FORWARD

PREAMBLE

We, the Chicana and Chicano students of Southern California take upon ourselves the responsibility to prepare, promote and progress nuestra Gente in the pursuit of higher education. Furthermore, we declare to take any and all measures necessary for the successful completion and graduation of our members within the high schools, community colleges, California State University, University of California, and Private Institutions.

We will preserve Chicanismo and Carnalismo within our campus and the community. We shall continue to politicize our Raza to defend our right to accessible, economical, and quality education with an emphasis on indigenous consciousness. In the struggle for self- determination of our people and the liberation of Aztlán, we do hereby establish this Constitution. 

SECTION 1
The official name of this organization shall be El Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán Central de San Diego. Here and after called M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego.

SECTION 2
The official symbol of this organization shall be:
A brown eagle with its wings spread,
bearing a wooden macuauhutl in its right claw,
with a red dynamite stick in its left claw,
holding a lighted fuse in its beak. The eagle,
with it's macuauhutl and dynamite stick,
shall be surrounded by an interlocking banner.
This interlocking banner shall read on top, "M.E.Ch.A."
This banner will also read on the bottom "La Union Hace La Fuerza."

ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1
General membership shall consist of students throughout San Diego County, who accept, believe, and work towards the goals and objectives of M.E.Ch.A.

SECTION 2
Active chapters with voting rights shall be established by M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego and officially recognized by the Executive Board/La Mesa Directiva of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego.

SECTION 3
When meetings for M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego are in session, voting rights will only be yielded to M.E.Ch.A. Central Representatives.

SECTION 4
College students shall be limited to 5 years active membership (excluding high school), in order for new leadership to develop Or as stipulated under Article II; SECTION 9; letters a, b, c and d .

SECTION 5
Each M.E.Ch.A. Chapter shall gain membership through the recognized M.E.Ch.A. Central they geographically fall under or as established by the National M.E.Ch.A. Coordinating Council. 

SECTION 6
In order to be a M.E.Ch.A. Chapter recognized by M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego, each campus must accept and adopt the following responsibilities: 

a. Assure that all members are acquainted with the historical foundation of El Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán. Each campus must have a copy of El Plan Espiritual de Aztlán, El Plan de Santa Barbara, position papers on M.E.Ch.A., M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego Constitution, Alta Califas Sur M.E.Ch.A. Regional Constitution, M.E.Ch.A. California Statewide Constitution, and M.E.Ch.A.'s National Constitution.

b. Each chapter must send at least one representative from their campus to each meeting of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. 

c. Provide information on incoming officers from their campus which must include name, number, mailing address, and position. 

SECTION 7
Responsibilities of M.E.Ch.A Central Representative include: 

a. To have at least 4 months (one semester) of M.E.Ch.A. membership (except new chapter), prior to becoming representatives in M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. 

b. To have at least one representative present to cast a vote at each meeting of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. 

c. All persons present may participate in discussion during regular and special meetings. However, only M.E.Ch.A. Central representatives may make motions and cast votes on behalf of the campus they represent. 

d. Campus representatives must be either elected or appointed by their campus. 

e. Any official change of M.E.Ch.A. Central representatives must be made known prior to the central meeting to the Internal Coordinator or External Coordinator of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. 

f. To approve minutes and agendas for M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego meetings 

g. To take written or oral reports back to their campus for discussion of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. 

SECTION 8
All M.E.Ch.A. Chapters shall gain membership into M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego by: 

a. When a chapter invites a campus to attend a M.E.Ch.A Central meeting, the inviting chapter shall be responsible for providing that campus with the membership process and inform them on current issues pertaining to M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego.

b. Obtaining from M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego copies of, El Plan Espiritual de Aztlán, El Plan de Santa Barbara, position papers on M.E.Ch.A., M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego Constitution, Alta Califas Sur M.E.Ch.A. Regional Constitution, M.E.Ch.A. California Statewide Constitution, and M.E.Ch.A.'s National Constitution. 

SECTION 9
In addition to regular membership in M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego and requirements specified in these Bylaws a member must meet the following academic requirements in order to be eligible for an elected or appointed voting officer position in M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. 

a. Undergraduate candidates and incumbents must have an institutional and overall cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. 

b. All matters involving verification of a candidate's or incumbent's academic eligibility to serve shall be submitted to, in a time and manner prescribed by, the Internal Chair of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego.

