Pearls & Ivy September 2017 Pearls & Ivy | Page 14

"Be in the Know: Perfect Parliamentary Practices" Soror June Cole Boulware, Parliamentarian Page 14 Bylaws Basics We have all heard the saying, “Membership has its privileges”. So it is with Theta Rho Omega Chapter. This month we will highlight some important information from Theta Rho Omega Chapter Bylaws 2016 Article III. MEMBERSHIP Section 3 Rights of Membership (page 2). In chapter meeting, each active soror is entitled to one vote. Yes, soror s, even though we are in Chicagoland, we only get one vote (as opposed to vot- ing early and often!) Therefore, make your vote count. A soror must be financial for the year to vote at the November meeting. This is extremely important! If you have any outstanding obligations (such as VQ assessments) they must be paid by the October meeting in order to vote. In November, we will be voting on our new officers and also the budget. Please make sure you are eligible to vote in these two important elections. Plurality vote decides election. That means whomever /whatever gets the most votes wins. Many elections are decided by one vote, so it is important to vote. A soror must be financial by the January chapter meeting to vote at the January chapter meeting. In November, we will have voted on the budget which will inform us on how much our dues will be for the coming year. It is imperative that your dues be paid by the December chapter meeting! Late payments will trigger a break in service. This would mean you will be una- ble to run for office or be appointed to an office for that year. It will also mean your 24 months of uninterrupted service for sponsorship of MIP can- didates will be affected. You will have to start your count all over again. Please note: returned checks will also make you miss the deadlines so be careful! Yes, Sorors, membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Theta Rho Omega Chapter is indeed a privilege. That privilege does come at a financial cost, so be prepared. Please review this short but powerful section to be fully informed. Submitted by Soror Gloria Pleasont