Bylaws of Iota Kappa Phi Chapter, Tri-Ess

Approved by Members January 10 2004

 

ARTICLE I           NAME:

 

            The name of this organization shall be:  Iota Kappa Phi Chapter, an affiliated chapter of The Society for the Second Self, Inc., hereafter referred to as Iota Kappa Phi or IKP and Tri-Ess, respectively.

 

ARTICLE II        DEFINITION:

 

            IKP is a non-profit, volunteer, educational, outreach organization.

 

ARTICLE III       AFFILIATION:

 

A.        IKP is an affiliated chapter of Tri-Ess, but reserves the right to co-affiliate with other organizations.

 

B.        IKP may, with the consent of a majority of the members voting, participate in communications with, and the mutual support systems of, other groups or organizations, which support, or promote the free expression of gender, but may not become bound by the by-laws or policies of any group other than Tri-Ess. 

 

ARTICLE IV        PURPOSE:

 

The purpose of IKP is to act as a non-sexual support group for heterosexual crossdressers, spouses and life partners of crossdressers, and their families.  Toward this end, it will:

 

A.        Provide programs, speakers, services and social activities for the support of its members and to promote the acceptance of crossdressing.

 

B.        Provide opportunities for crossdressing, for the purpose of developing self-understanding and self-acceptance.

 

C.        Pass on knowledge and understanding of crossdressing to related organizations and to the public.

 

D.        Assist members with problems related to crossdressing, whenever possible.

 

E.                 Promote the Bylaws, Policies and goals of Tri-Ess as stated in the Tri-Ess  

By-Laws and Policies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE V      MEMBERSHIP:

 

A.        General Provisions

 

1.         Individuals seeking full voting membership in IKP must be heterosexual crossdressers or spouses, partners, adult children or parents of heterosexual crossdressers, must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, and not actively seeking, nor having had, sexual reassignment.  All prospective members must be interviewed by one or more authorized representatives of IKP Chapter, who will submit to the Board of Directors a Screening Report.  Having evaluated the Screening Report, the Directors will vote on the application, a simple majority being required to accept the applicant into membership.

 

2.         Membership will not be denied on the basis of race, religious preference, physical disability, genetic sex, marital status, inability to pay, or the amount of time spent crossdressed.

 

B.        Full voting members

 

1.         Heterosexual crossdressers and the spouses, life-partners, adult children or parents of heterosexual crossdressers are eligible to become full voting members of IKP Chapter provided they are members in good standing of Tri-Ess.

 

2.         Full voting members are entitled to all benefits of IKP Chapter membership stated herein.  In addition, they shall be entitled to hold office in IKP Chapter, to cast one vote in chapter elections and/or referenda, and to attend all meetings, unless otherwise stated in these by-laws and policies.

 

C.        Non-voting Memberships

 

1.         Persons having a legitimate constructive interest in IKP Chapter but otherwise ineligible for membership under Article V, Section A, are eligible for non-voting membership. Supportive vendors may obtain non-voting membership.  Non-voting members are required to seek membership in Tri-Ess or Friends of Tri-Ess, as appropriate.

 

2.         Non-voting members may attend chapter meetings. They are entitled to use the library and to receive the monthly newsletter, but may not vote or hold office in IKP Chapter.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI       SPOUSES, PARTNERS, AND FAMILY MEMBERS:

 

A.        Participation in IKP Chapter.

1.         Spouses, partners and nuclear family members of heterosexual crossdressers may enjoy all the rights of full voting members of IKP Chapter provided they meet all the criteria for membership.

 

B.        Spouses or partners who have lost a partner may apply to the Board of Directors for a continuation of their full voting membership status.  By majority vote, the Board of Directors may grant such full voting             membership on a case by case basis.

 

C.        Participation in the Spouses' and Partners' Support Group and/or Couples’ Group. 

 

1.         All participants in the IKP Spouses’ and Partners' Support Group and/or Couples’ Group must be qualified for membership under the general provision of Article V, A, of the by-laws.

 

2.         All participants in the IKP Spouses' and Partners' Support Group and/or Couples’ Group must be members of Tri-Ess and of IKP Chapter.

 

ARTICLE VII              MINOR CHILDREN:

 

Minor children shall be considered special guests of IKP Chapter.  Their rights to attend all chapter meetings shall not be abridged or denied.  Attendance by minor children at IKP Chapter functions is a family issue and will be decided as such, although it is strongly recommended that children attend only with the approval of both parents and/or legal guardians.  All minors attending meetings must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

 

ARTICLE VIII  DUTIES OF MEMBERS:

 

A.        All members of IKP shall support and abide by the By-laws and policies of IKP and Tri-Ess.

 

B.                 Members shall conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and strive to make others feel welcome.

 

1.       Members shall honor the security and confidentiality of their fellow members.

2.       Members will refrain from any inappropriate sexual behavior.

3.       Members will refrain from speech, behavior or dress that would be expected to offend spouses and partners.  This specifically includes promotion of transsexualism.

