ARTICLE 1 - Name, Purpose, and Affiliation

Section 1 - Name of organization

The title of our organization is Creating Awareness and Unity for Social Equality

Section 2 - Purpose of organization

To enhance Mary Lyon's vision of leadership and engagement in the world by fostering student leadership and community building opportunities; to mobilize Mount Holyoke students towards action, raising their awareness of social responsibility by building bridges between the college and the surrounding communities; to encourage Mount Holyoke students to question the world beyond the gates of the college, inspiring them to develop a sustained commitment to social, political, and economic justice; to enrich the education of Mount Holyoke students by providing active leadership opportunities that allow students to develop their leadership skills in a supportive environment.

Section 3 - Organization Affiliation

CAUSE is affiliated with local agencies and organizations that provide social services to the community in the Pioneer Valley.

ARTICLE II - Adherence to Policies and Rules

Section 1 - Adherence to college policies

CAUSE will adhere to Mount Holyoke's honor code, as well as to the rules, regulations and policies outlined by the college and by the Student Government Association.

Section 2 - Adherence to other laws

CAUSE will adhere to all local, state, and federal laws.

ARTICLE III - Membership

Section 1 - Membership requirements

Members of CAUSE are MHC students who do community service under the umbrella of CAUSE.

Section 2 - Membership privileges

Members have easier access to transportation to projects and to other resources.

Section 3 - Membership policy

CAUSE does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, natural origin, religion, disability, gender, or sexual orientation.

ARTICLE IV - Officers

Section 1 - Titles of officers

A. Chair or Co-Chairs

B. Treasurer

C. Publicity Coordinator

D. Events Coordinator

E. Secretary

F. Project Coordinator Liaisons

G. Web-mistress

H. Adviser

Section 2 - Qualifications of Officers

A. All officers must be highly motivated and have demonstrated experience in doing community service work. Organizational experience is also helpful. All members must be committed to weekly meetings and to supporting one another.

B. Chair or Co-Chairs must have proven organizational skills, be able to handle a large volume of correspondence, and must have been a Board member for a previous semester. They must ensure that the board is working well together, be willing to address any issues of serious difference, and be able to build consensus. They have the ultimate responsibility for all CAUSE matters.

C. Treasurer must keep track of CAUSE accounts, issue periodic reports, and advise the board about the financial feasibility of projects. She must also attend the SGA training for treasurers.

D. Web-mistress receives suggestions and information from the board towards the maintenance of the CAUSE web site. She must attend web site training through Library, Information, & Technology Services.

E. Project coordinator liaisons must be in good contact with their respective project coordinators, have good communication skills and be able to trouble shoot problems that may come up with each project. A liaisons job is to report any issues that arise in a specific project to the board and to otherwise ensure that projects are running smoothly.

F. Secretary must be a thorough note taker and record minutes for every CAUSE meeting.

G. Events Coordinator is the contact person for any person(s) requesting assistance for a special project under CAUSE. She helps them register the event, and provides information on publicity and finances.

ARTICLE V - Advisor

Section 1 - Choosing the advisor

The advisor is an employee of the college. He/she is an ex-officio member of the board and is responsible to student programs under the Dean of Students Office. The advisor must be highly motivated and have demonstrated experience, expertise, and commitment in organizational and community service work. He/she supports and advises the board and serves as liaison to community agencies and to organizations at the college.

ARTICLE VI - Election of officers

Section 1 - Time of appointment

Applications for board membership are advertised by the board and accepted towards the end of each semester, based on the number of board positions needing to be filled.

Section 2 - Election procedures

Any project coordinator or other MHC student who has demonstrated service and leadership in a community service project and who is committed to the spirit of CAUSE, may submit an application to be a CAUSE Board member. Project coordinators and the current CAUSE Board members select future Board members by vote at an election meeting after having reviewed applications.

ARTICLE VII - Meetings

Section 1 - Frequency of regular meetings

The board meets every week to discuss upcoming projects and issues. Project coordinator liaisons must have contact with their assigned project coordinators at least once a month.

Section 2 - Provision for special meetings

Special meetings are called when necessary for special projects.

ARTICLE VIII - Quorum

Section 1 - Definition of a quorum

CAUSE uses a consensus form of decision-making. At least two-thirds of the CAUSE Board must be present for elections.

ARTICLE IX - Amendments and By-Laws

Section 1 - Provision for amendments

Additional duties for board members may be added as time goes on. The constitution may be amended by the Board as the evolution of CAUSE demands it.