1-Name, 2-Purpose, 3-Membership, 4-Officers, 5-Duties of Officers, 6-Executive Director, 7-Sessions, 
8-Board of Directors, 9-Executive Committee, 10-Advisory Council, 11-Department of Education, 
12-Standing Committees, 13-Publications, 14-AIP Memorial Fund, 15-Certification Program, 16-Chapters, 
17-Regions, 18-Indemnification, 19-Parliamentary Authority, 20-Amendment

Section 1. Membership. Any individual, association, institution, or corporation that subscribes to the aims and purposes of AIP shall be eligible to apply for membership.

Section 2. Process. An applicant for membership shall submit a completed application and the payment of annual dues to AIP headquarters. An application to be effective after November 30 shall include payment of half (½) of the annual dues.

Section 3. Nondiscrimination. AIP shall not discriminate in any of its policies or practices on the basis of race, color, religious affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical disability or medical condition, national or ethnic origin or citizenship.

Section 4. Membership Year. The membership year shall begin on June 1.

Section 5. Dues. Dues shall be payable on or before June 1 of each year. The dues for each class of membership shall be:

Section 6. Membership Categories. There shall be two (2) membership categories: Individual and Associate.

Section 7. Individual Category. The individual category shall include the following sub-categories:

Regular, Certified Parliamentarian, Certified Professional Parliamentarian, and Full-time Student . Each member shall receive a subscription to the Parliamentary Journal and The Communicator.

7.1 Regular. Regular membership benefits shall include a single voting privilege at the Annual Session, when a required registration fee has been paid, and eligibility for election or appointment to AIP leadership position. Proxy voting shall not be allowed. On request, a regular member may receive a copy of the AIP Directory. A new member shall maintain regular status for at least one (1) membership year before applying for certified status

7.2 Certified Parliamentarian. A Certified Parliamentarian shall receive the benefits of regular membership and shall automatically receive the AIP Directory. A Certified Parliamentarian must be a member in good standing to be entitled to use the title Certified Parliamentarian and the initials CP, and may receive referrals from headquarters.

7.3 Certified Professional Parliamentarian. A Certified Professional Parliamentarian shall receive the benefits of regular membership and shall automatically receive the AIP Directory. A Certified Professional Parliamentarian must be a member in good standing to be entitled to use the title Certified Professional Parliamentarian and the initials CPP, and may receive referrals from headquarters.

7.4 Full-time Student. A full-time student may request this membership category. The application shall be accompanied by documentation indicating full time student status. Membership in this category shall automatically cease at the end of the membership year in which there is a change in student status. A full-time student member shall receive all privileges of regular membership.

Section 8. Associate Member. An association, institution or corporation shall receive no rights or privileges, but the associate member shall be entitled to receive the Parliamentary Journal, The Communicator, and the AIP Directory.

Section 9. Termination. Membership shall cease by resignation, non-payment of dues, death, or expulsion.

9.1 Resignation. A member in good standing may resign by sending a written resignation to headquarters. The resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless specified otherwise.

9.2 Non-payment of Dues. A member, in any category, shall be dropped for non-payment of dues before August 15. The termination may be expunged by vote of the executive committee upon proper petition. The petition shall detail the reasons for non-payment of dues before August 15 and shall be accompanied by the dues which became delinquent on August 15 and, in the case of certified members, a processing fee of $5.00 for each month, or fraction thereof, elapsed following August 15.

9.3 Expulsion In addition to the provisions of Rules for Handling Complaints and Reporting

Ethical Violations, a member may be expelled for cause by ballot vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the entire membership of the board of directors at a regular or special meeting. Notice of the proposed action to be taken shall be sent to all board members and shall be sent by certified mail to the member whose expulsion is being considered; these notices shall be sent at least twenty (20) days, but no more than sixty (60) days before the meeting is to convene. The member may appear, present evidence, AND be represented by counsel at this meeting.

Section 10. Certified Reinstatement. A former certified member who has been reinstated as a regular member may apply to the Accrediting Committee to be reinstated to a certified status. The Accrediting Committee shall review the application, and may request additional data, or require examination. Certified reinstatement shall be granted upon the recommendation of the Accrediting Committee and approval by a majority vote at a meeting of the board of directors or by a mail ballot as authorized by Article VIII, Section 9, of these Bylaws.

