WSSWA Goals

1. To promote service delivery models that will empower children, families, schools and communities to be effective participants in the learning process.
   
2. To study, recommend and support legislation, school policies and standards pertinent to the needs of children, families and the profession of School Social Work.
   
3. To develop and maintain collaborative relationships with various local, state and national associations, organizations and educational institutions for the purpose of meeting the needs of children and families.
   
4. To stimulate the development and effective delivery of School Social Work Services.
   
5. To encourage and facilitate the educational and professional growth of School Social Workers.
   

WSSWA Constitution (amended October 2015)

Article I – Name

The name of the organization is the Wisconsin School Social Workers Association and is referred to as WSSWA.

Article II – Purpose and Function

The purpose of the Wisconsin School Social Workers Association is to promote the total growth and development of all school-aged children and their families through the application of social work knowledge and skills.

The functions of WSSWA are:

1. To promote sound professional practice among social workers in Wisconsin.
   
2. To stimulate the development and more effective use of school social work services in Wisconsin
   
3. To encourage and enable the educational and professional growth of social workers in Wisconsin schools.
   
4. To study, recommend and/or support legislation pertinent to the needs of children and the profession of school social work.
   
5. To provide input where appropriate in the formation of public school policies and standards.
   
6. To maintain liaison relationship with state and national associations, organizations and educational institutions whose purpose includes the education and development of children.
   

Article III –Membership

All persons licensed as school social workers are eligible for regular and contributing membership in WSSWA, including the privileges of voting, making motions and holding office.

Student membership is available to all students in a recognized program of social work study, whether graduate or undergraduate.

Retired membership is available to all retired school social workers.

Associate membership is extended to those in allied professions and social workers in other settings who are interested in and supportive of this organization’s purpose and functions. Associate membership offers all privileges of membership, including voting, making motions and holding office.

Honorary membership is by invitation of the WSSWA Board. Honorary members pay no dues and have all the privileges of membership with the exception of voting, making motions and holding office.

Liaison status is extended to representatives of state and national associations, organizations, and educational institutions whose purpose includes the education and development of children. Liaisons pay no dues and have all the privileges of membership with the exception of voting, making motions, and holding office. Liaisons are invited to participate in board meetings and contribute to discussion and action as representatives of their organization.

Dues - The amount and method of collection of dues shall be determined by the WSSWA Board of Directors. The WSSWA Board may establish reduced membership fees for Retired and Student memberships.

Article IV – Board of Directors

Section I - Board Members and Officers

The WSSWA board will consist of up to 15 board members. Board members must be current members of WSSWA. The officers of WSSWA shall be President, President Elect, Past President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Section II – Nomination, Elections, and Terms of Office

Nominations – The WSSWA Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the WSSWA Board of Directors.  The Nominating Committee will notify the membership of expiring terms of office at least two weeks before the Summer Board meeting and gather nominations.  The Nominating Committee will prepare and present a slate of candidates for the WSSWA Board at the Summer Board meeting for expiring terms of office.   All nominees for board positions must be current members of WSSWA.

Board Elections – Elections shall be by secret ballot and by a majority vote of the membership who vote in the election.  The Nominating Committee shall distribute a ballot to Regular, Contributing, and Associate members at least one month prior to the Fall Board meeting when new officers will officially assume office.

Terms of Office – Terms of Office for President shall be two [2]  years, and for Past President and President Elect shall be one [1] year, beginning at the Fall Board meeting.  Terms of office for the Secretary and Treasurer shall be for two [2] years beginning at the Fall Board meeting.   Board members will serve for two [2] year terms with one half [1/2] of the board members being elected each year.  A board member whose term is expiring may indicate she/he wishes to be on the ballot for another term.

Election of Board Officers – Officers of the Board of Directors will be elected by a majority of the current board members. The President and President-Elect shall have served on the board for at least one year before being elected. The offices of Secretary and Treasurer shall be voted on during alternating years.

Section III – Vacancies and Removal of Officers and Board Members

Vacancies – Vacancies occurring before the expiration of terms of office shall be filled by the Board of Directors and persons so chosen shall serve until the term expires.

Removal of Officers and Board Members – For due cause, officers and board members may be removed from office at any meeting of the Board by a three-quarters [3/4] vote of the members present, providing that notice of such intent has been submitted to the subject at least ten [10] days prior to the meeting. 

Article V – Professional Development

Section I – State Conference

WSSWA shall sponsor an annual School Social Worker state conference which shall be open to anyone who wishes to attend.

Section II – Midwest School Social Work Council Conference

Article VI – Amendment(s) to the Constitution

Proposed amendments to the constitution shall be first submitted to the Board at least 10 days in advance of any Board meeting. If approved by at least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Board, such amendment(s) shall be sent to the WSSWA membership for its consideration. The membership shall have at least 10 days to vote. Approval is by a simple majority.

