LGBTQ Merced Bylaws

(Adopted [Insert Date])

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1. Name:
The name of this organization shall be LGBTQ Merced.

Section 2. Purpose:
LGBTQ Merced is a nonprofit organization serving the Merced community by advancing equity, inclusion, advocacy, and well-being for LGBTQ individuals and allies. The organization leads and operates the Advocacy Café as a core program of the Rebuilding Lives Initiative, providing support, education, and advocacy services for all.

Article II: Mission and Values

Section 1. Mission:
Our mission is to empower LGBTQ individuals and allies in Merced County by providing advocacy, safe spaces, educational programs, and opportunities for community engagement.

Section 2. Values:
LGBTQ Merced is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, respect, and community collaboration.

Article III: Programs and Activities

Section 1. The Advocacy Café:

  • The Advocacy Café is operated and managed by LGBTQ Merced as a primary program in partnership with the Rebuilding Lives Initiative.
  • The Café serves as a hub for advocacy training, resource navigation, peer support, civic engagement, community education, and empowerment workshops.
  • The Café prioritizes services for LGBTQ individuals and welcomes all community members.

Section 2. Additional Programs:

  • LGBTQ Merced may initiate or support additional programs and events, including outreach, education, peer support, and advocacy campaigns aligned with its mission.

Article IV: Membership

Section 1. Eligibility:
Membership is open to all individuals who support the mission and values of LGBTQ Merced.

Section 2. Rights and Responsibilities:

  • Members may participate in programs, events, and meetings.
  • Members agree to uphold the organization’s values and policies.

Article V: Governance

Section 1. Board of Directors:

  • The organization is governed by a Board of Directors, composed of at least five (5) members representing the diversity of the community.
  • Board members are responsible for strategic oversight, fiscal stewardship, and upholding the organization’s mission.
  • The Board includes at least one representative overseeing the Advocacy Café.

Section 2. Officers:
The Board shall elect officers including:

  • President
  • Vice President
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Other positions as deemed necessary

Section 3. Terms:

  • Directors serve two-year terms and may be re-elected.
  • Officer terms are determined by the Board.

Section 4. Meetings:

  • The Board meets at least quarterly.
  • General membership meetings are held annually or as needed.

Section 5. Quorum and Voting:

  • A simple majority of Board members constitutes a quorum.
  • Decisions are made by majority vote.

Article VI: Committees

Section 1. Standing and Ad Hoc Committees:

  • The Board may establish committees to carry out specific tasks, such as program oversight, events, or fundraising.
  • The Advocacy Café Committee oversees the planning and operations of the Café, with reports to the Board.

Article VII: Fiscal Management

Section 1. Fiscal Responsibility:

  • The Board is responsible for ensuring sound financial practices and compliance with all relevant laws.
  • An annual budget will be developed and approved by the Board.

Section 2. Fiscal Sponsor:

  • Merced LGBTQ may operate under a fiscal sponsor or as its own nonprofit corporation.

Article VIII: Nondiscrimination

LGBTQ Merced does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or any other protected status.

Article IX: Amendments

These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors, with prior notice provided to all Board members.

Article X: Dissolution

Upon dissolution, assets shall be distributed to a nonprofit with a similar mission, with priority given to organizations serving the LGBTQ community in Merced County.

Adopted on: [Insert Date]
Signed:
President, LGBTQ Merced
Board of Directors, LGBTQ Merced without bias, exclusion, or inequity.