Promoting physical activity for blind and low-vision participants through adaptive sports

Constitution & Bylaws

CONSTITUTION of New England Ski for Light, Inc.

ARTICLE I.

NAME

The name of this incorporated organization shall be New England Regional Ski For Light, Inc., also referred to in these Bylaws as the Organization, New England Regional Ski for Light, or NERSFL.  

Amendment 1

Name Change

The Board of Directors voted unanimously to change the name of the organization from New England Regional Ski for Light, Inc. to New England Ski for Light (NESFL).

August 18, 2021

ARTICLE II.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Organization shall be to introduce and promote participation in vigorous outdoor activities by blind or low vision people in partnership with sighted guides and to provide ongoing programs of this type.

ARTICLE III.

MEETINGS

Section 1.  Regular Meetings.

There shall be two (2) Regular Meetings of the Board of Directors each year, in March and in September or October. The Regular Meeting held in March shall be referred to as the Spring Meeting, and is considered the official Annual Meeting. The Regular Meeting in September or October shall be referred to as the Fall Meeting. An Election of  Directors will be held each even numbered year, to be concluded prior to the Spring Meeting. Notice, in writing, via telephone or e-mail of the time and place of all Regular Meetings shall be conveyed to each Director no less than thirty (30) days prior to the date of each meeting.  

Section 2.  Special Meetings.

Additional meetings of the Board may be called by the President, with the approval of the Executive Committee, or by any four (4) members of the Board, or fifty (50) percent of the Board if the size of the Board is less than eight (8), so long as a notice thereof is sent to each Board member, in appropriate format, no less than fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the meeting, specifying time, place, and purpose.

Section 3.  Telephone Meetings.

Any Board meeting may be held through the use of conference telephone or similar equipment, so long as proper notice of the meeting has been given to all Board members.

Section 4.  Action Without a Meeting.

Any action required or permitted to be taken at any Board meeting may instead be taken without a meeting based on a poll, to be confirmed in writing, of all voting members.  Action taken pursuant to this provision constitutes action taken at a meeting.

Section 5.  Quorum.

A quorum for the conduct of business of the Board shall be a majority of the positions currently filled.

Section 6.  Voting.

At any meeting of the Board, every voting director present at such meeting shall be entitled to one (1) vote and, except as otherwise provided by law or by these Bylaws, the act of a majority of the Directors present in person at any meeting shall be the act of the Board.

ARTICLE IV.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1.  Definition.

A self-perpetuating Board of Directors, also referred to in these Bylaws as the Board, shall constitute the entire membership of the Corporation.

Section 2.  Composition.   

The Board shall consist of no less than eight (8) nor more than thirteen (13) people.  Directors shall periodically determine its exact size within these limits. No paid employee of the Organization may be a Director. In electing Directors, the Board should, at all times, attempt to maintain an appropriate balance of **sighted and blind/low-vision members.**  

Section 3.  Authority and Responsibility.

The Board of Directors shall:

  • A.   Control and manage the affairs, funds, and property of New England (Regional) Ski for Light, Inc.;
  • B.   Disburse New England (Regional) Ski for Light monies and dispose of its property in fulfillment of its Corporate purpose; and 
  • C.  Delegate authority to committees or to individual Directors, as it deems necessary.

Section 4.  Duties of Directors.  

Duties of the Directors shall be as set forth in Bylaw 1.

Section 5.  Elections.

Directors shall be elected by email or mail ballot, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, by vote of the Directors then in office.  At the Fall Meeting in each odd-numbered year, the Board shall determine the number of positions to be filled. During the same meeting, the President shall appoint a Nominations Committee composed of a Committee Chair and two (2) other members, all of whom shall be current Board members, and at least one (1) of whom shall be blind or low-vision. The Nominations Committee shall serve for two (2) years. 

It shall be the duty of this Committee to:

  • a.  solicit nominations for Board of Director positions.
  • b.  verify that each person nominated is willing to serve as a Board member if elected. 
  • c.  conduct the balloting by email or mail, to ensure that each submitted ballot is properly completed.
  • d.  count and determine the results of balloting, and to announce the results of the election during the Spring Meeting.

