> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://jci-europe.gitbook.io/jci-europe-resources-hub/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://jci-europe.gitbook.io/jci-europe-resources-hub/for-members/jci-constitution-and-policy-manual/jci-constitution.md).
# JCI Constitution
CHAPTER I - NAME
**ARTICLE 1-1. NAME:**
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This international association of Junior Chambers shall be known as JCI (Junior Chamber International, Inc.) hereinafter in this Constitution referred to as "JCI" or "the organization."
**BYLAW 1-2. USE:**
***SECTION 1. LIMIT:*** The use of the name shall be limited to:
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**a.** National Organization Members, Local Organization Members and Individual Members of this association whose affiliation is duly recorded, and
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**b.** Groups of National Organizations, which have been formally recognized under the provisions of Policy 3-11.
***SECTION 2. APPLICANTS FOR AFFILIATION:*** All National Organizations applying for affiliation or reaffiliation are required to use only the word "JCI'' followed by the name of the nation or local community in their names and those of their Local Organizations.
***SECTION 3. FORFEIT:*** The right to use the name shall be automatically and forthwith forfeited on termination of any member's affiliation or any such group's formal recognition.
CHAPTER II - DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES, PURPOSES AND CREED
**ARTICLE 2-1. MISSION:**
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JCI’s Mission shall be “To provide leadership development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.”
**ARTICLE 2-2. VISION:**
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JCI’s Vision shall be “To be the foremost global network of young leaders.”
**ARTICLE 2-3. DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES:**
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The principles of JCI, inspired by the JCI Creed, are based upon a belief in:
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● faith in God
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● the brotherhood of man
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● individual freedom and dignity
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● government of laws
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● the value of human personality
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● service to humanity.
**ARTICLE 2-4. CREED:**
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The principles of JCI may be expressed by this Creed:
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We believe:
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That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life;
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That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations;
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That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise;
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That government should be of laws rather than of men;
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That earth's great treasure lies in human personality;
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And that service to humanity is the best work of life.
**ARTICLE 2-5. POLITICS:**
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The organization shall refrain from any partisan political activity and shall not undertake the promotion of any one national interest over another within or without its membership. The organization shall refrain from activities that promote any political philosophy, party, entity, campaign, or candidate.
**ARTICLE 2-6. RELIGION:**
***SECTION 1. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES:*** The organization shall refrain from sectarian or religious activities. This shall not be construed as a prohibition upon any member organization from engaging in religious activities, which are acceptable to its own membership.
***SECTION 2. CONCEPT OF GOD:*** The concept of God in the context of the JCI Creed or Declaration of Principles is to be interpreted according to one's own religious belief.
**ARTICLE 2-7. HUMAN RIGHTS:**
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The organization, in affirming its Declaration of Principles, which is based on the ideals expressed in its Creed, recognizes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is commended to National Organizations as an example of the promotion of universal respect for, and observance of, human rights, freedoms and equality, especially to include people with diverse socioeconomic statuses, gender identities, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities and abilities.
**ARTICLE 2-8 HUMAN DUTIES:**
***SECTION 1. DECLARATION:*** In accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 29 of the declaration that states “Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of their personality is possible”, and in accordance with our principles, the organization assumes and promotes The Universal Declaration of the Human Duties of Leaders for the development of leaders with a clear and determined sense of the responsibility that every person has as part of humanity.
***SECTION 2. INTERNATIONAL HUMAN DUTIES DAY:*** JCI recognizes that a prosperous world requires collective effort. In commemoration of the Declaration of Human Duties for Leaders, July 10th is recognized as the celebration of the International Human Duties Day.
**ARTICLE 2-9. RIGHTS OF THE CHILD:**
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The organization, in affirming its Declaration of Principles, recognizes and supports the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child, and recommends that National Organizations and Local Organizations conduct permanent and continuing programs which assist with providing for one or more of the basic needs of children as set out in the Declaration:
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● THE RIGHT to affection, love and understanding
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● THE RIGHT to adequate nutrition and medical care
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● THE RIGHT to free education
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● THE RIGHT to full opportunity for play and recreation
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● THE RIGHT to a name and nationality
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● THE RIGHT to special care, if handicapped
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● THE RIGHT to be among the first to receive relief in times of disaster
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● THE RIGHT to learn to be a useful member of society and to develop individual abilities
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● THE RIGHT to be brought up in a spirit of peace and universal brotherhood
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● THE RIGHT to enjoy these rights regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national or social origin.
**ARTICLE 2-10. WORLD PEACE:**
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The organization, in affirming its Declaration of Principles and recognizing the fundamental goal of the founder, Henry Giessenbier, Jr., commits itself to strive for a true and everlasting world peace.
**ARTICLE 2-11. ENVIRONMENT:**
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To preserve earth for future generations, the Organization aims to reduce its ecological footprint through a zero-waste framework.
CHAPTER III - NATIONAL ORGANIZATION MEMBERS
**ARTICLE 3-1. DEFINITIONS:**
***SECTION 1. DEFINITION OF A NATIONAL ORGANIZATION MEMBER:*** National Organizations, whose objectives and activities are in accord with the purposes of the organization, shall be recognized as potential, provisional or fully affiliated National Organization Members of the organization (hereinafter known as "National Organizations").
***SECTION 2. DEFINITION OF A NATION:*** A nation, in the context of this Constitution, is a body of inhabitants of a country united under a single national government or of a territory, possession or area so remote geographically from any other National Organization with which it may be associated that the interest of Individual Members of the Local Organizations (as defined in Bylaw 5-1) therein will be best served by affiliation to this organization as a National Organization.
**BYLAW 3-2. SINGLE UNIT:**
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With respect to any application for affiliation, only one (1) National Organization in each nation shall be recognized by the organization. This bylaw shall not, however, preclude the grouping of more than one nation to form a single National Organization.
**ARTICLE 3-3. APPROVAL:**
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Applications for National Organization membership which meet the requirements of this Constitution shall be approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast by the General Assembly at Congress.
**BYLAW 3-4. AGE LIMIT:**
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National Organizations shall maintain age limits of not less than eighteen (18) years and not more than forty (40) years for the Individual Members of their Local Organizations, provided that membership shall continue until the end of the calendar year in which the person reaches the age of forty (40) years, except the Immediate Past President, who may serve in that capacity for not more than one (1) year.
**BYLAW 3-5. MEMBERSHIP:**
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**A)** The organization encourages National Organizations to abstain from any discrimination.
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**B)** National Organizations, Local Organizations and Members shall uphold our constitution at all times.
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**C)** The organization encourages Local Organizations to establish a provisional membership period of a minimum of three (3) months to allow for orientation, activation, and induction procedures.
**ARTICLE 3-6. POTENTIAL NATIONAL ORGANIZATION:**
*SECTION 1. DEFINITION:* An organization within a nation, which subscribes to the purposes of JCI and is working towards the establishment of a National Organization Member of JCI in its nation shall be defined as a potential National Organization.
*SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS:* Applicants for affiliation as a potential National Organization shall be required to meet the requirements of Bylaw 3-7 and Policy 3-5 and shall have at least one (1) Local Organization and forty (40) Individual Members.
***SECTION 3. NATIONAL ORGANIZATION VISITATION:*** Applicants for affiliation as a potential National Organization must have received a visit by a representative of the organization approved by the Secretary General before the application will be considered.
***SECTION 4. PRESENCE AT CONGRESS:*** Applicants for affiliation as a potential National Organization will not be requested to be present or to be represented at the Congress at which it seeks such status.
**BYLAW 3-7. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF APPLICANT FOR AFFILIATION AS A POTENTIAL NATIONAL ORGANIZATION:**
***SECTION 1. APPLICATION:*** Each application for affiliation as a potential National Organization must be received by the JCI World Headquarters no later than thirty (30) days prior to the Congress at which such affiliation is sought. Each application shall be made using the form supplied by the Secretary General and shall be accompanied by documents and details in support of the application, as provided for in Policy 3-5.
***SECTION 2. DUES:*** An organization applying for affiliation as a potential National Organization shall be required to pay a membership fee based upon current member dues.
**BYLAW 3-8. RIGHTS AND SERVICES:**
***SECTION 1.*** Potential National Organizations shall have no property rights of any nature in the organization.
***SECTION 2.*** Potential National Organizations will not have the right to speak or vote at General Assembly meetings and will be seated at a specially designated place.
***SECTION 3.*** Potential National Organizations shall be encouraged to participate in the programs and functions of the organization.
***SECTION 4.*** Potential National Organizations will not have the right to an assigned Vice President. These National Organizations will receive training and development services from the JCI World Headquarters and any sponsor National Organization(s).
**BYLAW 3-9. RENEWAL:**
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Potential affiliation status may be renewed automatically provided that a minimum membership of forty (40) is maintained and that the membership fee is paid annually to JCI.
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A renewal may be granted for up to three consecutive years, after which the National Organization shall apply for provisional affiliation, provided all requirements are satisfied. If after a period of three years, the National Organization fails to advance to provisional affiliation, it shall be disqualified from the affiliation process. JCI shall encourage any disqualified National Organization to start its reaffiliation process as soon as possible.\
If a potential National Organization fails to maintain a minimum membership of forty (40) or fails to pay its membership fee annually to JCI, it will be automatically disqualified from its current status with no possible appeal. JCI shall encourage any disqualified National Organization to start its reaffiliation process as soon as possible. A new potential affiliation shall not be considered before the General Assembly at the Congress following the year of disaffiliation.
**ARTICLE 3-10. PROVISIONAL NATIONAL ORGANIZATION:**
***SECTION 1. DEFINITION:*** A provisional National Organization shall be defined as an organization which has been previously affiliated for a minimum of one year as a potential National Organization or which has received the approval of the Secretary General and the Executive Vice President assigned to the Area, and the endorsement of the sponsor National Organization to directly apply for this status.
***SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS:*** Applicants for affiliation as a provisional National Organization shall be required to meet the requirements of Bylaw 3-11 and Policy 3-7, have an appropriate organizational structure, and shall have at least two (2) Local Organizations and sixty (60) Individual Members.
***SECTION 3. NATIONAL ORGANIZATION VISITATION:*** Applicants for provisional affiliation must have received a visit by a representative of the organization and by a representative of another National Organization approved by the Secretary General before the application will be considered.
***SECTION 4. PRESENCE AT CONGRESS:*** Applicants for provisional affiliation must be represented at the Congress at which they seek provisional affiliation either by one of its members or a representative from another National Organization, preferably the sponsor National Organization referred to in Section 3 of this Article.
**BYLAW 3-11. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF APPLICANTS FOR AFFILIATION AS A PROVISIONAL NATIONAL ORGANIZATION:**
***SECTION 1. APPLICATION:*** Each application for provisional affiliation must be received by the JCI World Headquarters no later than thirty (30) days prior to the Congress at which provisional affiliation is sought. Each application shall be made using the form supplied by the Secretary General and shall be accompanied by documents and details in support of the application, as provided for in Policy 3-7.
***SECTION 2. DUES:*** A National Organization applying for provisional affiliation shall be required to pay dues for the year of affiliation in accordance with Bylaw 21-1, Section 2, and pay any outstanding balances owed to the organization.
**BYLAW 3-12. RIGHTS:**
***SECTION 1.*** Provisional National Organizations shall have no property rights of any nature in the organization.
***SECTION 2.*** Provisional National Organizations shall have a right to speak but no right to vote in General Assembly meetings and will be seated at a specially designated place.
***SECTION 3.*** Provisional National Organizations shall be encouraged to participate in the programs and functions of the organization.
