Tammany Together, Inc. is a non-profit, non-partisan, coalition of St. Tammany individuals, non-profit organizations, and homeowner and civic associations. We have come together without regard to east or west, city or parish, suburban or rural, rich or poor, life-long or newly arrived resident. For too long now, these labels have divided the citizens of our parish.
And our quality of life has suffered because of our divisions. No more! We now have a forum to speak with a unified voice rather than standing alone. This parish is everyone’s backyard!
Tammany Together, Inc. is a grass-roots organization. Members may attend the monthly meetings of the fifteen-member Board of Directors. There will be quarterly General Membership Meetings.
Member committees will study the issues and present their reports to the Board. The Board may ask for more information, take action, or ask the membership to vote on the matter. Tammany Together is committed to listening to the diverse voices in St. Tammany.
As a non-partisan organization, Tammany Together does not endorse or oppose specific candidates for public office.
Tammany Together, Inc. is organized under the laws of the State of Louisiana as a Domestic Non-Profit Corporation and has been granted tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(4) organization by the Internal Revenue Service.
The mission of Tammany Together, a nonpartisan organization, is to identify issues of importance to the citizens of St. Tammany Parish, to educate its members and others on these issues, and to exert a positive influence on their outcome by speaking out with a unified voice.
"How many citizens sit home thinking, in coffee shops thinking, they can't do anything about what's going on in their parish? It's their parish, they pay the taxes, but they have no control. This is going to give everyone a voice." Paulette Barras, Slidell resident
"St. Tammany residents continually show their willingness to work hard for a better Parish. Tammany Together gives us a forum to have a strong, positive influence on our future." Rick Wilke, President, Association of Associations
"Development is necessary and inevitable. However, there is a greater need in this parish for responsible development. Planning not Reacting." Carolyn Condon, Folsom area citizen
"It’s time for ALL of the citizens of St. Tammany to be represented by an organization that is dedicated to making citizens equal partners with government and business in planning for the future of St. Tammany." Sandra Slifer, President, League of Women Voters® of St. Tammany
"Divide and conquer. Unite and win." Dr. John Martin, President, Goodbee Civic Association
"I had to learn the hard way how things “get done” in this parish. I want to use that experience, along with others who have traveled that same congested road, and establish a strong link between parish officials and the community in working towards systemic change here in St. Tammany Parish." Elizabeth Manshel, Vice-President, Penn’s Chapel Road Association
These organizations have expressed their support of Tammany Together by becoming members.
The following St. Tammany citizens serve as the Board of Directors of Tammany Together, Inc. Click a name for a brief biography.
Elizabeth Manshel, Vice President
BY-LAWS OF
TAMMANY TOGETHER
A NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION
ARTICLE I
ORGANIZATION
Section 1. The name of the Corporation shall be as stated in its Articles of Incorporation.
Section 2. The Corporation may at its pleasure by a vote of the members change its name.
ARTICLE II
MISSION
The mission of the Corporation, a nonpartisan organization, is to identify issues of importance to the citizens of St. Tammany Parish, to educate its members and others on these issues, and to exert a positive influence on their outcome by speaking out with a unified voice
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. FISCAL YEAR: The Corporation shall operate on a fiscal year beginning April 1st and ending March 31st. Dues will be payable on April 1st of each year. Dues will not be prorated; however, any individual or group joining after January 1st will be deemed to have paid for both the remainder of the current year and the subsequent fiscal year.
Section 2. MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES:
(1). ELIGIBILITY. Homeowners’ Associations and Civic Associations established in St. Tammany Parish and whose goals are consistent with those of the Corporation may apply for Group Membership. The association need not be formally organized by charter or by-laws to apply. An association applying for membership shall provide evidence of its legal status; its bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, or a letter signed by an officer of the association that describes the Group; and a Resolution authorizing its application. The application shall document the Group’s official membership count at the time of application. Homeowner Associations are not eligible for membership until such time as control of the association is passed from the developer to the residents of the subdivision. All Group Membership applications are subject to review and approval by the Corporation’s Board of Directors.
(2). DUES AND VOTING RIGHTS. The Group Member’s official annual membership count of record will determine dues and number of votes. Each Group Membership will be entitled to one vote per member up to a maximum of 200 votes. Initial Group Membership dues will be charged at the rate of $1 per year per association member with a $25 minimum fee and capped at $200 per year for any Group Member. In subsequent years, the dues amounts and the vote cap may be adjusted by a simple vote of the Board of Directors without amendment to these by-laws. The Board of Directors shall promulgate any such change to Group Membership dues or votes in a policy statement.
