Article   I: Name, Location, means of Contact Article  II: Objectives Article III: Membership, Guest Attendance and Dues Article IV: Meetings Article  V: Officiers and Duties

Article   VI: Chapter Accounts Article  VII: Committees Article VIII: Election and Appointment Article   IX: Amendments Article    X: Adoption

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ARTICLE I: Name, Location, and Means of Contact

Section 1: Name
This organization shall be known as the Alpha Omega Society, and informally as Alpha Omega.

Section 2: Location
The headquarters of Alpha Omega shall be designated by the membership, and shall be located in Cuyahoga County, or adjacent counties in the State of Ohio.

An established mailing address, as well as a place for monthly meetings will be maintained by the chapter membership in the above-mentioned area.

Section 3: Means of Contact
Alpha Omega will establish and maintain an email address as a means for correspondence for those seeking to make contact with the group.

At the discretion of the Chapter membership, the following alternative means of contact may also be established and maintained for conducting group business:

1. A web site and/or a domain name.
2. A phone line(s) and answering service.
3. A Postal Service Box.
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ARTICLE II: Objectives

Section 1: Objectives
The objectives of Alpha Omega Society are:

1. To hold social gatherings which allow members to crossdress and develop self-assurance and self-acceptance among others of like persuasion.
2. To provide programs and guest speakers oriented to the interests of the members.
3. To provide assistance whenever possible for alleviating domestic discord arising from crossdressing. 4. To provide information on crossdressing.
5. To provide a constructive environment for crossdressers, significant others, adult children, other family members, friends of crossdressers, and/or friends of Alpha Omega, allowing each the equal opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings and to actively participate in group activities and functions.
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ARTICLE III: Membership, Guest Attendance and Dues

Section 1: Membership
Individuals who are 18 years of age or older shall be eligible for membership in Alpha Omega. Members shall include the crossdresser, the significant other, parents, adult children, other family members, friends of the crossdresser, and others with legitimate, constructive interest in Alpha Omega. Individuals are allowed to attend two regular meetings within a 90-day time period before joining Alpha Omega. Let it also hereby be stated and understood that all must meet the criteria for membership and must complete the interview process.

To meet the needs and expectations of Alpha Omega the following categories of membership with criteria are established as follows:

1. Requirements for regular membership (individual)
    a. 18 years of age or older.
    b. Legitimate, constructive interest in Tri-Ess and Alpha Omega

Regular members shall be entitled to the following rights
    a. To receive the chapter newsletter by regular mail (postage fee) or email (free).
    b. To vote in chapter elections and on issues concerning chapter operations and activities.
    c. To be nominated for and/or to hold office in the chapter.
    d. To use the chapter library.
    e. To chair and/or participate on all committees established by the chapter membership and officers.
    f. To attend all chapter meetings and chapter-sponsored functions.
    g. To express their thoughts and opinions on matters and issues concerning the chapter.

2. Couples Membership is available at a reduced rate for committed couples who quality for regular membership as outlined above. Couples� members shall have all the rights of individual regular members.

3. Requirements for Associate Membership
    a. Must be 18 years of age or older.
    b. Must have legitimate, constructive interest in Alpha Omega.
    c. Willingness to show group support by active participation in group activities.

Associate members shall be entitled to the following rights.
    a. To receive the chapter newsletters by regular mail (postage fee) or email (free).
    b. To use the Chapter Library.
    c. To participate as a member on all committees established by the chapter membership and officers but shall not have the right to chair the committee.
    d. To attend all chapter meetings and chapter sponsored functions.
    e. To express their thoughts and opinions on matters and issues concerning the chapter.
    f. To Regular Membership and stated benefits upon meeting regular membership criteria and seeking change in membership status.

NOTE: Associate Members do NOT have the right to vote in the election of chapter officers or on issues concerning chapter operations and activities. Associate Members do NOT have the right to hold office or chair committees.

Section 2: Guest Attendance
Individuals have been vouched for by at least one active member of Alpha Omega will be welcome to attend upon approval of the Director of Membership or other chapter officer prior to attending. Family members of Alpha Omega members may also attend as a guest. All persons attending must be 18 years of age or older.

Section 3: Dues
Alpha Omega shall fix the amount of annual membership dues to be charged for each level of membership, subject to review and adjustment as deemed necessary by the membership.

Each level of dues shall reflect the actual cost of the chapter operations and services provided, plus additional funds to allow for unforeseen expenses.

Annual assessment and all requests by the membership for the review and/or adjustment of membership dues shall be addressed by the chapter�s Board of Directors, and then brought before the membership for discussion and vote, as needed.

The vote results will be published in the next issue of the chapter�s newsletter following the vote.

Membership dues are payable in full at the beginning of each fiscal year, for the ensuing year.

A pro-rated schedule for the amount of dues to be paid shall be established for those joining the chapter later than the start of the fiscal year, and will be based on a quarterly adjustment of the dues level. (Example: $12.00 � full year; $9.00 � three-quarter year; $6.00 � half year; $3.00 one quarter year)

All individuals who are delinquent after the beginning of the chapter�s fiscal year shall be allowed a grace period of thirty days at which time they will be dropped from the chapter�s membership rolls.

