SECTION 1. ELECTED NATIONAL OFFICERS. The National Convention shall elect the following National Officers to serve for a term of two years or until their successors shall have been elected and qualified: National President, National Vice President.

The National Convention shall also elect six Members to the Board of Directors as Program Directors to serve for a term of two years or until their successors shall have been elected and qualified.

SECTION 2. APPOINTED OFFICERS. The National President shall appoint, with the approval of the National Board of Directors and to serve at its pleasure, the National Executive Director, the National Legal Counsel, the National Archivist, and the International Relations Director.

SECTION 3. HONORARY NATIONAL OFFICERS. The National Convention may appoint Honorary National Officers to serve for a fixed term or at its pleasure.

SECTION 4. DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT. It shall be the duty of the National President to preside at all National Conventions; to call meetings of the National Executive Committee; to enforce a due observance of the Articles of Incorporation, the National Bylaws, and the Standard Chapter Articles of Association of Alpha Phi Omega; to serve as Chair of the National Board of Directors and of the National Executive Committee; to appoint, in the manner specified in these Bylaws, such national officers, national committee Chairs, national committee Members and other persons as are specifically designated for presidential appointment; to appoint all national committees not otherwise provided for; to serve as an ex-officio Member of all national committees; and to perform such other duties as the office may require.

SECTION 5. DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT. It shall be the duty of the National Vice President to preside in the absence of the National President and perform the duties of that office, and perform such other duties as may be assigned by the National President.

SECTION 6. DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTORS. The National President shall appoint five of the National Program Directors to serve, respectively, as the National Membership and Extension Director, the National Leadership Development Director, the National Service and Communication Director, the National Finance and Operations Director, and the National Alumni Relations and Internal Volunteer Development Director. The National President shall appoint the remaining National Program Director to serve in such capacity as the President deems is in the Fraternity’s best interest.

SECTION 7. DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The National Executive Director shall work under the direction of the National President and shall perform such duties as are prescribed by the President and by the National Board of Directors. The National Executive Director shall employ and supervise the office and professional staff of the National Fraternity subject to policies adopted by the National Board of Directors.

The National Executive Director shall receive and provide for the security of all monies of the National Fraternity, and issue all withdrawals made against National Fraternity funds in accordance with procedures and policies as shall be established by the National Board of Directors.

The National Executive Director shall be the general editor of all publications of the Fraternity.

SECTION 8. DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL LEGAL COUNSEL. It shall be the duty of the National Legal Counsel to advise the National Board of Directors, National Executive Committee, National President and National Executive Director on all corporate legal matters.

SECTION 9. DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL ARCHIVIST. It shall be the duty of the National Archivist to receive and provide for the security and proper display of items of national historical importance.

SECTION 10. DUTIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DIRECTOR. It shall be the duty of the International Relations Director to coordinate the international affairs of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity (USA), including its participation in the International Council of Alpha Phi Omega, and to advise the National President and the National Board of Directors of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity (USA) on its relations with other national Alpha Phi Omega organizations.

SECTION 11. SUCCESSION. In the event the office of National President shall become vacant between National Conventions, the National Vice President shall become National President.

SECTION 12. VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF VICE PRESIDENT. Whenever a vacancy shall occur in the office of National Vice President, the National Board of Directors shall elect one of the elected members of the Board to serve as National Vice President.

SECTION 1. NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS. There shall be a National Board of Directors which shall be the governing body of the Fraternity between National Conventions, with power to act on all matters for the best interests of the Fraternity, consistent with the provisions of these Bylaws. Each Member of the National Board of Directors shall be held responsible for near-term and long-range planning and development for his or her prescribed duties in accordance with the Fraternity’s common, overall, near-term and long-range goals.

SECTION 2. MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The National Board of Directors shall consist of the following elected Members: National President, the National Vice President, six Program Directors, and eleven Regional Directors, and the following ex-officio Members: National Executive Director, the National Legal Counsel, the National Archivist, the International Relations Director, Past National Presidents, Life Members of the Board, and a representative of the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The ex-officio Members shall also serve as advisors to the Board and assume responsibility for special assignments on appointment by the National President. Each Member of the Board shall have one vote at meetings of the National Board of Directors, except for the National Executive Director, the National Archivist, and the National Legal Counsel, who shall have voice, but no vote. Unless a voting Member of the National Board of Directors is appointed to serve as International Relations Director, the International Relations Director shall have voice but no vote.

