Article I – Location

The headquarters of this Association shall be The Arc of Mississippi, Jackson, Mississippi until such time the Board chooses a different location.

Article II – Purposes

Section 1

The primary Purpose of the Association is to advance support for providers of IDD services throughout the state of Mississippi through advocacy, collaboration and education. The Mississippi Association of IDD Providers’ mission is “To unite the providers and partners of IDD services throughout the state of Mississippi in order to improve the lives of citizens with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities through leadership, education, advocacy and community focus.”

The Purpose includes:

• Promote open communication regarding issues that are crucial to the success of the services and supports offered to people diagnosed with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.
• Encourage professional growth by offering training opportunities.
• Support members through consultation and networking.
• Work with Legislators and state agencies to advocate for legislative and regulatory policies, caregiver rates, and serve as a resource needed to carry out the mission of the Association.

Section 2

The Association may buy, sell, lease, mortgage or otherwise deal with real property and to engage, hire personnel, and related functions all for the furtherance of the above purpose and administration of them.

Article III – Membership

Section 1

Membership is open to organizations/provider agencies interested in promotion of the mission of the association. Voting privileges and positions will not be available to Associate Members (As described below). Each organization/provider is allowed one vote per issue.

Section 2

Full membership is available to organization/provider agencies interested in the promotion and purpose of the association. The membership year is July 1 – June 30.

Full Membership:

• Must provide direct services in the state of Mississippi.
• Must be certified by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health or the Mississippi Department of Health.

Section 3

Associate membership is available to those supporting the purpose of the association but is not a certified provider in the state of Mississippi. Membership is contingent upon dues being paid no later than 60 days of the first day of the fiscal year.

Associate Membership:

• An organization actively promoting benefits and services for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities but not a certified service provider.
• Voting rights are not available to Associate members.

Section 4

The Annual Membership Meeting will be ordered by the Executive Committee. Members will be notified in writing no less than one month in advance of the meeting.

Section 5

A simple majority of the members present at the annual meeting of the Association shall constitute a quorum.

Section 6

Special meetings may be called by the President or any Board Member, upon approval of a simple majority of the Executive Committee. The purpose of the meeting shall be stated in writing at least five working days of the meeting.

Section 7

All membership applications are subject to Board approval.

Article IV – Board of Directors and Officers

Section 1

The Board of Directors of the Association shall formulate policies, manage and have general charge of the affairs of the Association in accordance with applicable law and Bylaws. The Board shall have the power to employ necessary staff, authorize expenditures and take all necessary and proper steps to carry out the purpose of the Association. The first members of the board will serve for two years. The Board of Directors will be composed of nine (9) members. Members will serve (3) year terms and these terms shall be staggered among members. A new slate of officers will be presented to the membership in 2025.

Section 2

In the event a Board of Director cannot continue to serve, the President will work with the current board to create a replacement member to be presented to the membership of the Board.

Section 3

All Board Members will serve a term of (3) years. Board Members may serve two consecutive full (three year) terms, for a total of six (6) years. Exceptions shall be made for the original board members if needed.

Section 4

The Board of Directors shall elect the positions of President, Vice President, and Treasurer to serve for one year terms. The Secretary shall be the Executive Director or Administrative Coordinator.

Section 5

The Executive committee shall consist of the President, Vice President, and Treasurer, with the Executive Director or Administrative Coordinator serving as ex officio.

Section 6

Board meetings will be held not less than quarterly but may be held more frequently as required and determined necessary by a simple majority of the board. The location of such meetings shall be determined by the Board of Directors and may change as frequently as is desired by the majority of the Board.

Section 7

The Board of Directors is a volunteer board, not compensated for meetings or eligible for reimbursement for expenses associated with reasonable duties by the Board.

Section 8

A Board of Director must be employed by an organization/provider of services who is a current member of the Association.

Section 9

Board members must attend either in person, electronically, or telephonically regular scheduled meetings as informed by the Coordinator or Secretary. Board members who miss more than three (3) consecutive scheduled meetings or a total of three (4) per calendar year may be removed from office by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board, excluding the member in question. In such a case, the Board may appoint a member of the association to serve the remainder of the removed Board member’s term.

Section 10

The number of the Board of Directors may be increased or decreased by a two-thirds majority vote of the Directors. A decrease or increase in members shall not shorten the term of Directors.

Section 11

Fifty percent plus one of the entire Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business or any specified item of business, unless otherwise designated by the Bylaws.

Section 12

The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board and the Executive Committee. The President shall appoint or remove a Committee with a simple majority vote of the Board.

Section 13

In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall exercise the powers and duties of the President.

Section 14

The Secretary or designee shall take and distribute Minutes, in a timely fashion, the minutes of all meetings of the membership and executive committee.

Section 15

The Treasurer shall perform all duties which are assigned by the Board or President. All checks, drafts, or other negotiable items of the MAIDDP Board are carried out by The Treasurer, with a proper signature from the President and/or appropriate Vice President of Finance.

Article V – Elections

Section 1

Officers shall be elected by the members at the Annual Membership meeting, or as required by the current bylaws. Nominees shall be a representative of the Association and a current member.

Section 2

A nomination procedure shall be set forth by the Governance Committee or the membership and confirmed by the board of directors.