OAKLAND BBG #2 CHAPTER CONSTITUTION
As Written By Victoria Elyse Miller, Summer 2011 N’siah
Edited By Soluna Delgadillo, Winter 2013-14 N’siah and Zoe Sterling, Summer 2014 Mazkirah and Melanie LaMar, Summer 2014 N’siah
Preamble
BBYO Inc. shall serve the purpose of providing a space for Jewish youth to grow and develop as Jewish citizens in our global community. The B’nai B’rith Girls shall serve the purpose of giving this safe space to Jewish females, and all those who identify as one, and provide an environment that promotes the Menorah Pledge Principles.
Article I- Name
The name of this group shall be Oakland BBG number 2, as it was the second chapter established in the international order. Oakland BBG #2 chose to take this name again when it was restarted after splitting from Dreidel BBYO.
Article II- Legislative Bodies of Precedence
This chapter is hereby declared to be a part of Central Region West of BBYO Inc.
Whenever there is any conflict between this Constitution and that of the Constitution of Central Region West, such provisions of this constitution shall be void and of no effect. The Constitution of the B’nai B’rith Youth Commission and Central Region West shall be supreme in every case.
Article III- Membership
Section 1: Eligibility
All girls who live in the following cities are eligible to be a part of Oakland BBG #2: Oakland, Berkeley, Piedmont, Albany, El Cerrito, Kensington, Alameda and other East Bay cities as seen fit by the perspectives and Oakland BBG #2 members.
Section 2: Expulsion
If a BBG violates the BBYO code of conduct she will be subject to Expulsion or Suspension as determined by our advisor and/or Regional Staff.
Article IV-Meetings
Section 1: Regular
Oakland BBG #2 will meet every other Wednesday from seven to nine in the evening at Temple Beth Abraham.
Section 2: Special
Special or extra meetings may be called to order at the N’siah’s discretion. These will occur if meetings must be rescheduled or for any other reason deemed necessary by the N’siah. For these meetings to occur, an advisor or chaperone must be present.
Section 3: Quorum
Quorum shall be a third of the chapter’s current membership plus one member, in order to have there be a majority present. Quorum is only necessary for elections, installations and constitutional amendments.
Article V-Officers
Section 1: Names
A. The Chapter shall have at least the following officers: (1) N’siah, (2) S’ganit, (3) Morah, (4) Sh’licha, (5) Mazkirah, (6) Gizborit, (10) Madricha with (7) Katvanit, (8) Safranit, and (9) Chai Chanit as optional positions added/removed at the discretion of the N’siah.
Section 2: Duties:
N’siah
President
• Shall run chapter meetings.
• Shall be the official chapter spokesman to the community, region, and international order of the B’nai B’rith Girls.
• Shall advise and supervise all other board members.
• Shall be an ex-officio member of all chapter committees.
• Shall be the advisor's link to the chapter.
• Shall lead MIT Induction, with the Morah
• Shall be responsible for any question regarding the use of Parliamentary Procedure at chapter meetings.
S’ganit
Vice President
• Shall assume the responsibilities of the N’siah in the N’siah’s absence.
• Shall run all chapter board meetings.
• Shall be responsible for all chapter programming.
Morah
Teacher
• Shall oversee membership, including, but not limited to, recruitment, retention, and re-education.
• Shall be responsible for all BBYO-related education.
• Shall be responsible for creation of the chapter Traditions Packet in conjunction with the Traditions Chair.
• Shall coordinate the MIT Induction ceremony.
• Shall lead MIT Induction, with and the N’siah.
Sh’licha
Judaic
• Shall promote cultural, religious, Israeli awareness in the chapter.
• Shall organize community service opportunities for the members of the chapter.
• Ensure that their are Kosher options at every event
• Shall ensure that Havdallah is performed at the appropriate time(s).
• Shall oversee the chapter’s Stand Up! intiative and organize opportunities for the chapter with the organization.
Mazkirah and/or Katvanit
Secretary
• Shall be responsible for all intra-chapter communication.