SECTION 10
Ineligibility to Serve 

a. In the event that an officer or a M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego Representative is in violation of these Bylaws which results in the member's resignation or removal from M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego, that member shall be ineligible for appointment or election to serve on M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego for the remainder of that semester in which the position was vacated. 

b. In the event that a member of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego is ineligible or recalled from office, this will not affect the campus from which he or she represents. A new M.E.Ch.A. Central Representative must be filled by the next regular meeting.

ARTICLE III - VOTING PRIVILEGES

SECTION 1
Campuses must attend two consecutive meetings prior to requesting voting rights as a newly recognized chapter.

SECTION 2
At the third meeting the pending chapter must submit a constitution and a formal request for voting rights from their campus. 

a. At the meeting M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego will call for a 2/3 vote of the members present for membership in M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. 

b. If the requesting campus does not receive a 2/3 vote from M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego an explanation must be presented by M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego to the campus. 

c. If the requesting campus is not accepted they may petition for reconsideration at the following meeting. (A probation of one month.) 

SECTION 3
Loss of voting rights.

a. A campus will lose their voting rights after two (2) consecutive unexcused absences from M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. 

SECTION 4
Definition of majority and 2/3 vote 
a. Any action item requiring a majority vote from M.E.Ch.A, Central de San Diego will be defined as 50% plus 1 of eligible voting chapters present in favor of the action item. 

b. Any action item requiring a 2/3 vote from M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego will be defined as 67% of eligible voting chapters present in favor of the action item. 

ARTICLE IV - CENTRAL POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SECTION 1
M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego shall have the authority to call for and implement political, social, cultural, and academic plans of action for the San Diego region. 

SECTION 2
The Alta Califas Sur MEChA Region shall be divided by counties with isolated campuses going to the nearest active Central. 

SECTION 3
Each recognized campus shall have the option of facilitating a central meeting at their campus or other designated location. The hosting campus shall be responsible for notifying the Internal Coordinator of the exact location. 

SECTION 4
Powers and Duties of M.E.Ch.A Central de San Diego include 

a. To meet at least once a month. 

b. To educate and recruit campuses wishing to form a M.E.Ch.A. chapter. 

c. To keep a record of all official M.E.Ch.A. Chapters in San Diego. 

d. To develop fund raising activities, academic outreach San Diego Central newsletter.

e. To inform Alta Califas Sur M.E.Ch.A. Region (ACSMR) of the voting status of M.E.Ch.A. chapters in M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego.

SECTION 5
M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego shall have the power to adopt and pass resolutions providing that the resolution falls within the principles and philosophy of M.E.Ch.A. 

SECTION 6
M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego shall have the power to remove officers who are unable to fulfill their responsibilities as prescribed by this constitution. 

SECTION 7
Officers of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego including M.E.Ch.A. Central Representatives are responsible for attending all official meetings on time. Attendance including excused, unexcused, and late arrivals shall be defined as follows: 

a. Officers of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego including M.E.Ch.A. Central Representatives who have attended a meeting from when a meeting was called to order until adjournment will be recorded as "present." 

b. Officers of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego including! M.E.Ch.A. Central Representatives who arrive thirty (30) minutes after a meeting has been called to order will be recorded as "late." 

c. Officers of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego including M.E.Ch.A. Central Representatives who have a Prior engagement with their own chapter or a sudden - emergency will be recorded as "excused." 

d. A M.E.Ch.A. Central Representatives who arrives late to any two (2) consecutive meetings will receive one (1) 4 unexcused" absence. 

e. A M.E.Ch.A. Central Representative including the chapter that he/she represents will lose their voting rights after missing any two (2) unexcused consecutive meetings of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego within a particular semester. 

f. Officers of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego including M.E.Ch.A. Central Representatives who miss any one meeting will be recorded as "absent." 

SECTION 8
La Mesa Directiva of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego shall have the responsibility to work autonomously from their perspective campus.  However, for the purpose of this organizations the office for M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego shall be at San Diego State University.

a. The mailing address shall be

MEChA Central de San Diego
San Diego State University (Aztec Center)
5500 Campanile Drive Room 179-180
San Diego, California 92182

SECTION 9
Action Items to be placed on the agenda must be presented at the previous La Mesa Directiva meeting and must be presented through a campus.

SECTION 10
All literature from outside organizations must be approved by La Mesa Directiva for each MEChA Central de San Diego meeting.

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS

SECTION 1
M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego shall have eight Executive Officer positions which are: 
1) External Coordinator 
2) Internal Coordinator
3) Secretary
4) Treasurer 
5) Parliamentarian
6) Historian 
7) Chicano Federation Representative 
8) Chicano Federation Representative 

a. La Mesa Directiva of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego shall be expected to attend all meetings and functions. 

