Bylaws
FEDERALLY EMPLOYED WOMEN
Chapter Name: Northwest DC Chapter
Updated to Incorporate National Bylaw Changes on September 6, 2019
Approved by NWDC Chapter Board on September 19, 2019
Approved by Dc Metro Regional Bylaws Chair on December 19, 2019
Updated and approved by the National Bylaws Chair on January 6, 2020 RW
Bylaws Terms of Agreement
This Agreement shall remain in effect for as long as the Chapter remains compliant with the FEW organization and Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and National Policies. This Agreement will automatically renew unless the Chapter is seeking to terminate or revoke or non-renew the Agreement and provides written notice of its intent to terminate or revoke the Agreement to the National Office. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by written instrument signed by authorized representatives of both parties.
ARTICLE I – NAME
Federally Employed Women, a District of Columbia nonprofit corporation, whose address is 1629 K Street, N.W., Suite 300,Washington, DC 20006 hereinafter referred to as "FEW," hereby enters into this Chapter agreement with the NWDC, hereinafter referred to as “Chapter” as a chartered Chapter of FEW under the following terms and conditions and pursuant to the Charter granted by FEW National Board of Directors.
In consideration of the issuance of this FEW Chapter Charter, the Chapter agrees to comply with the terms and conditions of its chartered status.
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE
The Chapter shall be operated exclusively for the charitable and educational purposes of taking action to end sex discrimination and toward the advancement of women in employment in the federal service. The specific activities which the Chapter shall undertake in furtherance of these charitable and educational purposes shall be: to increase job opportunities for women in the government service; to further the use of the potential of women in government; to improve the merit system in government employment; to assist government employees and applicants for government employment who are discriminated against because of sex; to develop and to provide training programs to enable women to increase their skills and enhance their potential for career advancement; to develop and to provide training programs which address the special needs and problems of women employees in the government and provide a description of programs targeted to meet those needs; to educate the general public and policymakers about issues of concern to women with an emphasis upon those of concern to women government employees; and to do all things necessary and proper to accomplish the above purposes without discrimination because of sex, race, color, age, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, religion, and mental or physical disability.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP and DUES
Section 1. Membership – Membership is open to any person who supports the mission and purpose of FEW upon payment of dues. FEW’s membership consists primarily of people employed or retired from the federal government and active or retired government contractors. All members join through a local Chapter and are recognized by National and the Region in which they reside. Membership is defined as regular, honorary, lifetime or diamond lifetime. Membership guidelines are defined in the National Policy and Procedures Manual (NPPM), Section IV, Activity and General Procedures, Membership.
The Chapter shall maintain a minimum membership of 15.
Section 2. Dues and Assessments – FEW annual dues shall be paid by the members directly to FEW National in amounts established by the FEW National Board of Directors unless a member is considered a Lifetime or Diamond Lifetime member. FEW National recommends the use of this money to pay Chapter dues, Regional Assessments and financial obligations accrued by the Chapter. The Chapter may retain the balance, refund a portion to the member, or take other action. The Region in which the Chapter belongs will determine the Regional assessment. Lifetime or Diamond Lifetime members will be obligated for Chapter dues as determined by the Chapter Board.
a) Lifetime or Diamond Lifetime Members Dues: chapter annual dues shall be paid of $20.00 per year, due August 31st of each year. The chapter shall invoice each LT & DLT member at the beginning of August each year. b) Regional Assessments – Assessments will be $5.00 per member, per year (part of annual dues payment). The population of the chapter shall be those members shown on the National membership roster of the current year. Assessments are due to the DC Metro Regional treasurer on or before December 31st of each year.
Section 3. Revocation of Membership – Membership in FEW may be terminated in accordance with National Bylaws, Article III, Section 6.
ARTICLE IV – CHAPTER BOARD
Section 1. Management – Management of Chapter Board is responsible to the entire membership within the Chapter to uphold these Bylaws. In addition, the Board shall follow the Robert Rules of Order and standing rules to govern its proceedings, shall manage the affairs of the Chapter over which it has power and authority, and shall set policy and control the funds and property of the organization.
