Article I:   Name

Article II:   Goals

Article III:  Membership & Members

Article IV:  Voting

Article V:  Officers
 

Article VI:   Board of Directors

Article VII:   Councils

Article VIII:  Committees

Article IX:    Amendments

The name of this organization is the "American Academy of Health Behavior," hereafter referred to as "The Academy." 

ARTICLE II - MISSION STATEMENT, DEFINITION, GOALS, AND DISCRIMINATION POLICY 

1. Mission Statement. The mission of the American Academy of Health Behavior^TM is to serve as the “research home” for health behavior scholars whose primary commitment is to excellence in research and the application of research to practice.

The Academy meets at least once per year and is incorporated in the United States. Though The Academy is primarily an American Academy, the intent is to be international in scope, with frequent interaction with colleagues outside the United States, sponsorship and cosponsorship of meetings in other countries, and active recruitment of international members. 

2. Definition. The Academy is a society of distinguished researchers and scholars in the areas of health behavior, health education, or health promotion. 

3. Goals. The Academy goals are to 

A. Establish financial solvency and security of The Academy to assure high quality and efficiency of the Academy.
B. Foster development and dissemination of knowledge through sponsorship of scientific meetings, symposia, and publications.
C. Increase member participation to improve the Academy.
D. Recognize outstanding achievements in the areas of health behavior, health education, and health promotion research.
E. Increase national/international influence of the Academy.
F. Encourage collaborative research efforts.
G. Influence health policy and allocation of resources within agencies, private foundations, and universities.
H. Foster the research career of young scholars.

 

4. Discrimination Policy. The Academy does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religious preference, disability, or gender, in membership policies, bylaws, governance, or any other Academy activity. 

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP and MEMBERS   

1.       Membership.  The Membership and Development Council described in Article VII is responsible for evaluating all applications for membership, establishing appropriate criteria for membership, reviewing allegations of unethical conduct of members, and discharging the procedures for membership revocation. By applying for any category of membership, applicants agree to accept and support the mission and goals of The Academy. Any member who pays their annual membership dues is considered an active member of The Academy. There are four membership categories in The Academy (1) Member,  (2) Affiliate Member,  (3) Contributing Member, and (4) Corporate Member) and three membership distinctions (1) Founding Member, (2) Charter Member, and (3) Fellow Member. Application for membership assumes and implies support for the stated goals of The Academy.   Membership applications must be received by July 1 and January 1.  Those persons applying by July will be notified no later than September 30.  Those persons applying by January 1 will be notified no later than March 31. 

A.    Membership Category         

1.       (Member) Open to persons who  (i) hold a graduate degree; and  (ii) have at least 10 refereed, data-based papers (quantitative or qualitative) published in national or international journals that regularly report the findings of original health behavior, health education, or health promotion research.  Manuscripts “in press” or “accepted” are not considered; only published manuscripts are counted.

2.      (Affiliate Member) Open to new professionals and students currently enrolled in a college or university who display potential for success as a researcher. The intent of the Affiliate membership is to provide beginning researchers an opportunity to become involved with The Academy as he or she works toward fulfilling the requirements for membership as a Qualified Member. Applicants must (i) demonstrate evidence of scientific training beyond the undergraduate level, and (ii) have at least two refereed data-based papers (quantitative or qualitative) published in national or international journals that regularly report findings of original health behavior, health education, or health promotion research. Manuscripts “in press” or “accepted” are not considered; only published manuscripts are counted. The Affiliate membership is valid for five years and can only be renewed with the approval of the Membership and Development Council. Affiliate Members are not permitted to vote or hold an elective office.

3.      (Contributing Member) Open to persons, corporations or organizations that contribute $1,000 to The Academy in a given year. Though Contributing Members are considered valuable friends, the membership does not imply endorsement by The Academy of any corporate product or activity. Representatives (i.e., agents, proxy, etc.) of Contributing Members are not permitted to vote or hold an elective office.  Contributing Members are acknowledged in the annual program.

4.      (Corporate Member) Open to persons, corporations or organizations that contribute $5000 to The Academy in a given year.  Corporate Members are considered valuable friends; the membership does not imply endorsement by The Academy of any corporate product or activity.  Representatives (i.e., agents, proxy, etc.) of Corporate Members are not permitted to vote or hold elective office.  The benefits of Corporate sponsorship include (i) one free membership in the Academy; (ii) one free registration at the annual meeting; (iii) one free subscription to the American Journal of Health Behavior; and (iv) acknowledgment in the annual program as a Corporate Member.

B.    Membership Distinctions
1.    (Founding Member) Limited to the original 33 people who accepted the invitation and challenge to establish The Academy. Founding Members do not hold any special privileges beyond that of a Member. This membership distinction is merely a designation.

