CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

The Congress, by Public Law 102-1888, designated 1992 as the "Year of the American Indian". The proclamation, signed by the President of the United States, encouraged Federal, State and local government officials to observe the year with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

The Denver Federal Executive Board (DFEB) approved the establishment of an American Indian Program Council (AIPC) in July 1992, as a subcommittee of the DFEB.

The mission of the DFEB/AIPC is to address issues that impact the employability of American Indians.

ARTICLE I

The goals of the Council shall be:

1. To serve as an information liaison between Federal agencies and American Indian tribes, organizations and individuals to improve recruitment and increase awareness of Federal employment.

2. To unite, under the DFEB council, individuals designated as AIPC representatives.

3. To serve as the focal point within the DFEB for the interagency coordination of activities pertaining to American Indians, and eliminating unnecessary duplications.

4. To assist Federal managers to increase the hires, promotions and retention of American Indians in the Federal government.

5. To educate Federal agencies on American Indian issues.

6. To inform and educate Federal agencies on American Indian Council activities and serve as advisors to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Managers on matters affecting the employment and advancement of American Indians.

7. To be a resource to Federal agencies in improving service delivery to American Indians.

8. To assist Federal agencies in developing employment and educational opportunities for American Indian youth.

ARTICLE II

The DFEB/AIPC shall consist of agency designated representatives, known as council members, and designated alternates, who are knowledgeable about employment needs affecting American Indians and committed to the goals of the program.

The AIPC will also consist of additional agency committee members, subject to supervisory approval, who are interested in furthering the goals of the council.

For purposes of (conducting official business and/or voting), a quorum shall consist of ten percent of the membership and at least one AIPC officer. Voting privileges will be limited to agency designated representatives.

ARTICLE III

As a subcommittee of the DFEB, the AIPC operates under the auspices of the board and will:

1. Prepare and submit by July 1 of each year an annual workplan for review and approval by the DFEB.

2. Inform the DFEB in advance of any activities or programs not reflected in the annual workplan.

3. Report on committee accomplishments through an annual report due on December 31 and any other reports requested by the DFEB.

OFFICERS:

1. The officers of the Council shall consist of a chairperson, vice chairperson, treasurer, and a recording secretary.

2. The term of office for each officer shall be for two years, beginning October 1 and ending September 30. An officer may not serve more than one consecutive term.

3. Each member of the AIPC shall serve as honorary host agency on a voluntary basis when meetings are held at his/her agency.

ARTICLE V

DUTIES OF OFFICERS:

1. The chairperson shall act as chief spokesperson for the Council and shall preside at all general meetings; assume the responsibility for the overall coordination of the organization and assignment of duties to members and officers; all official Council correspondence shall bear his/her signature; shall be responsible for all reports required under ARTICLE IV; and shall appoint all presidents of the standing and special committees.

2. The vice chairperson shall assume all responsibilities of the chairperson in his/her absence.

3. The secretary/recorder shall transcribe and submit minutes of all meetings and shall maintain files of all correspondence and activities.

4. The treasurer shall manage all financial matters of the Council and will be responsible for maintaining an accurate record of funds. DFEB will maintain funds acquired by the Council; but the treasurer will keep status of approved expenditures and funds acquisition. In the absence of the secretary/recorder, the treasurer will take minutes of Council meetings.

5. The officers of the Council shall meet at the discretion of the chairperson, vice chairperson or at the request of the two remaining officers. They will interpret and enforce the Council's Constitution and Bylaws. The officers shall propose amendments to the general membership for approval or rejection.

ARTICLE VI

ELECTIONS AND TERMS OF OFFICE:

1. The term of office shall be for two years, beginning October 1, of the first year and ending September 30, of the second year.

2. Election of officers shall be held as follows:

    a. A special election meeting will be held in September on the final year of the officer's term.

    b. Nominations will be accepted from the floor during the July quarterly meeting. Along with the July minutes, a list of the slate of nominees will be sent to the membership with a notice of the September election meeting. Additional nominations will be accepted through August 30.

    c. Ballots with the final slate of nominees will be sent to the membership prior to the September meeting.

    d. Voting at elections shall be by secret ballot, each member will be entitled to one vote. Absentee ballots will be accepted if received by the deadline specified on the ballot.

    e. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes, both absentee and from the membership present, shall be declared elected to that office. In the event of a tie, a run-off will be conducted with only those members present.

3. In the event the chairperson cannot complete the term of office, the vice chairperson shall complete the unexpired term and a new vice chairperson shall be elected. In the event that any other officer cannot complete his/her term, the majority vote of the general membership present shall decide who shall complete the unexpired term. Any officer who fails to attend three (3) consecutive meetings without due cause, will cause the position to be declared vacant and a replacement will be elected by majority vote of members present at the time of declaration.

ARTICLE VII

MEETINGS:

1. The general membership of this Council shall meet quarterly, normally on the first Wednesday of the first month of each quarter (October, January, April, and July). The chairperson may call special meetings at his/her discretion. The vice chairperson may call a special meeting in the absence of the chairperson.

2. On voting matters, not related to elections or amendments of the Bylaws, a simple majority of the general membership shall carry the motion.

ARTICLE VIII

STANDING COMMITTEES:

The AIPC shall have the following standing committees in order to achieve AIPC goals:

1. Constitution and Bylaws Committee: This committee will develop and recommend amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws. It will also make certain that the official document incorporates the changes authorized by the membership. This committee will ensure that all proposed amendments to the Constitution are approved by the DFEB Board of Directors prior to a Council vote.

2. Public Relations and Information Committee: This committee will maintain continuing relations with the American Indian community and other organizations sharing the Council's goals. This committee is also charged with distribution of information regarding programs and events.

3. Training Committee: This committee will identify needs and develop training strategies aimed at improving the professional expertise of AIPC representatives and Federal managers, supervisors and employees.

4. Special Functions Committee: This committee will coordinate a yearly program for the celebration of Native American Indian Heritage Month.

5. Recruitment Committee: This committee will organize recruiting activities such as SF-171 workshops, career fairs and other outreach activities to inform the American Indian community of Federal employment opportunities. The committee will also serve as a resource to Federal managers in the development and advancement of American Indians in addressing issues of underrepresentation.

6. Ad Hoc Committee: Ad Hoc committees may be formed as the chairperson and general membership deems necessary.

ARTICLE IX

RATIFICATION AND AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS:

Amendments to the bylaws will be proposed to the officers who will in turn present the proposal to the general Council members for approval or rejection. A 2/3 vote shall suffice for passing amendments.

These Constitution and Bylaws shall be considered adopted by a 2/3 vote of general membership present and shall take effect upon signatures of all officers of the Council.

Chairperson, Violet J. Rogers

Vice Chairperson, Deirdre Flood

Recording Secretary, Georgia Madrid

Treasurer, John Harrison

DFEB Executive Director, Lea Chapan