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REN,
Inc. Bylaws
BY-LAWS OF THE
Refugee Educators' Network, Inc.
CONTENTS
ARTICLE I—Name
ARTICLE II—Philosophy
ARTICLE III—Purpose
ARTICLE IV—Membership
ARTICLE V—Meetings of Members
ARTICLE VI—Executive Board
ARTICLE VII—Officers
ARTICLE VIII—Nomination and Election of Officers
ARTICLE IX—Meetings of the Executive Board
ARTICLE X—Contracts, Checks, Deposits, and Funds
ARTICLE XI—Books and Records
ARTICLE XII—Fiscal Year
ARTICLE XIII—Seal
ARTICLE XIV—Non-Discrimination
ARTICLE XV—Legislative or Political Activities
ARTICLE XVI—Dissolution
ARTICLE XVII—Amendments to the By-laws
BY-LAWS OF THE
Refugee Educators' Network, Inc.
ARTICLE I
NAME
This organization shall be known as “Refugee Educators' Network, Inc.”
ARTICLE II
PHILOSOPHY
It is the philosophy of the REFUGEE EDUCATORS’ NETWORK that in this increasingly diverse state it is necessary for people to have ready access to information about the backgrounds, cultures, languages, histories, and peoples who have arrived recently as refugees, immigrants, and other newcomers. As it is difficult to locate information concerning some of those who have recently arrived in the United States, the REFUGEE EDUCATORS’ NETWORK’s primary role is to serve as a clearinghouse for information and as a place at which persons interested in these issues can meet to share resources and information and to promote the education of both newcomers and their receiving communities. Further, the members of the REFUGEE EDUCATORS’ NETWORK believe that it is necessary to specialize in selected areas to become valuable as a resource for others, and to encourage others to form similar groups to specialize in the peoples of other backgrounds, cultures, and histories. Given this scope, the REFUGEE EDUCATORS’ NETWORK has as its primary focus Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, refugee/immigrant issues, current events in the homeland and the U.S., first and second language learning, and successful acculturation within the wider American society.
ARTICLE III
PURPOSE
It shall be the purpose of the REFUGEE EDUCATORS’ NETWORK:
•To organize an annual conference on topics related to Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, newcomer students, refugees/immigrants, language acquisition, acculturation, background, research and teaching strategies.
•To uncover, select, and gather information resources related to the peoples who come to the United States as refugees, with a primary focus on Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
•To make information easily accessible to interested persons.
•To trigger greater general interest in learning about the newcomer communities.
•To increase the quantity and quality of educational and informational resources available to educators, students, and others.
•To promote among the children of refugees greater understanding of and identification with their cultural and linguistic heritages.
•To encourage the development of quality educational programs for newcomer students and their classmates.
•To promote the continuation and transmission of traditional arts and skills, and to preserve examples of traditional techniques on video.
•To network throughout the nation professionals, specialists, and experts in all the fields serving the interests of refugees, immigrants, and other newcomers.
ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. The right to bonafide membership in this organization shall be extended to all persons who are interested in the education of refugees, immigrants, and other newcomers, who are supportive of the organization’s goals and objectives, and will abide by its Articles of Incorporation and by-laws. Membership dues will be determined annually by the Executive Board. Active membership shall extend from September to August of each year.
The Executive Board may waive membership fees for those who were active members the previous years. Active membership is defined as “having attended a minimum of 60% of the year’s meetings and assisted with the planning and implementation of the previous year’s Southeast Asia Education Faire”.
Section 2. Categories of membership.
There are active members, new members, and guests. New members (those who have not attended 60% of the prior year’s meetings and assisted with the planning and implementation of the prior year’s Southeast Asia Education Faire) may join at any time by filling out a new member form and paying the membership fee established by the Executive Board. Each active and new member shall have one vote. Guests may attend meetings and participate but do not vote, are not eligible for benefits nor subject to responsibilities.
Section 3. Membership lists.
The lists of members shall be maintained by the Executive Board, including member's name, mailing address, and attendance record. Persons on the membership list will receive meeting announcements through the mail. Current members will be listed on the organization’s letterhead stationery.
Section 4. Resignation.
Any member may resign by filing a written resignation form with the Executive Board.
Section 5. Transfer of membership.
Members from the following founding districts/organizations may transfer their membership to another person from the same organization: Elk Grove Unified School District, Grant Joint Union School District, Folsom Cordova Unified School District, Lincoln Unified School District, Lincoln Unified School District Title VII, Rio Linda Union School District, Sacramento City Unified School District, San Juan Unified School District, Stockton Unified School District, Stockton Unified School District Title VII, Washington Unified School District, Washington Unified School District Title VII, California Department of Education Bilingual Education Office, Southwest Regional Laboratory, University of California Berkeley Teacher Education Department.
