L.I.B.R.O.Sconstitution and Bylaws

L.I.B.R.O.SConstitution and Bylaws

ARTICLE I

This organization shall be known as Libros e Informacion en Bibliotecas con Recursos y Otros Servicios (L.I.B.R.O.S), the San Diego and Imperial County Chapter of REFORMA National.

ARTICLE II Purpose

L.I.B.R.O.S. is organized exclusively for educational purposes, within the meaning of section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code). In addition, the purpose of L.I.B.R.O.S. is:

1. To advocate the advancement and improvement of library and information services to the Spanish speaking in San Diego and Imperial Counties through pro-active projects.

1. To promote a cross-cultural understanding to the non-Spanish speaking in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

1. To enhance the goals and objectives of REFORMA National.
2. To develop opportunities for bi-national partnerships in this border region.
3. To further the acceptance of supportive individuals from a variety of backgrounds and fields.

ARTICLE III Membership

The membership fees for L.I.B.R.O.S. are handled through REFORMA National at

No part of the net earning of L.I.B.R.O.S. shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to its members, trustees, directors, officers or other private persons except that L.I.B.R.O.S. shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of Section 501 (c) (3) purposes. No substantial part of the activities of L.I.B.R.O.S. shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and L.I.B.R.O.S. shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, L.I.B.R.O.S. shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future federal tax code) or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code).

ARTICLE IV Officers

1. The Officers of this organization constitute a President, Vice President/President Elect, Treasurer, and Secretary. The term of all four officers shall be for one fiscal year (July 1st-June 30th) and not to exceed two consecutive terms, unless extenuating circumstances necessitate such a continuance. The organization shall have such other assistant officers as the Executive Committee may deem necessary, and such officers shall have the authority prescribed by the Executive Committee.

1. A nominating committee approved by the President will present a slate at the June meeting. Elections will be held during the month of June. A simple majority vote of dues-paying members present, absentee ballots, and electronic ballots received shall be sufficient to elect officers. Only active members may serve as officers. In case of vacancy, the President shall appoint an active member to fill such vacancy with approval of the membership until the next general election. If the office of President shall become vacant, the President Elect will complete the term remaining.

3. Duties of officers:

President: The President shall call and preside over all meetings. The President shall be the official representative for the organization and is the designated contact with REFORMA National. The President shall provide leadership for all its activities. The President appoints all committees, and is an ex-oficio member of all committees.

Vice President/President Elect: The Vice President/President Elect shall assist the President in the performance of duties and shall take over all such duties in the absence of the President. The Vice President shall become the President when there is a vacancy in the office of President.

Treasurer: The Treasurer shall handle all financial matters of the organization, keep necessary records regarding all income and disbursements, and shall make all the necessary reports to the organization.

Secretary: The Secretary shall record and distribute minutes and maintain all records, publications and historical notes regarding the activities of the organization. The Secretary will be responsible for all official correspondence. The Secretary shall also monitor the membership roster.

Meetings

ARTICLE VMeetings

1. Executive Committee meetings shall be held, generally on a monthly basis and may be in person or via electronic conferencing software, as decided by the current President and Officers. All members are normally invited unless a closed meeting has been requested. LIBROS members should be notified as far in advance as possible via mail, email or telephone. A quorum for a meeting shall be constituted by a majority of the Officers mentioned above being present at an announced meeting. Voting at Executive Committee meetings will be determined by a simple majority vote of committee members either by in person vote or electronic ballot.
2. General Membership meetings will be called on an irregular basis as determined by the Executive Committee and the L.I.B.R.O.S. members, but should normally be convened at least twice a year.

ARTICLE VICommittees

1. The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice President/ President Elect, Treasurer, Secretary and the immediate past President.

1. Standing and Special Committees: These committees shall be established by the voluntary participation of active members or members appointed by the President and/or the Executive Committee members. The duties, powers and number of members on the committee shall be established by the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE VIIAmendments to the Constitution and Bylaws

1. All members shall be informed in writing of all proposed changes to the Constitution and Bylaws at least two weeks prior to the meeting in which such changes will be brought before the membership for consideration.
2. All amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws shall require a simple majority of the membership vote.

ARTICLE VIII Conflict of Interest

Employees and board members of L.I.B.R.O.S. have an obligation to conduct business within guidelines that prohibit actual or potential conflicts of interest. This policy establishes only the framework within which L.I.B.R.O.S. wishes its business to operate. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide general direction so that employees and board members can seek further clarification on issues related to the subject of acceptable standards of operation.

An actual or potential conflict of interest occurs when an employee or board member is in a position to influence a decision that may result in a personal gain for the employee or board member or for a relative as a result of L.I.B.R.O.S.’s business dealings. For the purpose of this policy, a relative is any person who is related by blood or marriage, or whose relationship with the employee or board member is similar to that of persons who are related by blood or marriage.

No “presumption of guilt” is created by the mere existence of a relationship with outside firms. However, if an employee or board member has any influence on transactions involving purchases, contracts, or leases, it is imperative that he or she discloses to an officer of L.I.B.R.O.S. as soon as possible the existence of any actual or potential conflict of interest so that safeguards can be established to protect all parties.

ARTICLE VIIIIDissolution

Upon dissolution of L.I.B.R.O.S., the assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, i.e. charitable, educational, religious or scientific, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the Federal government, or to a state or local government for a public purpose. However if the named recipient is not then in existence or no longer a qualified recipient or is unwilling or unable to accept the distribution, then the assets of L.I.B.R.O.S. shall be distributed to a fund, foundation or corporation organized and operated exclusively for the purposes specified in Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code).