of the members at a regular chapter meeting.

Article VII: Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern the National EDSA Organization in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with this constitution and bylaws, any special rules of order the National EDSA Organization may adopt and any statutes applicable to this organization that do not authorize the provisions of this constitution and bylaws to take precedence.

Article VIII: Governing Body

There shall be two layers of governance in the national organization. The governing powers shall be vested in a Board of Directors and a Board of National Student Officers. The composition of each board and responsibilities shall be defined in this article.

Board of Directors – The Board of Directors shall be the lower board in the governing body. The composition and areas of responsibility of the board shall be as follows:

  1. Composition – The composition of the Board of Directors shall be as follows:
    1. The National Advisor who shall serve as the chair of the board.
    2. Four (4) members of the board representing each of the four regions of the United States who are professional educators.
    3. Four (4) members of the board representing each of the four regions of the United States who have experience in the business sector.
    4. Four (4) members of the board representing each of the four regions of the United States who are members of community organizations focused on empowering the local community.
    5. Four (4) members of the board elected at large who are former student members of the organization.
    6. The National Executive Secretary who shall serve as an Ex Officio Non-Voting member of the board.
    7. The National Executive Treasurer who shall serve as an Ex Officio Non-Voting member of the board and shall serve as board treasurer.
    8. The Clerk to the Boards who shall be an Ex Officio Non-Voting member of the board and shall serve as board secretary.
  2. Board member qualifications, terms of office, and method of selection and removal shall be prescribed in Article V of the National EDSA Bylaws.
  3. The National EDSA Board of Directors shall meet at least once per year at such time and place as prescribed by the Board. When the Board deems necessary, the Board hold additional meetings.
  4. Responsibilities – The Board shall have the following responsibilities:
    1. The Board shall review the budget request presented by the National Executive Treasurer and shall present its recommended budget to the Board of National Student Officers for concurrence. The budget process must originate with the Board of Directors.
    2. Review all proposed amendments to the National EDSA Constitution and Bylaws and make recommendations to the delegates at the annual national convention.
    3. Issue charters to State EDSA Associations.
    4. Suspend the charters of State associations in violation of the provisions of the National EDSA Constitution and Bylaws, and refer those suspensions to the Board of National Student Officers for concurrence. The Board of Directors shall make its recommendations on withdrawal of the charter of a state association to the delegates in session at the annual national convention.
    5. Investigate all complaints against members of committees, members of the boards, executive officials and where appropriate adopt Articles of Removal to be sent to the Board of National Student Officers for action.
    6. Upon meeting the requirements of Article VII of the National EDSA Bylaws, shall have the power to direct the National Executive Secretary to issue a charter to a state association upon concurrence of the Board of National Student Officers.
    7. Act on all other matters before the board and provide a copy of its activities to the Board of National Student Officers and the delegates at the annual national convention.
  5. The Board may adopt rules of procedure governing the meetings and proceedings of the Board of Directors.

Board of National Student Officers – The Board of National Student Officers shall be the upper board in the governing body. The composition and areas of responsibility of the board shall be as follows:

  1. Composition – The elected national student officers as defined in Article X Section A of the National EDSA Constitution shall constitute the Board of National Student Officers. The National Student President shall serve as the chair of the board.
  2. Term of Office – The National Student Officers shall serve a one (1) year term following their election by the delegates in session at the annual national convention. The term of office shall be January 1 through December 31 each calendar year. The National Student Officers shall be limited to one (1) term in office unless the delegates deem it necessary to waive the constitutional provision. The method of election of National Student Officers shall be as defined in Article IX of the National EDSA Constitution.
  3. Responsibilities – In addition to the duties defined in Article IV of the National EDSA Bylaws, the Board of National Student Officers shall have the following authorities and responsibilities:
    1. Receive reports on actions taken by the Board of Directors.
    2. Act on all matters sent by the Board of Directors to the Board of National Student officers.
    3. Upon receipt of Articles of Removal, the Board shall schedule and hold hearings on the articles, allowing the representatives of the Board of Directors and the individuals whom the articles are brought against to make their case to the board. After receiving and reviewing all evidence and hearing all arguments by the parties, the Board of National Student Officers shall be the sole arbitrator and shall decide on whether the removal is appropriate or if another course of disciplinary action is appropriate. The Board of National Student Officers may set the standards and procedures for the proceedings before the board relating to Articles of Removal.
    4. Upon receipt of notice by the Board of Directors of the suspension of a state association charter, the Board shall review the facts and shall take action as deemed appropriate on the suspension. The Board shall make recommendations to the delegates in session on whether the actions of the state association in question merit the withdrawal of the state association charter.
    5. Upon receipt of the proposed annual budget from the Board of Directors, the Board of National Student Officers shall review the proposed budget. The Board if it disagrees with the budget proposed by the Board of Directors may adopt its own version of the budget proposal and send that back to the Board of Directors. The two boards must reconcile their differences on the budget in conference and reach agreement on a final budget prior to the start of each fiscal year.
    6. Upon receipt of proposed amendments to the National EDSA Constitution and Bylaws, the Board of National Student Officers shall review the proposed amendments and make its recommendations to the delegates in session at the annual National EDSA Convention.
    7. Upon receipt of a notice of intention to issue a state association charter by the Board of Directors, the Board of National Student Officers shall review the proposed application and accompanying material, and advise the Board of Directors of its concurrence or disapproval of the application.
    8. The Board shall act on all other business brought before the board.
  4. The Board may adopt rules of procedure governing the meetings and proceedings of the Board of Board of National Student Officers.