**BYLAW 3-13. ENTITLEMENT OF SERVICES:**
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JCI Vice Presidents will be assigned to provisional National Organizations to assist in the area of training and development, working towards full affiliation. Vice Presidents may be assigned to visit provisional National Organizations.
**BYLAW 3-14. RENEWAL:**
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Provisional affiliation status may be renewed provided the National Organization seeking such renewal submits an application to the Secretary General, together with a full report of its activities during its year of affiliation, and the recommendation of the assigned Vice President and Executive Vice President. Such application for renewal shall be considered by the Admissions Committee at Congress for final approval by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the General Assembly. \
A provisional affiliation may be renewed for a maximum of three consecutive years, after which the National Organization must apply for full affiliation. If the organization is unable to meet the requirements for full affiliation, it shall be reverted to potential status for a period of 1 year and another 1-year period as provisional or disqualified.
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If a provisionally affiliated National Organization fails to apply for full affiliation within the three year period, this will result in automatic disqualification from provisional status, with no option for appeal. In such cases, the National Organization will either be downgraded to potential status or completely disqualified from the organization, depending on the recommendation of the Admissions Committee and decision of the General Assembly.
**ARTICLE 3-15. FULLY AFFILIATED NATIONAL ORGANIZATION:**
***SECTION 1. DEFINITION:*** A fully affiliated National Organization shall be an organization which has been previously affiliated for a minimum of one year as a provisional National Organization, or which has fulfilled the requirements to be granted such status, or which has received the approval of the Secretary General, the Executive Vice President and Vice President assigned to the Area, and the sponsor National Organization to directly apply for this status.
***SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS:***
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**a.** Applicants for full affiliation shall be required to exhibit a reasonable history of organization stability, including the clear separation of the function of National Organization and Local Organizations, together with a system of communications and services between them, before their application for full affiliation will be considered.
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**b.** Applicants for full affiliation must meet the requirements of Bylaw 3-16 and Policy 3-9, and shall have at least two (2) Local Organizations and sixty (60) Individual Members.
***SECTION 3. NATIONAL ORGANIZATION VISITATION:*** Applicants for full affiliation must have received a visit by a representative of the organization and a representative of another National Organization if requested by the President or the Secretary General, before the application will be considered.
***SECTION 4. PRESENCE AT CONGRESS:*** Applicants for full affiliation must be represented by one of their members at the Congress at which they seek full affiliation.
**BYLAW 3-16. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF APPLICANTS FOR FULL AFFILIATION:**
***SECTION 1. APPLICATION:*** Each application for full affiliation must be received by the JCI World Headquarters no later than 30 days prior to the Congress at which full affiliation is sought. Each application shall be made using the form supplied by the Secretary General and shall be accompanied by documents and details in support of the application, as provided for in Policy 3-9.
***SECTION 2. DUES:*** A National Organization applying for full affiliation shall be required to pay dues for the year of affiliation in accordance with Bylaw 21-1, Section 2 and pay any outstanding balances owed to the organization.
**BYLAW 3-17. RIGHTS AND SERVICES:**
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Fully affiliated National Organizations shall enjoy all rights and services reserved to a member of JCI.
**BYLAW 3-18. IN GOOD STANDING:**
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A National Organization shall be in good standing with the organization provided it is in compliance with the Constitution and Policy Manual, in general; and, in particular, if it has:
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**a.** registered its membership, as required by Bylaw 21-2, Section 1; and
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**b.** paid its dues in full, as required by Bylaw 21-2, Section 3, unless the Secretary-General or the Finance Committee has accepted a proposal for later payment, under Bylaw 21-2, Section 6; and
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**c.** complied in all respects with an agreement, under Bylaw 21-2, Section 6, for delayed payment of its dues; and
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**d.** made a complete and accurate membership registration to the satisfaction of the Finance Committee, and e. settled any other outstanding financial obligation to JCI within thirty (30) days of invoice and f has filed with the organization a copy of its constitution and other applicable laws, in one of the correspondence languages of the organization, as required by Bylaw 3-21 as well as the original constitution in the language of that National Organization. Once the constitution has been filed, the constitution only needs to be re filed when there are amendments in accordance with BYLAW 3-21. NATIONAL ORGANIZATION CONSTITUTIONS.
**ARTICLE 3-19. DISQUALIFICATION:**
***SECTION 1. MINIMUM MEMBERSHIP:*** Where a provisional or fully affiliated National Organization fails to maintain the minimum membership required under Article 3-10, Section 2, and Article 3-15, Section 2b, the Board of Directors may suspend or terminate the membership of that National Organization, subject to ratification by two-thirds (2/3) vote of General Assembly. National Organizations whose membership falls below the minimum required, and are suspended under this Article, shall be given one (1) year to bring their membership to the minimum number required; otherwise, their affiliation will be terminated. This procedure shall not be applicable to cases of delinquency in the payment of dues or other financial obligations, which shall be treated as provided for in Bylaw 21-4.
***SECTION 2. GOOD CAUSE SHOWN:*** The Executive Committee, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote, may, subject to ratification by two-thirds (2/3) vote of General Assembly, suspend or terminate the membership of any provisional or fully affiliated National Organization not in good standing with the organization or for other good cause shown; provided, however, that such provisional or fully affiliated National Organization is given notice by registered or certified airmail to the last known mailing address of that National Organization not less than forty-five (45) days prior to the date suspension or termination is to be considered, and after an opportunity is given to be heard at such meeting of the Executive Committee.
**ARTICLE 3-20. RESIGNATION:**
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Any member, whether admitted under this Chapter or Chapter V, may terminate its association with the organization and may cease to be associated immediately upon its lodging notice of its wish to do so with the Secretary General, accompanied by all monies due by it to the organization.
**BYLAW 3-21. NATIONAL ORGANIZATION CONSTITUTIONS:**
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Each National Organization shall file with the organization a copy of its constitution and other applicable laws, in one of the correspondence languages of the organization. Amendments shall also be filed within ninety (90) days after they have been adopted. The Secretary General shall review these and, where deemed appropriate, shall request the General Legal Counsel to advise the National Organization, should there be conflict with the organization's constitution.
**BYLAW 3-22. GROUPS OF NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:**
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For the purpose of improving relations among National Organizations with a common interest, to abolish isolationism, and in order to further JCI's goals, some National Organizations have the faculty to establish closer bonds in a formal way. Whenever and wherever a group of National Organizations, with an organizational structure, is formed, it may elect its own officers, who will work in conjunction with the JCI World Headquarters.
**BYLAW 3-23. RELATIONS WITH THE ORGANIZATION:**
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Provided that the terms of the National Organization constitution are not in conflict with the pertinent provisions of this Constitution, and the National Organization subscribes to the Declaration of Principles and Purposes of JCI, its organization and composition are the internal concern of the members of the nation it serves. The organization looks to the young people of each nation to develop, primarily through their own initiative, a representative and effective vehicle for service to the nation and its communities. It is contrary to the tradition of the organization to interfere in the internal affairs of a National Organization or to rule between competing or coexisting JCI-type organizations within a nation.
**BYLAW 3-24. RECOGNIZED NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OFFICERS:**
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Each National Organization Member shall submit, within thirty (30) days of election, a complete list of its Board of Directors, including the National President. This list shall be accompanied by a certification signed by the outgoing National President and Secretary General, attesting to the fact that the National President and Board of Directors were duly elected by the National Organization, are qualified to take office, and requesting recognition by JCI.
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In the event that a question arises as to qualification, or in the event that more than one individual or group of individuals seek recognition from JCI as National President or National Board of Directors, the matter of recognition shall be settled by the Executive Committee, based on the recommendation of a committee of not less than three (3) members of the JCI Board of Directors appointed by the President. The decision of the Executive Committee shall be final.
CHAPTER IV - AREAS
**ARTICLE 4-1. BOUNDARIES OF AREAS:**
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In order to ensure that the most effective service is given to National Organizations, Local Organizations and Individual Members, National Organizations shall be grouped in four (4) Areas in and around the following geographical limits:
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**a.** Africa and the Middle East
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**b.** Asia and the Pacific
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**c.** America
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**d.** Europe
**ARTICLE 4-2. ASSIGNMENT OF NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TO AREAS:**
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Each National Organization geographically located entirely within one of the Areas specified in Article 4-1 shall be assigned to that Area. The Executive Committee shall have the prerogative to assign to an Area any National Organization, which is not geographically located entirely within one of the Areas specified in Article 4-1.
**BYLAW 4-3. EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTS:**
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Each Executive Vice President shall be responsible for supervising and coordinating the activities of the Vice Presidents assigned to him or her within the limits of the authority given by this Constitution.
CHAPTER V - OTHER MEMBERS
**BYLAW 5-1. LOCAL ORGANIZATION MEMBERS:**
***SECTION 1. DEFINITION OF A LOCAL ORGANIZATION:*** Local JCI Organizations (sometimes known as JCI Chapters, Local Chambers, Local Units, etc.), which are affiliated to their National Organization, shall be Local Organization Members of the organization, known herein as "Local Organizations." Local Organizations shall have no special voting or property rights in the organization. Their voting privileges are through the National Organization to which they are affiliated.
***SECTION 2. DEFINITION OF A LOCAL ORGANIZATION AREA:*** Each Local Organization geographically located entirely within one of the National Organizations specified in Bylaw 3-2 shall be affiliated with that National Organization. The Executive Committee shall have the prerogative to assign to a National Organization to any Local Organization, which is not geographically located entirely within one of the affiliated National Organizations specified in Article 3-1.
**BYLAW 5-2. INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS:**
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Persons who are members of any Local Organization shall be Individual Members of the organization. All Individual Members shall be between the ages of eighteen (18) and forty (40) years, provided that membership shall continue to the end of the calendar year in which the person reaches the age of forty (40) years. To be an Individual Member of the organization, the appropriate dues shall be paid for or by such person. Individual Members shall have no special voting or property rights in the organization. Their voting privileges are through the National Organization with which they are affiliated.
**BYLAW 5-3. LIFE MEMBERS:**
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Presidents of this organization who have faithfully fulfilled the duties of their office shall be granted life membership, but they shall not vote nor hold office in this organization unless otherwise qualified.
**BYLAW 5-4. JCI AMBASSADORS:**
***SECTION 1. ELIGIBILITY:*** Any individual recognized for outstanding political, business, cultural, scientific or social contributions and whose actions reflect JCI principles, Mission and philosophy may be appointed as a JCI Ambassador to promote our organization and further its impact.
***SECTION 2. PROCEDURE:*** JCI Ambassadors shall be appointed by the President, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee, to promote JCI and its activities.
***SECTION 3. REVOCATION:*** A JCI Ambassadorship may be revoked, temporarily suspended or withdrawn at any time by the Executive Committee on the recommendation of any member of the Executive Committee if a JCI Ambassador has not conducted himself or herself in a manner worthy of the organization or his or her actions have not been in the best interests of the organization.
CHAPTER VI - GENERAL ASSEMBLY
**ARTICLE 6-1. SUPREME AUTHORITY:**
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The General Assembly shall constitute the supreme authority of the organization and it shall direct the affairs of the organization. As the supreme authority, the General Assembly shall retain all rights and privileges not specifically assigned to the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee, the President or any other officer of the organization.
**BYLAW 6-2. EXCLUSIVE PREROGATIVES:**
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The General Assembly shall have the exclusive prerogative to vote on any and all of the following matters:
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**a.** Election of all elective officers.
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**b.** Approval of appointments of the Treasurer, Secretary General, General Legal Counsel and Officers appointed to fill vacancies.
