Sister 4 Sister Constitution

Article I- Name

The name of this organization shall be Sister 4 Sister.

Article II- Purpose/Mission Statement

  Sister 4 Sister is a group that focuses on unifying women of all colors and works to unify all women. We as a group work to break down preconceived notions, to educate and to strengthen one another in who we are through mediation and social activities. It is our goal to have a safe and understanding sisterhood where all are free and open to share questions about cultural identity. Sister 4 Sister encompasses women of all ethnic backgrounds.

Article III- Membership

Any member of the Cornell community may become a member. There are two meetings every block: the first meeting, which is held during the first week, is a business meeting and the second is a discussion meeting held on the second week. The business meeting consists of announcements and topics that may require a decision by vote. At the end of each business meeting there will be time for the committees to meet. The discussion meeting allows all members to freely discuss a topic that was selected during the business meeting. All group participants must attend half of the business meetings and half of the discussion meetings in order to be considered members. Moreover, members must attend at least two of the three social service events. Only these members shall have the opportunity to vote on necessary business decisions and during elections. Membership transfers each academic year. It is the responsibility of all members to be aware of and abide by all by-laws.

Article IV-Executive Council and Committees

Sister 4 Sister shall have an Executive Council of four members. It shall consist of a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.

There are also two committees: the Social Service/Public Relations committee and the Webpage/Constitution Revision committee. The Social Service/Public Relations committee will be responsible for announcing campus activities relating to the interest of group members, advertising events and activities and creating social activities for members, creating a contact list and recording contact information for recent graduates. The Webpage/Constitution Revision committee will be responsible for making appropriate additions/changes to the organization’s web page as well as constitutional amendments.

Article V- Duties of Executive Council

• The duties of the President shall include, but are not limited to, arranging and presiding over both Executive Council and group meetings and creating the agendas for both meetings. It is the responsibility of the President to organize committees for activities and listen to reports on the progress of those committees. In particular, the President shall oversee the Constitution/Web-page Revision committee. Furthermore, the President should be part of the planning of all events. The President may also be required to represent the organization outside the group whenever necessary and fulfill any other duties the group sees fit.
• The duties of the Vice President will include leading executive council and group meetings in the absence of the President. The Vice President shall head the Social Service/Public Relations committee.
• The duties of the Secretary shall include recording and presenting minutes, keeping attendance for each meeting and keeping current and accurate records of the business of the group. The Secretary must send out reminders for future meetings as well as minutes after each meeting. While it is the job of the President to write up the agenda, the Executive Council will create the agenda during Executive meetings and the Secretary will copy the agenda on the board before each meeting for the members to view. The Secretary is also responsible for distributing materials within the group and making announcements.
• The duties of the Treasurer will be to administer the financial affairs of the organization. The treasurer must keep current and accurate records of the financial situation of the group. All funds shall be deposited in the student activities fund at the Cornell College business office, and all disbursements shall be made by checks drawn upon this fund by the treasurer.

• All Executive members are required to learn the responsibilities of the Treasurer.
• All Executive members will be responsible for creating the budget and 2 Executive members must be present for Budget Night.

 Article VI- Elections

Nominations for Executive Council members will take place during the first week of seventh block.  Elections will be held the following week. Candidates can only run for one position (if nominated for multiple positions) and must be prepared to give a short speech to the group detailing why they should be elected. The candidate will then be asked to leave the room while members discuss their feelings and comments about the candidate. Executive Council members are nominated by members and are elected by a majority vote of all members.  Executive Council members will be able to vote for any position except for their own. Newly elected Executive Council members will be trained by their predecessors in a transition workshop.  Executive Council members will begin to serve their terms as of the first day of eighth block. 

Article VII- Proxy, Vacancy and Absence

• In the event of the absence of a member of the Executive Council, a proxy who received the runner up position during the vote for Executive Council members will take the place of the missing Executive Council member, with the exception of a Presidential absence where the Vice President shall take over for the time of the absence. If an Executive Council member knows he/she will be absent, he/she shall inform the proxy for the position he/she holds ahead of time so the proxy can take over the position at the time of the absence. Approval must be made by a majority vote of all members.
• A proxy can be assigned to take over an Executive position if it is in the interest of the Executive Council.
• In the event of a semester absence, a member can be elected at the time of Executive Council elections to take over the position during the members absence. This will be decided during elections in which the majority of members must agree to this arrangement when voting.

Article VIII- Amendments

Any member may formally introduce amendments to this constitution to the organization at any time. Amendments shall become effective on the first Monday of the subsequent block after being approved by a two-thirds majority vote and by Student Senate.

Article IX- Ratifications

This constitution shall become immediately effective upon approval by a two-thirds majority of all members and by Student Senate.

Article X- By-Laws

• Members may adopt additional by-laws pertaining to behavioral and/or procedural operations of the group.

• In order to repeal any by-law there must be a majority vote of three-fourths of all members.

• A copy of all by-laws added to the Constitution is to be made available to all interested members upon request. All members must agree to abide by all by-laws.

• Conduct:

~ Respect

• Actively listening
• Asking questions, not judging/assuming
• Accepting different opinions / tolerance

~ Enthusiasm

• Participating – Be there because you want to
• Encouraging one another

~ Confidentiality

• Keep what is said in context
• Help each other learn

~ Open-Mindedness

• Think before answering
• No preconceived notions
• Agree to disagree

~ Honesty

• Truthful
• Open

~ Trust

• Do not use mistakes against one another

~ Step Forward/Step Back

• Give everyone a chance to talk. Remember to be HUMBLE.
• Know when you have overstepped your boundaries
• Be mindful of personalities

~ Open Communication

• Leave negative attitudes at the door
• Feel free to talk about what is on your mind
• Approach someone when needed in a RESPECTFUL manner. ---
• Remember to talk with someone firsthand to attain composure

~ Compliments/Positive Attitudes

• Meet and greet: give hugs (if comfortable)
• Keep it real!