Governing Committee – The governing committee shall consist of the Chair of the Board of Directors and the Chair of the Board of National Student Officers, two members of the Board of Directors and two National Student Officers selected by each respective board. This committee shall have the authority to bind the organization and shall make an annual report of its transactions of business to the boards at the annual meeting.

Executive Committee – The executive committee shall consist of the five elected executive officials. The chair of the committee shall be the National Advisor. The executive committee shall be the committee that oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization and shall make recommendations to the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers relating to the policies and procedures, fiscal matters, and other such matters affecting the organization including those issues where the boards direct the executive committee to provide recommendations on.

The governing body may establish other committees under its jurisdiction to ensure proper oversight functions of the organization’s operations. These committees shall report back to the governing body in accordance with the charter adopted by the governing body that creates such committee. These committees may be classed as standing, select, or special committees.

Article IX: Committees

In addition to the Governing Committee and the Executive Committee as established in Article VIII of the National EDSA Constitution, the committees in this article shall be considered standing constitutional committees and may only be amended or discontinued by vote of the delegates in accordance with the provisions of Article XVIII of the National EDSA Constitution.

Delegate Committees – The following delegate committees shall be appointed by the National President Annually:

  1. National Officer Nominating Committee - The National EDSA Officer Nominating Committee, shall place in nomination the candidates for the Board of National Student Officers. The committee shall present its reports to the delegates at the national convention. The committee shall consist of nine (9) official delegates to the national convention.
  2. Finance Committee – The Finance Committee shall consist of Vice Chairs of the various delegate committees. The committee shall elect its committee officers at its first meeting. The committee will review EDSA’s financial statements and the auditors’ report(s) on all EDSA financial accounts, which shall include all accounts of the National EDSA Foundation Inc. The National EDSA Executive Treasurer and the National EDSA Chief Financial Officer (CFO) shall serve as ex officio, non-voting members on the Finance Committee. The committee shall present its findings and recommendations to the delegates at the annual national convention.
  3. Program of Activities Committee – The National EDSA Program of Activities Committee shall consist of the chairs of the various delegate committees. The National EDSA Program of Activities Committee shall establish the annual goals and objectives of the national organization and recommend a annual program of activities to meet those goals and objects to the delegates at the national convention. The committee shall present its report along with recommendations to the delegates in session at the annual national convention.

Independent Committees – The following committees shall be independent of the National EDSA Governing Body and the delegates. The committees in this section shall submit their annual budget request to the governing body by the deadline prescribed by the governing body. Unless otherwise provided for in each subsection, the committee members shall be elected by the delegates in session at the annual national convention. The committees are as follows:

