BY-LAWS
OF
(AZKOR, Inc.)
(An
ARTICLE I - ORGANIZATION
1. Name.
The name of this corporation shall be ARIZONA KNIGHTS OF RIZAL,
INC. (AZKOR, INC).
2. Seal.
This organization shall have a seal, in the form attached to this
text marked as “Official Seal of AZKOR, INC.” and deemed an integral
part of these By Laws. AZKOR,
INC’s dry seal shall bear upon
its face: (a) in a circular design, the words: “ARIZONA KNIGHTS OF
RIZAL, INC.” atop, and “NON OMNIS MORIAR” below; (b) within the
circle, an equilateral triangle bearing the profile of Dr. Jose Rizal
in the center with the name “Jose Rizal” under it, with a five pointed
star in every angle of the triangle each mounted on a sun with
eight
(8) salient rays as background, and (c) also within the circle
beneath the triangle in two lines, the entries “Phoenix, Arizona, USA,
January 6, 2010”. Every diploma and certificate to be issued by
AZKOR, INC. and other important documents to be so issued by the Board
(Council) requiring the Corporate seal, shall bear this dry seal upon
direction of the Board (Council).
3. Change
of Name. The corporation may change its name at its pleasure, by a
two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors.
4. Principal
Office and Area of Operation. The principal office of the
corporation for the transaction of its business is located in
5. Office
Location. The county of the corporation's principal office can
be changed only by amendment of these By Laws and not otherwise. But
the Board of Directors/Trustees (Chapter Council) can change the
principal office from one location to another within
(A)
(B) ____________________ Effective Date: ________________
____________________
(C) ____________________
Effective Date: ______________
____________________
6. Offices
in Other Places. The corporation may also have offices at such
other places, within or without the State of
ARTICLE II - PURPOSES AND LIMITATIONS
1. General Purposes. This Corporation
is organized and operated for the purpose of transacting any and all
lawful businesses for which non-profit corporations may be
incorporated under the laws of the State of
(a)
to receive, acquire, hold, possess and have title to any property, or
any undivided interest therein, without limitation as to amount or
value;
(b)
to dispose of any such property and to invest, reinvest, or deal with
the principal or the income in such manner as, in the judgment of the
Directors will best promote the purposes of the Corporation, without
limitation, except such limitations, if any, as may be contained in:
the instrument under which such property is received, the Articles of
Incorporation of this Corporation, these By-Laws, or any applicable
laws and regulations; and
(c)
to do any other act or thing necessary or incidental to or connected
with the foregoing purposes or in advancement thereof, but not for the
pecuniary profit or financial gain of its directors (trustees) or
officers except as permitted under applicable laws.
2. Specific Purposes. To the extent that the following conform to said charitable, scientific, literary and/or educational purposes, the general nature of the business to be transacted by this Corporation is hereunder more specifically enumerated, but is not necessarily limited, as follows:
(a) providing social services such as, but not
limited to: assistance for seniors and others needing social justice;
counseling for housing, employment and related matters affecting new
immigrants, particularly those from the Philippines; and scholarship
grants for deserving Filipino-American students.
(b) helping to sustain inspirational, freedom
promoting and self-sufficiency generating projects of non-profits,
particularly those of, but not limited to, the “Order of the Knights
of Rizal”, a nonprofit entity which is a civic, cultural,
non-sectarian, non-partisan, and non-racial entity devoted to helping
alleviate the sufferings and unfold the full potentials of people
through the study, propagation and application of the ideals and
teachings of Dr. Jose Rizal, national hero of the Philippines;
(c)
supporting programs and projects for the preservation and restoration
of human dignity (to encompass rights and responsibilities) among
peoples wherever there is a need therefor, which support shall be
provided through charitable, scientific, literary and/or educational
activities;
(d) operating as a self-governing Chapter, in the State of Arizona, USA, of the global “Order of the Knights of Rizal” with all the rights and prerogatives to the ceremonies and privileges as well as to the authorization of its members to wear the uniform(s), insignias, badges, emblems, distinctive ribbons or membership rosettes or buttons of the “Knights of Rizal”; and
(e) implementation of other projects
consistent with the humanitarian vision and purposes of the “Knights
of Rizal” in the compliance with and pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of
the United States Internal Revenue Code.
The
foregoing enumeration of specific purposes shall not be deemed to
limit or restrict the general powers of this Corporation and the
enjoyment and exercise thereof, as conferred by the laws of the State
of
3. Character of Affairs. The character of affairs of this corporation will be that of a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, as amended, organized and operated exclusively for any or all of the following purposes: charitable, scientific, literary, and educational.
4. Strategic Approach. To accomplish
the foregoing general and specific purposes, this corporation shall
accept, raise, receive,hold, invest, reinvest, manage, administer and
have title to contributions, donations, gifts, legacies, bequests,
devises, funds, benefits of trusts and property of any sort or nature,
and shall accordingly judiciously apply, use or expend the income or
principal thereof, for the purposes for which this organizationhas been established.
5. Limitations.
(A) No part of the net earnings of the
Corporation shall inure to the benefit of any member, director,
trustee, officer of the Corporation, or any private individual, except
that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to or
for the Corporation affecting one or more of its purposes. No member,
director, trustee, officer of the Corporation, or any private
individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of
the corporate assets on dissolution of the Corporation.
(B) No substantial part of the activities of
the Corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise
attempting to influence legislation. The Corporation shall not
participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any
candidate for public office including the publication or distribution
of statements relating to such campaign.
(C) Upon the dissolution of the Corporation or
the winding up of its affairs, the assets of the Corporation shall be
distributed exclusively to one or more charitable, religious,
scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational
organizations that qualify under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3)
of the Internal Revenue Code and its Regulations as they now exist or
as they may hereafter be amended, or to the federal government, or to a
state or local government, for a public purpose.
6. Adoption by Reference of Charter Purposes, Objectives, Limitations and Organizational Principles. The purposes, objectives, limitations, organizational principles and other matters contained in: (a) the Charter of the Order of the Knights of Rizal otherwise known as Republic Act No. 646 (entitled “An Act To Convert The "Orden De Caballeros De Rizal" Into A Public Corporation To Be Known In English As "Knights Of Rizal" And In Spanish As "Orden De Caballeros De Rizal", And To Define Its Purposes And Powers”) and (b) the existing By-Laws of the Order of the Knights of Rizal and amendments thereof, are hereby adopted by reference and made integral parts of these By-Laws, provided they are consistent with Arizona state law and United States federal law.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
1. Qualifications for Membership. All
persons of legal age, of good moral character and reputation, who are
(a) willing to learn more about Rizal and follow his teachings and
(b) sympathetic to the purposes of the Knights of Rizal, are eligible
for active membership, upon approval by the Chapter Council of a
written application therefor duly endorsed by at least two active
members of AZKOR, INC.
