2015-2016

Leaders By Choice (LBC) Bylaws

Uniting to Make an Impact
ARTICLE I. NAME ............................................................................................................................................................ 2
ARTICLE II. DEFINITION ............................................................................................................................................... 2
ARTICLE III. PURPOSE, MISSION, & GOALS ............................................................................................................ 2
SECTION 1: Purpose .................................................................................................................................................................... 2
SECTION 2: Mission Statement ................................................................................................................................................ 2
SECTION 3: Organizational Goals ........................................................................................................................................... 2
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP .......................................................................................................................................... 3
SECTION 1: Membership Classification ................................................................................................................................ 3
SECTION 2: Membership Definitions .................................................................................................................................... 3
SECTION 3: Voice, Voting and Holding Office ..................................................................................................................... 3
SECTION 4: Membership Applications ................................................................................................................................. 4
SECTION 5: Membership Dues ................................................................................................................................................ 4
SECTION 6: Revocation of Regular Membership ............................................................................................................... 4
ARTICLE V. MEETINGS .................................................................................................................................................. 4
SECTION 1: Elect Team Meeting .............................................................................................................................................. 4
SECTION 2: All-Team Meeting ................................................................................................................................................. 5
SECTION 3: Annual Meeting (Retreat) .................................................................................................................................. 5
SECTION 4: Pod Meetings .......................................................................................................................................................... 5
SECTION 5: Special Meetings ................................................................................................................................................... 5
ARTICLE VI. OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES ............................................................................................................. 6
SECTION 1: Application Process ............................................................................................................................................. 6
SECTION 2: Elect Team ............................................................................................................................................................... 6
SECTION 3: Requirements of the Elect Team ..................................................................................................................... 6
SECTION 4: Duties of the Elect Team Officers .................................................................................................................... 6
Co-Chair ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Secretary/Treasure ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Historian/Sergeant at Arms ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Communications Coordinator .................................................................................................................................................................... 8
SECTION 5: Duties of the Elect Team ..................................................................................................................................... 8
SECTION 6: Special Duties of Sergeant of Arms for LBC Honor Council .................................................................... 8
SECTION 7: Duties of LBC Committees .................................................................................................................................. 8
SECTION 8: General Fund .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
Article VII. CONDUCT OF MEMBERS AND OFFICERS ........................................................................................... 8
SECTION 1: Expulsions and Suspensions ............................................................................................................................. 8
SECTION 2 Misconduct ............................................................................................................................................................... 9
ARTICLE VIII. CODE OF ETHICS ................................................................................................................................ 10
ARTICLE IX. MISCELLANEOUS ................................................................................................................................. 10
SECTION 3 Conflict of Interest .............................................................................................................................................. 11
SECTION 4 Nondiscrimination Disclaimer ....................................................................................................................... 11

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ARTICLE I. NAME
This organization is known as Leaders By Choice Association, hereafter known as LBC. This
is not a student club but an association of students and persons in the natural medicine
fields. An association is defined, according to Merriam-Webster, as: 1. an organized group of
people who have the same interest, job, etc.; 2. a connection or relationship between things
or people; 3. a feeling, memory, or thought that is connected to a person, place, or thing 5.
the connection or relation of ideas, feelings, sensations, etc.; correlation of elements of
perception, reasoning, or the like.

ARTICLE II. DEFINITION

LBC recognizes and adopts the vision for a sustainable and effective leadership program.
This organization was created out of a need for well-rounded training in personal cultivation,
leadership coaching and community building. The students chose to form an alliance for
innovation, to take each of their own passions for the medicine and provide tangible skills
that will be useful in the community and ultimately in the future practice of natural medicine.

ARTICLE III. PURPOSE, MISSION, & GOALS

SECTION 1: Purpose
The purpose of this organization will be to create sustainability and growth, with the ability
to change and move with the needs of current or future students. LBC strives to cultivate
professional communication, personal development and community education, while
incorporating natural medicines as a medium to achieve these goals.
A. Cultivate and nurture sustainable student leaders, and future successful alumni.
B. Create evolving manuscript of traditions to be passed from one generation of
students to the next.
C. Set a standard for willing students, where an open mind and social professionalism
are not only encouraged, but also expected.
D. Provide a forum for peer-to-peer accountability.
E. Promote interest in and knowledge of natural medicine professionally and socially.
F. Educate the public as to the merits of our profession.
G. Support all Medical students currently enrolled in a college or university of natural
medicine recognized by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) and
the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) through their
education and training as Doctors, Physicians and Practitioners.
H. Provide a communication network between all Natural Medical Schools within the
United States and Canada.

