A chartered State Branch of the National Career Development Association 

Bylaws of

The Connecticut Career Counseling and Development Association

Adopted May 26, 2021

ARTICLE I

NAME, AFFILIATION and PURPOSE

 Section 1: Name

 The name of this Association shall be the Connecticut Career Counseling and Development Association, a chartered State Branch of the National Career Development Association and hereafter referred to as CCCDA or as the Association.

 Section 2: Use of Name

 The name of the Association shall be employed in connection with all official business and activities of the Association. 

 Section 3: Affiliation

 This Association is organized and governed in accordance with the Bylaws of the National Career Development Association (NCDA), a Division of the American Counseling Association (ACA).  CCCDA shall be subject to those provisions of NCDA and ACA that apply to their Divisions.

 Section 4: Purpose

 The purpose of the CCCDA shall be to promote a greater understanding of the meaning of work and careers, to foster career development over the life span, and to establish, support, and improve standards for professional service in the field of career guidance and counseling in Connecticut. CCCDA is organized exclusively for educational purposes which are:

1. To provide professional development opportunities for people in Connecticut who provide career counseling/career information/career assistance to others, provide networking opportunities for these same professionals in the field of career development, for purposes of education and sharing of best practices, and to be an advocacy group for career development issues.  All activities shall be in accordance with the rules governing organizations under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
2. To create a partnership among career development practitioners from business/industry, elementary/secondary schools, colleges/universities, public and private agencies, and private practices, and to establish and improve the standards of professional service in the field of career development.
3. To gather and disseminate information relevant to career development, guidance and occupational information.
4. To encourage the establishment of innovative and responsive career development and career counseling services in Connecticut communities.

ARTICLE II

MEMBERSHIP

 Section 1: Categories of Membership

 a)      Voting membership shall be of one type – individual members.

b)     Individual Membership. There shall be five types of individual membership: professional, regular, retired, student and Emeritus.

c)      All members may vote and all members may hold an elected or appointed office in the Association.

d)     All members of CCCDA must agree to abide by NCDA’s ethical standards.

 Section 2: The categories of membership shall be determined in accordance with the following:

 Professional Members: Professional members are those with at least a Master’s degree whose work involves any aspect of career services or career development, including school counselors, professors, career center managers, career counselors or coaches, outplacement consultants, etc. who uphold the purpose and principles of CCCDA.

Regular Members: Regular members shall include persons whose interests and activities are consistent with those of the Association, but who are not qualified for Professional membership.

Retired Members: Retired members are those who have retired from employment, have been a member of CCCDA for at least two years and uphold the purpose and principles of CCCDA.

Student Members: Student members are those enrolled in an accredited master’s level graduate counseling program or relevant program preparing them for work in a career development-related field and whose application for association membership has been endorsed by their college or university.  Student members uphold the purpose and principles of CCCDA.

Emeritus Members:  The Emeritus member classification shall be limited to CCCDA members currently holding that title in the Connecticut Counseling Association (CCA).  They shall not be required to pay dues but shall retain all of the privileges granted to them at the time they became Emeritus members in CCA/CCCDA.

 Section 3:  Non-Discrimination

 There is no discrimination in membership because of race, color, religion, creed, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, national origin, ancestry, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law.

 Section 4: Continuity of Membership and Dues

 Membership in CCCDA shall be continuous on an annual basis for the fiscal year July 1 to June 30.  Dues for all members of CCCDA shall be payable annually by July 1. Dues for a new member will be prorated by which quarter of the year the individual applies for membership (i.e. July-September, the new member pays full dues; October-December, they pay ¾ of dues; January-March, they pay ½ the dues; April-June, they pay ¼ the dues).  Annual dues for all classes of membership shall be established by the CCCDA Board of Directors, in accordance with established NCDA Bylaws and Policy and Procedures.  The CCCDA Board may specify the manner in which dues and assessments shall be collected.

 Section 5: Non-transferability of Membership

Memberships are not transferable to another individual.