2. Regular Members. Members of AZKOR, INC. shall be known as Knights of Rizal (Caballeros de Rizal or Mga Maginoong Maka-Rizal) and shall be classified by degree from the 1st degree up to the 5th degree. AZKOR, INC. shall have regular members who are those who join this Chapter and go through the normal initiation process and screening by its Chapter Prefectural Tribunal. They start as Knights of Rizal (KR) and are levied annual dues to maintain their good standing. Regular members of AZKOR, INC. include Knights who transfer membership from another Chapter to this Chapter. AZKOR, INC. shall give due recognition and honor to all those conferred honorary memberships by the Supreme Council of the Order of the Knights of Rizal.
3. Membership
Degrees. The degrees of membership are as follows:
(A) First Degree – KNIGHT OF RIZAL (KR). A
Knight of Rizal is one who has been initiated in the first degree of
the Order. Any person of legal age, of good moral character and
reputation, who believes in Rizal and is willing to learn more about
him and follow his teaching is eligible for admission in this degree.
Application for membership shall be made in writing, duly recommended
by at least two (2) members in good standing of the Order, screened
and favorably endorsed by AZKOR, INC’s Prefectural Tribunal, and
approved by the Chapter Council.
(B) Second Degree – KNIGHT OFFICER OF RIZAL
(KOR). A Knight Officer of Rizal is one who has been elevated to the
second degree of the Order upon fulfillment of the following minimum
degree of work requirements: He must have served at least six (6)
months in the first degree, must be favorably recommended by AZKOR,
INC’s Prefectural Tribunal, and approved by the Chapter Council.
(C) Third Degree – KNIGHT COMMANDER OF RIZAL (KCR). A Knight Commander of Rizal is one who has been exalted to the third degree of the Order. Any Knight of Rizal, regardless of the degree he is in or of the time he has meritoriously served therein, who has fulfilled the requirements as may be prescribed by the Supreme Council for the purpose, may be exalted as “Knight Commander of Rizal” upon approval of the Supreme Council. A Knight of Rizal who has been elected as member of the Supreme Council or as a Chapter Commander, or has been given lifetime membership, shall be qualified for exaltation as Knight Commander of Rizal. Provided, however, that any person, not a member of the Order, who has distinguished himself by meritorious service which has enhanced the objectives of the Order or has written a book of general acceptance on Rizal, may also be exalted to this degree, as regards this Corporation, upon written recommendation of AZKOR, INC’s Prefectural Tribunal to AZKOR, INC’s Board of Directors/Chapter Council, and upon endorsement of the latter to the Supreme Council for its approval. The Supreme Council may on its own, and upon written recommendation of its Prefectural Tribunal, also exalt such a person to this degree. The written recommendation of the concerned Prefectural Tribunal shall specifically state the achievements of the candidate which have been considered as the bases for the recommendation for exaltation.
(D) Fourth Degree – KNIGHT GRAND OFFICER OF
RIZAL (KGOR). A Knigrand Officer of Rizal is one who has been exalted
to the second highest degree of the Order. Any Knight of Rizal or
any person who has performed an outstanding achievement for the Order,
may be conferred the degree of Knight Grand Officer of Rizal by the
Supreme Council. A Knight of Rizal, with a third degree or lesser
rank, who has been duly elected as Supreme Trustee, shall be exalted
to the fourth degree with the rank of Knight Grand Officer of Rizal.
(E) Fifth Degree – KNIGHT GRAND CROSS OF RIZAL (KGCR). A Knight Grand Cross of Rizal is one who has been exalted to the highest degree of the Order. Any Knight of Rizal or any person who has performed an outstanding achievement for the Order, may be conferred the degree of Knight Grand Cross of Rizal by the Supreme Council at a Regular or Special General Assembly called for the purpose. After the election and organization of the Executive Officers of the Order, a trustee of the Supreme Council elected as Supreme Commander shall be conferred the Knight Grand Cross of Rizal.
4. Membership
Dues. AZKOR, INC. may collect from its members an annual
membership fee in such amount that the member concerned may be willing
or can afford to pay, irrespective of rank or position, provided that
the same shall not be less than twenty-five US dollars (US$25.00) a
year, which shall be payable on the last day of January of each year
or on the date adjusted by the Board of Directors as it might deem
necessary for the best interest of this Corporation. The Board or
Chapter Council may increase this minimum amount at its discretion.
The fees collected from the members shall constitute the operating
fund of the Corporation to be used for its activities and projects,
and for the payment of the corresponding chapter and other fees
determined by the Supreme Council, which fees shall be remitted on or
before the appointed dates.
5. Member
in Good Standing. Every member of AZKOR, INC. who has paid all
membership dues, authorized assessments and other valid charges, plus
applicable surcharges owing thereon, and who is not under suspension
from the exercise of any membership right or privilege, is a member in
good standing of AZKOR, INC.
6. Donations.
Voluntary contributions or donations may be accepted from members or
from the public. Members of the Order who have contributed or donated
the minimum amounts specified in the Charter and By-Laws may qualify
for lifetime membership pursuant to Supreme Council procedures
established for the purpose.
7. Termination
or Suspension of Membership.
(A) Membership in the Order may be terminated:
1. By
death or voluntary resignation;
2. By failure or refusal to pay the annual
membership dues, authorized assessments or other valid charges, plus
applicable surcharges owing thereon, after having been duly served at
least three (3) written notices; or
3. By the commission of, or involvement in, any
offense involving moral turpitude, or any misconduct or misbehavior
affecting the dignity, integrity and/or reputation of the Order
including, but not limited to, defiance of, or refusal to obey, an
order or decision of the Council of Elders.
(B) Membership in the Order may be suspended,
rather than terminated, depending on the circumstances of each case,
for any of the causes specified in Section 7(A)[2] or 7(A)[3] above.
8. Power to Investigate. The Board of Directors/Trustees (Chapter Council), in the case of any AZKOR, INC. members, shall have the power to investigate and determine whether or not a member should be suspended or terminated. Provided, however, that the member concerned shall be notified in writing by the Pursuivant, as the case may be, of such investigation at least ten (10) calendar days prior to the date set for the hearing. An affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board (Council), sitting en banc, shall decide a case of suspension or termination. Provided, further, that the decision of the Chapter Council for suspension or termination may be appealed to the Supreme Council for final decision.
9. Reinstatement. Any member of AZKOR, INC. whose membership has been terminated or suspended under Section 7(A)[2] of this Article may be reinstated upon recommendation of five (5) members in good standing and approval of the Board (Council). Provided, however, that in the case of termination or suspension of membership under Section 7(A)[2] of this Article, reinstatement of the member concerned may be effected only, in addition to the fulfillment of the requirements herein, by full settlement of all his back accounts to AZKOR, INC.
