NORFOLK (VA) CHAPTER OF THE LINKS, INCORPORATED

CHAPTER BYLAWS

NORFOLK (VA) CHAPTER OF THE LINKS, INCORPORATED

Chapter Bylaws

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THOUGHTS ON A LINK'S COMMITMENT 5

COMMITMENT TO SISTERHOOD 5

ARTICLE I: NAME AND BOUNDARIES 7

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE 7

ARTICLE III: MEMBERS 7

SECTION 1: TOTAL MEMBERSHIP 7

SECTION 2: MEMBERS CLASSIFICATION 8

A. ACTIVE MEMBER 8

B. LEAVE OF ABSENCE 12

C. ALUMNA MEMBER 14

D. PLATINUM MEMBER 16

E. AFFILIATE MEMBER 17

F. PROVISORY MEMBER 19

SECTION 3: DAUGHTER OF A LINKS, INCORPORATED MEMBER 20

SECTION 4: METHOD OF BRINGING IN NEW MEMBERS 21

SECTION 5: TRANSFER MEMBERSHIP CONDITIONS AND PROCESS 22

SECTION 6: MEMBERSHIP REINSTATEMENT 26

ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS 27

SECTION 1: OFFICERS 27

SECTION 2: TERM OF OFFICERS 27

SECTION 3: QUALIFICATIONS OF OFFICERS 28

SECTION 4: OFFICER ELIGIBILITY 28

SECTION 5: NOMINATING COMMITTEE 29

SECTION 6: DUTIES OF OFFICERS 30

A. PRESIDENT 30

B. VICE PRESIDENT 31

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C. RECORDING SECRETARY 31

D. ASSISTANT RECORDING SECRETARY 31

E. CORRESPONDING SECRETARY 31

F. FINANCIAL SECRETARY 32

G. ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY 32

H. TREASURER 32

I. CHAPLAIN 33

J. PARLIAMENTARIAN 33

K. PROGRAM CHAIR 33

SECTION 7: TERMS AND VACANCIES OF OFFICE 33

ARTICLE V: MEETINGS 34

SECTION 1: MEETING DATE AND TIME 34

SECTION 2: REQUEST FOR CHANGE IN DATE AND TIME 34

SECTION 3: QUORUM 34

SECTION 4: SPECIAL MEETINGS 34

SECTION 5: ANNUAL MEETING 35

SECTION 6: ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT 35

SECTION 7: NOTIFICATION TO HOSTESS 35

SECTION 8: MEETINGS BY CONFERENCE CALL 35

SECTION 9: MEETING HOSTESS RESPONSIBILITIES AND SELECTION 36

ARTICLE VI: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 37

SECTION 1: COMPOSITION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 37

SECTION 2: MEETING DATES 37

SECTION 3: DUTIES AND POWERS 37

SECTION 4: QUORUM 37

ARTICLE VII: FACETS AND STANDING COMMITTEES 38

SECTION 1: FACET PROGRAMS AND STANDING COMMITTEES DEFINED 38

A. SERVICES TO YOUTH FACET 38

B. THE ARTS FACET 38

C. NATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES FACET 38

D. INTERNATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES FACET 39

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E. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FACET 39

F. SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE 39

G. CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS COMMITTEE 39

H. ETHICS AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE 40

I. BUDGET COMMITTEE 40

J. INTERNAL AUDIT COMMITTEE 40

K. ARCHIVES COMMITTEE 40

L. COURTESY COMMITTEE 41

M. SOCIAL COMMITTEE 41

N. SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE 41

SECTION 2: DUTIES OF THE FACET PROGRAMS 41

SECTION 3: DUTIES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES 42

ARTICLE VIII: FINANCE 45

SECTION 1: ANNUAL DUES 45

SECTION 2: NATIONAL DUES AND ASSESSMENTS 46

SECTION 3: PAYMENT OF DUES 46

SECTION 4: DELINQUENT MEMBERS 47

SECTION 5: FISCAL YEAR 47

SECTION 6: SIGNING AUTHORITY 47

SECTION 7: BUDGET DEVELOPMENT 47

SECTION 8: ANNUAL AUDIT 47

ARTICLE IX: DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES 48

SECTION 1: DELEGATES TO THE ASSEMBLIES 48

SECTION 2: OFFICERS AS DELEGATES 48

SECTION 3: EXPECTATIONS OF DELEGATES 48

SECTION 4: PAYMENTS FOR DELEGATES 48

ARTICLE X: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY 49

ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS AND BYLAWS 49

SECTION 1: PROCEDURE FOR AMENDING BYLAWS 49

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SECTION 2: AMENDMENT AND REVISION OF THE BYLAWS 49

ARTICLE XII: RITUALS AND EMBLEMS 50

SECTION 1: RITUALS 50

SECTION 2: EMBLEMS 50

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FOREWORD

"When Sarah Scott and Margaret Hawkins of Philadelphia combined their efforts and ideas to found the first Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, they set in motion a series of events and ESTABLISHED STANDARDS OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION which have helped to change the course of life in black communities across the United States." On November 9, 1946 Sarah Scott and Margaret Hawkins summoned their friends to "link their friendship" and resources to form a chain of strength which would work to "improve the quality of life" and provide hope for black citizens who were less advantaged, both culturally and educationally."

(1983 National Directory Forward)

THOUGHTS ON A LINK'S COMMITMENT

• I shall not wait to be drafted for service to Linkdom, I shall volunteer.

• I shall be loyal in my attendance, generous in my giving, kind in my criticism, creative in my suggestions, loving in my attitudes.

• I shall give to Linkdom my interest, my enthusiasm, my devotion and most of all, myself.

(Adapted from 1983 National Directory)

COMMITMENT TO SISTERHOOD

I shall truly be a sister to all other Links.

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BYLAWS OR RULES FOR THE NORFOLK (VA) CHAPTER OF THE LINKS, INCORPORATED

ARTICLE I: NAME AND BOUNDARIES

This organization shall be known as the Norfolk (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. The Norfolk (VA) Chapter service area includes the cities of Norfolk, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
If circumstances should arise in which a Chapter may want to request a change in its boundaries, the Chapter shall submit the request to the Area Executive Committee, and then to the Executive Council. There must be approval by the Executive Council before a Chapter’s boundaries can be changed.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purpose of the organization shall be:
To promote and engage in educational, civic, and intercultural activities in order to enrich the lives of members and the larger community, and to work together towards achieving common goals.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERS

Section 1: Total Membership

1. Total membership shall not exceed 60. Total membership shall include inducted members and transferees, but shall not include Alumna members.
2. Daughters of Links, who are active members of a chapter which has reached its maximum number of members, shall not be included when calculating the total number of active members in the chapter.

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3. Membership in The Links, Incorporated is a privilege. Members are expected to uphold the core values of the organization and to abide by the letter and intent of the National Constitution and Bylaws and Chapter Bylaws and other rules and regulations.
4. Members shall be accorded rights and privileges in The Links, Incorporated according to their classification of membership. These include voting, holding office and participating in the activities of the National Assembly, Area Conference, and Chapters.

Section 2: Members Classification

Members may be classified as active, members on leave, alumna, platinum, affiliate, provisory, and honorary.

A. ACTIVE MEMBER

1. An active member in good standing is a member who:
a. Has met all the obligations of her Chapter, Area, and the National
Assembly;
b. Is not under disciplinary action;
c. Has met the minimum attendance requirements determined by her Chapter and the National attendance requirement for Assemblies or Area Conferences;
d. Has met the minimum forty-eight-(48) hour service requirement of
The Links, Incorporated;
e. Has participated in Chapter activities and programs designed to implement the National programs of The Links, Incorporated.
2. An active member must remain active in the Chapter in which she was inducted for a minimum of two (2) years to retain her membership in The Links, Incorporated, except when a member moves to another locality and requests a transfer to a Chapter in her new locality. Any other exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Executive Council.
3. An active member must register and attend at least one (1) Area Conference or one (1) National Assembly within every five (5) year period in order to retain her membership. The initial five-(5) year period shall begin at the 33rd National Assembly to be held in 2002 in Chicago, IL.

