KARW By Laws
History
KARW By Laws
BYLAWS OF
KINGWOOD AREA REPUBLICAN WOMEN
ARTICLE 1. NAME
The name of this organization shall be Kingwood Area Republican Women.
ARTICLE 11. OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this organization shall be:
To promote an informed electorate through political education;
To increase the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government through active political
participation;
To facilitate cooperation among Republican women’s organizations in Texas;
To foster loyalty to the Republican Party and to promote its principles and candidates in all elections including non partisan elections;
To work for the election of the Republican Party’s nominees.
ARTICLE 111. POLICY
Section 1. Candidate Endorsement. This organization, its President, and its Campaign Activities Chairman shall not publicly endorse any candidate for public office in a contested Republican primary, runoff elections, or special elections and/or non-partisan elections when more than one Republican is in the race. With the exception of the two forenamed officers, individual members of their own initiative may work for the candidate of their choice in contested Republican primaries, but may not in the name of the organization. The organization shall not publicly endorse or work for a known candidate of another party in a partisan or non-partisan race where one or more Republicans are in the race, or endorsing a candidate in a contested Republican primary, runoff, or special election by the organization, its President or Campaign Activities Chairman. If the President or Campaign Activities Chairman violates this policy, it shall fall to the local organization to remove her from office. Failure to do so will result in the removal of the organization from the Federation. No candidate shall use the TFRW logo in any political advertising, and any political advertising shall contain the following disclaimer: “This
endorsement is given by the individual(s) only, NOT the Texas Federation of Republican Women.”
Section 2. Endorsement Exemptions. Officers of this organization who are candidates, or whose husband, or a member of her family are candidates, shall be exempt from this rule, provided that the said endorsement is not in the name of the organization.
Section 3. Pronouncements. Pronouncements on issues, opposition parties, or Republican candidates in uncontested primaries and other elections may be issued in the name of the organization, provided notice of the proposed pronouncement is given in the call to the meeting at which it will be considered and approved in two-thirds of the members present and voting.
Section 4. Controversial Issues. This organization and its officers shall not issue statements or pass resolutions on controversial issues in the name of the organization without first polling its members and obtaining a two-thirds (2/3) written vote of approval of the total membership. Individual members shall not use the name of this organization to endorse a candidate or issue statements regarding controversial issues.
Section 5. Lobbying. There shall be no lobbying with Legislators using the name of the Texas Federation of Republican Women by any federated organization or any individual member without the express permission of the Board of Directors of the Texas Federation of Republican Women.
Section 6. PAC. This club shall be a Political Action Committee and registered as such with Texas Ethics Commission.
Section 7. Candidate Fairness. After the end of the filing period for any office and ending the day after the final election for that office, it is the policy of TFRW that all Republican candidates for that office shall be treated fairly and equitably. When one Republican candidate for an office is invited to speak at a Federation or club meeting, then all Republican candidates for that office shall be offered equal presentation time at the same meeting or another meeting before the election.
Section 8. Delivery of Records. All officers and all committee chairmen and vice chairmen
shall deliver all records, files, passwords, social media administrative rights and properties of the club to their successor before December 31 of the year in which she is retiring from office, or within 3 days of leaving the position if earlier than December 31, unless otherwise directed by the club President or Executive Committee. Failure to meet the deadline may result in the termination of the membership of the club.
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Eligibility. Any person believing in the philosophy of the Republican Party and the objectives of the local unit shall be eligible for membership in a local unit and no local unit shall require that eligibility be based on sponsorship or election. Each member shall be a U. S. citizen and must be a registered voter.
Section 2. Classification. There shall be three classes of membership:
A. Primary, Any woman who meets the eligibility standard and who pays the required
annual dues is a Primary member with the right to full participation in all proceedings
once they meet applicable eligibility requirements. A Primary member may be counted
only in this organization for the purpose of delegate representation to conventions of the
Texas Federation of Republican Women and the National Federation of Republican
Women, and this will be the only organization in which she may hold office. She must
be a U. S. citizen and must be a registered voter and shall enjoy full privileges of
membership. To vote for bylaws amendments or in the officer election, dues must be
paid for at least one month and at least one meeting must be attended prior to the
privilege of voting. To be a voting member, she must not be a Primary voting member
of another federated club.
B. Associate
1. A Republican woman who is a Primary member of another TFRW club and
who wishes to support Kingwood Area Republican Women may be eligible for
Associate membership upon payment of required dues. She cannot hold office, have a voice or vote, or be counted for the purpose of determining the number of delegates to
National or State Federation meetings or conventions. As an Associate member she does
not become a member of the State or National Federation.
2. A Republican man is eligible for Associate membership in Kingwood Area
Republican Women upon payment of the required annual dues. He cannot hold office,
have a voice or vote, or be counted for the purpose of determining the number of
delegates to National or State Federation meetings or conventions.
C. Affiliate Student. Young Republicans aged 13 to 17, are eligible for Affiliate
membership upon payment of annual dues, which will be the same as for an Associate
member. Such members may attend meetings but cannot be elected Officer, a
Committee Chairman, make motions, have a voice or vote, or be counted for the purpose of determining the number of delegates to state, regional or national meetings or
conventions. They do qualify as pages at State and National Republican conventions
upon acceptance by such organization of their application.
Section 3. Name of Organization. The name of the organization shall include the word
“Republican” but may not include the word “Federation” or any religious or issue-oriented
connotation.
ARTICLE V. DUES AND FINANCE
Section 1. Dues. Annual Dues, payable December 31, shall include Kingwood Area Republican Women’s Club dues, state dues, and national dues, and shall be delinquent March 1. Club dues shall be set by the membership in the Standing Rules.
Section 2. Associate membership dues shall be set by the membership in the Standing Rules.
Section 3. Subscriptions. The organization shall pay the required annual fee, including payment of applicable service charges, to receive educational material from the National Federation of Republican Women.
Section 4. Budget. Preparation of an annual Budget shall be the responsibility of the President
and the Treasurer, who may at their discretion, select other members to assist them. The proposed budget shall show sources and estimated amounts of income and shall detail anticipated
expenditures. It shall be prepared for presentation at the February meeting of the Executive Committee. Upon approval by the Executive Committee, the budget shall be presented to the general membership for adoption at the February meeting. In the interim period before the new budget is approved by membership, the Treasurer shall have the authority to pay normal bills that are due. Any bills that are not in the prior year’s budget must be approved by Executive Committee.
Section 5. Unbudgeted Expenditures. The Executive Committee must approve all unbudgeted expenditures.
Section 6. Financial Review. No later than November, the Executive Committee shall select
from among the general membership two women who are not members of the Executive Committee to conduct a financial review of the Treasurer’s books at the expiration of her term in office or at the end of the fiscal year. The Treasurer shall be present at the financial review. The report of review shall be completed as soon as December yearend bank statement is received by Treasurer and shall be presented to the membership for adoption at regular meeting in January.
Section 7. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year shall be from January 1 to December 31.
Section 8. Causes for Removal. No organization or individual member shall publicly endorse or work for a known candidate of another party in a partisan or non-partisan race where a Republican is in the race. Further, neither the organization nor an individual member may advocate a split-party ticket. When more than one Republican is in a partisan or a non-partisan race, no organization, President or Campaign Activities Chairman shall publicly endorse or work for any candidate in said race. If the President or Campaign Activities Chairman violates this policy, it shall fall to the local club to remove her from office. Failure to do so will result in the removal of the club from the Federation. It shall be the responsibility of the TFRW Board of Directors to remove the organization from the Federation. If any individual member violates the bylaws of the local club or Federation bylaws, removal from the local club shall be the
responsibility of the Executive Committee of the local club.
ARTICLE V1. OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES
Section 1. Officers. The elected officers shall be President, a First Vice President, who shall serve as Program Chairman, a Second Vice President, who shall serve as Membership Chairman; a Recording Secretary; a Corresponding Secretary, and a PAC Treasurer.
Section 2. Qualification. All officers and/or committee chairmen shall meet eligibility requirements as set out in Article IV, Section 1. In order to be elected as President, First Vice President, or Second Vice President, a nominee must be a member in good standing of this organization for one full year prior to her nomination in October or November. The nominee for President must have served on the Executive Committee for one year prior to her nomination.
In order to be elected as Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, or PAC Treasurer, a nominee must have been a member in good standing of this organization for six months prior to her nomination in October or November.
Section 3. Term of Office. Officers shall be elected at the October or November meeting for a term of one year or until their successors are elected. The term of office shall begin January 1 following the election, and installation shall be at the December meeting. No officer, with the exception of the PAC Treasurer and the Corresponding Secretary shall serve in the same position for more than two consecutive terms or until a replacement can be found.
Section 4. Vacancy in Office. A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled by the First Vice President. A vacancy created in the office of First Vice President and any other vacancy shall be filled by a Primary member receiving a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
Section 5. Duties of Officers:
A. The President shall:
1. Preside at all meetings of the organization and of the Executive Committee and
appoint a Parliamentarian to serve at all such meetings;
2. Make the appointments authorized in these bylaws;
3. Assist the Treasurer in preparing an annual budget for presentation to the Executive
Committee in February;
4. Be one of three signatures authorized for checks drawn on the organization’s account,
specifically to be an alternate signer for the Treasurer and a co-signer with the
Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer of checks requiring two signatures, as defined in the
Standing Rules. If there is no Assistant Treasurer, the First Vice President will be the
third check signer. .