ARTICLE IV – BOARD OF DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES (CHAPTER COUNCIL)
1. Administration
and Governance. Subject to the pertinent provisions of Arizona
Law, other applicable laws or regulations, this corporation's Articles
of Incorporation and these By Laws, the general administration and
direction of the affairs of AZKOR, INC., all its activities and
affairs, and all its corporate powers shall be in the hands or under the
direction of, and shall be managed, executed and conducted by the
Board of Directors/Trustees (Chapter Council) of nine (9) Members,
which is here by vested with full powers and authority to act and
perform all such functions as the corporation itself may do and
perform. The members of the Board of Directors/Trustees (Chapter
Council) shall be elected by Members from among themselves.
2. Initial
Composition. Until otherwise changed by vote of the Members, the
initial Board of Directors/Trustees (Chapter Council) is composed of
the following persons:
Names Addresses
Conrado R. Ballecer, Jr.
Emmanuel Torres
16003 N. 170th Lane, Surprise, AZ 85388
Rudy Lim
18425 N. 14th
Vicente O. Enciso
3206 N. 136th Drive, Avondale, AZ 85392
Franklin D. Rosales
3416 N. 45th Place,
Herminio Mendoza
4600 E. Ocotillo Rd.,
Bernabe C. Rodriguez
13609
Urso A. Penalosa
8520 W. Palm Lane, 1031,
Marcelino Catuira 667
E. La CostaDr.,
3. Specific
Powers. Consistent with its exercise of general corporate powers,
the Board (Council) can, at appropriate times and circumstances it
may choose, do any or all of the following:
(a) Solicit, collect, receive, acquire, hold, have title to and invest money and property, both real and personal, whether or not received as gift, contribution, bequest, devise or otherwise; sell and convert all types of property into cash; and use the funds of this corporation and the proceeds, income, rents, issues and profits derived from any property of this corporation, for the purposes for which this corporation is formed;
(b) Act as trustee under any trust created to provide funds for the principal objectives of this corporation and receive, hold, manage and use funds and property subject to such trust;
(c) Borrow money and incur indebtedness on behalf of this corporation and, for the corporation's purposes, cause to be executed and delivered - in the corporate name - promissory notes, bonds, debentures, deeds of trust, mortgages, pledges, hypothecations and other evidences of debt and securities;
(d) Buy or otherwise acquire, own, hold,
sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of mortgages, pledges,
hypothecations or encumbrances; deal in shares, bonds, notes,
debentures or other securities or evidences of indebtedness of any
person, firm, corporation or association, and while being owner or
holder thereof, exercise all the rights, powers and prerogatives of
such ownership;
(e) Enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every kind, for any lawful purpose, without limit as to amount, with any person, firm, association, corporation, municipality, county, parish, state, territory, government (foreign or domestic), other municipal or governmental subdivision, and any other juridical entity; and
(f) Perform any other tasks expected of
juridical entities, especially those of non-profit, public benefit
corporations, such as this entity.
4. Duties.
It shall be the duty of
the Directors/Trustees (Chapter Council Members) to:
(a) Perform any and all duties and powers imposed on them collectively or individually by law, by the Articles of Incorporation of this corporation, or by these By Laws; among others, each Member of the Board of Directors/Trustees is expected to provide competence and support in the areas of: governance and planning, advocacy and outreach, finance and stewardship, philanthropic leadership; programming and evaluation undertakings; and excellence in the espousal of the principles and ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal;
(b) Conduct, manage and control the affairs
and business of the corporation, and make necessary rules or
regulations consistent with federal and state laws, the Articles of
Incorporation of this Corporation, and these By Laws;
(c) Supervise, as a body, all officers, agents and employees of the corporation to assure that their duties are performed properly;
(d) Select and appoint outstanding Knight or
Knights, with at least KCR rank, as Adviser(s) of AZKOR, INC. who
shall, upon the Council’s request, recommend and provide wisdom,
advice and guidance on Rizalist ideals, policies, Chapter direction
and other matters the Board may wish to consult on;
(e) Adopt and use a corporate seal as well as alter the said seal and certificates, conformably with the Charter, By-Laws and issuances of the Supreme Council of the Order of the Knights of Rizal;
(f) Meet at such times and places as
required by these Bylaws;
(g) Register their addresses with the Pursuivant (Secretary) of AZKOR, INC. for inclusion in the Directors’/Trustees’ Roll Book and undertake that notices of meetings mailed or faxed or emailed to them at such addresses shall be deemed valid notices thereof.
5. Term of Office. Each Director/Trustee shall hold office for a period of two (2) years, renewable for another term of two years, and until his or her successor is elected and qualifies.
6. Corporate Action. The Board of Directors/Trustees (Chapter Council) shall only act in the name of the Corporation when it is regularly convened by its Commander (President/CEO) after due notice to all the Directors/Trustees of such meeting.
7. Rules.
The Board of Directors/Trustees (Chapter Council) may make such rules
and regulations covering its meetings as it may in its discretion
determine necessary.
8. Restriction
Regarding Interested Directors/Trustees. Notwithstanding any
other provision of these By-Laws, not more than one of the persons
serving on the Board/Council may be interested persons. For purposes of
this Section, the phrase "interested persons" means either:
(a) Any person currently being compensated by
the corporation for services rendered it within the previous twelve
(12) months, whether as a full- or part-time officer or other
employee, independent contractor, or otherwise, excluding any
reasonable compensation paid to a Director as Director, as might be
authorized; or
(b) Any brother, sister, ancestor, descendant,
spouse, brother-in-law, sister-in-law,
son-in-law, daughter-in-law,
mother-in-law, or father-in-law of any such person.
ARTICLE V - CORPORATE OFFICERS
1. Officers.
The officers of this Corporation shall be elected by the members of
the Board (Council) from amongst themselves and shall be as follows:
Commander
Deputy Commander
Chancellor
Pursuivant
Exchequer
Archivist
Auditor
Deputy Pursuivant, and
Deputy Exchequer
2. Commander.
The Commander is the President/Chief Executive Officer of AZKOR,
INC. and as such he shall have general supervision over the management
of the affairs of the corporation. He shall preside at all the
meetings of the Board of Directors/Trustees (Chapter Council) and the
AZKOR, INC. Assemblies. He shall sign all certificates, diplomas,
contracts and all other important documents and shall also sign all
checks or withdrawal slips drawn against bank accounts, jointly with
the Exchequer. He shall create with the approval of the Board
(Council), all committees of the Board (Council) which he may deem
necessary; and shall submit to the Annual General Assembly a report
covering the activities of the Board (Council) in particular and of
AZKOR, INC. in general during each year of his incumbency. He shall
call Regular or Special General Assemblies of AZKOR, INC. or special
meetings of the Board (Council) whenever he deems it necessary. He
shall ensure through oversight that all books, reports and certificates
required by law are properly kept or filed. He shall have and
exercise such powers as are reasonably construed as belonging to the
Chief Executive Officer of any organization. He shall represent the
Board of Directors/Trustees (Chapter Council) in the relations of this
Corporation with all levels of the American government, with the
Supreme Council of the Order of the Knights of Rizal and its
instrumentalities, and with all other entities whether natural or
juridical, private or public. And he shall perform such other duties as
are incident to his office or required of him by these By-Laws, the
Articles of Incorporation of this corporation, and pertinent state and
federal laws and regulations.