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This provision shall not apply to Alumna, Active Platinum, or Provisory members.
If a documented life-altering or life-threatening event occurs unavoidably preventing an active member from attending either the Area Conference or National Assembly in the fifth and final year of the requirement, and a member has not yet fulfilled the requirement during the first four years she shall be allowed to provide written explanation explaining the unavoidable circumstances.
a) The documentation must show that the circumstances were unavoidable, not an inconvenience however great the inconvenience may be.
b) The documentation, if accepted and approved by National Executive Council, will prevent her from forfeiting her membership for failure to fulfill the one (1) Area Conference or one (1) National Assembly within every (5) years requirement.
c) The process of approval shall begin with submitting the documentation to her Chapter for approval, the Chapter shall send approved documentation to the Area Executive Team for approval and the Area Executive Team shall send approved documentation to the National Executive Council which shall have final approval or rejection of the documentation.
d) Once approval has been received from the Chapter, Area, and the National Executive Council, the member will be notified that she does not have to fulfill the requirement. She will be advised to attend the next scheduled Area Conference or National Assembly without the possibility of exception.
4. An active member of an established Chapter may not transfer to a new Chapter which is closer to her residence for at least two (2) years unless there has been a change in the member's residence and the new residence is outside the locality that her Chapter was chartered to serve.
5. An active member who moves to the locality of another Chapter shall, upon request, be permitted to transfer to the Chapter. It is mandatory that the Chapter accepts her into membership provided that the Chapter has not reached its maximum number of members.

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6. An active member, in the process of transferring to another Chapter, shall be granted a period not to exceed six (6) months to request the form from National Headquarters and to complete the transfer process. An active member is one who has met all obligations to her chapter, via attendance, financial and any others assumed by her chapter, the area conference, or The Links Incorporated.

Obligations of an active member:

1. An active member carries the obligations to pay chapter and national dues and national assessments.
2. Active membership carries with it the obligation to participate in all chapter programs and to participate in the chapter implementation of the National Five-fold Program: Services to Youth, the Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services.
3. An active member is to attend at least 2/3 of the chapter meetings each year unless extenuating circumstances prevent the same. Extenuating circumstances are illness, death, or professional responsibilities.
4. An active member is obligated to serve a minimum of forty-eight (48)
hours per club year.
5. An active member is obligated to attend at least one (1) area or national conference within a five year period.
6. The Founder, Charter Members and past National Presidents of The Links, Incorporated shall be active members of The Links, Incorporated for life without financial obligation for national dues to The Links, Incorporated.
7. An active member of an established Chapter may not transfer to a new Chapter which is closer to her residence for at least two years unless there has been a change in the member’s residence.

Conditions for active membership:

1. An active member must remain active in the Chapter in which she was inducted for a minimum of two (2) years to retain her membership in The Links, Incorporated, except when a member moves to another locality and requests a transfer to a Chapter in her new locality. Any

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other exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Executive
Council.
2. An active member must register and attend at least one (1) Area Conference or one (1) National Assembly within every five (5) year period in order to retain her membership. The initial five-(5) year period shall begin at the 33rd National Assembly to be held in 2002 in Chicago, IL. This provision shall not apply to Alumna, Active Platinum, or Provisory members.
3. An active member of an established Chapter may not transfer to a new Chapter which is closer to her residence for at least two (2) years unless there has been a change in the member's residence and the new residence is outside the locality that her Chapter was chartered to serve.
4. An active member who moves to the locality of another Chapter shall, upon request, be permitted to transfer to the Chapter. It is mandatory that the Chapter accepts her into membership provided that the Chapter has not reached its maximum number of members.
5. An active member, in the process of transferring to another Chapter, shall be granted a period not to exceed six (6) months to request the form from National Headquarters and to complete the transfer process.

Conditions for new membership:

1. New members, except for the daughter of a Link, shall be elected by two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of active members of a Chapter who are present and voting. Absentee voting is prohibited.
2. New members shall be inducted between May 1 and June 30.
3. New members shall be presented with a Links History Book and the
Constitution and Bylaws.
4. New members and transferring members shall participate in a mentoring program. All new members shall have a one (1) year development period.

Conditions for resigning membership:

• A member who desires to resign from The Links, Incorporated must submit the resignation in writing to her Chapter. The resignation

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becomes final when accepted by her Chapter and formally acknowledged at the National Assembly.

• A former member who resigned or forfeited her membership and had not satisfied her One-in-Five (1 in 5) requirement for that period must adhere to the following: if she seeks reinstatement within the same One-in-Five (1 in 5) period of her separation, then she must fulfill the requirement during that period.

B. LEAVE OF ABSENCE

1. A member on leave of absence is an active member in good standing who, for reasons acceptable to her chapter, is granted a leave of absence for one (1) year. At the discretion of her Chapter, this leave may be extended for an additional year or longer in extreme circumstances. No Chapter shall grant leaves-of-absence in excess often percent (10%) of its membership during any year. Chapters which do so shall subject themselves to a fine and/or disciplinary action.
2. A member in good standing on active military duty who is deployed to a combat or high risk zone shall be granted a special military leave upon submitting a copy of her orders to her Chapter. While deployed to the zone, she shall be exempt from her minimum forty-eight-(48) hour service requirement. Upon completion of said deployment, she shall not be responsible for her minimum forty-eight-(48) hour service requirement for the remainder of the existing Links fiscal year in which she returns. During deployment, she shall not be responsible for National or Chapter dues and assessments until the next fiscal year.

Obligations of a member on Leave of Absence:

1. A member on Leave of Absence is responsible for national dues and assessments payable through her chapter. At the expiration of the leave of absence, she shall become an active participating member of her chapter or she forfeits her membership in The Links, Incorporated. No chapter shall grant leave of absence in excess of
10% of its membership during any year.
2. A member on leave will have no chapter privileges including no voting privileges at any level of The Links, Incorporated. She may attend chapter meetings only on the invitation of the chapter.

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Leave of absence membership is granted through the following process:

1. The individual requesting a leave of absence must be an active member (in good standing) at the time of the request.
2. The request must be in writing from the member (or a family member) to the chapter within the time period specified by the chapter.
3. A leave of absence may be granted by the chapter for one year, a second year of leave may also be granted. Any subsequent leave beyond the two years requires approval by the chapter and concurrence by the Area Director.
4. The chapter must respond in writing to the member regarding the disposition of the member's request.
5. The chapter must give written notice of the pending expiration date of the approved leave period. The written notice must be extended at least 30 days in advance, i.e. prior to the pending leave expiration date. Leaves begin and end in accordance with the fiscal calendar, May 1st - April 30th.

The responsibilities of leave of absence membership include:

• Payment of national and local dues and national assessments through her chapter within the policies established by the chapter.

• At the conclusion of the approved leave of absence, the member must 1) return to active status, 2) request reclassification to a different membership status, or 3) terminate her membership.

• Meet the one-in-five requirement to attend an area conference or national assembly.

The rights and privileges of leave of absence membership include:

• No responsibilities to the chapter (finance, attendance, participation)

• Wear the organization's insignia; use the title "Link:"

• Hold membership in a chapter and an area

• Participate in Area Conference and National Assembly activities

• Transfer to another chapter

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• Change to affiliate, provisory or alumnae status as necessary

• Hold membership in The Links Foundation, Incorporated

• Participate in service and friendship activities with friends

• Memorial service and other rituals

• Heir-O·Link: status for children and Connecting Link status for spouse

The restrictions of leave of absence membership include:

• No chapter privileges

• No voting privileges at any level of The Links, Incorporated

• May attend chapter meetings only on the invitation of the chapter.