Section 2. Composition of the Chapter Board – The Chapter Board, hereinafter referred to as the Board, may consist of the Chapter President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate Past Chapter President and standing Committee Chairs. Each shall be entitled to one (1) vote.
Section 3. Meetings – Chapter meetings will be held at least once a month as designated by the Chapter Board. Chapter annual meeting will be designated by the Chapter Board during an election year, for inducting new officers, receiving reports of officers and committees, and for any other business that may arise. In an urgent situation, the Chapter President is authorized to call a special meeting if the subject of the meeting is of such a nature that it cannot wait until the next regular meeting.
Section 4. Quorum – One-third of the Chapter Board shall constitute a quorum of voting members.
Section 5. Proxy Voting – Proxy voting is prohibited and not allowed under any circumstances. No member is allowed to delegate his or her responsibility to anyone.
Section 6. Resignation and Removal of Chapter Board Member – (a) A Board member may voluntarily resign from the Chapter Board at any time upon written notice to the Chapter President setting forth the effective date of such resignation. In the absence of a specified effective date, the resignation shall be deemed effective on the date of receipt of such notice by the Chapter President. (b) A Board member may be proposed to be removed from the Chapter Board for cause, including nonperformance of duties, misconduct, mismanagement, and unexcused absence from two (2) consecutive regular chapter board meetings. The decision to remove such officers will be made by the Chapter Executive Board and is within reasonable discretion, may include, but is not limited to: 1. Conduct of a board member deemed contrary to the best interest of the organization as stated in the NPPM Code of Conduct. 2. Conduct which violates the statutes within the FEW’s Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, and/or FEW’s NPPM. 3. An act, omission or violation of the board member’s statutory and/or fiduciary duties to the organization and its membership.
Disputes that cannot be resolved by the Chapter Executive Board may be referred to the Regional Board for determination and decision following the Regional Bylaws for Removal of Officers procedures. If a dispute cannot be resolved at the Chapter or Region level it may be referred to the National Board of Directors for a final decision following NPPM Section II. Organization and Responsibilities, Removal of Officers procedures.
ARTICLE V – OFFICERS
Section 1. Officers – The elected Officers of the Chapter shall be the Chapter President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The non-elected officers shall be Membership Chair and, Legislative Chair. These Officers shall perform the duties prescribed by these Bylaws, the Standing Rules of Order adopted by the Chapter, Region, and those of National FEW.
Section 2. Qualifications of Officers – (a) All Officers shall have been members in good standing for at least one immediate past year unless a chapter has been chartered within the last year. (b) The Chapter President shall have served as a member of the Chapter Board for at least one past consecutive year unless a chapter has been chartered within the last year.
(c) The candidate for the position of Treasurer shall have a minimum of one year of experience in some aspect of financial management.
Section 3. Term of Office – (a) Officers shall serve for a term of two years. (b) No member shall be elected to the same office for more than two consecutive terms. Any officer filling an unexpired term of two years or less shall be eligible for two full terms. Exceptions to the terms of offices may be granted with a majority vote of the membership and notification to the Regional Manager.
Section 4. Duties of Officers – (a) Chapter President shall be the Chairperson of the Chapter Board, member of the DC Metro Regional Board and be the chief executive officer of the organization; ensure that Chapter training on FEW program direction, policies and other National issues will be completed each year at the local level; preside at Chapter and Executive Committee meetings; appoint standing committees and a Parliamentarian, and serve as ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominations/Elections Committee. (b) Vice-President(s) shall act in the absence or inability of the President; assist in Program development for Chapter meetings; assume the position of the President should it become vacant, and be the Diversity Chair for the Chapter. (c) Secretary shall record the minutes of Chapter meetings; submit copies of the minutes to the President for approval and after approval, make distribution; prepare any correspondence needed by the Chapter, and maintain the minutes and other records or files of the Chapter.
