Rules governing San Diego People First
1. Name: San Diego People First
2. Mission Statement:
The mission of San Diego People First is to educate and support people with developmental disabilities in San Diego County. The members of San Diego People First encourage individuals to be self reliant through education, support of peers, sharing resources and tools, presentations, and the promotion of leadership experiences. Members serve as role models by becoming involved in community projects and being productive members of the community.
3. Purpose of Organization:
- To stand up for the rights of individuals with disabilities
- Help pass laws that help people with disabilities
- Learn about individual rights
- Stop discrimination against people with disabilities
- Educate people about disabilities
- Host the annual SDPF self advocacy conference
- Conduct outreach to the community
- Educate with and without disabilities about issues
- Develop self reliance within the organization
- Form partnerships with other organizations to promote self advocacy
4. Membership:
- To become a member a person must attend three meetings.
- Upon attendance at three meetings a membership card will be given.
5. Officers:
- President
- Vice-President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Sergeant At Arms
- People First of California Representative
- Department of Developmental Services Consumer Advisory Committee Representative
- Ex-Officio
- Member at Large
6. Terms of Office: Two years
7. Requirements to be an Officer or Representative:
- Must attend 4 San Diego People First business meetings and three workgroup meetings per year
- Cannot hold the same office for more two consecutive terms
- All officers must attend monthly officer meetings
- If an officer has two unexcused absences a warning will be given. If there are three unexcused absences the officer will be relieved of his duties.
- Depending on the amount of time in the officer's term a special election will be held at the discretion of the officers
8. Elections:
- Nominations held in September of odd numbered years
- Elections held in November of odd numbered years
9. Membership Meetings:
- Meetings are held the second Saturday of of the month except the conference month from 10:00 AM—Noon.
- Members are expected to be quiet and follow Robert's Rules of Order during chapter meetings. If an individual has to be warned three times to be quiet, they will be asked to leave the meeting.
10. Changing Bylaws:
Changes are to be submitted to the president in writing. Officers review and then present changes to the membership for a vote. Approvals by 3/4 of members in attendance will the bylaws.
