[originally adopted 3/2/05]

ARTICLE I: Name

Section 1: The name of the coalition shall be the Mental Health Coalition (MHC) of the Greater La Crosse Area Inc.

Section 2: The population of focus includes, but is not limited to, La Crosse County residents.

ARTICLE II: Mission

Section 1: The mission of the MHC is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families who live with the effects of mental illness, so as to have a mentally healthy community.

ARTICLE III: Constituents/Coalition Partners

Section 1: Affiliates of the coalition shall include people living with a diagnosis of mental illness, advocates for mental health, and providers of mental health services. The membership of the greater coalition shall aim to include law enforcement, courts, correctional personnel, churches, service clubs, legislators, landlords, mental health professionals, and other members of the public who have an interest in mental illness who are approved by the Steering Committee.

Section 2: The Coalition may request to withdraw the membership of any member of the Coalition after discussion and a 2/3 vote.

ARTICLE IV: Board of Directors

Section 1: The Board shall consist of up to 10 15 members nominated and approved by the board. [amended 6/13/08]

Section 2: Board members shall serve 3 year terms commencing on January 1. Persons shall be limited to 2 consecutive terms unless approved by a majority of the board. The board members shall aim to stagger the terms so that one third of the memberships will expire at the end of the year. [amended 2/6/09]

Section 3: Any vacancy occurring on the board may be filled by a majority vote of the steering committee and the elected individual will serve out the remaining term.

ARTICLE V: Committees

Section 1: Committees shall be formed in the following categories. Subcommittees may be created as deemed necessary by the MHC Board Members.

Public Policy and Advocacy
Education and Public Awareness
Development

ARTICLE VI: Officers

Officers shall be selected and voted on by a majority vote of the board on an annual basis. Officers may not serve 2 consecutive terms in a single officer position. Principal officers shall have a term in office of two years. Principal officers shall consist of a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. All officers shall have such powers as designated by the board. [amended 2/6/09]

Section 1: President

The President shall be elected by a majority vote of the board members. He/she may not serve 2 consecutive terms in a single officer position. [amended 2/6/09]

Responsibilities of the President shall include:

Leader and Spokesperson of the MHC
Preside over meetings
Assist in developing agendas

Section 2: Vice President

The Vice President shall be elected by a majority vote of the board members. He/she may not serve 2 consecutive terms in a single officer position. [amended 2/6/09]

Responsibilities of the Vice President shall include:

Assist the President in planning and leading meetings
Take the place of the President in case of an absence
Assist in developing agendas

Section 3: Secretary

Responsibilities of the Secretary shall include:

Assure minutes of the Board and the MHC meetings are accurately recorded and distributed.
Assure meeting notes are distributed to all interested parties

Section 4: Treasurer

Responsibilities of the Treasurer shall include:

Assure that updated and accurate financial reports on funding are kept.
Report financial status at board meetings.

ARTICLE VII: Voting

Section 1: The standard voting procedure shall be a majority vote of quorum which equals 2/3 a simple majority of board members. [amended 6/13/08]

ARTICLE VIII: Meetings

Section 1: Board meetings shall be held at least four times a calendar year. Meetings will be coordinated by the President.

Section 2: The general meeting of the MHC shall occur at least once a calendar year.

ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENTS

Section 1: By-laws shall be in effect upon approval by the Board. The Board shall follow standard voting procedure.

Section 2: Changes or amendments to the by-laws may be suggested by the Board. Changes shall take effect upon approval of the Board by the standard voting procedure.