Article I Article II Article III Article IV Article V Article VI Article VII
Article VIII Article IX Article X Article XI Article XII Article XIII Conclusions



PREFACE

 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 association’s business address for correspondence purposes is P.O. Box 6276, Oceanside, CA 92052-6276.

Sec.1.3-The association’s 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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