The name of this organization shall be Fayette County Republican Women (also referred to as “Fayette County Republican Women, PAC” and “FCRW”). The address of this organization shall be P.O. Box 744, La Grange, Texas 78945.

The objectives of this organization shall be as follows:

• To promote an informed electorate through political education
• To work for the election of the Republican Party’s nominees.
• To increase the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government through political participation.
• To foster loyalty to the Republican Party and to promote its principals and candidates in all elections, including non-partisan election.
• To educate women on the Republican philosophy.
• To facilitate cooperation among local Republican Women’s Clubs

Section 1. Affiliation

This organization shall be a member of the National and State Federations of Republican Women and shall support their objectives and policies. As required by the Teas Federation of Republican Women, this club shall be a Political Action Committee and registered as such with the Texas Ethics Commission.

Section 2. Organizational Support

No member of this organization shall publicly support a candidate not on the Republican ticket in a partisan election.

Section 3. Candidate Endorsement

This organization, its President, and its Political Activities Chairman, shall not publicly endorse any candidate for public office in contested Republican primaries, runoff elections, and special elections and/or non-partisan elections when more than one Republican is in the race.

No candidate shall use the TFRW logo in any political advertising, and any political advertising shall contain the following disclaimer, “This endorsement is given by the individual(s) only, NOT the Texas Federation of Republic Women”,

Section 4. Working for a Candidate

Individual members of this organization, with the exception of the President and Political Activities Chairman, may work for and candidate of their choice in contended Republican primaries, but may not do so in the name of the organization.

Section 5. Endorsement Exemption

This article pertains only to contests between Republican candidates for public office. Officers of this organization who are candidates, or whose husband or a member of her family are candidates, shall be exempt from this said rule, provided that endorsement is not in the name of the organization.

Section 6. Delivery of Records

All officers and all committee chairs and vice-chairs shall deliver all records, files, passwords, social media administrative rights, and properties of the club to her successor before December 31 of the year in which she is retiring from office, or within 3 days of leaving the position if earlier than December 31, unless otherwise directed by the club President or Executive Committee. Failure to meet the deadlines may result in the termination of her membership by the club.

Section 7. Controversial Issues

This organization and its officers shall not issue statements or pass resolutions on controversial issues in the name of the organization without first polling its Members and obtaining two-thirds (2/3) written vote of approval of the total Membership.

Section 8. Registered Voters

All officers, committee chairs, and all members shall be U.S. citizens and Registered voters.

Section 9. Lobbying

There shall be no lobbying with Legislators using the name of the Texas Federation of Republican Women by any federated club or any Individual member without the express permission of the Board of Directors of the Texas Federation of Republican Women.

Section 10. Causes for Removal

No club shall publicly endorse or work for a known candidate of another Party in a partisan or non-partisan race where a Republican is in the race. When more than one Republican is in a non-partisan or partisan race, no club, club President or Political Activities Chairman shall publicly endorse or work for any candidate in said race. If a club violates this policy, it shall be the responsibility of the TFRW Executive Committee to remove the club from the Federation.

Section 11. Dissolution of Organization

This club may be dissolved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote at any meeting of the Club, provided that notice of the dissolution has been submitted in writing at the previous meeting and has been sent by mail to all members of the club. In the event of dissolution, the Executive Committee shall, after payment of all labilities of the club, distribute any remaining assets to the State Federation. None of the assets shall be distributed to any member or officer of the organization or to any other organization. The right to use the name shall revert to the State Federation.

Section 12. Candidate Fairness.

After the end of the filing period for any office and ending the day after the final election for that office, it is the policy of TFRW that all Republican candidates for that office shall be treated fairly and equitably. When one Republican candidate for an office is invited to speak at a Federation or club meeting, then all Republican candidates for that office shall be offered equal presentation time at the same meeting or another meeting before the election.

Section 1. Primary Membership

Any woman, who believes in the philosophy of the Republican Party and the objectives of the organization, is a U.S. citizen and registered voter, and pays annual dues may be a primary member, and shall enjoy the full privileges of membership. To be eligible to vote in club elections, a member must have paid her dues at least thirty (30) days prior to the election and must have attended at least one meeting prior to the meeting holding an election.

