| About the IAS
The Irish-American Society was formed in 1975 by a group of people
who were interested in enriching their lives through fellowship,
fun and their shared love of Irish culture. The Society was originally
called The Friendly Sons and Daughters of St. Patrick. It was patterned
after The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, an organization that dates
back to a group founded in 1771 by John Barry, the father of the
American Navy. The current name, the Irish-American Society, was
adopted in 1987, and the following year the organization was incorporated
as a Texas non-profit corporation.
As a social organization, the IAS sponsors
annual events such as the St. Patrick’s Day Ball, a Christmas
party, a family picnic, and a talent show. A Pub Night is held
on the second Tuesday of every month at various local establishments.
The Irish-American Society is also a sponsoring
participant in the Texas Rose of Tralee Selection and the Downtown
Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade, as well as a supporter
of the North Texas Irish Festival.
The IAS supports the Irish-American Cultural Institute which offers
its members an opportunity to increase their knowledge of Irish
culture by bringing distinguished Irish writers, poets and lecturers
to Dallas. The IAS also sponsors concerts and plays featuring local
and internationally renowned artists. Additionally, the IAS has
donated Irish books and media to the main downtown Dallas Library
and to the University of Dallas Cultural Collection.
The IAS website keeps members informed about
social events, meetings, and important events in our members’ lives.
Special events sponsored by other local Irish organizations are
also publicized. Members are urged to participate by attending
functions and by volunteering on various committees.
By Laws of the Society
Section 1.1 Establishment
The Irish-American Society, Inc., herein referred to as the “Society,” is
established as a not-for-profit corporation composed of like-minded
individuals residing in the North Texas area having a common interest
in Irish culture and heritage.
Section 1.2 Purposes
The purpose of the Society is social and cultural in that it brings
together people with a love of Irish heritage for the avowed purposed
of fellowship and offers the membership an opportunity to increase
its knowledge and love of Irish culture.
It is expressly stated that in no way is the purpose of the Society
to support any political entity.
Section 1.3 Operation
The Society consists of the General Membership provided for in
Article Two, the Officers provided for in Article Three, the Board
of Directors provided for in Article Four and Committees provided
for in Article Five. The operating year of the Society shall be
July 1st through the following June 30th.
Section 1.4 Structure
On dissolution of the Society, the net assets shall be distributed
as determined by the Board of Directors, but only to one or more
educational, charitable or cultural organizations exempt from U.S.
income tax under the Internal Revenue Code or the corresponding
provision of any future law.
Article Two – General Membership
Section 2.1 Eligibility
Any individual is eligible to become a member of the Society by
paying the dues prescribed by the Board of Directors for each operating
year. Eligibility is without regard to race, sex, color,
creed or national origin.
Section 2.2 Right of Members
Each member of the Society shall be eligible to serve as an Officer,
Director, or on any Committee of the Society; to vote on matters
as provided by these by-laws; and to attend any business or social
function of the Society.
Section 2.3 Restrictions on
Members
No member of the Society may use, or permit the use of, the name
of the society or any information obtained through the Society
membership for commercial purposes or any other purpose inconsistent
with these by-laws, nor shall any member derive any monetary benefits
by distribution of dues or funds to the personal gain of any member.
Section 2.4 Meetings of General
Membership
The members of the Society shall meet annually for the nomination
and election of Officers. Notice of the meeting shall be
sent to all members in good standing at least 14 days prior to
the meeting. Nominations for Officers may be made, with the
nominees approval, by any member in good standing.
Section 2.5 Voting by General
Membership
Voting shall be done by written ballot or voice vote as prescribed
by the Board of Directors and announced by the President prior
to each vote. All matters voted upon, except the amendment
of these by-laws, shall be decided by a simple majority of those
present and voting.
Section 2.6 Amendment of the
By-Laws
Proposed amendments to these by-laws shall be submitted in writing
to the secretary for distribution to the membership. Amendment
of these by-laws shall require a two-thirds majority of those current
members present and voting at the annual meeting.
Article Three – Officers
Section 3.1 Elected Officers
The Society shall elect a President, Vice-President, Secretary
and Treasurer to serve for a term of one operating year. No
person may be elected to serve more than two consecutive terms
in any given office. Where possible, the membership is encouraged
to elect husband and wife as co-officers in any one specific position.
