By-Laws

BY-LAWS ARTICLE I – OBJECTIVE

1. Philanthropic activities are supported through an annual charity event and other fund raisers.
2. Social activities throughout the year provide friendship among American women residing in Curaçao and promote traditional American activities for members’ families. Activities to raise monies for social events can take place with membership approval. The monies raised will go into the Club’s operating funds (Refer to Article VI, #2-d, of Constitution).

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP

1. General and honorary members hold these rights:

   a) to attend and participate in all club general meetings

   b) to address the Board on pending issues

   c) to vote on issues pertaining to the Club activities and elections

   General, honorary and postal members hold these privileges:

   a) to attend and participate in all club activities

   b) to receive a monthly newsletter, club mailings and an annual membership directory

   General and honorary members hold these obligations:

   a) to adhere to the Constitution and By-Laws of the AWC

   b) to pay annual membership dues on a timely basis

   c) to support and participate in the Club’s endeavors

2. The above rights and privileges will be revoked for those members who have not paid membership dues prior to the November general meetings.

   a) Postal members are excluded from general meetings and the right to vote.

3. Records pertaining to honorary membership are to be kept by the Secretary of the Club.
4. Potential new members are invited to one (1) general meeting per year.

   a) House guests from abroad may attend general meetings.

ARTICLE III – TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

1. Non-payment of dues, after two written notifications, will result in the loss of privileges as stated in Article II, #2 of the By –Laws.
2. Specific grievances in regard to the conduct of any member shall be submitted in writing to the board for review. All grievances will be kept in a permanent file with the Secretary. The Board shall review such grievances, and, if deemed necessary, may terminate a membership by a unanimous vote.
3. Revocation of Membership (Refer to Article IV, #1-f, of the Constitution).

ARTICLE IV – BOARD OF OFFICERS

1. (Refer to Article VI of the Constitution).

ARTICLE V – COMMITTEES

1. Charity Committee – Shall be comprised of the President and the Board of Officers.

   a) Although this committee is responsible for the collection and distribution of monies for the poor and needy of Curaçao, it shall distribute any such monies only with the approval of the general membership of the AWC.

   b) No monies shall be given to any organization associated with a specific religion, race, or political group, although exceptions may be made in the case of specific charities.

2. Membership Committee – Shall be comprised of a Membership Chairman and the number of members the Chairman deems necessary to carry out the duties of this committee.

   a) Shall be responsible for collecting dues.

   b) Shall compile and update the membership directory and distribute it to the general, honorary and postal members.

   c) Shall prepare and retain an up-to-date membership list.

3. Newsletter Committee – Shall be comprised of an Editor and the number of members the Editor deems necessary to compile, print and distribute the newsletter

   a) Shall be responsible for the compilation, printing and distribution of the newsletter.

   b) Notification of the monthly meetings of the AWC will be printed in the newsletter.

   c) Deadline for articles will be determined by the Committee.

4. Scholarship Committee – Shall be comprised of a number of volunteers not to exceed six (6) members.

   a) Shall oversee the distribution of funds generated by charity events to a deserving student.

   b) The criteria are to be outlined by the committee and voted on by the general membership.

5. All Other Committees – Shall be formed “as necessary” and chaired by volunteers, i.e. FAWCO, Hospital, Cultural, etc.

ARTICLE VI – ACTIVITIES The following activities, if possible, and among others, shall be organized by the Club:

1. July 4th Celebration – Shall be a family picnic for members and non-member Americans.
2. Children’s Halloween Party – Shall be for club membership only.
3. Thanksgiving Dinner – Shall be for Club members and non-member Americans and Canadians.
4. Children’s Christmas Party – Shall be for Club families only.
5. International Coffee – Members shall be able to invite two (2) guests only.
6. Annual Charity Event – All attending will be required to purchase a ticket, including volunteer helpers.

ARTICLE VII – CHANGES TO BY-LAWS

1. The By-Laws may be changed only by a meeting of the general membership and by an absolute majority of votes cast. Each general and honorary member may cast one (1) vote. Any suggested change in the By-Laws must be published in the newsletter one (1) month prior to the voting meeting to enable all members to consider the change and take part in the vote.