Section 2. Associate Member

1. A Republican woman who is a U.S. citizen, registered voter and a primary member of a federated local club and who wishes to support another local club may be eligible for Associate membership upon payment of required dues to said local club. She cannot hold office, vote or be counted for the purpose of determining the number of delegates to National or State Federation Meetings or Conventions. As an Associate member she does not become a member of the State or National Federation.
2. A Republican man who is a U.S. citizen and registered voter is eligible for Associate membership upon payment of the required annual dues to the club. He cannot hold office, have a voice or vote or be counted for the purpose of determining the number of delegates to National or State Federation meetings or conventions.
3. Young Affiliate Members: A Young Affiliate shall be a teenage woman thirteen (13) through seventeen (17) who wishes to be affiliated with a FCRW by paying the required annual dues. A Young Affiliate shall not be listed on the roster to the Texas Federation of Republican Women from FCRW, shall not be counted for purposes of determining the number of delegates to the Texas Federation of Republican Women or the National Federation of Republican meetings or conventions, cannot make motions, shall not sit on any committee nor vote at meetings.

Section 3. Removal from Office or Membership

A. Officers may be issued a warning or removed by a majority vote of the Club Executive Committee for any of the following reasons below after investigation by the Executive Committee.

1. Non-payment of dues;
2. Advocating for an opposition party candidate in any race, including non-partisan races;
3. Supporting an opposition party ticket; or
4. Failure to uphold the policies and objectives of this club as stated in the by laws or Standing Rules.

Special Meeting and Quorum Rules apply.

B. Members of the club may be removed from membership by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership for any of the following reasons after investigation by the Club Executive Committee.

1. Non-payment of dues;
2. Advocating for an opposition party candidate in any race, including non-partisan races;
3. Supporting an opposition party ticket; or
4. Failure to uphold the policies and objectives of this club as stated in the bylaws or Standing Rules.

Special Meeting and Quorum Rules apply.

Section 1. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of this organization shall be from January 1 through December 31.

Section 2. Membership Dues

Club membership dues include National and State Federation per capita dues, payable December 31 each year, and shall be delinquent March 1.

Section 3. Annual Service Charge

This organization is a member of the Texas Federation of Republican Women and the National Federation of Republican Women and shall pay the annual service charges of said organizations.

Section 1. Annual Meetings

The annual meeting of the organization shall be held in November each year for the purpose of election of officers and general business.

Section 2. Meeting Call

All meetings (General, Executive and Committee) shall provide no less than a five (5) day notice providing date, time and place.

Section 3. Regular Meetings

The regular meetings shall be held monthly unless otherwise ordered by a majority of the members at a previous meeting or by the Executive Committee provided that there shall be no less than five (5) regular meetings per annum as required by the NFRW.

Section 4. Special Meetings

Special meetings shall be held at the call of the President or upon the request of 30% of the members, with at least 3 days prior notice. The purpose of the meeting is to be stated in the call and no other business shall be considered at the special meeting.

Section 5. Quorum for Regular Meetings.

A quorum for a meeting of this organization shall be 25% of the active members as defined in Article IV., Section 1.

Section 6. Regular Meetings of the Executive Committee

Regular meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held prior to the regular club meetings at such time and place as may be determined by the President per Article VI, Section 2.

Section 7. Quorum for Executive Committee Meetings

A quorum for a meeting of the Executive Committee shall be a majority of the voting committee members.

Section 8. Special Meetings of the Executive Committee

Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be called by the President or upon the request of a majority of the members of the Executive Committee, with at least 3 days prior notice. The purpose of the meeting is to be stated in the call and no other business shall be transacted.

Section 9. Standing and Special Committee Meetings

Committee meetings shall be open to all voting members of the FCRW. Only members of the committee shall have the right of motion and a vote.

Section 10. Electronic means of meeting and voting.

A vote of the club or Executive Committee may be conducted by electronic means such as conferencing between meetings, provided there is participation by majority of the members of the body. The vote shall be ratified and entered in to the minutes at the bodies next regular meeting.

Section 1. Term of office.

The officers of this organization shall be President, Vice President, Secretary and PAC Treasurer and shall serve one (1) year, or until their successors are elected. No officer may serve in the same position for more than two (2) consecutive terms.

