By Laws

Adopted: (February 27, 2011)

Property of the Blair County Tea Party

 

ARTICLE I – General Authority

 

1.1 Preamble and Authority

 

The Blair County Tea Party (BCTP) hereby adopts these bylaws, which include rules for the composition of the Board of Directors, the election of its officers, and the operation of the organization. These bylaws shall constitute the sole and exclusive governing rules of the BCTP, an incorporated Organization in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

 

ARTICLE II - Name and Office

 

2.1 Name

 

The name of the Organization shall be The Blair County Tea Party. It is an incorporated organization under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

 

2.2 Office

 

The principal office address, if any, shall be within Blair County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and shall be approved by the Board of Directors.

 

2.3 Change of Address

 

The Board of Directors may change the principal office from one location to another within the named county by noting the changed address and effective date below, and such changes of address shall not be deemed, nor require, an amendment of these Bylaws:

 

__________________________________________ Date: ______________

__________________________________________ Date: ______________

__________________________________________ Date: ______________

ARTICLE III – Mission and Principles

 

3.1 Mission

 

The mission of the BCTP is the restoration of the United States of America to a constitutional republic and for the return of power to the states and the people as envisioned by the Nation's Founders in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. The BCTP is a non-partisan organization aiming to effect political change without explicitly or implicitly endorsing any political party.

 

 

ARTICLE IV – Membership

 

4.1 Eligibility for Membership

 

Membership shall be open to all citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States unless otherwise approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors.

 

Each member must agree to subscribe to the organization’s Mission.

 

Each member must agree to support and defend the original intent of the Founding Principles of the United States of America as articulated in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America.

 

Members must sign and date a membership card attesting to their recognition and acceptance of the mission of the BCTP and their willingness to abide by its Bylaws.

 

Procedures with respect to admission to membership, maintenance of membership, classes of membership, qualifications thereof, and the exercise of the privileges thereof shall be such as are stipulated in the Bylaws of the BCTP. There is no limit to the number of members that the BCTP may admit.

 

 

 

 

4.2 Admission of Members

 

Applications for membership shall be submitted to the BCTP Membership Committee in writing or electronically.

 

4.3 Members

 

Members of the BCTP are eligible to participate in Board elections and other motions that require voting of the membership such as modifications to the bylaws. In order to qualify as a voting member, a general member will have been a member in good standing for at least ninety (90) days prior to the election.

 

4.4 Annual Dues

 

The annual dues payable to the Organization by members shall be determined by the Board at the Annual Meeting.

 

4.5 Rights and responsibilities of members

 

Subject to Section 4.3, all memberships shall have the same rights, privileges, restrictions, and conditions. Members are entitled to submit suggestions to the Nominating Committee for the election of the Board of Directors. Any member may apply to the Board of Directors to place a special matter before the members for voting. Such matter, if approved by a majority vote of the Board, shall be set for member voting by paper ballot or electronically.

 

4.6 Code of Conduct

 

Members will remain respectful of the opinions of others and show civility to all. Members will refrain from using the BCTP for self-promotion, to promote other agendas or to speak for the BCTP unless authorized by specific approval by the Board of Directors.

 

 

 

4.7 Termination of Membership

 

Membership shall be terminated upon determination by the Board of Directors that the member has engaged in conduct materially and seriously detrimental to the interests or purposes of the BCTP. If the conduct of any member shall appear to be in willful violation of the Bylaws of the BCTP, or detrimental to the interests of the BCTP, the Board may, by vote of two- thirds (2/3) of the entire Board, suspend or expel such member.

 

4.8 Non-liability of Members

 

A member of the BCTP is not, as such, personally liable for the debts, liabilities, or obligations of the BTCP.

 

4.9 Membership Database

 

The BCTP shall keep a membership database containing the contact information of each member. Termination of the membership of any member shall be recorded in the database, together with the date of termination.

 

Any member maintaining a data list of the BCTP membership must sign a confidentiality agreement in order to protect the privacy of all BCTP members.

