JORDANIAN AMERICAN CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

 

The name of this organization shall be The Jordanian American Club of Southern California (JAC), a Californian based non-profit organization.

OFFICES

The principal office of (JAC) shall be located at such location as the Board of Directors shall designate.

MISSION

1. Strive to bring together the Jordanian American community in southern California thorough a variety of charitable, educational, social, cultural and traditional events.
2. Enhance our younger generation&rsquos participation in the community, teach them the Arabic Language, and educate them about Jordan&rsquos history, musicand Folklore dancing.
3. Create a business atmosphere and networking agencies amongst the community.
4. Prohibit political activities except for our role in the local, state and Federal.
5. Maintain strong relations with sister organizations in the US with an emphasis on coordination and unity.
6. Maintain strong relations with Jordanian officials in the US and in Jordan working to create job opportunities.

GOVERNMENT

The Constitution shall be the governing code for the (JAC). All administrative authority is vested in the President of the Board of Directors as herein after provided. All legislative authority is vested in the membership of (JAC).

BYLAWS

The bylaws of (JAC) shall be adopted by the Board of Directors and may thereafter be amended or repealed by means provided in the bylaws or provided by law.

AMENDMENTS

The Constitution of the (JAC), except as otherwise herein provided, may be amended, changed or modified by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of its members, at a general meeting, provided that changes have been submitted in writing to the Board of Directors prior to the general meeting so that it can be placed on the agenda. This agenda shall be mailed to the general membership at least (30) days prior to the date of the meeting with an outline detailing proposed changes. A quorum of the members must be present at the meeting when a vote is called for motion.

MEMBERSHIP

There shall be two classes of members of (JAC) full members, and honorary life members.

Full Member: Any person at lease 18 years of age, who: (1) Derives his/her origin from Jordan. (2) Pays yearly membership dues. (3) Resides in California. (4) Believes and participates in the activities of (JAC).

 

Honorary Life Member: An Honorary Life Membership shall be bestowed by the Board upon anyone who has served on the Board of Directors for (5) years or more, who attained the age of (60) and desires to retire from active service on the Board. Further, Honorary Life Membership may also be awarded to any person, regardless of origin, who had made outstanding contributions to (JAC). An Honorary Life Member is non-voting member.

QUORUM

A quorum for the transaction of business at all meeting shall be:

A. General Membership: At least forty percent (40%) of the membership must be present at the general membership meeting and at any special meeting where a vote is called for any motion. If quorum percentage was not met, a call should be mailed for a second meeting to take place after (30) thirty days regardless of the number of attendants.

B. Board of Directors Meeting: Two thirds (2/3) of the elected and/or appointed Directors of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business. In the absence of a quorum, a lesser number may adjourn the meeting.

MEETING OF MEMBERS

There shall be an annual general membership meeting to be held during January of each year. The date shall be determined by the Board of Directors prior to its January meeting. It shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Board to notify all voting members of (JAC) of the annual meeting by written notice stating the place, date, and time of the meeting, at least forty-five (45) days prior to the date of the general membership meeting. If mailed, such notice will be deemed delivered when posted with prepaid postage in the United States mail addressed to the member at his/her address as it appears on the records of (JAC).

The President shall be the presiding officer at all meetings.

The members may initiate and adopt legislation, rules, special business, etc., not inconsistent with the Constitution of (JAC). Affirmative vote of a majority of the members will carry a motion. Legislation, rules, etc., enacted shall be binding on the Board of Directors and all committees of (JAC).

No voting by proxy shall be permitted.

Meetings shall be governed by Robert&rsquos Rules of Order, as amended from time to time, insofar as such rules are not inconsistent or in conflict with these bylaws, with the Constitution of (JAC), or with law. The President shall appoint a Parliamentarian to resolve all questions of order, and the decision of the Parliamentarian is final.

SPECIAL MEETINGS

The President shall have the power to call special meetings of the voting membership and/or the Board of Directors whenever it is deemed necessary, for any purpose, on a motion made and duly passed by the majority of the Board of Directors at a duly called meeting. The President of the Board shall set the time and place for such meeting. The Secretary shall send by mail the notice of such meeting and the purpose for which it is called at least ten (10) days prior to the convening of such meeting for the voting membership special Board of Directors meetings notice can be made by telecommunications. The affirmative vote of a majority of the members present during a special meeting will carry a motion. The affirmative votes of a majority of the Board of Directors present during a special Board meeting will carry a motion.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

To conform to the Article of Incorporation of (JAC), filed with the State of California, Board of Directors is established. The Board consists of (15) Fifteen members. The number of Directors may be increased from time to time by amendment of these bylaws.

Election of Directors of the Board shall be biannually.

The term of office shall be for a period of Two (2) years. A board member may not run for more than two consecutive terms, but may run again in the future after having been retired from the Board for a period of at least one (1) year.

In the event of a vacancy on the Board of Directors of an elected member, the President of the Board shall appoint another member within 30 days and after approval of the Board of Directors to complete the balance of the fiscal year.

QUALIFICATIONS

A candidate must be at least 21 years of age, a member in good standing, and a permanent resident of California.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

At least two (2) months before the biannual meeting of the general membership of (JAC), the President of the Board shall appoint a Nominating Committee composed of at least four people. The Nominating Committee shall nominate at least twice as many persons as if elected. The Nominating Committee shall determine from the Secretary and the Treasurer if the members are in good standing before submitting names. Additionally, nominations may be made from the floor by any voting member at the annual general meeting, provided that such additional nominees to serve if elected.

MEETING FOR THE ELECTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The President of the Board shall call the bi-annual meeting of the general membership of (JAC) to be held on the first quarter of the year for the purpose of electing directors.

1. Written notice stating the purpose, place, date and time of the meeting shall me mailed to all voting members no later than forty-five (45) days prior to such meeting. The notice must state that anyone wishing to make nomination must first determine from the President and the Treasurer the eligibility of the person to be nominated and his/ her willingness to run for office. All nominations shall be submitted no later than fifteen (15) days prior from receipt of such notice.
2. Forty percent (40%) of member shall be present at the general membership meeting. Only member in good standing shall have the right to vote.
3. At the general membership meeting the President shall ask the Nominating Committee to read the names of the nominees, after determining that all names have been verified and reviewed by the Chairman of the Board.
4. Election shall proceed by secret ballot.
5. The members whose names receive the most votes shall be elected as Directors of the Board for a term of two (2) years. Newly elected Directors will take office no later than thirty (30) days from election.
6. The newly elected members will constitute the Board of Directors and will be installed by the President.

DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1. The Board of Directors shall be the representative of the (JAC) in theadministration of its properties and affairs. It shall be responsible for the receipts and disbursements of all general and special funds.
   1. The Board of Directors shall have the right to promulgate and adopt bylaws, procedures for the conduct of its meetings and affairs provided, however, that such bylaws must be consistent with these bylaws.
   2. The Board of Directors shall have hold of its regular meeting (s) each month on the first Tuesday of each month, or at such other times as may be determined by the board.
2. Attendance Requirements: Members are required to attend all regular meetings. If a member is absent three consecutive meetings without good cause, the Board may declare that a vacancy exists and the President shall appoint another for the remainder of the fiscal year. The member appointed shall be approved by the Board.
   Voting: The affirmative vote of the majority of Board members present shall be necessary and sufficient for the making of decisions by the Board. Each Director shall have one vote, which must be cast in person.
3. The President shall vote only in the event of a tie.
4. Annual Report: At the end of each fiscal year, the Board of Directors shall
   prepare a report containing in detail all receipts and expenditures of (JAC), including any and all special funds, endowments, etc., held for a specific purpose such report shall be made available to all voting members of (JAC).
5. Auxiliary Events: The Board shall require its approval prior to any event to be
   conducted by any auxiliary organization or individual for the purpose of raising funds for (JAC).
6. Committees: The Board of Directors shall create such standing committees as they deem necessary to accomplish the purpose of (JAC). The President of the Board shall appoint all committee President of such committees from the membership of (JAC) after consultation with the Board of Directors. The committee from the membership of (JAC) after consultation with the Board of Directors.

