IEMC ByLaws

Article I

Article II

Article III

Article IV

ARTICLE I: NAME, PURPOSE

Section 1: The name of this organization shall be the, “Inland Empire Men’s Club”, hereinafter referred to as IEMC. In order to change the name of this committee, a 2/3 majority of the current active club members shall vote for approval. Prior to an organizational name change vote, all active club members shall be notified in writing 30 days prior to any anticipated vote.

Section 2: IEMC is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify for exempt organizations under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future tax code.

Section 3: The Mission of the IEMC is to provide male mentoring for young men. The mentoring will focus on Life Skills with a goal of empowering young men with the tools necessary to become productive citizens. IEMC secondary mission to provide graduating high school males enrolling into institutions of higher learning or trade schools with a scholarship.

Section 4: The Vision of IEMC is to position itself financially whereby any and all qualified male graduate within the Murrieta, Temecula, and Menifee Unified School Districts can be awarded some form of a scholarship.

Section 5: IEMC does not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals based on race, religion, national origin, gender or sexual orientation.

Section 6: Objectives of IEMC is to:

A. Promote high ethical and moral standards.
B. Promote good fellowship with others.
C. Facilitate and promote high quality mentoring.

ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Membership Requirements:

A. Must be a male 21 years of age or older.
B. Must be an American citizen or Naturalized citizen.
C. Must not have been convicted of a felony.
D. Must be a resident of Riverside County.
E. Must be a registered voter.
F. Must be of good moral character and have a desire to be instrumental in advancing the objectives of IEMC.
G. In an effort to limit liability to the IEMC and protect its integrity for which it serves, IEMC reserves the right to deny membership to anyone.
H. Accepted members maintain and keep the secretary apprised of their valid Email address, a regular mail address and a contact telephone number.
I. Applications for membership of the club must be done in written form by completing an application and submission of required fees.
J. All initial memberships are temporary pending verification of clearance from Department of Justice (DOJ), local law enforcement and medical verification of PPD test.

Section 2: There is one class of membership for the IEMC. Those members that have met their obligations for membership, shall be considered Active Members, and may participate in all aspects of IEMC’s membership matters.

Section 3: Liability. Members of the IEMC are not employees. Therefore, Inland Empire Men’s Club shall not be held liable for the actions of any individual member.

Section 4: An IEMC member may be terminated for cause if any action done is found to be detrimental or counter-productive to the club.

ARTICLE III: MEETINGS

Section 1: Monthly Meeting. The president of the dub shall set the dates of the Monthly Meetings. The president will send out correspondence through electronic means if meetings are cancelled.

Section 2: Quorum. A quorum must be attended by at least 2/3 of the club members before business can be transacted or motions made or passed.

Section 3: Notice. An unscheduled official IEMC meeting requires each member to be contacted by email or telephone call, as soon as practical, prior to the date of any impending meeting.

ARTICLE IV: BUSINESS

Section 1: All business of IEMC, shall be conducted in accordance with these By-Laws and in conjunction with any subsequent written operating policy, as approved by the IEMC.

Section 2: Procedural. Robert’s Rules of Parliamentary Procedure shall serve as a guide for the conduct of business.

Section 3: Official/Formal correspondence shall always be communicated on IEMC letterhead paper.

Section 4: Signature stamps are prohibited for use on correspondence by IEMC.

ARTICLE V:

Section 1: The IEMC will be comprised of at least:

(a) President
(b) Vice President
(c) Secretary
(d) Treasurer
(e) Member(s)-at-Large

Section 2: In an effort to establish the IEMC and for the purpose of continuity, the initial IEMC Officers and Board of Directors were appointed and will serve indefinitely or until an election can be held in accordance with these Bylaws.

Section 3: IEMC Role and Compensation. The IEMC is responsible for the overall guidance of the club. The IEMC Membership receives no compensation other than for reasonable reimbursable expenses.

Section 4: Elections. Election of a new club officer will occur as dictated by the IEMC.

Section 5: The elected president has authority to appoint or reappoint club member to special positions.

Section 6: Removal from IEMC. A club member may be removed by 2/3 majority vote of the entire club.

Section 7: Additional IEMC Authority. IEMC has unilateral authority to make decisions on any matter relative to the club that is not covered by the Bylaws or any other Operating Policies.