5. Be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee;
6. Have a general supervision of the work of the organization;
7. Ensure compliance with these bylaws and applicable state and federal laws.
B. The First Vice President shall:
1. Perform the duties of the President in her absence or inability to serve;
2. Serve as Chairman of the Program Committee;
3. Perform such other duties as the President or the Executive Committee may
designate;
4. Be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee;
5. If there is no Assistant Treasurer, be one of the three signatures authorized for checks
drawn on the organization’s account, specifically to be an alternate signer for the
Treasurer.
C. The Second Vice President shall:
1. Preside at meetings of the organization and/or Executive Committee in the absence of
the President and the First Vice President;
2. Serve as Chairman of the Membership Committee, and in this capacity, maintain an
updated list of the membership as well as attendance records at all meetings;
3. Be responsible for the preparation of a yearbook containing a list of the officers,
roster of members, bylaws, and any other information deemed pertinent by the Executive
Committee;
4. Perform such other duties as the President or the Executive Committee may designate.
D. The Recording Secretary shall:
1. Record the proceedings of all meetings;
2. Shall preserve the minutes and all other records, including a copy of the newsletters,
current bylaws and financial reports;
3. Perform such additional duties as may be designated by the President or Executive
Committee.
E. The Corresponding Secretary shall:
1. Be responsible for such correspondence as is delegated to her by the President or the
Executive Committee;
2. Keep a file of all communications and copies of all letters dispatched;
3. In the absence of the Recording Secretary, act in her stead.
F. The Treasurer shall:
1. Be responsible for collection of all dues;
2. Be one of three signatories authorized to sign checks, specifically to be the principal
signer of checks requiring but one signature, and a co-signer with the President or
Assistant Treasurer of checks requiring two signatures, as defined in the Standing Rules;
3. Be custodian of all funds with authority to pay bills approved for payment upon
presentation of receipt or proof of purchase, in accordance with the Standing Rules;
4. Maintain one bank account;
5. Ensure that adequate records are maintained as required by the Texas Ethics
Commission and Texas election law, and shall file all reports by same in a timely
manner. The Treasurer is to be registered with the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC);
6. Assist the President in the preparation of an annual budget for presentation to the
Executive Committee in February;
7. Keep an account of all monies received and disbursed and shall give a report to the
membership at each regular meeting of the organization; plus a monthly report to the
Executive Committee with the beginning and ending balances, and a detailed report of
revenues and expenses, by category;
8. Upon closing the books, present them for an internal review as required by these
bylaws;
9. Be designated as PAC Treasurer. Should the club hire a consultant to serve as PAC
Treasurer, the club Treasurer must be deligent in forwarding all information required
for PAC reporting to the PAC treasurer on a timely basis.
Section 6. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE OR MEMBERSHIP. Members of the Executive Committee or members of the club may be removed in accordance with the adopted NFRW Removal Policy- Special Rules dated May 24, 2023. NFRW Removal Policy – Special Rules adopted.docx
ARTICLE V11. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
Section 1. Nominating Committee. A Nominating Committee of not less than five members shall be elected by the general membership at the regular meeting in May. No more than two members of the Executive Committee shall serve on the Nominating Committee. Nominations for the committee shall be made from the floor. All nominees to the committee must be KARW members for a minimum of six months prior.
The Parliamentarian will instruct the Committee as to proper procedure and will be available for further counsel if required.
The Nominating Committee shall select its chairman from among the committee. The Nominating Committee shall select one nominee for each office to be filled. No member
of the Nominating Committee shall nominate herself. No member may serve two consecutive
terms on the Nominating Committee. The report of the Nominating Committee shall be published in the newsletter at least thirty (30) days prior to the election.
Section 2. Elections. The officers shall be elected at the October or November meeting. Following the report of the Nominating Committee, nominations from the floor shall be in order. Anyone nominated from the floor musr be a member in good standing and must have given to the President prior to the opening of the meeting a written statement of intent to serve if elected. After the election is conducted by voice vote for all unopposed candidates, each contested candidate shall have the opportunity to speak for two minutes.
Election shall be by ballot when there is more than one nominee for an office. When there is only one nominee, election may be by voice. A majority vote is required for election. There shall be no absentee or proxy voting.
Section 3. Installation. Officers shall be installed at the December meeting.
ARTICLE V111. MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular. The Executive Committee will determine the dates for the general and Executive Committee meetings, unless otherwise ordered by the Executive Committee or by two-thirds vote of the membership at a previous meeting. There shall be no less than five regular meetings per annum, as required by the National Federation of Republican Women.
Section 2. Special. The President may call special meetings of the membership. A special meeting may also be called by majority vote of the Executive Committee taken in a regular Executive Committee meeting, or upon written request signed by a majority of the membership. The purpose of any special meeting shall be stated in the call to the meeting, and no other business shall be considered except that so stated.
Section 3. Notice. At least five-days notice of all meetings, regular or special, shall be given by mail, email, or by phone to each member, except that in a stated emergency, two-days notice may be given by mail, email, or by phone.
Section 4. Quorum. A quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting shall be 15% of its Primary Members.
