Table of Contents
- Article I: Name and Boundaries
- Article II: Mission Statement
- Article III: Finances and Records
- Article IV: Membership
- Article V: Officers
- Article VI: Duties of Officers
- Article VII: Meetings
- Article VIII: Standing Committees
- Article IX: Amendments
- Article X: Liability
Article I: Name and Boundaries
Section 1: The Organization shall be Rogers Park We DO Care, Inc. aka Rogers Park We Do Care or RPWDC.
Section 2: Boundaries: The City of Chicago recognizes Rogers Park’s boundaries as being on the North Side, with the city of Evanston to the north, Lake Michigan to the east, Ridge Boulevard to the west, and Devon Avenue and the Edgewater neighborhood to the south. The boundary with Evanston is along Juneway Terrace and Howard Street.
Article II: MISSION STATEMENT
Rogers Park We DO Care is a community organization dedicated to addressing neighborhood concerns, fostering safety, and preserving the unique character of Rogers Park. We work will collaboratively with city officials, Police Departments and other community groups to resolve issues and keep residents informed and engaged.
Our goals include:
- Enhancing neighborhood security
- Promoting open communication among residents
- Supporting the formation of neighborhood block clubs
- Reaching out to neighbors in need, offering help as allowed by organization.
- Encouraging diversity and community spirit and being inclusive of all cultures and
peoples.
We also aim to support local businesses by partnering with business development organizations and encouraging new enterprises to establish roots in Rogers Park.
Currently, there are no membership fees; however, donations are welcome and encouraged to support our initiatives, such as flyers, mailings, website maintenance, phone services, events, and community improvement projects and shall be used to advance organization’s goals.
Volunteers are always appreciated and needed.
Our mission is to engage with neighbors, develop action plans, and preserve the quality and
character of Rogers Park. For example, we oppose the replacement of residential homes and
small businesses with non-residential developments that reduce parking availability and erode community values.
We will work with the City of Chicago and the Chicago Police Department to reduce crime and enforce existing laws to ensure safer neighborhoods.
Article III: Finances and Records
Section 1: A bank account at JP Morgan/Chase Bank shall be established to maintain all funds associated with RPWDC. If the board selects an alternative banking institution, it must be agreed to by a majority of the board.
Section 2: Not fewer than two (2) signers shall sign all checks and disbursements. They shall be the RPWDC President and Treasurer.
Section 3: Not fewer than three (3) officers must sign all agreements with outside sources for approval of expenses and/or contractors, or sign authorization statements as approved by the Board of Directors.
Article IV: Membership
Section 1: Membership is open to all residents of Rogers Park within the boundaries stated
above, Article I, section 2. Non-residents may join as non-voting members and are ineligible for board positions.
Article V: Officers
Section 1: Initial Board shall be an “Ad Hoc” board until such time as an election is held. The first election shall be held within 12 months of organization first membership meeting.
Section 2: Officers of the organization shall constitute the Board of Directors (BOD). The Board shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and two (2) general board members. Each has one (1) vote. This Board shall be considered the Executive Board.
Section 3: Officers shall be elected for a two-year term, with elections held in alternating years to provide continuity.
Section 4: Each resident member shall have one (1) vote per position up for election.
Candidates must submit their names 30 days before the election and be residents of Rogers
Park as defined in Article I. Elections shall be by secret ballot, counted by a five-member
committee selected by the Board.
Section 5: The organization shall appoint a Registered Agent, who must be a licensed attorney in good standing in the State of Illinois. The agent may be a Board member if elected.
Section 6: No Board member shall be paid for his/her service as a member of the board.
Article VI: Duties of Officers
Section 1: President — Acts as the principal executive officer and official representative of the organization. Presides over board and general membership meetings.
Section 2: Vice-President — Assumes the President’s duties in their absence and fulfills roles as designated by the President or by-laws.
Section 3: Secretary — Responsible for recordkeeping, including minutes, contracts, calendars, and notices. Posts notifications of meetings and events.
Section 4: Treasurer — Maintains financial records and manages the organization’s bank
accounts. Oversees all payments and financial agreements.
Section 5: Board of Directors of the organization are responsible for governance, strategic
direction, and accountability, while general membership can participate in the organization’s
mission and activities. The board oversees the organization’s legal and ethical compliance,
ensures financial stability, and develops and implements strategic plans. General members can contribute to the organization’s success by supporting fundraising, advocating for its mission, and participating in events and activities.
Board of Directors Duties:
Governance:
Setting the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
Establishing policies and procedures for the organization.
Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
Recruiting and orienting new board members.
Strategic Direction:
Developing and implementing strategic plans.
Monitoring the organization’s performance against goals.
Ensuring the organization’s effectiveness and impact.
Accountability:
Providing oversight of the organization’s finances.
Ensuring financial stability and sustainability.
Evaluating the performance of the Executive Director.
Ensuring the organization’s mission is being carried out effectively.
Fundraising and Resource Development:
Identifying and securing funding sources.
Engaging in fundraising activities.
Leveraging the board’s network to raise resources.
Public Relations and Advocacy:
Improving the organization’s public image.
Advocating for the organization’s mission.
Representing the organization in the community.
General Membership Duties:
Supporting the Organization’s Mission:
Participating in events and activities.
Volunteering their time and skills.
Donating to the organization.
Advocating for the Organization:
Raising awareness of the organization’s work.
Encouraging others to support the organization.
Promoting the organization’s mission in the community.
Contributing to the Organization’s Success:
Providing feedback and suggestions to the board.
Participating in fundraising activities.
Using their networks to support the organization.
In essence, the board provides leadership and governance, while the general membership
provides support and participation in the organization’s mission.
Article VII: Meetings
Section 1: General membership meetings will be held monthly or as Board deems needed, at
times and locations determined by the Board and notices shall be via email.
Section 2: An annual meeting will be held in January of each year following the first election of the Board.
Section 3: Email notices of this meeting will be issued by the Board at least 30 days in advance.
Section 4: A majority of 3 Board members shall constitutes a quorum. A simple majority of
votes of members present is needed for general membership meetings.
Article VIII: Standing Committees
Section 1: The Board of Directors shall have the authority to form and dissolve committees and appoint members as needed. Responsibilities and authority will be defined for each committee.
Section 2: Committees may include (but are not limited to): Membership, Publicity/Promotion, Beautification, Special Projects, and By-Laws.
Section 3: Volunteers — Members who donate their time and talents to advance the
organization’s goals. Their contributions are respected and appreciated.
Article IX: Amendments
Section 1: All amendments to the by-laws or rules shall be voted on by the Board of Directors or the general membership as applicable. All changes must comply with the laws of the State of Illinois.
Article X: Liability
Section 1: No board member or member shall be held personally liable for actions taken on
behalf of the organization unless the actions are unlawful and taken with prior knowledge of
their illegality. No member shall knowingly violate any laws on behalf of the organization.