a. Mission

The North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium (NASCIC) has the mission to bring about unified achievements in research, care, cure, and policy by supporting collaborative efforts across the spinal cord injury community.

b. Guiding Principles

• The defining interest of NASCIC is to bring about positive change toward persons living with spinal cord injury and their care and quality of life.
• NASCIC achieves its mission through the conduct of projects, rather than through the establishment of committees.
• Members are treated equally regardless of size, financial means, and breadth of reach.
• NASCIC builds collaborative partnerships and connections to the SCI community.
• The organization will operate in an ethical and financially responsible manner.
• NASCIC is structured as a learning organization, with periodic internal review, including annual/semi-annual reviews of the NASCIC Charter.

c. Purpose

NASCIC brings together like-minded organizations, individuals, and groups to improve research, care, cure, and policies impacting people living with spinal cord injury, their families, and community. Working collaboratively, the organization is structured to effectively bring about collective change through approved projects. This is achieved through:

• Formation of relationships and active engagement between the individuals and organizations representing spinal cord injury;
• Exchange of valid, trustworthy, and useful information, experience, and knowledge;
• Promotion of and involvement with best practices of consumer engagement in research, care, cure, and policy;
• Creation of a unified platform for SCI advocacy in North America;
• Promotion of collaboration among experts in research, care, cure, and policy of participating members.

NASCIC is not a trade association, lobbying entity, or treatment care center. Those providing such services to the spinal cord injury community may be Partner members.

a. Membership

A member is any organization or individual whose main objective is to directly represent people living with SCI, their caregivers, family, or community.

• Principal member: A consumer-based organization (registered 501c3 in the USA, Registered Charity, or equivalent) that directly serves, represents, or advocates for the SCI community. If representing the broader disability community, the organization must have direct interaction or a related focus on SCI. Principal members must inform their organization’s members about NASCIC. One voting delegate representative, reflecting the organization’s membership.
• Patron member: Any individual living with SCI or directly representing a person living with SCI (e.g., caregiver or family member). One voting delegate representative.
• Partner member: Any organization or individual with an interest or activities related to SCI that does not meet the above categories (e.g., clinical care facilities, professional associations, funding agencies, for-profits, government agencies, research institutions). May advise and participate, but no vote.

b. Rights and Duties

• All Executive Council (EC) and Project Review Committee (PRC) members must sign a conflict of interest and disclosure declaration, reviewed annually for the duration of their term.

Fees and Dues

The EC may propose a membership fee structure; however, it can only be ratified by the Assembly of Delegates. NASCIC remains inclusive of a broad spectrum of SCI stakeholders. Partner members employed by a federal government may not participate in structuring dues and are exempt from payment of such dues.

Voting rights

• Voting upholds equal voice among members irrespective of size, financial means, or reach.
• All votes must be cast electronically within the voting period as defined by the EC.
• Principal members: one vote representative of their organization’s membership.
• Patron members: one self-representing vote.
• Partner members: shall not vote.

a. Admission Policy & Procedure for NASCIC Participation

All interested in joining the consortium must complete an application for consideration by the EC. Upon acceptance, membership will be provisional until membership dues are paid in full, if there are membership fees.

a. Revocation of Membership

• Failure to meet expectations for participation as defined in Article II (at the discretion of the EC).
• Non-payment of annual dues, if there are membership fees.
• Unprofessional behavior contrary to the agreed code of conduct. A warning will be issued by the EC; repeated failure may result in revocation of membership by a two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly of Delegates.
• Actions or speech that reflect poorly on NASCIC. A warning will be issued by the EC; failure to correct may result in revocation by a two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly of Delegates.
• Members may resign by providing an authorized letter from organizational leadership to the EC.
• Reinstatement may be applied for 12 months after expulsion, following the standard application process in Article III.

A conflict of interest is an actual or perceived interest by a member in an action or transaction that results in, or appears to result in, personal, organizational, or professional gain. Members must act in the best interest of the organization and are prohibited from using their position, job title, or the organization’s name/property for private profit or benefit.

a. Gratuities and Favors

Members should neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors, vendors, consultants, or others with a business relationship with the organization. This does not preclude bona-fide fundraising activities.

b. Financial Interest in Contracts

No member shall participate in the selection, award, or administration of a purchase or contract where, to their knowledge, any of the following has a financial interest:

• The member;
• Any member of their immediate or extended family;
• Their partner;
• An organization in which any of the above is an officer, director, trustee, or employee;
• A person or organization with whom any of the above individuals is negotiating or has an arrangement concerning prospective employment.

c. Disclosure

Any possible conflict of interest shall be disclosed to the Executive Council.

d. Executive Council Action

When a conflict is relevant to a matter requiring action by the EC, any member shall call it to the EC’s attention and the interested person(s) shall not vote on the matter and shall recuse from the final decision or related deliberation. If doubt exists as to whether a conflict exists, the EC (excluding the person(s) concerned) shall resolve the matter by vote.