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**c.** Affiliation of National Organizations.
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**d.** Approval of the budget for the ensuing year.
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**e.** Determination of the Congress site.
**BYLAW 6-3. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:**
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The General Assembly shall:
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**a.** Receive and act upon reports from the President, Executive Vice Presidents, Treasurer and Secretary General.
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**b.** Receive and act upon reports and general policy recommendations from the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.
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**c.** Receive and act upon recommendations from the Board of Directors with regard to activities or projects.
**ARTICLE 6-4. MEETINGS:**
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The annual meeting of the General Assembly shall be held at the time of the Congress. Special meetings may be called by a majority vote of the General Assembly on a mail ballot.
**ARTICLE 6-5. COMPOSITION:**
***SECTION 1. CHIEF DELEGATES:*** The General Assembly shall be composed of Chief Delegates representing National Organizations in good standing with the organization, as prescribed in these Articles and Bylaws. The Chief Delegate representing a National Organization shall be the President of the National Organization, but it shall be competent for a National Organization in good standing with the organization to appoint an authorized representative to the office of Chief Delegate, provided, however, that said authorized representative shall be an Individual Member of that particular National Organization. No person shall serve as Chief Delegate for more than two (2) years.
***SECTION 2. OFFICERS OF THE ORGANIZATION:*** All members of the Board of Directors shall also be members of the General Assembly with speaking rights, but shall have no right to vote, except as provided by Bylaw 6-12. All members of the Board of Directors shall have the right to propose and second motions in the General Assembly.
**BYLAW 6-6. OBSERVERS:**
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All past Officers of the organization attending a General Assembly meeting shall be seated as observers with no rights whatsoever, except as may be provided in this Constitution.
**ARTICLE 6-7. VOTING:**
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In any vote by General Assembly, all National Organizations in good standing with the organization, as prescribed by the Constitution, shall have a total number of votes based on the sum of their maximum entitlement under each of the following schedules, but no National Organization may have more than a total of seventy-five (75) votes.
***SECTION 1. SCHEDULE 1 — BASED ON NUMBER OF LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS:*** One (1) vote by virtue of its affiliation, plus:
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**a.** One (1) vote, if it has two (2) or three (3) Local Organizations with a total of at least sixty (60) Individual Members, or if it has from four (4) to nine (9) Local Organizations.
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**b.** Two (2) votes, if it has from ten (10) to sixteen (16) Local Organizations.
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**c.** Three (3) votes, if it has from seventeen (17) to twenty-four (24) Local Organizations.
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**d.** Four (4) votes, if it has from twenty-five (25) to forty-nine (49) Local Organizations.
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**e.** Five (5) votes, if it has from fifty (50) to seventy-four (74) Local Organizations.
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**f.** Six (6) votes, if it has from seventy-five (75) to ninety-nine (99) Local Organizations.
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**g.** Seven (7) votes, if it has from 100 to 149 Local Organizations.
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**h.** Eight (8) votes, if it has from 150 to 199 Local Organizations.
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**i.** Nine (9) votes, if it has from 200 to 699 Local Organizations.
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**j.** For each additional 500 Local Organizations, the National Organization has one (1) additional vote.
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For the purpose of assessment of voting entitlements under this schedule, any Local Organization with less than twenty (20) Individual Members shall be excluded from the calculations.
***SECTION 2. SCHEDULE 2 — BASED ON INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP:***
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**a.** One (1) vote, if it has less than 101 Individual Members.
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**b.** Two (2) votes, if it has from 101 to 200 Individual Members.
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**c.** Three (3) votes, if it has from 201 to 500 Individual Members
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**d.** Four (4) votes, if it has from 501 to 900 Individual Members.
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**e.** Five (5) votes, if it has from 901 to 1,400 Individual Members.
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**f.** Six (6) votes, if it has from 1,401 to 2,000 Individual Members.
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**g.** Seven (7) votes, if it has from 2,001 to 3,000 Individual Members.
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**h.** Eight (8) votes, if it has from 3,001 to 5,000 Individual Members.
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**i.** Nine (9) votes, if it has from 5,001 to 8,000 Individual Members.
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**j.** Ten (10) votes, if it has from 8,001 to 12,000 Individual Members.
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**k.** For each additional 4,000 Individual Members, the National Organization has one (1) additional vote.
**ARTICLE 6-8. PROXIES:**
***SECTION 1. WHEN ALLOWED:*** In any vote in the General Assembly, a National Organization in good standing may cast a proxy vote for another National Organization in good standing, but no National Organization may hold the proxy of more than one National Organization.
***SECTION 2. HOW DESIGNATED:*** All proxies must be authorized in writing by the President or Secretary of the National Organization so represented.
***SECTION 3. RESTRICTIONS:*** Only Chief Delegates representing National Organizations shall be permitted to cast proxy votes.
**ARTICLE 6-9. QUORUM:**
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A quorum for the General Assembly shall comprise Chief Delegates (or their authorized deputies) having twenty (20) percent of the total possible votes provided by Article 6-7.
**BYLAW 6-10. VOTING PROCEDURE FOR ELECTIONS AND CONGRESS SITE SELECTION:**
***SECTION 1. SECRET BALLOT:*** The election of officers and selection of the site of the World Congress shall be by secret ballot.
***SECTION 2. VOTE BY ACCLAMATION:*** In the event of an uncontested election for officers or the selection of the site of the World Congress, vote by acclamation shall be allowed.
***SECTION 3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF VOTES:*** The number of votes received by each candidacy shall be announced to General Assembly after:
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a. each election of officers
\
b. each selection of Congress site.
**BYLAW 6-11. MAJORITY:**
\
Unless otherwise provided, all matters to be determined by General Assembly shall be by a simple majority of votes cast.
**BYLAW 6-12. CASTING VOTE:**
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The President shall have the casting vote in the case of a tie vote, except in the case of election of Officers of the organization and site of the World Congress. In the event of a tie when electing a JCI Officer or selecting a World Congress site, the General Assembly shall revote until there is no tie.”
**BYLAW 6-13. PROCEDURE FOR PRESENTING GENERAL RESOLUTIONS AND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY:**
***SECTION 1. GENERAL RESOLUTIONS:*** All resolutions to be considered by General Assembly, other than resolutions involving Constitutional amendments, may be presented by National Organizations and members of the Board of Directors only and forwarded to the Secretary General, to arrive not later than ninety (90) days before Congress. Resolutions shall be submitted in full and with the appropriate background information. The Secretary General shall, not later than seventy-five (75) days before Congress, forward copies of the proposed resolutions to all National Organizations.
***SECTION 2. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS:*** Constitutional amendments may be presented by National Organizations and members of the Board of Directors only, according to the provisions of Article 27-1, and must be submitted in full, legal form.
***SECTION 3. CERTIFICATION:*** General resolutions and Constitutional amendments presented by National Organizations must be certified by the National President and Secretary as being a National Organization resolution and be accompanied by the appropriate minutes of the National Organization meeting wherein the resolution was approved.
***SECTION 4. LATE SUBMISSIONS:*** Late submissions of general resolutions and Constitutional amendments shall not be considered by General Assembly unless:
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**a.** They are submitted in the appropriate form for action.
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**b.** Submitted in the main correspondence languages of the organization.
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**c.** This bylaw is waived as provided for in Article 27-3, Section 2.
CHAPTER VII - ANNUAL MEETING
**ARTICLE 7-1. TITLE:**
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The annual meeting of the organization shall be known as the Congress.
**ARTICLE 7-2. PROGRAM:**
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The Congress program shall include meetings of General Assembly, discussion groups, meetings of the outgoing and incoming Boards of Directors and the outgoing and incoming Executive Committees; seminars, forums and other meetings of direct interest to Individual Members attending the Congress to encourage the maximum participation of all delegates, further JCI’s Mission and reach external audiences.
**BYLAW 7-3. DATE AND PLACE:**
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The Congress shall be held in a period each year between 15 October and 30 November. The date and place of each Congress shall be decided upon by a simple majority vote by the General Assembly at the Congress two (2) years prior thereto.
**BYLAW 7-4. CHANGES:**
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In the event that General Assembly does not provide for the date and place of a Congress at the appropriate Congress, or in the event that any of the original decisions as to dates and places cannot be implemented, or in the event of cancellation of the contract, the Executive Committee shall appoint other dates and places at least six (6) months prior to the convening of the Congress.
**BYLAW 7-5. CONTRACT:**
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The Secretary General shall execute a contract with the successful bidder for a Congress during the calendar year in which the bid takes place. Such contract shall be approved by the General Legal Counsel and the Resident Legal Counsel as containing the mutual responsibilities and obligations of the parties as established by the Executive Committee. The contract shall contain provisions and objectives in the best interests of the organization, and its format and contents may from time to time be revised or amended by the Executive Committee. Any such revisions or amendments shall not apply to a contract duly executed previously, except with the consent of all parties to the contract. The contract shall also provide for the host National Organization to be a party to the contract and to guarantee and be responsible to JCI for the fulfillment of all obligations of the host Local Organization.
**BYLAW 7-6. CANCELLATION OF CONTRACT:**
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The Executive Committee may cancel the contract at any time up to six (6) months before the Congress is to take place if it is proven to the satisfaction of the Executive Committee that the successful bidder is, or will be, in serious default of the conditions of the contract.
**BYLAW 7-7. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CONTROL:**
***SECTION 1. CONTENT:*** The content and structure of the Congress shall be determined by the Secretary General and approved by the Executive Committee Meeting in January of the year in which the congress is being held and shall serve no other purposes but the furtherance of the Mission of the organization.
***SECTION 2. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:*** The Secretary General shall determine the minimum standards of requirements to host a Congress.
***SECTION 3. CONTROL:*** The Secretary General shall in the interest of the organization control and supervise the planning and management of a Congress. Where the host organization fails to facilitate such control and supervision the Secretary General shall file a report with the Executive Committee, which up to six (6) months prior to the congress can cancel the contract with a host city.
***SECTION 4. CONGRESS DESTINATIONS:*** While Local organizations and National Organizations shall be encouraged to bid to host the Congress; the determination of the Congress destination shall be based on extensive professional research and strategy.
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The Secretary General with the approval of the Executive Committee shall publish during Congress three (3) years prior to the year of the Congress the list of no more than three possible destinations of Congress.
CHAPTER VIII - OFFICERS
**ARTICLE 8-1. ELECTED OFFICERS:**
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The elected Officers of the organization shall be:
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**a.** President
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**b.** Four (4) Executive Vice Presidents of equal rank
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**c.** Seventeen (17) Vice Presidents of equal rank.
**ARTICLE 8-2. APPOINTED OFFICERS:**
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The appointed Officers of the organization shall be:
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**a.** Treasurer
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**b.** General Legal Counsel
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No person shall be appointed an Officer of the organization without the written approval of the appointee's National Organization.
**ARTICLE 8-3. IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT:**
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In addition to the elected Officers and the appointed Officers, the Immediate Past President shall be an Officer of the organization.
**ARTICLE 8-4. DUTIES:**
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The Officers of the organization shall:
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**a.** Carry out duties assigned by the President.
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**b.** Make recommendations to the President with respect to their assigned duties.
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**c.** Attend all meetings of the General Assembly and the Board of Directors.
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**d.** If a member thereof, attend all meetings of the Executive Committee.
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**e.** Promote the purposes of the organization.
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**f.** Conduct themselves in a manner befitting Officers of the organization.
**ARTICLE 8-5. ELECTION:**
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The Officers named in Article 8-1 shall be elected by General Assembly at Congress.
