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ARTICLE I Name and Object 1 ARTICLE II Membership 2 ARTICLE III Officers 3 ARTICLE IV Committees 8 ARTICLE V Election of Officers and Executive Committee 15 ARTICLE VI Meetings 22 ARTICLE VII Dues, Fees, and Assessments 23 ARTICLE VIII Quorum 27 ARTICLE IX Order Of Business 27 ARTICLE X Expulsion, Suspension Of, Removal Of Officers and Members 27 ARTICLE XI Suspension and Revocation Of Chapter 32 ARTICLE XII By-Laws 33 ARTICLE XIII Amendments To This Constitution 33 ARTICLE XIV Authorized Committees 33 ARTICLE XV Youth Councils and Junior Youth Councils 34 ARTICLE XVI “Women In NAACP” 35 ARTICLE XVII Indebtedness 35 ARTICLE XVIII Fiscal Business Year 36 ARTICLE XIX Branch Bookkeeping System 36 ARTICLE XX Coalition/Affiliation and Other Organizations 36 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS FOR BRANCHES NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE ARTICLE I NAME AND OBJECT SECTION 1: NAME The name of this organization shall be the___________ Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. SECTION 2: JURISDICTION The___________________ Branch shall be a constituent and subordinate unit of the Association subject to the general authority and jurisdiction of the Board of Directors and the Association. SECTION 3: PURPOSE AND AIMS The purpose and aims of the_________________ Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People shall be to improve the political, educational, social, and economic status of minority groups; to eliminate racial prejudice; to keep the public aware of the adverse effects of racial discrimination; and to take lawful action to secure its elimination, consistent with the efforts of the national organization and in conformity with the articles of Incorporation of the Association, its Constitution and By-Laws and as directed by the National Board of Directors. 1 ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1: MEMBERSHIP PREREQUISITES Any person who is in accordance with the principles and policies of the Association may become a member of this Association with consent of the Board of Directors, by accepting the terms of the Constitution of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Constitution and By-Laws for Branches, and by paying annually in advance the requisite membership fees as prescribed by the National Board of Directors. Membership in the Branches shall include membership in the National Association. SECTION 2: MEMBERSHIP IN THE BRANCH Members of the National Association in good standing where Branches are being formed, or who establish permanent residence within the jurisdiction, or who works within the jurisdiction of an existing Branch, may affiliate with the local Branch and be entitled to vote upon presenting satisfactory evidence of their membership. They shall not be assessed annual membership fees by the Branch until the expiration of the annual membership for which they have paid. SECTION 3: EFFECTIVE DATE OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE BRANCH The effective date of Membership in a Branch is the date membership payment is received by the branch either at a meeting of the General Membership or the Executive Committee of the Branch; by the Branch Secretary; or by the Branch office, if there is one. In the event the National Office receives a membership fee from an individual who has indicated a desire to affiliate with the named Branch, the National Office will notify the Branch by mail that the membership fee has been received and at the same time, transmit the Branch’s share of the membership fee to the Branch. Upon receipt of notification and the Branch’s share of the membership fee from the National Office to the Branch, the member is considered a member of the Branch. 2 ARTICLE III OFFICERS SECTION 1: OFFICERS (a) The elective officers of the Branch shall be a President, a First Vice-President, a Second Vice-President, a Secretary, an Assistant Secretary, a Treasurer and additional officers as the Branch may prescribe pursuant to local by-laws. Where such by-laws are adopted, they are to be considered an integral part of the Branch Constitution and By-Laws and may be adopted or amended in accordance with the terms and conditions of Article XII. (b) Staff may be employed by Branches where Branch budgets warrant such employment, upon terms and conditions approved by the National President/CEO. Such staff shall be selected by the Executive Committee of the Branch. (c) Executive Directors or other staff shall not be members of the Executive Committee of the Branch. SECTION 2: BRANCH PRESIDENT The duties of the President shall be: (a) To preside at meetings of the General Membership and the Executive Committee and to serve as chairman of the Executive Committee. (b) To appoint Chairpersons and members of all committees not directly elected by the General membership or the Executive Committee. (c) Between meetings of the Executive Committee and the General Membership, to exercise general executive authority on behalf of the Branch, subject to ratification by the Executive Committee. (d) To countersign all requisitions prepared by the Secretary for disbursements from the Branch Treasury. (e) To perform such other functions and exercise such further duties as may be voted from time to time by the General Membership or Executive Committee. 3 (f) To serve as ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee, and the Election Supervisory Committee. SECTION 3: VICE PRESIDENT The duties of the Vice President shall be to perform all the duties of the President in his/her absence or disability. In case of more than one Vice President, the Vice Presidents shall be designated as first, second, third, etc., and shall perform their duties according to their numerical rank. SECTION 4: SECRETARY The duties of the Secretary shall be: (a) To act as Secretary of the Branch and the Executive Committee; to give due notice of all meetings of the Branch and Executive Committee; to keep full and accurate records of the proceedings of the Branch and of the Executive Committee and record the same in a minute book or minute books, provided that in Branches employing paid staff, the responsibility of giving the membership required notice of meetings shall be discharged by said staff under the supervision of the Secretary. (b) To keep a record of all Branch members and their dues, provided that wherever paid staff is employed such duties shall be discharged by said staff under the supervision of the Secretary. (c) To give receipts for all membership fees received and to transmit such fees to the Branch Treasurer; to send promptly to the National Office lists of all membership received; to secure from the Treasurer and forward to the National Office that portion of membership fees due to the National Office. (d) To aid, coordinate and integrate the work of the several committees and divisions of the Branch, provided that wherever an Executive Director is employed such duties shall be discharged by said Executive Director. 