Bylaws

WORLD CONSTITUTION AND PARLIAMENT ASSOCIATION, INC.
(incorporating all amendments up to 19 June 1990.)

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of our organization is the World Constitution and Parliament Association. Inc., referred to hereinafter as WCPA.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSES

The purposes and powers of the WCPA are:

A. The establishment of a federal world government by the adoption of a world constitution, in particular the CONSTITUTION FOR THE FEDERATION OF EARTH, in order to secure peace, justice and greater opportunities in life for all people.

B. The convening of sessions of a world constitutional convention or world constituent assembly, to be composed of delegates invited from national governments or legislatures. Representatives of the people or non-governmental organizations, and persons chosen for their qualifications by the executive cabinet, and to be charged with the job of drafting the constitution for a federal world government and the submission of that constitution for ratification by the nations and peoples of the world; and in particular to continue the historical processes in this respect as already begun by the WCPA.

C. The organization and promotion of a provisional world parliament, an emergency earth rescue administration, a world disarmament agency, a new earth finance system. And any other activity or agency considered desirable to further the peace, welfare and opportunity in life for all people, including the implementation of world legislation adopted by the Provisional World Parliament.

D. To buy, sell, lease or rent property, real estate, goods, services or intangibles, and to enter into contracts appropriate thereto, but never contrary to the not-fo-profit purposes and activities of the WCPA.

E. To develop and carry forward a world-wide program, and to take whatever peaceful and lawful steps and actions may be necessary or desirable to achieve the purposes herein set forth, either alone or in cooperation with other corporations, individuals, groups or entities.

ARTICLE III.  LOCATION

The headquarters and principal office of the WCPA  shall be in or near Lakewood, Colorado, USA. or in such a place as the Executive Cabinet shall designate. Other offices may be established at such places as the Executive Cabinet may designate.

ARTICLE IV.  MEMBERS

Sec. 1  Definition Of Membership: membership in the WCPA  shall be open to any individual in any part of the world who endorses the principles and program of the WCPA , and who pays the annual dues as fixed by the Executive Cabinet. Membership application forms will be supplied by the Secretary General.

Sec. 2  Classification Of Members: the members of the WCPA  shall be divided into the following classifications:

A. World Members, who shall have the full right to vote in the affairs of the WCPA , subdivided into:

(1) Citizen Members, who may form local chapters under the national branches of the WCPA , and

(2) Parliamentary Members, comprising individuals who are currently members of national legislatures or parliaments who may form parliamentary groups of the WCPA

B. Associate Members, who shall have the right to vote only in the affairs of local chapters and national branches.

Sec. 3  Rights And Duties All world members, both the citizen members and parliamentary members shall have the right to vote for the Trustees of the WCPA  and to serve as Trustees and officers of the WCPA . They may form local chapters and national branches, and serve as officers thereof. All world members who have paid their annual dues shall receive the periodical of the WCPA

Associate members shall have the right to vote only in the affairs of local chapters and national branches, but not to serve as officers thereof.

Sec. 4  Dues: The annual dues for the members in each classification shall be fixed by the executive cabinet, but may be waived in the case of financial hardship. For the purpose of collecting dues, additional classifications of dues-paying members may be fixed by the Executive Cabinet beyond the basic membership dues. To be a member in good standing, a member may not be more than 12 months in arrears in dues. Any member who is 24 months in arrears in dues shall be automatically dropped from membership. The annual dues period shall be from January first to December thirty-first of each year. Members joining afterJuly 1, of any year may pay only one half of the annual dues for the first year.

The national branches and the local chapter may establish additional national or local dues, and may arrange to collect and transmit the world dues of members of the WCPA  to the world headquarters or authorized agent.

Sec. 5  A full record of all world members shall be kept jointly by the Secretary General and Treasurer at the world headquarters of the WCPA

ARTICLE V. NATIONAL BRANCHES

Sec. 1  Composition: National branches of the WCPA  may be organized in any nation or country by the world members and associate members of the WCPA  residing therein. The officers of a national branch must be world members of the WCPA  in good standing. At least 10 members in good standing shall be required to form and charter a national branch.