4.       Members will abide by the “no drugs”, “no weapons”, and modified “no alcohol” policy of IKP Chapter.

5.       Members will come dressed in ladylike or gentlemanly attire.

6.       Members will abide by the policies of businesses the chapter patronizes.

7.       Members will refrain from malicious criticism of others.

           8.   Members shall greet newcomers attending their first chapter meeting.

 

C.        Members shall also vote, if eligible, in IKP elections and referenda.

 

D.        All members shall promote IKP and Tri-Ess whenever possible.

 

E.        It is expected that every IKP member will do his/her share of work on chapter committees and projects.

 

ARTICLE IX     DUES AND ASSESSMENTS:

 

A.        Annual Dues

 

1.         IKP may levy annual dues against members payable on the date membership commences and in the month of January every year thereafter.  Dues collected shall include both Chapter dues and Tri-Ess dues.  The Chapter Treasurer shall remit Tri-Ess dues to the office of the Membership Director of Tri-Ess.

 

2.         Initial chapter dues shall be prorated from the time the member joins the chapter to the next January if joining before October meeting after October’s fee will be wavered.

           

            3.         Prospective members must pay one year’s Tri-Ess dues at the time of attending first meeting after screening/orientation interview. Prorating of Tri-Ess dues will be done the second year of membership.

 

           4.        Prospective members must join IKP after attending two meeting and pay Annual dues.

 

5.         Annual dues may be modified with the consent of a simple majority of the voting members in attendance.

 

6.         Those failing to renew their memberships in IKP or Tri-Ess within sixty (60) days of the date due shall immediately lose all membership privileges.  The chapter shall keep accurate records of membership in IKP Chapter and Tri-Ess.

 

B.        Meeting Fees

 

            1.         Members may be assessed a nominal fee to defray meeting expenses.

                       

            2.         Non-crossgendered spouses, partners, family members, guests and   vendors may also be assessed meeting fees.

 

3.         Meeting fee assessments may be adjusted by a two-thirds majority      of the voting members in attendance.

 

4.         Any member who attends a IKP Chapter Meeting must pay meeting fees, regardless of his/her time of arrival.

 

            5.         Members failing to pay the assessed meeting fees may not attend subsequent meetings and shall forfeit voting rights until said    fees are paid in full.

 

6.         Meeting fees shall be $10 at this time and be adjusted by the membership.

 

C.        Special Assessments

 

1.         Members may be assessed fees for special purposes.

 

            2.         Special assessments may not be levied on a recurring or continuing  basis.

 

D.        Hardships

 

1.         A member may petition the Board in writing for the granting of a hardship status.  This petition shall be reviewed in closed session of the Board and hardship status shall be reviewed annually.  It is the member's responsibility to keep the Board appraised of his/her financial status.

           

            2.         In the case of severe financial hardship only the Board of Directors, at its discretion, may invoke one of the following hardship plans:

 

                        a.         Payment of full dues in quarterly installments.

 

                        b.         Payment of dues discounted by one-third, in quarterly     installments. 

 

c.         Waiver of dues for one year, after which time a member is expected to move to one of the other hardship plans or pay dues in full. 

 

3.         The IKP Chapter Board of Directors will send to the Membership Director of Tri-Ess a recommendation for hardship status and the type of hardship recommended.

 

4.         In cases of permanent and total disability the chapter may request permanent waiver of dues from Tri-Ess.

 

5.         Cash flow problems other than indigence will not be considered valid grounds for granting a hardship status.  Unwillingness to pay dues is not grounds for hardship status and will result in        loss of all membership privileges.

 

6.         Members granted hardship status will enjoy full membership privileges provided they meet all other criteria for membership. 

 

 

ARTICLE X      MEETINGS:

 

A.        Chapter Meetings

 

1.         Chapter meetings shall be held on the 2nd Saturday of each month unless rescheduled or canceled at a previous Chapter meeting with the consent of a majority of the voting members in attendance.

 

2.         IKP reserves the right to restrict the number of guests at chapter meetings and the right to deny attendance to hostile, intoxicated or otherwise undesirable individuals.

 

B.        Board Meetings.  The IKP   Board of Directors shall meet each month prior to the date of the Chapter Meeting.  The IKP Board of Directors Meetings shall be open, except for discussion of items related to hardship or discipline.

 

ARTICLE   XI    BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

 

A.        General Provisions.

 

1.         The voting members of IKP shall annually elect a President and a Board of Directors of at least five persons, (hereinafter referred to as the Board), to serve from January 1st through December 31st of the calendar year.