• Shall oversee event promotion through telecommunications.
• Shall be responsible for thank-you letters and all other written correspondence.
• Shall be responsible for the maintenance of an alumni contact list.
• Shall be present at chapter meetings to take minutes and present prior minutes.
• Shall be responsible for chapter publications.
• Shall be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the chapter website.
· Shall ensure the chapter is represented in a positive way on social-networking sites.
• Shall be in charge of delegating calls and utilizing the communications chair.
Gizbarit
Treasurer
• Shall be responsible for all chapter fundraising.
• Shall be responsible for all reimbursements and other chapter expenses.
• Shall be responsible for the balancing and reconciliation of the chapter account.
Safranit
Historian/Sergeant at Arms
• Shall be responsible for taking pictures at chapter gatherings.
• Shall be responsible for the assembling of the annual chapter scrapbook.
Chai Chanit-
Sunshine Girl
• Shall make girls happy
• Shall make birthday and thank-you cards for members and parents.
• Shall bake and bring food to ensure our members are happy.
Madricha-
Parliamentarian
• Shall advise the N’siah and other BBGs who require assistance.
• Shall be responsible for keeping order at all chapter gatherings.
• Shall oversee the constitution.
Section 3: Chairwomen
The necessity and titles of chairwomen is to be determined by the N’siah and S’ganit for the corresponding term. All members besides those who are on board may apply for chairwomanship, with the exception of Safranit and Chai Chanit. Safranit and Chai Chanit being elected positions. Chairs will serve one chapter term per application.
Section 4: Eligibility
All members in good standing are eligible to run for positions on board. Members have two options when running for board, they can either caucus or run off the floor by nomination.
Section 5: Impeachment
If the chapter is unsatisfied with a member on board, the N’siah must be notified. The N’siah and the advisor will meet with the board member in order to address the chapter’s concerns. If these concerns are not dealt with effectively, a board member may be impeached with a two-thirds vote of current chapter membership.
Section 6: Resignation
A board member may only resign after meeting with the N’siah, advisor, and regional advisor.
Section 7: Replacement
In the event of impeachment or resignation, election for that position will occur at the next meeting. In the meantime, the Madricha will serve as the interim position. The chapter will be notified of the replacement opportunity and will be able to caucus to the advisor until 1 day before the election.
Article VI-Elections
Section 1: Time
Elections will occur every six months.
i. The extension or contraction of a term will be at the advisor, regional staff, and N’siah’s discretion.
Section 2: Order
Elections shall be run in delegation order. This means that the first position elected will be N’siah and the last position elected will be Madricha. Oakland BBG #2’s Board order is, as follows:
(1) N’siah, (2) S’ganit, (3) Morah, (4) Sh’licha, (5) Mazkirah, (6) Gizborit, (7) Katvanit, (8) Safranit, (9) Chai Chanit, and (10) Madricha.
Section 3: Declarations
Members will be given two to four weeks to declare or caucus to the N’siah if they would like to run for a position. Members may only caucus to the N’siah but may speak to the Advisor, the N’siah, the Madricha, the regional N’siah and/or the regional director.
Section 5: Slide Overs
All members who have run for a position during the current election may slide down to as many positions as they wish. Since they have already listed their qualifications, members who slide-over will have one minute to speak about whatever they choose specific to the new position.
Section 6: Nominations
Any member in good standing may be nominated for a position during elections as long as they are present. This is also known as “running off the floor.” Members running off the floor will be given one minute without adjectives to describe goals and qualifications.
Section 7: Absence
If a member would like to run for a position but cannot be present at elections she may either: 1) submit a video of her speech, or 2) submit a speech to be read by the advisor.
The member will not be able to answer questions asked at elections.
