Article I – Name & Purpose

• The official name of the organization shall be Deaf Truckers United (DTU).
• DTU is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, advocating for, and uniting Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals in the trucking industry.
• The organization operates exclusively for charitable, educational, and advocacy purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
• The purpose of DTU is to provide education, resources, networking opportunities, and foster community engagement for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing truckers.

Article II – Membership

• Membership is open to individuals who are Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or allies who support DTU’s mission.
• Members must follow DTU’s Code of Conduct and abide by all organizational policies.
• Membership may be suspended or revoked for violations of bylaws, policies, ethical standards, or conduct detrimental to the organization.
• Membership rights include attending meetings and receiving organizational updates. Since there is no monthly membership fee, members are not entitled to vote for officers unless otherwise specified by the Board.

Article III – Board of Directors

• The Board of Directors shall serve as the governing body of DTU, responsible for establishing policy, overseeing operations, and directing the overall course of the organization.
• The Board shall consist of five to nine members, with terms of four years each, eligible for renewal.
• A quorum for Board decisions shall consist of a majority of Board members.
• Decisions of the Board require a majority vote unless otherwise specified in these bylaws.
• The Board may establish standing or ad hoc committees (e.g., Finance, Fundraising, social media) as needed. Committee chairs are appointed by the President with Board approval.

Article IV – Officers & Duties

The officers of DTU shall include:

• President – Provides leadership, represents DTU publicly, ensures compliance with bylaws, and oversees Board and organizational operations.
• Vice President – Assists the President and assumes their duties in their absence.
• Secretary – Maintains meeting minutes, official records, and communications.
• Treasurer – Oversees financial management, prepares budgets and reports, and ensures all financial compliance.
• Member-at-Large – Represents the broader membership and provides input to Board decisions.

Removal of Officers must be done through a formal vote by the Board, following these bylaws. This process typically requires:

• Proper notice of the meeting where removal is to be discussed.
• A quorum of Board members present.
• A majority or supermajority vote, as specified in these bylaws.
• Documentation: All votes and decisions must be recorded in the meeting minutes.

President is Protected

• Officers alone cannot remove the President.
• The President can only be removed through a formal vote by a majority of the Board.
• This ensures organizational stability and aligns with DTU’s specific governance structure.

Practical Example

If the Secretary is not fulfilling duties:

1. The Board schedules a meeting.
2. Officers may discuss concerns.
3. A vote is held among Board members (not unilateral).
4. If the vote passes according to the bylaws, the officer may be removed.

• This creates a clear hierarchy:
• President – cannot be removed by officers.
• Other officers – can only be removed by Board vote.
• President cannot be removed by the officers unless voted by the majority of the Board.

Article V – Officer Eligibility & Restrictions

• Officers must be active members in good standing.
• Newly elected or appointed officers serve a 90-day probationary period during which performance may be reviewed by the Board; removal may occur if expectations are not met.
• Officers who resign or are removed for cause are permanently ineligible to return to any officer or administrative role.
• All officers are required to acknowledge and sign the most current version of the bylaws.

Article VI – Meetings & Decision-Making

• The Board shall hold regular meetings, at least quarterly, with proper notice provided to all officers.
• Special meetings may be called by the President or by a majority of the Board.
• Decisions are made by majority vote unless otherwise specified.
• An Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held to report on organizational activities, finances, and initiatives.

Article VII – Financial Management

·      DTU’s fiscal year shall run January 1 through December 31.

·      All funds, property, and resources belong solely to DTU.

·      Outgoing officers must return all DTU property, including funds, within 10 business days of leaving office. Misuse or withholding of funds may result in legal action.

·      The Treasurer is responsible for maintaining accurate financial accounts, preparing budgets, and filing all required tax documents.

·      Expenditures must follow organizational financial policies and receive proper Board approval.

• A conflict-of-interest policy shall be enforced; members with conflicts must abstain from related votes. Spouses and family members serving simultaneously shall follow disclosure requirements.

Article VIII – Donations & Organizational Costs

• Donations are essential for DTU’s sustainability and growth.
• Funds may be used to support programs, provide services, cover operational costs, and invest in future initiatives.
• All donations shall be applied in accordance with the organization’s mission and financial policies.

Article IX – Confidentiality & Property

• All notes, reports, communications, and media created for DTU remain the sole property of the organization.
• Business information may not be shared outside the organization without Board approval.

Article X – Conflict of Interest

• All Board members and officers shall disclose any personal interests that may affect their impartiality in decision-making.
• Members with a conflict of interest must abstain from voting on matters related to the conflict.
• Additional provisions shall address situations involving spouses and family members serving simultaneously.

(All administrators and officers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Brandon (President) and Katie (Treasurer) have signed and disclosed their relationship in accordance with this policy. Disclosures are documented and ensure transparency, similar to HR practices in business.)

Article XI – Sexual Harassment and Leadership Eligibility

• Deaf Truckers United is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and harassment-free environment.
• Sexual harassment, misconduct, or exploitation is strictly prohibited.
• Registered sex offenders are permanently barred from holding leadership positions.
• Allegations shall be investigated promptly and confidentially, with protection against retaliation for good-faith reporting.
• Violations may result in disciplinary action, including suspension, removal from membership, or immediate removal from office.

Article XII - Standards of Conduct for Members

• Members are expected to uphold respect, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions.
• Conflicts of interest are not condoned under any circumstances.
• Deplorable behavior, whether within the organization or by external groups, is strictly prohibited.
• Members should act in the best interest of DTU and support its mission and values.
• Accountability and fairness are foundational to all organizational decisions and actions.

Article XIII – Amendments

• These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors.
• Notice of proposed amendments must be provided to all Board members in advance.
• All officers must acknowledge and sign the updated bylaws after amendments are adopted.

Article XIV – Dissolution

• In the event of dissolution, all remaining DTU assets shall be distributed exclusively to another 501(c)(3) organization with a mission substantially similar to DTU.
• No assets shall be distributed to members, officers, or any private individual.