4 (e) To submit reports to the General Membership and the Executive Committee at all regular meetings, or whenever required by either body, covering the status of the Branch and its activities since the date of the last report; to submit to the Branch at its annual meeting an annual report of the status and activities of the Branch, provided that where an Executive Director is employed such duties shall be discharged by said Executive Director. A copy of all reports, when adopted by the Branch, shall be forwarded to the National Office by the Secretary. (f) To keep the President/CEO of the National Office informed of all events affecting the interests of minority groups in the vicinity of the Branch, and to submit to the National Office, whenever required by the National Office, a report on Branch activities, provided that wherever an Executive Director is employed, such duties shall be discharged by said Executive Director. (g) In conjunction with the President, to sign requisitions for disbursements from the Branch Treasury and to maintain a file of receipts and disbursements. (h) The Secretary shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee, and the Election Supervisory Committee. SECTION 5: ASSISTANT SECRETARY The duties of the Assistant Secretary shall be to perform the duties of the secretary in his/her absence, unavailability or disability. The Assistant Secretary may perform specific duties of the Secretary under the supervision of the Secretary. SECTION 6: TREASURER The duties of the Treasurer shall be: (a) To receive all monies of the Branch and promptly deposit the same in the name of 5 Treasurer continued the Branch in a separate account or accounts in a responsible bank or trust company. No money shall be withdrawn from any account except by check signed by the Treasurer, and countersigned by the President, or in the absence, unavailability or disability of the President, by the First Vice President. (b) To act as chief financial officer of the Branch and chairman of the Finance Committee. (c) To make authorized disbursements upon requisitions signed by the Secretary and countersigned by the President. Each requisition shall recite the amount and purpose of the payment requested. Any requisition in the amount of one hundred dollars or more must be approved by the Executive Committee before a check therefore is issued. The Branch by-laws may require that requisitions in smaller amounts be approved by the Executive Committee. (d) To remit through the Secretary to the National Office the proportion of membership fees to which the National Office is entitled, as hereinafter provided, within fifteen days after their receipt (Article VII, Section 2). (e) To submit reports to the Branch and the Executive Committee at all regular meetings, or whenever required by either body, covering the financial condition of the Branch showing receipts and disbursements and outstanding accounts unpaid since the last report; to submit an annual report on the business of his/her office at the annual meeting of the Branch, to which shall be appended a statement signed by the President and Secretary that all funds by the Branch have been listed in the Treasurer’s report. A copy of all reports by the Treasurer, when adopted by the Branch, shall be forwarded to the National Office. (1) The Branch may require the Treasurer to be bonded at the expense of the Branch. 6 SECTION 6: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The duties of the Executive Director shall be: (a) To give due notice of all meetings of the Branch as provided in Section 4(a) of this Article. (b) To keep a record of all Branch members and their dues as provided in Section 4(b) of this Article. (c) To send promptly to the National Office lists of all memberships received and to secure from the Treasurer and forward to the National Office that portion of the membership fees belonging to the National Office as provided in Article VII. (d) To aid, coordinate and integrate the work of the several committees and divisions of the Branch as provided in Section 4(d) of this Article. All the aforesaid duties listed in (a), (b), (c), and (d) herein are to be preformed in cooperation with the Secretary. (e) To manage the Branch office and paid staff; and to supervise the annual membership campaign. (f) To interview complaints; to act in the name of the Branch on behalf of complainants with valid grievance; to investigate in the name of the Branch any reported, alleged or suspected discrimination practices in any place of community life; to represent the Branch at meetings of other organizations approved by the Executive Committee; to lend Branch support in active cooperation with such other organizations as may be approved by the Executive Committee; to discharge such other duties as may arise in the execution of the office, or as may be assigned by the Executive Committee. (g) To submit reports of the activities of the General Membership and the Executive Committee at all regular meetings or whenever required by either body; to submit to the Branch at its annual meeting an annual report covering activities. A copy of all reports where adopted by the Branch shall be forwarded to the National Office. 7 (h) To keep the President/CEO of the National Association informed of all events affecting the interests of colored people in the vicinity of the Branch. (i) The Executive Director shall be responsible to the General Membership, to the Executive Committee; and between meetings of the General Membership and the Executive Committee to the President. ARTICLE IV COMMITTEES SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice Presidents (not to exceed three (3) Vice Presidents), Secretary, Treasurer, the Chairman of the Standing Committees of the Branch, President of the Youth Councils and College Chapters in the same community, the Senior Branch Advisors in the Youth and Junior Youth Councils and such other members at large not to exceed twenty-four (24) to be elected at the regular election of the Branch, provided that the total membership of the Executive Committee shall not exceed forty-five (45) except by written authorization of the National Board of Directors. SECTION 2: DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (a) The Executive Committee shall have general control of the affairs and program of the Branch, subject to the authority of the Branch and the provisions of the Constitution. (b) The Executive Committee shall render a report containing the reports of all standing and special committees at the regular meetings of the Branch and whenever otherwise required. (c) At its first meeting following the elections, the Executive Committee shall 8 COMMITTEES CONTINUED act on the nominations for the Chairpersons of the various Standing Committees as presented by the President. (d) To create special committees as needs arise. (e) To fill all vacancies in Branch Offices and on the Executive Committee. (f) To decide matters of the Branch policy subject to endorsement by the Branch and in accordance with National policy. (g) To appoint, employ and enter into contracts with salaried employees of the Branch subject only to employment procedures and qualifications approved by the National Office. SECTION 3: QUORUM The quorum of the Executive Committee shall be determined by the Branch by-laws, but shall not be less than one-third of the committee’s total membership. SECTION 4: STANDING COMMITTEES (a) The Standing Committee of the Branch shall be the Committees on Armed Services and Veterans Affairs, Communication, Community Coordination, Economic Development, Education, Finance, Freedom Fund, Health, Housing, Labor and Industry, Legal Redress, Membership, Life Membership, Political Action, Press and Publicity, Religious Affairs, Youth Work and Holiday Seals. (b) The members of all Standing and Special Committees, except the Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Committee Chairpersons. All committees shall consist of not less than three members. SECTION 5: THE DUTIES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES SHALL BE: (a) ARMED SERVICE and VETERANS’ AFFAIRS. The committee on Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs shall: (1) Seek to establish a working relationship with those agencies in government, national, state and local, having 9 DUTIES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES CONTINUED