**BYLAW 8-6. MAJORITY:**
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The majority of the votes cast must be obtained by each Officer to be elected.
**BYLAW 8-7. ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTS AND VICE PRESIDENTS:**
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The Executive Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents shall be elected on a noncumulative basis. To be elected, a majority of the votes cast shall be required.
**BYLAW 8-8. VOTING:**
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In any election for Executive Vice Presidents or Vice Presidents, Chief Delegates shall vote for the total number of Officers to be elected; otherwise, that Chief Delegate's total vote at that election shall be invalid.
**ARTICLE 8-9. TIME OF APPOINTMENTS:**
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The appointed Officers named in Article 8-2, (a) and (b), shall be submitted to General Assembly for endorsement no later than 30 days after Congress in the year preceding the actual term of office, as set out in Article 8-10.
**ARTICLE 8-10. TERM OF OFFICE:**
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The term of office of each Officer shall be for one (1) calendar year to commence on the first day of January following his or her election or appointment, and shall continue for the entire year for which he or she was appointed (or elected).
**ARTICLE 8-11. EMERGENCY:**
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In the event of the cancellation of an annual Congress, the Officers may remain in office beyond the term set out in Article 8-10 until elections can be held as prescribed in Article 8-5.
**BYLAW 8-12. NOMINATIONS:**
***SECTION 1. DEADLINE:*** All nominations for elective Officers must be made on the prescribed form, accompanied by the proper filing deposit, and forwarded by National Organizations to the Secretary General to arrive not later than ninety (90) days before Congress. The Secretary General shall, not later than seventy-five (75) days before Congress, forward to all National Organizations a list of nominees, together with essential curriculum vitae of the candidates.
***SECTION 2. EXTENSION OF DEADLINE:*** In the event that less than the minimum number of nominations stated below have been received for any office, or in the event that the minimum number of candidates required has not been maintained following the official close of nominations, the President may extend the time for the filing of nominations for that office for a period to expire no later than 0900 hours of the day marking the commencement of the pre-Congress Candidates Training School. For the purpose of this section, the minimum number of nominations shall be:
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**a.** Two (2) for President
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**b.** Six (6) for Executive Vice President
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**c.** Twenty-five (25) for Vice President
***SECTION 3. APPROVAL:*** Each nomination must be made by the National Organization of which the nominee is a member and signed by the National President. Where a nominee is himself or herself the President of his or her National Organization, his or her nomination form shall be signed by a senior elected Officer other than the nominee.
***SECTION 4. WITHDRAWAL:*** When a nominee has met all qualifications and filed the proper documents with the approval of his or her National Organization, such nominee's candidacy can be withdrawn only with the consent of the nominee.
**BYLAW 8-13. NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE:**
***SECTION 1. COMPOSITION:*** The President shall appoint a Nominations Committee consisting of the Immediate Past President, who shall serve as Chairperson, and the last four Past Presidents. In the event that the last four Past Presidents are not able to serve, then the President shall appoint other individuals to make up the number of members required for this committee.
***SECTION 2. DUTIES:*** The duties of the Nominations Committee shall be to:
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**a.** Examine and verify the nomination papers submitted by candidates.
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**b.** Examine and approve the promotional material to be distributed by candidates.
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**c.** Examine and grade the preparatory exercises submitted by candidates.
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**d.** Examine and evaluate candidates' ability to carry out the duties of the office being sought.
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**e.** Verify that the activities of the candidates are in accordance with the Constitution.
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**f.** Certify to General Assembly whether individual candidates have or have not satisfied the requirements of Bylaw 8-14, Policy 8-4 and Bylaw 8-15, and either Bylaw 9-2, 10-2 or 11-2.
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**g.** Certify to General Assembly the grades given to individual candidates, except the candidates for the office of President, resulting from the Committee's examination of the candidates' preparatory exercises and personal interview.
**BYLAW 8-14. NOMINEES' APPEARANCE BEFORE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE:**
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Each nominee shall appear personally before the Nominations Committee.
**BYLAW 8-15. QUALIFICATIONS:**
***SECTION 1. AGE:*** No person shall be elected or appointed who will reach his or her fortieth (40th) birthday prior to assuming office.
***SECTION 2. MEMBER:*** Every nominee for election and every appointed Officer shall be an Individual Member of the organization and shall have been so for a minimum of three (3) years.
***SECTION 3. FINANCIAL OBLIGATION:*** The National Organization to which the nominee for elected or appointed position belongs, must be, at the time of election or appointment, current in the payment of dues to the organization.
***SECTION 4. CONGRESS ATTENDANCE:*** Unless for valid reasons he or she is excused by the President, every nominee for election shall be registered and in attendance at the Congress at which he or she is a nominee.
***SECTION 5. SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:*** In addition to the foregoing qualifications, every nominee shall meet the qualifications for the particular office for which he or she is nominated, as stipulated in this Constitution.
**BYLAW 8-16. CONTINUED MEMBERSHIP:**
***SECTION 1. QUALIFICATIONS:*** Every Officer must not only qualify at the time of his or her election, but must continue to hold the same qualifications (except as to age) throughout the term of his or her office.
***SECTION 2. NATIONAL ORGANIZATION AND LOCAL ORGANIZATION AFFILIATION:*** The National Organization and the Local Organization to which an Officer is affiliated must remain affiliated with the organization throughout his or her term of office. Should either become disaffiliated (and the Officer not change his or her own affiliation), the Officer shall automatically lose his or her office.
***SECTION 3. FAILURE TO REMAIN IN GOOD STANDING:*** Failure of a National Organization to remain in good standing with the organization may result in the suspension or removal from office of any JCI Officer who is a member of that National Organization, upon the approval of the Executive Committee.
**BYLAW 8-17. VACANCIES:**
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Vacancies in all offices, other than that of President, may be filled by appointment by the President, subject to the approval of General Assembly. (For provisions as to the President, see Bylaw 9-3.)
**BYLAW 8-18. OATH:**
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All Officers-elect and Officers-designate shall take the following Oath or Solemn Declaration of Office, to be administered by the President at the annual Congress or, if necessary, as soon thereafter as possible:
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\&#xNAN;*"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of JCI and will, to the best of my ability, serve as a living example of this organization's philosophy and belief and will uphold and enforce the Constitution of this organization at all times."*
**BYLAW 8-19. SUCCESSION:**
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Save as provided in Bylaw 9-3, Section 1, no elected or appointed Officer may hold the same office twice. However, an Officer, at the discretion of the President, shall be permitted to be elected to a full term in the same office if:
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**a.** That Officer was appointed to the office during the year and will not have served a full term in such office prior to December 31.
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**b.** For a valid reason, accepted by the President, that Officer was obliged to resign before the expiration of his or her term of office.
**BYLAW 8-20. REMUNERATION:**
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All Officers shall serve without financial remuneration, except the President, who shall be paid an annual stipend in an amount fixed by General Assembly at Congress.
**BYLAW 8-21. CONFLICTING OFFICE:**
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No Officer of the organization shall hold office in a National Organization or Local Organization while an Officer of the organization. However, the position of Immediate Past President of a National Organization or Local Organization shall not be considered an office of a National Organization or Local Organization for the purpose of this bylaw.
**BYLAW 8-22. EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS:**
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A member of the Executive Committee shall have the power to appoint an Executive Assistant for a term not to exceed the term of office of the Executive Officer. Only Individual Members of the organization may be appointed Executive Assistants, and the appointment shall require the written endorsement of the Appointee's National Organization and the approval of the President.
**BYLAW 8-23. SPECIAL ASSISTANTS:**
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In addition to the Special Assistants to international organizations referred to in Bylaw 8-24, the President shall have the power to appoint a maximum of fifteen (15) Special Assistants for a term not to exceed his or her term of office. Only Individual Members of the organization may be appointed Special Assistants, and the appointment shall require the written endorsement of the Appointee's National Organization.
**BYLAW 8-24. REPRESENTATIVES TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:**
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The President, with the approval of the Executive Committee, may appoint a representative to the United Nations and a representative to the International Chamber of Commerce.
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The President, with the approval of the Executive Committee, may appoint representatives or special assistants to agencies of the United Nations, intergovernmental organizations and international nongovernmental organizations, as provided in Policy 8-8, for a period of one year, provided always that the aims and objectives of any such body to which a representative is appointed shall remain compatible with those of the organization.
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Only Individual Members of the organization may be appointed JCI Representatives or Special Assistants, and no appointment shall be made without the prior written endorsement of the Appointee's National Organization. Specific terms of reference for each JCI Representative shall be established at the time of appointment and shall be subject to ratification by the Executive Committee. Terms of reference for Special Assistants shall be established by the President. JCI Representatives shall be observers at meetings of General Assembly. They shall report to the President, who shall include their activities in his or her report to General Assembly at Congress.
**BYLAW 8-25. EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY:**
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The organization shall strive for equality and diversity among elected and appointed officers.
CHAPTER IX - PRESIDENT
**BYLAW 9-1. DUTIES:**
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The President shall:
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**a.** Serve as chief executive officer of the organization.
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**b.** Preside at all meetings of General Assembly, Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
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**c.** Supervise the preparation of the annual Plan of Action for the following year.
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**d.** Direct the overall operations of the organization.
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**e.** Travel on the organization’s behalf.
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**f.** Report to General Assembly, the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.
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**g.** Delegate the chairpersonship of any meeting when necessary to another Officer designated by him, subject to the approval of that meeting.
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**h.** Contribute to the financial sustainability of the organization through fund development.
**BYLAW 9-2. SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:**
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The President shall have served two (2) full terms as an Officer of the organization, one of which shall have been as an elected Officer.
**BYLAW 9-3. VACANCY:**
***SECTION 1. SUCCESSION:*** Upon the death, disability, resignation or other disposition that shall prevent the President from serving, the Immediate Past President shall automatically become President and shall serve until a duly qualified successor has been elected as hereinafter provided.
***SECTION 2. NOMINATIONS:*** Immediately after the Secretary General is aware of the automatic succession of the Immediate Past President to the presidency, in terms of Section 1 of this bylaw, he or she shall e-mail or fax a notice thereof to all members of General Assembly. The notice shall include information that nominations for the position of President will be received at the World Headquarters up to and including thirty (30) days from the date of such letter.
***SECTION 3. MAIL BALLOT:*** Should a meeting of General Assembly not be scheduled within ninety (90) days from the date of the succession of the Immediate Past President to the presidency, upon expiration of the thirty (30) day period of the dispatch of the letter, as provided in Section 2, the Secretary General shall immediately dispatch electronic ballot forms to all members of General Assembly.
***SECTION 4. COUNT:*** Ballots must arrive at the World Headquarters not later than ten (10) days after the mailing. The Secretary General shall, together with two (2) other persons appointed by the President, count the ballots, and the person receiving the highest number of votes cast shall be declared President. In case of a tie, a further ballot shall be held if, on the date of counting, sufficient time remains (before the provision of Section 5, below, would become effective), which shall be determined as though the succession of the Immediate Past President to the presidency has occurred on that date. Otherwise, the election shall take place at the first meeting of General Assembly then following, from among those tied for first place.
***SECTION 5. ELECTION AT CONGRESS:*** Should a meeting of General Assembly be scheduled to be held within ninety (90) days from the succession of the Immediate Past President to the presidency, the election of a successor President shall take place at the first session of General Assembly so scheduled, and notice shall be given of all nominations received in the thirty (30) day period, indicated in Section 4 of this Bylaw, immediately after the close of the period.