Sec. 2  Charters: The charter for a national branch shall be issued by the Secretary General, subject to approval of the Executive Cabinet, and shall entitle the world members of the national branch to elect two Trustees to the WCPA  upon formation, and an additional Trustee to the WCPA , for each 1000 world members and associate members of the national branch, up to a total of 7 Trustees from a single nation. The charter for any national branch may be revoked for cause by the executive cabinet.

Sec. 3  Formation  The Secretary General shall encourage the formation of national branches in as many countries as possible, and shall cooperate with the world members in any nation or country who endeavor to form a national branch. In cases of split countries, two national branches may be formed and chartered with the approval of the executive cabinet. The Secretary General may designate and authorize specific members of WCPA  to organize a national branch in any nation or country.

Sec. 4  Incorporation and By-Laws: a national branch may be incorporated under the laws of the nation in which it is organized. Each national branch shall prepare its own By-Laws but not in conflict with the By-Laws of the world organization of the WCPA.

ARTICLE VI.  LOCAL CHAPTERS

Sec. 1  Composition: Local chapters of the WCPA  may be organized in any city, locality or region by the world members and associate members of the WCPA  residing in that city, locality or region. The administrative officers of the local chapter must be world members of the WCPA  in good standing. At least 5 members in good standing shall be required to form a local chapter. The President and secretary of any national branch shall encourage the organization of local chapters of WCPA , according to democratic participatory principles. The officers of any national branch must respect the desires of WCPA  members to form local chapters. And to be represented in the national branch.

Sec. 2  Charters: The charter for a local chapter shall be issued by the governing body of the national branch of the particular nation, and shall entitle the local chapter to elect representatives to the national branch of the particular nation or country in accordance with the By-Laws of the national branch. The charter for a local chapter may be revoked for cause by the governing body of the national branch, but with the right of appeal by the local chapter to the Executive Cabinet of the WCPA

ARTICLE VII.  RIGHTS OF LOCAL CHAPTERS AND NATIONAL BRANCHES

Local chapters and national branches shall have the authority to develop and carry out activities and programs of their own initiative, provided such programs are consistent with and help to promote the stated purposes and action programs of the WCPA .

ARTICLE VIII.  THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Sec. 1.  Definltion: The general governing and policy making body of the WCPA  shall be designated as the Board of Trustees. The members of the board of Trustees shall be designated as Trustees, and referred to hereinafter as Trustees. Trustees must be world members of the WCPA  in good standing. All officers and cabinet members of WCPA  are automatically included as Trustees.

Sec. 2  Composition:  The Trustees shall be elected by the national branches by affiliated organizations, and directly by the executive cabinet. To go forward with the program of action of WCPA  and to make it representative of many parts of the world, the Executive Cabinet may elect from each nation up to five Trustees who are or will become world members in good standings in addition to the officers of the Executive Cabinet and the chairpersons of the working commissions. Each national branch may elect at least two Trustees and as many as 7 Trustees as defined under Article V. Each affiliated organization may elect one Trustee. Between meetings of the Executive Cabinet the Secretary General may nominate Trustees from countries which may be poorly represented, to serve until the next election.

Sec. 3  Meetings: The Trustees shall meet at least once every year at a time and place to be decided by the Secretary General, in consultation with the Co-Presidents, and the Secretary General may call special meetings by the same procedure. Notices of meetings of Trustees stating the time and place shall be given in writing by the Secretary General at least 30 days in advance of the meeting being called. A quorum for regular or special meetings of Trustees shall be 10% of the total number of Trustees, providing that Trustees are included from at least 3 different countries.

Sec. 4.  Voting: Except where otherwise provided in these By-Laws, decisions shall be made by a simple majority of votes cast at any regular or special meeting of Trustees, or by a majority of votes received in the case of mail ballots which are returned within 45 days after the ballots are mailed out by the Secretary General, providing ballots are returned by 15% of the total number of Trustees. There shall be no voting by proxy.

Sec.  5.  Powers and Duties:  Among the powers and duties of the Trustees, but not limited thereto, shall be the following;

A. To adopt the general policy and program at regular or special meetings.

B. To elect the officers, commission chairpersons, and members at large of the executive cabinet.

C. Initiative and referendum, by means of which any 10 Trustees may require by written request that the Secretary General submit any matter for a vote by all Trustees, including a proposed amendment to the By-Laws.