SECTION 2
Responsibilities of the Internal Coordinator include: 

a. The Internal Coordinator shall have authority to call meetings to order for M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego.

b. The Internal Coordinator shall preside at all meetings for M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. 

c. The Internal Coordinator shall chair the Executive Board/La Mesa Directiva for M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. 

d. The Internal Coordinator shall be responsible for the implementation of any policies, resolutions, and actions items set by M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. 

e. Shall serve as a non-voting member of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. 

f. The Internal Coordinator shall coordinate the M.E.Ch.A Central de San Diego officer retreat. 

g.  To be the official spokesperson for MEChA Central de San Diego within the San Diego County.

h. Shall be authorized to sign checks on behalf of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego.

i.  To head the M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego Newsletter Committee (See the Amended Philosophy Papers of M.E.Ch.A. Goals and Objectives).

SECTION 3
Responsibilities of the External Coordinator include: 

a. To be the official spokesperson for the M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego outside the San Diego County.

b. The External Coordinator shall perform the duties of the Internal Coordinator in the Internal Coordinator's absence. 

c. If the Internal Coordinator position becomes vacant for any reason the External Coordinator shall succeed in the office of the Internal Coordinator for the duration of that term or until them next general or special election. 

d. The External Coordinator, under the direction of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego shall be responsible for coordinating the orientation of new officers and Representatives of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. 

e. To have a neutral and non-voting status in M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego meetings.

f.  Shall be authorized to sign checks on behalf of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego.

SECTION 4
Responsibilities of the Secretary include: 

a. To prepare all of the agendas for M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. 

b. To take minutes of all M.E.Ch.A. Central meetings. 

c. To keep a log of all agendas and minutes 

d. To have a copy (ies) of El Plan Espiritual de Aztlán, El Plan de Santa Barbara, position papers on M.E.Ch.A., M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego Constitution, Alta Califas Sur M.E.Ch.A. Regional Constitution, M.E.Ch.A. California Statewide Constitution, and M.E.Ch.A.'s National Constitution. 

e. To keep an official record of representatives for M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. 

SECTION 5
Responsibilities of the Treasures include: 

a. To be responsible for all monetary transactions of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego including checks, cash, etc. 

b. To collect and keep a record of all transactions and debts acquired by M.E.Ch.A. Central. 

c. To report on the financial condition of the account at every M.E.Ch.A. Central meeting. 

d.  Shall have the authority to sign checks on behalf of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego.

SECTION 6
Responsibilities of the Parliamentarian include: 

a. To keep order at all M.E.Ch.A. central meetings. 

b. To address all questions/concerns regarding parliamentary procedure 

c. Keep an official copy of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego's Constitution. 

SECTION 7
Responsibilities of the Historian include 

a. To keep an official file notebook containing all M.E.Ch.A. documents. 

b. To keep a scrap book photo album of all M.E.Ch.A. events 

c. To take photos of all M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego activities. 

SECTION 8
Responsibilities of the Chicano Federation Representative include:

SECTION 1
The term of office for Executive Officers/La Mesa Directiva of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego shall be one (1) year beginning at the end of May. 

SECTION 2
Quorum shall be required for all regular or special elections to be held valid. 

SECTION 3
Only M.E.Ch.A. Central Representatives may vote during regular and/or special elections. 

SECTION 4
Nominations for Executive Officers/La Mesa Directiva shall take place at two consecutive meetings. The first meeting for open nominations shall take place at during the last regular meeting in April and the first regular meeting in May. 

SECTION 5
Elections for Executive Officers/La Mesa Directiva of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego shall be held during the first regular meeting in the month of May. 

SECTION 6
Elected positions for Executive Officers/La Mesa Directiva for M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego shall be defined as the candidate who receives the highest number of Votes from the voting body 

SECTION 7
A candidate who runs unopposed must receive a majority vote (50% plus 1) from the voting body to be officially elected into a position. 

SECTION 8
All special elections shall follow the same procedures as regular elections. Any vacant seat filled by a special election shall last throughout the remainder of the unexpired term for which the position originally became. 

SECTION 9
The Election procedure for Executive Officers/La Mesa Directiva for M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego shall take place in the following order: 

1) External Coordinator 
2) Internal Coordinator
3) Secretary
4) Treasurer
5) Parliamentarian
6) Historian
7) Chicano Federation Representative 
8) Chicano Federation Representative 

SECTION 10
Election procedures for External and Internal Coordinators: 

a. Candidates for External and Internal Coordinator shall be allowed to give a 5 minute presentation to M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego followed by an unlimited number of questions from the body. 