***SECTION 6. QUALIFICATIONS:*** Each nominee shall meet the qualifications provided by Chapter VIII and Chapter IX of this Constitution, except for the provision of Bylaw 8-15 (1), if he or she is a member of the Board of Directors when nominated for the presidency.
***SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE:*** The person so elected shall assume the office of President immediately.
***SECTION 8. OTHER SELECTION:*** Should a President die, become disabled, resign or be unable to serve for any other disposition, within thirty (30) days prior to the date of a meeting of General Assembly or during such a meeting, General Assembly, at its first session following his or her vacating the office, shall then elect his or her successor from a list of nominees submitted by the Board of Directors.
CHAPTER X - EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTS
**BYLAW 10-1. DUTIES:**
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An Executive Vice President shall:
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**a.** Supervise and assist the Vice Presidents assigned to him.
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**b.** Travel, at the request of the President, subject, however, to any overall travel limitations which may be applicable to his or her office.
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**c.** Liaise with the other Executive Vice Presidents.
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**d.** Reporting to the General Assembly, the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.
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**e.** Coordinate, supervise and chair assigned conferences.
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**f.** Promote and coordinate the development of programs and activities to provide Officer training for the National Organizations and Local Organizations of the Area, promoting the current strategic plan and annual plan of action.
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**g.** Promote and coordinate programs and activities by National Organizations and Local Organizations within the Area, and promotion of the current strategic plan and annual plan of action.
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**h.** Where held, coordinate, supervise and run the National Presidents Meeting.
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**i.** Contribute to the financial sustainability of the organization through fund development.
**BYLAW 10-2. SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:**
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An Executive Vice President shall have served for at least six (6) months as a member of the Board of Directors of the organization.
**BYLAW 10-3. ASSIGNMENTS:**
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The President, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, shall assign to each Executive Vice President responsibility for the supervision of not more than six (6) Vice Presidents.
CHAPTER XI - VICE PRESIDENTS
**BYLAW 11-1. DUTIES:**
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A Vice President shall:
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**a.** Communicate with, work with and visit the National Organizations assigned to him or her and to report to his or her assigned Executive Vice President on the activities of his or her assigned National Organizations.
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**b.** Travel, at the request of the President, subject, however, to any overall travel limitations which may be applicable to his or her office.
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**c.** Promote the current strategic plan and annual plan of action.
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**d.** Promote and coordinate programs and activities by National Organizations and Local Organizations within the Area.
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**e.** Contribute to the financial sustainability of the organization through fund development.
**BYLAW 11-2. SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:**
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Each Vice President shall have either: 1) served as an Officer of the organization; 2) served as a member of his or her national board of directors; or 3) held an appointed position to his or her National Organizations Executive Committee.
**BYLAW 11-3. ASSIGNMENTS:**
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The President, in consultation with the Executive Vice Presidents, shall assign National Organizations to each Vice President. A Vice President shall not be assigned National Organizations from more than one Area. At least three (3) Vice Presidents shall be assigned to each Area. All assignments shall be specific and shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. Unless excused by his or her assigned Executive Vice President, each Vice President shall, in his or her official capacity, visit each of his or her assigned National Organizations.
CHAPTER XII - TREASURER
**BYLAW 12-1. APPOINTMENT:**
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A Treasurer shall be appointed annually by the President, subject to the approval of General Assembly.
**BYLAW 12-2. QUALIFICATIONS:**
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The Treasurer shall have served as an Officer of the organization or as a member of his or her national board of directors. He or she shall have general business background and experience.
**BYLAW 12-3. DUTIES:**
***SECTION 1. RESPONSIBILITIES:*** The Treasurer shall chair the Finance Committee and shall be responsible for the financial affairs of the organization and shall keep the Executive Committee informed of the state of the organization's finances. He or she shall also serve as an ex-officio member of the Audit Committee.
***SECTION 2. BUDGET:*** The Treasurer shall be responsible for submission of the annual budget to the Finance Committee and to General Assembly.
***SECTION 3. AUDIT:*** The Treasurer shall cause to be prepared accounts for the financial year last concluded for certification by a qualified auditor to be appointed by the President; and certified copies of these accounts shall be forwarded to all National Organizations prior to the next succeeding Congress.
***SECTION 4. INTERIM STATEMENT:*** The Treasurer shall each year cause to be prepared and presented to General Assembly at Congress an interim unaudited statement of accounts for the period ending September 30 of the current year.
***SECTION 5. SUPERVISION:*** The Treasurer, in conjunction with the Finance Committee, shall supervise the administration of financial records in the hands of the Finance Director, and shall recommend fiscal policies to the General Assembly.
***SECTION 6. FUND DEVELOPMENT:*** The Treasurer, in conjunction with the JCI Board of Directors, shall encourage and contribute to the board's fund development efforts.
**BYLAW 12-4. SUBSTITUTE:**
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In case of the temporary incapacity of the Treasurer, his or her functions may be discharged by an alternate to be appointed by the President.
CHAPTER XIII - LEGAL COUNSEL
**BYLAW 13-1. APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL LEGAL COUNSEL:**
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A General Legal Counsel shall be appointed annually by the President, subject to the approval of General Assembly.
**BYLAW 13-2. QUALIFICATIONS OF GENERAL LEGAL COUNSEL:**
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The General Legal Counsel shall have served as an Officer of the organization or as a member of his or her national board of directors.
**BYLAW 13-3. DUTIES OF GENERAL LEGAL COUNSEL:**
***SECTION 1. LEGAL:*** The General Legal Counsel shall be the advisor on legal matters pertaining to the organization and shall advise Officers and National Organizations on interpretation of the Constitution.
***SECTION 2. PARLIAMENTARY:*** The General Legal Counsel shall serve as Parliamentarian to General Assembly and shall rule on matters of parliamentary procedure and legal interpretation, at the request of the presiding Officer.
***SECTION 3. ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE:*** The General Legal Counsel shall serve as Chairperson of the Admissions Committee.
***SECTION 4. CONSULTATIVE:*** The General Legal Counsel shall give advice and suggestions to the organization and to National Organizations on the development of constitutions and policies which will give a clear guide for activities.
***SECTION 5. SUPERVISION:*** The General Legal Counsel shall ensure that the Executive Committee and Board of Directors work in accordance with the Constitution.
**BYLAW 13-4. ASSOCIATE LEGAL COUNSEL:**
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When the President deems it necessary, he or she shall appoint an Associate Legal Counsel as an assistant to the General Legal Counsel to serve at the President's pleasure, with the capacity of Executive Assistant to the General Legal Counsel.
**BYLAW 13-5. RESIDENT LEGAL COUNSEL:**
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The President, in consultation with the General Legal Counsel and the Secretary General, shall decide on the appointment or annual reappointment of Resident Legal Counsel who shall advise the Secretary General on matters relating to the World Headquarters. The Resident Legal Counsel shall be licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri, U.S.A.
**BYLAW 13-6. PARLIAMENTARIAN:**
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In the absence of the General Legal Counsel at Congress, the President, with the concurrence of General Assembly shall appoint a Parliamentarian who shall serve for the period of the Congress.
CHAPTER XIV - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
**ARTICLE 14-1. COMPOSITION AND DUTIES:**
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The Officers of the organization shall compose a Board of Directors which shall:
\
**a.** Coordinate the activities of all Officers in their duties.
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**b.** Receive reports from all Officers.
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**c.** Consider Constitutional amendments.
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**d.** Make recommendations to General Assembly.
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**e.** Act on all matters referred to it by General Assembly.
**BYLAW 14-2. VOTING:**
***SECTION 1. ENTITLEMENT:*** All members of the Board of Directors shall have one (1) vote. Proxy votes are not permitted.
***SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE:*** The Board of Directors elected at a Congress shall have the right to act immediately after the adjournment of General Assembly. Such actions shall only become effective on January 1 of the following year.
***SECTION 3. CASTING VOTE:*** The President shall have the casting vote in the case of a tie.
**BYLAW 14-3. QUORUM:**
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A quorum of the Board of Directors shall comprise a majority of its members.
**BYLAW 14-4. MEETINGS:**
***SECTION 1. WHEN:*** The Board of Directors shall meet following the conclusion of Congress in the year that it is elected; prior to and during General Assembly sessions at Congress in its year of office; at the JCI World Headquarters and/or Regional Offices one other time during the year, and at such other times, place and manner as a majority of its members shall determine. This includes the ability to convene by telephone conference, online or other electronic means.
***SECTION 2. INCOMING BOARD MEETING:*** Following the conclusion of Congress, the newly elected Board of Directors shall meet and its agenda shall include:
\
**a.** Assignment of specific duties as a result of action by General Assembly.
\
**b.** Approval of assignments to the Executive Vice Presidents.
\
**c.** Approval of assignments to the Vice Presidents.
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**d.** Establishment of assignment of responsibilities, detailed time schedules and travel plans relating to the Plan of Action for the following year.
**BYLAW 14-5. JOINT BOARD MEETING:**
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A joint meeting of the newly elected Board of Directors and the outgoing Board of Directors shall be held at Congress following the adjournment of General Assembly. At this meeting, the outgoing Board shall approve all open items including minutes taken at Congress; the new Board shall approve new bank signatures; and the two Boards shall discuss specific assignments in Area teams.
CHAPTER XV - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
**ARTICLE 15-1. COMPOSITION AND DUTIES:**
\
The President, four (4) Executive Vice Presidents, Immediate Past President, Treasurer and General Legal Counsel shall comprise an Executive Committee, which shall:
\
**a.** Manage the affairs of the organization within the powers vested in it by the Constitution and General Assembly.
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**b.** Recommend action to the Board of Directors.
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**c.** Advise its members.
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**d.** Constituted as the Finance Committee, review and revise the annual budget as necessary at midyear for submission to the Board of Directors for approval.
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**e.** Receive reports from its members.
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**f.** At midyear, propose, or receive and consider constitutional amendments; and endorse, recommend against or request changes to them. The proposer of the amendment shall be so informed and may maintain, withdraw or alter his or her amendment.
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**g.** Assign to an Area any National Organization, which is not geographically located entirely within one of the Areas specified in Article 4-1.
**BYLAW 15-2. VOTING:**
***SECTION 1. ENTITLEMENT:*** All members of the Executive Committee shall have one (1) vote. Proxy votes are not permitted.
***SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE:*** The Executive Committee elected at a Congress shall have the right to act immediately after the adjournment of General Assembly, but such actions shall only become effective on the following January 1.
**SECTION 3. CASTING VOTE:** The President shall have the casting vote in the case of a tie.
**BYLAW 15-3. QUORUM:**
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A quorum of the Executive Committee shall comprise a majority of its members.
**BYLAW 15-4. MEETINGS:**
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The Executive Committee shall meet at the Congress site following the conclusion of Congress in the year that it is elected; in January, and at one other time during the first seven months for its midyear meeting, and prior to General Assembly at Congress in its year of office; and at such other times, place or manner as the President or a majority of its voting members shall determine. This includes the ability for the Executive Committee to convene by telephone conference, online, or other electronic manner.
**BYLAW 15-5. DISMISSAL OF OFFICERS:**
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The Executive Committee, on the recommendation of the President, is empowered by a vote of five (5) of its members to dismiss any Officer who does not fulfill his or her duties.
CHAPTER XVI - SECRETARY GENERAL
**BYLAW 16-1. APPOINTMENT:**
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A Secretary General shall be appointed by the President, subject to the approval of the General Assembly, in accordance with the selection process as outlined in Policy 16-1.