Sec. 6  Tenure: Trustees shall be elected to serve for terms of two years, and may be re·elected for successive terms. A Trustee may resign by letter mailed to the executive cabinet. Any Trustee may be removed as a Trustee for cause by decision of the Executive Cabinet by a 2/3 majority vote of the members of the Executive Cabinet present or voting by mail ballot, provided the total vote cast exceeds·1/3 of the total number of members of the executive cabinet. Any Trustee who over 12 months fails to respond to letters from the Secretary General requesting answers or votes, or whose dues as a world member of the WCPA  are 12 months in arrears, may be dropped as a Trustee upon 30 days prior notice by the Secretary General, but with the right to appeal by letter addressed to the Executive Cabinet within 30 days after said notification.

ARTICLE IX.  EXECUTIVE CABINET

Sec. 1  Composition: The Executive Cabinet shall be composed of the Officers of WCPA , the chairpersons of the working commissions and up to 17 members at large. The chairperson of a working commission may be an officer or a member at large of the Executive Cabinet. All members of the Executive Cabinet shall be Trustees, and must be world members of the WCPA  in good standing.

Sec. 2  Meetings:  Regular meetings of the Executive Cabinet shall be held twice each year, at times and places to be specified by the Secretary General with the approval of at least one Co·President. Notices of regular meetings stating the time and place shall be given in writing by the Secretary General 30 days in advance of the particular meeting. Special meetings may be called by the Secretary General after consultation with the Co-Presidents when such meetings are deemed necessary to carry out the purposes and program of the WCPA.  Notices of special meetings setting the time and place shall be given by the Secretary General in writing or by telephone telegram or fax, at least 15 days in advance of the date set for the particular meeting. The quorum for regular or special meetings of the cabinet shall be 5 members of the Executive Cabinet or their alternatives, inclusive of the Secretary General, with one but only one vote allowed for each person present. A quorum shall require the presence of the Secretary General in person, together with one other officer of the WCPA  or chairperson of a working commission also in person.

Sec. 3  Alternates:  Any member of the Executive Cabinet may name a Trustee who is not an officer or cabinet member to serve as his or her alternate to participate in an Executive Cabinet meeting, provided that such authorization is given to the alternate in writing for the particular meeting. Alternates must be Trustees of the WCPA in good standing.

Sec. 4  Voting: Except where otherwise provided in these By-Laws, decisions at meetings of the Executive Cabinet shall be by simple majority of those present with only one vote allowed for each person qualified to vote. In case of tie, the vote of the presiding officer shall decide. Between meetings of the executive cabinet, business may be conducted by mail, with votes taken upon any matter submitted by the Secretary General with the approval of one other Executive Cabinet member. Any 5 members of the cabinet may require in writing that the Secretary General submit any matter within the jurisdiction of the Executive Cabinet for a vote of all members of the executive cabinet, and that both pro and con arguments shall be included. Except where otherwise provided in these By-Laws, decisions in the case of mail ballots of Executive Cabinet members shall be by majority of votes recorded in ballots returned within 45 days after the ballots are mailed out by the Secretary General, provided that ballots are returned from a minimum of 9 members of the Executive Cabinet and not by alternates.

Sec. 5  Powers and Duties:   Any matter which is not within the jurisdiction of another organ of the WCPA by virtue of law or the provisions of these By-Laws and the articles of incorporation, shall be within the jurisdiction of the executive cabinet, including but not limited to the following:

A. To elaborate and implement the general policy and action program of the WCPA;

B. To outline duties and responsibilities of the working commissions, and to receive reports and vote upon the adoption of any plans or proposals submitted by the working commissions, the Secretary General, the Co-Presidents and other officers; and

C. To approve each budget; to approve wage scales for employees; to authorize compensation for any travel expenses in excess of $25; to appoint the auditor; and to approve contracts.

