Musical Instrument Technicians Association

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION AND BYLAWS
FOR MITA INTERNATIONAL

(Printed below is the complete document of the revised Articles and Bylaws as voted on and approved by the membership in 1994.) (Note: Changes have been made, July 2002, and will be entered soom)

Article I. NAME
The name of this organization shall be Musical Instrument Technicians Association, International, hereinafter referred to as MITA, International, a non-profit organization under applicable federal and state laws.

Article II. PURPOSE, OBJECTIVES, AND PRINCIPLES.

• A. It shall be a non-profit organization. The purpose of the organization shall be to improve the musical, instrument service industry by:
  1) Developing on-going programs of technical and professional development.
  2) Helping technicians provide the best possible musical instrument service, in an ethical way, keeping the customer's need and best interest uppermost.
  3) Providing a vehicle for exchange of ideas, hints, schematics and hard to find parts.
  4) Promote music and the use of all musical instruments, both electronic and non-electronic.
  5) Providing a vehicle for improved communications between the members and between the members and manufacturers.
  B. Constitute subordinate bodies (chapters, etc.) in order that its aims, purposes, and benefits, may be more easily and advantageously shared by its individual members.
  C. Publish the MITA TECH to be used by the international officers to keep the membership informed of their activities, listing of new members, announcements, items to be voted upon, articles of interest etc. and by the membership to share repair techniques, parts sources, modifications, etc. At least annually it will contain a treasurers report.

   

Article III. MEMBERSHIP.
A. Any person engaged in musical instrument servicing, or related business, is eligible for membership by making proper application. The application is to be accompanied by the proper dues. It shall not deny membership to any person because of race, color, creed, sex, national origin or physical handicap.

B. CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP.
1) MEMBER status will apply to those persons that do servicing of musical instruments and to those individuals, who, because of their position and/or interest in the musical industry, wish to support MITA, International activities. A MEMBER has voting privileges.
2) CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN will apply to those members that do servicing of musical instruments rendering them functional and have been Certified by MITA, International. Full attendance at a MITA, International or manufacturers seminar at least every other year is required to maintain certification. A CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN member may hold office and has voting privileges.
3) CHARTER membership status will be granted to all MEMBERS received into membership prior to December 31, 1986 in any of the above classes of membership and who maintain continuous membership in MITA, International.
C. Any member may advertise the fact that they are a member of MITA, International, providing they indicate their category of membership in their advertising.
D. Applications must be made via the official MITA, International application form in the MITA TECH or a reasonable facsimile.
E. Potential applicants may contact MITA, International at the home office or a locally established chapter.
F. Dues for MEMBERS will be set by the membership at the annual meetings.

Article IV. OFFICERS.
A. PRESIDENT: The president shall preside at all meetings; shall uphold the bylaws of MITA, International
B. FIRST VICE PRESIDENT: The first vice president shall assume the duties of the president during the absence of the president and shall perform such other duties as assigned by the membership.
C. SECOND VICE PRESIDENT: The second vice president shall perform such duties as assigned by the membership.
D. THIRD VICE PRESIDENT: The third vice president shall perform such duties as assigned by the membership.
E. FORTH VICE PRESIDENT: The forth vice president shall perform such duties as assigned by the membership.
F. SECRETARY: The secretary shall directly or indirectly keep the minutes of meetings; shall conduct correspondence for MITA, International; send notices of all meetings; keep attendance records; and shall perform such other duties as assigned by the membership.
G. TREASURER: The treasurer shall be the custodian of all moneys belonging to MITA, International; shall pay all bills that have been approved by the BOARD OF GOVERNORS and/or the membership; shall directly or indirectly give treasurer reports at all meetings; shall prepare and cause to be distributed to the membership an annual financial statement, and, shall perform such other duties as assigned by the membership.

