Whereas the nationals of India who are residing in Chattanooga, Tennessee as of May 13, 193 have expressed the desire to form a non-profit cultural and social forum for their benefit and enjoyment through possible activities, it is resolved that such an organization be formed in Chattanooga.

It is resolved that:

1. The organization be known a India Association of Chattanooga" (Herein referred to as Association).

 

2. The membership is open to all citizens from India residing in Chattanooga and its immediate vicinity, and also to all such residents of this area who express a willingness to join the Association.

 

3. Each member (family) shall pay a $25.00 annual membership fee to remain as an active member. All children under the age of an enrolled member shall be members free of cost. However, these children shall not be eligible to vote in the elections of the general body. It is further resolved to adopt a June to May year, which shall be hereafter referred to as "year."

 

4. Members who have paid their annual dues constitute the general body of the Association for the year.

 

5. An Executive Committee will be elected on a yearly (June-May) basis. The Executive Committee shall consist of seven (9) members including a President, Secretary, Treasurer and an Entertainment Committee of six (6) members. It is resolved that the Executive Committee be elected by nomination of names which is to be folded by a secret ballot by and from among the existing general body. And further resolved that there be at least two women (2) members in the Entertainment Committee.

 

6. The President will be responsible for convening the general body and the executive committee. However, if at least four (6) members of the committee find it necessary to call the executive committee or the general body, the president will do so.

 

7. In the absence of the President, the Secretary shall perform her/his duties.

 

8. The Secretary will be responsible for collecting the obligatory fees and keeping a roster of each member.

1. The Executive Committee shall be responsible for:

1. Collecting the initiation fees and the annual membership fees from existing members and those who desire to join the Association. The funds thus collected and called general funds hereafter, shall be kept in a joint account of the President and Treasurer of the India Association of Chattanooga in any reputable bank in Chattanooga and the Treasurer shall be responsible for keeping up-to-date accounts of income and expenditures.

 

2. Arranging functions during its year in office, which may include celebrations of special types, picnics, variety entertainment and cultural programs.

 

3. To advance to responsible members, required funds from the general fund for the initial expenses of an approved function.

 

4. To decide and collect the appropriate charges for each function from members and non-members. The Executive Committee shall plan the functions and the cost thereof such that each function will be self-supporting. Any excess amount left over shall be added to the general funds of the Association. In the event of a deficit, clearing such deficits shall be responsibility of the general body.

 

5. To designate new Executive Committee officers to fill vacancies created by prolonged absence or resignations.

 

6. To convene at least one general body meetings during May if each year which shall be called the annual general body meeting. Elections of the Executive Committee shall be held during this meeting.

 

7. To make arrangements in advance so that election of the Executive Committee shall be held in the annual general body meeting and to present a brief report of the activities, the income and expenses during the preceding year.

 

8. The committee shall be responsible for publicity of activities, membership drives, and public relations.

 

9. To assign duties to its members for programming, planning, publicity, communications, refreshments and other relevant duties. The committee may co-opt additional members from among the general body for assistance in any particular function.

1. Members of an outgoing Executive Committee shall be eligible for re-election. Communication by mail, or phone or word of mouth at least one (1) week ahead of a general body meeting, or a function shall be considered as sufficient notice. Any meeting thus convened with at least 25% of the existing membership present shall be a general body, the decisions of which will be binding.

 

2. The decisions of the general body and executive committee shall be made by the majority decision. In the case of a tie vote, the President shall use his/her vote to arrive at a decision.

1. The members shall be responsible for communicating to the secretary any changes in their address or telephone number.

1. The Executive Committee shall have nine members comprising of three office bearers, The President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and six members:

 

2. The term for members shall be two years. The term for two of the six members shall expire each year. An individual shall not be a member for more than two consecutive years.

 

3. The term for Secretary and Treasurer shall be two years. Election for these positions shall be in alternative years. No individual shall serve for more than two alternate terms. (i.e. 4 consecutive years) as the Secretary or Treasurer.

 

4. The term for the President shall be two years. The election for President shall be held along with the Secretary. No individual shall serve for more than two consecutive terms (i.e. 4 consecutive years) as the President.

 

5. Only the present and past members of the Association Executive Committee shall be a candidate for the office of the presidency. This rule shall take effect starting from the election for the 1991-92 year.

1. The President and the Secretary shall endeavor to evolve a consensus in the matters that come before the Executive Committee. The following rules shall apply for voting on proposals:

1. A quorum of at least 50% of the Executive Committee shall be present during deliberations and voting.

 

2. All matters requiring action or policy changes shall be voted on.

 

3. A proposal shall be considered as passed if at least two-thirds of the Executive Committee members present and voting are in favor.