Amended: 11/13/2015

WSSWA By-Laws

Article I (B) – Duties of Officers

Section 1 – President

The duties of the President shall include:

1. Be the official representative of WSSWA.
2. Prepare agenda for and chair all meetings of the WSSWA Board.
3. Notify the WSSWA board members of the date, times, and locations of upcoming board meetings at least 14 days in advance.
4. Propose officer candidates to the Board to fulfil unexpired terms.
5. Appoint, with board approval, all committees chairs.
6. Serve as an active member of the Legislative Committee.
7. Serve as ex-officio member of the following Board Standing Committee
   1. Publicity and Promotions
8. Attend, or appoint a delegate to attend as necessary, all meetings of the Wisconsin Alliance of Pupil Services Organization and Midwest Council. Prepare the state report and present it at Council meetings.
9. Appoint a representative to attend the SSWAA Delegate Assembly and SSWAA Legislative Institute  These appointments must be approved by a majority of voting board members at the board meeting in which the president begins their term, or as the need arises.
10. Maintain relationships with designated organizations/institutions and facilitate communication between them and WSSWA.  (UW Liaisons, Loyola [Carthage] Liaison, NASW Liaison, SSWAA Liaison, Midwest Council Liaison, WAPSO Liaison, Regional Representatives, and UW System Student Liaisons).
11. Oversee the accounting process and initial banking books each quarter to verify the treasurer’s report with the bank statements.
12. Approve all communications in advance that will be sent to all members.

Section 2 – President-Elect

The duties of the President-Elect shall include:

1. Assume the duties of the President should the President be unable to fulfill them.
2. Provide orientation to new board members. New members shall be provided, at a minimum, the following:
   1. Orientation to board documents and website
   2. Expectations of board members
   3. Information about reimbursements
   4. Information about board activities and affiliate groups
3. Serve as an active member of the Professional Development Committee.
4. Serve as an ex officio member of the following Board Standing Committee:
   1. Membership
5. Consult with the President on a regular basis
6. Attend, or appoint a delegate to attend as necessary, all meetings of the Wisconsin Alliance of Pupil Services Organization.
7. Other duties as arranged by the President or Board of Directors

Section 3-Past President

The duties of the Past President shall include:

1. Assume the duties of the president should the president be unable to fulfil them in the first year of the new presidency.
2. Provide orientation to new Board Members. New members shall be provided, at a minimum, the following:
   1. Orientation to board documents and website
   2. Expectations of board members
   3. Information about reimbursements
   4. Information about board activities and affiliate groups
3. Serve as ex-officio member of the following Board Standing Committees:
   1. Standards and Practice
   2. Nominations
4. Attend, or appoint a delegate to attend as necessary, all meetings of the Wisconsin Alliance of Pupil Services Organization.

Section 4- Secretary

The duties of the Secretary shall include:

1)    Maintain a record of all WSSWA Board meetings, officer and committee report, and handouts received at all Board meetings.

2)    Publish and disseminate minutes of Board meetings to all Board members at least fourteen [14] days prior to the next meeting of the Board.

3)    Maintain a current listing of board member, liaison, and regional representative phone, email, and mailing address and disseminate to this group at least annually.

4)    Other duties as assigned.

Section 5- Treasurer

1)    The duties of the Treasurer shall include:

a)     Establish appropriate accounts in the name of the Wisconsin School Social Workers Association.

2)    Maintain accurate records of all accounts of WSSWA.

3)    Provide a written financial statement of WSSWA at each Board meeting.

4)    Disburse funds as directed by the Board.

5)    Have the latest bank statement at each board meeting for the Board president to review

6)    Work with the accounting firm to file all necessary forms in a timely manner.

Bonding: The Treasurer shall be bonded.

Article II(B)-Meetings

Section 1-Frequency

The Board shall meet at least four [4] times per year. There will also be an Annual Business meeting for the general membership. At least once per year there will be a meeting with the Regional Representatives. 

Section 2- Quorum

A quorum shall consist of at least one-half of the current membership of the Board of Directors.

Article III(B)-Standing Committees

Section 1-Committee Names

Standing Committees of WSSWA shall be: Membership, Professional Development, Legislative, Standards and Practice, Publicity and Promotions, and Nominations.

Section 2-Chairperson

The chairperson of each Standing Committee shall be a member of WSSWA and shall be appointed by the President promptly after assuming office. The chairperson shall appoint committee members as deemed necessary to fulfill the responsibility of the committee.  At least one member of the committee must be a member of the Board of Directors.

Section 3-Membership Committee

The Committee shall be responsible for recruiting members, evaluating eligibility, maintaining the membership directory, and handling all other matters pertaining to membership.

Section 4-Professional Development

The Committee shall be responsible for organizing and conducting the annual Conference and other professional development opportunities.

Section 5-Legislative Committee

The Committee shall be responsible for ongoing evaluation and recommendations on legislative issues. Cooperate with other organizations that have similar professional issues. The chair of this committee, along with the President, shall collaborate in directing the work of the paid lobbyist.

Section 6-Standards and Practice Committee

The Committee shall review and evaluate all matters pertaining to professional practice, including development and updating position papers.

Section 7-Publicity and Promotions Committee

The Committee shall handle all matters pertaining to visibility and public relations regarding School Social Work and WSSWA. The Committee shall develop and maintain press releases, promotional products, and related promotional materials. The Committee shall publish an association newsletter at least quarterly. This committee will maintain the website and social media.

Section 8- Nominations Committee

The Committee will prepare a slate of candidates for expiring terms of office (for board members and board officers) to be presented at the Summer Board meeting and will conduct elections for such positions in accordance with the WSSWA constitution. Nominations for Board officer positions will also be accepted from the floor at the Summer Board meeting. Candidates for officers’ positions will come from the current Board of Directors and will be voted on by the Board of Directors.

Section 10 – Ad Hoc Committees

The President may establish ad hoc committees as the need arises.

Article IV (B)-Amendments of the By-Laws

These By-Laws can be amended at any meeting of the Board by a two-thirds vote, providing that the amendment has been submitted in writing to each Board member at least ten [10] days prior to a regularly scheduled meeting.

Amended: 4/29/17