CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
ARTICLE 1 - NAME
The name of this organization shall be Christian Homeschool Association, Inc., hereafter referred to as CHA, a not-for-profit organization.ARTICLE II - DEFINITION
CHA is a Christian organization, the members of which are like-minded Christian home education families dedicated to observing the Biblical commands of Deuteronomy 6:4-10, Proverbs 22:6, and Ephesians 6:4. We promote home education as the scriptural design for education, whereas institutional education is the alternative to the home. We believe that every family has the God-given legal and constitutional right to home-educate in the State of Louisiana, whatever their philosophy of education or religious affiliation. CHA is not a church, nor is this organization meant to replace the ministry of the local church to the home education family.ARTICLE III - PURPOSE
CHA is organized exclusively for providing service, support and encouragement to Christian home education families that make up its membership.ARTICLE IV - STATEMENT OF FAITH
STATEMENT OF FAITH:1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, infallible, divinely preserved Word of God, the supreme and final authority for all faith and life.
2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood on the cross, His bodily resurrection, His ascension, and His imminent bodily return in power and glory.
4. We believe that man was created in the image of God, but fell into sin and is therefore lost, and only those who put their faith in Jesus Christ alone, not trusting in any personal works whatsoever, can be saved.
5. We believe that salvation is the free gift of God, brought to the sinner by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose substitutionary death on the cross paid the penalty for man's sin.
6. We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to convict mankind, and to indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service.
7. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers through our common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and that individual doctrinal differences that may exist, except the aforementioned (1-6), should not hinder the unity of Christian home educators.
ARTICLE V - STATEMENT OF BELIEF ON FAMILY AND ON EDUCATION
Section 1: FAMILYWe believe that the family is the basic governmental, social, and spiritual unit created by God. In it, the child learns self-government, social relationships, and develops a relationship to the Creator and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, according to John 3:5 and 16, Ephesians 6:1 and Colossians 3:20. The family also provides protection from over-extensive government and over-stimulating social involvements.
We define "family" to mean a male and female parent, legally married, with one or more children (Genesis 1:26-28), although we recognize the exceptions of a Christian single parent, adopted, foster, and step-children (James 1:27).
We reject homosexual marriages or homosexual orientation because it is contrary to Scripture and the intentions of God in creation (Romans 1:18-32).
We reject transitory, co-habitational relationships (living together as husband/wife without being married) as being equally in violation of God's laws and incapable of providing the long-term nurture and instruction needed by children and commanded by God (Proverbs 1:8-9, 2:1-11; Colossians 3:21; and Ephesians 6:4). In view of this, no homosexual or merely co-habiting "parents" (homosexual or heterosexual) are eligible for membership within CHA.
Section 2: EDUCATION
We believe that the ultimate responsibility for the education of children belongs to parents (Deuteronomy 4:9, 6:1-25, and 4:1-4). Thus, we believe this is an inalienable right given by God that the State cannot create, destroy, or alter. Even though parents may allow someone other than themselves to teach cognitive information, it is under the ultimate control and supervision of the parents.
We believe education in the home by parents is the best form of education currently available to parents and children.
We believe that humans are comprised of spirit, soul, and body. We believe it is foolishness to attempt to fully equip / educate the soul and body and neglect the spiritual part of man. All education should attempt to fully illumine all 3 areas of human experience.
ARTICLE VI - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: SPECIFICATIONS
Membership is open to all Christian families who can truthfully sign the “Statement of Faith” and who pay their dues in a timely manner.
Section 2: EXPECTATIONS
It is expected that all members are to abide by all rules and regulations contained in this document and all other rules and regulations that may be assigned from time to time to various activities such as but not limited to field trips, skating and other organized activities, etc.
Section 3: APPLYING FOR MEMBERSHIP (RENEWABLE ANNUALLY)
Applications for membership shall be submitted to the Executive Committee or person designated by the EC and accepted for membership unless prohibited by a majority vote of the EC. If there are questions concerning qualifications for membership and a meeting of the EC is not possible or convenient, then the chairman of the EC or someone he appoints can investigate the situation and report to the chairman for a decision. In the situation where the chairman makes the final decision, then the declining member can ask that their grievance be heard by the EC at their next regularly scheduled meeting where the chairman’s decision can be overridden by a majority vote of the EC.
CHA, Inc Membership: Parent/teachers sign the CHA (Christian Homeschool Association, Inc.) “Statement of Faith” form, indicating that they agree and comply with the statement. They must also fill out a membership application. Return the forms along with the appropriate annual dues (a portion is sent to CHEF of LA for statewide CHEF dues). You will receive voting rights, leadership eligibility, website access and other information when we receive the signed “Statement of Faith” and your dues.
Activities coordinated by CHA are open to all members. We encourage members to share membership information with other families who are interested in our group, but we ask that you keep our member directory and activity calendar confidential and for personal use only. If you desire membership, please fill out the requested documents and turn them in, along with a check payable to CHA for dues, or mail them to the current CHA Treasurer.
Section 4: TERM OF MEMBERSHIP
Members are required to make a new application each year. This would include a re-affirmation to their commitment in Section One (1) of this article
Section 5: REVOCATION OF MEMBERSHIP
If and when any member is found to be in confessional or ethical non-compliance with the statement of faith, statement on family and education, statement of purpose or by-laws of this organization, then there shall be a hearing before the EC with at least 2 weeks prior written notice given to the party or parties in question. After this meeting, the EC will decide by majority vote whether or not to revoke membership.
