Standing Rules

Revised February 2022

1. A person may attend any number of meetings as a guest.
2. Upon becoming a member, dues are payable in full. New members will receive a copy of the directory and a monthly newsletter.
3. Two very important functions of this organization are fundraising and volunteering time to various partisan activities. All members are expected to participate in such activities. Sharing our time, talents, and resources is the most valuable contribution we can make to the Republican Party.
4. Primary members and Associate husbands of Primary members are to keep a record of volunteer time and report to the Campaign Activities Chair monthly or quarterly as follows on: March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.
5. In the event of the death of a member or in a member's immediate family, flowers may be sent or a donation made to an appropriate charity, total not to exceed $50. The Treasurer shall notify the TFRW of the member's demise.
6. The Treasurer shall bill everyone who makes a meal reservation, but does not attend.
7. NWARW shall pay for one Program Speaker's meal and one Caring For America Representative's meal.
8. Each year the newly elected President shall call a joint meeting of the out-going and in-coming Executive Committee during December in order to preserve continuity and transition.
9. The out-going President and Newsletter Editor are responsible for the January newsletter. The out-going 2nd VP Programs is responsible for the January program.
10. NWARW shall pay for a TFRW President's Pin to be presented to the newly elected President when she takes office.
11. The NWARW Directory shall be distributed to the membership for personal use only and not for business or commercial use. Requests for copies from other individuals will be granted only by authorization of the Executive Committee, and a charge may be levied for cost, as well as for replacements.
12. The registration fee may be reimbursed for the Delegate and Alternate who attend the Biennial NFRW Convention.
13. This Organization may select up to two of its members to be honored at the TFRW Tribute to Women. These women will be selected by the Primary members of the general membership. These are women who have made the greatest contributions to the Club over the last two years which is determined through their holding of office, volunteer efforts, overall leadership, and participation in Club activities.
14. NWARW will provide complimentary Associate Membership to the current Regional Deputy President and District Director who oversee our club.
15. In memory of long-time active member Chris Sale, the club will make a $50 contribution to a Republican political candidate or office holder's campaign fund each year to be determined by the Executive Committee.
16. These Standing Rules may be altered by the Executive Committee. Members may suggest changes for consideration by the Executive Committee at any time.
17. The use of any recording equipment—audio or video, as well as live streaming—shall be prohibited during business meetings, with the exception of the Recording Secretary, who shall be allowed to record the proceedings of the business meetings. Recording of the program is permitted with the prior permission of the club President and the program presenter.
18. Dues are as follows: $25 for Primary members; $45 for Supporting members (includes Primary membership); $75 for President's Circle (includes Primary membership); $25 for Associates (Associates may join President's Circle for an additional $50); $15 for Young Affiliates.
19. For the purposes of Executive Committee quorum and voting, each committee whose chair has voting rights represents one vote and one member of the quorum requirement. If there are co-chairs for a committee, the co-chairs shall represent a single vote and a single member for quorum requirements. If only one of the co-chairs is present, that member satisfies the single member quorum count for that committee.

