Preamble, Constitution, and Bylaws of the Fresno State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender + Allies Network (LGBT + Allies Network)

Adopted November 19, 2014

Preamble

In an effort to provide for solidarity and fellowship in the community of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender academics, administrators and supportive staff and their allies at California State University, Fresno, and recognizing the historical significance of the term "LGBT" in reference to the self-concept and social justice efforts of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender people and their allies, it has been deemed appropriate to secure for ourselves an organization that exists to promote the awareness of the needs of its members, and to advance the interests of faculty and staff who are LGBT or allies. To that end, the "intentionality" of our purpose has been focused in the decision to utilize the name, "LGBT + Allies Network" at California State University, Fresno for the organization created for the purposes outlined in the Constitution and Bylaws that follow.

Constitution

Article I. Name

The name of this organization shall be the FRESNO STATE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER + ALLIES NETWORK or FRESNO STATE LGBT + ALLIES NETWORK.

Article II. Purpose

The five-fold purpose of this organization shall be as follows:

Section 1. To organize, for purposes of support and advocacy under one governing body, all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Faculty and Staff of California State University, Fresno and their allies.

Section 2. To promote the fair and equal access by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Faculty and Staff and their allies to all relevant programs of California State University, Fresno.

Section 3. To work for the advancement of the interests of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Faculty and Staff and their allies at California State University, Fresno, and to strive for the attainment of fair hiring practices, economic security, safe, healthful and equal conditions of employment.

Section 4. To work with other Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender organizations, as deemed appropriate, from time to time, in Fresno and elsewhere for the purpose of accomplishing all the foregoing similar purposes for affected Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender colleagues.

Section 5. To advise, support, counsel, and assist Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students of California State University, Fresno in their academic and social integration into University life, through appropriate means, including office appointments and planned events.

Article III. Membership

Section 1. Membership in this organization shall be extended to all faculty, staff and administrators employed by California State University, Fresno, as well as any of its auxiliary corporation employees, or retirees, who agree to be governed by its Constitution and Bylaws herein set forth, or as duly amended.

Section 2. All members shall have voting privileges. Those members who meet eligibility criteria shall have the opportunity to be elected or appointed to positions in the organization. Their respective rights, qualifications and privileges shall be set forth in the Bylaws.

Section 3. Membership in this organization may be extended to students of California State University, Fresno. Student members may attend meetings of the organization and participate in any discussions, but may not make motions, vote or be eligible to hold office.

Article IV. Officers

Section 1. The Officers of this organization shall consist of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, which shall comprise the Executive Committee.

Section 2. Duties, responsibilities and terms of office of said officers shall be set forth in the Bylaws.

Article V. Meetings

All business and special meetings of the organization shall be called by the President, normally in consultation with the Executive Committee, as appropriate and necessary. In unusual circumstances, the Executive Committee may call a business or special meeting.

Article VI. Committees

The President, in consultation with the Executive Committee, shall establish committees and appoint individuals to all committees and special assignments to carry out the purposes and goals of the organization as deemed necessary.

Article VII. Finances

Section 1. A regular budget for the operation, development and maintenance of the organization shall be provided by California State University, Fresno.

Section 2. Additional funds in the form of voluntary gifts, donations and contributions may be accepted with the approval of the Executive Committee.

Article VIII. Amendments

This Constitution shall be amended by the process outlined in the Bylaws.

Article IX. Dissolution

This Organization may be dissolved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership.  The method of distribution of the assets of the organization, in the event of a dissolution, shall be set forth in the Bylaws.

Bylaws

Article 1. Membership

Section 1. Standard of Membership.

Any employee or retiree of California State University, Fresno, or its Auxiliaries, who adheres to the organization's purpose, is eligible to become a member. Upon request to any member of the Executive Committee, the individual’s name will be added to the membership roster. The Executive Committee retains the right to refuse, suspend or revoke the membership of any individual whose behavior appears to contradict the Constitution and Bylaws of the organization. In addition, the Executive Committee will remove a person's name from the membership roster upon that person's written or verbal request.

Section 2. Members.

There shall be no fewer than eight (8) members.

Section 3. Student members. 

Any student of California State University, Fresno, who adheres to the organization's purpose, is eligible to become a student member. Upon request to any member of the Executive Committee, the individual’s name will be added to the membership roster. The Executive Committee retains the right to refuse, suspend or revoke the membership of any individual whose behavior appears to contradict the Constitution and Bylaws of the organization. In addition, the Executive Committee will remove a person's name from the membership roster upon that person's written or verbal request.

Article 2. Officers

Section 1. President.

The President shall direct the administration of the organization in consultation with the Executive Committee. The President shall preside over all meetings of the organization and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.

Section 2. Vice President.

The Vice President shall assist the President in all their duties and responsibilities, and shall serve as acting President in the absence or disability of the President.

Section 3. Secretary.

The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the organization, including meetings of the Executive Committee, and all special meetings called by the President. They shall maintain a record/documentation for the organization. In addition, they shall notify members of all meetings.

