Fraternity-Testvériség, 2008 (86. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)

2008-07-01 / 3. szám

BY-LAWS

of the

HUNGARIAN REFORMED FEDERATION of AMERICA

Founded 1896

2008 EDITION

As amended and revised by the Convention held from September

29 to October 2, 2008, in Ligonier, Pennsylvania.

ARTICLE I ORGANIZATION

Name - Date of Organization - Incorporation -Home Office

1. The name of this organization is: “Hungarian Reformed Federation of America.” It was organized July 5, 1896, at Trenton, New Jersey, and incorporated by an Act of Congress of the United States of America in the District of Columbia, on March 1,1907. The Home Office is in Washington, D.C.

Purpose and Objectives

2. The purpose and objectives of the Federation are the following:

a) To maintain and support the social and fraternal culture, heritage, language and religious traditions of Hungarians in America.

b) To provide life insurance and other investment opportunities to help secure the financial well-being and future of its members and their families.

c) To foster a sense of community among Hungarian- Americans by organizing and promoting, at both the national and local levels, group travel programs, social gatherings, commemorative events, and other activities designed to strengthen the shared affinity of its members to their ethnic and cultural heritage.

d) To utilize the resources of the Federation to assist two segments of the population to achieve their special needs and aspirations:

i. Elderly - by maintaining a mutually supportive relationship with the Bethlen Home (a/k/a Bethlen Communities) in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, and establishing and maintaining other facilities which

provide a healthy and nurturing living environment for individuals, with particular emphasis on those indivi-duals with special needs due to age or infirmity.

ii. Youth - by awarding scholarships from a Student Aid and Loan Fund to qualifying and deserving Federation members; by supporting summer youth camps; and by reaching out to actively involve young individuals in the leadership of the Federation and in the development and implementation of programs serving their needs.

e) To serve as a clearinghouse and catalyst to identify, articulate and support the needs and concerns of the American and global Hungarian community.

f) To publish newsletters, books, and other materials, both in print and by electronic means, to promote the good name and reputation of the Federation and of Hungarians in America, and to facilitate communication among and awareness by Federation members of each other’s activities.

g) To apply the proceeds of insurance and investment activity to support the charitable endeavors and efforts of the membership and other organizations which serve any of the foregoing purposes.

Language - Seal - Motto - Official Publication

3. The official language of the Federation is English. The Hungarian language may be used by choice. The seal of the Federation is encircled with the inscription bearing the name of the Federation. In its center is an angel with outstretched wings, holding the Gospel in one hand and a trumpet in the other. The motto of the Federation is: “Si Deus pro nobis quis contra nos? ” (“If God be for us, who can be against us?” - Romans 8:31).

The official publication of the Federation is the Fraternity- Testvériség.

ARTICLE II GOVERNMENT Legislation - Administration

4. The highest legislative body of the Federation is the Convention, which meets quadrennially.

5. The Federation is governed between Conventions by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall not have the power to amend the By-Laws of the Federation.

Administration and Referendum of the Branches

6. The Federation is composed of branches. There may be two classes of members in each branch - Regular or Insurance members, and Social or Non-insurance members. Each branch shall elect its own officers and conduct its local affairs.