Section 5. Electronic Meetings. A vote of the club or Executive Committee may be conducted by electronic means between meetings, provided there is participation by majority of the members of the body. The vote shall be ratified and entered into the minutes at the body’s next regular meeting.
ARTICLE IX. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1. Composition. The Executive Committee shall consist of the elected officers, standing committee chairmen, and immediate Past President. Special committee chairmen, the Parliamentarian, and any club member who is on the Board of the Texas Federation of Republican Women shall be ex-officio members without vote.
Section 2. Duties. The Executive Committee shall be empowered to act in the name of the organization on matters authorized by these bylaws or by vote of the members, or on matters requiring immediate action between meetings. The Executive Committee is responsible for developing programs to further the objectives of the organization. Among its responsibilities are the following duties:
A. To consider and recommend programs of action presented to the Executive
Committee;
B. To implement programs of action approved by the organization or mandated by these
bylaws;
C. To approve expenditures directly related to implementing provisions of these bylaws;
funds dispensed for any other purpose must be approved by the organization;
D. To develop and periodically update a Procedures Manual containing guidelines for
each officer and committee chairman in carrying out her duties.
E. To adopt standing rules for the Executive Committee as needed to carry out the letter
and spirit of these bylaws.
Section 3. Meetings. The Executive Committee will determine the dates for general and board meetings, unless otherwise ordered by majority vote of the Executive Committee. Special meetings may be called by the President and shall be called upon written request of three elected officers. The regular Executive Committee meeting in January shall be a combined meeting of the incoming and outgoing Executive Committee, called and presided over by the newly elected president, for the purpose of providing continuity in leadership and to affect the orderly transfer of all pertinent records, files, etc.
Section 4. Voting. Informal rules of procedure applicable to committees and Executive Committee may be observed unless there is objection. Voting may be by general consent, by voice or as otherwise determined by majority vote of board members. A vote by phone or email is authorized in an emergency; a three-fourths affirmative vote of the Executive Committee membership is required for approval. A report of any action taken by phone or email shall be verified and made part of the minutes of the next meeting of the Executive Committee.
Section 5. Quorum. A quorum for a meeting of the Executive Committee Board shall be a majority of the Executive Committee membership.
ARTICLE X. COMMITTEES
Section 1. Standing Committees: Standing Committees shall be Bylaws, Campaign Activities, Political Action, Chaplain, Awards, Historian, Hospitality, Legislative, Literacy, Membership, Newsletter, Community Engagement, Caring for America, Program, Public Relations, Special Events, Telephone/Hotline, Ways and Means, Website and Yearbook. With the exception of
those committees chaired by the Vice Presidents, the Chairman of each Standing Committee shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the elected Executive Committee no later than the January board meeting. Each Standing Committee Chairman shall have authority to select the members of her committee in the number she deems appropriate. Vacancies in Committee Chairs shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive Committee. Removal of a Standing Committee Chair must be approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the Executive Committee.
Section 2. Duties of Standing Committees. The Standing Committees shall outline programs for action in their respective fields for consideration by the Executive Committee.
Section 3. Special Committees. The President as needed shall appoint special Committee Chairs, i.e. Budget, Financial Review, etc. These special committees shall be formed only for the duration of their service.
ARTICLE X1. CONVENTION REPRESENTATION
Section 1. Biennial State Conventions. One delegate and one alternate may represent KARW at the Biennial State Convention in the fall of odd numbered years for each ten members or
major fraction thereof. Delegates and alternates of the State Convention shall be elected at the May meeting.
Section 2. Biennial National Convention. One delegate (President if she chooses) and one alternate may represent KARW at the Biennial National Convention in the fall of odd number years.
Section 3. Conference Expenses. Contributions toward expenses of delegates and alternates to both TFRW and NFRW Conventions shall be proposed by the Budget Committee for approval by general membership.
ARTICLE X11. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the proceedings of the Kingwood Area Republican Women in all cases not provided for in these bylaws or in the bylaws of the Texas Federation of Republican Women and of the National Federation of Republican Women.
ARTICLE X111. AMENDMENTS
These bylaws may be amended by a two- thirds vote at any regular (general) meeting of the club, provide that notice of the proposed amendment(s) shall have been sent to each member thirty (30) days prior to the date of the general meeting.
ARTICLE XIV. DISSOLUTION
This club may be dissolved by a two-thirds vote at any regular or special meeting of the club, provided that notice of the dissolution has been submitted in writing at least thirty (30) days prior and has been sent to all members of the club . In the event of dissolution, the Executive Committee shall after payment of all liabilities of the club, distribute any remaining assets to the Texas Federation of Republican Women No funds shall be distributed to any member or officer of the club. The right to use the name of a dissolved club shall revert to the Texas Federation of Republican Women.
