BYLAWS

Of the

Cherokee Community Organization Claremore

ARTICLE I

Name and Purposes

    Cherokee Community Organization Claremore

(CCOC)

  This communithy Organization is organized for the purposes of serving the citizens of the Cherokee Nation. The CCOC is the body politic empowered to decide the day-to-day activities within its operations for the good of the Cherokee people of the town of Claremore.

ARTICLE II

Members:

There shall be one class of members:  Individual Cherokee Citizens.  Membership may be granted to any individual Cherokee Citizen that supports the mission and purposes of the organization, Members shall have voting rights  in the election of officers of this Organization, Chief and Council.

ARTICLE III

AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF ELECTED OFFICERS

Authority of Officials:   

The Chief, Deputy Chief and Council are the policy-making body and may exercise all the powers and authority granted to the CCOC by these bylaws, Oklahoma Laws for Charitable organizations under the umbrella of The United Cherokee Founfation Inc. an Oklahoma Non Profit Coporation.

 Number, Selection, and Tenure.     The Governing body shall consist of not less than six (6) elected officials, one Chief, one Deputy  Chief that is also a voting council person and a minimum of five (5) Councilors.  Each official shall hold office for a term of four (4) years. Vacancies existing by reason of resignation, death, incapacity or removal before the expiration of his/her term shall be filled by at least a simple majority vote of the remaining officials.   A Councilor selected to fill a vacancy shall be elected for the un-expired term of that councilor’s predecessor in office.

Resignation.  Resignations are effective upon receipt, and acceptance by the Council, of written notification.

Regular Meetings.   All meetings will be membership meetings to be held as determined by the CCOC Council.  A simple majority of the Council shall be required, and shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business at a membership meeting. All decisions will be by consensus of at least a simple-majority vote of those present at any meeting.  If less than a majority of the Council is in attendance at roll call by the Chief or deputy Chief shall adjourn the meeting without further notice. Should a meeting fail to garner a quorum, business can be discussed but no voting can occur.

Special Meetings.  Special meetings may be called by the Chief at the request of at least three (3) members by notice of no less than five (5) days before such meeting.

Quorum.  A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the Council attending in person or through teleconferencing.  All decisions will be by consensus or at least a simple majority vote of those present at a meeting at which a quorum is present.  If less than a majority of the Council is present at said meeting, The Chief or Deputy Chief may adjourn the meeting on occasion without further notice.

Participation in Meeting by Conference Telephone.  Members of the CCOC may participate in a meeting through use of conference telephone or similar communications equipment,  or by electronic mail.

Reimbursement.  Elected Officials shall serve without compensation with the exception that expenses incurred in the furtherance of the Organization’s business are allowed to be reimbursed with documentation and prior approval.  In addition, Councilors serving the organization in other capacity, such as Secretary, are allowed to receive compensation therefore.  Any such compensation or employment will only occur with rules and procedures established by the Council.

                                                                                   ARTICLE IV

AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Secretary/Treasurer.  The Secretary/Treasurer shall be one or more Council Members of the Organization and shall keep the minutes of all meetings in the books proper for that purpose.  The Secretary/Treasurer shall also report to the Chief and Council at each regular meeting on the status of the organization's finances.  The Secretary/Treasurer shall work to ascertain that appropriate procedures are being followed in the financial affairs of the Organization.

Fiscal Year.  The fiscal year of the Organization shall be October 1 - September 30 but may be changed by resolution of the Council.

Checks, Drafts, Etc.   All checks, orders for the payment of money, obligations, bills of exchange, and insurance shall be signed or endorsed Secretary/Treasurer

Deposits and Accounts.  All funds of the CCOC, shall be deposited in general account in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories the Secretary/Treasurer may select, and council approves.

ARTICLE V

BOOKS AND RECORDS

Correct books of account of the activities and transactions of the Organization shall be kept at the office of the Secretary/Treasurer.  These shall include a minute book, which shall contain a copy of these Bylaws, and all minutes of meetings of the Council. 

ARTICLE VI

AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

These Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the Council of the CCOC, provided prior notice is given of the proposed amendment in the notice of the meeting at which such action is taken.