Trustworthiness Respect Responsibility Fairness Caring Citizenship |
Bartlett |
Community Coalition |
BYLAWS |
Trustworthiness Respect Responsibility Fairness Caring Citizenship |
Trustworthiness Respect Responsibility Fairness Caring Citizenship |
ARTICLE 1 ORGANIZATION Section 1.1 Organization Name The name of the Organization shall be The Bartlett CHARACTER COUNTS! Community Coalition. Section 1.2 Coalition Vision The Vision Statement of the Bartlett CHARACTER COUNTS! Community Coalition is "to create a community where all citizens personally embrace the principle that CHARACTER COUNTS! as a way of life in Bartlett." Section 1.3 Coalition Mission The Mission Statement of the Bartlett CHARACTER COUNTS! Community Coalition is "to seek and support individuals and organizations in their efforts to Teach, Enforce, Advocate, and Model the Six Pillars of Character, which are: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship." Section 1.4 Objectives A vocabulary of consensus values: The Six Pillars of Character * Involve children, youth, and adults in programs that advocate the Six Pillars * Integrate character education into new and existing programs of study, sport, and service * Encourage families, businesses, and organizations to adopt, teach, utilize, and model the Six Pillars * Honor persons who exemplify the traits of good character * Establish a long-term commitment to CHARACTER COUNTS! concepts Section 1.5 Purpose The purpose of the CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition is to fortify the lives of America's young people with consensus ethical values called the Six Pillars of Character. These values, which transcend divisions of race, creed, politics, gender, and wealth, are: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Section 1.6 APPROACH It just makes sense to teach young people right from wrong, in the classroom, living room, and locker room. We want to be surrounded by good people, people we can trust to make decisions according to principle rather than expediency. After all, what are education, coaching, and child-rearing supposed to be all about? Developing good people who can live healthy, happy lives of purpose - or just clever people who can pass a ball or a test? The commitment of adults to be models of good character and spend time with young people can make a difference. Young people yearn for consistent adult involvement, and when they get it, according to surveys and plain common sense, they are less inclined toward irresponsible sexual activity, drug and alcohol use, suicide attempts, vandalism, and other problems (Michigan State University poll of 13,000 adolescents in early 1995). Adults, in turn, need support from society's institutions. That kind of support network requires consensus and coordination among men and women of various ages, races, politics, and creeds who make up those institutions. They will need to agree on common values and teach them in word and deed. The Coalition works to overcome the false but surprisingly powerful notion that no single value is intrinsically superior to another; that ethical values vary by race, class, gender, and politics; that greed and fairness, cheating and honesty carry the same moral weight, simply depending on one's perspective and immediate needs. Effective character education does not dismiss the importance of self-esteem, but maintains that ethical values must be ranked above expedience and personal preference. Character education sets up objective criteria of virtue and encourages young people to adopt them as ground rules for life. Section 1.7 GENESIS and VALUES of THE COALITION In 1992, the nonprofit and nonpartisan Josephson Institute of Ethics released a report based on a survey of almost 9,000 people, most of whom were in high school and college. The findings were disconcerting: cheating, lying, stealing, and drunken driving were commonplace. That same year the Institute convened in Aspen, Colorado, a conference of educators, ethicists, and nonprofit leaders. Their task: to share ideas about character development and to investigate ways of working together. Chief among these ways was developing consensus on the ethical values that could be taught at home, in the classroom, and at the office without offending political, racial, religious, gender, or socioeconomic sensibilities. This is what they came up with in the Aspen Declaration on Character Education: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, justice and fairness, caring, and civic virtue & citizenship. In a simplified form these came to be known as the "Six Pillars of Character." To advance the goals of the Aspen Summit Conference on Character Education, the Institute organized the CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition in 1993. Members of the coalition, a national, diverse partnership of schools, communities, education and human-service organizations, are committed to using the Six Pillars of Character in their individual and joint programs. The hope is that by using a consistent language with kids, the lessons of good character will be reinforced and better understood. The Coalition strives to build consensus that there are values that clearly define us at our best, however diverse our views and backgrounds. It follows that such values are worthy of promotion where they are evident and of repair where they have faltered. The Coalition both builds awareness of these consensus values and teaches them to the young in support of the paramount role of parents. But why six values? Why not five or seven - or thirty-seven? An individual or group may have any number of values, of course, but the Six Pillars serve the need for a brief, yet comprehensive minimum that can