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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF UPANGS
(UNITED PANGASINENSES OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA)
PREAMBLE
We, Filipinos and Filipino-Americans, who are province of Pangasinan origin from the Philippines, residing in Northwest Florida, wanting to form a strong union to preserve our cultural heritage, protect our mutual interest, improve our social and economic well-being and achieve better understanding among Filipinos, Filipino-Americans, especially those province of Pangasinan origin, and other nationalities do hereby promulgate this Constitution.
ARTICLE I
Section 1. The name of this club shall be the UPANGS – United Pangasinenses of
Northwest Florida.
Section 2. This club exists under the laws of the State of Florida as a non-profit organization.
Section 3. The club official address shall be the registered agent’s address. A post office box may be used for the UPANGS of which access shall be given to the current officers of the Club.
Section 4. This club shall be charitable, civic, non-sectarian, non-partisan, non-profit, non-stock, and non-political.
ARTICLE 2
Purpose
Section 1. The fundamental purposes of this club are to:
a. Provide entertainment and social activities for the members and their families.
b. Encourage participation in social, civic and charitable community projects.
c. Promote the Filipino customs and traditions to the community through intercultural activities.
d. Enhance an environment conducive to good moral order.
ARTICLE 3
Membership
Membership is open to all Filipinos and Filipino-Americans who are of Pangasinan origin and to all those who are directly related to Filipinos or Filipino-Americans who are willing to help in pursuing and attaining our goals and objectives. Members from the community-at-large, who are not of Pangasinan origin will be designated Honorary Members and can not hold elected or appointed office except in an advisory capacity.
Section 1. Duties and Responsibilities
a) Support and uphold the Constitution and its By-laws.
b) Attend general and/or special meetings.
c) Perform the duties and functions of any elected or appointed office, assigned to and accepted.
d) Perform volunteer services for the Club and participate actively in all or most club activities.
Section 2. Rights and Privileges of Members
a) Run for any elected office. Vote during election of officers, the amendment and/or ratification of the Constitution and By-laws and on any resolution placed on the floor at general and special membership meetings.
b) Submit a written request for a special meeting that will deal with an issue that is of paramount importance to the organization.
c) Make a written inquiry, through the President, about the financial status of the club.
d) Right to make constructive suggestions and recommendations regarding policy or procedure for the club’s general welfare.
ARTICLE 4
Officers
Section 1. President
a) Calls and presides at all meetings of the Club.
b) Serves as the official representative of the Club.
c) Appoints committees as necessary to carry out the objectives and functions of the Club.
d) Responsible for all and any reports that are needed.
e) Ensures that the Constitution and By-laws of the Club are enforced.
f) Approve all expenditures of the Club.
g) Acts as the authorized representative of the Club or, if he/she wishes to, delegate this responsibility to the Vice-President, or to any other member of the Club.
h) Develops the club’s policies and procedures in consultation with the Executive Council.
Section 2. Vice President
a) Assumes the duties of the President in his/her absence.
b) Assists the President in the performance of his/her duties, as required and as needed.
Section 3. Secretary
a) Issues calls for meetings at the direction of the President.
b) Records minutes of meetings as requested by the President.
c) Keeps and updates the administration records of the Club.
d) Keeps an updated roster of all members, to include address, telephone number and other pertinent information.
Section 4. Assistant Secretary
a) Assumes the duties of the Secretary in his/her absence.
b) Assists the Secretary in the performance of his/her duties as required and as needed.
Section 5. Treasurer
a) Responsible for custody of all financial records and properties of the Club, and keeps an accurate record of all monies, funds, and other assets.
b) Keeps and updates financial account of the Club.
c) Regularly reports such accounts and presents such statements to the Officers and Membership as may be required.
d) Makes approved disbursement of funds as the Club’s business may require, taking proper vouchers thereof.
Section 6. Assistant Treasurer
a) Assumes the duties of the Treasurer in his/her absence.
b) Assists the Treasurer in the performance of his/her duties as required and as needed.