Adopted 4/20/23
Bylaws Committee:
Betty Newton, Chairman
Joyce Chambers
Kathleen Jordan
BYLAWS OF
KINGWOOD AREA REPUBLICAN WOMEN
ARTICLE 1. NAME
The name of this organization shall be Kingwood Area Republican Women.
ARTICLE 11. OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this organization shall be:
To promote an informed electorate through political education;
To increase the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government through active political
participation;
To facilitate cooperation among Republican women’s organizations in Texas;
To foster loyalty to the Republican Party and to promote its principles and candidates in all elections including non partisan elections;
To work for the election of the Republican Party’s nominees.
ARTICLE 111. POLICY
Section 1. Candidate Endorsement. This organization, its President, and its Campaign Activities Chairman shall not publicly endorse any candidate for public office in a contested Republican primary, runoff elections, or special elections and/or non-partisan elections when more than one Republican is in the race. With the exception of the two forenamed officers, individual members of their own initiative may work for the candidate of their choice in contested Republican primaries, but may not in the name of the organization. The organization shall not publicly endorse or work for a known candidate of another party in a partisan or non-partisan race where one or more Republicans are in the race, or endorsing a candidate in a contested Republican primary, runoff, or special election by the organization, its President or Campaign Activities Chairman. If the President or Campaign Activities Chairman violates this policy, it shall fall to the local organization to remove her from office. Failure to do so will result in the removal of the organization from the Federation. No candidate shall use the TFRW logo in any political advertising, and any political advertising shall contain the following disclaimer: “This
endorsement is given by the individual(s) only, NOT the Texas Federation of Republican Women.”
Section 2. Endorsement Exemptions. Officers of this organization who are candidates, or whose husband, or a member of her family are candidates, shall be exempt from this rule, provided that the said endorsement is not in the name of the organization.
Section 3. Pronouncements. Pronouncements on issues, opposition parties, or Republican candidates in uncontested primaries and other elections may be issued in the name of the organization, provided notice of the proposed pronouncement is given in the call to the meeting at which it will be considered and approved in two-thirds of the members present and voting.
Section 4. Controversial Issues. This organization and its officers shall not issue statements or pass resolutions on controversial issues in the name of the organization without first polling its members and obtaining a two-thirds (2/3) written vote of approval of the total membership. Individual members shall not use the name of this organization to endorse a candidate or issue statements regarding controversial issues.
Section 5. Lobbying. There shall be no lobbying with Legislators using the name of the Texas Federation of Republican Women by any federated organization or any individual member without the express permission of the Board of Directors of the Texas Federation of Republican Women.
Section 6. PAC. This club shall be a Political Action Committee and registered as such with Texas Ethics Commission.
Section 7. Candidate Fairness. After the end of the filing period for any office and ending the day after the final election for that office, it is the policy of TFRW that all Republican candidates for that office shall be treated fairly and equitably. When one Republican candidate for an office is invited to speak at a Federation or club meeting, then all Republican candidates for that office shall be offered equal presentation time at the same meeting or another meeting before the election.
Section 8. Delivery of Records. All officers and all committee chairmen and vice chairmen
shall deliver all records, files, passwords, social media administrative rights and properties of the club to their successor before December 31 of the year in which she is retiring from office, or within 3 days of leaving the position if earlier than December 31, unless otherwise directed by the club President or Executive Committee. Failure to meet the deadline may result in the termination of the membership of the club.
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Eligibility. Any person believing in the philosophy of the Republican Party and the objectives of the local unit shall be eligible for membership in a local unit and no local unit shall require that eligibility be based on sponsorship or election. Each member shall be a U. S. citizen and must be a registered voter.
Section 2. Classification. There shall be three classes of membership:
A. Primary, Any woman who meets the eligibility standard and who pays the required
annual dues is a Primary member with the right to full participation in all proceedings
once they meet applicable eligibility requirements. A Primary member may be counted
only in this organization for the purpose of delegate representation to conventions of the
Texas Federation of Republican Women and the National Federation of Republican
Women, and this will be the only organization in which she may hold office. She must
be a U. S. citizen and must be a registered voter and shall enjoy full privileges of
membership. To vote for bylaws amendments or in the officer election, dues must be
paid for at least one month and at least one meeting must be attended prior to the
privilege of voting. To be a voting member, she must not be a Primary voting member
of another federated club.
B. Associate
1. A Republican woman who is a Primary member of another TFRW club and
who wishes to support Kingwood Area Republican Women may be eligible for
Associate membership upon payment of required dues. She cannot hold office, have a voice or vote, or be counted for the purpose of determining the number of delegates to
National or State Federation meetings or conventions. As an Associate member she does
not become a member of the State or National Federation.
2. A Republican man is eligible for Associate membership in Kingwood Area
Republican Women upon payment of the required annual dues. He cannot hold office,
have a voice or vote, or be counted for the purpose of determining the number of
delegates to National or State Federation meetings or conventions.