  1. Constitution and Bylaws Committee – The National EDSA Constitution and Bylaws Committee authority, responsibilities, and composition shall be as follows:
    1. Composition – The committee shall consist of two (2) members representing each of the four regions of the United States as defined in Article V Section B of the National EDSA Bylaws and one (1) at large member who shall serve as committee chair. The members of this committee shall be drawn from the pool of national officer candidates at the annual national convention who were not elected to national office.
    2. Committee Term – The term of the members of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee shall be from January 1 through December 31 each calendar year. The members are limited to one (1) term.
    3. Committee Authority – This committee shall be a permanent committee and may not be altered, amended, changed, or discontinued without the consent of the delegates in session at the annual national convention. The committee shall not have policy making authority within the organization but shall only have the authority to interpret the provisions of the constitution and bylaws and provide guidance on potential conflicts with the provisions herein.
    4. Responsibilities – The committee shall have the following responsibilities:
      1. Appeals – Serve as the final arbitrator of all appeals of decisions within the organization’s structure.
      2. Provide written opinions to questions relating to the provisions of the constitution and bylaws when presented by the delegates, the governing body, or a state association.
      3. Review the proposed amendments to the provisions of the constitution and bylaws and provide an opinion to the delegates regarding the affects the proposed amendments may have.
      4. The committee shall meet at least once per month to act on business before the committee.
      5. Provide an annual written report concerning the activities of the committee to the governing body and the delegates in session at the annual national convention.
  2. Ethics Committee - The National EDSA Ethics Committee authority, responsibilities, and composition shall be as follows:
    1. Composition – The composition of the National EDSA Ethics Committee shall be as follows:
      1. The National Advisor representing the Board of directors shall appoint four (4) adult members representing each of the four regions of the United States who shall be confirmed by the Governing Body in accordance with the procedures established by the Governing Body.
      2. The delegates shall elect four (4) members representing each of the four regions of the United States from the pool of national officer candidates not already elected national office or to another committee at the annual national convention.
      3. The Board of National Student Officers upon taking office on January 1 each calendar year shall elect one (1) at large member to the committee to serve as chair through a process of their choosing.
    2. Committee Terms – The terms of each member of the committee shall be as follows:
      1. The four (4) adult members shall serve a four-year term. The term of the adult members shall overlap the terms of the executive officials and members of the board of directors.
      2. The four (4) national officer candidates shall serve a one (1) year term from January 1 through December 31 each calendar year.
      3. The one (1) at large member shall serve a 1 year term from January 1 through December 31. The at large member shall remain in office until their successor has been chosen.
    3. Committee Authority – This committee shall be a permanent committee and may not be altered, amended, changed, or discontinued without the consent of the delegates in session at the annual national convention. The committee shall not have policy making authority within the organization but shall only have the authority interpret the policies and make recommendations for improvement of policies relating to ethical behavior within the organization.
    4. Responsibilities – The committee shall have the following responsibilities:
      1. Review the policies governing ethical behavior as set forth by the delegates and/or governing body and make recommendations related to the improvements of such policies.
      2. Receive and hear all ethics complaints brought against members of the governing body, various committees affecting the organization, executive officials, or staff and make decisions the committee deems appropriate relating sot such complaints.
      3. The committee shall meet at least one time per month at a time and place determined by the committee.
      4. Provide a written annual report of the committee’s activities to the governing body and delegates in session at the annual national convention.
  3. Elections Oversight Committee – The National EDSA Elections Oversight Committee shall have the following authorities, responsibilities, and composition:
    1. Composition – The committee shall be as follows:
      1. The National Advisor representing the Board of directors shall appoint four (4) adult members representing each of the four regions of the United States who shall be confirmed by the Governing Body in accordance with the procedures established by the Governing Body.
      2. The delegates shall elect four (4) members representing each of the four regions of the United States from the pool of national officer candidates not already elected national office or to another committee at the annual national convention.
      3. The Board of National Student Officers upon taking office on January 1 each calendar year shall elect one (1) at large member to the committee to serve as chair through a process of their choosing.
    2. Committee Terms – The terms of each member of the committee shall be as follows:
      1. The four (4) adult members shall serve a four-year term. The term of the adult members shall overlap the terms of the executive officials and members of the board of directors.
      2. The four (4) national officer candidates shall serve a one (1) year term from January 1 through December 31 each calendar year.
      3. The one (1) at large member shall serve a 1 year term from January 1 through December 31. The at large member shall remain in office until their successor has been chosen.
    3. Committee Authority – This committee shall be a permanent committee and may not be altered, amended, changed, or discontinued without the consent of the delegates in session at the annual national convention. The committee shall not have policy making authority within the organization but shall only have the authority to oversee the election of executive officials and members of the board of directors and provide recommendations on improving the elections process and related policies. The committee shall not have oversight over the election of National Student Officers.
    4. Responsibilities – The committee shall have the following responsibilities:
      1. Approve the official application form to be used by candidates running for the Board of Directors or an Executive Official’s office.
      2. Approve the official reporting form for all candidates to the Board of Directors or an Executive Official’s Office.
      3. Approve the official ballots to be provided to each state association for the election of the executive officials and the members of the Board of Directors.
      4. Oversee the fair and open election of the executive officials and the members of the Board of Directors.
      5. Review the policies of the organization relating to the process and procedures of electing executive officials and members of the board of directors and make recommendations relating to their improvements.
      6. The committee shall meet at least once per month at a time and place determined by the committee.
      7. Provide an annual written report of the committee’s activities to the governing body and delegates in session at the annual national convention.

Article X: National Student Officers

The elected officers of the national organization are a student president, four student vice presidents on coming from each of the four regions of the United States as established in Article V of the National EDSA Bylaws, and a student secretary.

A state association may submit one candidate for national office each year. The state’s candidate shall be approved by the state advisor on a nomination form submitted to the national executive secretary on or before August 1. All candidates shall be notified as to their eligibility on or before August 15. Those declared ineligible may file an appeal with the national advisor not later than September 1. The National EDSA Governing Committee shall vote on any appeal and formally notify the candidate of the decision not later than September 15.

Each state association may determine its candidate for national student office each year through a method determined appropriate by the state association.

The national officers shall hold the American EDSA Degree at the time of their election and must be active members for the duration of their term in office. They shall be elected annually by a majority vote of the delegates assembled at the national convention. A member cannot hold a national office and a state office at the same time.

A nominating committee consisting of nine official national convention delegates comprised of one chairperson selected at large and two delegates from each of the four regions of the United States. The nominating committee shall review and study the qualifications of each eligible candidate. This committee shall submit its report concerning nominations to the delegates assembled at the national convention.

The national president and national secretary are elected from the candidates at large. The four vice presidents must follow a seniority cycle.

In the event a national convention is not held in any given year, the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers must provide for the election of the national officers.

Unless otherwise waved by the delegates in session at the annual national convention, national officers shall be limited to one term.

No state advisor, district advisor, chapter advisor, or national advisor may interfere or otherwise seek to influence the election process for national student officers. The advisor for the national officer nominating committee shall be a former national officer. Any election of national officers arising from advice which would seek to violate the provisions of the national constitution and bylaws shall be considered unconstitutional and the election void. In the event an election has been made void by inappropriate, unethical, or unconstitutional means, a new election shall be held and the delegates shall determine the method to hold the election.

Upon receipt of the report of the National Officer Nominating Committee, the delegates in session shall proceed to elect national officers in the following procedure:

  1. The delegates shall vote on whether to accept the report of the National Officer Nominating Committee by Majority Vote.
  2. The National Officers upon taking action on the nominating committee’s report, shall if they so choose proceed to nominate additional candidates from the floor.
  3. Upon the closing of nominations from the floor, the delegates will recess for thirty (30) minutes to deliberate in state association caucuses on election of officers.
  4. Upon reconvening, the delegates shall vote by majority roll call vote of the state associations for each national student office.
  5. The candidate with the most votes in the race for each national office shall be the candidate elected to office. All remaining candidates not elected shall be eligible for election to various committees at the national level for the one (1) year term.