Section 7. Auditor
a) Reviews and examines the financial record semi-annually and submits a written report to the officers and to the general membership.
Section 8 PRO (Press Relations Officer)
a) Acts as liaison officer between the community and the club.
b) Writes and sends news releases to the media on planned activities of the club.
c) Assists the Secretary to disseminate in formation for club function and activities.
Section 9 Assistant PRO
a) Assumes the duties of the PRO in his/her absence.
b) Assists the PRO in the performance of his/her duties as required and as needed.
Section 10 Historian
a) Compiles all records of events of the club for the sake of posterity.
Section 11 Sargeant-at-Arms
a) Enforces safety, security, and order in all meetings and other functions of the club.
b) Must be knowledgeable of the By-Laws of the club and advises the President of any breach of procedure or compliance with the By-Laws of club meetings.
Section 12 Adviser
a) Gives advice and counsel in the conduct of the club’s operation and interaction with the community.
b) Assists the President in the formulation of policies and procedures and its execution thereof for the general benefit and welfare of the club.
ARTICLE V
Financial
Section 1 Checking Account
a) The club shall establish a checking account with a convenient financial institution where all funds of the club will be deposited with the exception of the petty cash fund not to exceed the amount of $100.00.
b) The checking account will be in the name of UPANGS.
Section 2 Funds received/collected
a) All money collected from voluntary donations on behalf of the club will be turned over to the Treasurer.
b) All money received will be deposited into the account of the club.
c) No part of the club funds shall inure the benefit of, or be distributed to its members, officers, or other persons, except for reasonable compensation for services rendered as approved by members.
d) Upon the dissolution of the club, all assets remaining, after payment of all costs and expenses of such dissolution shall be distributed to any charitable organization designated by membership.
Section 3 Membership Dues
a) No membership dues shall be assessed or collected by the Club. Voluntary donations or contributions will be accepted.
b) Donations will be solicited from members and from anyone interested at an amount to cover anticipated expenses for a specific function, consistent with the non-profitability of the club.
c) Unused amount collected will be deposited to the club’s checking account and will be used to defray expenses for the next activity.
Section 4 Disbursement of Funds
a) The Treasurer will maintain a petty cash fund not to exceed $100.00.
b) Cash disbursements will be supported with a receipt. If a receipt cannot be obtained, proper documentation must be provided.
c) Any amount approved for disbursement over that of the petty cash limit should be in the form of a check signed by the Treasurer with a corresponding receipt for documentation.
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 1 Elections
a) Elections to office will be decided by a simple majority of the vote at a meeting called for the purpose of electing officers.
b) Nominations may be made from the floor if the nominee is present to accept or decline the nomination.
c) Election of officers will be made every two (2) years, the first election being January 2004.
Section 2 Vacancy of Position
a) Whenever a vacancy of position occurs, the President, with the concurrence of the majority present at a meeting especially called for, shall fill the vacated office, by appointment, for the remainder of the term.
b) Should the office of the President become vacant, the Vice President will assume office, who will then appoint a new Vice President.
Section 3 Resignation
a) Any holder of office may resign at any time by submitting a written notice to the President or to the Secretary of the Club.
b) Any verbal resignation may be accepted if declared or affirmed in an open forum and acknowledge by the President and other officers present.
Section 4 Meetings
a) There are no scheduled meetings. Meetings of the membership may be called by the President or the Vice President on as needed basis, but there shall be at least two meetings annually. A simple majority vote of those in attendance at meetings will resolve all issues.
Section 5 Enactment/Amendment
a) These Constitution and By Laws become effective immediately upon their adoption by two-thirds majority vote of the members of the club present at a meeting duly called for the purpose.
b) A vote representing 2/3 of the membership present at a scheduled meeting duly called for the purpose shall ratify amendments to this Constitution and By Laws.
Certification:
This is to certify that the above Constitution and By Laws of the UPANGS – (United Pangasinenses of Northwest, Florida, was formally adopted by a majority vote of the general membership on the 16th day of May, 2004.
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