Mission Statement
CLTA-VA is a non-profit, nonpolitical academic and educational organization.The goals of this organization are:
1. To promote quality teaching and learning in Chinese language and culture at all educational levels,
2. To enhance pedagogical development and career advancement in teaching Chinese as a foreign language,
3. To maximize professional exchanges and collaboration among Chinese language educators.
We warmly welcome anyone who is interested in promoting the learning and teaching of Chinese language and culture in Virginia and other areas to join CLTA-VA.
CLTA-VA is a non-profit, nonpolitical academic and educational organization.The goals of this organization are:
1. To promote quality teaching and learning in Chinese language and culture at all educational levels,
2. To enhance pedagogical development and career advancement in teaching Chinese as a foreign language,
3. To maximize professional exchanges and collaboration among Chinese language educators.
We warmly welcome anyone who is interested in promoting the learning and teaching of Chinese language and culture in Virginia and other areas to join CLTA-VA.
Founder’s Welcome Letter
Dear All,
With great excitement and enthusiasm, I am writing to invite you to visit our website and join the newly established Chinese Language Teachers Association of Virginia (CLTA-VA). I am deeply grateful for a group of dedicated Chinese language educators, who have been working together voluntarily to make possible the formation of the CLTA-VA.
CLTA-VA inaugural meeting will be held in conjunction with the Foreign Language Association of Virginia (FLAVA) in Richmond, the capital of the State of Virginia, on October 9th-10th this year. We aim to serve Chinese language educators at all educational levels not only in Virginia but also in its surrounding states. Interested parties in any regional areas are welcome to join our effort to connect with the global and international community by promoting Chinese language and culture in a wide spectrum.
In addition to its annual meeting in conjunction with FLAVA, the CLTA-VA will also organize a workshop, seminar, forum, or consortium every spring in different areas of the state. Through active participation in FLAVA annual conference, we aim to maximize professional exchanges at the state and cross-state levels not only among Chinese language educators, but also with educators of other foreign languages. Promoting Chinese language and culture cannot be done simply within a small inner circle; we must reach out to as many foreign language professionals as possible.
Chinese language and culture have always been underrepresented inVirginia education system. Many Chinese language educators who teach inVirginia and its neighboring states have expressed a feeling of homelessness, as there is no any existing channel for professional development and exchanges in the Chinese language community. Virginia also lacks a centralmechanism that could synergize the efforts of Chinese language educators across all levels. Since FLAVA inception, its proposal form had not listed Mandarin Chinese as an identifiable foreign language before October, 2008. Recognizing the severe deficiency of pedagogical sessions on Mandarin Chinese education, Dr. Miao-fen Tseng at the University of Virginia activated the Chinese language community in Virginia to make changes by submitting proposals on Chinese language pedagogy to FLAVA in 2008. Although three proposals on the learning and teaching of the language were submitted and accepted, they were completed under the category of other foreign languages.
Things have changed after actions being taken. This year FLAVA proposal form has listed Mandarin Chinese as one of the visible foreign languages at our request. To play proactively, we plan to hold an increasing number of sessions on studies of Chinese language and culture at FLAVA this year. We hope to attract as many Chinese language educators as possible and to make the inaugural meeting and luncheon accessible to anyone who is interested. This will make our voice both louder and stronger, and our identity much more visible.
The CLTA-VA emerges at an opportune time to take a leading role in advocating the contribution of China to the global community, particularly in regard to the immeasurable impact of Chinese language and culture that have continued to have on the internationalization of the world. On behalf of the CLTA-VA, I sincerely thank you in advance for your time and support for such an exciting initiative. I look forward to seeing you at Holiday Inn Select on October 9-10 in Richmond, Virginia.
Sincerely,
Dr. Miao-fen Tseng
Founder of the CLTA-VA
Dear All,
With great excitement and enthusiasm, I am writing to invite you to visit our website and join the newly established Chinese Language Teachers Association of Virginia (CLTA-VA). I am deeply grateful for a group of dedicated Chinese language educators, who have been working together voluntarily to make possible the formation of the CLTA-VA.
CLTA-VA inaugural meeting will be held in conjunction with the Foreign Language Association of Virginia (FLAVA) in Richmond, the capital of the State of Virginia, on October 9th-10th this year. We aim to serve Chinese language educators at all educational levels not only in Virginia but also in its surrounding states. Interested parties in any regional areas are welcome to join our effort to connect with the global and international community by promoting Chinese language and culture in a wide spectrum.
