The Corporation is a noncommercial, nonsectarian, nonpartisan Corporation organized and operated exclusively for the purpose of increasing, improving, and promoting public knowledge and understanding of the Turkish culture, history and people; to foster friendship and communication among the Turkish American Communities; to promote the exchange of the arts, culture, music and cuisine of the U.S. and Turkey; to provide humanitarian assistance; and to educate and inform the members of the Corporation and the general public. The Corporation is a non-profit public benefit organization within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Section 3. Offices

The Corporation may have, in addition to its registered office, offices at such places, as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine and as the activities of the Corporation may require.

Article II

Members

Section 1. Eligible Member

Any Texas resident eighteen years of age or older who believes in and supports the mission of the Corporation, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation is eligible to apply for membership.

Section 2. Membership Dues

Annual dues for each class of membership shall be proposed and approved by the Board of Directors. For existing members seeking to renew, membership dues for each coming year are due and payable between October 1 and December 31 of the preceding year.

Section 3. Active Members

All new applicants for membership must complete and submit an Application of Membership along with payment of the annual membership dues. Active Members shall have the right to attend general meetings; to vote in the Corporation's elections and referenda; to serve on activity committees; to hold office on the Board of Directors; and to receive newsletters and email correspondence from the Corporation.

Section 4. Honorary Members

Active Members may elect to bestow Honorary Membership to persons recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Corporation. Honorary Members shall not pay any dues and shall have the same rights as Active Members with the exception of voting rights.

Section 5. Nonresident Members

Any person who is not a Texas resident may become a Nonresident Member upon submission of an application and payment of the Membership dues. Nonresident Members shall have the same rights as Active Members with the exception of voting rights.

Section 6. Denial or Loss of Membership

The Board of Directors, by two-thirds (2/3) vote, may deny or revoke any membership for cause. Any member whose membership has been denied or terminated may appeal such decision to the Board of Trustees.

Section 7. Membership List

The Membership Coordinator shall maintain a list of all members specifying the class of membership, the member's name, address and voting eligibility.

Article III

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall manage the activities, property and affairs of the Corporation. The Board shall consist of up to eleven (11) Directors, with a minimum of five (5), and shall always be an odd number. Directors serve two (2) year terms and are elected by Active Members at the Annual Meeting.

Article IV

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees shall consist of three (3) Trustees who provide oversight and review of the Corporation's financial activities, membership appeals, and assist with fundraising efforts. Trustees serve three (3) year terms.

Article V

Meetings of the Members

An Annual Meeting shall be held in January or February of each year. Special meetings may be called by two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors or majority vote of all Active Members. A quorum consists of one-third of Active Members with voting rights.

Article VI

Notices

Notices may be given by hand delivery, facsimile transmission, electronic mail or mail. Notice by mail is deemed delivered when deposited in the United States mails. Electronic notices are deemed given upon successful transmission.

Article VII

Committees

A Nominating Committee of three Active Members shall be appointed by the Board of Directors no later than November 30th of each election year. Special committees may be designated by the President for specific purposes.

Article VIII

Officers of the Corporation

Elected officers include President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Membership Coordinator. All officers must be members of the Board of Directors and may not serve in the same office capacity for more than two consecutive terms.

Article IX

Miscellaneous

The fiscal year runs from January 1 to December 31. Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall guide the Corporation. All checks over $4,000 must be approved by the Board of Trustees within seven days.

Article X

Dissolution

Upon dissolution, after paying all liabilities, assets shall be distributed to organizations qualifying as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Article XI

Indemnification

The Corporation shall indemnify and defend Directors, officers, and committee members to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law.

Article XII

Amendments

These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed by the affirmative vote of a majority of all Active Members with voting rights at any Annual or Special Meeting, provided notice is given.

Article XIII

Effective Date

These Bylaws shall become effective immediately upon their adoption. Amendments shall become effective immediately upon adoption in accordance with Article XII.

Bylaws

Table of Contents

Article I

Section 1. Name

Section 2. Purpose