Section 6. Membership dues.
The amount of the annual membership dues shall be set by the Executive Board. It is in keeping with the philosophy of this organization that the regular membership dues be in such an amount that wide participation is encouraged.
Section 7. Membership benefits.
In addition to the voting rights, members shall receive at no additional cost the newsletter “Context:”; a member’s rate for publications; and free checkout of materials from the Southeast Asia Community Resource Center.
Section 8. Membership responsibilities.
Active members are expected to attend at least 60% of the current year meetings of the organization, actively assist with the planning and implementation of the annual conference, oversee the expenditure of funds generated by the annual conference, and vote on other necessary actions of the organization.
ARTICLE V
MEETINGS OF MEMBERS
Section 1. Annual meeting.
An bi-annual meeting of the members shall be held on such day of each alternate year as the Executive Board shall select for the purpose of the transaction of such business as may come before the meeting and for electing the members of the Executive Board. This meeting will usually be held in September of each even-numbered year.
Section 2. Regular meetings.
Regular meetings of the REFUGEE EDUCATORS’ NETWORK shall be held on the third Thursday of September, November, January, February, and May, or at whatever time and place as may be decided by the Executive Board.
Section 3. Place of meeting.
The annual meeting will be held at the Southeast Asia Community Resource Center or at another place as the Executive Board shall decide.
Section 4. Notification of place and time.
Members shall be notified in writing by the Secretary of the time and place of the annual meeting seven (7) days in advance of the meeting. Notice of the regular meetings is given to the general public in the monthly newsletter “Context”.
Section 5. Special meetings.
From time to time, there may be reason to call a special meeting. Special meetings may be called by any two active or new members of the Refugee Educators’ Network for the purpose of conducting business on one item only. Notification of the special meeting shall be mailed to all members at least 3 days (72 hours) prior to the meeting.
ARTICLE VI
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1. General powers.
The Executive Board of the organization shall constitute its governing body and shall have such powers and authority as shall be conferred upon them by the Articles of Incorporation, the by-laws, and the general laws of the state of Incorporation. The Executive Board comprises the elected officers of the organization.
Section 2. Quorum.
One-half plus one of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the organization, provided that if less than such a quorum is present at said meeting, a majority of those attending may adjourn the meeting to another time without further notice.
Section 3. Manner of acting.
The act of a majority of the Executive Board present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the organization, unless the act of a greater number is required by statute, these by-laws or the articles of incorporation.
Section 4. Vacancies.
A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise may be filled by the Executive Board, following the same procedures as for new members, for the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 5. Compensation.
No officer of the organization shall receive any salary or compensation for services.
Section 6. Informal action.
Any action which may be taken at a meeting of the Executive Board of the organization may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all the officers entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof. Such consent shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote at a meeting of the Executive Board.
ARTICLE VII
OFFICES
Section 1. Offices.
The organization shall have a chairperson, a secretary, a treasurer and such other officers as may be elected in accordance with the provisions of this article. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of chairperson and secretary.
Section 2. Chairperson.
The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings. Subject to the direction and control of the Executive Board, he/she shall be the chief executive officer of the organization and shall be in charge of the business and affairs of the organization; shall see that the resolutions and directives of the Executive Board are carried into effect; shall perform all of the duties commonly incident to his/her office and such other duties as the Executive Board shall assign from time to time.
Section 3. Secretary.
The Secretary shall record notes of or videotape the meetings; see that all notices are given in accordance with the provisions of these by-laws or as required by law; keep in a safe place the records of the affairs of the organization; perform such other duties incident to his/her office, and perform other duties and have such other powers as the Executive Board shall designate from time to time.
Section 5. Treasurer.
The Treasurer shall be the principal financial officer of the organization. The Treasurer is charged with the collection and custody of the funds and other property of the organization; shall keep or cause to be kept full and accurate records of all receipts and disbursements in the financial books of the organization; shall keep the organization’s legal documents and other documents requiring safety deposit; and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the organization in such depository as may be designated by the Executive Board. He/she shall be charged with the disbursement of funds of the organization, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the Executive Board at their annual meetings, and whenever requested by them, a full written report of all his/her transactions as Treasurer, and the financial condition of the organization. He/she shall accept membership dues, and keep a timely record of all members in good standing. He/she shall perform such other duties as the Executive Board shall designate from time to time.
Section 6. Past Chairperson.
The Past Chairperson shall serve on the Executive Board for the purpose of effecting a smooth transition from one Executive Board to another.