In addition to its annual meeting in conjunction with FLAVA, the CLTA-VA will also organize a workshop, seminar, forum, or consortium every spring in different areas of the state. Through active participation in FLAVA annual conference, we aim to maximize professional exchanges at the state and cross-state levels not only among Chinese language educators, but also with educators of other foreign languages. Promoting Chinese language and culture cannot be done simply within a small inner circle; we must reach out to as many foreign language professionals as possible.
Chinese language and culture have always been underrepresented inVirginia education system. Many Chinese language educators who teach inVirginia and its neighboring states have expressed a feeling of homelessness, as there is no any existing channel for professional development and exchanges in the Chinese language community. Virginia also lacks a centralmechanism that could synergize the efforts of Chinese language educators across all levels. Since FLAVA inception, its proposal form had not listed Mandarin Chinese as an identifiable foreign language before October, 2008. Recognizing the severe deficiency of pedagogical sessions on Mandarin Chinese education, Dr. Miao-fen Tseng at the University of Virginia activated the Chinese language community in Virginia to make changes by submitting proposals on Chinese language pedagogy to FLAVA in 2008. Although three proposals on the learning and teaching of the language were submitted and accepted, they were completed under the category of other foreign languages.
Things have changed after actions being taken. This year FLAVA proposal form has listed Mandarin Chinese as one of the visible foreign languages at our request. To play proactively, we plan to hold an increasing number of sessions on studies of Chinese language and culture at FLAVA this year. We hope to attract as many Chinese language educators as possible and to make the inaugural meeting and luncheon accessible to anyone who is interested. This will make our voice both louder and stronger, and our identity much more visible.
The CLTA-VA emerges at an opportune time to take a leading role in advocating the contribution of China to the global community, particularly in regard to the immeasurable impact of Chinese language and culture that have continued to have on the internationalization of the world. On behalf of the CLTA-VA, I sincerely thank you in advance for your time and support for such an exciting initiative. I look forward to seeing you at Holiday Inn Select on October 9-10 in Richmond, Virginia.
Sincerely,
Dr. Miao-fen Tseng
Founder of the CLTA-VA
CLTA-VA 2023-25 理事会成员简介
1. President 会长: Xuan Wang (王璇)
Xuan Wang received her first Master’s degree in Foreign Language Education from New York University and second Master’s degree in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College. She currently works at Sidwell Friends School and has been teaching Chinese at K-12 levels for over 10 years.
2. Vice President 副会长: Ying Gao （高瑛）
Ying Gao joined the University of Virginia in 2017. She received her Master's degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language from Middlebury College. Ying has previously worked at the ACC, Hamilton College, Oberlin College, CET Program, UVa-in-Shanghai program, and Middlebury Chinese School. In addition to teaching, her previous positions have involved directing, assisting, or coordinating the administration of Chinese language programs, including course development, teacher training, recruiting, and evaluation, among other responsibilities.
3. Treasurer 财务: Jing Huang（黄静）
Jing Huang received her bachelor’s degree of Teaching Chinese as a second Language from Chongqing Normal University，after she graduated she went to Indonesia to work as a Chinese teacher and started her teaching career since then.
Ms. Huang is certified as a Positive Discipline Parent Educator and is currently training for a certification in Montessori teaching philosophy
4. Technology Specialist: Chunying Lin (林君颖)
Chunying Lin earned her M.A. in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language at National Taiwan Normal University, focusing on elementary grammars sorting and explanation. She currently works in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at William & Mary.
5. Immediate Past President 上届会长: Qian Su (苏芊)
Qian Su received her M.A in Linguistics from Beijing Normal University (北京师范大学), focusing on Second Language Acquisition. She also has a M.S in Communications from Ithaca College. Qian Su currently works as a Senior Lecturer of Chinese studies in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures in William & Mary.
1. President 会长: Xuan Wang (王璇)
Xuan Wang received her first Master’s degree in Foreign Language Education from New York University and second Master’s degree in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College. She currently works at Sidwell Friends School and has been teaching Chinese at K-12 levels for over 10 years.
