Bylaws

Article I – Identity and Purpose

Name: Banneker Class of 1989, Inc.

Purpose:

Section 1: Empower Future Leaders

Mentorship: Implement programs connecting students with alumni for guidance and support.

Section 2: Support the Community

Engagement: Promote and participate in community service projects.

Support Networks: Create networks for mutual assistance among students and alumni.

Section 3: Fundraising and Events

Fundraising: Plan and execute activities to support the school’s needs.

Annual Events: Host events to raise funds and promote school spirit.

Section 4: Promote Collective Responsibility

Alumni Involvement: Encourage active alumni participation in supporting school initiatives.

Resource Mobilization: Gather resources from alumni to aid the school’s development

Section 5: Inspire Future Alumni

Role Models: Highlight alumni achievements to inspire students.

Engagement: Instill the importance of giving back and staying connected post-graduation.

Section 6: Ensure Endurance

Sustainability: Implement practices ensuring long-term impact.

Legacy Projects: Support projects benefiting future generations.

Article II – Membership

1. Membership Dues will be required, and bylaws will be amended at a later date

2.  Compliance: Board Members and General Members must abide by the bylaws.

3. Any graduate from Benjamin E. Banneker High School’s Class of 1989 is eligible to join by signing up.

4. General Members that are not 1989 alumni will have to be nominated by a current member.

5. Nominations for membership will take place once a year, a date will be added, and bylaws will be amended.

6. General Members must be 21years+ or older.

Article III – Meetings

1. Quarterly Meetings: Held every 3rd Monday of the 3rd month of each quarter, lasting 1-2 hours, face-to-face or virtual. Five members needed to open a meeting.

2. Call Meetings: Called by the Executive Director or Deputy Executive Director with 3-5 days’ notice.

3. Special Meetings: Called by the Executive Director or Deputy Executive Director with 3-5 days’ notice for specific business.

4. Minutes: Reviewed at the start of each meeting and recorded by the Secretary or a substitute if needed.

    5. Agenda:  

·      Open with prayer

·      Read previous minutes

·      Officer reports

·      Committee reports

·      New business

·      Open discussions

·      Next meeting location

·      Collect dues/fines

·      Close with prayer

6. Voting: All members cast their votes by raising their hands during meetings. Proxies are allowed if submitted by sealed envelope or email. Voting will cover decisions such as, approving budgets, and making significant organizational changes.

Article IV – Officers

1. Positions: Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Manager, Strategic Planning Chair, Fundraising Chair, Communications Marketing Chair, Advocacy Chair and Volunteer Coordinator

2. Resignations/Removal: Officers can be removed with a vote of 6 or more board members.

 3. Duties: Executive Director: The leader of the organization who oversees its overall operations and ensures alignment with its mission and goals.

Deputy Executive Director: Assists the Executive Director and steps in when the Executive Director is unavailable.

Secretary: Responsible for maintaining records of the board’s activities, including meeting minutes and official documentation.

Fundraising Chair: Focuses on developing and implementing fundraising strategies and activities.

Treasurer: Manages the organization’s finances, including budgeting, financial reporting, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Program Chair: Oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the organization’s programs and services.

Communications/Marketing Chair: Manages the organization’s communication strategies, including public relations, marketing, and social media.

Volunteer Coordinator: Manages the recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers.

Advocacy Chair: Focuses on advocacy efforts, including policy initiatives and building relationships with stakeholders and policymakers.

Article V – Elections

1.   Board members have lifetime appointments unless one of the following situations occurs:

a)     Resignation: Board members may resign due to personal reasons, conflicts of interest, or other commitments. A replacement will be nominated by the board members and must receive approval from at least six members.

b)    Removal: A board member may be removed for reasons such as poor performance, misconduct, or failure to fulfill their duties. This requires a vote with a minimum of six members in agreement.

c)     Appointment: Vacant board positions, due to resignation or removal, can be filled by appointment, with the new member requiring approval from at least six board members.

d)    Vacancies:  Filled by appointment with a vote of 6 or more board members.

e)    Household Rule: Only one member of a household may serve as an officer.

Article VIII – Donations and Fund Allocation

Section 1: Allocation of Donations

 Any donations received by the Banneker Class of 1989; Inc. will be allocated as follows:

  – 90% of each donation will go directly to Benjamin E. Banneker High School.

  – 10% of each donation will be used to cover the administrative needs of the charity.

Section 2: Allocation of Event Proceeds

– For any class events with a ticket price, the proceeds will be allocated as follows:

  – 80% of the ticket revenue will be used to cover the costs of the event.

  – 20% of the ticket revenue will be donated to Benjamin E. Banneker High School.

Bylaws Formed 9/10/23

Bylaws Amendment 9/13/23

Bylaws Amendment 7/8/24

Bylaws Amendment 7/10/24