Section 3.2 Vacancies
If any officer resigns or is otherwise unable to serve a full term
in office, a successor shall be appointed by the Board of Directors
to serve the remainder of the term. Any resigning officer
must make arrangements with the Board of Directors for the return
of all IAS property in the resigning officer’s possession.
Section 3.3 Duties of Officers
Section 3.3A The President shall call and preside at all meetings
of the Board of Directors and the General Membership and shall
perform such other duties as prescribed by the Board of Directors. The
President, or his/her designated representative, shall also represent
the Society in its relations with other organizations. During
the month of June, the President will appoint a committee of three
people to audit the financial records of the Society.
Section 3.3B The
Vice President shall perform the duties of the
President whenever the President is absent or unable to perform,
and shall perform such other duties as the Board of Directors may
prescribe.
Section 3.3C The Secretary shall perform the duties of the President
whenever the President and Vice President are both absent or unable
to perform. The Secretary shall keep a record of minutes
of all meetings of the Board of Directors and the General Membership,
and of all important documents and correspondence and perform such
duties as the Board of Directors may prescribe.
Section 3.3D The Treasurer shall perform the duties of the President
whenever the President, Vice President and Secretary are all absent
or unable to perform, and shall perform such other duties as the
Board of Directors may prescribe. The Treasurer shall have
custody of the Society funds, pay bills with the approval of the
Board of Directors, keep an accurate and up-to-date record of all
receipts and expenditures, report to the Board of Directors, and
render an accounting at the Board of Director’s regular meetings. The
Treasurer shall keep the funds of the Society in a financial institution
approved by the Board of Directors. At the request of the
Board, the Treasurer will prepare and present all financial records
for audit. The Treasurer is also charged with complying with
all IRC filing requirements.
Article Four – Board of Directors
Section 4.1 Board Meetings
The Board of Directors shall hold at least one meeting every three
months of the operating year. It is recommended that the
Board convene monthly.
Section 4.2 Composition of the Board
of Directors
The Board of Directors shall consist of the elected Officers of
the Society, the immediate past president and any other members
who in the opinion of the Officers will contribute to the goals
and objectives of the Society by serving on the Board.
Section 4.3 Election of Officers
Not later than the month of March each year, the President will
appoint a Nominating Committee Chairperson who will select two
additional individuals to form the nominating committee for the
purpose of selecting Officer nominees for the next operating year. The
names of the nominees will be announced at the annual General Membership
meeting and the election shall be held at that time. Additional
candidates may be nominated by any member of the Society at the
annual meeting. The newly elected Officers will assume their offices
on July 1st.
Section 4.4 Chairman of the Board
The President shall serve as Chairman of the Board and will act
as the presiding Officer at all Board meetings.
Section 4.5 Removal of a Director
If a member of the Board of Directors is unable to attend a regularly
scheduled meeting, he or she may appoint a temporary representative
to take his/her place at the meeting. This representative
shall not have voting rights on any matter brought before the meeting. If
any director shall fail to attend or send an approved representative
to a regularly schedules Board of Directors meeting for two consecutive
meetings without good cause for his/her absence, such Director
shall automatically cease to be a member of the Board of Directors,
and a replacement shall be appointed by vote of a majority of the
members of the Board present. The replacement Board member
shall serve for the duration of the replaced Board Member’s
unexpired term in office.
Section 4.6 Responsibilities
of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall be responsible for the management
policy of the Society, including the approval of programs and budgets,
and such other duties as prescribed by the by-laws.
Section 4.7 Voting by the Board of Directors
Voting shall be by written ballot or voice vote as prescribed by
the President prior to each vote. All matters voted upon
shall be decided by a simple majority of Board of Directors members
present and voting. Each position on the Board of Directors
shall have one vote.
Article Five – Committees
Section 5.1 Establishment of Committees
The elected officers shall appoint committees as needed to carry
out the purposes of the Society. Members of these committees
serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and shall perform
such duties for a term as prescribed by the Board.
Article Six – Dues
Section 6.1 Annual Dues
The Board of Directors shall establish the amount of annual dues
to be collected from each member during the operating year and
this shall be announced prior to the annual membership renewal. The
Board will consider the non-profit nature of the Society in setting
the level of dues
|