SECTION 2: Mission Statement

It is the mission of Leaders by Choice (LBC) to provide members a space for personal and
professional growth in a constructive and supportive environment. The goal is to provide
opportunities and resources for members to become inspiring leaders within their
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profession.

SECTION 3: Organizational Goals

The goal of LBC is:
1. Community In-Reach
To create a safe environment to develop self-cultivation and authentic relationships.
2. Community Outreach
To increase community awareness of natural medicine.
3. Self Awareness
To enhance our Members abilities to be authentic leaders through the development of
self-awareness and communication skills.
4. Professional Development
To prepare our Members to be exceptional and inspiring practitioners through the
development of professional leadership skills.
5. Sustainability
To create a sustainable and healthy organization that supports leaders to pass on
successes to future generations.

ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1: Membership Classification
The membership of the organization consists of three categories: Member, Alumni, and
Honorary.

SECTION 2: Membership Definitions

A. A Member is a medical student currently enrolled in, and in good standings with, a
college of natural and/or Chinese medicine recognized by the CNME/CCAOM as an
accredited or candidacy school or will be resident who is currently participating in a
CNME/CCAOM accredited residency program.
B. An Alumni Member is a naturopathic physician, Chinese medicine practitioner/doctor
or acupuncturist who is a graduate of a college of natural medicine recognized by the
CNME/CCAOM or another type of leader in the community who is individually
recognized as appropriate by the Membership Committee or Elect Team.
C. An Honorary Member (Mentor) may be conferred by a majority vote of the Elect Team
(See Art. VI, Section 2) upon any individual and/or entity for extraordinary service,
contribution and/or longevity in this organization or the natural medicine community.

SECTION 3: Voice, Voting and Holding Office

Members are empowered in the business of LBC as follows:
A. Members are empowered with full rights and privileges to have voice in the business of
LBC, to vote and to hold office, and pay dues in the manner described in these bylaws
and/or additional organization documents.
B. Alumni Members have a voice in the meetings or business of LBC. Alumni Members
may be invited to advise in the functioning of the organization. Alumni Members may
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not vote and may not serve as elected officers of the organization. Alumni Members
include any person who has been previously been a Member in good standing three
school terms (typically Fall through Spring).
C. Honorary Members do not have a voice or vote in the business of the association
except by permission granted by the President by virtue of meeting criteria
appropriate for a current Member or Alumni Member. Honorary Members may be
invited to advise in the functioning of the organization. If the Honorary Member does
not meet criteria for membership in one of these additional categories, privilege is
limited to a voice in the business of the organization at the discretion of the CoChairs.

SECTION 4: Membership Applications

For all Members, applications are made on a form and in a manner prescribed by LBC. The
application is accompanied by the full amount of dues or as determined by the Elect Team.
Membership forms are available as deemed most appropriate by the Membership Committee
and/or Elect Team. Applications are not required for Alumni or Honorary Members

SECTION 5: Membership Dues

Dues amount for membership is established not less than thirty (30) days prior to the start
of of the Fall Term by a majority vote of the Elect Team, or Co-Chairs if an Elect Team is
unavailable. This includes the amount, schedule of payment, renewal dates and starting date
of the membership period.
A Member whose dues remain unpaid for three (3) months from the due date of payment in
full are automatically suspended from membership. There are no dues refunded if a
membership is terminated for any cause or because of resignation.
Dues are not collected from Alumni or Honorary Members.

SECTION 6: Revocation of Regular Membership

Any Member whose enrollment at a CNME/CCAOM accredited natural medical program is
terminated, for whatever reason, automatically ceases to be a Member of LBC and revocates
voting powers.

ARTICLE V. MEETINGS
A. All meetings begin and end on time.
B. Responsibility goes to the Member who is late to any meeting to obtain information
missed.
C. All-Team and Elect Team meetings are set by the Elect Team with input from
Members.
D. All-Team and Elect Team meetings transactions are recorded by minutes.

SECTION 1: Elect Team Meeting

A. LBC holds monthly Elect Team meetings. Additional routine meetings may be
scheduled for purposes of pursuing the vision, mission, and goals of LBC.
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B. Any action requiring a vote, without meeting; usually taken at a meeting of the Elect
Team may be taken if two-thirds of all Members the Elect Team, as the case may be,
consent thereto in writing. Such writing or writings shall be submitted to the
Secretary and shall be filed with the minutes preceding the next Elect Team and AllTeam meetings.
C. Elect Team Meeting Quorum: A majority of the Elect Team constitutes a quorum for
the transaction of business at any regular Elect Team meeting.
D. Elect Team or committee meetings are open to all Members of LBC.

