Articles
Article I. Name of Organization
The name of this organization shall be “Flagstaff Italian-American Club.”
Article II. Object, or Purpose, of the Organization
- To sponsor and participate in activities that promote the beneficial knowledge and awareness of both Italian and Italian-American cultures.
- To encourage fellowship among members and their active participation in the club's cultural and social activities.
- To promote and encourage cooperation in fundraising and charitable events approved by a majority of members.
Article III. Membership
- All adults shall qualify for membership
- Members shall have the responsibility to abide by these bylaws, to pay annual or biannual dues as requested, to assist in the activities of the organization, to work to achieve its goals, and to refrain from any action that will be detrimental to the purposes of the organization or to the harmonious relationships among its members.
- Members shall have the right to participate in discussions and activities of the Club, to attend meetings, to make formal proposals, to vote on mattes placed before the membership, to receive any issued announcement or publication, to hold office, and to serve on committees. Members shall also have the right to inspect the financial records or minutes of the club at reasonable times.
Article IV. Membership Meetings
- Meetings shall be held at least once a month. Meetings of the organization shall be held at a place designated by the board.
- Membership meetings shall have a quorum for conducting business of ten percent (10%) of the regular membership. A simple majority vote of those attending a meeting shall rule, except that in elections a two-thirds vote of the membership, present or by proxy, shall be necessary. The usual parliamentary rules for meetings in Robert's Rules of Order shall govern, when not in conflict with these bylaws.
- Notice of all meetings shall be given to members at least five (5) days prior to the meeting date, and shall specify place, date, and hour of the meeting. Such notice shall specify when the following matters are to be placed before the membership for action:
- Election of officers and the advisory board
- Amending the Bylaws.
- In the event of an emergency, notice of a meeting may be given by telephone, fax or e-mail.
Article V. The Advisory Board and Officers
Advisory Board. The advisory board shall have eight members consisting of officers and board members. No board member may have more than one vote. All business and affairs of the Club shall be managed under the direction of the advisory board exercised through its officers. The board shall meet at least once a month. Minutes shall be kept and reports made to the membership. The presence of five board members at a meeting shall constitute a quorum. The president shall vote only in case of a tie. If circumstances warrant, the board may take action by telephone, fax or e-mail vote. In such case, the president shall cause a record of the vote to be filed with the secretary.
President. The president, subject to the approval of the board, shall supervise and direct the business and activity of the organization. He/she shall have such other powers to perform those duties prescribed from time to time by the board. The president shall chair all board meetings and membership meetings and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.
Vice-President(s). In the absence or disability of the president, the 1st vice-president shall perform all duties of the president, and when so acting shall have all the powers of and by subject to all the restrictions upon the president.
Secretary. Shall maintain a book of minutes of all board and membership meetings, all notices given, and all documents related to the proceedings of such meetings. Copies of minutes will be available for viewing by members at all reasonable times. The secretary shall produce and mail a monthly newsletter to members listing meetings and other Club information. A committee shall be formed by the secretary to assist with this service to the Club.
Treasurer. The treasurer shall maintain adequate books and records of all financial transactions of the Club. The treasurer shall submit a summary financial report at each board meeting. The books of accounts shall be open to inspection by any member at all reasonable times. The signature card required by the bank for check-writing shall require two names, the treasure's and the president's. The treasurer shall deposit funds in the name and to the credit of the Club with such depositories as may be designated by the board. The treasurer shall also coordinate the paying of Club bills in a manner proscribed by the board. An annual audit and report shall be made to members.
Eligibility: Any member may serve as an officer or regular board member.
Terms: Officers and regular board members shall be elected for a term of one year, except that no officer shall serve more than two consecutive terms.
Elections: Elections shall be held each year at a regular membership meeting. A committee shall be formed to conduct the election.
Vacancy: A vacancy in any office or board position shall be filled by a majority vote of the board, except that the vice-president shall automatically assume the office of president if a vacancy occurs.
Article VI. Amendment of the Bylaws
These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the regular members at any duly organized meeting of the Club, provided that notice of the proposed amendment be given to members at a preceding regular meeting or 7 days prior notice by phone.