(d) Treasurer shall receive and disburse funds in accordance with a budget approved by the Chapter; shall prepare financial reports as directed for submission to the membership; present all books, bank statements, and other financial records to be audited at the expiration of the term; shall notify members who are delinquent in dues; and make all disbursements by check requiring two signatures, the Treasurer and either the President or one of the Vice Presidents. The current Treasurer cannot vacate the post until passage of a formal audit, unless unable to for any reason (e.g. deceased, or was removed from membership due to violations of Section 7 of this article, etc.). Once a clean audit is provided to the Chapter Board then the acting and or newly elected Treasurer may take office. The Treasurer will be accountable for their own dealings and are not held accountable for what the past Treasurer did that had a negative impact on the Chapter. If the current Treasure vacated the post early for any reason, before the audit was done, then an audit must be done. If the audit is not clean, then the Chapter Board must disclose to the members the negative findings and bring in the acting or newly elected Treasurer to address the findings that need correction and report to the membership when resolved. (e) Membership Chair shall promote and solicit membership, prepare and provide membership packets to all new & potential members, track members & membership renewal status, be in good standing, be appointed by the chapter president (f) Legislative Chair shall work and collaborate with FEWs Regional & National legislative representatives on current legislative initiatives. Educate chapter members on the progress of legislation, organize chapter actives to meet legislative focus and respond to congressional actions, be in good standing, be appointed by the chapter president.
ARTICLE VI – VACANCIES
Section 1. Any elected or appointed officer may voluntarily resign from the Chapter Board at any time upon written notice to the Chapter President setting forth the effective date of such resignation. The Officer may also be removed if they cannot perform or fail to perform the duties of the office upon one-third vote of the Chapter Board and the office shall be declared vacant.
Section 2. All vacancies, with exception of the President, occurring for any reason shall be filled by a majority vote of the membership within 30 days after the position is vacated, or notice of the vacancy or resignation is received in writing. In the event the position of President becomes vacant, the Vice President shall assume this position; the vacancy in the Vice President’s position will be filled as stated above.
ARTICLE VII – STANDING COMMITTEES
Section 1. The Standing Committee Chairs shall be either voting or non-voting members as determined by the Chapter Board:
a) Voting chairs for standing committees: Membership, Legislative, Diversity, Compliance, and Training
b) Non-voting chairs for standing committees: Chapter bylaws, Finance, Public Relations, Awards, Programs, and Newsletter
Section 2. Special Committees. The President shall appoint special committees as needed. Committee members shall perform the duties as designated by the President
ARTICLE VIII – NOMINATION/ELECTION
Section 1. All FEW election procedures shall be consistent with the National Bylaws, Article XI, Sections 1, 2 & 3 and NPPM guidelines, Section V, Programs, Policy and Procedures, Nominations and Elections.
Section 2. Chapter Officers shall be elected at least sixty (60) days prior to the annual FEW National Training Program or National Event.
Section 3. The Nomination Committee shall solicit nominations from the membership for the office of Chapter President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer 120 days prior to the annual National Training Program or National Event. These nominations may be either hard copy or electronic. The Membership Chair shall verify all nominees are members in good standing.
Section 4. The Nomination Committee shall prepare ballots and distribute to all members of the Chapter 100 days prior to the annual National Training Program or National Event. All ballots shall be forwarded to a designated member of the Nomination Committee 80 days prior to the annual National Training Program or National Event. In addition, this Committee shall be responsible for the receipt of ballots, either hard copy or electronic from voting members, validating, tallying ballots received and verifying the qualifications of the nominee.
Section 5. The Nomination Committee shall prepare an election report and notify the Chapter President and all candidates of the election results. The Chapter President shall advise all members of the election results and provide a copy of the election results to the DC Metro Region Regional Manager and FEW National Office.
Section 6. All accounts, funds, records, books, and property shall be transferred to the incoming successor Officer immediately after the official installation of Chapter Officers.
ARTICLE IX – FINANCES
Section 1. The fiscal year shall be October 1 through September 30.
Section 2. An audit of the financial records shall be performed annually at the close of each fiscal year and reported to the Chapter Board and Regional Board.