SECTION 2: All-Team Meeting

A. LBC holds monthly all-team meetings; these routine meetings are scheduled for
purposes of pursuing the vision, mission, and goals of the Association.
B. All-Team Meeting Quorum: A majority of LBC Members constitutes a quorum for the
transaction of business at any regular all-team meeting.
C. Members are required to attend monthly All-team meetings, and if unable to attend,
call or text message a Member of the Elect Team at least 12 hours to prior to known
absence, or as soon as possible.

SECTION 3: Annual Meeting (Retreat)

The time and place for holding the Annual Meeting (Retreat) is determined and presented to
Members ideally 30 days before the date thereof. When not determined by a vote of the
Retreat Committee, the Elect Team determines the time and place of the next Annual
Meeting. All LBC Members are required to attend the annual meeting. Circumstances
preventing a Member to attend must be discussed with the Co-Chairs prior to the Annual
Meeting.

SECTION 4: Pod Meetings

A. Pods are small groups of Members that function to create a supportive and
mentorship environment.
B. LBC holds monthly Pod meetings; these routine meetings are scheduled for the
growth and development of individual and professional goals of each LBC Member.
C. Members are required to take an oath to provide constructive and honest feedback on
individual performance and challenge individuals to accomplish goals.
D. Meetings should follow the template demonstrated at the annual meeting, with
liberties given as needed to each Pods unique structure.
E. Members are required to attend their assigned Pod meetings, and if unable to attend,
call or text message a Member of said Pod at least 12 hours prior to known absence
or as soon as possible.

SECTION 5: Special Meetings

Special meetings may be held at any time upon the call of the Co-Chairs or by a majority of
the Elect Team, majority of All-Team or upon written request of 25% of the membership.

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ARTICLE VI. OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

SECTION 1: Application Process
The officers of LBC will be chosen by majority vote from the Members in good standing
according to the process established in these bylaws. Notification of upcoming elections will
be advertised ideally 45 days prior to election date. Members interested in elected positions
must submit a completed application and letter of intent 30 days prior to election date as
directed by the Elect Team. Once the Elect Team reviews the application and the nomination
is accepted (within 15 days of submission), the candidate has 15 days to campaign to the
Members. The voting body will consist of only Members on record as of the first day of
voting.
The nominees receiving the greatest number of votes will be declared elected. In the event
of a tie, a revote is casted between/among the remaining candidates.

SECTION 2: Elect Team

Officers constituting the Elect Team of LBC will include:

Two (2) Co-Chairs

One (1) Treasurer/Secretary
One (1) Historian/Sargent of Arms, and
One (1) Communications Coordinator

All officers will be elected in accordance with the provisions of Article VI, Section 1 of
these bylaws. In the case that an elected Officer or Member of the Elect Team steps
down prior to the end of their service or that a position is left unfilled after an annual
election, the Elect Team may appoint a replacement to serve until the next election.
Terms of office will be 1 year from the date of appointment or until the next election,
whichever is sooner. At any time, the Elect Team may appoint by majority vote an Alumni
or Honorary Member to serve in an advisory position to the Elect Team or any Committee
of LBC. Creation of additional positions are at the discretion of the Elect Team.

SECTION 3: Requirements of the Elect Team

Requirements of all elected officers of the Elect Team include:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Attend Elect Team meetings.

Represent the LBC in a professional manner.
Submit monthly progress reports to the Secretary to be kept as official records.
Attend Annual Meeting/Retreat

Failure to comply with these requirements can result in removal from office, as outlined in
Article VIII of these bylaws.

