El Corazón de Tejas-Central Texas Chapter of REFORMA

Article I ­ Name

This organization shall be called El Corazón de Tejas-Central Texas Chapter of REFORMA

Article II ­ Purpose

The objective of the Chapter will be the same as that of its parent organization, REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking. The main purpose of this chapter shall be to promote advancement, growth, improvement and implementation of library and information services to the Spanish speaking and Latino population of central Texas.
 

Article III - Nonprofit Status

This Chapter is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, religious or scientific purposes, within the meaning of section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue code (or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code).
 

Article IV ­ Membership

Any person who is supportive of the goals and objectives of this organization may become an active and voting member by attending the regular meetings, becoming active in the work of the organization and paying membership dues. Annual membership rates apply per calendar year and are renewable in January.

The dues are set by the national REFORMA organization, and may be changed by a vote of the nationwide membership. If changed, the new dues shall go into effect on January 1st of the succeeding calendar year. One-third of the total chapter dues shall support National REFORMA activities.
 

Article V - Officers

Section 1.  The officers of this organization shall be the President, Vice President/President Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Section 2. The terms of office shall be one year, beginning July 1. Officers may be reelected.

Section 3. All officers shall be democratically nominated and elected at the last Spring meeting , or by June 1 if vote is conducted by mail ballot. Officers will be elected by a voting majority of all active members.

Section 4.  In case of a vacancy, the President shall have the power to appoint an active member to fill said vacancy.

Section 5. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the President, the Vice-President shall serve as President for the remainder of the term, and also serve as President during the following year.

Section 6. Duties of Officers: President
a. Shall call and preside over all meetings of the general membership.
b. Shall be the official representative for the organization and shall provide leadership for all its activities, including midwinter, annual, and other reports as required by National REFORMA.
c. Shall form special committees as needed and may also suggest members to serve on these committees.

 Duties of the Vice President/President Elect:
a. Shall assist in carrying out the duties of the President.
b. Shall assume the duties of the President in the President's absence or incapacity.

Duties of the Secretary:
a. Shall be in charge of the recording and preservation of all records, publications and history regarding the functions and activities of this organization.
b. Shall take minutes for meetings of the general membership.
c. Shall pass on all records to the succeeding officer who is elected to this position.

Duties of the Treasurer:
a. Shall be responsible for handling all financial matters of the organization.
b. Shall be responsible for keeping accurate and timely records regarding all income and disbursements.
c. Shall prepare the necessary reports to the membership and the Internal Revenue Service.
 

Article VI ­ Meetings

Section 1.  Regular meetings shall be held quarterly and as deemed necessary.

Section 2.  All members shall be notified of upcoming meetings by written notice or by e-mail at least two weeks prior to such meetings.

Section 3. The President shall be empowered to call special meetings by written notice, by telephone, or by e-mail at least one week prior to such meetings.
 

Article VII - Committees

Section 1. Standing Committees. These committees shall be established by a majority vote of all members present at any regular meeting. The duties, powers, and number of participants of such committees shall be set by the membership. The President may appoint members to serve on standing committees.

Section 2. Special Committees. The President shall be empowered to establish special temporary committees or workteams to fulfill a special need. The President may appoint members to serve on special committees.

Section 3. Terms of Office. Members on standing committees shall serve for one year. Members on special committees shall serve until the objectives of the committee have been met, but no longer than two years.
 

Article VIII - Quorum

Section 1. Decisions requiring a vote by the membership shall be conducted by mail or e-mail ballot if a quorum is not present at a regular or special meeting. A quorum shall be based on 60 percent of the average attendance of active members present at the two previous meetings.

Section 2.  Elections and amendments to the Bylaws shall be conducted by mail or e-mail if a quorum is not present at a regular or special meeting. A quorum shall be based on 60 percent of the average attendance of active members present at the two previous meetings.
 

Article IX - Affiliations

The active membership of this organization may by a majority vote to affiliate itself with other local organizations.
 

Article X - Amendment to Bylaws

Section 1. All members shall be informed in writing of all proposed amendments to the bylaws at least two weeks prior to the meeting in which such changes will be brought up for consideration.

Section 2.  All amendments to the bylaws shall require a vote by mail or e-mail if a quorum is not present at a regular or special meeting. A quorum shall be based on 60 percent of the average attendance by active members at the two previous meetings.
 

Article XI - Earnings of the Organization

Section 1.  No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, directors, officers, or other private persons except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of Section 501 (c) (3) purposes.

Section 2.  No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

Section 3.  Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on:

a. by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future federal tax code) or
b. by  an organization contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future federal tax code).
 

Article XII - Dissolution

Section 1. In the event of the dissolution of the El Corazón de Tejas Chapter of REFORMA, any assets remaining shall be first used for payment and discharge of any existing liabilities or obligations of the organization; second, for lawful provisions for the administration and disposition of any property held in trust by or for REFORMA; and third, for all other acts required to adjust and wind up its business and affairs.

Section 2.  Upon dissolution of this organization assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, i.e. charitable, educational, religious or scientific, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the Federal government, or to a state or local government for a public purpose.

Section 3.  Distribution of such remaining assets may include the national REFORMA organization, i.e. the REFORMA Scholarship program.

Section 4.  No member, individual, nor any organization shall have any right, title, or interest to any remaining assets of the organization.

Constitution and Bylaws accepted by the membership of El Corazón de Tejas-Central Texas Chapter of REFORMA:

May 2, 2001, Austin, Texas

Signatures of members present: