GSR Bylaws

CONSTITUTION

GEORGIA SOCIETY OF RHEUMATOLOGY

Article I. Name

The name of this organization shall be "The Georgia Society of Rheumatology."

Article II. Purpose

The purpose of this organization shall be to inspire excellence in the practice of Rheumatology through cutting edge scientific knowledge, professional collaboration and advocacy.

This association is organized exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Article III. Power

Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the association shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an association exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law) or (b) an association contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or corresponding provision of any corresponding provision of any future Unites States Internal Revenue Law).
Article IV. Membership

Section 1. Active membership in this organization shall be limited to physicians and other scientists having a particular interest in some phase of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. Physician members shall have a M.D. or D.O. degree. Only Active Members may hold office.

Section 2. Associate membership in this organization shall be limited to physician assistants and nurse practitioners directly supervised by a Rheumatologist.

Section 3. Training membership in this organization shall be limited to physicians who shall be currently enrolled or have completed a training program in rheumatology or a related field within the past year.

Article V. Policies

The policies of this organization shall comply with the laws of the State of Georgia at all times and recognize the policies of the American College of Rheumatology and the Medical Association of Georgia.

Article VI. Officers

Section 1. The officers of this organization shall be:
  • President, 1 year term
  • Vice-President, 1 year term, progresses to office of President.
  • Program Chair, 1 year term, progresses to office of Vice President.
  • Membership Chair, 1 year term, progresses to office of Program Chair.
  • Executive Liaison, 5 year term, does not progress to office of President.
  • Secretary-Treasurer, 5 year term, does not progress to office of President.
all of whom shall be members in good standing.

Section 2. – Officer Terms
The President, Vice President, Program Chair and Membership Chair shall hold office for one year or until their successors have been qualified and elected. They shall not be eligible for successive reelection. The Executive Liaison and Secretary-Treasurer shall hold office for up to five years or until his/her successor has been elected and qualified.

Section 3. – Officer Roles

President: The president is responsible for and has commensurate authority to accomplish the following duties:
  1. Presides at all meetings of the membership, board of directors and officers.
  2. Sees that the officers and board of directors are kept fully informed on the conditions and operations of GSR.
  3. Sees that basic policies and programs that will further the goals and objectives of GSR are planned, formulated and presented to the officers and board of directors. Provides continuity and support of on-going programs.
  4. Consults with the staff director in planning the annual meeting, formulating board' meeting agendas, communicating with the membership, overseeing committee activities and reviewing nominations and awards.
  5. Works with the secretary/treasurer to establish a budget and review income and expense.
  6. Reviews and approves correspondence sent by staff.
  7. Serves as GSR's representative to functions, meetings councils and MAG. Acts as spokesman for GSR to the press, legislative bodies and related organizations.
  8. Appoints and/or replaces all chairmen and members of GSR committees and taskforces.
Vice President:
  1. Acts in the absence of the president and performs other duties as pertain to that office
  2. Attends meetings of the board, executive committee and business meetings of the GSR.
  3. Accepts responsibilities and assignments delegated by the president, such as representing the president with allied organizations and any other duties appropriate to the presidency.
Program Chair:
  1. Recruit, recommend and secure all of the speakers for the annual meeting.
  2. Works with the Executive Director to plan the program of all meetings including the annual educational conference.
  3. Presents a tentative program agenda for the annual educational conference to be approved by the board.
Membership Chair:
  1. Develops a membership recruitment plan.
  2. Surveys members for input on membership benefits/meeting benefits.
  3. Recommends activities which may encourage membership recruitment.
Secretary/Treasurer:
  1. Takes the minutes and keeps the records of all meetings of the membership, executive board and board of directors.
  2. Reads the minutes at meetings of the membership, executive board and board of directors.
  3. Oversees GSR's funds by reviewing monthly financial reports.
  4. Presents an annual financial report to the membership. Presents financial reports to the board of directors.
  5. Monitors and supervises the financial affairs of the GSR to determine their cost-effectiveness and proper utilization.
  6. Consults with the president and director or his designate in formulating the annual budget to include income and expense projections, preparing reports, handling irregularities, collection of funds, and any other activities related to the execution of the duties and responsibilities commensurate with the position of secretary/treasurer.
Executive Liaison:
  1. Actively represents the interests and positions of the board to groups outside of the board.
  2. Serves as an active supporter of the group, but is not obligated to be an advocate of all of the groups positions.
Article VII. Committees

Section 1. There shall be standing committees of this Society as follows:
Executive Committee
CME Committee
Membership Committee
Metropolitan Atlanta Rheumatology Society/Atlanta Bone Club
Program Committee
Advocacy Committee

Section 2. In addition to the committees listed under Section 1, above, the President shall appoint such committees as may be necessary for the purpose of proper conduct of business and activities of this organization.

Article VIII. Amendments

Section 1. Proposed amendments to this constitution will be considered and acted upon at the annual Business Meeting of the Society. The membership shall be notified of any proposed amendment at least four (4) weeks in advance of this meeting. This will apply to any additions to or change in the bylaws of this society. Section 2. A two-thirds majority o£ the members present and voting shall be necessary to adopt any amendment.

Article IX. Dissolution

Upon dissolution of this association, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the Federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the association is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

Adopted at Organization Meeting November 13,1967

Amended: September 13,1969, September 17, 1971, April 17, 2004, June 7, 2008, June 13, 2009, November 4, 2019