Section 8: Officers and duties of the IEMC. Their duties are as follows:

A. The President of IEMC shall:
- 1) Preside over all IEMC meetings, call such meetings to order and see that they are properly conducted following an agenda and are adjourned as scheduled.
- 2) Be an impartial and conscientious arbiter of discussion and debate, and insist on fairness in actions and arguments of members.
- 3) Have authority to see that all orders and resolutions of the IEMC consultation are carried through completion. Appoint/reappoint/removal of Standing/Ad Hoc Committee Chairs.
- 4) Appoint a primary and alternate Security Manager to manage the Organization’s DOJ Account; these appointments are indefinite.
B. The Vice President of IEMC shall:
- 1) Preside in the absence of the President.
- 2) In the event the President becomes incapacitated and cannot fulfill the responsibilities of the office, or is removed from office, assume those duties until the next regular election is held.
- 3) Be responsible for all standing and ad hoc committees appointed by the president.
- 4) Act as advisor for any disciplinary action towards a committee member.
- 5) Perform other duties as directed by the President.
C. The Secretary of IEMC shall:
- 1) Keep accurate, complete and careful minutes of all monthly or special meetings and file them for ready inspections by members upon timely request.
- Notify all members by email the dates, times and place of IEMC Meetings.
- 3) Distribute copies of the minutes to IEMC members.
- 4) Ensure all incoming and outgoing funds for IEMC are journalized in the minutes.
- 5) Perform other duties as may be related to the position.
D. The Treasurer of IEMC Shall:
- 1) Keep ready for inspection a strict account of all moneys of IEMC and their collection/distribution process. Keep the IEMC informed as to the financial status of the organization.
- 2) Allocate funds as directed by the IEMC.
- 3) Serve as advisor for and appointed Finance Committee.
- 4) Make written reports to the IEMC for each meeting and upon request as to the financial status of the organization.
- 5) Upon request provide all financial records to the Auditor or an Audit Committee.
- 6) Perform other duties as they may relate to the Treasurer’s position.
- 7) Prepare a quarterly and annual financial report.
- 8) Disburse no funds without being voted upon at a regular or special meeting.
E. Members-at-Large of the IEMC shall:
- 1) Attend monthly meetings.
- 2) Assist the president upon request.

Section 9: Vacancies. In the event of a vacancy on the IEMC during an un-expired term, the president with verbal concurrence from the IEMC may appoint a member in good standing to serve in a position until the matter can be brought before the IEMC for voting.

Section 10: Removal. Any Voting Council Member who is absent for three consecutive monthly meetings without sufficient excuse or reason shall be deemed to have surrendered their position, thereby creating a vacancy.

Section 11: Resignation. Any council member may resign by giving written notice to the President. Such resignation shall be accepted by the President and shall take effect as specified therein. Resignations may take effect immediately or earlier if the club determinates that doing so is in the beset interest of IEMC.

If a sitting President desires to resign, his resignation letter shall be delivered to the Vice President.

ARTICLE VI: OPERATING AND FISCAL YEAR

Section 1: The Operating Year for IEMC shall begin on 1 January of each year and end on 31 December of the same year.

Section 2: The Fiscal Year IEMC shall commence on 1 January of each year and end on 31 December of the prior year.

ARTICLE VII: DUES AND FEES

Section 1: There shall be annual dues assessed to members of the IEMC of $100.00 annually.

Section 2: Annual dues shall be paid, in full, at the time application is turned in.

Section 3: Annual dues shall not be prorated regardless of time of application or acceptance.

Section 4: Annual dues for the second or subsequent years may be waived contingent upon the overall operating funds available.

Section 5: Potential applicants will be responsible to pay fingerprinting fees upon submitting their application to the local law enforcement/agencies: DOJ, FBI and Police Department rolling fees. All fees are nonrefundable.

ARTICLE VIII: FINANCES

Section 1: Operating expenses of IEMC shall include the following, but not limited to:

A. Reimburse IEMC members for all expenses incurred in performance of their duties.
B. Funds may be allocated as directed by vote of the IEMC for:
- a. Committee Meeting Expense
- b. Office Supplies
- c. Printing, Copying and Postage

Section 2: The funds of the IEMC shall be deposited in such commercial or savings bank as ordered by the IEMC.