Sec. 6  Tenure: The terms of office for the officers and for all members of the Executive Cabinet shall be one year commencing on January 1, and serving through December 31, or until the next annual election. The officers and other members of the Executive Cabinet may be re·elected for successive terms. Any member of the Executive Cabinet may resign from the cabinet by letter addressed to the executive cabinet. Failure of any member of the Executive Cabinet to perform outlined duties over a period of six months may be construed and effected as a resignation by a 2/3 majority vote at a meeting of the Executive Cabinet followed by notification from the Secretary General, but with right of appeal by letter addressed to the Executive Cabinet within 30 days after said notification. In case of appeal: removal can be effected only by a 2/3 majority vote of the Executive Cabinet provided the total vote cast exceeds 1/3 of the total number of members of the executive cabinet. Vacancies caused by resignation, death or removal shall be filled by vote of the executive cabinet.

Article X.  Officers

Sec. 1   Definition: The officers of the WCPA  who shall also be officers of the Executive Cabinet, shall comprise 3 Co-Presidents; up to 19 Vice-Presidents, a Secretary General, and a Treasurer.

Sec. 2   Co·Presidents:   A Co-President shall preside at meetings of the Executive Cabinet and of the Trustees. The Co-Presidents shall make such appointments of committees and commissions and other appointments as are requested by the Executive Cabinet or by meetings of the Trustees; may make emergency appointments subject to confirmation by the Executive Cabinet; in cooperation with the Secretary General: may assign duties to the working commissions; shall be particularly responsible for making presentations of the program of WCPA on public occasions, but in co-operation with the Secretary General; shall endeavor to help expedite all aspects of the program of WCPA  in their respective parts of Earth, but consistent with the delegation of specific responsibilities to other officers or cabinet members, and shall make proposals for the good of the whole at each meeting of the Executive Cabinet and Trustees. The Co-Presidents shall perform such other duties as are customarily associated with the office of Presidents and as assigned by the Executive Cabinet, but not contrary to these By-Laws, nor the assignment of duties to other officers or cabinet members. When two or more Co-Presidents are in attendance at the same meeting, they shall rotate the position of chairmanship by mutual agreement. If there is a disagreement among the Co-Presidents they shall decide by vote among themselves. If only two Co-Presidents are present and a disagreement occurs, the Secretary General shall vote in the decision.

Sec. 3  Vice Presidents: In the absence of a Co·President, an available Vice President shall preside and perform the duties of the President. Each Vice President shall perform such duties and have such responsibilities as are assigned by the Cabinet. The Vice Presidents shall have particular responsibilities to assist the implementation of the program of WCPA , including the organization of national branches, in their respective parts of Earth. Any Vice President may also serve, upon assignment by the Cabinet, as the chairperson of a working commission.

Sec. 5  Secretary General:  Under the general supervision of the Executive Cabinet, the Secretary General shall be responsible for the implementation of the entire program of the WCPA,  and of the decisions of the Trustees and of the Executive Cabinet, except where specific responsibilities and duties are assigned to other officers the working commissions or other committees or agencies of the WCPA.  He or she shall be responsible for the employment of a staff or secretariat as needed, and in accordance with the approved budget and available funds, but subject to approval of the cabinet. He or she shall be responsible for the general coordination and supervision of all WCPA  agents implementing the program of the WCPA.  In particular, the Secretary General shall be primarily responsible for thf general supervision, functioning and coordination of the working commissions, for the assignment of duties thereto consistent with decisions of the Executive Cabinet, and for encouraging and assisting the useful functioning of each working commission. He or she shall make a report to each meeting of the cabinet and of the Trustees. He or she shall be responsible for the minutes of meetings of the cabinet and of the Trustees, for preparing and sending copies of the minutes of meetings, or a summary of such minutes, within 90 days after each meeting. He or she may prepare proposals, plans and/or suggestions on any matter for submission to the executive cabinet, the working commissions and the Trustees, and shall perform such other duties as are assigned by the Executive Cabinet.

Sec. 6  Treasurer:  The Treasurer shall be responsible for keeping the financial records of the association. She or he shall keep a full record of receipts and expendituresp shall acknowledge all contributions of cio or more, shall present such financial reports to the Executive Cabinet and Trustees as they may require and shall perform such other duties as are assigned by the Executive Cabinet.

Sec. 7  Emergency Appointments:   In the case of incapacity, obstruction or non-performance of duties by any officer or commission chairperson, the duties of that officer or working commission chairperson may be temporarily assigned to another officer chairperson or agency by 2/3 vote of the Executive Cabinet or by the Secretary General, subject to confirmation within 30 days by simple majority vote of the Executive Cabinet, but effective pending confirmation. Such temporary assignments shall continue in effect until resumption of duties by the officer or working commission chairperson or by permanent reassignment.