                        a.       President

                       b.      Treasurer

                       c.       Newsletter Editor

                       d.       Secretary

                       e.       Spouse Liaison

 

            2.         The Board shall consist of the President and Board Members to do the following jobs:

 

                        a.         Outreach Coordinator

                        b.         Liaison to Tri-Ess

                        c.         Membership-Treasurer Coordinator

                        d.         Newsletter Editor

                        e.         Screening/Orientation Coordinator

                        f.          Cyberspace Coordinator

                       

3.         Eligibility to serve on the Board shall be restricted to voting members who have held chapter membership for one calendar year, who have not previously been removed from the Board for cause, and do not serve as or in the capacity of an officer or director of any other transgender organization that is not affiliated with Tri-Ess. The one-year membership requirement is waived for the initial Board.

 

            4.         No one person shall hold more than one of the following positions:

 

                        1.         President

                        2.         Treasurer - Membership Coordinator

                        3.         Newsletter Editor

 

B.        Duties of the Board

 

1.                  The Board shall be responsible for the effective administration of IKP, its By-laws, Policies and Board Directives and toward this end shall:

 

a.         Hold monthly meetings scheduled at the discretion of the President to discuss and pass on administrative matters.

 

                        b.         Appoint committees and/or delegates to perform tasks for the                                       fulfillment of Board responsibilities

 

c.         Make recommendations for action to the members of the chapter to be voted upon by the members of the chapter. 

 

2.         The Board shall be responsible to the voting members of IKP and to the governing body of Tri-Ess.

 

            3.         The President shall:

 

                        a.         Preside at all Chapter and Board Meetings.

 

b.         Represent IKP to the public, to Tri-Ess and to other transgender organizations.

 

 

 

C.        Conduct of Business

 

1.         The Board shall conduct business in accordance with ARTICLE XII, unless otherwise started in these bylaws and policies.

 

            2.         A quorum shall consist of four Board Members.

 

3.         Board decisions on matters specifically requiring a membership vote shall not be binding unless ratified by the voting members at a subsequent chapter meeting.

 

D.        Vacancies on the Board

 

1.         Should the President's seat become vacant for any reason prior to the end of the current term the Board of Directors shall elect an interim President to serve until the end of the term or until the originally elected President returns to office, whichever comes first.

 

2.         Should the seat of a Director become vacant, for any reason, prior to the end of the current term, the President shall appoint an interim Director, with the advice and consent of the Board to serve until the end of the term or until the elected Director returns to office, whichever comes first.                                 

 

E.        Tenure and Removal of Board Members

 

            1.         Tenure of Board Members shall be for one (1) year.

 

            2.       Maximum term of office:  No officer shall hold the same position on the board for more                                   than three consecutive years.  After three years the person must step down from that position or seek a different office.

 

            3.         At its discretion the Board may appoint an assistant(s) to any board member.

 

4.         If a board member is unable to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of his/her board position, she/she will be expected to resign his/her office.

 

 

ARTICLE   XII            CONDUCT OF BUSINESS:

 

A.        Calendar

 

1.         The social year of IKP shall be from January 1 through December 31 of the calendar year.

 

2.         The business or fiscal year of IKP shall be from January 1 through December of the calendar year.

 

B.        IKP business shall be conducted during chapter meetings unless stated otherwise in these bylaws and policies as follows:

 

1.         Elections and referenda shall be decided by a simple majority vote      of the members voting.

 

2.         The eligible voting members shall decide membership admission codes, conduct, security, financial assessments and other matters having an impact on the membership provided such matters are consistent with these bylaws.

 

3.         The conduct of all business meetings shall follow Robert's Rules of Order, unless otherwise stated in these bylaws and policies.

 

C.        Inspection of Votes:  On any question at which votes are taken, it shall be the right of all sides to provide a representative to confirm vote tallies.

 

ARTICLE XIII  AMENDMENTS OF BYLAWS:

 

A.        The bylaws of IKP may be amended as set forth herein, with the exception of ARTICLE XIII and ARTICLE XIV.

 

1.         All voting members must be advised in writing of any proposed amendments a minimum of twenty days prior to the meeting at which the matter is to be voted on.

 

            2.         Each amendment to be made must be voted on independently.

 

3.         Members may vote in person or by mail, but voting shall be conducted during the business portion of a chapter meeting by secret ballot and tabulated by the Facilitator and another person as determined by members present.

 

            4.         A two-thirds majority of those voting shall be required for any amendment to pass.

 

5.         Typographical or grammatical corrections are not considered as amendments.

 

B.        Amendments to ARTICLE XIV

 

            1.         Require a two-thirds majority of all the members eligible to vote.

 

2.         Shall constitute a withdrawal from membership in Tri-Ess and require immediate notification be given to that organization.

 

ARTICLE   XIV          CONFORMITY WITH TRI-ESS BYLAWS AND POLICIES:

 

            IKP Chapter being an affiliated chapter of Tri-Ess, any bylaw, policy or provision thereof which conflicts with any Tri-Ess bylaw or policy is hereby declared null and void.