2. Vice President 副会长: Ying Gao （高瑛）
Ying Gao joined the University of Virginia in 2017. She received her Master's degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language from Middlebury College. Ying has previously worked at the ACC, Hamilton College, Oberlin College, CET Program, UVa-in-Shanghai program, and Middlebury Chinese School. In addition to teaching, her previous positions have involved directing, assisting, or coordinating the administration of Chinese language programs, including course development, teacher training, recruiting, and evaluation, among other responsibilities.
3. Treasurer 财务: Jing Huang（黄静）
Jing Huang received her bachelor’s degree of Teaching Chinese as a second Language from Chongqing Normal University，after she graduated she went to Indonesia to work as a Chinese teacher and started her teaching career since then.
Ms. Huang is certified as a Positive Discipline Parent Educator and is currently training for a certification in Montessori teaching philosophy
4. Technology Specialist: Chunying Lin (林君颖)
Chunying Lin earned her M.A. in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language at National Taiwan Normal University, focusing on elementary grammars sorting and explanation. She currently works in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at William & Mary.
5. Immediate Past President 上届会长: Qian Su (苏芊)
Qian Su received her M.A in Linguistics from Beijing Normal University (北京师范大学), focusing on Second Language Acquisition. She also has a M.S in Communications from Ithaca College. Qian Su currently works as a Senior Lecturer of Chinese studies in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures in William & Mary.
Bylaws of Chinese Language Teachers Association of Virginia (CLTA-VA)
ARTICLE I. Name
The organization shall be known as Chinese Language Teachers Association of Virginia in English and 维州教师协会in Chinese. It is abbreviated in English as CLTA-VA.
ARTICLE II. Purposes
CLTA-VA is a non-profit, nonpolitical academic and educational organization organized and operated in the Commonwealth of Virginia under the Virginia Nonstock Corporation Act exclusively for educational and scientific purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as now in effect or as may hereafter be amended. The purposes of this organization are:
1. To promote quality teaching and learning in Chinese language and culture at all educational levels,
2. To enhance pedagogical development and career advancement in teaching Chinese as a foreign language,
3. To maximize professional exchanges and collaboration among Chinese language educators, and
4. To make distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
No part of the net earnings of CLTA-VA shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers or other private persons, except that CLTA-VA shall be authorized and empowered to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth above. No substantial part of the activities of CLTA-VA shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation (except as otherwise permitted by section 501(h) of the Internal Revenue Code and in any corresponding laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia), and CLTA-VA shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements concerning) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, CLTA-VA shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
Section 3.01. Members
Any person who subscribes to the purposes of CLTA-VA as set out in Article II, and pays the appropriate dues may be admitted to membership.
Section 3.02. Dues and Voting
From time to time, the Board of Directors shall determine the dues for membership. All members shall be eligible to vote on CLTA-VA business and hold office in CLTA-VA.
Section 3.03. Termination of Membership
Any member may withdraw from CLTA-VA by so specifying in writing to the Secretary-Treasure or by nonpayment of dues.
ARTICLE IV. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 4.01 Number of Directors
The number of Directors of CLTA-VA shall be at least five and no more than nine. Within such limits, the number of Directors may be fixed or changed from time to time at any meeting of the Board of Directors or at any meeting of the members of CLTA-VA, provided that the notice of either of such meetings sets forth the proposed change.
Section 4.02 Directors and Officers
The first Board of Directors of CLTA-VA shall consist of those persons named in the Articles of Incorporation. Such persons shall hold office respectively of President, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, Director-Newsletter Editor and Director-Website Manager until the first election of Directors. Thereafter, the Board of Directors of CLTA-VA shall include four (4) officers (a President, a Vice-President, an Immediate Past President, and a Secretary-Treasurer) and 1-5 elected Directors, who may also assume the roles of Newsletter Editor, Website Manager or other Appointed Officer positions.
Section 4.03. General Duties
The property and affairs of CLTA-VA shall be managed by the Board of Directors. Directors shall serve without compensation. The Board of Directors shall maintain liaison with the Foreign Language Association of Virginia (FLAVA), the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), the Chinese Language Teachers Association (CLTA), and the Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools (CLASS).
