BYLAWS

BYLAWS OF VETERANS ON WATCH – ROCKIES

Vigilant, Vocal, and Unified

ARTICLE I – NAME, MOTTO, AND PURPOSE

Section 1.1 Name

The name of this organization shall be Veterans on Watch – Rockies, hereinafter referred to as the"Organization."

The Organization may operate publicly under the name Veterans on Watch.

Section 1.2 Motto

The official motto of the Organization is:

"Vigilant, Vocal, and Unified."

Section 1.3 Founding Chapter

Veterans on Watch – Rockies shall serve as the founding chapter of Veterans on Watch unless and untiladditional chapters are established by the Board of Directors.

Section 1.4 Legal Status

The Organization is established as a civic-action and veterans advocacy organization. The Organizationintends to operate as a social welfare organization under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code andshall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Section 1.5 Purpose

The Organization exists to:

Support veterans and connect them with resources and assistance.
Promote civic engagement and public participation.
Educate the public regarding issues affecting veterans and their families.
Encourage accountability, transparency, and constitutional governance.
Uphold the constitutional principles and values members swore an oath to support and defend.

Organize events, educational programs, community outreach, and advocacy efforts consistent withthese purposes.
Promote the common good and general welfare of the community.

Section 1.6 Nonpartisan Spirit

The Organization is guided by constitutional principles rather than loyalty to any political party.

The Organization welcomes individuals with differing political viewpoints who support its mission and agreeto conduct themselves respectfully and constructively.

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP

Section 2.1 Eligibility

Membership is open to:

Veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

Active-duty service members.

Military family members.

Civilians who support the mission and purposes of the Organization.

Membership shall not be denied on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,age, disability, or national origin.

Section 2.2 Membership Classes

The Organization shall recognize the following membership classes:

Voting Members

Veterans in good standing who possess voting rights.

Associate Members

Supporters who participate in activities but do not possess voting rights.

Honorary Members

Individuals recognized by the Board for distinguished service or support.3

Section 2.3 Good Standing

A member is in good standing when the member:

Supports the mission of the Organization;

Complies with these bylaws;

Is not suspended or removed;

Has paid any required dues or received a dues waiver.

Section 2.4 Dues

Membership dues may be established, modified, waived, or suspended by resolution of the Board ofDirectors.

No member shall be excluded solely because of financial hardship.

Section 2.5 Voting Rights

Each Voting Member in good standing shall be entitled to one vote on matters submitted to themembership.

Voting may occur in person or through approved electronic means.

Section 2.6 Resignation

Members may resign at any time by written notice to the Secretary.

Section 2.7 Suspension and Removal

A member may be suspended or removed for:

Conduct materially harmful to the Organization;

Violation of these bylaws;

Harassment or discrimination;

Misrepresentation of the Organization;

Failure to maintain good standing.

Members shall receive notice and an opportunity to be heard.

Removal requires a majority vote of the Board.4

ARTICLE III – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 3.1 Authority

The affairs of the Organization shall be governed by a Board of Directors.

Section 3.2 Composition

The Board shall consist of:

President

Vice President

Treasurer

Secretary

Member-at-Large

The Board may expand to include additional Directors-at-Large.

The Board shall consist of no fewer than five (5) and no more than eleven (11) voting directors.

At all times, a majority of voting directors must be veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

Section 3.3 Terms

Board members shall serve two-year terms and may be reelected without limitation.

Section 3.4 Elections

Board members shall be elected by majority vote of the Board or membership, according to proceduresadopted by the Board.

Section 3.5 Vacancies

Vacancies shall be filled by majority vote of the remaining Board members.

Section 3.6 Removal

Any Board member may be removed for cause by a two-thirds vote of the remaining Board members afternotice and an opportunity to be heard.5

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS

Section 4.1 President

The President shall:

Serve as chief executive officer;

Preside over meetings;

Act as spokesperson for the Organization;

Execute Board-approved contracts and agreements;

Ensure compliance with these bylaws and applicable laws;

Oversee strategic planning and organizational operations.

