BY-LAWS OF DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA

Ratified by the General Assembly April 11, 2010

CHAPTER I MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 The executive, legislative and judicial powers of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA are derived from the collective authority, right and counsel of the membership. The organization's use of these powers may ultimately be appealed to the membership at a Business Meeting.

Section 2 The Officers, Coordinators, Chairpersons, Committees, and others acting on behalf of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA are ultimately accountable to the membership.

Section 3 The individual members of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA agree that they are responsible to adhere to the Constitution and By-Laws and the principles, values and duties inherent in their 1dissatisfactions with these responsibilities may occur from time to time.

Section 4 An individual member may forfeit membership in DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA by means of any or all of the following behaviors: destroy official records, documents or community property, defraud, deceive, discredit; and/or publicly misrepresent DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA or its members as determined by the Steering Committee. This decision may be appealed to the membership.

Section 5 DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA acts as an entity through its Officers, business voted upon by the membership, the Steering Committee, and any other committees as authorized by the Constitution, By-Laws, Articles of Incorporation, and/or the Steering Committee or the membership.

Section 6 The rights, privileges and responsibilities of a member in DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA are to:

hold one vote and be present in order to use it
vote on all motions during a business meeting
vote in all Chapter elections or recalls
vote on all amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws
hold elected office or coordinate a committee
become a designated proxy as a Standing Committee member
introduce motions for consideration at a business meeting
petition the Steering Committee or the membership at a business meeting
appeal to the Steering Committee or the membership at a business meeting
hold the floor during discussion and debate at a business meeting
qualify for Chapter Service awards
hold membership in any Ad Hoc Committee
carry a DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA membership card
receive a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws
read the Constitution and By-Laws
attend business and community meetings and events
access the archives upon proper application
receive the Chapter newsletter and all official mailings
receive member discounts where offered
hear and observe any official Chapter business at any time except as provided in Chapter 11, Section 3
abide by the Constitution, By-Laws and any other rules of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA in all Chapter matters

CHAPTER II ANNUAL DUES

Section 1 Annual dues to DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA is a condition of membership in the Chapter. Membership is from the date of acceptance by the Vice President to the same date of the following year.

Section 2 Revenue collected from each member as annual dues will be deposited in the General Operating Fund of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA.

Section 3 The Chaplains of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA will receive complimentary membership.

CHAPTER III MEETINGS: GENERAL RULE

Section 1 The Executive Officers, Committees, General Assembly, and individual members of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA will be guided by Chapter law, Robert’s Rules of Order and the tradition and custom of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA.

Section 2 A General Assembly is a gathering of the membership announced in advance and may take the form of a Business Meeting or Community Meeting as described in Chapter IV and Chapter V.

Section 3 Chapter law includes the Constitution, By-Laws, Articles of Incorporation granted to DIGNITY/PHILADLEPHIA by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and business voted upon by the Steering Committee and at a Business Meeting. Chapter law will be extended equally to all members by means of the rights, privileges and obligations of a non-profit corporation.

CHAPTER IV BUSINESS MEETINGS

Section 1 A business meeting is the General Assembly convened to transact the business of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA.

Section 2 The General Assembly holds the executive, legislative and judicial powers of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA in accordance with the provisions in the Constitution and By-Laws.

Section 3 The President is the Speaker of the General Assembly, and articulates and implements the motions that are voted upon and approved by the General Assembly.

Section 4 The General Assembly has appellate jurisdiction concerning disputes and/or appeals where there may be some doubt regarding the original ruling by the Steering Committee that failed to properly apply or consider aspects of organizational law. The General Assembly may direct the Steering Committee to reconsider the original ruling.

Section 5 The General Assembly can review and amend the actions of the Steering Committee by a simple majority of the members present provided that such review and/or amendment has been announced to the membership at least seven (7) days prior to any regularly scheduled business meeting by the prospective makers of any such motion(s); and included on the agenda under "New Business" for the next business meeting.

Section 6 The General Assembly will not preempt and/or infringe upon the authority conferred on the Steering Committee by the Constitution, By-Laws and the Articles of Incorporation.

Section 7 The General Assembly can direct or order the Steering Committee to rescind or amend any prior action of that committee that the General Assembly deems appropriate within the constraints of Chapter law.

Section 8 The General Assembly may suspend the Standing Rules (refer to Chapter V and Chapter VI) and set the desired order of business for a meeting, however it will be bound by the conditions and requirements given below.