Section 1. Officers. There shall be the following officers: president, first vice president, second vice president, secretary, treasurer, accrediting director, and education director.

Section 2. Eligibility. A person shall be a member of AIP for at least one (1) year to be eligible to be elected to an office.

3.1 Officer's Term. The president, first vice president, second vice president, secretary, and treasurer shall be elected at the annual session. They shall be designated as elected officers. Officers elected at the annual session shall serve for one (1) year or until their successors are elected. No elected officer, except the secretary and the treasurer, shall hold the same office for more than two (2) consecutive terms. The term of office shall begin upon adjournment of the annual session.

3.2 Other Officers. The board of directors shall elect an accrediting director, and an education director. The accrediting director and the education director shall each have achieved the designation CPP-T and be elected for a term of three (3) years or until a successor is elected. The respective terms of office shall begin upon election.

Section 4 Election. The president, first vice president, second vice president, secretary, and treasurer shall be elected by majority vote by ballot at the annual session.

Section 5. Vacancy. A vacancy in the office of president shall be filled by the first vice president.

Section 1. President. The president shall preside over an annual or special session, meetings of the board of directors and the executive committee, and may designate one of the vice presidents as a temporary chairman; appoint standing and special committee chairmen with the approval of the board of directors; coordinate the duties of officers and committees; and serve as an ex officio member of all committees.

Section 2. Vice presidents. Each vice president may be a chairman of a standing committee and may be an ex officio member of other standing committees approved by the board of directors. The vice presidents shall have ex officio rights in all committees assigned to their coordination but shall not be counted to make a quorum. In the absence or incapacity of the president, the first vice president shall perform the duties of the president; the second vice president may serve as a temporary chairman.

Section 3. Secretary. The secretary shall serve as secretary for an annual or special session, the board of directors, and the executive committee.

Section 4. Treasurer. The treasurer shall be the custodian of the funds as directed by an annual or special session or the board of directors.

Section 5. Accrediting Director. The accrediting director shall serve as chairman of the Accrediting Committee and shall be responsible for directing the accrediting program subject to the approval of the board of directors.

Section 6. Education Director. The Education Director shall serve as chairman of the Department of Education and shall be responsible for coordinating the work of all divisions within the department, and all standing and special committees as said work pertains to the educational aspects of the education program subject to the approval of the board of directors.

Section 1. Title. The board of directors may employ an executive director to manage the headquarters office. The executive director may employ additional staff as needed within the allowances approved in the annual budget.

Section 2. Term. The executive director shall be employed for a term not to exceed three (3) years at a time, at a salary to be determined annually by the board of directors in addition to specified travel and hotel expenses not to exceed the amount approved by the board of directors in the annual budget.

Section 3. Duties. The duties of the executive director shall be detailed in the job description approved by the board of directors and such other duties as the board of directors may delegate.

Section 4. Responsibility. The executive director shall report to and consult with the president between meetings of the board of directors.

Section 1. Annual Session. A regular session of the membership, (hereinafter referred to as the annual session) shall be held each year between July 20 and September 1, except that, in the event of a national emergency, an annual session may be waived by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the board of directors.

Section 2. Special Session. A special session of the membership may be called by a majority vote of the board of directors.

Section 3. Notice. The official notice of each session shall be mailed to all members at least twenty (20) days, but no more than sixty (60) days before the annual session is to convene.

Section 4. Quorum. Thirty (30) members present shall constitute a quorum for an annual or special session.

1.1 The board of directors (hereinafter referred to as the board) shall control and manage AIP subject to direction from the membership and shall determine the location of the headquarters office. The board shall transact the business of AIP between sessions of the assembly; develop and implement plans for the welfare of AIP; determine the dates, place, and registration fee for an annual or special session; have exclusive control over responsibilities that these Bylaws may elsewhere assign to it; and adopt its own procedural rules.

1.2 Additional duties of the board shall include, but are not limited to:

1.2.1 Approval of the annual budget at the post-annual session board meeting;

1.2.2 Amendment of the budget to meet the needs of AIP, including approval in advance of expenditures not otherwise provided in the budget;

1.2.3 Providing for an annual audit of all funds, and for an audit when there is a change in the office of treasurer or the executive director;

1.2.4 Submittal of annual financial reports, duly audited, at the annual session.

1.2.5 Creation of committees of the Board as necessary. The membership of such committees shall include at least two directors, and a majority of the committee shall be directors.

