The
stability of any organized society depends upon the observance
of accepted and honored moral values. Respect for the laws and
willingness to adhere to the legal ordinance of duly constituted
authorities serves as a cornerstone in promoting peace and harmony.
Such principle ensures an individual of his/her constitutional
rights. One of these rights refers to an individual's interest
to organize a legitimate group that would bring positive outcome
into the community.
Thus,
in compliance with the policies or procedures required for the
development of our chosen organization, we the members of the
Filipino-American community of the North San Diego County respectfully
submit the following document, which delineates the revisions
made to the existing Constitution and By-Laws.

ARTICLE
I- NAME, ADDRESS AND LOGO
Sec.1.1-The
organization shall be known as the Filipino-American Cultural
Association of North San Diego County, an independent and non-profit
entity.
Sec.1.2-The
associations business address for correspondence purposes
is P.O. Box 6276, Oceanside, CA 92052-6276.
Sec.1.3-The
associations Crest illustrates the flag of the Philippines
and the typical seaside view of the Pearl of the Orient Seas.
The American Flag depicts the well- recognized Oceanside landmark.
The sea in both scenes symbolizes the rich heritage and multicultural
ties of its members.
The
logo is illustrated below.
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ARTICLE
II- MISSION
SEC.2.1-
To provide the Filipino-American residents of the North San
Diego County a setting in which fellowship and friendship will
be fostered among each other, as well as other ethnic groups.
SEC.2.2-
To provide the Filipino-American residents of the North San
Diego County a forum to discuss matters pertinent to public
interest such as social, cultural, economic and educational
activities.
SEC.2.3-
To encourage and implement activities that promote better knowledge
and understanding of Philippine history, tradition, heritage
and culture.
SEC.2.4-
To reach out for support and participation of other Filipino-Americans,
particularly the youth group who may become future leaders and
role models in the community.
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ARTICLE
III- PROHIBITION
SEC.3.1-
The association prohibits the use of the organization or its
assets by any individual for the purpose of personal gain or
financial interest.
SEC.3.2-
No member shall be authorized to use the name of the association
for any political or partisan activity either directly or indirectly.
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ARTICLE
IV- QUALIFICATION OF MEMBERS
SEC.
4.1- Membership in the association shall be voluntary and open
to any person of good moral standing. A prospective member must
receive an endorsement from an active member.
SEC.4.2-
Voting members, in order to be eligible to vote, shall pay their
annual dues of $12.50 per member or family household, prior
to the election date.
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ARTICLE
V-THE ELECTED OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES
SEC.5.1-
PRESIDENT
The President is the Chief Executive Officer of the Association.
He/She:
-presides at all of the Board of Directors, regular, special
and general meetings and organizational membership activities.
-plans and presents all orders of business.
-ensures that the rules of protocol for the conduct of meetings
are followed.
-supervises the affairs and activities of the association as
a body.
-represents the association as its leader and spokesperson in
any important matters vested upon him/her by the association.
-implements the policies, rules and regulations formulated by
the Board of Directors and/or the association as a whole.
-signs all checks against the funds of the association, with
the Treasurer as co-signer or another officer designated by
the Board.
-performs duties that are incidental and required of the Office
of the President.
SEC.5.2-
VICE-PRESIDENT
He/She:
-assists the President in all matters pertaining to the association
and assumes the role of the President in the latter's absence.
-performs such other duties as may be assigned by the President.
SEC.5.3-
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
He/She:
-maintains all documents and papers.
-keeps minutes of all general and Board of Directors meetings.
-reads important announcements and minutes of previous meetings.
-maintains a list of all members, officers, Board of Directors
and committees.
-performs other duties as may be assigned by the President.
SEC.5.3.1- CORRESPONDENCE SECRETARY
He/She:
-shall be appointed by the President as needs arise
-responsible for writing newsletters, and all other pertinent
correspondence as the President requires
-performs other duties as may be assigned by the President.
SEC.5.4-
TREASURER
He/She:
-receives and deposits funds of the association.
-disburses funds to defray authorized expenditures.
-maintains financial records.
-collects dues from the members.
-prepares financial reports for presentation as required.
-signs all checks issued against the funds of the association
with the president as co-signer.
-performs other duties as may be assigned by the President.
SEC.5.5-
AUDITOR
He/She:
-audits the financial affairs of the association.
-ensures that every transaction is in accordance with the generally
accepted accounting principles and procedures.
-performs others duties as may be assigned by the President.
SEC.5.6-
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
-the
Board of Directors constitutes four (4) members. Two members
shall each be elected for the position. The two other positions
shall be assumed by the outgoing President and prior President.
Should either one decline to serve the office, the President
may offer the position to an active and interested member of
the association.
-as the chairperson of the Board of Directors, the current President
shall exercise his/her voting power in case of a tie.
-the Board has the power to enact ordinances, rules and regulations,
which are necessary for the attainment of the association's
objectives and for the general welfare of the community.
-upon the observance of procedural and substantive due process
of notice and hearing, the Board has the power to discipline,
reprimand, suspend or expel any of its members or the executive
officers due to repeated abuse of power, neglect or abandonment
of office, crime involving moral turpitude or felony conviction
while in office, and mishandling of the association's funds.
