Constitution of the Humanitarian Assistance Public Program

For a PDF version: HAPP_Constitution.pdf

Article I: NAME:

The organization shall be known as the Humanitarian Assistance Public Program, hereafter referred to as the “HAPP”.

Article II: PURPOSE:

HAPP is a community effort to provide Humanitarian Services to families and individuals in the Greater Austin area. HAPP would deliver these Humanitarian Services in many forms such as: Food, Clothing, Shelter, and other social services.

Article III: MEMBERSHIP:

  1. The organization will not restrict membership by reason of age, citizenship, color, disability, gender, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, or sexual orientation.
  2. Membership is, however, limited to the different mosques and other non-profit organizations in the Greater Austin area only.
  3. Any Member organization or mosque may resign from the HAPP upon 90 days prior notice and payment of all dues and assessments then due and payable.
  4. Any Member organization may be expelled for cause by an affirmative vote of not less than two thirds of the full membership of the Board, provided that the Member organization shall have been granted an opportunity for a prior hearing at a meeting of the Executive Board called for that purpose.

Article IV: OFFICERS:

  1. Officers of the organization will consist of an Executive Board of 5 members. The size of the board can change based on the total number of member organizations being represented in the HAPP.
  2. The elected/nominated board members will vote among themselves to choose a Chairperson of the Executive Board by majority vote after each election.
  3. The board members will share all responsibilities.
  4. Any board member shall be replaced by the member organization through the nomination process if unable to complete the 2 year term.

Article V: ELECTIONS:

  1. Elections will be held in December of every other year.
  2. The election process shall consist of nominations by the member organizations and mosques received by the current Executive Board, followed by a vote by all attending members of HAPP.
  3. Each member organization or a representative of such member organization will be entitled to one vote, and the election process will be decided by the candidate who receives the most votes.
  4. All member organizations of HAPP are eligible to nominate candidates and have candidates serve on thon the Executive Board.

Article VI: COMMITTEES:

The Executive Board may establish sub-committees at any point in time to carry out designated duties. Sub-committees may be reformed, dismantled, and added at any time by the Executive Board.

Article VII: MEETINGS:

  1. The annual meeting of the Board shall be held during the fall months, preferably during October.
  2. The rules of procedure to be followed at all meetings of the Board shall be in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order when not consistent with this Constitution.
  3. The Chairperson of the Board shall designate the time, place and agenda for all Board Meetings, except that a meeting shall be held within one month from the date of receipt by the President of a petition for a meeting signed by at least one-third, but not less than three (3) Member organizations and the agenda for such meeting shall include the matter set forth in the petition
  4. At all meetings of the Board, delegates representing thirty five percent of the Member organizations, either in person, designated alternate, or by proxy in writing, shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of a quorum, the meeting shall be adjourned until a quorum is present.
  5. Written notice of Board meetings shall be mailed to all delegates of Member organizations at least five days before the date of the meeting.

Article VIII: FINANCE:

Each member organization is expected to pay quarterly donation that will be used to fulfill the purpose and goals of this humanitarian effort and programs. HAPP can also choose to run fundraising campaigns if needed.

Article IX: LIABILITY:

  1. No Member organization shall be liable for any obligation incurred by the HAPP or incurred by any other Member organization, except for dues or assessments as provided for in the Constitution.
  2. The HAPP hereby consents and declares that each duly elected officer, duly appointed chairman, Board member and members of all committees, and all elected or appointed officials in any capacity shall be deemed to have assumed office or assignment on the express understanding, agreement, and condition that each one of them and his or her heirs, executors and administrators, estate and effects respectively shall from time to time and at all times be indemnified and saved harmless out of the funds of the HAPP from and against all liabilities, judgments, costs, charges and expenses whatsoever which such officer, chairman, or member sustains or incurs in any action, suit, or proceeding which is brought, commended or prosecuted against him or her for or in respect of any act, deed, matter, or thing whatsoever made, done or permitted by him or her in the execution of the duties of his or her office and also from and against all other direct costs, charges and expenses which he or she actually sustains or incurs in relation to the duties thereof, except such costs, charges, or expenses as are occasioned by his or her own neglect or fault.

Article X: AMENDMENTS AND BY-LAWS:

Any changes in the constitution will be determined on the basis of need and carried out through a constitutional amendment process, or through the addition of bylaws.

Article XI: DISSOLUTION:

  1. The HAPP may dissolve by affirmative vote of two-thirds of the full membership of the HAPP. Notice of the intent to dissolve shall be submitted to all Member organizations in writing at least thirty (30) days before being acted upon.
  2. Upon dissolution of the HAPP for any reason whatsoever, any remaining property/assets/bank balance of the HAPP shall be distributed among the member organizations equally.