THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

OF
______________________________________________

(LAOS/LAZOS)
(Notation-The Constitution should detail those principles of organization which
require the highest level of consensus and which should not be altered without near
universal agreement. The bylaws should supplement the constitution and describe those
issues which require normal adoption but are not likely to change from time to time (e.g.,
dues, committee functions) or require less notice to the general membership.)

THE CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I PURPOSE
LACOS/LAZOS is a resource for students to create community, explore identity, and
develop cultural awareness of cultures within the Latin diaspora which includes countries
rooted in North America, South America, Europe and the Caribbean.
LACOS/LAZOS focuses
primarily
on
the
development of students
who
identify as Latin@, Hispanic, and /or as part of Spanish and Portuguese speaking
cultures, and is open to all students.
ARTICLE II -- MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 Any full-time Bucknell undergraduate or graduate student can join
LACOS/LAZOSs membership roster including domestic, international, and exchange
students, and Teaching Assistants (TAs).
Section 2 An individual shall be considered a member in good standing by
attending meetings regularly, joining the membership roster annually, attending
organizational programs, and participating in LACOS/LAZOS via Caucus and/or a
planning committee.
Section 3 Membership requires students to participate actively including
attending meetings and supporting events in some capacity. Only active members can
rum for office within LACOS/LAZOS. The Executive Board will record meeting
attendance, and caucus and event organizing participation, to verify this information.

ARTICLE III -- ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Section 1 Elections will occur in every March in an effort to comply with the
BSGs deadlines for budget requests. Officers will serve for the full academic year unless
there are extenuating circumstances. As such students studying abroad are ineligible to
serve as officers. Said election shall be called by the Constitution Committee who shall
give proper notice to the general membership and conduct the election in a manner set
forth in this Constitution and in its Bylaws.
Section 2 LAOS/LAZOS Executive Board members will provide members
with officer descriptions in January and have a nominations meeting in February. Each
candidate will have an equal opportunity to campaign and articulate their vision for their
position to the membership prior to elections. The election will occur electronically and
the groups Advisor will tabulate the final count for elections to ensure fairness and
objectivity in the selection process. Only active members are allowed to run for office.
Elections shall be by secret ballot and require the affirmation of a majority of the voting
membership. Nomination and election may not occur at the same meeting.
ARTICLE IV -- TERM AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1 The Executive Board is a five person team comprised of dedicated
servant-leaders who serve Bucknell LAOS/LAZOS members by providing vision,
leadership, and an open forum for members to define and refine the organization for a
one year term.
There shall be five officers: the President, Vice President, Outreach Liaison, Secretary
and Treasurer, who each serve a term of one year commencing late August and ending the
last day of classes.
Section 2 Executive Board duties and responsibilities:

President: Defines annual vision and goals, reaches out to faculty and staff,
reaches out to other student groups/organizations, serves as primary contact for
organizational events, and is lead organizer of meetings.
Vice President: Assists president with duties, reaches out to
Hispanic/Latin/Latin@ alumni, oversees and synthesizes needs/interests of
caucuses.
Secretary: Establishes and maintains records including meeting summaries, event
and programming invoices, assessment and other support activities.
Outreach Liaison: Oversees promotional and marketing materials including The
Bucknellian, social media, the Print, Publication & Mail (PPM) office, and offcampus outreach (i.e. community orgs, other campuses).
Treasurer: Files annual budget request, maintains and balances budget, handles
budget transfer requests and co-sponsorships.

ARTICLE V REMOVAL OF OFFICERS

An officer failing to maintain membership in good standing or failing to execute
the duties of office may be removed at any meeting of the general membership upon a
two-thirds majority present and voting.
ARTICLE VI MEETINGS
Section 1 Meetings will occur on a bi-weekly basis and include the following
agenda items:
Icebreaker/interactive welcoming activity
News from around the diaspora
Caucus reports (rotational)
Rotating features: Discussion topic, educational moments, guest speakers,
member recognition (achievements, birthdays)

Section 2 Executive Board members will meet twice per month to discuss
meetings, upcoming events, the progress of Caucuses and committee, and the needs of
members in general. These meetings will also provide an opportunity to discuss strategies
for addressing cultural climate issues pertaining to Latin@ culture at Bucknell.
ARTICLE VII COMMITTEES
The membership will convene Committees on an as needed basis. Committees are
thematic bodies focused on planning programs and events. Each committee will features
volunteers from the group members. The Committee will appoint a leader designated by
the majority of the committee members.
Latinidad is an inclusive concept that refers to the diversity of the Latin diaspora and this
principle guides the implementation of Caucuses. In an effort to foster an inclusive
atmosphere and equitable representation for all in Bucknell LAOS/LAZOS activities
group members are invited to join caucuses charged with articulating the diversity of
Latin@ culture.
Students are encouraged to select caucuses based on their interest not necessarily their
personal identity. This allows students to deepen an understanding of their culture and/or
to learn about a different culture. Caucuses share information (i.e. news, and cultural
elements relating to specific territories and cultures) at meetings on a rotating basis and
influence campus campaigns, and programs, and ensure diversity in the organizations
promotional materials and alumni relations.

All members are encouraged to join one of four Caucuses focused on education, cultural
awareness, and current events relevant to the Latin diaspora:

Caribbean
Iberian Peninsula (Portugal, Spain)
North & Central America (Canada, Central America, Mexico, U.S.)
South America

ARTICLE VIII AMENDMENTS AND BYLAWS

Section 1 An Amendment to this Constitution may be proposed for consideration
by any member in good standing at a general membership meeting. Upon majority vote;
said proposed amendment shall be submitted to the Constitution Committee for its
review. The Constitution Committee shall submit its recommendation together with the
original proposal to a special meeting of the general membership. Passage of any
amendment shall require a two-thirds majority of those present and voting.)
Constitution Committee The Secretary shall chair the Constitution Committee and it
shall be composed of the President and Vice President, in addition to three active
members selected on a rotational basis. The committee shall come to a unanimous vote
on the recommendation before presenting it to the general membership.
Section 2 The bylaws hereafter set forth to this Constitution may be amended by
a majority vote of the general membership at any regularly scheduled meeting.

BYLAWS

1. Standing committees are responsible for developing and executing organizational

events and programs. This includes appointing a Committee leader, establishing
meeting times, developing event/program outcomes, completing all logistical
duties (i.e. reserving space, ordering refreshments, promoting the event, setting up
and cleaning up after events as needed, and documenting events including
pictures/videos and an ending summary submitted to the Executive Board.
2. Active membership requires regularly attending meetings, joining the
membership roster and participating in various ways including Caucuses and/or
committee membership.
3. Meetings are led by the President and are one hour in length with substantive
content. All meetings are held in Bucknell meeting spaces

4. Balloting for the election of officers will be administered by the Advisor who will
create an electronic format for each officer and monitor and tabulate final results.
5. Executive Board members are expected to undergo leadership training with the
Advisor annually, and are expected fulfill all administrative duties including
attending CAP Center workshops and being accessible to members.