 Section 6:  Termination of Membership

 a)      Members may be dropped from membership for unethical behavior as defined in the NCDA Code of Ethics, Code of Ethics of the American Counseling Association (ACA), or for conduct that tends to injure the Association or to affect its reputation adversely.  Any charge relating to unethical behavior or misconduct shall be presented to the CCCDA Board in writing over the signatures of two members. The Board shall investigate the charges.  The Board shall notify the member of the precise nature of the charge and offer the opportunity to present evidence on their own behalf.  If the charges are found to have substance, the Board shall counsel the member with a view toward behavior change.  Failing any modification of the behavior in question, the Board shall determine appropriate action, including termination of membership.

b)     In extreme or potentially harmful circumstances, the CCCDA Board reserves the right to terminate a member without notice.  In such a situation, the Board will inform the individual of the precise nature of the behavior that led to this action and, if appropriate, offer the opportunity for the member to present evidence on their own behalf.

c)      Members will be dropped from membership for non-payment of dues.

ARTICLE III

OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES

 Section 1: Officers and Trustees

a)      The officers of CCCDA shall be President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary and Treasurer.  These officers must be members of NCDA.

b)     There shall be four Trustees elected by the membership.

c)      The CCCDA Board of Directors (referred to herein after as the CCCDA Board) shall consist of the Officers and the four Trustees.

Section 2: Method of Selection

The President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer and Trustees shall be elected in accordance with Article IV.

Section 3: Terms of Office

a)      The President shall serve for a term of one year or until his or her successor is chosen.

b)     The President-Elect shall succeed to the Presidency for a one-year term and then to Immediate Past-Presidency for a one-year term.

c)      The Secretary and Treasurer shall hold office for a term of two years.

d)     Trustees shall serve for a term of two years.

e)      In the event of resignation, continued absence, illness or death of any Trustee or Officer (other than the President), the CCCDA Board of Directors shall, by majority vote, elect a successor to serve.  In the event that the President-Elect is unable to assume the duties of the President, the CCCDA Board may, by a majority vote, choose a member of the CCCDA Board to serve as President until his or her successor takes office.  Any appointees from the Board to vacated officer positions would be required to join NCDA if they are not current members of NCDA. 

f)      In the event the office of President-Elect becomes vacant, a special election shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable provisions of this section.

g)     In the event any Officer cannot or does not perform the duties of the office in a satisfactory manner (i.e. in accord the NCDA guidelines), the office may be declared vacant by a majority of the CCCDA Board.

h)     All Officers and Trustees take office on July 1 of the year elected and serve through June 30 of the final year of their term.

i)       All Officers and Trustees may serve more than one term and those terms may be consecutive. .

Section 4: Functions of Officers and Trustees

a)      The President shall:

1.      Provide leadership in the achievement of the purposes of CCCDA.

2.      Serve as presiding officer of the Association.

3.      Preside at meetings of the CCCDA Board of Directors.

4.      Appoint chairpersons of all necessary committees, and perform such duties as are normally incident to the office.

5.      Represent CCCDA at relevant NCDA meetings.

6.      Be a signer of the CCCDA checking account.

7.      Serve as ex-officio on all CCCDA committees except the Nominations and Elections Committee.

8.      Be empowered to enter the Association into contracts, grants, and other binding agreements upon approval of the CCCDA Board.

9.      Perform such other duties incident to this office.

b)     The Immediate Past-President shall:

1.      Serve as a member of the CCCDA Board

2.      Serve as the Chair of the CCCDA Nominations and Elections Committee.

3.      Be a signer of the CCCDA checking account.

4.      Perform such duties as assigned by the CCCDA Board.

c)      The President-Elect shall:

1.      Perform the duties of the President in the event of his/her absence or incapacity.

2.      Serve as a member of the CCCDA Board.

3.      Carry out such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the CCCDA Board.

d)     The Secretary shall:

1.      Keep the records and minutes of the meetings of the CCCDA Board.

2.      Serve as a member of the CCCDA Board.

3.      Prepare correspondence as directed by the President or CCCDA Board.

4.      Perform such other duties incident to this office.

e)      The Treasurer shall:

1.      Serve as a member of the CCCDA Board.

2.      Receive and disburse all funds of CCCDA.

3.      Maintain membership records.

4.      Maintain accurate financial records.

5.      Prepare financial reports and a year-end tax reports to be file with the IRS.

6.      Be a signer of the CCCDA checking account.

7.      Perform such other duties incident to this office.

f)   The Trustees shall:

1.      Serve as members of the CCCDA Board

2.      Attend meetings of the CCCDA Board of Directors and fulfill the functions and responsibilities of that body.

Section 5:  Sanction and Removal from Office. 

