WHO WE ARE

Northeast Wisconsin Grief Network
Operational Guidelines

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 These guidelines are in DRAFT form as of 10-2-24.

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ARTICLE I: PURPOSE, MISSION AND VISION

Section 1. Purpose  

The Northeast Wisconsin Grief Network (Network) seeks to:
1. Facilitate the collaboration of professionals working in fields related to grief and bereavement. 
2. Respond to local requests and provide reasonable support to professionals working in fields
related to grief and bereavement. 
3. Provide education and/or information to the legislature, state agencies and local communities on the need for modifications to law, policy or practice related to grief and accompanying issues. 

Section 2: Mission  

We believe that no one should have to navigate the grieving process alone. The Network is dedicated to helping bereaved people find resources for themselves, their families and their communities.

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ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP

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Section 1: Members

The Network will be made up of members who represent a related field, provide a contributing
perspective, and are committed to compassionately supporting the bereaved. 

Section 2: Member Responsibilities 

Network members shall:
1. Actively participate in the Network through meeting attendance, agency representation and
sharing, and other activities as appropriate. 
2. Promote the mission of the Network and help to establish new relationships where
appropriate. 
3. Identify possible members for the Network who can make significant contributions to the
Network mission. 
4. Provide timely, candid and constructive praise, criticism, advice and comments to fellow
Network members.  

Network members are considered active upon meeting these criteria. Membership will be reviewed annually by the chair and vice-chair.

Section 3: Terms

1. Network chair and vice-chair shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years.
2. Members may serve an unlimited number of terms as determined by their participation and
contributions.

Section 4: Vacancies

Vacancies shall be filled as soon as possible by the Network members by vote (see Article IV).

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ARTICLE III: MEETINGS

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Section 1: Regular Meetings

Bimonthly meetings shall be held in a hybrid method, utilizing both an in-person and virtual option.
Members shall be provided an agenda and appropriate materials in advance of each meeting. The Network is not a policy-making body and thus not subject to open meeting requirements of WI §19.81. 

Section 2: Annual Meeting

The November meeting will be designated as the annual meeting for the purposes of reviewing
member terms and selecting a Network chair and vice-chair.

ARTICLE IV: VOTING

 
At all meetings, except for the election of a chair and vice-chair, all votes shall be by voice unless a member requests the vote occur by paper ballot. All paper ballots shall be provided in a manner that does not reveal the person who cast such ballot. Remote voting options will be available during circumstances that necessitate virtual meetings.

From time to time, special action may be called by the chair between bimonthly meetings. At these times, votes may be cast electronically. A simple majority of active members is necessary to validate the vote.

Active members, as defined in Article II, Section 2, shall be listed on the meeting agenda for the
purposes of determining a quorum. All active members of the Network may have one (1) vote. A
simple majority of active members constitutes a quorum and is necessary to vote on any action.

A majority of one (1) shall constitute a valid election of the chair and vice-chair.
 

ARTICLE VI: CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR RESPONSIBILITIES

 
Section 1. Duties

The Network shall have one (1) chair, and one (1) vice-chair. 
A.  Chair:

•  Shall preside at all meetings of the Network and perform such other functions as may, from   time to time, be delegated to him/her/them by the Network.  

•  Shall appoint any needed sub-committee chairs and members of designated sub-   committees and fill any vacancy occurring therein.

•  Lead in setting agendas for Network meetings.

B. Vice-Chair: 

•  Shall carry out the Network chairs duties in the event of the Network chairs absence. 

•  Shall perform such other functions that may, from time to time, be delegated to   him/her/them by the Network.

•  Assist in setting agendas for Network meetings. 

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Section 2. Eligibility and terms

In order to be nominated and elected to chair or vice-chair, the individual must be an active member of the Network as defined in Article II.
The chair and vice-chair shall be nominated and elected by a vote of the Network for a two-year (2) term. If at any time during the two-year (2) term, a chair or vice-chair is not fulfilling their duties, a Network member may request a vote of confidence be taken to remove and replace the chair or vice-chair by a two-thirds (2/3) majority.

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ARTICLE VII: AMENDMENTS

 
The membership, by affirmation vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present, assuming there is a quorum, may make recommendations to adopt, alter, amend, or revoke these operating guidelines at any regular or special membership meeting of the Network providing that written notice shall be given to all members at least thirty (30) days prior to any action being taken.