ARTICLE VIII
NOMINATION AND ELECTION TO OFFICE
All members in good standing of the REFUGEE EDUCATORS’ NETWORK shall be eligible to run for the Executive Board. At the September meeting of each even-numbered year, the membership shall nominate and elect by ballot the officers of the organization. The secretary shall present an official announcement of the newly elected officers by mail to the membership.
Section 1. Election and term of office.
The officers of the organization shall be elected bi-annually by the members at the bi-annual meeting. If the election of officers shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as conveniently may be. Voting may be in writing provided that the nominations have been mailed to each member. Vacancies may be filled or new offices created and filled at any meeting of the Executive Board. Each officer shall hold his/her office until his/her successor shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified or until his/her death or until he/she shall resign or shall have been removed in the manner hereinafter provided.
Section 2. Removal.
Any officer elected by the members or appointed by the Executive Board may be removed by the Exective Board whenever in its judgment the best interests of the organization would thereby be served.
Section 3. Resignation.
The Executive Board may accept the resignation of any of its members submitted in writing at any meeting of the Board.
ARTICLE IX
MEETINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1. Regular Meetings.
At least one annual meeting of the Executive Board of the organization shall be held at a time and place as determined by the Executive Board Chairperson. Notice of all meetings of the Executive Board, stating the time and place of such meeting, shall be sent to each Executive Board member at his/her address as it appears on the records of the organization at least seven (7) days prior to the date of such meeting. Meetings of the Executive Board may be held electronically, via phone, computer, or fax.
Section 2. Special meetings.
Special meetings of the Executive Board may be held at any time or place, whenever called by any two Executive Board members. Notice of the special meeting, stating the time and place of such meeting, shall be mailed to each Executive Board member at least three (3) days prior to the meeting. Special meetings of the Executive Board may be held electronically, via phone, computer, or fax.
ARTICLE X
CONTRACTS, CHECKS, DEPOSITS, AND FUNDS
Section 1. Contracts.
The Executive Board may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents of the organization to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the organization.
Section 2. Checks, Drafts, etc.
All checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the organization shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the organization and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Executive Board. In the absence of such resolution, such instruments shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the Chairperson.
Section 3. Deposits.
All funds of the organization shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the organization in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Executive Board may select.
Section 4. Gifts.
The Executive Board may accept on behalf of the organization any contribution, gift, bequest. Donor shall be provided with written recognition of the donation.
Section 5. Inurement of income.
No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or distributable to, its members, trustees, officers or other private persons except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services.
ARTICLE XI
BOOKS AND RECORDS
The organization shall keep correct and complete books and records of account and shall also keep minutes of its proceedings and shall keep at the registered or principal office a record giving the names and addresses of the members and officers. Minutes may be a complete written record of all actions, or may be a video or audio recording with a written summary of the actions of the meeting. All books and records of the organization may be inspected by any member for any proper purpose at any reasonable time.
ARTICLE XII
FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the organization shall be July 1 to June 30.
ARTICLE XIII
SEAL
The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the organization.
ARTICLE XIV
NON-DISCRIMINATION
The organization shall not discriminate against any member on the basis of gender, sexual preference, marital status, race, color, language, or handicap.
ARTICLE XV
Legislative or Political Activities
No substantial part of the activites of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and the organization shall not participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
ARTICLE XVI
DISSOLUTION
At a special meeting called for the purpose of dissolution with thirty (30) days' written notice, the REFUGEE EDUCATORS’ NETWORK may elect to dissolve by a vote of two-thirds of the registered voting membership. In the event that such dissolution is voted, the assets of the organization shall be disposed of exclusively for the purposes of the organization or distributed to such organizations operated exclusively for the charitable or educational purposes as shall, at the time, qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
ARTICLE XVII
AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS
The power to alter, amend, or repeal these by-laws or adopt new by-laws shall be vested in the Executive Board unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation or the by-laws. Such action may be taken at a regular or special meeting of the Executive Board. Approval of proposed amendments to these by-laws may be accomplished by a majority of the Executive Board, and shall be ratified by a majority vote of the membership. Amendments shall be listed as an afterword to the originally approved by-laws.
Draft 1, May 17, 1990
Draft 2, January 21, 1993
Adopted, January 21, 1993
Joan Criddle
MaryEtta Hamzawi
Judy Lewis
Lue Vang
Huynh Dinh Te
Konthal Cheng
Van LE
Charles Hwang
Julie Hoskins
((4 members absent)
BY-LAWS “At-a-Glance”
OF THE
Refugee Educators' Network, Inc.