Following the Fall meeting in the odd-numbered year, the Chair of the Nominations Committee shall notify each Board member by email or regular mail of the pending election and the number of Director positions to be filled, and shall invite each Director to submit, by email or mail, nominations for Director positions.  At the same time, such a call for nominations shall also be published in the NESFL Winter Events Newsletter and posted to the NESFL website. There shall be no limit on the number of nominations that a Director or any other person may submit, and a person may **self-nominate.** Nominations must include the individual’s name, address, telephone number, email address and a brief (one page maximum) biography. The deadline for receipt of submissions shall be 3 weeks before the Spring Meeting.

No less than 2 weeks before the Spring Meeting in even numbered years, the Nominations Committee Chair shall send to each Director, in email or regular mail, a list of all nominees who have expressed a willingness to serve if elected, along with the brief biography of each person.  Each director will cast as many votes as there are open slots on the Board.

Directors will cast their votes by email or regular mail by sending their votes to the Chair of the Nominations Committee. Those votes will be held in strict confidence by the Chair, who will compile the votes and report on the results at the Spring Meeting.   At least one half (1/2) of the Directors then serving in office must submit completed ballots for the election to be valid.  Should there be a tie, a run-off election will be held in the same manner after the Spring Meeting. If the run-off election results in a tie, the run-off process will be repeated until a Director is elected.  

The Chair of the Nominations Committee is not eligible to run for a position in this election.  Should their term be expiring and they are eligible to run for another term and they wish to do so, then the President shall appoint an Interim Chair of the Nominations Committee to run the election.  Other members of the Nominations Committee are eligible to run for new terms during this election.  

After the Spring Meeting, the Chair of the Nominations Committee will contact all newly elected board members by phone or by email. 

Section 6.  Term of Office.

Directors shall be elected to office for a term of four (4) years, or until successors, if any, are duly elected and take office. In the case of death, resignation, or removal from office, the position will remain vacant until a new Director is duly elected.  A Director may be elected to a maximum of three (3) consecutive partial or full terms in office.  Approximately one-half (1/2) of the Directors shall be elected in each even-numbered year.

Section 7.  Assumption of Office.

Newly elected Directors shall assume office May 15,  following the final vote and acceptance  at the Spring Meeting.  All Directors including outgoing Directors shall have the responsibility to mentor new Board members to ensure a smooth transition for the organization. (See Amendment II  6/17/21).

Section 8.  Honorary Directors.

Individuals or representatives of organizations who are interested in supporting the objectives of New England (Regional ) Ski for Light, Inc.  may be invited to serve as Honorary Directors. The President, with the concurrence of the Executive Committee or Board, shall make such invitations which shall be effective until revoked by the Board or Executive Committee.  An appointment as Honorary Director places neither obligation nor liability on the individual appointed, nor does such individual have voting privileges.

Section 9.  Directors Emeritus.

Individuals who have provided substantial service to the Organization may be invited, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board, to serve as Directors Emeritus.

Such an invitation shall be for the individual’s lifetime. An appointment as Director Emeritus places neither obligation nor liability on the individual appointed, nor does such individual have voting privileges.

Section 10.  Resignation and Removal of Directors.

Any Director may resign from the Board by giving a signed notice of his/her resignation to a member of the Executive Committee. Any Director may be removed from office, with or without cause, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all Directors present at any Regular or Special Meeting, provided that fifteen (15) days notice be given to all Directors, in appropriate format, of the proposed vote.  Lack of participation in three (3) consecutive Regular Meetings shall be cause for removal, upon review and recommendation by the Executive Committee, unless extenuating circumstances exist.

Section 11.  Vacancies.

Vacancies among the Directors, however arising, shall be filled, at the discretion of the Board, by a majority vote of the directors present during any regular or Special Meeting.  A Director elected to fill a vacated position shall serve for the unexpired portion of that office or until a successor, if any, is duly elected and takes office.

ARTICLE V.

OFFICERS

Section 1.  Principal Officers.

The Principal Officers of New England (Regional) Ski For Light, Inc. shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.  The Board of Directors at any meeting may, by resolution, elect or appoint additional Officers, and determine their terms of office.  However, no such Officer shall be a member of the Executive Committee nor have any other rights or privileges due an Officer except as provided in these Bylaws or as directed by the Board. No person shall hold more than one (1) office at the same time.