the responsibility in the affairs of members of the various Armed Services and Veterans and to see that the programs to which they are responsible are administered fairly and justly to members of the minority community; (2) Study conditions pertaining to veterans and members of the Military Service and their dependents and/or survivors in the community; (3) Serve as a center of information on matters affecting the members of the Active Military, Reserve and State National Guard and Veterans; (4) Maintain a repository of materials, information and forms to be used in assisting veterans and/or dependents of veterans and military personnel with their problems; (5) Receive and act on all complaints relative to acts of discrimination on account of race, color, creed, or denial of benefits to which they are entitled because of discrimination; (6) Prepare a quarterly report on committee activities to be submitted to the Executive Committee of the Branch and the National Director of Armed Services and Veterans Affairs. (b) COMMUNICATIONS. The Committee on Communications shall: (1) Seek to promote media content consistent with fundamental NAACP goals which include the elimination of racial isolation and fear and the furtherance of multiracial and cultural understanding; (2) Work to eliminate employment segregation and discrimination in those industries comprising their communications arts and sciences (radio, telephone, television, motion pictures, newspapers, books, related computer communications, business, cable television); (3) Seek to issue Black minority ownership and control of print and electronic media - both hardware and software; (4) Monitor local and national media, especially advertising performance; (5) Provide the National Office with research and data on those local businesses engaged in communications arts and sciences; and (6) Seek to insure that all people have a meaningful right to choose from and have access to a variety of high quality telecommunications goods and services at reasonable costs. 10 DUTIES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES CONTINUED (c) COMMUNITY COORDINATION. The Committee on Community Coordination shall enlist the support of other community organizations on issues affecting the interests of minority groups. (d) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. The Committee on Economic Development shall implement local efforts and support national programs to preserve and expand economic empowerment among African-Americans and other communities of color by: (1) Researching and establishing relationships with private and public entities; (2) Supporting the work of the National Office in monitoring the progress and activity of private and public entities designated by national programs; and (3) Implementing local efforts to promote the growth of business ownership; (4) Increasing employment and job creation; and (5) Increasing business development and home ownership. (e) EDUCATION. The Committee on Education shall: (1) Seek to eliminate segregation and other discriminatory practices in public education; (2) Study local educational conditions affecting minority groups; (3) Investigate the public school system and school zoning; (4) And familiarize itself with textbook material therefrom which is racially derogatory; (5) Seek to stimulate school attendance; (6) Keep informed of school conditions and strive to correct abuses where found; and (7) Aim to be a center of popular education on the race question and on the work of the Association. (f) FINANCE. The Finance Committee shall consist of the President, Treasurer, and at least one other member. It shall study the financial needs of the Branch and shall be responsible for drafting an adequate annual budget. (g) FREEDOM FUND. The Freedom Fund Committee shall plan and conduct fund-raising activities, including entertainment and other projects, for local and national purposes within the scope of the Association’s program. It shall work closely with the Finance Committee. 11 DUTIES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES CONTINUED (h) HEALTH. The Health Committee shall: (1) Work to promote, protect and maintain the health for African Americans; (2) Access the health needs of the community; (3) Advocate for equal access to health education, care, treatment and research for all Americans: (4) Sponsor health-related activities such as health forums, fairs, and workshops highlighting issues of importance to people of color; (5) Support health initiatives of the association. (I) HOUSING. The Committee on Housing shall: (1) Study housing conditions in the local community; (2) Receive and seek to address complaints of discrimination; (3) Oppose all restrictive practices whether public or private; (4) Disseminate information and render such other assistancewhich may eliminate discrimination in housing. (j) LABOR AND INDUSTRY. The Labor and Industry Committee shall seek ways to improve the economics status of minority groups by (1) Working to eliminate discriminatory employment practices in industry and government, wage differentials based on race, unequal opportunities for training and promotion, unfair dismissals; (2) Encouraging greater participation in the trade union movement; (3) Working to end discriminatory practices in labor unions; (4) Securing the enactment of state and federal fair employment practices legislation; (5) Working for improved opportunities in vocational and apprenticeship training. (k) LEGAL REDRESS. The Legal Redress Committee shall: (1) Investigate all cases reported to it; (2) Supervise all litigation in which the Branch is interested and (3) Keep the National Office and the Branch informed on the progress of every case. It shall not give general legal advice. (l) MEMBERSHIP. The Membership Committee shall: (1) Work throughout the year to maintain and increase the membership of the Association; (2) Be responsible for planning and organizing the annual membership campaign; (3) Be responsible on a continuos basis for soliciting new members and for securing renewals. 12 DUTIES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES CONTINUED (m) POLITICAL ACTION. The Political Action Committee shall: (1) Seek to increase registration and voting ; (2) Work for the enactment of municipal, state and federal legislation designed to improve the educational, political and economic status of minority groups; (3) Seek the repeal of racially discriminatory legislation; (4) Work to improve the administration of justice; (5) Work to secure equal enforcement of the law; and (6) Keep the National Office and the and the Branch informed of all proposed legislation which affects minority groups. The Committee shall be nonpartisan and shall not endorse candidates for public office. (n) PRESS AND PUBLICITY. The Press and Publicity Committee shall: (1) Endeavor to secure publicity for the work of the Branch and the Association in the local press and on radio, television and other media; (2) Attempt to interest persons in charge of local news media on conditions affecting minority groups; (3) Seek to counteract derogatory and erroneous statements in local news media about Blacks and other minority groups; (4) Be responsible for forwarding to THE CRISIS items covering Branch activities and important local affairs; and (5) Act as far as possible as an agency for the promotion and sale of THE CRISIS. No publicity shall be released without first being approved by the President of the Branch. (o) RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS. The religious Affairs Committee shall include ministerial and lay religious leaders who are members of the Branch. It shall: (1) Promote an educational program designed to give moral and ethical interpretation to the civil rights struggle; (2) Interpret the work of the Association to organize religious groups of all faiths; (3) Enlist the support of such organized religious groups for memberships, fund raising, and the struggle for equality and full civil rights; (4) Provide resource assistance for religious education and social action activities, associated with the improvement of race relations. 