Northwest Austin Republican Women Bylaws

Amended March 14, 2022

• ARTICLE I - NAME, ADDRESS AND YEAR
The name of this club shall be Northwest Austin Republican Women (NWARW). The address shall be the address of the president. The fiscal year shall be from January 1 to December 31.
• ARTICLE II - OBJECTIVES
• To promote an informed electorate through political education.
• To increase the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government through active political participation.
• To facilitate cooperation among women's Republican clubs.
• To foster loyalty to the Republican Party and to promote its principles and candidates in all elections including non-partisan elections.
• To work for the election of the Republican Party's nominees.
• ARTICLE III - POLICY
Section 1. Registered PAC: This Organization shall be registered with the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) as a Political Action Committee.
Section 2. This Club, its President, and its Campaign Activities Chair shall not publicly endorse nor work for any candidates for public office in contested Republican Primaries, Republican Runoff Elections and/or Special Elections. Neither shall they publicly endorse nor work for a known candidate of another party in a non- partisan race where one or more Republicans are in the race. To violate this policy risks removal of the Club from the Texas Federation of Republican Women (TFRW). Also, if a member of this club, or a member of her family, is a candidate for public office, this endorsement rule shall be waived, though endorsing in the name of the Club is forbidden. 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 Republican Women.”
Section 3. Individual members of this club, with the exception of the President and the Campaign Activities Chair, may work for any candidate of their choice in contested Republican Primaries, but may not use the name of the Club.
Section 4. This Club and its officers shall not issue statements or pass resolutions on controversial issues in the name of the Club without first polling its members and obtaining a 2/3 vote of approval of the total membership.
Section 5. 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 TFRW.
Section 6. 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 7. All officers and all committee chairmen and vice chairmen shall deliver all records, files, passwords, social media administrative rights, and properties of the club to their 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 deadline may result in the termination of her membership by the club.
• ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. This Club shall be a member of the Texas Federation of Republican Women (TFRW) and of the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) and shall pay per capita dues and the annual service charges of said organizations.
Section 2. A member must be a U S citizen and a registered voter who believes in the philosophy of the Republican Party and the objectives of the Club. Members shall be classified into four different categories. To be eligible to vote in Club elections, she must have paid her dues at least 30 days before, and have attended at least one meeting prior to the election.
Section 3. Primary Membership: These women are responsible for carrying out all the functions of the Club through the elected officers and appointed committee chairs. Some of the regular duties that Primary members are expected to undertake are volunteering, fundraising, and serving as hostesses at Club meetings. A Primary member may be counted in only one local Texas Federation of Republican Women club for the purpose of delegate representation to Federation State and National Conventions, and this will be the only local unit in which she may hold office. Her dues and name shall be submitted to the Texas Federation of Republican Women from her primary local unit only.
Section 4. Associate Membership: WOMEN belonging to another Republican Women's Club may be eligible for Associate membership upon payment of the required annual dues. Such members may attend meetings, but cannot make motions, vote, hold office or be counted for the purpose of determining the number of delegates to regional, state, or national meetings or conventions. No per capita dues or service charges to TFRW shall be paid by the Club. MEN who support the philosophy of the Club may become Associate members upon payment of the required dues. Such members may attend meetings but cannot make motions, vote, hold office or be counted for the purpose of determining the number of delegates to regional, state, or national meetings or conventions. No per capita dues or service charges to TFRW shall be paid by the Club. Such members shall not become members of the TFRW or NFRW.
Section 5. Primary/Supporting Membership: Women who support the philosophy of this Club but are unable to participate actively may become Primary/Supporting members upon payment of required dues. Such members may participate at their discretion in any activity of the Club. They may attend meetings, make motions, vote, serve on a committee, hold office, and be counted for the purpose of determining the number of delegates to regional, state or national meetings or conventions. Per capita dues and service charges shall be paid by this Club to TFRW. Such members shall become members of the TFRW and NFRW.
Section 6. Young Affiliate: A Young Affiliate member is a teenage woman, age 13-17, who wishes to officially affiliate with the Northwest Austin Republican Women's Club. Young Affiliate members shall have no vote at local club meetings, but may serve on committees and participate in all club activities, though the number of Young Affiliate members will not be used to determine the number of delegates to the TFRW or NFRW meetings or conventions from the club.
Section 7. Opposition Party Candidate Support. Neither the Club nor an individual member shall advocate a split ticket, support an opposition party candidate, or act against the NFRW or State Federation policies and bylaws. Violators are subject to sanction, removal from the club Executive Committee, or removal from the club.
Section 8. Removal from Membership. 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.
Special Meeting and Quorum rules apply.
• ARTICLE V - OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1. The officers of the Club shall be a President, Vice- President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Third Vice- President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer and PAC Treasurer. The offices of Corresponding Secretary and Recording Secretary may be combined, as well as the Club Treasurer and the PAC Treasurer.
Section 2. Duties of Officers:
1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Club and of the Executive Committee and shall have general supervision of the work of the Club. She shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating committee. She shall appoint a Parliamentarian.
2. The Vice-President shall serve as an aide to the President and shall Chair the Special Events Committee. She shall perform the duties of the President in her absence or inability to perform. She shall perform other duties the President may designate.
3. The First Vice-President shall serve as the Membership Chair and shall perform the duties of the President in the absence of both the President and the Vice-President.
4. The Second Vice-President shall serve as the Program Chair.
5. The Third-Vice President Fundraising: Appoints a committee that includes the President as a member to develop fundraising ideas and suggestions, and goals of dollars to be raised. Presents the committee's recommendations to the board to gain their support. Present to the membership the fundraising projects to ensure their participation. Keeps records, in the specified format required by the Treasurer, of all fundraising events. Records include member participation, tracks, and accounts for all financial and in-kind contributions, and creates a report for the Treasurer.
7. The Recording Secretary shall keep a factual and unbiased record of the proceedings of all meetings of the Club; shall have custody of all records pertinent thereto; and shall perform such additional duties as may be required of the office.
8. The Corresponding Secretary shall issue all authorized notices to the membership, shall carry on the correspondence of the Club, shall have custody of all records pertinent thereto, and shall perform such additional duties as may be required of the office.
9. The Treasurer shall receive and be custodian of all funds of the Club including the PAC Fund, and shall pay bills from the General Fund as authorized by the Executive Committee. The Treasurer shall keep an account of all monies received and disbursed by her, and shall report in full at the annual meeting and at regular meetings as required by the President.
10. The PAC Treasurer will be registered with the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC), shall keep current on PAC regulations and shall submit all reports required by the TEC in a timely manner. The President shall appoint such member who shall register with the TEC and who shall serve in emergency reporting situations.