Article XI: National Convention

The purpose of the annual National EDSA Convention shall be to conduct the business of the national organization and to recognize outstanding achievements of EDSA members and chapters.

At the national convention an official delegate assembly limited to five hundred and thirty five (535) delegates will convene. This delegate body will consist of four (4) official delegates from each state association one of which will be designated as chair and vice chair of the state delegation, plus additional official delegates based on the individual state association’s percentage of national EDSA membership. The delegates shall be selected by the state EDSA association. A quorum shall exist when both the following conditions are met at the time business is conducted: a majority of the official delegates registered at the national convention are present and at least 28 state associations are represented by official delegates. Business items shall only be considered when approved by a delegate committee or by a two-thirds vote of the delegate body, except for proposed amendments to the constitution and bylaws meeting the requirements outlined in Article XVIII.

The delegate assembly may establish rules of procedure to govern its sessions at the annual national convention.

Each state association shall be allowed the same number of alternate delegates in addition to the total number of official delegates allocated to each state association at the annual national convention.

Article XII: Meetings and Conventions

Except in cases of an extreme emergency being declared by a chapter, district, state association, or national organization, meetings and conventions shall be in accordance with the provisions of this article.

A local chapter must hold at least nine (9) meetings prior to the annual district and/or state convention.

A district convention must be held at a time and place within the district prescribed by the district governing body. The district convention must be held within the time period prior to the annual state convention as prescribed by the provisions of the state constitution and bylaws.

A state association must hold its annual state convention at a time and place prescribed by the state association governing body. The annual state convention must be held at least ninety (90) days prior to the annual national convention.

The annual national convention shall be held at a time and place prescribed by the governing body of the National EDSA Organization.

Article XIII: Degrees and Privileges of Active Membership

There shall be five degrees of student membership based on individual achievement. These are the Explorer EDSA Degree, Novice EDSA Degree, the Chapter EDSA Degree, the State EDSA Degree and the American EDSA Degree. The national organization shall set the minimum qualifications for each degree. The Explorer EDSA Degree is intended for use in state associations and local chapters where middle school membership is offered. Receipt of this degree is not necessary in order to obtain the Novice EDSA Degree or subsequent degrees.

Explorer EDSA Degree – To be eligible to receive the Explorer EDSA Degree from a chapter, the member must meet the following minimum requirements:

  1. Be enrolled in a recognized education class for at least a portion of the school year while in grades 5-8.
  2. Have become a dues paying member or included in the program affiliation fee of the EDSA at the local, state, and national levels.
  3. Participate in at least one local EDSA chapter activity outside of scheduled class time.
  4. Have knowledge of career, entrepreneur, and business ownership opportunities.
  5. Be familiar with the local EDSA chapter program of activities.
  6. Submit a written application for the Explorer EDSA Degree.

Novice EDSA Degree – To be eligible to receive the Novice EDSA Degree from the chapter, the member must meet minimum qualifications:

  1. Be enrolled in a recognized secondary education program and have satisfactory plans for a supervised educational experience program.
  2. Learn and explain the EDSA Creed, motto, salute and EDSA mission statement.
  3. Describe and explain the meaning of the EDSA emblem and colors.
  4. Demonstrate a knowledge of the EDSA Code of Ethics and the proper use of the EDSA jacket.
  5. Demonstrate a knowledge of the history of the organization, the chapter constitution and bylaws and the chapter Program of Activities.
  6. Personally own or have access to the Official EDSA Manual and the EDSA Student Handbook.
  7. Submit written application for the Novice EDSA Degree.

Chapter EDSA Degree - To be eligible to receive the Chapter EDSA Degree from the chapter, the member must meet the following minimum qualifications:

  1. Must have received the Novice EDSA Degree.
  2. Must have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least 180 hours of systematic school instruction in education at or above the ninth grade level.
  3. have in operation an approved supervised educational experience program and be enrolled in an approved education course.
  4. Have participated in the planning and conducting of at least three official functions in the chapter Program of Activities.
  5. A student after entering secondary education must have:
    1. earned and productively invested at least $150 by the member’s own efforts; or
    2. worked at least 45 hours in excess of scheduled class time; or
    3. a combination there of and have developed plans for continued growth and improvement in a supervised educational experience program.
  6. Have effectively led a group discussion for fifteen (15) minutes.
  7. Have demonstrated five (5) procedures of parliamentary law.
  8. Show progress toward individual achievement in the EDSA awards programs.
  9. Have a satisfactory scholastic record.
  10. Have participated in at least 10 hours of community service activities. These hours are in addition to and cannot be duplicated as paid or unpaid SEE hours.
  11. Submit a written application for the Chapter EDSA Degree.

Additional requirements may be established by the chapter and/or state EDSA association.

