EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FUND STATEWIDE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

CONSTITUTION
AND
BY-LAWS

FEBRUARY 29, 2016

The Educational Opportunity Fund

Statewide Alumni Association
Constitution and By-Laws
Article I: Name, Mission Statement, and Purpose
Section I: Name
1.1. The name of the organization shall be known as Educational Opportunity Fund
Statewide Alumni Association, INC. hereafter being referred as E.O.F.S.A.A.
Section II: Mission
2.1. In continuing the legacy of The Educational Opportunity Fund (E.O.F.),
E.O.F.S.A.A. serves our diverse alumni by creating a shared network of
resources and relationships that achieve professional and personal success.
Section III: Vision
3.1. To be known as a vibrant alumni association that members leverage to increase
positive impact as advocates of social change in their respective communities.
Section IV: Purpose
4.1. To create a network in which alumni will be able to interact and share information
with each other.
4.2. To develop strategies to improve alumni professionalism, social interaction, and
overall knowledge.
4.3. Promoting opportunities for alumni development.
4.4. For the sake of maintaining E.O.F. and creating more E.O.F. Alumni, by
advocating for EOF at the social, economic, and legislative level.
Article II: Membership
Section I: Classification
1.1. Membership of E.O.F.S.A.A. shall be open to all educational opportunity fund
participants who have participated in an official E.O.F. Program for at least two
years.
1.2. Application for membership to the Association shall be made to the Secretary for
processing as instructed by the Executive Board. Upon formal review,
E.O.F.S.A.A. reserves the right to accept, deny, limit, or restrict membership to
the Association and the ability to vend or sponsor at any E.O.F.S.A.A. event.
1.3. Each member in good standing will have an opportunity to voice their opinion and
voluntarily participate and contribute to initiatives and projects of the Association.

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1.4.

A member in good standing is defined as any member who attends at least half
of the E.O.F.S.A.A. events per calendar year and participates in at least 75% of
the General Membership Meetings.

Article III: Organizational Governance

Section I: The Administrative Body
1.1. The Administrative body of E.O.F.S.A.A., Inc., is comprised of an Executive
Board, Advisory Board, and a General Board.
Section II: Board Regulation
2.1. To qualify for any positions on the Executive or General Boards, the applicant
must have participated in an official E.O.F. Program for at least two years.
2.2. The application process for all board positions include a formal review of the
applicants credentials, a one-to-one interview with either the Chairperson or Vice
Chairperson, and a group interview with the full Executive Board, upon which, a
formal vote is conducted for the final decision.
2.3. No Board Member can simultaneously hold more than one position in office at
any given time, including any seats on the Executive Board, Advisory Board and
the General Board.
2.4. All Board Members must be in good standing in order to exercise their power to
vote on any matters and decisions pertaining to the Association.
2.5. A Board Member in good standing is defined as any person who has actively
participated in 75% of all board meetings, met deadlines in a timely manner, and
has met the duties and responsibilities as dictated in this Constitution.
2.6. Any Board Member who is not in good standing is subject to a formal review as
stated in Impeachment Process described in the By-Laws under Article 1,
Section 8. in which after a vote, the collective Executive Board and General
Board has the power to limit the board member in questions power and
responsibilities until improvement or to revoke his/her position all together.
2.7. All information shared amongst the Executive Board and General Board is strictly
confidential and should be handled with caution. Sharing of this information with
any outside person, organization, or business should be discussed and/or
approved by the whole board.
Section III: Composition of the Executive Board
3.1. The Executive Board shall be comprised of Officers and its respective
representative(s) as specified in the organizational growth of this Constitution.
3.2. The Executive Board shall be headed by elected Executive Board comprised of
the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and Advocacy Chair,
Benefits Specialist, and Parliamentarian.
Section IV: Powers of the Executive Board
THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FUND STATEWIDE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
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4.1.
4.2.

4.3.
4.4.

4.5.
4.6.

4.7.

4.8.

