Bylaws

Bylaws:

Article I: Name and Purpose

1. Name: The organization shall be known as Athletes Activating Champions & Empowerment (AACE).

2. Purpose: AACE is committed to:

• Mentoring youth to explore various sports.

• Enhancing self-esteem and providing structured after-school activities.

• Promoting inclusivity in sports, regardless of skill level or background.

• Encouraging teamwork, leadership, and community engagement.

Article II: Membership

1. Eligibility: Membership is open to all students who support AACE’s mission and objectives.

2. Application: Prospective members must complete an application form and attend an orientation session.

3. Rights and Responsibilities: Members are expected to actively participate in programs, adhere to the code of conduct, and promote AACE’s values.

Article III: Governance

1. Executive Board: The organization shall be governed by an Executive Board consisting of:

• President: Noah Moon

802 Cal Cove Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919

• Vice President: Juan Manuel Lopez Ramirez

12101 Grand Jardin Dr, Building 09, Apt 202, Fort Myers, FL 33915

• Secretary: Gilliane Marie Fort Cannock

12101 Grand Jardin Dr, Building 09, Apt 202, Fort Myers, FL 33915

• Treasurer: Dylan Moon

802 Cal Cove Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919

Board Member: Brock Catlin, Ambassador and Lacrosse Chapter President

Board member: Asher Moon, Ambassador

2. Elections: Board members shall be elected annually by a majority vote of the membership.

3. Meetings: The Executive Board shall meet monthly to plan and review programs. General membership meetings shall be held quarterly.

Article IV: Programs and Activities

1. Mentorship Programs: Pairing student mentors with youth to introduce and engage them in various sports.

2. Workshops: Organizing skill-building sessions focusing on teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship.

3. Community Events: Hosting sports clinics and tournaments to foster community involvement and showcase the benefits of sports participation.

Article V: Code of Conduct

1. Respect: All members shall treat others with respect and dignity.

2. Inclusivity: Members shall promote an inclusive environment, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds and abilities.

3. Integrity: Members shall act ethically and uphold the organization’s values in all activities.

Article VI: Amendments

1. Proposal: Amendments to the bylaws may be proposed by any member in writing to the Executive Board.

2. Approval: Amendments require a two-thirds majority vote of the membership present at a designated meeting.

Supporting Data:

• Self-Esteem and Sports Participation: Engaging in sports has been linked to improved self-esteem among youth. A study in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine found that adolescents participating in sports reported higher self-esteem compared to non-participants.

• After-School Programs and Youth Development: High-quality after-school programs, including sports, provide a safe environment for youth, reducing risky behaviors. The Harvard Graduate School of Education highlights such programs’ support for social, emotional, and academic development.

• Inclusivity in Sports: Promoting inclusivity ensures all youth, regardless of background or ability, can participate. The National Recreation and Park Association emphasizes the importance of access and inclusion in youth sports to foster personal development and socioemotional skills.

• Combating Sedentary Lifestyles: Encouraging active participation in sports addresses sedentary behaviors among youth. The CDC reports that regular physical activity in children and adolescents promotes health and reduces chronic disease risks.

By implementing these bylaws and programs, AACE strives to create a supportive and empowering environment where all students can experience the benefits of sports participation.

Support:

1. Harvard Family Research Project. After School Programs in the 21st Century: Their Potential and What It Takes to Achieve It. Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2008.

2. Ekeland, E., Heian, F., & Hagen, K. B. Can Exercise Improve Self-Esteem in Children and Young People? A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials. British Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 39, no. 11, 2005, pp. 792–798.

3. Liu, M., Wu, L., & Ming, Q. How Does Physical Activity Intervention Improve Self-Esteem and Self-Concept in Children and Adolescents? Evidence from a Meta-Analysis. PLOS ONE, vol. 10, no. 8, 2015.

4. American Academy of Pediatrics. Organized Sports for Children, Preadolescents, and Adolescents. Pediatrics, vol. 143, no. 6, 2019.

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical Activity Facts. CDC, 2022.