13 DUTIES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES CONTINUED (p) YOUTH WORK. The Committee on Youth Work shall consist of the Youth Council(s), Advisor(s), the Youth Council(s), President(s), and five(5) persons appointed by the Branch President. (1) The Youth Council Advisor shall chair the committee. (2) The Youth Work Committee shall Develop and coordinate the programs of the senior and youth groups. (3) The Committee shall turn the names, address and membership dues of youth solicited by the Branch over to the appropriate National Office recognized youth group, if any, in their community. (4) If there is no local youth group recognized by the National Office, the Branch must, upon receipt of twenty-five (25) youth memberships, apply to the National Office for a Youth Charter and organize the appropriate youth group. (Q) LIFE MEMBERSHIP. The Life Membership Committee shall consist of a Life Membership chairman and/or Co-Chairman and at least three (3) other members. It shall be the function of the Life Membership Committee to initiate all possible means to obtain Life Members and sponsor a continuing program towards this end. (r) HOLIDAY SEAL COMMITTEE. The Holiday Seal Committee shall set up and conduct a sale of Seals each Holiday for the purpose of raising funds for the Freedom Fund. It shall work hand in hand with the Freedom Fund Committee. (s) All Standing Committees shall report in writing each month to the Executive Committee at its regular meetings SECTION 6: REMOVAL PROCEDURE (a) Non-functioning committees shall be discharged promptly by the Executive Committee. (b) Any member of the Executive Committee, except officers, or of any standing or special committee, who shall be absent from three (3) consecutive meetings without notice to the Secretary or President or who shall not perform the required duties for three (3) consecutive months, or who 14 DUTIES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES CONTINUED be absent from any six (6) meetings with or without notice in a twelve month period, shall be removed by the Executive Committee and replaced in accordance with Article IV, Section 2(e). A member of any standing committee may be directly removed by the Chairperson for dereliction of duty. (c) For any officers who shall be absent from three (3) consecutive meetings without notice or explanation to the Secretary or President, or who shall not perform the required duties for three (3) consecutive months, or who shall be absent from any six (6) meetings with or without notice in a twelve month period, the National Office is to be notified by the Secretary by way of a petition signed by the Secretary, the President and one (1) other member of the Executive Committee. If the President or Secretary is in violation, then any three members of the executive Committee shall sign the petition. The national Office shall recommend the removal of said officer by the National Board of Directors at the next meeting of the Board following receipt of the petition. ARTICLE V ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SECTION 1: ORGANIZATION MEETING (NEW BRANCH) (a) The Officers and members of the Executive Committee elected at the Organization meeting of the Branch shall hold office until their successors are elected and qualify. (b) Following the chartering of a new Branch by the National Board of Directors, the National Office shall cause an election to be held of the members of the new Branch. Should the election take place during an even numbered year, the officers and members of the Executive Committee elected at this time shall not be required to stand for election again until the next Branch election year. 15 ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE continued SECTION 2: ELIGIBLE VOTERS AT ORGANIZATION MEETING All persons who endorse the aims and purposes of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People who have paid the prescribed fees shall be entitled to vote at the organization meeting and to be elected to office. SECTION 3: BIENNIAL ELECTIONS Thereafter all officers and elected members of the Executive Committee shall be elected by ballot at a Branch election held in even numbered years as hereinafter provided, and shall hold office for two (2) years and until their successors are elected and qualify. SECTION 4: NOMINATING COMMITTEE ELECTION (a) In even numbered years there shall be elected at a September membership meeting of the Branch a Nominating Committee composed of not less than five(5) nor more than fifteen (15) members of the Branch in good standing, provided that not more than two (2) shall be officers of the Branch or members of the Executive Committee. (b) DUTIES OF NOMINATING COMMITTEE The Branch Secretary shall call the organizing meeting of the Nominating Committee. The first meeting of the Nominating Committee shall be held no later than ten (10) days after its election. (c) REPORTING OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE The Nominating Committee shall submit a report in writing at the October General Membership Meeting of the Branch. This report shall consist of the names of those persons qualified to fill existing Branch offices (one name for each office) and to be members of the Executive Committee (at least ten (10) names and up to twenty-four (24) names). 16 ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTINUED (d) NOMINATIONS BY PETITIONS At said October Membership Meeting of the Branch, additional nominations may be made for all officers and elected members of the Executive Committee by written petition signed by three or more members of the Branch in good standing as of the time of the meeting. No one shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee or by petition without having first obtained his/her written consent. SECTION 5: ELECTION SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE After all nominations have been made, the Branch at said October meeting shall elect an Election Supervisory Committee consisting of five (5) members of the Branch in good standing. In addition, each candidate for the Supervisory Committee. However, in the event the total number of candidates for the presidency is more than four (4), the Branch must elect additional members to the Election Supervisory Committee so that the total number of elected members is one more than the appointed members of the Committee. No candidate may serve on the Election Supervisory Committee. SECTION 6: It shall be the duty of the Election Supervisory Committee to : (a) Supervise the Branch election. (b) Supervise the establishment of appropriate machinery, provisions, and procedures for conducting the election in accordance with this Constitution and the Manual for Branch Election Procedure, whether at an election meeting or at polling booths, in order to protect the right of each member of the Branch to cast his ballot properly and have it counted. (c) Have printed, mimeographed, or typewritten, one complete ballot containing in alphabetical order, for each office and Executive Committee, the names of all persons nominated for office. 