SECTION 4: Duties of the Elect Team Officers

Duties of the Elect Team of LBC are as follows:
Co-Chair
A. Two individuals serve a one year term as Co-Chair (Executive Chairperson).
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B. Presides at all meetings of the LBC and act as Chairpersons of the E
lect Team and AllTeam.
C. Presides over the Annual Meetings/Retreats
D. Serves as a liaison with other professional organizations, or may appoint an Officer of
the Elect Team as the liaison.
E. The Co-Chair administers these bylaws and perform all the duties incident to their
office and generally oversees the business and affairs of the LBC.
Secretary/Treasurer
A. Maintains and is responsible for all the funds and securities of LBC.
B. Responsible for ensuring all reimbursements, scholarships, rent, and other payments
are made on schedule.
C. Deposit all organization funds promptly into the LBC account as designated by the
Elect Team
D. Keep accurate books and account records for all business transactions of LBC in
accordance with the natural medical school being attended
E. Report current financial standing of LBC at Elect Team meetings, Annual
Meetings/Retreats, or as requested by any Member.
F. Develop the Annual Budget with the assistance of the Elect Team.
G. Maintains all online accounts, including passwords, needed to generate revenue for
LBC.
H. Has the care and custody of the meeting minutes of LBC.
I. Keeps and maintains all minutes of All-team and Elect Team meetings to be posted for
membership viewing.
J. Disclose a mailing address suitable for receiving LBC materials.
K. Maintain LBC E-Mail address
The funds, books, and vouchers of LBC will, with the exception of confidential reports
submitted by Members, will be subject to verification and inspection by the Elect Team
Communications Coordinator
A. Serves a one year term.
B. Receives all general online and phone inquiries and either respond or direct the inquiry
to the appropriate LBC Member.
C. Creates and distributes event flyers; maintains LBCs website; assists with event
planning; manages communications to members, alumni, mentors, speakers, and
community members.
D.

Assists with planning, implementation, logistics and on-going maintenance of:

a. Dropbox
b. Events Calendar
c. Additional processes as needed

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Historian/Sergeant at Arms
A. Serves a one year term
B. Maintains order at All-team and Elect Team meetings
C. In charge of and oversees LBCs Honors Council
D. Picks Members for any deliberation attending to the honors council
E. Attends events sponsored by LBC and collects photographs of event and members.
F. Provides assistance to the Communication Coordinator with LBCs website, as needed.
G. Collect and analyzes evaluations of events and speakers per Elect Team discretion.

SECTION 5: Duties of the Elect Team

A.
B.
C.
D.

The Elect Team will meet monthly under the direction of the Co-Chairs
Exercises general managerial responsibilities over the work of LBC
Establishs policies and documents of LBC as needed
Develops the Annual Evaluation of LBC at the end of the school year and presents it
to the Members at the last All-Team Meeting

SECTION 6: Special Duties of Sergeant of Arms for LBC Honor Council

A. The Sergeant of Arms and LBCs Honors Council will investigate complaints regarding
Member conduct.
B. Enacts due process in reporting and managing the outcome or reports of Member
misconduct to the Elect Team. If the complaint filed concerns a Member of LBCs
Honors Council or Elect Team, that Member is removed from all aspects of the
investigation and decisions regarding the complaint.
C. Develops and monitor policies regarding bylaws and ethics of LBC.

SECTION 7: Duties of LBC Committees

A. Committees maybe created to provide consultation and assistance to the Elect Team
as needed for specific projects or events.
B. Committee Leads are responsible for communicating their activities to the Elect Team
at monthly meetings as necessary
C. Committee Leads are responsible for following the event budget as established by the
Elect Team
D. Evaluate and report completed projects or events prior to the next all-team meeting.

SECTION 8: General Fund

A. LBC will maintain one general fund. All monies collected will be deposited in the
general fund to be used to defray the general expenditures of LBC. Total annual
expenditures made by the Elect Team over $500.00 made in the interest of LBC must
be approved by a majority vote of the Elect Team.

Article VII. CONDUCT OF MEMBERS AND OFFICERS

SECTION 1: Expulsions and Suspensions
Any Member may be expelled or suspended from their position in LBC for any of the
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following:
A. Member misconduct in violation of LBCs Code of Ethics (Article VIII)
B. Professional incompetence
C. Violation of agreed upon meeting procedures
D. Unprofessional or other conduct prejudicial to the interest, of LBC or the profession of
naturopathic medicine
E. Federal or state conviction of a felony (as defined in section 4 below)
Expulsion or suspension from LBC is at the discretion of the Sergeant of Arms and the Elect
Team, provided that such Member be given a fair and impartial investigation as herein after
provided.

SECTION 2 Misconduct
Misconduct is defined as a violation of the Ethics Code adopted by LBC (Article VIII).
Professional incompetence is defined as the inability to perform duties for a specific position
within LBC or act professionally while acting as a representative for LBC. This is not to be
construed to apply to any Member who may wish to speak or work against any measure or
proposition under discussion, during discussion, during a membership information sharing or
amendment adoption process.

SECTION 3 Grievances Any LBC Member, or government or private entity, may file charges in
writing against any (other) Member on any or all of the items specified in Sections 1 and 2
of this Article. Such charges must be specific and must be filed with the Secretary, who
makes record of the same, and refers the original charges to the Co-Chairs, who refer a true
copy of the same to the Historian/Sergeant of Arms, with instructions to make a thorough
investigation. If the investigation by LBCs Honors Council fails to sustain the charges, no
further action will be taken thereon.