SECTION 3. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL BOARD. There shall be an Executive Committee of the National Board of Directors with the authority to act in the name of the Board between Board meetings on those matters which the Board delegates to it. In the event of a financial, legal, personnel or public relations emergency, the Executive Committee will have the powers of the National Board to act, for the best interests of the Fraternity, on emergency matters which the Committee reasonably determines require handling before the next scheduled meeting of the National Board of Directors.

The Executive Committee of the National Board of Directors shall meet at the call of the National President or by petition of a majority of its Members. The time and place of all Executive Committee meetings shall be determined by the National President.

SECTION 4. MEMBERSHIP OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. Membership of the Executive Committee of the National Board of Directors shall consist of the National President, the National Vice President, the six Program Directors and, as ex-officio, nonvoting Members, the National Executive Director, the National Legal Counsel and the immediate Past National President.

SECTION 5. REGIONAL DIRECTORS. There shall be eleven (11) Regional Directors serving on the National Board of Directors. The Regional Directors shall participate in the policy making activities of the National Board of Directors acting in the best interests of the Fraternity, and are encouraged to actively participate in National Committees. They shall be elected in the manner prescribed in Article XI, Section 2 of these Bylaws to serve until the next National Convention.

SECTION 6. BOARD MEETINGS. The National Board of Directors shall meet at least once each calendar year. Special meetings may be called by the Executive Committee of the National Board of Directors or by petition of a majority of the elected Members of the National Board of Directors. The time and place of all regularly scheduled Board meetings shall be determined by the National Board of Directors. A quorum at all Board meetings shall consist of a majority of the currently elected Members of the National Board of Directors. All action taken by the Board shall be reported to the Chapters in the next edition of the Torch and Trefoil or other national publication if there is one, within sixty (60) days.

SECTION 7. BOARD LIFE MEMBERSHIP. Life Membership on the National Board of Directors may be conferred by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the delegates present at a National Convention upon persons who have served on the Board twenty years or more. Life Members of the National Executive Board as of February 29, 1968, shall retain Life Membership on the National Board of Directors.

SECTION 8. BOARD VACANCIES. Any Member of the Board may resign from the Board by submitting a letter to the National Executive Director. Such resignation by a Past National President or Life Member of the Board shall not constitute a Board vacancy. Vacancies occurring among currently elected Members of the Board shall be filled by vote of the remaining Members of the Board until the next National Convention. Any person selected to fill a vacancy shall meet the eligibility requirements prescribed in these Bylaws for the predecessor.

SECTION 9. IMPEACHMENT. Members of the National Board of Directors and other elected officials of the National Fraternity, including regional officials, may be impeached for misconduct or malfeasance in office. Charges shall be submitted in writing to the National Board of Directors. The National Board of Directors shall investigate and hear the charges. If two-thirds of the Members of the National Board of Directors present and voting sustain the charges, the official shall be suspended and removed from office.

The National Board of Directors may impose any lesser penalty or take other appropriate action in lieu of impeachment where deemed warranted. Actions constituting formal discipline, such as censure or reprimand, shall require the approval of two-thirds of those Members present and voting.

SECTION 1. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES. It shall be the duty of the National President, with the approval of the National Board of Directors, to appoint Chairs of all standing committees and to appoint or consent to the appointment of subcommittees of standing committees. The Chairs of such subcommittees shall be derived from the Membership of the appropriate standing committee. There shall be at least one Member of the National Board of Directors on each national standing committee.

SECTION 2. NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE. The National Advisory Committee shall consist of a Chair and Members appointed by the National President.

It shall be the duty of the National Advisory Committee to advise the National President in matters concerning the welfare of the Fraternity.

SECTION 3. NATIONAL ALUMNI RELATIONS AND INTERNAL VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. The National Alumni Relations and Internal Volunteer Development Committee shall consist of the National Alumni Relations/Internal Volunteer Development Director as Chair, one alumni Member from each region and other Members as deemed necessary.

