Purpose of The Constitution

The purpose of this constitution is to:

1. Enable present and future members of MECA DFW to fully understand and to abide by the governing

rules and regulations of this association.

2. Enable the association to be run and managed smoothly, efficiently, and with fairness to all its

members.

Objectives of The Association

The objectives of the association are to:

1. Encourage and promote unity amongst members of the Manyu Community in the greater DFW

Metroplex.

2. Promote social interactions and cultural events that are beneficial to members of the association

and the entire DFW community.

3. Support and assist members of the association and the community in times of difficulties in the

DFW Metroplex

4. Help to integrate new Manyuans into our community and the DFW society at large.

5. Work together with other MECA and/or Manyu chapters to provide assistance as necessary to

Manyu Division initiatives and to Manyu elements in the USA.

Article 1: Membership

Section 1: Qualification

1. Membership to MECA DFW is open to all sons and daughters of Manyu (by birth or by marriage)

residing in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metropolitan Area and age 21 or above.

2. Honorary membership will be open to all individuals who, by reason of association, are affiliated

to this association. Honorary members are expected to attend meetings, support the cause of the

association, and abide by the rules and regulations that govern the association. Honorary members

will not be entitled to benefits of the association.

3. Any new member coming from another MECA-USA chapter will be scrutinized. MECA-DFW shall

request a reference from his/her former chapter to ensure they were of good standing before they

can be admitted into MECA-DFW.

4. To be considered an active member, one is required to attend at least 50% of all general meetings,

pay 90% of all dues, pay 90%all fines, and respect the rules and regulations of the association.

5. Excused absences shall be allowed since members are encouraged to call before, or during,

meetings

6. Potential members under the age of 21 shall be encouraged to attend the youth wing of the

association when established

Section 2: Financial Obligations

1. There shall be a yearly membership fee of $30.00 paid by all members of the association.

2. Membership fees shall be paid at the beginning of the year in the month of January.

3. Payments made after the month of March will attract a late payment fee of $5.00 per month.

4. All members will be required to pay a contribution (trouble bank) of $120.00 per year during

meetings. This contribution is payable as a one-time payment of $120.00 or quarterly or monthly

provided the entire payment of $120.00 is completed before September of the year in question.

5. To be in good standing, members must meet up with all of the conditions listed above for a period

of 6 months consecutively.

6. Only members in good standing shall enjoy the full benefits of the association.

7. Registered members must in good standing

Section 3: Banking

1. The association shall maintain a checking and savings account in a local financial institution.

2. All funds of the association shall be deposited in the bank by the treasurer before the

following Saturday of the meeting

3. The Treasurer, the President, and the Financial Secretary shall be signatories to the checking

account.

4. Withdrawal of funds from this account shall require the signature of either of these persons

and must be approved by the president and documented.

5. Any withdrawal exceeding $100.00 (One Hundred Dollars) must be pre-approved by the

General Assembly

6. The Financial Secretary shall present quarterly financial statements to the General Assembly

Article 2: Governing Body

The governing body of this association shall consist of the Board of Directors (BOD) and the

executive i.e. a President, Vice President, Secretary, Vice Secretary, Treasurer, Financial

Secretary, Public Relations Officer (PRO), a Social Secretary, a Cultural Secretary, and a

Protocol Officer. These officers shall be elected by the General Assembly.

Section 1 : The BOD

A. General Provisions

1. In addition to the MECA-DFW executive council, MECA–DFW shall maintain a Board of Directors

as one of the branches of government.

2. The Board of Directors shall comprise a maximum of 7 members duly appointed by the sitting

executive and/or elected by the association.

3. The sitting president of MECA–DFW shall be a member of the BOD.

4. A non-member of MECA-DFW could be invited to become a member of MECA-DFW’s board.

MECA-DFW Board of Directors shall allow room for up to one non-MECA board member.

