Board of Directors for 2011 Term:
Dr. Wade McAllister, President
Vice-President (vacant as of
October 19, 2011)
Secretary (Vacant
as of November 18, 2011)
Cindy Linnenkohl, Treasurer
Shari Hall Hunt, Director
Thomas Patterson, Director
Marjorie Lowe, Ex-Officio Member
Deborah Scott, Ex-Officio Member
***
Board of Directors for 2010 Term:
Kevin Holland, President
Dr. Wade McAlister, Vice-President
Marjorie Lowe, Secretary
Cindy Linnenkohl, Treasurer
Kyle Smith, Director
Charles Jackson, Director
Thomas Patterson, Director
Deborah Scott, Ex-Officio Member
***
By-Laws of the Cherokee At Large Voters League of
Texas
CHEROKEE AT LARGE VOTERS LEAGUEBy-LawsThe by-laws were
accepted by a vote of the Cherokee At Large Voters League members who attended
the general meeting Saturday, November 8, 2008.
ARTICLE I – NAME AND PURPOSE
Section 1 – Name
The name of this corporation/association is Cherokee
At Large Voters League of Texas, hereinafter referred to as the “Voters League”.
Section 2 - Purpose
The Mission of the Cherokee At Large Voters League of
Texas is to assemble, clarify and distribute accurate information that will
assist Cherokee Citizens in decisions regarding Cherokee Nation Elections. The
goal is to build a community of at large Cherokee Citizens who can express their
voting rights to enhance the quality of life for all Cherokee Nation residents
and to secure a positive future for the Cherokee people.
The Voters League is organized exclusively for
charitable and educational purposes as described under Section 501(c)3 of the
Internal Revenue code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future
United States Internal Revenue Law), including but not limited to:
Providing an organization for At Large Cherokee Nation
Tribal Citizens, their family members, and friends of the community which will
promote unity and cooperation and will provide a basis from which efforts may be
made toward the advancement of the Cherokee people living outside the legal
boundaries of the Cherokee Nation.
Providing better communication between At Large
Cherokee Tribal Citizens and the Cherokee Nation.
Providing a basis for the development of Cherokee
cultural knowledge, understanding of Cherokee Nation government and current
issues facing the Cherokee Nation.
Providing assistance to At Large Cherokee Tribal
Citizens, including but not limited to:
1. Educational opportunities such as cultural days,
lectures, classes and field trips.
2. Mentorship.
3. Community network.
Providing a forum for the exploration of community
problems relating to Cherokee people and their lands or communities.
Promoting the interest of Cherokees to pursue careers
which enable individuals to become self-sufficient.
Participating in any grant, program, benefits or
services available under any federal, state, or local law from any other person
or organization or agency which furthers the purpose of the Voters League.
The establishment of cooperative efforts with other
organizations which are concerned with the building and strengthening of
community among At Large Cherokee Tribal Citizens.
ARTICLE I – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 – Definitions
“Cherokee” shall mean a person who is a citizen of the
Cherokee Nation headquartered in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
“Blue Card” is considered proof of Cherokee Nation
Tribal Citizenship.
“Citizenship Number” is the tribal enrollment number
provided on the blue card.
Section 2 – Individual Membership
There shall be two categories of individual
membership:
General Membership shall be open, upon application to
the Voters League, to any Cherokee (as determined above) having a blue card, at
age 16, to be verified by presentation of a blue card.
Associate Membership shall be open to any other
interested persons who are not qualified as General Members, upon application to
the Voters League.
Membership, either General or Associate, shall not be
transferable or assignable.
Each General Member shall be entitled to one vote on
each matter submitted to a vote of the general membership. Associate members
shall not be entitled to vote on any matters submitted to a vote of the general
membership. Both General and Associate Members have the right to present and
discuss the affairs of the Voters League and are entitled to participate in the
general activities of the Voters League, as well as have the right to attend any
meeting of the Board.
On being admitted to membership, each General Member
is entitled to, and the Voters League must give the member, without charge, a
copy of the Bylaws of the Voters League.
Any member, either General or Associate, may withdraw
his/her membership at any time.
Section 3 – Dues
There is an annual suggested donation of $25.00
covering both an individual and immediate family households. Suggested donations
are requested to be paid in January of each calendar year and can be waived for
members 65 years and older.
ARTICLE III – MEETINGS
Section 1 – Meetings
There shall be a meeting of the general membership of
the Voters League the second Saturday of the second month of each calendar
quarter (February, May, August, November), or as otherwise determined by the
Board. The President of the Voters League may, from time to time, because of
inclement weather or other emergencies, cancel a scheduled meeting, provided
that proper notice of such cancellation is given. In the event of inclement
weather, it is the general membership’s responsibility to contact one of the
members of the Board to ascertain whether a meeting is cancelled.