The National Alumni Relations and Internal Volunteer Development Committee Member from each region shall be nominated by the National Alumni Relations and Internal Volunteer Development Director and appointed by the National President.

It shall be the duty of the National Alumni Relations and Internal Volunteer Development Committee to coordinate all alumni affairs of the Fraternity, to promote continued alumni interest in the Fraternity’s ideals and programs, and to serve as the governing body of the Fraternity’s alumni. It also shall be the duty of the National Alumni Relations and Internal Volunteer Development Committee to initiate and coordinate identification, recruitment, development, retention and recognition programs for volunteers to work within and for the Fraternity.

SECTION 4. NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP AND EXTENSION COMMITTEE. The National Membership and Extension Committee shall consist of the National Membership and Extension Director as Chair and Members nominated by the National Membership and Extension Director and appointed by the National President.

It shall be the duty of the National Membership and Extension Committee to promote and encourage programs and activities that serve and support Chapters, to promote and encourage programs and activities for the enhancement of Membership recruitment, retention and reporting in the Fraternity, to promote and encourage programs and services for Chapter Advisors, to promote and encourage the reactivation of previously voided charters, and to promote and encourage the formation of new Chapters.

SECTION 5. NATIONAL FINANCE AND OPERATIONS COMMITTEE. The National Finance and Operations Committee shall consist of the National Finance and Operations Director as Chair and two or more Members nominated by the National Finance and Operations Director and appointed by the National President.

It shall be the duty of the National Finance and Operations Committee to propose ways and means to finance the Fraternity adequately, to propose expenditures through annual budget recommendations and a written report, to oversee and coordinate the Fraternity’s fund-raising programs and activities, to evaluate National Office personnel practices and operational procedures for the purpose of providing recommendations, advice and counsel to the National President, the National Executive Director and the National Board of Directors regarding personnel and operational matters, and to oversee the use and development of Fraternity insignia.

SECTION 6. NATIONAL SERVICE AND COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE. The National Service and Communication Committee shall consist of the National Service and Communication Director as Chair and Members nominated by the National Service and Communication Director and appointed by the National President.

It shall be the duty of the National Service and Communication Committee to develop a two-year National Service Program for consideration and action by the biennial National Convention; to stimulate effective and well-rounded service programs by instigating resource development and distribution; to encourage high-quality Chapter service programs through an effective program of promotion and recognition of Chapter service activities, opportunities and incentives; and to coordinate the Fraternity’s youth-service activities, including those related to scouting organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of the United States of America and similar associations.

Further, it shall be the duty of the National Service and Communication Committee to publicize the Fraternity’s success and leadership in service and volunteerism so as to foster good relations with college and university administrators and faculties and with the general public; to build, maintain and enhance cooperative relationships between the Fraternity and other major service and volunteerism organizations; to promote and encourage effective communication within the Fraternity through all available resources and methods, including printed publications and electronic means; and to assist in the promotion of Fraternity events, such as Sectional, Regional, and National Conferences.

SECTION 7. NATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. The National Leadership Development Committee shall consist of the National Leadership Development Director as Chair, and Members nominated by the National Leadership Development Director and appointed by the National President.

It shall be the duty of the National Leadership Development Committee to establish and coordinate leadership development programs on the Sectional, Regional, and National levels.

SECTION 8. NATIONAL SCOUTING AND YOUTH SERVICES COMMITTEE. The National Scouting and Youth Services Committee shall consist of a Chair appointed by the National President, a representative of the Boy Scouts of America, and other Members nominated by the Chair and appointed by the National President.

It shall be the duty of the National Scouting and Youth Services Committee to advise the National Service and Communication Director, the National President, and the National Board of Directors on relations between the Fraternity and youth service organizations; to offer suggestions to enable the Fraternity to be of greater service to youth; and to promote interest in Alpha Phi Omega among professional and volunteer leaders of youth-service organizations.

SECTION 1. DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL FINANCE AND OPERATIONS DIRECTOR. It shall be the duty of the National Finance and Operations Director to enforce the maintenance of sound fiscal policies in the budgeting and handling of Fraternity funds, in accordance with procedures and policies as shall be established by the National Board of Directors; to issue periodic financial reports to the National Officers and Members of the National Board of Directors; and to issue annually a finance report to all Chapters.