The following shall be the standing committee of the organization:

Constitution, Bylaws and Nominations
Public Relations
Fund Raising
Educational /Cultural
Youth

1. The President shall create and appoint other committee that is deemed necessary for the accomplishment of any special purpose of (JAC).
   These Committees will have all the powers provided except as specially limited by the Board. All committees will keep regular minutes and shall report the same to the Board at their regular meeting (s).
2. The Board shall establish major policies governing the affairs of (JAC) and devise mature means for its growth and development, Provide for the maintenance and location of the headquarters in the future, pass upon application for the membership, elect, remove and fill members of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, do any and everything required to fulfill objectives of (JAC), and approve costs and budgets submitted by the Executive Committee.
3. Resignation: A member of the Board of Directors may resign from his/her position by a letter of resignation which becomes effectiveonce approved by the Board of Directors.
4. Meeting time and place: Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held, without call or notice, at any place designated by the majority of the Board of Directors.
5. Consent action: Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of
   the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting if a written consent to such action is signed by all members of the Board of Directors and such written consent is filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board.
6. Emergency action: Decisions may be taken by the Board of Directors in case of emergencies as determined by the officers of (JAC) As long as a minimum number of constituting a quorum are
   consulted and a majority thereof give their consent.
7. Compensation: Members of the Board of Directors shall receive no compensation for their services, but they may be reimbursed for expenses incurred while acting on behalf of (JAC).

FINANCES

1. General Funds: The general contributions, pledges, dues and other general income of (JAC) shall be deposited in a legally recognized banking institution and shall constitute the general funds.
2. Special funds:The Board of Directors may create other funds titled under specific or separate accounts for the purpose of receiving and accumulating pledges, gifts, inheritances, which may be designated for the fulfillment of any specific purpose or purposes not inconsistent with the constitution.
3. Investing: The Board of Directors may invest or reinvent funds which
   Have been accumulated under paragraphs A and B of this section in a manner consistent with the rules relating to the Directors for prudent investment.

OFFICERS

The officers of (JAC) shall consist of Chairman, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The officers shall be from the Board of Directors and shall be elected internally by the Board of Directors.

A. President: The President shall be one of ability and fitness for this office, with good reputation and good character. The President shall preside at each regular and every special meeting of the Board and shall observe the prescribed order of meeting. The President shall endeavor to guide the Board and shall observe the prescribed order of meeting. The President shall endeavor to guide the board and shall have the right to appoint standing committee members.

The President shall have not right to vote except in a tie.

The President shall have the right to call a special meeting when necessity demands.

The President shall be an advisory member on every committee.

The President shall sign with one Secretary all contracts and legal papers and official documents in the name of (JAC).

He or she shall have the authority to hire and discharge employees, to execute contracts approved by the Board of Directors or other Instruments on behalf of the (JAC), to co-sign checks, drafts or other orders from the payments of moneys, to signing of notes and indeptness, and to lease space for (JACC). A mandate for the Chairman must be fluent and articulate in both English and Arabic languages.

B. Vice-President: The Vice-President shall posses the same qualifications as that of the President and in his absence shall perform his duties and be entitled to all his prerogatives.

The Vice-President shall be a member, ex-officio, of every Committee appointed by the Chairman.

C. Secretaries: Recording Secretary. The duties of the Recording Secretary shall be to keep minutes of all business meetings, take roll call
and keep a record of all activities of (JAC).

D. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall handle all income received by (JAC) and shall give receipts for same. He or she shall place all funds in a responsible bank authorized by the Board.

The Treasurer shall keep accurate account of receipts and disbursements and shall give detailed reports to the Board every month, namely and full statement at the annual meeting of (JAC).

