By-laws

Section 1.

This association shall be known as the “PSHRA-Southern California Chapter” Public Sector Human Resources Association, hereinafter called the Association.

Section 2.

The jurisdictional area of the Association shall be the region which is known as Southern California.

The objectives of this Association shall be:

1. To elevate public sector entities by providing a forum for persons engaged in public sector human resources administration, personnel management, labor relations, and/or other related areas to connect, collaborate and engage in discussions of mutual interest.

2. To offer impactful and accessible opportunities for professional development. 

3. To encourage and facilitate cooperative action among public agencies on human resources problems and issues. 

4. To mentor and shape the future of public sector human resources by providing opportunities for learning, support, and professional growth to those entering the field.

Section 1.

Types and Requirements of Membership. There shall be four types of membership in the Association: Full, Affiliate, Honorary Life, and Student.

1. Full Member. Full Members shall be persons who are employed by management in a professional or technical capacity in public sector or private human resources management, or instructors in the same field. Full Members may serve on the Board of Directors and may vote on all issues that come before the membership.

2. Affiliate Member. Affiliate Members shall be persons with an interest in public sector human resources administration but who do not meet the requirements for Full Members. Affiliate Members may not serve on the Board of Directors and may not vote on issues that come before the membership.

3. Honorary Life Member. Honorary Life Members shall be persons recognized by the Association for their contributions to public sector human resources personnel administration and the Association. Honorary Life Members may serve on the Board of Directors and may vote on all issues that come before the membership.

4. Student Member. Student Members shall be any full-time undergraduate or graduate student or any person participating in a formal public sector internship program sponsored by a recognized academic institution and cannot otherwise be currently employed by an HR agency. Student Members may not serve on the Board of Directors and may not vote on issues that come before the membership. 

Section 2.

Non-Discrimination Statement. The Association shall not discriminate against any individual applying to membership or participating in Association activities based on a protected class including, but not limited to,  conditions of hair texture and protective hairstyles (such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religious creed (including religious dress and religious grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age (40 years and older), sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity and expression (including transgender identity and expression), because an individual has transitioned (to live as the gender with which they identify), is transitioning (or is perceived to be transitioning), sexual orientation, sex stereotyping, marital status, domestic partner status, military service and veteran status, physical and/or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS), legally protected medical condition or information (including genetic information), protected medical leaves (requesting or approved), status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, their intersectionality of protected characteristics, or activity or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws.

Furthermore, it is understood that all personal pronouns and words containing the prefix or suffix “them/they”, used in these Bylaws are generic, applying equally to all genders and identities.

Section 3.

Membership. All applications for membership shall be reviewed by the Vice President for Membership & Engagement, or in that Officer’s absence, a person appointed by the President, and all applicants shall be forwarded to the Board of Directors with recommendations to either approve or deny based on membership requirements as outlined in Article III, Section 1.  Final decisions regarding the applicants shall be made by majority vote of the Board of Directors present at the meeting during which membership applications are reviewed.

In extenuating circumstances (such as the ability to enjoy membership rates for PSHRA-SC events), the Vice-President of Membership is authorized to approve membership and so notify the Board of Directors at the subsequent meeting immediately following such action.

Section 4.

Interpretation of Membership Requirements. Requests for interpretations of membership requirements shall be referred to the Board of Directors whose decision shall be final. 

Section 1.

Dues. Association dues for members shall be established annually by the Board of Directors. Honorary Life members shall be exempt from payment of dues. 

Section 2.

Membership Year. The membership year for dues and all other purposes shall be from July 1st through June 30th. 

Section 3.

Nonpayment. The nonpayment of Association dues by August 1st shall be considered as equivalent to resignation from the Association. To reestablish membership, it shall be necessary for the person to submit a new membership application and pay the required dues.

Section 1.

Board of Directors. The governing body of the Association shall be a Board of Directors consisting of nine (9) officers of the Association, four (4) Conference Committee Members, and the Past President.

Section 2.

Officers. The officers of the Association shall be:

1. President. The President shall represent the membership in all Association matters. The President, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, shall create committees and make committee appointments whenever it appears appropriate to do so. The President may assign duties to members of the Board of Directors and other members, and shall schedule, convene, and preside at all meetings of the members and those of the Board of Directors.

2. President-Elect. The President-Elect shall act for the President in the President’s absence and shall be an ex-officio member of and act as liaison agent for the President in all standing committees. The President-Elect shall act as the coordinator and director of the Association’s annual conference and shall chair committee meetings, prepare schedules and timetables, and make periodic reports to the Board.

3. Vice President of Programs & Education. The Vice President-Programs & Education shall, subject to the approval of the President, make the necessary arrangements for all regular meetings of the Association and shall create programming and educational series for the development of members.

4. Vice President of Membership & Engagement. The Vice President-Membership shall be responsible for promoting active membership in the Association, receiving all membership applications and renewals, and maintaining a directory of membership.

5. Secretary. The Secretary shall keep minutes of all Board Meetings and shall forward to each member of the Board a copy of the minutes of such meetings. The Secretary shall maintain current records of the Association, other than financial and membership records, and, under the direction of the President, may correspond for the Association.

6. Treasurer. The Treasurer, in collaboration with the Deputy Treasurer shall receive and hold all funds, make all disbursements, maintain necessary and appropriate records of all Association financial transactions, and make a financial report at each regular meeting of the Board of Directors. At the close of the fiscal year (June 30th), the Treasurer shall submit a financial report to the Board of Directors within 60 days (August 29th).  This report is to be audited by someone selected by the Board of Directors. If the auditor is unable to resolve any discrepancy which may occur, it shall be brought to the attention of the Board of Directors for final resolution. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the filing of the appropriate tax returns.

7. Deputy Treasurer. The Deputy Treasurer shall act for the Treasurer in the Treasurer’s absence. The Deputy Treasurer, in collaboration with the Treasurer, shall receive and hold all funds, make all disbursements, maintain necessary and appropriate records of all Association financial transaction, and make a financial report at each regular meeting of the Board of Directors. 

8. Communications Director. The Communications Director shall maintain the Association’s social media accounts and presence and create and/or coordinate the creation of content for the social media accounts, and coordinate publicity for Association activities.

9. Website Director. The Website Director shall ensure that the Association’s website is current and in good working order. The Association’s website is the primary, centralized digital resource and, as such, must be current with all programs and events information, communications/blogs, and annual conference information and registration, etc. The Website Director shall coordinate with all members of the Board of Directors to ensure timely and accurate website content.  

Section 3.

Conference Committee Members. The four (4) Conference Committee Members shall collaborate with the President-Elect to lead committees and perform tasks in support of the annual conference. Conference Committee Members may help with other Association activities throughout their term and as assigned by Officers of the Board of Directors.

Section 4.

Past President. The Past President position shall provide guidance and historical knowledge to the Board of Directors. The position of Past President shall automatically be given to the outgoing President for a 2-year term. 
 
If the immediate former President of the Association is unable to fulfill their duties, the current President may appoint any former President of the Association to the position of Past President.

Section 5.

Removal. A quorum of the Board of Directors may, by a majority vote of those present, remove any member of the Board of Directors for: 1) misfeasance or nonfeasance in the performance of the duties; or 2) failure to attend three (3) consecutive Board meetings without an excuse approved by the President