(Adopted May. 28, 2002)
ARTICLE I. – Name
The name of the organization shall be "West University Area Democratic Club."
ARTICLE II – Objectives and Purposes
A. To support and promote the Democratic Party at all levels of government.
B. The exertion of influence on the Democratic Party to continue its historic role as a party which promotes social justice, the local, state and national interest, and the needs of all the people.
C. To keep the West U area community informed of the Democratic Party and its principles. For example, through political rallies, qualified speakers on current events or happenings, letters to the editor, telephone banks, block walking, and a newsletter to interested citizens and voters.
D. The West U Democrats will concentrate its activities primarily in the West U area in cooperation with the Harris County Democratic Party and those elected or appointed Democratic Precinct Chairs in these precincts.
ARTICLE III – Members and Dues
A. All persons at least age sixteen (16) years who are Democrats and/or interested in the Democratic Party and its principles are eligible for membership in the organization. The membership is for those who reside in the West U area, but all others are welcome to join.
B. Membership dues shall be set by the Executive Committee, approved by the general membership, and made a part of the By-laws.
C. Payment of dues shall be required to maintain an individual member in good standing. Only members in good standing are eligible to vote.
D. Dues shall be payable annually based on date of first payment.
ARTICLE IV – Officers and Executive Committee
A. The West U Democrats shall have the following officers:
1. President
2. First Vice President
3. Second Vice President
4. Secretary
5. Treasurer
6. Parliamentarian (ex officio/nonvoting)
B. To be eligible to serve as an officer, a person must be in good standing and have become a dues paying member at least three months before the organization's election. Organizing members are exempt until the 1st general election.
C. The term of each office shall be one year, beginning October 1 through September 30, or until a successor is elected.
D. Elections shall be held at the regular September meeting of the organization.
E. Vacancies shall be filled for any unexpired term by election of members present and voting at the next regular membership meeting.
F. The foregoing named officers shall constitute the Executive Committee of the West U Democrats.
1. The function of the Executive Committee shall be the maintenance of a continuous program of political activity and education.
2. In addition, the Executive Committee shall be responsible for the development and fundraising activities to maintain the programs of the organization, and any other functions as provided in the Bylaws.
3. The Executive Committee shall coordinate with any appointed committees to ensure that notices, communication and publicity about the organization and its activities are effectively disseminated to members and others.
ARTICLE V – Duties of Officers
A. The President shall preside at all meetings and be the official spokesperson for the Executive Committee and for the organization. The President shall create committees as needed. The President shall have the power to call special meetings. The President shall be the official spokesperson at all meetings or gatherings with other Democratic organizations, Democratic officeholders and/or candidates seeking office.
B. The First Vice President shall preside in the absence of the President. The First Vice President shall additionally be responsible for arrangements of membership meeting locations and programs.
C. The Second Vice President preside in the absence of both the President and the First Vice President. The Second Vice President shall additionally be responsible for planning and implementing special and social events.
D. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings and be prepared to report those minutes at the next scheduled meeting if requested by the President. The Secretary shall make such records available to all officers as requested. The Secretary shall additionally be responsible for coordinating publicity for the organization through newsletters and/or in the media.
E. The Treasurer shall receive and deposit all moneys of the organization and shall record all financial transactions and report them to the Executive Committee and the general membership. Membership dues received by the Treasurer shall determine active membership status and the Treasurer shall supervise the accuracy of membership records. The Treasurer shall additionally be appointed by the Executive Committee to be the Treasurer of the West U Democrats Political Action Committee and be responsible for filing all reports required by law with the Texas Ethics Commission.
F. The Parliamentarian shall help keep order at the meetings, as may be needed, and use Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised, to make sure proper parliamentary procedures are maintained during all meetings when requested by the President.
ARTICLE VI – Meetings
A. The West U Democrats shall meet at least quarterly. Special meetings may be called by the Executive Committee.
B. A quorum comprised of a minimum of four members shall be required to conduct business.
C. The Annual Meeting to elect officers shall be held in September.
ARTICLE VII – Amendments
A. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting as a meeting, provided the proposed amendment has been read as a proposed amendment at the previous meeting.
B. Bylaws shall be adopted by a majority vote of the members present and voting at a meeting. ByLaws may not be in conflict with the Constitution.
ARTICLE VIII – Parliamentary Authority
The most current edition of Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern unless otherwise provided in this Constitution or Bylaws. This Constitution and Bylaws shall take effect upon adoption by a two-thirds vote of those in attendance at a mass meeting of the membership.
ARTICLE IX – Dissolution
If, at any time, this club shall be dissolved, no part of the funds or property shall be distributed to or among its members, but after payment of all indebtedness of the club, its surplus funds and properties shall be donated to the Harris County Democratic Party.
BYLAWS
A. Membership dues for the West U Democrats shall be $20.00 per person per year. Senior/Student memberships are available.
B. The West U Democrats organization shall report all funds raised and disbursed by it as required by law for political action committees by the State of Texas.
C. Up to $50 can be authorized between Executive Committee or general meetings by any officer without a formal vote