Special meetings of the general membership of the
Voters League may be called by the Board. Notice of such meetings shall be given
at least five (5) days previous thereto by written notice delivered personally
or send by mail or email, or by telephone, to each General Member at his or her
address or email address as shown in the records of the Voters League. If
mailed, such notice shall be deemed delivered when deposited in the United
States mail in a sealed envelope so addressed with postage thereon prepaid. If
notice is given by email, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when the
email is delivered to the receiver’s server. If notice is given by telephone,
such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when notice is given directly to the
Member, or in his/her absence, by leaving a message for said Member at his/her
phone number as shown in the records of the Voters League. The notice shall
include, but not be limited to, time and place of meeting and agenda. Special
meetings may also be called upon the written request of ten (10) General Members
of the Voters League. The purpose of the meeting shall be stated in the call.
Except in cases of emergency, at least five (5) days notice shall be given.
Quorum: A quorum for action on business conducted
during a general membership meeting shall be a minimum of ten (10) General
Members.
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s
Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern the Voters League in all cases which
are not consistent with the Bylaws and any special rules of order the Voters
League may adopt.
The President of the Voters League shall appoint a
parliamentarian, who will rule on the points of procedure at Board and general
membership meetings and assure adherence to these bylaws during such meetings.
The parliamentarian should be very familiar with parliamentary procedure, as
well as these bylaws, and must be approved by the Board.
Any member who wishes to address the general
membership at a meeting, regardless of the issue, shall be allowed at least five
(5) minutes to do so. The member must be on the agenda, either in advance of the
meeting or by requesting time prior to the start of the meeting, subject to
approval by the Board.
In the event the Voters League desires to host any
political candidates or forums at a general membership meeting, all candidates
shall be given at least five (5) minutes to speak and all shall be entitled to
explain their platform if they so desire, and/or that a question and answer
forum be allowed. All candidates shall be given equal opportunity and shall be
treated equally in all respects.
Any and all flyers, hand-outs, information sheets,
etc. that are of a political nature shall be placed in a general location at
general membership meetings and the membership shall be advised that the
material is available.
Section 2 – Voting
A majority of the vote entitled to be cast by the
general membership present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be
necessary for the passage of any business requiring a vote unless a greater
proportion is required by law or these bylaws.
ARTICLE IV – VOTERS LEAGUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1 – Elections
The Officers of the Voters League Board of Directors
shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three
(3) Directors at Large. After every election of a new President, the outgoing
President shall serve two (2) years on the Board as a non-voting member.
The Officers must be General Members and shall be
elected by a vote of the general membership of the Voters League.
No member who is also a Cherokee Nation elected
official shall be entitled to serve as an Officer of the Voters League while
serving as a Cherokee Nation elected official.
Officers shall be elected by a majority of the General
Members of the organization present at the regular meeting at which the election
is held. A nominating committee consisting of three members will be appointed by
the current President.
Nominations for Officers will be taken at a designated
quarterly general membership meeting. Elections for the office seat will occur
at the next designated general membership meeting.
The elected candidate(s) shall be installed and their
terms of office shall commence at the same general membership meeting.
All Officers shall serve two-year terms unless removed
from that office for cause, or if removed from the general membership of the
Voters League for reasons stated in these bylaws or if the Officer resigns the
position due to inability to satisfactorily perform the duties of said position
or if the Officer resigns the position.
No member shall be eligible to serve more than two
consecutive terms in the same office, unless that Officer’s position cannot be
filled.
Officer seats will be classified and referred to as
follows: Seat 1 President, Seat 2 Vice-President, Seat 3 Secretary, Seat 4
Treasurer, Seats 5, 6 and 7 Directors at large.
Officers shall be elected as follows: Beginning with
the year 2008, and every other year thereafter, Seats 1, 3, 5, and 7 will be
filled. Beginning with the year 2009, and every other year thereafter, Seats 2,
4, and 6 will be filled.
When a vacancy occurs, the Board shall fill the
vacancy by a temporary appointment by a vote of a majority of the remaining
Directors, even though less than a quorum may exist. In the event that a vacancy
occurs in the office of President, that office shall be assumed by the
Vice-President. A special election shall be called at the next general meeting
to fill the unexpired term of the vacant office of the Voters League, wherein
nominations may also be made from the floor.
Board of Directors meetings will be held prior to the
General Meeting or at the discretion of the presiding President.
Section 2 – Duties
President
1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the
Voters League, as well as all meetings of the Executive Board.
2. He/She shall never make decisions affecting the
general membership, except those listed in the Bylaws, without the consent of
the Board.
3. He//She shall see that the books, reports,
statements and certificates required by tribal, federal, and state statutes are
properly kept, made, and filed according to law.
4. He/She may sign all notes, drafts, or bills of
exchange, warrants, or other orders for the payment of money.
5. He/She shall present at each general meeting a
report on the conditions of the business of the Voters League.
6. He/She shall enforce observance of the provisions
of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
Vice-President
1. The Vice-President shall act for the President in
his/her absence, resignation or removal.
2. He/She shall keep in touch at all times with the
activities of the organization and at all times be ready to assist the
President.
