| President's Message |
A Message from the President
Welcome to the Houston Council of the Blind (“HCB”) web site! On behalf of HCB, it is an honor to welcome web site visitors to our home page. As you navigate our web site, you will notice that we make a concerted effort to provide an accessible web site- to make navigation easy and logical.
The Houston Council of the Blind is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 1978. We hold a public monthly meeting that includes an informational or entertainment event.
Our web site is a public information feature of the HCB, and we hope that you will frequent our site and submit comments regarding our efforts to publicize HCB programs, activities and other events. Some of our events or activities include an ongoing mentoring program for students, fund raising, and distribution of annual scholarships to qualified students to assist them in their college careers. Our membership has over 100 voting members this year, and we are excited to welcome new members throughout the year. We believe that our organization fosters a cause worthy of participation. We promote an all-inclusive association of members and guests alike, who come together on a monthly basis to participate in our programs and activities, voice their opinions, and take part in the overall management of the organization. This web site represents yet another avenue for the Houston Council of the Blind to publicize its activities, make announcements relating to the visually impaired community and to present our partners and donors with a one-stop internet location for contact, programmatic and outreach information.
It is our hope that you will bookmark our web site and visit often for announcements and information pertaining to the visually impaired community in the fourth largest city in the United States- Houston, Texas. Come and visit us on-line, by e-mail, by telephone, or in person during our meetings!
Sincerely,
Peggy R. Garrett, President |
| Mission Statement |
The mission of the Houston Council of the Blind (“HCB”) is to improve the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life for all persons who are blind or visually impaired.
Accordingly, the HCB aims to elevate the social, economic, and cultural levels of persons in our community by providing a forum for their views and experiences, by broadening vocational and educational opportunities, and by encouraging and assisting the visually impaired to develop their abilities and potential to assume a responsible place in our community. |
| History & White Cane Day |
The Houston Council of the Blind was organized January 27, 1978 in Houston Tx. There were 18 members who were very involved in the growth of the organization. The organization was chartered by the State of Texas on June 2, 1978 as a non-profit corporation. The first officers were:
- President, Jim Beeson
- Vice-President, Truett Childres
- Secretary, Gail Beeson
- Treasurer, Nellie Webb
The meeting place was the Lighthouse of Houston to which the HCB donated $25.00 to use the building.
In 1982 there were 110 members.
LANDMARKS OF ADVOCACY:
1.HCB advocated for H.R. 4642--S. 2775 The Fair Insurance Coverage Act This bill would prohibit discrimination in insurance coverage on the basis of blindness or degree of blindness. Bill passed.
2.Instrumental in establishing The Texas Health and Human Services Coordinating Council in Senate Bill 711 to have a voice in state law.
3.Multi Service Center, 1982, the Council advocated for inclusion in input from the blind community in designing the MSC for disabled people.
4.The Rehab Act of 1973, (504) This established that blind people have the right to work and to promote their opportunities for employment and Independent Living.
5.WHITE CANE DAY, The first was observed on October 15, 1981 and recognized by the State Governor Clements on October 15, 1982. It was for public awareness about blind cane travel to promote independent travel and safety.
From left to right: Randy Green, President GHR Group; BVA Jim Beeson, President of Houston Chapter -ACBT; Mayor Jim McConn; Harvey Haegy, President of Houston Chapter of the NFB; Mamie Lopez, President of TFB-Houston Chapter.
6.Resolution was created to urge the Texas Commission for the Blind to improve the number of qualified blind employees in the state.
7.Support the project to initiate Recreational programs for handicapped individuals. Promoted and supported Beep Ball in 1982 so that blind people could have an opportunity to play base ball.
8.Supported the Radio Reading Service Docket 82-law in opposing the commercialization of sub-carriers 67 kHz on public radio stations.
9.Organized a Consumer Advisory Committee in 1982 with the Texas Commission for the Blind to voice our concerns. |
| Board & Officers |
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Houston Council of the Blind Officers & Directors
Officers
President: Peggy Garrett
1st Vice President: Michael Garrett
2nd Vice President: Cuqui (Cookie) Soto
Secretary: Clarice Henry
Treasurer: Linda Bradley
Immediate Past President: Ed Bradley
Directors:
Jack Gaugler
Thomas Morrison
Terry Walker
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| Constitution & Bylaws |
Constitution and Bylaws
Revised July, 2006
ARTICLE I
NAME: The name of this organization shall be HOUSTON COUNCIL OF THE BLIND.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE: The purpose of this nonprofit organization is to strive for the betterment of our total community:
A.By representation of visually impaired people through the Houston Council of the Blind.
B.By providing a forum for the views of the visually impaired of the area served by the Houston Council of the Blind from all walks of life.
C.By elevating the social, economic, and cultural level of the visually impaired.
D.By improving education and rehabilitation facilities.
E.By broadening vocational opportunities.
F.By encouraging and assisting the visually impaired, especially the newly visually impaired, to develop their abilities and [potentialities] potential and to assume their responsible place in the community.
G.By cooperating with public and private institutions and agencies of, and for the visually impaired.
