NAORRR Constitution and By-Laws
(Amended January, 2015)
PREAMBLE
In the spirit of our Jewish Tradition which honors the process of aging, we members of the CCAR having reached the age of retirement and being conscious of both the privileges and problems of our older years, have established this organization so that we might come together to learn, socialize, share experiences and strengthen each other.
Article 1: Name
The Organization shall be known as the National Association of Retired Reform Rabbis (NAORRR), a region of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR).
Article 2: Purpose
Our purpose, in keeping with that which is set forth in the Preamble, shall be to provide support and advocacy for and to foster chevruta among retired rabbis, their spouses/partners, and surviving spouses/partners. We seek to present opportunities for discussion of the practical problems and needs of our members as well as for scholarly stimulation and Torah study. In addition, we want to continue strengthening and supporting the CCAR in its endeavors while linking ourselves to the strivings of our People in Israel and throughout the world.
Article 3: Membership
Members in good standing of the CCAR who are nearing or have reached retirement, their spouses/partners and surviving spouses/partners are eligible for membership. (Note: Amended in 2016 to delete the words "or having reach 60 years of age).
Article 4: Dues
Annual dues and any necessary fees shall be set by the Board of Trustees. Dues must be current for members to attend the annual convention unless special arrangements have been made with the executive vice president/s.
Article 5: Board of Trustees
Section 1: The Board of Trustees shall consist of the officers as described in Section 2 plus twelve additional members of NAORRR .
Section 2: The officers of this organization shall be a President, a First Vice President and a Second Vice President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. Together with the Executive Vice President/s and the Immediate Past President, they shall constitute the Executive Committee.
Section 3: The officers shall have the duties usually associated with each office: The president to preside over meetings and, in general, to guide the affairs of the organization; the first vice president to serve in the absence of the president, and to chair the convention program committee; the second vice president to engage in Membership Outreach and to assist the president and first vice president as needed; the secretary to take and distribute minutes of the meetings; the treasurer to oversee the finances of NAORRR with the Executive Vice President/s and to present a report to the Board of Trustees on the year completed as well as a budget for the coming year. By virtue of his/her office, s/he shall also serve on the Mitzvah Fund Committee the composition of which is dealt with in a separate document.
Section 4: The Executive Vice President/s (one or the other if there are two) or the President or their representative shall represent NAORRR on the CCAR Board of Trustees; therefore only rabbis may serve as president or vice presidents.
Article 6: Elections
Section 1: Elections shall be held at the Annual Convention based on a slate presented by the Nominating Committee.
Section 2: A Nominating Committee of not less than five members attending the Annual Convention shall be appointed by the president with the approval of the Board of Trustees on or before the first meeting of the Board of Trustees at the annual Convention.
Section 3: Each year four members will be selected by the Nominating Committee and elected by those attending the annual Convention to serve as members of the Board of Trustees for three years. Initially four members shall be nominated to serve for three years, four to serve for two years and four for one year. Thereafter each nominee will be elected for three years.
Section 4: The President and Vice Presidents shall be nominated to serve one year terms but may be re-nominated to serve in another office on the Executive Committee. The Secretary and Treasurer shall be nominated for two year terms and may be re-nominated for an additional term in the same office or in another office.
Section 5: From time to time, The Nominating Committee may also, at its discretion, present additional persons to be elected by the membership to serve as honorary members of the Board of Trustees. They may attend Board Meetings but shall have no vote.
Section 6: The President, with the approval of the Board of Trustees may to appoint ex-officio members to serve on the Board of Trustees.
Article 7: The Executive Vice President/s
Section1: The Executive Vice President/s shall serve as the chief executive officer/s managing and implementing the day to day operations of NAORRR, overseeing its finances, arranging for the annual convention and, in general, providing the continuity and oversight required to maintain the smooth functioning of the organization.
Section 2: The Executive Vice President/s shall be elected by the membership upon recommendation by the Board of Trustees. The term of office shall be open-ended at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.
Section 3: The Executive Vice President/s shall be reimbursed for all expenses connected with carrying out the responsibilities of the office and paid an annual honorarium, the amount to be determined by the Board of Trustees.
Article 8: Meetings
Section 1: A convention shall be held in early January in a warm climate at a time and place to be determined by the Board of Trustees. An effort shall be made to provide equal travel access for those who live on opposite coasts of the United States.
Section 2: The Board of Trustees shall meet before and after the annual Convention but, may also conduct business, when circumstances require it, via e-mail or other appropriate electronic means or via conference call.
Section 3: For purposes of voting, 1/3 of the elected members of the Board of Trustees shall constitute a quorum as shall 1/5 of those registered at the annual Convention.
Article 9: Relationship to the CCAR
Section1: NAORRR shall function without geographic boundaries as a region of the CCAR.
Section 2: Active participation in the CCAR shall be fostered and encouraged by NAORRR even as its policies, procedures and public positions must be consistent with those of the CCAR.
Section 3: Reports of the annual Convention and any other significant matters wille sent to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the CCAR.
Section 4: Either the President or the Executive Vice President/s or their representative shall attend CCAR Board meetings to represent NAORRR.
Section 5: The Executive Vice President/s shall serve on the CCAR Joint Committee on Retirement.
Section 6: The Executive Vice President/s (one or the other if there are two) or his/her designee shall represent the financial interest of NAORRR on the Investment Committee of the CCAR.
Article 10: Rules and Amendments
Section 1: This Constitution/By-Laws may be amended by 2/3 of the membership voting either in person at the annual Convention, or by electronic media.
Section 2: Amendments may be proposed by the Board of Trustees or by any member who shall submit them to the secretary. They must then be circulated to the membership after which not less than thirty days must pass before a vote is taken. Those who cannot attend the annual Convention may communicate their vote to the secretary electronically or by US mail before the beginning of the Convention.
Section 3: If a vote of the entire body is sought electronically, the Board of Trustees will avail itself of the services of the CCAR which has a program to meet such a need. A simple majority is generally required except under those circumstances where a 2/3 vote may be needed as above.
Section 4: Robert’s Rules of Order shall guide the conduct of all meetings.
Section 5: This Constitution/By Laws shall become operative immediately upon approval by the membership of NAORRR at its Annual Meeting.