Section 3: All IEMC drafts shall require a signature of selected members from the IEMC (The Treasurer, President, or Vice-President). The president has authority to cause club funds to be expended at a rate of not more than $25.00 per occurrence.

Section 4: Any and all funds must be disbursed by a vote of the IEMC. Authorization to utilize funds may be accomplished by either electronically or voice voting. In either case written documentation shall be provided to the secretary for inclusion in the Minutes. Section 5: No part of the net earnings of the club shall inure to the benefit of, or be 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 rendered and to make payments and distribution in furtherance of the purpose set forth in the purpose clause hereof. No substantial part of the activities 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. Notwithstanding any other provision of this document, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by an organization, contribution to which are deductible under section 170(c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

ARTICLE IX: COMMITTEES

Section 1: The IEMC may create committees as needed.

Section 2: All committees shall consist of a minimum of three members.

Section 3: The President of the IEMC may appoint the following committees:

A. Audit Committee shall be responsible for auditing the records of the Treasurer at any time the President or IEMC deem advisable and at the conclusion of each calendar year. The fiscal year shall be the Calendar year. Annual reports are required to be submitted to the IEMC showing income, expenditures and pending income. In an effort to expedite the auditing process, the Treasurer may be present to answer any questions. The financial records of the IEMC are public information and shall be made available to the member, and the public, upon request.
B. Bylaws Committee shall be responsible for:
- Develop operating policies consistent with the current bylaws
- Evaluate current bylaws
- Proposing revisions where appropriate to the Bylaws
C. Membership Committee shall be responsible for:
- Reviewing and making recommendations to the IEMC for all candidates desiring membership. All recommendations for disapproval shall be accompanied with specific reason(s) or justification.
D. Disciplinary Committee shall be responsible for:
- Coordinating all investigations with the IEMC and Vice President by conducting all investigations and hearing regarding alleged misconduct on the part of any member of the IEMC. In addition to;
  - Recommending appropriate sanctions in accordance with the Bylaws of IEMC.
  - Ensure any action proposed by the Disciplinary Committee be submitted to the IEMC Board of Directors for review, concurrence, or disapproval
  - Act as the investigating arm of the IEMC.

ARTICLE X: GRIEVANCES

Section 1: Any grievance or perceived injustice related to the operation of the IEMC or the conduct of its members should be brought to the attention of the President. Such concerns may be presented by the complainant in writing or in person at a regular club meeting. Anonymous grievances shall not be considered. The President shall request verbal grievances be supported in written form. Only first-hand grievances (events directly involving the complainant) shall be heard or discussed by the IEMC. Grievances having merit may be forwarded to a Disciplinary Committee to determine if the case merits further consideration for investigation.

Section 2: Conflict of interest matters and /or grievances shall be handled in an expeditious manner whereby the alleged Due Process is not violated.

ARTICLE XI: CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Section 1: A conflict of interest may exist where an interested party, or a relative or business associate of an interested party, may be seen as an invested interested concern of the IEMC. A conflict of interest may also exist where an interested party, relative or business associate, obtains benefit or advantage that he or she would not have obtained absent his or her relationship with a IEMC member, or where his or her duty or responsibility owed to the IEMC conflicts with the duty or responsibility owed to some other organization.

Section 2: An interested party is under a continuing obligation to disclose any actual or perceived conflict of interest as soon as it is known or reasonably should have been known.

ARTICLE XII: DUE PROCESS

Section 1: Due Process. The By-laws of the IEMC shall provide for the censure, suspension or expulsion of a member for cause, such determination being made by a panel selected by the President to serve as a Disciplinary Committee. All parties involved in an incident shall be required to provide a written statement to the Vice President for distribution to the investigating panel. A member placed on probation, suspended or expelled, shall be notified in writing of any action taken by the Panel and shall have the right to appeal to the IEMC regarding any decision or sanction imposed. The club ruling on all appeals is binding and final. Any member suspended or expelled may be subsequently reinstated by a majority vote of the IEMC. Any prejudice or retaliation against a member for exercising his Due Process rights, as determined by the Disciplinary Committee, shall be considered a serious violation of the IEMC’s Due Process policy.