be taught to all. There is wide consensus on this point: Some 40 states and 500 municipalities, school districts, and business groups have joined political leaders (including the President and both houses of Congress) to endorse CHARACTER COUNTS! and the Six Pillars. Yet why even bother with all this talk of words when action is so desperately needed? If character education is to be effective, diverse groups must work together, society-wide. A standard lexicon is critical because language is the currency of communication. And as with any instruction, effective character education benefits from consistency and repetition, from the family room to the school room to the locker room. Section 1.8 Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness: To be honest; not to deceive cheat or steal; to be reliable--to do what you say you'll do; to have the courage to do the right thing; to build a good reputation; to be loyal; to stand by your family, friends and community. Respect: To treat others with respect--to follow the Golden Rule; to be tolerant of differences; to use good manners, not bad language; to be considerate of the feelings of others; not to threaten, hit or hurt anyone; to deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements. Responsibility: To do what you are supposed to do; to persevere--keep on trying; to always do your best; to use self-control; to be self-disciplined; to think before you act consider the consequences; to be accountable for your choices. Fairness: To play by the rules; to take turns and share; to be open-minded; to listen to others; not to take advantage of others; not to blame others carelessly. Caring: To be kind; to be compassionate and show that you care; to express gratitude; to forgive others; to help people in need. Citizenship: To do your share to make your school and community better; to cooperate; to stay informedvote; to be a good neighbor; to obey laws and rules; to respect authority; to protect the environment. ARTICLE 2 MEMBERS Section 2.1 Membership The Coalition will be comprised of voting members from various schools, village departments, park district, library, religious organizations, patriotic organizations, township, businesses, Chamber of Commerce, and interested citizens from the Bartlett community. The invested membership, whereby annual dues are required, is comprised of the following categories: Charter (only for initial members) Pillar Corporate Civic Family Individual The Coalition retains the right to refuse membership to any person or organization who does not share the Coalition's values. ARTICLE 3 COMMITTEES Section 3.1 Committees Committees of the Coalition shall be standing or special. All Committee chairpersons shall be elected by the Coalition members, and all Committee members shall be members of the Coalition. Section 3.2. Compensation Members of committees shall not receive compensation for their services, but by resolution of the Coalition, members of committees may receive reimbursement for actual expenses incurred for approved committee related events. Section 3.3 Committee Procedures Each committee may operate through the establishment of one or more subcommittees composed of members of the committee and will have duties and responsibilities as are delegated to the subcommittee by the committee. Each subcommittee and committee shall report all its actions not later than the next regular meeting. Section 3.4 Standing Committees The standing committees shall be a Membership Committee, an Events Committee, and a People of the Pillars Committee. Section 3.5 Membership Committee The Membership Committee shall consist of a Chairperson and not less than two other members. The Membership Committee shall work to recruit new members and retain existing members. The Committee shall engage in outreach to the schools and businesses in the community in order to accomplish these tasks. Section 3.6 Events Committee The Events Committee shall consist of the Chairperson and not less than two other members. The Events Committee shall organize Coalition events and activities. The Committee shall also publicize Coalition events and those events sponsored by member Organizations. Section 3.7 People of the Pillars Committee The People of the Pillars Committee shall consist of a chairperson and not less than two other members. The People of the Pillars Committee shall interview those individuals nominated for this honor, submit a written article and photograph to the Bartlett Examiner and award certificates to the honorees each month. Section 3.8 Other Committees The Coalition may, in its discretion, appoint special committees which shall consist of such number of persons as the Coalition may from time to time deem appropriate. ARTICLE 4 MEETINGS. Section 4.1 Regular Meetings The Coalition will generally meet every other month. Meeting dates, times, and location will be announced at least one month prior to the start of the meeting. Special meetings for all members may be called on an as-needed basis. Section 4.2 Quorum Two or more officers of the Coalition plus three general members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any Coalition meeting; provided that, if less than a quorum of officers is present at said meeting, those present officers may adjourn the meeting without further notice. Section 4.3 Manner of Acting The act of a majority of the members present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Coalition except where otherwise provided by laws or by these bylaws. ARTICLE 5 OFFICERS OF COALITION Section 5.1 Titles The officers of the Coalition shall be a Chairperson, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and other officers as may be deemed necessary by the