B. Functions of the Board of Directors

1. The primary duties of the Board of Directors shall be to ensure that MECA-DFW’s activities are in

accordance with the mission, purpose, and bylaws of the organization. The Board of Directors

shall also ensure that the activities of the organization are in compliance with its 501(c)(3)

status.

2. The Board of Directors shall serve as advocates for the organization’s mission, be responsible for

advancing the mission of the organization, and serve to enhance the public standing of the

organization.

3. The Board of Directors shall ensure the legal and ethical integrity of the organization. The Board

shall provide proper overall oversight of the activities of the executive council and of the

organization in general.

4. The Board of directors shall approve the annual budget of the organization. The Board of

Directors shall equally approve all major projects of the organization and ensure/oversee the

execution of such projects.

5. The Board of Directors shall develop and/or approve the long-term goals of the organization.

The Board of Directors shall equally ensure that the goals are timely accomplished.

6. The Board of Directors shall ensure a smooth transition between executive councils. The Board

of Directors shall equally ensure the smooth transition of financial records between executive

councils including calling for and overseeing any potential financial audit.

C. Designation of Members of the Board of Directors

1. The Board of Directors shall comprise of 7 members duly appointed/elected by the organization

in a general assembly.

2. Each board member shall serve a term of 3 years renewable once.

D. Board of Directors Meetings

1. The Board of Directors shall meet at least twice per year. The meetings shall either be physical

or virtual.

2. Each board member shall be required to participate in at least one board meeting per year.

Non-compliant members shall be replaced.

3. A meeting of the Board of Directors shall require at least 5 members to constitute a quorum.

4. Voting decisions by the Board of Directors shall require a simple majority of the board

membership to be approved.

5. The board president shall schedule board meetings and advise the board members and the

organization in advance.

6. Board meetings shall be open to all interested MECA-DFW members. Non board members shall

not be eligible to vote for any decisions.

7. The members shall designate a president and a secretary. The president of MECA-DFW cannot

be designated as board president. The board president/chair and board secretary shall serve a

3-year term renewable once

8. The president and/or secretary shall be responsible for reporting to the general assembly and/or

the executive council all resolutions of the board meetings.

Section 2: Duties of Elected Officials (Executive)

A. President

The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of this association. He or she shall:

1. Protect and enforce the constitution of this association.

2. Preside over all monthly (and emergency) meetings of the association.

3. Coordinate all activities of this association as well as the activities between this

association and other MECA branches.

4. Represent the association at all cultural and developmental events where MECA-

DFW is invited.

a. The President at his/her discretion, shall contribute an amount not to exceed

$250.00 on behalf of the association

b. The president shall inform the meeting accordingly, of all official invitations of

the chapter before attending such events.

B. Vice president

1. The vice president shall assist the President in all of his/her functions.

2. In the absence of the President, the vice president shall act on his/her behalf.

3. If for any reason the President is unable to perform his/her duties, the Vice President

shall serve as President until the next scheduled elections.

C. Secretary General

The secretary general shall:

1. Record and take charge of all proceedings of the association’s meetings,

2. Maintain a record of meeting attendance for all members.

3. Take care of all correspondence and/or exchanges of information in collaboration with

the President.

D. Assistant Secretary General

The assistant secretary shall assume the duties and functions of the secretary general in the

absence of the former

E. Treasurer

The Treasurer shall:

1. Be the official custodian of all funds of the association

2. Assist the President in coordinating all fund-raising activities.

3. Maintain a permanent bank account in the name of the association.

4. The Treasurer shall be required to give out or obtain receipts for all financial transactions

irrespective of the amount,

5. The Treasurer shall be audited twice a year by an ad-hoc committee selected by the

General Assembly. This audit shall take place no later than July 15th and January 15th

every year.

F. Financial Secretary

The financial secretary shall:

1. Maintain proper records of all incomes and expenditures of the association.

2. Assist the President and the Treasurer in coordinating all fund-raising activities,

3. Present monthly financial statements to the meeting

4. The Financial Secretary shall be audited twice a year. This audit shall take place no later

than July 15 and January 15 every year.