Sec. 8  Other Offices:  Additional offices, either appointive or elective, may be created and may be discontinued by the Executive Cabinet, as may seem appropriate; including those of World Peace Envoy, Legal Advisor, Spiritual Liaison, Sergeant-At-Arms, etc. Such offices shall be filled only by members of WCPA in good standing and such office holders may be given status as voting members of the cabinet at the discretion of the Executive Cabinet.

ARTICLE XI.  WORKING COMMISSIONS

Sec. 1  Definition:   Working commissions may be created by the Executive Cabinet for any area of activity, to assist in developing and carrying out the purpose and program of the WCPA , and in particular to assist the Secretary General. Each working commission shall be headed by a chairperson; who shall be included as a member of the executive cabinet.

Sec. 2  Categories: Working commissions may include the following but are not limited thereto;

Cities and Towns                                            Membership

Communications                                             National Parliaments

Delegates & Credentials                               Publicity

Disarmament                                                  Ratification of Constitution

Environment                                                    Youth, Schools, Universities

Fund raising & Finances                                World Courts

Human Rights

The Executive Cabinet may establish such other working commissions as may become desirable or necessary, may terminate or combine commissions according to the discretion of the Executive Cabinet, and may change the names of commissions. Commissions shall be made operative when competent WCPA  members are available and ready to devote the necessary time as chairpersons, and shall be terminated when non-functional.

Sec. 3  Organization: The chairperson of each working commission may be elected either at meetings of the Trustees, or of the Executive Cabinet. The chairperson of each working commission shall be responsible for the organization of the commission and its work, under the general supervision and coordination ofthe Secretary General, and in consultation with the executive cabinet. Each working commission shall be composed of persons who are chosen by the chairperson of the commission together with the persons who may be appointed to the commission by the Executive Cabinet or by the Secretary General. The Secretary General shall be an ad hoc member of each working commission.

Sec. 4  Rules, Responsibilities and Duties:   The Executive Cabinet shall establish such rules as may be necessary for the functioning of the working commissions, and shall outline the responsibilities and duties of each working commission. The recommendations and proposals of each working commission must be approved by the Executive Cabinet before implementation. Reports from each working commission shall be filed with the Secretary General. The Secretary General may require a report from any working commission to be submitted within six weeks after receipt of request. The names and addresses of the members of each working commission shall be placed on record at the principal office of the WCPA.

ARTICLE XII. GENERAL CONDUCT OF MEETINGS

Sec. 1 Rules of Procedure: Rules of procedure may be adopted by the Executive Cabinet for the conduct of any regulary special, or special purpose meeting of the WCPA or other meeting organized by the WCPA. In the absence of other adopted rules of procedure, Robert’s Rules of Order shall be followed. Rules of procedure adopted by the Executive Cabinet shall not be in conflict with these By·Laws, and need not be put to a vote of the members or Trustees of WCPA  apart from the Executive Cabinet, nor of delegates to a meeting of the WCPA or organized by WCPA.

Sec. 2  Discipline: If and when any cabinet member or Trustee feels it necessary to bring charges of misconduct, incompetence or actions contrary to the purposes, program, and By-Laws of the WCPA  concerning any officer, cabinet member or Trustee of WCPA , the charges against the particular person must be prepared in writing and received by the charged person at least 10 days prior to the meeting of the Executive Cabinet at which the charges and discipline are to be considered.

Sec. 3  Personality Attacks Forbidden: In any meeting of the WCPA , or meeting organized by the WCPA , if any participant shall engage in a personally hostile or slanderous attack against another, or shall begin any such attack, he or she shall be immediately ruled out of order. If such attack is continued, the offending person shall be escorted from the meeting.

ARTICLE XIII   REGIONAL DIVISIONS, & OTHER AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS

Sec. 1 Regional Divisions:  Regional divisions of the WCPA  may be established for any group of nations or countries by decision of the Executive Cabinet for the purpose of assisting in the realization of the purposes and program of the WCPA , and in the implementation of the program of the WCPA ,  including liaison with national branches of the WCPA , and with other organizations. Regional divisions of the WCPA  shall function under such rules as the Executive Cabinet may decide.