The Treasurer shall have no right to spend (JAC&rsquos) funds except by the authority of the Board. He or she shall give money by checks except for petty amounts (petty cash expenditures of up to $50.00 are authorized).

The Treasurer shall sign all checks along with President.

OTHER OFFICERS

1. Assistant Treasurer: The duties of the Assistant Treasurer shall be keeping records dues, pledges, and other receivables under the direction on the
   Treasurer.
2. Parliamentarians: The Parliamentarians shall attend all Board meetings to assist the President and the Board of Directors in matter of Parliamentary procedures.

TENURE OF OFFICERS

All officers shall be appointed for a period of two years and shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified,

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

There shall be an Executive Committee composed of five people. All offices of the Board of Directors shall be ex-officio member of this committee, the immediate past President of the Board shall act as Chairman. In the event of an emergency requiring an immediate decision of the Board, and the calling of a special meeting is neither possible nor practical, the President of the Board may call a meeting of this committee to act in lieu thereof, providing, however, that whatever act the Executive Committee takes is not inconsistent with the constitution and bylaws or the known wishes of the Board, and that such action is recorded at the next regular meeting of the Board for ratification. The Executive Committee shall implement all directives and policy established by the Board of Directors and shall transact such business before it concerning the affairs of (JAC) in a manner wholly consistent with the established policies and directives of that Board. It shall make recommendations to the Board on all matters pertaining to the advancement of the interest and good welfare of the community and its members.

REMOVAL

If any member is in arrears in payment of dues or pledges for one year, he or she shall be sent a thirty (30) day notice to bring his or her account to date. Upon failure to pay such arrears at or before the expiration of the 30 day notice, he or she shall no longer be considered a member of (JAC). However, he or she may be reinstated at a later date, provided he or she pays all dues back and or pledges from the time of delinquency. In hardship cases, the Executive Committee shall review the member pledge to fit the circumstances of a member and his family.

Any member of (JAC) who shall violate any of the rules, regulations, orders or the bylaws of (JAC) or who violates any contract made by or with the accomplishment by this Community may be expelled from membership. When any member (JAC) is charged with any act for which such member may be expelled, notice of same shall be served on such member personally or by mail at his or her known address, and if, after due opportunity to be heard, the Board of Directors so decides, such member may be expelled and his or her name dropped from the list of membership provided however, that the member may appeal such expulsion to his/her membership of (JAC) and the action of the majority of the members of the duly cancelled and held meeting at which such appeal is considered shall be final.

PROPERTY OF (JAC)

Section 1: Title to all properties shall be held in the name of (JAC), as prescribed in Article I of the bylaws. All titles, deeds and other documents relating to the property shall be kept in the custody of the Board of Directors.

Section 2: The Board shall have no right to mortgage, lease, transfer, sell or purchase any real or personal property who who&rsquos value shall be in the excess of $25,000 on behalf of (JAC) unless it has been authorized to do so by the Special Meeting convened for such purpose. Such Special Meeting convened for such purpose shall be on call of the Board of Directors, issued to members of (JAC) in writing and such call must contain a special notice setting forth the purpose of the meeting. No (JAC) real or personal property whose value is in excess of $25,000 shall be mortgaged, leased, transferred, sold or purchased except by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Voting Members of (JAC) attending such special meeting.

LITIGATION

JAC shall indemnify any officer or director against expense actually and necessarily incurred in connection with the defense of any action, suit or proceedings in which he or she is made a party by reason or being or having been such officer or director, except in relation to matters which he or she shall be judged in such action, suit or proceedings to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of duty. Such indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights to which the officers or directors may be entitled under the constitution, bylaws, agreement, and resolution of the Board of Directors or otherwise.

INSPECTION OF BYLAWS

JAC shall keep in its principal office a copy of the constitution, as amended or otherwise altered to date, certified by the Secretary, which shall be open to inspection by all member at any reasonable time.