Adopted 1983. Amended 1985, 1987, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2000, 2007, 2021

ARTICLE I—NAME

The name of this organization shall be the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children.

ARTICLE II—PURPOSE

SECTION ONE

The purpose of this organization shall be to create a climate of opportunity for blind children in home, school, and society; to provide information and support to parents of blind children; to facilitate the sharing of experience and concerns among parents of blind children; to develop and expand resources available to parents and their blind children; to help parents of blind children gain understanding and perspective through partnership and contact with blind adults; and to function as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its ongoing effort to eliminate discrimination and prejudice against the blind and to achieve for the blind security, equality, and opportunity.

SECTION TWO

The Organization and its Local Parents' Support Groups must not merely be social organizations but must formulate programs and actively work to promote the economic and social betterment of the blind.

SECTION THREE

Said corporation/organization is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.)

ARTICLE III—MEMBERSHIP

The members of this organization shall be parents of blind children, educators of blind children, and others interested in promoting the purposes of this organization. For so long as this organization is affiliated with the National Federation of the Blind the members of this organization will be members of the National Federation of the Blind and shall have the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as other members of the National Federation of the Blind.

ARTICLE IV—OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The officers of this organization shall be: President, First Vice-President; Second Vice-President; Secretary; and Treasurer. The duties of those officers shall be those customarily associated with their respective offices. The officers plus ten additional members shall constitute the Board of Directors. The officers shall be elected every two years beginning in 1988 and the board members shall be elected annually by a majority vote of the members of this organization present and voting at the annual meeting. There shall be no proxy voting.

ARTICLE V—MEETINGS

The Organization shall hold its annual meeting at the time and place of the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind. The Board of Directors shall conduct the business of the organization between annual meetings.

ARTICLE VI—LOCAL PARENTS' SUPPORT GROUPS

Under procedures to be established by the Board of Directors of the Organization Local Parents' Support Groups may be established. Activities of Local Parents' Support Groups will be consistent with the policies and activities of the National Federation of the Blind and of the particular state affiliate and local chapters in their vicinity.

ARTICLE VII—DUES

The dues for the members of the Organization shall be fifteen dollars per individual, per year, payable in advance. The membership year shall run from January 1 through December 31.

ARTICLE VIII—FUNDS AND FINANCING

The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the treasurer with the approval of the president. All financial obligations shall be discharged by check, issued on written order of the president, and signed by the treasurer or by an assistant treasurer approved by the membership or the board of directors.

ARTICLE IX—AMENDMENTS

This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any meeting of the Organization.

ARTICLE X—AFFILIATION

The Organization has chosen voluntarily to affiliate with the National Federation of the Blind. For so long as this affiliation is in effect, the Organization and its Local Parents' Support Groups will comply with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federation. Policy decisions of the Federation are binding upon the organization and its Local Parent Support Groups; and the organization and its Local Parent Support Groups will participate affirmatively in carrying out such policy decisions. The name National Federation of the Blind, Federation of the Blind, or an variant thereof is the property of the National Federation of the Blind; and if the Organization, or any of its Local Parents' Support Groups, ceases to be part of the National Federation of the Blind (for whatever reason), the right to use the name National Federation of the Blind, Federation of the Blind, or any variant thereof shall be forfeited.

ARTICLE XI—INUREMENT

No part of the net earning of the organization shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its members, trustees, directors, officers or other private persons, except that the Organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of Section 501(c)(3) purposes. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the Organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future federal tax code) or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future federal tax code).

ARTICLE XII—DISSOLUTION

Upon dissolution of the organization assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, (or 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.