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Constitution

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The Constitution

of

the National Multicultural Greek Council

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PREAMBLE

We, the multicultural and multiethnic Greek-Letter organizations, in furtherance of our mission to unite and empower ourselves and our communities and form a more perfect alliance of fraternal organizations, do hereby establish the Constitution and Bylaws for the governance of the National Multicultural Greek Council, Incorporated. All divisions of the NMGC now in existence, and all divisions organized hereafter shall be bound by such structures established in the Constitution and Bylaws.

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this organization shall be the National Multicultural Greek Council, Incorporated, hereinafter referred to as the “NMGC”.

ARTICLE II- OBJECTIVE

The NMGC shall act as an alliance to unite all multicultural and multiethnic, Greek-letter Fraternities and Sororities under one national entity.  The NMGC shall serve in an advisory capacity to its member organizations.  Each member organization shall be autonomous as a Greek-letter society.  The goals of the NMGC shall be as follows:

  1. To provide a forum that allows for the free exchange of ideas, programs, and services between its constituent fraternities and sororities;
  2. To promote the awareness of multicultural diversity within collegiate institutions, their surrounding communities, and the greater community-at-large; and
  3. To support and promote the works of its member organizations.

ARTICLE III-MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1.  MEMBERS

The membership of the NMGC shall consist of organizations that are eligible for membership in accordance with the criteria for membership as set forth in Article III- MEMBERSHIP, Section 2, CRITERIA and have received approval from the NMGC Membership Committee after submitting a completed application for membership.

SECTION 2. CRITERIA

Eligibility criteria for membership shall include:

  1. A Greek-letter organization commonly referred to as a fraternity or sorority who is;
  2. A multicultural or multiethnic organization as defined by the NMGC Membership Application and;
  3. Has been in existence for a minimum of five (5) years or have a minimum of five (5) chapters/colonies as recognized by its respective organization as of the date of application for membership to the NMGC; and
  4. Exists as a legal and incorporated body under the laws of one of the fifty (50) states of America and the Laws of Congress.

SECTION 3.  MEMBER ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVES

Each member organization shall be represented by two (2) representatives to sit in the general assembly of the NMGC.  These member organization representatives shall be responsible for voting on behalf of their respective organizations.

ARTICLE IV- EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

SECTION 1.   OFFICERS

The officers for the NMGC (the “Executive Council”) shall consist of the following and such other officers as from time to time may be necessary:

A.              Elected Officers
  1. President
  2. Vice-President
  3. Secretary
  4. Treasurer
  5. University Liaison
  6. Public Relations Coordinator

B.  Appointed Officers

1.  Legal Counsel

SECTION 2. DUTIES OF OFFICERS

  1. PRESIDENT – The duties of the President shall be as follows:  (i) to establish meeting agendas; (ii) to preside over regular and special meetings of the NMGC Executive Council and the NMGC general assembly; (iii) to act as a primary contact for the NMGC;  (iv) to promulgate the mission of the NMGC; (v) to oversee the Executive Council; and (vi) any other such duties as from time to time may become necessary.
  1. VICE PRESIDENT – The duties of the Vice President shall be as follows: (i) to assist the President as deemed necessary; (ii) to preside over regular and special meetings of the NMGC and the Executive Council in the President’s absence;  and (iii) to preside and oversee the committees established under the Constitution and Bylaws or by any Executive Order of the Executive Council.
  1. SECRETARY – The duties of the Secretary shall be as follows:  (i) to record and disburse accurate minutes of all Executive Council and NMGC meetings;  (ii) to manage all correspondence; and to secure meeting locations.
  1. TREASURE – The duties of the Treasurer shall be as follows:  (i) to maintain the finances and accounts of the NMGC; (ii) to research the financial options of the NMGC;  (iii) to serve as Chair of the Finance Committee; (iv) to serve as the Chief Fiscal Officer; (v) to address matters of insurance; and (vi) to address and manage any tax issues related to the finances of the NMGC.
  1. UNIVERSITY LIAISON – The duties of the University Liaison shall be as follows: (i) to aid in the establishment of the NMGC at colleges and universities; and (ii) to act as the Parliamentarian of the NMGC.
  1. PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR - The duties of the Public Relations Coordinator shall be as follows:  (i) to serve as the spokesperson for the NMGC for any non-administrative matters;  (ii) to serve as the public representative for the NMGC;  (iii) to address and handle all media related responsibilities including but not limited to the distribution and dissemination of leaflets, flyers, web-related announcements and press releases; and (iv) to serve as Chair for the Programming Committee.
  1. LEGAL COUNSEL - The duties of the Legal Counsel shall be as follows:  (i) to provide legal counsel on all matters pertaining to the NMGC; and (ii) to serve as the legal representative for the NMGC.