17 ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTINUED (d) Prepare the ballot in sufficient numbers for use at the election, and this ballot shall be the only ballot used at the election. Unless the Branch decides to use voting machines in addition to, or in place of, the ballot. SECTION 7: NOTICE OF SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER MEETING AND NOVEMBER - Each Branch shall mail one notice to each member in good standing, postmarked at least ten (10) days prior to the September meeting, listing the time, place, date and purpose of the September and October meetings and time, place and date of the November election. In addition, to this notice, each branch shall place the announcements of such meetings and election in one or more local newspaper of general circulation at least ten (10) days before the date of the November election. SECTION 8: TERM OF OFFICE (a) All officers and elected members of the Executive Committee shall be elected by secret ballot for a two year term ending December 31. The term of each elected officer shall begin on January 1, of each odd numbered year. ELECTION MEETING (b) No officer of the Branch or any candidate for office shall occupy their chair at election meetings. The names of the various candidates for the office shall be clearly announced or posted in a place visible to all present at the election meeting. Tellers to count the ballot shall be appointed in equal numbers by the candidates for office of the President. No officer of the Branch or candidate for office shall serve as teller. 18 ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTINUED SECTION 9: ELIGIBLE VOTERS The number of eligible voting members of the Branch shall be established before the voting begins. Upon proof of qualification, all eligible voters shall receive and sign for one ballot each and thereupon immediately proceed to vote secretly. The right to vote is personal and shall not be exercised by proxy. No absentee ballots may be cast. SECTION 10: POLLING BOOTHS OF BRANCHES OF 1000 OR MORE MEMBERS Polling booths must be used and must be setup as prescribed by the Branch Election Manual in a centralized place staffed by the Election Supervisory Committee, and with an equal number of watchers and observers for each of the candidates for President. The Branch’s By-Laws will determine the number of hours the booths shall be open. The minimum number of hours for polling shall be four (4) hours unless otherwise determined by the Branch’s By- Laws. Provisions for determining eligibility and challenging the right of persons to vote shall be established in accordance with the Branch Election Manual. SECTION 11: MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING Members in good standing shall be eligible to run for office or vote in a Branch election. For the purpose of running for office, a member in good standing is one whose name appears on the roll of the Branch as a bona fide member of the Branch at least one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the date nominations are made and who lives and/or works within the branch jurisdiction. For the purpose of being elected to the Nominating Committee or the Election Supervisory Committee, signing a nominating petition or voting in Branch elections, a member in good standing is one who has been a bona fide member of the Branch for at least (30) thirty days prior to the date the election is held or the nominating petition is filed. For all other purposes, a member in good standing is one who has paid the requisite minimum membership fee to the Branch. 19 ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTINUED least (30) thirty days prior to the date the election is held or the nominating petition is filed. For all other purposes, a member in good standing is one who has paid the requisite minimum membership fee to the Branch. SECTION 12: YOUTH VOTING IN BRANCH ELECTIONS The minimum voting age for any member in good standing in Branch elections shall be seventeen (17) years of age. Should a member of the Branch be seventeen (17) years of age, but under twenty-one (21) years of age, that member may vote in the Branch election if he/she has paid the minimum adult membership fee to the Branch. SECTION 13: LIFE MEMBERS, SUBSCRIBING MEMBERS AND MEMBERS-AT-LARGE In order to run for Branch office or vote in Branch or State Conference election, unaffiliated Life Members and Members-At-Large must be actively affiliated with the Branch at least thirty (30) days prior to any meeting at which they are nominated for office or seek to vote. The term “Actively Affiliated” means that the individual must have requested in writing, that his membership be transferred to the Branch. The request may be made through the Branch or directly to the National Office. SECTION 14: TELLERS Presidential candidates shall have the right to appoint an equal number of tellers. The tellers thus appointed, shall elect a chief teller, who shall organize for tabulating the ballots. SECTION 15: ELECTION CONTROVERSY In the event of election controversy, all parties thereto shall submit any written complaint(s) to the Chair of the State 20 ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTINUED Conference Special Committee on Internal Affairs (herein the “SCIA”). Said complaint(s) must be postmarked no later than five (5) calendar days following the date of the election in question. In Branches with memberships up to 1000, such complaints must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) members of the Branch in good standing. In Branches with memberships exceeding 1000, such complaints must be signed by at least fifty (50) members of the Branch in good standing. Upon receipt of the complaint(s), the Chair of the SCIA shall forward a copy of the complaint(s) to the Branch President and Secretary at the officer’s correct address of record within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the complaint. The Branch President and Secretary shall have fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of the receipt of the complaint to file a written response to the Chair of the SCIA. The 15-day period shall commence to run from the time a copy of the complaint(s) should have reached the Branch President and Secretary by regular mail. A copy of all such Complaints shall be forwarded to the National Office, ATTN: Director of National Field Operations, Branch and Field Services Department, 4805 Mount Hope Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21215 at the same time the copy is forwarded to the Branch President and Secretary. Should the State Conference determine that the complaint id frivolous or completely devoid of merit, or that the election result would not change, even if the matters alleged are assumed to be true, then the State Conference shall within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of the responses to the complaint(s), dismiss the complaint(s) and inform the Branch forthwith that it may proceed with the installation of officers. Should such complaints, in the opinion of the State Conference, warrant intervention, a copy of the Conference’s findings and conclusion shall be forwarded to the National Office, through the Director of National Field Operations, Department of Branch and Field Services, 4805 Mt. Hope Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215. Should the National Board of Directors determine that a new election is to be held, a National Officer, or person designated by the National Office, shall preside over the new election. The designed presiding officer shall order the procedure of the called election, and the results of the election thus supervised shall be final. In the event a new election is ordered for the offices of President, Secretary, or 21 ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTINUED Treasurer, upon receipt of notice to that effect by mail or otherwise, no officer of the Branch