1.2.6 Developing and approving policies governing the operation of standing committees.

Section 2. Membership. The board shall be composed of no more than twenty-five (25) members. At each annual session, the members shall elect eight (8) directors. Officers shall become directors at the beginning of their term.

Section 3. Nominations. Nominations shall be made on the official petition form signed by one (1) member. Each member may nominate, by petition, only one member for election as a director. A list of nominees for whom valid petitions have been received shall be included with the notice of the session. Further nominations may be made from the floor at the annual session.

Section 4. Term. The directors shall serve for two (2) years or until their successors are elected.  Their term shall begin upon adjournment of the annual session of their election.

Section 5. Vacancy. A vacancy in a position of director shall be filled by the board until the next Annual Session. No such vacancy shall be filled in the period commencing thirty (30) days prior to the Annual Session.

Section 6. Meetings. The board shall meet at least three (3) times a year; pre-and post-annual session and at such other time and place to be determined by the board. The board shall also convene upon the call of the president and any four (4) directors., or upon the call of any eight (8) directors.

Section 7. Quorum. One-third (1/3) of the membership of the board of directors shall constitute a quorum.

Section 8. Power to Act. The act of the majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the board unless the act of a greater number is required by the Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws.

Section 9. Mail Ballot. Any action which may be taken at a meeting of the board of directors, or a committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken shall be signed by all of the members of the board of directors. Any such consent shall have the same effect as a unanimous vote and may be stated as such.

Section 10. Meeting Form. Directors or non-director committee members may participate in and act at any meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof through the use of a conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all participating in the meeting can communicate with each other at the same time. Participation in such meeting shall constitute attendance and presence in person at the meeting. 

[Section 108.15(c) of the General Not For Profit Act of Illinois]

Section 1. Duties. The executive committee shall:

1.1 Be authorized to transact business for the board between meetings of the board, subject to ratification by the board;

1.2 Be subject to the orders of the board and none of its acts shall conflict with action taken by the board;

1.3 Make periodic inspections of headquarters property, oversee the administrative procedures of the organization, review and develop policies for presentation to the board.

Section 2. Membership. The executive committee shall be composed of severn (7) members as follows: the president, the five vice president, the second the secretary, the treasurer, and two (2) members elected by and from the board.

Section 3. Term. The executive committee members shall serve for one year or until their successors are elected.

Section 4. Vacancy. A vacancy in the executive committee, other than the president, may be filled by the board for the balance of the term.

Section 5. Meetings. Executive Committee meetings shall be called by the president and any two (2) members. The committee may meet by telephone conference call, in accordance with Article VIII, Section 10, provided all members have received notice and at least five (5) members are included in the telephone conference call. The committee may conduct business by mail in accordance with Article VIII, Section 9. Any action taken by the executive committee shall be reported to and subject to ratification by the board.

Section 6. Notice. Notice of meetings may be by telecommunication, mail, or personal contact and shall be given not less than five (5) days prior to the meeting.

Section 7. Quorum. Five (5) members of the executive committee shall constitute a quorum.

Section 1. Purpose. The Advisory Council shall serve as a group of counselors to whom AIP may refer matters for advice.

Section 2. Membership. The Advisory Council shall consist of not more than twenty (20) individuals who have made a significant contribution to parliamentary law, parliamentary procedure, or related fields.

Section 3. Election and Tenure. At the post-annual session board meeting, the board shall elect by such method as the board shall determine not more than twenty (20) individuals to serve as advisors for one (1) year or until their successors are elected.

Section 1. Purpose. The Department of Education shall be charged with coordinating and implementing all aspects of the AIP Action Program pertaining to education.

Section 2. Structure. The Department shall consist of the Correspondence Division and the Educational Materials Division.

Section 3. Staff. The Department staff shall consist of the Education Director, the Assistant Education Director, and the Chairmen of all Divisions. The President and a Vice President appointed by the President shall serve as ex officio members of the Department.

Section 1. Names. There shall be the following standing committees: Accrediting, Bylaws and Rules, Ethics, Finance, Member Services, Opinions, Public Relations, Publications and Marketing, Scholarship, and Youth Activities.