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ARTICLE
VI- TERM, COMELEC, NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS
SEC.6.1-
TERM
The term of an elected officer shall be two (2) years starting
on the first (1st) day of February and terminating on the thirty-first
(31st) day of January of the second (2nd) year.
These dates may be adjusted depending upon the circumstances
involved in the planning and preparation of the event.
Officers
may run for re-election. Should none of the members wish to
vie for such position, the incumbent may choose to run for reelection
after the completion of his/her term.
In
the event the office of the President becomes vacant, the Vice
President shall serve the remaining term of the President. Should
any other elective position become vacant, the Board of Directors
shall determine a qualified and willing member from the list
of nominations to fill the vacancy.
SEC.6.2
- COMMISSION ON ELECTION (COMELEC)
The Board of Directors at its September meeting shall create
a committee for the Commission on Election, which shall consist
of a Chairperson and two (2) members. The COMELEC shall formulate
election procedures. The COMELEC members are ineligible to run
for elected office other than the Board of Directors office
in the same year of appointment to the COMELEC.
SEC.6.3
- NOMINATION AND ELECTION
The nomination and election will be held during a scheduled
general membership meeting or gathering. At such time, the floor
for nomination of candidates of all elective positions will
be open to all active members. On such date, the election process
will take place and the results will be announced immediately
after the ballots are counted.
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ARTICLE
VII- AMENDMENT
SEC.7.1
- No amendment shall be voted upon without due consent of the
members of the Board of Directors.
SEC.7.2-
Amendment of the Constitution and By-Laws may be initiated by
an active member through the President, who in turn, shall present
any proposed amendment to the Board of Directors. Upon receiving
the information, the Board of Directors shall schedule a meeting,
with written notice to all board members and the general member
who has made the proposal, thirty (30) days in advance. The
latter may elect to attend the meeting to further expand his/her
views regarding the matter.
SEC.7.3-
Amendment of the constitution and By Laws shall pass upon the
majority vote of the Board of Directors, during the board meeting.
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ARTICLE
VIII- RATIFICATION
SEC.8.1
- The Constitution and By-Laws shall take effect upon ratification
by the elected officers and the general members present in the
Board meeting.
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ARTICLE
IX - COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS AND MEMBERS
SEC.
9.1 - APPOINTMENT OF A COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
The President shall assign a special committee as deemed necessary.
This chairperson shall then, select members of the committee
to undertake the task. The size of the committee group will
be determined by the chairperson. The committee shall be dissolved
upon completion of the assigned task.
SEC
9.2- WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE
The committee consists of a chairperson appointed by the President.
The chairperson shall select the co-chairperson and members.
The committee shall formulate plans and shall submit to the
Board of Directors the programs and events aimed at fulfilling
the purpose of such activities for approval.
SEC.9.3-
PUBLIC RELATION COMMITTEE
The committee consists of a chairperson appointed by the President.
The chairperson shall select the co-chairperson and members.
The committee shall provide photographic and press coverage
for the association and shall prepare publications, dissemination
of flyers and newsletters, and other information upon consultation
with and approval of the President. In addition, the committee
shall be responsible for contacting each member and sending
appropriate correspondence in the event of a member's personal
misfortune.
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ARTICLE
X-FUNDS
SEC.10.1-GENERAL
FUNDS
The funds of the association shall be used to support programs
and activities approved by the Board of Directors.
SEC.10.2-PETTY
CASH FUND
The President may authorize expenditures of an amount not to
exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) to defray any cost
incidental to the operation of the association. The Board of
Directors is authorized to establish the amount and limit of
the petty cash fund.
Sec.10.3-SPECIAL
FUND
The Board of Directors may establish this fund as required.
It shall be funded through special projects and fund raising
activities or through appropriations from the general fund.
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ARTICLE
XI-MEETINGS
Sec.11.1-GENERAL
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The general membership meeting shall be held on the day of election.
The association shall meet on the second (2nd) Thursday of January
and September, and at any other times as deemed necessary by
the Executive Board and the Board of Directors.
SEC.11.2-BOARD
OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS MEETING
The members of the Board shall hold a meeting every first (1st)
Monday of the month at a mutually agreed upon time and place.
SEC.11.3-OTHER
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The committees shall meet at the discretion of the chairpersons.
The chairpersons shall inform the President of any matter relevant
to their committees.
SEC.11.4-QUOROM
OF MEETINGS
During the General Membership meeting, twenty-five (25) votes
from the members shall be required. During the Board of Directors
meeting, a simple majority vote shall be required.
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ARTICLE
XII-MEMBERSHIP AND/OR ANNUAL DUES
SEC.12.1-The
membership fees of $12.50 per family or household, $6.00 for
single self-supporting and $5.00 for senior citizen (couple
or individual, even only one is 55 years or older) are the amounts
due between September and January of the following year.
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ARTICLE
XIII-RULES OF ORDER
Sec.13.1-The
RULES OF ORDER shall govern in any situation that is covered
by the Constitution, By-Laws and any special rules adopted by
the association.
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CONCLUSION
The
entirety of the revisions was presented to the President, the
Board of Directors and other officers/members present. Thereby,
following the final review, all parties entered into an agreement
to adopt the aforementioned document as the new Constitution
and By-Laws.
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