Section 4. Treasurer.

A. The Treasurer shall be entrusted with all finances of the organization and funds shall be disbursed as authorized by the President and the Executive Committee.

B. All disbursement checks over $25.00 shall be signed with a minimum of two signatures as authorized by the Executive Committee.

C. The Treasurer shall be responsible for an itemized accounting of all receipts and disbursements, and shall make a financial report on a quarterly basis, or as requested by the Executive Committee.

D. The President may examine the books of the Treasurer at any time. Any voting member of the organization may examine the books of the Treasurer at a reasonable time in the presence of the President and Treasurer.

E. The Treasurer shall provide the membership with a written annual report at the first Executive Committee meeting in February.

Section 5. Eligibility.

A. All officers shall be elected from the membership. Officers shall be currently employed by California State University, Fresno or its Auxiliaries

B. Any member who has been a member for at least thirty (30) days prior to an election is entitled to vote, or to run for office.

Section 6. Compensation.

All officers and members shall not receive any compensation for services rendered except for out-of-pocket expenses, which have been given prior approval by the Executive Committee.

Article 3. Committees

Section 1. The Executive Committee.

A. There shall be four elected officers of the organization who shall be designated as the Executive Committee: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

B. The Executive Committee shall manage the business and set the direction of the organization and assure that the Constitution and Bylaws are followed.

Section 2. Special Committees.

There shall be special committees appointed as may be deemed appropriate to accomplish the purposes of the organization as determined by the President and the Executive Committee.

Article 4. Meetings

Section 1. Agenda.

All meetings shall be based on an agenda issued in a timely manner prior to the meeting.

Section 2. Executive Committee Meetings.

Executive Committee meetings shall be called by the President, as needed. At least three members of the Executive Committee must be present to constitute a quorum and conduct official business.

Section 3. General Meetings.

A. General meetings of the membership shall be called by the President. These meetings shall be held at least once each month. Meetings may be canceled by the President, as appropriate.

B. No fewer than five members of the organization must be present at a meeting to constitute a quorum and conduct official business.

Section 4. Special Meetings.

Special meetings may be called by the President to address special matters.

Article 5. Parliamentary Authority

This organization recognizes Robert's Rules of Order, newly revised, as its parliamentary authority.

Article 6. Elections and Appointments

Section 1. Elections.

All four Officers shall be elected by the membership. Elections shall be by secret ballot unless there is only one candidate for an office. 

A. Ballots shall be distributed to all members.

B. A majority of those casting ballots is necessary to be elected if more than two candidates are on the ballot.

C. Both A and B above shall be required for any special election to fill a vacancy on the Executive Committee.

Section 2. Terms of Office.

The officers shall serve a term of two years. Officers may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms for any given office and after the second term, the person must wait at least two years before being re-elected to that same office.

Section 3. Vacancies.

In the event of a vacancy in an officer position with over one year remaining, a special election shall be held. In the event of a vacancy of less than one year remaining in that term, the officer shall be appointed by the Executive Committee in consultation with the Membership at large.

Section 4. Resignations.

All resignations by officers shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Committee.

Section 5. Dismissal.

Any Officer may be removed from office involuntarily by a simple majority vote of the Executive Committee when the person has violated the Constitution or Bylaws, and is unwilling to resign voluntarily.

Article 7. Finances

Section 1. Disbursement of Funds.

All funds used for the operation, development, and maintenance of the organization shall be disbursed in a manner consistent with the financial policies and procedures of California State University Fresno.

Section 2. Deposits.

Any funds received through gifts, donations or contributions shall be deposited by the Treasurer in the appropriate accounting line item as designated by California State University Fresno.

Section 3. Collection of Monies.

No monies shall be collected by individual members of the organization for any cause without consent of the Executive Committee.

Article 8. Mailing List

Section 1. Purpose.

An electronic mailing list (LISTSERV) of all members and other interested people on campus shall be compiled and maintained by the Executive Committee for the purpose of notifying those listed of news and activities of the organization. Names shall be placed on the list only at their request, preferably in writing.

Section 2. Removal.

A person's name shall be removed only at their request, preferably in writing, or by action of the Executive Committee.

Article 9. Unauthorized Activities

No member shall conduct or promote activities involving the Organization's name and/or membership mailing list, which has not had prior approval by the Executive Committee.

Article 10. Amendments

A. The Constitution may be amended at a general membership meeting by a two-thirds vote of the membership present, provided the membership has been sent by way of campus or electronic mail, written notification of the proposed amendment at least two weeks prior to the date of the meeting.

B. The Bylaws may be amended at a general membership meeting by a majority vote of the membership present, provided the membership has been sent by way of campus or electronic mail, written notification of the proposed amendment at least two weeks prior to the date of the meeting.

Article 11. Dissolution

In the event of dissolution, all assets of this organization shall be donated to such on-campus organizations as designated by the majority of the Executive Committee.