State EDSA Degree – To be eligible to receive the State EDSA Degree from the state association, the member must meet the following minimum qualifications:

  1. Have received the Chapter EDSA Degree from the local chapter.
  2. Have been a student EDSA member and paid membership dues for two years at the time of receiving the State EDSA Degree.
  3. While in school, have completed the equivalent of at least two years (360 hours) of systematic school instruction in secondary education at or above the ninth grade level, which includes a supervised educational experience program.
  4. A student after entering secondary education must have:
    1. Earned and productively invested at least $1,000; or
    2. Worked at least 300 hours in excess of scheduled class time; or
    3. A combination therefore in a supervised educational experience program.
  5. Demonstrate leadership ability by:
    1. Performing ten (10) procedures of parliamentary law.
    2. Give a six-minute speech on a topic relating to education or the EDSA.
    3. Serving as an officer, committee chairperson, or participating member of a chapter committee.
  6. Have a satisfactory scholastic record as certified by the local secondary education instructor and the school principal and/or superintendent.
  7. Have participated in the planning and completion of the chapter program of activities.
  8. Have participated in at least five (5) different EDSA activities above the chapter level.
  9. Have participated in at least 25 hours of community service, within at least two different community service activities. These hours are in addition to and cannot be duplicated as paid or unpaid SEE hours.
  10. Submit a written application for the State EDSA Degree.

The percentage of the total state membership which may receive the State EDSA Degree and additional requirements may be established by the state EDSA association.

Written records of achievement of all requirements, verified by the chapter EDSA advisor, shall be submitted to the state association at least one month prior to the state EDSA convention at which the State EDSA Degree is to be received. The state advisor shall provide for review of the records and submit a recommendation to the state association governing body, which shall nominate at the state EDSA convention the candidates who have been found worthy to receive the honor. The State EDSA Degree will be conferred upon the candidates subject to approval by the delegates at the state convention.

American EDSA Degree – To be eligible to receive the American EDSA Degree from the National EDSA Organization, the member must meet the following minimum qualifications:

  1. Have received the State EDSA Degree from the state association.
  2. Have been a student member for the past three years (36 months) and have a record of satisfactory participation in the activities on the chapter and state levels.
  3. Have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least 3 years (540 hours) of systematic instruction in a secondary education program or to have completed at least the equivalent of 360 hours of systematic secondary school instruction in secondary education and one full year of enrollment in a postsecondary education program or have completed the program of education offered in the secondary school last attended.
  4. Have graduated high school at least twelve (12) months prior to the national convention at which the degree is to be granted.
  5. Have in operation and have maintained records to substantiate an outstanding supervised educational experience program through which a member has exhibited comprehensive planning, managerial and financial expertise.
  6. A student after entering secondary education must have:
    1. earned at least $10,000 and productively invested at least $7,500; or
    2. earned and productively invested $2,000 and worked 2,250 hours in excess of scheduled class time. Any combination of hours, times a factor of 3.56, plus actual dollars earned and productively invested must be equal to or greater than the number 10,000. Hours used for the purpose of producing earnings reported as productively invested income shall not be duplicated as hours of credit to meet the minimum requirements for the degree.
  7. Have a record of outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement and have achieved a high school scholastic record of “C” or better as certified by the principal or superintendent.
  8. Have participated in at least 50 hours of community service, within at least three different community service activities. These hours are in addition to and cannot be duplicated as paid or unpaid SEE hours.
  9. Have submitted a written application for the American EDSA Degree.

Honorary EDSA Degree – School superintendents, principals, educators, members of boards of education, chapter advisors, staff members in education, business people, and others who are helping to advance education and the EDSA and who have rendered outstanding service, may be elected to receive an Honorary EDSA Degree by a majority vote of the members present at any regular meeting or convention.

The Honorary EDSA Degree shall be limited to the Honorary Chapter EDSA Degree in the local chapter, Honorary State EDSA Degree in the state association and the Honorary American EDSA Degree in the national organization. All Honorary EDSA Degree recipients will be considered alumni/adult members as part of their Honorary EDSA Degree.

Article XIV: Procedures for selecting American Degree Recipients

The boards of Directors and National Student Officers shall review applications for the degree and recommend those candidates who qualify for the degree to the delegates at the annual national convention. The delegates grant final approval at the annual national convention.

Applications are to be approved by the state advisor.

All applications for the American EDSA Degree must be submitted on the official application provided by the national organization.

Applications for the degree must be received by the national organization no later then midnight of June 30 or shown by postmark or other reliable evidence to have been mailed to the national organization on or before June 15, prior to the national convention at which the degree is to be received.

Article XV: Emblem of the organization

The official emblem of the National EDSA Organization shall include five symbols, namely: the quill education and labor; the owl representing wisdom; the rising star representing progress; a cross-section of a star, representing the common interests of the organization throughout its state associations and nation; and an American eagle surmounting the cross-section of a star; representing the national scope of the organization. The emblem shall also include the letters “EDSA” and the words “Career Education”.

The emblem must be uniform in all state associations and is the exclusive property of the National EDSA Organization.

The Boards of Directors and National Student Officers may adopt policies to protect the emblem, logos, and marks of the organization they deem necessary.

Novice EDSA Degree recipients shall be entitled to wear the official bronze emblem pin, Chapter EDSA Degree recipients shall be entitled to wear the official silver emblem pin, State EDSA Degree recipients shall be entitled to wear the official gold emblem charm, and American EDSA Degree recipients shall be entitled to wear the official gold emblem key.

Honorary Chapter EDSA Degree recipients shall be entitled to wear either the official silver or gold emblem pin; Honorary State EDSA Degree recipients shall be entitled to wear the official gold emblem charm; and Honorary American EDSA Degree recipients shall be entitled to wear the official gold emblem key.

