BYLAWS of the Indiana Counseling Association

A Branch of the American Counseling Association

Revised and Voted by the ICA Board on 11/21/20; 3/13/21; 5/21/21; 4/30/24

Approved by the ACA Bylaws Committee on 11/5/21

Approved by the ICA Board on 4/30/24

Article 1. Name, Mission, and Activities

Section 1. Name & Use of Name

(a) The name of the Association shall be “Indiana Counseling Association, A Branch of the American Counseling Association,” and is organized in compliance with the ACA Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the American Counseling Association (ACA).

(b) The name of the Association, and a version shortened to “Indiana Counseling Association,” shall be employed in connection with all official business and activities of the Association. The name and/or graphical identity of the Association shall not be used by any organizations or agencies without the approval of the Board of Directors of the Association. 

Section 2. Mission Statement

The Indiana Counseling Association is dedicated to advocating the counseling profession, empowering individuals, families, and communities, and providing ethical, diverse, and culturally-sensitive practices and treatment. 

Section 3. Limitations of Activities

(a) The Association is organized and shall be operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. No part of the net earnings of the Association shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to the members of its Board of Directors, officers, members of its committees, other private individuals or organizations operated for a profit (except that the Association shall be authorized to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments in furtherance of the purposes as here in above stated). 

(b) No substantial part of the activities or expenses of the Association shall be used to conduct propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation. 

(c) The Association shall not participate in or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, the Association shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code or by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under sections 170(c) (2),2055 (a) (2)or 2522(a) (2) of the Revenue Code. 

Section 4. Nondiscrimination 

In all Association business and other matters there shall be no discrimination against any individual on the basis of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, race, religion/spirituality, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/ partnership status, language preference, socioeconomic status, immigration status, or any basis proscribed by law or the ACA Code of Ethics. 

Article 2. Membership and Dues

Section 1. Type of Membership 

Membership shall be of one type, Individual Members, of which five classifications exist: 

(a) Professional 

(b) Student 

(c) Emeritus 

(d) Associate 

(e) New Professional 

(f) Veteran

Section 2. Classification Definitions 

(a) A Professional Member is an individual who has a master’s degree or higher in counseling or a closely related field; and whose primary work-related responsibilities or interests are in the area of counseling. 

(b) A Student Member is a master’s or doctoral degree student in counseling or a closely related field. The initial application and each subsequent renewal must include verification of student status by a university professor.

(c) An Emeritus Member is an individual who has retired from a position in counseling or a closely related field. The initial application must include verification of retirement. 

(d) An Associate Member is an individual whose interests and activities are consistent with those of the ICA, but are not qualified for Professional membership. Associate members cannot vote or hold office. 

(e) A New Professional Member is an individual who is a recent graduate from a master’s or higher graduate degree program in counseling or a closely related field. Individuals who apply for this membership type must be new professionals in the field for 1 year or less. 

(f) A Veteran Member is an individual who is an active or retired member from a branch of the United States military. 

Section 3. Privileges of Membership 

(a) Each Professional, Student, New Professional, Emeritus, and Veteran member shall be eligible to vote as a member of the Association, to attend conferences and meetings of the Association, and to hold office in the Association, as specified in these Bylaws. 

(b) Associate members shall be eligible to serve on Committees, attend conferences and meetings, but shall not be eligible to serve on the Board of Directors, nor vote, nor hold office in the Association. 

Section 4. Dues 

(a) Dues for members of the Association shall be determined by the Board of Directors. 

(b) All dues shall be paid at least annually in advance, and shall be due and payable on such date as may be fixed by the Board. Dues payments in excess of one year shall be accepted. 

(c) A member shall become inactive for non-payment of dues within ninety (90) days after the date fixed for payment thereof. Such inactive members shall be automatically reinstated as members in good standing upon payment of their dues within ninety (90) days from such due date. An inactive member not paying his/her dues within said ninety (90) days shall be automatically dropped from the membership roll at the expiration of such period. 