C. Affiliate Student. Young Republicans aged 13 to 17, are eligible for Affiliate
membership upon payment of annual dues, which will be the same as for an Associate
member. Such members may attend meetings but cannot be elected Officer, a
Committee Chairman, make motions, have a voice or vote, or be counted for the purpose of determining the number of delegates to state, regional or national meetings or
conventions. They do qualify as pages at State and National Republican conventions
upon acceptance by such organization of their application.
Section 3. Name of Organization. The name of the organization shall include the word
“Republican” but may not include the word “Federation” or any religious or issue-oriented
connotation.
ARTICLE V. DUES AND FINANCE
Section 1. Dues. Annual Dues, payable December 31, shall include Kingwood Area Republican Women’s Club dues, state dues, and national dues, and shall be delinquent March 1. Club dues shall be set by the membership in the Standing Rules.
Section 2. Associate membership dues shall be set by the membership in the Standing Rules.
Section 3. Subscriptions. The organization shall pay the required annual fee, including payment of applicable service charges, to receive educational material from the National Federation of Republican Women.
Section 4. Budget. Preparation of an annual Budget shall be the responsibility of the President
and the Treasurer, who may at their discretion, select other members to assist them. The proposed budget shall show sources and estimated amounts of income and shall detail anticipated
expenditures. It shall be prepared for presentation at the February meeting of the Executive Committee. Upon approval by the Executive Committee, the budget shall be presented to the general membership for adoption at the February meeting. In the interim period before the new budget is approved by membership, the Treasurer shall have the authority to pay normal bills that are due. Any bills that are not in the prior year’s budget must be approved by Executive Committee.
Section 5. Unbudgeted Expenditures. The Executive Committee must approve all unbudgeted expenditures.
Section 6. Financial Review. No later than November, the Executive Committee shall select
from among the general membership two women who are not members of the Executive Committee to conduct a financial review of the Treasurer’s books at the expiration of her term in office or at the end of the fiscal year. The Treasurer shall be present at the financial review. The report of review shall be completed as soon as December yearend bank statement is received by Treasurer and shall be presented to the membership for adoption at regular meeting in January.
Section 7. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year shall be from January 1 to December 31.
Section 8. Causes for Removal. No organization or individual member shall publicly endorse or work for a known candidate of another party in a partisan or non-partisan race where a Republican is in the race. Further, neither the organization nor an individual member may advocate a split-party ticket. When more than one Republican is in a partisan or a non-partisan race, no organization, President or Campaign Activities Chairman shall publicly endorse or work for any candidate in said race. If the President or Campaign Activities Chairman violates this policy, it shall fall to the local club to remove her from office. Failure to do so will result in the removal of the club from the Federation. It shall be the responsibility of the TFRW Board of Directors to remove the organization from the Federation. If any individual member violates the bylaws of the local club or Federation bylaws, removal from the local club shall be the
responsibility of the Executive Committee of the local club.
ARTICLE V1. OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES
Section 1. Officers. The elected officers shall be President, a First Vice President, who shall serve as Program Chairman, a Second Vice President, who shall serve as Membership Chairman; a Recording Secretary; a Corresponding Secretary, and a PAC Treasurer.
Section 2. Qualification. All officers and/or committee chairmen shall meet eligibility requirements as set out in Article IV, Section 1. In order to be elected as President, First Vice President, or Second Vice President, a nominee must be a member in good standing of this organization for one full year prior to her nomination in October or November. The nominee for President must have served on the Executive Committee for one year prior to her nomination.
In order to be elected as Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, or PAC Treasurer, a nominee must have been a member in good standing of this organization for six months prior to her nomination in October or November.
Section 3. Term of Office. Officers shall be elected at the October or November meeting for a term of one year or until their successors are elected. The term of office shall begin January 1 following the election, and installation shall be at the December meeting. No officer, with the exception of the PAC Treasurer and the Corresponding Secretary shall serve in the same position for more than two consecutive terms or until a replacement can be found.
Section 4. Vacancy in Office. A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled by the First Vice President. A vacancy created in the office of First Vice President and any other vacancy shall be filled by a Primary member receiving a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
Section 5. Duties of Officers:
A. The President shall:
1. Preside at all meetings of the organization and of the Executive Committee and
appoint a Parliamentarian to serve at all such meetings;
2. Make the appointments authorized in these bylaws;
3. Assist the Treasurer in preparing an annual budget for presentation to the Executive
Committee in February;
4. Be one of three signatures authorized for checks drawn on the organization’s account,
specifically to be an alternate signer for the Treasurer and a co-signer with the
Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer of checks requiring two signatures, as defined in the
Standing Rules. If there is no Assistant Treasurer, the First Vice President will be the
third check signer. .