3. Deputy
Commander. The Deputy Commander (Vice-President) shall assist the
Commander in the performance of his duties, and in the absence,
illness, inability or resignation of the Commander, shall have the
powers and discharge the duties of the Commander. In the absence of
the Commander, he shall sign all checks or withdrawal slips drawn
against bank accounts, jointly with the Exchequer or Deputy Exchequer
or such other officer designated by the Board (Council). He shall
assume the responsibilities of a Vice President for Administration and
for Operations, serving as the Commander’s oversight point-person for
administrative compliance as well as for the implementation of AZKOR,
INC’s programs and projects, and shall perform such other obligations
as the Commander or the Board (Council) may direct.
4. Chancellor.
In the event that both the above officers are unable to discharge
their duties as herein prescribed, the Chancellor shall be the
Commander pro-tempore with all the powers and duties of the Commander.
The Chancellor (or VP for Ceremonies & Communications) shall be
the ceremonial officer of the Board (Council) and as such shall assist
the Commander in all the ceremonies of the Board (Council), in the
installation of officers or members and in all social and civic
activities of the Board (Council). He shall also assume the
responsibilities of a Vice President for Marketing, to take charge of
communicating and letting the world know, appreciate, and be committed
to the support of the vision, purposes, programs and projects of this
Corporation and shall perform such other duties as may be required of
him by the Commander or Board (Council).
5. Pursuivant.
The Pursuivant (Secretary) shall inscribe the minutes and records of
the corporation in appropriate books; shall file any certificate
required by any statute, federal or state; and shall give and serve
all notices to Directors/Trustees of this organization. He shall be
the custodian of the official seal of this corporation and shall
ensure that said seal shall be imprinted on all official documents of
the corporation. He shall present and submit to the Directors/Trustees
at meetings any letter or communication addressed to him as
Pursuivant (Secretary) of the corporation. He shall attend to all
corporate correspondence of this organization and shall prepare and
publish all orders and resolutions of AZKOR, INC. when directed by the
Commander. In the absence of both the Commander and Deputy Commander,
he shall sign all checks or withdrawal slips drawn against bank
accounts, jointly with the Exchequer and, in general, shall perform
such other duties as are incident to his office or required by the
Board (Council).
6. Exchequer.
The Exchequer (Treasurer) shall be the custodian of the funds and
properties of the Corporation and shall keep an accurate account of
all money received and disbursed by him. He shall deposit all
collections and funds of the Board (Council) and, upon direction of
the Board (Council), he shall cause to be deposited in a regular
business bank or trust company a sum specified by the Board (Council)
and the balance of the funds of the organization shall be deposited in
a savings bank or credit union, except that the Board (Council) may
cause such funds to be invested in such investments as shall be legal
for a non-profit corporation in the State of Arizona. He shall sign
all checks or withdrawal slips drawn against such funds when
disbursements thereof are authorized by the Board (Council), jointly
with the Commander, or the Deputy Commander, or the Chancellor, or
Pursuivant, as the case may be. No special fund may be set aside that
shall make it unnecessary for the Exchequer to sign the checks issued
upon it. He shall render at stated periods, as the Board of Directors
shall determine, a written account of the finances of the organization
and such report shall be physically affixed to the minutes of the
Board (Council) meeting where said report was made. He shall submit
to the Annual General Assembly the audited report covering the
financial condition of the corporation during each year of his
incumbency and shall perform such other duties as are incident to his
office or required of him by the General Assembly or by the Board
(Council).
7. Archivist. The Archivist (or Historian/Librarian) shall keep all records, files, correspondence and documents of AZKOR, INC. and of the Board (Council) as may be directed by the Board (Council). He shall act as Historian and Librarian thereof and make recommendations for the acquisition of such books, relics, or other objects pertaining to Dr. Jose Rizal or of interest to the Order. He shall perform such other duties as are incident to his office or required of him by the Board (Council).
8. Auditor.
The Auditor shall review and audit the disbursements and expenses of
the Corporation from time to time and shall certify to the Board
(Council) in writing that the financial statements and reports of the
Exchequer were audited and reviewed by him and that the expenses and
disbursements as shown therein are duly authorized by the Board
(Council) in accordance with the provisions of these By-Laws. He shall
perform such other duties as are incident to his office or required
of him by the Board (Council).
9. Deputy Pursuivant and Deputy Exchequer. The Deputy Pursuivant (Assistant Secretary) and the Deputy Exchequer (Assistant Treasurer) shall respectively assist the Pursuivant and the Exchequer in the performance of their respective duties. They shall also perform such duties as may be assigned to them by the Board (Council).
10. Other
Officers and Staff. In the exercise of its discretion to
determine what is necessary and best for the conduct of the business
of this corporation, the Board (Council) shall determine positions,
hire and fire employees for and from such positions, as well as
prescribe the duties and fix the compensation of every officer, agent
or employee of the corporation, in accordance with applicable laws and
regulations. Accordingly, the Board (Council) may appoint an
Executive Director or a Webmaster, and may create such other staff or
employee positions, with such duties and reasonable compensations as
it may determine appropriate, for the effective and efficient
day-to-day administration of AZKOR, INC.
11. Initial
Officers. Initially, the Officers of this Corporation shall be
the following:
Positions Names
Addresses
Commander
Conrado R. Ballecer Jr.,
Deputy
Commander Emmanuel Torres
Chancellor
Rudy Lim 18425 N. 14th
Pursuivant Vicente O. Enciso
Exchequer
Franklin
D. Rosales
Archivist
Herminio
Auditor
Bernabe C. Rodriguez
Deputy
Pursuivant Urso A.
Penalosa
8520 W. Palm Lane, 1031,
Deputy
Exchequer Marcelino
Catuira
667 E. La Costa Dr.,
12. Term
of Office. The terms of office of Officers shall be two (2) years
to coincide with their terms in the Board (Council) or until their
replacements are selected and qualified.
13. No
compensation. No officer/director/trustee shall, for reason of
his office, be entitled to receive any salary or compensation, but
nothing herein shall be construed to prevent an officer or director or
trustee from receiving any compensation from this corporation for
duties other than as a director or trustee or officer.
14. Removal.
A Director/Trustee/Officer may be removed when sufficient cause
exists for such removal. The Board (Council) may entertain charges
against any Director/Trustee/Officer. Any such
Director/Trustee/Officer under removal proceedings may hire an
attorney to represent him. The Board (Council) shall adopt such rules
for this type of hearing as it may, in its discretion, consider
necessary for the best interests of the organization. The Board
(Council) may adopt a decision to remove a Director/Trustee by a
majority vote of all its members.
15. Vacancy.
Any vacancy caused by the death, resignation, removal,
disqualification, or otherwise of any Director/Trustee/Officer shall
be filled by the Members of AZKOR, INC. at a meeting called for the purpose. In the event of a vacancy in any office other
than that of Commander, such vacancy may be filled temporarily by
appointment by the Commander until such time as the Members shall fill
the vacancy.