 

Membership contact information shall be held in the strictest confidentiality. Only the Board of Directors, technical staff directly authorized by the Board of Directors, or other members of the BCTP specifically authorized by the Board of Directors shall have access to membership information. The BCTP shall not knowingly sell or distribute specific member data. Aggregate membership information may be distributed at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

 

 

ARTICLE V – Governance

 

5.1 Governing Authority

 

The governing authority of the BCTP shall be the Board of Directors, who shall elect the Executive Officers as directed by the bylaws.

5.2 Composition of Board, Elections, and Terms of Office

 

The BCTP Board of Directors shall be the governing body of the BCTP and shall consist of nine (9) members. Three (3) members will be elected at the general membership meeting of the BCTP which will be held each year during the fourth calendar quarter. The term of office for all members elected to the BCTP Board of Directors shall commence on January 1st following their election, and run for three (3) years. At the first meeting following the election, the BCTP Board of Directors shall elect the executive officers.

 

5.3 Eligibility for Office

 

Members in good standing shall be eligible for all offices and Board positions.

 

5.4 Duties of Board of Directors and Executive Officers

 

In addition to the foregoing specific duties, the duties of the officers shall be as their titles, by general usage, would indicate, and such as may be assigned to them by the Board.

 

Each officer and director shall:

 

  1. Deliver all Organization property and records to a successor or the President within two (2) weeks after the annual meeting.
  2. Control and manage funds and property of this Organization.
  3. Conduct the general business of the Organization.
  4. Conduct business between meetings by email, website or other means of communication.

 

Fill vacancies:

  1. In the event of a vacancy in the Office of President, the Vice-President shall assume the duties of the President and shall serve the regular term of office as President. All other offices shall be appointed by the Board, in accordance with existing bylaws.
  2. A Board Member may be removed from office in the event that the Board member fails to carry out their duties, misses two consecutive meetings without good cause, or exhibits conduct that is disruptive to the Organization’s goals and objectives, or reflects unfavorably on the reputation of the Organization. This will be done through the impeachment process as outlined in Article X, Impeachment, below.

 

5.5 Voting

 

Two-thirds (2/3) of Board members constitutes a quorum. In absence of a quorum, no formal action shall be taken except to adjourn the meeting to a subsequent date.

Passage of a motion requires a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the present voting members.

 

5.6 Indemnification of Officers and Board Members

 

The BCTP will indemnify and defend any Officer, member of the Board of Directors, or appointed official in connection with any claim or liability arising or resulting from action taken by any Officer, member of the Board of Directors, or appointed official within the scope or course of his or her duties and responsibilities on behalf of the BCTP.

 

5.7 Conflict of Interest

 

Any member of the board who has a financial, personal, or official interest in, or conflict (or appearance of a conflict) with any matter pending before the Board, of such nature that it prevents or may prevent that member from acting on the matter in an impartial manner, will offer to the Board to recuse him/herself and will vacate his seat and refrain from discussion and voting on said item.

 

5.8 Calendar year

 

The BCTP will operate on a calendar year basis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI – Executive Officers

 

6.1 Duties of President

 

The President shall:

 

  1. Preside at meetings of the BCTP and of the Board and be responsible to the Board.

 

  1. Appoint, with the consent through a resolution of the BCTP, Legal Counsel who shall advise the BCTP and act for the BCTP in connection with all legal matters, and who shall serve at the pleasure of the Chair.

 

  1. Appoint an Assistant Treasurer and Secretary pro tempore.

 

  1. Appoint the standing committees and Special or Ad Hoc committees subject to the approval of the Board.

 

  1. Be a member ex-officio of all committees, except the Nominating Committee.

 

  1. Prepare and read at each annual meeting of the BCTP a report of the work of the year.

 

  1. Approve bills before payment is made by the Treasurer. Expenditures in excess of $300.00 shall require an approved motion by the Board.

 

  1. Appoint three (3) tellers prior to the balloting.

 

6.2 Duties of Vice-President

 

The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President as needed.

 

6.3 Duties of Secretary

 

The secretary shall:

 

  1. Keep the minutes of the meetings of the BCTP and of the Board.

 

  1. Notify officers of their election and members of their committee appointments.

 

  1. Notify members of the Board of scheduled meetings of the Board.

 

  1. Send copies of important correspondence and information regarding matters of general business of the BCTP to the President.

