Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization

By Laws

MMPNO Since 1949

Table of Contents

• ARTICLE I – Name, Purpose and Goals.. 2
• ARTICLE II – Membership. 3
• ARTICLE III – Officers. 5
• ARTICLE IV – Meetings 8
• ARTICLE V – Executive Board 9
• ARTICLE VI – Elections. 11
• ARTICLE VII – Committees 13
• ARTICLE VIII -MMPNO Flower. 17
• ARTICLE IX – MMPNO Colors 17
• ARTICLE X – Amendments 17

MMPNO By-Laws January 2018 Page 1 of 17

Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization

By Laws

501(c) (3) 91-1653833 Organization-State of Washington

ARTICLE I – NAME, PURPOSE and GOALS

Section I – Name

The name of this organization shall be the Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization, abbreviated as MMPNO.

Section II – Purpose

The purpose of MMPNO is to provide support and financial assistance to students of African Heritage pursuing careers in nursing, develop systems to foster career development for members, foster health and wellness in African heritage communities, and collaborate with organizations whose focuses are to improve the health care in all the communities.

Section III – Goals

1. Provide mentorship to students pursuing careers in nursing.
2. Promote membership in professional nursing organizations in addition to other organizations that support the health of African Heritage populations.
3. Recruit and retain members in the profession of nursing.
4. Support and implement preventive healthcare services and programs for African Heritage and other communities or groups.
5. Advocate for the delivery of high-quality healthcare for all people.
6. Collaborate with individuals and organizations to increase the number of underrepresented nurses in the profession.
7. On an annual basis, provide a minimum of one scholarship to a matriculating African Heritage student pursuing a degree in professional nursing.
8. On an annual basis, implement a minimum of one community service project designed to enhance the physical, social and emotional well-being of the African Heritage population in Washington State, with a focus on eliminating health disparities for all.
9. Develop one program directed at problems affecting members of the African Heritage Community.

MMPNO By-Laws January 2018 Page 2 of 17

ARTICLE II – Membership

Section I – Categories of Membership

The four categories of membership are Founding Members, Regular Members, Emeritus Members, and Associate Members.

a. Founding Members

Are the thirteen (13) registered nurses who founded the Mary Mahoney Nurses Club on July 9, 1949. The name was changed to Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization (MMPNO) in 1987. The founding members are the founders of the organization.

b. Regular Members

Are the registered nurses who are of African Heritage and have completed a degree in nursing and are licensed by the State Board of Nursing, Nurses who are age 65 and older and are retired from active practice are considered regular members.

c. Emeritus Members

An Emeritus member of MMPNO has financially, professionally, and actively supported the mission, vision, and goals of the organization for 50 years.

Emeritus members are not required to pay annual dues but are encouraged and expected to remain active and support the mission, vision, and goals of the organization.

d. Associate Member

Any African Heritage student pursuing an undergraduate degree in a school of nursing or an unlicensed nursing student pursuing a graduate degree in nursing is eligible to become an associate member.

Associates are non-voting members who may participate in all other activities of MMPNO except holding an Office.

Associates are not required to pay dues but are expected to participate in fundraising and community outreach activities.

Section II: Application for Membership

1. Each new member shall submit an application and include the payment of the dues for their category of membership.
2. A professional nurse of African Heritage may attend two meetings before committing to membership.
3. A member who has withdrawn from MMPNO or whose membership has lapsed, may be reinstated after updating an application and paying the dues.

MMPNO By-Laws January 2018 Page 3 of 17

Section III: Rights of Members

1. All categories of membership except Associates are eligible to vote and participate in organizational activities.
2. Members in good standing are eligible to vote during elections and when a vote is required.
3. Any member who seeks to officially represent MMPNO must receive the approval of the Executive Board before assuming such responsibility.
4. All categories of members can participate in training that will enhance professional growth and development. In addition, members will be involved in committee meetings and work on projects of the organization.
5. Members of MMPNO who serve as representatives of the organization do so willingly and without pay for their services rendered.

Section IV: Payment of Dues

1. Annual dues shall be determined by a vote of the general membership present at the meeting where the change is proposed.
2. Annual dues shall be paid on or before October 31st of each calendar year.
3. Retired members pay reduced dues as set by the membership.
4. Founding, Emeritus, and Associate members are exempt from the payment of dues.

Section V: Policy on Reimbursement:

1. MMPNO may provide a limited reimbursement to members attending other professional meetings.
1. The amount will be determined by the Executive Board (EB).
2. A majority rule vote by the EB members who are present at the meeting when the request is presented, will approve the amount.
1. The amount of reimbursable expenses for representing the organization shall be included in the budget of MMPNO.
2. Receipts for approved expenses must be submitted within 30 days of the date when such expenses were incurred, at which time reimbursement shall be made.

