Proposed     Caldwell TEA Party    By Laws

Article I

The name of the organization shall be Caldwell TEA Party.   Referred to in abbreviated form as Caldtea.

Article II

Mission statement – We support rational, common-sense concepts of:

• States’ rights
• Free Markets
• A Constitutionally limited gov’t
• Less government spending – LIST!! End NEA, DPI, EPA…
• Less gov’t involvement in our individual lives
• Individual responsibility
• Term limits
• Strong national security
• Secure borders
• Real energy independence
• Conservative values **
• Responsible government spending
• No government bailouts
• American Exceptionalism
• Smaller government
• Transparency, accountability, and integrity in government

We are not a political party or a third party.  We are a civic group of concerned about out-of-control government.  We share common goals with many grassroots organizations, as well as many political parties, and will work together to advance the cause of restoring a Constitutionally limited government deriving its authority from Natural Law.

Hold elected officials accountable with their Voter Guide responses and campaign promises.

** Define Conservative values here:_____________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

Article III

Members’ rights and responsibilities –

1. Voting in community Primary and General elections.
2. Must attend 3 – 10 regular meetings for this year’s 2011 election to remain in good standing with a vote Caldwell TEA Party officer election.  (To be revised for 2012 election to a significant percentage of meetings.)
3. Paid membership – $5 per year.
4. Legal residency within the United States is required.

Article IV

Regular Meetings –

1. To be held on the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesdays of each month at 7pm at the Caldwell County Public Library, 120 Hospital Ave., Lenoir, NC 28645.
2. Open to all members, guests, and interested parties.

Article V

Special Meetings –

1. Called by President or Vice President as needed, especially during election seasons.
2. Typically held at 7pm at the Caldwell County Public Library, 120 Hospital Ave., Lenoir, NC 28645.
3. Meetings remain open to all members, guests, and interested parties.

Article VI

Special Executive Meetings –

1. Called as needed.
2. Time and location TBA.
3. May, or may not, be open to all at the discretion of the President.
4. It is at the President’s discretion to make the attendees list for such Special Executive Meetings.

Article VII

Definition of Offices and Duties –

1. President / Chairman / Grand Poobah ß(What do we want to call this office?)
2. Vice President / Vice President
3. Secretary  – will record the happenings of the meetings and make available to members.  Both hardcopy minutes and vague version of minutes to be posted online.
4. Treasurer – Keeps track of CaldTEA money for members, meetings, the bank, the SBOE (if necessary), and the IRS.  Treasurer will need the SBOE online training within 30 days.
5. 5. ? At-Large members – #? _____
6. Committee leaders

Article VIII

Election of Officers –

1. Held on 1^st Tuesday evening in April with members in good standing notified my email fifteen-days in advance.  Annual elections with nominations announced in mid March 18^th announcement, and will allow nominations from the floor at the April election meeting.
2. Secret ballot voting only.
3. No proxy votes allowed.  // Or should we allow these by registered mail, etc…?
4. 4. Held on 1^st Tuesday evening in April with members in good standing notified my email fifteen-days in advance.
5. All offices are 1-year terms.

Article IX

Revision of By-Laws –

1. Can be revised at Regular Meetings only.
2. Revisions to the By-Laws take effect immediately.
3. Can be revised by various methods:
   1. Secret ballot vote of members in good standing
   2. a voice vote of members in good standing
   3. Quorum   ½ of membership? ¼ of membership?
   4. All members in good standing, according to Article II, and in attendance.
   5. No proxy votes allowed.  // Or should we allow these by registered mail, etc…?

Article X

Establish our own rules of order.  //  Use Robert’s Rules of Order.

Possible committees:            ========================================================

1. By-Laws maintenance
2. Fundraising (Gun club, etc…)
3. Hospitality  (greeting members, refreshments)
4. Candidate search and platform (Voter Guide)
5. Legislative committee (watch county, state, and national legislation and alert members)
6. Public events planning (fair and festival booths)
7. Club events planning  (Gun club)
8. Membership
9. Communication