Beyond the Sidelines

Bylaws

Constitution of Beyond the Sidelines

West Virginia University School of Medicine

Article I – Beyond the Sidelines

The name of this organization shall be Beyond the Sidelines, a student-led service organization at the West Virginia University School of Medicine.

Article II – Mission and Purpose

The mission of Beyond the Sidelines is to bridge gaps in access to sports, physical activity, and mentorship for underserved youth and individuals with disabilities throughout West Virginia.

The organization will promote physical activity, community engagement, and lifelong health by connecting WVU School of Medicine students with communities in need.

The organization will pursue this mission through activities including:

1. Collecting and distributing new and gently used sports equipment to underserved schools, teams, and community programs throughout West Virginia.
2. Organizing and participating in youth sports clinics and physical activity events.
3. Volunteering with adaptive sports and recreation programs, including opportunities through community organizations such as SteppingStones.
4. Providing mentorship and positive role models for youth through athletics and physical activity.
5. Partnering with schools and community organizations to identify and address barriers to participation in sports and recreation.
6. Promoting education related to physical activity, wellness, injury prevention, and lifelong health.
7. Creating meaningful service opportunities for WVU School of Medicine students.
8. Coordinating and learning with the assistive technology program.
9. Running fundraisers with proceeds going to an athletic program of choice from an underserved school.

Article III – Membership

Membership shall be open to all WVU School of Medicine students who support the mission and purpose of the organization.

No individual shall be denied membership or participation on the basis of any status protected by West Virginia University policy.

Members are encouraged to participate in meetings, volunteer activities, equipment drives, fundraising initiatives, and community outreach events.

Article IV – Officers

The organization's executive leadership shall consist of:

• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Volunteer Chair

Additional leadership positions or committees may be created as the organization grows.

President

The President shall oversee the organization, lead meetings, communicate with WVU SOM administration and community partners, coordinate major initiatives, and ensure that the organization remains consistent with its mission.

Vice President

The Vice President shall assist the President, coordinate service projects and community partnerships, and assume the President's responsibilities when necessary.

Secretary

The Secretary shall maintain meeting minutes, membership records, correspondence, and documentation of organizational activities and volunteer opportunities.

Treasurer

The Treasurer shall oversee organizational funds, maintain financial records, coordinate fundraising activities, and ensure compliance with WVU policies regarding student organization finances.

Volunteer Chair

The volunteer chair shall be responsible for coordinating with programs outside WVU SoM such as Stepping Stones to get dates and opportunities for volunteering related to sports, serving the community, etc.

Article V – Elections and Terms

Officers shall be elected annually by a blind majority vote of active members.

Officer terms shall last one academic year. Officers may seek reelection if they remain eligible.

Vacancies may be filled through a special election conducted by the remaining executive officers.

Article VI – Faculty Advisor

The organization shall maintain a faculty advisor affiliated with West Virginia University.

The faculty advisor will provide guidance, support organizational continuity, and assist the organization in maintaining compliance with WVU School of Medicine and University policies.

Article VII – Meetings

General meetings shall be held as necessary throughout the academic year.

The executive leadership may schedule additional meetings to organize service projects, equipment drives, community partnerships, fundraising activities, or other organizational business.

Article VIII – Community Partnerships

The organization may establish partnerships with nonprofit organizations, schools, athletic programs, healthcare organizations, and other community groups whose activities align with the organization's mission.

Partnerships may include organizations serving individuals with disabilities, underserved youth, rural communities, and communities experiencing barriers to participation in sports and physical activity.

Partnership with an outside organization shall not imply formal affiliation, endorsement, or use of that organization's name or branding without appropriate permission.

Article IX – Finances and Fundraising

Funds raised or received by the organization shall be used exclusively to further the organization's mission and activities.

Potential uses include purchasing sports equipment for donation, supporting community events and clinics, and other approved service initiatives.

All fundraising and financial activities shall comply with WVU and WVU School of Medicine policies.

No portion of organizational funds shall be distributed for the personal benefit of individual members or officers.

Article X – Amendments

Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by any active member.

An amendment must receive a two-thirds majority vote of active members present at a meeting to be adopted, subject to any required approval by WVU School of Medicine or West Virginia University.

Article XI – Compliance

Beyond the Sidelines shall abide by all applicable policies and procedures of the West Virginia University School of Medicine and West Virginia University, including policies concerning student organizations, conduct, nondiscrimination, hazing, financial management, and community engagement.

Article XII – Dissolution

If the organization dissolves, any remaining funds or property shall be handled in accordance with West Virginia University policies and shall not be distributed among individual members.