Any individual noted in Article III, Sections 1 to 4 above, may be sanctioned or removed from office in accordance with procedures as prescribed by official policy of the Association.

Any member of the CCCDA Board of Directors may be sanctioned or removed from office by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors for engaging in conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the Association or for repeated failure to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Board Member.

ARTICLE IV

Nomination and Election of Officers

Section 1: Procedures. 

A Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the CCCDA Board with the Immediate Past-President serving as the chair of the committee.  The Nominating Committee shall present a slate of Officers and Trustees to be placed on the ballot.  Provisions shall be made for write-in candidates.  The Nominations and Elections Committee shall follow the following procedures:

a)      Nominations.  Members may be nominated for office in one of three ways:

1)      By any current Board member.

2)      By any CCCDA member in good standing.

3)      By the member who wishes to serve on the Board.

b)     All nominations shall be submitted in writing to the Chair of the Nominations and Elections Committee.  The nominee should provide a letter of interest stating his/her willingness and ability to serve and a copy of their résumé.

c)      A call for nominations shall be published in an electronic communication (email) to all members at least 45 days prior to the distribution of ballots.

d)     A ballot including a list of the names of all persons nominated for all elected office shall be distributed by the Nominations and Elections Committee to all members of the Association by mail or e-mail no later than May 20 of the election year.

e)      All mail or e-mail ballots shall be returned to the Chair of the Nominations and Elections Committee no later than June 5 of the election year.

f)      The results of the election shall be reported to the members by mail or e-mail by June 15.

g)     All Officers and Trustees shall be elected in accordance with NCDA balloting procedures.

h)     Officers and Trustees shall be elected by a majority of CCCDA members voting.  All members in good standing shall be entitled to vote and hold office in CCCDA.

ARTICLE V

CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AND AGREEMENT

The CCCDA Board shall adopt and periodically review a conflict of interest policy to protect the Association’s interests when it is contemplating any transaction or arrangement which may benefit any director, officer, affiliate, or member of a committee with Board-delegated powers.  Each member of the Board shall review and agree to the policy within 1 month of appointment/election to the Board.

ARTICLE VI

MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Section 1:  Composition and Meetings of the CCCDA Board of Directors

a)      The CCCDA Board shall be comprised of the President, President-elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary and Treasurer plus up to four (4) Trustees.

b)     Functions of the CCCDA Board of Directors

The CCCDA Board shall be the agency through which the policies of the Association shall be determined and shall have the following powers and functions:

1.         To establish policies to govern the affairs of the Association.

2.        To lead the functions and activities of the Association.

3.        To act on recommendations from Standing Committees and special committees as are responsible to the Board.

c)      The CCCDA Board shall meet no less than four times per year as scheduled by the Association President.  Other meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at the call of the President or of a majority of the CCCDA Board.

d)     At least one-half of the members of the CCCDA Board shall constitute a quorum throughout any meeting of the CCCDA Board at which official business is transacted.

e)      The CCCDA Board shall include the five officers and up to four (4) Trustee positions as defined in Article III, Section 4f.

f)      All terms will begin July 1 and shall be one year in length for the President, President-elect and Immediate Past-President and two years in length for the Secretary, Treasurer and Trustees.  Trustee terms are staggered with two Trustee positions coming open every year to ensure continuity.

g)     Meetings can be held in person or through distance communication (teleconferencing or virtual).

Section 2: Meeting of the Association

a)      At least one meeting of the Association shall be held annually (either in person or virtually) where all members are encouraged to attend. Such a meeting shall constitute the annual membership meeting of the Association and can be held at the annual conference or another time approved by the CCCDA Board.  Additional meetings of the Association may be called by either a majority vote of the CCCDA Board or a majority vote of the Association.

b)     Quorum: A quorum for conducting business at general membership meetings shall be those in attendance.  Voting can be done by presence in person or by other means of communication.

c)      Summary of Proceedings.  A summary of proceedings of the Association meeting shall be available upon request.

d)     Emergency Action:  In an emergency and on recommendation of two-thirds of the CCCDA Board, business may be presented by mail or e-mail ballot to the members of the Association.