SECTION 3.  EXECUTIVE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORTS

All executive officers, except for the Secretary, shall be responsible for preparing and rendering a semi-annual report to the general body of the NMGC.  Such semi-annual report shall be prepared in accordance with the guidelines as established by the Executive Council.

ARTICLE V – COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS

SECTION 1.   STANDING COMMITTEES

The Standing Committees of the NMGC shall be as follows:

  1. A. Finance Committee – The Finance Committee shall be responsible for raising \funds for the NMGC for its day-to-day operations as well as any special projects, promotions, and ventures.
  2. B. Membership Committee – The Membership Committee shall be responsible for reviewing new applications for membership to the NMGC and reviewing the status of existing members of the NMGC.
  3. C. Programming Committee – The Programming Committee shall be responsible for the planning and implementation of all activities sponsored by the NMGC.

SECTION 2.  AD HOC COMMITTEES

Temporary Committees shall be appointed by the Executive Council whenever the Executive Council deems it necessary.

SECTION 3.  COMMITTEE MEMBERS

  1. Where otherwise not stated within the Constitution or By-Laws, the Chair of a committee shall be commissioned by the Executive Council.
  2. Committee members shall be on a voluntary basis.

ARTICLE VI – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

All matters not covered by the Constitution and Bylaws and the policies, rules, and regulations of the NMGC shall be governed by the Laws of the State of New Jersey and the current edition of Robert’s Rules Of Order, Newly Revised, respectively

ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS

  1. This Constitution may only be amended by a two-thirds vote of the voting member representatives assembled in the October semi-annual meeting following elections.
  2. Notice of proposed amendments shall be published to all member organizations at least 180 days before the convening of a semi-annual meeting.
  3. Amendments proposed at one October meeting shall be voted upon at the following October meeting.

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The BY-LAWS

of

the National Multicultural Greek Council

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ARTICLE I – ELECTIONS AND VOTING

SECTION 1.  ELECTED OFFICERS

A.        All Elected Officers shall be elected by the member organization representatives and the current Executive Council members seated in the General Assembly.

B.        Elected Officers shall not be considered or serve as the member organization representative to the NMGC.

SECTION 2.  MEMBER REPRESENTATIVES

Member organization representatives shall be elected or appointed by their respective organizations in accordance with their respective Constitution and Bylaws and/or organizational Rules of Order and policies.

SECTION 3.  NOMINATIONS

Nominations for Elected Officers shall be held every other year during the October Bi-Annual Conference.  All nominees shall conduct their own campaign for office in accordance with the polices of the NMGC.

SECTION 4.   TIME OF ELECTIONS

A.        All Elected Officers shall be elected every other year during the April Bi-Annual Conference.

B.        All member organization representatives shall be elected and/or appointed by March 1st of each calendar year.

SECTION 5.  VOTING

A.        Voting for Elected Officers shall be by secret ballot or Special Elections.

B.        A Special Election is an election conducted by registered mail within a four (4) week period with campaigning, nominations, voting, and announcements to be conducted within the same time period and forum.

C.        All member organizations shall have one vote on the council.

SECTION 6.  INSTALLATIONS

All Elected Officers shall be installed by the previous President of the NMGC every other year during the April Bi-Annual Conference.

SECTION 7.  TERM OF OFFICE

  1. All Elected Officers shall serve for two (2) years, the respective term commencing at the beginning of each fiscal year.
  2. Transition of officers from outgoing Elected Officers to incumbent Elected Officers shall be conducted at the July Executive Council Meeting every other year in the same year in which the election was held.

SECTION 8.  ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

In order to be eligible for an elected or appointed office, an individual must:

A.  Be in good standing with their respective organization;

B.  Belong to a member organization that is in good standing with the NMGC;

  1. Have at least two (2) years experience in a field related to the office sought to be held and;
  2. Have experience as a member representative or committee member of the NMGC for one year.

SECTION 9.  SUCCESSION AND VACANCIES

  1. When a vacancy occurs in the office of President, the Vice-President shall become Acting President until a Special Election is held to fill the vacancy.
  2. When vacancies occur in other offices, they shall remain vacant until a Special Election is held to fill the vacancy or until the President appoints an Acting Officer, to be approved by the Executive Council.

