Inspired Women Business Alliance
ARTICLE I. NAME OF ORGANIZATION
Inspired Women Business Alliance
ARTICLE II. CORPORATE PURPOSE
Section 1. Nonprofit Purpose
This corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Section 2. Specific Purpose
Inspired Women Business Alliance is a grassroots helping hand for women.
We shall provide services to ensure sustainable resources to encourage self-sufficiency through business for all interested women. Inspired Women Business Alliance’s Empowerment Annex includes events, educational / art classes, retail space, and mentor-ship.
The specific objectives and purpose of this organization shall be:
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
The membership of the corporation shall consist of the members of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IV. MEETINGS OF MEMBERS
N/A
ARTICLE V. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. General Powers
The affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall have control of and be responsible for the management of the affairs and property of the Corporation.
Section 2. Number, Tenure, Requirements, and Qualifications
The number of Directors shall be fixed from time-to-time by the Directors.
The members of the Board of Directors shall immediately enter upon the performance of their duties and shall continue in office until their successors shall be duly qualified. All members of the Board of Directors and Advisory Council must be approved by a majority of the members present and voting. No vote on new members of the Board of Directors, or Advisory Council, shall be held unless a quorum of the Board of Directors is present.
No two members of the Board of Directors related by blood or marriage/domestic partnership within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity may serve on the Board of Directors at the same time.
Each member of the Board of Directors shall be a volunteered position and may hold office indefinitely until a vacancy of a seat is available.
Newly elected members of the Board of Directors who have not served before shall serve initial one-year terms. At the conclusion of the initial one-year term, members of the Board of Directors may serve indefinitely.
Each member of the Board of Directors shall attend at least nine (9) monthly meetings of the Board per year.
Section 3. Regular and Annual Meetings
An annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held at a time and day in the month of September of each calendar year and at a location designated by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may provide by resolution the time and place, for the holding of regular meetings of the Board; may allow for skype, instant messaging, and video chat. Notice of these meetings shall be sent to all members of the Board of Directors no less than ten (10) days, prior to the meeting date by email or instant messaging.
Section 4. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the President or any two members of the Board of Directors. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix any location, skype, instant messaging, or video chat as the place for holding any special meeting of the Board called by them.
Section 5. Notice
Notice of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given at least two (2) days in advance of the meeting by telephone, facsimile or electronic methods or by written notice. Any Director may waive notice of any meeting. The attendance of a Director at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a Director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular meeting of the Board of Directors need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting, unless specifically required by law or by these by-laws.
Section 6. Quorum
The presence, in person of a majority of current members of the Board of Directors shall be necessary at any meeting to constitute a quorum to transact business, but a lesser number shall have power to adjourn to a specified later date without notice. The act of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors, unless the act of a greater number is required by law or by these by-laws.
Section 7. Forfeiture
Any member of the Board of Directors who fails to fulfill any of his or her requirements as set forth in Section 2 of this Article by September 1st shall automatically forfeit his or her seat on the Board. The Secretary shall notify the Director in writing that his or her seat has been declared vacant, and the Board of Directors may forthwith immediately proceed to fill the vacancy. Members of the Board of Directors who are removed for failure to meet any or all of the requirements of Section 2 of this Article are not entitled to vote at the annual meeting and are not entitled to the procedure outlined in Section 14 of this Article in these by-laws.
Section 8. Vacancies
Whenever any vacancy occurs in the Board of Directors it shall be filled without undue delay by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Board of Directors at a regular meeting. Vacancies may be created and filled according to specific methods approved by the Board of Directors.
Section 9. Compensation
Members of the Board of Directors shall not receive any compensation for their services as Directors.
Section 10. Informal Action by Directors
Any action required by law to be taken at a meeting of the Directors, or any action which may be taken at a meeting of Directors, may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by two-thirds (2/3) of all of the Directors following notice of the intended action to all members of the Board of Directors.
Section 11. Confidentiality
Directors past and present shall not discuss or disclose information about the Corporation or its activities to any person or entity unless such information is already a matter of public knowledge, such person or entity has a need to know, or the disclosure of such information is in furtherance of the Corporations’ purposes, or can reasonably be expected to benefit the Corporation. Directors shall use discretion and good business judgment in discussing the affairs of the Corporation with third parties. Without limiting the foregoing, Directors may discuss upcoming fundraisers and the purposes and functions of the Corporation, including but not limited to accounts on deposit in financial institutions.