Section 3. The Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall consist of the elected officers, the Immediate Past President and the Chairs of the Standing Committees, and the Parliamentarian who shall serve ex officio without vote. All members of this committee shall make an effort to be in attendance at these meetings to approve policies, programs, or actions to be presented to the full membership, to transact necessary business between meetings and to fill vacancies that may occur.
Section 4. Duties of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall have authority to transact any necessary business between meetings, to make recommendations as to policies of the Club, to advise the President on filling vacancies that occur between elections, and to arrange annually or biennially for an internal review of the Treasurer's books.
1. A vote may be conducted by mail, telephone, fax, or email between meetings of the Executive Committee.

Section 5. Term of Office. The term of office for officers and chairs shall be for one year, or until their successors are elected.
Section 6. Succession:
1. In the event the President should be permanently disabled or resign, the First Vice President shall succeed to that office for the unexpired portion of the term.
2. If the First Vice President cannot serve, the Executive Committee shall elect by a two-thirds (2/3) vote, a president for the unexpired portion of the term from one of its own members.

Section 7. Removal from Office. Officers may be sanctioned 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 bylaws.
   Special Meeting and Quorum rules apply.
• ARTICLE VI - MEETINGS
Regular meetings of NWARW shall be held on the first Wednesday of each month, except in January, as determined by the holiday in that month, unless otherwise ordered by the Executive Committee, which shall give no less than seven (7) days' notice of the change to the membership. There will be no regular meeting in July unless deemed otherwise by the Executive Committee.
Section 1. The annual meeting of the club shall be held in November for the purpose of electing officers to be installed in December, and who shall assume their duties on January 1 of the following year.
Section 2. There will be a minimum of six (6) regular meetings per year.
Section 3. Special meetings shall be held at the call of the President, a majority of the Executive Committee or by 25% of the membership. The call will be sent out no later than five days preceding the meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to be stated in the call and no other business shall be considered at the special meeting except that stated in the call.
Section 4. Regular meetings of the Executive Committee shall be called by the President or upon the request of a majority of the members of the Board.
Section 5. A vote of the club or executive committee may be conducted by electronic means between meetings, provided there is participation by the majority of the members of the body. The vote shall be ratified and entered into the minutes at the body's next regular meeting.
• ARTICLE VII - DUES
Section 1. The annual dues shall be paid on or before December 31st of each year. The annual dues of the club shall be determined by the membership. These dues, as included in the Standing Rules, shall include State and National Federation dues. Renewing members remain in good standing through the last day of February of the following year. NFRW must receive member dues by March 1 or member is dropped from membership and loses all member privileges.
Section 2. The dues for Associate Membership shall be at least ½ of the Primary Membership.
Section 3. The dues for Primary/Supporting Membership shall be at least 1 ½ of the Primary Membership.
Section 4. The dues for Young Affiliate shall be at least one-half (½) of the Primary Membership.
• Article VIII - NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
Section 1. Nominating Committee:
1. A Nominating Committee of not less than 3 members shall be elected by the membership no later than May 31 each year at a general membership meeting. The Nominating Committee shall elect its chairman from one of its own number. A plurality vote shall elect the members of the committee. One Alternate shall be elected to the Nominating Committee.
2. The Nominating Committee shall report one nominee for each office at the October meeting at least 30 days ahead of the election.
3. The Nominating Committee cannot succeed itself.

