PREAMBLE:

We, the members of Tri-Pride - Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Student Social Workers declare ourselves to be advocates of Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Students on Eastern Michigan University's campus and Gay people in the community at large. We pledge a commitment to the empowerment of Lesbian, Gay, bisexual and Transgender people. We pledge to expand awareness, access, choices and opportunities. We further more pledge, that our association finances, personal energies and time will be devoted primarily to the development and implementation of programs and policies that are designed to assist and promote academic excellence, personal and social growth for both the Gay student community and in support and collaboration with other student organizations to provide support on campus and in the community for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people.

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of the organization shall be TRI-Pride - Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Social Work Students, Professionals or Alumni.

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

A. Commitment as an organization to the empowerment of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People.

B. Commitment as individuals and as an organization to promoting the awareness of the issues of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people.

C. Commitment to expanding access, choices and opportunities of Lesbian, Gay, and Transgender people.

D. To support and collaborate with other student organizations to provide support on campus and in the community for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender people.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP


A. Any student attending EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY who is willing to work towards and adhere to the above stated purpose. In addition, interested EMU alumni are welcome to join.

B. Membership in Tri-Pride indicates a willingness to:

a. Work for and support the objectives of the Mission Statement.

b. Attend monthly meetings

c. Serve on committees

d. Pay annual dues and work supportively with fund-raising responsibilities.

C. All members shall be entitled to vote in the conduct of official business except upon such matters that require the immediate authority of the C0-Presidents.

D. All members shall be entitled to be nominated for and elected to an office according to the provisions set forth in the constitution and by-laws, except those members to which these privileges are specifically denied.

Termination of INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP

A. Any member may terminate his/her membership at any time by submitting his/her resignation in writing to the Tri-Pride mailbox or to one of the Tri-Pride officers. B. Not being enrolled at EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY (unless one is an Alumnus) constitutes immediate termination from Tri-Pride.

DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS

Two signatures of the three (president, co-president, treasurer) shall be necessary for the disbursement of funds.

OFFICERS

The officers of Eastern Michigan University - Department of Social Work - Tri-Pride:

A. Co-President (s)

The Co-Presidents shall be the official representatives of Tri-Pride. They will preside together over the Executive Committee on all important interim actions and decisions. (While they work together as a team, each Co-President can speak for the group individually and if both Co-Presidents are not present, each can act individually within the group's mission.)

B. Recording Secretary

The recording secretary shall be responsible for recording and compiling the minutes of all proceedings of the Tri-Pride. C. Treasurer

The Tri-ride treasurer shall be responsible and accountable for the receipts, deposits and withdrawals of all funds. These funds shall be deposited in a regular checking account of the organization, Tri-Pride. The Co-Presidents, with the approval of the Executive Committee, shall remove chairpersons who fail to perform their duties from office. In case of a Co-President not performing their duties, the Faculty Liaison and their fellow Co-President will first confront them. If there is no change in the performance of duties the Executive Committee can vote to have a Co-President removed.