Each Director shall execute a confidentiality agreement consistent herewith upon being voted onto and accepting appointment to the Board of Directors.
Section 12. Parliamentary Procedure
Any question concerning parliamentary procedure at meetings shall be determined by the President by reference to Robert’s Rules of Order.
Section 13. Removal
Any member of the Board of Directors may be removed with or without cause, at any time, by vote of three-quarters (3/4) of the members of the Board of Directors if in their judgment the best interest of the Corporation would be served thereby. Each member of the Board of Directors must receive written notice of the proposed removal at least ten (10) days in advance of the proposed action. An officer who has been removed as a member of the Board of Directors shall automatically be removed from office.
Members of the Board of Directors who are removed for failure to meet the minimum requirements in Section 2 of this Article in these by-laws automatically forfeit their positions on the Board pursuant to Section 7 of this Article, and are not entitled to the removal procedure outlined in Section 14 of this Article.
ARTICLE VI. OFFICERS
The officers of this Board may be the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Committee Director.
Section 1. President
The President shall preside at all meetings of the membership. The President shall have the following duties:
Section 2. Vice-President
The Vice-President shall be vested with all the powers and shall perform all the duties of the President during the absence of the latter. The Vice-Presidents duties are:
Section 3. Secretary
The Secretary shall attend all meetings and will act as a clerk thereof. The Secretary’s duties shall consist of:
The Treasures duties shall be:
Election of Officers
The Nominations shall submit at the meeting prior to the annual meeting the names of those persons for the respective offices. The election shall be held at the annual meeting. Those officers elected shall serve a term of one (1) year, commencing at the next meeting following the annual meeting.
Section 7. Removal of Officer
The Advisory Board with the concurrence of 3/4 of the members voting at the meeting may remove any officer of the Board of Directors and elect a successor for the unexpired term. No officer of the Board of Directors shall be expelled without an opportunity to be heard and notice of such motion of expulsion shall be given to the member in writing twenty (20) days prior to the meeting at which motion shall be presented, setting forth the reasons of the Board for such expulsion.
Section 8. Vacancies
Nominations shall be sent in writing to the Directors of the Board at least two (2) weeks prior to the next meeting at which the election will be held. The persons so elected shall hold office for the unexpired term in respect of which such vacancy occurred.
ARTICLE VII. COMMITTEES
Section 1. Committee Formation
The board may create committees as needed, such as fundraising, public relations, data collection, etc. The board Director appoints all committee Directors.
ARTICLE VIII. CORPORATE STAFF
Section 1: Executive Director
The Board of Directors may appoint an Executive Director who shall serve at the will of the Board. The Executive Director shall have immediate and overall supervision of the operations of the Corporation, and shall direct the day-to-day business of the Corporation, maintain the properties of the Corporation and perform such additional duties as may be directed the Board of Directors. No officer, or member of the Board of Directors may individually instruct the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall make such reports at the Board meetings as shall be required by the President or the Board. The Executive Director shall be an ad-hoc member of all committees.
The Executive Director may not be related by blood or marriage/domestic partnership within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to any member of the Board of Directors or Advisory Council. The Executive Director may be appointed at any meeting of the Board of Directors by a majority vote and shall serve until removed by the Board of Directors upon an affirmative vote of three-quarters (3/4) of the members present at any meeting of the Board Directors. Such removal may be with or without cause.
ARTICLE IX. – Conflict of Interest and Compensation
Section 1: Purpose
The purpose of the conflict of interest policy is to protect this tax-exempt organization’s (Organization) interest when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer or director of the Organization or might result in a possible excess benefit transaction. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to nonprofit and charitable organizations.
Section 2: Definitions
A financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. Under Article III, Section 2, a person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the appropriate governing board or committee decides that a conflict of interest exists.
Section 3. Procedures
Section 4. Records of Proceedings
The minutes of the governing board and all committees with board delegated powers shall contain:
Each director, principal officer and member of a committee with governing board delegated powers shall annually sign a statement which affirms such person:
To ensure the Organization operates in a manner consistent with charitable purposes and does not engage in activities that could jeopardize its tax-exempt status, periodic reviews shall be conducted. The periodic reviews shall, at a minimum, include the following subjects:
Section 8. Use of Outside Experts
When conducting the periodic reviews as provided for in Article VII, the Organization may, but need not, use outside advisors. If outside experts are used, their use shall not relieve the governing board of its responsibility for ensuring periodic reviews are conducted.
