Article I: This organization shall be known as the TEXAS SOCIETY OF CYTOLOGY.
Article II: Purpose
The purpose of this organization shall be:
To unite individuals interested in the field of Cytology to unify efforts for the advancement of cytologic investigation and the dissemination of cytologic knowledge by the exchange of information and knowledge of all phases of cytology.
To provide regular meetings in the State of Texas for persons actively engaged in the study and practice of cytology, thus providing opportunities for cooperation and communication.
To encourage adherence to proper standards and ethics by cytotechnologists, cytologists, and cytopathologists through professional education programs.
To encourage understanding of cytologic terminology by those clinicians using the services provided by the cytology laboratory.
To encourage the application of the cytologic method in research programs.
To encourage programs of education in the field of cytology.
To inform the general public of those services provided by the practice of cytology.
Article III: Membership
The membership of the Society shall consist of Active Members, Associate Members, Affiliate Members, Honorary Members and Junior Members.
Active Members shall be actively employed in the study and practice of cytopathology, cytology and cytotechnology. An Active Member shall be certified by the Registry of Medical Technologists (or Registry eligible) or Board Certified Pathologist. Active members shall reside or be employed in the State of Texas.
Associate Members shall be medical doctors or paramedical personnel who show an active interest in this Society and in the field of Cytology.
Affiliate Members shall be other laboratory personnel employed in Cytology.Such members shall pay one-half annual dues but may not hold office in the Society.
Honorary Members may be selected according to procedures outlined in the By Laws. Honorary Members may enjoy all the privileges of membership but shall not pay dues, vote or hold an elected office of the Society.
Junior Members shall be students engaged in a course of study at an approved School of Cytotechnology. Such members shall pay no dues and may not hold office in the Society.
The" voting membership of the Society shall be those members designated as Active, Associate and Affiliate Members.
Article IV: Officers
The Officers of the Society shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Election of Officers shall take place at the Annual Meeting of the Society and shall be by nomination from the Nominations Committee. A majority vote shall constitute election. Voting shall be by written ballot.
The term of office of elected officers shall be one year.
Only Active Members of the Society shall be eligible to hold office.
Article V: Meetings
The Society shall convene at Such times as shall be decided by the President of the Society.
The Annual Meeting of the Society shall be held at such time and place as shall be announced by the President of the Society.
Regional Meetings of the Society shall be held at such time and place as announced by the Regional Representative to the Society.
Article VI: Finances
The Society shall be designated as a scientific, non-profit organization with the purpose of furthering disciplines in the field of Cytology.
General funds shall be raised by annual dues and by voluntary contributions.
No extraordinary expenditures from the general fund of the Society shall be made except by a majority vote of the voting members present at the Annual Meeting, or by the Executive Committee if payment must be made prior to the next Annual Meeting.
Authorized expenditures consistent with the performance of ordinary official duties shall include:
For the President: 1. Annual Meeting organization expenditures. 2. Ordinary expenditures necessary to fulfill this office. For Other Officers: 1. Ordinary expenditures necessary to fulfill the office. 2. Miscellaneous expenses resulting from all duties approved by the President .
Article VII: Regional Chapters
Regional Chapters of the Society shall be so designated by the Executive Committee. The Regions shall be named by their geographical location in the state.
Each Regional Chapter may elect one Regional Representative and one alternate Regional Representative by a majority vote of those attending a Regional meeting.
If no Regional Representative has been duly elected from any Region prior to January 1 the President may appoint a Regional Representative from the membership of that region.
The tenure of office for each Regional Representative shall be one year or as designated in the By-Laws of the Society.
Article VIII: Publications
The publications of the Texas Society of Cytology shall be of such kind and nature as shall be designated by the Executive Committee.
Article IX: Amendments
The Constitution of this Society may be amended in the following manner:
The proposed amendment shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary at such time as deemed necessary.
All those members with voting privileges shall be notified by mail of the proposed amendment at least 30 days prior to the Annual Meeting.
The proposed amendment must be read at the Annual Meeting at which the vote is to be taken.
An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members voting is required for amendment.
Article X: Legal Limitations
This organization is formed exclusively for educational and scientific purposes.
No part of the funds of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, officers or other private persons except that the organization shall be authorized to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article II hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. The organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of this constitution this organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States internal Revenue Law) or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
Upon the dissolution of the organization the Executive Committee shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the organization, dispose of all the assets of the organization exclusively for the purposes of the organization in such manner, or to such an organization operated exclusively for educational or scientific purposes as shall at that time qualify as an exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) as the Executive Committee shall determine. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the County Court of the County of residence of the treasurer, exclusively for such purposes or to such organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.