Section 2. Nominating Committee

A nominating committee shall consist of 3 members and one alternate, none of whom shall be a currently serving elected officer or applying for an office, shall be elected by the membership at the August meeting. The Nominating Committee shall elect as chairman from its own number. At the October
meeting, the committee shall report one (1) nominee for each office at least thirty days ahead of the election, and a three (3) member Internal Review Committee.

a)  Members of the Nominating Committee who desire to be considered for an office shall excuse themselves while that office is being considered: an alternate will be selected by the Executive Board to fill their position. The Committee shall limit the number of its own members who may be nominated for an office to no more than two.
b)  Members of the Nominating Committee shall be present at all Nominating meetings, be supplied with all information and subjected to the same guidelines.
c)  Members of the nominating Committee shall not discuss any information pertaining to those considered for nomination outside of their specific committee meetings.
d)  A person applying for an office cannot serve on the Nomination Committee

Section 3. Elections

Elections shall be held at the November Annual Meeting and nominations from the floor may be allowed. Prior consent of the nominees shall be obtained. Where there is only one candidate for an office election may be by voice vote. Where there is more than one candidate for an office, election shall be by secret ballot. A plurality vote shall elect (the candidate with the most votes win). In the event that a quorum is not present at the Annual Meeting, the election of Officers will take place by mail, email or fax balloting. Ballots will be distributed by mail, email or fax to all members and must be returned by at least 25 percent of members (Article 4, Membership, Section 1) by the date specified on the ballot to count. The President will notify the officers of their elections, and the membership as soon as is practical. The Secretary will be the custodian of the ballots which must be kept for 90 days, after which time the ballots will be destroyed.

Section 4. Assumption of Office

Officers assume their elected positions immediately upon election by the body. Officers shall be formally installed no later than the February meeting.

Section 1. The President

1. shall preside at all meetings of the organization and the Executive Committee.
2. shall be the official representative of the organization.
3. shall appoint the chairman of all standing and special committees, except the Nominating Committee and the Program Committee, whose terms of office shall coincide with that of the President.
4. shall serve as an ex officio member of all committees,
5. shall have general supervision of the work of the organization.
6. shall be a signatory on all checking accounts and shall sign all checks in the absence of the Treasurer.
7. shall welcome new members by mail or email and shall include a copy of the Bylaws and Standing Rules.
8. shall appoint a Parliamentarian.

Section 2. The Vice President

1. shall be Program Chairman, providing suitable programs at the meetings,
2. shall perform the duties of the President whenever the President is absent or otherwise unable to serve,
3. shall perform such other duties as the President may designate.

Section 3. The Secretary

1. shall record and present minutes at each regular and executive meeting,
2. shall submit to the President minutes of meetings within seven days of a completed meeting.
3. shall conduct correspondence for the club as directed,
4. shall read all important correspondence at the monthly meetings,
5. shall have available the minutes of the previous 12 meetings for Executive Committee and General meetings.

Section 4. The PAC Treasurer

1. shall collect and record payment of dues,
2. shall be custodian of the funds of the organization,
3. shall file receipts for disbursement, keep a balanced account of all receipts and submit a report at each meeting.
4. shall submit books for annual review no later than December 31 to the Internal Review Committee as selected by Article X, Section 2,
5. shall be registered with the Texas Ethics Committee,
6. shall register with TFRW each year,
7. shall maintain adequate records as required by the Texas Ethics Commission and Texas Election Laws and shall file all reports required by them in a timely fashion,
8. shall chair the Political Action Committee (PAC)

Section 5. Succession

1. In the event the President should be permanently disabled, resign or be removed from office, the Vice President shall succeed to the office for the unexpired term,

In the event the Vice President cannot succeed to the office of President The Executive Committee shall elect by two-thirds (2/3) vote of its members a President to serve for the unexpired term.

Section 6. Delivery of Records

1. All officers and all committee chairmen and vice chairmen shall deliver all records, files, and properties of FCRW to her successor before December 31 of the year in which she is retiring from office unless otherwise directed by the President.

1. Shall consist of the elected officers, the immediate past president who shall serve as an advisor, the chairmen of standing committees, the Parliamentarian who shall serve ex officio without vote and any special committee chairs appointed by the president as non-voting members of the board.
2. shall have the authority to transact any necessary business prior to the Club’s regular meeting (time and place to be determined by the President),
3.  shall have the authority to act in the event of an emergency,
4. shall fill vacancies, except the President (unless Article VIII, Section 5b applies), that occur between elections of two-thirds (2/3) vote of its members present,
5. shall remove from office or duties, by two-thirds (2/3) vote of members any officer, member at large, standing committee chairman or vice chairman who does not fulfill her duties or support the policies and objectives of this organization,
6. A quorum of this Executive Committee shall be a majority of the voting members,
7. A vote may be conducted by mail, facsimile, or email between meetings of The Executive Committee. A decision can be rendered only after written Documentation has been received from a majority of the Executive Committee.