Section 4.2 Vice President

The Vice President shall:

Assist the President;

Assume presidential duties when necessary;

Coordinate special projects and committees;

Support organizational growth and governance.

Section 4.3 Treasurer

The Treasurer shall:

Maintain all financial records;

Manage accounts and deposits;

Prepare budgets and financial reports;

Ensure compliance with tax and financial regulations;

Oversee financial transparency and accountability.

Two authorized signatures shall be required for expenditures above thresholds established by the Board.

Section 4.4 Secretary

The Secretary shall:

Maintain minutes and official records;

Issue meeting notices;

Maintain membership records;

Preserve governing documents;

Certify official actions of the Organization.

Section 4.5 Member-at-Large

The Member-at-Large shall:

Represent the interests of the membership;

Serve on committees;

Assist with outreach, membership development, and community engagement.

Section 4.6 Compensation

Board members and officers shall serve without compensation except for approved reimbursement ofreasonable expenses.

ARTICLE V – MEETINGS

Section 5.1 Board Meetings

The Board shall meet at least quarterly.

Section 5.2 Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the President or any two Board members.

Section 5.3 Quorum

A majority of Board members shall constitute a quorum.

Section 5.4 Voting

Board actions require a majority vote unless otherwise specified in these bylaws.

Section 5.5 Remote Meetings

Meetings may be conducted in person or electronically.

Section 5.6 Annual Membership Meeting

The Organization shall hold at least one annual membership meeting each calendar year.7

ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES

The Board may establish committees as necessary.

Standing committees may include:

Governance and Compliance Committee

Finance Committee

Membership Committee

Communications Committee

Advocacy and Public Affairs Committee

Committee chairs shall be appointed by the President with Board approval.

ARTICLE VII – FINANCIAL MATTERS

Section 7.1 Fiscal Year

The fiscal year shall be January 1 through December 31.

Section 7.2 Financial Controls

The Organization shall maintain appropriate accounting controls, financial records, and reportingprocedures.

Section 7.3 Budget

The Treasurer shall present an annual budget for Board approval.

Section 7.4 Expenditures

All expenditures shall support the Organization's mission and social welfare purposes.

Section 7.5 Financial Transparency

Quarterly financial reports shall be presented to the Board.

Annual financial summaries shall be made available to members.

Section 7.6 Debt and Loans

The Organization shall not incur debt without approval by a two-thirds vote of the Board.8

ARTICLE VIII – CONFLICT OF INTEREST ANDCONDUCT

Section 8.1 Conflict of Interest

Board members and officers shall disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest.

Affected individuals shall abstain from discussion and voting on matters involving the conflict.

Section 8.2 Code of Conduct

Members, officers, and directors shall:

Act honestly and professionally;

Treat others with dignity and respect;

Avoid harassment or discrimination;

Protect confidential information;

Support the mission and reputation of the Organization.

Section 8.3 Confidentiality

Sensitive organizational information shall remain confidential except where disclosure is required by law.

ARTICLE IX – 501(c)(4) COMPLIANCE

Section 9.1 Social Welfare Purpose

The Organization shall operate primarily to promote social welfare within the meaning of Section 501(c)(4).

Section 9.2 Political Activity

The Organization may engage in lobbying, advocacy, and limited political activity consistent with applicablelaw, provided social welfare remains its primary purpose.

Section 9.3 Tax Compliance

The Organization shall comply with all filing, reporting, and disclosure requirements imposed by federal,state, and local law.9

Section 9.4 Non-Discrimination

The Organization shall not discriminate in its programs, membership, services, or activities.

Section 9.5 Public Disclosure

The Organization shall comply with all public disclosure requirements applicable to 501(c)(4) organizations.

ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors.

Proposed amendments must be provided to Board members at least five days prior to the vote.

The Board shall review these bylaws annually.

ARTICLE XI – DISSOLUTION

Upon dissolution, all remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more organizations recognized underSection 501(c)(3) or Section 501(c)(4), or to governmental entities serving a public purpose, with preferencegiven to veterans-serving organizations.

No assets shall be distributed to any private individual.

Member-at-Large: _______

BYLAWS

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