 

  1. Maintain records relating to BCTP incorporation and insurance.

 

  1. Give a written report upon request of the Board.

 

6.4 Assistant Secretary

 

An Assistant Secretary will be appointed to ensure that the Duties of Secretary are covered during absences of the Secretary.

 

6.5 Duties of Treasurer

 

The Treasurer shall:

 

  1. Receive monies of the BCTP, pay bills, and disburse funds as directed by the board. Provide that all checks, transfers and any transactions involving the investments of the BCTP be signed by the Treasurer and provide notification of such transactions to the President.

 

  1. Deposit funds as designated by the Board.

 

  1. Serve as chairperson of the Finance Committee.

 

  1. Give a written report at the annual meeting and/or upon request of the Board.

 

  1. Post Treasurer’s Reports on the Organization’s website.

 

 

 

 

6.6 Duties of Communications Director

 

The Communications Director shall:

 

  1. Speak as the official voice of the BCTP, its Members, Executive Officers and Board.

 

  1. Serve as chairperson of the Communications Committee.

 

  1. Compose overall communications such as newsletters, event notices, press releases and political contacts as directed by the President and Board.

 

  1. Be the primary representative to respond to direct contacts by the media.

 

  1. Seek media opportunities for additional exposure whenever possible.

 

  1. Coordinate with the Webmaster and Secretary to ensure proper distribution of communications material through snail mail and web interface.

 

  1. Submit all communications for approval by President prior to release.

 

 

ARTICLE VII – Committees

 

    1. Committee Authorization

 

Committees will be authorized and established or disbanded and reorganized by the board in order to accomplish the objectives of the BCTP Mission as required.

 

    1. Committee Structure

 

All committees will consist of a chairman, vice-chairman and appropriate membership. The chairman will be approved by the board.

The responsibility of the chairman shall be to lead and direct the committee in accordance with the committee description and as directed by the board in support of the BCTP Mission.

The chairman will be responsible to develop depth to the committee membership to ensure the committee can meet the committee’s stated objectives.

The vice-chairman shall assist the chairman as required.

 

    1. Standing Committees

 

The following are the recognized Standing Committees of the Blair County Tea Party:

  1. Communications Committee
  2. Education Committee
  3. Events Committee
  4. Finance Committee
  5. Citizens Action Committee
  6. Membership Committee
  7. Nominating Committee
  8. Fundraising Committee

 

7.4 Appointments to Committees

 

The President, with the consent of the Board, shall approve the chair of each of the committees established by this Article, with exception of the Finance Committee, whose Chair shall be the Treasurer, and the Communications Committee, whose Chair shall be the Communications Director.

 

7.5 Duties of Chairman of a Committee

 

The Chairman of a Committee:

  1. Shall be responsible to the Board.
  2. Shall be responsible for carrying out the duties as assigned.
  3. Shall turn over all records and correspondence to the incoming chairman within thirty (30) days after termination of appointment.
  4. Shall be responsible for appointing members to their respective committees.

 

 

7.6 Communications Committee

 

The Communications Committee shall be responsible to advise, recommend and implement policy matters concerning all communication vehicles including printed and electronic media publications in support of the BCTP Mission.

 

The Communications Director shall be Chair of this committee and shall be approved by the President upon consent of the Board of Directors.

 

The Communications Committee will develop a network of media outlet contacts with which to share information on BCTP events and current issues related to the citizens of Blair County and government at all levels. The Committee will develop and keep current a Web Site for use by the BCTP to share information with the citizens and provide links to sources of Constitutional fact and opinion.

The committee shall develop and execute all communications and public relations efforts to support the mission of the BCTP and its various committees and events.

 

The Chairman of the Communications Committee, the members of Board of Directors, and their designees shall be the only officials recognized to speak with authority on behalf of the BCTP unless authorized by the Chairman of the Communications Committee or Board. All BCTP members have the right to publicly communicate their political views as private citizens; however, no member of the BCTP is authorized to officially represent the BCTP or its entities in any way without express approval of the Board of Directors.

 

7.7 Education Committee

 

The Education Committee will be responsible for developing programs, seminars and activities which will promote the BCTP’s Mission. These programs should be designed to increase general public knowledge and awareness of the Founding Documents and their principles and to promote an understanding of current issues critical to the United States.