ARTICLE VI – ELECTIONS OF BOARD (COUNCIL) AND OFFICERS
1. Date
of Election. The election of the nine (9) elective members of the
Board of Directors/Trustees (Chapter Council) shall take place on the
second Sunday in February of each year or on such date as the
Board/Council may designate, as it may deem necessary for the best
interest of AZKOR, INC.
2. Procedure.
The following procedure shall be followed:
(a) Only members in good standing as provided
for in Section 5 of Article III of these By-Laws shall be entitled to
vote or be voted upon for any office or position in AZKOR, INC.
(b) Nominations for the nine elective members
of the Board of Directors/Trustees (Chapter Council) shall first be
submitted by a Nomination Committee previously constituted by the
Board (Council) in any number as it may deem wise. Additional
nominations on the floor may, however, be made by any member in good
standing.
(c) All nominees for the Board of
Directors/Trustees (Chapter Council) shall first accept the nomination
before they may be voted upon. Nominees present in the AZKOR, INC.
assembly may manifest such acceptance verbally or in writing; nominees
not present shall manifest such acceptance in writing.
(d) After the nominations are closed, the
members present and qualified to vote, shall proceed to vote,
depositing their ballots in a box provided for that purpose.
(e) As soon as the voting is closed, the
Commander shall appoint a Board of Canvassers and Chairman thereof
from among the voting members who shall canvass the ballots cast. The
results of the voting shall be reported to the Commander by the
Chairman of the Board of Canvassers.
(f) The nine candidates securing the highest
number of votes shall be proclaimed by the Commander.
(g) The newly elected members of the Board of
Directors/Trustees (Chapter Council), including the immediate past
Commander who shall preside, shall then meet and elect from among
themselves the Officers as provided for in Section 1 of Article V of
these By Laws.
(h) The elected Officers shall take and sign
before the outgoing Commander the prescribed oath of their respective
offices.
(i) The members of the new Board of
Directors/Trustees (Chapter Council) may, at their discretion, postpone
the election of the Officers.
ARTICLE VII – MEETINGS AND QUORUMS
1. Assemblies.
AZKOR, INC. shall hold annual and whenever necessary, special general
assemblies. The Annual General Assembly shall be held in the first
quarter of the year, with the specific date to be fixed by the Board
(Council) at its June meeting prior to such Annual General Assembly.
2. General
Assembly for Elections. The General Assembly for the purpose of
electing Directors /Trustees of the Board (Council), as provided for
in Section 1 of Article VI of these By-Laws, shall be held every two
years on the second Sunday of February of the relevant year or on such
other date as the Board (Council) may determine.
3. Other
Annual Assemblies. Other Annual Assemblies shall take place in
June and December of each year to celebrate Dr. Rizal’s coming to the
light and to commemorate his martyrdom, as well as for any or all of
the following purposes: (a) initiation of new members [Knight of
Rizal]; (b) elevation to the 2nd degree [Knight Officer of Rizal]; or
(c) any other purpose as the Board/Council may determine to be
appropriate.
4. Special
General Assemblies. Other than those provided for in Section 3
of this Article, Special General Assemblies may be called by the
Commander, at his discretion or upon written request of at least ten
(10) members in good standing, on such date, time and place as the
Commander may determine, for the purpose of strengthening relations
and for such other purposes as he may deem necessary. The notice shall state the reasons for calling
the meeting, who called for it, and the business to be transacted at
such meeting. Only the business specified in the notice may be
transacted at such special meeting, unless the Members present
unanimously agree to consider another item of business.
5. Board
Meetings. The Board (Council) shall hold regular meetings once a
month. The Commander may call special meetings of the Board (Council)
at his discretion or upon written notice of at least three (3)
members of the Board (Council) on such date, time and place as the
Commander may designate and for such purpose as he may deem necessary.
Any Knight of Rizal may be invited by the Commander to attend any
meeting of the Board (Council) for the purpose of expressing his
opinion on matters of interest to AZKOR, INC.
6. Quorum.
A majority of the members in good standing present at any annual
general or special general assembly shall constitute a quorum. Once
quorum has been declared by the Commander at any such general
assembly, any and all proceedings held therein shall be considered
valid in all respects. In meetings of the Board (Council): the
attendance of five (5) members thereof shall constitute a quorum; a lesser number of Directors/Trustees may
adjourn the meeting for a period of not more than two (2) weeks from
the date scheduled by these By-Laws; the Pursuivant shall cause a
notice of this scheduled meeting to be sent to all those
Directors/Trustees who were not present at the meeting originally
called; a quorum as set forth above shall be required at any such
adjourned meeting.
7. No
proxy. No proxies shall be accepted or recognized at any general
assembly of AZKOR, INC.
8. Notices.
Notices of annual or special general assemblies shall state the
date, time, place and purpose or purposes of such General Assembly and
shall be mailed, faxed and/or
emailed to each Member fifteen
(15) days prior to the date set for such General Assembly. Notices
for the meetings of the Board (Council) shall be mailed or delivered
personally to each Director/Trustee at least three (3) days prior to
the date set for such meeting.
9. Waiver
of Notice. Notice of Meetings need not be given to any
Director/Trustee or Member who signs a waiver of notice or a consent
to holding the meeting or an approval of the minutes thereof, whether
before or after the meeting, or who attends the meeting without
protesting such lack of notice to him prior to the meeting or at its
commencement.
10. Board
Action By Unanimous Written Consent Without Meeting. Any action
required or allowed to be taken by the Board of Directors/Trustees
(Chapter Council) under any provision of law may be taken without a
meeting if all members of the Board (Council) shall individually or
collectively consent in writing to such action. For the purposes of
this Section only, "all members of the board" shall not include any
"interested director" as defined above. Such written consent or
consents shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the
Board (Council). Such action by written consent shall have the same
force and effect as the unanimous vote of the Directors/Trustees. Any
certificate or other document filed under any provision of law which
relates to action so taken shall state that the action was taken by
unanimous written consent of the Board of Directors/Trustees without a
meeting and that the By-Laws of this Corporation authorize the
Directors/Trustees to so act, and such statement shall be prima
facie evidence of such authority.
11. Use
of Conference Equipment. Members of the Board of
Directors/Trustees (Chapter Council) may participate in any meeting of
the Board (Council) through the use of conference telephone,
videophone, telecopy or telefax transmission, email or similar or new
set of communications equipment. As a rule, this facility will not be
used in assemblies but the Board (Council) may allow for exemptions,
as circumstances may warrant.
ARTICLE VIII - VOTING
1. Voice
Vote. All votes shall be by voice at all meetings, except for the
election of Directors/Trustees. For elections, ballots shall be
provided and there shall not be any place or mark on those ballots
that might tend to indicate the person who cast the ballot. The Board
(Council) may, however, dispense with this ballot requirement by voice
vote.
2. Ballots.
At any regular or special meeting, any question may be voted upon in
the manner
and style provided for the election of
Directors/Trustees, if a majority so requires.