Section 2.  Election.

Within one week after the Spring Meeting,  the current Nominations Committee will contact both newly elected and continuing Directors to ask each whether he or she wishes to run for one of the principal Officer positions.  Each wishing to run will  submit a short (no more than one page) biography to the Chair of the Nominations Committee.  Within two weeks after the Spring Meeting,  the Chair of the Nominations will circulate a slate via email of names running for offices to all members of the incoming Board.  

All Board members will send their votes for the Officer positions to the Chair of the Nominations Committee via email or regular mail, within two weeks after receiving the slate.  At least one half (1/2) of the Directors serving in office must submit completed ballots for the election to be valid.  Should there be a tie, a run-off election will be held in the same manner. If the run-off election results in a tie, the run-off process will be repeated until the Officers are elected.  The votes will be held in strict confidence by the Chair of the Nominations Committee. Two weeks after the slate is announced to all Directors, the voting will be closed, and the Chair of the Nominations Committee will inform the Board of the results of the election via email.  

The Chair of the Nominations Committee is not eligible to run for an officer position. Should the Chair wish to run, the current President will appoint an Interim Chair of the Nominations Committee to conduct the election.

Section 3.  Term of Office.

Each Officer shall be elected to office for a term of two (2) years, or until a successor is duly elected and takes office, except in the case of death, resignation, or removal from office.  An Officer may be elected to a maximum of three (3) consecutive partial or full terms in the same office, except that there shall be no limit to the number of terms for the Secretary or Treasurer in their respective positions.

Section 4.  Assumption of Office.  

Newly elected Officers shall assume office on May 15,  following the Spring Meeting.  All Directors including outgoing Directors shall have the responsibility to mentor new Board members to ensure a smooth transition for the organization.    (See Amendment II  6/17/21).

Section 5.  Resignation and Removal of Officers.

Any Officer may resign from office by giving a signed notice of his/her resignation to the President or Vice-President.  Any Officer may be removed from office, with or without cause, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all Directors present at any Regular or Special Meeting, provided that fifteen (15) days notice be given to all Directors, in appropriate format, of the proposed vote.  Lack of participation in three (3) consecutive Regular Meetings shall be cause for removal, upon review and recommendation by the Executive Committee, unless extenuating circumstances exist.

Section 6.  Vacancies.

Vacancies among the Officers, however arising, shall be filled, by the Board, by a vote at any time.   An Officer elected to fill a vacated position shall serve for the unexpired portion of that office or until a successor is duly elected and takes office.  A vacancy in the position of President shall be immediately filled by the Vice-President.  Other vacancies will be elected in the manner of the other elections. Within two weeks of the vacancy arising, the Nominations Committee will contact all Board members and ask if they wish to serve. The Chair of the Nominations Committee will then send out the slate to all Directors, who will email their vote to the Chair of the Nominations Committee within 2 weeks.  The voting will be kept in strict confidence by the Chair of the Nominations Committee, and the Directors will be notified by e-mail of the results.  

Section 7.  Duties

The duties of the Officers shall be as set forth in Bylaw 2.

ARTICLE VI

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1.  Membership.

The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Immediate Past President, except that the membership of the Immediate Past President on the Executive Committee beyond the initial term of two (2) years shall be by confirmation by the Board.  If the Immediate Past President does not remain a member of the Board, or assumes another office which grants him/her membership of the Executive Committee, the position of Immediate Past President on the Executive Committee shall remain vacant.

Section 2.  Powers and Duties.

The powers and duties of the Executive Committee shall be as set forth in Bylaw 3.

Section 3.  Meetings.

The Executive Committee shall meet at least twice each year, either in person or through the use of telephone conferences or similar equipment, at a date, time and place to be selected by the President.  Additional meetings may be convened at the discretion of the President, or upon the request, in writing, of any two (2) members of the Executive Committee.  A quorum for the conduct of business of the Executive Committee shall be the entire membership of the Executive Committee minus one (1).  The vote of a simple majority of members present at the meeting constitutes an action of the Executive Committee.  The minutes of each Executive Committee meeting shall be sent to all Directors, in writing, within thirty (30) days of each meeting.  Any action required or permitted to be taken at the meeting of the Executive Committee may be taken without a meeting based on a poll, to be confirmed in writing, of all Executive Committee members.  Action taken pursuant to this provision constitutes action taken at a meeting.  

