ARTICLE I: NAME
 The name of this organization shall be Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA, located at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.  Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA shall abide by all policies, rules, and regulations which govern recognized student organizations at  Harvard College as well as those outlined by the following articles.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSES
 We, the members of Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA, determined to define our Mexican and Latino roots in the American political and  social context, identify ourselves as Chicanos; asserting our individuality, we also declare our conviction that we are unique  and distinct as a group and a people. From this collective realization, our aspirations originate. We wish to promote the objectives of Chicanos throughout the entire world, most especially at Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges.  We encourage Harvard and Radcliffe to provide greater opportunities to all Chicanos and Latinos students as well as faculty and administrators. Together, their inspiring presence will foster the social, moral, and intellectual environment most vital to any academic institution. Finally, we recognize that Chicanismo is an experience and a tradition that extends beyond Mexican-Americans, to all Latinos. Indeed, we stand in solidarity with all who seek to preserve their culture and heritage. Collectively, we will contribute to a  spirit of unity and a sense of community by supporting each other through every possible means. Thus, in reaffirming the  fundamental principles of Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA, we recognize that "La Union hace la fuerza."

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
 Section 1. Membership
 Membership in Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA shall be open to all students in good standing currently enrolled in Harvard College,  regardless of race, creed, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or physical disability.
 Section 2. Dues
 The organization may require dues to be paid from year to year, the amount to be designated by the Executive Board. Annual  dues may be collected in two installments.
 Section 3. Responsibilities and Rights of Members
 An active member of Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA shall be any person who pays dues, as designated by the Executive Board, and attends three general meetings per semester. Active members are entitled to one vote in any General Meeting and are eligible for any officer position. The privileges of membership shall be withheld from any member who fails to meet the above qualifications, but can be re-established upon active participation during the next academic term.
 Section 4. Introductory membership
 All those who attend the first two General Meetings during each academic term shall enjoy a grace period of membership and all the privileges thereof, in accordance with Article III, Section 3.

ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS
 Section 1. Steering Committee
 The RAZA Board shall consist of the Executive Board and General Board. The duties of these officers shall be those outlined by  the following sections.
 Section 2. Executive Board
 A. Structure
 The Executive Board shall be composed of four officers: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Term of service shall be one year, from November to November. Candidates must be active members of Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA.
 B. General Procedures
 Matters of general policy shall be left to the discretion of the RAZA Board. In the event of a tie among its members, the RAZA  Board shall present the issue before the General Membership. Such a meeting shall take place within one week. The General  Membership shall resolve the issue by majority vote.
 C. Powers and Responsibilities
 1. President
 The chief executive officer of the organization shall:
 (a). Maintain general supervision and control of the activities of Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA.
 (b). Chair all Executive Board and General Meetings.
 (c). Serve as an ex-officio member of all committees.
 (d). Create ad hoc committees and appoint their chairs with the advice of the Executive Board, when necessary.
 (e). Appoint ad hoc representatives with the advice of the Executive Board, when necessary.
 (f). Represent Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA in business proceedings with other organizations and Harvard university administration.
 2. Vice-President
 The Vice-President of the organization shall:
 (a). Assume the power and responsibilities of the President if he/she is unable to perform his/her duties.
 (b). Secure facilities for all Executive Board and General Meetings
 (c). Share the duties of representation with the President in relation to other organizations.
 (d). Establish and maintain the organization's office as a communications resource.
 3. Treasurer
 The Treasurer of the organization shall:
 (a). Manage all debits and expenditures of Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA and maintain accurate financial records.
 (b). Organize the collection of membership dues.
 (c). Prepare monthly written financial reports for the Executive Board.
 (d). Present financial reports to the membership at all General Meetings.
 (e). Oversee and ensure the stability of the Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA operating account.
 (f). Finalize all grant or loan applications for annual events and keep them on file in the organizational archives.
 4. Secretary
 The Secretary of the organization shall:
 (a). Handle all verbal and written correspondence with the individuals, organizations and other entities outside
 Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA.
 (b). Write letters of request, complete forms and applications and perform other communicative duties for Harvard-Radcliffe
 RAZA.
 (c). Take minutes at all Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA general and executive board meetings.
 (d). Ensure that the by-laws of the organization are observed.
 Section 3. The General Board
 A. Elected Offices
 The representatives to the following organization shall be permanent. Term of service shall be one year, from November to
 November. Candidates must be active members of Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA.
 B. General Procedures
 Matters of general policy shall be left to the discretion of the RAZA Board. In the event of a tie among its members, the RAZA  Board shall present the issue before the General Membership. Such a meeting shall take place within one week. The General  Membership shall resolve the issue by majority vote.