SECTION 2. DISSOLUTION OF CHAPTER. Upon the dissolution of a Chapter a written report concerning any money or property on hand shall be filed by the Chapter with the university or college, and a copy thereof filed with the National Executive Director. Such money or property shall be held in trust by the university or college, or otherwise by the National Office, until the Chapter is reactivated and thereupon shall be returned to the Chapter. If the Chapter is not reactivated within five years such funds shall be transferred to an organization exempt from Federal Income Tax within the meaning of the provisions of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

SECTION 3. PETITIONING MEMBER FEE. There shall be a national Petitioning Membership Fee equal to the national Pledge Fee to be paid by each Petitioning Member. The fee shall be nonrefundable and shall be sent to the National Executive Director within ten days after Petitioning Membership is granted by a Petitioning Group.

SECTION 4. PLEDGE FEE. There shall be a National Pledge Fee of ten ($10) dollars to be paid by each new Pledge. The fee shall be nonrefundable and shall be sent to the National Executive Director not later than ten days after the Pledge Ritual is conducted.

SECTION 5. INITIATION FEE. There shall be a National Active Initiation Fee of twenty-five ($25) dollars to be paid by each new Active Member. The fee shall be nonrefundable and sent to the National Executive Director not later than ten days after the Initiation Ritual is conducted.

SECTION 6. ANNUAL ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP DUES. Annually by November 1st, each Chapter shall submit to the National Office a roster of Active Members, together with the Annual Active Membership dues of fifteen ($15) dollars per Active Member regardless of Life Membership status. The minimum annual dues per Chapter shall be forty-five ($45) dollars. The definition of an Active Member shall be determined by Article III, Section 2 (2). A Chapter, to remain active and in good standing, must meet the above requirements by yearly paying all dues.

SECTION 7. LIFE MEMBERSHIP RECOGNITION. Life Member recognition shall be granted to all Active Members and to Alumni Members within one year of their obtaining alumni status who are in good standing and have contributed fifty ($50) dollars in a single sum or cumulatively and to Advisory, Honorary, and other alumni Members who have contributed one hundred ($100) dollars in a single sum or cumulatively to the Alpha Phi Omega Endowment Fund.

SECTION 8. AUDITING OF NATIONAL RECORDS. The financial records of the National Fraternity shall be audited by a Certified Public Accountant and a report concerning the financial affairs of the Fraternity shall be published annually in an official publication of the Fraternity and sent to all Chapters. This financial report shall include income and expenditures and a balance sheet, which summarizes all assets and liabilities.

SECTION 9. BONDING. All National Officers and employees of the Fraternity handling National Fraternity funds shall be bonded.

SECTION 10. FEE FOR HONORARY MEMBERSHIP. There shall be an Honorary Membership fee of five ($5) dollars to be paid by the conferring party.

SECTION 11. ANNUAL RECOGNITION FEE FOR LOCAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS. There shall be an annual recognition fee for all local Alumni Associations as provided in Article XII, Section 2 (4).

SECTION 1. LOCATIONS OF CHAPTERS. Chapters may be established in a college or university which is accredited by a recognized accrediting association. The National Board of Directors shall determine which accrediting associations will be recognized.

SECTION 2. REQUIREMENTS FOR ESTABLISHING A CHAPTER. A charter shall be granted only on a formal petition of fifteen or more students at an accredited college or university. Prior to the issuance of a charter, a Petitioning Group shall be established upon a finding by the National Membership and Extension Committee that it would be in the best interest of the Fraternity to do so and after an application for Petitioning Group status is submitted to such committee. The requirements for recognition as a Petitioning Group shall be recommended by the National Membership and Extension Committee and approved by the National Board of Directors. Should Petitioning Group status be denied, a written explanation of the reasons for denial must be submitted to the National Executive Director, who shall forward it within 14 days to the National Board of Directors and to the group seeking Petitioning Group status.

A group which submits an application for charter shall have four or more advisors including, at minimum, two advisors from the faculty, administration or staff of this educational institution, one advisor representing Scouting or other youth services, and one advisor from the community. The group shall meet the published requirements for charter recommended by the National Membership and Extension Committee and approved by the National Board of Directors.

