CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I

NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Federal Asian Pacific American Council, the acronym for which shall be “FAPAC".

ARTICLE II

PURPOSE

The FAPAC is organized exclusively, for educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The primary purpose of FAPAC is to serve as an interagency association with the Federal and District of Columbia Governments, providing a focus for over thirty ethnically distinct groups from Asia and other Pacific regions as recognized by the United States Bureau of the Census.

ARTICLE III

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of FAPAC shall be:

Section 1: To promote career development and networking opportunities for employees within the Federal and DC Governments through FAPAC’s high-caliber programs.

Section 2: To enhance FAPAC’s recognition as a trusted national organization and partner to the Federal and DC Governments.

Section 3: To increase member engagement by recruiting and retaining members, promoting membership benefits, and enhancing the member experience.

ARTICLE IV

ORGANIZATIONAL POLICIES

Section 1: FAPAC shall not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, genetic information, or any other status prohibited by applicable law.

Section 2: FAPAC shall be a nonprofit, nonpartisan, and noncommercial organization.

Section 3: Except as part of a duly administered FAPAC internship and scholarship program, no part of the net earnings of the FAPAC shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its members, officers, or any other private persons, except that the FAPAC shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of Section 501(c)(3) purposes.

Section 4: FAPAC shall be organized to conduct activities of interest common to its members and shall expend its funds for that purpose.

Section 5: No substantial part of the activities of FAPAC shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the FAPAC shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section, the FAPAC shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Section 6: FAPAC Chapters are affiliated, independent organizations with their own Constitution & Bylaws that are consistent with FAPAC’s Constitution & Bylaws. All Constitutions and Bylaws initially drafted by FAPAC Chapters must be reviewed and approved by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee prior to ratification. Any subsequent amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws of FAPAC Chapters shall be submitted for approval by the FAPAC NBOD.

Section 7: FAPAC Chapters shall comply with all FAPAC guidelines. FAPAC may conduct audits of FAPAC Chapters to ensure compliance and may revoke a Chapter’s recognition upon a determination of noncompliance.

ARTICLE V

MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Membership

There are three membership classifications in FAPAC: Regular, Associate and Honorary. Each classification includes specific criteria for membership consideration. To be considered for membership in FAPAC, the applicant must meet all membership classification criteria, submit an online application, and pay membership dues in accordance with their membership classification. Membership shall be open to any individual who supports FAPAC’s goals and objectives. To be qualified as a good- standing member of the FAPAC, an individual must continue to meet all membership classification criteria and remain current with his/her membership dues payments.

Section 2: Categories of Individual Membership

• 2.1          Regular Member: Any current employee of the Federal or DC governments or active member of the U.S. military. Regular Membership may be paid on an annual or lifetime basis and is effective upon payment.

• 2.2          Associate Member: Any non-federal individual, including retirees and individuals belonging to the private sector, non-profit, academic institutions, or state or local governments. Associate Membership may be paid on an annual or lifetime basis and is effective upon payment.

• 2.3          Honorary Member: An individual who is granted complimentary membership by the FAPAC National Board of Directors for their exemplary contributions to FAPAC and public service. There is no fee associated with Honorary Membership.

Section 3: Membership Rights

• 3.1          A Regular Member will have all FAPAC membership rights and privileges, including the ability to vote, be nominated for FAPAC Office, seek election as a FAPAC Officer, and attend all FAPAC meetings and training events.

• 3.2          An Associate Member may vote in the FAPAC Elections and attend all FAPAC meetings and training events. An Associate Member may not run for FAPAC office.

• 3.3          An Honorary Member may attend all FAPAC meetings and training events. An Honorary Member may not run for FAPAC office nor vote in FAPAC Elections.

Section 4: Chapter Membership

Individuals must apply to be a FAPAC Regular or Associate Member, designate their chapter in the membership application, and pay the appropriate annual or lifetime membership dues to be officially recognized as a member of a chapter. One-third (1/3) of all membership dues paid by members of a chapter will be reimbursed to the respective chapter on an annual, fiscal-year basis. Each chapter will maintain its own Constitution & Bylaws and may determine additional membership dues to cover expenses for its respective chapter’s activities. Members can join multiple Chapters if they abide by the Constitutions and Bylaws of each respective Chapter. However, the member’s 1/3 annual dues reimbursement will be paid only to the primary Chapter designated by the member.