The Executive Board shall oversee all matters pertaining to the Association as
interpreted by the Constitution.
The Executive Board shall be vested with the power to legislate and supervise
the Constitution. All constitutional revisions must be approved by at least a (2/3)
two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Board.
The Executive Board is vested with the power to approve the Associations
budget and regulate dues when necessary.
The Executive Board shall be vested with the power to develop public relations
campaigns, solicit financial support, and determine the overall direction of
E.O.F.S.A.A. unless otherwise expressly provided for in this Constitution.
The Executive Board may call special meetings at any time by its own motive
and initiative.
The Executive Board can collectively appoint new members into any vacant seat
on the Executive, Advisory, and General Boards after the selection and
application process has taken place.
Each Executive Board member will be responsible for mentoring at least one
General Board Member in office which is decided based on compatibility in areas
of expertise.
Collectively, the Executive Board must be responsible for at least 40% of the
management and executive of all initiatives taken on by the Association.

Section V: Composition of the Advisory Board

5.1. The Advisory Board should consist of at least three professionals, with prior
affiliations to E.O.F. preferred but not required, and more than four years of
experience in their respective field(s).
Section VI: Powers of the Advisory Board
6.1. The Advisory Board must unbiasedly act as a consultant of the Executive Board
and General Board by providing resources and suggestions based on facts to
guide the Executive Board towards making the most informed decision.
6.2. All Constitutional matters and decisions needing consultation shall be presented
to the Advisory Board for review with at least a weeks time to return a decision
and/or feedback, upon which the Executive Board shall vote on the final decision.
6.3. Members of the Advisory Board can collectively contribute up to 25% of the
management and execution of any initiatives taken on by the Association. This
also includes but is not limited to any resources provided to E.O.F.S.A.A. in the
form of currency, information, and material goods.
Section VII: Composition of the General Board
7.1. The General Board is comprised of all elected officers holding the following
positions:
Public Relations Specialist
THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FUND STATEWIDE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
EOFSAA.org 2715 Hooper Avenue Office B, Brick, NJ 08723 732-581-3407 EOFSAA@gmail.com

Information Systems Specialist

Events & Marketing Coordinator
Service Opportunities and Benefits Specialist
Social Media Specialist
North, Central, and South Jersey Liaisons

Section VIII: Powers of the General Board

8.1. All General Board Members have the opportunity to voice their concerns and
suggestions on all matters and decisions made by the Executive Board, in which
the rest of the General Board and Executive Board must review before deciding
to accept or deny the said concerns and suggestions.
8.2. Each specialist and liaison is allowed to organize committees, depending of the
size and growth of the Association, to best address the amount of responsibility
of their role, but only after the prospective committee member has completed the
application process and received the approval of the Executive Board.
8.3. The application process for any committee member under the General Board
includes a formal review of the applicants credentials, a one-to-one interview
with the head specialist or liaison, and a group interview with the full Executive
Board, upon which, a formal vote is conducted for the final decision.
8.4. Members of the General Board can collectively contribute up to 35% of the
management and executive of any initiatives taken on by the Association.
Article IV: Organizational Procedures
Section I: Board Meetings
1.1. To best address all matters of the Association, there shall be two classifications
of board meetings. The first are the Executive Board meetings in which the
Executive Board holds the right to include or exclude the Advisory Board and
General Board. The second are the General Board meetings in which members
of both the Executive Board and General Board must attend. The Advisory Board
may attend the General Board meetings if they choose.
1.2. All executive board meetings will be conducted in accordance with Roberts
Rules of Order (Latest Edition). When Roberts Rules of order conflict with the
Association's constitution and/or by-laws, the constitution and/or by-laws will
govern.
1.3. There must be a quorum of no less than + 1 of the voting members for an
official meeting to take place when voting is conducted.
Section II: Attendance
2.1. Attendance will be taken at all board meetings by the secretary, in the case of
his/her absence the Chairperson will be responsible to complete the task instead.
2.2. All General Board members will be responsible for recording attendance at their
own committee meetings.
THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FUND STATEWIDE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
EOFSAA.org 2715 Hooper Avenue Office B, Brick, NJ 08723 732-581-3407 EOFSAA@gmail.com

