Group Constitution
Young Americans For Liberty
Formal Constitution
March 1, 2008
ARTICLE I: Name and Affiliations
The name of the organization shall be Young Americans For Liberty.
ARTICLE II: Purpose
The purpose of the organization shall be to foster the principles set forth in the United States Constitution among the student body of the University of Mississippi and to organize student activists in preserving those fundamental beliefs. This club’s mission shall be to raise awareness of the US Constitution as the foundation of American government through political activism including, but not limited to: rallies, protests, speeches, booths and general campaigning for candidates who endorse a constitutionally limited government. We seek those willing to actively and openly campaign for the Constitution as well as the candidates endorsed by this club. However, we are open to all members who adhere to these beliefs, regardless to the extent of their activism.
ARTICLE III: Membership
Membership shall be limited to students, faculty and staff of the University of Mississippi.
All members must agree to abide by the University of Mississippi policy
prohibiting discrimination in organizational membership on the basis
of race, color, culture, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual
orientation, marital status, disability, age or veteran status.
ARTICLE IV: Officers or Executives
Group officers must have been an active member of the group for a minimum of one semester and maintained a GPA of 2.25. Note: “Active Member” is defined as attending 50% of club meetings and being active in at least one service project.
Officers of the Group shall include:
President, whose duties shall be to preside over all meetings, set agendas for meetings, appoint committees, vote in meetings to break ties, and serve as the organization’s official representative.
Vice-President, whose duty shall be to assume the duties of the president in his/her absence.
Secretary, whose duties shall include taking minutes of the meetings, maintaining current attendance records, maintaining a schedule of events, and official record keeping for the organization.Treasurer, whose duties shall include recording and monitoring all organization funds, preparing financial reports, and working with the Student Organization Coordinator in all bookkeeping issues.
If, for any reason, an officer is unable to perform their duties, they shall be replaced. Replacement shall take place according to normal election proceedings according to Article VIII, Section 3.
ARTICLE V: Committees
Committees shall be created and dissolved as needed by official appointment and a majority vote.
ARTICLE VI: Faculty Advisor
The Faculty Advisor must be a full-time employee of the University or Mississippi. Advisor interference shall be limited.
ARTICLE VII: Amendments
This Constitution may be amended by a 2/3-majority vote.
ARTICLE VIII: Ratification
This constitution shall become effective upon the approval of the Office of the Dean of Students, Division of Student Life of the University of Mississippi.
By-Laws Outline
Section 1: Membership
It is each member’s own duty to attend meetings regularly and participate in club activism projects. Each member of the club shall have the right to vote, although they must be present to do so. Members shall resign their membership at their own discretion.Section 2: Fees
There shall be no fees imposed on membership.Section 3: Elections
Elections shall be held at the beginning of each Fall term. Any member may nominate any fellow member to any office, as long as the nominee in question meets the requirements outlined in Article IV. Elections shall be held at the next meeting following nominations, or at a time stipulated by the group. Election to an office shall be based on a simple majority, determined by a secret ballot.The seat of president shall not be voted on, but shall be filled by the standing vice president upon completion or resignation of the current president’s term. In the case a vice president is unable to fill the presidents position, the group may decide upon a new president and/or vice president by majority vote. The group may also override the succession of power from president to vice president by a majority vote, in which case a new president and/or vice president shall be appointed.
Officer positions will be appointed at the beginning of each Fall semester. Secretary and Treasurer shall be appointed in rotation of Fall semesters. A new vice president must be voted on each fall semester. Each officer must recognize the two-year commitment.
Those being considered for an officer position must be a full time student (12 or more hours of courses) of the University of Mississippi.
Section 4: Meetings
All meetings will be conducted using parliamentary procedure as outlined in Robert’s Rules of Order. While attendance of every meeting is not mandatory, attendance of 50% of scheduled meetings is necessary for returning members to exercise their voting right.Section 5: Quorum
No less than 25% of club members shall constitute a Quorum. However, the decision in question must have been announced at a prior meeting.Section 6: Amendment of the By-Laws.
By-Laws may be amended by a majority vote.