Section 9 The conditions and requirements of a Business Meeting are to:

exercise the exclusive right to transact DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA business
require as a quorum the presence of fifteen (15) members or more throughout
be governed by Robert's Rules of Order
require that a recent copy of Robert's Rules of Order be on hand
require that a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws be on hand
require that a current copy of the membership list be on hand
require a parliamentarian versed in the rules of order to advise the Chair
require prior announcement of seven (7) days for any business meeting
be scheduled by the Steering Committee at least semiannually
be convened by the President or other appropriate officer as necessary
solicit items for the agenda under "New Business" at least ten (10) days before the date of the meeting
require proof of membership and/or proof of identity where necessary
require the accurate transcription of the business transacted
require a report of the President
require a report of the Secretary which will include the minutes of the last business meeting as a minimum
require a report of the Treasurer which will include a current financial statement to be submitted in writing as a minimum
require a report of the Steering Committee to be given by the President
require a report of all Standing Committees to be given by their coordinators
require a report of all Ad Hoc Committees when on the agenda
require a report of other officers when on the agenda
require that the Order of Business in the Standing Rules be followed
require that any action which suspends the Order of Business will set forth the amended Order of Business
require all motions voted upon by the membership be reported in the next issue of the newsletter

CHAPTER V STANDING RULES FOR ORDER OF BUSINESS (suspendable)

Section 1: The Order of Business, unless suspended by the General Assembly of the membership, is:

Call to Order (possible only in the presence of a quorum)
Opening Prayer or Invocation
Reading and Approval of previous Minutes
Executive Officer Reports (as required)
Standing Committee Reports
Steering Committee Report
Ad Hoc Committee Reports (when appropriate)
Old Business (agenda set by previous unfinished business)
New Business
Adjournment (automatic whenever quorum is not present)
Announcements
Closing Prayer or Benediction

CHAPTER VI STANDING RULES: SCHEDULED BUSINESS MEETING FAILS TO MEET QUORUM

Section 1 A scheduled Business Meeting which fails to meet a quorum will immediately, upon the call of the President or other appropriate officer, become a Community Meeting.

Section 2 The Steering Committee, in the presence of a quorum of the Steering Committee, will convene and proceed with reports that would have been given at the Business Meeting, and may discuss the outstanding business at hand.

CHAPTER VII COMMUNITY MEETINGS

Section 1 A community meeting is any General Assembly of the membership under the direct or collaborative sponsorship of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA for purposes other than the transaction of business.

Section 2 A community meeting is governed by the following conditions and requirements and will:

transact NO business as previously defined
be convened upon the call of any Committee
be announced to the membership in a timely fashion
be the responsibility of the convening Committee
endorse NO political candidate or slate
endorse NO commercial venture or product
endorse NO violent social or community action
endorse NO condemnation of an individual
reflect activities and values consonant with the Position and Purpose of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
discriminate against NO person on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, gender expression, race, religion, color, ancestry, prior condition of citizenship or criminal conviction

CHAPTER VIII EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Section 1 The President is the Chief Executive Officer of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA and will direct elected officials in the performance of their respective tasks, duties and responsibilities as Executive Officers and Coordinators as outlined in the Constitution and By-Laws of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA.

Section 2 In the absence of the President the line of succession will be: (1) Vice President, (2) Secretary, and (3) Treasurer.

Section 3 An Executive Officer or Coordinator risks the forfeiture of an elected position through continued neglect of assigned tasks, duties and responsibilities and where one or more of the following conditions of default are met:

failure to attend three or more required meetings within a four month period
failure to perform official duties in a reasonable, consistent and responsible manner
failure to perform a directive or order given by an authority or law in spite of a warning to the contrary
deliberate and willful disobedience and/or abuse of office and of the requirements and provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws
forfeiture of membership

Section 4 The Steering Committee, by a simple majority, may vacate an elected office or position when one or more of the above conditions are met. Any vote to vacate an elected office or position takes immediate effect.