**BYLAW 16-2. TERM OF OFFICE:**
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The term of office of the Secretary General shall be for two (2) years to commence on the day stipulated by the President on the recommendation of the screening committee and shall continue for the entire two-year period for which he or she was appointed. Any period designated as a training or orientation period immediately preceding his or her taking office shall not be considered as part of the two-year term. At the end of the first (1st) year of the contract, the performance of the Secretary-General shall be reviewed upon the recommendation of the Executive Committee. Should the Secretary General’s contract be extended, the performance of the Secretary General shall then be reviewed every two (2) years. The Secretary General’s contract may be extended for additional terms of two (2) years upon the recommendation of the Executive Committee and with the approval of the General Assembly.
**BYLAW 16-3. DUTIES:**
***SECTION 1. ADMINISTRATOR:*** The Secretary General shall have following duties:
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**a.** Responsible for the management of the World Headquarters.
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**b.** Authorized to execute all substantial third-party contracts and commitments affecting the organization, in consultation with the Resident Legal Counsel and with written approval from the Executive Committee.
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**c.** Empowered to employ (and to discharge) staff within the limitations of budget with prior approval from the Executive Committee.
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**d.** Responsible for the establishment of salary of all other paid employees within the established salary ranges.
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**e.** Carry out duties assigned by the President.
***SECTION 2. EVALUATION:*** The President shall appoint an Evaluation Committee with the purpose of preparing a written evaluation of the Secretary General's performance. This committee shall include at least three (3) members of the Executive Committee. This evaluation shall be given to the Secretary General once at the Midyear Executive Committee meeting and once at the Executive Committee meeting at Congress each year. This committee may recommend to the Executive Committee the extension or termination of the Secretary General's contract.
***SECTION 3. OTHER DUTIES:*** The Secretary General shall have other duties as follows:
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**a.** Carry out duties assigned by the President.
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**b.** Make recommendations to the President with respect to his or her assigned duties.
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**c.** Attend all meetings of General Assembly, the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, without any voting rights.
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**d.** Promote the purposes of the organization.
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**e.** Conduct himself or herself in a manner befitting the organization.
CHAPTER XVII - PLANNING
**BYLAW 17-1. STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE:**
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At intervals of not less than three (3) and not more than five (5) years, a Strategic Planning Committee shall be appointed to consider in detail the future and long-range strategy of the organization to achieve its long-term goals and to prepare a strategic plan document to be reviewed and adopted by the General Assembly and guide the organization, pursuant to Policy 17-1.
CHAPTER XVIII - PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
**BYLAW 18-1. STRATEGIC PLAN:**
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To facilitate the achievement of the purposes of JCI, the program activities of the organization shall be aligned to the current strategic plan and annual plan of action.
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National and Local Organizations are encouraged to conduct programs and activities that support the current strategic plan and annual plan of action with the goal of furthering the JCI Mission by providing development opportunities in the following areas:
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**a.** Individual
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**b.** Community
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**c.** International
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**d.** Business
**BYLAW 18-2. JCI-ENDORSED PROGRAMS:**
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Programs of minor emphasis shall be known as JCI-endorsed programs. These programs shall be effective programs that have proven to be successful in the respective National Organizations which have carried them out and which can be implemented on a worldwide basis. Sponsorship funds must be obtained for the support of such programs prior to their receiving official recognition by the organization, and all materials for these programs must be supplied by the respective National Organizations for distribution by the organization to other National Organizations on request.
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JCI-endorsed programs shall be adopted for a period of not less than three (3) and no more than five (5) years, requiring a two-thirds (2/3) vote of General Assembly. There may be a maximum of four (4) such programs at any one time, and they must align with the current strategic plan. The Executive Committee shall have the right to suspend any endorsed program that is not fulfilling the goals of the organization, until such time as it is officially terminated by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of General Assembly.
**BYLAW 18-3. AWARDS:**
***SECTION 1. FUNCTION:*** To recognize and honor outstanding achievement in the fulfillment of the purposes of JCI by National Organizations, Local Organizations or Individual Members.
***SECTION 2. DEVELOPMENT:*** The development of international awards shall be initiated by the Executive Committee or the Secretary General, who shall ensure their relevance to the JCI Mission, Vision and Values, and to the membership development of National Organizations and Local Organizations.
***SECTION 3. NEW AWARDS AND AWARD CHANGES:*** The adoption of new awards, of substitutions or of changes in the award descriptions shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of General Assembly.
***SECTION 4. AWARDS JUDGING:*** JCI National Organizations submitting more than one (1) entry must provide at least one (1) judge. A National Organization may submit a maximum of six (6) judges.
***SECTION 5. ELIGIBILITY:***
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**a.** Entries from National Organizations not in good standing on the date of General Assembly I of the current Area Conference or Congress will not qualify.
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**b.** If a National Organization has a judge who failed to complete their judging assignment or replaced their judge and fails to complete the judging 3-days after the judging deadline, all entries from that organization may be disqualified by majority vote of the Executive Committee.
***SECTION 6. ELIGIBLE TIME FRAME FOR MULTI-ENTRY AWARD CATEGORIES***
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**a.** The JCI Area Conference Awards eligibility period extends from 45 days before the corresponding Area Conference of the previous year to 45 days before the Area Conference in the current year.
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**b.** The World Congress Award Program eligibility time frame extends from 45 days before the World Congress of the previous year to 45 days before the World Congress in the current year.
***SECTION 7. ELIGIBLE TIME FRAME FOR BEST OF THE BEST AWARD CATEGORIES***
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**a.** The Awards entry submission period extends from January 1 to December 31 of the previous year.
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**b.** Winners of the Area Conference Awards will be the sole entries for the corresponding categories at the World Congress.
**BYLAW 18-4. REPORTS:**
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Annual reports detailing progress on the current Strategic Plan and annual Plan of Action shall be prepared by the Secretary General, shall be submitted to each Congress.
CHAPTER XIX - CONFERENCES
**BYLAW 19-1. PURPOSES:**
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Four (4) conferences, one (1) in each geographical Area, shall be held every year for the following purposes:
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**a.** To promote the purposes of JCI, fulfill the purposes of the organization and further JCI’s Mission.
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**b.** To conduct seminars, workshops and group discussion which have specific objectives to meet the needs of Individual Members at all National Organization and Local Organization levels.
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**c.** To educate delegates in the aims, objectives and activities of JCI.
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**d.** To consider plans for future activities and submit them to the Board of Directors.
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**e.** To afford the opportunity for exchange of ideas and thoughts among the Individual Members.
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**f.** To adopt an Area program, if appropriate.
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**g.** To review the development of participating National Organizations and their respective Local Organizations, and to discuss procedures and techniques designed to develop and strengthen the organization.
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**h.** To reach external audiences.
**BYLAW 19-2. CONFERENCE SITES:**
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The site and dates for a conference shall be decided at a conference held in that Area two years prior thereto, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee no later than its pre-Congress meeting next following such selection. In the event that no site has been selected for a conference in any Area, the Executive Committee shall select the site and dates at either the Midyear meeting or the pre-Congress meeting in the year preceding the year prior to the conference. The approval or selection shall not take place until a site inspection visit has been carried out by a JCI Officer or Staff Officer designated by the President in consultation with the Secretary General. The selection of a conference site shall be determined by a simple majority vote.
**BYLAW 19-3. CONTRACT:**
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The Secretary General shall execute a contract with the successful bidder for each conference after the conference has been approved or selected by the Executive Committee.
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The conference contract shall be approved by the General Legal Counsel and the Resident Legal Counsel as containing the mutual responsibilities and obligations of the parties as established by the Executive Committee. The contract shall provide for the host National Organization to be a party to the contract and to guarantee and be responsible to JCI for the fulfillment of all obligations of the host Local Organization.
**BYLAW 19-4. CANCELLATION OF CONTRACT:**
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The Executive Committee may cancel the contract at any time up to four (4) months before the conference is to take place if it is proven to the satisfaction of the Executive Committee that the successful bidder is, or will be, in serious default of the conditions of the contract.
**BYLAW 19-5. PARTICIPATION:**
***SECTION 1. ALL NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:*** At all conferences, all National Organizations shall be entitled to participate, and those in good standing and present shall have one (1) vote, and shall be entitled to:
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**a.** Announce and promote candidates for JCI office.
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**b.** Announce intentions to bid for a Congress and/or conference.
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**c.** Bid for the site of a Conference or meeting in respect of the Area (in the context of this bylaw, Local Organizations located in a different geographical Area than their National Organization qualify to bid for the site of a Conference or meeting in respect of the geographical area where they are located).
***SECTION 2. NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS ASSIGNED TO THE AREA:*** Only National Organizations assigned to the Area in respect of which the conference is held and in good standing, shall be entitled to:
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**a.** Submit entries for Conference Awards (in the context of this bylaw, Local Organizations located in a different geographical area than their National Organization qualify in respect of the geographical area where they are located).
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**b.** Vote on any matter directly related to the Area, which shall include:
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***i.*** the selection of the site for a conference or meeting in respect of the Area.
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***ii.*** the selection of any program for the Area.
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**c.** Judge entries for conference awards.
***SECTION 3. SELECTION OF CONFERENCE SITE:*** The selection of the site for a conference in respect to the Area shall be by secret ballot. The number of votes received by each candidacy shall be announced immediately after the selection. If there is only one candidate, the vote may be by acclamation.
***SECTION 4. CHIEF DELEGATE:*** The Chief Delegate representing a National Organization shall be the President of the National Organization, but it shall be competent for a National Organization to appoint an authorized representative to the office of Chief Delegate, provided, however, that said authorized representative shall be an Individual Member of that particular National Organization.
***SECTION 5. QUORUM FOR CONFERENCE ASSEMBLY:*** A quorum for Area Conference Assembly meeting shall comprise of Chief Delegates (or their authorized deputies) representing thirty (30) percent of National Organizations in that Area in good standing with the organization as prescribed in the constitution.
**BYLAW 19-6. SPEAKING RIGHTS:**
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All members of the Board of Directors shall have speaking rights at all conferences, but they shall have no right to vote.
**BYLAW 19-7. CHAIRPERSON:**
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Each Area Conference shall be convened and chaired by a JCI Executive Vice President. If for whatever reason that is impossible, the Conference shall be chaired by another member of the Executive Committee appointed by the President.
**BYLAW 19-8. DURATION:**
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Conferences shall have a duration of not less than three (3) days.
**BYLAW 19-9. FURTHER CONFERENCES:**
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Further conferences for purposes other than those outlined in Bylaw 19-1 may be authorized from time to time by General Assembly, provided that:\
**a.** Requests to host further conferences are submitted to the Executive Committee at its Midyear meeting in the year preceding the year prior to the conference and that such requests meet all conference requirements stipulated under Policies 19-1,19-2, 19-6, 19-7, 19-8, and 19-9.
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**b.** Further conferences are scheduled in a manner not to conflict with Area conferences or Congress.
**BYLAW 19-10. FURTHER MEETINGS:**
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Further meetings, which may include Area academies, training sessions for multiple National Organizations, special meetings, Area Association meetings or other meetings where multiple National Presidents and/or JCI Board members are assigned or expected to attend, may be authorized from time to time by the Executive Committee, provided that:
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**a.** Request to host further regional or international meetings initiated or endorsed by JCI are submitted to the Executive Committee at least 3 months in advance of the program and
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such requests meet all requirements set out by the Executive Committee, including submission of a budget, schedule of events, purpose, agenda, venues, and any other issues required by the Executive Committee.
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**b.** Further meetings shall not conflict with the World Congress or Area Conferences.