5. Be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee;
6. Have a general supervision of the work of the organization;
7. Ensure compliance with these bylaws and applicable state and federal laws.
B. The First Vice President shall:
1. Perform the duties of the President in her absence or inability to serve;
2. Serve as Chairman of the Program Committee;
3. Perform such other duties as the President or the Executive Committee may
designate;
4. Be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee;
5. If there is no Assistant Treasurer, be one of the three signatures authorized for checks
drawn on the organization’s account, specifically to be an alternate signer for the
Treasurer.
C. The Second Vice President shall:
1. Preside at meetings of the organization and/or Executive Committee in the absence of
the President and the First Vice President;
2. Serve as Chairman of the Membership Committee, and in this capacity, maintain an
updated list of the membership as well as attendance records at all meetings;
3. Be responsible for the preparation of a yearbook containing a list of the officers,
roster of members, bylaws, and any other information deemed pertinent by the Executive
Committee;
4. Perform such other duties as the President or the Executive Committee may designate.
D. The Recording Secretary shall:
1. Record the proceedings of all meetings;
2. Shall preserve the minutes and all other records, including a copy of the newsletters,
current bylaws and financial reports;
3. Perform such additional duties as may be designated by the President or Executive
Committee.
E. The Corresponding Secretary shall:
1. Be responsible for such correspondence as is delegated to her by the President or the
Executive Committee;
2. Keep a file of all communications and copies of all letters dispatched;
3. In the absence of the Recording Secretary, act in her stead.
F. The Treasurer shall:
1. Be responsible for collection of all dues;
2. Be one of three signatories authorized to sign checks, specifically to be the principal
signer of checks requiring but one signature, and a co-signer with the President or
Assistant Treasurer of checks requiring two signatures, as defined in the Standing Rules;
3. Be custodian of all funds with authority to pay bills approved for payment upon
presentation of receipt or proof of purchase, in accordance with the Standing Rules;
4. Maintain one bank account;
5. Ensure that adequate records are maintained as required by the Texas Ethics
Commission and Texas election law, and shall file all reports by same in a timely
manner. The Treasurer is to be registered with the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC);
6. Assist the President in the preparation of an annual budget for presentation to the
Executive Committee in February;
7. Keep an account of all monies received and disbursed and shall give a report to the
membership at each regular meeting of the organization; plus a monthly report to the
Executive Committee with the beginning and ending balances, and a detailed report of
revenues and expenses, by category;
8. Upon closing the books, present them for an internal review as required by these
bylaws;
9. Be designated as PAC Treasurer. Should the club hire a consultant to serve as PAC
Treasurer, the club Treasurer must be deligent in forwarding all information required
for PAC reporting to the PAC treasurer on a timely basis.
Section 6. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE OR MEMBERSHIP. Members of the Executive Committee or members of the club may be removed in accordance with the adopted NFRW Removal Policy- Special Rules dated May 24, 2023. NFRW Removal Policy – Special Rules adopted.docx
ARTICLE V11. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
Section 1. Nominating Committee. A Nominating Committee of not less than five members shall be elected by the general membership at the regular meeting in May. No more than two members of the Executive Committee shall serve on the Nominating Committee. Nominations for the committee shall be made from the floor. All nominees to the committee must be KARW members for a minimum of six months prior.
The Parliamentarian will instruct the Committee as to proper procedure and will be available for further counsel if required.
The Nominating Committee shall select its chairman from among the committee. The Nominating Committee shall select one nominee for each office to be filled. No member
of the Nominating Committee shall nominate herself. No member may serve two consecutive
terms on the Nominating Committee. The report of the Nominating Committee shall be published in the newsletter at least thirty (30) days prior to the election.
Section 2. Elections. The officers shall be elected at the October or November meeting. Following the report of the Nominating Committee, nominations from the floor shall be in order. Anyone nominated from the floor musr be a member in good standing and must have given to the President prior to the opening of the meeting a written statement of intent to serve if elected. After the election is conducted by voice vote for all unopposed candidates, each contested candidate shall have the opportunity to speak for two minutes.
Election shall be by ballot when there is more than one nominee for an office. When there is only one nominee, election may be by voice. A majority vote is required for election. There shall be no absentee or proxy voting.
Section 3. Installation. Officers shall be installed at the December meeting.
ARTICLE V111. MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular. The Executive Committee will determine the dates for the general and Executive Committee meetings, unless otherwise ordered by the Executive Committee or by two-thirds vote of the membership at a previous meeting. There shall be no less than five regular meetings per annum, as required by the National Federation of Republican Women.
Section 2. Special. The President may call special meetings of the membership. A special meeting may also be called by majority vote of the Executive Committee taken in a regular Executive Committee meeting, or upon written request signed by a majority of the membership. The purpose of any special meeting shall be stated in the call to the meeting, and no other business shall be considered except that so stated.
Section 3. Notice. At least five-days notice of all meetings, regular or special, shall be given by mail, email, or by phone to each member, except that in a stated emergency, two-days notice may be given by mail, email, or by phone.
Section 4. Quorum. A quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting shall be 15% of its Primary Members.
