Article I. Name

The name of this association shall be the Ethics, Justice and Human Rights Specialty Group (EJHRSG) of the Association of American Geographers (AAG).

Article II. Purpose

The Ethics, Justice and Human Rights Specialty Group of the AAG exists to further inquiry in normative issues of relevance to geography, and to facilitate collaboration between existing AAG specialty groups and committees whose areas of focus touch on these issues. The overall intent of the EJHRSG is to support inclusive and informed discussion of ethics, justice and human rights issues by geographers as a legitimate and important activity throughout the discipline.

Article III. Activities

Any member may organize an EJHRSG activity. The organization of any activity under the auspices of this specialty group requires prior approval by the chairperson or an authorized representative. The Board will insure that at least one EJHRSG activity is included as part of the AAG annual meeting program each year. The activities of the EJHRSG may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Organizing and sponsoring of symposia (e.g., paper, panel, and poster sessions), field trips, workshop, etc. at the Annual Meeting of the AAG, and other professional meetings, conferences, etc.

• Developing electronic and printed forums of communication for members and non-members.

• Supporting research and its publication on ethics, justice and human rights in geography.

• Honoring outstanding undergraduate and graduate work through student paper awards.

• Developing curricular materials for inclusion in undergraduate and graduate geography courses.

• Focusing on specific subject areas through ad hoc caucuses.

• Organizing other activities as is appropriate.

Article IV. Membership

1. Regular Membership: Any regular, retired, student, or associate member of the AAG may join the EJHRSG.

2. Associate Membership: Nonmembers of the AAG may join the EJHRSG upon payment of annual dues to the EJHRSG Treasurer. Associate members may not vote or hold office, but may serve on committees or in voluntary positions.

Article V. Board of Directors

The EJHRSG is governed by a Board of Directors (the Board), consisting of six voting members: three Officers (a Chairperson, a Secretary, and an Editor) and three additional members, one of whom shall be a student. The Board shall act as the voting body in the management of EJHRSG affairs and is empowered to create and delegate authority to standing committees and authorized representatives when appropriate. Whenever feasible, the Board will act with deliberative advice from the general membership. Graduate students may serve in all officer positions, except that of the Chairperson.

1. Officers

a. Chairperson. The chairperson shall 1) facilitate the annual business meeting; 2) serve as liaison to the AAG; 3) appoint liaisons between the EJHRSG and other professional bodies; and 4) make executive decisions when appropriate. With respect to executive decisions, the Board of Directors' approval is required for significant EJHRSG business, and when executive action is required, it is undertaken with the understanding that all decisions are subject to the approval of the Board.

b. Secretary. The secretary shall 1) record the Minutes of the annual business meeting; 2) maintain files of Minutes, membership, annual meeting programs, and other relevant information; and 3) prepare and submit all required reports of EJHRSG activity to the AAG Council and AAG Central Office.

c. Editor. The editor shall 1) be responsible for the production and distribution of electronic and hard-copy communications for the EJHRSG, and 2) publish at least one EJHRSG newsletter per year.

2. Terms of Office

Each member of the Board shall serve a term of two years, except the Student Board Member, who shall serve a one-year term. The term of office shall begin at the end of the business meeting at which elections are held, and end at the following business meeting. The Chairperson and Editor shall be elected in odd-numbered years; the Secretary and two additional Board Members in even-numbered years. No member of the Board shall serve more than two consecutive terms in the same position.

3. Nominations and Elections

Nominations will be made from the floor at the annual business meeting, with elections to be held at the same meeting. Members need not be present to be either nominated or elected. A member may submit a nomination to the Board thirty (30) days prior to the meeting if attendance is not possible. Persons nominated for office must agree to serve if elected, and prior agreement is required of those not present at the time of nomination.

4. Vacancies

In the event that an officer is unable to complete a term of office, the Board will 1) choose one of its members, or 2) select a volunteer from the general membership, to fill the vacancy until the next business meeting is held and a replacement is elected.

Article VI. Appointed and Voluntary Positions

1. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be appointed to a three-year term by the Chairperson, subject to approval by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall maintain and account for all EJHRSG income and expenditures.

2. Webmaster. The Webmaster shall be appointed to a three-year term by the Chairperson, subject to approval by the Board of Directors. The Webmaster shall maintain and update the EJHRSG Web site as appropriate.

3. Committees. The Board shall create such committees as are required by the activities and responsibilities of the EJHRSG. Membership of such committees, including designation as chair, shall be determined by the EJHRSG chair, subject to approval by the Board.

4. Liaisons. The EJHRSG shall seek to improve and maintain communication and collaboration with other units of the AAG (e.g., committees, specialty groups) as well as other professional organizations (e.g., Society for Philosophy and Geography). Liaisons are drawn from members of the EJHRSG who have simultaneous membership in other professional bodies. Liaisons may volunteer or be nominated at anytime, are appointed by the chairperson, and approved by the Board. When appropriate, they should participate as non-voting observers in the deliberations of the Board.

Article VII. Dues

Dues for regular, retired, student, and associate members will be set by the Board, and may be used for official purposes only.

Article XIII. Amendments

Amendments to these by-laws may be proposed by presentation of a written petition to the chairperson at least three (3) months prior to the date of the annual business meeting. All members will then be notified of the proposed changes. A two-thirds vote of the members present at the business meeting is required to amend the by-laws.