By-Laws
Article I: Duties and Responsibilities of the
Executive and General Board Members
Section I: Duties of the Chairperson
1.1. The chairperson shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Association.
1.2. The chairperson shall preside over all board meetings and conferences and
he/she has the opportunity to attend any other meetings that may be held.
1.3. The chairperson shall, but not be required to attend all committee meetings.
1.4. The chairperson shall have the power to cause an Executive Order, only in such
instances that it is apparent that the Associations welfare is in jeopardy. The
Executive Order must be a declaration in the best interest of the Association and
can only be implemented if circumstances are such that leaving said action to
normal legislative procedures would have the effect of condoning improper
actions or cause extreme hardship or detriment to the Association.
1.5. The chairperson shall prepare with the assistance of the Executive Board an
annual report which will present information on the Associations activities, fiscal
condition, and progress/fulfillments of the goals and objectives. This report will be
made available to all.
Section II: Duties of the Vice-Chairperson
2.1. The vice chairperson shall assume the powers of the chairperson in his/her
absence. If the chairperson cannot complete his/her term, the vice chairperson
shall assume the presidency, at which time he/she will appoint a new vice
chairperson who must be approved by a simple majority vote of the Executive
Board members.
2.2. The vice-chairperson will support the Chairperson in monitoring all initiatives and
board members responsibilities including progress and goal completion.
2.3. The vice chairperson shall perform other such duties as may from time to time be
assigned by the Executive Board chairperson and shall act on the chairpersons
behalf when so requested.
2.4. The vice-chairperson will support the secretary in drafting meeting agendas to be
approved by the chairperson.
Section III: Duties of the Secretary
3.1. The secretary is the official record keeper of all meeting minutes and
proceedings.
3.2. The secretary should receive all minutes and proceedings of all sub-committees
to archive and share with the rest of the board members.
3.3. The secretary shall take attendance at all board meetings.
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3.4.

The secretary shall keep an organized record of all files, reports,

correspondence, and information necessary to the function and purpose of the
organization.
3.5. The secretary shall within (10) ten days after the conclusion of each Executive
Board meetings have copies of the minutes sent to the Executive Board.
3.6. The secretary shall once a year update the E.O.F.S.A.A. Policies and
Procedures.
3.7. The secretary shall give timely notice of Board Meetings.
3.8. The secretary shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be
assigned to them by the chairperson or vice chairperson.
3.9. The Secretary is responsible for collecting agenda topics and formulating an
agenda draft for the Vice-Chairperson and Chairpersons approval prior to
distribution.
3.10. The Secretary will maintain an proper up-to-date calendar of events in which
event dates should provide to him/her at in advance.
Section IV: Duties of the Treasurer
4.1. The Treasurer oversees the proper accounting of E.O.F.S.A.A.s budget.
4.2. He/She will act as the liaison to E.O.F.P.A.N.J.s Treasurer and is responsible for
submitting proposals, revisions, and resubmissions to attain funding for
E.O.F.S.A.A.
4.3. The Treasurer develops fundraising efforts toward increasing the financial
capabilities of E.O.F.S.A.A. and oversees any source of income for the
Association.
4.4. The Treasurer is responsible for conducting, maintaining, and tracking all
financial transactions for any purchase or all expenditures with proper receipts
and documentation.
4.5. The Treasurer maintains a record of any proof of purchase or expenditure.
4.6. The Treasurer provides a financial update report, which includes the current
account overview, recent expenses, and income, to the Executive Board about
the organization's financial standing at each meeting.
4.7. All disbursement in any manner must be approved by a majority vote of the
Executive Board members
4.8. Shall be responsible for the filing of all State and Federal reports as required of
the Association.
4.9. Shall be required to deposit in an approved bank, all funds of the Association
received within (5) five business days of such receipt.
4.10. Shall submit payments only to the organizations of persons under which the
Association has terms of agreement.

