ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this registered non-profit organization shall be The American Association of Single Parents, and is also referred to as AASP.

ARTICLE II: MISSION/OBJECTIVES

The AASP was formed to support single parents. AASP defines single parent as: A employed or unemployed adult who has custody of a child(ren), in such instances the single parent carries the title of custodial parent or legal guardian.

AASP will take a holistic approach to support the single-parent through charitable, social and educational programs.

CHARITABLE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (CAP):

1. The Clothing program is designed to assist the single-parent with providing the necessary items their child(ren) may need, such as: seasonal clothing, school clothing (uniforms) and school supplies and etc. These items collected for distribution may be new or used. In any case, AASP will provide necessary items to meet the needs of the single the single parent.

2. The Emergency Food/Grocery program is designed to assist the single parent in providing perishable and non-perishable food items for themselves and their child(ren). Some items distributed may be the result of, but is not limited to, scheduled food drives. Based upon the urgency and availability of items received, as a result of food drive, the single parents may be eligible to receive food/groceries, through direct purchase, from the local grocery store.

3. The Utility Bill program is designed to assist the single parent with negotiating feasible payment arrangements and/or actual payment of their utility bill (water, gas, and electric). This could include, but is not limited to, a partial payment in which AASP will take the responsibility of paying up to 50% of a utility bill that was accumulated within a one month period. Depending on the circumstances and available funding, the single parent may be eligible to receive assistance in paying the full amount of their utility bill within a one-two month period.

Through the CAP program, all assistance provided will be based on the urgency and need of the family. An official member of AASP will purchase all items.

SOCIAL PROGRAMS:

1. Youths Can Win Mentoring Program:

The importance of a mentoring program is partly the result of the conditions in which young people increasingly live in throughout America, especially urban America. Wide spread family breakdown, erosion of neighborhood ties, and time demand of the single parent work load, has created a situation in which few young people have, not even one, significant close relationship with a non-parental adult before actually reaching adulthood. For inner-city youth, the problem of having positive adult role models is compounded by the relatively higher rates of single parent homes, the existence of fewer working adults, the strength of youth gangs, and more prevalent substance abuse. Mentoring programs for youth have help fill this need for positive adult role models, support, and guidance.

The Youths Can Win mentoring program is designed to have men and women, from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, that will work with youths in Chicago and the surrounding communities. Through a mentoring relationship, adult volunteers and participating youths make a significant commitment of time and energy to develop relationships devoted to personal, academic, or career development and social, athletic, or artistic growth. So, while the parent is out working the child may be less likely to participate in an environment that is plagued with crime, violence, drug-sales, and gang activity.

After an extensive interviewing process and background check, the youth will be matched up with a volunteer mentor. They will meet at least two to three times during a seven-day period, for a total of eight to twelve days a month. Any time mentors spend with youth, will be logged.

2. Single Parent Enrichment Program is designed to give single parents the opportunity to come together with other single parents to discuss issues that surround their situation(s). This may include, but is not limited to, guest speakers, seminars, and counseling sessions (individual and group).

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM:

1. Academics Creating Excellence (ACE):

AASP will provide academic enrichment sessions that will give youth time to do homework and receive tutoring assistance. ACE will use interactive techniques to keep participants involved in their own learning experience. ACE will offer education enrichment activities ranging from computers to field trips to local businesses, libraries, museums, and government offices. Through the participation in these activities, participants will explore various career options and opportunities for the future.

The program will be held Monday through Friday from 3:00p.m. to 6:30p.m. Transportation will be provided for all youths in the program. All expenses and supplies needed to plan and implement any program will be provided by AASP.

2. Day-care Referral Service program is designed to assist the single-parent in establishing adequate day-care for their child(ren). AASP has established an extensive data base system which list licensed facilities throughout the state of Illinois.

3. Scholarship program is designed to give youths, of single parents and the parent the opportunity to further their education beyond high school through monetary support. All funds awarded through this program will only be used for education purposes.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

Any person sharing the common interests of the members of the AASP as set forth in Article II may become a member upon sending to the treasurer the organizations dues and a signed statement that he or she has read the Constitution and Bylaws and agrees to follow them.

The annual membership fee shall be recommended by the Executive Committee and approved by a simple majority vote at the annual general meeting. The Executive Committee will determine exceptions, regarding payment of dues.

ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS

The AASP shall have four elected officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Officers may serve as Chairpersons of different committees. Officers may serve as ex-officio members of all committees. Each officers term shall be one year, after which a general election of all officers shall be held.

ARTICLE V: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The management of the affairs of AASP shall be carried out by the Chief Executive Officer along with the Executive Committee (see Article IV).

