CLARION’S READING FOR THE CURE
Bylaws/Constitution
ARTICLE 1: NAME
The name of the organization shall be Clarion’s Reading for the Cure.
ARTICLE 2: PURPOSE
This organization is forming in order to make an existing event an organization
whose participation is widely available to all members of the Clarion University
community. The benefits are to continue Clarion’s affiliation with Pittsburgh
Komen’s Race for the Cure and to provide unique service experience to any
individual—student, staff, or faculty—to help raise awareness and money for breast
cancer prevention and research. For the past 16 years the group has been affiliated
with the English Department but has included the assistance of many other campus
organizations. Having this become a Recognized Student Organization will
encourage more individuals to participate without having to belong to any other
groups that currently work with it. This will create a specific identity for the
campus and the members of the organization. Since many community members are
involved in and attend the annual Reading for the Cure event, this RSO will help to
promote even more interaction between the campus, its alumni, and individuals in
the community.
ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Qualifications for Membership
Membership shall be open to any registered students or Clarion University
employees. All members will have the right to vote. A voting member must be
willing to work with the organization, attend scheduled meetings or participate in
email discussions/plans, and must demonstrate willingness to perform duties and
share responsibilities. New members may join at any time by contacting the
officers/advisor and providing contact information. Membership shall not be
denied based on any discriminatory practices.
Section 2. Membership Fees
Because the group will be focused on service projects and raising funds for breast
cancer research, there will be a nominal membership fee of $5.00 a year. This fee
can be waived for student members through participation in planning and service.

Section 3. Dismissal of Members
Members may be dismissed from the group because of violation of university policy
or rules.
ARTICLE 4. DUTIES AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
Section 1. Officers and Their Roles
The organization shall have a minimum of five officers: President, Vice-President,
Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian. The officers shall perform the duties
established in the bylaws.
A. The PRESIDENT shall serve as chairperson of the organization. The
President shall preside over all business meetings and will work to
coordinate committee activities and will serve as primary mediator in all
discussions.
B. The VICE-PRESIDENT shall be responsible for many of the public relation
duties of the group, including publicizing events, and shall work with the
President to carry out plans and projects. In the event of the President’s
absence, the Vice-President shall temporarily assume the duties of the
President.
C. The SECRETARY shall maintain a roster of all members, record group
functions, record minutes of the meetings, and execute all organization
correspondences.
D. The TREASURER shall keep records of all financial matters and shall keep
the members informed of the status of the organization’s treasury at each
meeting. The Treasurer will also be a liaison between the advisor, the
group, and the CSA staff.
E. The HISTORIAN shall be responsible for collecting and maintaining a
record of the organization’s history that will help to preserve the
organization’s activities in the university and community.
Section 2. Election Process
Election of officers shall take place at the beginning of each school year—or
as required by circumstance. Nominated (by self or others) candidates shall be
recognized and approved by ballot election. A majority of votes of the membership
shall determine the officers and they will assume their duties immediately after the

election. Officers shall serve a one-year term and may serve in the same office more
than once, as a result of the next year’s election process.
Section 3. Majority Vote
As stated in Section 2, Officers shall be elected by a majority vote of all
participating members.
ARTICLE 5. ROLE OF CAMPUS ADVISOR:
Section 1. Advisor Selection
The CAMPUS ADVISOR for Clarion’s Reading for the Cure shall be a
permanent faculty or staff member of any department at Clarion University. The
Advisor shall be nominated by membership of the organization and shall be
appointed by a majority vote of the membership. The group shall maintain the
power to change advisors, provided the decision is upheld by a majority vote of the
organization’s voting members, and because of the Advisor’s failure to perform
duties. The organization may also decide to elect Co-Advisors in order to ensure
contact and availability of advisors on campus.
Section 2. Advisor’s Role
The CAMPUS ADVISOR will be required to be familiar with the organization’s
constitution and mission. Any campus advisor must be familiar with Clarion
University policies regarding Recognized Student Organizations, including the
funding process. The advisor shall assume an active role in establishing meaningful
programming, campus awareness, and organization activities. The advisor will also
be responsible for the organization’s continuity and awareness of RSO regulations.
The advisor shall attend meetings and activities in the manner expected of any
member of the group. The only privilege not extended to the campus advisor is the
right to vote.
ARTICLE 6. MEETINGS:
Section 1. Frequency of Meetings
The first meeting of the fall semester will occur within the first two weeks of
the semester and shall be called by the advisor (in order to host elections, welcome
new members, and establish the mission). Because of the nature of the Reading for
the Cure event (typically held each October), at least one meeting will be called
every two weeks, but will be determined by need and by the decision of the
Executive Board and advisor. All meetings shall be announced at least five days in
advance, unless last minute meetings are necessary. All members shall be notified
by campus email and posters shall be placed to announce meetings for the benefit of
any interested individuals in order to allow for potential new members.

Section 2. Quorum
A simple majority of membership must be present to conduct business
requiring a vote.
Section 3. Majority Vote
A vote shall be decided by a majority of members present. Majority shall be
defined as a number larger than half of the number of members at the meeting/vote.
Section 4. Meeting Procedure
Meetings shall be conducted in an informal way. The Executive Board and
the Advisor shall be responsible for maintaining order and ensuring the agenda for
the meeting is addressed.
Section 5. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by any member of the Executive Board or by
the Advisor. Members who determine a need for a meeting may request that the
previously mentioned call for a special meeting of the group. As much advanced
notice as possible—ideally two days minimum—shall be required for the calling of a
special meeting. Such meetings shall not require special vote, since they will be
approved by the decisions of the Executive Board/Advisor. Members will be
notified by email and access through the RSO messaging devices.
ARTICLE 7. FINANCES AND FUNDING:
Section 1. Dues
Minimal dues, as established in Article 3: Section 2, will apply, but may be
waived for students through service.
Section 2. Funding Requests
There will be funds requested specifically for the annual Reading for the Cure
event, including requests for assistance in printing posters and raffle tickets,
postage, purchasing t-shirts to sell at the event, and other materials. There will also
be a request for food service to be provided for the annual event. Any special needs
for the success of the event will also be requested as determined on a yearly basis
and through the budget request process established by the CSA.
Section 3. Self-Support

The basic running of and existence of the group shall be self-supported
through fund-raising activities approved by the CSA/RSO guidelines. We will only
seek help on activities that are beyond our fund-raising means, or for events that
would place a personal financial burden on the members while benefiting the
university and community.
ARTICLE 8. AMENDING, SUSPENDING, AND ACCEPTING:
Section 1. Amendments
Any member, with good reason and with good intent, may submit
amendments to the Bylaws via writing. Written requests must be presented at a
meeting of the organization. A majority vote shall be required in order for the
suggested amendment to be sent forth for further vote from Student Senate, The
Vice-President of Student Affairs, and the President of the university.
ARTICLE 9. RATIFICATION:
Section 1. Ratification of Bylaws
These Bylaws, and its amendments, shall become effective upon ratification
by the members of Clarion’s Reading for the Cure and following the approval of the
Student Senate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania, the Vice-President for Student
& University Affairs, and the President of Clarion University.