Section 2. Membership. The membership of the standing committees shall be selected by the board approved chairman of the committee and by the president unless otherwise specified in the Bylaws, Standing Rules of Procedure, or Standing Orders, and except as the board may otherwise direct. The chairman of each standing committee shall name a vice chairman from among the membership of that committee. Only certified professional parliamentarians shall be eligible for membership on the Accrediting and the Opinions Committee.

Section 3. Bylaws and Rules. The Bylaws and Rules Committee shall review proposed amendments to the Bylaws, Standing Rules of Procedure, and Standing Orders and shall submit recommendations to the annual session on proposed changes thereto.

Section 1. Publications. There shall be two (2) official publications, the Parliamentary Journal and The Communicator.

Section 2. Parliamentary Journal. The Parliamentary Journal shall publish articles of interest in the field of parliamentary procedure, law and education. Published quarterly, the Parliamentary Journal shall be distributed to all members and, at a charge, to any other interested persons.

2.1 The Journal editor shall manage and supervise the publication of the Parliamentary Journal and shall be elected by the board to serve a term of three (3) years or until a successor is elected. Responsibility for the Parliamentary Journal shall begin with preparation of the publication's first quarterly issue of the year following the appointment.

Section 3. The Communicator. The Communicator shall be a newsletter, published quarterly, containing the news of the officers, board, regions, chapters, and members and may carry official notices or educational aids to the AIP members.

3.1 The Communicator editor shall be appointed by the board for a term of three (3) years or until a successor is appointed. The effective time of the editor's responsibility for The Communicator shall be determined by the board at the time of the appointment.

Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of the AIP Memorial Fund (hereinafter referred to as the Fund) shall be to receive restricted or unrestricted gifts and manage and disburse such sums as its board of trustees shall determine for the enlargement and improvement of AIP's educational research and programs in the field of parliamentary procedure.

2.1 The control and management of the Fund shall be vested in a seven (7) member board of trustees.  Six (6) trustees, each to serve a three (3) year term, shall be elected by the board of directors from the AIP membership, two (2) elected at each post-annual session board meeting. The seventh (7th) trustee shall be the Treasurer of AIP.

2.2 The Treasurer shall have charge of the assets of the Fund, which shall be kept separate from other AIP assets.

2.3 The board of trustees shall adopt rules and regulations to enable it to carry out the purposes of the Fund.

Section 1. Purpose. A certification program shall classify members who demonstrate high standards of excellence in parliamentary procedure.

Section 2. Qualifications. A member may be classified as a Certified Parliamentarian or as a Certified Professional Parliamentarian after passing an examination, meeting other required qualifications, and upon recommendation of the Accrediting Committee and the approval of the board, or, under provisions of Article III, Section 10. Before certifying, the Accrediting Committee and the board shall consider all qualifications including experience and ability as a parliamentarian, service to AIP, and dedication to the improvement of parliamentary procedure.

Section 3. Examination. The Accrediting Committee shall be responsible for administering written and oral examinations according to the rules developed by the Accrediting Committee. The rules shall be reported to the Board of Directors whenever changed.

Section 4. Continuing Education. To retain status as Certified Parliamentarian or a Certified Professional Parliamentarian, each member shall, at least once every seven years commencing in 1997, complete a continuing education activity as approved by the Accrediting Committee and the Board of Directors.

Section 5. Title. No member of the American Institute of Parliamentarians shall use the title Certified Parliamentarian or Certified Professional Parliamentarian, the initials CP or CPP, or have the privileges of a Certified Parliamentarian or Certified Professional Parliamentarian until the date when a vote of the AIP Board of Directors approves reclassification.

Section 1. Member Services Committee. The Member Services Committee shall assist in the formation of new chapters; authorize headquarters to issue a charter when an organizing chapter has met all requirements; develop a close working relationship with each chapter through its president; provide assistance to the chapters, as needed; assist in the retention of existing chapters; dissolve a chapter, when necessary; and prepare a written annual report and other reports, as needed.

Section 2. Chapters. A chapter shall promote the goals and objectives of AIP; meet at least four (4) times during the AIP fiscal year; elect officers during the month of March, April, or May, and officers so elected shall assume office no later than June 1; report the results of the election to headquarters before June 10. A chapter's membership shall consist of those AIP members in good standing who have chosen to affiliate with it. Every chapter member shall maintain membership in AIP.