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The Executive Committee shall take into account the number of meetings National Presidents are attending and the priority or need for additional meetings and/or the purpose of such special events before approving any further meeting.
**BYLAW 19-11. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CONTROL:**
***SECTION 1: CONTENT:*** The content and structure of the Conference shall be elaborated by the Secretary General and approved by the Executive Committee Meeting in January of the year in which the Conference is being held and shall serve no other purposes but the furtherance of the Mission of the organization.
***SECTION 2: MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:*** The Secretary General shall determine the minimum standards of requirements to host a Conference.
***SECTION 3: CONTROL:*** The Secretary General shall in the interest of organization control and supervise the planning and execution of a Conference. Where the host organization fails to facilitate such control and supervision the Secretary General shall file a report with the Executive Committee which up to four (4) months prior to the Conference can cancel the contract with a host city.
***SECTION 4: CONFERENCE DESTINATIONS:*** While Local organizations and National Organizations shall be encouraged to bid to host the Conference; the determination of the Conference destination shall be based on extensive professional research and strategy.
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The Secretary General with the approval of the Executive Committee shall publish during Conference three (3) years prior to the year of the Conference the list of no more than three possible destinations of Conference.
CHAPTER XX - SENATORS
**BYLAW 20-1. DEFINITION:**
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An award known as “JCI Senatorship" granting life membership in the organization and in the JCI Senate may be awarded to Individual Members or past members as a means of honoring them for rendering outstanding service to JCI. The awarding of such status shall not exempt the member from paying regular dues to the organization.
**BYLAW 20-2. APPLICATION:**
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The application shall only be approved by the President of the Local Organization of the applicant; the President of his or her State Organization, where the applicant's National Organization is so structured; the President of his or her National Organization, and the President of the organization, and no other approval shall be required or permitted. Prior to, or at the same time as the approval by the President of the organization is requested, a contribution of three hundred dollars (US$300) shall be made to the organization by the sponsoring Local Organization or National Organization.
**BYLAW 20-3. REVOCATION:**
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A Senatorship may be revoked, temporarily suspended or withdrawn at any time by either of the following:
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**a.** The President of the organization, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee, on the recommendation of the National President, if in the opinion of the President of the organization, that Senator has not conducted himself or herself in a manner worthy of the organization.
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**b.** The Executive Committee, on the recommendation of the President of the organization, if the actions of the Senator are not in the best interests of the organization.
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In the event of the revocation, temporary suspension or withdrawal of a Senatorship, no part of the contribution made under the provisions of Bylaw 20-2 shall be refunded.
**BYLAW 20-4. RIGHTS:**
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A Senator, as such, is not qualified to be elected an Officer of the organization and shall have no special rights, except those, which are granted to ordinary members of JCI age, provided the Senator is within JCI age. Senators who have passed JCI age shall have no rights whatsoever except those which may be granted from time to time by the organization.
**BYLAW 20-5. SENATE QUALIFICATIONS:**
***SECTION 1. CURRENT MEMBERS:*** Senatorships for current Individual Members shall be restricted to members of at least three (3) years' standing for services rendered at any level of this organization.
***SECTION 2. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:*** The organization encourages each National Organization to establish additional regulations and requirements designed to upgrade the awarding of Senatorships with due regard to local conditions.
***SECTION 3. PAST MEMBERS:*** Senatorships for past members whose membership extended for a period of at least three (3) years may be awarded by way of presentation, subject to the written approval of the Local Organization and National Presidents who are expected to make such inquiries with respect to the applicant as may, in their opinion, be appropriate.
**BYLAW 20-6. JCI SENATE:**
***SECTION 1. OBJECTIVES:*** The objectives of the Senate are:
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**a.** To provide a vehicle for the promotion of fellowship and friendship among Senators, internationally, nationally and locally.
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**b.** To encourage and foster international social contacts between individual Senators and Senate groups.
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**c.** To constitute a resource for the current membership in the areas of training and development.
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**d.** To act as mentors and participate in the JCI Mentoring program.
***SECTION 2. CHAIRPERSON:*** The Immediate Past President of the organization shall be the Chairperson of the Senate, he or she shall chair the Senators' Forum (or meeting) at World Congress, and he or she shall, subject to budgetary limitations, be responsible for the preparation and distribution to Senators of information on matters pertaining to the Senate.
***SECTION 3. STRUCTURE:*** The organization of the Senate shall not be too formal or highly structured, and the number of Officers shall be the minimum necessary to perform basic administrative functions. Subject to the provisions of this bylaw, the establishment of a structure for the Senate shall be subject to the approval of General Assembly.
***SECTION 4. LIMITATIONS:*** The Senate shall not engage in any activity which conflicts or is likely to conflict with the purpose or activities of JCI or any National Organization or Local Organization; it shall not make public announcements or media releases; and it shall conform to all constitutional provisions and policies of JCI, which relate to Senators individually or as a group.
***SECTION 5. FAILURE TO COMPLY:*** Should any international or national Senate group (other than the JCI Senate) fail to comply with the provisions of this bylaw, the members of such group may have their Senatorships revoked by the Executive Committee under the provisions of Bylaw 20-3, sub-section b.
CHAPTER XXI - DUES
**BYLAW 21-1. DUES:**
***SECTION 1. NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:*** National Organizations shall pay annual dues to the organization in such amounts as may be fixed by General Assembly at Congress. The annual dues payable by National Organizations shall be reviewed by General Assembly at intervals not greater than two (2) years.
***SECTION 2. NEWLY AFFILIATED NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:*** Newly affiliated National Organizations shall pay dues for the year that they are affiliated at the time that the application for affiliation is submitted to the Finance Director, as provided for in Section 2 of Bylaws 3-7, 3-11, and 3-16. However, for that year and the following year, they shall not be obliged to pay any minimum amount of National Organization dues set by General Assembly under Section 1 of this bylaw, but rather, payment will be on a per-member basis, except for potential National Organizations, which will pay a nominal sum as approved by General Assembly.
***SECTION 3. EXCEPTION:*** Section 2 of this bylaw shall not apply to a National Organization by reason of its full affiliation, if the National Organization qualified by reason of its provisional affiliation in the previous year.
***SECTION 4. COLLECTION OF DUES IN TRUST:*** All payments made by individual members and/or Local Organization Members for JCI dues shall be held in trust by Local and National Organization Members, included in the National Organization's next membership registration and remitted in full to JCI by the National Organization with its next dues payment.
**BYLAW 21-2. DUES ADMINISTRATION:**
***SECTION 1. REGISTRATION OF MEMBERSHIP:*** Each National Organization shall register with the Finance Director on or before thirty (30) days before Congress each year the details of its membership, as set out in Policy 21-2. A second registration, to register additional membership, shall be made on or before June 30 each year. Membership registrations shall be certified by the National President and the chief fiscal officer.
***SECTION 2. BILLING OF NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:*** The Finance Director shall send, no later than January 15 of each year, an invoice to each National Organization for the amount of dues payable for that year based on the number of members registered on thirty (30) days before Congress the previous year, and, if applicable, a second invoice shall be sent no later than August 1 of each year, for the amount of dues payable for any additional members registered on June 30 of the current year, in accordance with Section 1 of this bylaw.
***SECTION 3. PAYMENT OF DUES:*** Each National Organization shall pay its dues to the organization on or before April 15 of each year. Payment of dues for additional members registered after thirty (30) days before Congress of the previous year shall be made on or before September 15. Dues shall be deemed to be paid when accepted by the Finance Director, or received at the World Headquarters, or deposited in any bank account of the organization with the approval of the Finance Director.
***SECTION 4. OFFICIAL CURRENCIES:*** The payment of all dues and debts shall be in United States of America currency or any currency readily convertible to USA dollars, provided that:
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**a.** Any fees or expenses caused by the transaction are paid for by the National Organization and a written estimate of such costs provided in advance of the transaction.
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**b.** The National Organization wishing to pay its dues or debts in a currency other than USA dollars must receive written approval from the Finance Director before remitting or transferring the money.
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**c.** The Finance Director will have thirty (30) days to convert the currency into USA dollars at his or her convenience.\
**d.** No later than thirty (30) days after the money has been converted, the Finance Director will inform the National Organization of the full accounting of the transaction.
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**e.** If the Finance Director has been unable to convert the money, he or she will inform the National Organization with the reason the transaction could not be completed. He or she will transfer or remit the money back to the National Organization no later than thirty (30) days after the National Organization has been informed. The expenses/fees for this transfer or remittance will be charged to the National Organization, at which point the National Organization will be considered non-financial.
***SECTION 5.***
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**a. *****FAILURE TO REGISTER MEMBERSHIP:*** If any National Organization shall fail to register its membership by thirty (30) days before Congress, as provided in Section 1, the Finance Director shall send an invoice to such National Organization by the following January 15, for the amount of dues payable on the number of members last registered by the National Organization prior to the billing, and the National Organization will be responsible for payment of the amount of dues as invoiced.
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**b. *****FAILURE TO REGISTER FULL AND ACCURATE MEMBERSHIP:*** If any National Organization shall fail to register its full and accurate membership to the satisfaction of the Finance Committee at least thirty (30) days before Congress, as provided in Section 1, said National Organization may be subject to termination of services. Such National Organization may not host JCI meetings, vote in General Assembly, post candidates for JCI Office, receive development grants, receive JCI Officers’ visits, or other related services.
***SECTION 6. DELAYED PAYMENT OF DUES:*** Any National Organization which, for exceptional reasons, considers it may be unable to pay its dues, in whole or in part, on the due date for payment, shall immediately, and in any event, before February 15 each year in respect of its dues for that year, and before August 15 in respect of its dues for their June 30 registration, notify the Finance Director in writing, setting out in full detail the reason for the delay in payment and the National Organization's proposals for settling the dues. The Finance Director shall, if he or she is satisfied that the National Organization's case is sufficiently meritorious and provided the dues for the year will, in any event, be paid in full by thirty (30) days before the Congress of that year, notify the National Organization of his or her acceptance of its proposals. If not, he or she shall so notify the National Organization by thirty (30) days after the deadline date for notification of delayed payment, in which case the dues shall remain payable in full on or before April 15, but the National Organization may request the Finance Committee at its next meeting to reconsider the Finance Director's decision. The Finance Committee may, in such circumstances, endorse, amend or rescind the Finance Director’s decision as it shall see fit. In the event that a National Organization has not contacted the Finance Director as provided for in this section by February 15, its dues for that year shall be payable in full by April 15.
**BYLAW 21-3. MEMBERSHIP BY SUBSCRIPTION OR OTHER MEANS:**
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Subject to the approval of the Executive Committee, National Organizations may satisfy the requirements of Bylaw 21-1 and other consequential constitutional provisions by subscribing annually to prescribed publications produced by the organization from time to time, or through other means. The amount payable shall be determined by the Executive Committee but shall not be less than the annual dues payable by National Organizations under the provisions of Bylaw 21-1.
**BYLAW 21-4. UNPAID FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS:**
***SECTION 1. PENALTY:*** If any National Organization shall fail to pay its dues or other financial obligations to the organization by the date provided for payment, or as agreed with the Finance Director or stipulated by the Finance Committee under Bylaw 21-2, Section 6, services of the World Headquarters, including processing Senatorship applications, shall be withheld from such National Organization.
***SECTION 2. RESUMPTION OF SERVICES:*** Services of the World Headquarters shall be resumed as soon as full payment of such dues or other financial obligations is received.