Secretary
The Secretary shall record the proceedings of all
general, special, and Directors meetings. He/She shall maintain a record of all
minutes and past meetings and shall answer all official mail under the
directions of the President. He/She shall be custodian of the seal of the Voters
League and affix the same when required. He/She shall give and serve all notices
of the Voters League. He/She shall present to the Executive Board, at the stated
meetings, all communications addressed to him/her officially by the President or
any officers, employees, or members of the Voters League.
Treasurer
The Treasurer shall keep and maintain an account for
all monies, credit, or property of the Voters League of any and every nature
which shall come into his or her hands and shall keep and maintain an accurate
account of all money received and disbursed, and proper vouchers for money so
disbursed. He/She shall require that the funds of the Voters League be collected
and disbursed in the manner prescribed by the Voters League and the Board of
Directors. He/She shall keep all the funds in a bank or banks or invest the
amounts as authorized by the Board and in the name of the Voters League, subject
to withdrawal or transfer in such a manner as may from time to time be direct ed
by the Board. He/She shall render such accounts, statements, and inventories of
monies received and disbursed and of money and property in hand and generally of
all matters pertaining to his or her office as shall be required by the
Association or the Executive Board. He/She may sign and endorse all checks,
drafts, warrants, and orders of payments for money and pay out. He/She shall
provide a full financial report at the meetings of the Board and shall provide
periodic reports to the general membership on a quarterly basis. Disbursement of
funds of the Voters League may be delegated to the administrative staff, but the
responsibility to ensure that these are properly executed shall remain vested in
the Office of the Treasurer.
ARTICLE V – COMMITTEES
Section 1 – Formation of Committees
A. The President will appoint the Chairman of each
committee from the general membership.
B. The Chairman of each committee shall appoint
members to the committee.
C. The terms of the Chairman of each committee shall
be for two years and/or the duration of the committee. The terms of the
committee members shall be for one year or at the discretion of the committee
Chairman.
D. The committee shall meet at the discretion of each
committee Chairman and shall report at regular general membership meetings.
Section 2 – Standing Committees
A. A Hospitality Committee shall be recognized and
shall have the duty of coordinating supplies, decorations, etc. for socials held
at the Voters League’s quarterly meetings and any special activities the Voters
League may sponsor. The Board member holding position #6 (Director at Large)
will serve as advisor for the Hospitality Committee.
B. A Program Committee, which includes the Vice
President, shall be recognized and shall have the duty of coordinating speakers,
demonstrations, presentations, etc., for the Voters League’s general membership
meetings. The Program Chairman will check with the Voters League President and
Secretary before finalizing any plans to confirm that there will be time for
said planned program, and if so, to be placed on the agenda.
C. A Special Projects Committee shall be recognized
and shall have the duty of coordinating speakers, demonstrations, presentations,
classes etc. for the Voters League’s general membership, but not necessarily
during the membership meetings. The Special Projects Chairman will check with
the Voters League President and Secretary before finalizing any plans to confirm
that there will be time for said planned program, and if so, to be placed on the
agenda. The Director holding Position #5 (Director at Large) will act as advisor
to the Special Projects Committee.
D. A Newsletter Committee, which includes the
President, shall be recognized and shall have the duty of editing, publishing,
and distributing a monthly newsletter to the Voters League members.
E. A Membership Committee, advised by the Director
holding Position #7 (Director at Large), shall be recognized and shall be
responsible for contacting, recruiting, and retaining potential Voters League
members.
ARTICLE VI – GENERAL BUSINESS
Section 1 – Management
A. The affairs of the Voters League shall be managed
by its Board of Directors.
Section 2 – Fiscal Year
A. The fiscal year of the Voters League shall begin on
the first day of January and end on the last day of December each year.
Section 3 – Offices
A. The Voters League may have its principal office
anywhere the Board of Directors may determine or as the affairs of the Voters
League may require from time to time, or if no permanent office location is
required, meeting locations for the Board of Directors will be specified by the
President or Secretary. Business of the Voters League may be conducted by phone,
mail, or email as needed.
ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS
The Bylaws of the Voters League may be approved or
amended by a majority vote of General Members in attendance, provided the
amendment has been submitted in writing to the Board at a previous regular
meeting.
ARTICLE VIII – DISSOLUTION
Section 1 – Dissolution of the Voters League
A. Dissolution of the Voters League shall be decided
upon by a quorum of the Board of Directors attending a meeting called only for
the purpose of considering dissolution; said meeting to be called by the
President, upon approval of the Officers.
Written notice of such a meeting shall be given to
all members of the Voters League thirty (30) days prior to the date set for the
meeting.
B. If the Voters League shall ever be dissolved, as
provided for in the preceding section, all assets belonging to the Voters League
shall be given to the Cherokee Nation, or charitable non-profit organization to
be decided at the meeting.
ARTICLE IX – ADOPTION
The Bylaws contained herein were approved and adopted
by the qualified voters of the Voters League, at a meeting of said Voters League
held on the 8th day of November, 2008.