Chapter, district, state, and national advisors shall be entitled to wear the official gold owl pin.

Article XVI: Procedures for determining standings of state associations, districts, and chapters

To be in good standing with the state association, the chapter must meet the following requirements:

  1. All membership dues and program affiliation fees are to be paid by the date determined by the state association.
  2. All reports must be submitted to the state association governing body by the date determined by the state association. The chapter shall submit the following reports to the state association annually:
    1. A list of the current chapter officers including their names and addresses.
    2. A report on any changes in or amendments to the chapter constitution and bylaws.
    3. A list of official delegates and alternates to the annual state convention.
    4. An annual chapter report to the state association as requested by the state association governing body.
  3. Provisions of the chapter constitution and bylaws do not conflict with the provisions of the state association or the national organization constitution and bylaws.

Upon receipt of evidence of infringement, the delegates in session at the annual state convention shall have the power to withdraw a chapter charter and refuse official representation of that chapter at the annual state convention. When a chapter charter is withdrawn by the delegates, the chapter in question and it’s members shall be denied privileges of membership in the state association and national organization. Upon meeting the requirements to be in good standings, the state association governing body may reinstate the chapter charter. When a chapter charter is reinstated, the chapter and its members shall be granted the full privileges of membership in the state association and national organization.

To be in good standings with the national organization, a state association must meet the following minimum requirements:

  1. All current annual national dues and program affiliation fees have been paid to the national organization on October 15 of each calendar year or shown by postmark to have been mailed to the national organization by October 1 of each calendar year.
  2. All reports requested by the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers have been submitted to the national organization on time by the state association. These reports shall include:
    1. A list of the current state officers including their names and addresses.
    2. A report on any changes in or amendments to the state constitution and bylaws.
    3. A list of official delegates and alternates to the annual national convention.
    4. An annual state association report to the national organization as requested by the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers.
  3. The state association’s constitution and bylaws do not conflict with the provisions of the national constitution and bylaws.
  4. The state association maintains the ideals and principles of the National EDSA Organization.

The Boards of Directors and National Student Officers can suspend the charter of any state association that violates the provisions of the national constitution. A report of such suspensions must be submitted to the delegates at the national convention. The delegates upon receipt of evidence of infringement shall have the power to withdraw the charter and refuse the state association’s official representation at the national convention. If the delegates vote to withdraw the charter the state association and its members shall be denied privileges of membership in the national organization.

Upon meeting the requirements to be in good standings, the state association may be reinstated by the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers.

Article XVII: Chapter and State officers

The elected officers of a chapter are a student president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter, and parliamentarian. The advisor is the education program instructor. A chapter may have more than one advisor. No chapter, district, or state advisors shall interfere or attempt to influence the election of chapter officers at the time of election of chapter officers. The nomination and election process of chapter officers shall be overseen by a delegate coordinator who is impartial and does not represent any chapter, district, or the state association. Any election of chapter officers arising from advise which would seek to violate the provisions of the national, state, district, or local constitution and bylaws shall be considered unconstitutional and the election void. In the event an election has been made void by inappropriate, unethical, or unconstitutional means, a new election shall be held and the members of the chapter shall determine the method to hold the election.

The elected officers of a state association are a student president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter, and parliamentarian. The state advisor is to be approved by the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers. No chapter, district, or state advisors shall interfere or attempt to influence the election of state officers at the annual state convention. The nomination and election process of state officers shall be overseen by a delegate coordinator who is impartial and does not represent any chapter or district in the state association. Any election of state officers arising from advice which would seek to violate the provisions of the national and or state association constitution and bylaws shall be considered unconstitutional and the election void. In the event an election has been made void by inappropriate, unethical, or unconstitutional means, a new election shall be held and the delegates shall determine the method to hold the election.

A state association and chapter are required to have the six parliamentary offices. A state association and or chapter may have additional officers as deemed appropriate by the state association and or chapter.

If a state association has been chartered for two or more years, the state officers are required to have attained the State EDSA Degree.

If a chapter has been chartered for two or more years, the chapter officers are required to have attained the Chapter EDSA Degree.

Article XVIII: Amendments

Amendments to the constitution shall require a two-thirds majority vote of the delegates present at the annual national convention.

Amendments to the bylaws shall require a majority vote of the delegates present at the annual national convention.

Amendments to the constitution and bylaws must be submitted to the national organization by a state association by May 15 prior to the national convention for review by the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers.

The Boards of Directors and National Student Officers may propose amendments to the national constitution and bylaws.

The national advisor must submit the amendments to the state associations no later than May 30. The national officers are to present their recommendations to the delegates at the national convention.

All amendments after being adopted by the Delegates, must be ratified by a two thirds majority of the state associations represented by the state association president. In the event an amendment to the constitution or bylaws does not receive the required two thirds majority ratification of state associations, the amendment may be returned to the delegates who may make additional changes or may refer the amendment back to the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers for further review.

In the event an amendment is referred back to the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers, the boards shall review the proposed amendment further and report back further recommendations to the delegates at the next succeeding national convention.

National EDSA Bylaws

Article I: Relationship

The bylaws shall be a part of the Constitution of the National EDSA Organization.

Article II: Meetings of the Governing Body

Notice of each meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given to each member of the board not less than thirty days prior to any regular meeting and not less than seven days prior to any special meeting.