Section 2. Elections:
1. Elections shall be held at the November meeting after the Nominating Committee has reported its nominees.
2. Nominations from the floor shall be allowed, provided prior consent of each of the nominees shall be obtained.
3. 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 ballot. A plurality vote shall elect.
4. D. No absentee or proxy voting shall be allowed.

Section 3. Installation: Officers shall be installed at the December meeting.
• ARTICLE IX - COMMITTEES
Section 1. The Standing Committees shall include: Awards, Bylaws, Campaign Activities, Caring for America, Community Engagement, Fundraising, Hospitality, Legislative, Literacy, Membership, Media Communications, Political Activities, and Programs, and the chairs and members shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive Committee.
Section 2. The duties of the above Standing Committees shall include those duties set forth by the State and National Federation.
Section 3. Special Committees shall consist of the Financial Review, Nominations, and Finance, whose chairmen, with the exception of the Nominations Committee, shall be appointed by the President. Other Committees may be appointed by the President and/or the Executive Committee as deemed advisable.
1. The Financial Review Committee shall conduct an internal review of the books of the Treasurer by December 31 of each fiscal year. The Treasurer shall be present for the review. The report shall be given to the Executive Committee.
2. The Nominations Committee is defined in Article VIII, Section 1.
3. The Finance Committee's duty is to prepare an annual budget by December 31 of each fiscal year. The members of this committee may be the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, PAC Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee shall create a budget for the fiscal year and submit it to the Executive Committee and membership for approval during or before the February meeting.

Section 4. All Committees shall report to the Club at regular meetings and as ordered by the President.
• ARTICLE X - REPRESENTATION
Section 1. This club may be represented at the TFRW Biennial Convention by one delegate and one alternate for each ten (10) members or major fraction thereof. Delegates and alternates shall be elected at a regular meeting prior to the Convention.
Section 2. This club may be represented at the NFRW Biennial Convention by one delegate and one alternate. Delegate and alternate shall be elected at a regular meeting prior to the Convention.
• ARTICLE XI - QUORUM
Section 1. A quorum for a meeting of the Club shall be 20 percent of the membership.
Section 2. A quorum for a meeting of the Executive Committee shall be a majority of the Executive Committee.
• ARTICLE XII - AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may be amended by a 2/3 vote of the Active Membership present and voting at any regular or special meeting of the Club, or adjourned session thereof, provided notice of the proposed amendment has been given in writing to all members at least twenty (20) days prior to the meeting.
• ARTICLE XIII - RULES OF ORDER
Robert's Rules of Order (Newly Revised Edition) shall be the authority in all proceedings except where inconsistent with the Bylaws, and any special rules of this organization and those of the Texas Federation of Republican Women and of the National Federation of Republican Women.
• ARTICLE XIV - DISSOLUTION OF CLUB
Upon dissolution of the Club, the name and the assets shall be assigned to the TFRW. None of the assets shall be distributed to any member or officer of the club. This club may be dissolved by a two-thirds vote at any meeting of the local 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 local club. In the event of dissolution, the Executive Board shall, after payment of all liabilities of the local club, distribute any remaining assets to the state federation, the Texas Federation of Republican Women. None of the assets shall be distributed to any member or officer of the organization. The right to use the name shall revert to the state federation, the Texas Federation of Republican Women.