 

 

 

 

7.8 Events Committee

 

The Events Committee shall be responsible for the planning, coordination and implementation of approved events of the BCTP to raise public awareness of the BCTP and its Mission.

 

7.9 Finance Committee

 

The Chair of this Committee shall be the Treasurer

 

The committee shall prepare budgets, financial reports and forecasts as directed by the Board of Directors.

 

Upon request by the Board of Directors, the committee shall solicit volunteers from among the BCTP membership to conduct a review of the Organization’s receipts and disbursements for a period of time as specified by the Board, and issue a report thereon.

 

The Treasurer of the BCTP shall give this Committee the previous year’s financial statement by February 1.

 

7.10 Citizens Action Committee

 

The Citizens Action Committee is responsible for developing and implementing actions to support the BCTP Mission. Such actions include but are not limited to promoting citizen attendance at School Board, Township, Borough, City and County elected body meetings and working to increase voter registration and citizen involvement in primary and general elections including promoting Meet the Candidate functions. It will organize and implement e-mail, telephone or write in campaigns on selected constitutional issues with the appropriate government representative and while encouraging the involvement of interested citizens.

This Committee shall keep abreast of current legislative, regulatory and economic situations and educate the members of the BCTP accordingly. All actions of the Citizen Action Committee will be conducted in a non-partisan manner.

 

7.11 Membership Committee

 

It is the responsibility of the Membership Committee to support the BCTP Mission through the recruitment of members. The Membership Committee shall be responsible for member relations, active recruitment of new members, recruitment of volunteers as required and the maintenance of a member database as directed by the Membership Database section of these bylaws.

 

7.12 Nominating Committee

 

The Nominating Committee shall identify BCTP members who have interest in serving on the Board of Directors. This committee shall present the slate of candidates to the Board no later than August 31st of each year.

 

7.13 Fundraising Committee

 

The Fund Raising Committee will work directly with the Board to develop projects or sources of funding to support programs and activities related to meeting the objectives of the BCTP Mission. All fundraising efforts will be coordinated by the Fund raising Committee.

 

7.14 Special or Ad Hoc Committees

 

The President upon approval of the Board may also appoint special or Ad Hoc committees.

 

ARTICLE VIII - Meetings

 

8.1 Parliamentary Authority

 

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the BCTP in all cases to which they are applicable and which they are consistent with these Bylaws and any special rules of order that the BCTP may adopt.

 

 

8.2 General Membership Meeting(s)

The BCTP shall hold a minimum of one (1) meeting per year to include the Business Meeting and such other sessions, as the Board deems advisable. These meetings shall be open to the general membership of the BCTP.

 

8.3 Board Meetings

Meetings of the Board may be called by the President at such times as the business of this Organization may require, or upon written request of a quorum of the Board filed with the President.

 

ARTICLE IX – Elections

 

9.1 Teller

 

The BCTP Tellers shall conduct an official tabulation of election results for all Directors.

 

Election shall be by ballot cast in a manner as prescribed by the Board. The ballot shall be distributed and cast by the members qualified to vote during the general membership meeting. Members shall vote for not more than three candidates for the board. The three members receiving the highest number of votes shall have won the election. In the event of a tie vote, the tie shall be broken by a second ballot.

 

A vote may be cast for a person not on the ballot by writing in the name.

 

The BCTP Tellers (3) shall make an official election report at the general membership meeting to the members present and shall be responsible for counting other votes on any business transacted at the general membership meeting. Matters submitted for vote at the general membership meeting shall be determined by the majority of the voting body present.

 

 

 

ARTICLE X – Impeachment

 

10.1 Purpose

 

In the event that the Board finds cause to seek the removal of an Officer or Director of the organization, Impeachment provides a framework and process to evaluate the merits of the case and determine final resolution of a founded case.

 

10.2 Process

 

The impeachment process is initiated by a simple majority of the board through passage of a resolution seeking impeachment of a member, hereinafter Defendant, and listing the causes(s) for impeachment. A Prosecutor will be selected by the Board to conduct the Impeachment Hearing on behalf of the Board.

The membership will be notified of the impeachment action and date and time of the scheduled Impeachment Hearing at least two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled Impeachment Hearing. Notification will be via public posting on the BCTP website.

An Impeachment Hearing will be conducted before the general membership. The Prosecutor and Defendant will make their case before the general membership after which the general membership will vote on the matter of impeachment.

A super-majority (2/3) of the voting members in attendance at the Impeachment Hearing is required to pass an article of impeachment.

 

ARTICLE XI– Organization Records and Reports

 

11.1 Meeting Minutes

 

The BCTP shall maintain the minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors, indicating the time and place of the meeting, the names of those present, and, in the case of Special Meetings, the purpose of the meeting and the manner in which it was approved.

 

11.2 Annual report

 

The Board of Directors shall direct any annual or periodic report required under law to be prepared and delivered to an office of the State and to be so prepared and delivered within the time limits set by law.

 

11.3 Financial Documents

The Treasurer of the BCTP shall maintain adequate and correct books and records of account, including accounts of its properties and business transactions and accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, and losses.

 

 

ARTICLE XII – Amendments

 

12.1 Bylaws Amendments

 

These By-Laws may be amended at any official meeting of the membership of the BCTP by two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and voting, provided at least fifty (50) voting members are present and provided written notice of the proposed amendment has been given to the membership at least thirty (30) days prior to the date thereof. Written notice shall consist of publication to the BCTP website.

ARTICLE XIII – Finance

13.1 Execution of Instruments

The Board of Directors, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, may by resolution authorize any officer or agent of the BCTP to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the BCTP, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized, no officer, agent, or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the BCTP by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable monetarily for any purpose or in any amount.

13.2 Checks and Notes

Except as otherwise specifically determined by resolution of the Board of Directors, or as otherwise required by law, checks, drafts, promissory notes, orders for the payment of money, and other evidence of indebtedness of the BCTP shall be signed by one person whom the Board of Directors will designate.

13.3 Deposits

All funds of the Organization shall be deposited in a timely fashion to the credit of the Organization in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select.

13.4 Gifts

The Board of Directors may accept on behalf of the Organization any contribution, gift, bequest, or device for the nonprofit purposes of this Organization.

13.5 Property and Records

All records and property purchased or acquired by the BCTP or any of its employees, agents, or officers in connection with the conduct of the affairs of the BCTP, shall remain the property of the BCTP.

 

ARTICLE XIV– Official Publications

 

14.1 Website

 

The Webmaster shall be appointed by the President and shall be responsible for maintenance and development of the BCTP website. The Webmaster shall be a member of the Communications Committee.

 

The website of the Blair County Tea Party shall constitute the official publication of the organization. It shall be maintained at all times throughout the year by the Webmaster of the BCTP and shall serve to inform the members of the BCTP and the community at large of matters of interest to the BCTP and to support the mission of the BCTP. The website shall, at a minimum, make available these bylaws, organizations staffing assignments, Treasurer’s reports and official meeting minutes available to the general membership.

 

 

 

14.2 Other Publications

 

At the discretion of the Board of Directors, additional publications, in the form of print or electronic media or communications, may be released from time to time.

 

ARTICLE XV – Construction and Terms

 

15.1 Conflict

 

If there is any conflict between the provisions of these Bylaws and the Articles of Incorporation, the Bylaws shall govern. Should any of the provisions or portions of these Bylaws be held unenforceable or invalid for any reason, the remaining provisions and portions of these Bylaws shall be unaffected by such holding.

 

ARTICLE XVI – Dissolution

 

16.1 Disposition of Funds

In the event of dissolution of the organization, affirmed by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors, all monies associated with the organization shall be split equally and donated to:

The Fisher House Foundation, Inc.

111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420

Rockville, MD 20850-5168

www.fisherhouse.org

 

The Heritage Foundation

214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE

Washington, DC 20002-4999

www.Heritage.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CERTIFICATION

 

We, the undersigned, being the Officers and members of the Board of Directors, do hereby ratify and adopt the foregoing Bylaws as the Bylaws for the regulation of the affairs of the Blair County Tea Party

Dated on this 27th day of February, 2011

John Kasun ________________________________________________

 

John McGinnis ________________________________________________

 

Andrew Katz ________________________________________________

 

Harold Bryant ________________________________________________

 

Sharon Bream ________________________________________________

 

Erik P. Brown ________________________________________________

 

Julie Malone Garofalo ________________________________________________