Coalition. Section 5.2 Election and Term of Office The membership of the Coalition will elect a Chairperson, a Secretary, and a Treasurer for a term of two years, to coincide with the fiscal year, beginning September 1 and ending August 31. An officer, who at the expiration of a term of office has served two consecutive 2-year terms, shall not be eligible for a third consecutive term. Section 5.3 Chairperson The Chairperson is the leader of the Coalition. Duties of the Chairperson include being responsible or the management of the Coalition, establishing the agenda for and facilitating all the Coalition meetings. The Chairperson shall have duties and authority by which such position would require. Section 5.4 Secretary The Secretary will assist the Chairperson in preparing agendas and materials for all Coalition meetings, handling correspondence for the Coalition and maintaining content of the web site. The Secretary will also ensure records, reports, and minutes are maintained and safeguarded. Agendas are to be prepared and disseminated one week in advance of the meeting. Minutes are to be sent within two weeks after the meeting. Section 5.5 Treasurer The Treasurer shall assure that systems are in place to oversee the finances of the Coalition. Financial reports will be presented to the membership at each meeting. The report should consist of revenues, disbursements, and balances by month. The Treasurer will also be responsible for opening and maintaining a bank account. Section 5.6 Removal The membership may remove any officer elected or appointed by it whenever in its judgment the best interests of the Organization would be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the person so removed. Procedures for removal include an approved motion on the floor at a regular meeting, followed by a written ballot which will be tallied at the next regular or special meeting. Two-thirds of the voting membership is required to carry the motion. Section 5.7 Vacancies In the case of a vacancy in the office of any Officer, the Coalition will select a member in good standing to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term. ARTICLE 6 FISCAL MATTERS / MISCELLANEOUS Section 6.1 Checks, Drafts, and Etc. All checks, drafts, or orders for the payment of money and all notes shall be signed by the Treasurer. All expenditures shall be approved by a quorum of the Coalition at its regular meeting. If an expense arises that must be paid before the next meeting, two signatories (the Treasurer and one other officer) must sign the check. Section 6.2 Fiscal Year The fiscal year of the Coalition shall be September 1 to August 31. Section 6.3 Deposits All funds of the organization not otherwise employed shall be deposited to the credit of the Coalition in such banks or other depositories as the Coalition may select. Section 6.4 Contracts Upon the approval by the membership, the Chairperson shall be authorized to execute contracts on behalf of the Coalition. Section 6.5 Indebtedness The Organization shall not contract for, incur, or guaranty indebtedness outside of the ordinary course of the Coalition's business unless authorized by the membership. Section 6.6 Maintenance of Records The Secretary and Treasurer shall keep accurate and complete books as described in the duties of the officers. Section 6.7 Dissolution of the Coalition Provided that two-thirds (2/3) of the membership approve such action at a regular or special meeting, the Coalition may adopt a plan of dissolution of the Organization. Disbursement of any remaining funds in the Coalition bank account will be decided upon by members of the Coalition. ARTICLE 7 CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY Section 7.1 Conflict of Interest Policy Any member of the Coalition may not engage in any activity, transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest or result in a possible excess benefit of that Coalition member. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to charitable organizations. Section 7.2 Disclosure In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest to the Officers and Coalition members and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the Coalition members for consideration of the proposed activity, transaction, or arrangement. The Officers of the Coalition will review the potential conflict of interest and vote by 2/3 majority whether or not a conflict exists and whether or not to proceed with the activity, transaction, or arrangement. Article 8 PEOPLE OF THE PILLARS Section 8.1 People of the Pillars Nominations will be accepted from the community and members of the Coalition for an outstanding person of character who represents the Six Pillars. These nominations will be reviewed and selected by the members of the Coalition. The "People of the Pillars" will be recognized with a certificate. ARTICLE 9 AMENDMENTS OF BYLAWS Section 9.1 Procedures for Amendment These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed, and new Bylaws may be adopted, by action taken by at two Coalition officers and not less than three general members present at a properly called meeting. ARTICLE 10 CERTIFICATE OF OFFICERS Section 10.1 Certificate of Officers The undersigned, as OFFICERS of The Bartlett CHARACTER COUNTS! Community Coalition, hereby acknowledge and affirm that the foregoing is a true, correct and complete copy of the Bylaws of The Bartlett CHARACTER COUNTS! Community Coalition. The foregoing bylaws were adopted by The Bartlett CHARACTER COUNTS! Community Coalition at its meeting held on _____________________. By:______________________ By:______________________ By:________________________ Signature of Chairperson: Signature of Secretary Signature of Treasurer |