ARTICLE VI

GOVERNANCE

Section 1:

• 1.1          The FAPAC National Board of Directors (NBOD) shall consist of the six elected officers: President, Vice President, Vice President of Communications, Vice President of Finance, Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Programs. The NBOD is FAPAC’s executive decision-making body and is responsible for the entire organization. The presence of half of the NBOD members shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Board. The NBOD may conduct official votes in person, by e-mail, by text, or via a virtual meeting, as appropriate.

• 1.2          The Immediate Past President (IPP) shall attend NBOD Meetings as a representative of the Board of Advisors. The IPP is an unelected, non-voting member of the NBOD. However, in the event of a tie, the IPP shall cast a vote to break the tie.

Section 2: The National Board of Operations (NBOO) includes all FAPAC Committees established by the NBOD and exists to fulfill FAPAC’s mission and objectives under the direction of the NBOD. NBOO membership shall consist of all Committee Chairs or their delegate. Committee Chairs are formally appointed by the President. Committee Chairs serve for a one-year term to fulfill the duties outlined in their appointment letter.

Section 3: The Board of Advisors (BOA) shall consist of the last three FAPAC Presidents. The BOA functions as an advisory council to the President and provides consultation and institutional knowledge on matters related to FAPAC’s history, programs, membership, and compliance as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

ARTICLE VII

OFFICERS AND ELECTIONS

Section 1: Officers

• 1.1          FAPAC Officers are elected positions and serve on the National Board of Directors (NBOD). The six elected officers of FAPAC shall be the President, Vice President, Vice President of Communications, Vice President of Finance, Vice President of Membership,

and Vice President of Programs.

• 1.2          The Term of Office is two years, beginning on 1 October and ending on 30 September. A FAPAC Officer may not serve more than two consecutive terms (a total of four years) in a single elected position.

• 1.3          If an officer leaves his/her position prior to the expiration of their term, a special election must be conducted to fill the vacant position.

Section 2: Officer Eligibility

• 2.1          Only Regular Members may be elected to a FAPAC Officer position on the National Board of Directors. A Regular Member may be nominated for an open FAPAC Officer position if he or she meets the following criteria: (1) fulfills all eligibility requirements of a Regular Member; (2) has paid the appropriate membership dues; and (3) has been an active member for at least twelve (12) months prior to the election. A Regular Member may only run for one (1) Officer position in any given FAPAC Election. Associate and Honorary Members are not eligible to run for the FAPAC Office.

• 2.2          FAPAC Officers must maintain his/her membership in good standing, as per the membership classification criteria in Article V, for the entire duration of their term of office. Failure of any elected officer to maintain their FAPAC membership in good standing shall be grounds for immediate removal from office.

• 2.3          In the event of a change to an Officer’s employment with the U.S. military or Federal/DC government due to voluntary/involuntary separation or RIF, the Officer shall be allowed to complete the term of the FAPAC Officer position for which he/she was elected.

Section 3: Elections

FAPAC Elections must occur every two years, no later than September. Elections shall be open to all eligible members and conducted online via a secure form, email, or other appropriate communication.

Section 4: Installation of Officers

The installation ceremony of newly elected Officers shall occur between 1 September and 31 October, within one month before or after the official start of the term on October 1st.

ARTICLE VIII

AMENDMENTS

Section 1: Except as authorized in Article VIII, Section 5, the Constitution may be amended by a simple majority of all the eligible votes received.

Section 2: The Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote among the current NBOD elected officers. The IPP shall only cast a tie-breaking vote.

Section 3: No amendment to the Constitution shall be put to a vote unless written notice thereof, stating the proposed amendment, communicated to members electronically, at least thirty (30) days prior to the vote on the proposed amendment.

Section 4: Any amendment to the Constitution shall take effect immediately after its passage.

Section 5: Grammatical amendments that do not affect the substantive meaning of any article or section may be made by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee Chair, with the approval of the NBOD and President, without formal notice or vote, and may be effective immediately.

ARTICLE IX

DISSOLUTION

Section 1: FAPAC shall be dissolved only upon approval by ballot of not less than two thirds (2/3) of the current members.