ARTICLE I—Name—Refugee Educators’ Network, Inc.
ARTICLE II—Philosophy—To serve as a clearinghouse for information about refugees/immigrants/newcomers from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
ARTICLE III—Purpose—To organize an annual conference on refugees/immigrants/newcomers from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, the proceeds of which support the supply and operation of the Southeast Asia Community Resource Center.
ARTICLE IV—Membership—(1) Any person who attended at least 60% of the prior year’s Refugee Educators’ Network meetings and assisted with the organization and implementation of the prior year’s annual conference. (2) Any person who pays the membership fee and fills out a member application.
ARTICLE V—Meetings of Members—General meeting in September of even-numbered years for the purpose of electing the officers of the organization. Other regular meetings: 3rd Thursday of September, November, January, February, and May of each year. Special meetings may be called; meetings may be held electronically.
ARTICLE VI—Executive Board—One-half plus one comprises a quorum for the transaction of business.
ARTICLE VII—Officers—At a minimum, a Chairperson, a Secretary/Treasurer, and past Chairperson.
ARTICLE VIII—Nomination and Election of Officers—September of even-numbered years, by nomination and ballot.
ARTICLE IX—Meetings of the Executive Board—One annual meeting. Special meetings may be called; meetings may be held electronically.
ARTICLE X—Contracts, Checks, Deposits, and Funds—Signed by Chairperson and Treasurer.
ARTICLE XI—Books and Records—Minutes may be a complete written record, or an audio/video recording with a written summary of actions. Roster of active membership on file.
ARTICLE XII—Fiscal Year—July to June
ARTICLE XIII—Seal
ARTICLE XIV—Non-Discrimination
ARTICLE XV—Legislative or Political Activities
ARTICLE XVI—Dissolution—Requires a 2/3 vote of the active membership.
ARTICLE XVII—Amendments to the By-laws
Refugee Educators’ Network History:
1983-84 School Year
Refugee Educators’ Network formed as sub-committee of Sacramento Area Refugee Forum, under their federal ID #
1984-85 School Year
1st annual Southeast Asia Education Faire, Mills Jr High
1985-86 School Year
2nd annual Southeast Asia Education Faire, Cordova Sr. High
1986-87 School Year
3rd annual Southeast Asia Education Faire, Cordova Sr. High
1987-88 School Year
4th annual Southeast Asia Education Faire, Cordova Sr. High
Southeast Asia Community Resource Center opens in a classroom.
1988-89 School Year
5th annual Southeast Asia Education Faire, Delta College, Stockton
Southeast Asia Community Resource Center moves to new facility.
1989-90 School Year
6th annual Southeast Asia Education Faire, Sacramento City College
1990-91 School Year
7th annual Southeast Asia Education Faire, Sacramento City College
1991-92 School Year
8th annual Southeast Asia Education Faire, Sacramento City College
Provisional Executive Board
Chairperson: Judy Lewis
Treasurer/secretary: Lue Vang
Organization office:
Southeast Asia Community Resource Center, Folsom Cordova Unified School District, 2460 Cordova Lane, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. (916) 635-6815.
FB 3500 Exemption Application
Attachment #7d
Proposed Budget, 1992-93
Refugee Educators’ Network, Inc.
INFLOWS
Income from ticket sales (SEA Education Faire) 20,000
OUTFLOWS
Books for checkout 1,500
Books for resale 1,000
Conference expenses 13,500
Hilltribe video project 1,500
Computer supplies 400
Subscriptions 600
Office supplies & postage 1500
FB 3500 Exemption Application
Attachment #7e
Refugee Educators’ Network, Inc.
Specific purposes for which the REN is formed
The Refugee Educators’ Network is an outgrowth of the Education Subcommittee of the Sacramento Area Refugee Forum. The members have been meeting as an informal work group for several years.
Incorporation will formalize an informal group. In order to pay California and federal taxes, it is neccesary to incorporate. Incorporation will also provide a legal means of disposal of property obtained by the Refugee Educators’ Network in the event of its dissolution.
The Refugee Educators’ Network intends to accomplish the following:
*Organize a conference for educators and community members, March 20, 1993, and annually thereafter.
*Make available resource materials related to the backgrounds, languages, and acculturation of refugees, immigrants, and newcomers, with a particular focus on those from Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.
•Trigger public interest in learning more about the peoples of Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos.
Signed
Judith A. Lewis,
Incorporator
FB 3500 Exemption Application
Attachment #7f
Refugee Educators’ Network, Inc.
Programs and Activities
Five “networking” meetings to share information and resources
September
November
January 21, 1993
February 18, 1993
May