Section 5 The general rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of individual Executive Officers of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA are to:

serve as a member of the Steering Committee
serve as a member of the Executive Committee
attend business meetings of the above committees
report regularly to the Steering Committee
attend all business meetings of the General Assembly
support all community meetings of the membership
be a role model in the fulfillment of duties
assume leadership where necessary and appropriate
assume responsibility where necessary and appropriate
accept direction from the President
accept direction from the Steering Committee
accept direction from the General Assembly
report to the General Assembly as required
write the newsletter's "Officer's Message" if so desired
give announcements on Sundays in due turn
hold a key to Dignity offices
acquire a working knowledge of Robert's Rules of Order
assist Ad Hoc Committees where required and as necessary
place past official records of office in the archives
schedule all meetings and events through the Secretary

Section 6 PRESIDENT

The rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of the President are to:

be Chair and preside at Business Meetings of the General Assembly, the Steering Committee and the Executive Committee
be Chair and preside at Community Meetings where appropriate
serve as the Speaker for the Steering Committee and the General Assembly
assign and/or delegate appropriate tasks to the Executive Officers
nominate to the Steering Committee members for Ad Hoc Committee memberships and positions
nominate to the Steering Committee members for vacant officer and coordinator positions
serve as the Chapter vote holder in all DIGNITY/USA voting matters
nominate a proxy to serve as the Chapter vote holder
serve as the general administrative director, coordinator and chief executive
serve as the primary co-signer of all financial records
report to the membership at Business Meetings at least semiannually
approve all contacts with the media other than usual advertisement
speak on behalf of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA to the media and in public
implement the transacted business of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
articulate as Speaker policy statements that reflect transacted business
authorize and initiate contact with the Chancery Office where appropriate
announce scheduled Business Meetings of the General Assembly
announce scheduled Community Meetings, activities or events
call Business Meetings of the Executive Committee where appropriate
monitor the performance of Executive Officers, Coordinators and Chairpersons
authorize occasional expenditures not to exceed a limit annually set by the Steering Committee
request the resignation of deficient Executive Officers, Coordinators and Chairpersons according to established procedures
serve as an ex-officio member of all Standing Committees
serve as an associate member (non-voting) of all Ad Hoc Committees
serve as Master of Ceremonies where appropriate
sign all official reports, documents and invitations
assist as necessary in the performance of the tasks, duties and responsibilities of the Executive Officers, Coordinators and Chairperson
perform duties and functions as tradition or custom, the Constitution, the By-Laws, the Steering Committee or General Assembly may direct

Section 7 VICE PRESIDENT

The rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of the Vice President are to:

be Chair and preside at Business Meetings of the General Assembly, the Steering Committee and the Executive Committee in the absence of the President
assist first the President and thereafter the Executive Officers in the performance of their respective tasks, duties and responsibilities
assume all duties and responsibilities of the President when the President is not present
sign all official reports appropriate to the office
serve as the President's official representative and when so designated exercise the duties and responsibilities of the President
serve as the President's personal representative where appropriate
exercise primary responsibility in matters regarding safety
direct and administer all business regarding membership
maintain a current and accurate mailing list
guarantee the responsible use of the official mailing list and distribute as directed by the Steering Committee
make available for use during business meetings of the Steering Committee and the General Assembly a current copy of the membership list
be Chair and preside at meetings of any Ad Hoc Membership Committee
provide new members with a current copy of the Constitution and By-Laws
serve as troubleshooter and agent of inquiry and investigation for the Steering Committee and the General Assembly
be Chair and preside at meetings of any ad hoc committee of inquiry or investigation
provide information and orientation to prospective members as appropriate
serve as the Chapter vote holder in all DIGNITY/USA voting matters
nominate a proxy to serve as the Chapter vote holder
perform duties and functions as tradition or custom, the Constitution, the By-Laws, the Steering Committee or General Assembly may direct

Section 8 SECRETARY

The rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of the Secretary are to:

serve as the principal business officer and as registered corporate agent for DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
transcribe the minutes of all Steering Committee Meetings and submit accurate minutes within thirty (30) days for approval at the next meeting
transcribe the minutes of all Business Meetings and submit accurate minutes for approval at the next meeting
sign all official minutes verifying their accuracy prior to any approval
distribute a copy of the minutes to all members of the Steering Committee
sign all official reports, correspondence and other documents as required
fulfill the duties of clerk as prescribed by Robert’s Rules of Order
examine the general records of all committees annually or as required and immediately upon the dissolution of any committee
examine the general records of all officers during the quarter prior to the end of their tenure or as required
maintain a continuing file of all minutes and official correspondence during tenure in the Dignity office
recommend appropriate and timely action of all official correspondence
recommend general business practices and procedures for effective operation
read aloud the minutes and other official reports where required or necessary
prepare, record, submit, and file in a timely manner all official correspondence of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
review and appropriately distribute all mail
initiate follow-up inquiries of officials to assure prompt reply and/or acknowledgment of correspondence where appropriate
assist the Executive Officers in the performance of their duties
research and compile a Policy File that will include the listing of current standing policies, practices, precedents, and procedures enacted by the Steering Committee or the General Assembly
enter all newly enacted and appropriate business in the Policy File
gather and collect all appropriate materials for the official Archives of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
file and maintain the Archives in a safe and secure place
provide access by members to the Archives upon sufficient notification
serve as the custodian of all locks and keys and keep a log of authorized users
serve as the custodian of all DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA property
oversee the performance of all services contracted by DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
maintain a calendar for all official meetings, activities and events
distribute a copy of the calendar annually to all members of the Steering Committee
schedule the use of Dignity offices and ensure their appropriate use
arrange for repairs, deliveries and services as required
order all materials and supplies and maintain an adequate inventory
provide a continuing inventory of the Constitution, the By-Laws, informational brochures, and other materials as directed
submit to the newsletter a report of the business of the Steering Committee and the General Assembly
maintain a file in the Archives for the official records of the Ad Hoc Committees
report to the General Assembly as required
organize and prepare internal organizational reports where required
maintain an accurate continuing inventory of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA property and submit an annual inventory report to the General Assembly
make available for use during business meetings of the Steering Committee and the General Assembly a copy of official working documents which include the Constitution, the By-Laws and Robert's Rules of Order
perform duties and functions as tradition or custom, the Constitution, the By-Laws, the Steering Committee or General Assembly may direct

Section 9 TREASURER

The rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of the Treasurer are to:

execute and administer all duties required by financial institutions with respect to all accounts, records, investments, and transactions of business
have knowledge of the fundamental principles of accounting and business law
prepare the annual budget in consultation with the Steering Committee
file all municipal, state and federal tax forms, and any other financial information as may be required in an accurate and timely manner
collect and disburse all funds of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA in accordance with the standing practices and procedures approved by the Steering Committee
deposit ten percent (10%) of the Sunday collection in the Reserve Fund as appropriate
recommend and research protected interest or dividend earning financial instruments of saving and investment for consideration by the Steering Committee
execute appropriate action on all invoices received upon direction of a member of the Steering Committee
execute all deposits and withdrawals of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA funds in accordance with the standing practices and procedures approved by the Steering Committee
negotiate term purchases where approved by the Steering Committee
collect monies due or owed to DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA with assistance of the officers and members
negotiate the satisfactory settlement of all disputed accounts on behalf of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
cooperate fully with the annual or an Ad Hoc Audit Committee
comply as directed by the Steering Committee with the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Audit Committee
serve as the principal financial officer, registered corporate agent and signatory for DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
sign all financial instruments and reports appropriate to the office
prepare written financial statements for Steering Committee meetings and for the General Assembly
serve as principal examiner and auditor of all committee business financial records
implement any intraorganizational transfer of funds as directed
urge appropriate, responsible and timely action in all financial matters upon the Steering Committee and the General Assembly
recommend, review and research prospective purchases where appropriate
safeguard both the person of the Treasurer and the funds of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA by the exercise of appropriate and deliberate prudence
have the company of officers or members when carrying money or similar property of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
be Chair and preside at any Ad Hoc Financial Committee meetings
perform duties and functions as tradition or custom, the Constitution, the By-Laws, the Steering Committee or General Assembly may direct

CHAPTER IX COMMITTEES

Section 1 The rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of Committees are to:

