Chapter Bylaws/Code of Conduct

 
Article I
Name and Affiliation

Section 1.1:  Name
The name of the organization shall be the Ocala Human Resource Management Association (OHRMA), herein called the "Chapter."  OHRMA is a not for profit corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida.

Section 1.2:  Affiliation
OHRMA is an affiliated chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (herein referred to a "SHRM").

Section 1.3:  Relationships
The Chapter is a separate legal entity from SHRM.  It shall not be deemed to be an agency or instrumentality of SHRM or of a State Council and SHRM shall not be deemed to be an agency or instrumentality of the Chapter.  The Chapter shall not hold itself out to the public as an agent of SHRM nor contract in the name of SHRM without express written consent of SHRM.

The purposes of this Chapter as a non-profit organization are:

• To promote an understanding of the principles, policies, and methods of human resource management in commercial, industrial, governmental, and non-profit institutions in the greater Ocala area
• To assist in the improvement of techniques and methods of human resources administration
• To afford a medium for the interchange of ideas and experiences on human resource issues   
• To promote and encourage the development of a spirit of professional pride in human resource management.
• To advance the interests and welfare of those engaged in the human resource profession
  
  The Chapter supports the purposes of SHRM, which are to promote the use of sound and ethical human resource management practices in the profession and encourages OHRMA members to become of SHRM.

 
The fiscal year of the Chapter shall be the calendar year.
 

Section 4.1:  Qualification for Membership
An individual actively engaged in human resource management, human resource consulting, or an official position of service or educational support of human resource management shall be eligible for consideration as a member of OHRMA.  To achieve the mission of the chapter there shall be no discrimination in individual memberships because of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran's status, or any other legally protected class.

Section 4.2:  Non-transferability of Membership
Membership in the Chapter is neither transferable nor assignable.

Section 4.3:  Individual Membership
Membership in the Chapter is held in the individual's name, not an organization with which the member is affiliated.

OHRMA members are highly encouraged to become members of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)

Section 4.4:  Membership classification
Association members shall be included in one of the following categories:
 
A.  Professional members - Individuals engaged in some facet of the Human Resources Management profession and who meet one of the following sets of criteria:

   1. Individuals engaged in Human Resource Management with at least three years of experience at the exempt level
   2. Individuals certified by the Human Resource Certification Institute
   3. Faculty members with three or more years experience holding at least assistant professorial rank in Human Resources
   4. Full-time consultant or attorney with a minimum of three years in counseling and advising clients on matters relating to Human Resources

B.  General Members - Individuals engaged in Human Resource Management at the exempt level but who do not meet the requirements for Professional member.
 
C.  Student Members - Individuals engaged in taking the equivalent of at least six (6) credit hours per term in a degree-seeking program and who meet all of the following criteria:

   1. Individuals who have taken or plan to take coursework, which supports a demonstrated interest in the field of Human Resource Management.
   2. Individuals who are not employed full-time in an exempt position or as an officer on active-duty with the U.S. Armer Forces.  (Exempt employees and military officers are not eligible for student membership in the Society.)

D.  Lifetime Members -  Any individual who retires from the human resource profession, has been a long-standing member of the Association (10 years or more), and has been actively involved in OHRMA leadership capacities (3 or more volunteer positions) may be entitled to honorary lifetime membership.  Consideration will be given to those who qualify and make a request for such status or who are recommended by a Board Member.  The issue will come before a vote of the Board of Directors. If approved, the individual will be entitled to lifetime membership and waiver of annual dues, entrance to general membership meetings at the member costs, continued listing in the roster, retention of voting status held prior to retirement as well as inclusion in all communication to Association members.

E. Affiliate Members - Individuals in non-exempt Human Resource positions as well as those who do not meet any of the foregoing categories but have a bona fide interest in human resource management.

Section 4.5:  Application for Membership
Applicants shall designate which type of membership they are seeking.  Applications for membership shall be referred to the Membership Committee, which is empowered to investigate the qualifications of the applicants and make recommendations to the Board of Directors.  The Board is empowered to approve, reject, or modify Committee recommendations.

The Board of Directors may review the status of any current member and modify or cancel membership based on their determination that the individual does not meet membership standards, including but not limited to such actions as:  inappropriate behavior that reflects adversely on the Association; failure to pay Association dues within (60) days from the due date; and use of the Association materials and/or meetings to solicit business for personal financial gain.

Section 4.6:  Voting/Officer Positions
Each Professional and General Member of the Chapter shall have the right to cast one vote on each matter brought before a vote of the members.  Affiliate, Lifetime Members and Student Members are not eligible to vote.   Only Professional Members may hold office.

Section 4.7:  Dues
Annual membership dues are payable upon initial application for membership and thereafter within 45 days from receipt of the annual renewal billing from the Association. The Board<