Section 4.04. Annual Meeting
CLTA-VA shall hold an Annual Meeting of its members. At the annual meeting, the following business must be conducted:
Directors including Elected Officers shall be elected biannually by the whole membership through mail or electronic ballot at least one month prior to the Annual Meeting. If any Director nominates any member, that member name shall be included on the ballot for election. The candidates on the Slate of Candidates prepared by the Nominating Committee receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared Directors. Directors shall serve for two years. Terms begin upon the adjournment of the Annual Meeting of CLTA-VA in the year of the election and end upon adjournment of the Annual Meeting two years thereafter.
Any individual may serve a second term as a member of the Board of Directors (same title or different title) right after his or her first term ends. Any vacancy in the Board of Directors resulting from any cause whatsoever (including an increase in the number of authorized Directors) may be filled by the Board of Directors in meeting or by mail or electronic ballot, or may be filled by a vote of the Membership of CLTA-VA at the first Annual Meeting held after such vacancy shall occur, or at a special meeting called for that purpose.
Section 4.06. Regular Meeting
The Board of Directors shall hold a regular meeting at the annual meeting for the purpose of organization and transaction of business at such time and place as may be decided by the Directors. The Secretary-Treasurer shall prepare the minutes of the meeting for distribution to the Membership.
Section 4.07. Special Meeting
Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President or must be called at the request of at least two members of the Board of Directors. In such a case, the President must give a two-week advance notice.
Section 4.08. Quorum and Actions of the Board
One-half plus one of the members of the Board of Directors at the time in office present in person shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the absence of a quorum, discussions may be held and recommendations made, but votes on CLTA-VA business shall be conducted among the entire membership of the Board of Directors by mail or electronic ballot. At scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors, if a quorum of Directors is present, actions by the Board of Directors shall be taken by majority vote of Directors present at the meeting. For issues decided by the Board of Directors by mail or electronic ballot, actions of the Board of Directors shall be taken by majority vote of all Directors.
ARTICLE V. ELECTED OFFICIERS
Section 5.01. Elected Officers
CLTA-VA shall have a President, a Vice-President and a Secretary-Treasurer, each an Elected Officer. Each shall serve for two years, commencing with the adjournment of the Annual Meeting when he or she is elected and continuing until the adjournment of the Annual Meeting two years thereafter.
Section 5.02. Duties of Elected Officers
The Elected Officers shall be members of the Board of Directors and continue as Directors throughout their terms in elected office, unless he or she resigns or is removed according to Article VII.
ARTICLE VI. Appointed Officers
Section 6.01. Appointed Officers
The President shall nominate from time to time for approval by the Board of certain Appointed Officers including but not limited to those defined in Articles 5.02 and 5.03. The term of the Appointed Officers shall be set and extended, if necessary, by the Board of Directors. The Appointed Officers can also serve as members of the Program Committee, Advocacy Committee or Ad Hoc Committee(s), as the President may determine.
Section 6.02. Newsletter Editor
Editor for CLTA-VA newsletter shall:
a. Produce a high-quality and informative newsletter three times per year; and
b. Work closely with Elected Officers (as defined in Article IV) in management, production, distribution, and finance of the newsletter.
Section 6.03. Website Manager
Webmaster for CLTA-VA home page shall:
a. Oversee design and maintenance of CLTA-VA website, supervise web assistants, and coordinate server maintenance and upgrade, and serve as liaison between CLTA-VA and the host institution (if any); and
b. Work closely with Elected Officers (as defined in Article IV) in coordinating information presented on the CLTA-VA website.
ARTICLE VII. BOARD OF ADVISORS
Section 7.01. Mission
The Board of Advisors shall advise academic projects of CLTA-VA, help open new channels for educational exchanges and activities, and provide other forms of assistance that shall advance the expansion and development of CLTA-VA.
Section 7.02. Nomination and Term
Nomination of an Advisor may be made in writing anytime by any two (2) CLTA-VA members and then ratified by the Board of Directors. The President of CLTA-VA shall extend the invitation and make the appointment of the Advisor. The term of the appointment may be one or two years, and could be extended by the President.
ARTICLE VIII. RESIGNATION, REMOVAL, OR REPLACEMENT OF OFFICERS, OR DELEGATION OF DUTY
Section 8.01. Removal and Replacement
Notwithstanding the stated terms of Officers (including Elected Officers and Appointed Officers), the Board of Directors may remove an Officer on grounds of inadequate performance. In the case of removal of an Officer, the Board of Directors may decide upon his or her replacement to serve the remaining term of his or her position.
