Constitution

Proposed 1994 and revised 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2009

ARTICLE 1 – NAME

The New Jersey Music Teachers Association, Incorporated, otherwise known as NJMTA, is an affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association Inc., otherwise known as MTNA, Cincinnati, Ohio, an exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

ARTICLE 2 – PURPOSE

Section 1.	The purpose for which NJMTA is organized and operated is exclusively literary and educational, as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and its regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended. The purpose of NJMTA shall be the advancement of music education, and in specific furtherance thereof:
a.	To conduct programs and activities to build a vital musical culture and an enlightened musical public for the benefit and the general welfare of all persons;
b.	To ensure that every student shall have access to a balanced, comprehensive, and high quality program of music instruction;
c.	To promote the quality of teaching, research and scholarship in music;
d.	To promote the involvement of persons of all ages in learning music;
e.	To foster the utilization of the most effective techniques and resources in music instruction; and,
f.	To facilitate the education of music teachers.
Section 2.	NJMTA is a not-for-profit organization whose funds are to be used solely to accomplish the objectives described in Section 1 of this Article 2.  No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to 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 to further the purposes set out in Section 1 of this Article 2.  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.  The organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt for federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code,
Section 3.	In the event of the dissolution of this NJMTA, any funds remaining in the treasury, after the payment of any outstanding debts, shall be contributed to MTNA.

ARTICLE 3 – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.	Membership classifications and privileges are described in the Bylaws of NJMTA.
Section 2.	NJMTA membership dues will be proposed by the Executive Committee and approved by the NJMTA Board. These dues will be in addition to those assessed by MTNA.
Section 3.	Membership in the Association can be revoked due to violation of the MTNA Code of Ethics.  Termination will be decided by the NJMTA Executive Board.

ARTICLE 4 – AFFILIATED LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS

Section 1.	Any city, town or district music teachers association may become and remain affiliated with NJMTA by fulfilling the requirements of membership as stated in the Constitution and Bylaws.
Section 2.	The Executive Committee may suspend or terminate any affiliated Association at any time for justifiable cause, as outlined in the Bylaws, subject to ratification of this action by the NJMTA Board.

ARTICLE 5 – OFFICERS

Officers of NJMTA will consist of the President, President-Elect, Vice President of Student Activities, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Immediate Past President, MTNA Competitions Coordinator, and Membership Chairperson. The manner of election of each officer will be defined in the Bylaws.

ARTICLE 6 – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1.	The Executive Committee will consist of the President, President-Elect, Vice President for Student Activities, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Immediate Past President, MTNA Competitions Coordinator and Membership Chairperson.
Section 2.	The Executive Committee will determine the policies of NJMTA in consultation with the Board of NJMTA and within the limits of the Constitution and Bylaws.  It will actively pursue the purposes of NJMTA and will have control of the disbursements of all funds of NJMTA.  Rules and regulations appropriate for the management of NJMTA may be adopted should it be advisable.
Section 3	In order to transact business, a quorum consisting of five (5) voting members of the Executive Committee, at least one of them being the President or President-Elect, must be physically present.  Meetings may, in an emergency, be held by teleconference calls, in which all persons participating can hear each other, and participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence at such a meeting.

ARTICLE 7 – NJMTA BOARD

Section 1.	The NJMTA Board will consist of the Executive Committee and the following Chairpersons, unless otherwise designated as Coordinator as listed on page 9
Section 2.	The NJMTA Board will make recommendations to the Executive Committee regarding policy and membership concerns.
Section 3.	The NJMTA Board will have the power to rescind by a two-thirds vote any decision of the Executive Board.
Section 4.	Fifteen (15) members will constitute a quorum of the NJMTA Board.

ARTICLE 8 – COMMITTEES

The President, with the approval of the Executive Committee, will appoint such standing and ad hoc committees and chairpersons as required by the Constitution and Bylaws, or as deemed beneficial to NJMTA. The President will be an ex officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee.  At the President’s request the Chairperson of a special committee may become a non-voting member of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE 9 – MEETINGS

Section 1.	The Annual Meeting of NJMTA will be held at the Conference if this event is held in November, or at a special meeting specifically called for the Annual Meeting in November.  Notice of the meeting will be given at least thirty (30) days in advance.  At this meeting, the President will allow the general membership to bring forward items for consideration.
Section 2.	A quorum consists of fifteen (15) active members for the election of officers and for the transaction of business at any Annual Meeting or special membership meeting.
Section 3.	The NJMTA Executive Committee will meet not less than four (4) times per year.  Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be called by the President, or upon the request of five members of the Executive Committee, or upon a signed petition of twelve (12) Active members of NJMTA.
Section 4.	All meetings of NJMTA will be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order where applicable and where they are consistent with the Constitution, Bylaws and any special rules of order which NJMTA may adopt.
Section 5.	The President may appoint a parliamentarian to provide opinions during various meetings.

ARTICLE 10 – PUBLICATION OF CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

The NJMTA Constitution and Bylaws will be printed and distributed annually in the Yearbook.

ARTICLE 11 – AMENDMENTS

Section 1.	The NJMTA Constitution may be amended upon the recommendation of the Executive Committee and the NJMTA Board at any Annual meeting of NJMTA.  Amendments must be agreed upon by at least fifteen (15) members.
Section 2.	Upon the recommendation of the Executive Committee and the NJMTA Board this Constitution may be amended by a mail ballot. Approval by at least fifteen (15) members will be required for amendment.  Members will be given at least thirty (30) days notices, in writing, in advance of the required return date.