Section 2: Upon dissolution of the FAPAC, its assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding section of any future tax code or shall be distributed to the Federal or to DC governments for a public purpose.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I

MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Subject to limitations stated in Article V, of the constitution, all members of FAPAC shall have the right to vote upon any motion put forth by the NBOD. Only NBOD members may vote on matters before the Board.

Section 2: The President with the recommendation of the NBOD shall offer honorary membership to those who have rendered outstanding services for furtherance of the objectives of FAPAC.

Section 3: Members must be in good standing (six months prior to election) through membership dues payment to be eligible to vote.

ARTICLE II

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1: President. The FAPAC President must possess two criteria: (1) classification as a Regular Member as defined in Article V, Section 2.1 of the FAPAC Constitution; (2) prior service in either the NBOD or NBOO for at least one full term. Additionally, the best qualified candidate for President shall possess competencies and characteristics that are consistent with the duties of the President.

It shall be the duty of the president, as chief executive officer to:

1. Serve as the official FAPAC representative, spokesperson, and head of the organization.
2. Identify & implement FAPAC’s vision and strategic plan.
3. Lead strategic planning and succession planning to ensure FAPAC’s strong and continued operations.
4.  Provide oversight to ensure that ethical, legal, and financial policies are in place to support the mission.
   
5. Proactively oversee compliance and risk management.
6. Maintain and establish new relationships with sponsors.
7. Prepare the agenda and preside over FAPAC National Board of Directors (NBOD) and National Board of Operations (NBOO) meetings.
8. Have overall responsibility for the coordination of all FAPAC activities.
9. Appoint committee chairpersons (as recommended by a FAPAC Officer) and act as an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nomination and Election Committee.
10. Sign, execute and approve agreement(s), obligation(s), and governing organizational documents including revisions, with the additional approval of the NBOD when necessary or required.
11. Ensure that all necessary documents are transferred to the succeeding President no later than October 1st after they are sworn-in

Section 2: Vice President. In addition to satisfying all membership prerequisites, the best qualified candidate for Vice President shall possess competencies and characteristics that are consistent with the duties of the Vice President.

It shall be the duty of the Vice-President to:

Section 3: Vice President of Communications: In addition to satisfying all membership prerequisites, the best qualified candidate for the VP of Communications shall possess competencies and characteristics that are consistent with the duties of the VP of Communications.

It shall be the duty of the Vice President of Communications to:

Section 4: Vice President of Finance: In addition to satisfying all membership prerequisites, the best qualified candidate for VP of Finance shall possess competencies and characteristics that are consistent with the duties of the VP of Finance.

It shall be the duty of the Vice President of Finance to:

Section 5: Vice President of Membership: In addition to satisfying all membership prerequisites, the best qualified candidate for the VP of Membership shall possess competencies and characteristics that are consistent with the duties of the VP of Membership.

It shall be the duty of the Vice President of Membership to:

Section 6: Vice President of Programs: In addition to satisfying all membership prerequisites, the best qualified candidate for VP of Programs shall possess competencies and characteristics that are consistent with the duties of the VP of Programs.

It shall be the duty of the Vice President of Programs to:

Section 7: Officer Responsibilities

It shall be the duty of the NBOD to take the initiative in determining the policies and goals of FAPAC. Members of the NBOD are expected to attend all NBOD meetings.

Section 8: Removal of Officers

• 7.1          The FAPAC Members, Officers, or Committee Chairs may be removed for malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance in office by a vote of two-thirds of the current members after due notice and process. Prior to any vote on a removal, the Board of Advisors must have provided the members(s) with thirty (30) days written notice of the specific acts or omissions which support a specific charge. The members so charged must be provided with an opportunity of no less than seven (7) business days to respond to the Board of Advisors’ charges.

• 7.2          A member of the NBOD may be considered for removal as a consequence of his/her absence from three (3) consecutive NBOD meetings, unless there is a good and sufficient reason.

ARTICLE III

NATIONAL BOARD OF OPERATIONS

Section 1: The NBOO consists of the Chairs, or their designee, of all committees to provide organizational assistance and operate in alignment with the FAPAC Constitution. The NBOO includes the Awards, Constitution and Bylaws, Marketing, Membership, Mentoring, Nominations and Elections, Partners & Engagement, Recruitment and Outreach, Sponsorship, and Training Committees. The Nominations and Election Committee reports to the Board of Advisors.