Section 5. Application for Membership 

The Board of Directors shall prescribe and may revise the application forms for membership in the Association. Such forms shall provide for the submission of all information regarding the applicant, as may be deemed advisable by the Board and consistent with the Bylaws of the Association. 

Section 6. Honorary Membership 

Upon a majority vote of the Board of Directors, honorary membership may be conferred on an outstanding and distinguished individual. All honorary individual members shall be entitled to all the privileges of membership given to professional members. Honorary membership shall be good for the lifetime of the member so designated. Honorary members are exempted from paying dues. Such memberships shall be consistent with the Bylaws of the Association. 

Section 7. Resignation 

Any member may withdraw from the Association after fulfilling all obligations to it by giving written notice of such intention to the Association office. 

Section 8. Removal 

Any member may be dropped from membership by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors. For any legal or ethical violation (other than non-payment of dues) a vote for removal shall occur only after the member has been advised of the pending vote, and has been given reasonable opportunity for defense. Any member removed by vote of the Board shall be readmitted to the membership only upon a majority vote of the Board after a waiting period of twelve (12) months. 

Section 9. Ethical Standards 

The Ethical Standards of the American Counseling Association shall be the Ethical Standards of the Indiana Counseling Association. 

Section 10. Resolution of Member Disputes 

Any issues relating to membership in the Association shall be resolved by the Board of Directors. 

Section 11. Cessation of Property Interest 

All rights, title, and interest of a member in and to property of the Association shall cease upon her/his being dropped from the membership roll, expulsion, or death. No member shall have any severable or transferable interest in the property of the Association.

The Professional Interest Groups shall be determined by the Board of Directors. Professional Interest Groups work to enhance professional identity and are organized around specific interest and practice areas. Professional Interest Groups are organized to work under the governance of the ICA Executive Board and Professional Interest Group Director. 

(a) The Professional Interest Groups are: 

i. Counselor Educators & Supervisors Professional Interest Group 

The Chair of the Counselor Educators & Supervisors Professional Interest Group and its members are counselor educators, supervisors, and/or faculty members who strive to improve the education and supervision of counselors in training and in practice. Members of the Counselor Educators & Supervisors Professional Interest Group are committed to enhancing the competencies for supervision, counselor training, research, multicultural competence, and advocacy.

ii. Child and Adolescent Counseling Professional Interest Group 

The Child and Adolescent Counseling Professional Interest Group shall support the interests of counselors who work with children and adolescents, which includes: promoting greater awareness, advocacy, and understanding of children and adolescents, advancing developmentally appropriate prevention and intervention strategies, and providing psychoeducation for parents and caregivers.

iii. Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling Professional Interest Group

The Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling Professional Interest Group shall be responsible for informing the Board of Directors of current research regarding ethical standards of competence, provide relevant information about the influence of an individual’s spirituality and religion on his or her mental health, and create opportunities for conversations surrounding worldview, meaning-making, and core values. 

 iv. Graduate Student Professional Interest Group

The Graduate Professional Interest Group Director shall be chaired by a current and active graduate student enrolled in a graduate-level mental health program at an Indiana university or college. The Graduate Interest Group Director shall maintain professional working relationships with graduate students and universities providing graduate-level mental health programs in the state of Indiana. The Graduate Student Interest Group shall meet to discuss relevant issues, concerns, and questions and provide feedback to the Board of Directors. 

(b) Each Professional Interest Group shall have a Director who shall be a member of the Association’s Board of Directors, as described in Article 5, Section 1-b.

(c) A group of individuals sharing a common professional interest, as defined in Article 2, Section 2, may file an application, including signatures of twenty (20) potential members, with the Board of Directors in order to form a new Professional Interest Group. The creation by the Board of Directors of a new Group shall be considered on the merits of each Group’s application.

(d) The election process for the Professional Interest Groups’ Directors is described in Article 5, Section 5-d. 