ARTICLE VII - GOVERNMENT
Section 1: GENERAL POWERSThe affairs of CHA, Inc. shall be under the policy direction and implementation of an Executive Committee. This committee shall include at least five (5) and not more than seven (7) voting entities. (a voting entity is either a husband / wife team or a single parent). Each husband / wife team will receive (1) vote. Each single parent entity will receive (1) vote.
Section 2: QUORUM
A majority of the voting “entities” present at any meeting will represent a quorum. If a quorum is not present, a majority of those present may postpone the meeting to another time without prior notice. Note: if only one (1) partner of a husband / wife team is present, that one (1) would constitute a voting entity for quorum purposes.
Section 3: EC DECISIONS
The act of majority of the EC present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the EC, unless the act of a greater number is required by this Constitution.
Section 4: MEETING OF THE EC
For the purposes of defining a “meeting of the EC”, a meeting may be defined as a gathering where a quorum of EC members are physically present or by teleconference or videoconference. The EC shall meet “as needed” but with the intent to meet at least 4 times during the year, culminating at a meeting of the entire membership in the summer of each year.
Section 6: MEETING OF THE ORGANIZATION
An Annual Meeting of the membership will be held each summer to vote on the selection of a new EC for the upcoming school year. This meeting will be held at a place to be chosen by the EC.
Section 7: SPECIAL MEETINGS
A special meeting of the entire membership can be called by a majority vote of the EC or if 4 of the active membership request such a meeting in writing by signatures on a petition. A notice of special meeting must be mailed at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting date. However, in the event of an emergency, the chairman of the EC can call an emergency meeting upon notice to the EC by telephone within 24 hours prior to such meeting if a tree or email bank is in operation so as to notify all the members in a timely manner.
Section 9: NON-LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS
The directors shall not be personally liable for the debts, liabilities, or other obligations of the not-for-profit corporation, CHA, Inc.
Section 10: INDEMNIFICATION BY CORPORATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS:
The directors and officers of the not-for-profit corporation, CHA, Inc., shall be indemnified by the corporation to the fullest extent permissible under the laws of this state.
ARTICLE VIII – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1: THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EC)
The EC shall be elected by the members of CHA at the Annual Meeting from a slate presented by the nominating committee. This nominating committee shall be comprised of 2 EC voting entities and 1 non-EC voting entity. The nominating committee is appointed by the current chairman of the EC. There shall be at least 5 and not more than 7 voting entities on the EC, not including the immediate past Chairman of the EC. The immediate past Chairman is encouraged to attend and give counsel at the EC meetings the year following his departure from the EC, but will not be a voting member of the EC.
Section 2: QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE EC
2.1 Shall be an active member prior to selection for EC.
2.2 Shall be willing to give a personal or written testimony as to their faith in Jesus Christ.
2.3 Shall have been in general membership for at least one (1) year.
2.4 Shall have at least two (2) consecutive years of home school experience by the time their term of office begins.
Section 3: DUTIES OF EC
3.1 Responsible for the overall functioning of the organization, including but not limited to: Vision, Direction and Financial matters.
3.2 Members of the EC shall nominate and elect a chairman, a vice chairman and a secretary/treasurer. It is understood that this chairman (or vice-chairman in the absence of the chairman) is a “first among equals”.
3.3 The EC shall contract with any individuals or organizations necessary to carry out its stated purposes as the EC shall determine, provided such conditions are not inconsistent with this Constitution and by-laws.
3.4 Any authority not expressly delegated to the membership at large is understood to be held by the EC.
Section 4: ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE
4.1 The EC shall be elected at the CHA annual meeting to be held each summer prior to the beginning of the new school year.
The term of office shall be two (2) years beginning on election date. There is no maximum number of terms an EC
member may serve. A sabbatical of one (1) year or more between terms is recommended.
4.2 The Chairman shall appoint any vacancy in an EC position after recommendations from the EC and non-EC members.
4.3 Any member of the EC who is unable to fulfill his elected duties may resign by submitting a written letter of resignation to the EC or the Chairman.
4.4 Any EC member elected by the organization may be removed by majority vote of the EC, when, in its judgment, such EC member has been found to be in confessional or ethical non-compliance with the Statement of Faith, Statement on Family and Education, Statement of Purpose, or By-laws of the organization. The removal process should take place at a regularly scheduled meeting or an emergency meeting of the EC.
ARTICLE IX - BUDGET AND DUES
Section 1: ADOPTION OF BUDGET AND DUES1. The annual dues shall be proposed by the EC and ratified by majority vote of the EC and submitted to members no later than the first newsletter of the school year. A grace period of 25 days will be offered each member and then an additional amount to be determined by the EC shall be assessed after the grace period.
2. It is recommended that the person appointed to oversee bookkeeping submit an informal budget to the EC one month prior to the annual meeting of the membership. The newly appointed EC shall determine the New Year budget at a meeting preceding the elections of the new EC.
Section 3: FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year shall begin July 1 and end June 30.
Section 4: COLLECTION OF DUES
Dues will be collected by the designated Financial Committee Chairman.