Section 8: Co-Positions
There are three ways in which co-positions may occur: members may run together or members may be nominated off the floor/slide-down and the position is voted as a co-position.
i. Running Together: If two members wish to run together they must express this interest, separately, to the N’siah and advisor. After both members have spoken to the N’siah and advisor and both expressed EQUAL interest in running for a co-position, the members may now run together. Members may not speak to each other about a co-position before caucusing, and it will be considered politicking if they do--resulting in ineligibility to participate in elections.
a. All positions may be run for as ‘co-positions,’ except Morah, S’ganit, and N’siah.
ii. Nominations/Slide-over: If members choose to slide-over or run-off the floor, the chapter has the option of voting that position be made a co-position. Vote would only take place if: 1) a motion is passed suggesting a co-position, 2) there are only two members sliding over or nominated for the particular position. Both members affected by the position would be pulled aside and asked if they would be okay with participating in a co-position. If both members are okay with it, a co-position will be established via white ballot voting. If one member would not like to participate in a co-position than the chapter will continue with a regular election.
Section 4: Speeches
i. Candidates for N’siah, have five minutes for their speech.
ii. Candidates for Morah and S’ganit have four minutes for their speech.
iii. All other positions have three minutes to speak.
iv. Slide-overs: a person who has lost and chooses slides over to another position(s), is given one minute to speak with adjectives.
v. Nominations: for positions nominated off the floor, the person will have one minute to speak without adjectives, stating qualifications and goals.
Article VII-Tradition
Section 1: Spirit
i. The official colors of Oakland BBG #2 are red, blue, and yellow
ii. The official mascot of Oakland BBG #2 is Frankie the Ramphurankus.
iii. The official snack food of Oakland BBG #2 are Worms and Dirt
a. The unofficial snack food is Hint of Lime Tostitos.
iv. The official activity of Oakland BBG #2 is Tie-Dye.
v. The official song of Oakland BBG #2 is "I'm Tasty" by Pink Dollaz
Section 2: Affiliated Chapters
i. The brother chapter of Oakland BBG #2 is Dreidel AZA #2525
ii. Oakland BBG #2 and San Francisco BBG #1 have complicated marital relations..
iii. Roee Landesman of Ramon AZA #195 is Oakland’s official side chick because we’re not into commitment.
As Written By Victoria Elyse Miller, Summer 2011 N’siah
Edited By Soluna Delgadillo, Winter 2013-14 N’siah and Zoe Sterling, Summer 2014 Mazkirah and Melanie LaMar, Summer 2014 N’siah
Preamble
BBYO Inc. shall serve the purpose of providing a space for Jewish youth to grow and develop as Jewish citizens in our global community. The B’nai B’rith Girls shall serve the purpose of giving this safe space to Jewish females, and all those who identify as one, and provide an environment that promotes the Menorah Pledge Principles.
Article I- Name
The name of this group shall be Oakland BBG number 2, as it was the second chapter established in the international order. Oakland BBG #2 chose to take this name again when it was restarted after splitting from Dreidel BBYO.
Article II- Legislative Bodies of Precedence
This chapter is hereby declared to be a part of Central Region West of BBYO Inc.
Whenever there is any conflict between this Constitution and that of the Constitution of Central Region West, such provisions of this constitution shall be void and of no effect. The Constitution of the B’nai B’rith Youth Commission and Central Region West shall be supreme in every case.
Article III- Membership
Section 1: Eligibility
All girls who live in the following cities are eligible to be a part of Oakland BBG #2: Oakland, Berkeley, Piedmont, Albany, El Cerrito, Kensington, Alameda and other East Bay cities as seen fit by the perspectives and Oakland BBG #2 members.
Section 2: Expulsion
If a BBG violates the BBYO code of conduct she will be subject to Expulsion or Suspension as determined by our advisor and/or Regional Staff.
Article IV-Meetings
Section 1: Regular
Oakland BBG #2 will meet every other Wednesday from seven to nine in the evening at Temple Beth Abraham.
Section 2: Special
Special or extra meetings may be called to order at the N’siah’s discretion. These will occur if meetings must be rescheduled or for any other reason deemed necessary by the N’siah. For these meetings to occur, an advisor or chaperone must be present.