 C. Powers and Responsibilities
 1. Public Relations Chair
 The Public Relations Chair of the organization shall:
 (a). Establish and maintain contact with all organizations outside Harvard in which RAZA has an interest (i.e. NALEO, MALDEF, etc.). This includes local, regional and national organizations.
 (b). Establish and maintain contact with all organizations within Harvard which RAZA has an interest (i.e. MSA, Horizons, BSA,  etc.).
 (c). Maintain a database with a list of contact persons at all the organizations which fit the description above.
 (d). Maintain contact with current RAZA members and the Latino student body in general by informing them of upcoming events.
 (e). Maintain communication and inform relevant Harvard administrators and faculty about RAZA's events, projects, etc.
 (f). Coordinate "big brother/ big sister" relationships between Freshmen and upperclassmen.
 (g). Coordinate publicity including posters, flyers, etc. for RAZA events.
 (h). Coordinate events with Greater Boston area community organizations
 2. Political Chair
 The Political Chair of the organization shall:
 (a). Chair the Latino Political Committee
 (b). Serve as a liaison between the RAZA Board and any on-campus political initiatives that are in the interest of RAZA and
 its members.
 (c). Represent accurately the political and social views of Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA.
 3. Finance Commissioner
 The Finance Commissioner of the organization shall:
 (a). Chair the Finance Committee.
 (b). Coordinate and manage fundraising through alumni donations in conjunction with the Treasurer.
 (c). Coordinate and manage fundraising through corporate sponsorship in conjunction with the Treasurer.
 (d). Prepare annual budgets in conjunction with the Treasurer.
 4. Historian
 The Historian of the organization shall:
 (a). Create the Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA newsletter and supervise its distribution to members, faculty, administrators, and
 alumni.
 (b.) Maintain records of RAZA alumnae.
 (c). Maintain an up-to-date Harvard-Radcliffe membership list, which includes all necessary contact information.
 (d). Preserve accurate records of all Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA documents and relevant information in the organizational
 archives.
 5. Social Chair
 The Social Chair of the organization shall:
 (a). Coordinate all of RAZA's events. This includes receptions, social events such as study breaks and parties and any other
 RAZA function.
 (b). Delegate responsibilities to the members of the Social Committee to assist in coordinating RAZA events as mentioned
 above.
 (c). Work with the Public Relations Chair to publicize events to RAZA members and the Harvard community in general.
 6. The Student Advisory Committee of the Harvard Foundation, and other representative entities on campus.
 The representative to the Student Advisory Committee (SAC), and other representative entities on campus shall:
 (a). Attend all SAC and other representative meetings and participate actively in all of its affairs.
 (b). Represent accurately the political and social views of Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA to the SAC.
 (c). Defend the grant proposals of Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA each semester.
 (d). Inform the Executive Board regularly about all decisions made by the SAC.
 (e). Present reports to the membership at all General Meetings
 7. ECCSF Representative
 The representative to the East Coast Chicano Student Forum (ECCSF)shall:
 (a). Maintain regular contact with the ECCSF.
 (b). Attend all ECCSF conferences, unless a prior written excuse is submitted to the Executive Board.
 (c). Accurately represent the political and social view of Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA to the ECCSF.
 (d). Plan Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA trips to ECCSF conference.
 (e). Organize ECCSF projects at Harvard University, when necessary.
 (f). Inform the Executive Board regularly about all decisions made by the ECCSF.
 (g). Present reports to the membership at all General Meetings.
 8. Webmaster
 The webmaster shall:
 (d). Create, coordinate, and maintain a Harvard-Radcliffe web-page.
 B. Appointed Offices
 When circumstances merit, the President may appoint representatives to organizations in which Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA has a
 vested interest. These representatives may become permanent ones through the constitutional amendment process.
 Section 4. Absences
 Three (3) unexcused Board meeting absences and one general meeting absence per term shall constitute grounds for removal of an officer. If an officer is absent, it is his/her responsibility to call the President prior to that meeting. Officers should attend all events organized or co-sponsored by Harvard/Radcliffe RAZA, unless prior notification of absence is submitted to the President.
 Section 5. Succession
 If the President can no longer serve, the Vice-President shall assume the office. The office of Vice-President shall then be filled by a vote of the general membership, in accordance with Article IV, Section 5, and
Article V.
 Section 6. Resignations
 An officer may resign from his/her post by submitting a written letter to the Executive Board. This letter shall detail the reason(s) for resignation. The President must then call an emergency general meeting within one week to fill the vacancy, in  accordance with Article IV, Section 7.