Section 8.02. Delegation of Responsibility
In case of absence of any Officer, or for other reason that may seem sufficient to the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors may, without removal, delegate that person's powers and duties to another Member of CLTA-VA for such period as may be deemed proper.
Section 8.03. Resignation
Any Officer may resign at any time by giving two-week advance written notice to the President.
ARTICLE IX. STANDING COMMITTEES
Section 9.01. Nominating Committee
There shall be a Finance Committee consisting of President, Secretary-Treasurer and one or more members to be appointed by President from among the Directors.
The President is authorized to form ad hoc committees to carry out certain tasks, including workshop, forum, seminar, or conference to be held at a time other than the annual meeting. The members in ad hoc committees do not have to be seating members of the Board of Directors. The Committee(s) will be dissolved once the task is completed.
ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS AND DISSOLUTION
Section 10.01. Adoption of Bylaws
These bylaws shall take effect immediately after they are approved by the initial Board of Directors.
Section 10.02 Interpretation of Bylaws
The authority to interpret the bylaws shall be reserved to the Board of Directors.
Section 10.03. Amendment by Members
These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed by a majority of the votes of the Board of Directors present in person or by proxy, provided that the notice of the meeting sets forth the proposed alteration, amendment or repeal. The same may be approved by mail, in which case the majority of the votes of a quorum of the Board of Directors shall be required for any proposed amendment.
Section 10.04. Distribution of Assets on Dissolution
Upon dissolution of CLTA-VA, all of the remaining assets and property shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities and obligations of CLTA-VA and for necessary expenses thereof, be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose, as the Board of Directors shall determine. In no event shall any of such assets or property to be distributed to any member, director, trustee, officer, or any private individual. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of CLTA-VA is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
ARTICLE I. Name
The organization shall be known as Chinese Language Teachers Association of Virginia in English and 维州教师协会in Chinese. It is abbreviated in English as CLTA-VA.
ARTICLE II. Purposes
CLTA-VA is a non-profit, nonpolitical academic and educational organization organized and operated in the Commonwealth of Virginia under the Virginia Nonstock Corporation Act exclusively for educational and scientific purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as now in effect or as may hereafter be amended. The purposes of this organization are:
1. To promote quality teaching and learning in Chinese language and culture at all educational levels,
2. To enhance pedagogical development and career advancement in teaching Chinese as a foreign language,
3. To maximize professional exchanges and collaboration among Chinese language educators, and
4. To make distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
No part of the net earnings of CLTA-VA shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers or other private persons, except that CLTA-VA shall be authorized and empowered to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth above. No substantial part of the activities of CLTA-VA shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation (except as otherwise permitted by section 501(h) of the Internal Revenue Code and in any corresponding laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia), and CLTA-VA shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements concerning) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, CLTA-VA shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
Section 3.01. Members
Any person who subscribes to the purposes of CLTA-VA as set out in Article II, and pays the appropriate dues may be admitted to membership.
Section 3.02. Dues and Voting
From time to time, the Board of Directors shall determine the dues for membership. All members shall be eligible to vote on CLTA-VA business and hold office in CLTA-VA.
Section 3.03. Termination of Membership
Any member may withdraw from CLTA-VA by so specifying in writing to the Secretary-Treasure or by nonpayment of dues.
ARTICLE IV. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 4.01 Number of Directors
The number of Directors of CLTA-VA shall be at least five and no more than nine. Within such limits, the number of Directors may be fixed or changed from time to time at any meeting of the Board of Directors or at any meeting of the members of CLTA-VA, provided that the notice of either of such meetings sets forth the proposed change.
Section 4.02 Directors and Officers
The first Board of Directors of CLTA-VA shall consist of those persons named in the Articles of Incorporation. Such persons shall hold office respectively of President, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, Director-Newsletter Editor and Director-Website Manager until the first election of Directors. Thereafter, the Board of Directors of CLTA-VA shall include four (4) officers (a President, a Vice-President, an Immediate Past President, and a Secretary-Treasurer) and 1-5 elected Directors, who may also assume the roles of Newsletter Editor, Website Manager or other Appointed Officer positions.