ARTICLE VII.

COMMITTEES

Section 1.  Standing Committees.

This Organization shall have standing committees as specified in Bylaw 4.  Such committees shall:

  • A.  Have power, to the extent delegated to it by these Bylaws and the Board, to independently and proactively pursue the function and goals of the committee;
  • B.   Periodically report to the President, as requested, on its progress; 
  • C.   Prepare and present an Annual Report to the Board, during the Spring Meeting, on 

the committee’s activities and accomplishments.

  • D.   Some committees may be composed of board members and non-board members at the discretion of the committee chairs.  The three committees which will include only active board members are the following:
    • 1.   Nominations
    • 2.   Constitution and Bylaws
    • 3.   Finance

Section 2.  Special Committees.

The President may appoint Special Committees, on an ad hoc basis, as he/she/they considers necessary or advisable for carrying on the work of this Organization.  Each such committee shall perform the function for which it is formed, as identified by the President, and shall report periodically to the President, as requested, until such time as its goals are achieved, except for the Nominations Committee, which shall report only to the Board.

Section 3.  Membership.

The President shall appoint the Chair of each Standing and Special Committee and, in consultation with the Chair of each committee, shall appoint committee members.  All committees, with the exception of the Financial Assistance, Constitution and Bylaws, and Nominations Committees, may have non-Board members. The size of each Standing Committee and the Nominations Committees shall be as specified in these Bylaws.  The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominations Committee.

Section 4.  Meetings.

In many cases Committees shall conduct their business on an informal  basis, with decisions reached on a consensus basis.  Meetings of any committee may be convened at the discretion of the Committee Chair, in which case a majority of the members shall constitute a quorum, and a simple majority vote of members present shall constitute an action of the committee, recorded in meeting minutes.

ARTICLE VIII.

INDEMNIFICATION

Every person who is, or shall be, or shall have been, a Director, agent, employee or volunteer of New England (Regional) Ski for Light, Inc. and his/her personal representatives shall be indemnified by New England (Regional) Ski for Light, Inc.  against all costs and expenses reasonably incurred by or imposed upon him/her in connection with or resulting from any action, suit, or proceeding, to which he/she may be made a party by reason of his/her being or having been a Director, agent, employee, or volunteer of New England (Regional) Ski for Light, Inc. except in relation to such matters as to which he/she shall finally be adjudicated in such action, suit, or proceeding to have acted in bad faith and to have been liable by reason of willful misconduct or willful negligence in the performance of his/her duty as Director, agent, employee, or volunteer.  Costs and expenses of actions for which this Article provides indemnification shall include among other things, attorneys’ fees, damages, and reasonable amounts paid in settlement.  

ARTICLE IX.

CORPORATE DISSOLUTION

Upon the dissolution of the Organization, assets shall be distributed by the Board, after paying or making provision for payment of all of the liabilities of the organization, for one (1) or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the Federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose, as the Board shall determine.  Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the Organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as the Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

ARTICLE X.

PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Organization in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws.  

ARTICLE XI.

AMENDMENT

This Constitution and Bylaws may be amended at any Regular or Special Meeting of the Board. Constitutional amendments may be passed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Directors present, and Bylaw amendments by a simple majority vote of the Directors present, provided that Directors shall receive notice, in appropriate format, of proposed Constitutional amendments at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting. 

BYLAWS

Bylaw 1.

Duties of the Directors

The Duties of the Directors include:

  • A.  Each Director is expected to attend all Regular and Special Meetings of the Board;
  • B. Each Director is expected to actively contribute to the Organization’s developmental efforts and committee work; 
  • C. Each Director is expected to actively participate in the planning and implementation of the Organization’s programs.
  • D. The full  board reviews and approves the annual budget and additional expenditures that may arise. 

Bylaw 2.