Section 3. New Chapters. A group of at least five (5) AIP members may apply to headquarters to organize a chapter. A petition form shall be provided by headquarters. An organizing chapter shall meet three (3) times before it may submit the completed form and supporting documents to headquarters.

4.1 Requirements. An organizing chapter shall submit to headquarters the completed petition; the proposed name of the chapter; the minutes of the three (3) organizing meetings including a record of attendance at each meeting; a membership and officers roster; and two (2) copies of the adopted Bylaws, standing rules and standing orders; and a charter fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

4.2 Approval. An organizing chapter shall be recognized as a chapter only after the petition has been approved by the Member Services chairman and the adopted Bylaws, standing rules, and standing orders have been reviewed and approved as provided below.

Section 5. Bylaws. The initial Bylaws of organizing chapters shall be reviewed for compliance with AIP Bylaws, Standing Rules and Standing Orders and shall become effective only when approved by the Chairman of the Bylaws and Rules committee. All other Chapter’s bylaws and amendments shall become effective 30 days after submission provided that headquarters has sent a written acknowledgment of receiving them, and unless specific notification of non-compliance is received from the Chairman of the Bylaws and Rules Committee. Two (2) copies of any proposed change to a chapter’s Bylaws, standing rules, or standing orders shall be sent to headquarters. A copy of the approved Bylaws, standing rules, and standing orders shall be filed at headquarters by the Chairman of the Bylaws and Rules Committee. This file copy shall show the date of approval. The Executive Director shall notify the chapter and the Chairman of the Member Services Committee when an approved copy is received.

6.1 Voluntary Dissolution. A chapter may disband by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership provided that a special meeting shall be called for that purpose; thirty (30) days written notice shall be given to all chapter members and to headquarters; the notice shall state the purpose, date, time, and place of the special meeting; and members living at a distance shall be allowed to vote by mail. If approved, the report of the vote to disband, the chapter charter, the chapter minutes book, and any funds shall be sent to headquarters within ten (10) days following the special meeting. The chapter may vote to designate a specific AIP use for its funds or assets, subject to the approval of the board. Unless otherwise designated, the assets shall remain in the name of the chapter for two (2) years before reverting to AIP's general use. Other chapter records and materials may be sent to headquarters.

6.2 Involuntary Dissolution. Upon recommendation of the Member Services Committee chairman, a chapter that has not met for two (2) consecutive years shall be deemed inactive and may be dissolved and the charter revoked by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the board. Notice of dissolution shall be sent to the last known chapter officers and members by certified mail, return receipt requested, at least thirty (30) days in advance of the vote to dissolve the chapter and revoke the charter. A chapter that is dissolved shall return its charter, any funds or other assets, and the minutes book to headquarters.

Section 1. Purpose. The regions shall promote the objectives and educational programs of AIP by providing leadership training and workshops in parliamentary law and procedure; provide an opportunity for chapters to discuss issues of mutual benefit to AIP; enhance membership retention and extension; and hold a regional conference every two (2) years.

Section 2. Boundaries. AIP shall be divided into regions. Regional boundaries shall be determined by the board.

Section 3. Bylaws. Each region shall adopt Bylaws. The Bylaws and amendments of the region shall be reviewed for compliance with AIP Bylaws, Standing Rules, and Standing Orders, and shall become effective only when approved by the Chairman of the Bylaws and Rules Committee. Two (2) copies of any proposed change to a region's Bylaws, standing rules, or standing orders shall be sent to headquarters. A copy of the approved Bylaws, standing rules, and standing orders shall be filed at headquarters by the Chairman of the Bylaws and Rules Committee. This file copy shall show the date of approval. The Executive Director shall notify the region and the Chairman of the Member Services Committee when an approved copy is received. 

Section 4. Meetings. Each region shall hold at least one (1) regional conference every two (2) years.

Section 5. Failure to Hold Conference. If a region fails to hold a regional conference during a two (2) year period, the Member Services Committee chairman shall present a written plan and budget for a regional conference to the board or the executive committee. The board or the executive committee may amend the plan and upon approval, authorize the Member Services Committee chairman to implement the plan.

6.1 On or before June 1, each region shall submit an annual financial budget to headquarters. If approved, the treasurer shall refund two dollars ($2.00) per regional member to the region. All monies appropriated shall be used for the purposes specified within the approved budget. Any unclaimed funds not withdrawn from AIP during a two (2) year period shall be forfeited.

