Bylaws

Bylaws

Therapeutic Touch International Association Bylaws
Revised April, 2020

Mission: Lead, inspire and advance excellence in Therapeutic TouchSM as a healing practice and lifeway.

Vision: To expand awareness and access to Therapeutic TouchSM as a process that potentiates and promotes worldwide healing.

 Article I. Name and Organizational Status

The organization initially was established as Nurse Healers-Professionals Associates in 1977 under the leadership of Dolores Krieger, PhD, RN, and since 2010 has been doing business as Therapeutic Touch International Association, hereinafter referred to as “The Association”.  The Association is a voluntary not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible.

Article II. Purpose:

The Association serves as the central resource for information on Therapeutic Touch® (“Therapeutic Touch”). The Association is the international network for members interested in Therapeutic Touch. The Association members participate in the ongoing development of Therapeutic Touch practice, teaching, and research. The Association promulgates international standards for Therapeutic Touch education and practice, viewing the human being as a complex, dynamic whole, and healing as a process of restoring and promoting the integrity of body, mind and spirit.

Article III. Objectives:

  1. To Serve as the international center for the evolving art, practice, teaching, science, and research of Therapeutic Touch as developed by Krieger and Kunz.
  2. To Provide
    1. A forum for those engaged in the healing arts for the promotion of a shared understanding of healing as facilitated through the use of Therapeutic Touch.
    2. The international standards and ethical guidelines for the practice and teaching of Therapeutic Touch.
    3. Peer reviewed credentialing of qualified Therapeutic Touch practitioners and teachers in categories established by The Association’s Board of Trustees
    4. Support for the development of innovative research, teaching, and practice of Therapeutic Touch.
  3. To Maintain a list of members who are available for lectures, discussion groups, seminars, and workshops in Therapeutic Touch.
  4. To be A part of an international communication network with individuals and organizations committed to the process of helping or healing others.

Article IV. Membership

  1. Qualifications

As a non-profit, non-sectarian organization, membership is open to people of all races, creeds, colors, religions, beliefs, genders, and lifestyle choices who are interested in Therapeutic Touch, and who meet the requirements as set forth by the Board of Trustees.

Categories of Members

The Board of Trustees may determine categories of individual, agency, or organizational membership and qualifications, rights, obligations, suspensions, terminations, and conditions of resignation and reinstatement of members within The Association.

Dues

The Board of Trustees will establish dues for various categories of membership.

Rights and Privileges of Members

Members and the designated representatives (one) from a member agency and/or organization may:

  1. Hold office when elected or appointed and serve on committees when appointedsubject to the qualifications established by the Bylaws for the particular office or committee.
  2. Participate using consensus and/or voting process on all issues presented to the membership by the Board of Trustees at any meeting of The Association.
  3. Attend and participate in all regular and called meetings of The Association.
  4. Bring to the Board of Trustees suggestions and issues for Board consideration.
  5. Depending upon local interest members may, on a voluntary basis, develop regional groups under the auspices of The Association.
  6. Members will inform the Membership Trustee and the Association office of the formation of a regional group.

Conduct of Members, Conditions of Resignation, Suspension

1A member in good standing is one who conducts himself/herself in an ethical manner, and actively supports The Association by interest, presence, and participation, and who pays his/her annual dues.

  1. An individual, agency, or organization membership may be terminated or suspended for failing to adhere to ethical standards, failure to pay dues, or other failure to follow rules of The Association as specified in The Association policies and procedures. In the event of a potential termination or suspension of membership for reasons other than failure to pay dues, the procedure for investigation and due process will be in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Association.

Reinstatement

  1. A member whose membership has been terminated for any reason may apply for reinstatement through the process of re-application to The Association.
  2. Reinstatement shall be considered in accordance with The Association policies and procedures.

General Membership Meetings

  1. Periodic meetings of The Association membership shall be conducted by the President.
  2. When general membership meetings are held, members shall be notified of the date, time, and location at least one month prior to the meeting.
  3. a) The agenda will be available to the members prior to the meeting.
  4. b) Members may submit agenda items to the Board of Trustees at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
  5. c) Reports of the activities of each board member will be available to the members.
  6. d) A majority of the Board of Trustees must be present to convene the general membership meeting
  7. e) Ten percent (10%) of the membership of The Association shall constitute a quorum.
  8. f) A simple majority of the quorum is required to pass a motion.
  9. g) A summary of the general membership meeting shall be reported in The Association newsletter in the first issue published following the meeting.
  10. In years when general membership meetings are not held the annual report shall be communicated to the membership via The Association Newsletter.

Special Meeting of Membership

  1. Special meetings of the membership may be called at any time by a petition signed by no less than a majority of the Board of Trustees or twenty-five percent (25%) of the membership. The petition must specify the issues or matters to be brought to the membership.
  2. Notice of the date, time and place of the special meeting and the issues or matters to be acted upon shall be given to the entire membership at least sixty (60) days prior to said meeting.
  3. Only matters specified in the petition may be acted upon at said meeting of the membership.
  4. At the special meeting a quorum shall be the same as required for the Annual Meeting.
  5. A simple majority of the quorum shall be required to pass a motion.