ARTICLE IX – ORDER OF BUSINESS
1. Order
of Business. The normal order of business of meetings of this
Corporation shall be:
(a) Calling of meeting to order;
(b) Roll call;
(c) Determination of quorum;
(d)
(e) Unfinished business;
(f) New business; and
(g) Adjournment
ARTICLE X – COUNTERPART ORGANIZATIONS
1. Counterparts.
AZKOR, INC. recognizes and adopts as counterpart organizations those
entities so designated by the Supreme Council of the Order for being
all dedicated to the same aims and purposes as the Knights of Rizal.
The Board (Council) may, as it deems proper and necessary, and
conformably with Supreme Council guidelines, recognize as a
counterpart organization any other organization which is dedicated to
and interested in promoting the purposes of the Order. AZKOR, INC shall
collaborate and coordinate activities with said organizations and the
Supreme Council in pursuance of common objectives.
ARTICLE XI - COMMITTEES
1. Board
Discretion. The Board of Directors/Trustees (Chapter Council)
shall appoint all committees of this organization. Except for the
permanent committees herein specified, the term of office of such
committees shall be for a period of one year; but the Board may
shorten or lengthen this term, as it may deem fit. After the election
of the members of the Board (Council) and the organization of the
elected officers, the permanent functional committees are reactivated
or additional committees are created to carry out the various
activities of the Order. Aside from the Executive Committee, whose
membership shall be set by the Board/Council from 5 to 9 members, each
permanent committee shall have one to three members. The categories
and names of these permanent Committees are as follows:
A. COORDINATION
Executive Committee
B. ADMINISTRATION
Prefectural Tribunal Committee
Finance & Resource Development
Committee
Legislative and
Legal Affairs Committee
Public Issues Committee
Protocol, Ceremonial and Heraldry Committee
Nomination Committee
Publications and Research Committee
Public Relations Committee
Counterpart Organizations Committee
June 19th and December 30th Committee
C. OPERATIONS
Charity and Social Services Committee
Science and
Self-Sufficiency Committee
Education and Scholarships Committee
Literary, Rizal Essay & Oratorical
Contests Committee
2. Executive
Committee. The Executive Committee is responsible, subject to
the direction of the Board (Council), for the formulation of
guidelines, programs and operating policies and for the direction,
coordination, and management of operations and activities of AZKOR,
INC. The Commander shall be the Chairman of the Committee and shall
have a membership, as the Board (Council) may determine, of not less
than five (5) and not exceeding nine (9), including the chair in both
cases, all of whom are members of the Board (Council). For its minimum
number, this Committee’s membership shall be composed of the
Commander, Deputy Commander, Chancellor, Pursuivant, and Exchequer.
This Committee shall, among others, specifically perform the following
functions:
(a) Governance Oversight. To provide
oversight on behalf of the Board (Council) in respect of the governance
of the Corporation, with particular focus on transparency and social
responsibility. It shall research, design and recommend any and all
possible
action plans to actualize this Corporation’s reason for
being, in coordination with concerned committees. It shall also be
responsible for maintaining the currency of the Corporation’s By-Laws
and recommending amendments as needed, and for this purpose, shall
call on the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee for assistance.
(b) Board (Council) Development. To assess the strengths and operations of the Board (Council) and its committees on an on-going basis as well as forecast and provide for their leadership needs for the future. For this purpose, it shall pay particular attention to: [i] developing and maintaining a roster of Members who can be considered for membership in the Board and its committees, through elections, with the help of the Prefectural Tribunal Committee; [ii] monitoring the participation of Board and committee members to ensure effective governance of the Corporation, and reporting annually to the Board (Council) concerning the same; [iii] nominating through the Nominations Committee suitable Members to fill vacancies on the Board (Council), as well as recommending officers and committee chairs; and
(c) Financial Operations. To oversee
all financial operations of the AZKOR, INC., receive and review
quarterly reports comparing budget-to-actual expenses, recommend
approval by the Board (Council) of program and project budgets as
submitted by the Committee Chairs or the Executive Staff, if any, and
work with the Finance Committee to make financial projections and
prepare annual operational budgets for approval by the Board
(Council).
3. Prefectural
Tribunal Committee. This committee, to be composed of the Deputy
Commander (as Chairman) and two members, shall constitute AZKOR,
INC’s Prefectural Tribunal and shall also undertake the functions of a
membership committee for searching and making initial contacts of
prospective members of the Order, screening them, conducting
interviews and making recommendations of those qualified for admission
to Membership in the various degrees of the Order pursuant to the
Code of By-Laws. The committee may also recommend those deserving of
conferment and awards including the distinguished service cross and
distinguished service star. It shall work closely with the Executive
Committee for Board (Council) Development functions.
4. Finance
& Resource Development Committee. This committee, to be
composed of the Exchequer (as Chairman), the Deputy Exchequer and a
member, shall in general focus on the aspect of sourcing and
management of funds and shall, in particular, develop and implement
approved programs and courses of action that would produce funds and
resources for this Corporation’s continued existence, operation and
growth. It shall generate creative programs or projects that would
bring to the Corporation residual and growing income and resources and
shall find ways and means of financing the various activities and
programs of AZKOR, INC. pursuant to its objectives. It shall attend to
matters pertaining to collection, disbursement and programming of the
funds of the Order and shall team up with the Executive Committee in
making financial projections and the performance of financial
operations functions.
5. Legislative
and Legal Affairs Committee. The Legislative and Legal Affairs
Committee shall monitor legislative developments in
6. Public
Issues Committee. The Committee on Public Issues gathers,
collates, observes, analyzes and examines the current and continuing
vital public issues as these might affect the goals and objectives of
AZKOR, INC. and the Order in particular, and of the US and the
Philippines in general, to the end that legitimate measures may be
recommended, approved, taken and pursued in keeping with the basic
principles of freedom, justice, honor and general welfare. This
Committee shall be composed of one member.
7. Protocol,
Ceremonial and Heraldry Committee. This committee, to be
composed of the Chancellor (as Chairman) and a member, shall see to it
that the approved rituals and ceremonies of the Order are observed
and implemented. It may recommend improvements on such rituals and
ceremonies. It may also make recommendations on the insignia,
uniforms, banners, seals and other symbolic paraphernalia to be used
or adopted by AZKOR,
Inc. and the Order, and to make such other
recommendations for improvement or alteration of the same. It shall
also spearhead AZKOR, INC’s implementation of the specific purpose of
“operating as a self-governing Chapter, in the State of Arizona, USA,
of the global ‘Order of the Knights of Rizal’ with all the rights and
prerogatives to the ceremonies
and privileges as well as to the
authorization of its members to wear the uniform(s), insignias,
badges, emblems, distinctive ribbons or membership rosettes or buttons
of the Knights of Rizal” [Art. II(2)(d)].
