Constitution

ARTICLE I - NAME

The Maine Music Teachers Association, referred to as MaineMTA or as the Association, is an affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association, Inc. (MTNA), Cincinnati, Ohio, a Code Section 501 (c)(3) organization. 

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ARTICLE II – PURPOSE 

Section 1. MaineMTA is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes, including furthering the art of music; and promoting the growth and professional development of its members by providing programs that encourage and support teaching, performance, composition and research; and being a not-for-profit organization whose funds are used solely to accomplish these objectives. For such purposes, MaineMTA may make distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. 

Section 2. No Part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit or be distributed to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the purpose clause above. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on the propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and the organization shall not participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to, any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of this document, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax coded, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 (c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. 

Section 3. In the event of the dissolution of this organization, any funds remaining in the treasury after the payment of any outstanding debts shall be contributed to the MTNA Foundation or another 501 (c)(3) organization. 

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ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP 

Section 1. Membership classifications and privileges shall be prescribed in the Bylaws of the Maine Music Teachers Association and must be consistent with the membership classifications provided in the Bylaws of the MTNA. 

Section 2. Membership dues shall be proposed by the MaineMTA Executive Board and approved by the membership of the MaineMTA at an annual meeting. 

Section 3. Membership in the Association may be terminated by the member or revoked by the Association as prescribed in the Bylaws. 

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ARTICLE IV – AFFILIATED LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS 

Section 1. Any city, town, or district music teachers association may become and remain affiliated with the MMTA by fulfilling the requirements of membership as stated in the Constitution and Bylaws. 

Section 2. The Executive board may suspend or terminate any affiliated Association at any time for justifiable cause, as outlined in the Bylaws. 

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ARTICLE V – OFFICERS 

Officers of the Association shall be a President, President-Elect, Vice President for Programs, Vice President for Membership, Secretary, Treasurer, and Immediate Past President. The manner of election and the duties of each office shall be defined in the Bylaws. 

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ARTICLE VI – EXECUTIVE BOARD 

Section 1. The Executive Board shall be composed of the officers. The manner of appointment shall be defined in the Bylaws. 

Section 2. The Executive Board shall determine policies of the Association within the limits of the Constitution and Bylaws. It shall actively pursue the purposes of the Association and shall have discretion in the disbursement of all funds of the Association. It may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of Association business as shall be deemed advisable and may, in the execution of the powers granted, appoint such agents as it may consider necessary. 

Section 3. In order to transact business a quorum consisting of five members, of which at least three must be officers, constitute a quorum of the Executive Board. 

Section 4. The Executive Board may submit items of business by email to the membership requesting an online vote. The contents of the proposals and the results of the online vote shall be reported to the Secretary, approved by the Executive Board, and incorporated in the minutes of the next meeting of the Executive Board. 

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ARTICLE VII – COMMITTEES 

The President, subject to the approval of the Executive Board, shall appoint such standing and ad hoc committees and chairs as may be required by the Constitution and Bylaws, or as he or she may deem beneficial to the Association. The President shall be a member ex officio of all committees except the Nominating Committee. 

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ARTICLE VIII – MEETINGS 

Section 1. There shall be an annual meeting of the Association, time and place to be determined by the Executive Board. Notice of such meeting shall appear in the official Association publication at least thirty (30) days prior to the time appointed. At this meeting, the President shall permit the general membership to bring forward items for consideration. 

Section 2. A quorum of the Executive Board plus 50% of the Active Members registered at the annual meeting shall constitute a quorum for the election of officers and for the transaction of business at any annual or special membership meeting. 

Section 3. The Executive Board shall meet at least twice each year. Special meetings of the Executive Board may be called by the President, or upon joint request of not less than a majority of the Executive Board. 

Section 4. The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the Association in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association or any special rules of order the Association may adopt. 

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ARTICLE IX – PUBLICATION OF CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

The MaineMTA Constitution and Bylaws shall be printed and distributed to the membership. 

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ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS

Section 1. This Constitution may be amended upon the recommendation of the Executive Board and/or individual voting members at any annual session of the Association by a majority vote of the Active members present and voting. Written notice of the proposed amendment(s) must be submitted to the membership of the MaineMTA at least thirty (30) days in advance of the session. 

Section 2. Upon the recommendation of the Executive board the Constitution may be amended by an online vote of the association. Approval by a majority vote shall constitute amendment. The ballot and proposed amendment(s) must be submitted to the members of the MaineMTA at least thirty (30) days in advance of the required return date. The date for completion of the online voting process must be clearly stated. 

Section 3. All amendments must be harmonious with the Music Teachers National Association Constitution and Article II of this Constitution. If amendments are adopted, an amended copy of the State constitution should be submitted to the MTNA before approval. 

Revised: September 2024