(e) Professional Interest Groups shall be organized in accordance with the Bylaws of the Indiana Counseling Association (ICA) and the Bylaws of the American Counseling Association (ACA).

Article 4. State Meetings of the Members

Section 1. Frequency, Time, and Place of State Meetings 

The Association shall meet during a state educational conference at least once a year. The time and place of each such meeting shall be fixed by the Board of Directors, and the Association’s members shall be notified of the time and place at least sixty (60) days prior to the meeting through the Association’s web site and/or the Association’s newsletter, and/or other printed or electronic means. 

1. The Association President may call such other face-to face and/or virtual, live meetings through electronic means (ie. telephone, video conference call) with Association members as he or she deems necessary, or the President-Elect shall, at the written request of two members of the Board, issue a call for a meeting of the Association members. Fourteen (14) days advance notice to the full Board shall be required for such a meeting. 

2. In the event of a meeting cancellation, all Association members shall be notified at least 30 days in advance, unless warranted by an emergency situation. 

Section 2. Conduct of State Meetings 

The President of the Association shall preside at state meetings of the members. In the absence of the President, the President-Elect shall preside. In the absence of the President-Elect, the Immediate Past President Shall preside. 

Section 3. Parliamentary Authority

All Association meetings, including Board of Directors meetings, shall be conducted using Robert’s Rules of Order as its standard for parliamentary authority. 

Section 4. Members Quorum 

A two-thirds majority of the Association’s members present shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, whether the meeting is face-to-face, virtual or live, or through other electronic means (i.e.. via email, video conferencing, telephone, etc.).  

Section 1. Board of Directors 

(a) The property and business of the Association shall be managed by its Board of Directors. All actions to accumulate or dispose of property will be approved by the Board of Directors as set forth in these bylaws. 

(b) Board positions are the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, one Director for each Professional-Interest Division, the President of the ICA Foundation Board of Directors, and the Chairs of the following Committees (as described in Article 10, Section 3): Continuing Education, Advocacy, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, Bylaws and Ethics, and Social Media. 

(c) No individual may hold more than one Board position at one time. 

(d) The President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary, and Treasurer are the officers of the Association. 

(e) All members of the Board of Directors (except the Committees Chairs) shall be nominated and elected as described in Article 5, Section 5. 

(f) The Committee Chairs shall be appointed as described in Article 9, Section 2. 

(g) The President-Elect shall automatically become President of the Association upon the death or resignation of the President and will act as President when the President is unable to fulfill the duties of the office. 

(h) In case of the resignation or death of any officer of the Association, the Board of Directors shall, by majority vote, appoint a person to serve the unexpired term. 

Section 2. Terms 

(a) Terms for all Board of Directors positions, except the President, President-Elect, and Treasurer, shall be one year, and shall coincide with the fiscal year. 

(b) The President shall be appointed for a two-year term, from July 1 through June 30th of the second year following, a total of 24 months. This allows the President time to become more familiar with the board and the Association and serve membership more efficiently. The President is limited to two terms or four years in the office as determined by the selection process. 

(c) The President-Elect shall be appointed for a two-year term starting from July 1 through June 30th of the President’s first year. The President-Elect will work closely with the President and Executive Director to become familiar with the role and responsibility of the office. 

(d) The Immediate Past-President shall be appointed for a one-year term starting from July 1 through June 30th of the following year. 

(e) The Treasurer shall be appointed for a two-year, twenty-four month term, from July 1 through October 30th of the second year following, a total of 28 months. This allows the Treasurer to fulfill all tax returns, audits, and other financial responsibilities pertaining to his/her term as Treasurer. This also supports a four-month training period for the subsequent new Treasurer. The Treasurer will be recommended by the person serving as President-Elect for the first year of the Treasurer's term of office.

Section 3. Duties of Officers 

(a) The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association, Board, and Executive Committee. 