Duties of the Officers

  • A.  President.  The President, as the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, shall:
    • 1.  Preside at all Board and Executive Committee meetings;
    • 2.  Ensure that all business and resolutions of the Board are carried into effect;
    • 3.  Sign all contracts and conveyances, or appoint another member of the Executive Committee to do so on his/her behalf;
    • 4.  Appoint committee chairs and members, to the extent permitted by these Bylaws;
    • 5.  Be an ex-officio member of all committees with the exception of the Nominations Committee; and
    • 6.  Serve in such other capacities as may be prescribed in these Bylaws, the Parliamentary Authority and/or the statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • B.  Vice President.  The Vice-President shall:
    • 1.  Perform the duties of the President in the absence of the President, or if the President is unable to perform the presidential duties;
    • 2.  Assume that office if it becomes vacant; 
    • 3.  Act as the Compliance Officer for the organization in an incident of improper conduct according to the Code of Conduct Policy, unless the report is related to that person. In such a situation, the Compliance Officer for the complaint shall be the board member who received the report.
    • 4. Discharge and exercise such other duties,  committee work, and  such other powers as may be conferred upon him/her or delegated to him/her by the President, the Executive Committee or the Board, including but not limited to Nominations and  Constitution and Bylaws. 
  • C.  Secretary.  The Secretary, as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Corporation, shall:
    • 1.  Record the proceedings of all full Board and Executive Committee meetings;
    • 2.  Distribute, or cause to be distributed, in print, and/or other appropriate accessible media as requested, the minutes of all Board and Executive Committee meetings to all Board members, within thirty (30) days of the meeting;
    • 3.  Be responsible for the overall management of the Organization’s principal place of business, or delegate the day-to-day management of the Organization’s principal place of business to another individual with the concurrence of the Executive Committee, if applicable; 
    • 4.  Coordinate custody of all reports; 
    • 5.  Coordinate all Board communications;
    • 6.  Conduct, or cause to be conducted, all general correspondence; and
    • 7.  Serve in such other capacities as may be prescribed in these Bylaws, the Parliamentary Authority and/or the statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • D.  Treasurer.  The Treasurer, as the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, shall:
    • 1.  Be the custodian of all funds and other property belonging to the Organization, or under its control;
    • 2.  Deposit all funds and intangible assets, in the name of the Organization, in a bank or banks, as approved by the Executive Committee;
    • 3.  Disburse the funds of the Organization within the Board or Executive Committee, approved spending limits, as may be ordered by the President, Executive Committee, or Board approval. 
    • 4.  Prepare and submit, or cause to be prepared and submitted, to the appropriate governmental entities, such annual and periodic reports as may be required by the laws governing financial reporting by nonprofit corporations to the Federal government and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;
    • 5.  Prepare and present to the Board and Executive Committee such periodic financial reports, including an Annual Report  and proposed annual budget at the Fall Meeting;
    • 6.  Make all records open for inspection by the Board;
    • 7.  Submit all records to an outside auditor, as requested by the Executive Committee or Board; an
    • 8. Chair the Finance Committee
    • 9.  Serve in such other capacities as may be prescribed in these Bylaws, the Parliamentary Authority and/or the statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

‘Bylaw 3.

Powers and Duties of the Executive Committee

  • A.  The Executive Committee shall have the general power and duty to:
    • 1.  Exercise general supervision over the affairs of the Organization between its meetings;
    • 2.  Make recommendations to the Organization; and
    • 3.  Discharge such other duties and exercise such other powers as may be prescribed in these bylaws or as may be conferred upon it or delegated to it by the Board.
  • B.  Without, in any manner, limiting the general powers otherwise conferred, the Executive Committee shall have limited power when recommended by the  Treasurer and Finance Committee, to approve organizational expenditures  not  included in the Annual Budget in the absence of full board approval.  
  • C.  The Executive Committee shall at all times be subject to the orders of the Organization; none of its positions, policies or actions shall conflict with positions, policies or actions taken or adopted by the Board.

Bylaw 4.

Standing Committees

A.  The President shall appoint, in the manner prescribed in Article VII – Section 3 of the Constitution, the Chair and additional members of each Standing Committee.