H.By providing for the free exchange of ideas opinions, and information relative to matters of concern to visually impaired people and to the public.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP, VOTING AND DUES: Any person residing in the area served by the Houston Council of the Blind is eligible to become a member of this organization upon complying with the provisions hereinafter contained in the bylaws.
A.Definition of "visually impaired": This organization uses the words "visually impaired" to signify not only those who are legally blind, as defined in the state codes, but also those who are within the definition for use of Library of Congress Talking Books and for those who are within the Post Office Regulations for use of the free matter mailing privilege: "Free matter is for the use of the blind or other persons who cannot use or read conventionally printed material because of a physical impairment, who are certified by competent authority as unable to read normal reading material.
B.Membership: The membership of this organization shall be of two classes, voting and non-voting.
1.Voting members of the Houston Council of the Blind shall be members in good standing and at least 18 years of age.
2.Non-voting members shall be individuals and organizations holding sustaining memberships (or junior members who are between 12 and 17 years of age.)
C.Dues: Dues shall be paid on an annual calendar basis and the amount of dues shall be as set forth in the bylaws.
D.Suspension and Expulsion: Any member may be expelled or suspended by a two-thirds vote of the membership present and voting. In the proceedings to expel or suspend, the member charged shall have the right to vote.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS & DIRECTORS:
A.The officers of this chapter shall consist of a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer to be elected for a term of one year by a simple majority of the members present and voting.
B.All officers must be visually impaired as defined above, except the Secretary and the Treasurer who may be sighted.
C.The Houston Council of the Blind shall have a Board of Directors consisting of its duly elected officers of the chapter, the immediate past president of the chapter, and three other Directors who are members in good standing.
D.No officer with the exception of the Secretary and Treasurer of this organization shall be elected for more than three consecutive full terms. However, all officers must stand for election annually.
E.No officer shall receive compensation for services to the Houston Council of the Blind. The officer may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in the exercise of duties. No employee of the Houston Council of the Blind shall be eligible for election to any office in this organization.
F.In the absence or death of any officer or director, the vacancy so created shall be filled as provided in the bylaws.
ARTICLE V
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS:
A.Nominations and elections of Officers and Directors shall be held annually in the month of November and the newly elected officials shall be installed at the December meeting and will take office in January of the next year.
B.Directors will serve for a single 3-year term. In the event of a resignation or the death of a sitting Director, the President will appoint a replacement to serve until the next elections are held, and at this time that position must be filled by electing the director for the balance of the three-year term. One Director will be elected each year in accordance with the Bylaws which will define the starting procedures for these offices. A Director may serve for more than one term after being out of office for at least one year.
ARTICLE VI
QUORUM AND MEETING:
A.A quorum shall consist of at least twenty (20) members in good standing.
B.Meetings shall be held monthly at a time and location specified in the bylaws.
C.Robert's Rules of Order Revised shall govern all proceedings except as otherwise provided in this constitution and bylaws
ARTICLE VII
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS:
A.This constitution may be amended by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and voting after having been submitted in writing, to the members at least sixty (60) days prior to the voting on said amendments, or by having first been read at two (2) consecutive open meetings.
B.Bylaws may be amended at any regular or special meeting by a simple majority vote.
ARTICLE VIII
This Constitution and the Bylaws hereunder shall not be in conflict with the Constitution of the American Council of the Blind of Texas ("ACBT") or the American Council of the Blind ("ACB").
ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION OF CHAPTER AND DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS
In the event of dissolution of this organization, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for payment of all of the liabilities of the organization, shall distribute all of the assets of this corporation to the ACBT, or to any successor organization of the ACBT, or in the event of the prior dissolution of the ACBT, to one or more other nonprofit organizations or nonprofit corporations within the State of Texas having purposes similar to those of this organization, serving persons who are blind or visually impaired, and qualified for exemption under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or the corresponding provision(s) of any future United States Internal Revenue law.
Houston Council of the Blind
BYLAWS Revised July 2006
BYLAW I
MEMBERS: Any person who has reached the age of eighteen (18) years and is a resident of the area served by this Chapter may apply for membership. However, no member of any other chapter of ACBT may have membership in this Chapter. A majority of the members must be visually impaired.
BYLAW II
VOTING AND DUES:
A.Voting rights of members shall be limited to those in good standing. Dues received after October 1 shall be considered dues for the following calendar year;
B.Members who have not paid their dues by January 1 of the following year are delinquent and not eligible to vote;
C.Dues for members shall be set by the Chapter for the calendar year, a portion of which goes to the American Council of the Blind of Texas for State and National dues;
D.Sustaining members shall be interested persons and/or organizations who make a financial contribution to this Chapter but they will not have voting rights; (and)
E.Junior members have no voting rights and pay no dues.
BYLAW III
DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
A.The duties of the President shall be:
1.To serve as executive head of this Chapter;
2.To enforce the provisions of the Constitution, Bylaws, and written Resolutions and Policies adopted by the members;
3.To appoint committees annually or as deemed necessary with the consent of the members so appointed, as may be necessary for the successful operation of the Chapter;
4.To exercise all of the duties usually performed by such executive officer;
5.To serve as Ex-officio member of all committees;
6.In a proper case, and for failure to perform duties, remove any member of such committee and appoint a successor;
7.To be responsible for the supervision of all employees;
8.To appoint a Sergeant-at-Arms and a Parliamentarian (as required);
9.To appoint a sighted assistant to the secretary and/or Treasurer when deemed necessary; and
10.To co-sign checks.