ARTICLE VII

COMMITTEES

Section 1: Standing Committees

The standing committees of CCCDA and their duties shall be:

The Nominations and Elections Committee shall consist of three members – the Immediate Past-President and two members appointed by the CCCDA Board.  The Immediate Past-President shall serve as Chair.  If the Past-President is unable to serve, the CCCDA Board may fill the vacancy by a majority vote.  Note: The current President is not eligible to serve on this committee.

The Committee shall be responsible for carrying out the nominations and elections procedures in accord with these Bylaws.

Section 2:  Additional Standing Committees or Ad Hoc Committees

Additional Standing Committees or Ad Hoc Committees shall be established by the CCCDA Board to carry out such activities as it believes will further the objectives of CCCDA.  The CCCDA Board shall, from time to time, review the charge and function of all standing and ad hoc committees and shall make changes in their number, characteristics, or organization as may seem desirable.

Section 3: Appointment of Committees. 

In the absence of any provision to the contrary in these Bylaws or in the motion creating a committee:

Committees of CCCDA, both standing and special committees, may be determined by the CCCDA Board to promote the purposes and objectives of the Association.  The President shall appoint chairs of committees.  The term of office so appointed shall be determined at the time of the creation of the committee.  Chairpersons of committees shall be subject to confirmation by the CCCDA Board.  They may be re-appointed.

The chair of a committee shall designate the members of his or her committee but can seek advice and assistance from the CCCDA Board with identifying and recruiting committee members.

ARTICLE VIII

BUSINESS AFFAIRS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Section 1: Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of CCCDA shall be from July 1 to June 30 in accordance with the fiscal year of NCDA.

Section 2: Parliamentary Rules

The parliamentary order for meetings of CCCDA shall be Robert’s Rules of Order (as from time to time revised) unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws.

Section 3: Quorum

A quorum for conducting CCCDA Board business shall be five (5) members of the Board.

Section 4: Values

CCCDA will adopt NCDA’s Code of Ethics, Shared Values, Definitions, and Behavioral Indicators, as may apply to State Chapters.

ARTICLE IX

BIENNIAL AUDIT

Section 1:  Biennial Audit

The CCCDA Board shall make recommendations for a biennial audit of the financial records of CCCDA. The report shall be reviewed by the CCCDA Board which shall institute any recommendations that may be appropriate.  A full report on the financial condition of CCCDA shall be made available to the members of the Association upon request.

ARTICLE X

NON-SEXIST LANGUAGE

Section 1:  In all official CCCDA communications and publications, it is recommended that the “Guidelines for Non-Sexist Language” which appeared in the February 1978 Personnel and Guidance Journal, be followed, and that the terms “chair” or “chairperson” be preferred to the term “chairman"

ARTICLE XI

ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

Section 1: Adoption

These Bylaws shall become effective immediately upon approval by a majority of CCCDA members voting either by mailed or e-mailed ballot or at a duly announced meeting of the membership.  A copy of the proposed Bylaws shall be provided with each ballot.

Section 2: Amendment

These Bylaws may be amended by a majority of those present and voting at an annual meeting or other CCCDA meeting, provided the members have been notified of the proposed change or changes at least 7 days in advance of the meeting.  Amendments may also be ratified by mail or e-mail vote as specified in Section 1 of this Article.  A proposed amendment shall be considered adopted if approved by a majority of the members voting.

ARTICLE XII

DISSOLUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION

Section 1: 

Dissolution of the Connecticut Career Counseling and Development Association may be approved by a two-thirds vote by members present or voting by mail/e-mail ballot.  In the event of the dissolution of the Association, the CCCDA Board shall direct that all outstanding debts and obligations be paid in full.

Section 2:  Property of the Association

In the event the Association should be dissolved, none of its property shall be distributed to any of the members.  Instead, all its property shall be transferred to such organization or organizations as the CCCDA Board shall determine to have purposes and activities most nearly consonant with those of the Association.