Section 1.1 Name of Organization
The name of this organization shall be the Friends of Turkmenistan (FOT).
Section 1.2 Statement of Intent
The purpose of these bylaws is to specify operation, management, and continuity of the Friends of Turkmenistan (FOT) such that the interests of the membership will be fairly represented and efficiently served.
Section 1.3 Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the Friends of Turkmenistan is to:
- Promote peace and understanding between the people of the United States and Turkmenistan.
- Promote interest and awareness in the culture and issues of the people of Turkmenistan and Central Asia.
- Support sustainable development projects for the people of Turkmenistan.
Section 2.1 Structure of the Organization
The organization of the Friends of Turkmenistan will consist of a
membership, an Executive Committee, and Board of Directors. The membership will consist of individual members and local groups.
Section 3.1 Adoption of Bylaws
These bylaws shall be considered ratified and official upon affirmative written vote by the majority of members of the Friends of Turkmenistan.
Section 3.2 Amendments to bylaws
Amendments to the bylaws can be made once yearly. Any member or officer can propose a change in an existing bylaw or a new bylaw. Changes or amendments that receive 50% of eligible members votes (by email/posted mail/proxy) will be presented to the Board of Directors by the President in their annual meeting. Bylaws will be ratified by a 2/3 majority vote of the Board. Amendments or bylaws that do not receive a 2/3 majority approval will not be enacted.
Section 3.3 Dissolution
FOT may be dissolved with a written petition presented to the Executive Committee with at least 50% of members signatures and with 2/3 approval of the Board of Directors.
Section 4.1 Members
The Friends of Turkmenistan shall have as voting members any person who, during a membership year, pays the designated membership dues. Each member shall have one vote in all elections and votes taken of the membership during that membership year. Each member in good standing shall receive the Friends of Turkmenistan newsletter as a compliment of
membership.
Section 4.2 Dues
The annual membership dues shall be determined by the Board of Directors. For the purpose of dues, a membership year will last for twelve months from initial dues payment.
Section 4.3 Voting
All members in good standing shall be notified by e-mail or posted mail about votes of the general membership. Votes by at least 50 percent of all members in good standing or by signed proxy shall constitute a majority vote. Proxy votes can be assigned in writing to a member of the Board of Directors. Votes not otherwise specified in these bylaws may be determined by the Board of Directors to require less than a majority decision by the general membership.
Section 5.1 Structure of Board of Directors
There board shall consist of six to eight members made up of a minimum of two Turkmenistan RPCV’s, the acting President, the past president and up to four at large members. The Board shall make a good faith effort to be regionally representative of the United States and to include a Turkmen national.
The members of the Friends of Turkmenistan will elect the Board of
Directors for a period of two years with the option to continue on for
at least two more terms for a maximum of six years. Members can nominate Board candidates at the annual meeting where they will be considered by all present and proxy votes.
The Board shall meet at least annually to:
- Approve the annual plan and budget submitted by the executive committee
- Consider changes to FOT Bylaws
- Provide strategic consultation to the executive committee
- Conduct the election for 50% of the Board members
The first acting Board shall consist of four members, after one year an additional four will be elected.
5.2 Removal of Board Members
By unanimous vote the executive committee may call for the removal of a member of the Board of Directors. Fifty percent of the eligible members must approve removal.
Section 5.3 Vacancies
Any vacancy on the Board of Directors shall be filled by a vote of a majority of the remaining Board members, until the annual election, though the remaining Board members constitutes less than a quorum of the Board.
Section 6.1 Elections
Elections of the Executive Committee of the Friends of Turkmenistan shall take place once a year. Officers Executive Committee shall be elected for a term of one year and can be re-elected to office in subsequent years. Nominations to the Board and the Committee shall be solicited by email/mail from all members of the Friends of Turkmenistan at least 30 days prior to a general election by the membership. It is the responsibility of the outgoing Executive Committee to present the membership with qualified candidates for the national officers. The Board of Directors shall have oversight of the elections. The ballot to the general membership shall include all nominees and write-ins. Candidates that receive the most votes from eligible members returned by mail, email or by proxy shall be elected for the upcoming term. Elections shall be held each year in January for that calendar year. The first officers’ term will be through Dec 31st, 2006.
Section 6.2 Officers
Officers of the Executive committees shall include:
- President
Shall preside over regular meetings of the membership, and perform general representation and leadership activities for FOT. The president may also appoint chairpersons for ad hoc committees and working groups with majority consent of the executive committee.
- Vice President
Shall assume all duties of the president in his/her absence. The vice president will also serve as the liaison to the NPCA (National Peace Corps Association) and Peace Corps.
- Treasurer
Shall maintain records of, coordinate and record all financial activities of FOT including bank accounts. The treasurer will prepare the annual financial report for the Board of Directors.
- Secretary/Membership Chair
Shall maintain minutes from all meetings, maintain membership records and coordinate the recruitment of new members. The secretary will also organize social events for FOT.
- Newsletter Editor
Shall produce a monthly newsletter to be distributed online or via email to all current members.
- Communications Officer (Webmaster)
Shall maintain and design the FOT website, conducting regular updates.
The executive officers may form special committees to address specific projects for FOT. A standing Fundraising Committee will be co-chaired by President and the Treasurer.
Section 6.3 Vacancies
Any vacancy on the Executive Committee will be filled by a special election. The elected officer will serve until the next general election. The Executive Committee will organize and coordinate the special election within 60 days of the resignation or removal of the officer.
Section 6.4 Removal
Any Executive Committee officer may be voted for removal from office with 50% of membership approval and 2/3 of the Board of Directors.
Section 6.5 Meetings
The Executive Committee shall meet, not less frequently than once a quarter, the time and place to be fixed by the President. All meetings of the Executive Committee are open to all members of the Friends of Turkmenistan. The meetings maybe conducted in person, by conference call, email, or whatever is appropriate to meet the needs of such a
geographically diverse group. When appropriate, the President shall make a reasonable effort to notify the membership or a portion of the membership of the time and place of Executive Committee meetings, as determined by the President with the approval of the other standing members of the Committee. All meetings will be conducted using Roberts’ Rules of Order.
Section 7.1 Budget
By the second month after their election by the general membership, the Executive Committee shall prepare a budget of anticipated income and expenses of the Friends of Turkmenistan for that year and submit it to the Board of Directors. Upon passage by the Board of Directors, with or without modification, this budget shall be the appropriation measure for that fiscal year. No committee or activity may exceed its appropriation without the consent of the Board of Directors.
Section 7.2 Fiscal Year
The fiscal year shall end on the last day of December.
Section 7.3 Dissolution
Upon dissolution, the remaining assets of the Friends of Turkmenistan shall be disbursed in accordance with the Internal Revenue Service regulations regarding the disbursement of assets of a tax-exempt organization existing at the time of dissolution. The Board of Directors shall oversee researched and approved appropriate disbursement of assets.
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