Maricopa County Diversity Office

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Article 1: Name
Article 2: Purpose
Article 3: Elected Officers
Article 4: Duties of Officers
Article 5: Membership
Article 6: Dues
Article 7: Nominations & Elections
Article 8: Vacancies
Article 9: Voting
Article 10: Quorum
Article 11: Amendments
Article 12: Executive Committee & Committees
Article 13: Meetings

Article 1: Name
The name of this organization shall be the Maricopa County Hispanic Network (hereinafter referred to as MCHN).

Article 2: Purpose
The MCHN is a volunteer employee association founded and conducted under the auspices of employment with Maricopa County government. The mission of the MCHN is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member can utilize networking opportunities, attain professional growth through education and training, personal growth through community service and the promotion of cultural diversity within all levels of Maricopa County.

Article 3: Elected Officers
The MCHN shall be governed by a seven (7) member Executive Committee which will consist of a Chairperson, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Sergeant-at-Arms, and at least two (2) Members-at-Large. Officers shall serve a term of two years (July 1 through June 30).

Article 4: Duties of Officers
Chairperson – Presides at meetings of the MCHN, and serves as Chairperson of the Executive Committee. May appoint members to committees, task forces, or other bodies as necessary. Develops an annual plan and budget to accomplish goals and objectives, which are considered, modified, and approved by the Executive Committee and ratified by the membership. Performs such other duties usually incumbent upon office.

Vice Chair – Exercises Chairperson functions if the Chairperson is absent or is unable to serve. Fulfills other duties as may be delegated by the Chairperson. Monitors activities of the committees to ensure they are consistent with the goals of the MCHN.

Treasurer – Keeps accurate records of all monies received and disbursed and reports at least semi-annually the status of all financial accounts. Disbursements shall be in accordance with the approved budget and authorized by the Executive Committee before disbursements are made. In emergency situations when disbursements must be made prior to Executive Committee approval the Treasurer shall obtain approval by the Chairperson and at least one (1) other Executive Committee member by correspondence before disbursement is made. Maintain an active members’ list.

Secretary - Will maintain records and proceedings, including correspondence to members, such as advising members of meeting dates and locations, and overseeing accommodations and arranging meeting locations on behalf of the MCHN.

Sergeant-At-Arms – Maintains order at all MCHN functions. Shall call for elections and oversees the casting of ballots and vote tabulation, in addition to announcing the results at the next general meeting.

Members-At-Large – Communicates and promotes the goals and objectives of MCHN. Actively participates in the affairs of the MCHN.

Article 5: Membership
The MCHN shall consist of the following categories of membership: Full Membership, Associate Membership, and Student Membership.

Full Membership – Maricopa County employees are eligible to become members of MCHN, provided they subscribe to the goals and objectives of MCHN. Full Members vote and participate in MCHN activities, and may hold an elected officer position.

Associate Membership - Individuals who are Non-Maricopa County employees may become Associate Members, provided they subscribe to the goals and objectives of MCHN. Associate Members vote and participate in MCHN activities, but may not hold MCHN elected offices.

Student Membership - Students at the undergraduate and graduate levels are eligible to become MCHN members, provided they subscribe to the goals and objectives of MCHN. Student members vote and participate in MCHN activities, but may not hold MCHN elected offices.

Article 6: Dues
The Executive Committee shall determine the annual dues for each category of membership. Upon application annual dues shall be payable to MCHN and annually thereafter on that date.

Article 7: Nominations and Elections
Nominations for elected officers of MCHN shall be made by a Nominating Committee. To be eligible and nominated for service as an Officer by the membership, an individual must be a member in good standing. The MCHN Officers shall be elected by a majority vote of active members present at a membership meeting.

Article 8: Vacancies
The Nominating Committee in conjunction with the Chairperson shall appoint eligible individuals to fill vacancies left by an officer or committee member unable to complete their term of service. The appointee shall complete the remaining term of service. In the event the Chairperson is unable to complete a service term, the Vice-Chair will serve as Acting Chairperson for the remainder of the term.

Article 9: Voting
All issues to be voted on shall be decided by a simple majority of active members present at a membership meeting. There shall be no voting by proxy.

Article 10: Quorum
Three (3) officers and three (3) or more active members shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting regularly scheduled or special meetings of the MCHN.

Article 11: Amendments
The Bylaws may be amended by a three-quarter (3/4) vote of the membership present at a membership meeting. The manner of voting shall be determined by the Executive Committee. Amendments, if approved, shall become effective immediately.

Article 12: Executive Committee & Committees
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee shall be composed of a Chairperson, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Sergeant-At-Arms, and Members-At-Large. The committee will set overall policy direction for MCHN and shall be empowered to decide upon all questions which may arise during the interval between meetings of the membership. Shall be responsible for the MCHN budget, Bylaws, and provide ongoing guidance to assure the fulfillment of the goals and objectives of MCHN. The Past Chair will remain on the Executive Committee in an advisory capacity. The Chairperson shall appoint, with the approval of the Executive Committee, such committees as deemed necessary.

Other Committees

The following committees shall be considered as standing committees of MCHN. MCHN carries out much of its activities through the efforts of MCHN members who serve on a variety of committees. The Executive Committee encourages all MCHN members to be involved in the life of MCHN by serving on one or more of these committees.

Community Service Committee
Responsible for promoting community service opportunities for MCHN members.

Fund Raising Committee
Responsible for raising funds for MCHN.

Membership Committee
Responsible for working to expand MCHN membership by recruitment or other means.

Nominating Committee
Composed of three members of MCHN and a committee chair. The committee chair is appointed by the Chairperson of the Executive Committee. Shall be responsible for conducting nominations and elections including filling vacant Executive Committee positions.

Professional Development Committee
Coordinates professional development opportunities for MCHN members.

Special Events Committee
Responsible for coordinating and planning informal breakfast meetings, annual conference programs and facilities arrangements, social events, luncheons including arranging for speakers, sites, and menus. Maintains and updates the MCHN Website.

Article 13: Meetings
Regular Meetings shall be held on a monthly basis or as established by the Executive Committee to adjust for circumstances. The Executive Committee shall meet as often as necessary to conduct business.

By-Laws Approved on April 8, 2009