Article 1 – Name
The name of this organization shall be La Unidad

Article 2 – Mission Statement

La Unidad is an organization for those who identify as Latina to come together to express their identities through cultural, educational; and social activities. Through these activities, we heighten awareness of one another, as well as those in the community at large. We come together to establish a network of communication with other MHC, 5-College, and area organizations. We hope to continue this network among faculty and administration.

Article 3 – Membership

1. Membership is open only to women who identify as Latina.

2. All Latino members of faculty, administration, and staff shall be considered non-voting members of this organization. La Unidad reserves the right to choose their official faculty advisor.

Article 4 – Rights and Responsibilities of the Members

1. Freedom of ideology and speech.
2. Right to nominate their own selves for any position providing they are eligible.
3. Members have the right to call to session a meeting when a member of the steering committee does not meet their responsibilities and obligations.
4. Every member has the right to question decisions made by the steering committee in their absence.
5. Every member is encouraged and obligated to offer constructive criticism regarding the decisions and actions of the group as a whole.
6. Every member must attend all general meetings of the organization, except in cases where she is representing the organization in another capacity.
7. Every member shall vote in all general elections, provided that she has attended a majority of general meetings (51% of the meetings).

Article 5 – Steering Committee
All officers must attend all meetings and shall be active voting members. They are encouraged to be constructive and enhance La Unidad’s role with the MHC community at large. There is a strong encouragement of each officer to bring new vision to the group and carry it out through the term of office. Repetitive infraction of the Constitution will lead to impeachment by consensus of the majority (51% of active members).

A. Co-Chairs (2)
1. Are active voting members of the organization.
2. Are expected to communicate with one another, consolidate their visions and goals, and pursue them throughout their term of office.
3. Run steering and general meetings

B. Secretary
1. Is an active member of the organization.
2. Shall take attendance; record and file all minutes of the steering committee and of the general meetings.
3. Shall send approved general meeting minutes to ¡Grita Conmigo! editor(s) to publish in the newsletter.
4. Assist in preparation of agenda and have copies for general meetings as needed, and maintain files in the office.
5. Notify members of the meetings and events.
6. As First-Year Coordinator, shall oversee social gatherings, activities, etc., involving new members in the organization.

C. Treasurer
1. Is an active voting member of the organization.
2. Handles all the business and monetary transactions in the best interests of the organization and its policies.
3. Record all transactions and report monthly, to members on financial status of the organization.
4. Be in charge of preparation, presentation, and allocation of yearly general budget.
5. Will not undertake any business transactions without the consent of the organization.

D. Social Chairs (2)
1. Are active voting members of the organization.
2. Are expected to communicate with one another, consolidate their visions and goals, and pursue them throughout their term of office.
3. Promote unity among La Unidad members.
4. Enhance relations with MHC, 5-College and area organizations.
5. Is responsible for properly planning all activities under the La Unidad and MHC names.
6. Promote these events with the help of the 5-College Representatives.
7. Send promotional materials to ¡Grita Conmigo! editor(s) in timely manner.

E. 5-College Representatives (2)
1. Are active voting members of the organization.
2. Are expected to communicate with one another, consolidate their visions and goals, and pursue them throughout their term of office.
3. Shall encourage and plan interaction and communication with other organizations in the 5-College area.
4. Work jointly with the Social Chairs to promote scheduled events.
5. Send promotional materials to ¡Grita Conmigo! editor(s) in timely manner.

F. Special Projects Coordinator
1. Is an active voting member of the organization.
2. Promotes knowledge of out political standing as Latinas in the MHC and outer Latino community through lectures, conferences (including the Latina Alumnae Conference), and any other events that fall under this category.
3. Helps with community involvement in planning volunteer activities.

G. Community Representative
1. Is an active voting member of the organization.
2. Coordinates activities that enable La Unidad and community organizations (including Holyoke Girls, Inc.) to build relationships where members can serve as role models in higher education and promote cultural pride and connection for the Latino community at large.
3. Send promotional materials to ¡Grita Conmigo! editor(s) in timely manner.

H. Co-Editors, ¡Grita Conmigo! (2)
1. Are active voting members of the organization.
2. Create weekly newsletter that promotes unity among the Latina community at large, and not specific to La Unidad, through general announcements of upcoming events and issues.

I. Student Government Association Representative
1. Is an active voting member of the organization.
2. Attends all SGA meetings and reports to members; and shall be responsible for finding an alternate in case she cannot attend.
3. Shall be aware of the penalties for an absence in a SGA meeting.

J. Historians (2)
1. Are active voting members of the organization.
2. Are responsible for making a yearbook of La Unidad activities, recording all the facets that La Unidad participates in throughout the academic year.
3. Updates MHC archives to keep a history of La Unidad’s existence on campus.

K. House Coordinator

1. Is an active voting member of the organization.
2. Is responsible for scheduling of any events for the House, including events outside of La Unidad.
3. Is responsible for the scheduling of House Sitters.
4. Will provide access to those utilizing the House when outside parties utilize the House or when a House Sitter is unavailable or a “no show” to her shift.
5. Updates La Unidad of any outside parties utilizing the House for events.
L. House Sitters (2 or more)
1. Are active voting members of the organization.
2. Is responsible for opening the House during Open House hours.
3. Is responsible for opening the House for special events when hired.

Article 6 – Election of the Steering Committee

1. Shall be directed in April

2. Shall be directed by the election committee composed of those outgoing seniors, who shall forfeit their vote.

3. Election procedures shall be carried out during a general meeting and the election committee shall record and dispense the votes to all members eligible to vote.

4. A simple majority of eligible votes shall be necessary to validate the election and shall consist of two-thirds of the membership present.

Procedure of Elections:
1. Announce allocations one month in advance, at the general meeting, and hand out copies of election procedures; define office qualifications and responsibilities from the Constitution. ¡Grita Conmigo! may be used to publish these definitions.

2. At least a week before elections, nominees will present their platforms at a general meeting, followed by discussion.

3. Elections will be held by secret ballot and votes counted during the general meeting.

4. Absentee ballots may be obtained only the day of election; it must be signed and given to a member of the election committee in order to be valid.

5. Those positions not filled at the election will be voted on and chosen by the elected steering committee the following year.