Section 3. The Chapter shall: (a) Maintain a bank account in the name of the Chapter. (b) Be solely responsible and liable for all contracts, agreements and financial obligations incurred by the Chapter in connection with its activities. (c) Acknowledge and agree that FEW, its Officers and/or members are not and shall not be responsible for or liable for the payment of any Chapter obligations, contracts or debts unless an authorized officer and/or member of FEW has specifically agreed to such responsibility in writing. (d) Upon dissolution, pay or make provisions for the payment of all liabilities of the Chapter and forward any remaining funds to the Treasurer of the DC Metro Region.
(e) Be self-sustaining, with funds generated through chapter activities and assessments (per National Bylaws).
Section 4. The Chapter shall not engage in any activity or business that is inconsistent with the stated provisions of FEW’s tax-exempt purposes. The Chapter shall also secure its own Tax Identification Number as required by federal and/or state law for use in connection with the establishment and maintenance of the Chapter’s bank account(s). Chapters shall take all necessary steps to comply with the Internal Revenue Service regulations applicable to an organization holding a tax-exemption under 501(c)4 of the Internal Revenue Code, including filing any information or tax returns required of the Chapter or filing with the National group exemption.
ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote returned by mail or by electronic vote by Chapter members in good standing and received by the Chairperson of the Bylaws prior to a date specified by the Chapter Board, provided that the notice of such proposed Amendments was sent to each Chapter member thirty (30) days in advance of the vote.
Section 2. An Amendment to the Bylaws will not go into effect until a written instrument signed by authorized representatives of the Chapter, Region and National Bylaws Chair is received.
ARTICLE XI – DISSOLUTION
Section 1. The Chapter may be voluntarily dissolved only upon written vote submitted by no less than two-thirds of the members in good standing.
Section 2. National may revoke the Chapter’s charter if membership falls below 15 members and the chapter is no longer functioning under Federally Employed Women’s purpose. A Chapter will be placed on a waiver and recovery plan for six months before a Chapter is revoked.
Section 3. After a vote to dissolve, the Chapter shall, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all liabilities of the Chapter, forward any remaining funds to the Treasurer of the DC Metro Region.
ARTICLE XII – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Except as herein provided, all proceedings of the organization shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
January 6, 2020
Regine Williams, National Bylaws Chair Date
FEDERALLY EMPLOYED WOMEN
Chapter Name: Northwest DC Chapter
Updated to Incorporate National Bylaw Changes on September 6, 2019
Approved by NWDC Chapter Board on September 19, 2019
Approved by Dc Metro Regional Bylaws Chair on December 19, 2019
Updated and approved by the National Bylaws Chair on January 6, 2020 RW
Bylaws Terms of Agreement
This Agreement shall remain in effect for as long as the Chapter remains compliant with the FEW organization and Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and National Policies. This Agreement will automatically renew unless the Chapter is seeking to terminate or revoke or non-renew the Agreement and provides written notice of its intent to terminate or revoke the Agreement to the National Office. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by written instrument signed by authorized representatives of both parties.
ARTICLE I – NAME
Federally Employed Women, a District of Columbia nonprofit corporation, whose address is 1629 K Street, N.W., Suite 300,Washington, DC 20006 hereinafter referred to as "FEW," hereby enters into this Chapter agreement with the NWDC, hereinafter referred to as “Chapter” as a chartered Chapter of FEW under the following terms and conditions and pursuant to the Charter granted by FEW National Board of Directors.
In consideration of the issuance of this FEW Chapter Charter, the Chapter agrees to comply with the terms and conditions of its chartered status.
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE
The Chapter shall be operated exclusively for the charitable and educational purposes of taking action to end sex discrimination and toward the advancement of women in employment in the federal service. The specific activities which the Chapter shall undertake in furtherance of these charitable and educational purposes shall be: to increase job opportunities for women in the government service; to further the use of the potential of women in government; to improve the merit system in government employment; to assist government employees and applicants for government employment who are discriminated against because of sex; to develop and to provide training programs to enable women to increase their skills and enhance their potential for career advancement; to develop and to provide training programs which address the special needs and problems of women employees in the government and provide a description of programs targeted to meet those needs; to educate the general public and policymakers about issues of concern to women with an emphasis upon those of concern to women government employees; and to do all things necessary and proper to accomplish the above purposes without discrimination because of sex, race, color, age, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, religion, and mental or physical disability.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP and DUES
Section 1. Membership – Membership is open to any person who supports the mission and purpose of FEW upon payment of dues. FEW’s membership consists primarily of people employed or retired from the federal government and active or retired government contractors. All members join through a local Chapter and are recognized by National and the Region in which they reside. Membership is defined as regular, honorary, lifetime or diamond lifetime. Membership guidelines are defined in the National Policy and Procedures Manual (NPPM), Section IV, Activity and General Procedures, Membership.