Section 3: Quorum
Quorum shall be a third of the chapter’s current membership plus one member, in order to have there be a majority present. Quorum is only necessary for elections, installations and constitutional amendments.
Article V-Officers
Section 1: Names
A. The Chapter shall have at least the following officers: (1) N’siah, (2) S’ganit, (3) Morah, (4) Sh’licha, (5) Mazkirah, (6) Gizborit, (10) Madricha with (7) Katvanit, (8) Safranit, and (9) Chai Chanit as optional positions added/removed at the discretion of the N’siah.
Section 2: Duties:
N’siah
President
• Shall run chapter meetings.
• Shall be the official chapter spokesman to the community, region, and international order of the B’nai B’rith Girls.
• Shall advise and supervise all other board members.
• Shall be an ex-officio member of all chapter committees.
• Shall be the advisor's link to the chapter.
• Shall lead MIT Induction, with the Morah
• Shall be responsible for any question regarding the use of Parliamentary Procedure at chapter meetings.
S’ganit
Vice President
• Shall assume the responsibilities of the N’siah in the N’siah’s absence.
• Shall run all chapter board meetings.
• Shall be responsible for all chapter programming.
Morah
Teacher
• Shall oversee membership, including, but not limited to, recruitment, retention, and re-education.
• Shall be responsible for all BBYO-related education.
• Shall be responsible for creation of the chapter Traditions Packet in conjunction with the Traditions Chair.
• Shall coordinate the MIT Induction ceremony.
• Shall lead MIT Induction, with and the N’siah.
Sh’licha
Judaic
• Shall promote cultural, religious, Israeli awareness in the chapter.
• Shall organize community service opportunities for the members of the chapter.
• Ensure that their are Kosher options at every event
• Shall ensure that Havdallah is performed at the appropriate time(s).
• Shall oversee the chapter’s Stand Up! intiative and organize opportunities for the chapter with the organization.
Mazkirah and/or Katvanit
Secretary
• Shall be responsible for all intra-chapter communication.
• Shall oversee event promotion through telecommunications.
• Shall be responsible for thank-you letters and all other written correspondence.
• Shall be responsible for the maintenance of an alumni contact list.
• Shall be present at chapter meetings to take minutes and present prior minutes.
• Shall be responsible for chapter publications.
• Shall be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the chapter website.
· Shall ensure the chapter is represented in a positive way on social-networking sites.
• Shall be in charge of delegating calls and utilizing the communications chair.
Gizbarit
Treasurer
• Shall be responsible for all chapter fundraising.
• Shall be responsible for all reimbursements and other chapter expenses.
• Shall be responsible for the balancing and reconciliation of the chapter account.
Safranit
Historian/Sergeant at Arms
• Shall be responsible for taking pictures at chapter gatherings.
• Shall be responsible for the assembling of the annual chapter scrapbook.
Chai Chanit-
Sunshine Girl
• Shall make girls happy
• Shall make birthday and thank-you cards for members and parents.
• Shall bake and bring food to ensure our members are happy.
Madricha-
Parliamentarian
• Shall advise the N’siah and other BBGs who require assistance.
• Shall be responsible for keeping order at all chapter gatherings.
• Shall oversee the constitution.
Section 3: Chairwomen
The necessity and titles of chairwomen is to be determined by the N’siah and S’ganit for the corresponding term. All members besides those who are on board may apply for chairwomanship, with the exception of Safranit and Chai Chanit. Safranit and Chai Chanit being elected positions. Chairs will serve one chapter term per application.
Section 4: Eligibility
All members in good standing are eligible to run for positions on board. Members have two options when running for board, they can either caucus or run off the floor by nomination.
Section 5: Impeachment
If the chapter is unsatisfied with a member on board, the N’siah must be notified. The N’siah and the advisor will meet with the board member in order to address the chapter’s concerns. If these concerns are not dealt with effectively, a board member may be impeached with a two-thirds vote of current chapter membership.
Section 6: Resignation
A board member may only resign after meeting with the N’siah, advisor, and regional advisor.
