Charter and Bylaws for Salutaris

The National Institutes of Health Gay and Lesbian Employees Forum

Article I: Name

The name of the organization shall be Salutaris the National Institutes of Health Gay and Lesbian Employees Forum (NIH GLEF).

Article II: Purpose

To represent the NIH's gay and lesbian, employees and, although not stated throughout, to represent bisexuals and transgenders as is feasible; to provide advice, guidance, and recommendations to the NIH Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) Program Managers on matters affecting, or pertaining to, the welfare of gay and lesbian employees of the NIH, both at the Bethesda campus and, as feasible, at other physical locations of the NIH; to promote, and to assist the NIH OEO in fostering, a workplace environment that is accepting of gays and lesbians; to provide support for gay and lesbian employees of the NIH, by enabling them to meet and to discuss issues related to sexual orientation diversity in the workplace; to coordinate meetings, organize social activities, and sponsor educational programs both for members and the NIH community; and to be available as a resource on gay and lesbian issues to the NIH community at large.

Article III: Membership

The membership of NIH GLEF shall consist of A) Voting Members: NIH employees or contractors of the NIH, who request membership, and who are of legal age of majority, without regard to sex, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, race or color, religion or creed, national origin, or disability. B) Associate Members: Any members of the NIH OEO staff who by virtue of their work have an interest in NIH GLEF. Associate members will not have voting rights, but will be advised of group activities, and will be asked to provide advice to the officers on planning, direction, and activities.

Article IV: Officers

The elected officers of the NIH GLEF shall consist of a Chairperson, Program Coordinator, and Secretary. They shall serve for a period of one (1) year beginning October 1 (Fiscal Year) and may be reelected. The same individual may not serve as Chairperson for more than two consecutive years. These three officers will constitute the Executive Committee and the Committee may, if needed, appoint a Treasurer. The officers will have responsibility for calling meetings, designating committees, and providing a general direction for the group. The Chairperson shall function as primary liaison with the NIH OEO unless another person is designated to this duty by the officers.

Article V: Voting

The voting members may discuss and vote on any issues brought before them. A simple majority of the votes of those members present shall constitute an approval. All officers will have voting rights. Members may vote by proxy. The associate members may present any issues for consideration by the members. He/She may participate in the discussion of, but may not vote on, issues brought before the NIH GLEF.

Article VI: Meetings

NIH GLEF meetings shall be held at least four (4) times a year. Emergency meetings may be called by the NIH GLEF Chairperson. A report of yearly activities shall be prepared by the NIH GLEF and submitted to the Director, OEO on an annual basis during the September through October time frame.

Article VII: Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rule of Order, Newly Revised shall govern in all cases in which they are applicable, except where they are inconsistent with these bylaws.

Article VIII: Amendments

A vote on any revisions of the NIH GLEF Charter requires a quorum of at least half of the total voting members. Charter revisions shall become effective upon approval of the Director, OEO.

Article IX: Affiliation

The NIH GLEF may not affiliate with any political party, but, subject to approval of the officers, membership, and Director, OEO may affiliate with other non-profit groups having similar interests and functions.

Article X: Conformity with U.S. Law

Notwithstanding any other section of these bylaws, the organization shall comply with all provisions of the U.S. law which may be relevant to the function of the NIH GLEF.

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