2.    (Charter Member) Limited to the 18 people who responded to an open invitation to join The Academy before January 1, 1999. Charter Members do not hold any special privileges beyond that of a Member. This membership distinction is merely a designation.

3.    (Fellow Member) Open to Members of The Academy who meet the following criteria:

Authored or co-authored at least 50 refereed research papers (e.g. original data-based [quantitative or qualitative] research, data-based literature reviews, research syntheses, research theory papers) published in national or international journals that regularly report the findings of original health behavior, health education, or health promotion research.

In addition to the above, candidates must also meet one of the following criteria:

               (1)     Presented at least 75 scientific papers at national or international professional meetings.
               (2)     Received at least 25 external research grants as a principal investigator or co-principal investigator.   
               (3)     Received at least $1.5 million (or U.S. dollar equivalents) in external research grants as a principal investigator or co-principal investigator.
               (4)    Contributed significantly to the advancement of knowledge in health behavior, health education, or health promotion through research conducted and disseminated of such magnitude as to equal any of  the other categories above.

Though the criteria for being a Fellow Member are rigorous and specific, the status of Fellow is a superior distinction conferred by The Academy on  Members in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the field of health behavior, health education, or health promotion research. The Academy Membership and Development Council accepts applications and nominations for Fellow Member status. The deadline for applying for Fellow status is October 1.  You will be notified of your status by November 1. The Membership and Development Council holds the right to request additional information from the candidate. Fellow confirmation requires a two-thirds majority vote by the Board of Directors (8 of 12 members). The Academy will officially award the designation of Fellow at The Academy Dinner held each year during the annual scientific meeting.

Fellow Members are entitled to use the designation   of FAAHB after their degrees if they are active members. However, Fellow Members do not hold any special privileges. This membership is merely a designation.  

2. Revocation of Membership. Membership can be revoked by failure to pay dues. In addition, any member may be suspended for a period of time or expelled from The Academy for just cause including, but not limited to, violation of any of the Bylaws or rules of the organization, or for public conduct prejudicial to the best interests of The Academy. Specific causes for expulsion shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:   

A. Representation of personal views or opinions to the media or to the public as official positions or policies of The Academy, in the absence of explicit authorization by the Board of Directors. 

B. Conduct that contravenes the stated goals of The Academy, including but not limited to fraud, plagiarism, misrepresentation of research, and actions not in concert with the professional standards set forth by The Academy. 

C. Evidence of misrepresentation of information on the application form. 

D. Proof of scientific misconduct. 

E. Conviction for a felony or serious legal offense (as determined by the Membership and Development Council) while a member of The Academy.  Suspension or expulsion requires a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors. A specific statement of charges shall be sent by certified mail to the last known address of the member so charged at least 30 days prior to the action of the Board. The statement shall also include a notice of time and place where the Board will meet to consider the charge so that the member has the opportunity to prepare a defense and refute the charge if he or she so desires. 

3. Dues. Dues and initiation fees for membership shall be established by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IV - VOTING 

1. Time, Place, and Call. The annual meeting of The Academy shall be held at such place and on such date as may be determined by the Board of Directors. Special meetings of The Academy may be called by the Board of Directors at any time or shall be called by the Secretary upon receipt of a written demand, specifying the date and month thereof, signed by at least 10 percent of the Members. The date and month specified shall not be less than 2 or more than 3 months from the date of such written demand. 

2. Notice. The notice of a special meeting shall in all instances state the purpose(s) for which the meeting is called. At such meetings, any such business may be transacted that is related to the purpose(s) set forth in the notice. A copy of the notice of any meeting shall be given, not less than 10 days nor more than 50 days before the date of the meeting, unless the lapse of the prescribed period of time shall have been waived. 

3. Quorum. Twenty percent of the Members shall constitute a quorum at a meeting for the transaction of business. 

4. Voting. Every member in good standing shall have one vote. In the election of directors and officers, a plurality of the votes shall elect an individual. Voting will be via mail or electronic ballot and is a secret ballot. 

5. Procedure at Meetings. The meetings and proceedings of The Academy shall be regulated and controlled according to ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER (Revised) for Parliamentary procedure, except as may be otherwise provided by these Bylaws. 

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS    

1. Election. President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and three Member Delegates shall be elected by the Members. The President and Immediate Past-President are not elected as they assume positions after having been previously elected. 

2. Terms of Office. The President, President-Elect, and Immediate Past-President shall serve a 1-year term for each office, or a total of 3 years for all three offices. The Secretary and Treasurer shall serve terms of 3 years. The three Member Delegates shall also each serve a term of 3 years (starting dates are staggered to provide continuity to the Board). 

3. Qualification for Office. Any Member of The Academy in good standing shall be eligible for nomination and election to elective office. There are no term limits; consequently, the membership may reelect an individual to any office. 