8. Nomination
Committee. This committee, to be composed of a Chairman and two
members, shall receive, submit and propose the names of qualified
members for nominations to the Board (Council) on or at any annual
election of directors/trustees pursuant to the Code of By-Laws. It
shall coordinate with the Executive Committee in the performance of
board development functions.
9. Publications
and Research Committee. This committee, to be composed of the
Pursuivant (as Chairman) and the Deputy Pursuivant, shall gather,
edit, collate, compile and recommend publication of all lectures,
bulletins, speeches, and other scholarly works to the Board (Council)
for distribution and dissemination to AZKOR, Inc. members, the Supreme
Council, other chapters of the Order, counterpart organizations or
the general public.
10. Public
Relations Committee. This committee, to be composed of the
Chancellor (as Chairman) and a member, shall propose and undertake
programs to inform the general public of the activities of the Order
and to promote the objectives of the Order to a wider segment of
society. It shall propose, refine and execute approved communications
and marketing strategies to include branding and related matters.
11. Counterpart
Organizations Committee. This committee, to be composed of a
Chairman and a member, shall establish, maintain and cultivate working
relationships with recognized counterpart organizations and shall
coordinate activities of interest to AZKOR, INC., the Order and other
affiliated organizations. It shall also recommend and oversee the
approved programs of activities for institutional chapters of students
in schools, colleges and universities. Such recommendations on
programs may refer to organization, supervision, discipline and
compliance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Supreme
Council from time to time.
12. June
19th and December 30th Celebrations Committee. This committee, to
be composed of a Chairman and a member, shall recommend and execute
the approved measures to ensure that appropriate activities or
ceremonies are undertaken to celebrate the birth and commemorate the
death of Dr. Jose Rizal, and shall coordinate with other committees to
accomplish this mandate.
13. Charity
and Social Services Committee. This Committee, to be composed of a
Chairman and two members, shall recommend and, once approved by the
Board/Council, execute projects and activities in implementation of:
(a) the charitable purposes of AZKOR, INC. as a non-profit entity and
(b) the specific purpose of providing such social services as [1]
assistance for seniors and others needing social justice and [2]
counseling for housing, employment and related matters affecting new
immigrants, particularly those from the Philippines [Art. II(2)(a)]. For these purposes, it shall
prepare plans, guidelines and programs, subject to approval by the
Board/Council, to be pursued by AZKOR, INC. on a year-round basis; it
shall coordinate with other committees in the execution of its
programs to accomplish charitable, civic and patriotic objectives and,
in appropriate cases, to respond to the call of emergencies and
humanitarian causes. Through this Committee, AZKOR, INC. members can
emulate the example of Rizal in Dapitan as a community worker.
14. Science
and Self-Sufficiency Committee. This Committee, to be composed
of a Chairman and two members, shall recommend and, once approved by
the Board/Council, execute projects and activities in implementation
of: (a) the scientific purposes of AZKOR, INC. as a non-profit entity,
and (b) the programs and projects for helping to sustain inspirational, freedom-promoting and
self-sufficiency generating projects of non-profits like those of,
but not limited to, the “Order of the Knights of Rizal”, an entity
devoted to helping alleviate sufferings and unfold potentials of
people through the study, propagation and application of the ideals and
teachings of Dr. Jose Rizal [Art. II (2)(b). It shall undertake to bring forth the
positive and dynamic AZKOR, INC. Rizalist who is aware of the plight
of the less fortunate, analyzes the problems of the people and the
community, and addresses challenges like hunger, disease, insecurity
and destitution. To this end, this Committee shall also focus on
putting into effect the implementation of other projects consistent
with the humanitarian vision and purposes of the Knights of Rizal in
the compliance with and pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the United
States Internal Revenue Code. [Art. II (2)(e)].
15. Education
and Scholarships Committee. This committee, to be composed of a
Chairman and two members, shall recommend and, once approved by the
Board/Council, execute projects, seminars and activities in
implementation of: (a) AZKOR, INC’s educational purposes as a
non-profit entity, (b) supportive programs and projects for the
preservation and restoration of human dignity (to encompass rights and
responsibilities) [Art. II (2)(c)], and (c) the specific purpose of
providing scholarship grants to deserving Filipino-American students [Art. II (2)(a)]. It shall also
recommend and undertake programs, studies and knowledge-sharing
activities that develop and improve the educational system attuned to
the ideals and principles of Dr. Rizal specifically along character
formation, nation building, enlightened citizenship and progressive
economic development.
16. Literary,
Rizal Essay & Oratorical Contests Committee. This Committee,
to be composed of a Chairman and two members, shall recommend and,
once approved by the Board/Council, execute projects and activities in
implementation of the literary purposes of AZKOR, INC. as a
non-profit entity. It shall also prepare, subject to the approval of
the Board/Council, criteria regarding the holding of essay and
oratorical contests and, for said purpose shall recommend the
qualifications of the contestants, judges, venue, frequency, prizes,
theme, sectors to be involved---whether national or regional, and such
other matters as in its judgment may be conducive to the
accomplishment of the objectives of AZKOR, INC. This Committee shall
spearhead and manage the essay and oratorical contests that AZKOR,
INC. shall hold.
ARTICLE XII – COUNCIL OF ELDERS
1. Composition
and Organization. There shall be a Council of Elders to be
composed of all past Commanders, the incumbent Commander, the Chapter
Adviser(s), the Deputy Regional Commander, the Regional Commander, the
Deputy Area Commander and the Area Commander of the Order of the
Knights of Rizal having jurisdiction over
be followed until a willing chair steps up.
2. Function.
The Council of Elders may from time to time be consulted by the
Board/Council on vital matters affecting the interests and integrity
of the Order and AZKOR, INC. In the event of an internal controversy
or dispute arising out of or in connection with the administration of
the business or affairs of the Corporation or disposition of its
assets or issues likely to cause or causing a stalemate and/or
deadlock or dissension in the Board/Council, the matter shall be
referred to the Council of Elders who shall act as arbitrators and
whose decision, reached by a majority of its members within thirty
(30) calendar days from the time the issues have been elevated for its
consideration, shall be final and executory. This recourse to the
Council of Elders shall be made whenever the incumbent Commander, any
three (3) Officers/Directors/Trustees or a group of at least ten (10)
members in good standing of the Order shall certify the same to the
Council of Elders and only after conciliation efforts in accordance
with arrangements established by the Supreme Council have failed.
ARTICLE XIII - ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
1. Integrated
Chart. The integrated presentation on the relationships of the
Council of Elders, the Board of Directors/Trustees (Council) and
Corporate Officers as well as the Permanent Committees of this
Corporation is shown in Annex “A”.
ARTICLE XIV - CONFLICT OF INTEREST
1. Conflict
Defined. A conflict of interest may exist when the interests or
activities of any Member, Director/Trustee/Officer, or senior
personnel and staff may be seen as competing with the interests or
activities of this Corporation; or the Member,
Director/Trustee/Officer, Elder, or senior personnel and staff derives
a financial or other material gain as a result of a direct or
indirect relationship with AZKOR, INC.