Section 4: Meeting Fees
Alpha Omega shall set the amount to be charged for each chapter meeting, subject to review and adjustment as the Board of Directors and the membership deem necessary.

Meeting fees shall reflect the actual cost of the chapter operations and service provided, plus additional funds to allow for a sound financial base.

Adjustment of meeting fees shall be addressed by the chapter�s Board of Directors, and then brought before the membership for discussion and vote as needed.

The vote results will be published in the next issue of the chapter�s newsletter following the vote.

Meeting fees are payable at the beginning of each monthly meeting to the Director of Finance or other designated individual, and shall defray costs of rental space, refreshments, speaker fees, and/or other expenses incurred by the chapter in order to provide said social gathering.

NOTICE: in cases of financial hardship, the officers of Alpha Omega may reduce or waive the chapter dues and/or meeting fees. Individual confidentiality in such matters shall be honored.
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ARTICLE IV: Meetings

Section 1: Place
The Board of Directors shall designate the sites of monthly meetings and other chapter activities.

Section 2: Time
The Board of Directors shall specify uniform dates and times of monthly meetings and other chapter activities.

Due to holidays, interactions with other crossdressing groups, and conditions over which the chapter has no control, the meetings may be changed by the Board of Directors.

In an emergency the meeting may be changed or cancelled by the chair of the board without prior consent of the membership.

Section 3: Quorum
Ten (10) regular members in good standing, of which at least four (4) shall be elected officers, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a stated meeting of Alpha Omega.
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ARTICLE V: Officers and Duties

Section 1: Officers
The Board of Directors of Alpha Omega shall consist of the Chair of the Board, Director of Outreach, Director of Family Support, Director of Membership, Director of Finance, Director of Communications, Secretary to the Board, and Liaison to National Headquarters. Each must be a regular member of the chapter and have been in good standing for a period of at least one (1) year.

Section 2: Duties
The duties of the officers of the chapter shall be stated in detail in the by-laws of this chapter.

Section 3: Term Limits
No officer shall serve in any single position on the Board of Directors for a length greater than two (2) consecutive years and no officer shall serve in any combination of positions on the Board of Directors for a length greater than four (4) consecutive years.

Section 4: Conflict of Interest
While it is the intention of Alpha Omega to encourage participation and membership in other gender-related organizations, it is also the intent to avoid situations whereby such participation causes a conflict of interest. No one holding an office within Alpha Omega shall hold office in another gender-related organization. We do not discourage having a membership in multiple organizations, nor do we discourage holding office in one organization while maintaining membership in others. (Example: It is perfectly reasonable to be an officer in Alpha Omega while retaining membership in another organization or to be an officer within another gender-related organization while retaining membership in Alpha Omega. It is, however, unacceptable to be an officer in Alpha Omega while holding an office in another gender-related organization.)

Section 5: Vacancies:
A written notice of resignation, by any officer, must be tendered at least one (1) month in advance. In the case of the Chair of the Board resigning, the Director of Outreach will fill the vacancy and the Director of Outreach position shall be filled by election at the next scheduled meeting. In the case of Director of Finance an audit will be conducted after the next meeting and the position shall be filled by election. The Director of Finance-Elect will join the auditing committee in auditing the books before assuming full responsibility for the books.

Vacancies in office shall also be declared when an officer has failed to attend two (2) consecutive meetings without reasonable cause and/or prior notice to one other officer. Vacancies may also be declared by the membership at any meeting if in the opinion of the membership, the officer concerned has failed to perform the customary duties of her/his office. The officer concerned shall receive ten (10) days written notice of such action, and be given the opportunity to respond to any allegations at the next stated meeting of the chapter before the office is officially declared vacant. When such a vacancy is declared, nominations and election may be held at the same meeting, and the vacancy filled.
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ARTICLE VI: Chapter Accounts

Section 1: Standing Accounts
The chapter shall maintain the following standing accounts to maintain financial responsibility:

a. Cash Reserve (Petty Cash) � A sum shall be maintained in cash to cover miscellaneous expenses. The maximum sum of the cash reserve account shall be stipulated in the by-laws of this chapter.
b. Checking Account � A checking account will be maintained for:

1. Purchases previously voted on by the membership.
2. Replenishment the cash reserve.
3. Payment of fees required by guest speakers or demonstrations.

Section 2: Special Accounts
Special accounts may be established as determined by the Board of Directors, and approved by the membership.

Section 3: Expenditures
No moneys shall be expended for any purpose, except when authorized by the board of Directors or by the membership. The Director of Finance shall be allowed to expend necessary and reasonable amounts for postage, and other expenses, in the conduct of his/her office, for which a regular accounting shall be rendered at each monthly meeting.

The chapter membership may authorize a specific and reasonable amount of discretionary funds, which shall be stipulated in the by-laws of this chapter, for use by the officers, and/or Board of Directors for purposes of conducting necessary chapter business. Such expenditures shall be accounted for at each monthly meeting.