4. Vacancies. If the office of the President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, or any of the three Member Delegates becomes vacant, a special election of the Full Membership will be held and the successful candidate will be installed within 3 months of when the vacancy occurred. 

5. Duties of Officers. The duties of officers will be as hereinafter specified or as otherwise provided by the Bylaws. 

A. President. The President shall preside at scheduled meetings of the Board and the Executive Committee of The Academy. The President shall prepare the agenda for said meetings. The President shall not hold any other position on the Board while in office. The President shall be responsible in all matters, stated or implied, that are related to the welfare, stature, and proper operation of The Academy. The President shall perform such other duties as are necessarily incident to the office of President or as may be prescribed by the Board. 

B. President-Elect. In the President's absence at any meeting, the President-Elect shall be chair. In case of the absence, disability, or resignation of the President, the President-Elect shall perform the duties of the President. The President-Elect shall make nominations for approval by the Board for any appointed position that must be filled except as otherwise stated. The President-Elect shall work closely with the President on all executive matters. 

C. Secretary. The Secretary shall assume responsibility for the minutes of all meetings. Minutes must be forwarded to the Board of Directors within 30 days after the meeting. As specified by the Board, certain duties of the Secretary may be delegated (e.g., to administrative staff). The Secretary is the official keeper of correspondence, records, Bylaws, and all information pertaining to The Academy. 

D. Treasurer. The Treasurer is responsible for the receipt, custody, and disbursement of all funds of The Academy. The Treasurer shall make a written and oral report of the financial condition of The Academy to the Board and the general membership at the annual meeting. The Treasurer shall consult with the Finance Chair and the President before making any major expenditures or any expenditure in excess of the budget. The Treasurer shall distribute the Treasurer's report to the Board, detailing monies received and expended. 

E. Member Delegates. The three Member Delegates are charged with representing the broad-based interests of the membership. 

ARTICLE VI - BOARD OF DIRECTORS    

1. Functions. The governing body of The Academy shall be the Board of Directors, hereafter called the Board. The Board shall have supervision, control, and direction of the affairs of The Academy, its Council, and Committees; shall determine its policies or changes therein; shall actively pursue its goals; and in cooperation with the Treasurer shall supervise the disbursement of its funds. The Board may adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as shall be deemed advisable and may, in the execution of the powers granted, delegate certain of its authority and responsibility to the Executive Committee. 

2. Composition of Board. The Board shall comprise the following: 

Voting Members (total of 13): President (1), Immediate Past-President (1), President-Elect (1), Secretary (1), Treasurer (1), Program Chair (1), Member Delegates (3), and Chairs of the four Councils: Membership and Development; Professional Development Council; Publications and Communications Council; Resource Development and Public Policy Council. 

The four Council Chairs shall be responsible to the Board for actions taken, statements made, or reports issued in the name of The Academy by the Councils and/or Committees. A Board Member may not concurrently hold more than one position on the Board. If a Chair of one of the four Councils is elected to another office, the President shall, with the concurrence of the Board, appoint a member to complete that Chair's term of office (Council Chairs are appointed by the Board; they are not elected). In no event shall any member of the Board be allowed more than one vote. 

3. Removal. Failure by any officer, council, or committee chairperson to carry out assigned duties or to attend two consecutive Board meetings will be grounds for removal from office and/or from the Board. Removal will be decided by a 2/3 vote (the Board member in question cannot vote) of the Board. Should informal discussions with the President or other representative of the Board fail to resolve the problem, the officer or chair in question will be given written notice of the Board's intention to remove him or her 30 days prior to voting for removal, so that he or she may prepare and present a defense. 

4. Meetings of the Board shall be held a minimum of once a year. The meeting shall be held in association with the annual meeting of the Members of The Academy. Other meetings of the Board may be called by the President or at the request of any 3 Board of Directors by notices that are mailed, personally delivered, or communicated electronically (e.g., fax, e-mail) to each member of the Board. Notices must arrive at least 7 calendar days prior to the specially called meeting. With the consent of the Executive Committee, the President may invite other persons to attend any Board meeting ex officio. Action taken with the consent of a majority of Directors shall constitute a valid action of the Board and shall be reported at the next regular meeting of the Board.   

Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board consent in writing to the adoption of a resolution authorizing the action. The resolution and the written consents thereof by the members of the Board shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board. Any member of the Board may participate in a meeting of the Board by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to speak or otherwise communicate with each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall constitute the equivalent of presence in person at a meeting. 

5. Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may act in place of the Board of Directors between Board meetings on all matters, except those specifically reserved to the Board by the Bylaws, pursuant to delegation of  authority to such Executive Committee by the Board of Directors. The focus of the Executive Committee is on the day-to-day operation of The Academy between Board Meetings. Actions of the Executive Committee shall be reported to the Board for ratification at the next Board Meeting. Another responsibility of the Executive Committee is to identify candidates for election who are capable of gaining the support of the membership and advancing the purposes of The Academy.