 Section 7. Impeachment Proceedings
 A petition signed by one-fourth (1/4) of the active membership shall be necessary to submit a motion to impeach any officer. A  two-thirds (2/3) vote shall be required for the removal of the officer. Such proceedings shall occur before the General  Membership.
 Section 8. Vacancies
 Any vacant office shall be filled by a majority vote of the General Membership at an emergency General Meeting. Officers on the acting Steering Committee shall be eligible to run for the vacancy with the condition that they vacate their previous office(s) upon successful election. This process shall continue until all offices are filled. 
ARTICLE V: ELECTIONS
 Section 1. Elections
 Elections for all officers of the organization shall be held at a general meeting during the first week of November.
 Section 2. Candidates
 Candidates for the office of President must be nominated at General Meetings prior to elections. During the elections, the General Membership shall vote first for the President. Afterward, the membership will vote for the Vice President, Treasurer,  Secretary, Public Relations Chair, Political Chair, Finance Commissioner, Historian, Social Chair, SAC Rep, ECCSF Rep, and Webmaster, respectively. The order in which the Board is elected is upon the discretion of the previous Board. Any candidate, including a Presidential candidate, who is unsuccessful in their bid for a prior office may be eligible for nomination for a  subsequent position. Self-nominations are permitted for every office.
 Section 3. Voting Procedures
 Voting shall take place by secret ballot. Results shall be tabulated immediately after each vote by a committee comprised of  all embers of the present Steering Committee who are not candidates for election. A majority vote of the voting General Membership shall determine the winner of the Presidential election. If no majority exists on the first ballot, a run-off  election for President shall be held between the top two candidates. For all other positions, a plurality will be required to win the election. In case of a tie, voting shall be repeated until a winner is determined.
 Section 4. Absentee ballots
 Absentee ballots for all positions shall be permitted, if delivered to the election committee prior to the initiation of  voting for President during the election meeting. Any such ballot shall clearly express a preference for a candidate and must be signed by a member of Harvard- Radcliffe RAZA, in accordance with Article III.
 Section 5. Transfer of Power
 The Board shall submit a written report detailing all Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA activities during its tenure to the new Board.  This report shall be submitted to the General Meeting at which the newly-elected members of the Steering Committee shall assume their responsibilities.
ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS
 Section 1. Executive Board Meetings
 The RAZA Board shall meet at least once a week to:
 (a). Plan agendas for the General Meetings.
 (b). Receive reports from representatives and committees.
 Section 2. General Meeting
 General Meetings must be held at least once a week at a location and time designated by the Executive Board.
 Section 3. Emergency Meetings
 Emergency Meetings may be called by the Executive Board or by two thirds (2/3) of the General Membership.

ARTICLE VII: STANDING COMMITTEES
 Section 1. Finance Committee
 The Finance Committee shall initiate and maintain contact with corporations and alumni for the purposes of enhancing the  financial resources of Harvard Radcliffe RAZA.
 Section 2. Cinco de Mayo Committee
 The Cinco de Mayo committee shall be responsible for organizing all aspects of the annual Cinco de Mayo cultural festival. The chair(s) of this committee shall be appointed by the Executive Board by November.
 Section 3. Membership Committee
 The Membership Committee shall be responsible for recruiting new members of Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA through formal membership  drives at the beginning of each academic term and shall organize activities and initiatives to integrate first-year students into the Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA community.
 Section 4. Admissions Committee
 The Admissions Committee shall work with the Harvard College Admissions Office to increase the numbers of enrolled Chicanos  and Latinos. In addition, members shall provide general information concerning the Chicano experience at Harvard University to prospective first-year students and shall work in conjunction with the Membership Committee in planning activities. The chair(s) of this committee shall be RAZA Minority Recruitment Coordinator(s).
 Section 5. Latino Political Committee
 The Latino Political Committee (LPC) of Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA was created to further the Latino cause, both nationally and at Harvard, through political activism. The LPC will meet at least twice a month at a location designated by the committee members. A chair of the LPC is to be elected by the general membership to head the committee and represent it as a member of  the RAZA governing board. The LPC is responsible for proposing all events to the board for final approval. 
ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS
 Section 1. Procedure
 One-fifth (1/5) of the General Membership may propose amendment(s) to this constitution. Proposals shall be filled in writing  with the Acting Secretary, who shall schedule debate before the General Membership at the next meeting. The amendment(s) shall  be ratified by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the General Membership.