(3). DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES. Each Group Member shall select one (1) voting delegate and up to two (2) alternates who are authorized to cast votes for the Group Member. An alternate may vote only in the absence of the primary delegate. The Group Member shall designate the order or precedence for alternates, as only one representative of the Group Member will be permitted to cast its votes. A letter or a copy of the Group Member’s Resolution shall designate delegates and alternates. It is the Group Member’s responsibility to insure that this information is up-to-date. Each delegate and alternate must be a resident of St. Tammany Parish and be at least eighteen (18) years of age. The Group Member must be a member in good standing (dues are current) for votes to be cast. Either the delegate or an alternate must be present to cast the Group Member’s votes. No proxy or absentee voting will be permitted.
(1). ELIGIBILITY. Non-profit organizations, governmental entities, or organizations that represent a number of other groups, and whose goals are consistent with those of the Corporation may apply to the Board of Directors for Umbrella Organization Membership. An organization applying for membership must provide evidence of its legal status; its bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, or a letter signed by an officer of the association that describes the Group; and a Resolution authorizing its application. All Umbrella Organization Membership applications are subject to review and approval by the Corporation’s Board of Directors.
(2). DUES AND VOTING RIGHTS. Initial Umbrella Organization Member dues will be $25 annually. In subsequent years, the dues may be set by a simple vote of the Board of Directors without amendment to these by-laws. The Board of Directors shall promulgate any such change to Umbrella Organization Membership dues in a policy statement. Each Umbrella Organization shall have one vote.
(3). DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES. Each Umbrella Organization shall select one (1) voting delegate and up to two (2) alternates who are authorized to cast a vote for the Umbrella Organization. An alternate may vote only in the absence of the primary delegate. The Umbrella Organization shall designate the order of precedence for alternates, as only one representative of the Umbrella Organization will be permitted to cast its vote. A letter or a copy of the Umbrella Organization’s Resolution shall designate delegates and alternates. It is the Umbrella Organization’s responsibility to insure that this information is up-to-date. Each delegate and alternate must be a resident of St. Tammany Parish and be at least eighteen (18) years of age. The Umbrella Organization must be a member in good standing (dues are current) and a delegate or alternate must be present for a vote to be cast. No proxy or absentee voting will be permitted.
(1). ELIGIBILITY. Any resident of St. Tammany Parish who is at least eighteen (18) years of age may apply for Individual Membership in the Corporation. All Individual Membership applications are subject to review and approval by the Corporation’s Board of Directors.
(2). DUES AND VOTING. Initial Individual Member dues will be $25 annually. In subsequent years the dues may be set by a simple vote of the Board of Directors without amendment to these by-laws. The Board of Directors shall promulgate any such change to Individual Member dues in a policy statement. Each Individual Member shall have one vote. Any member of an Organization which maintains Group Membership in the Corporation may also hold an Individual Membership in the Corporation and shall enjoy independent voting rights under each membership category. Individual Members must be in good standing (dues are current) and must be present for a vote to be cast. No proxy or absentee voting will be permitted.
(1). ELIGIBILITY. Residents outside of St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana who are at least eighteen (18) years of age, may apply for Individual Supporter membership.
(2). DUES AND VOTING RIGHTS. Initial Individual Supporter dues will be $25 annually. In subsequent years the dues may be set by a simple vote of the Board of Directors without amendment to these by-laws. The Board of Directors shall promulgate any such change to Individual Supporter member dues in a policy statement. Individual Supporter Members shall not be entitled to vote.
Section 3. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP. The Board of Directors may terminate any membership in the Corporation at any time, with or without cause. Should the Board terminate membership, membership dues for the current year will be refunded on a pro-rated basis.
ARTICLE IV
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. POWERS. There shall be a Board of Directors of the Corporation, which shall supervise and control the business, property, and affairs of the Corporation, except as otherwise expressly provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation, or these Bylaws. The Board of Directors shall establish policy, determine the corporation’s position on issues of public importance, and appoint standing and ad hoc committees as needed to further the mission of the Corporation.
Section 2. NUMBER AND QUALIFICATIONS. The Board of Directors shall consist of fifteen (15) directors. Each director shall be (a) either an Individual Member of the Corporation or a member of an organization holding a Group Membership in the Corporation, and (b) a resident of St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. No elected or appointed public official may serve as a director. Should an individual be elected or appointed to any public office while serving as a director of the Corporation, their membership on the Board of Directors shall terminate upon election or appointment.