The Executive Committee shall have the sole power to interpret the Constitution and Bylaws, and to decide upon matters not provided for therein. It will also review for appropriate disciplinary action of any member. At each general meeting the president shall report the actions and decisions taken by the Executive Committee since the previous general meeting.

ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS

General meetings shall normally be held monthly unless otherwise noted, and the one held in December shall be called the Annual General Meeting. If this meeting is canceled due to inclement weather or other reasons, it shall be held at the earliest practical date thereafter.

ARTICLE VII: COMMITTEES

Article VIIa: Ad Hoc Committees

The president shall have the power, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee, to form ad hoc committees and to appoint their members and chairpersons.

Article VIIb: Standing Committees

The AASP shall have the following Standing Committees: Fundraising, Programming, Budgeting and Public Relations. The President will appoint the chairpersons of these committees. These committees will elect their own chairperson, and there will be no limit on the length of service either of the member or the chairperson. Membership on those committees will normally be voluntary except when the president shall ask a member to serve o n a committee in absence of the necessary volunteers. These committees are the minimum required to fulfill the normal functions of the American Association of Single Parents.

ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENT

This Constitution may be amended by the Board Members of the AASP and ratified by majority vote of AASP members. The secretary shall obtain the vote of all members who are not able to attend the monthly general meeting.

A copy of the proposed amendment(s) shall first be presented to the Board Members and discussed by them at a monthly general meeting. At the next monthly general meeting the proposed amendment should be further discussed, but at the determination of the President, a vote by the Board of Directors to end discussion will be conducted. As a result, the amendment will come up for ratification by the member at large.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I: FISCAL MATTERS

Section 1: Dues and Other Fees

Dues shall be set on an annual basis by a simple majority vote at the annual general meeting. Dues shall be prorated for anyone joining AASP after the beginning of the membership year.

There shall not be an attendance fee for most meetings. If the Executive Committee, however, foresees the need for extra income to help offset the expense of a special meeting, a nominal fee may be required for all those attending, whether members or guests. All members shall be notified of the fee at least one week before the special programs.

Section 2: Expenditure of Funds

The Executive Committee shall be responsible for all expenditures of the AASP funds; consistent with the objectives outlined in Article II of the Constitution. Payments may be authorized to individuals or organizations for services rendered.

Reimbursements will be made for members' out-of-pocket expenses where those expenses have been authorized by a simple majority vote of the Executive Committee. Officers having authority to disburse AASP funds in an emergency shall be placed in the office of the Chief Executive Officer, President, or the Vice President, in that order.

ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Membership Year

The membership year shall be January 1 through December 31.

Section 2: Rights of Members

Payment of dues shall entitle a member to participate in all activities of AASP.

Section 3: Expulsion of Members

The Executive Committee, acting on behalf or at the mandate of the membership, shall have the power to recommend expulsion of a member. The procedure for discussing and voting on an expulsion, together with members voting eligibility requirements, shall be identical to that for amending the Constitution (see Article VIII of the Constitution). This extreme measure shall be recommended if the member is deemed to have abused the right of membership, such as persistently misrepresenting his or her connection with AASP for his or her own personal gain, or by flagrantly disregarding the provisions f the third paragraph of Article II of the Constitution. A refund of dues will not be returned to an expelled member.

ARTICLE III: OFFICERS

Section I: Duties

Chief Executive Officer (CEO): The primary responsibilities of the CEO are as follows:

LEADER
Chairperson of the Board of Directors on all business that will directly or indirect effect the functions of AASP.
Advocates/promotes organization and stakeholders changes related to AASP mission
Supports motivation of employees and volunteers throughout AASP programs and operations

VISIONARY
Ensures staff and Board Members have sufficient and up-to-date information
Looks to the future for new opportunities to execute the organization's goals
Interfaces between Board and employees
Interfaces between organization and community

DECISION MAKER
Formulate policies and planning recommendations to the Board Members
Decides or guides courses of action in operations by staff

MANAGER
Oversees operations of AASP
Implements plans
Manages human resources of organization
Manages financial and physical resources

BOARD DEVELOPER
Assists in the selection and evaluation of Board members
Supports Board's evaluation of CEO
Makes recommendations to the Board during self and peer evaluation

President: The president shall be present and preside over all general meetings and Executive Committee meetings. The president shall have the following primary responsibilities:

Ensure the continued solvency of the AASP.
With the aid of the Program Committee, ensure that appropriate programs are provided for the general meetings.
Appoint, as appropriate, Committees to provide for special events undertaken by the AASP such as fundraisers and social events.
Ensure that the normal business of the AASP is handled in a timely manner.
Function as the principal spokesperson, along with CEO, for the AASP in all public forums as required.
Ensures that the staff has sufficient and up-to-date information
Looks to the future for new opportunities to execute the organization's goals
Interfaces between Board and employees
Interfaces between organization and community

Vice President: The vice president shall have the following primary responsibilities:

The vice president, in the president's absence, presides over monthly or annual general meetings and/or meetings of the Executive Committee.
In the secretary's absence record the minutes.
The vice president shall share in the duties of the president in a manner that the president sees fit. The vice president shall share responsibility with the president for industry relations.