SECTION 4 Investigations In a case which remains with LBCs Honors Council, where the
investigation report sustains the charges, the Co-Chairs will notify the accused Member to
meet with the Elect Team, which will sit as a judicial body, for the purposes of hearing
evidence and rendering a decision as to the guilt or innocence of the accused Member. The
LBC Honors Council will report their findings with recommendations to the Elect Team. If the
findings are accepted by the Elect Team, the Elect Team will expel any Member for who
misconduct under Article VII, Section 2 has been proven. The Elect Team may, if
circumstances justify, file a complaint with the appropriate state enforcement agency for
conduct deemed to be harmful to the profession of naturopathic medicine or the public or
violates state or federal laws.

SECTION 5 Recalling Officers Any officer may be removed from their office for neglect of duty
pertaining to his or her particular office. Any active Member may file a charge of neglect in
writing against an officer. Such charges must be specific and must be filed with the
Historian/Sergeant of Arms, who makes a record of same and refer the charges to the
President. The mode of procedures is a recall ballot held for that purpose at which the
charges will be read, and the accused officer given reasonable time for explanation. At that
meeting, a ballot vote of two-thirds of the Members present is required for recall. If recall is
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affected, an election to fill the vacancy will be held only at a special meeting, with 30 days
prior notice. In a case where the Member accused of misconduct is either the LBC Co-Chairs,
the Secretary/Treasure will perform the duties ascribed to these entities above, in a
misconduct procedure.

ARTICLE VIII. CODE OF ETHICS

LBC may refuse to grant or may suspend or revoke membership in LBC for any of the
following reasons:
A. The use of fraud or deception in securing a license or naturopathic medical degree.
B. The impersonation of another physician or student.
C. Committing an immoral, fraudulent or dishonest act as a naturopathicphysician or
student, resulting in substantial injury to another.
D. Using any narcotic, stimulant or hypnotic drug, or alcoholic beverage to an extent or
in a manner dangerous to themselves or to any other person, or to the public, and to
an extent that such use impairs their ability to engage in the practice of naturopathic
medicine with safety to the public.
E. The commission of any sexual abuse or sexual misconduct with a patient or client
which is substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of a
naturopathic physician, the record of conviction being conclusive evidence thereof.
F. Conviction of a crime, substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of
a naturopathic physician, the record of conviction being conclusive evidence thereof.
G. Purposeful negligence or abandonment of any patient or client by the naturopathic
physician or student.
H. Misleading advertising representing any particular treatment as a specific cure; or
advertising or practicing in a manner that would be a discredit to LBC or to the
profession of naturopathic medicine.
I. Interfering or attempting to interfere with the duties of the Elect Team or the goals
and purposes of LBC.
J. Directly or indirectly aiding or abetting an unlicensed person in a licensed jurisdiction
to practice naturopathic medicine and receive compensation therefrom.
K. Directly or indirectly supporting an association that willfully and publicly opposes the
said interest of LBC.

ARTICLE IX. MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 1 Roberts Rules of Order For any point of procedure not covered by the by laws,
Robert's Rules of Order will be the governing standard.

SECTION 2 Amendments to Bylaws These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds majority

vote of the voting members present at any All-Team Meeting or a special meeting called for
that purpose, provided that no amendment or revision be finally adopted until after its
second reading. Any revision or amendment thus accomplished must retain the character
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and intent of the definitions describing LBC.

SECTION 3 Conflict of Interest

Whenever an officer of LBC has a financial or personal interest in any matter coming before
the Elect Team, the team shall ensure that:
A. The interest of such officer is fully disclosed to the Elect Team.
B. No interested officer may vote or lobby on the matter or be counted in determining
the existence of a quorum at the meeting of the Elect Team at which such matter is
voted upon.
C. Any transaction or vote involving a potential conflict of interest shall be approved only
when a majority of disinterested officers determine that it is in the best interest of
LBC to do so.
D. Payments to the interested officer shall be reasonable and shall not exceed fair market
value.
E. The minutes of meetings at which such votes are taken shall record such disclosure,
abstention, and rationale for approval.

SECTION 4 Nondiscrimination Disclaimer

LBC is open to all persons meeting membership qualifications, regardless of age, gender,
gender expression, national or ethnic origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or marital
status in accordance with federal and state laws.

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