6.2 Regions shall not levy dues.

6.3 Registration fees may be collected from members and guests attending regional conferences.

Section 7. Elections. Each region shall elect a governor and such other officers as it deems necessary and appropriate. Their duties shall be defined in the region Bylaws.

Section 8. Governor's Duties. Each region shall be supervised by a governor who shall promote the goals, policies, and programs of AIP. The governor shall maintain close liaison with the region's chapters; encourage participation in and attendance at AIP programs; assist in the formation of and service to chapters; work to increase membership; assist in the organization of study classes; and file periodic reports on regional activities with the Member Services Committee chairman.

Section 1. Indemnification. Officers, directors, employees, and agents of AIP shall be indemnified for any costs, expenses or liabilities necessarily incurred in connection with the defense of any action, suit or proceeding in which they are made a part by reason of being or having been a member serving in an elected or an appointed capacity. No member or employee shall be indemnified when adjudged in the action or suit to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of duty.

Section 1. Parliamentary Authority. The rules of the Tenth edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern all the meetings of AIP so far as they are applicable and not inconsistent with the Bylaws, Standing Rules of Procedure, and Standing Orders.

Section 2. Annual Session. Another parliamentary authority may be used for an entire annual session with notice having been given to all members with the official notice of the annual session and by a two-thirds (2/3) vote.

Section 1. Amendment of Bylaws, Action Program, Code of Ethics. The Bylaws, the Action Program, and the Code of Ethics may be amended by either of the following procedures:

1.1 A two-thirds (2/3) vote of members present and voting at the annual session with previous notice given to all members with the official notice of the annual session;

1.2 If notice has not been given as in section 1.1, these bylaws may be amended following a 2/3 vote to consider an amendment and a four-fifths (4/5) vote to adopt, however written notice of the amendment must be made available to all members registered at the annual session at least twelve (12) hours before the vote to consider. Debate on the motion to consider shall be confined to the merits of consideration.

1.3 If a revision of any AIP governing document is ordered by majority vote at an Annual Session, the next session shall not consider any other amendments proposed to the existing document as separate motions; however, amendments to the revision documents shall be allowed from the floor.

1.4 A motion may be made to strike language from one document (or proposal), and insert it into another document (or proposal), provided that the following conditions are met:

1.4.1 The requirements for notice and vote of the more restrictive document must be met.

1.4.2 No changes may be made in the language during the process. Once moved, the language shall be subject to the amendment provisions of the document in which that language then resides.

Section 2. Amendment of Standing Rules. The Standing Rules of Procedure may be amended by either of the following procedures:

2.1 A majority vote of members present and voting at the annual session with previous notice given to all members with the official notice of the session;

2.2 A two-thirds (2/3) vote of members present and voting at the annual session with written notice made available to all members registered at the annual session at least twelve (12) hours before the vote.

Section 3. Amendment of Standing Orders. The Standing Orders of AIP may be amended or added thereto by a majority vote of members present and voting at the annual session without previous notice.

Section 4. Origin of Amendments. Amendments to the Bylaws, Standing Rules or Standing Orders may be originated by one of the following methods: 1) an act of the Board of Directors; 2) majority vote of the Bylaws and Rules Committee; 3) petition signed by at least five (5) members; 4) motion at an annual session. All amendments shall be referred to the Bylaws and Rules Committee pursuant to Article XII, Section 3 hereof.

1. Order of Business. The presiding officer having called the meeting to order, the order of business at the annual session shall be as follows:

2.1 The membership of the standing committees shall be approved annually by the president in accordance with the provisions of Article XII of the Bylaws, and shall continue and have the power to act through the annual session or until their successors are appointed. Each committee shall have jurisdiction, respectively, over the subject matters falling within the customary area its name implies.

2.2 All committees shall submit a report on their activities and any recommendations at each annual session, and to the board at such other times as the board may direct.

2.3 The resolution establishing a new standing committee or special committee shall specify, if applicable: the name, purpose, membership, size, tenure, duties and responsibilities, meetings, reporting procedure, related committees, and expected financial costs before a committee shall be established.

3.1 The president, first vice president, second vice president, third vice president, secretary, and treasurer shall be nominated from the floor at the annual session.