shall disburse funds from the Branch treasury unless otherwise instructed by the National Office pending a new election. SECTION 16: AUTHORITY OF THE NATIONAL OFFICE The National Office shall have authority to intervene at any time during the three-month period leading up to the Branch election. Such authority includes suspending the process and instituting corrective action to assure that the rights of all members are protected. ARTICLE VI MEETINGS SECTION 1: REGULAR MEETINGS Regular meetings of the Branch shall be held at least once a month, and there may be such other public or special meetings as may be required. Regular meetings shall be held on a fixed day or date of each month. SECTION 2: ANNUAL MEETING Each Branch shall hold an Annual Meeting in the month of December to receive and act upon Annual Reports from the Officers/Chairmen of Standing Committees and to vote for members of the National Board of Directors and to install those Officers and Executive Committee Members elected at the Biennial Election. SECTION 3: NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING Written notice of the time and place of the Annual Meeting shall be sent to each member in good standing in writing, or published in some local newspaper or general circulation. SECTION 4: SPECIAL MEETINGS Special Meetings may be called at any time and place and on three day’s written notice to all members by direction of the President, or of any three members of the Executive Committee; or on failure of these to act, by any ten members of the Branch. The notice must state the purpose for which the meeting is called. 22 MEETINGS continued SECTION 5: MEETINGS OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The Executive Committee shall meet at least once a month at such times and places as it may determine. Special Committee meetings of the Executive Committee may be called by the President, Secretary or by two members of the Committee on two days’ written notice. SECTION 6: MEETINGS OF STANDING COMMITTEES The Standing Committees shall meet regularly once a month at places they may determine. They shall inform the President of the time and place of meeting. Special meetings may be called by the Chairman or by two members on two (2) days’s written notice. SECTION 7: QUORUM In the event a quorum is not present at any regular or special meeting of the Branch or committee of the Branch, those present at the time and place announced for said meeting may adjourn the same from time to time to a day, hour and place certain, and without further notice all business which might lawfully have been transacted at the original meeting may be transacted at the adjourned meeting. ARTICLE VII DUES, FEES AND ASSESSMENTS SECTION 1: DUES The National Office and the Branch or other units of the Association shall share in all membership dues as hereinafter provided. SECTION 2: DIVISION OF MEMBERSHIP DUES The Branch shall remit to the treasury of the National Association, the National Office’s share of all membership fees within fifteen (15) days of their receipt, in the following proportions, and may retain the balance in its treasury for local purposes: 23 DUES, FEES AND ASSESSMENTS continued (a) REGULAR ADULT MEMBERSHIP - for persons twenty-one (21) years of age and over -thirty dollars ($30.00) to NAACP National Office eighteen dollars and ten cents $18.10 (includes State Conference tax); and to local treasury - eleven dollars and ninety cents ($11.90). (b) YOUTH MEMBERSHIP WITH CRISIS - For persons twenty (20) years of age and under - fifteen dollars ($5.00): to National Office ten dollars and twenty cents ($10.20) (includes State Conference tax); and to local treasury four dollars and eighty cents ($4.80). (c) YOUTH MEMBERSHIP WITHOUT CRISIS - For persons seventeen (17) years of age and under - ten dollars ($10.00): to National Office seven dollars ($7.00) (includes State Conference tax); and to local treasury three dollars ($3.00). SECTION 3: MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATES Memberships may be taken out for a period of more than one year’s duration, and the National Office shall provide suitable membership certificates indicating length of membership. SECTION 4: LIFE MEMBERSHIP (a) SILVER LIFE MEMBERSHIP - seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750.00) or more shall be divided as follows: three-fifths (3/5) or four hundred and fifty dollars ($450.00) to the National Office, two-fifths (2/5) or three hundred dollars ($300.00) to the Branch, provided the Life Membership is solicited through the Branch or other unit. (b) JUNIOR LIFE MEMBERSHIP - one hundred dollars ($100.00) for children thirteen (13) years of age and under shall be divided as follows: three-fifths (3/5) or sixty dollars ($60.00) to the National Office, two-fifths (2/5) or forty dollars ($40.00) to the Branch, provided the Junior Life Membership is solicited through the Branch or other unit. 24 DUES, FEES AND ASSESSMENTS continued (c) BRONZE LIFE MEMBERSHIP - four hundred dollars ($400.00) for youth fourteen (14) to twenty (20) years of age shall be divided as follows:three-fifths (3/5) or two hundred and forty dollars ($240.00) to the National Office; two-fifths (2/5) or one hundred and sixty dollars ($160.00) to the Branch, provided the Bronze Life Membership is solicited through the Branch or other unit. (d) GOLD LIFE MEMBERSHIP - one thousand-five hundred dollars ($1,500.00) or more shall be divided as follows: three-fifths (3/5) or nine hundred dollars ($900.00) to the National Office; two-fifths (2/5) or six hundred dollars ($600.00) to the Branch, provided the Golden Life Membership is solicited through the Branch or other unit. (e) DIAMOND LIFE MEMBERSHIP - two thousand-five hundred dollars ($2,500.00) or more shall be divided as follows : three-fifths (3/5) or ($1,500.00) to the National Office; two-fifths (2/5) or one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) to the Branch, provided the Diamond Life Membership is solicited through the Branch or other unit. (f) ANNUAL CORPORATE LIFE MEMBERSHIP - FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000.00) or more shall be divided as follows: three-fifths (3/5) or three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) to the National Office, two-fifths (2/5) or two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) to the Branch, provided the Annual Corporate Life Membership is solicited through the Branch or other Unit. (g) SUBSCRIBING LIFE MEMBERSHIP shall be divided by the same formula as stated above. (h) The Branch may use its share of the Life Membership for local purposes wherever and whenever needed. SECTION 5: BRANCH ASSESSMENTS Branch Freedom Fund and other assessments for the support of the Association must be paid to the National Office within Sixty (60) days before the Annual National Convention for delegates to be eligible to vote at the National Convention. The above mentioned assessments refer to the previous calendar year’s assessments. 