Section 4.03. General Duties
The property and affairs of CLTA-VA shall be managed by the Board of Directors. Directors shall serve without compensation. The Board of Directors shall maintain liaison with the Foreign Language Association of Virginia (FLAVA), the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), the Chinese Language Teachers Association (CLTA), and the Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools (CLASS).
Section 4.04. Annual Meeting
CLTA-VA shall hold an Annual Meeting of its members. At the annual meeting, the following business must be conducted:
- The officers of CLTA-VA shall present reports on the work of the previous year.
- Any items of business raised by an eligible member shall be discussed.
- The President of CLTA-VA shall report on the state of CLTA-VA and the field.
Directors including Elected Officers shall be elected biannually by the whole membership through mail or electronic ballot at least one month prior to the Annual Meeting. If any Director nominates any member, that member name shall be included on the ballot for election. The candidates on the Slate of Candidates prepared by the Nominating Committee receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared Directors. Directors shall serve for two years. Terms begin upon the adjournment of the Annual Meeting of CLTA-VA in the year of the election and end upon adjournment of the Annual Meeting two years thereafter.
Any individual may serve a second term as a member of the Board of Directors (same title or different title) right after his or her first term ends. Any vacancy in the Board of Directors resulting from any cause whatsoever (including an increase in the number of authorized Directors) may be filled by the Board of Directors in meeting or by mail or electronic ballot, or may be filled by a vote of the Membership of CLTA-VA at the first Annual Meeting held after such vacancy shall occur, or at a special meeting called for that purpose.
Section 4.06. Regular Meeting
The Board of Directors shall hold a regular meeting at the annual meeting for the purpose of organization and transaction of business at such time and place as may be decided by the Directors. The Secretary-Treasurer shall prepare the minutes of the meeting for distribution to the Membership.
Section 4.07. Special Meeting
Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President or must be called at the request of at least two members of the Board of Directors. In such a case, the President must give a two-week advance notice.
Section 4.08. Quorum and Actions of the Board
One-half plus one of the members of the Board of Directors at the time in office present in person shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the absence of a quorum, discussions may be held and recommendations made, but votes on CLTA-VA business shall be conducted among the entire membership of the Board of Directors by mail or electronic ballot. At scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors, if a quorum of Directors is present, actions by the Board of Directors shall be taken by majority vote of Directors present at the meeting. For issues decided by the Board of Directors by mail or electronic ballot, actions of the Board of Directors shall be taken by majority vote of all Directors.
ARTICLE V. ELECTED OFFICIERS
Section 5.01. Elected Officers
CLTA-VA shall have a President, a Vice-President and a Secretary-Treasurer, each an Elected Officer. Each shall serve for two years, commencing with the adjournment of the Annual Meeting when he or she is elected and continuing until the adjournment of the Annual Meeting two years thereafter.
Section 5.02. Duties of Elected Officers
The Elected Officers shall be members of the Board of Directors and continue as Directors throughout their terms in elected office, unless he or she resigns or is removed according to Article VII.
- President
The President shall preside over all meetings of the Membership and the Board of Directors. The President shall be CLTA-VA's chief spokesperson and representative, appoint and oversea all committees, and outline the long-range goals of the organization. The President shall work closely with Vice-President and Secretary-Treasurer in conducting the business of CLTA-VA. - Vice-President
The Vice President is responsible for planning and implementing annual conference, assisting President, to serve as Acting President in the absence of President. - Immediate Past President
The President shall become Immediate Past President at the end of the President's term, which should be no longer than two consecutive terms. Immediate Past President shall be available for advice and counsel to President and Board and for program consultation to the profession. - Secretary-Treasurer
The Secretary-Treasurer shall maintain a database of CLTA-VA members which includes their names and contact information, keep minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and of Members of CLTA-VA, collect annual dues and all contributions, and deposit all moneys received by him/her in the name of CLTA-VA in a bank designated by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VI. Appointed Officers
Section 6.01. Appointed Officers
The President shall nominate from time to time for approval by the Board of certain Appointed Officers including but not limited to those defined in Articles 5.02 and 5.03. The term of the Appointed Officers shall be set and extended, if necessary, by the Board of Directors. The Appointed Officers can also serve as members of the Program Committee, Advocacy Committee or Ad Hoc Committee(s), as the President may determine.