3.2 The election of officers at the annual session shall occur prior to the election of directors.

3.3 Individuals elected as officers at an annual session shall not be included as nominees for election to the board of directors at that annual session.

3.4 At the post-annual session board meeting, the board of directors shall elect an accrediting director and an education director for three (3) year terms and two (2) members of the executive committee for one (1) year terms.

3.5 Nominations

3.5.1 The official nomination petition form for Director shall be sent to each member in good standing not less than 150 days before the annual session is to convene.

3.5.2 Completed petitions must be received by the Executive Director not less than 90 days before the annual session is to convene.

3.5.3 Only the names of nominees whose petitions are complete 90 days before the annual session is to convene will be sent to the membership with the call to the annual session.

3.5.4 The order in which names appear on the ballot will be determined by a random drawing.

3.6 In the event of a tie vote, the election shall be determined by lot. Each name shall be written on a slip of paper, placed in a suitable container, and the one drawn by the secretary shall be declared elected.

4. Parliamentary Authority. The rules of the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly

Revised shall govern all the meetings of AIP so far as they are applicable and not inconsistent with the Bylaws, Standing Rules of Procedure, and Standing Orders. With notice having been given to all members with the official notice of the annual session and by a two-thirds (2/3) vote, another major parliamentary authority may be used for an entire annual session.

5. Minutes Approval Committee. A Minutes Approval Committee for the annual session shall be appointed by the president and shall consist of three (3) members. The secretary shall send a draft of the minutes to the president and to the members of the committee within forty-five (45) days following the annual session. Each committee member shall correct and return the draft of the minutes to the chairman of the committee within twenty (20) days after receipt of the draft. Within the twenty (20) days following the chairman shall send a corrected draft to the secretary. Committee members shall be deemed to have approved the draft if they do not object in writing to the chairman within the designated time."

6. Debate - Special Rules of Order. After a member has spoken in debate, the member may not immediately move the Previous Question without first yielding the floor.

1. Trademark. The words American Institute of Parliamentarians and the Wreath and Gavel design are trademarks of the American Institute of Parliamentarians.

1.1 Chapters and regions may use the AIP trademarks on stationery, membership cards, web site pages, and other official documents.

1.2 Individual members, with current dues paid, are authorized to wear the AIP emblem.

1.3 Any use which implies official representation of AIP is strictly forbidden unless specifically authorized by the board of directors. Any dispute regarding suitability of a use shall be resolved by the board of directors. Decision of the board shall be final.

1.4 Use of the AIP trademarks in association with a publication shall be governed by the rules adopted by the board of directors.

2. Emblem. The AIP official emblem shall be an insigne consisting of a wreath with a gavel superimposed, the head of the gavel to be in a raised position and placed at the left side of the wreath. The capital letters AIP shall be at the top of the wreath in a circle segment, as set forth below. Use of the emblem shall be consistent with identification as a member and shall not imply endorsement or representation of AIP.

3. Colors. The AIP official colors shall be white for truth, blue for tradition, and gold for integrity.

4. Robert W. English Lecture. The board may appoint a special committee to determine whether a Robert W. English Memorial Lecture shall be given at the annual session by a person committed to the ideas and ideals of Robert W. English.

5. Financial Transactions. All financial transactions shall be in U.S. currency.

6. Dues Notice. Headquarters shall send two (2) dues notices to a member. The first notice shall be mailed prior to May 15. A second notice shall be mailed between July 1 and July 15 and shall state that membership will terminate on August 15 if dues are not paid.

7. Accrediting Committee. The Accrediting Committee, as soon as grading is completed, but in no event longer than two (2) months after a CP examination is given, shall return the test, answer sheet, and scoring to the candidates and provide headquarters with at least one (1) copy of the examination.

8. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year shall be from June 1 through May 31.

9.1 Guidelines. AIP shall provide guidelines for chapter presidents and region governors for their respective offices.

9.2 Regions Report. The region governor shall send a full report on the region conference by June 1 to the AIP officer liaison and the Member Services Committee chairman.

9.3 Regions Newsletter. Each region shall send a newsletter periodically to all members of that region.

10. New Member Kit. A new member shall be provided with a membership kit.

11.1 Within two (2) months after the adjournment of the annual session, an accounting of the annual session finances shall be sent to the president for submission to the board at its next meeting. 