ARTICLE X. IDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. General
To the full extent authorized under the laws of the District of Columbia, the corporation shall indemnify any director, officer, or agent, or former member, director, officer, or agent of the corporation, or any person who may have served at the corporation’s request as a director or officer of another corporation (each of the foregoing members, directors, officers, agents, and persons is referred to in this Article individually as an “indemnitee”), against expenses actually and necessarily incurred by such indemnitee in connection with the defense of any action, suit, or proceeding in which that indemnitee is made a party by reason of being or having been such member, director, officer, or agent, except in relation to matters as to which that indemnitee shall have been adjudged in such action, suit, or proceeding to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of a duty. The foregoing indemnification shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which an indemnitee may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, resolution of the Board of Directors, or otherwise.
Section 2. Expenses
Expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit, or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit, or proceeding, if authorized by the Board of Directors, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the indemnitee to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified hereunder.
Section 3. Insurance
The corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a member, director, officer, or agent against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power or obligation to indemnify such person against such liability under this Article.
ARTICLE XI. BOOKS AND RECORDS
The corporation shall keep complete books and records of account and minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Articles of Incorporation
The Articles may be amended in any manner at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors, provided that specific written notice of the proposed amendment of the Articles setting forth the proposed amendment or a summary of the changes to be effected thereby shall be given to each director at least three days in advance of such a meeting if delivered personally, by facsimile, or by e-mail or at least five days if delivered by mail. As required by the Articles, any amendment to Article III or Article VI of the Articles shall require the affirmative vote of all directors then in office. All other amendments of the Articles shall require the affirmative vote of an absolute majority of directors then in office.
Section 2. Bylaws
The Board of Directors may amend these Bylaws by majority vote at any regular or special meeting. Written notice setting forth the proposed amendment or summary of the changes to be effected thereby shall be given to each director within the time and the manner provided for the giving of notice of meetings of directors.
ADOPTION OF BYLAWS
We, the undersigned, are all of the initial directors or incorporators of this corporation, and we consent to, and hereby do, adopt the foregoing Bylaws, consisting of the 14 preceding pages, as the Bylaws of this corporation.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED by the Board of Directors on this 22nd day of February, 2016.
Miranda Owens
CEO - President – Inspired Women Business Alliance
Georgia Puga
ATTEST: Secretary – Inspired Women Business Alliance
Inspired Women Business Alliance
ARTICLE II. CORPORATE PURPOSE
Section 1. Nonprofit Purpose
This corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Section 2. Specific Purpose
Inspired Women Business Alliance is a grassroots helping hand for women.
We shall provide services to ensure sustainable resources to encourage self-sufficiency through business for all interested women. Inspired Women Business Alliance’s Empowerment Annex includes events, educational / art classes, retail space, and mentor-ship.
The specific objectives and purpose of this organization shall be:
- To provide public events, addressing the need for renewable community support and commerce opportunities.
- To provide classes on diverse topics to strengthen women to women bonds; arts, business, community, and personal.
- To provide retail space to encourage business self-sufficiency, knowledge, and marketing participation.
- To provide a welcoming environment for women to make connections for personal, business, and community inquiries.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
The membership of the corporation shall consist of the members of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IV. MEETINGS OF MEMBERS
N/A
ARTICLE V. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. General Powers
The affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall have control of and be responsible for the management of the affairs and property of the Corporation.
Section 2. Number, Tenure, Requirements, and Qualifications
The number of Directors shall be fixed from time-to-time by the Directors.
The members of the Board of Directors shall immediately enter upon the performance of their duties and shall continue in office until their successors shall be duly qualified. All members of the Board of Directors and Advisory Council must be approved by a majority of the members present and voting. No vote on new members of the Board of Directors, or Advisory Council, shall be held unless a quorum of the Board of Directors is present.
No two members of the Board of Directors related by blood or marriage/domestic partnership within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity may serve on the Board of Directors at the same time.
Each member of the Board of Directors shall be a volunteered position and may hold office indefinitely until a vacancy of a seat is available.
Newly elected members of the Board of Directors who have not served before shall serve initial one-year terms. At the conclusion of the initial one-year term, members of the Board of Directors may serve indefinitely.
Each member of the Board of Directors shall attend at least nine (9) monthly meetings of the Board per year.
Section 3. Regular and Annual Meetings
An annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held at a time and day in the month of September of each calendar year and at a location designated by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may provide by resolution the time and place, for the holding of regular meetings of the Board; may allow for skype, instant messaging, and video chat. Notice of these meetings shall be sent to all members of the Board of Directors no less than ten (10) days, prior to the meeting date by email or instant messaging.
