International Fire Photographers Association, Inc.

By Laws Approved April 24, 2011

Name:

The name of the Association shall be International Fire Photographers Association, Inc hereinafter referred to as the IFPA

Mission:

The International Fire Photographers Association is dedicated to the advancement of emergency service visual journalism, creation, practice, training, editing and distribution in all emergency service media and works to promote its role as a vital public service.

Object:

The objects and purposes of this association are to advance emergency service visual journalism in all its forms by:

1. Encourage emergency service visual journalists to reflect high standards of quality in their professional performance and in their personal code of ethics. The IFPA strives to create, promote, and maintain a high spirit of community and a high standard of conduct among its members
2. Cooperate with all recognized public safety agencies, visual journalism associations, and individuals consistent with the aims and objectives of the IFPA
3. Provide educational opportunities for those involved in all forms of emergency service visual journalism
4. Commit  to reflecting diversity in all IFPA activities

Membership:

Eligibility:

The membership of this organization shall consist of professional emergency service visual journalists and others whose occupation has a direct professional relationship with emergency service visual journalism.

Membership will be distributed over 8 domestic regions based on the member’s current home or employment address and an International Region for members living or working outside of the Continental United States.

Life Membership:

Past Presidents and Charter Members of the IFPA will be granted Life Membership in the IFPA and shall not be responsible for paying dues. Life Members may also be nominated and approved by the Board of Directors for individuals who have made a substantial impact in the field of emergency service visual journalism and/or the IFPA.

Members in Good Standing:

Members in good standing shall be defined as those who have paid their dues and monies, and who have no outstanding penalties by the IFPA. Any member who has had no penalties or censures for five (5) years shall return to good standing.

Regions:

Each Region shall consist of a group of states in the Continental United States and an International Region shall be established for members residing or employed overseas.  A Region shall be under the direction of one (1) Regional Coordinator appointed by the President. Each state shall be under the direction of a State Coordinator usually recommended by the Regional Coordinator, Executive Director or member of the Board of Directors and appointed by the President.  Each Regional Coordinator and State Coordinator shall serve a one year term and may be reappointed annually upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors, Executive Director and approval of the President.

Regional and State Officers shall not receive any compensation for their positions with the exception of reimbursement of pre-approved expenses for IFPA activities which may include travel, lodging, postage and supplies.

Executive Board:

The Executive Board will consist of the President, Vice President, Executive Director, Assistant to the Executive Director and the Director of Membership. The members of the Executive Board will be compensated with a reasonable annual salary and approved by the Board of Directors.

The Executive Board members are considered Charter Members and there are no term limits for these positions. Vacancies will only occur upon resignation of the individual or removal for cause by the Board of Directors.

Board of Directors:

The Board of Directors will consist of 3 Primary Directors and 3 Associate Directors nominated by the Executive Director, Vice President and approved by the President.

Primary Directors shall be required to attend all scheduled meetings and will have the authority to vote, form committees and oversee the daily operations of the IFPA. Terms for Primary Director are 3, 2 and 1 year terms respectively and vacancies will only occur at the end of the Director’s term, resignation and/or removal for cause. Primary Directors may be reappointed at the end of their terms or may nominate a suitable replacement to the Executive Board.

Associate Directors shall be nominated by the Executive Director, Vice President and appointed by the President. Associate Directors will have all voting rights and powers with the exception that they may cast ballots or propose amendments in writing.

Directors will not receive any compensation for their duties other than reasonable reimbursement for IFPA related expenses.

Business Office:

The IFPA Business Office shall be located at:

15 Sherrin Road
Brookline, MA 02467

Funding and Operations:

The IFPA will be organized as a non-profit educational and professional association under the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and will comply with all rules and regulations regarding operations under the Secretary of State Office. The Executive Board and Board of Directors will have the responsibility to ensure that the IFPA is in full compliance of Massachusetts Generals Laws and the Attorney General’s Office.

Operations of the IFPA will be dependent on funding from various sources such as grants, foundations, corporate sponsorships, private donations, fundraising events and other sources which are allowed under law.

The Executive Board and Board of Directors shall be responsible for seeking funding and either writing applications for grants or employing a professional grant writer to seek funding for IFPA projects and business operations.

Formation of Committees and Task Forces:

The President shall form the necessary committees to carry out the aims, objectives, and operations of the IFPA. A Committee Chair shall be appointed by the President and the service terms are not limited but may be changed at the will of the President. Committees shall meet twice a year either in person or by phone. All committees are required to report to the Board in writing.

Annual Report:

The IFPA will prepare and submit to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the membership an Annual Report at the conclusion of each Fiscal Year. Fiscal Year Calendar shall be July 1 through June 30.

Amendments:

Amendments to the By Laws shall be made upon a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

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