The Executive Committee shall consist of the following  voting members of the Board of Directors: President, President-Elect, Immediate Past-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and the Chair of the Professional Development Council, Scientific Meeting Program Chair, and Abstract Chair  will be made a voting member of the Executive Committee.  The Executive Director (central-office representative) shall serve as a nonvoting member of the Executive Committee. 

The President shall call such meetings of the Executive Committee as the business of The Academy may require or a meeting shall be called by the President at the request of two members of the Executive Committee. 

6. No Compensation. No officer or member of the Board of Directors of The Academy may receive any form of financial payment including complimentary favor for any services rendered to The Academy. However, if the budget permits, hotel accommodations will be provided, and waiver of registration fees will be allowed at the annual meeting for the 12-member Board (President, Past President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, three Member Delegates, and four Council Chairs). All other expenses will be incurred by the Board Member. 

ARTICLE VII - COUNCILS 

1. Composition of the Councils. There will be four permanent Councils of The Academy. The regular term of office of a Council Chair shall begin following the next subsequent Board meeting after the appointment of that person. Each Council shall consist of the Council Chair and a three member Council, all shall serve a 3-year term of office staggered as to allow for continuity. No Chair may serve successive terms of office. The nomination of a Council Chair shall be made by the President-Elect and approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. 

2. The Four Permanent Councils.    

A. Membership and Development Council. This Council has three major responsibilities: (i) building and maintaining the membership of The Academy; (ii)  screening and evaluation of applications for membership, establishment of appropriate criteria for membership, reviewing allegations of unethical conduct of members, and administering the procedures for revocation of membership; and (iii) screening and evaluating of members as potential Fellows with The Academy. 

B. Professional Development Council. This Council has three major responsibilities: (i) the development and maintenance of training programs to support and enhance the knowledge of innovative research methods in The Academy membership; (ii) the development and maintenance of a mentoring program that would link young investigators with more established researchers; and (iii) establishment of guidelines for the development of research competencies in disease prevention and health promotion.

C. Publications and Communications Council. This Council is responsible for dissemination of all scientific information within the purview of The Academy as well as timely updates and periodic reviews (proceedings of conferences, etc.) that might be of interest to members and nonmembers of The Academy. This Council will work in partnership with PNG Publications in printing any books, monographs, and newsletters of interest to The Academy.  
   
Note: The American Journal of Health Behavior will forever remain, the official Journal of The Academy. This agreement can only be dissolved by mutual agreement of both parties, The Academy and PNG Publications. Fair compensation will be negotiated every 4 years with PNG Publications to produce and distribute the Journal to its members. Moreover, for any publication by The Academy (i.e., newsletter, book, proceedings, etc.), PNG Publications will be given first right of refusal to collaborate and participate in the publication. 

D. Resource Development and Public Policy Council. This Council is responsible for developing and fostering appropriate collaborative activity with recognized national and international scientific organizations, governmental bodies, and public health agencies.  Resource development includes securing funding for Academy activities." This Council shall be responsible for providing a forum to enable governmental, legislative, regulatory, or public health agencies and officials to obtain expert advice and consultation on matters in which The Academy membership has interest and expertise, along with fund raising. 

ARTICLE VIII - COMMITTEES  

1. Finance Committee. The Finance Committee shall be responsible for recommendations regarding fiscal policy to the Board, including but not limited to proposals and recommendations regarding investment and management of The Academy reserves. The Finance Committee will be chaired by the Treasurer and will consist of three additional members: Past President, Secretary, and the Executive Director of The Academy. This Committee will determine accounting and fiscal procedures and shall serve for 2 years. The Committee shall propose a budget for the next year for approval by the Board at the annual Board meeting. The Finance Committee Chair shall review expenditures quarterly and advise the President in advance of any proposed expenditures that are in excess of the budget or which might reasonably appear to become in excess of budget. 

2. Strategic Planning Committee. The Strategic Planning Committee shall be responsible for anticipating problems, opportunities, and challenges that, though not immediate in impact, are vital to the interest of The Academy and for recommending courses of action and strategies that will protect and benefit The Academy. The Committee will consist of the President, Past-President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Director (central office representative), and the three member delegates. The President-Elect will chair this committee. The Committee will be required to meet at least once a year (at the annual meeting) and to file a written report to the Board at the annual Board meeting. 

ARTICLE IX - AMENDMENTS   

The Members may amend or repeal the Bylaws at their initiative. New Bylaws are adopted by a 2/3 vote of the Members using a mail or electronic ballot.

Membership and Development Council Procedures

Procedures for Nominating and Electing Officers

Guidelines for Selecting the Research Laureate

Amendments to the By-Laws