**BYLAW 21-5. TERMINATION OF NATIONAL ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP:**
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National Organizations which are delinquent for more than one full calendar year in the payment of dues or other financial obligations shall cease to be National Organizations, provided that:
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**a.** The Finance Director has provided ninety (90) days written notice to the President of the National Organization concerned of the organization's intention to terminate the membership.
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b. The delinquent National Organization has been unable to give satisfactory justification for failure to meet the dues or other financial obligations.
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**c.** The President, the assigned Executive Vice President and the Vice President assigned to that National Organization concur in a recommendation, which is approved by General Assembly.
CHAPTER XXII - FINANCES
**BYLAW 22-1. FINANCIAL YEAR:**
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The organization's financial year shall be the calendar year.
**BYLAW 22-2. ASSETS:**
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All funds and other assets shall be held in the name of the organization.
**BYLAW 22-3. BOOKKEEPING:**
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The cashbook, ledger and other bookkeeping records of the organization shall be maintained by the Finance Director, under the supervision of the Treasurer, subject to certification, as prescribed in Bylaw 12-3, Section 3.
**BYLAW 22-4. QUARTERLY REPORTS:**
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The Finance Director shall prepare quarterly financial statements and balance sheets and circulate them to members of General Assembly with a statement of all delinquent dues.
**BYLAW 22-5. BUDGET:**
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The procedure for presentation of the budget shall be as follows:
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**a.** A draft budget for the ensuing year shall be presented by the Staff Officer responsible for finance in consultation with the Treasurer no later than 30 days prior to the Midyear Executive Meeting.
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**b.** This draft budget, together with the Executive's recommendations and any necessary revisions proposed by the Staff Officer responsible for finance and Treasurer, shall be mailed to all members of General Assembly no later than forty (40) days before Congress.
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**c.** Members of General Assembly who wish to make any comments, proposals or recommendations on the budget must make written submissions to reach the Finance Director no later than twenty (20) days before Congress.
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**d.** The proposed budget, together with all submissions received, shall be circulated to members of the Finance Committee and placed on the Finance Committee meeting's agenda at Congress. The recommended budget resulting from the Finance Committee meeting at Congress shall then be presented to General Assembly for approval, as prescribed in Bylaw 6-2 (d).
**BYLAW 22-6. FINANCE COMMITTEE:**
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The members of the Executive Committee shall act as the Finance Committee between Congresses, with the Treasurer as Chairperson. At Congress the Executive Committee shall be members of the Finance Committee, and the President, with the approval of General Assembly, shall appoint additional members to the Committee, at least four (4) of whom shall be current National Presidents.
**BYLAW 22-7. OFFICER EXPENSES:**
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The Policy Manual shall include detailed policies on what shall be regarded as authorized Officer expenses and the conditions for reimbursement thereof.
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It is the intent of the organization that appropriate financial allowances be made to all Officers to reimburse them for expenses incurred in performing their duties satisfactorily.
**BYLAW 22-8. ADMINISTRATION POLICY:**
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The Policy Manual shall include detailed policies on the administration of inventories, bank accounts, insurance, disbursements, signatures, bonds and salaries.
CHAPTER XXIII - ADMINISTRATION
**ARTICLE 23-1. PLACE:**
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The Principal Office of the organization, also known as JCI World Headquarters, shall be situated in the State of Missouri, USA.
**BYLAW 23-2. WORLD HEADQUARTERS:**
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The World Headquarters' function is to serve the members through:
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a. Administrative and program support to the President and other Officers.
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b. Administrative and program support primarily to National Organizations, and through them to Local Organizations and Individual Members.
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c. Development of programs and resource materials for use by National Organizations, Local Organizations and Individual Members.
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To fulfill this function, the Secretary General shall retain appropriate staff, in line with the organizational structure currently endorsed by the Executive Committee.
**BYLAW 23-3. SERVICES:**
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The services of the World Headquarters and Officers of the organization shall be extended to all officially recognized contacts, organizing committees and applicants for affiliation within the limits of funds available for this purpose.
**BYLAW 23-4. PUBLISHER:**
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All official publications of the organization, including manuals, handbooks, directories and all other printed or mechanically reproduced materials, shall be published by JCI (Junior Chamber International, Inc) or, if produced elsewhere, under specific authorization by the Secretary General.
CHAPTER XXIV - LANGUAGES
BYLAW 24-1. LANGUAGES:
SECTION 1. OFFICIAL LANGUAGES: All languages adopted by individual National Organizations as their official languages are the official languages of JCI.
SECTION 2. BASIC RECORDS: In view of the location of the World Headquarters in an English-speaking country, the basic records of the organization shall be maintained in the English language.
SECTION 3. CORRESPONDENCE LANGUAGES: English, French, Spanish and Japanese are the main languages used by the organization for its internal and external communications. Other main correspondence languages may be established from time to time, subject to the approval of General Assembly, upon a National Organization’s attaining 50,000 Individual Members, or if such languages are used as the official National Organization languages, by not less than ten (10) National Organizations.
SECTION 4. LANGUAGE SERVICE: Language services will be based upon the needs of the organization and shall not be restricted to the correspondence languages referred to in this bylaw.
BYLAW 24-2. SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION AT CONGRESS:
SECTION 1. ORAL COMMUNICATION: English, Spanish and French are the main languages used by the organization for oral communication internally. Other approved oral communication languages may be established from time to time, subject to the approval of the General Assembly, upon a National Organization attaining 30,000 Individual Members.
SECTION 2. SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SERVICES: Simultaneous interpretation with respect to approved oral communication languages will be provided at World Congress.
CHAPTER XXV - CORPORATE IDENTITY
ARTICLE 25-1. LOGO:
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There shall be an official logo of the organization, which shall be as reproduced below:
BYLAW 25-2. RIGHT TO USE:
SECTION 1. BY THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION: The use of the official logo by itself shall be limited to the International Organization, its international events and its official materials.
SECTION 2. BY MEMBERS: National Organization Members, Local Organization Members and Individual Members whose affiliation is duly recorded and whose membership is in good standing shall use the official logo with the National or Local Organization’s name as per JCI Corporate Identity Guidelines.
SECTION 3. BY GROUPS: International groups that have been formally recognized under the provisions of Policy 3-11 shall be permitted to use the official logo as per JCI Corporate Identity Guidelines.
SECTION 4. FORFEIT: The right to use the official logo shall be automatically and forthwith forfeited on termination of any member's affiliation or any such group's formal recognition.
BYLAW 25-3. CORPORATE IDENTITY AND BRAND GUIDELINES:
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There shall be a set of Corporate Identity and Brand Guidelines, wherein all proper usage and display of corporate identity and the official logo shall be listed.
CHAPTER XXVI - RULES OF PROCEDURE
BYLAW 26-1. DESIGNATION:
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The business of the organization shall be conducted according to this Constitution and, where not otherwise provided, “Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised.”
BYLAW 26-2. MAIL BALLOTS:
SECTION 1. PERMISSION: On matters within the scope of the General Assembly, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee, and not directed to be done at Congress, a mail vote among their members shall be valid. Such a vote may be made by electronic means (e-mail, and/or password-protected Internet ballot site). (Within the context of this document, the references to “mail ballot” are to be interpreted as electronic mail ballots.)
SECTION 2. HOW MAILED: Such votes by mail ballot shall be forwarded by electronic means (e-mail, and/or password-protected Internet ballot site).
SECTION 3. REPLIES: Ten (10) days from the date of mailing shall be allowed for receipt of replies at the World Headquarters.
SECTION 4. MAJORITY: A majority of two-thirds (2/3) of the votes received is necessary for adoption of a proposal submitted by mail ballot unless as otherwise stated elsewhere in this Constitution.
SECTION 5. MINIMUM VOTES: A minimum of twenty (20) percent of the total possible votes provided in Article 6-7 must be received to validate the ballot.
SECTION 6. METHOD: Any mail ballot for appointments to JCI office shall be counted by at least two (2) scrutineers appointed by the President, who shall count the results at the JCI World Headquarters. The number of votes received by each Appointee shall be announced to the General Assembly by electronic mail within two (2) weeks of the count.
CHAPTER XXVII - AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE 27-1. ARTICLES:
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The Articles may be amended by General Assembly at Congress by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the votes cast, provided that written notice of the proposed amendment is given to the Secretary General not less than thirty (30) days prior to the convening of the Midyear Executive Meeting, or provided that General Assembly or the Board of Directors at a prior Congress directed consideration of the amendment to a subsequent Congress, or provided further that the amendment arose from a resolution adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of General Assembly at an Area Conference, or from a resolution adopted by the Midyear Executive Meeting in that year.
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The proposed amendments shall be considered by the Executive Committee at midyear in accordance with the provisions of Article 15-1, and shall be reviewed by the Constitutional Amendments Review Committee in accordance with the provisions of Policy 27-1 and by the Board of Directors in accordance with the provisions of Article 14-1.
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The Secretary General shall, not later than August 15, forward copies of all proposed amendments, together with the recommendations thereon of the Executive Committee and the Constitutional Amendments Review Committee, to all members of General Assembly. Recommendations of the Board of Directors shall also be circulated to General Assembly.
ARTICLE 27-2. BYLAWS:
SECTION 1. WITH NOTICE: The bylaws may be amended by the General Assembly in the same manner as the articles may be amended.
SECTION 2. WITHOUT NOTICE: The bylaws may be amended by a four-fifths (4/5) vote of the General Assembly at Congress, but each such amendment shall be submitted for ratification by mail ballot to the General Assembly. Such an amendment shall be ratified by the General Assembly if two-thirds (2/3) of the votes received within fifteen (15) days from the mailing of the mail ballot are cast in favor of the amendment. Otherwise, it shall be void ab initio.
SECTION 3. BETWEEN CONGRESSES: The bylaws may be amended by a mail ballot of the General Assembly upon prior recommendation of the Board of Directors. Such an amendment shall become effective immediately upon receipt of replies at the World Headquarters indicating that two-thirds (2/3) of the total voting strength of the General Assembly are in favor of the amendment. Failing this, the ballot shall close ten (10) days after the mailing of the request for votes.
ARTICLE 27-3. WAIVER:
SECTION 1. ARTICLES: Any article may be waived by a unanimous vote of the General Assembly at Congress, provided that four-fifths (4/5) of the total voting strength of the General Assembly registered at Congress participate in the vote.
SECTION 2. BYLAWS: Any bylaw may be waived by a unanimous vote of the General Assembly at Congress, provided that two-thirds (2/3) of the total voting strength of the General Assembly registered at Congress participate in the vote.
ARTICLE 27-4. EFFECTIVE DATE:
SECTION 1. DATE: This Constitution became effective on January 1, 1965.
SECTION 2. AMENDMENTS: All amendments to the articles and bylaws shall come into force on January 1, following the passing of the amendment, unless provided to the contrary.
CHAPTER XXVIII - POLICY MANUAL
ARTICLE 28-1. POLICY MANUAL:
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There shall be a Policy Manual of the organization, containing rules and regulations of a procedural and administrative nature.
**ARTICLE 28-2. AMENDMENT:**
***SECTION 1. VOTE:*** Policies may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board of Directors.
***SECTION 2. PROCEDURE:*** Amendments may be submitted by members of the Board of Directors or by National Organizations only, and must be submitted in full, legal form. If an amendment is submitted by a National Organization, it must be certified by the National President and Secretary as being a National Organization resolution, and must be accompanied by a copy of the minutes of the National Organization meeting at which the resolution was approved, and shall be presented on behalf of the National Organization by a member of the Board of Directors.
**ARTICLE 28-3. WAIVER:**
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Any policy may be waived by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors.