Adopted December 31, 2024

ARTICLE I: NAME AND PRINCIPAL OFFICE

• Section 1.1 Name: The name of this organization shall be the Southwest Supervised Parenting Alliance (hereinafter referred to as "SWSPA").
• Section 1.2 Principal Office: The principal office of SWSPA shall be located in Arizona, or at such other place as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. SWSPA may also have offices at such other places, within or without its jurisdiction of formation, as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate or the business of SWSPA may require.

ARTICLE II: MISSION AND PURPOSE

• Section 2.1 Mission: SWSPA empowers and unites supervised parenting professionals worldwide to uphold the highest standards of practice, expand access to vital services, and champion healthy family connections.
• Section 2.2 Purpose: In furtherance of its mission, SWSPA is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal¹ Revenue Code (or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code). SWSPA achieves its mission by:
  • Elevating Professional Excellence: Setting and promoting global best practices, providing comprehensive training programs, and fostering continuous improvement for all supervised parenting providers.
  • Expanding Access and Awareness: Advocating for policies, funding, and resources that ensure equitable access to quality supervised parenting services globally, and increasing public and professional understanding of their profound value and role in supporting healthy family connections.
  • Strengthening Our Global Network: Cultivating a vibrant, collaborative international community of supervised parenting professionals dedicated to knowledge sharing, mutual support, ethical practice, and advancing the field through research and innovation.
  • Developing and disseminating educational materials and resources related to supervised parenting.
  • Facilitating opportunities for networking, collaboration, and peer support among supervised parenting professionals worldwide.
  • Conducting and supporting research to advance the field of supervised parenting.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

• Section 3.1 Eligibility and Classes: SWSPA shall have members. The Board of Directors shall establish qualifications, categories (e.g., Individual Professional, Organizational, Student, Affiliate, Honorary), rights, privileges, and obligations (including dues) for membership. Membership shall be open to individuals and organizations that support the mission of SWSPA and meet the criteria established by the Board.
• Section 3.2 Application: Applicants for membership shall submit an application in such form as the Board of Directors may prescribe.
• Section 3.3 Voting Rights: Each Individual Professional and designated Organizational Representative member in good standing shall be entitled to one vote on matters submitted to a vote of the members, as specified by the Board of Directors.
• Section 3.4 Dues: The Board of Directors shall determine the annual dues payable to SWSPA by members of each class.
• Section 3.5 Termination of Membership: Membership may be terminated or suspended by the Board of Directors for non-payment of dues, violation of SWSPA's Code of Ethics/Conduct (as established by the Board), or for actions deemed detrimental to the mission or reputation of SWSPA, in accordance with procedures established by the Board.
• Section 3.6 Meetings of Members: An annual meeting of the members may be held at such time and place, including by electronic means, as determined by the Board of Directors for the purpose of transacting such business as may come before the meeting. Special meetings of the members may be called by the Board Chair, the Board of Directors, or by a certain percentage of voting members as determined by the Board.
• Section 3.7 Non-Discrimination: SWSPA shall not discriminate in its membership practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation,² or any other characteristic protected by law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification relevant to the supervised parenting profession may apply and is consistent with legal requirements.

ARTICLE IV: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• Section 4.1 General Powers: The business, property, and affairs of SWSPA shall be managed and controlled by its Board of Directors (hereinafter referred to as the "Board"). The Board shall have all the powers and duties necessary or appropriate for the administration of the affairs of SWSPA.
• Section 4.2 Number, Tenure, and Qualifications:
  • The Board shall consist of not less than [e.g., five (5)] and not more than eighteen (18) Directors. The specific number of Directors shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board.
  • Directors shall be elected for a term of three (3)] years. Directors may serve a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms, followed by at least a one-year break before being eligible for re-election, unless otherwise determined by a supermajority of the Board.
  • Directors shall be members in good standing of SWSPA (if applicable, depending on final membership structure) and shall demonstrate a commitment to the mission of SWSPA. Consideration shall be given to achieving broad representation from the supervised parenting field, including diversity in professional experience, geographic location (reflecting the "worldwide" mission), and areas of expertise such as standard-setting, professional development, advocacy, research, nonprofit management, finance, and international relations.
• Section 4.3 Election of Directors: Directors shall be elected by a vote of the voting members at the annual meeting or through a designated election process.
• Section 4.4 Resignation and Removal: resignation by written notice; removal with or without cause by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire Board.
• Section 4.5 Vacancies: filled by a majority vote of remaining Directors.
• Section 4.6 Meetings: Regular, Annual, Special Meetings, Notice, Quorum, Voting, Action Without a Meeting, and Telephonic/Electronic Meetings, ensuring it allows for international participation.
• Section 4.7 Compensation: Directors shall not receive any stated salaries for their services as Directors.
• Section 4.8 Conflict of Interest: The Board shall adopt and periodically review a comprehensive conflict of interest policy. Directors shall annually disclose potential conflicts and recuse themselves from related deliberations and voting.

ARTICLE V: OFFICERS

• Section 5.1 Officers: The officers of SWSPA shall be a Board Chair (or President), a Vice-Chair (or Vice-President), a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The Board may elect or appoint other officers as it deems desirable. 