Section 4. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the President or any two members of the Board of Directors. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix any location, skype, instant messaging, or video chat as the place for holding any special meeting of the Board called by them.
Section 5. Notice
Notice of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given at least two (2) days in advance of the meeting by telephone, facsimile or electronic methods or by written notice. Any Director may waive notice of any meeting. The attendance of a Director at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a Director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular meeting of the Board of Directors need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting, unless specifically required by law or by these by-laws.
Section 6. Quorum
The presence, in person of a majority of current members of the Board of Directors shall be necessary at any meeting to constitute a quorum to transact business, but a lesser number shall have power to adjourn to a specified later date without notice. The act of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors, unless the act of a greater number is required by law or by these by-laws.
Section 7. Forfeiture
Any member of the Board of Directors who fails to fulfill any of his or her requirements as set forth in Section 2 of this Article by September 1st shall automatically forfeit his or her seat on the Board. The Secretary shall notify the Director in writing that his or her seat has been declared vacant, and the Board of Directors may forthwith immediately proceed to fill the vacancy. Members of the Board of Directors who are removed for failure to meet any or all of the requirements of Section 2 of this Article are not entitled to vote at the annual meeting and are not entitled to the procedure outlined in Section 14 of this Article in these by-laws.
Section 8. Vacancies
Whenever any vacancy occurs in the Board of Directors it shall be filled without undue delay by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Board of Directors at a regular meeting. Vacancies may be created and filled according to specific methods approved by the Board of Directors.
Section 9. Compensation
Members of the Board of Directors shall not receive any compensation for their services as Directors.
Section 10. Informal Action by Directors
Any action required by law to be taken at a meeting of the Directors, or any action which may be taken at a meeting of Directors, may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by two-thirds (2/3) of all of the Directors following notice of the intended action to all members of the Board of Directors.
Section 11. Confidentiality
Directors past and present shall not discuss or disclose information about the Corporation or its activities to any person or entity unless such information is already a matter of public knowledge, such person or entity has a need to know, or the disclosure of such information is in furtherance of the Corporations’ purposes, or can reasonably be expected to benefit the Corporation. Directors shall use discretion and good business judgment in discussing the affairs of the Corporation with third parties. Without limiting the foregoing, Directors may discuss upcoming fundraisers and the purposes and functions of the Corporation, including but not limited to accounts on deposit in financial institutions.
Each Director shall execute a confidentiality agreement consistent herewith upon being voted onto and accepting appointment to the Board of Directors.
Section 12. Parliamentary Procedure
Any question concerning parliamentary procedure at meetings shall be determined by the President by reference to Robert’s Rules of Order.
Section 13. Removal
Any member of the Board of Directors may be removed with or without cause, at any time, by vote of three-quarters (3/4) of the members of the Board of Directors if in their judgment the best interest of the Corporation would be served thereby. Each member of the Board of Directors must receive written notice of the proposed removal at least ten (10) days in advance of the proposed action. An officer who has been removed as a member of the Board of Directors shall automatically be removed from office.
Members of the Board of Directors who are removed for failure to meet the minimum requirements in Section 2 of this Article in these by-laws automatically forfeit their positions on the Board pursuant to Section 7 of this Article, and are not entitled to the removal procedure outlined in Section 14 of this Article.
ARTICLE VI. OFFICERS
The officers of this Board may be the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Committee Director.
Section 1. President
The President shall preside at all meetings of the membership. The President shall have the following duties:
- He/She shall preside at all meetings.
- He/She shall have general and active management of the business of this Corporation.
- He/She shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Corporation are brought to the Directors.
- He/She shall have general superintendence and direction of all other officers of this corporation and see that their duties are properly performed.
Section 2. Vice-President
The Vice-President shall be vested with all the powers and shall perform all the duties of the President during the absence of the latter. The Vice-Presidents duties are:
- He/She shall have the duty of chairing their perspective committee and such other duties as may, from time to time, be determined by the Directors.
Section 3. Secretary
The Secretary shall attend all meetings and will act as a clerk thereof. The Secretary’s duties shall consist of:
- He/She shall record all votes and minutes of all proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose. He/She in concert with the President shall make the arrangements for all meetings, including the annual meeting of the organization.
- He/she shall send notices of all meetings to the Directors and committees.
