Constitution of The Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Abilene
ARTICLE I
NAME:
The name of this Fellowship shall be "The Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Abilene".
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE:
Our purpose is to provide a congenial, intellectually stimulating atmosphere in which we are encouraged to ask questions in the pursuit of truth so that we may grow together in harmony.
PRINCIPLES:
This fellowship affirms and promotes:
1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person
2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations
3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregation
4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all
7. And the respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP:
Any person in sympathy with the purpose and program of this fellowship and willing to abide by the provisions of its constitution, may become a member by signing the Fellowship Membership Book.
ARTICLE IV
DENOMINATIONAL AFFILIATION:
This fellowship shall be a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
ARTICLE V
MEETINGS:
SECTION 1: Meetings of the General Membership shall be held weekly throughout the year.
SECTION 2: The Annual Business Meeting shall be held each year in the month of May.
ARTICLE VI
OFFICERS:
The officers of this Fellowship shall consist of a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Program Director(s).
Officers shall hold offices for one year and until their successors have been elected.
These officers constitute the Executive Committee and shall be chosen by ballot of the General Membership at the Annual Business Meeting of the Fellowship.
The immediate past President will be an Ex-Officio member of the Executive Committee with full voting privileges. Positions other than the above that may become necessary will be filled by appointment by a three-fifths vote of the Executive Committee, and shall not have voting privileges on the Executive Committee.
Should an Executive Committee member's seat be vacated by that member, one of the remaining Executive Committee members shall fill the position temporarily until that member resumes his/her seat. In case of a replacement election, the General Membership shall be notified of the time and place of this election at least thirty days beforehand.
The Executive Committee shall have general charge of the property of the Fellowship, the conduct of all its business affairs, and control of its administration, including the appointment of such committees as it may deem necessary, except as otherwise designated by this Constitution.
ARTICLE VII
FISCAL YEAR:
The fiscal year shall end May 31st.
ARTICLE VIII
QUORUM:
Two-Thirds of the Active Membership shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business. Active Membership shall be determined by the Executive Committee.
Quorum of The Executive Committee shall consist of any Two-Thirds of the Executive Committee members.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS:
This Constitution may be amended or repealed at any designated meeting of the Fellowship by a Two-Thirds vote of the Active Members present, providing they constitute a quorum and 30 days notice is given to the General Membership.
ARTICLE X
BYLAWS:
SECTION 1: The Executive Committee shall meet at least twice during a year. The General Membership shall be informed of the time and place and business, and may attend.
SECTION 2: A tentative budget shall be prepared by the Executive Committee and approved by the Active Membership at the Annual Meeting in May.
SECTION 3: The Executive Committee shall approve all major expenditures of funds in accord with the Budget and prior to the disbursements of the funds.
SECTION 4: No member of the Fellowship shall have permission, either express or implied, to contract or in any way commit the Fellowship to any indebtedness in excess of the budget as approved by the Membership.
SECTION 5: Duties of the Officers:
A. The President shall preside at all Business Meetings.
B. The Secretary shall keep the minutes at Business Meetings and
may also serve as Public Information Director.
C. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the deposit and disbursements of all Fellowship funds and shall maintain an Income Statement and Balance Sheet.
D. The Program Director shall plan and arrange for adult programs at regular meetings of the membership.
E. Any person directing activities/education with children at the Fellowship, away from the presence of the parents, must sign a release to subject themselves to a "Criminal Check" by the Taylor County Sheriff's Department to guard against Child Abuse before they serve.
SECTION 6: Procedures for the election of Officers:
A. In addition to the recommendations of the Nominating Committee, nominations may be made from the Floor, and these require a Second.
B. Nominating oneself, or seconding one's own nomination is not permitted.
C. In each contested race, 5 minutes will be allowed for the nomination speech. Each nominee may make a two minute acceptance speech.
D. After the speeches the membership will vote.
E. One representative of each candidate may be present to verify the ballot count.
SECTION 7: Term Limits
No restriction shall exist on the number of terms an individual may be elected to any office.
ARTICLE XI
ASSETS: All assets of the Fellowship are pledged for use in performing its religious functions. Upon discontinuance or dissolution of the Fellowship, all assets will be transferred to the Unitarian Universalist Association, 24 Farnsworth Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02210-1409.
This Constitution was approved by Two-Thirds vote of the members present at the Annual Business Meeting on May 29th, 2016.