1.1          The Chair of all standing committees shall be appointed and/or reappointed by the FAPAC President. The President, in consultation with and/or recommendations from the Committee Chair, may also appoint a Co-chair or Assistant Chair for any Committee, as necessary. The term of all standing committees is one year or 12 months as one term.
1.2          The NBOO shall meet monthly to coordinate committee functions, provide progress updates to the National Board of Directors (NBOD), and identify areas of improvement for their respective committees.

Section 2: Awards Committee. The Awards Committee shall:

1.    Consist of Committee Chair appointed by the FAPAC President and other appointees selected by the Committee Chair from the general membership
2.    Coordinate FAPAC’s Awards Program that includes the Civilian, Uniformed Services, and Distinguished Public Service Scholarship Awards
3.    Promote and solicit nominations from agencies, DoD organizations, academic institutions, and other related organizations
4.    Develop and create clear criteria for the evaluation and selection of all nominees
5.    Establish and train the judging panel to evaluate nominees based on a structured rubric. The judges shall submit the winners for each category to the NBOD for review and final notification to the honorees
6.    Collaborate with other program committees in planning an awards ceremony held within a FAPAC-hosted event, such as the NLTP or other programs
7.    Provide recommendations to the NBOD regarding potential updates to award categories, criteria, selection, procedures, and design

Section 3: Constitution and Bylaws Committee: The Constitution and Bylaws Committee shall:

1.    Consist of Committee Chair appointed by the FAPAC President and other appointees selected by the Committee Chair from the general membership
2.    Review and propose amendments to the NBOD as needed
3.    Interpret the Constitution and Bylaws and process the implemented changes
4.    Review and maintain FAPAC Chapter Constitution and Bylaws to ensure consistency with FAPAC Constitution and Bylaws.

Section 4: Marketing Committee. The Marketing Committee shall:

1.    Consist of a Committee Chair appointed by the FAPAC President and other appointees selected by the Committee Chair from the general membership
2.    Manage the overall communications strategy for FAPAC
3.    Develop digital and print materials to market and advertise FAPAC programs and events
4.    Coordinate and manage social media communications
5.    Create effective marketing copy for emails, newsletters, brochures, and other marketing materials as needed
6.    Ensure all communications materials are created in a timely manner

Section 5: Membership Committee: The Membership Committee shall:

1.    Consist of Committee Chair appointed by the FAPAC President and other appointees selected by the Committee Chair from the general membership
2.    Develop and execute programs, including membership drives and networking activities, to promote and engage members
3.    Conduct an annual member survey to gauge member engagement and satisfaction. Present results and recommendations to the National Board of Directors (NBOD)
4.    Provide a quarterly membership report to the NBOD and general membership
5.    Establish and maintain a membership database (or directory) and make it available to membership only after approval from the NBOD
6.    Maintain the membership and chapters database to support FAPAC activities and provide accurate data needed for informed decision-making and strategy planning
7.    Assist the VP of Membership in the planning and promotion of quarterly General Membership Meetings to connect with members, provide information and feedback, and stay informed about current events in FAPAC and within the federal workplace.
8.    Plan and lead regular membership activities, including, but not limited to, a summer picnic, holiday dinner, happy hours, and other networking and training events
9.    Plan and lead cultural education activities, including, but not limited to, Asian cultural festivals, popular cultural holidays, popular cultural foods, etc.
10. Support Chapters in member management and engagement, facilitate a Chapter Community of Practice, and provide guidance in alignment with FAPAC policies.
11. The Membership Committee Chair shall provide a list of current FAPAC members to the Nomination and Election Committee Chair in July of the election year. This list shall be based on membership dues received from 1 October to June 30 of the election year.