C. ALUMNA MEMBER

1. An alumna member is a member who:
a. Has thirty (30) years of service; or
b. Is age seventy (70) with ten (10) years of service;
c. Has requested and been granted alumna status by the National
Headquarters;
d. Is not responsible for any dues or assessments; and
e. Has all the rights and privileges of The Links, Incorporated except voting, holding chairmanships of committees, and holding office.
2. An alumna member will be an alumna of The Links, Incorporated, and may participate in Chapter, Area and National activities provided she pays any fees that may be required.
3. It is not mandatory that she retires from Active Membership at age seventy (70) and ten (10) years of service, or at any age after thirty (30) years of service. However, within a five year period, alumna status can be reversed with no associated fee upon the request of the member to return to active membership providing the Chapter has not reached its maximum number of members.
4. Members who will meet the above requirements by the beginning of the next fiscal year (May 1) and who notify the Chapter no later than the preceding March meeting, shall be eligible for alumna status.

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a. An alumna member shall assume financial responsibility for any Chapter, Area or National meetings which she attends, including the cost of meals, and registration, except when she is invited as a guest. To attend Chapter meetings, she shall inform the Chapter president of her intent.
b. An alumna member shall give notice to the president when she plans to participate in any activity requiring a fee or assessment.
c. All financial responsibilities and required fees assumed by the alumna member must be paid through a Chapter.
5. It is not mandatory that she retire from Active membership at age seventy (70) and ten (10) years of service, or at any age after thirty (30) years of service. However, within a five-year period, alumna status can be reversed upon the request of the member to return to active membership providing the Chapter has not reached its maximum number of members. The request shall be made through a Chapter to the National Headquarters of The Links, Incorporated.

Alumna member status is granted through the following process:

1. Request for alumna status shall be in writing.
2. The decision to go on alumna status is irrevocable. Alumna members will be alumna members of The Links, Incorporated rather than a chapter and may participate in any chapter, area and national activities provided she pays any fees which may be required, i.e. lunch, dinner, publications, etc.

The rights and privileges of an alumna member include:

• Not responsible for any dues or assessments at any level of The Links, Incorporated

• Receives a gold lifetime membership card. There is a replacement fee for lost card.

• An alumna member has all rights and privileges in The Links, Incorporated except for voting, chairing committees and holding office.

• Wear the organization's insignia; use the title "Link"

• Participate in chapter, area and national assembly

• Participate in service and friendship activities with friends

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• Entitled to memorial service and other rituals in her original chapter or, if she has moved, a chapter she has chosen to affiliate with.

• Heir-o-Link status for children and Connecting Link status for spouse

The restrictions of alumna membership include:

• An alumna member shall assume financial responsibility for any chapter meeting(s) which she attends, including the cost of meals, except when invited as a guest of the hostess. She shall give the hostess notice of her intent to attend the meeting.

• An alumna member shall give notice to the president when she plans to participate in any activity requiring a fee or assessment.

• All financial responsibilities and required fees assumed by the alumna member for participation in a chapter's activities must be paid through the chapter.

• All financial responsibilities and required fees assumed by the Alumna member for participation in national or area activities must be paid through the area or national office.

D. PLATINUM MEMBER

A Platinum member is an active or alumna member who has reached eighty (80) years of age or older and who has given at least thirty (30) years of service, or who has given at least (50) years of active service. Platinum status is the highest honor accorded a member on recommendation of a Chapter and approval by the National Executive Council. An Active Platinum member shall be exempt from the minimum forty-eight (48) hour service requirement.

A Platinum member shall not be responsible for National dues and assessments and exempt from Chapter dues and assessments at the discretion of her Chapter.Platinum member status is granted through the following process:

1. Letter sent to National Vice President from the local chapter president requesting Platinum Link classification for the member.
2. A letter of endorsement is generated by the Area Director and forwarded to the National Vice President on behalf of the local chapter president.

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The rights and privileges of a Platinum member include:

• Receiving a Platinum lifetime membership card. ($2 replacement fee for lost card.)

• Responsible for any dues or assessments at any level of The Links, Incorporated (unless alumna member)

• They are entitled to all National and Area communications

• Has all rights and privileges in The Links, Incorporated (exclusions apply if the member has taken alumna status, i.e. voting, chairing committees and holding offices)

• Ability to wear the organization's insignia as well as using the title

"Link"

• Participate in chapter, area and national assemblies

• Participate in service and friendship activities with friends

• Entitled to memorial service and other rituals

• Heir-o-Link status for children and Connecting Link status for spouse

• Listed on Platinum Link Honor Roll at National Headquarters

• Receive charm to indicate Platinum Link status

• Waive registration fee (only) for one (1) National Assembly.

E. AFFILIATE MEMBER

1. Affiliate status is a temporary status accorded a member.
2. An affiliate member is an active member in good standing who:
a) Moves to a locality where there is no Chapter of The Links, Incorporated;
b) Moves to a locality where the existing Chapter(s) has (have) reached the maximum number of members;
c) Demonstrates that she must travel, at minimum, eighty percent (80%), and cannot get to Chapter meetings due to business and/or civic responsibilities; and
d) Requests a transfer from her Chapter to affiliate status after no longer than six (6) months.
3. An affiliate member shall:

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a. Meet the service requirement of The Links, Incorporated, i.e., forty- eight (48) hours per year, including presenting official documentation for having met the service requirement;
b. Be responsible for paying all National dues and assessments; and c. Meet the one-(1)-in-five (5) attendance requirement for Area
Conferences or National Assemblies.
4. An affiliate member is entitled to all National and Area communications and privileges.
5. An affiliate member may participate in the Chapter establishment process that occurs in the locality of her residence. She may become a charter member of the new Chapter.

Affiliate membership is granted through the following process:

1. Inform her chapter president and National Headquarters of her new resident status and request the change.
2. Submit a letter from the chapter president verifying her request and complete a numbered transfer form, which in effect, transfers her from her current status with her chapter to affiliate status.
3. Apply for such status immediately after moving or no longer than six (6) months or she shall forfeit her membership in The Links, Incorporated.
4. Affiliate membership is granted ONLY by National Headquarters staff.
Chapters CANNOT grant affiliate membership status.
5. A member expressing desire to transfer into a selected chapter may remain in the affiliate status.

The responsibilities of affiliate membership include:

• Pay national dues and assessments directly to National Headquarters

(certified check, cashier's check or money order)

• Meet the one-in-five requirement to attend an area conference or

National Assembly.

• Meet the 48 hour service requirement.

The rights and privileges of affiliate membership include:

• Entitled to all National communications

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• Wear the organization's insignia; use the title "Link"

• Hold membership in an area

• Transfer to a chapter

• Change to active, provisory or alumna status as necessary. Apply for leave of absence if necessary.

• Participate in service and friendship activities with friends

• Entitled to memorial service and other rituals

• Heir-o-Link status for children and Connecting Link status for spouse

The restrictions of affiliate membership include:

• No voting or holding office at any level of The Links, Incorporated

• Must wait 6 months to join a newly established chapter in her locality

F. PROVISORY MEMBER

A provisory member is an active member who is medically unable to participate in any activity outside of her home. Upon request, and with a notarized certificate from her doctor, she may be granted provisory membership status by her Chapter. A provisory member shall be responsible for National dues and assessments only. If and when the member becomes well enough to participate in activities outside of her home, she shall reactivate her classification to active member status.
Any member who falsely claims provisory membership status shall be subject to immediate loss of membership as voted by the Executive Committee of the Executive Council.
A Chapter that knows of a member's false claims of provisory membership status and fails to take any action on the matter, including notifying the National Membership Committee Chair, shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Provisory membership is granted through the following process:

1. Member requesting provisory status must be classified as an active member or a member on leave at the time of the request.
2. Request must be in writing from the member (or a family member) to the chapter.