B.  Standing Committees of New England Ski for Light, Inc. shall be:
(As Amended and Adopted, April 23, 2025)

  • 1.  NOMINATIONS  COMMITTEE  composed of at least  two (2) Board  members, including the Vice President,, and at least one (1) of whom shall be blind or low-vision.
    The duties of this Committee are to:
    • a.  Solicit nominations for Board of Director positions.
    • b.  Verify that each person nominated is willing to serve as a Board member if elected. 
    • c.  Conduct the balloting by email or mail, to ensure that each submitted ballot is properly completed.
    • d.    Count and determine the results of balloting, and to announce the results of the election during the Spring Meeting.
  • 2.  FINANCE COMMITTEE.  The Finance Committee, chaired by the Treasurer,  shall consist of no less than two (2) Board members;  at least one (1) shall be  blind or low-vision. 
    This committee shall:
    • a.    Oversee the financial health and sustainability of New England Ski for Light, ensuring financial integrity, proper financial management, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. 
    • b.  Conduct budget development and review financial statements, including income and expense reports, balance sheets, and cash flow projections; and report findings to the Board;
    • c. Assess and recommend investment strategies as applicable. 
    • d.   Recommend event fees based on venue costs, meals, equipment, transportation, insurance, promotions,  and other miscellaneous needs to ensure solvency of the organization.
    • e.   Plan and oversee all fundraising through foundations, grants, donations, and special events for both general and special event needs. 
    • f.  Award partial financial assistance to eligible recipients in accordance with existing policies and procedures, as described to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during the 501(c)(3) application process;
      • Limit each partial financial assistance award amount to a maximum of three-quarters (3/4) of the total per person cost of the event and/or program.
      • Publicize  financial assistance award policies and procedures.
      • Review financial assistance requests 
    • g. The Finance Committee serves in an advisory capacity; it does not have the authority to make financial decisions on behalf of the organization unless explicitly authorized by the Board. The Board and/or Executive Committee retains final approval of all financial policies, budgets, and expenditures. 
  • 3.  CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS COMMITTEE.  The Constitution and Bylaws Committee shall consist of at least  three (3) Board members, to include the Vice President, and at least one (1) of whom shall be blind or low vision.
    This committee shall:
    • a. Annually review the Organization’s Articles of Incorporation and Constitution and Bylaws and make recommendations to the Board for amendment or revision as necessary;
    • b. Draft or assist in drafting appropriate amendments to implement suggestions or recommendations referred to it by other Board members, and present all suggestions and recommendations to the Board for consideration, with or without Committee recommendation; 
    • c.  Maintain, review,  and oversee all policies of the organization including Code of Conduct. 
    • d. Provide each newly-elected Board member with a current copy of the Constitution and Bylaws, Policies  and Procedures in print, and/or other appropriate accessible media as requested;
    • e. Ensure that the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised is available at every Board meeting.
  • 4.  EVENT AND PROGRAM PLANNING COMMITTEE.  The Event and Program Planning Committee shall consist of at least five (5) members, at least three (3) of whom shall be Board members, and at least two (2) of whom shall be blind or low-vision.
    This committee shall:
    • a.  Recommend to the Board activities, scheduled dates,  and potential sites for upcoming daylong and weekend trips, including a proposed cost breakdown, on a per person basis, for each event; 
    • b.  Plan, execute and manage each event as approved by the Board; to include:
      • 1. Site planning; activities, meals, room assignments, guide matching, rentals, evening events, and others as needed.. 
      • 2. Guide recruitment and training: Provide ongoing new guide training and refresher options for safe and informed practices,   to include pre-event and on-site training, training materials, and personal assistance as needed. 
      • 3. Transportation (sub-committee): will consist of at least two (2) members: a Coordinator and Assistant,  (who does not have to be a Board Member).
        The Coordinator shall two (2) weeks prior to an event,
        • a.  Obtain the list of participants and guides;
        • b.  Provide road directions and/or public transportation information; 
        • c.  Secure van rental or private car transport for participants;
        • d.  Coordinate participant riding assignments 
        • e.  Provide via electronic mail or telephone conversation all road directions and public transportation information to participants and driver/guides as appropriate within five (5) days of the scheduled event.  
      • 4. Guide-dog Coordination (sub-committee) for events:
        • a.  Two (2) weeks prior to an event, obtain the list of participants bringing guide-dogs to the event. 
        • b.  Secure a day-walk of all dogs for each day of the event and identify with the venue personnel a dog relief area with refuse disposal. 
      • 5. Sports Equipment Maintenance: make available working  equipment (radios, bibs, snow shoes) as needed. 
      • 6. Conduct an ongoing assessment; at the conclusion of each event, solicit feedback from participants and guides, to be presented to the Board at the next Board Meeting for future planning purposes.
  • 5.   COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE:  This committee shall have no less than 3 board and/or  non-board members, to include the Board Secretary and one person who is blind or low vision, to:
    • a.  Develop, manage, and regularly update  a state-of-the-art web site, social media platform, and promotional publications , all which are easily accessible to persons who are blind and low vision, and reflect the policies and practices of the Organization;
    • b.  Ensure that all information posted or provided  is accurate and maintained in a timely manner; 
    • c.  Post information, photos and narratives from event participants and guides on the Web Site, Social Media , and /or Promotional Publications.
    • d.  Provide yearly budgetary requests to the Treasurer / Finance Committee for generated or anticipated fees and expenses. 

