Medical Students for Choice is a student organization at Michigan State University's College of Osteopathic Medicine. We support and fight for women's reproductive rights. Our other goal is making sure that there are physicians available to treat women and provide the best care possible. We have meetings once a month. So far this year we have discussed the laws surrounding women's reproduction rights, two ministers who support the right to chose and we are involved with Planned Parenthood Affilitates of Michigan to once again have affordable birth control for those with low income and university clinics.
President - Amanda Austin
Vice President - Katie Cox
Secretary - Erica DiCicco
Treasurer - Terry Chaing
Advisor - Diane Singieton
Section 1. The name of this organization shall be “Medical Students for Choice” (MSFC)
Section 2. MSFC is dedicated to promoting comprehensive reproductive health care for all people.
Section 1. Any student of Michigan State University may be a member of MSFC. MSFC does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, gender, handicapper status, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or weight.
Section 2. Students may attain membership in MSFC by attending meetings and paying local dues not to exceed $10.00 per academic year. Members remain in good standing by adhering to the mission of the group and participating in group activities.
Section 1. All officers shall serve for one year from May 1st to April 30th.
Section 2. All members in good standing may nominate themselves or others for office and vote. Elections are by secret ballot and require a simple majority of members present and eligible to vote.
Section 3. Duties of officers.
Chairperson – to convene and maintain order during all meetings. To establish agendas and organization for meetings. To secure location and appropriate scheduling of meetings. To serve as a contact person to individuals outside of the organization.
National Liaison- to maintain appropriate contact with the national organization, and to provide national reports to the local organization. To maintain the local organization’s activities in accordance with the national goals. To facilitate communication between national and local members.
Secretary- to take accurate minutes of meetings and functions, to provide a record of the organization’s actions. To inform members and the general public of events which the organization sponsors. Medical Students For Choice meetings and other related (but non-sponsored) events, which correspond to the mission of this organization.
Treasurer- to handle the financial transactions of the organization responsibly, with clear and accurate record-keeping skills, which may be periodically reviewed by the executive council. To guide organizational activities in light of financial needs. To chair fundraising activities.
Section 4. An officer can be removed from office is s/he does not fulfill the duties ascribed to the office, or fails to maintain good standing. Having met the criteria for removal from office, a vote by simple majority of members is necessary to remove the officer.
Section 1. The group shall meet every month; place and time may vary. Fifty percent of the membership plus on will constitute a quorum.
Section 2. Robert’s Rules of Order shall be followed for each meeting.
Section 3. Committees and their functions.
Outreach/Public Relations Committee- coordinate activities to promote awareness and involvement within the university and in the community.
Legislative/Political Action Committee- investigates and promotes awareness and action in the political arena on local, state, and national levels.
Medical Student Education Committee- will arrange learning opportunities for all medical students through presentations, seminars, reading materials, and other resources.
Administration/Curriculum Committee- investigate the current curriculum, determine whether and what changes should be made, then make proposal to the administration.
Social Support Committee- function to promote camaraderie among members through social activities and support networking.
Fundraising Committee- organizes and implement activities to raise funds for the group.
Ad hoc committees will be created as needed.
Section 1. Any voting member may propose an amendment to the constitution of this chapter.
Section 2. Amendments must be written by at least one voting member and submitted in writing to every voting member at least two weeks prior to the full chapter meeting at which a final vote is to be taken. Once introduced, discussion follows Robert’s Rules.
Section 3. Amendments must be approved by 2/3 of the voting body, by secret ballot.