By-Laws of the Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals
Adopted June 6, 2005
Article 1.
Name
The Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals, or, HAHMP. The principal office for the transaction of business of the corporation is located in the State of Texas, County of Harris.
Article 2.
The Purpose of HAHMP is to:
1. Raise scholarship money to help deserving students pursue a college degree in journalism and communications careers.
2. Advance and be an advocate for Hispanics in journalism and communications careers.
3. Encourage and support professional development of members.
4. To help provide fair and accurate media coverage of the Hispanic Community.
Article 3.
Membership
A. Journalist membership
General membership is open to all professionals in electronic and print media who support themselves principally from income earned in the gathering, editing or presentation of news. All general members are eligible to vote and hold office. Annual dues are thirty five (35) dollars.
B. Communications membership
Open to journalism educators, professionals in advertising and public relations and media freelancers. Communications members are eligible to vote and can hold can hold office except that for President or Vice President. Annual dues are thirty five (35) dollars.
C. Supporting membership
Open to entities and individuals that support the goals of the Association. There shall be two classes of supporting members:
1. Individual, whose annual dues shall be one hundred (100) dollars.
2. Corporate, who annual dues shall be five hundred (500) dollars.
D. Student membership
Open to college students involved in the study of journalism or communications. Student members may not vote or hold office. Annual dues are ten (15) dollars.
Article 4.
Membership requirements
1. Fixed annual dues must be paid by date by January 31st.
2. Dues must be up to date for a member to vote on Association issues or elections.
3. Membership fees may be modified by a two thirds vote of eligible members present at a general meeting.
Article 5.
Meetings and Elections
A. Association general membership meetings will be held a minimum of six times a year. All meeting times and locations will be posted on the Association website at least ten days in advance. Board meetings will be held thirty minutes prior to general membership meetings, and/or, when and where called by the Association president.
B. Election of board members shall take place every other August, the term of office being two years. Should a board member resign a post, a special election will be called within thirty days. If the President resigns or is unable to serve, the post will be filled for the duration of the term by the Vice President. In the event the V-P assumes the office of President, he/she may appoint a V-P to serve the duration of the term.
C. A majority of the elected board is required to conduct association business at an officially called meeting posted to the general membership.
Article 6.
Organizational Structure
All board members will serve two year terms and may serve no more than two consecutive terms of office. Board members may also serve on any of the asssociation committees.
A. President:
Must be a working electronic or print journalist. Will preside over meetings and develop the meeting agenda. Will serve as the association spokesperson.
B. Vice President:
Must be a working electronic or print journalist. Will assume the duties of the president in the president’s absence.
C. Immediate Past President:
Will provide continuity of leadership by assisting the newly elected president with guidance and organizational assistance.
D. Secretary:
Will record the minutes of meetings of the members and the directors. Will post notice of meetings.
E. Treasurer:
Will keep a record of all financial transactions and deposit all money in the name and to the credit of the association. Will disburse funds at the order of the President who shall sign or co-sign all disbursements. Will provide an account of all transactions and account balances at each meeting of the members and/or directors. May also be charged with the responsibility of collecting annual dues and notifying members when they are in arrears of dues payment.
F. Membership Director:
Will keep records of membership showing names of all members, their addresses, type of membership and a record showing dues payments. Will collect annual dues and notify members when they are in arrears of dues payment. Will help plan events aimed at increasing association membership.
G. Scholarship Director:
Will post notice of annual scholarship awards and distribute applications to qualified students. Will form a committee to screen applications, select scholarship award recipients, and notify such recipients of their selection.
Article 7.
Removal or Resignation of Board Members:
A. Elected board members may resign by providing a letter of resignation to the President and board.
B. Any elected board member may be removed by the majority vote of the board with or without cause.
C. Committee chairs may be removed by the President without any vote.
D. Board members may be subject to removal for missing three meetings per year.
E. Vacancies of any elected position may only be filled by special election.
Article 8.
Committees:
The Association will have several standing committees including but not limited to:
-Gala
-Website
-Membership
-Scholarship
-Professional Development
-Student Activities
All committee chairs and members must be current Association members and will be appointed by the Association president who may also remove designated chairs with or without cause.
Article 9.
Amendments to the By-Laws:
A. The Association By-Laws may be amended by recommendation at general membership meetings. Amendements will be voted on once a year during officer elections.
B. Amendments must be approved by board members present when the vote is taken.
These By-Laws replace and supercede the previous By-Laws of the Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals, HAHMP, and were approved at their meeting on (Date) in Houston, Texas
So Certified:
____________________________________________________
President
____________________________________________________
Secretary
End