B.The duties of the First Vice-President shall be:
1.To have full authority to perform all duties of the President during the President's absence;
2.To serve as chapter representative on the ACBT Board of Directors.
a.As prescribed by the Constitution of the American Council of the Blind of Texas; and
b.To report and forward all information pertaining to the American Council of the Blind of Texas to the local chapter, officers, and/or membership.
3.To perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the President;
4.To fill the vacancy created by the death or resignation of the President, to assume duties and responsibilities of the President, and to continue in that office for the remainder of the term.
C.The duties of the Second Vice-President shall be:
1.To have full authority to perform all duties of the First Vice- President during the absence of the First Vice-President;
2.To serve as chairman of the Finance and Budget Committees as well as the Fund Raising Committee and to cosign all checks when not cosigned by the President;
3.To perform such other duties as may from time to time be designated by the President; and
4.To fill the vacancy created by the death or resignation of the First Vice-President.
D.The duties of the Secretary shall be:
1.To maintain a list of all the members;
2.To keep a record of all proceedings;
3.To be responsible for all written material; (and)
4.To surrender all records to successor or to any other authorized recipient.
E.The duties of the Treasurer:
1.To serve as custodian of all funds and to serve as an advisor to the Finance and Budget Committee and the Fund Raising Committee;
2.To keep accurate records of all financial transactions;
3.To deposit all funds received in a bank designated by the officers;
4.To sign any instrument disbursing money along with designated co-signer, as required;
5.To submit books for inspection to any officer of this Chapter or to any group of three (3) members demanding such inspection at any and all reasonable times. The request must be in writing and the financial records are subject to the care and control of the Treasurer;
6.To submit books to any auditor designated by the President;
7.To perform such other duties as may from time to time be designated by the President;
8.To forward to the Secretary names of all members as dues are received;
9.To furnish all financial reports at each meeting; and
10.At end of term, to surrender all funds, books and records to successor.
F.Duties of Directors:
1.Attend Board meetings and offer counsel when appropriate; and
2.Perform other duties as directed by the President.
BYLAW IV
The Officers and the Board of Directors shall be bonded, at the Council's expense, when funds reach (one thousand dollars) $1,000.00.
BYLAW V
NOMINATIONS:
A.The President shall appoint a Nominating Committee no later than the August meeting and the committee shall report at the October meeting;
B.Nominations may be made from the floor during the elections. However, the nominee must have agreed to serve if elected; (and)
C.All nominees and persons making nominations must be members in good standing.
BYLAW VI
MEETINGS: Regular Chapter meetings shall be held on the first (1st) Sunday of each month, but if the first Sunday of the month falls on a holiday, then the meeting may be held the second Sunday of the month, the time and place to be determined by the membership.
BYLAW VII
VACANCIES: Vacancies of officers shall be filled in the following manner:
A.The President shall be succeeded by the First Vice President;
B.The First Vice President shall be succeeded by the Second Vice President; and
C.A vacancy in any office except that of the President and First Vice President shall be filled at the next regular meeting by the nominating procedure prescribed and shall be for the unexpired term.
D.Directors' Positions:
1.Initially all three Directors' positions will be elected as follows:
Position 1 will be elected for a term of one (1) year and may stand for reelection immediately after the expiration of this term.
Position 2 will be elected for two (2) years and may stand for reelection after that term.
Position 3 will be elected for a three (3) year term and must be out of office for one year before running for a Director position again.
2.Thereafter, one Director position will be elected annually in accordance with other provisions of this document.
BYLAW VIII
FISCAL YEAR: For accounting and tax purposes, the fiscal year of the Houston Council of the Blind shall end the last day of February each year.
BYLAW IX
STANDING COMMITTEES:
1.Constitution and Bylaws
2.Resolutions
3.Finance and Budget
4.Fund Raising
5.Legislative
6.Membership and Credentials
7.Publicity and Public Relations
8.Telephone
9.Transportation
10.Programs and Special Needs
11.Entertainment & Refreshments
12.Scholarship & Mentoring
BYLAW X
Resolutions serve to clarify policies or to further enhance the implementation of policies used to conduct non-profit business by The Houston Council of the Blind.
BYLAW XI
The President and Treasurer of The Houston Council of the Blind may spend up to seventy-five dollars ($75.00) per month to conduct business on behalf of The Houston Council of the Blind without prior permission from the membership or the Board of Directors. Such expenditures must be reported to the membership at the next regular business meeting.
BYLAW XII
With respect to the drafting or endorsing of checks by officers of The Houston Council of the Blind, if two signatures are required, then no two officers related within three degrees of separation by blood or marriage may perform this duty.
President's Message
Mission Statement
History & White Cane Day
Board & Officers
Constitution & Bylaws.Copyright © HCB | Houston Council of the Blind | Privacy statement
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