MMPNO By-Laws January 2018 Page 4 of 17

ARTICLE III – Officers

Section 1: Functions of the Officers

a. President:

1. Performs all duties specified by the membership and consistent with Robert’s Rules of Order.
2. Enforces the Constitution and By-Laws of MMPNO.
3. Presides at all meetings of the membership and the Executive Board.
4. Serves as the ex-officio member on all committees except the Nominating Committee.
5. Prepare an annual report of the activities of the organization for presentation at the September General Members Meeting.
6. Co-signs all legal documents that are pertinent to the business of the organization and may co-sign checks, drafts, and other orders for payment.

b. Vice-President:

1. Performs duties of the president during his or her absence or inability to act.
2. Assumes the functions of the office of president if the president is unable to complete the term of office.
3. Performs such duties as may be assigned by the Executive Board or the President.
4. Serves as Chair of the Finance Committee.

c. Secretary:

1. Records minutes of all General and Executive Board meetings.
2. Maintains the organization’s official membership list.
3. Distribute the minutes and documents to members.
4. Maintains record books as described in the By-Laws and the Constitution.
5. Sends out notices of all meetings.
6. Provides all written communication to support the organization via paper and electronic means.
7. Procures mail from the PO Box and forwards it to the appropriate members.
8. Maintains a written list of correspondence that requires follow-up or action and presents it to the Executive Board.
9. Items 1-3 have been delegated to contracted staff. Item #7 is completed by a member who is willing to collect the mail.
10. The telephone is answered by contracted staff.

MMPNO By-Laws January 2018 Page 5 of 17

d. Treasurer:

1. Performs all duties as designated by the membership or following Roberts’ Rules of Order.
2. Receives and deposits the funds of MMPNO in the designated financial institution.
3. Pays bills approved by the Executive Board. All checks, drafts, and other orders for payment of money shall be co-signed by two (2) of the following: The treasurer, chair of the finance committee, secretary, vice president, or president.
4. Maintains complete and accurate accounts of all funds received and disbursed by MMPNO.
5. Presents financial reports at the Executive Board and General Meetings.
6. Prepares and files information as required for a nonprofit organization.
7. Serves as a member of the Ways and Means and Finance Committees.
8. Provide the secretary with a list of current members.
9. Send reminders to non-paid members by November 2nd of each calendar year.
10. Receives the payment of dues and maintains a record of membership.

e. Vice Treasurer:

Will be elected in the odd year. This position is to function in the training capacity of the treasurer.

This will allow the person who is elected for this position to learn all the procedures for managing the financial responsibilities of the organization, i.e., Bank accounts, managing the accountant, completing the 990 forms, endowment, reports, etc. Adding Signatures to accounts will transpire after the treasurer, president, and the board agrees that this should occur.

At no time will all accounts be turned over to the vice-treasurer until a minimum of the first year is completed in the vice treasurer position.

The period for functioning in this position is two years, after which transitioning into the Treasurer position will occur in the next cycle.

f. Parliamentarian:

1. Must be knowledgeable regarding Robert’s Rules of Order and parliamentary procedures. Maintains knowledge of Robert’s Rules of Order.
2. Inform members of correct procedures as needed.
3. Serves in an advisory and consultative role to the president.

g. Chair of the Nominating Committee:

The Chair of the Nominating Committee will be elected on the even years.

The person in this position will Chair the Nominating Committee and will recruit members to serve in vacant positions.

MMPNO By-Laws January 2018 Page 6 of 17

Functions of the Officers continued (Chair of the Nominating Committee)

After the chair of the committee is selected, two people from the membership committee will be asked to serve on the nominating committee for 2 years.

The chair shall preside over the installation of Officers at the first General Membership meeting held annually in September.

Section II: Other Officers’ Functions:

1. Upon completion of a designated term of office, all elected or appointed officers are to transfer all information and documents (papers, reports, records, books, and equipment) that are the property of MMPNO to the incoming officers, within thirty (30) days.
2. If an elected officer or an appointed officer does not perform his/her duties, the president shall consult with the officer and recommend corrective action. If the Officer does not comply, the Board will be informed and plans for further action will be considered.
3. If a member of the board has a concern, they should first discuss concerns with the President.
4. If the President and the member cannot resolve, the concern, the problem will be discussed with the board, including the impacted officer.
5. All these matters shall be confidential until a final decision is made.
6. After a final decision is made the officer will be informed in writing.