Section 5. Electronic Meetings. A vote of the club or Executive Committee may be conducted by electronic means between meetings, provided there is participation by majority of the members of the body. The vote shall be ratified and entered into the minutes at the body’s next regular meeting.
ARTICLE IX. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1. Composition. The Executive Committee shall consist of the elected officers, standing committee chairmen, and immediate Past President. Special committee chairmen, the Parliamentarian, and any club member who is on the Board of the Texas Federation of Republican Women shall be ex-officio members without vote.
Section 2. Duties. The Executive Committee shall be empowered to act in the name of the organization on matters authorized by these bylaws or by vote of the members, or on matters requiring immediate action between meetings. The Executive Committee is responsible for developing programs to further the objectives of the organization. Among its responsibilities are the following duties:
A. To consider and recommend programs of action presented to the Executive
Committee;
B. To implement programs of action approved by the organization or mandated by these
bylaws;
C. To approve expenditures directly related to implementing provisions of these bylaws;
funds dispensed for any other purpose must be approved by the organization;
D. To develop and periodically update a Procedures Manual containing guidelines for
each officer and committee chairman in carrying out her duties.
E. To adopt standing rules for the Executive Committee as needed to carry out the letter
and spirit of these bylaws.
Section 3. Meetings. The Executive Committee will determine the dates for general and board meetings, unless otherwise ordered by majority vote of the Executive Committee. Special meetings may be called by the President and shall be called upon written request of three elected officers. The regular Executive Committee meeting in January shall be a combined meeting of the incoming and outgoing Executive Committee, called and presided over by the newly elected president, for the purpose of providing continuity in leadership and to affect the orderly transfer of all pertinent records, files, etc.
Section 4. Voting. Informal rules of procedure applicable to committees and Executive Committee may be observed unless there is objection. Voting may be by general consent, by voice or as otherwise determined by majority vote of board members. A vote by phone or email is authorized in an emergency; a three-fourths affirmative vote of the Executive Committee membership is required for approval. A report of any action taken by phone or email shall be verified and made part of the minutes of the next meeting of the Executive Committee.
Section 5. Quorum. A quorum for a meeting of the Executive Committee Board shall be a majority of the Executive Committee membership.
ARTICLE X. COMMITTEES
Section 1. Standing Committees: Standing Committees shall be Bylaws, Campaign Activities, Political Action, Chaplain, Awards, Historian, Hospitality, Legislative, Literacy, Membership, Newsletter, Community Engagement, Caring for America, Program, Public Relations, Special Events, Telephone/Hotline, Ways and Means, Website and Yearbook. With the exception of
those committees chaired by the Vice Presidents, the Chairman of each Standing Committee shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the elected Executive Committee no later than the January board meeting. Each Standing Committee Chairman shall have authority to select the members of her committee in the number she deems appropriate. Vacancies in Committee Chairs shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive Committee. Removal of a Standing Committee Chair must be approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the Executive Committee.
Section 2. Duties of Standing Committees. The Standing Committees shall outline programs for action in their respective fields for consideration by the Executive Committee.
Section 3. Special Committees. The President as needed shall appoint special Committee Chairs, i.e. Budget, Financial Review, etc. These special committees shall be formed only for the duration of their service.
ARTICLE X1. CONVENTION REPRESENTATION
Section 1. Biennial State Conventions. One delegate and one alternate may represent KARW at the Biennial State Convention in the fall of odd numbered years for each ten members or
major fraction thereof. Delegates and alternates of the State Convention shall be elected at the May meeting.
Section 2. Biennial National Convention. One delegate (President if she chooses) and one alternate may represent KARW at the Biennial National Convention in the fall of odd number years.
Section 3. Conference Expenses. Contributions toward expenses of delegates and alternates to both TFRW and NFRW Conventions shall be proposed by the Budget Committee for approval by general membership.
ARTICLE X11. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the proceedings of the Kingwood Area Republican Women in all cases not provided for in these bylaws or in the bylaws of the Texas Federation of Republican Women and of the National Federation of Republican Women.
ARTICLE X111. AMENDMENTS
These bylaws may be amended by a two- thirds vote at any regular (general) meeting of the club, provide that notice of the proposed amendment(s) shall have been sent to each member thirty (30) days prior to the date of the general meeting.
ARTICLE XIV. DISSOLUTION
This club may be dissolved by a two-thirds vote at any regular or special meeting of the club, provided that notice of the dissolution has been submitted in writing at least thirty (30) days prior and has been sent to all members of the club . In the event of dissolution, the Executive Committee shall after payment of all liabilities of the club, distribute any remaining assets to the Texas Federation of Republican Women No funds shall be distributed to any member or officer of the club. The right to use the name of a dissolved club shall revert to the Texas Federation of Republican Women.
Adopted 4/20/23
Bylaws Committee:
Betty Newton, Chairman
Joyce Chambers
Kathleen Jordan