Section 3. ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE. The voting members at the Annual Meeting of the General Membership shall elect the members of the Board of Directors by a plurality vote of those present and voting. Directors shall serve for a term of two years and may serve no more than two consecutive terms. In 2007 all fifteen (15) directors will be elected. Following the initial election, directors shall draw lots to determine eight (8) directors who will each serve a one-year initial term and seven (7) who will serve a two-year initial term. Thereafter, director terms will be staggered with seven directors elected in odd numbered years and eight directors elected in even numbered years. The Board will notify the members of a board election not less than seventy-five (75) days prior to the Annual Meeting.
Section 4. NOMINATIONS. The Nominating Committee will choose a slate of directors and present the slate to the Board of Directors. Nominees must meet the qualifications of a Director. The slate of nominees shall be presented to the board not later than forty-five (45) days prior to the Annual Meeting. Members wishing to submit individual nominations may submit a petition to the Board of Directors, signed by five Individual Members, Delegates, or Alternate Delegates of a Group Membership or Umbrella Membership Organization not later than forty-five (45) days prior to the Annual Meeting. The person so nominated must consent in writing to have his or her name placed in nomination. The board will announce the Nominated Slate and Individual Candidates to the General Membership not less than thirty (30) days prior to the Annual Meeting at which the election will take place.
Section 5. RESIGNATION. Any director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the President of the Board. Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein, or, if no time is specified, at the time of acceptance thereof as determined by the President of the Board.
Section 6. REMOVAL. Any director may be removed from such office, with or without cause, by a two-thirds vote of the entire Board of Directors at any regular meeting or a special meeting of the board called expressly for that purpose. The President or Secretary shall notify a director so removed in writing. In addition, missing three regularly scheduled board meetings in a single fiscal year will normally be considered cause for removal from the board.
Section 7. VACANCIES. The Board of Directors shall fill vacancies until the next Annual Meeting, at which time a member shall be elected to fill the remainder of the term.
Section 8. REGULAR MEETINGS. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held each month.
Section 9. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at the direction of the President or by a majority of the directors then in office, to be held at such time, day, and place as shall be designated in the notice of the meeting.
Section 10. NOTICE. Notice of the time, day, and place of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given at least two (2) days prior to the meeting if given by email, telephone contact, or by hand-delivery, or at least five (5) days prior to the meeting if given by first-class mail. The purpose for which a special meeting is called shall be stated in the notice. Any director may waive notice of any meeting by a written statement executed either before or after the meeting. Attendance and participation at a meeting without objection to notice shall also constitute a waiver of notice.
Section 11. QUORUM. A majority of the directors then serving shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 12. MANNER OF ACTING. Except as otherwise expressly required by law, the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation, or these Bylaws, the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors. Each director shall have one vote. Voting shall be by show of hands or voice vote at the discretion of the presiding officer; however, any director may call for a paper ballot. Neither proxy nor absentee voting shall be permitted. Board meetings are open to the general membership. The board may reserve the right to go into executive session for discussion; however, no vote may be called while in executive session.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
Section 1. OFFICERS. The officers of the Corporation shall consist of a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.
Section 2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Once seated, the Board of Directors will elect officers to open positions from among its members and select other director responsibilities as may be appropriate.
Section 3. TERM OF OFFICE. The officers of the Corporation shall be installed at the first Board of Directors meeting following the Annual Meeting and shall hold office until the first Board of Directors meeting following the next Annual Meeting.
Section 4. RESIGNATION. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the President of the Board. Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified in the notice, or if no time is specified, then immediately.
Section 5. REMOVAL. Any officer may be removed from such office, with or without cause, by a two-thirds vote of the entire Board of Directors at any regular meeting or a special board meeting called expressly for that purpose.
Section 6. VACANCIES. The Board of Directors shall fill a vacancy in any office for the unexpired term from among its elected members.
Section 7. PRESIDENT. Subject to the power of the Board of Directors, the President shall give active direction and have control of the business and affairs of the Corporation.
He or she shall:
- Preside at all Board of Directors meetings and General Membership meetings.
- Present at each Annual Meeting of the organization an annual report of the work of the Corporation.
- Serve as the chief spokesperson for the Corporation and its mission.
- Appoint the chairperson of each standing and ad hoc committee.
- See that all books, reports and certificates required by law are properly kept or filed.
- Must be one of two officers who shall sign the checks or drafts of the Corporation.
- Serve as ex-officio member of all committees with the exception of the Nominating Committee and Financial Review Committee.
- Have such powers as may be reasonably construed as belonging to the chief executive of any Corporation.