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Section V: Duties of the Parliamentarian

5.1. Shall be responsible to ensure all meetings are conducted by Roberts Rule of
Order (latest edition).
5.2. Shall call the meeting to order and adjourn the meeting.
5.3. Shall announce motion on the floor.
5.4. Shall tally up final votes on the floor.
Section VI: Duties of the Benefits Specialist
6.1. The Benefits Specialist shall procure and establish services exclusively available
to E.O.F.S.A.A. members in which is organized in the form of a directory.
6.2. Shall create methods and strategies for recognizing membership contributions to
the fulfillment of the E.O.F.S.A.A. mission, in the forms of grants, special projects
or opportunities, academic scholarships, and service awards.
Section VII: Duties of the Advocacy Chair
7.1. The Advocacy Chair oversees advocacy efforts for alumni engagement.
7.2. The Advocacy Chair develops strategies to best represent the needs of the
E.O.F. alumni and supports them in voicing their needs to legislators.
7.3. The Advocacy Chair filters collects and organizes relevant information to provide
to alumni in an easy to understand format on matters posing a threat to the
existence of E.O.F. while including potential action items for them to advocate.
7.4. The Advocacy Chair coordinates events to educate and promote awareness of
issues pertaining to E.O.F. alumni in accordance with important dates that
coincide with legislative support.
Section VIII: Duties of the Public Relations Specialist
8.1. The Public Relations Specialist upholds the positive and accurate branding of
E.O.F.S.A.A. according to the approved guidelines set in the Branding Kit.
8.2. The Public Relations Specialist develops strategies to mitigate any negative
press and/or situations in which the Association was poorly represented at the
result, but is not limited to, of any actions of current or former board members,
alumni, or any person claiming association with E.O.F.S.A.A.
8.3. The Public Relations Specialist works with the Events & Marketing Manager to
oversee the updating of social media, any promotional material, and the website
on a consistent basis.
8.4. The Public Relations Specialist reports on progress made with any plan of action
that he/she would like to utilize and educates the whole administrative body on
said plan.
Section IX: Duties of the Data Specialist
9.1. The Data Specialist oversees data collection in conjunction with the
organizations database.
THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FUND STATEWIDE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
EOFSAA.org 2715 Hooper Avenue Office B, Brick, NJ 08723 732-581-3407 EOFSAA@gmail.com

9.2.
9.3.
9.4.

The Data Specialist designs and updates new material and information on the
organization's website in conjunction with the Events & Marketing Manager.
The Data Specialist inputs and organizes collected data of any into the system
established for data management and reporting.
The Data Specialist develops strategies and surveys to gather feedback for
future improvement.

Section X: Duties of the Events & Marketing Manager

10.1. The Events & Marketing Manager is responsible for site searches and
contracting locations/ facilities/ venues for events, workshops, or other
engagements.
10.2. The Events & Marketing Manager organizes and proposes an event schedule
consisting of at least one event per quarter of the year with objectives and an
execution plan.
10.3. The Events & Marketing Manager works with the Treasurer in developing a
proposed expenses budget for the all event related expenditures in conjunction
with E.O.F.S.A.A.
10.4. The Events & Marketing Manager is responsible for all branding and promotion
materials of the Association and works with the Public Relations Specialist and
Social Media Specialist to ensure the E.O.F.S.A.A. brand is accurately utilized
and represented in all avenues.
10.5. The Events & Marketing Manager will create and manage the overall branding
guidelines in the form of a Branding Kit for the Associations reference.
Section XI: Duties of the Social Media Specialist
11.1. Build and execute social media strategy through competitive research, platform
determination, benchmarking, messaging, and audience identification.
11.2. Generate, edit, publish and share daily content (original text, images, video or
HTML) that builds meaningful connections and encourages community members
to take action.
11.3. Set up and optimize company accounts/pages within different social media
platforms/outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) to increase the visibility of
companys social content.
11.4. Continuously improve by capturing and analyzing the appropriate social
data/metrics, insights and best practices, and then acting on the information.
11.5. Collaborate with other executive board members (Events Coordinator,
North/Central/South Liaisons, etc.) to manage reputation, identify key players
and coordinate actions.
Section XII: Duties of the North, Central, and South Jersey Liaison
12.1. The Liaison is responsible for building relationships with key members of the
in their respective regions in order to promote community events and/or other
initiatives that are aligned with the Associations goals.