The Chapter shall maintain a minimum membership of 15.
Section 2. Dues and Assessments – FEW annual dues shall be paid by the members directly to FEW National in amounts established by the FEW National Board of Directors unless a member is considered a Lifetime or Diamond Lifetime member. FEW National recommends the use of this money to pay Chapter dues, Regional Assessments and financial obligations accrued by the Chapter. The Chapter may retain the balance, refund a portion to the member, or take other action. The Region in which the Chapter belongs will determine the Regional assessment. Lifetime or Diamond Lifetime members will be obligated for Chapter dues as determined by the Chapter Board.
a) Lifetime or Diamond Lifetime Members Dues: chapter annual dues shall be paid of $20.00 per year, due August 31st of each year. The chapter shall invoice each LT & DLT member at the beginning of August each year. b) Regional Assessments – Assessments will be $5.00 per member, per year (part of annual dues payment). The population of the chapter shall be those members shown on the National membership roster of the current year. Assessments are due to the DC Metro Regional treasurer on or before December 31st of each year.
Section 3. Revocation of Membership – Membership in FEW may be terminated in accordance with National Bylaws, Article III, Section 6.
ARTICLE IV – CHAPTER BOARD
Section 1. Management – Management of Chapter Board is responsible to the entire membership within the Chapter to uphold these Bylaws. In addition, the Board shall follow the Robert Rules of Order and standing rules to govern its proceedings, shall manage the affairs of the Chapter over which it has power and authority, and shall set policy and control the funds and property of the organization.
Section 2. Composition of the Chapter Board – The Chapter Board, hereinafter referred to as the Board, may consist of the Chapter President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate Past Chapter President and standing Committee Chairs. Each shall be entitled to one (1) vote.
Section 3. Meetings – Chapter meetings will be held at least once a month as designated by the Chapter Board. Chapter annual meeting will be designated by the Chapter Board during an election year, for inducting new officers, receiving reports of officers and committees, and for any other business that may arise. In an urgent situation, the Chapter President is authorized to call a special meeting if the subject of the meeting is of such a nature that it cannot wait until the next regular meeting.
Section 4. Quorum – One-third of the Chapter Board shall constitute a quorum of voting members.
Section 5. Proxy Voting – Proxy voting is prohibited and not allowed under any circumstances. No member is allowed to delegate his or her responsibility to anyone.
Section 6. Resignation and Removal of Chapter Board Member – (a) A Board member may voluntarily resign from the Chapter Board at any time upon written notice to the Chapter President setting forth the effective date of such resignation. In the absence of a specified effective date, the resignation shall be deemed effective on the date of receipt of such notice by the Chapter President. (b) A Board member may be proposed to be removed from the Chapter Board for cause, including nonperformance of duties, misconduct, mismanagement, and unexcused absence from two (2) consecutive regular chapter board meetings. The decision to remove such officers will be made by the Chapter Executive Board and is within reasonable discretion, may include, but is not limited to: 1. Conduct of a board member deemed contrary to the best interest of the organization as stated in the NPPM Code of Conduct. 2. Conduct which violates the statutes within the FEW’s Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, and/or FEW’s NPPM. 3. An act, omission or violation of the board member’s statutory and/or fiduciary duties to the organization and its membership.
Disputes that cannot be resolved by the Chapter Executive Board may be referred to the Regional Board for determination and decision following the Regional Bylaws for Removal of Officers procedures. If a dispute cannot be resolved at the Chapter or Region level it may be referred to the National Board of Directors for a final decision following NPPM Section II. Organization and Responsibilities, Removal of Officers procedures.