Section 8. VICE PRESIDENT. The Vice President shall in the event of the absence or inability of the President to exercise his or her office become acting president of the Corporation with all the rights, privileges and powers as if he or she had been the duly elected President. In addition, the Vice President shall have such duties as shall be assigned by the President. He or she shall be one of the officers who may sign the checks or drafts of the Corporation.
Section 9. SECRETARY. The Secretary shall keep the minutes and records of the Corporation in appropriate books. It shall be his or her duty to file any certificate required by any federal, state, or local statute.
He or she shall:
- Give and serve all notices to members of this Corporation in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws.
- Be the official custodian of the records and seal of this Corporation.
- Be one of the officers who may sign the checks and drafts of the Corporation.
- Submit to the Board of Directors any communications that shall be addressed to him or her as Secretary of the Corporation.
- Attend to all correspondence of the Corporation and shall exercise all duties incident to the office of Secretary.
- In addition the Secretary shall have such duties as assigned by the President.
Section 10. TREASURER. The Treasurer shall have the care and custody of all monies belonging to the organization and shall be responsible for such monies or securities of the Corporation.
He or she shall:
- Maintain two checking accounts for the Corporation in a regular business bank or trust company as designated by the Board of Directors: one for operating expenses and 501(c)(4) income; and one for tax-deductible donations and 501(c)(3) expenses.
- Must be one of two officers who shall sign checks or drafts of the Corporation. No special fund may be set aside that shall make it unnecessary for the Treasurer to sign the checks issued upon it.
- Render a written account of the finances of the Corporation at each regular Board of Directors meeting and each regular General Membership meeting. Such report shall be physically affixed to the minutes of each such meeting.
- Exercise all duties incident to the office of Treasurer.
- In addition the Treasurer shall have such duties as assigned by the President.
ARTICLE VI
COMMITTEES
Section 1. The Board of Directors shall appoint all committees of this Corporation from among the membership of the Corporation. Each committee chair shall serve at the pleasure of the President. Except with respect to the Financial Review Committee, a) no more than two directors may serve on any committee and b) at least one Director shall serve on each committee. Committee term of office shall be for a period of one year or less if sooner terminated by the action of the Board of Directors. Committee chairs may invite non-members to participate in the work of their committees, in particular when outside expertise is desirable; however, only members of the Corporation appointed by the Board of Directors may vote in the decisions and recommendations of the committee.
Section 2. STANDING COMMITTEES.
A. NOMINATING COMMITTEE – Shall annually assemble a balanced slate of nominations to the Board of Directors giving due consideration to the diversity of the membership of the Corporation. The Nominating Committee shall consist of five people, two of whom shall be Directors and three of whom shall be Delegates, Alternate Delegates, or Individual Members. The President shall not serve on the Nominating Committee.
B. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE – Shall assist the Board of Directors in recruiting and retaining members.
C. FINANCIAL REVIEW COMMITTEE – shall perform a review of the financial records of the Corporation annually and prior to any new Treasurer assuming office. The Financial Review Committee shall consist of three members of the Corporation, none of whom may be a sitting board member. The chair of the Financial Review Committee will present the results of the financial review to the General Membership at the Annual Meeting.
D. CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE – Shall maintain official membership voting rights records and certify Individual Members, and Group and Umbrella Organization delegates and alternates to vote at General Membership meetings.
Section 3. AD HOC COMMITTEES. The Board of Directors may create and appoint members to such other committees, as they shall deem appropriate. Such a committee shall be appointed to study any issue and report its written findings and recommendations to the Board of Directors before the board may take a public stand on the issue. The Board of Directors may vote to accept, reject, or amend the committee’s recommendations, or choose to present the recommendations to the General Membership for discussion and a vote.
Section 4. TERM OF OFFICE. Each member of a committee shall serve for one year or until a successor is appointed, unless the committee is sooner dissolved.
Section 5. VACANCIES. The Board of Directors may fill vacancies in the membership of committees.
Section 6. RULES. Each committee and task force may adopt rules for its meetings not inconsistent with these Bylaws or with any rules adopted by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VII
MEETINGS
Section 1. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS. A General Membership Meeting shall be conducted each quarter in the months of January, April, July, and October. The General Membership shall be responsible for election of the Board of Directors and approving the annual budget. The Board of Directors may also elect to bring other decisions to the General Membership for action.
A. NOTICE. The Secretary shall cause the membership to be notified of the time, day and place of General Membership meetings not less than ten (10) days prior to the meeting by use of email where available, posting on the Corporation’s web site and/or submitting press releases to local newspapers.
B. FORMAT. General Membership meetings will be conducted in an open discussion format working toward consensus; however, any member may offer a resolution to invoke Robert’s Rules of Order when deemed necessary for the orderly progress of the meeting.
C. QUORUM. A quorum for purposes of conducting business of the General Membership Meeting shall exist when delegates and individuals representing fifteen percent (15%) of the total voting rights of the Corporation are present.
D. VOTING. Group Member delegates or alternates, Umbrella Organization delegates or alternates, and Individual Members will be required to check in with the Credentials Committee upon arrival. The Secretary will announce the total number of votes represented by delegates, alternates and individuals present at the General Meeting. Roll call votes or paper ballots shall be used to tally the votes. A motion shall carry with a simple majority vote of the total membership votes present and voting. Members and authorized delegates or alternates must be present to vote. No proxy or absentee ballots will be accepted.
E. SPECIAL MEETING. A special meeting of the General Membership may be called at the discretion of the Board of Director with ten (10) days notice to the membership. Additionally, members of the Corporation may call for a special General Membership meeting at any time by presenting a petition to the board signed by 20% of the total voting power of the Corporation.
Section 2. ANNUAL MEETING. The Annual Meeting is the quarterly General Membership Meeting that is held annually in the month of April. At a minimum, the following business is conducted at the Annual Meeting:
Section 3. BOARD MEETINGS. Board meetings will be held monthly. The Board of Directors will conduct the routine business of the Corporation and, after considering committee findings and recommendations may determine the corporation’s position on issues of public importance. Alternatively, the board may elect to present the committee findings and recommendations to the membership at a General Membership Meeting for discussion and a vote as provided in Article VI, Section 3.
ARTICLE VIII
FINANCES
Section 1. PROHIBITED EXPENSES. The Corporation may undertake any lawful expenditure of funds in the furtherance of its mission except that the Corporation shall not engage in activities or expend funds or other assets to support or to oppose any candidate for public office.
Section 2. BUDGET PROCEDURES. The Board of Directors shall develop a proposed budget for each fiscal year. The Treasurer shall present the proposed budget to the membership at the first General Membership Meeting following the Annual Meeting for a vote of approval. The Treasurer shall present monthly financial statements to the Board at its monthly meetings and to the membership at quarterly General Membership meetings. The Treasurer may recommend amendments to the budget as necessary to the Board of Directors. The Board may either approve the amendments or, if they consider them a significant variation from the approved budget, bring such amendments to the General Membership for approval at a regular or special General Membership meeting.
Section 3. FINANCIAL RECORDS. The Treasurer shall adhere to all Internal Revenue Service guidelines and applicable federal, state, and local law. Funds for the 501(c)(4) operating account and the 501(c)(3) tax-deductible account shall not be co-mingled.
Section 4. CHECK SIGNATURES. All four officers shall maintain valid signature cards on file at any bank upon which a Corporation check or draft may be drawn. Two officers, one of whom must be either the President or the Treasurer, must sign each check or draft issued on a Corporation account.
ARTICLE IX
INDEMNIFICATION
Unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Corporation shall indemnify any director or officer or any former director or officer against all reasonable expenses and liabilities incurred by him or her in connection with any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of being a director or officer. However, there shall be no indemnification in relation to matters as to which he or she shall be adjudged to be guilty of a criminal offense or liable to the Corporation for damages arising out of his or her own gross negligence in the performance of a duty to the Corporation.
Amounts paid in indemnification of expenses and liabilities may include, but shall not be limited to, counsel fees and other fees; costs and disbursements; and judgments, fines, and penalties against, and amounts paid in settlement by, such director or officer. The Corporation may advance expenses or, where appropriate, may itself undertake the defense of any director or officer. However, such director or officer shall repay such expenses if it should be ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification underthis Article.
The Board of Directors shall authorize the purchase of insurance on behalf of any director or officer or other agent against any liability incurred by him which arises out of such person's status as a director, officer, or agent, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify the person against that liability under law.
ARTICLE X
ADOPTION OF BYLAWS AND AMENDMENT
Section 1. ADOPTION. These bylaws shall be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Steering Committee Members Present at the March 19, 2007 meeting.
Section 2. AMENDMENT. These bylaws may be amended upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total voting rights (represented by the individual members, delegates or alternates) present at a regular or special General Membership meeting provided the proposed amendments have been distributed to the members at least thirty (30) days prior to the vote.
ARTICLE XI
DISSOLUTION
Should the Corporation cease to exist, the Board of Directors shall distribute any remaining funds after satisfaction of all outstanding debts to non-profit organization(s) whose purposes are consistent with those of the Corporation and are based in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana consistent with applicable IRS guidelines.