Section 4: Account Access
The following officers shall maintain the ability to legally endorse checks and otherwise access the chapter�s bank accounts.

a. Chair of the Board
b. Director of Finance
c. Secretary to the Board
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ARTICLE VII: Committees

Section 1: Standing Departments and Committees
The standing departments of Alpha Omega, which shall work in coordination with one another, shall consist of the following:

• Outreach � The Director of Outreach shall establish the vision for this department, plan its programs and supervise its volunteers.
  
  
• Family Support � The Director of Family Support shall establish the vision for this department, plan its programs, supervise its volunteers and oversee all issues dealing with wives, children and parents.
  
  
• Membership � The Director of Membership shall supervise its team that will respond promptly membership referrals. To invite the individual to a chapter meeting and contact the board of directors with their recommendation.
  
  
• Finance � The Director of Finance shall supervise this department and all its volunteers. This department shall audit the books of the chapter prior to publishing an annual fiscal report, whenever there is a change of officers, and wherever the board of directors deems it appropriate. It shall provide the corporate office of Tri-Ess income and expenditure statements as required and handle all other financial statements, inquiries and issues involving the finance of the chapter.
  
  
• Communications � The Director of Communications shall establish the vision for this department, to plan its programs and supervise its volunteers. This department shall oversee all issues relating to, but not limited to, the chapter website, chapter email accounts, chapter newsletter publications, chapter phone lines and answering services, chapter advertisement and media releases for or in newspapers, magazines, radio or television.
  
  

Section 2: Special Committees
Special committees may be authorized upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors.

Section 3: Open Meetings
Meeting of the Board of Directors, departments and committees shall be open except in case of disciplinary action or consideration of an individual's financial hardship.
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ARTICLE VIII: Election and Appointment

Section 1: Officers to be Elected
The chapter shall elect a Chair of the Board, Director of Outreach, Director of Family Support, Director of Membership, Director of Finance, Director of Communications. Duties of these officers shall be as described in the by-laws of this chapter.

Section 2: Officers to be Appointed
The Chair of the Board, shall appoint a Secretary to the Board. Duties of these officers shall be as described in the by-laws of this chapter.

Section 3: Nominations
The nomination of the chapter officers shall be held annually during the October chapter meeting, with further nominations and the election of officers during the November chapter meeting. All current officers shall be eligible for nomination to succeed themselves provided they do not exceed the term limits described in Article V, Section 3. To be nominated, a candidate must be present to accept the nomination, or have given prior written or verbal consent to a chapter officer. Only regular members of the chapter are eligible for nomination to office. Any regular member may be nominated to more than one office, but may receive election to only one office. The member must have been a regular member of the chapter in good standing for a period of one (1) year.

Section 4: Election
The election of the chapter officers shall be held during the chapter meeting held in November. All regular members of the chapter are eligible to vote. In the case where an active member is unable to attend the election meeting, they are then allowed to cast an absentee ballot, which must be received prior to the election meeting. If the candidate for office is unopposed, balloting may be made by voice vote. When a written ballot is required, the Chair of the Board shall appoint three (3) neutral tellers with consent of the membership, to tally the votes. Any candidate receiving the most number of votes cast shall constitute election. In the case of a tie a run-off election shall be immediately conducted. Election shall again be decided by a plurality. Election to contested officers shall proceed in the order of Chair of the Board, Director of Outreach, Director of Family Support, Director of Membership, Director of Finance, Director of Communications. Any nominations from the floor will be taken prior to the election of that office. If a tie for an office should go to three (3) ballots, that position shall be determined the toss of a coin.

Section 5: Assumption of Duties
The Chair of the Board; all Directors except the Director of Finance; the Secretary to the Board and the Liaison to National Headquarters shall assume their duties of office annually on January 1st. The Director of Finance shall assume office upon the closing and turn over of all books, records and accounts from her/his predecessor, prior to, but not later than, the January meeting.
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ARTICLE IX: Amendments

Section 1: Gender Usage
The use of the feminine shall assume the use of the masculine and the use of the masculine shall assume the use of the feminine.

Section 2: Corrections
Changes to correct grammar, spelling and any other issues, provided it doesn�t change the overall meaning of the paragraph, shall be done at the discretion of the Board of Directors without it being considered an amendment.

Section 3: Amendments
Amendments to the constitution and by-laws may be proposed by any two or more regular members in good standing in Alpha Omega.

Upon receiving the proposal, the Board of Directors shall the slate the proposal for review and discussion at the next regular meeting with notification in the next newsletter.

Once reviewed by the Board of Directors, their recommendations shall be published in the next newsletter and the proposal will be presented to the membership for review and discussion at the next regular meeting.

After discussion and review by the membership, the proposal shall be presented for voting at the next regular meeting with notification in the next newsletter.

Approval of a majority vote of the members in attendance is required for the adoption of any modification and/or amendment to the constitution or by-laws.
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ARTICLE X:   Adoption

Section 1: Motion to Adopt
Motion to adopt will go here upon approval from the chapter.
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