The Executive Cabinet may appoint a division director, either with or without compensation, for each regional division, and may terminate the appointment of any division director at the discretion of the cabinet. Each division director must be a Trustee of the WCPA  and a member in good standing. Each division director shall be subject to the supervision of the Executive Cabinet through the Secretary General for the implementation of the program of the WCPA , in the nations or countries for which the regional division is established.

Sec: 2:  Other Affiliated Organizations: Any other national, regional or world organization which endorses the objectives of the WCPA , and specifically action for the world constituent assembly or world constitutional convention, the provisional world parliament and the ratification of the Constitution for the Federation of Earth, and which agrees to cooperate with the WCPA  for the achievement of the purposes and program of the WCPA , may apply in writing to the Executive Cabinet for affiliation with the WCPA  such affiliation shall become effective upon a 2/3 affirmative vote of the Executive Cabinet and may be terminated by a 2/3 majority vote of the Executive Cabinet. Affiliated organizations shall pay such membership dues as are established by the Executive Cabinet.

ARTICLE XIV FINANCES AND CONTRACTS

Sec. 1  Budget: The Secretary General, in consultation with the Executive Vice-President and Treasurer, shall prepare a budget or budgets for such periods of time as may be desirable and for such conventions,  meetings or projects as may be involved in carrying out the program of the WCPA  or any part thereof. Each budget must be approved by the Executive Cabinet.

Sec. 2  Disbursements: Disbursements shall be made by those persons authorized to write checks per section 3, and in accordance with the applicable budget for the implementation of the program of the WCPA

Sec. 3   Bank Accounts: The funds of the WCPA shall be deposited in a bank or banks designated and approved by the Executive Cabinet. Bank accounts may be opened in any city or nation by decision of the Executive Cabinet. The persons authorized to write checks must be specified and approved by resolution of the Executive Cabinet.

Sec. 4  Audits:  The books and accounts of the WCPA  shall be audited annually. The fiscal year shall begin on January 1 of each year.

Sec. 5  Revenue: In addition to membership dues in each category of membership other sources of income may be developed including any feasible and acceptable manner of contributions or pledges, the sale of promotional stamps, grants and wills, sales of literature magazines,  advertisements, and other products or services and any other feasible and lawful method. In a nation or country where there is a national branch of the WCPA , the Executive Cabinet shall work out with such branch an arrangement for the sharing of contributions obtained in connection with joint promotions of the program in that nation or country.

Sec. 6  Financial and Contractual Responsibility: Pursuant to authorization by the Executive Cabinet, the corporation shall be committed financially and/or contractually with respect to other parties only by the joint signatures of the Treasurer together with the Secretary General and/or a Co-President. The financial responsibility of the corporation shall be limited to its own assets and the members, Trustees, and members of the Executive Cabinet shall not be personally liable for debts of the corporation, except insofar as state corporate laws may apply.

ARTICLE XV.  AMENDMENTS

Amendments to these By-Laws may be made by a 2/3 majority vote of the Trustees, either present in a meeting or by mail ballot, providing the total vote cast exceeds 1/3 of the total number of Trustees.

ARTICLE XVI.  DISSOLUTION OR MERGER

Sec. 1  Dissolution: The Trustees may dissolve the corporation by a ¾ majority vote of the Trustees, either present in a meeting or by mail ballot, provided that the total vote cast exceeds 1/3 of the total number of Trustees. In the event that after two unsuccessful attempts have been made to obtain a quorum meeting to consider the question of dissolution or to obtain responses by mail ballot from 1/3 of the Trustees to a question of dissolution, then the members of the Executive Cabinet shall become the Trustees for the corporation and decide the question by a simple majority vote by mail ballot. In case of dissolution, the Executive Cabinet shall decide on the use of any liquidation assets for purposes consistent with the objectives of the WCPA .

Sec. 2  Merger: The Trustees may authorize merger of the WCPA  with another organization or other organizations having similar purposes, by a 2/3 vote of the Trustees either present in a meeting or by mail ballot, provided that the total vote cast exceeds 1/3 of the total number of Trustees.