Section 6: Mentoring Committee. The Mentoring Committee shall:

1.    Consist of Committee Chair appointed by the FAPAC President and other appointees selected by the Committee Chair from the general membership
2.    Develop and oversee FAPAC mentoring programs such as the Career Development Program (CDP), Executive Coaching, and Senior Executive Service Career Development Program (SESCDP)
3.    Recruit eligible mentors and program participants
4.    Recruit and manage a database of mentors

Section 7: Nomination and Elections Committee. The Nomination and Elections Committee shall:

1.    Consist of Committee Chair appointed by the FAPAC President, as recommended by the Immediate Past President, and other appointees selected by the Committee Chair from the general membership
2.    Report to the Board of Advisors
3.    Receive nominations for office from any current member of FAPAC and obtain eligible nominees' approval in advance of the election
4.    Prepare a slate of eligible candidates
5.    Provide a written list of eligible voters to all current members upon receiving the list from the Membership Committee Chair in July
6.    Distribute the slate of candidates to all members in July, and
7.    Conduct the election and tally votes in August
8.    Announce the results of the election before September 1

Section 8: Partners & Engagement. The Partners & Engagement Committee shall:

1.    Consist of Committee Chair appointed by the FAPAC President and other appointees selected by the Committee Chair from the general membership
2.    Identify, establish, and maintain relationships with agencies, Congressional offices, non-profits, and other affinity groups that would be strategic partners in assisting FAPAC’s mission
3.    Maintain a list or database of partner agencies, Congressional offices, and other non-profits, and affinity groups
4.    Develop strategies for engaging partners with other FAPAC programs

Section 9: Recruitment and Outreach Committee. The Recruitment and Outreach Committee shall:

1.    Consist of Committee Chair appointed by the FAPAC President and other appointees selected by the Committee Chair from the general membership
2.    Facilitate, coordinate, and maintain programs that connect jobseekers to federal employment opportunities, such as, career fairs, job boards, and information sessions
3.    Identify and maintain a national database including federal agencies, military- connected organizations, affinity groups, non-profits, academic institutions, and student organizations

Section 10: Sponsorship Committee. The Sponsorship Committee shall:

1.    Consist of Committee Chair appointed by the FAPAC President and other appointees selected by the Committee Chair from the general membership
2.    Identify and secure sponsorship opportunities in support of FAPAC’s mission
3.    Identify potential commercial companies and federal agencies that align with FAPAC’s mission
4.    Develop comprehensive sponsorship materials to facilitate outreach
5.    Follow up on all existing sponsorship commitments and renewal opportunities
6.    Ensure all sponsorship obligations are fully met once sponsorships are obtained

Section 11: Training Committee. The Training Committee shall:

1.    Consist of Committee Chair appointed by the FAPAC President and other appointees selected by the Committee Chair from the general membership
2.    Develop and implement FAPAC’s educational programs such as the National Leadership Training Program (NLTP) and First Friday webinars
3.    Identify relevant speakers and topics and support the production of training programs
4.    Conduct dry runs prior to any conference or training
5.    As the Conference Co-Chair, support the Chair by providing recommendations on decisions related to the NLTP, taking meeting notes, and following up on action items, and providing input on programmatic decisions

ARTICLE IV

NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Section 1: The nomination and election of FAPAC officers shall take place in August of the election year. Eligible members are not allowed to be nominated, nor be a candidate to run for more than one position, if nominated for more than one position, the candidate must accept only one position to be on the official ballot for voting for the accepted position.

Section 2: All officers shall be elected for two years, as one term. An officer may not serve more than two consecutive terms (48 months) in any elected position.

Section 3: Nomination shall start in July when the list of eligible voting members and candidates is available until July 31. The committee shall send to the membership the ballot electronically with a slate of candidates.

Section 4: All eligible members (except the members of the Nomination and Election Committee) shall have the right to be nominated for office. Only eligible nominees, who consent personally, or in writing shall be declared valid candidates.

Section 5: Elections shall be conducted electronically through majority vote. The votes shall be taken in the following sequence: (1) President, (2) Vice President, (3) Vice President of Communications, (4) Vice President of Finance, (5) Vice President of Membership, and (6) Vice President of Programs.

Section 6: Nominations by any member of FAPAC shall be sent to the NEC Chair prior to July 1 or date to be determined by the NEC Chair. Only current members in good standing can vote in the election of Officers as stated in the membership rights.

Section 7: Members of the Nomination and Election Committee are ineligible to run for any Officer position.

Section 8: Special Elections. Within 30 calendar days after a vacancy occurs in an elected Office, the Nominations and Election Committee will receive nominations from any member. A written notice of the special election, including the list of nominees, should be sent to all current members at least one week prior to the voting date. Election shall be in accordance with Article V, Section 9 below.