conduct business in the presence of a quorum with a simple majority of the membership of any committee; any committee not having a quorum shall make only tentative decisions
approve any tentative decisions made at any previous meeting where a quorum wasn’t present
maintain a current and accurate membership list and report any changes in that list to the Steering Committee
transcribe brief and accurate minutes of all business
assign each member of the committee one vote on the committee
require that a member be present in order to exercise the vote
follow Robert's Rules of Order
implement and report committee activities and business to the Steering Committee
apply committee rules uniformly to all members
accept direction from the Steering Committee
appeal disputes to the Steering Committee for resolution
petition the Steering Committee through the Coordinator or Chair
require a timely decision of the Steering Committee
petition, if needed, the General Assembly through the Coordinator or Chair
request a budget of the Steering Committee
submit a budget proposal as required
receive a budget upon the approval of the Steering Committee
account for all expenditures and revenues earned
authorize expenditures not to exceed budgeted funds
maintain accurate business financial records
set fees or charges for committee sponsored activities where required
appoint sub-committees where appropriate and as required
create official committee positions and assign or elect members to them
schedule the use of Dignity offices through the Secretary
schedule general membership events through the Secretary
deposit all official committee records in the Archives when appropriate
establish committee rules and procedures and submit to the Steering Committee
inform the membership of meetings, activities and events in a timely manner
send appropriate committee news items to the newsletter editor
welcome all DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA members to observe committee meetings
respond to requests of officers or other committees
publish appropriate materials if necessary
submit all committee records as required and cooperate with any audit
collaborate in activities of other organizations with the prior approval of the Steering Committee
perform duties and functions as tradition or custom, the Constitution, the By-Laws, the Steering Committee or the General Assembly may direct

CHAPTER X STEERING COMMITTEE

Section 1 The Steering Committee will exercise executive, legislative and judicial power as necessary, required and appropriate on behalf of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA unless otherwise provided by the Constitution, the By-Laws and as the General Assembly may direct.

Section 2 The Steering Committee is the chief executive committee of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA and directs all other committees in performance of their respective tasks, duties and responsibilities as standing and ad hoc committees as provided by the Constitution and By-Laws.

Section 3 The Steering Committee is responsible to answer questions raised by the General Assembly and to respond in a timely manner.

Section 4 The President is the Speaker for the Steering Committee and articulates and implements motions that are voted upon and approved by the Steering Committee.

Section 5 The Steering Committee has jurisdiction concerning the interpretation of the Constitution and the By-Laws, disputes and appeals that arise within the operations of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA.

Section 6 The Steering Committee requires appropriate performance and censures, reprimands and sanctions officers, committees and members who fail to perform their respective tasks, duties and responsibilities as authorized by the Constitution, the By-Laws, the Steering Committee or the General Assembly.

Section 7 The Steering Committee may appeal an action of the General Assembly at a subsequent scheduled business meeting by re-introducing the original question.

Section 8 A member of the Steering Committee forfeits membership in the Steering Committee when removed from their position as provided in Chapter VIII, Section 3 of the By-Laws.

Section 9 The general rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of individual Steering Committee Members of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA are to:

obey, preserve and protect the Constitution and By-Laws of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
conscientiously obey the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation granted to DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
serve as a member of the Board of Directors of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
know the Constitution, the By-Laws and the Articles of Incorporation of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
execute the rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of an elected officer or coordinator
guarantee and protect the rights of members and of the membership
advance the purpose, mission and intent of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
uphold and preserve any privacy matters within DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
safeguard and protect the legal rights and community property of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
participate responsibly in the Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender community on behalf of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
collaborate with the other members of the Steering Committee to plan, organize, coordinate, budget, report, and conduct the general operations of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
implement the business of the Steering Committee and the General Assembly
remove deficient officers and coordinators in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws

Section 10 The rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of the Steering Committee are to:

guarantee the integrity of the Constitution, the By-Laws and the Articles of Incorporation of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
exercise these rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities granted to the Steering Committee by the Constitution, the By-Laws and the Articles of Incorporation of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
initiate action necessary to enforce the above rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities
require appropriate performance of officers, committees and members
vacate an elected office or position according to the Constitution and By-Laws
encourage the members and the membership to uphold the integrity of the Constitution and By-Laws
guide and direct the path and progress of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
manage the business and affairs of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA at the direction of the General Assembly
implement decisions of the General Assembly
adjudicate all questions of dispute and appeal as required
set policies, practices, procedures, and precedents for DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
protect the legal rights of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA as a corporate entity
pursue the prosecution of wrongdoing against DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
authorize and empower standing committees and ad hoc committees according to Chapter XII and Chapter XIII
establish the purpose and objectives of committees
censure, reprimand and sanction officers, committees and members when necessary
safeguard and protect the public image, reputation and property of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
appoint temporary or interim officers and coordinators
appoint members to ad hoc committees and assign any positions
approve the annual budget within thirty (30) days of the expiration of the previous budget
authorize all expenditures not previously approved in the budget
ensure that the annual audit of all financial accounts is completed by an Ad Hoc Audit Committee
approve the investment of funds as recommended by the Treasurer
provide for the safe transport and deposit of all monies
authorize intraorganizational transfer of funds
authorize the signatories of all financial instruments
authorize and establish all organizational accounts at financial institutions
authorize the purchase of sufficient insurance against liability and loss of property
balance the budget
provide for the bonding of members who handle monies as necessary
deposit at least ten percent (10%) of the Sunday collection in the Reserve Fund
promote the growth of the Reserve Fund as necessary
petition the General Assembly for any withdrawals of the Reserve Fund
celebrate appropriate occasions in the life of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
authorize the purchase of property, equipment and supplies as necessary
contribute to the financial support of other Chapters where appropriate
contribute to the financial support of worthy organizations and institutions which provide service and/or benefit to the Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender community
provide for the safety of all members and others who attend liturgy, meetings and events sponsored by DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
regularly report the business transacted via the newsletter and other media
authorize all DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA publications as necessary
protect the rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of any committee
request the resignation of deficient elected officers and coordinators
ensure the preservation of the Archives of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
appoint a member with a working knowledge of Robert's Rules of Order as parliamentarian
cooperate with other Chapters where appropriate
cooperate in the life of DIGNITY/USA
approve any proxy to serve as a Chapter vote holder to DIGNITY/USA
perform duties, voting matters and functions as tradition or custom, the Constitution, the By-Laws or the General Assembly may direct