ARTICLE V – OFFICERS
Section 1. Officers – The elected Officers of the Chapter shall be the Chapter President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The non-elected officers shall be Membership Chair and, Legislative Chair. These Officers shall perform the duties prescribed by these Bylaws, the Standing Rules of Order adopted by the Chapter, Region, and those of National FEW.
Section 2. Qualifications of Officers – (a) All Officers shall have been members in good standing for at least one immediate past year unless a chapter has been chartered within the last year. (b) The Chapter President shall have served as a member of the Chapter Board for at least one past consecutive year unless a chapter has been chartered within the last year.
(c) The candidate for the position of Treasurer shall have a minimum of one year of experience in some aspect of financial management.
Section 3. Term of Office – (a) Officers shall serve for a term of two years. (b) No member shall be elected to the same office for more than two consecutive terms. Any officer filling an unexpired term of two years or less shall be eligible for two full terms. Exceptions to the terms of offices may be granted with a majority vote of the membership and notification to the Regional Manager.
Section 4. Duties of Officers – (a) Chapter President shall be the Chairperson of the Chapter Board, member of the DC Metro Regional Board and be the chief executive officer of the organization; ensure that Chapter training on FEW program direction, policies and other National issues will be completed each year at the local level; preside at Chapter and Executive Committee meetings; appoint standing committees and a Parliamentarian, and serve as ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominations/Elections Committee. (b) Vice-President(s) shall act in the absence or inability of the President; assist in Program development for Chapter meetings; assume the position of the President should it become vacant, and be the Diversity Chair for the Chapter. (c) Secretary shall record the minutes of Chapter meetings; submit copies of the minutes to the President for approval and after approval, make distribution; prepare any correspondence needed by the Chapter, and maintain the minutes and other records or files of the Chapter.
(d) Treasurer shall receive and disburse funds in accordance with a budget approved by the Chapter; shall prepare financial reports as directed for submission to the membership; present all books, bank statements, and other financial records to be audited at the expiration of the term; shall notify members who are delinquent in dues; and make all disbursements by check requiring two signatures, the Treasurer and either the President or one of the Vice Presidents. The current Treasurer cannot vacate the post until passage of a formal audit, unless unable to for any reason (e.g. deceased, or was removed from membership due to violations of Section 7 of this article, etc.). Once a clean audit is provided to the Chapter Board then the acting and or newly elected Treasurer may take office. The Treasurer will be accountable for their own dealings and are not held accountable for what the past Treasurer did that had a negative impact on the Chapter. If the current Treasure vacated the post early for any reason, before the audit was done, then an audit must be done. If the audit is not clean, then the Chapter Board must disclose to the members the negative findings and bring in the acting or newly elected Treasurer to address the findings that need correction and report to the membership when resolved. (e) Membership Chair shall promote and solicit membership, prepare and provide membership packets to all new & potential members, track members & membership renewal status, be in good standing, be appointed by the chapter president (f) Legislative Chair shall work and collaborate with FEWs Regional & National legislative representatives on current legislative initiatives. Educate chapter members on the progress of legislation, organize chapter actives to meet legislative focus and respond to congressional actions, be in good standing, be appointed by the chapter president.
ARTICLE VI – VACANCIES
Section 1. Any elected or appointed officer may voluntarily resign from the Chapter Board at any time upon written notice to the Chapter President setting forth the effective date of such resignation. The Officer may also be removed if they cannot perform or fail to perform the duties of the office upon one-third vote of the Chapter Board and the office shall be declared vacant.
Section 2. All vacancies, with exception of the President, occurring for any reason shall be filled by a majority vote of the membership within 30 days after the position is vacated, or notice of the vacancy or resignation is received in writing. In the event the position of President becomes vacant, the Vice President shall assume this position; the vacancy in the Vice President’s position will be filled as stated above.