MMPNO By-Laws January 2018 Page 7 of 17

ARTICLE IV – Meetings

Section 1: Meetings

1. There shall be a monthly general meeting of MMPNO on the first Saturday of each month except for the vacation months of July and August. When the first Saturday conflicts with a holiday, the meeting date and time shall be determined by the Executive Board.
2. During the June general meeting the committees’ annual reports are to be given and the results of the vote for elected officers is announced.
3. The Installation of Officers shall occur at the September general meeting.
4. Special meetings shall be called at the discretion of the president or a majority of the Executive Board.

Section II: Notice of Meetings

1. Notices of meetings shall be sent by mail or emailed to each member as his or her name appears on the records of the organization.
2. Notices of meetings shall be mailed or emailed at least one week before the date of the scheduled meeting.

Section III: Quorum

The presence of two officers with a minimum of 5 members in good standing shall constitute a quorum for all general meetings

MMPNO By-Laws January 2018 Page 8 of 17

ARTICLE V – Executive Board

Section I: Composition

The Executive Board shall include all elected officers, chairs of committees, and the immediate past president of the organization.

Section II: Functions of the Executive Board

1. Develop policies, procedures, plans, and programs to guide the mission of the organization.
2. Transact the business of MMPNO, in the interim, between the general meetings of the membership.
3. Discuss plans and programs with the membership as needed for approval.
4. Fill any vacancies on the Executive Board except a vacancy occurring in the office of president.
5. Grant approval of business items during an emergency or in extenuating circumstances.
6. Review all budgets and make recommendations for all expenses to the general membership.
7. Determine how gifts and donations made to the organization are to be allocated.

Section III: Quorum

The presence of one-third (1/3) of the members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the Executive Board.

MMPNO By-Laws January 2018 Page 9 of 17

MMPNO By-Laws January 2018 Page 10 of 17 Section IV: Attendance at Board Meetings

1. Attendance at all Executive Board meetings is expected of all designated members.
2. Executive Board meetings are open meetings and any member of MMPNO may attend.
3. Non-members of the Executive Board are non-voting unless serving as a designee of a board member.
4. A non-member desiring to add an item to the agenda of the executive board must contact the President at least 72 hours before the Board meeting to determine if an additional item can be added to the agenda.

MMPNO By-Laws January 2018 Page 11 of 17 ARTICLE VI – Elections Section I: Terms of

The president, parliamentarian, and treasurer shall be elected in the even-numbered years.

The vice president, vice treasurer, secretary, and chair of the nominations committee shall be elected in the odd-numbered years.

The terms of these officers shall be two (2) years.

Section II: The Election

1. All elections of officers shall be conducted by written/electronic ballot
2. A plurality of those voting shall constitute a valid election.
3. In case of a tie vote, the choice shall be decided at the May meeting by a written/electronic vote of those in attendance and eligible to vote.

Section III: Ballots

1. All members eligible to vote shall receive a ballot in the mail/electronic by April 1st.
2. Paper ballots will be mailed to members who are unable to vote electronically.
3. Each ballot shall be numbered and include the organization’s logo.
4. Each member shall return the ballot as instructed by the chair but no later than the third week in April.

Section IV: Tellers of the Elections

The president shall appoint a minimum of at least three members as tellers of the election at the May General meeting, one of whom shall serve as chair, if the vote is by mail or as tally electronic

Section V: Results of Elections

1. The tellers/chair shall count and record all votes and give a report to the general membership at the May meeting.
2. The chairperson shall return all mail ballots to the secretary who shall retain all ballots for thirty (30) days after the tally in case there are challenges to the election.
3. All electronic ballots will be maintained by the chair for 30 days.

MMPNO By-Laws January 2018 Page 12 of 17 Section VI: End of term

Each officer and board member shall hold office until the installation of the newly elected officers at .the September meeting.

MMPNO By-Laws January 2018 Page 13 of 17 ARTICLE VII – COMMITTEES Section I: Committees Section I: Committees

1. There shall be three (3) types of committees.
2. Elected Committees
3. Standing Committees
4. Ad Hoc Committees
5. All the committees of MMPNO shall be composed of the current members.
6. The duties of the committees are specified in the By-Laws and include any assignments given by the Executive Board.
7. All ad hoc committees shall be considered dissolved without action of the Executive Board when the final reports are submitted.

Section II: Elected Committees

Nominating Committee

1. The nominating committee shall consist of a minimum of three (3) members.
2. The three members shall consist of the Chair elected on the odd year and two members from the membership committee.

Nominations Committee shall:

1. Consult with the membership committee to determine who is eligible for election to an office.
2. Describe the duties of the office to the member who agrees to seek a specific office.
3. All nominees running for office will share with the membership their qualifications and goals for the position at the March general meeting.
4. Present a slate of names for each position to be filled by the end of March.
5. Prepare and send the electronic ballots by April 1st to the members who are in good standing, mail ballots to members who do not have electronic mail.
6. Count the ballots and submit the outcome to the Executive Board and after approval to the general membership.
7. Conduct the Installation of Officers’ Ceremony at the September General meeting.