CHAPTER XI EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1 The Executive Committee will act when the Steering Committee is absent and under any of the following emergency criteria when:

the business at hand warrants expeditious action
a situation is beyond existing organizational law, custom or precedent and timely action is required
a violation of existing organizational law, custom or precedent fails to be addressed by the Steering Committee in a timely fashion

Section 2 The Executive Committee as convened by the President or other officer and in the presence of a quorum will move as the first order of business that the question at hand meets at least one of the emergency criteria stated above.

Section 3 The Executive Committee will move the question of executive session, members only, and this will be the second order of business.

Section 4 The presiding officer at each occasion when the Executive Committee has convened will report to the Steering Committee and to the membership if appropriate.

Section 5 The Executive Committee and the Steering Committee are equal in power and authority and when any dispute arises between the two it will be appealed to and adjudicated by the General Assembly.

CHAPTER XII STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1 The Steering Committee has the authority to authorize, create and empower Standing Committees as the membership may require. These committees will continue in service to the membership and the organization until dissolved by the Steering Committee.

Section 2 A Standing Committee has one vote on the Steering Committee. The Coordinator of each Standing Committee will represent and exercise the vote of their respective committee on the Steering Committee.

Section 3 A Standing Committee will be chaired by a Coordinator who holds membership in DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA, and who is elected by a majority vote of the members of the committee.

Section 4 A Standing Committee will determine its own qualifications for membership with the approval of the Steering Committee and will uniformly apply them to all applicants for membership.

Section 5 A member of a Standing Committee may vote in all elections and on all business of that committee regardless of membership in DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA.

Section 6 The election of Standing Committee Coordinators will occur on the first regularly scheduled committee meeting in the presence of a quorum following the election of Executive Officers or as the Steering Committee may direct.

Section 7 A Standing Committee through the Coordinator will be accountable to the Steering Committee and the membership, and will have the rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities as follow:

vote as a member of the Steering Committee
be represented at all Steering Committee meetings
designate a proxy who is both a DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA member and a member of the committee
notify the Steering Committee of any proxy designee
hold coordinator elections as required
appoint an interim or temporary Coordinator where appropriate
define and assign other committee positions
send representatives to DIGNITY/USA conferences where appropriate or requested
set fees for committee events
meet at the Dignity offices as a matter of right and choice
hold regularly scheduled monthly meetings
recruit and develop new members
select, plan and implement appropriate committee events and activities
participate actively in the life of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
report at all meetings of the Steering Committee
report at all meetings of the General Assembly
petition the membership at business meetings
participate in occasional interorganizational activities with the express prior approval of the Steering Committee
dismiss from membership and/or position through due process a deficient member

Section 8 The Standing Committees of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA will be responsible for the following:

Liturgy Committee: plan, prepare and provide Eucharistic Liturgies on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, and upon occasions as the membership and our friends may require. The liturgies will provide where possible, music and singing, a printed order of Mass and a celebrant or leader to officiate.
Community Life Committee: plan, prepare and provide community activities and programs which foster and support the growth of the community, spiritual life and the moral and ethical consciousness of the membership and our friends.
Education Committee: plan, prepare and provide educational and informational activities which contribute to the personal growth of the membership and our friends, and of the Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender community.
Communications Committee: plan, prepare and publish a regular monthly newsletter and continuing communication of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA news, events, information, and announcements to the membership and our friends.