11.2 All annual sessions shall be self-supporting. In the event of collections above cost, at least fifty percent (50%) of the sum is to be returned to AIP with the remainder to be retained by the sponsoring region or chapter. In the event of loss, justification shall be submitted to the board for decision if AIP is to assume any loss but in no case in excess of fifty percent (50%) thereof.

12.1 Donor Recognition. The names of members who give twenty-five dollars ($25.00) or more in supplemental fees above their ordinary dues in any category of membership shall be listed in bold type in the AIP Directory.

12.2 Region Map. A line map shall be inserted in the annual AIP Directory designating the regions.

13. AIP Documents of Authority. Headquarters shall send a copy of the AIP Bylaws, Standing Rules of Procedure, and Standing Orders to each chapter within sixty (60) days after each annual session at which the documents were amended.

14. Charter Replacement. A fee of ten dollars ($10.00) shall be charged for the reissuing of a chapter charter.

15. Practicum Committee. The educational program of a Practicum shall be the responsibility of a special committee consisting of the Practicum Curriculum Director, the Practicum General Chairman, and the Education Director.

16. Annual Session Education Committee. The educational program at the annual session shall be the responsibility of a special committee consisting of the President, the Annual Session Coordinator, and the Education Director.

17. AIP Originated Material. All substantive material conceived, created, compiled, written, or edited by any committee of AIP or any individual member at the direction of AIP, shall be irrevocably assigned to AIP including copyright, royalties, and other rights relating to publication.

18. The Order of the Blue Dot. Only persons who have served AIP as an Annual Session Coordinator shall be deemed to be a permanent member of "The Order of the Blue Dot". Only the members of this "Order" may wear a blue dot on their name tag at annual session.

19. Professional File. Upon the death of a member, the member’s professional file shall be:

19.1 Retained for one (1) year;

19.2 Reviewed for any items of historical interest;

19.3 Offered to the member’s heirs;

19.4 Destroyed if the heirs express no interest in the file.

20.1 A Certified Parliamentarian or a Certified Professional Parliamentarian may be designated a Teacher of Parliamentary Procedure after demonstrating competency in the field, and upon recommendation of the Accrediting Committee and approval of the Board of Directors. Before granting the Teacher of Parliamentary Procedure designation, the Accrediting Committee and the board shall consider the candidate’s experience and ability as a teacher of parliamentary procedure.

20.2 The Teacher of Parliamentary Procedure designation shall have no effect upon the individual membership classifications stated in the Bylaws, Article III, Section 7, and Article XV, Section 2.

Teacher designations shall be listed in the AIP Directory as CP-T or CPP-T.

21.1 Demeter Fund. Funds in the Demeter Fund are to remain in an invested fund, except that the income earned shall be transferred to the general accounts of AIP.

21.2 Rose Dhein Fund. Funds in the Rose Dhein Fund are to remain in an invested fund, except that the income earned shall be transferred to the budget line item for educational printing.

21.3 Scholarship Fund. Funds in the Scholarship Fund are to be used for scholarships for the AIP Floyd M. Riddick Williamsburg Practicum. These scholarships shall be awarded at the direction of the Scholarship Committee.

22.1 Divisions. The Correspondence Division shall be responsible for developing and administering correspondence courses; and the Educational Materials Division shall be responsible for developing educational materials and chapter education programs.

22.2 Director. The Education Director shall direct the activities of the Department and shall be an ex-officio member of all Divisions within the Department. The Director shall supervise the Teacher Course and appoint instructors for the course; advise AIP Practicum Curriculum Directors, the Annual Session Coordinator, and the President on the educational content of the Practicums and the Annual Session.

22.3 Assistant Director. The Education Director shall appoint an Assistant Director with the approval of the Board of Directors. The term of the Assistant Director will coincide with that of the Director. The Assistant Director shall perform such duties as assigned by the Director.

22.4 Division Chairmen. The Division Chairmen shall be appointed by the President, in consultation with the Education Director, with the approval of the Board of Directors. The Chairmen shall direct the activities of their respective Divisions and shall report to the Education Director.

22.5 Members and Special Committees. The other members of the Divisions and any such special committees as may be necessary shall be appointed by the President, in consultation with the Education Director.

22.6 Eligibility. The Assistant Director and the Division Chairmen shall hold the Teacher of Parliamentary Procedure designation.

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