MB:Pathways Bylaws

1. Each chapter must have a board composed of at least a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer who will be responsible for the day-to-day operations, planning, and member coordination of the chapter. Each position will be open to two people to act as co-Presidents, co-Vice Presidents, co-Secretaries, and co-Treasurers. One co-position will be open to active students, while the other will be open to non-students.

1.1. President: To provide leadership and direction for the chapter. They are responsible for overseeing the chapter's activities, ensuring alignment with the foundation's goals and values, and representing the chapter in interactions with the regional leadership and other chapters. The president manages chapter meetings, delegates tasks, and ensures effective communication
among members, all while promoting the mission of the foundation and ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines.

1.2. Vice President: They assist in overseeing projects, ensuring they align with the foundation's mission, and stepping in for the president when needed. The vice president also plays a key role in coordinating efforts among members, helping to delegate tasks, and ensuring smooth communication between the chapter and regional leadership. Additionally, they may take on specific projects or initiatives to further the chapter's goals

1.3. Secretary: Responsible for maintaining accurate records of chapter activities, including documenting meeting minutes, tracking attendance, and organizing important documents. They ensure that all members are informed of meeting times, agendas, and any key decisions made during meetings. The secretary also manages chapter communications, such as distributing
updates and announcements to members, and may handle correspondence with regional leadership and other chapters. Additionally, they maintain the chapter's calendar and support the president in ensuring effective organization and coordination of chapter events and activities.

1.4. Treasurer: Responsible for managing the chapter's financial resources, including maintaining accurate financial records, preparing budgets, tracking expenses and income, and ensuring compliance with financial guidelines set by the foundation and any relevant institutions. The treasurer provides regular financial reports to the chapter and collaborates with the fundraising
chair to identify potential funding sources and support fundraising efforts. Together, they ensure transparency and accountability in the chapter's financial activities, fostering trust among members and stakeholders.

2.  The leadership rank is the following: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer. Student and non-student leaders will hold equal rank within each position.

3.  Leaders must be elected by chapter members through a transparent and democratic process overseen by the Regional Chair. Elections may be conducted earlier if necessary to meet the leadership criteria.

4. Candidates for the positions will be defined by the current board in a transparent and democratic process.

5. A candidacy for presidency will be automatically given to the current Vice President as long as it complies with the leadership criteria.

6.  A candidacy for vice presidency will be automatically given to the current Secretary as long as it complies with the leadership criteria.

7.1. Leadership must be held by students or non-students at a pre-professional level.

7.2. Leaders must be active members who demonstrate strong commitment and substantial contributions to the Mission:Brain Foundation objectives.

7.3. Presidents must have at least one (1) year of experience in the chapter, but, given the transitional nature of the chapter, other leadership positions will be open to those without prior experience.

7.3. Presidents must have at least one (1) year of experience in the chapter, but, given the transitional nature of the chapter, other leadership positions will be open to those without prior experience.

7.4. Leaders may continue in absentia for a maximum of three (3) months during whichresponsibilities and authority is taken upon by the next in rank.

8. A one-year service commitment is required for leadership for non-students. Student leaders will be given flexibility and support to end their term before a one-year commitment has been completed, on the condition that they leave to create or take over a local chapter. If unforeseen circumstances occur where a chapter leader is unable to fulfill the duties of the position, the Regional Chair must be informed immediately and passed up to the chain of command. Leaders
may seek re-election if applicable.

9. Chapter leadership is required to provide succession plans 6 months prior to their intent to vacate their position to remain in good standing with the organization. This will apply to non-student leaders. To provide flexibility to student leaders starting new chapters, they will be required to plan for succession plans 2 months before their intent to vacate their position.

10.  The President of the chapter must formally notify the Regional Chair via email about the new leadership, providing accurate contact information for the incoming leaders before they assume their new roles.

11. For nonacademic chapters, special exceptions can be made upon review and approval by HQ.

12.1. Chair of Research: Responsible for overseeing research initiatives and projects within the chapter. They facilitate collaboration among members interested in research, identify funding opportunities, and ensure that all research activities align with the foundation's mission. The chair also promotes the dissemination of research findings and encourages participation irrelevant academic events and conferences.

12.2. Chair of Education: Responsible for developing and organizing educational programs and activities that align with the foundation's mission. They facilitate workshops, seminars, and training sessions to enhance the knowledge and skills of chapter members. The chair also collaborates with other organizations and experts to provide valuable learning opportunities and resources for members.

12.3. Chair of Networking: Responsible for fostering connections and collaborations among chapter members and external organizations. They organize networking events, facilitate partnerships, and engage with professionals in the field to create opportunities for mentorship and knowledge exchange. The chair also works to strengthen the chapter's presence within thebroader community, promoting the foundation's mission and activities.

12.4. Chair of Communications: Responsible for managing all internal and external communications for the chapter. They oversee the creation and distribution of newsletters, announcements, and social media content to keep members informed and engaged. The chair also ensures that the chapter's messaging aligns with the foundation's mission and maintains a positive public image by promoting events and initiatives. Must maintain regular communicationwith the Global Director of Communications.

12.5. Chair of Fundraising: Responsible for developing and implementing fundraising strategies to support the chapter's financial goals. They identify potential funding sources, coordinate fundraising events, and collaborate with the treasurer to ensure proper financial oversight. The fundraising chair also engages chapter members in fundraising efforts, promoting awareness and participation in initiatives.

13. Chapters should designate these chair positions within the first six (6) months of their establishment, determined by the date the chapter receives the acceptance email. These chairs will be open to both students and non-students, with the option of having two co-chairs.Chairs will be selected through a short written application (Google Form) and an interview with the Board. Applicants may be asked to provide a brief statement of interest and, if relevant, documentation of their involvement in prior chapter activities. For applicants who were unable to open their own chapter, they should briefly explain the barriers they faced (e.g., lack of members, resources, or institutional support). The Board will review these applications and interviews collectively to determine appointments.