constitution

Article I - Definitions
    A. In this document the words "gay community" are inclusive terms for Gays, Lesbians and Bisexuals.
    B. "Allies" refers to heterosexual friends of the gay community.

Article II - Name
The name of the organization shall be the Rainbow Alliance.

Article III - Purpose
The Purposes of the Rainbow Alliance are to:
    A. Educate: The Rainbow Alliance believes that educational programming and efforts will diminish the
        fear and hatred of sexual minorities.
    B. Advocate: The Rainbow Alliance believes that all individuals are worthy of equal opportunities
        and rights regardless of their affectional orientation. RA will advocate more progressive and
        inclusive policies for minorities within Southeast Missouri State University and the
        surrounding community.
    C. Support:   The Rainbow Alliance believes in providing a supportive and caring environment for the
        emotional well being of all its members.
    D. Celebrate: The Rainbow Alliance celebrates the diversity of Southeast Missouri and encourages all
        members to be proud of their affectional orientation.
    E. Lead: The Rainbow Alliance believes in the leadership development of its members, thus empowering
        them to make positive decisions for their life.

Article IV - Membership
The RA shall have the following membership requirements:
    A. Any student in good standing with Southeast Missouri State University may become a votive member;
    B. Any member present at meeting may participate in the decision making processes;
    C. There are no restrictions on who may participate in group activities.

Article V - Executive Officers
The executive officers of the Rainbow Alliance shall be as follows:
President, Vice President, Secretary/Web Coordinator, Treasurer, Community Outreach Coordinator and Ally Outreach Coordinator.. The aforementioned officers shall constitute the Executive Committee.
                                   (Amended Spring 2002)

Article VI - Duties of the Executive Officers (Click on link)
Duties explained on the linked page, "Duties of the Executive Officers": Amended Spring 2002

Article VII - Elections (Portions Amended Spring 2002)
    A. The President of the Rainbow Alliance shall be elected the spring semester before the next academic
         school year by a majority vote of members present. Nominations will be taken over a decided upon period
         of time including the day appointed by the RA to be the election day.
    B. The remaining officers must be elected by the third meeting each academic year by a majority vote of
         those present at the meeting. Nominations shall be taken during the first three meetings including the day
         of elections.
    C. All officers shall serve until the end of that academic year. Elections shall be by secret ballot. In the event
         of an uncontested candidacy election may be by acclamation.
    D. Any student member is eligible for nomination as an officer of the Executive Committee who (a) meets
         the University's eligibility for student office holding which consists of a 2.0 GPA; and (b) fulfills the
         qualifications as set up by the Executive Committee.

Article VIII - Meetings
    A. At the beginning of each semester, a regular meeting time shall be established by a majority vote of those
          present at the meeting. The President may call additional meetings.
    B. Quorum shall consist of 5 people in attendance, which is the minimum number of students set forth by
         Student Government to make a student organization.
    C. The officers, by a majority vote may choose to table any motion, except one to remove an officer, so
          that adequate presentation of all opinions may be facilitated. This tabling may be for no longer than
         fourteen days in which the University is in session.
   D. At the beginning of each general meeting two disclaimers must be made:
          1) The Rainbow Alliance values the confidentiality of its membership and prefers that members not talk
               about things heard or seen in the meeting.
         2)   Heterosexual as well as homosexual/bisexual students (community members) are welcome to join the
               RA and members should not make assumptions about any other member's affectional orientation.

Article IX - Amendments
    A. This constitution must be amended by a two-thirds vote of those present at the business meeting which
        occurs at least one week after the amendment has been moved and seconded.

Acticle X - Constitution Copies
    A. The Executive Committee, Faculty/Staff Advisor(s), and the presiding Student Government shall have
         copies of this constitution. In addition, copies of this constitution shall be made available to any
         individual wishing to view or to possess a copy of it.

              Disclaimer: The Constitution for the Rainbow Alliance is an updated version of the
                          Lambda Student Union Constitution drafted by Duane Westoff.

Constitution for the Rainbow Alliance of
Southeast Missouri State University