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3. The chapter must respond in writing to the member regarding the disposition of the member's request.
4. If or when the health of a provisory member improves such that she is well enough to participate in activities outside her home, she must either: 1) return to active status, 2) request reclassification to a different membership status, or 3) terminate her membership.

The responsibilities of provisory membership include:

• Pay National dues and assessments through her chapter within the policies established by the chapter.

The rights and privileges of provisory membership include:

• Wear the organization's insignia; use the title "Link"

• Hold membership in a chapter and an area

• Transfer to another chapter

• Change to active, affiliate or alumna status as necessary

• Participate in service and friendship activities with friends

• Entitled to memorial service and other rituals

• Heir-o-Link status for children and Connecting Link status for spouse

The restrictions of provisory membership include:

• Member whose claims for provisory status are proven false is subject to immediate loss of membership as voted by the Executive Committee of the Executive Council.

• Chapter that knows of a member's false claims of provisory membership status and fails to take any action on the matter, including notifying the National Membership Committee chairman, shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Section 3: Daughter of a Links, Incorporated Member

The daughter of a Link member who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age, meets the membership criteria and resides in the locality the chapter is established to serve shall be eligible for membership. A written letter of application for membership form shall be sent to the President of the chapter who shall report it to the chapter. Voting upon the candidate shall take place at any

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regular chapter meeting between September and May. A majority vote of active members present and voting shall elect the daughter to membership.
Membership processing with National Headquarters and the induction of the new member shall follow the National Bylaws, Article I Membership, Section 5 and the procedures established in the national Manual of Procedures, Bylaws, Article I, Membership.

Qualifications for membership for a Daughter of a Link:

1. Demonstrated willingness to accept responsibility to carry out the four fold purposes of The Links, Incorporated as indicated by her activities in their community.
2. A possession of some demonstrated or potential qualities of leadership as indicated by her activities in their community.
3. Must be a resident in the chapter’s service area in the cities of Norfolk, Chesapeake or Virginia Beach in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Section 4: Method of Bringing in New Members

1. The Membership Committee shall be appointed by the President in May of the year prior to induction.
2. In the October meeting before year of the induction, the chapter determines the number of new members to be accepted for membership.
3. Names of candidates are to be submitted by written profile in the November meeting of the year prior to induction. A sponsor is to give facts and qualifications of prospective members.
4. Election is to take place in the January meeting. Members are to be notified one week in advance that an election is to take place.
5. Induction of new members will take place in May or June.

Duties of the membership committee:

1. To screen and review the written profiles of candidates as submitted by the sponsors.
2. To recommend those whom it deems qualified for consideration, and voting on by the chapter.

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3. To prepare secret ballots, distribute them, count and destroy them.
4. To send letters to candidates inviting them into the organization and informing them of the obligations that must be met.
5. To secure applications for new members from the office of the National
Membership Chairman or Central Office.
6. To file same with proper officers and have new members meet financial obligations.
7. To proceed with initiation upon receipt of verification from the National
Financial Secretary.
8. The type of activity for initiation will be decided by the Membership
Committee and the members of the chapter. Method used in membership election:
1. A quorum for election of new members shall be 2/3 of the active membership.
2. A candidate must receive at least 2/3 vote of those members present at election except in the case of daughters of Links when a majority of votes cast must be received.
3. No voting by proxy.
4. Persons receiving the highest number of votes will be those invited for membership according to the number of slots designated at the October meeting.

Section 5: Transfer Membership Conditions and Process

An active Link who is in good standing and moves her home address to the boundaries of another chapter and/or 50 miles from her current chapter may request a transfer to another chapter. To initiate the process she must request a transfer within six (6) months of her last attended meeting of her current chapter. For the sake of clarity her current chapter, which she transfer from, will be referred to as the "sending" chapter. The chapter that she is transferring to will be referred to as the "receiving" chapter.

A Link can transfer if:

• Her home address changes.

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OR

• She has been a Link in her sending chapter for two (2) years and a newly established chapter is closer to her home address.

• There is an older chapter other than the sending chapter that is closer to her home address.

A Link cannot transfer if:

• She has not changed her primary home address.

OR

• She has been a Link in her sending chapter for two (2) years and a newly established chapter is closer to her home address.

• The sending chapter falls below the mandatory minimum membership of twenty (20).

• If the sending chapter of the transferring Link is also the chapter in which she became a Link (inducted) and she has not been an active member for a continuous 2 year period.

• The receiving chapter has not been chartered for 2 years.

• The Area Director and/or the Area Executive Council must approve exceptions.

Transfer membership process:

• The sending chapter president will send notification in writing (via e-mail) to the national office and area director of the last meeting attended by the transferring member.

• This will allow the chapter to vacate the member's space in the chapter.

The member will be placed in affiliate status.

• The transferring member shall request a transfer form from the website or the membership staff at National Headquarters.

• The transferring member shall fill out the form and mail or give it to the president of the sending chapter, her current president.

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• The president of the sending chapter certifies that the member is in good standing with the sending chapter by signing the form and mails the form to the membership staff at National Headquarters and the area director.

• If the member is not in good standing, the president of the sending chapter should not sign the document until the circumstances that caused the Link not to be in good standing are rectified.

• The sending chapter president should write a letter to the Link in question explaining the circumstances and the plan/time line to have them rectified.

• If the transferring member is the chapter president, the chapter's membership chair should fulfill the duties described above. The transferring member is responsible for all financial obligations to the sending chapter until her transfer is finalized and the receiving chapter president has received a letter from National Headquarters or the area director.

• If the transferring member is in good standing, National Headquarters acknowledges receipt of the transfer form in writing to the sending chapter president, indicating the date received, status of openings in the receiving chapter and date of mailing the form to the president of the receiving chapter. If there are no openings in the requested chapter, the letter stating that would also include options for other chapters in the locality. If there are no other chapters in the locale with openings, it should be explained that the Link will go on a waiting list of the chapter requested and remain in affiliate status.

• If the receiving chapter has an opening, which means the chapter has less than 60 members, the president of the receiving chapter signs the form where indicated and returns it to National Headquarters within one month from date of receipt.

• National Headquarters signs and validates the transfer form and sends copies to:

o the sending chapter

o the receiving chapter

o the respective area director(s)

o the member

o the National vice president, chairman of membership

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• Problems regarding transfers shall be referred to the area director (respective) and, if necessary, the National Membership chairman for disposition. Area directors should send a quarterly report to the National vice president of all transfers within the area.

Conditions that may affect the transfer process:

• Transferee has not met the transfer eligibility requirements.

• Incomplete information on form.

• Form without the application signatures.

• Requested receiving chapter is at the 60 member maximum.

• Paperwork is sent to the receiving chapter president by the transferee or the sending chapter president.

• Additional approvals needed.

Process for obtaining additional approvals:

• Sending chapter president must contact the applicable area director with the specifics in writing and a request for an exception approval by the National vice president.

• Area director approves the request and forwards the sending chapter's request with a cover letter stating her approval to the National vice president.

• The National vice president forwards final disposition of issue to all parties involved:

o Sending Chapter President

o Area Director

o National Headquarters

o Approval by the Executive Council

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Section 6: Membership Reinstatement

A former member who resigns in good standing or who forfeited membership for non-payment of dues, assessments or participation (attendance and service hours requirement) may apply for reinstatement within two (2) years of the date of resignation or forfeiture of membership.