- He/She shall perform all official correspondence from the Corporation as may be prescribed by the President.
The Treasures duties shall be:
- He/She shall present a complete and accurate report of the finances raised by this Corporation.
- He/She shall have the right of inspection of the funds, including budgets and subsequent audit reports.
- He/She shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the President under whose supervision he/she shall be.
- He/She shall oversee the logistics of committee operations for this Corporation.
- He/She shall reports to the full Board on committee's decisions/recommendations.
- He/She shall assign work to the committee volunteers, sets the agenda and runs the meetings, and ensures distribution of meeting minutes.
Election of Officers
The Nominations shall submit at the meeting prior to the annual meeting the names of those persons for the respective offices. The election shall be held at the annual meeting. Those officers elected shall serve a term of one (1) year, commencing at the next meeting following the annual meeting.
Section 7. Removal of Officer
The Advisory Board with the concurrence of 3/4 of the members voting at the meeting may remove any officer of the Board of Directors and elect a successor for the unexpired term. No officer of the Board of Directors shall be expelled without an opportunity to be heard and notice of such motion of expulsion shall be given to the member in writing twenty (20) days prior to the meeting at which motion shall be presented, setting forth the reasons of the Board for such expulsion.
Section 8. Vacancies
Nominations shall be sent in writing to the Directors of the Board at least two (2) weeks prior to the next meeting at which the election will be held. The persons so elected shall hold office for the unexpired term in respect of which such vacancy occurred.
ARTICLE VII. COMMITTEES
Section 1. Committee Formation
The board may create committees as needed, such as fundraising, public relations, data collection, etc. The board Director appoints all committee Directors.
ARTICLE VIII. CORPORATE STAFF
Section 1: Executive Director
The Board of Directors may appoint an Executive Director who shall serve at the will of the Board. The Executive Director shall have immediate and overall supervision of the operations of the Corporation, and shall direct the day-to-day business of the Corporation, maintain the properties of the Corporation and perform such additional duties as may be directed the Board of Directors. No officer, or member of the Board of Directors may individually instruct the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall make such reports at the Board meetings as shall be required by the President or the Board. The Executive Director shall be an ad-hoc member of all committees.
The Executive Director may not be related by blood or marriage/domestic partnership within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to any member of the Board of Directors or Advisory Council. The Executive Director may be appointed at any meeting of the Board of Directors by a majority vote and shall serve until removed by the Board of Directors upon an affirmative vote of three-quarters (3/4) of the members present at any meeting of the Board Directors. Such removal may be with or without cause.
ARTICLE IX. – Conflict of Interest and Compensation
Section 1: Purpose
The purpose of the conflict of interest policy is to protect this tax-exempt organization’s (Organization) interest when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer or director of the Organization or might result in a possible excess benefit transaction. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to nonprofit and charitable organizations.
Section 2: Definitions
- Interested Person
Any director, principal officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest, as defined below, is an interested person. - Financial Interest
A person has a financial interest if the person has, directly or indirectly, through business, investment, or family:- An ownership or investment interest in any entity with which the Organization has a transaction or arrangement,
- A compensation arrangement with the Organization or with any entity or individual with which the Organization has a transaction or arrangement, or
- A potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which the Organization is negotiating a transaction or arrangement.
A financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. Under Article III, Section 2, a person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the appropriate governing board or committee decides that a conflict of interest exists.
Section 3. Procedures
- Duty to Disclose. In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the directors and members of committees with governing board delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement.
- Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists. After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the governing board or committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon. The remaining board or committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exists.
- Procedures for Addressing the Conflict of Interest
- An interested person may make a presentation at the governing board or committee meeting, but after the presentation, he/she shall leave the meeting during the discussion of, and the vote on, the transaction or arrangement involving the possible conflict of interest.
- The chairperson of the governing board shall, if appropriate, appoint a disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement.
- After exercising due diligence, the governing board or committee shall determine whether the Organization can obtain with reasonable efforts a more advantageous transaction or arrangement from a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of interest.
- If a more advantageous transaction or arrangement is not reasonably possible under circumstances not producing a conflict of interest, the governing board or committee shall determine by a majority vote of the disinterested directors whether the transaction or arrangement is in the Organization’s best interest, for its own benefit, and whether it is fair and reasonable. In conformity with the above determination it shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction or arrangement.
- Violations of the Conflicts of Interest Policy
- If the governing board or committee has reasonable cause to believe a member has failed to disclose actual or possible conflicts of interest, it shall inform the member of the basis for such belief and afford the member an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose.