Section 9: Any FAPAC Election must be conducted using the process below:

1.    The election process will be coordinated by the Board of Advisors and chaired by the Nominations and Election Committee Chair
2.    The process is initiated by the announcement that any FAPAC member eligible to vote can nominate any eligible FAPAC member for an Office. There will be no discussion or debate regarding such nominations, except to ascertain whether the nominated person agrees to have his/her name placed in nomination
3.    After all the nominations have been made by the announcement deadline; a final slate of candidates will be announced
4.    Each candidate will be given an opportunity to provide a write-up (single space, 12 pitch fonts, and 1” margin) to the NEC Chair for distribution with the electronic ballot to current members who are eligible to vote
5.    After the ballots have been tallied, the NEC Chair will declare the number of votes received by each candidate and announce the results exclusively to the Board of Advisors.
6.    Whoever gets a majority of votes for an Office will be declared winner for that office
7.    In the event of a tie for any Offices, a runoff election will be scheduled for the next meeting without changing the eligible voting members.
8.    The Board of Advisors shall make the official FAPAC-wide announcement of the election results.

ARTICLE V

MEETINGS

Section 1: General Meetings. A general membership meeting will be held at least quarterly, or as deemed necessary by the NBOD, and during the annual FAPAC National Leadership Training Program in May.

1.1          The Vice President of Membership shall finalize and provide the meeting notice with the agenda to current members two weeks prior to the meeting date.

1.2          A majority of all attending current members of FAPAC shall constitute a quorum authorized to transact any business duly presented at any meeting of FAPAC.

Section 2: NBOD Meetings: There shall be monthly meetings conducted by the NBOD. The meetings shall take place at a time and place designated by the President. Half of NBOD members shall constitute a quorum of the NBOD.

Section 3: NBOO Meetings. All Committee Chairs (or their delegate) are required to attend the Quarterly NBOO Meetings conducted by the President. Committee Chairs may conduct committee meetings on an as needed basis.

ARTICLE VI

FUNDS AND ASSETS

Section 1: All organizational funds over $50.00 shall be kept in the name of FAPAC, in a federally insured financial institution selected by the NBOD. The VP of Finance, the President, and their designee shall be the only officers empowered to write checks or charge debit/credit cards on behalf of FAPAC and the signature of either shall be sufficient on the check. All funds not kept in the federally insured financial institution shall be retained in the petty cash fund administered by the VP of Finance. The VP of Finance shall reimburse duly authorized persons for all necessary expenses. The NBOD shall have the authority to approve all expenditures in the budget and all legitimate expenditures. Unbudgeted expenditures exceeding $2,000.00 must have the approval of the NBOD. Such approval shall be recorded in the official minutes of the NBOD meetings. The VP of Finance shall turn over all financial records to the elected successor after the first meeting conducted by the newly elected NBOD. Upon request, the VP of Finance shall make all financial records available to the elected successor and any external auditors hired by the NBOD.

Section 2: No part of the net earnings of FAPAC shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, officers, or any other private persons, except that the FAPAC shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of Section 501 (c) (3) purposes.

Section 3: No substantial part of the activities of FAPAC shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the FAPAC shall not participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section, FAPAC shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on, (a) by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 (c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.

ARTICLE VII

PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Section 1: Rules. Except as otherwise specified in this Constitution, Robert's Rules of Order shall constitute the parliamentary authority for FAPAC. The President shall appoint someone from the general membership to serve as Parliamentarian at such meetings.

Section 2: Authority. A Parliamentarian will rule on questions of parliamentary procedure. The decision of the Parliamentarian can only be reversed by a majority vote of the active members in attendance.

ARTICLE VIII

ORDER OF BUSINESS

The FAPAC shall adopt the following “Order of Business” at its meetings:

1.    Call to Order
2.    Roll Call/Attendance
3.    Approval of Minutes of the previous meeting
4.    Reports of Officers
a.    President
b.    Vice President
c.     Vice President of Communications
d.    Vice President of Finance
e.    Vice President of Membership
f.      Vice President of Programs
5.    Reports of Special Committees
6.    Unfinished Business
7.    New Business
8.    Announcements and Next Meeting
9.    Adjournment

CERTIFICATION

In witness whereof, the undersigned, being duly elected officers of FAPAC, have executed this amendment to the Federal Asian Pacific American Council’s Constitution and Bylaws on day 1 of May 2026. This certified Constitution & Bylaws supersedes any previous versions.