Reinstatement process:

1. The former member who wishes to be reinstated shall send a letter or request to the president of her former chapter by certified mail, return receipt requested.
2. If the chapter has not reached its maximum number of members, sixty (60), it shall vote on the request for reinstatement of the former member within two (2) regular chapter meeting dates and notify the former member of the chapter's decision (by certified mail) immediately following the vote. A majority vote of the chapter's active members is required for reinstatement of a former member.
3. If the former member is to be reinstated, the chapter shall send her an application form and information regarding the amount of all current National dues and assessments, National reinstatement fee and any assessments that were due the chapter when the former Link forfeited her membership. After receipt of the completed application form and required fees, the chapter shall mail the form and fees (by chapter check, cashier's check or money order) to National Headquarters postmarked no later than June 15.
4. A former member seeking reinstatement must apply for reinstatement to her former chapter unless she has moved since the termination of her membership. If she has moved, she may apply for reinstatement in a chapter in her new location with a letter from her former chapter president certifying that she was active and in good standing at the time of her resignation or forfeiture of membership for non-payment of dues, assessments and participation (attendance and service hours requirement). The president of the former member's former chapter shall respond to the former member within thirty (30) days after the receipt of the letter of request.
5. Members who are being reinstated shall not be required to participate in the induction ceremony; however, orientation sessions are mandatory.

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6. The time period for reinstatement begins when the chapter accepts the resignation or when the member forfeits her membership for non-payment of dues, assessments, and participation (attendance and service hours requirement), whichever comes first.
7. A former member shall pay a reinstatement fee to National Headquarters in accordance with the National Constitution and Bylaws.
8. A former member who has been inactive for more than two (2) years shall be reinstated only through induction as in the process for a new member, and shall be responsible for paying all national and chapter dues and assessments, as well as the reinstatement fee to the National Headquarters. If the former member was not in good standing, she will be expected to pay all outstanding dues and assessments to her chapter and to the national organization.
9. A former member may apply for reinstatement through her chapter between September and May. She shall be reinstated between May 1 and June 30. All dues and assessments owed at the time of separation from the chapter must be paid before she can be reinstated.

ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS

Section 1: Officers

The elected officers of the Norfolk (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated shall be: President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Assistant Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Financial Secretary and Treasurer. The President may appoint a Parliamentarian and a Chaplain.

Section 2: Term of Officers

These officers shall be elected for a term of two years; but, an officer may succeed herself for one additional term or until a successor is elected. Officers are inducted at the Annual Meeting (the last meeting of the year).
1. In each even year, the following officers shall be elected: Assistant
Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer.
2. In each odd year the following officers shall be elected: President, Vice
President, Recording Secretary and Financial Secretary.

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3. An officer may be removed from office with a 2/3 majority chapter vote for failure to perform duties or misconduct.
4. Officers shall be installed in May and assume office as of June 1st of the year of election. Prior to May 31st, the outgoing president shall be responsible for seeing to it that all records are turned over to the respective incoming officers. Official documents for the business of the Chapter should not be destroyed or altered. It is the responsibility of the current officers to turn over all records, documents and/or books to the elected officers.

Section 3: Qualifications of Officers

All elected officers shall:

1. Be active members at the time of election;
2. Have been a Link for at least two (2) years;
3. Have attended at least one (1) Area Conferences or one (1) National
Assembly within the immediately preceding five (5) years;
4. Reside physically in the locality that the chapter serves; and

All appointed officers shall:

1. Have the necessary qualifications for the office to which they are appointed; and
2. Be active members.
3. No elected or appointed officer shall hold office in her chapter during the same time that she is holding an Area office. Should a chapter officer be elected or appointed to an Area office, she automatically vacates her chapter office. No elected or appointed Area officer shall serve as a chapter delegate or alternate to an Area Conference.

Section 4: Officer Eligibility

Elected Chapter officers shall have the following qualifications:

1. Eligibility for President. To be eligible for the Office of President a member shall have served as Vice President. She shall exhibit executive

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ability, poise, dignity and articulate speech, and have demonstrated leadership skills.
2. Eligibility for Vice President. To be eligible for the Office of Vice President a member shall have served as an elected or appointed officer, facet chair or committee chair.
3. Eligibility for Recording Secretary. To be eligible for the Office of Recording Secretary, a member shall possess professional technology- based secretarial skills appropriate to organization management, including the ability to record, organize and edit proceedings for dissemination.
4. Eligibility for Treasurer. To be eligible for the Office of Treasurer, a member shall possess financial experience, and possess technology- based expertise.
5. Eligibility for Chair of Nominating Committee. To be eligible to serve as Chair of the Nominating Committee, a member shall receive the highest number of votes at the time of election.

Section 5: Nominating Committee

Nominating Committee consisting of five (5) members shall be elected by a plurality vote at each March meeting. The member receiving the highest number of votes shall be the Chairperson.

Responsibilities of the Nominating Committee:

1. The committee presents a slate of officers in April for action. Names may be presented from the floor. If more than one name is presented for an office, voting shall be by secret ballot.
2. In case of an unexpired term of the President, the vacancy shall be filled by the Vice President. The unexpired term of other officers shall be filled by appointments of the Executive Committee and subject to the confirmation of the body.
3. The Nominating Committee shall submit at least one (1) name for each office to be filled for election.
4. No member of the Nominating Committee shall stand for election to an office unless she resigns from the Nominating Committee, except that a member of the Nominating Committee need not resign from the Committee if she stands for re-election to the Nominating Committee.

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5. The Nominating Committee shall certify all candidates for office.
6. Certification shall include, but is not limited to, verifying the information on each candidate's application/profile, and certifying that each candidate:
a. Has been a member for at least two (2) years prior to nomination;
b. Is an active member in good standing;
c. Has complied with the National Assembly and Conference
Participation and Attendance policy (one-in-five); and d. Has complied with the 48-Hour Service Requirement.

Section 6: Duties of Officers

A. PRESIDENT

1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the chapter and of the Executive Committee, "and perform other duties as directed by the chapter, or as may be incident to this office.
2. She shall use her vote to break tie votes. The President shall have the right to vote for new members irrespective of the tie votes. The President can always vote by ballot. The President does not break a tie for votes by ballot.
3. She shall call special meetings and be an ex officio member of all standing committees with the right to participate, but not vote.
4. It shall be her responsibility to take the necessary step to keep the Bylaws of the Norfolk (VA) Chapter in agreement with the Constitution and Bylaws of The Links, Incorporated.
5. She shall not appoint the chair or members of the Chapter Nominating
Committee.
6. She shall not serve on the Internal Audit Committee.
7. She shall see to it that all the decisions of the chapter are fulfilled.
8. She shall be bonded.

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B. VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY

The Vice President shall preside at all meetings in the absence of the President. She shall perform such other duties as requested by the President and approved by the Executive Committee, "and perform other duties as directed by the chapter, or as may be incident to this office. The Vice President shall serve as Chair of the Membership Committee.

C. RECORDING SECRETARY

The Recording Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all chapter meetings and of the Executive Com mittee meetings, "and perform other duties as directed by the chapter, or as may be incident to this office. The minutes shall reflect the Treasurer's report.

D. ASSISTANT RECORDING

The Assistant Recording Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all chapter meetings and of the Executive Committee meetings in the absence of the Recording Secretary, "and perform other duties as directed by the chapter, or as may be incident to this office. The minutes shall reflect the Treasurer's report.

E. CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

The Corresponding Secretary: At the beginning of each chapter year the Corresponding Secretary shall notify in writing the members of date, time and hostess of all regular meetings, and perform other duties as directed by the chapter, or as may be incident to this office. The Corresponding Secretary shall send a written notification to each member before each meeting. Such notification may be in the form of electronic mail (known as “email”).
1. By the use of the Telephone Committee she shall notify members of special called meetings.
2. She shall inform members of special events taking place at meetings.
3. She shall receive all correspondence prior to the meeting and summarize its contents for the chapter meeting.
4. She shall make replies to such correspondence as may be required or as desired.

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F. FINANCIAL SECRETARY

The Financial Secretary shall collect all monies (dues and special assessments) and receipt them, and perform other duties as directed by the chapter, or as may be incident to this office. She will check with the Treasurer at intervals to balance her accounts.
1. She shall categorize the sums and turn them, with the money, over to the Treasurer.
2. She shall keep a record of all expenditures and check with the
Treasurer at intervals to balance her accounts.
3. She shall be bonded.

G. ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY

The Assistant Financial Secretary shall assist the Financial Secretary in the collection of all monies (dues and special assessments) and receipt them, and perform other duties as directed by the chapter, or as may be incident to this office. She will serve as the Financial Secretary in the absence of the Financial Secretary.
1. She shall assist in categorizing the sums and turn them, with the money, over to the Treasurer.
2. She shall assist in keeping a record of all expenditures and check with the Treasurer at intervals to balance her accounts.
3. She shall be bonded.

H. TREASURER

The Treasurer shall receive all monies from the Financial Secretary and issue a receipt for the same to the Financial Secretary, and perform other duties as directed by the chapter, or as may be incident to this office.
1. She shall keep a record of all receipts and expenditures and make monthly reports during the club year. She shall also make an annual report at the May meeting. She shall file IRS Form 990 by deadline established by National.
2. She shall disburse funds only as authorized by the chapter using the voucher system. She shall serve as Chairman of the Budget Committee.

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3. By the May meeting of each year, the Treasurer shall turn over all financial records for audit to the Chairman of the Internal Audit Committee.
4. If a new Treasurer takes office on May 1, the immediate past Treasurer will file the IRS Form 990 with National prior to delivering the financial records to the Internal Audit Committee.
5. She shall be bonded.

I. CHAPLAIN

The Chaplain shall be responsible to open meetings with an expression of prayer and if she chooses other appropriate readings which may set a devotional tempo for the meeting, and perform other duties as directed by the chapter, or as may be incident to this office.

J. PARLIAMENTARIAN

The Parliamentarian shall utilize Roberts Rules of Order and shall provide opinions when requested by the President or presiding officer, and perform other duties as directed by the chapter, or as may be incident to this office. She shall serve as Chairman of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee and the Ethics and Standards Committee.

K. PROGRAM CHAIR

The Program Chair shall coordinate the various programs set up by the Norfolk (VA) Chapter and The Links, Incorporated, and perform other duties as directed by the chapter, or as may be incident to this office.

Section 7: Terms and Vacancies of Office

Term of Office

1. Officers shall be elected at the April chapter meeting and installed at the May chapter meeting for a two-(2) year term or until their successors are elected.
2. An elected officer or a member of the Nominating Committee may succeed herself in office. She shall not serve more than two (2) consecutive terms in the same office.

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Vacancy of Office

1. In the event a vacancy occurs in the office of the President, the Vice
President shall become President for the unexpired term.
2. Unexpired terms of all other elected officers shall be filled by the President Director with the approval of the chapter Executive Committee. Unexpired terms of all appointed officers shall be filled by the President in consultation with the chapter Executive Committee.
3. The successor to the office shall be considered to have served an unexpired term and shall be eligible for election to this office for the maximum terms of the office.

ARTICLE V: MEETINGS

Section 1: Meeting Date and Time

The Norfolk (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated shall meet at 1:30 p.m. on the 4th Saturday in each month beginning in September and ending in May except for the months of June, July, August and December. These dates and times shall remain the same unless the chapter approves an alternate meeting date and time because of special circumstances. No regular meeting is scheduled in the months of June, July, August and December.

Section 2: Request for Change in Date and Time

A request or a change in the date and time of a meeting must be approved by the chapter one month prior to the meeting change.

Section 3: Quorum

A quorum must be present to transact Chapter business. A quorum shall be one half (1/2) minus one of the active members.

Section 4: Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the President if requested by the
Executive Committee or at least ten (10) members. Notice must be given at

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least three (3) days in advance with the exception of emergencies. Only those purposes stated in the call will be discussed.

Section 5: Annual Meeting

The last meeting of the club year shall be designated as the “Annual Meeting.” At the annual meeting officers and committee chairmen give annual reports and officers are inducted and assume their duties.

Section 6: Attendance Requirement

Members shall be required to attend at least two-thirds (2/3) or five (5) of the regularly scheduled chapter meetings to retain active status unless prevented by extenuating circumstances. The Membership Committee shall notify each member when the member has failed to attend at least two consecutive meetings covering the period June 1st through May 31st.

Section 7: Notification to Hostess

A member is required to notify the hostess by the Wednesday preceding any meeting of her intended absence unless otherwise requested. If the hostess is not notified, the member is responsible for paying to the Financial Secretary the cost of the meal held outside of the hostess' home in amounts designated by the hostess. When the meal is held in the hostess' home reimbursement shall be paid to the Financial Secretary in the amount of fifteen dollars ($15.00). Monies due must be paid in full within 60 days from the date of the meeting.

Section 8: Meetings by Conference Call

Conference calling shall be allowed for Facets and other committees as a means of conducting meetings. The conference calls should be documented in the following manner: The calls can be recorded or minutes of the calls must be taken if the calls cannot be recorded (and submitted to the Program Coordinator). Minutes should include time beginning and ending, a list of the members present as well as the agenda.

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Section 9: Meeting Hostess Responsibilities and Selection

Hostess responsibilities:

1. It shall be the responsibility of the hostess, at her meeting, to give the recording secretary, verbally, names of members who did not call by Wednesday prior to the meeting as stipulated in Section 7. She shall also give names of members who called after Wednesday and the reason for the absence.
2. When a meeting is held in a hotel or restaurant and a member fails to call the Wednesday prior to the meeting, the hostess will give the name or names to the recording secretary whose responsibility is to refer it to the financial secretary for cost of meal payment. The cost of the meal shall be added to the financial obligation of the member who must make this payment by the March meeting. The financial secretary shall authorize reimbursement to the hostess the night of the meeting.
3. It shall be the responsibility of the hostess who changes the meeting, not the telephone committee, to notify members of all changes made.

Hostess selection process:

1. The meeting hostess shall be selected in alphabetical order. Newly inducted members, Daughter(s) of a Link and Transfer Members will be added at the end of the active roster alphabetically by last name at the time of induction or joining the chapter. After which, the member’s name is placed in the active roster alphabetically by last name once the entire list has been cycled through.
2. If a member is unable to host a meeting, it is the responsibility of the member to secure a hostess for the meeting.

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ARTICLE VI: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1: Composition of Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall be composed of all elected officers, appointed officers, the immediate past President and the Chairperson of each committee and of the five facets. The Executive Committee shall be subject to the orders of the Chapter, and none of its acts shall conflict with action taken by the Chapter.

Section 2: Meeting Dates

It shall meet monthly before each regularly scheduled club meeting.

Section 3: Duties and Powers

The Executive Committee shall act in place of the body between meetings when action is mandatory. Members will be informed of such action by telephone within two days and such action will be included in the minutes of the Executive Committee.

Section 4: Quorum

A quorum must be present to transact business as the Executive Committee. A quorum shall not be fewer than four (4) of the seven (7) elected officers. The elected officers are the President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Assistant Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Financial Secretary and Treasurer. The President appoints the Parliamentarian and the Chaplain.

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ARTICLE VII: FACETS AND STANDING COMMITTEES

The following facets and standing committees shall be appointed by the President upon taking office. A member may volunteer for a facet and/or committee in addition to her appointed assignment(s).

Section 1: Facet Programs and Standing Committees Defined

A. SERVICES TO YOUTH FACET

The Services to Youth facet is an integrated approach to preparing young people to succeed in the 21st century workforce. The Services to Youth facet is currently presenting five national initiatives and two signature programs in support of our mission to enrich the lives of, and advocate for the betterment of, African-American youth.
The primary goals of this facet are to:
a. Promote early literacy
b. Implement local mentoring programs from kindergarten through college c. Close the academic achievement gaps from kindergarten through
college
d. Introduce and support Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) education and career readiness e. Implement college readiness programs
f. Increase high school and college graduation rates
g. Award college scholarships and build educational endowments
h. Promote and support Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCUs)

B. THE ARTS FACET

The goal of The Arts facet is to increase and expand art activity, and elevate our programs through arts integration and effectively create an arts renaissance within our organization and programmatic efforts.

C. NATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES FACET

The vision of the National Trends and Services facet is to eliminate disparities by reducing barriers to services through advocacy, education, and service.

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Our goals include increasing the number of sustainable and measurable programs; increasing collaborative partnerships; and extending our existing initiatives to include communities identified as having the greatest need.

D. INTERNATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES FACET

The mission of the International Trends and Services facet is to expand the global platform for programs designed and developed to service the educational, health and cultural needs of people of African descent throughout the world. All programmatic components of the facet are delivered through measurable and sustainable service delivery methods that reach women and their families.

E. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FACET

The mission of the Health and Human Services facet is to promote and facilitate programs that support the maintenance of good health and the elimination of chronic health disparities in communities of color through education, health advocacy, and optimal utilization of health resources. Community education about health risks is crucial and The Links, Incorporated can play a significant role in providing it.

F. SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

The purpose of this committee is to award scholarships to worthy African- American female high school students in Norfolk Public Schools. These students are selected with the aid of the guidance counselors through the high school Guidance Departments of Norfolk Public Schools.

G. CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS COMMITTEE

The Constitution and Bylaws Committee evaluates and recommends changes to the National Constitution and Bylaws Committee and the chapter Constitution and Bylaws, as needed.

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H. ETHICS AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE

The Chapter President appoints the Chapter Ethics and Standards Committee ranging from 3-5 members: Vice President/Membership; Parliamentarian; Chapter member (Appointed as Chair); Chapter member; Chapter member. Chapter Presidents cannot serve on the Chapter Ethics and Standards Committee, Area Directors cannot serve on the Area Ethics and Standards Committees, as well as, The National President cannot serve on the National (Executive Council Ethics and Standards Committee). The highest-ranking officer on all levels appoints chairs of ethics committees: Chapter Presidents, Area Directors, and National President.

I. BUDGET COMMITTEE

The Budget Committee shall consist of five members, three of whom shall be the Treasurer, Financial Secretary and Parliamentarian.

J. INTERNAL AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Internal Audit Committee:
1. is composed of three (3) members appointed by the President.
2. NOT include the financial officers or the President.
3. reviews the financial records of the chapter to ensure compliance with the chapter’s bylaws and operating procedures.
4. reviews the financial records of the chapter to ensure compliance with the National Constitution & Bylaws of The Links, Incorporated and the Manual of Procedure.

K. ARCHIVES COMMITTEE

The archivists ensures the long-term preservation of collections; and plans and directs exhibitions, publications, and other outreach programs to broaden the use of collections and to enlist support for archival programs. The archivists shall oversee the operation of the Center for African-American Life and History housed at the Harrison B. Wilson Archives, Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia.

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L. COURTESY COMMITTEE

This committee serves as the hospitality arm of the Chapter. The committee plans and executes courtesies as defined under Duties of the Standing Committees.

M. SOCIAL COMMITTEE

The Social Committee is composed of five (5) members who will plan the social activities for the year and report to the chapter in September.

N. SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE

The Special Projects Committee Charged with the responsibility of procuring funds and/or developing and implementing projects that will bring funds into the chapter in order to support chapter scholarships and projects.

Section 2: Duties of the Facet Programs

1. Services to Youth Facet: To organize a program for the chapter which (1) identifies areas of service to youth in our community, (2) implements these services during the club year and (3) evaluates the program.
2. The Arts Facet: To plan a program for the chapter which (1) identifies the area/areas of involvement for a particular club year, (2) outlines implementation of the proposed area/areas of involvement, (3) carries to fruition the implementation as outlined and (4) evaluates the program.
3. National Trend and Services Facet: To plan a program for the chapter which (1) identifies the area/areas of involvement for a particular chapter year, (2) outlines implementation of the proposed area/areas of involvement, (3) carries to fruition implementation as outlined and (4) evaluates same.
4. International Trends and Services Facet: To plan a program for the chapter which (1) identifies the area/areas of involvement for a particular chapter year, (2) outlines implementation of the proposed area/areas of involvement, (3) carries to fruition implementation as outlined and (4) evaluates the same.
5. Health and Human Services Facet: To plan a program for the chapter which (1) identifies the area/areas of involvement for a particular chapter year, (2) outlines implementation of the proposed area/areas of

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involvement, (3) carries to fruition implementation as outlined and (4)
evaluates the same.

Section 3: Duties of the Standing Committees

1. Scholarship Committee: To award a scholarship annually to a deserving African-American high school graduate in Norfolk Public Schools and to recognize the outstanding achievements of all African-American high school honor graduates in Norfolk Public Schools.
2. Constitution and Bylaws Committee: To have a portion of two meetings devoted to the study of the National and Chapter Constitution and Bylaws of the chapter under the leadership of the President or Parliamentarian; to review the Bylaws each year; to update the Bylaws and Constitution as result of change and recommendations made at the Assembly and/or by the membership; to keep on file copies of the Bylaws for the chapter officers and for new members.
3. Ethics and Standards Committee: To review and approve the completed Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statements; assist the Chapter President, Area Director or National President with ensuring that the
‘Complaint Form’, when submitted, is completed, dated and signed; guarantee that the complaint is not anonymous; and gather information and try to ameliorate the situation before the hearing is held before the respective counterparts; Chapter, Area Executive Committee, and/ or Executive Council. The Chair of the given ethics committee chairs the hearings. It is a 2/3 vote of the Chapter, Area Executive Committee, and/or National (Executive Council) that is required to find whether a violation has or has not occurred and to impose sanctions.
4. Budget Committee: To set up the annual operating budget for the Norfolk (VA) Chapter and present it for approval at the January meeting for the upcoming chapter year.
5. Internal Audit Committee:
1) Reviews monthly bank reconciliation as prepared by the Treasurer.
The review includes: Confirmation of deposits/funds received by
Financial Secretary as turned over to Treasurer.
a. Ensures compliance of good accounting practices by checking the beginning and ending balances. The chapter treasurer and financial secretary shall submit books to the chapter’s internal

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audit committee within sixty (60) days from the end of the fiscal year (April 30) for internal audit.
b. Reviews checks written to ensure that they are in accordance with national, area and chapter policies, budgets and the requirement of two signatures are affixed on checks written.
c. Reviews bank statements, vouchers and receipts.
d. Any discrepancies should be discussed with the Treasurer and Financial secretary prior to presenting to the Executive Board and membership.
e. Reviews all financial reports prepared for Audit.
2) For annual Gross Receipts under $25,000, the Chapter may use its Internal Audit Committee to issue its statement as to the accuracy of the financial reports.
a. A compilation is used by small entities and does not necessarily involve examination by a CPA. Duties during a compilation examine the financial statements as prepared by the Treasurer for accuracy. A compilation requires a common sense analysis based on the information know about the activities of the Chapter during that period.
3) The Internal Audit Committee shall select an accountant or audit firm based on the following criteria: annual gross receipts of $25,001 to
$50,000 and request a Financial Review; for Gross Receipts of
$50,001 without exception shall require an external independent audit firm.
a. There are significant differences between the objectives of an audit of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and the objectives of a review in accordance with statements on standards for accounting and review services. The objective of an audit is to provide a reasonable basis for expressing an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole.
b. A review does not provide a basis for the expression of such an opinion because a review does not contemplate obtaining an understanding of the internal control structure or assess control risk, ordinarily performed during an audit. A review may bring to the Chapter’s attention significant matters affecting the financial

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statements, but it does not provide assurance that the Chapter will become aware of all significant matters that would be disclosed in an audit.
6. Archives Committee: The Archives Committee shall establish and maintain control, both physical and intellectual, over records of enduring value. Archivists select records, a process that requires an understanding of the historical context in which the records were created, the uses for which they were intended, and their relationships to other sources. The archivists ensures the long-term preservation of collections; and plans and directs exhibitions, publications, and other outreach programs to broaden the use of collections and to enlist support for archival programs. The archivists shall oversee the operation of the Center for African-American Life and History housed at the Harrison B. Wilson Archives, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia.
7. Courtesy Committee: This Committee is to plan and execute the following duties:
a. Send a card to a member, Connecting Link, or Heir-O-Link, who has been ill at home.
b. Send a gift not to exceed $30.00 when a member is hospitalized.
c. In case of death of a member, send the chapter's donation of
$100.00 to a choice designated by the deceased member's family.
d. In case of the death of a Connecting Link or Heir-O-Link, send the chapter's donation of $50.00 to a choice designated by the Link member.
e. In case of the death of a parent or parents of a member, send the chapter's donation of $50.00 to a choice designated by the Link member.
f. Upon the extended illness or death of a Cluster, Area or National officer, the chapter shall send a card to the affected Link or the Link's family.
g. Send a gift of $30.00 in the event of a new birth or adoption by a member.
h. The chapter shall send a card and a congratulatory gift of $50.00 to a chapter member upon her marriage.