CHAPTER XIII AD HOC COMMITTEES

Section 1 The Steering Committee has the authority to authorize, create and empower Ad Hoc Committees as the membership may require. These committees will continue in service to the membership and the organization until their stated purpose has been met but not longer than a period of six (6) months without a continuing resolution of the Steering Committee.

Section 2 The Steering Committee will appoint members of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA to membership and to positions on Ad Hoc Committees.

Section 3 The President will place in nomination before the Steering Committee the names of candidates to committee membership and to positions for approval by the Steering Committee.

Section 4 The Steering Committee will establish whatever qualifications and/or conditions it may require in addition to the above for an appointment to an Ad Hoc Committee.

Section 5 A member of an Ad Hoc Committee must participate in all required committee operations and/or certifications, and must vote in committee elections and on all committee business as a condition of membership. Non-committee members may be associated with the committee's purpose and objectives, participate in the ongoing meetings and activities of that committee; but may not vote in elections or on committee business. These non-committee members will have associate (non-voting) membership and may vote and hold positions in sub-committees where appropriate.

Section 6 The Steering Committee may establish policies and procedures that govern the activities of an Ad Hoc Committee.

Section 7 Annual and/or occasional Ad Hoc Committees of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA will include:

Elections Committee: duties prescribed in Article IV of the Constitution
Recall Committee: duties prescribed in Article VI of the Constitution
Constitution Committee: duties prescribed in Article VIII of the Constitution
Chapter Service Awards Committee: bestow recognition and express appreciation on behalf of the Chapter to such members as have distinguished themselves through their service to DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
Community Service Awards Committee: bestow recognition and express appreciation on behalf of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA to such individuals and/or organizations as have distinguished themselves through their service to the Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender community at large
Michael Durkin Leadership Award Committee: bestow recognition for merit to a woman who is a member of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA
Audit Committee: audit the accounts and financial records of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA according to generally accepted accounting principles and practices and report to the Steering Committee

Section 8 The rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of an Ad Hoc Committee are to:

be accountable to the Steering Committee and the membership through the Chair
appear before the Steering Committee as requested or required
secure the cooperation and assistance of officers as required
meet at Dignity offices or other places as necessary
meet as often as necessary
report to the General Assembly of the membership
observe prescribed procedures and practices

CHAPTER XIV CHAPLAINS

Section 1 The Chaplains of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA will minister to the spiritual needs of and provide spiritual guidance to individuals, couples, groups, committees, the leadership of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA, and the Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender community at large.

Section 2 The Community Life Committee is responsible for developing a process for confirming the appointment of Chaplains. The process of nomination and appointment will include the discernment of the community in affirming that candidates reflect the spiritual concerns of the community.

Section 3 The Chaplains of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA will receive a complimentary membership in the Chapter.

Section 4 A Chaplain may not be nominated nor hold any elected office or position in DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA.

Section 5 The Chaplains may participate free of charge at DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA celebrations, conferences, workshops, and events where any fee or charge will be made of members or others.

CHAPTER XV SACRAMENTAL LITURGIES

Section 1 The regularly scheduled Holy Days of Obligation and DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA Eucharistic Liturgies will always have as presiders ordained priests of the Roman Catholic Church or the same of a Rite in communion with Rome.

CHAPTER XVI AMENDMENTS

Section 1 The By-Laws may be amended at any regular business meeting by an absolute majority of the members present provided that the amendment had been introduced and submitted in writing at the previous regular business meeting.

Section 2 The Steering Committee may approve a provisional amendment of the By-Laws for a trial period of no longer than four months. The Steering Committee will give immediate notice of the provisional amendment by announcements and written notice to the membership in the newsletter.

Section 3 A provisional amendment will remain lawful throughout the trial period. The General Assembly may act anytime up to one month after a provisional amendment has lapsed to make that amendment permanent by a simple majority of the members present.

CHAPTER XVII EDITORIALIZATION

Section 1 The By-Laws can and will be properly edited to reflect a unity of thought, spelling and capitalization, headings and titles, margins and indentations; and of style but no editorial change of content or context will be authorized or assumed.

BY-LAWS OF DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA

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