(b) At the Executive Committee meetings, the President shall exercise voting rights and privileges as fully as any other member. The President shall refrain from voting at the Board of Directors meeting except 

i. when the vote is by ballot, or 

ii. whenever his or her vote will affect the result. 

(c) The President will also chair the Conference Committee. The President, subject to confirmation by the Board, shall appoint the chairpersons of all committees except as otherwise specified in these Bylaws, and shall be an Ex-Officio member without vote on all committees. The President shall delegate tasks to the Executive Director as directed by the Board, and shall perform the duties customary to that office and such additional duties as directed by the Board of Directors. 

(d) The President-Elect shall perform the duties of the President in the absence or incapacity of the President as determined by the Board. The President-Elect shall assume the Presidency of the Association upon the death or resignation of the President. The President-Elect shall also serve as the Chair of the Nominations Committee and shall be charged with providing support to the election of Board of Directors officers, including, but not limited to, sending out the Call for Nominations for upcoming terms. If the office of President is vacated by both the President and President-Elect, the Executive Committee shall, subject to ratification by the Board of Directors, appoint a President Pro Tempore to fill the unexpired term. 

(e) The Immediate Past President shall serve as the Historian of the Association. As Historian, the Immediate Past President will review documents accumulated during his or her term of office as President and forward those considered appropriate for filing in the ICA Archives by the Executive Director. 

(f) The Treasurer shall represent the Association in assuring receipt and expenditures of funds in accordance with the directives established by the President and Board of Directors and shall be under such bond as may be determined by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall perform the duties customary to the office and such additional duties as may be directed by the President or Board of Directors. The Treasurer is responsible for working with the Executive Director and Association’s accountant to ensure the filing of all federal and state tax forms and reports by the legally mandated deadlines of applicable state and federal legislation. The Treasurer shall also consider the Association’s financial policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, creating the annual budget, monitoring monthly financial reports, and overseeing the investment of funds and securities. The Treasurer shall make recommendations regarding such policies and procedures to the Board of Directors, as appropriate. 

 (g) The Secretary shall keep records of the proceedings of the Association, the Executive Committee, and the Board of Directors and shall submit minutes of all proceedings to the appropriate persons. This can be done electronically. 

(h) The Executive Director shall serve as the executive officer of the Association. The Executive Director shall annually review current Association bylaws, policies, and procedures. This person shall perform such duties as may be assigned by contract and delegated by the Board of Directors. 

Section 4. Qualifications 

(a) All elected officers (including elected board members) are required to be members in good standing of ICA and ACA.

(b) Each Director of the Association must have held Professional, Emeritus, New Professional, or Student membership status in the Association for one year immediately preceding their appointment or election to the Board of Directors or to a Director of Professional Interest Group position. 

(c) No three persons employed by the same employer and from the same Professional-Interest Division shall serve on the Board of Directors at the same time. 

Section 5. Elections 

The procedure for nominating candidates for Board of Directors positions shall be as follows: 

(a) A Nominations Committee shall be composed of the President-Elect of the Association, who shall chair the committee, and two members appointed by the President. 

(b) All Professional, Emeritus, New Professional, Student, and Veteran members in good standing of the Association shall have the right to nominate candidates. From the candidates nominated by the membership, and from candidates selected by the Nominations Committee itself, the Nominations Committee shall present a slate of up to three candidates for each open position to the membership for its consideration and voting. Voting by membership will take place before the end of the fiscal year for all open officer Board positions.

(c) All candidates for President and President-Elect, and should, at the time of their election, be a current member or past member of the Board, or must have served in a leadership capacity in a Professional-Interest Division or Standing Committee. 

(d) All nominations for Professional-Interest Group Director positions are reviewed by the Board of Directors for approval by a two-thirds majority vote.

Section 6. Powers and Functions of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall: 

(a) Establish policies to govern the affairs of the Association. 

(b) Formulate operational policies appropriate for executive action and direct the execution thereof. 

(c) Grant and revoke Chapter charters. 

