Mediation Association of Southern Illinois Bylaws
(Updated November 2007)

Name: The name of the organization will be Mediation Association of Southern Illinois.

Goals:

1. To provide professional mediation services for persons who choose mediation along with those persons referred by judges, attorneys, and other professionals.
2. To provide for ongoing inservice programs and mediation skill development of all members of the association and provide an opportunity to share concerns and successes of mediation.
3. To promote and enhance recognition of Alternative Dispute Resolution services in Illinois.

Membership Requirements:

1. To be a member in good standing of the Mediation Association of Southern Illinois, a person must meet the following qualifications:
   1. Hold a law degree, master degree or advanced degree in a human services area;
   2. Complete a minimum 40 hour approved mediation training program;
   3. Attend at least two professional development or continuing education meetings per year at a local, regional or national level which concerns Alternative Dispute Resolution;
   4. Be willing to mediate cases referred by the courts for mediation;
   5. Agree to follow court approved standards and procedures for the court referred mediation program; and
   6. Pay a $20 annual membership fee each year by the February meeting.
2. Associate Membership: the members in good standing present at a meeting may offer associate membership to interested persons who do not otherwise qualify for full membership in MASI. Associate members must pay annual dues in the amount of 50% the annual dues paid by full members and may not vote.

Officers: There shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer elected by majority vote of the members in good standing that vote during the election of said officers.

Duties of Officers:

1. The President shall be responsible for:
   1. Appointing members of the Mediation Association of Southern Illinois to committees;
   2. Serving as public relations spokespersons for the organization; and
   3. Presiding over all MASI meetings.
2. Vice-President: the vice-president shall assume the duties of the President in his/her absence.
3. Secretary: the Secretary shall be responsible for:
   1. Recording attendance for all continuing education meetings;
   2. Keeping minutes of all MASI meetings; and
   3. Keeping records of all applications for MASI membership.
4. Treasurer: the treasurer shall be responsible for:
   1. Receiving and depositing all monies for MASI in appropriate financial institutions;
   2. Keeping records of all receipts and expenditures of MASI monies;
   3. Keeping records of all dues receipts; and
   4. Reporting to the membership on monies received and expended.

Election of Officers: The President shall appoint a nominating committee consisting of four MASI members in good standing for the purpose of presenting a slate of members in good standing for election to the four MASI offices. The slate shall be presented to the membership not later than 21 days prior to the February meeting.

Meetings: MASI meetings shall be held quarterly on the first Monday of February, May, August, and November of each year.