Record of Conflict: Official EC minutes shall reflect that the conflict was disclosed and the interested person(s) did not participate in the final discussion or vote.

The organizational structure consists of:

1. Assembly of Delegates
2. Executive Council
3. Financial Reviewers
4. Executive Director

a. Assembly of Delegates

Composition: The authorizing decision-making and controlling body of NASCIC. It consists of all voting members of NASCIC.

Authority: Decides on all matters not delegated elsewhere. The following may not be delegated:

• Approval of the auditor’s report and financial reports
• Election of the members of the Executive Council
• Decisions related to membership fees
• Expulsion of members
• Resolutions concerning dissolution and liquidation
• Approval and amendments of the Charter

Convening: Meets annually (in person or virtually) with at least one progress review. Notification at least two weeks in advance including agenda/materials. May be summoned ad hoc by the EC in special circumstances.

b. Executive Council (EC)

Composition: The EC shall consist of:

• President: Supervises through the EC, represents NASCIC, conducts meetings, holds authority given by law/statute/regulations. Two-year term; must not serve another consecutive two-year term before re-nomination. Inaugural President term: two years, elected October 2017 by potential Principal and Patron members.
• Vice President: Two-year term, then assumes role of President. Elected by the Assembly of Delegates. Oversees Project Review Committee (PRC), represents EC in President’s absence, custodian of corporate records and proceedings. Inaugural VP term: two years, elected October 2017.
• Treasurer: One-year term; appointed annually by majority vote of EC (no term limits). Manages financial and auditing affairs. Inaugural Treasurer: one year, elected October 2017.
• Past-President: Serves for two years immediately following term as President.
• Three members of the Assembly of Delegates (at least one Patron member). Three-year terms, staggered. Initial delegates elected October 2017.
• Partner members may be invited ex-officio when needed.

The EC must have an odd number of voting members. If any EC member cannot complete a term, a fourth Assembly delegate will be appointed (see Article VII.c).

Authority: The EC has authority over matters delegated by the Assembly of Delegates, including:

• Review and approval of PRC-approved projects
• Execution of Assembly decisions
• Operational management and establishment of organization
• Supervision of those with specific duties
• Accounting, financial control, and planning
• Submission of expulsion proposals to the Assembly
• Ratification of Charter amendments and budget
• Establishment of project committees and working groups
• Annual report to the Assembly of Delegates
• Approval of the annual budget

Convening: Meets as required, including virtually. Summoned by President (or VP in absence). President must call a meeting within two weeks upon written request by a voting member. Agenda is sent with the invitation. Quorum: >50% of EC members eligible to vote. Phone/online meetings have equal status. Decisions by simple majority; President has deciding vote in case of tie. Non-voting expert advisers may attend upon invitation.

c. Financial Reviewers

An annual review of final reports shall be conducted by an external financial consultant chosen by the EC. Final review reports shall be presented to the Assembly of Delegates.

d. Executive Director

Appointed by the EC. Responsible for day-to-day operations, carrying out goals and policies, attending meetings (unless excused), reporting monthly to the EC, answering Delegate questions, and other duties as designated by the Assembly or EC.

a. Terms and Elections

• The Vice-President and three Delegate members of the EC are elected by simple majority (51%) of the Assembly of Delegates that vote.
• The Treasurer is elected by simple majority (51%) of the EC.
• The President and Past-President serve by succession from Vice-President.
• Elections for the EC shall take place electronically.
• The President and Vice President may not serve more than one consecutive term.
• Past-President, President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Assembly representatives on the EC must be members in good standing.
• Any member may be nominated for a specific position by another member or by self-nomination.

b. Vacancies

The office of an EC member shall automatically be vacated if:

• The member is found mentally/cognitively/emotionally incompetent or becomes of unsound mind;
• The member resigns in writing (effective upon receipt or the later specified time);
• A special EC meeting passes a resolution to remove the member by at least two-thirds of votes cast;
• The member is unable to perform duties.

c. Filling Vacancies

• If removal per (b) occurs, the vacancy may be filled by majority vote of the EC for the remainder of the term.
• Any other vacancy may be filled for the remainder of the term by the current EC members, provided quorum is met.
• Otherwise, the vacancy shall be filled at the next annual general meeting of the Assembly of Delegates.

d. Remuneration

The EC and Assembly of Delegates shall serve without remuneration and shall not directly or indirectly receive profit from their positions; however, reasonable expenses may be reimbursed upon review and approval by the Treasurer.