- If, after hearing the member’s response and after making further investigation as warranted by the circumstances, the governing board or committee determines the member has failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.
Section 4. Records of Proceedings
The minutes of the governing board and all committees with board delegated powers shall contain:
- The names of the persons who disclosed or otherwise were found to have a financial interest in connection with an actual or possible conflict of interest, the nature of the financial interest, any action taken to determine whether a conflict of interest was present, and the governing board’s or committee’s decision as to whether a conflict of interest in fact existed.
- The names of the persons who were present for discussions and votes relating to the transaction or arrangement, the content of the discussion, including any alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement, and a record of any votes taken in connection with the proceedings.
- A voting member of the governing board who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Organization for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member’s compensation.
- A voting member of any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Organization for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member’s compensation.
- No voting member of the governing board or any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Organization, either individually or collectively, is prohibited from providing information to any committee regarding compensation.
Each director, principal officer and member of a committee with governing board delegated powers shall annually sign a statement which affirms such person:
- Has received a copy of the conflicts of interest policy,
- Has read and understands the policy,
- Has agreed to comply with the policy, and
- Understands the Organization is charitable and in order to maintain its federal tax exemption it must engage primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of its tax-exempt purposes.
To ensure the Organization operates in a manner consistent with charitable purposes and does not engage in activities that could jeopardize its tax-exempt status, periodic reviews shall be conducted. The periodic reviews shall, at a minimum, include the following subjects:
- Whether compensation arrangements and benefits are reasonable, based on competent survey information, and the result of arm’s length bargaining.
- Whether partnerships, joint ventures, and arrangements with management organizations conform to the Organization’s written policies, are properly recorded, reflect reasonable investment or payments for goods and services, further charitable purposes and do not result in inurement, impermissible private benefit or in an excess benefit transaction.
Section 8. Use of Outside Experts
When conducting the periodic reviews as provided for in Article VII, the Organization may, but need not, use outside advisors. If outside experts are used, their use shall not relieve the governing board of its responsibility for ensuring periodic reviews are conducted.
ARTICLE X. IDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. General
To the full extent authorized under the laws of the District of Columbia, the corporation shall indemnify any director, officer, or agent, or former member, director, officer, or agent of the corporation, or any person who may have served at the corporation’s request as a director or officer of another corporation (each of the foregoing members, directors, officers, agents, and persons is referred to in this Article individually as an “indemnitee”), against expenses actually and necessarily incurred by such indemnitee in connection with the defense of any action, suit, or proceeding in which that indemnitee is made a party by reason of being or having been such member, director, officer, or agent, except in relation to matters as to which that indemnitee shall have been adjudged in such action, suit, or proceeding to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of a duty. The foregoing indemnification shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which an indemnitee may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, resolution of the Board of Directors, or otherwise.
Section 2. Expenses
Expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit, or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit, or proceeding, if authorized by the Board of Directors, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the indemnitee to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified hereunder.
Section 3. Insurance
The corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a member, director, officer, or agent against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power or obligation to indemnify such person against such liability under this Article.
ARTICLE XI. BOOKS AND RECORDS
The corporation shall keep complete books and records of account and minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Articles of Incorporation
The Articles may be amended in any manner at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors, provided that specific written notice of the proposed amendment of the Articles setting forth the proposed amendment or a summary of the changes to be effected thereby shall be given to each director at least three days in advance of such a meeting if delivered personally, by facsimile, or by e-mail or at least five days if delivered by mail. As required by the Articles, any amendment to Article III or Article VI of the Articles shall require the affirmative vote of all directors then in office. All other amendments of the Articles shall require the affirmative vote of an absolute majority of directors then in office.
Section 2. Bylaws
The Board of Directors may amend these Bylaws by majority vote at any regular or special meeting. Written notice setting forth the proposed amendment or summary of the changes to be effected thereby shall be given to each director within the time and the manner provided for the giving of notice of meetings of directors.
ADOPTION OF BYLAWS
We, the undersigned, are all of the initial directors or incorporators of this corporation, and we consent to, and hereby do, adopt the foregoing Bylaws, consisting of the 14 preceding pages, as the Bylaws of this corporation.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED by the Board of Directors on this 22nd day of February, 2016.
Miranda Owens
CEO - President – Inspired Women Business Alliance
Georgia Puga
ATTEST: Secretary – Inspired Women Business Alliance