SECTION 3. ISSUANCE OF CHARTERS. Charters shall be issued by the National Executive Director after the approval of the Regional Director and Sectional Chair for the area in which the Petitioning Group is located and, following the approval of the National Membership and Extension Committee through the National Executive Director, an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members of the National Board of Directors and an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Chapters in good standing voting in the Section in which the Petitioning Group is located. At the National President’s discretion, the approval of the National Board of Directors may be by mail ballot with the unanimous written consent of Board Members responding within twenty days of the date the petition information is mailed to all Board Members. Chapters shall have twenty days from the date the petition information is mailed to them for their vote to be received at the National Office. Voting shall be based upon criteria published by the National Membership and Extension Committee. A negative vote by either a Board Member or a Chapter shall be accompanied by a written explanation of the reasons for such denial, which shall be forwarded to the Petitioning Group within fourteen days of such a vote. Any Petitioning Group denied a charter may then resubmit an application.

Any Petitioning Group failing to obtain all necessary approvals required by the first part of this Section may appeal the decision to the National Board of Directors at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The National Board may solely, with a three-fourths vote of those present and voting, approve a charter application.

SECTION 4. PRESENTATION OF CHARTERS. Charters shall be presented by the National President, the Regional Director for the region in which the Petitioning Group is located, or by a representative appointed by the National President.

SECTION 5. SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION OF CHARTERS. Charters may be suspended for just cause between National Conventions only after an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the National Board of Directors. A Chapter whose charter has been suspended shall still be responsible for meeting its yearly financial, administrative and annual charter reaffirmation obligations to the National Fraternity, unless deemed otherwise by the National Board of Directors. A charter that has been suspended shall remain suspended until it is reinstated by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the National Board of Directors or by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the registered delegates present and voting at the National Convention. A Chapter whose charter remains suspended for two years shall be declared inactive as herein prescribed. Charters may be revoked only by a two-thirds vote of registered delegates present and voting at the National Convention. Following revocation of a Chapter’s charter by a National Convention, no Petitioning Group shall be recognized nor Chapter chartered at that campus for a minimum of two years after the charter’s revocation.

SECTION 6. ANNUAL CHARTER REAFFIRMATION. Each Chapter shall annually reaffirm its charter by November 15th by submitting a roster of the Active Members, a roster of the Advisory Members, payment of Annual Active Membership Dues, and certifications that the Chapter is in compliance with the Membership and Risk Management Policies of the Fraternity and is in compliance with the Standard Chapter Articles of Association.

SECTION 7. INACTIVE CHAPTERS. A Chapter shall be considered inactive when it fails to remain in good standing for two (2) consecutive years, unless good cause can be shown by the Regional Director. Those Chapters still not in good standing for an additional consecutive year shall be declared inactive. The charter of an inactive Chapter shall be declared null and void by the National President. Rechartering procedure shall consist of fulfilling all the requirements for a new Chapter.

SECTION 8. CHAPTERS IN GOOD STANDING. A Chapter in good standing is one which yearly meets its financial, administrative, and Annual Charter Reaffirmation obligations to the National Fraternity; has at least one Active Member; and which has not been declared inactive or suspended, or had its charter revoked, or has not otherwise been deemed in violation of the policies or National Bylaws of Alpha Phi Omega; or of the rules, regulations, or policies of its school.

SECTION 9. STANDARD CHAPTER ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION. Petitioning Groups shall be required to submit an executed copy of the Standard Chapter Articles of Association with their charter application.

SECTION 10. MEMBERSHIP RECORDS. The National Office shall keep permanent records of Members of the Fraternity. Chapters shall maintain a permanent record of their Members.

SECTION 11. CHAPTER PERMANENT MAILING ADDRESS. Each Chapter shall maintain a post office box or other permanent Chapter mailing address.

SECTION 12. CHAPTER DUES. Chapters may establish reasonable Chapter initiation fees, dues, and assessments, in addition to those established by the National Fraternity.

SECTION 13. HAZING. There shall be no hazing or informal initiation in connection with the functions of the Chapter. Any mistreatment of Pledges, Members or other persons at any time shall be considered a violation of the purposes of the Chapter and of the National Fraternity.