5. The Financial Secretary shall assist the Treasurer during meetings to collect monthly and

annual dues.

G. Public Relations Officer (PRO)

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) shall:

1. Be the voice of the chapter to the community and other associations

2. Be responsible for informing members of current events (deaths, births, etc.) of the

association

3. Remind members about the meeting hosting and schedules

4. Send out an agenda for the meeting before the meeting date, in collaboration with the

secretary.

H. Cultural / SocialOfficer

The cultural officer shall:

1. Coordinate cultural events during meetings or occasions,

2. Uphold and project Manyu culture (cultural dances, songs, etc.)

3. Assist the president in coordinating all social activities of the association

4. Inform members of all social activities and requirements of interest to the

association

I. Protocol Officer

The protocol officer shall:

1. Maintain discipline and order during all official meetings of the association.

2. Recognize speakers and allocate time limits for each speaker whenever necessary.

Article 3: Committees

Meca-Dfw shall maintain six committees whose duties are to aid the activities of the

organization as follows.

Section 1. Health and welfare Committee

1. The Health and welfare committee shall comprise of 3 members including

one member of the executive.

2. They shall advise the organization on the types of health programs to be

undertaken by the organization

3. They shall educate the organization on healthy living by organizing

conferences and seminars etc...

Section 2. Financial Committee

1. The committee shall comprise of 4 members including the treasurer and financial

secretary from the executive council.

2. The Finance Committee provides financial analysis, advice, and oversight of the

organizations budget.

3. Their sole responsibility is to ensure the organization is operating with the financial

resources it needs to provide programs and services to the community.

Section 3. Development Committee

1. The committee shall consist of 5 members including 2 executive members

2. The Development Committee leads the board's participation in resource

development and fund raising.

3. The committee works with the executive to develop the organization's fund

development plan.

4. The committee proposes programs and develops plans, procedures, and schedules

for board and executive involvement in fund raising.

Section 4. Education committee

1. This committee shall comprise of 3 members including one executive member

2. They shall initiate and implement educational policies.

3. They shall develop and implement programs and activities which will provide

members with the opportunity to achieve knowledge and skills necessary to serve the

organization with competence and professionalism. 

Section 5. Cultural Committee

1. The committee shall comprise of 4 members including one member from the executive

council

2. The Cultural Committee shall be responsible for all cultural events in the organization.

3. They shall plan and schedule cultural events for the organization

4. They prepare budget for all cultural events and take necessary steps for its approval.

5. The committee shall conduct a meeting of the committee to discuss and delegate task

6. They shall provide Procedure to organize cultural events

Article 4: Meetings

1. General meetings shall be held once a month, on the first Saturday of each month.

2. Members of the association shall take turns as individuals or in groups when

hosting the meeting. Fines for none hosting is $100

3. An emergency meeting may be called at any time by the President when deemed

necessary

4. Meetings shall begin promptly at 8:00pm provided one Executive member and three

Non-Executive members are present and shall last no longer than 11:00pm

5. The President shall be responsible for ensuring that at least one executive member is

present, with the agenda.

6. All decisions taken during meetings shall be binding provided at least 50% of all

registered members in attendance agrees.

Article 5: Elections

Section 1: Eligibility of Voters

To be eligible to vote, a member must:

1. Only registered and up to date members are eligible to vote during all elections.

Section 2: Eligibility of candidates

To be eligible for office, a candidate must:

1. Be a registered Member and in good standing with the association.

Section 3: Conduct of Elections

1. Elections shall be conducted on the first Saturday of November, and the new administration

shall be installed on the first Saturday of January.

2. The term of office of each executive shall be two years.

3. The president shall serve no more than two consecutive terms.

4. Voting shall be done by show of hand or by ballot.

5. Candidates that received a majority of the votes shall be declared winners.

Article 6: Membership Benefits

The following section is intended to assist and/or show support to members of the

association in times of need. The provisions provided below, will apply strictly to active

members and members in good standing with the association.