25 DUES, FEES AND ASSESSMENTS continued SECTION 6: STATE AND REGIONAL ASSESSMENTS (a) Wherever the Branch comes within the jurisdiction of a State or Regional Conference, Branch assessments for support of the state or regional conference shall be paid into the treasury of the state or regional conference. The amount of such assessments shall be determined by the State or Regional Conference with the approval of the National Board of Directors. (b) The National Office will match local assessments for State Conferences; provided that the National Office assessments shall not exceed ten cents (.10) or more per member; and provided further that the National Office receives written reports for such payments from the State Conference. SECTION 7: DIVISION OF OTHER FUNDS The net proceeds of each entertainment or fundraising effort by a Branch excluding ACT-SO and Back-To-School/Stay-In- School shall be divided as follows: Twenty-five percent (25%) to the National Office, seventy-five percent (75%) to the Branch; unless, in any case, written permission is obtained from the National Office for some different division, provided that the entire net proceeds of any fund raising effort for exclusively national purposes shall be transmitted to the National Office. A financial report of all such entertainment and activities shall be rendered to the Branch, the National Office and the public. The Branch must submit the report to the National Office, with the National Office’s share within forty-five (45) days following the date of the event. 26 ARTICLE VIII QUORUM The number of members necessary to institute a quorum at all meetings shall be decided upon by a resolutions adopted by the Branch which shall be incorporated into the Branch By-Laws. ARTICLE IX ORDER OF BUSINESS Unless altered or suspended at any meeting by a majority of the members present, the following shall be the order of business at meetings of the Branch: Ascertainment of members present. Reading of minutes of previous meeting. Reports of Officers. Reports of Committees. Elections. Unfinished Business. New Business. Rules of procedure as laid down in Robert’s Rules Of Order shall govern the Branch except as otherwise herein provided. ARTICLE X EXPULSION, SUSPENSION OR REMOVAL OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS SECTION 1: BRANCHES FAILING TO REPORT If a Branch fails to inform the National Office in writing of its activities or shall fail to maintain a minimum of fifty (50) adult members for a period of four (4) consecutive months, the National Board of Directors shall declare any or all of the offices of the Branch vacant and order a new election. Notice of removal shall be sent to the President, 27 EXPULSION, SUSPENSION OR REMOVAL OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS SECTION 1 continued Secretary and Treasurer of the Branch by registered mail at their last addresses on file in the National Office and shall be published in the official communication organ of the National Association. Immediately upon the service of notice by the National Office, the Officers shall perform no official acts and shall hold all records and monies of the Branch, subject to the disposition of the National Office. SECTION 2: GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION OR OTHER DISCIPLINARY ACTION When an individual becomes a member of the NAACP, that individual pledges to abide by the rules and policies of the Association and the decisions of the National Board of Directors (herein the “Board”). The National Board, upon satisfactory evidence that an officer or member of the Association, or of a subsidiary unit of the Association is guilty of conduct not in accord with the principles, aims and purposes of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, as set forth in its Constitution, and as defined by the Board and Convention, or is guilty of conduct inimical to the best interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, may order suspension, expulsion or other disciplinary action against such officer or member, after a full hearing in accord with the provisions of this Constitution. A member who files litigation against the National NAACP or against any of its units without having pursued the remedies within the framework of the Association, shall be deemed as exhibiting behavior not in accord with the principles, aims and purposes of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, meriting suspension, expulsion, or other disciplinary actions. 28 EXPULSION, SUSPENSION OR REMOVAL OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS SECTION 3: COMPLAINTS A complaint against an officer or member of a Branch of the NAACP may be initiated by any twenty (20) members for the affected Branch and must be signed by such members and forwarded to the Chair of the State Conference Special Committee on Internal Affairs. The Complaint must include the officer or member’s mailing address. SECTION 4: AUTHORITY OF NATIONAL PRESIDENT/CEO Where the President/CEO of the National Office is satisfied that there is danger of irreparable harm to the Association or Branch involved and that immediate action is necessary, he may order the officer or member suspended pending a full hearing. SECTION 5: NOTICE OF COMPLAINT AND RIGHT ANSWER Upon receipt of the complaint by certified or regular mail, the Chair of the SCIA shall forward a copy of the complaint by mail to the officer or member against whom it has been filed at the officer’s correct address of record within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the complaint. The respondent officer or member shall have fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of the receipt of the complaint to file a written response with the State Conference by certified or regular mail, sent to the Chair of the SCIA. The 15-day period shall commence to run from the time a copy of the charges should have reached said officer or member by regular mail. 29 EXPULSION, SUSPENSION OR REMOVAL OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS SECTION 6: STATE CONFERENCE REVIEW AND INVESTIGATION The SCIA, upon receipt of the complaint, and the respondent’s written response, shall conduct an investigation, render determinations and make recommendations and findings regarding the complaint to the State Conference’s Executive Committee for its final decision within ninety (90) calendar days of the respondent’s written response. The Committee shall prepare a record which includes all documentary matter submitted to it and a written summary of oral testimony received. These documents shall be delivered to the National Office should there be an appeal as provided herein. The National Office shall reimburse the State Conference for any and all related expenses. After receipt of the Executive Committee’s decision, the complainant and respondent shall have fifteen (15) calendar days within which to appeal. Notice of Appeal shall be filed with the National Office, by regular mail, through the National Field Operations Director, Department of Branch and Field Services, 4805 Mt. Hope Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215. If no appeal is received, as certified by letter from the National Field Operations Director within a fifteen (15) day period, the Sate Conference’s Internal Affairs Committee decision shall be implemented under the supervision of the State Conference Executive Committee. Upon failure to appeal within a fifteen (15) day period, the complainant/respondent’s opportunity to appeal is hereby waived. Should either party appeal to the National Office, the President/CEO or his designee shall cause a hearing to be held by a panel of three members of the National Board of Directors. The panel shall be appointed by the Chairperson of the Committee on Branches Youth Work and Membership. The hearing panel shall convene within sixty (60) days, of the receipt of the appeal, or as soon possible thereafter, and conduct a hearing according to the hearing procedure. 