Industry relations shall include acting as agent to represent the AASP in initiating and maintaining contact with the community in which the organization is serving. The purpose shall be to develop and maintain beneficial relationships with those industries.

Secretary: The secretary shall have the following primary responsibilities:

The secretary shall conduct and maintain records of general correspondence of the AASP (including copies of the president's correspondence with those outside the AASP).
He or She will maintain and manage minutes of board meetings.
Ensures minutes are distributed, by mail, to members shortly after each meeting.
Is sufficiently familiar with legal documents (articles, bylaws, IRS letters, etc.).
Will maintain AASPs official seal

Treasurer: The secretary shall have the following primary responsibilities:

The treasured shall collect membership dues.
Make recommendations to the members and the Executive Committee concerning the setting of dues.
Manage AASPs funds in a manner approved by the Constitution, Bylaws, and Executive Committee.
Supply the Executive Committee with a general report at each meeting.
Provide not less than one more detailed report in writing each year concerning the financial condition of the AASP and the purposes for which its funds are being spent.

Section 2: Election to Office

The elective offices of the AASP shall be filled at the Annual General Meeting.

Nominations shall be accepted from the floor at the preceding general meeting, and at least ten days before the Annual General Meeting an election announcement shall be mailed to members identifying the nominees.

All nominees must have been members for a certain period of time to be eligible to be nominated and run for the following offices:

President: Must have been a member for a least 1 year.
Vice President: Must have been a member for a least 1 year.
Secretary: Must have been a member for a least 6 months.
Treasurer: Must have been a member for a least 1 year

Elections shall be simple majority of the members in attendance. A member is eligible to vote by fulfilling the eligibility requirements in the first paragraph of Article III of the Constitution. Members eligible to vote but who cannot attend the meeting may vote by a signed ballot mailed to the AASP secretary and postmarked no later than one week before the Annual General Meeting. If no candidate for a given office receives a majority of the votes cast, a run-off between the two leading candidates shall e held at the same meeting.

Section 3: Terms of Office

Terms of the elective offices shall be January 1 through December 31, coinciding with the membership year. There shall be no limits placed on the number of terms an elected officer may serve.

Section 4: Removal from Office

The tenure of any officer may be terminated for acting in a manner deemed contrary to the organizations best interests. Any member can petition the Board of Directors to consider that petition within one month. The office in question and the other members shall be notified of this petition in the secretarys minutes. At the Board of Directors meeting the officer in question will have the opportunity to respond to the petition, and the other Board members shall vote on a recommendation for or against removal from office. At the next general monthly meeting of the AASP, the Board of Directors shall convey its recommendation to the membership. The officer in question can give a defense and the members shall vote on the recommendation. A three-quarters majority of those voting shall be required to remove an incumbent from office.

Section 5: Vacancies

If a vacancy occurs, a special election to fill this vacancy shall be announced in the minutes and held within two months at a general meeting where the majority of all eligible voting members are present. A simple majority vote shall be required to elect the officer to complete the remaining term of office that will end December 31. The Board of Directors appointment may fill such a vacancy.

If a vacancy exists due to lack of a volunteer for an office such as secretary or treasurer, the other officers shall share the duties of that office as mutually agreed upon until the vacancy is filled.

ARTICLE III: Meetings

Section 1: General Meetings

A general meeting shall normally be held on the second Sunday of each month at 4:00pm unless otherwise announced at the previous meeting, or by other means. A notice of each general meeting shall be contained in the minutes of the previous meeting.

Section 2: Special Meetings/ Events

In addition to general meetings, the AASP may undertake other activities it deems appropriate to serve our target community, such as field trips, fundraisers, food and clothing drives and seminars.

ARTICLE V: COMMITTEES

The president, with the approval of the Board of Directors, shall have the power to form committees and to appoint their members and chairpersons.

ARTICLE VI: AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended in the same manner as the Constitution of the AASP (see Article VIII of the Constitution). The voting eligibility requirements shall also be the same.