(d) Act on the reports of Chapters, Standing or Special Committees, Commissions, or Task Forces as are responsible to the Board of Directors. 

(e) Adopt and amend Bylaws. 

(f) Exercise such other powers and functions as may be necessary or desirable in the best interests of the Association, that are not in conflict with the Bylaws. 

(g) Identify issues and establish priorities for professional advocacy relating to problems of human development pertinent to the Association. 

(h) Establish professional directions for the Association in accordance with the Strategic Plan. 

Section 7. Executive Committee 

(a) The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, President- Elect, Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Executive Director. 

(b) The Executive Committee shall act for the Board of Directors within policies as may be established by the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee shall function primarily to address those issues which are necessary for the efficient day-to-day operation of ICA and to make recommendations to the Board of Directors. All actions and activities of the Executive Committee shall be communicated to the Board of Directors through approved minutes, which are to be transmitted within 15 days of an Executive Committee meeting. The actions taken by the Executive Committee must be submitted for ratification by a quorum of the Board of Directors at the next Board of Directors meeting. 

(c) Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held at least twice during the governance year, in-person or virtually. Other meetings may be called by the President or the Board of Directors. A quorum shall consist of three voting members of the duly constituted body. 

(d) Expenses incurred while participating in Executive Committee meetings will be paid by ICA in accordance with Board of Directors policy. 

Section 8. Re-Elections 

No member of the Board of Directors who has served two (2) full terms in a given position shall be eligible for re-election to that same position until at least one (1) year shall have elapsed. 

Section 9. Compensation 

No member of the Board of Directors shall be paid a fee or honorarium for their service on the Board, beyond reimbursement for select expenses as allowed by Board resolution, unless the member of the Board provides administrative or managerial services, and the fee is approved by two-thirds majority vote of the Board.

Section 10. Vacancies 

Any vacancies on the Board of Directors shall be filled by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors, and the substitute Director shall serve for the remainder of the term of office for which he or she is so elected. 

Section 1. Meetings 

(a) The Board of Directors shall meet at least four (4) times each year at such time and place as designated by the President, including at the time of the annual meeting of the members of the Association. Meetings may be conducted face-to via face and/or virtual, live meetings through electronic means (ie. telephone, video conference call).

 (b) The President may call such other face-to-face and/or virtual, live meetings through electronic means (ie. telephone, video conference call) of the Board as he or she deems necessary, or the President-Elect shall, at the written request of two members of the Board, issue a call for a meeting of the Board. Fourteen (14) days advance notice to the full Board shall be required for such a meeting. 

(c) Any action required or permitted at any meeting of the Board may be taken without a meeting if written or electronic consent thereto is signed by a majority of the Directors and filed with the records of the proceedings of the Board. 

(d) Board of Directors members are expected to participate in scheduled board meetings to attend to the plans and activities of the Association. The President or Director will discuss non-attendance with Board of Directors members to determine alternative solutions, including resignation, in which case the Board of Directors shall follow Article 5, Section 1.h. 

(e) In the event of a meeting cancellation, all Board members shall be notified at least 30 days in advance, unless warranted by an emergency situation. 

Section 2. Board Quorum 

A two-thirds majority of the voting Directors present shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, whether the meeting is face-to-face, virtual or live, or through other electronic means (i.e. via email, video conferencing, telephone, etc.). 

Section 3. Board Voting 

1. Each Director shall have one vote. 

2. Anyone who is a voting member of the Board of Directors must be a member in good standing of ACA and ICA, that includes officers and committee chairs.

3. If the manner of deciding any question is not otherwise provided in these Bylaws, it shall be decided by a vote of a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of the Directors present. 

4. In addition to votes made in face-to-face and telephone-conference-call meetings, voting may be completed via email, when circumstances dictate. Absentee Directors may vote by proxy by submitting their proxy in writing to the President at least 72 hours prior any duly called meeting, or by sending a proxy voter, in person.  

Section 1. Organization of Chapters 

(a) The Association shall include Chapters which organize on the basis of a local geographic unit within the State of Indiana or those which have a special interest. 

(b) A Chapter shall consist of at least 10 members, with no less than five members in good standing as ICA and ACA members. To retain its charter, a chapter must maintain a membership of at least five members who are members of ICA and ACA. It may have other members who do not belong to ICA. 

Section 2. Formation of Chapters 

(a) The Board of Directors shall have the power to grant charters to Chapters in accordance with standing rules established by the Board of Directors relative to the formation of new Chapters. 

(b) Prior to its chartering as a Chapter, an organization shall demonstrate the following to the satisfaction of the Board of Directors: 

i. It is organized in accordance with the Bylaws of the Indiana Counseling Association (ICA), the Bylaws of the American Counseling Association (ACA), and the ACA Articles of Incorporation, and has at least five members who are members of ICA and ACA. 

ii. It is identified in its governing instruments, letterhead, and similar written materials as "A Chapter of the Indiana Counseling Association." 

iii. Its statement of purpose in its governing instruments is in accord with the Indiana Counseling Association and the American Counseling Association. 

iv. Its governing instruments require that the chapter president and at least 4 other members must be ICA and ACA members. Each of its officers is to be a member of the Indiana Counseling Association and the American Counseling Association. 

Section 3. Autonomy of Chapters 

(a) A Chapter of the Association shall be free to conduct its own affairs, but shall do so only in compliance with the Bylaws of the Association and the ACA Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. 

(b) A Chapter of the Association may adopt its own name. 

Section 4. Reports 

Each Chapter shall transmit to the President and Executive Director of the Association the names of its officers, and a list of members, on or before the Transition Meeting of the new governance year. Each Chapter shall transmit an annual report to the President of the Association. The reports shall be transmitted electronically to the general membership. 

Section 5. Involuntary Revocation of a Chapter 

The Board of Directors shall have the power to revoke the charter of a Chapter when it is deemed in the best interest of the Association to do so. 

(a) Before final action may be taken with respect to the revocation of the charter of a Chapter, a notice of intent to revoke must first be passed by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors present and the Chapter in question advised in writing of the reasons for the proposed action. The Chapter shall have until the next meeting of the new fiscal year (but in no case less than six months) to effect remedial measures or otherwise bring itself into compliance with the Bylaws of the Association. 

(b) A two-thirds majority vote of the voting members present at the Board of Directors meeting shall be necessary to revoke the charter of a Chapter. The vote may take place electronically with a two-thirds majority vote of the entire Board of Directors voting members. 

(c) If a chapter does not provide the required documentation on or before the annual transition meeting, the chapter will be deemed inactive for that governance year or until the documentation has been received. 

Article 8. Executive Director

The Executive Director, who is hired by the Board of Directors, is charged with the administration of the policies promulgated by the Board of Directors. The duties are administrative in nature only, and any situation that could involve a policy decision, and for which a Board-approved policy is not in place, must be presented to the Board of Directors. The Executive Director shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors, but shall not vote. The Executive Director shall be under contract to the Association. The President will, in collaboration with the Board, oversee an annual evaluation of the management services provided by the Executive Director, and the three Presidents will discuss the evaluation findings with the Executive Director. 

Article 9. Finance

Section 1. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year for the Association shall begin on July 1 and continue until June 30. 

Section 2. Budget 

A budget of income and expenses is to be prepared at least annually by the Executive Director, Treasurer, and Association’s accountant and submitted not less than annually to the Board of Directors for consideration, alteration, and approval. 

Section 3. Authorization for Non-Budgeted Expenditures 

Expenditures that are not budgeted can only be authorized in the following manner: 

(a) A non-budgeted expenditure of not more than $500 in any given year may be authorized by either the President, President-Elect, or Treasurer. 

(b) A non-budgeted expenditure exceeding $500, but less than $2,500, in any given year can only be authorized with the unanimous vote of the four Board officers (President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, and Treasurer). Should the four officers not be able to agree on an expenditure that is not budgeted, and that falls between $500 and $2,500, the matter shall be submitted to a vote of the Board of Directors, with a majority vote of the Board needed for approval. 

(c) All non-budgeted expenditures exceeding $2,500 in any given year must be authorized through a majority vote of the Board of Directors. 

Section 4. Financial Audit 

The Executive Director and Board of Directors shall hire an independent Certified Public Accountant to audit the financial records of the Association annually, immediately following the close of the fiscal year. The results of the annual audit shall be published to the Association membership, and will be made available in writing to any current member in good standing, upon request. 

Section 5. Financial Reporting 

(a) The Executive Director shall provide written financial reports monthly to the officers. A full year report to the entire Board of Directors will be provided following the close of each fiscal year. 

(b) The Executive Director will ensure that all necessary documents and other paperwork are filed to allow continuance of the Association’s non-profit status. 

Article 10. Committees

Section 1. Creation of Committees 

(a) The Board of Directors may establish Standing and Ad Hoc Committees (short-term task forces) as the Board may determine are necessary to carry on the business of the Association. 

(b) Each Committee may have specific procedural guidelines set forth in these Bylaws and/or by the Board of Directors. All Committees shall report to the Board as needed to keep the Board informed and to seek guidance and/or approvals to carry out the Committees’ work. 

Section 2. Appointment of Committee Members 

(a) Chairs of all Committees shall be named by the President and approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board. 

(b) Unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws, appointment of members to serve on all Committees shall be made by the Committee Chairs from among the individual members (Professional, Student, Emeritus, New Professional, and Associate) in good standing in the Association. 

Section 3. Standing Committees 

The Association shall have the following Standing Committees, each of which shall perform such functions as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors and the functions prescribed by these Bylaws.

(a) Executive — The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, and Secretary, and Treasurer. The Executive Committee shall act only if needed during the interim when the Board of Directors is not in session. It shall act for the Board of Directors, but within the policies established by the Board of Directors. 

 (b) Finance — The Finance Committee shall consist of the President, the Secretary, Treasurer, and the Executive Director. The Committee shall consider the Association’s financial policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, creating the annual budget, monitoring monthly financial reports, and overseeing the investment of funds and securities. The Committee shall make recommendations regarding such policies and procedures to the Board of Directors, as appropriate. 

(c) Nominations— The Nominations Committee shall be charged with providing support to the election of officers. See Article 5, Section 5. The Nominations Committee shall be composed of the President-Elect of the Association, who shall chair the committee, and two members appointed by the President.  

(d) Advocacy— The Advocacy Committee shall provide guidance and consultation to the Board on all matters related to government relations, public policy, and legislative actions impacting the counseling profession. The Advocacy Committee shall be responsible for informing the Board of Directors and Membership on advocacy opportunities and providing written scripts or templates for Advocacy Action Alerts or Day on the Hill events that align with ICA and ACA Code of Ethics and these Bylaws. The Advocacy Committee Chair shall also be responsible for maintaining active communication and professional relationship with the IPLA Behavioral Health and Human Services Board and associated Indiana professional counseling associations on a consistent, on-going basis.

(e) Continuing Education—The Continuing Education Committee shall have the responsibility of overseeing all aspects of the Association’s educational programs, including the Annual Conference and various Seminars and Workshops.The Continuing Education Chair shall sit as a member of the Conference Planning Committee. The Continuing Education Chair shall serve as the chair for the Awards Committee and appoint two members to this committee. In the case that there is no Continuing Education Chair, the President shall serve as the chair of the Awards Committee that shall oversee the Awards process.

(f) Conference Planning -The Executive Director, President, and Continuing Education Committee Chair shall nominate and appoint Conference Planning Committee members. The President shall name a chairperson(s) to serve as the Annual Conference Chair coordinator from amongst the Conference Planning Committee. See Annual Conference Policies document. 

(g) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Accessibility- The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee shall be responsible for providing ongoing evaluation and feedback to the Association regarding adherence to multicultural issues and nondiscrimination as described in Article 1, Section 4. The DEIA Chair is also responsible for reviewing Conference presentation proposals for diversity, multicultural, and accessibility considerations. 

(h) Bylaws & Ethics - The Bylaws and Ethics Committee shall annually review current Association bylaws, policies, and procedures. This Committee shall also be responsible for attending IPLA Behavioral Health and Human Services Board meetings on an consistent, on-going basis and provide updates at the Board of Directors meetings.

(i) Social Media - The Social Media Chair shall be responsible for creating social media content (ie. conference, continuing education) and publishing content to the Association’s social media outlets, at least 1 post per outlet, each week. The Social Media Chair shall also oversee and recommend to the Board of Directors appropriate action affecting the print and electronic materials or publications of the Association.

Section 4. Tenure, Membership, and Meetings of Committees 

(a) Members of all Standing Committees, unless otherwise designated, may serve for an unlimited time. Care must be taken by the Board to ensure that at no time shall all the members of a Standing Committee change at once. The Chairs of Standing Committees shall rotate at least every three years. 

(b) Unless otherwise provided by these Bylaws, each Standing Committee shall consist of at least three members including the Chair, unless a different minimum number shall be specified in the resolution creating such Committee. 

(c) Members of all Ad Hoc Committees (task forces) shall be appointed to serve until the work of the Ad Hoc Committee is complete. 

(d) Meetings of Standing and Ad Hoc Committees shall be held upon the call of the Chair. 

Article 11. Indemnification and Liability

(a) The Association shall indemnify each member of its Board of Directors, as described in Article 5, and each member of its Committees, as described in Article 10, for the defense of civil or criminal actions or proceedings as hereinafter provided and, notwithstanding any provision in these Bylaws, in a manner and to the extent permitted by applicable law. 

(b) Nothing in these Bylaws shall be construed to make the members of this Association partners or joint venturers for any reason, and nothing herein shall be construed as giving the Board of Directors of the Association any power or authority to create any liability of any member of this Association. The Board of Directors of this Association has the authority to create liabilities and contracts on behalf of the Association, but not on behalf of members hereof. The Association shall maintain Directors and Officers professional liability coverage to protect the Directors, Executive Director and staff, and volunteers of this Association acting on behalf of the Association. 

Article 12. Disposal upon Dissolution

Upon dissolution or final liquidation, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all the lawful debts and liabilities of the Association, distribute all the assets of the Association to one or more of the following categories of recipients: 

(a) A non-profit organization or organizations which may have been created to succeed the Association, as long as such organization(s) shall qualify as an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code; and /or 

(b) A non-profit organization or organizations having similar purposes as the Association, and which may be selected as an appropriate recipient of such assets, as long as such organization(s)shall then qualify as exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501 (c) of the Internal Revenue Code. 

Article 13. Amendments

(a) Changes to these Bylaws that are consistent with the Mission and Beliefs of the Association may be proposed by any member of the Association in good standing by presenting the proposed change in writing to the President of the Board of Directors and the Executive Director at least sixty (60) days prior to the meeting of the Board of Directors at which the member requests the change be considered. The Board will consider and vote on the proposed change. 

(b) Because the Board of Directors is the representative body of all the Association’s members, these Bylaws may be amended, repealed, or altered in whole or in part by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors at any duly organized meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present (see Article 6, Sec. 2). The proposed change(s) shall be submitted in writing to each Board member at least 30 days before the time of the meeting at which the vote on any changes is to take place. 

(c) Proposed changes of these bylaws must be forwarded to the regional representative of the ACA Governing Council to be presented, approved, and recorded by ACA.

^[1] Adapted from OH Counseling Association

^[2] Adapted from IL Counseling Association

^[3] Adapted from IL Counseling Association

^[4] Adapted from IL Counseling Association