SECTION 14. HOUSING POLICY. As a Service Fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega does not operate nor maintain a fraternity house as lodging quarters for Members nor for any other persons. A Chapter may maintain rooms for meetings at the discretion of its Members.

SECTION 15. POLICY ON ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP. Chapters of Alpha Phi Omega shall neither seek nor accept Membership in any association consisting solely of social fraternities, except on approval of the National Board of Directors.

SECTION 16. AUTHORITY OF CHAPTERS. Any Chapter may adopt bylaws, rules, or regulations not in conflict with the National Articles of Incorporation, the National Bylaws, the Standard Chapter Articles of Association, National policies, or the rules, regulations, or policies of the educational institution at which the Chapter is located. In the event that the rules, regulations, or policies of the educational institution at which the Chapter is located are more stringent than those included in the National Articles of Incorporation, the National Bylaws, the Standard Chapter Articles of Association, or other National policies, the rules, regulations and policies of the host institution shall prevail.

SECTION 17. FINANCE AND PROPERTY. Chapter Officers shall, annually, cause the appropriate local, state, and federal income tax forms to be filed.

The financial records of each Chapter shall be audited annually by an official approved by the institution in which the Chapter is located, and a confirmation of the audit will be sent to the National Office upon request by the National Executive Director.

Upon dissolution of a Chapter, a written report of any money or property on hand shall be filed by its officers with the educational institution and a copy with the National Executive Director of Alpha Phi Omega. Such money or property shall be held in trust by the educational institution, or by the National Office of Alpha Phi Omega, until the reactivation of the Chapter, and delivered to the Chapter at such time.

Should reactivation of a Chapter not be accomplished within five years of dissolution, such funds shall then be paid to an organization exempt within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

SECTION 1. FORMATION AND PURPOSE OF SECTIONS.

(1) FORMATION. There shall be no greater than 100 geographic Sections composed, as nearly as is practical and convenient to the Active Members of the Fraternity, of an equivalent number of Chapters. Each Region shall have no more than ten (10) Sections.

It shall be the duty of a Regional Director to set, with approval from Chapters affected, the boundaries of Sections within a region. The Regional Director shall give sixty (60) days prior notice to Chapters affected.

A Regional Director shall submit proposed Sectional boundaries to all Chapters of a region not later than sixty (60) days following a National Convention at which the regional boundaries were realigned or considered for realignment.

(2) PURPOSE. A Section shall be a unified geographical area within a region established to facilitate Chapter administration, inter-Chapter conferences, leadership training, the formation of new Chapters and the utilization of National Office and National Staff services.

SECTION 2. SECTIONAL LEADERSHIP

(1) SECTIONAL CHAIR. The Sectional Chair shall be elected for a one year term, or until his or her successor has been elected, by a majority vote of those Chapters in good standing belonging to that Section that are present and voting at a Sectional Conference. The Sectional Chair is under the guidance of the Regional Director of that area.

In the event that the Sectional Chair is unable to complete his or her term, the Regional Director shall appoint an interim Sectional Chair to serve until the next Sectional Conference.

Results of elections shall be reported to the National Office within 15 days. Appointments shall be reported to the Chapters in the Section within 15 days by the National Office.

(2) SECTIONAL VICE CHAIRS. Sectional Vice Chairs may be appointed by the Sectional Chair to serve concurrently with the term of the Sectional Chair. The duties of Sectional Vice Chairs shall be assigned by the Sectional Chair.

(3) SECTIONAL REPRESENTATIVES. Sectional Representatives shall be appointed by the Sectional Chair and approved by the Chapter or Chapters to which they are assigned. Their terms shall be concurrent with the term of the Sectional Chair. A Sectional Representative may serve more than one Chapter.

The Sectional Representative shall assist Chapters and provide the Sectional Chair with a report thereon.

(4) SECTIONAL STAFF. For administrative purposes Sectional Staff Members may be appointed by the Sectional Chair to serve concurrently with the term of the Sectional Chair. The Sectional Chair shall define their duties.

(5) IMPEACHMENT. Sectional Officials may be impeached for misconduct or malfeasance in office. Charges shall be submitted in writing to the National Board of Directors. The National Board of Directors shall investigate and hear the charges. If two-thirds of the Members of the National Board of Directors present and voting sustain the charges, the official shall be suspended and removed from office.

