Bylaws

Bylaws of Arkadaş: Turkish Community Organization

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1. Name
The name of this organization shall be Arkadaş: Turkish Community Organization (hereinafter referred to as "the Organization").

Section 2. Purpose
The Organization is a nonprofit entity dedicated to integrating Turkish immigrants into the New York area and promoting Turkish culture through educational, cultural, and social activities. The Organization aims to foster community engagement, cultural understanding, and mutual support among Turkish and non-Turkish communities.

Article II: Membership

Section 1. Eligibility
Membership is open to all individuals who support the mission and purpose of the Organization, regardless of race, gender, religion, or national origin.

Section 2. Membership Categories
Membership categories may include, but are not limited to:

• General Members

• Student Members

• Honorary Members

• Corporate/Organizational Members

Section 3. Rights and Responsibilities
Members have the right to vote, participate in events, and receive communications from the Organization. Members are responsible for upholding the values and mission of the Organization and paying any applicable dues.

Article III: Board of Directors

Section 1. Authority and Responsibilities
The Board of Directors ("the Board") shall govern the Organization, oversee its activities, and ensure alignment with its mission and goals. The Board shall have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the Organization.

Section 2. Composition
The Board shall consist of no fewer than three (3) and no more than nine (9) members, including the following officers:

• President

• Vice President

• Secretary/Treasurer

• Additional Directors as deemed necessary

Section 3. Terms of Office
Board members shall serve two-year terms and may be re-elected for consecutive terms without limitation.

Section 4. Meetings
The Board shall meet as needed. Special meetings may be called by the President or by a majority of Board members. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the Board.

Section 5. Removal and Vacancies
Any Board member may be removed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board for failure to fulfill responsibilities or conduct detrimental to the Organization. Vacancies shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Board members.

Article IV: Officers

Section 1. Duties

• President: Provides leadership, presides over meetings, and represents the Organization publicly.

• Vice President: Assists the President and assumes duties in their absence.

• Secretary/Treasurer: Maintains records, meeting minutes, and official correspondence. Manages financial records, prepares budgets, and oversees fiscal matters.

Section 2. Election and Term
Officers shall be elected by the Board from among its members and serve two-year terms, with eligibility for re-election. Terms will begin on September 1st and end on August 31st of the respective years.

Article V: Committees

Section 1. Formation
The Board may establish committees as necessary to carry out the work of the Organization. Committees may include, but are not limited to:

• Cultural Events Committee

• Membership and Outreach Committee

• Education and Programs Committee

• Fundraising and Development Committee

Section 2. Committee Chairs
Committee Chairs shall be appointed by the Board and report regularly on committee activities.

Article VI: Financial Provisions

Section 1. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Organization shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31.

Section 2. Financial Oversight
The Treasurer shall prepare an annual budget for Board approval and ensure proper financial reporting. All expenditures shall be consistent with the approved budget.

Section 3. Dissolution
In the event of dissolution, any remaining assets shall be distributed to a nonprofit organization with a similar mission, as determined by the Board.

Article VII: Amendments

Section 1. Proposal and Approval
Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed by any Board member or by petition from at least ten (10) general members. Amendments require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board for approval.

Section 2. Notice
Members shall be given at least thirty (30) days' notice of proposed amendments prior to a vote.

Article VIII: Indemnification

The Organization shall indemnify and hold harmless its directors, officers, and members to the fullest extent permitted by law against any liability arising from their service to the Organization.

Article IX: Adoption of Bylaws

These Bylaws shall be adopted upon approval by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the initial Board of Directors and shall remain in effect until amended in accordance with Article VII.

Date of Adoption: January 1, 2025