SECTION 11
Election Procedures for Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, Historian, and Chicano Federation Representative: 

a. Candidates for Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, Historian, and Chicano Federation Representative shall be allowed to give a three (3) minute presentation to M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego followed by (3) three questions from the body per candidate at the discretion of the Internal Coordinator.

SECTION 12
Counting of ballots.

a. For all regular and special elections, the Parliamentarian and two members of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego shall be responsible for counting the ballots. These two members shall be selected by the External Coordinator and may not be a candidate for a particular office.

b. No candidate shall be involved in the distribution of or counting of the ballots. 

SECTION 13
Appointments.
a. All appointments for M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego must be approved by a majority vote of the voting body.

SECTION 2
A petition for removal shall contain a statement with a reason (s) why an officer should be removed for office. The petition must contain the name and signature of the M.E.Ch.A. Central Representative or M.E.Ch.A. Central Executive Officer, phone number, and the name of the campus that he or she represents.

a. Upon a 2/3 majority vote of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego Representatives who are eligible to cast votes during regular or special meetings, the Internal Coordinator shall declare the removal of the officer.

b. Removal shall be held not less than fourteen (14) or more than thirty (30) calendar days after the submission of the petition to the Internal Coordinator and the Parliamentarian. If the petition is submitted at the end of the semester the recall shall take place at the beginning of the following semester following a reaffirmation of the recall by M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. At the next scheduled M.E.Ch.A. Central meeting both cases shall be heard for ten minutes with a question and answer period not to exceed thirty (30) minutes. The general body will then vote on the recall of the M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego Officer.

c. A majority vote is necessary for the removal of an elected or appointed officer position of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego.

d. An officer who is recalled from M.E.Ch.A. Central de San de Diego may not be reappointed to the position for which he or she was removed from.

e. In the event that the Internal Coordinator for MEChA Central de San Diego is to be removed from office, then the External Coordinator shall preside in the removal procdure.

SECTION 4
Additional actions that constitute recall.

a. Using the prestige or influence of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego for private gain or advantage of himself/herself or another.

b. Using time, facilities, equipment or supplies of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego for the private gain or advantage or that of another.

c. Using official information or confidential information not available to the general public for his/her private gain or advantage or that of another.

d. Receiving or accepting money or other types "gifts" from an individual (s) in exchange for a service or good that violates the principles of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego.

e. Receiving or accepting, directly or indirectly, any gift or favor from anyone doing business with M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego under circumstances from which it could be reasonably inferred that such was intended to influence him/her in his/her official duties, or as a reward for official action.

SECTION 1
These Bylaws may be amended by the M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego upon a two-thirds 2/3 approving vote of those present.

SECTION 2
Public notice must be made at two (2) consecutive meetings of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. This notice shall include the proposed changes and location (s) of where copies of the proposed changes may be obtained with the deletions to the existing Bylaws appearing in strikeout type and any additions appearing in underlined or bold type.

SECTION 4
Amendments to these Bylaws become effective immediately upon adoption by M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego and signature by the Internal and External Coordinators.

ARTICLE IX - OATH OF OFFICE

SECTION 2
The oath of office shall be administered to the incoming Executive Officers/La Mesa Directiva by the outgoing External Coordinator.

I,__________________ do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the goals and objectives of El Movimiento Estudiantíl Chicano de Aztlán. I also declare truthful and faithful allegiance to M.E.Ch.A.’s goal of self-determination. Furthermore, I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter. I solemnly swear that I will continue to support and defend the Constitution of El Movimiento Estudiantíl Chicano de Aztlán (M.E.Ch.A.) Central de San Diego. Furthermore, I will conduct myself in a professional manner becoming an officer and representative of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. While in office, I will not use alcohol or drugs while attending M.E.Ch.A. sponsored events. I will not become involved in any actions that would be detrimental to M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego or its members. I will follow and abide by the Constitution of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego’s governing policies and procedures.

__________________________________
Signature of M.E.Ch.A. officer

________________________________________
Mailing Address
________________________________________

________________________________________
Position/Title

Taken and subscribed before me this ______day of______________,20_____.

____________________________________________________
Signature of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego External Coordinator.

SECTION 1
An up-to-date copy of these Bylaws shall be prepared and maintained by the Parliamentarian and deposited with an appropriately designated Chapter of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego. The M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego shall, at least once a year, prepare a sufficient numbers of copies of these Bylaws so that they may be made available to members of M.E.Ch.A. Central de San Diego or other interested people.