The National Board of Directors may impose any lesser penalty or take other appropriate action in lieu of impeachment where deemed warranted. Actions constituting formal discipline, such as censure or reprimand, shall require the approval of two-thirds of those Members present and voting.

Impeachment by the National Board of Directors of Sectional Officials may be appealed to the Membership of the Section at the next Sectional Conference or National Convention. If two-thirds of the registered delegates from the Section present and voting at the Sectional Conference or Sectional meeting at said National Convention affirm the Board’s action, the action shall be sustained. If the Board’s action is not sustained, then the official shall immediately be reinstated for the remainder of the term of office.

SECTION 3. SECTIONAL CONFERENCES. A Sectional Conference shall be held at least annually at a time and place determined by the Chapters in the Section, subject to the approval of the Regional Director. A Sectional Conference may formulate recommendations and propose amendments for the consideration of the National Convention or the National Board of Directors. Any Chapter not in good standing but represented at a Sectional Conference shall be entitled to all privileges as a Chapter in good standing, with the exception of voting.

SECTION 1. FORMATION AND PURPOSE.

(1) PURPOSE. A Region shall be a unified geographical area established to facilitate national administration, leadership training, intersectional conferences and efficient utilization of National Office and Sectional services.

(2) DEFINITION OF BOUNDARIES. There shall be eleven (11) geographical Regions as defined by the National Convention.

(3) REALIGNMENT. The National Board of Directors shall have a census of the active Chapters taken every six years, beginning in 1998, and being completed at least six (6) months prior to the National Convention to allow dissemination to the Chapters. The National Board must submit Regional Boundaries to the National Convention that contain as practical an equivalent number of Chapters as reasonable geographic alignment of Sections allow. Chapters involved in any change shall be notified in writing at least eighty (80) days prior to the Convention.

SECTION 2. REGIONAL LEADERSHIP. The Regional Director shall be the administrative director of the Region represented. The Regional Director shall enforce due observance of the National Bylaws and Standard Chapter Articles of Association, and shall maintain the standards of the Fraternity throughout the Region.

The Regional Director shall facilitate communication among Chapters and Sections within the Region and between the Chapters and Sections in the Region and the National Office. Regional Directors are responsible for developing and implementing activities to meet the components of National Goals for their respective Regions and have responsibility for maintaining a positive relationship with university faculty and staff of the Region on behalf of the National Fraternity.

For administrative purposes, Regional Staff Members may be appointed by the Regional Director to serve concurrently with the term of the Regional Director. The Regional Director shall define their duties.

Nomination and election of the Regional Director shall take place in Regional Meetings at National Conventions. Only registered delegates entitled to vote, representing Chapters within the appropriate region, may nominate and elect their Regional Director. Regional Directors may be impeached pursuant to Article VI, Section 9.

SECTION 3. REGIONAL CONFERENCES. A Regional Conference may be held at a time and place determined by the Chapters in the Region, subject to the approval of the Regional Director. A Regional Conference may formulate recommendations and propose amendments for the consideration of the National Convention or the National Board of Directors. Any Chapter not in good standing but represented at a Regional Conference shall be entitled to all privileges as a Chapter in good standing, with the exception of voting.

SECTION 1. NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.

(1) FORMATION. There shall be a National Alumni Association of Alpha Phi Omega composed of alumni Members of Alpha Phi Omega [See Article III, Section 2 (7)]. The Chair of the National Alumni Relations and Internal Volunteer Development Committee shall also serve as the Chair of the National Alumni Association.

(2) PURPOSE. The purpose of the National Alumni Association shall be to encourage support of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, to serve, inform, and involve alumni of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity so as to foster interaction and friendship among Alpha Phi Omega Members of all ages, and to promote civic and professional service by Alpha Phi Omega alumni.

All Members of the National Alumni Association are encouraged to carry the principles and ideals of Alpha Phi Omega to their civic and business community and to provide leadership and service to those affiliations to the best of their ability.

SECTION 2. LOCAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.