1. In the event of the death of an active member of the association, members shall

contribute the sum of $100.00 each to the association. All funds collected shall be

given to the bereave family.

2. In the event of the death of an active member’s immediate biological family (father,

mother, spouse, son, or daughter) the association shall visit and condole with the

member. Every member shall contribute $30.00 to the association. Each registered

member shall benefit per event.

3. In the event of the death of a brother or sister each member shall contribute $20.00 to

the association. The association shall visit and condole with the member.

4. If an active member or spouse of an active member gives birth, the association shall

visit with the family and donate $500.00 to the family.

5. If an active member gets married, the association shall visit with the couple and donate

$500.00 to the couple.

6. In the event that an active member becomes ill and admitted to hospital for three days

or more, the association shall visit the member and donate $500.00 to the member

excluding birth and any birth related illness.

Article 7: Suspension and Impeachment

Section 1. Officials

An officer may be suspended or impeached from office if such an officer:

1. Consistently fails to perform their duties satisfactorily

2. Exhibits unacceptable behavior, i.e., misconduct

3. Continuously disregards the rules and regulations governing this association

4. Any sanctions or expulsion from office shall require the approval of at least 60%

of all registered members present during the deliberations

5. Such an officer shall pay a fine of $200.00 for each offence. (the fine shall

double if the officer does not comply within 60 days)

Section 2. General Assembly

Any registered member shall be sanctioned within the following guidelines.

Members found guilty of using abusive language, profanity, or other continuous

disturbances shall be:

a) Be suspended from the association for a minimum of one year.

b) Pay fines of up to $300.00 (fines double If the registered member does not

comply within 60 days)

c) Any sanctions of a registered member for negative behavior shall require the

approval of at least 60% of all registered members present during the

deliberations

Article 8: Dissolution

Upon termination or dissolution of the MECA-DFW, any assets lawfully available for distribution shall be

distributed to United MECA – USA. In the event United MECA – USA is not readily available to receive the

assets then one (1) or more qualifying organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue

Code of 1986 (or described in any corresponding provision of any successor statute) which organization

or organizations have a charitable purpose which, at least generally, includes a purpose similar to the

terminating or dissolving corporation.

The organization to receive the assets of the MECA-DFW hereunder shall be selected by the discretion of

a majority of the Board of Directors (BOD) of the MECA-DFW and if its members cannot so agree, then the

recipient organization shall be selected pursuant to a verified petition in equity filed in a court of proper

jurisdiction against the MECA-DFW by one (1) or more of its Board of Directors(BOD) which verified

petition shall contain such statements as reasonably indicate the applicability of this section. The court

upon a finding that this section is applicable shall select the qualifying organization or organizations to

receive the assets to be distributed, giving preference if practicable to organizations located within the

State of Texas.

In the event that the court shall find that this section is applicable but that there is no qualifying

organization known to it which has a charitable purpose, which, at least generally, includes a purpose

similar to this corporation, then the court shall direct the distribution of its assets lawfully available for

distribution to the Treasurer of the State of Texas to be added to the general fund.

Article 9: Amendments to this Constitution

1. This constitution shall be amended as necessary to address the needs and changing

circumstances of MECA-DFW

2. All petitions for amendment shall be forwarded to the Constitutional Review

Committee by any registered member seeking amendments. The committee shall

review and deliberate on the petition(s) and shall distribute draft copies of the

petition(s)to registeredmembers of MECA-DFW prior to presentation atthe general

assembly)

3. All sitting members of the executive of MECA-DFW shall serve as permanent

members of the Constitution Review Committee.

4. The general assembly shall have the powers to appoint other registered members

of MECA-DFW to join the Constitution Review Committee.

5. d) Any decision to amend the constitution shall require the approval of at least two-

thirds of registered members of MECA-DFW present during deliberations.