This Charter can be amended by the affirmative vote of a supermajority (two-thirds) of the Assembly of Delegates present and voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present (in person or virtually).

a. Passage of Resolutions and Amendments

• A quorum of at least two-thirds of the Assembly of Delegates is needed to pass any resolution or amendment.
• Votes must be cast within the allotted timeframe set forth in the resolution or amendment. Votes may be cast physically or electronically.
• Decisions are by simple majority unless another statute specifies otherwise.
• In the event of a tie, the EC has the casting vote. Article VI.b requires an odd number of EC voting members.

a. Fiscal and Annual Budget

• Fiscal Year begins April 1 and ends March 31 of the following year.
• Annual Budget adopted by simple majority vote of the EC.

b. Income of NASCIC includes

• Membership dues (if approved by the Assembly of Delegates).
• Contributions, sponsorships, income, and voluntary donations from third parties that promote and benefit NASCIC’s mission (subject to Treasurer review and right of refusal by Assembly/EC).
• Grants; Endowments and legacies; Program fees; Investment income and gains; Other sources; Government sponsorships; Crowd funding.

c. Committee Budgets

• Each committee project will have a plan and budget for human/financial resources with timelines (including baseline costs for meetings/teleconferences).
• The EC will determine how resources will be secured (mandatory or in-kind contributions).
• Each committee will work with the Treasurer to oversee finances and may request financial assistance to achieve its purposes.

d. Annual Statements

Each EC and committee member shall annually affirm that they:

• Have received a copy of the Conflicts of Interest policy,
• Have read and understand the policy,
• Agree to comply with the policy, and
• Understand NASCIC is charitable and must primarily engage in activities that accomplish its tax-exempt purposes.

e. Periodic Reviews

To ensure alignment with charitable purposes and protect tax-exempt status, periodic EC reviews shall examine whether:

• Compensation and benefits are reasonable and at arm’s length;
• Partnerships, joint ventures, and management arrangements conform to policies, are properly recorded, reflect reasonable payments, further charitable purposes, and avoid inurement or excess benefit transactions.

f. Delegates Employed by Federal Governments

Delegates employed by any federal governments will not participate in structuring membership dues or other financial decisions and will not solicit funds for NASCIC.

Travel, Meal, and Hospitality Expenses

Executive Council Members

Reimbursement will be determined case-by-case by the EC President. Members must follow the reimbursement policy and submit an expense claim form for review and approval.

Assembly of Delegates

Reimbursement will be determined case-by-case by the EC. Members must follow the reimbursement policy and submit an expense claim form for review and approval.

Policy and Rates

Reimbursement rates are based on the submitting country’s rates set by their federal agency.

Transportation

• Airplane/Train: Economy (coach) is standard. Business class requires prior approval by the EC President or Vice-President.
• Vehicle: Compact model or equivalent when renting.
• Parking and Tolls: Reimbursable for necessary and reasonable expenditures.
• Taxis/Public Transit: Reimbursable for necessary and reasonable expenditures.

Accommodation

Reimbursement for single accommodation in a standard or accessible room; room and tax only (no suites/executive floors/concierge levels).

Meals

Reasonable and appropriate meal expenses reimbursed (tax and gratuities included). Alcoholic beverages are not eligible.

Expense Claim Form

• Name; Payable To; Address; Reason for Travel
• Statement of Expenses (attach original receipts): Air Travel; Rail Travel; Car Rental/Mileage; Meals & Incidentals; Accommodations; Other Expenses; Total
• Signature; Date

Eligible Expenses

• Travel: Economy class unless specifically authorized by the EC.
• Mileage: Print Google Map when claiming personal vehicle mileage. No reimbursement for traffic or parking violations.
• Hotel, Attendant Services, and Meals: Single standard or accessible room when not arranged by NASCIC. Alcoholic beverages are not eligible; attach original receipts.