Governance

CESS Board

The CESS Board governs the work and the mission of CESS, guided by the Society’s articles and bylaws. Board members serve as volunteers and are actively involved in developing and managing CESS’ strategy and activities. They engage in CESS business through active participation in board meetings held digitally each month and in-person at each Annual Conference.

Board members support at least one of the CESS committees and may also serve as the chair of one of those committees. On an informal basis, board members also communicate with others about CESS, encourage new membership, and liaise with other organizations and institutions.

The Board meets virtually each month and holds an in-person meeting once a year during the Annual Conference.

Members’ Business Meeting

CESS holds a Members’ Business Meeting every year at its Annual Conference to which all members are invited.  The incoming CESS President summarizes the Society’s activities and responds to questions and comments from members. Beginning in 2019, CESS published a summary of the meeting on its website.

Articles and Bylaws

CESS’ work is governed by Articles of Organization (Articles) and Bylaws, which were submitted in 2001 to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the incorporation of the Society, and to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for obtaining the status of a tax exempt non-profit organization.

While the Articles of Organization represent the “constitution” of the Society and remain unaltered from the Society’s founding, the Bylaws are the regulations that govern the Society’s day-to-day functions and have been amended occasionally to reflect the development of the organization. The Bylaws were most recently amended on December 10, 2016.

Organizational status

CESS is a not for profit organization pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and membership contributions are deductible for federal income tax purposes. CESS’ tax identification number (EIN) is 04-3539665.

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