Article V. Board of Trustees

Composition

  1. The Board of Trustees of The Association constitutes the Officers of The Association.
  2. The Board of Trustees comprised of a minimum of six (6) or a maximum of ten (10) members shall manage the business and affairs of The Association.  No more than two (2) positions will be held by a representative of an agency and/or organization member.
  3. Qualification for Board of Trustees –
  4. a) A current member of The Association
  5. b) The candidate for Board President shall be a current Board of Trustee member for at least six (6) months prior to election.
  6. c) Terms of Office – Elected members of the Board of Trustees will serve a three d) year term to begin on the first day of the month following notification of his/her election. A trustee shall serve for no more than two (2) consecutive terms in any one position and no more than twelve (12) consecutive years on the Board of Trustees.

Election of Trustees

  1. A Nominating Committee will be elected by members for a term of two years and may be elected for one additional term for a total term limit of four years.
  2. a) The candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected.
  3. b) The Nominating Committee determines the chair and communicates the nomination processes with the designated Board member.
  4. c) The Board of Trustees will designate a liaison to the Nominating Committee.
  5. Duties of the Nominating Committee:
  6. a) Circulates a call through electronic methods and The Association publications for nominations for positions whose term is due to expire.
  7. b) Considers all applicants, provides a summary of potential nominees, and presents a written slate of candidates to the Board of Trustees for review.
  8. c) After reviewing input from the Board of Trustees, the Nominating Committee will finalize the slate of candidates.
  9. d) When the Nominating Committee has questions regarding the qualifications of a potential nominee the Nominating Committee shall confer with the designated Board member prior to forwarding the ballot to the Board of Trustees.
  10. The slate of candidates and the voting ballot will be sent electronically to all voting members of The Association. For members without internet access, a paper copy of the slate of candidates and voting ballot will be sent via regular mail.
  11. The Nominating Committee is responsible for tallying ballots and reporting the results to the Board of Trustees.
  12. Trustees are elected based on majority vote. Tie votes will be resolved by a runoff election.
  13. Results of the election shall be made known to all nominees immediately after such election and shall be announced to the general membership via The Association newsletter and electronically via email.

Vacancies

  1. A vacancy is deemed to exist in case of death, resignation or removal of any Trustee, or in the event a position remains unfilled following an annual election.
  2. A vacancy in any office may be filled for the remaining portion of the term by any qualified member of The Association by appointment by the President and confirmation by the Board of Trustees.

Responsibilities of the Board of Trustees

  1. Reports
    a) Submit reports to entire Board of Trustees at regular meetings.
    b) Submit annual written report to the membership.
    c) Submit reports to the membership in The Association’s newsletter.
    d) Record minutes of meetings and ensure copies of final minutes are distributed to Board members and archived in the office. Minutes of meetings are available to any member on request.

(1) President

(a) Serves as executive officer
(b) Coordinates all Board activities
(c) Oversees management of the administrative office in support of the Association
(d) Oversees public relations
(e) Chairs all Board and membership meetings
(f) Represents The Association in serving as a liaison to like-minded organizations, and may designate Association representatives to serve as liaisons to like-minded organizations
(g) Develops Board and membership meeting agendas
(h) Assumes responsibility for communication regarding legal matters
(i) Submits reports to the membership in The Association’s newsletter
(j) Orients President-Elect
(k) Oversees the care of The Association artifacts and archives

(2) President-Elect

(a) Holds office for six (6) months prior to taking office as President
(b) Works closely with the President
(c) Oversees Bylaws revisions and interpretation if in office during period of revision
(d) Oversees updates and revisions of Association Policy & Procedures if in office during period of revision

(3) Communications

(a) Has editorial responsibility for most of The Association communications
(b) Oversees The Association newsletter and acts as Editor as needed
(c) Oversees The Association’s website

(4) Treasurer/Development

(a) Oversees the fiduciary responsibilities of The Association
(b) Responds to requests for financial information
(c) Consults with trustees and committees regarding financial needs and responsibilities
(d) Provides regular reports to the Board and an annual report to the general membership
(e) Seeks sources of external grant funding, oversees The Association’s grant proposals to external sponsors
(f) Develops, solicits, and secures The Association’s merchandise and inventory
(g) Oversees marketing of TTIA merchandise

  (5) Education

(a) Coordinates development and review of Therapeutic Touch curriculum and teaching guidelines
 (b) Develops the components of education for the process of practice and  teaching     
(c) Oversees The Association’s Continuing Education process
 (d) Collaborates with the Programs Trustee to ensure synchrony between Therapeutic Touch education standards and practice

(6) Credentialing

  (a) Oversees the credentialing process for the recognition of TT practitioners,  teachers and others, and reviews the process periodically for currency.
  (b) Reviews applications and oversees reviewers
  (c) Coordinates the development and implementation of the Association’s peer   reviewed credentialing processes

 (6) Research

(a) Serves as a research consultant to the Board, the membership and other interested parties regarding Therapeutic Touch research and publications
(b) Oversees the review of research grant applications for quality, compliance, and adherence to ethics standards, and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees
(c) Annually oversees review of the Therapeutic Touch bibliography and Code of Ethics for currency

(7) Membership

(a) Oversees membership recruitment, marketing, and retention
(b) Oversees the membership database and directory in conjunction with the Office Manager and Treasurer/Development Trustee
(c) Collaborates with the appropriate Trustees in the development of Regional representatives and Practice Groups to develop resources

(8) Programs

(a) Collaborates with Membership and Education Trustee to develop resources for regional representatives and practice groups
(b) Facilitates the development of sponsored and co-sponsored conferences of The Association, including international and regional conferences and International Congresses
(c) Acts as liaison with organizations that are providing Therapeutic Touch programs
(d) Oversees and coordinates TTIA programs
(e) In collaboration with Education Trustee conducts a periodic learning needs assessment for TT programming

(9) International Trustee

(a) Promotes the practice, knowledge, and research of Krieger-Kunz Therapeutic Touch to the Therapeutic Touch international community
(b) Collaborates and promotes international participation in TTIA
(c) Serves as a link between TTIA and international communities that practice Therapeutic Touch
(d) Diplomatically coordinates consistency of international programs with TTIA standards
(e) Communicates concerns of the international community to TTIA Board of Trustees

Removal from the Board of Trustees

  1. A Trustee elected or appointed by the Board of Trustees may be removed from office by a three fourths (3/4) vote of the Board of Trustees. Reasons for removal include, but are not limited to, exceeding allowed absences from board meetings, failing to act in an ethical or responsible manner in fulfilling the duties and obligations of the position.
  2. The individual has the right to be at the Board meeting for the discussion.
  3. The President shall communicate the decision of the Board of Trustees in writing to the Trustee.

Resignation from the Board of Trustees

  1. Any member of the Board of Trustees may resign at any time by giving written notice to the President.
  2. In the event that the President resigns prior to the end of her/his term and there is no President-Elect yet in place, the Board of Trustees will elect an interim President from among the Trustees until such time as an election by the membership takes place

Meetings of the Board of Trustees

  1. The President shall call meetings of the Board at least nine (9) times annually.
  2. a) The Board of Trustees will meet via electronic means at least eight (8) times annually.
  3. b) The Board of Trustees will meet face to face at least one (1) time annually at a mutually agreed upon location.
  4. c) Each member of the Board of Trustees shall participate in a minimum of 50% of these meetings.
  5. Special meetings of the Board of Trustees (including special meetings by telephone conference call) may be called by the President and/or by any member of the Board of Trustees.
  6. Minutes of Board meetings shall be maintained in The Association office and available to all members upon request.
  7. A quorum shall consist of 60% of the members of the Board of Trustees.

Article VI. Committees

Establishment of Committees

Any Trustee may organize, chair or appoint a chair to a committee when it is deemed necessary to fulfill his/her responsibilities and the goals of The Association from a local, regional or international perspective, with approval of the Board.  Committees shall be struck or disbanded by the Trustee responsible for the committee when the charge to the committee has been fulfilled.

Administration of Committees

  1. A member of a committee shall meet the following criteria:
    a) Full membership in The Association
    b) Experience in the area of the committee’s responsibilities
  2. A simple majority of the membership of a committee shall constitute a quorum

Article VII. Contracts, Checks, Gifts

Contracts

The authorization for contracts shall be stated in writing by the Board of Trustees, and the contracts signed by two (2) members of the Board of Trustees, one of whom shall be the President after review by the Treasurer.

Checks and Drafts

  1. All checks, drafts or other orders for payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of or payable by The Association shall be under the direction of the Treasurer with input from the President, and checks shall be signed by the President and/or the Treasurer
  2. Prior to incurring any expense between $500 and $2,500, the President and Treasurer shall approve such expense, and any expense over $2,500 must have prior approval by the Board of Trustees
  3. The Board of Trustees shall accept on behalf of The Association, any contribution, gift, bequest or device for the general purpose of, or any special purpose of, The Association.
  4. Within 60 days of incurring the expense, any expenses incurred and claimed by any Trustee or committee member for business purposes of The Association shall be submitted with receipts to The Association office, and approved by Treasurer with input from President prior to payment

Article VIII. Fiscal Year

The Fiscal year of The Association shall begin on the first day of January (January 1) and end on the last day of December (December 31) each year.

Article IX. Governance of Association

To pass a motion, a majority of the members who voted is required.

Article X. Amendments

These Bylaws may be amended or replaced in whole or in part by open discussion of the Board of Trustees, including phone and/or mail, or a special meeting called for this purpose. At least two (2) weeks written notice must be given to each member of the Board of Trustees. The notice shall expressly set forth the proposed amendment or replacement and must be ratified by the general membership by electronic or mailed ballot 

Article XI Dissolution

In the event of a dissolution and liquidation of The Association, and after paying or adequately providing for all debts and obligations of The Association, all assets of The Association shall be transferred and conveyed to some other worthy, non-profit educational institution, as determined by the Board of Trustees.

Revised by the Board of Trustees of Therapeutic Touch International Association and ratified December 2012 by the Membership of Therapeutic Touch International Association