Copyright © 1999 Asians and Friends - North Carolina, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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About Us
AFNC History
In June 1999, several Asians and non-Asians in the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill areas) met to brainstorm on ideas to build this friendship, and to increase visibility across the State of North Carolina.  As a result of further interest among more people, a Steering Committee was organized with the purpose of determining the direction of the group. As more people become members of AFNC and as the AFNC becomes more mature, the direction and goals will change to meet the needs of the constituency.

Legal & Tax Issues
 Several activities are currently underway in this area:

  1. Articles of Incorporation have been processed with the North Carolina Department of Secretary of State.
  2. Employee Identification Number from SS-4 have been submitted to the Internal Revenue Service.
  3. Based on legal advice, there is no need to complete the paperwork for tax exempt status 501(c)(3) since we are not dealing with significant amount of money.

Bylaws
Adopted: August 1, 1999
Revised: N/A

I. Name
The name of the association shall be Asians and Friends - North Carolina (AFNC) and is incorporated under the laws of the State of North Carolina.

II. Purpose
Section 1. 
The purpose of Asians and Friends - North Carolina shall be:

  1. To bring together Asians, Asian-Americans, and non-Asians interested in developing an understanding and appreciation of Asian cultures.
  2. To foster and promote an increased understanding between gay and lesbian Asians and non-Asians.
  3. To create friendship through cultural, social and educational activities.

Section 2.
AFNC shall forever remain a not-for-profit organization.

III. Objectives
The objectives of AFNC are as follows:

  1. To promote an atmosphere of mutual respect, in which we can genuinely get to know people of cultures different from our own.
  2. To share our knowledge, skills, talents, and resources to provide a supportive welcoming environment for social and educational events and in mutual support of each other.
  3. To heighten awareness of Asian and Asian-American issues.
  4. To acknowledge the presence of AIDS in society and to encourage our members to act responsibly.
  5. To provide travel information about affiliated organizations and welcome traveling members.

IV. Membership
Membership in AFNC and full participation in activities is open to any person eighteen years of age or older, without regard to race, creed, color, sex, disability, occupation, national origin, citizenship, or sexual orientation who is interested in the purpose of AFNC.  Membership in AFNC is not to be construed as an indication of a person's sexual orientation.  The name, address, phone number, email address, and any other information of a personal nature pertaining to a member shall be kept in confidence by AFNC.  AFNC will not distribute, exchange, or sell the mailing list or any individual record within the mailing list.  The only exception is if a member requests their name be added to the email list and/or the phone list, their names, phone numbers, and email addresses will be distributed on said lists to other AFNC members who have also requested the same. Once a person completes the Membership Application Form and signs it, they are considered a Member.  Some activities will be limited to members only while other activities shall be opened to members and guests.

There are two types of membership categories, regular member and associate member.

  • Regular Member - a person that lives in North Carolina and has an interest in participating in the activities of AFNC.
     
  • Associate Member - generally a person that lives outside North Carolina and will not be able to attend activities.  This type of membership is primarily for groups outside of North Carolina that is interested in receiving our periodic newsletters, etc.

V. Dues
There are no membership dues required to belong to AFNC, however, in the future, dues may become required in order to fulfill the purpose of AFNC, based upon the approval of AFNC's officers.

VI. Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall be composed of three members who are responsible for the oversight of the entire program and finances of AFNC.  The Board shall meet minimally twice per year and minutes of these meetings shall take place.  Officers of AFNC may serve as Board Members.  One of the three Board Members shall serve as the Chairman of the Board and will facilitate and take minutes at all Board of Directors Meetings. The officer position of President reports into the Board.

VII. Officers
Section 1.  The officers of AFNC are: President, Events Coordinator, Secretary, and Treasurer. The officers shall be elected by AFNC members in January at the Annual Meeting.  The length of each term shall be for one calendar year and officers may run again for the same or different positions.  All votes must be submitted by written ballot at or before the January Annual Meeting.  Each member is allowed one vote.  It is permissible to have a ballot with only one candidate for a position.  Where there are several candidates running for a given office, election shall be by plurality vote (the person with the largest percentage of votes obtained from members voting).  If a particular officer position is vacant, elections shall be conducted at the next regularly scheduled business meeting. Officers candidates must be members of AFNC.

Section 2.  Officers are responsible for achieving the purpose and objectives of AFNC as described above.  Duties of the Officers include:

  • coordinating all activities,
  • advising committee Chairs,
  • establishment of ad-hoc committees, and
  • approving all programs.

Section 2a.  The President shall:

  • supervise, direct and coordinate the affairs of AFNC,
  • preside at all meetings, and
  • be designated as alternate signatory to financial accounts in case of the absence or disability of the Treasurer.

Section 2b.  The Events Coordinator shall:

  • coordinate all events which are opened to all members of AFNC,  and
  • communicate event information to the members.

Section 2c.  The Secretary shall:

  • be responsible for maintaining the membership records,
  • maintaining minutes of all business meetings, and
  • responsible for the generation and distribution of AFNC's newsletter and other publicity efforts.

Section 2d.  The Treasurer shall:

  • have custody of all funds and other property (if any) of AFNC,
  • pay all expenses approved by the Officers,
  • ensure that all checks have been countersigned by two officers,
  • keep full and accurate records of all receipts and disbursements in books belonging to AFNC,
  • deposit all moneys, securities, and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of AFNC in such responsible depositories,
  • present an annual financial statement to the membership that has been audited by a special members committee, and
  • recommend the annual budget.

Section 3.  In the event an office becomes vacant (e.g. the officer resigns, quits, or has been found guilty of dereliction of duty), the membership shall vote a member to fill said office.  The designee shall serve in that office until the next election. 

Section 4.  Financial loans to Board Members, Officers, and Members shall not take place using funds from AFNC.

VIII. Amendments to the Bylaws
Amendments to these Bylaws may only be made by resolution passed by a two-thirds vote of the membership in attendance at any regularly scheduled meeting.  The membership must be notified of proposed amendments at least 30 days before the called meeting.

IX. Dissolution
Section 1.  With prior notice of thirty (30) days, AFNC may be dissolved at any time by a three-quarter vote of its entire membership.

Section 2.  The Officers shall dispose of any and all physical assets; none of its property shall accrue to the benefit of any member.  All liquid assets, after approved debts are paid, shall be donated to the Triangle, North Carolina Interfaith Network.

X. End of bylaws