ARTICLE I - NAME, PURPOSE
Section 1: The name of the organization shall be Neural Networks
Section 2: This non-profit organization is organized exclusively for charitable, scientific, and educational purposes, more specifically to improve the accessibility and quality of neurological care in developing countries. The main goals of this organization are to:
- To provide neurological care in rural areas
- To increase the “cultural competency” of physicians and students by exposing them to the religious, cultural, moral, and ethical values in other countries
- To bring students and physicians together to facilitate the ongoing learning process
- To foster the understanding of international health care issues
- To strengthen the local awareness of neurological disorders
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 450 million people worldwide are affected by mental, neurological or behavioral problems at any time. In addition, most middle and low income countries devote less than 1 % of their health expenditure to mental health.
We propose to begin mobile neurology camps in India to provide quality care for the people. Once these programs have been establish we will begin similar camps in other developing parts of the world. India as a nation has a widespread population that does not have access to the type and quality of health care they deserve. While there are frequent eye and general health camps all over India, in the past neurology has not been addressed enough in pursuing this cause. With the numerous taboos and beliefs of people we need to spread awareness and educate Indians about the treatment of neurological diseases. Through understanding their own views on neurological disorders we can help them comprehend how we can medically treat these conditions.
We propose to do this by organizing a team of students and doctors to work in rural India to learn about the prevalence of neurological conditions and donate their time to help strengthen the access to care nationwide. Initially we will start with local doctors and students and then bring in students from abroad during summer and winter vacations. Each group will consist of at least two neurologists (local/abroad as needed), two MD students (either local or from abroad) and pre-medical students or other volunteers as needed. The camps will run on a monthly basis with headache, epilepsy, movement disorder, and stroke camps on the same days of each month.
ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Membership shall consist only of the board of directors and the medical advisory board.
ARTICLE III - ANNUAL MEETING
Section 1: Annual Meeting. The date of the regular annual meeting shall be set by the Board of Directors who shall also set the time and place.
Section 2: Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called by the President or Vice President.
Section 3: Notice. Notice of each meeting shall be given to each voting member, by mail, not less than ten days before the meeting.
ARTICLE IV - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1: Board Role, Size, Compensation. The Board is responsible for overall policy and direction of the Council, and delegates responsibility for day-to-day operations to the Council Director and committees. The Board shall have up to 6 and not fewer than 3 members. The board receives no compensation other than reasonable expenses.
Section 2: Meetings. The Board shall conduct their meetings at set times organized by the President.
Section 3: Board Elections. Election of new directors or election of current directors to a second term will occur as the first item of business at the annual meeting of the corporation. Directors will be elected by a majority vote of the current directors.
Section 4: Terms. All Board members shall serve 1 year terms, but are eligible for re-election.
Section 5: Notice. An official Board meeting requires that each Board member have written notice two weeks in advance.
Section 6: Officers and Duties. The Executive Board shall consist of five officers consisting of a President/CEO, Executive Vice President, Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, and Public Relations Director. Their duties are as follows:
The President shall convene regularly scheduled Board meetings, shall preside or arrange for other members of the executive committee to preside at each meeting in the following order: Executive Vice President, Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, and Public Relations Director.
The Vice President will chair committees on special subjects as designated by the board and assist the President in overall responsibilities.
The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping records of Board actions, including overseeing the taking of minutes at all board meetings, sending out meeting announcements, distributing copies of minutes and the agenda to each Board members, and assuring that corporate records are maintained.
The Chief Financial Officer shall make a report at each Board meeting. CFO shall chair the finance committee, assist in the preparation of the budget, help develop fundraising plans, and make financial information available to Board members and the public.
The Public Relations Director will work on grant writing, reviewing applications for potential volunteers, logistical concerns at the local level, and other similar issues as they arise.
Section 8: Vacancies. When a vacancy on the Board exists, nominations for new members may be received from present Board members by the Secretary two weeks in advance of a Board meeting. These nominations shall be sent out to Board members with the regular Board meeting announcement, to be voted upon at the next Board meeting. These vacancies will be filled only to the end of the particular Board member's term.
Section 9: Resignation, Termination and Absences. Resignation from the Board must be in writing and received by the Secretary. A Board member shall be dropped for excess absences from the Board if s/he has three unexcused absences from Board meetings in a year. A Board member may be removed for other reasons by a three-fourths vote of the remaining directors.
Section 10: Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board shall be called upon the request of the President or one-third of the Board. Notices of special meetings shall be sent out by the Secretary to each Board member postmarked two weeks in advance.
ARTICLE V – MEDICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Section 1: As an organization with a health care cause having an advisory committee of qualified medical doctors is indispensable. The Board may create other committees as needed, such as fundraising, rural initiatives etc. The Board President appoints all committee chairs.
Section 2: Five officers shall serve as the members of the Medical Advisory Committee. Except for the power to amend the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, the Medical Advisory Committee shall have all of the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the intervals between meetings of the Board of Directors, subject to the direction and control of the Board of Directors.
Section 3: Finance Committee. The Chief Financial Officer is chair of the Finance Committee, which includes three other Board members. The Finance Committee is responsible for developing and reviewing fiscal procedures, a fundraising plan, and annual budget with staff and other Board members. The Board must approve the budget, and all expenditures must be within the budget. Any major change in the budget must be approved by the Board or the Executive Committee. The fiscal year shall be the calendar year. Annual reports are required to be submitted to the Board showing income, expenditures and pending income. The financial records of the organization are public information and shall be made available to the membership, Board members and the public.
ARTICLE VI - AMENDMENTS
Section 1: These Bylaws may be amended when necessary by a two-thirds majority of the Board of Directors. Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Secretary to be sent out with regular Board announcements.
These Bylaws were approved at a meeting of the Board of Directors of _____________ on
_______________________, 2006 |