The meetings of the Board of Directors are to be held at a time and place as prescribed by the Board of Directors.

Notice of each meeting of the Board of National Student Officers shall be given to each national student officer not less than thirty days prior to any regular meeting and not less than seven days prior to any special meeting.

The meetings of the Board of National Student Officers are to be held at a time and place as prescribed by the Board of National Student Officers.

The chairperson of either board may call special meetings of the respective board. The chairs may call special joint sessions of the two boards as deemed necessary by the two chairpersons.

Article III: Election and duties of the national organization executive officials

The elected executive officials of the National EDSA Organization shall be a National Advisor who shall serve as the chair of the Board of Directors, a National Executive Secretary, National Executive Treasurer, Chief Administrative Officer, and Clerk to the Boards. The election, terms, and minimum responsibilities of each shall be established in this article.

All candidates for the offices of executive officials must submit their applications on the official forms provided by the National EDSA Election Oversight Committee.

National Executive Treasurer – The election, term, and minimum duties of the National EDSA Executive Treasurer shall be as follows:

  1. Election - The National Executive Treasurer shall be a state advisor, state executive secretary or state executive treasurer placed in nomination by the state associations and elected by the voting membership in the executive elections.
  2. Term - The term of the National Executive Treasurer shall be three years commencing on January 1 and ending on December 31 of the third calendar year following the commencement of the term. The executive treasurer may serve consecutive terms.
  3. Duties – The minimum duties of the National Executive Treasurer shall be as follows:
    1. Maintain the financial assets of the national organization except as otherwise directed by the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers.
    2. Submit an annual financial report to the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers, and the delegates in session at the annual national convention.
    3. Maintain and have custody of a copy of the National EDSA Constitution and Bylaws.
    4. Undertake other such responsibilities ad directed by the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers.

National Executive Secretary - The election, term, and minimum duties of the National EDSA Executive Secretary shall be as follows:

  1. Election - The National Executive Secretary shall be a professional educator placed in nomination by the state associations and elected by the voting membership in the executive elections.
  2. Term - The term of the National Executive Secretary shall be three years commencing on January 1 and ending on December 31 of the third calendar year following the commencement of the term. The executive secretary may serve consecutive terms.
  3. Duties – The minimum duties of the National Executive Secretary shall be as follows:
    1. Grant charters to state associations at the direction of the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers.
    2. Maintain official records of all members and record the progress of the national organization.
    3. Record accurate records of the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors.
    4. Review all reports coming from the state associations and advise the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers of any violations of the provisions of the National EDSA Constitution and Bylaws.
    5. Make arrangements for the annual national convention.
    6. Maintain an accurate record of all officers of the organization and their terms of office.
    7. Maintain an accurate record of all official delegates to the annual national convention.
    8. Maintain and have a copy of the National EDSA Constitution and Bylaws.
    9. Perform other such duties as may be prescribed by the Boards of Directors and national Student Officers.

Board Chair and National Advisor - The election, term, and minimum duties of the Board chair and National EDSA Advisor shall be as follows:

  1. Election – The chair of the National EDSA Board of Directors and National Advisor shall be elected at large from the business or education community and placed in nomination by the state associations and elected by the voting membership in the executive elections.
  2. Term - The term of the Chair of the National EDSA Board of Directors and National Advisor shall be three years commencing on January 1 and ending on December 31 of the third calendar year following the commencement of the term. The Chair of the National EDSA Board of Directors and National Advisor may serve consecutive terms.
  3. Duties – The minimum duties of the Chair of the National EDSA Board of Directors and National Advisor shall be:
    1. Maintain the position of chairperson of the National EDSA Board of Directors.
    2. Advise the National Officers, Committees, and members on matters of policy and assist the national officers in carrying out the programs of the national organization.
    3. Act as an ex officio non-voting member of all committees of the national organization.
    4. Provide for the review of all applications for the American EDSA Degree and submit them in turn to the National EDSA Boards of Directors and National Student Officers for approval.
    5. Maintain and have custody of a copy of the National EDSA Constitution and Bylaws.
    6. Perform other such duties as may be prescribed by the National EDSA Boards of Directors and National Student Officers.

Chief Administrative Officer - The election, term, and minimum duties of the Chief Administrative Officer shall be as follows:

  1. Election - The Chief Administrative Officer shall be elected from the business community and placed in nomination by the state associations and elected by the voting membership in the executive elections.
  2. Term - The term of the chief administrative officer shall be three years commencing on January 1 and ending on December 31 of the third calendar year following the commencement of the term. The chief administrative officer may serve consecutive terms.
  3. Duties – The minimum duties of the Chief Administrative Officer shall be as follows:
    1. Oversee the daily operations of the national organization and submit reports to the Chief Executive Officer.
    2. Coordinate the meetings of all committees affecting the national organization.
    3. Review applications for employment and volunteer positions and make recommendations regarding successful candidates.
    4. Advise the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers and various committees with respect to the administrative procedures of the national organization.
    5. Review all proposals coming before the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers and make recommendations regarding all proposals and conflicts with the provisions of the national constitution and bylaws.
    6. Review all paraphernalia of the organization to ensure conformity with board policies.
    7. Draft proposals concerning policies at the direction of the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers.
    8. Cause notice of meetings of the boards and committees and elections to be given.
    9. Maintain and have custody of a copy of the National EDSA Constitution and Bylaws.
    10. Perform other such duties as prescribed by the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers and the Chief Executive Officer.