Bylaw 5.

Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of New England (Regional) Ski for Light, Inc. shall be July 1 through June 30.

Bylaw 6.

Communication

  • A.  Appropriate format.  For the purposes of these Bylaws, “appropriate format” for communication with members of the Board who are  blind or low-vision , is defined as communication which, as far as possible, is in a form that is independently usable by the recipient without the assistance of another person. If an alternative format (such as large print, braille, computer media, telephone conversation and/or other appropriate accessible media) is requested by a Board member, and that format is supplied to the member, this shall also be deemed to be an “appropriate format.”  
  • B.  By mail.  For the purposes of these Bylaws, “by mail” is defined as communication in print by U.S. postal service.  If a member requests communication by e-mail, and that method is used to communicate with the member, this shall also be deemed to be communication by “mail” provided that the communication does not require a signature to be considered valid.  
  • C.  In writing.  For the purposes of these Bylaws, communication “in writing” is defined as communication in regular print or any appropriate or alternate format as may be required or requested by the Board member.
  • D.  In a confidential manner.  For the purposes of these Bylaws, a “confidential manner” of communication shall be defined as communication in a form to or from a  blind or low-vision individual that allows  the individual to communicate with no more than one other person being part of the communication.  This may take the form of  Braille, a private conversation or the use of an individual who copies manuscripts or takes dictation.  

Bylaw 7.

Organizational Policies 

A.  New England (Regional) Ski for Light, Inc. shall hire no employee(s) without approval of the Board.

AMENDMENTS

 Amendment 1.

Criteria for Guides and Participants

  • A.  NESFL shall maintain and apply standards regarding criteria, training and safety of guides   and blind or low vision participants of its various activities. 
  • B.  All guides who participate in NESFL events must be physically capable and proficient in the activity in which they are guiding.  Prospective guides must receive guide training from guide trainers who are designated by the Board based on their experience and expertise.  
  • C.  All new guides for NESFL activities will be oriented to general guiding procedures and best  practices as well as specific techniques for individual activities. If additional training is  required, NESFL will provide such training.
  • D.  All guides and participants should be of adequate physical condition appropriate for the activity and must take responsibility for their own health at NESFL events. 
  • E.  All guides and participants must be eighteen (18) years of age in order to participate in the activities.
  • F.  All ski guides must refresh their skill by reviewing instructional materials and videos on a regular basis.
  • G.  Specific Criteria for Ski Guides will be detailed in a separate document as part of existing policies and procedures. 

Amendment II

All newly elected Directors and  Officers will assume office on May 15. (See Constitution , Article IV, Section 7 and Constitution Article V, Section 4.)
As adopted, August 18, 2021. 

Amendment III

The name of the organization will  change from New England Regional Ski for Light, Inc. to New England Ski for Light (NESFL). (See Constitution , Article I, Name.)
As adopted, August 18, 2021.

As adopted: April 3, 2000   City & State:  Arlington, Massachusetts

As Adopted: April 10, 2006; April 19, 2016 

As Adopted: August 18,  2021

As Adopted: April 23 , 2025 

As Adopted: August 1, 2025