Section 1. Standing Committees shall be Political Activities, Political Action, Legislative, Membership, Public Relations, Hospitality, Program, Bylaws, and Literacy.

1. Political Activities: This committee shall coordinate the organization’s activities with the campaigns of local, county and state candidates, to win elections. The Chairman shall maintain a record of volunteer hours and report to TFRW as requested. This Committee is required by TFRW.
2. Political Action Committee (PAC): The Political Action Committee shall be chaired by the PAC Treasurer. She shall abide by Texas Election Laws and the opinions issued by the Texas Ethics Commission. All Decisions relative to the distribution of funds shall be approved by the Executive Committee. This committee is required by TFRW.
3. Legislative: This committee shall be responsible for monitoring all levels of legislative activity and for reporting information on major issues to the membership. The Chairman shall develop a program to educate the membership on the legislative process and ways to actively participate. This committee is required by TFRW.
4. Membership: This committee shall be responsible for planning and developing activities to encourage and welcome new members into the Organization. The Chairman shall maintain a membership list, present a directory to club members at the March meeting and provide updates as needed.
5. Public Relations: This committee shall be responsible for at least four four (4) Newsletters a year and shall arrange for and manage all media including, but not limited to, print, social and website for this organization, and as part of community engagement.
6. Hospitality: This committee shall be responsible for coordinating refreshments for all general meetings.
7. Program: Shall be chaired by the Vice President and will develop Informative programs on topics relevant to members that showcase Republican principles and issues.
8. Bylaws: This committee shall be comprised of the Bylaws Chairman and two or more officers; shall review the Bylaws each year and ensure they are kept current and in accord with TFRW and NFRW; shall monitorFCRW activity to ensure compliance with club bylaws.
9. Literacy: This committee shall be responsible for participating in the Barbara Bush Library Project for Fayette County public libraries and for the encyclopedic dictionary project for 3rd graders in Fayette County schools.

Section 2.Special Committees shall include: Finance, Internal Review and Nominating (see Article VII, Section 2.) Other Special Committees may be appointed by the President and/or the Executive Committee as deemed advisable. These committees shall be formed only for the duration of their service. They will have no voice or voting rights on the Executive Committee.

1. Finance Committee; The President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and PAC Treasurer shall elect the Chairman of the Finance Committee from its own number. The Finance Committee shall draw up a projected budget for each fiscal year, with input from Officers and committee chairs, which shall be approved in the January General meeting by the membership.
2. Internal Review Committee: This three (3) member committee, elected by the membership at the November Annual Meeting, shall elect a
   Chairman from its own number. The committee shall be responsible for the annual review of the books and shall make their report at the January general meeting. Current members of the Executive Committee may not serve on this committee. The Treasurer shall be present at the internal review of the books.

Section 3. All committee chairmen shall submit a written report at the Annual Meeting, and may be required to give reports upon request by the President, at General meetings.

Section 1. Biennial State Convention Representation.

This organization may be represented at the Biennial State Convention by one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each ten (10) members and an additional delegate and alternate for a remainder of six (6) to nine (9) members. Delegates and alternates to the convention of the

Texas Federation of Republican Women shall be elected at the September Meeting. The current President and Vice President may be delegates and Their registration fees shall be assumed by the organization if possible.

Section 2. Biennial National Convention Representation

This organization may be represented at the Biennial National Convention by one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate. The delegate and alternate to The National Federation of Republican Women Convention shall be elected at the May meeting. The registration fees shall be assumed by this organization if possible.

These by-laws may be amended or revised by two-thirds (2/3) vote of those members present and voting at any regular or special meeting, provided notice of the proposed amendment or revision has been given in writing at the previous meeting, or by written call to the meeting at twenty-one (21) days prior to the meeting.

Amendments or revisions to these bylaws will take effect upon receipt of approval by the TFRW Vice President – Bylaws.

Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised, or the latest edition thereof, shall govern all proceedings except where inconsistent with the Bylaws and Special Rules of this organization and those of the Texas Federation of Republican Women and of the National Federation of Republican Women.