BYLAWS OF THE CHICAGO AREA RADIATION THERAPISTS

As adopted July 1, 2010

ARTICLE I
Name

The name of this organization shall be the Chicago Area Radiation Therapists (CART), hereinafter referred to as the Society. 

ARTICLE II
Charter Affiliation

The Society is an affiliate subordinate of the Illinois State Society of Radiologic Technologist (ISSRT). 

ARTICLE III
​Purpose & Functions

The Society is the professional organization that represents the radiologic sciences in the State of Illinois. The Society's purpose is to ensure that Illinois citizens receive quality patient care provided by competent radiologic science professionals. The activities directed toward this purpose include:

1. Providing high quality continuing education for professionals in all areas of radiation therapy.
2. Increasing public awareness of issues related to radiation therapy.
3. Supporting legislative efforts directed at improving standards of patient care.
4. Maintaining open lines of communication with health care institutions, physicians, and professionals.
5. Promoting career advancement and career opportunities in radiation oncology.
6. Supporting the development and success of radiation therapy students. ​

ARTICLE IV
​Membership

Section 1: Policies

1. The Society is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all programs and activities. No one shall be denied opportunities or benefits on the basis of age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religious persuasion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, political belief or disability.
2. The name of the Society or any of its Board of Directors or its staff, in their official capacities, shall not be used in connection with a corporate company for other than the regular functions of the Society. ​

Section 2: Qualifications
The membership of this Society shall consist of active members, associate members, student members, life members, emeritus members, and retired members. All candidates for membership shall submit the prescribed application form properly completed, together with the required fees, and shall furnish any additional information as may be required. 
Section 3: Categories

1. Active members are those who are registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (R.T. or R.R.A., ARRT) or its equivalent or hold an unrestricted license under state statutes. They shall have all rights, privileges and obligations of membership including the right to vote, debate, and hold office.
2. Student members shall be those who are enrolled in a primary radiation therapy program accredited by a Joint Review Committee or regional accrediting agency. Eligibility for renewal in this category shall terminate upon completion of or discontinuation in the educational program. Student members shall have all the privileges and obligations of active members except to hold office.
3. Life members shall be members who have rendered exceptional service to the Society. Life members shall be selected by a majority vote at a regular meeting, upon a unanimous recommendation of the Board of Directors. They shall pay no dues and shall have all the privileges and obligations of active members. The total number of members in this category shall not exceed two percent (2%) of current active members. 
4. Retired members shall be those who have retired from healthcare and hold retired status with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or equivalent, or who meet Social Security Administration requirements for retirement. Retired members shall have all the privileges of active members except to hold office. Retired members shall pay reduced dues/fees and receive reduced levels of membership products and services as determined by the Board of Directors. 

Section 4: Membership Fees

1. The application fee for active and associate members shall be uniform and of such amount as is required by the Society.
2. Dues for all members, established by the Board of Directors, require adoption by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members at the annual conference. Notice of such must be given to the membership at least thirty (30) days in advance of the vote.
3. No member who is in arrears for dues shall vote or hold office or shall be entitled to receive reports of the transactions of the Society. Any member in arrears for more than 90 days will be erased from the rolls of membership.

Section 5: Resignation
Any member shall have the right to resign by written communication to the Society, providing all dues or other indebtedness to the Society has been paid.

Section 6: Suspension and Expulsion
Any member may be suspended or terminated for cause. Sufficient cause for such suspension or termination of membership shall be a violation of the Bylaws or any lawful rule or practice duly adopted by the Society or any other conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Society.

1. If the Board of Directors deems the charges to be sufficient; the person charged shall be advised in writing of the charges.
2. A statement of the charges shall be sent by certified or registered mail to the last recorded address of the member at least twenty (20) days before final action is taken.
3. The statement shall be accompanied by a notice of the time and place of the meeting of the Board of Directors at which the charges shall be considered.
4. The member shall have the opportunity to appear in person and be represented by counsel to present any defense to such charges before action is taken.
5. Suspension or expulsion shall be by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire membership of the Board of Directors.

Section 7: Reinstatement
A member who has resigned or whose membership has been deleted from the Society for other reasons may be reinstated only upon reapplication and payment of the dues and application fee for the year in which he is reinstated. 

ARTICLE V
​Elections

Section 1: Nominations

1. A nominating committee shall be appointed by the President, with approval by the Board of Directors, within thirty (30) days following the date of the annual conference.
2. The committee shall satisfy itself that all candidates have the proper credentials. If candidates are not present they must indicate, in writing, willingness to serve if elected. ​
   
3. Nominations may be submitted by any Society voting member these should be sent to the secretary of CART. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor during an annual conference business meeting. 

Section 2: Balloting
​The President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, or any other officer shall be elected by a majority vote of the voting members present at an annual conference business meeting. 

ARTICLE VI
Officers

The elected officers of the Society shall be: President, President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such additional officers as are recommended by the Board of Directors, and ratified by the membership.

Section 1: Qualifications
All officers shall be active members with the Society, the ISSRT and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). The President, Vice President, and President-Elect shall practice in the radiologic science profession.

Section 2: Eligibility
Officers, who meet eligibility requirements at the time of assuming office, shall be permitted to complete the term, even though employment status may change.

Section 3: Term

1. The Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer shall serve for a term of one year or until their successors have been appointed or elected. The Secretary and/or Treasurer may be elected for a two-year term upon recommendation of the Board of Directors and ratification by the membership.
2. The President-Elect shall serve for a term of one (1) year as President-Elect, one (1) year as President and one (1) year as immediate Past President.
3. All officers shall surrender to their successors all records and properties belonging to the Society.
4. All officers, except the President and President-Elect, may be re-elected.
5. The newly elected officers shall be installed into office under the direction of the Board of Directors.

Section 4: Responsibilities

1. President: The President shall preside at all meetings of the Society and perform all duties consistent with the office. The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees, except the nominating committee. The President shall appoint committees unless otherwise provided in the bylaws.
2. President-Elect: The President-Elect shall become familiar with the activities of the Society and shall make all preparations necessary for his elevation to the office of President.
3. Vice President: The Vice President shall become acquainted with all of the duties of the President. In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall assume the duties of the President.
4. Secretary: The Secretary shall keep the minutes, conduct correspondence and perform all duties that usually and customarily pertain to the office.
5. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall receive and keep funds of the Society and pay out same only upon order of the Board of Directors. At the time of the annual conference, the Treasurer shall make a full financial report which shall be incorporated with the minutes. ​​

Section 5: Vacancies

1. A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled by the Vice President. 
2. A vacancy in the office of President-Elect shall remain vacant until the next annual conference when the President shall be elected in the manner provided in the bylaws of the affiliated society for the  election of officers.
3. A vacancy in any other elective office shall be filled by an appointment unanimously agreed upon by the President and the remaining members of the Board of Directors. 

Section 6: Censure, Reprimand and Removal
Any officer may be censured, reprimanded or removed from the office for dereliction of duty or conduct detrimental to the Society. Such action may be initiated when the Board of Directors receives formal and specific charges against an officer.

1. If the Board of Directors deems the charges to be sufficient; the person charged shall be advised in writing of the charges.
2. A statement of the charges shall be sent by certified or registered mail to the last recorded address of the officer at least twenty (20) days before final action is taken.
3. The statement shall be accompanied by a notice of the time and place of the meeting of the Board of Directors at which the charges shall be considered.
4. The officer shall have the opportunity to appear in person and be represented by counsel to present any defense to such charges before action is taken.
5. Censure, reprimand or removal shall be by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the remaining membership of the Board of Directors. ​

ARTICLE VII
The Board of Directors

Section 1: Composition

1. The Board of Directors shall be composed of the elected officers and the immediate past president. The immediate past president shall serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
2. Additional directorships may be established by a vote of the voting members. Such directors shall serve for a period of one (1) year and shall not succeed to the chairmanship.
3. The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors shall consist of the Chairman of the Board, President, and President-Elect.
4. No member of the Board may hold more than (1) one position for the same term of office.

Section 2: Qualifications
Members of the Board of Directors shall be active members of the Society, ISSRT and the ASRT.

Section 3: Responsibilities
The Board of Directors shall:

1. Be vested with the responsibility of the management of the business of the corporation.
2. Provide for the audit of the books and accounts.
3. Control all funds and/or properties.
4. Change the dates or location of the annual conference if found advisable and, in the case of state or
   national emergency, to cancel the annual conference and to provide for the election of officers.
5. Contract such personnel as may be necessary to conduct the business of the Society.
6. Fill officer vacancies.

​
Section 4: Vacancy
A vacancy in the Board of Directors, except for President and President-Elect, shall be filled by an appointment unanimously agreed upon by the President and the remaining members of the Board of Directors to complete the unexpired term.

Section 5: Meetings

1. The Board of Directors shall meet at least four times per year or as many times as necessary to conduct the business of the society, including the pre and post annual conference board meetings.
2. The president, or a majority of the members of the Board of Directors, upon written request to the chairman of the Board, may call a special meeting, provided a fifteen (15) day notice to all Board members is given. 

Section 6: Quorum
A majority of the Board of Directors' members shall constitute a quorum for all meetings. A quorum shall consist of at least four (4) members of the board.

Section 7: Censure, Reprimand and Removal
Any Board member may be censured, reprimanded or removed from the position for dereliction of duty or conduct detrimental to the Society. Such action may be initiated when the Board of Directors receives formal and specific charges against a Board member.

1. If the Board of Directors deems the charges to be sufficient, the person charged shall be advised, in writing, of the charges.
2. A statement of the charges shall be sent by certified or registered mail to the last recorded address of the Board member at least twenty (20) days before final action is taken.
3. The statement shall be accompanied by a notice of the time and place of the meeting of the Board of Directors at which the charges shall be considered.
4. The Board member shall have the opportunity to appear in person and be represented by counsel to present any defense to such charges before action is taken.
5. Censure, reprimand or removal shall be by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the remaining membership of the Board of Directors. 

ARTICLE VIII
Meetings

Section 1: Annual Conference

1. The Society shall hold an annual meeting each year for the purpose of installing officers, receiving reports, amending Bylaws, and conducting such other business as may arise; and for presenting educational programs.
2. The site of the annual conference shall be decided by the Board of Directors.

Section 2: Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Society may be called at such time and place as may be designated by the Board of Directors. A majority of this group shall constitute sufficient authority. Members shall be notified at least fifteen (15) days in advance of such meetings, together with a statement of the business to be transacted. No essential business other than that specified shall be transacted at a special meeting.

Section 3: Quorum
A quorum for a business meeting or any special Society meeting shall consist of twenty-five percent (25%) of the voting members in attendance and includes not less than two (2) officers.

ARTICLE IX
Committees

1. The Board of Directors shall establish committees as deemed necessary in carrying on its activities. Such committees shall be responsible to the Board of Directors and may be altered or eliminated at any time by the Board of Directors.
   
2. The President shall appoint the members of the committees unless in conflict with other sections of the bylaws.
   
3. ​Vacancy in any committee shall be filled by appointment by the President. 

ARTICLE X
Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern the Society in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are consistent with these Bylaws. 

ARTICLE XI
Amendments

Amendments to these bylaws may be made by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members present at any Society business meeting. Notice of such amendments shall be sent to all voting members at least fifteen (15) days prior to the time of voting. Amendments shall be effective at the conclusion of the business meeting unless otherwise specified. 

ARTICLE XII
Indemnification

Every officer, director, or employee or delegate of the Society shall be indemnified by the Society against all expenses and liabilities, including attorney’s fees, in connection with any threatened, pending, or completed proceeding in which the above-named individual is involved by reason of his being or having been an officer, director, delegate or employee of the Society if the above-named individual acted in good faith and within the scope of the above-named individual authority and in a manner reasonably believed to be not opposed to the best interest of the Society. In no event shall indemnification be paid to or on behalf of any above-named individual going beyond or acting beyond the powers granted by authority of this organization or Bylaws. The foregoing right of indemnification shall be in addition to, and not exclusive of, all other rights to which such officer, director, delegate or employee may be entitled. 

ARTICLE XIII
Dissolution

In the event of dissolution or final liquidation of the Society, all of its assets remaining, after payment of its obligations shall have been made or provided for, shall be distributed to and among such corporations, foundations, or other organizations organized and operated exclusively for scientific and educational purposes, consistent with those of the Society, as shall be designated by the Board of Directors. 

ARTICLE XIII
Legalities of Bylaws

All provisions of these bylaws shall apply except when in conflict with state or federal laws respecting not-for- profit corporations.