Bylaws of the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals

Why Bylaws Matter to CASAC Professionals

Bylaws provide the foundation for accountability, transparency, and trust within the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals. For CASACs, clear bylaws define member rights, leadership responsibilities, and ethical expectations, ensuring that the Association operates with fairness and integrity. These governing principles protect your professional voice, guide organizational decisions, and create a unified framework where every counselor knows their role in advancing the profession and shaping the future of behavioral health in New York.

Bylaws Summary

New York State Association of CASAC Professionals (NYS-CASAC)

The bylaws of the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals (NYS-CASAC) establish the structure, responsibilities, and operating procedures of the organization as a for-profit professional association serving Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselors (CASACs) across New York State.

Key Highlights:

1. Organizational Purpose:
NYS-CASAC exists to elevate the CASAC profession through advocacy, continuing education, professional development, and unified representation.

2. Membership Structure:

• Regular Members (CASACs) have full participation and limited voting rights.
• Associate and Student Members may engage in programs but cannot vote or hold office.
• Honorary Members are recognized for distinguished service.

3. Leadership and Governance:
The Executive Leadership Team includes:

• Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer

These officers manage strategic direction, operations, compliance, and fiscal oversight. Up to five Members-at-Large may serve on the Board of Directors to provide regional and professional diversity.

4. Committees:
Standing committees include Education & Certification, Ethics & Professional Standards, Advocacy & Policy, and Membership & Outreach. Committee chairs are appointed by the President with Board approval.

5. Financial Oversight:
The association is funded through membership dues, training fees, events, and partnerships. The Treasurer provides annual financial reporting, and the fiscal year follows the January–December calendar.

6. Meetings and Elections:
The Board meets quarterly, and an Annual Member Forum provides transparency and engagement. Officer elections occur every three years via electronic ballot.

7. Ethics and Accountability:
Members must follow the NAADAC Code of Ethics and applicable OASAS standards. Violations are reviewed by an internal Ethics Committee.

8. Amendments and Dissolution:
Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds Board vote, with notice to members. In the event of dissolution, assets are distributed per NYS business law with preference to CASAC workforce initiatives.

Bylaws of the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals

Article I: Name

The name of this organization shall be the New York State Association of CASAC Professionals.

Article II: Purpose

The purpose of the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals is to elevate, unify, and advocate for Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselors (CASACs) in New York State by:

1. Promoting ethical and evidence-based practice.
2. Offering continuing education, certification support, and professional development.
3. Advocating for legislative recognition and advancement of CASACs.
4. Providing a central hub for networking, information exchange, and peer support.

Article III: Membership

Section A. Classes of Membership

1. Regular Members: Individuals holding a valid CASAC-T, CASAC, or all levels of the credential in New York State.
2. Associate Members: Allied professionals or educators supporting the mission of the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals.
3. Student Members: Individuals enrolled in a 350-hour OASAS-approved CASAC training program.

Section B. Rights and Privileges

• Regular members are eligible to vote and serve on committees.
• Associate and Student members may participate in programming but may not vote or hold office.

Section C. Code of Conduct

Membership is contingent upon adherence to the NYS Association of CASAC Professional Code of Ethics, modeled after NAADAC and OASAS standards.

Section D. Termination

Membership may be revoked for violations of ethical standards or failure to pay dues.

Article IV: Officers

Section A. Elected Officers

1. President
2. Vice President
3. Secretary
4. Treasurer

Section B. Terms:

Each officer shall serve a term of three (3) years and may be re-elected twice consecutively.

Section C. Duties

• President: Leads the organization, sets the agenda, and appoints committee chairs.
• Vice President: Assists the President and oversees operations.
• Secretary: Maintains meeting minutes and records.
• Treasurer: Manages all financial accounts and reports.

Article V: Board of Directors

Section A. Composition

The Board shall consist of the four Officers and up to five (5) Members-at-Large representing diverse regions of NYS.

Section B. Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction.
• Approve budgets and programs.
• Review membership standards and disciplinary actions.

Section C. Meetings

The Board shall meet quarterly. Quorum is a simple majority.

Article VI: Committees

Standing committees include:

1. Education & Certification Committee
2. Ethics & Professional Standards Committee
3. Advocacy & Policy Committee
4. Membership & Outreach Committee

Committee chairs shall be appointed by the President and approved by the Founder/CEO.

Article VII: Meetings of the Association

1. An Annual Meeting shall be held each calendar year for all members.
2. Special meetings may be called by the Founder/CEO, President, or a majority of the Board.
3. Notice of meetings shall be distributed at least 14 days in advance.

Article VIII: Elections and Vacancies

1. Elections shall occur every three years through an electronic ballot.
2. A Nominations Committee shall present a slate of candidates.
3. Vacancies shall be filled by Board appointment for the remainder of the term.

Article IX: Financial Oversight

1. The Founder/CEO and Board shall establish dues.
2. The fiscal year shall be January 1 to December 31.
3. An annual financial report shall be presented to the membership.

Article X: Amendments

A two-thirds vote of the Board may amend these bylaws, provided that notice is given to the membership within 30 days of the changes.

Article XI: Dissolution

Upon dissolution, any remaining assets shall be distributed according to applicable NYS business law, with preference given to supporting CASAC workforce initiatives.