Article V. TERM OF OFFICE.
A. All elected offices shall be for a one year term or until a successor has been elected and assumes office. Officers may succeed themselves.
B. In the case of a vacancy in the office of president, the first vice president shall become president.
C. In the event any other elected office is vacated permanently, the president shall appoint a new officer to complete the remainder of the term.

Article VI. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
A. Potential candidates for office should contact MITA, International home office by eight weeks prior to the annual meeting/convention. Members will receive a listing of candidates four weeks before the MITA, International annual meeting/convention. Members unable to attend may submit nominations by mail four weeks prior to the annual meeting/convention.
B. Election of officers will be immediately after the close of nominations at the annual meeting/convention.
C. The new officers are elected by ballot. A plurality will determine the results. Members unable to attend may submit their vote by absentee ballot no later than two weeks prior to the start of the annual meeting/convention.
D. The new officers will assume office immediately following the election at the last annual meeting/convention.

Article VII. EXECUTIVE BOARD, BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND HOME OFFICE.
A. The Executive Board will consist of the elected officers of MITA, International who will serve without compensation except for annual convention fees and out-of-pocket expenses, approved in advance, and submitted with receipts to the Treasurer. MITA, International Convention fees will be covered for Executive Board members. The home office will be determined by the membership.
B. A Board of Governors will consist of the president of each chapter and the elected officers (Executive Board) of MITA, International. They will be responsible for directing the activities of MITA, International. The Executive Board will be the Executive Committee that will run the day to day activities as directed by, and actions ratified by, the Board of Governors.
C. The Executive Board will meet by telephone conference call or in person at least annually or as necessary to conduct business.
D. Meetings shall be conducted in an orderly manner, using Roberts Rules of Order as a guideline.

VIII. CHAPTERS.
A. Chapters will consist of four(4) or more members with a minimum of 50% certified members. All members of the chapter will be members of MITA, International.
B. Meetings will be held at least once a year at a time and location determined by the membership. No business can be legally transacted by the chapter at a called meeting unless proper notice of the meeting has been sent to all members at least ten days in advance.
C. Chapters will send a copy of the minutes of each meeting to MITA, International no later than two weeks following each meeting.
D. Chapters will operate under their own bylaws, which will not be in conflict with the bylaws of MITA, International and will send a copy of their bylaws to MITA, International.

Article IX. ANNUAL MEETING/CONVENTION.
A. One or more meetings of the MITA, International membership will be held annually, conditions permitting, and will be known as the MITA, International annual meeting/convention. Two members of the Executive Board and other members present will constitute a quorum.
B. The express purpose of this gathering will be:
1) To conduct service seminars.
2) To discuss MITA, International organizational policies and procedures; to nominate and elect national officers.
3) To exchange ideas and work cooperatively for the improvement of the service industry and expan sion of MITA, International
4) To conduct any other business as may properly come before the assembly.

Article X. BYLAWS AMENDMENTS.
A. Any amendment to these bylaws which would affect the voting rights of the membership or the financial liability (i.e. dues, assessments etc.) of the membership may only be made by the members voting at a membership meeting. All other amendments may be made by the members of the Board of Governors voting at any regular or special meeting.
B. These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members voting on the amendment at a regular or special Board of Governors or Membership meeting.
C. Each member of the Board of Governors or the Membership, as appropriate under paragraph A. of this section, must have been notified at least fifteen (15) days in advance as to the wording and effect of the amendment. Minor changes need not be presented in advance provided it is agreed they do not substantially exceed the subject of the proposed amendment.

Article XI. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY.
A. MITA, International shall be democratic in its government and all its functions.
B. Chapters will be self-supporting and will have authority to collect chapter fees and dues.

Article XII. DISSOLUTION OF THE ORGANIZATION.
Upon the winding up and dissolution of this organization, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the organization, the remaining assets shall be distributed to a non-profit fund, foundation, or corporation, which is organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, or religious and/or scientific purpose and which has established its tax-exempt status under section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service.

Return to the: MITA HOME PAGE