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Texas Democratic Women of Hood County Bylaws

Revised 2018

ARTICLE 1: Name
The name of this organization shall be the Texas Democratic Women of Hood County.

ARTICLE 2: Purpose/Policy
Texas Democratic Women of Hood County, hereinafter known as TDW of HC, shall promote the political activity and influence of Democratic women in Texas politics and government. TDW of HC shall support Democrats working in party organizations, campaigns and/or seeking party or public office. The group shall work to promote increased representation of women in party and government institutions. TDW of HC shall promote legislative, executive and judicial policies which enhance equitable representation of women in party and government affairs. TDW of HC shall support Democratic principles.

ARTICLE 3: Membership and Dues
Section 1: Any Democrat who supports the purpose of the organization, pays dues and attends regular meetings, when possible, is a member in good standing.
Section 2: Annual dues shall be $20.00 per member, with $10.00 going to the local club and $10.00 to the State organization. Dues shall be collected starting at the regular October meeting through December 31, each year. The membership year shall be the calendar year.
Section 3: Voluntary contributions may be solicited from the membership as necessary for the effective operation of the club.

ARTICLE 4: Budget
An annual budget shall be set by the Executive Board and presented to the membership at the regular meeting in January, for their approval. The approved budget shall take effect immediately following the January meeting. The fiscal year shall be the calendar year.

ARTICLE 5: Officers, Audit Committee and Nominating Committee

Section 1: The officers of this organization shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Treasurer-Elect. The Executive Board shall be composed of these five officers.

The Executive Board shall:
A. Plan the general direction of the organization.
B. Plan programs and set agenda for regular meetings.
C. In case of vacancy in any office, except the President, appoint a member to fill the unexpired portion of that term.
D. Appoint Standing Committee Chairpersons at the first Executive Board meeting.
E. Be empowered to act for the organization as a whole on expenditures under $100.00, or any other business deemed an emergency by the majority of the Executive Board.

Section 2: Duties of Officers:
A. The President shall preside at all meetings of the organization and of the Executive Board; shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee; and shall perform all other duties pertaining to the office. In the event of emergency, the President shall have the authority to sign checks for the organization in the absence of the Treasurer. Special committees may be appointed by the President as deemed necessary.
B. The Vice President shall perform the duties of the President in her/his absence or upon her/his request. The Vice President shall be responsible for organizing the monthly program and inviting guests. In the event of resignation or death of the President, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President for the remainder of the term.
C. The Secretary shall keep a record of all meetings of the organization and of the Executive Board and shall keep on record any changes in officers and appointments. Prior to the following meeting, she/he shall furnish to the President a copy of the minutes and shall conduct all correspondence of the organization as directed by the President. The Secretary shall email minutes to the members prior to regular meetings; shall give reports of the Executive Board meetings at the next regular meeting; and shall keep the original minutes of all meetings. Copies of the minutes shall be made available to the members at each meeting.
D. The Treasurer shall keep an account of the receipts and disbursements of the organization; shall be authorized to sign checks for authorized expenses; and shall inform members of member roster changes. The Treasurer shall give a report at each regular meeting which shall cover the period beginning on the first day of a month and ending on the last day of same month. She/he shall be prepared to give pertinent information at all Executive Board meetings. The books shall be closed on December 31, and be ready for audit by the Audit Committee on or before the first meeting in January,
or as soon as possible thereafter.
E. The Treasurer-Elect shall assist the Treasurer in all her/his duties and shall be elected Treasurer when the current Treasurer completes her/his term.

Section 3: The Audit Committee shall be appointed by the President at the regular November meeting.

Section 4: The Nominating Committee shall be composed of a chairperson and two other members. The Chairperson and two active members shall be appointed by the President at the regular October meeting. This committee shall present a proposed slate of officers at the regular November meeting. Additional nominations for officers may be made from the floor.

Section 5: The TDW of HC officers shall be members in good standing, elected annually by a majority vote of the membership attending the regular November meeting. Officers’ terms shall begin January 1, and end December 31. The term of office shall be for one year, and no member shall hold the same office for more than two consecutive terms, except in cases of special circumstances.

ARTICLE 6: Standing Committees.
There shall be the following Standing Committees with each committee having a Chairperson appointed by the Executive Board:
A. Political Issues Committee: Shall monitor and report on local, state and national political issues, provide information on any pertinent bills or legislation, and be continually monitoring the membership for potential political candidate material.
B. Communications Committee: Shall be responsible for news releases announcing meetings and news releases following any meeting or event. They shall keep the members and public informed of the organization’s activities.
C. Scholarship Committee: Shall select graduating senior girls from Granbury High School to receive TDW of HC scholarships.
D. Sunshine Committee: Shall be responsible for acknowledging members’ special events and giving comfort to the ill or bereaved.

ARTICLE 7: Special Appointments
A. Parliamentarian: Shall be appointed by the Executive Board and shall see that all meetings are conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
B. Chaplain: Shall provide prayer and spiritual inspiration when needed.

ARTICLE 8: Meetings

Section l: Regular meetings of the organization shall be on the second Monday of each month from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

Section 2: Executive Board meetings shall be held quarterly prior to the regular meetings.

Section 3: The president may call a special meeting of the membership or Executive Board at any time. She/he must give at least 24 hours notification and give the purpose of the meeting. Executive Board meetings may be held by conference call or email, if necessary. Standing Committee chairpersons may be included in Executive Board meetings as needed.

ARTICLE 9: Voting

Section 1: Only persons who are members in good standing, according to ARTICLE 3,

Section 1, of these bylaws shall be eligible to vote.

Section 2: All decisions made by the Executive Board or the membership of the organization shall be made by a majority vote of members present.

ARTICLE 10: Amendments

Upon petition of not less than five members, amendments to the Bylaws may be proposed in writing and not less than 30 days thereafter may be ratified, if concurred upon by an affirmative vote of a majority of the membership present.