30 EXPULSION, SUSPENSION OR REMOVAL OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS The National Office shall notify the State Conference President and Chair of the SCIA, by mail, of the date, time and place of the hearing to be conducted by the panel. SECTION 7: HEARING PROCEDURE The hearing panel shall review only the written record of the State Conference investigation and may allow oral argument by the parties of their spokesperson. Based on its review of the record, and oral argument, if any, the panel shall render findings and recommendations in the matter to the Board. The Board shall affirm, reverse, modify the panel’s recommendation, or deny a rehearing. The National Board of Directors’ decision shall be final. Appeals shall be based on the written record. Hearings will be conducted by a three-member hearing panel which shall be appointed by the Chairperson of the Board’s Committee on Branches, Youth Work and Membership. The General Counsel, or his/her designee shall serve as counsel for the panel. The appellants may be represented by oral argument by counsel or another person of their choosing. The parties may not represent documentary evidence or testimony, but rather they may speak only from the written record before the panel. SECTION 8: NOTICE OF FINDINGS AND ACTION OF THE BOARD Notice of the findings and action of the Board shall be sent to the officer or member by registered mail at his/her address on file in the National Office and, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, published in the official organ of the National Association. 31 ARTICLE XI SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION OF CHARTER SECTION 1: GROUNDS AND PROCEDURE FOR CHARTER SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION The Charter of authority received by the Branch upon its admission to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People may be suspended or revoked by the Board of Directors of the Association, whenever the Board shall deem it for the best interest of the Association; provided however, that full hearing on charges be held before the National Board of Directors, at which the Branch may be represented by person or persons of its choice. Such charter suspension or revocation shall not invalidate the membership of any member of the Branch in the National Association. SECTION 2: NOTICE OF FINDINGS Notice of the findings and action of the Board shall be sent by the National President/CEO, by registered mail, to the President and Secretary of the Branch, and may be published in the official organ of the National Association. Upon receipt of the notice by the President or Secretary by mail, publication or otherwise of charter suspension or revocation, the Branch shall cease to function and the officers shall forthwith forward all records, property and monies of the Branch to the National Office where the same may be applied in its discretion for the benefit of the community wherein the Branch was located. 32 ARTICLE XII BY-LAWS With the written approval of the National Board of Directors previouslyobtained, a Branch may adopt or amend local By-Laws not inconsistent with this Constitution or the Constitution of the Association; provided, that (1) notice in writing of the proposed by-laws or amendment shall be given to all members at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting at which the same is to be acted upon; and that (2) the proposed amendment shall be approved at two successive regular meetings of the Branch. ARTICLE XIII AMENDMENTS TO THIS CONSTITUTION This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of any Annual Convention of the Association provided the proposed amendment be submitted to the resolutions Committee by May 1, (60) days prior to the Convention. The President/CEO shall publish such proposals in the official organ of the Association prior to the Annual Convention. ARTICLE XIV AUTHORIZED COMMITTEES Group of seven or more individuals in communities too small to maintain a Branch of the Association may be authorized by the Board of Directors to work as Authorized Committees of the Association, carrying out its purposes and objectives and raising funds for its support as does a Branch, subject to such rules and regulations as the National Board of Directors may enact. 33 Authorized Committees continued It shall receive from the National Office a Certificate of Authority. ARTICLE XV YOUTH COUNCILS AND JUNIOR YOUTH COUNCILS SECTION 1 YOUTH COUNCIL ADVISORS Whenever Youth Councils and/or Junior Youth Councils are organized, the Branch shall elect an Advisor to the Junior Youth Council in conformity with the rules of the Association. The Advisor must be a member of the Branch or a member-at-large of the Association. SECTION 2 SELECTION OF ADVISORS In vicinities where there is a Branch and a Youth Council, the Youth Council shall submit to the Branch Executive Committee at least one (1) name, but not more than three (3) names of an adult member(s) in good standing who has been selected as the Advisor. Should the Executive Committee fail to act on the submitted name within (30) days after the submission, the submitted name adult shall become the advisor. The Branch Executive Committee shall appoint the Youth Advisor for Junior Youth Councils. SECTION 3 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRANCH AND YOUTH COUNCILS Youth Councils and Branches have coordinated status within the Association’s framework. While each affiliate has an independent status from the other, it is expected that their programs will be coordinated and that the Youth Council and Branch in the same area will work in full cooperation to accomplished the Association’s objectives. 34 Youth Councils and Junior Youth Councils continued SECTION 4 CONTROVERSIES BETWEEN BRANCH AND YOUTH COUNCILS Within fifteen (15) days after a controversy arises between a Youth Council and a Branch, the Advisor, the Presidents and Secretaries of both units shall prepare and forward signed report(s) to the President/CEO of the Association for arbitration, decision or referral to the appropriate Regional Office or State Conference for investigation and other action. Respective parties shall send copies of all reports submitted by them to State Conference or Regional Office and to the other party to the controversy. The original report to the President/CEO shall contain a statement that copies have been forwarded as provided above. ARTICLE XVI “WOMEN IN NAACP” Branches of the Association may organize Women in NAACP (WIN) organizations subject to the control of the Executive Committee and to such rules and regulations as the National Board of Directors may enact. ARTICLE XVII SECTION 1 Indebtedness No indebtedness or obligation shall be incurred by the Branch or any of its officers or agents in the name of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the National Office shall not be responsible for any indebtedness or obligation incurred by the Branch or any of its officers or agents. SECTION 2 Indebtedness exceeding $300.00 per month in the aggregate shall not be incurred in the name of, or behalf of the Branch unless by vote of the Executive Committee. 35 ARTICLE XVIII FISCAL BUSINESS YEAR SECTION 1 SCHEDULE The fiscal and business year of the Branch shall begin on January 1 and end December 31. SECTION 2 INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS Officers shall be installed at the next regular meeting of the Branch following the election. ARTICLE XIX BRANCH BOOKKEEPING SYSTEM SECTION 1 UNIFORM SYSTEM The Branch must use the uniform bookkeeping system provided by the National Office. SECTION 2 ANNUAL AUDIT The books of the Branch, State and Regional Conferences shall be audited annually by an auditing system acceptable to the National Office. ARTICLE XX COALITION/AFFILIATION AND OTHER ORGANIZATION SECTION 1 NAACP Branches may cooperate and affiliate with other groups, organizations or coalitions when there is an incentive and purpose of affiliation and cooperation on specific issues which are in accord with the program and policies of the association. SECTION 2 Prior to permission for such cooperation an affiliation must be granted by the President/CEO.