Clerk to the Boards - The election, term, and minimum duties of the Clerk to the Boards shall be as follows:

  1. Election - The Clerk to the Boards shall be elected from the business community and placed in nomination by the state associations and elected by the voting membership in the executive elections.
  2. Term - The term of the Clerk to the Boards shall be three years commencing on January 1 and ending on December 31 of the third calendar year following the commencement of the term. The Clerk to the Boards may serve consecutive terms.
  3. Duties – The minimum duties of the Clerk to the Boards shall be as follows:
    1. Attest all orders, resolves, internal regulations, and other items officially passed by the boards.
    2. Keep accurate records of all internal regulations passed by the boards.
    3. Maintain and have custody of a copy of the National EDSA Constitution and Bylaws.
    4. File all paperwork which is submitted by state associations and vendors for items under review by the boards and committees.
    5. Perform other such duties as may be prescribed by the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers, the executive officials, and the registered agent.

Article IV: Duties of National Officers

It is the duty of the National Student Secretary to:

  1. Record accurate records of the minutes of the meetings of the Board of National Student Officers.
  2. Record accurate records of the proceedings of the annual national convention.
  3. Perform other such duties as may be prescribed by the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers and executive officials.

It is the duty of the student vice presidents to represent the membership of the national organization. In the event the office of president becomes vacant the first vice president must assume the duties of the president.

It is the duty of the National Student President to:

  1. Preside over the meetings of the national officers.
  2. Preside over the annual national convention.
  3. Appoint all committees.
  4. Serve as an ex officio non-voting member of all committees except the Board of National Student Officers.
  5. Call the annual national convention.

Article V: Procedures for Electing Members of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall be elected in accordance with the procedures set out in this article and related articles of the National EDSA Constitution and Bylaws.

The National EDSA Organization shall be divided into four regions. These regions are as follows:

  1. Central Region – Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
  2. Eastern Region – Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia.
  3. Southern Region – Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virgin Islands.
  4. Western Region – Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington.

Candidates shall apply to run for the Board of Directors, using the official form provided by the National EDSA Organization Elections Oversight Committee. Candidates shall file the form with the committee by January 15 of the calendar year in which the election is to be held. No candidate may file before January 1 of the calendar year.

The election of the members of the Board of Directors shall be held every three (3) calendar years on June 15.

The candidates shall be grouped in accordance with Article VIII Section B of the National EDSA Constitution for the purpose of determining the winner of each seat and their alternates.

The four candidates in each group shall win the available seats on the Board of Directors. The alternates shall be the second set of four candidates with the most votes.

The National EDSA Election Oversight Committee shall declare the winners of the seats and the alternates and shall cause notice to be given to the Clerk to the Boards, the National Executive Secretary, and the National Advisor, and the delegates in session at the annual national convention of the results.

The delegates in session at the annual national convention shall certify the results of the election prior to December 31 of the calendar year in which the election is held.

Article VI: Organization Offices

The headquarters and principal office of the national organization must be at the office of the registered agent in Biddeford Maine. Business offices may be established elsewhere as deemed appropriate by the Boards of Directors and National Student Officers.

Article VII: Procedures for issuing charters to State Associations and Chapters

The State EDSA Advisor and/or governing body of a chartered state association shall charter a local chapter when the state requirements and the following national organization requirements have been met:

  1. The prospective chapter must submit a written application for a chapter charter.
  2. The prospective chapter must submit a copy of the proposed chapter constitution and bylaws.
  3. The prospective chapter must submit a copy of the proposed chapter program of activities.
  4. The prospective chapter must submit a complete list of all chapter members including their names and addresses.
  5. The prospective chapter must submit a complete list of all current chapter officers including their names and addresses.
  6. The prospective chapter must pay all current annual national and state membership dues and program affiliation fees to the state association.

A charter will be granted to the local chapter, if the state association determines the provisions of the chapter constitution and bylaws do not conflict with the provisions of the state and national constitution and bylaws. The governing body of the state association has the authority to issue chapter charters. Upon receipt of a charter the chapter and its members shall be entitled to the rights and privileges of membership in the state association and national organization.

Prospective state associations shall apply to the National EDSA Organization state association charter. The application must be signed by the elected president, secretary, and advisor. The following materials must accompany the application:

  1. The prospective state association shall submit an application for a state association charter on the official form prescribed by the National EDSA Organization.
  2. The prospective state association shall submit a copy of the proposed state association constitution and bylaws.
  3. The prospective state association shall submit a copy of the proposed state program of activities.
  4. A complete list of all chapters including the names and addresses of each member.
  5. A complete list of the state association officers including their name and addresses.
  6. Payment of all current national organization membership dues and program affiliation fees.

A charter will be granted to the state association if the state constitution and bylaws is not in conflict with the provisions of the national constitution and bylaws. The Boards of Directors and National Student Officers has the authority to issue state association charters. Upon receipt of a charter the state association has the authority to charter local chapters.

Article VIII: Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Organization shall be January 1 through December 31.

Article IX: Inspection of Books and Records

Any member or their representatives may inspect the books and records of the organization at any reasonable time. Arrangements must be made prior to the inspection with the national advisor.