Section 2: To ensure fair and thorough investigation of incidents in which an IEMC member is accused of misconduct, the following Due Process policy shall be invoked and adhered to:

A. Upon learning of an incident in which a IEMC member is accused of misconduct, the Vice President, acting as Coordinator of the Disciplinary Committee, shall request a detailed written account of the incident from all involved parties: the IEMC member(s) accused of the alleged misconduct, his/her accuser and any witnesses to the subject incident.
- 1) Such request shall be made to IEMC member as appropriate.
- 2) Such request shall be made in written form and within a reasonable time (72hours).
B. IEMC members, upon receiving such request, shall be required to submit a detailed written account of the incident, signed to indicate such account is true and correct to the best of their knowledge.
- 1) Submissions may be via e-mail, fax and regular mail or hand delivery to the requestor.
C. Upon receipt of sufficient written account(s) of the incident to warrant further investigation, the Vice President shall convene the Disciplinary Committee and give them their instructions.
D. The Disciplinary Committee shall perform a thorough investigation of the alleged incident, conducting interviews, hearings or other proceedings as necessary to determine the true events of the incident and the culpability of those involved.
E. Any interviews, hearings or proceedings ordered by the Disciplinary Committee shall be conducted only after proper written notice has been given to all subject parties.
- •Such notice may be made verbally, by phone or e-mail, or by certified mail when deemed necessary to ensure IEMC’s members respond, participate or attend.
F. In the absence of any precedence, any sanctions proposed by the Disciplinary Committee shall be based on sound judgment and in consistent with the offense.
G. The Disciplinary Committee shall conclude their investigation and provide written notice of their findings to the Vice-President, to include any proposed sanction(s) to be imposed by the IEMC.
H. The President shall notify the offending IEMC member of such sanction(s) in writing as soon as possible; noting that decisions rendered and proposed sanctions recommended by the Disciplinary Committee may be appealed to full IEMC.
- Such notification shall be by certified mail only to ensure and document receipt thereof.
I. Imposed sanctions of the IEMC shall be effective immediately upon confirming the offender has received notification thereof, i.e. upon receiving the certified mail return-receipt.
J. Any Appeal to the IEMC must be received in writing within seven (7) days of the offender’s receiving notification of the sanctions imposed by the Disciplinary Committee.
- Such Appeal must clearly indicate the basis for the Appeal and must contain new evidence or discussion not previously heard by the Disciplinary Committee.
K. Any sanctions of the IEMC shall be suspended upon receipt of the written requests for Appeal.
L. The President shall convene a quorum at an appropriate time to evaluate and rule on such properly executed Appeal. Such ruling by the IEMC may:
- 1) Uphold the findings and recommended sanctions of the Disciplinary Committee.
- 2) Uphold the findings of the Disciplinary Committee while reducing recommended sanctions.
- 3) Modify the findings and/or sanctions of the Disciplinary Committee.
- 4) Overturn the findings of the Disciplinary Committee, thereby voiding all sanctions.
M. Decisions of the IEMC are final and binding.
N. The President shall notify the offender of the result of the Appeal in writing as soon as possible, stating the final sanctions imposed.
- Such notification shall be by certified mail only to ensure and document receipt thereof.
O. The final imposed sanctions of the IEMC shall be effective immediately upon confirming the offender has received notification thereof, i.e. upon receiving the certified mail return-receipt.
P. A written record of all hearings, proceedings and other related documentation should be maintained by the Secretary for (5) five years.

ARTICLE XIII: AMENDMENT

Section 1: Proposed amendments to the Bylaws must be submitted to the Secretary for delivery to the Bylaws Committee for disposition. These By-laws may be amended when, recommended by the Bylaws Committee in concert with 75% majority vote from the IEMC membership present at a regular scheduled meeting.

ARTICLE XIV: DISILLUSION CLAUSE

Section 1: IEMC may be disbanded with a recommendation by the 100% of IEMC Officers and Board of directors. Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more purposes within the meaning of section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such pm-poses.

Approved and Ratified: March 1, 2018

Dr. Charles H. Washington
President

Raymond E. Mclaughlin
Vice-President

Rickey Marlowe
Secretary/Treasurer

Dr. Kenneth Robinson
Chairman Bylaws Committee

Dr. Carl Tyler
Chairman Scholarship Committee

Johnny Morrow
Membership Committee

Ronald M. Henderson II
Member-at-Large