(1) Alumni Members may organize themselves locally into any or all of the following:

(a) Alumni associations composed of the alumni of a single Chapter;

(b) Alumni associations composed of all alumni Members within a single geographical area; or

(c) Any combination of alternatives within this Section or any other method of local association which local alumni may deem desirable with the approval of the National Alumni Relations and Internal Volunteer Development Committee.

(2) The purpose of local alumni associations shall be to promote the principles of Alpha Phi Omega among alumni Members and the entire Fraternity through such activities as the local alumni associations may deem desirable.

(3) Membership in an Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association shall be granted only to persons who are duly registered in the National Office as former active, advisory, or honorary Members of a Chapter. Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Associations shall not grant any form of Membership

(a) that does not comply with the above standards or

(b) to any Member expelled from the Fraternity under Article III, Section 2 (11).

(4) All Alumni Associations shall apply to the National Alumni Relations/Internal Volunteer Development Committee yearly by January 15 for formal recognition. The fee for formal recognition will be fifteen ($15) dollars.

SECTION 3. REGIONAL ALUMNI COUNCILS

(1) There shall be an Alumni Council in each region of Alpha Phi Omega formed and chaired by the National Alumni Relations and Internal Volunteer Development Committee Member for that region.

(2) The Regional Alumni Council shall be composed of at least one alumni Member from each recognized alumni association within the region and at least one alumni Member-at-large from the region, appointed by the Regional Alumni Council Chair. The council shall also include at least one alumni Member-at-large from each Section, appointed by the Regional Alumni Council Chair and approved by the respective Sectional Chair, in order to represent the interests of those alumni not affiliated with a recognized alumni association within said region.

(3) The Regional Alumni Council shall aid local alumni associations within the region, aid the National Alumni Association in locating and maintaining contact with Alumni within the Region, coordinate all regional alumni meetings and activities, and elect the Alumni Voting Delegate to the National Convention with the certification of the Regional Director. It shall also serve as an advisory board to the Regional Director concerning issues related to alumni affairs.

SECTION 4. ALUMNI VOTING POWER.

At National Conventions, each region [as defined in Article XI, Section I (2)] shall have one alumni vote.

SECTION 1. POWER TO AMEND. The power to amend the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Standard Chapter Articles of Association, Rituals, Ceremonies and Toast Song shall rest in the National Convention.

SECTION 2. PROCEDURE FOR AMENDMENT. Every proposed amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, National Bylaws, Standard Chapter Articles of Association, Rituals, Ceremonies, or Toast Song shall be submitted to the National Executive Director in writing at least ninety (90) days before the first legislative session of the next National Convention. All proposals shall be submitted by the National Executive Director to the Chapters and the National Board of Directors at least eighty (80) days before the first legislative session of the next National Convention. Any corrections to the text of proposals must be submitted to the National Executive Director in writing or electronically at least sixty (60) days before the first legislative session of the next National Convention. All text or omission corrections of proposals must be submitted by the National Executive Director to the Chapters and the National Board of Directors at least fifty (50) days before the first legislative session of the next National Convention. If there are no corrections, the National Executive director must send notification of this to the Chapters and to the National Board of Directors no later than fifty (50) days before the first legislative session of the National Convention.

Written testimony pertaining to any proposal may be submitted to the National Executive Director no later than the opening session of the Convention. Fifteen (15) copies shall be provided. The National Executive Director shall be responsible for transmitting such testimony to the appropriate Convention Committee.

All proposals submitted shall be considered by an appropriate convention committee, prior to the opening of the legislative session of the convention. Such committee shall determine the proposals to be placed on the agenda of the legislative session of the convention. Such committee shall also have the power to propose amendments to lesser documents to maintain consistency with proposals made to superior documents.

Proposals not placed on the agenda of the convention may be brought to the floor only by a delegate from the Chapter proposing the amendment, or by a Member of the Fraternity who proposed it and is present as a delegate at the convention, or by a petition signed by all of the delegates present from five Chapters.

SECTION 3. VOTE REQUIRED TO AMEND. An affirmative vote equivalent to three-fourths of the total votes cast by registered delegates present and voting at any session of the National Convention shall be necessary for the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Standard Chapter Articles of Association, rituals, ceremonies, or Toast Song. The presence of a quorum is required to pass any amendment.