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EOFSAA.org 2715 Hooper Avenue Office B, Brick, NJ 08723 732-581-3407 EOFSAA@gmail.com

12.2. The Liaison works with the Events & Marketing Manager to recruit sponsors for
events and/or initiatives in the form of funding, knowledge, resources, volunteers,
and/or material goods.
12.3. The Liaison is responsible for develop relationships with E.O.F.S.A.A. Chapter
Directors and members in their respective regions to best assist them with
relaying their needs to the Executive Board.
12.4. The Liaison will work with the Events & Marketing Manager to conduct site
searches for events in the region and the Liaison will lead the onsite executive of
said events if the Events & Marketing Manager cannot be present.
12.5. The Liaison will be responsible for their regions based on the following
geographic breakdown by the designated counties:
North Jersey
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Bergen County
Essex County
Hudson County
Morris County
Passaic County
Sussex County
Warren County

Central Jersey
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Hunterdon County
Mercer County
Middlesex County
Monmouth County
Ocean County
Somerset County
Union County

South Jersey
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Atlantic County
Burlington County
Camden County
Cape May County
Cumberland County
Gloucester County
Salem County

Section XIII: Impeachment of Members of the Executive Board

13.1. Any Executive Board member may be impeached from their position upon a
formal complaint brought forth by any Executive Board member.
13.2. In order to begin impeachment procedures, an Executive Board member, in good
standings, must set-forth in writing the reasons for impeachment to the Executive
Board.
13.3. A copy of the indictment must be forwarded to the affected Executive Board
member within five business days after receipt by the chairperson. Within ten
days of their receipt of the indictment, the affected executive member has the
right to formally rebut their accuser in writing. Twenty (20) days after proper
notification impeachment procedures must begin with or without a formal rebuttal.
13.4. A (2/3) two-thirds dismissal vote from the Executive Board is required for an
Executive Board member to be impeached.
13.5. Actions which qualify as grounds to begin impeachment procedures are:
a. Illegal activity which is proved in a court of law.
b. Acts which bring down the integrity of the Executive Board and/or of the
Association name.
c. Failure to fulfill the responsibilities of the respective position and any other
such circumstances which bring to question the commitment of the Executive
Board member.
d. Habitual missing of meetings without justified cause.
13.6. All impeachments are final upon review and remain in effect for a period of one
year from the date of impeachment.
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EOFSAA.org 2715 Hooper Avenue Office B, Brick, NJ 08723 732-581-3407 EOFSAA@gmail.com

Article II:
AMENDMENTS
Section 1: Process
1.1. Any board member in good standing of this Association may present
amendment(s) to the Constitution to his/her respective committee representative
or a member of the Executive Board.
1.2. All amendment(s) must be turned over to the Executive Board, in which then will
presented to the whole board for review and approval based on majority vote.
1.3. All approved amendment(s) to the Constitution will be presented at the next
scheduled General Board meeting.
Article III:
GENERAL PROVISION
Section 1: Statement
1.1. These By-Laws may be suspended in any situation deemed by the body by the
unanimous vote of members present and in good standings at a General Board
meeting at which quorum is present. They may be suspended at a special
meeting under the same conditions but only with the approval of the Executive
Board.
1.2. If any article or section of the Constitution shall be found to be in violation of any
local, state, or federal law by the court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining
articles and sections shall continue as if the illegal article had not been an
original part of the Constitution.
Article IV:
DISSOLUTION CLAUSE
Section 1: Dissolution
1.1. The Association may be dissolved only with authorization by the Executive Board
given at a special meeting called for that purpose and with subsequent approval
by a two- thirds (2/3) vote of the whole board. In the event of the organization
being dissolved, the amount which remains after such dissolution and the
satisfaction of all debts and liabilities shall be paid and applied by the
organization in accordance with its powers to any organization which has similar
objectives and which has rules prohibiting the distribution of its assets and
income to its members.

THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FUND STATEWIDE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

EOFSAA.org 2715 Hooper Avenue Office B, Brick, NJ 08723 732-581-3407 EOFSAA@gmail.com