Section 6.02. Newsletter Editor
Editor for CLTA-VA newsletter shall:
a. Produce a high-quality and informative newsletter three times per year; and
b. Work closely with Elected Officers (as defined in Article IV) in management, production, distribution, and finance of the newsletter.
Section 6.03. Website Manager
Webmaster for CLTA-VA home page shall:
a. Oversee design and maintenance of CLTA-VA website, supervise web assistants, and coordinate server maintenance and upgrade, and serve as liaison between CLTA-VA and the host institution (if any); and
b. Work closely with Elected Officers (as defined in Article IV) in coordinating information presented on the CLTA-VA website.
ARTICLE VII. BOARD OF ADVISORS
Section 7.01. Mission
The Board of Advisors shall advise academic projects of CLTA-VA, help open new channels for educational exchanges and activities, and provide other forms of assistance that shall advance the expansion and development of CLTA-VA.
Section 7.02. Nomination and Term
Nomination of an Advisor may be made in writing anytime by any two (2) CLTA-VA members and then ratified by the Board of Directors. The President of CLTA-VA shall extend the invitation and make the appointment of the Advisor. The term of the appointment may be one or two years, and could be extended by the President.
ARTICLE VIII. RESIGNATION, REMOVAL, OR REPLACEMENT OF OFFICERS, OR DELEGATION OF DUTY
Section 8.01. Removal and Replacement
Notwithstanding the stated terms of Officers (including Elected Officers and Appointed Officers), the Board of Directors may remove an Officer on grounds of inadequate performance. In the case of removal of an Officer, the Board of Directors may decide upon his or her replacement to serve the remaining term of his or her position.
Section 8.02. Delegation of Responsibility
In case of absence of any Officer, or for other reason that may seem sufficient to the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors may, without removal, delegate that person's powers and duties to another Member of CLTA-VA for such period as may be deemed proper.
Section 8.03. Resignation
Any Officer may resign at any time by giving two-week advance written notice to the President.
ARTICLE IX. STANDING COMMITTEES
Section 9.01. Nominating Committee
- There shall be a Nominating Committee consisting of President, Immediate Past President and one or more members of the Board of Directors.
- The Nominating Committee shall nominate persons to be presented for election to the Board of Directors (including Elected Officers). These nominations shall be forwarded to Secretary-Treasurer who shall conduct the election.
- There shall be a Program Committee consisting of a Program Chair, served by Vice-President, and one or more members of the Board of Directors.
- The Program Committee shall organize programs for the next annual meeting of CLTA-VA.
There shall be a Finance Committee consisting of President, Secretary-Treasurer and one or more members to be appointed by President from among the Directors.
- The Finance Committee shall review CLTA-VA budget and finance, and shall advise the Board of Directors annually on the financial condition of CLTA-VA.
- The Finance Committee shall direct fundraising activities to raise fund for CLTA-VA, which activities shall be in complete compliance with the Internal Revenue Code and rules and regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- There shall be an Advocacy Committee consisting of a Chair, who must be a member of the Board of the Directors, and one or more members to be appointed by President from among the Directors.
- The Advocacy Committee shall increase CLTA-VA membership, and disseminate and publicize information and materials to promote study of Chinese language and culture at all educational levels.
The President is authorized to form ad hoc committees to carry out certain tasks, including workshop, forum, seminar, or conference to be held at a time other than the annual meeting. The members in ad hoc committees do not have to be seating members of the Board of Directors. The Committee(s) will be dissolved once the task is completed.
ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS AND DISSOLUTION
Section 10.01. Adoption of Bylaws
These bylaws shall take effect immediately after they are approved by the initial Board of Directors.
Section 10.02 Interpretation of Bylaws
The authority to interpret the bylaws shall be reserved to the Board of Directors.
Section 10.03. Amendment by Members
These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed by a majority of the votes of the Board of Directors present in person or by proxy, provided that the notice of the meeting sets forth the proposed alteration, amendment or repeal. The same may be approved by mail, in which case the majority of the votes of a quorum of the Board of Directors shall be required for any proposed amendment.
Section 10.04. Distribution of Assets on Dissolution
Upon dissolution of CLTA-VA, all of the remaining assets and property shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities and obligations of CLTA-VA and for necessary expenses thereof, be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose, as the Board of Directors shall determine. In no event shall any of such assets or property to be distributed to any member, director, trustee, officer, or any private individual. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of CLTA-VA is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.