MMPNO By-Laws January 2018 Page 14 of 17 Section III: Standing Committees

1. All standing committees shall consist of a minimum of a chair and two (2) members.
2. Exceptions will be approved by the Executive Board. Committees that do not have the minimum membership will have that function integrated into another committee designated by the Executive Board.
3. Committee chairs will provide a monthly report at the Executive Board Meeting.

Section IV: Standing Committees and Functions:

a. The Ways and Means Committee shall:

1. Identify the fund-raising events which will support the MMPNO mission and goals.
2. Be responsible for the fund-raising events, as approved by the Executive Board, including the annual scholarship event

b. The Publicity and Membership Committee shall:

1. Manage the dissemination of information internally and externally as it relates to MMPNOs mission, goals, and activities.
2. Devise a means for recruiting and retaining members and provide orientation.
3. Be responsible for the caring and sharing activities for the membership.

c. The Community Outreach Committee shall:

1. Coordinate the approved community programs, services, volunteers, equipment, and supplies for the organization.
2. Collaborate with other organizations to support the mission of the organization and the health of the community.
3. Develop the standards for the services and activities that will be provided by the volunteers.

d. Education Committee shall:

1. Establish continuing education opportunities for the organization.
2. Collaborate with the Endowment Committee to ensure mentorship is provided for the students and new graduates.
3. Coordinate the bridge program for students in cooperation with the Endowment Committee.

e. Endowment Committee shall:

1. Promote membership in the Endowment Committee to all MMPNO members and other sources.

MMPNO By-Laws January 2018 Page 15 of 17 Section IV: Standing Committees and Functions continued:

e. Endowment Committee shall:

1. Provide oversight of the organization’s endowment fund.
2. Review and select scholarship applicants annually and recommend them to the Executive Board.
3. Provide scholarships by only withdrawing from the interest in the endowment account.
4. Collaborate with the Education Committee and the Bridge Program to provide mentorship and ensure the success of the students.
5. Plan and coordinate the student and faculty annual orientation programs.
6. Provide any additional programs needed to support the academic success of students i.e., mentoring, career placement, tutoring, a n d family programs.

f. Finance Committee shall:

1. Include the immediate past president, treasurer, vice president, and Chair of the Endowment Committee.
2. and Chair of the Ways and Means Committee. The committee is chaired by the vice president of MMPNO.
3. Outline the operational expenditures for the organization.
4. Oversee the budget and financial actions of the organization.

g. History and Ethics Committee shall:

1. Collaborate with members and the Executive Board to collect and maintain the history and records of the organization for future reference and research.
2. Provide the guidance needed for the officers and membership to function professionally.

h. Informatics (computer) shall:

1. Collaborate with the Executive Board to organize the electronic needs of the organization.
2. Oversee any external contracts with consultants or other members to ensure the informatics needs of the organization are met.
3. Present plans and needs to the Executive Board for approval.
4. Identify and manage changes to the web page
5. Coordinate all electronic media for the organizations.
6. i.e. (Facebook. Instagram. Other technical systems for the organization).

MMPNO By-Laws January 2018 Page 16 of 17 Section IV: Appointed Committees Ad Hoc Committees shall:

1. Be appointed by the president for specific projects and/or programs.
2. Be dissolved when the final report is submitted to the Executive Board.

MMPNO By-Laws January 2018 Page 17 of 17 ARTICLE VIII-MMPNO Flower

The flower for MMPNO shall be the yellow Rose.

ARTICLE IX-MMPNO Colors

The Colors for MMPNO shall be yellow and turquoise

ARTICLE X-Amendments Section I: Amendment of the By-Laws

1. Proposals for amendments to the By-Laws may be initiated by the Executive Board, the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws, or by the approval of the majority of the members present during a general membership meeting.
2. All proposed amendments shall be referred to the Executive Board.
3. Upon review by the Executive Board, the proposed amendment with any revisions shall be submitted to the membership for their review at least 30 days before a vote.
4. All amendments must be voted on and approved by the majority of the members present at the general membership meeting.
5. Notification of amendments shall include a draft of the old wording along with the proposed changes.
6. When the By-Laws are amended, a copy of the old By-Laws also will be utilized for reference.

Submitted: April 2024 Approved: June 18, 2024 By-Laws Committee Members: Shirley Gilford Frankie Manning Lynette Wells-Davis

MMPNO By-Laws January 2018