SECTION 10.  IMPEACHMENT

  1. Any officer who has been impeached shall be ineligible for election to any other office.
  2. Impeachment of any officer shall only occur with a two-thirds majority of the voting population.  The office in question shall be filled according to Article I- ELECTIONS AND VOTING, Section 9. SUCCESSION AND VACANCIES, subsections A and B.
  3. An impeachment shall only occur after the officer in question has received an oral and written warning regarding his or her conduct.  Impeachment proceedings shall be held in accordance with the policies of the NMGC.

ARTICLE II- DUES, FEES, AND FINANCE

SECTION 1.  GENERAL

The NMGC shall be financed by the dues, fees, and fines from its member organizations and other appropriate contributions, grants, and fundraising activities.

SECTION 2.  MEMBERSHIP DUES

  1. All member organizations shall remit annual dues to the NMGC.
  2. Membership dues shall be assessed by the Executive Council yearly.

SECTION 3.  SCHEDULE OF DUES AND FEES

  1. All annual dues shall be remitted no later than October 31st.
  2. A member organization that fails to remit payment by October 31st shall be assessed a ten (10%) percent late fee of the balance due.  Until payment is received, the delinquent member organization shall be charged a late fee of ten (10%) percent per month of the balance due.
  3. A member organization that fails to remit dues by the end of the fiscal year shall be placed on suspension, in accordance with the provisions of Article V – DISCIPLINE, Section  2- Status, subsection B.

SECTION 4.  FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the NMGC shall commence on September 1st and close on August 31st.

SECTION 5.  ACCOUNTING FOR FUNDS

Persons authorized to expend the funds of the NMGC shall account for such expenditures upon request and at the end of each fiscal year according to procedures established by the Executive Council.

ARTICLE III- MEETINGS

SECTION 1.  GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The member organization representatives and the Executive Council shall assemble in Conference semiannually during the months of April and October respectively.

SECTION 2.  EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

The Executive Council shall convene semiannually during the months of January and July, respectively.

SECTION 3.  ACTION WITHOUT A MEETING

Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Executive Council or any committee thereof by the provisions of the New Jersey Nonprofit Corporations Act (the “Act”) or by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws may be taken without a meeting if, prior to the action, all officers or members of the committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and the written consents are filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Executive Council or committee.  The consents shall have the same effect as a unanimous vote of the Executive Council or committee for all purposes, and may be stated as such in any certificate or other document filed with the Secretary of State.

Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of member organizations by the provisions of the Act or by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws may be taken without a meeting if all of the member organizations entitled to vote thereon consent thereto in writing and the written consents are filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the General Assembly.  The consents shall have the same effect as a unanimous vote of the General Assembly for all purposes, and may be stated as such in any certificate or other document filed with the Secretary of State.

ARTICLE IV- INCORPORATION

SECTION 1.  CORPORATE EXISTENCE

In order so that it may avail itself of and have the advantages emanating from corporate existence, the NMGC shall exist as an incorporated body under the laws of Congress and under the Code of Laws for the State of New Jersey, said corporation having the power to conduct its business and activities within New Jersey, through the United States and its territories, and elsewhere.

SECTION 2.  CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT.

For corporate purposes, the control and management of this corporation shall be vested in the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, University Liaison, and Public Relations Coordinator.

ARTICLE V- DISCIPLINE

SECTION 1.  MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS

  1. A member organization may be placed on probation, suspended, expelled from the NMGC, fine, or required to repay expenses incurred for:
    1. Violation of the Constitution and Bylaws of the NMGC; or
    2. Violation of the rules or regulations of the NMGC.
    3. Failure to attend two (2) consecutive meetings shall result in probation for the following two (2) years.  For the duration of the probationary status, the organization cannot miss any meetings.  In the event that a meeting is missed during the probationary status, the organization shall immediately be suspended.
  1. Upon probation or suspension, a member organization shall be subject to sanctions as defined by the Executive Council.

SECTION 2.  STATUS

  1. Probation – A member organization on probation is required to attend all meetings for the following two (2) years; and may vote;
  2. Suspension – A member organization on suspension is required to attend all meetings; shall lose all voting privileges; is required to maintain an open dialog with the Executive Council; and must provide a plan of action to the general assembly.
  3. Expulsion – A member organization that has been expelled must wait two (2) years from the date of expulsion to re-submit a Membership Application.

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ARTICLE VI- QUORUM

SECTION 1.  EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

A majority of the officers currently in office shall constitute a quorum for the Executive Council.

SECTION 2.  GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Two-thirds (2/3) of the voting members shall constitute a quorum for the NMGC General Assembly.

ARTICLE VII- LIABILITY

The NMGC and the Executive Council expressly disclaim liability for the actions of member organizations who are in violation of either the letter or the spirit of the Constitution and Bylaws and all local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

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