ARTICLE VII – STANDING COMMITTEES
Section 1. The Standing Committee Chairs shall be either voting or non-voting members as determined by the Chapter Board:
a) Voting chairs for standing committees: Membership, Legislative, Diversity, Compliance, and Training
b) Non-voting chairs for standing committees: Chapter bylaws, Finance, Public Relations, Awards, Programs, and Newsletter
Section 2. Special Committees. The President shall appoint special committees as needed. Committee members shall perform the duties as designated by the President
ARTICLE VIII – NOMINATION/ELECTION
Section 1. All FEW election procedures shall be consistent with the National Bylaws, Article XI, Sections 1, 2 & 3 and NPPM guidelines, Section V, Programs, Policy and Procedures, Nominations and Elections.
Section 2. Chapter Officers shall be elected at least sixty (60) days prior to the annual FEW National Training Program or National Event.
Section 3. The Nomination Committee shall solicit nominations from the membership for the office of Chapter President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer 120 days prior to the annual National Training Program or National Event. These nominations may be either hard copy or electronic. The Membership Chair shall verify all nominees are members in good standing.
Section 4. The Nomination Committee shall prepare ballots and distribute to all members of the Chapter 100 days prior to the annual National Training Program or National Event. All ballots shall be forwarded to a designated member of the Nomination Committee 80 days prior to the annual National Training Program or National Event. In addition, this Committee shall be responsible for the receipt of ballots, either hard copy or electronic from voting members, validating, tallying ballots received and verifying the qualifications of the nominee.
Section 5. The Nomination Committee shall prepare an election report and notify the Chapter President and all candidates of the election results. The Chapter President shall advise all members of the election results and provide a copy of the election results to the DC Metro Region Regional Manager and FEW National Office.
Section 6. All accounts, funds, records, books, and property shall be transferred to the incoming successor Officer immediately after the official installation of Chapter Officers.
ARTICLE IX – FINANCES
Section 1. The fiscal year shall be October 1 through September 30.
Section 2. An audit of the financial records shall be performed annually at the close of each fiscal year and reported to the Chapter Board and Regional Board.
Section 3. The Chapter shall: (a) Maintain a bank account in the name of the Chapter. (b) Be solely responsible and liable for all contracts, agreements and financial obligations incurred by the Chapter in connection with its activities. (c) Acknowledge and agree that FEW, its Officers and/or members are not and shall not be responsible for or liable for the payment of any Chapter obligations, contracts or debts unless an authorized officer and/or member of FEW has specifically agreed to such responsibility in writing. (d) Upon dissolution, pay or make provisions for the payment of all liabilities of the Chapter and forward any remaining funds to the Treasurer of the DC Metro Region.
(e) Be self-sustaining, with funds generated through chapter activities and assessments (per National Bylaws).
Section 4. The Chapter shall not engage in any activity or business that is inconsistent with the stated provisions of FEW’s tax-exempt purposes. The Chapter shall also secure its own Tax Identification Number as required by federal and/or state law for use in connection with the establishment and maintenance of the Chapter’s bank account(s). Chapters shall take all necessary steps to comply with the Internal Revenue Service regulations applicable to an organization holding a tax-exemption under 501(c)4 of the Internal Revenue Code, including filing any information or tax returns required of the Chapter or filing with the National group exemption.
ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote returned by mail or by electronic vote by Chapter members in good standing and received by the Chairperson of the Bylaws prior to a date specified by the Chapter Board, provided that the notice of such proposed Amendments was sent to each Chapter member thirty (30) days in advance of the vote.
Section 2. An Amendment to the Bylaws will not go into effect until a written instrument signed by authorized representatives of the Chapter, Region and National Bylaws Chair is received.
ARTICLE XI – DISSOLUTION
Section 1. The Chapter may be voluntarily dissolved only upon written vote submitted by no less than two-thirds of the members in good standing.
Section 2. National may revoke the Chapter’s charter if membership falls below 15 members and the chapter is no longer functioning under Federally Employed Women’s purpose. A Chapter will be placed on a waiver and recovery plan for six months before a Chapter is revoked.
Section 3. After a vote to dissolve, the Chapter shall, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all liabilities of the Chapter, forward any remaining funds to the Treasurer of the DC Metro Region.
ARTICLE XII – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Except as herein provided, all proceedings of the organization shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
January 6, 2020
Regine Williams, National Bylaws Chair Date