2. Disclosure
Required. Any possible conflict of interest shall be disclosed
to the Board/Council by the person concerned if that person is the
Commander or a Director/Trustee, Officer or Elder. This disclosure of
conflict of interest shall be made to the Commander or to such person
or persons as the latter may designate, if the person is a Member
Knight or member of the personnel and staff.
3. Abstinence
from Vote. When any conflict of interest is relevant to a matter
requiring action by the Board of Directors/Trustees (Chapter
Council), the interested person shall call it to the attention of the
Board (Council) or its appropriate committee and such person shall not
vote on the matter; provided however, that any
Director/Trustee/Officer disclosing a possible conflict of interest
may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of
the Board (Council) or a committee thereof.
4. Absence
from Discussion. Unless requested to remain present during the
meeting, the person having the conflict of interest shall retire from
the room in which the Board/Council or its committee is meeting and
shall not participate in the final deliberations or decision regarding
the matter under consideration. However, that person shall provide
the Board/Council or committee with any and all relevant information.
5. Minutes.
The minutes of the meeting of the Board/Council or committee shall
reflect that the conflict of interest was disclosed and that the
interested person was not present during the final discussion or vote
and did not vote. When there is doubt as to whether a conflict of
interest exists, the matter shall be resolved by a vote of the
Board/Council or its committee, excluding the person concerning whose
situation the doubt has arisen.
6. Annual
Review. A copy of this conflict of interest By-Law shall be
furnished each Director/Trustee, Elder, and senior personnel who is
presently serving the Corporation or who may hereafter become
associated with the Corporation. This policy shall be reviewed
annually for the information and guidance of
Directors/Trustees/Officers, Elders and personnel. Any new
Directors/Trustees/Officers, Elders, and personnel or staff members
shall be advised of this policy upon undertaking the duties of their
respective offices.
ARTICLE XV – CEREMONIES AND RITUALS
1. What
should be observed. The ceremonies to be observed in the
initiation of new members, in the elevation, exaltation and conferment
to higher degrees and/or awards shall be the rituals prescribed by the
Supreme Council.
2. Who
Performs Ceremonies. The ceremonies for the admission of new
members and the elevation to Knight Officer of Rizal (2nd
degree) shall be performed by the Supreme Commander or AZKOR, INC’s
Chapter Commander, and the ceremonies for the exaltation to Knight
Commander of Rizal (3rd degree) shall be performed by the
Supreme Commander of the Order, or by any member of the Supreme
Council or by any Knight of Rizal with the rank not lower than the 3rd
degree upon authority from the Supreme Commander. The ceremonies
for the conferment of the Knight Grand Officer of Rizal (4th
degree) and the Knight Grand Cross of Rizal (5th degree)
shall be performed by the Supreme Commander and the other officers of
the Order.
3. Chapter
Ceremonies. The ceremonies for the establishment of chapters
shall also be prescribed by the Supreme Council and performed by the
Supreme Commander or any member of the Supreme Council, or any Knight
of Rizal with the rank not lower than the 3rd degree upon
authority from the Supreme Commander; and shall be held at the
domicile of the chapter or at some other place that the Supreme
Council may designate.
ARTICLE XVI – UNIFORM, INSIGNIA, AWARDS AND
DECORATIONS
1. What
is authorized. The uniforms, insignias, awards, decorations and
titles for all degrees of the Order shall be those prescribed by the
Supreme Council.
2. Appropriate
Occasions. The uniforms, insignias or medals prescribed by the
Supreme Council shall be worn by the members of the Order in all
official assemblies, rituals, ceremonies of the Order and other
appropriate occasions.
ARTICLE XVII - FISCAL YEAR
1. Fiscal
Year. The fiscal year or ‘Rizalian Year’ of AZKOR, INC. shall
begin on the first day of January in each year and end on the last day
of December of the same year, coinciding with the calendar year.
ARTICLE XVIII - AMENDMENTS
1. Mode
of Amendment. These By-Laws or any section thereof, except as
specifically provided for herein, may
be amended or repealed either in full or in part and may be altered or replaced with new
By-Laws---subject to any provision of law applicable to the amendment
of By-Laws of Arizona nonprofit corporations, the Articles of
Incorporation of this Corporation and these By-Laws---by the affirmative vote of the majority of the
Members in good standing present and voting at the time such
amendment or repeal is submitted to voting at a regular or a Special
General Assembly called for the purpose.
=====================================================================
CERTIFICATION
THESE
BY-LAWS have been adopted on the 8th day of February, 2010, in the
City of Phoenix, County of Maricopa, State of Arizona, USA, by
unanimous affirmative vote of AZKOR, INC. members in good standing
present and voting, with proper quorum, at a special general assembly
called for the purpose, and have thenceforth been considered as the
governing BY-LAWS OF THE ARIZONA KNIGHTS OF RIZAL, INC. [AZKOR, INC.]
BY:
Signature of Pursuivant:
(Original Signed)
Printed Name of Pursuivant:
VICENTE O. ENCISO
Date of Signature:
Febuary 8, 2010
ATTESTED:
=====================================================================
“Official Seal of AZKOR, INC.”
ANNEX “A”
Organizational Chart of the
An Arizona Non-Profit Corporation
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE OFFICERS
The
initial Board of Directors/Trustees (Chapter Council) is composed of
the following persons, whose Corporate Officers’ positions and
addresses are also indicated:
Positions Names
Addresses
Commander
Conrado R.Ballecer, Jr.
Deputy
Commander Emmanuel Torres
Chancellor
Rudy Lim
18425 N. 14th
Pursuivant
Vicente O.Enciso
Exchequer
Franklin D.Rosales
Archivist
Herminio
Auditor
Bernabe C. Rodriguez
Deputy
Pursuivant Urso A. Penalosa 8520 W. Palm
Lane, 1031,
Deputy
Exchequer Marcelino Catuira 667 E. La Costa Dr.,
PERMANENT COMMITTEES
Permanent
Committees
Acronym Chairmen
(Categories & Names)
A.
COORDINATION
1. Executive Committee
EC Commander
B.
ADMINISTRATION
2. Prefectural Tribunal Committee
PTC
Deputy Commander
3.
Finance & Resource Development Committee
FRDC Exchequer
4.
Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee LLAC
To Be Designated (TBD)
5.
Public Issues Committee PIC
TBD
6. Protocol,Ceremonial and Heraldry
Committee PCHC
Chancellor
7. Nomination Committee
NC TBD
8.
Publications and Research Committee PARC
Pursuivant
9. Public Relations Committee
PRC Chancellor
10.
Counterpart Organizations Committee
COC TBD
11. June
19th and December 30th Committee
JDC TBD
C.
OPERATIONS
12. Charity & Social Services Committee
CSSC TBD
13.
Science & Self-Sufficiency Committee SSSC
TBD
14. Education & Scholarships Committee
ESC
TBD
15. Literary, Rizal Essay & Oratorical
Contests Committee
LREOCC
TBD