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i. Send the chapter's gift of $30.00 to Heir-O-Link upon his or her marriage.
j. Send the chapter's gift of $30.00 to each Heir-O-Link upon his/her graduation from college.
k. Send a card from the chapter to each Heir-O-Link upon his/her graduation from high school.
l. Send a congratulatory card to local Links when they are honored for outstanding achievement.
m. Honor a member who is retiring from full time employment with a gift of $30.00.
n. At the discretion of the President and the Executive Committee, extend courtesy not to exceed $50.00 to National Officers and Links of national prominence visiting this area for significant occasions.
8. Social Committee: This committee is to plan social activities for the club year, and present the expenses for the proposed activities to the Budget Committee prior to the first meeting of the club year. Upon the approval of the budget, a list of suggested activities will be presented to the chapter for acceptance. These activities are to promote good fellowship and comradery among members, their husbands, and friends.
9. Project Committee: This committee will explore and search for activities that will increase the monetary intake of the chapter to be used for chapter projects. Upon a selection, approved by the chapter, it will plan and execute the plans for the activity.
10. Telephone Committee: This committee shall act at the behest of the President, Vice President or Corresponding Secretary to communicate pertinent Link business or events as directed.

ARTICLE VIII: FINANCE

Section 1: Annual Dues

Annual dues for the ensuing fiscal year are to be determined by the budget presented and accepted by the chapter at the January meeting.

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Section 2: National Dues and Assessments

Annual National dues and assessments of an active member and a member on leave of absence shall be recommended by the Finance Committee and approved by the National Assembly. They shall be paid to National Headquarters through her Chapter.
1. Affiliate members shall pay dues and assessments directly to National Headquarters. Twenty percent (20%) of the National dues shall be remitted to the treasurers of the Areas by National Headquarters.
2. Active members shall meet all Chapter financial obligations prior to the submission of dues and assessments to National Headquarters.
3. All dues and assessments shall be paid to National Headquarters by Chapter check, cashier's check, or money order payable to The Links, Incorporated postmarked by April I of each year. A late fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be added for dues if paid after that date.
4. Members shall receive annual certification providing that dues have been submitted to National Headquarters. There shall be a charge often dollars ($10.00) for each duplicate financial card.
5. Each new member shall pay a joining fee plus National dues and assessments for the current year and a capital endowment fee, a program endowment fee, and a technology fee.
a. They shall pay Chapter dues and assessments as prescribed by the Chapter.
b. All fees due to National Headquarters shall be postmarked thirty- five (35) days prior to induction.
c. Members of Chapters chartered in the first six (6) months of the fiscal year shall pay the full amount of the current year's dues and assessments.
d. Members of Chapters chartered in the last six (6) months of the fiscal year shall pay one-half (1/2) of the current year's dues and one-half (1/2) of the grants-in-aid assessments.

Section 3: Payment of Dues

Dues are payable monthly; however the full dues must be paid by the April meeting.

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Section 4: Delinquent Members

A member becomes delinquent and her name is not sent to the National Office if her dues are not paid in full by the April meeting.

Section 5: Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Norfolk (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated will be from May 1 through April 30th of the next calendar year. Any member deemed financial on May 1 will retain the financial status throughout the fiscal year. Dues and assessments occurring during a fiscal year will not affect a member's financial status until the May 1 beginning of the next fiscal year.

Section 6: Signing Authority

Authorized signers on all chapter financial and investment accounts shall be the the Treasurer and the President. All expensed funds require dual signatures.

Section 7: Budget Development

The operating budget for the Chapter shall be presented and adopted at the January meeting. It shall be the responsibility of the Budget Committee to ensure all program facets and committees are represented and funded.

Section 8: Annual Audit

The chapter shall execute an internal audit annually. It shall be the responsibility of the Internal Audit Committee to conduct the annual review; and as necessary, review and propose internal controls, notify the chapter of any weaknesses in the financial structure, as well as, make recommendations for improvement.

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ARTICLE IX: DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES

Section 1: Delegates to the Assemblies

The chapter shall send at least one delegate to the area Assembly and at least one delegate to the National Assembly.

Section 2: Officers as Delegates

The President shall be the delegate to the area Assembly and to the National Assembly during her two year term, unless for extenuating circumstances she is unable to attend.
The Vice President shall be the alternate to the area and National Assemblies, unless for extenuating circumstances she is unable to attend.

Delegate selection process in the event of a vacancy:

Delegates shall be selected in order of elected officer responsibility as follows in the event the delegate cannot serve: President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Program Chair, or member selected by the Chapter.

Section 3: Expectations of Delegates

The delegate and/or alternate delegate shall make a full report, oral or written, upon return from any area meeting or conference or national assembly at the next regularly scheduled club meeting. All reports of such meetings much be fully documented in the chapter meeting minutes.

Section 4: Payments for Delegates

The chapter shall pay for its delegates to the Assemblies registration, housing at the single rate and transportation by air or car, whichever is less expensive. Rate by car is calculated at the prevailing state rate per mile.

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ARTICLE X: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The rules in Robert Rules of Order Newly Revised (11th ed.) shall be the parliamentary authority providing they are applicable and consistent with the Constitution and Bylaws of The Links, Incorporated.

ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS AND BYLAWS

Section 1: Procedure for Amending Bylaws

The Bylaws may be amended by submitting in writing the proposed amendment. This must be read to the chapter one month prior to action. An affirmative vote of two thirds (2/3) of the active members shall be required for action.
The revised bylaws shall take effect when adopted.

Section 2: Amendment and Revision of the Bylaws

1. The Bylaws shall be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the active members of the chapter.
2. The proposed amendment shall be recommended by a member of the Chapter, the Chapter Executive Committee and/or the National/ Chapter Constitution and Bylaws Committee.
3. The proposed amendment must be presented in writing to the Constitution and Bylaws Committee at least thirty (30) days prior to the January meeting.
4. An amendment must be circulated to each member by the Constitution and
Bylaws Committee at least fifteen (15) days prior to the January meeting.
5. Any amendment proposed at a chapter meeting shall be referred to the Constitution and Bylaws Committee for consideration at the next scheduled chapter meeting.

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ARTICLE XII: RITUALS AND EMBLEMS

Section 1: Rituals

The official rituals of The Links, Incorporated shall be used for all The Links ceremonies.

Section 2: Emblems

The following items shall be official emblems of The Links, Incorporated:

• Insignia: a world globe encircled by a chain;

• Flower: white rose; and

• Colors: green and white.

1. Emblems may be used on all stationery, programs, and publications of
The Links, Incorporated.
2. The official jewelry of The Links, Incorporated shall bear a symbol of The
Links, Incorporated.
3. The Seal of Incorporation shall be used only by authorized persons to validate documents and official papers.

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2011-2015 Constitution and Bylaws Committee

Link Vicki Corneille, Chair
Link Beverly Atwater
Link Dia Hayes Link Sharon Lowe Link Tarrye Venable