Section 7: Replacement
In the event of impeachment or resignation, election for that position will occur at the next meeting. In the meantime, the Madricha will serve as the interim position. The chapter will be notified of the replacement opportunity and will be able to caucus to the advisor until 1 day before the election.
Article VI-Elections
Section 1: Time
Elections will occur every six months.
i. The extension or contraction of a term will be at the advisor, regional staff, and N’siah’s discretion.
Section 2: Order
Elections shall be run in delegation order. This means that the first position elected will be N’siah and the last position elected will be Madricha. Oakland BBG #2’s Board order is, as follows:
(1) N’siah, (2) S’ganit, (3) Morah, (4) Sh’licha, (5) Mazkirah, (6) Gizborit, (7) Katvanit, (8) Safranit, (9) Chai Chanit, and (10) Madricha.
Section 3: Declarations
Members will be given two to four weeks to declare or caucus to the N’siah if they would like to run for a position. Members may only caucus to the N’siah but may speak to the Advisor, the N’siah, the Madricha, the regional N’siah and/or the regional director.
Section 5: Slide Overs
All members who have run for a position during the current election may slide down to as many positions as they wish. Since they have already listed their qualifications, members who slide-over will have one minute to speak about whatever they choose specific to the new position.
Section 6: Nominations
Any member in good standing may be nominated for a position during elections as long as they are present. This is also known as “running off the floor.” Members running off the floor will be given one minute without adjectives to describe goals and qualifications.
Section 7: Absence
If a member would like to run for a position but cannot be present at elections she may either: 1) submit a video of her speech, or 2) submit a speech to be read by the advisor.
The member will not be able to answer questions asked at elections.
Section 8: Co-Positions
There are three ways in which co-positions may occur: members may run together or members may be nominated off the floor/slide-down and the position is voted as a co-position.
i. Running Together: If two members wish to run together they must express this interest, separately, to the N’siah and advisor. After both members have spoken to the N’siah and advisor and both expressed EQUAL interest in running for a co-position, the members may now run together. Members may not speak to each other about a co-position before caucusing, and it will be considered politicking if they do--resulting in ineligibility to participate in elections.
a. All positions may be run for as ‘co-positions,’ except Morah, S’ganit, and N’siah.
ii. Nominations/Slide-over: If members choose to slide-over or run-off the floor, the chapter has the option of voting that position be made a co-position. Vote would only take place if: 1) a motion is passed suggesting a co-position, 2) there are only two members sliding over or nominated for the particular position. Both members affected by the position would be pulled aside and asked if they would be okay with participating in a co-position. If both members are okay with it, a co-position will be established via white ballot voting. If one member would not like to participate in a co-position than the chapter will continue with a regular election.
Section 4: Speeches
i. Candidates for N’siah, have five minutes for their speech.
ii. Candidates for Morah and S’ganit have four minutes for their speech.
iii. All other positions have three minutes to speak.
iv. Slide-overs: a person who has lost and chooses slides over to another position(s), is given one minute to speak with adjectives.
v. Nominations: for positions nominated off the floor, the person will have one minute to speak without adjectives, stating qualifications and goals.
Article VII-Tradition
Section 1: Spirit
i. The official colors of Oakland BBG #2 are red, blue, and yellow
ii. The official mascot of Oakland BBG #2 is Frankie the Ramphurankus.
iii. The official snack food of Oakland BBG #2 are Worms and Dirt
a. The unofficial snack food is Hint of Lime Tostitos.
iv. The official activity of Oakland BBG #2 is Tie-Dye.
v. The official song of Oakland BBG #2 is "I'm Tasty" by Pink Dollaz
Section 2: Affiliated Chapters
i. The brother chapter of Oakland BBG #2 is Dreidel AZA #2525
ii. Oakland BBG #2 and San Francisco BBG #1 have complicated marital relations..
iii. Roee Landesman of Ramon AZA #195 is Oakland’s official side chick because we’re not into commitment.