• Section 5.2 Election and Term of Office: elected annually by the Board from among its members.
• Section 5.3 Resignation and Removal: 

• Section 5.4 Vacancies: A
• Section 5.5 Duties of Officers: Standard duties for Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, with their focus being on leading a global professional alliance.

ARTICLE VI: COMMITTEES

• Section 6.1 Establishment: The Board of Directors may, by resolution adopted by a majority of the Directors,³ establish an Executive Committee and other standing or special committees as deemed necessary to carry out the mission and work of SWSPA.
• Section 6.2 Potential Committees: Such committees may include, but are not limited to:
  • Standards and Best Practices Committee: To develop, review, and promote global standards and best practices for supervised parenting services.
  • Training and Professional Development Committee: To oversee the development and delivery of training programs and resources for supervised parenting professionals.
  • Advocacy and Public Policy Committee: To lead SWSPA's efforts in advocating for policies, funding, and awareness that support access to quality supervised parenting services.
  • Membership and Communications Committee: To manage membership services, recruitment, engagement, and internal/external communications.
  • Research and Innovation Committee: To promote and support research in the field and foster innovation in service delivery.
  • Ethics Committee: To develop and oversee SWSPA's Code of Ethics/Conduct and address related matters.
  • Finance Committee: To oversee financial planning, budgeting, and reporting.
  • Governance Committee: To oversee board development, nominations, and bylaw reviews.
• Section 6.3 Committee Chairs and Membership: Each committee shall be chaired by a Director appointed by the Board Chair with Board approval. Committees may include Directors and non-Director members who possess relevant expertise, appointed by the Board Chair in consultation with the committee chair.
• Section 6.4 Authority: Committees shall have the powers and duties delegated to them by the Board and shall operate under rules approved by the Board. No committee shall have the authority to: amend the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; adopt a plan of merger; sell, lease or exchange all or substantially all of SWSPA's property; or dissolve SWSPA.

ARTICLE VII: SWSPA OPERATIONS AND ACTIVITIES

• Section 7.1 Standards Development and Promotion: SWSPA shall develop, maintain, and promote comprehensive standards of practice and ethical guidelines for supervised parenting professionals and services, considering international perspectives.
• Section 7.2 Training and Professional Development: SWSPA shall design, deliver, and/or accredit high-quality training programs, conferences, workshops, and educational materials to enhance the competency and professionalism of supervised parenting providers worldwide.
• Section 7.3 Advocacy and Public Awareness: SWSPA shall engage in advocacy efforts with policymakers, funders, judicial systems, and other stakeholders to improve access to and support for supervised parenting services. It shall also work to increase public understanding of the value and importance of these services.
• Section 7.4 Network Building and Collaboration: SWSPA shall foster a global community of professionals through forums, conferences, online platforms, and other means to encourage knowledge sharing, collaboration, research, and mutual support.
• Section 7.5 Research and Innovation: SWSPA shall encourage, support, and disseminate research that contributes to the evidence base of supervised parenting practices and promotes innovation in the field.
• Section 7.6 Code of Ethics/Conduct: SWSPA shall establish, maintain, and enforce a Code of Ethics or Conduct that all members, Directors, officers, staff, and volunteers are expected to uphold.
• Section 7.7 Staff: The Board may hire an Executive Director or other staff as necessary. The Executive Director shall be responsible for the day-to-day management of SWSPA's operations and programs, and shall report to the Board. All staff shall adhere to SWSPA's policies and Code of Ethics/Conduct.

ARTICLE VIII: FISCAL MANAGEMENT

• Section 8.1 Fiscal Year: January 1 to December 31.
• Section 8.2 Budget: 
• Section 8.3 Financial Review/Audit: 
• Section 8.4 Contracts, Checks, Deposits, and Funds: 

ARTICLE IX: INDEMNIFICATION

• Section 9.1 Indemnification: (Standard language, ensuring it complies with the relevant jurisdiction's laws.)

ARTICLE X: AMENDMENTS

• Section 10.1 Amendments: These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed, and new Bylaws may be adopted⁴ by a [e.g., two-thirds (2/3)] vote of the Directors present at a meeting where a quorum is met, or by a two-thirds vote of the voting members, provided that at least thirty (30) days written notice is given of the intention to alter, amend, or repeal or to adopt new Bylaws at such meeting,⁵ and such notice includes a copy of the proposed amendment(s).

ARTICLE XI: DISSOLUTION

• Section 11.1 Dissolution: ensuring assets are distributed to other 501(c)(3) organizations with similar missions, or for public purposes.

ARTICLE XII: NONPROFIT STATUS AND PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

• Section 12.1 Limitations on Activities: (Standard 501(c)(3) limitations language.)
• Section 12.2 Prohibition Against Private Inurement: (Standard 501(c)(3) language.)
• Section 12.3 Lobbying: No substantial part of the activities of SWSPA shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation (except as otherwise provided by Section 501(h) of the Internal⁶ Revenue Code), and SWSPA shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

CERTIFICATION OF ADOPTION OF BYLAWS

I, the undersigned, do hereby certify:

That I am the duly elected and acting Secretary of the Southwest Supervised Parenting Alliance; and

That the foregoing Bylaws, constituting 6 pages, were duly adopted by the Board of Directors of SWSPA on December 31, 2024.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name this 31st day of December, 2024.

Michelle Andreas

Secretary, Southwest Supervised Parenting Alliance