This Association shall be known as the Oklahoma Federation of Chapters of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association.

Section 1 – The purposes of this Federation shall be to promote within its respective area the aims and objectives of the national association, as follows: (a) to organize new chapters; (b) to visit chapters and promote greater chapter activity, including the solicitation of members; (c) to reactivate weak and closed chapters; (d) to stimulate fraternal cooperation among all chapters in the area for their mutual benefit and for the benefit of the association; (e) to keep non-member chapters informed of the advantages of membership in the Federation and solicit their affiliation; (f) to maintain constant vigil upon the status of legislation in the various legislatures in the area, and to take such action with respect to any such legislation as may be deemed beneficial to the Active and Retired Federal Employees within the particular state affected; (g) to support civic, patriotic and non-partisan political activities within the  respective Federation or Chapter area which are deemed to uphold American institutions and ideals and the best interest of this association; and, (h) to support and initiate activities consistent with the concepts expressed in the last paragraph of the preamble to the National Bylaws.

Section 2 – The Federation may not enter into activities, arrangements or agreements in conflict with programs or activities of the National Association.

All chartered Chapters within the State of Oklahoma shall be eligible for membership in this Federation and may retain membership upon payment each year of the per capita tax as provided in the Bylaws.

Conventions shall be held annually after April 1 each year. The date and place of meeting shall be chosen two (2) years in advance, at each annual Convention. Should the Convention fail to set a date, the Executive Board shall set the time and/or place of meeting. The Convention shall be for the purpose of transacting business; discussing Chapter problems and other matters of interest to Active and Retired Federal Employees; and to provide social, fraternal and educational programs. Each Chapter shall be entitled to representation at the Convention by one or more delegates, on such basis, as the Federation Bylaws shall prescribe.

Section 1 – The elected officers of this Federation shall be President, one or more Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer (or Secretary/Treasurer), and such other officers as may be provided for in the Bylaws. These Officers shall serve for two years as prescribed in the Federation Bylaws.

Section 2 – The Executive Board shall be composed of the elected Officers, Immediate Past-President, and such other members as may be provided for in the Bylaws.

Section 3 – All persons elected to office or appointed to responsible positions in this Federation, including Convention Delegates, must be members in good standing in the National Association and a Chapter affiliated with this Federation.

Section I – Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by any Chapter or by the Executive Board.

Section 2 – Amendments to this Constitution may be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates to an annual Convention, provided a 60-day written notice of the proposed amendment had been given the Federation Chapters, and will become effective upon approval at the National Headquarters.

Section 3 – In the absence of the 60-day written notice to Chapters, amendments to the Constitution may be adopted if approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates to an annual Convention, upon approval at National Headquarters, AND subsequently ratified by two-thirds (2/3) of the Federation Chapters’ votes at duly convened Chapter meetings. For the purpose of this ratification vote, each Chapter is entitled to one (1) vote for each delegate to which it was entitled at the last annual Convention. The Executive Board will total the authorized votes and the proposed amendment will be approved, providing two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast are in the affirmative.

Section 4 – A copy of each duly adopted amendment to this Constitution shall be furnished each Chapter and all Federation Officers. A corrected copy of this Constitution shall be maintained in the office of the Secretary and be available at all times.

The parliamentary authority for all Federation business shall be with the Federation Executive Board, using "Robert’s Rules of Order" (newly revised) as a guide. The authority shall not be inconsistent with this Federation Constitution and the National Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

Section 1 – The Bylaws of the Federation are distinct from the Constitution and related to matters of local needs and procedures. They shall not be in conflict with the provisions of this Constitution.

Section 2 –Amendments to the Bylaws may be submitted by any Chapter or by the Federation Executive Board.

Section 3 –Amendments to the Bylaws may be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of delegates to an annual Convention, provided a 60-day written notice of the proposed amendment has been given Federation Chapters.

Section 4 – In the absence of the 60-day advance notice to Chapters, amendments to the Bylaws may be adopted by unanimous consent of delegates to an annual Convention, or if unanimous consent is not received, by the ratification procedures as outlined in Section 5 below, providing two-thirds (2/3) of the delegates to an annual Convention vote to have the proposed amendment submitted for ratification procedures.

Section 5 – When the Executive Board determines that action on a proposed amendment to the Bylaws is required before the next annual Convention, the Executive Board will forward copies of the proposed amendment to each affiliated chapter and the proposed amendment may be adopted by the ratification procedures as follows: The proposed amendment to the Bylaws may be adopted by ratification by two-thirds (2/3) of the Federation Chapters’ votes at duly convened chapter meetings. For the purpose of this ratification vote, each Chapter is entitled to one (1) vote for each delegate to which it was entitled at the last annual Convention.

The Executive Board will total the authorized votes and the proposed amendment will be approved, providing two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast are in the affirmative.

Section 6 – A copy of each duly adopted amendment to the Bylaws shall be furnished each Chapter and all Federation Officers. A corrected copy of the Bylaws shall be maintained in the office of the Secretary and available at all times.

Section 3 – In case of vacancy (office vacated by death, resignation, etc.) at any time in any Federation office, except District Vice Presidents, the Executive Board shall have the power to fill such vacancy for the unexpired term. In case of an absence from an office, (vacation, temporarily ill, etc.) the President may appoint a person to fill in the office until the incumbent returns.

Section 4 – The Executive Board shall have the authority to declare any elected Federation office vacant because of justifiable cause (misconduct, mentally ill, etc.) as determined by such Board, by a vote of not less than two-thirds of the whole Board membership; but the officer shall be given reasonable opportunity to show cause why such action should not be taken.

Section 5 – Meetings of the Executive Board may be called by the President. Each meeting shall have an agenda and minutes shall be recorded as a record of actions.

Section 6– There shall be an Advisory Council composed of the Past-Presidents of the Federation. The duties of the Advisory Council shall be to act in an advisory capacity to the Executive Board and to the Federation as a whole. The members of the Advisory Council shall have full privileges as delegates at large to the Federation Convention and shall be in addition to the number of delegates allowed their Chapters on a numerical basis.

Section 7 – The Federation shall be divided into Districts that will conform to the allocated Congressional Districts in Oklahoma as defined by Oklahoma State Statutes. One (1) District Vice-President shall be elected by the Chapters in each Congressional District. The area responsibility for District Vice-Presidents will conform to the area of each established Congressional District. Each District Vice-President shall be a member of a chapter in the District, and serve the chapters in the District from which elected.

Section 8 – No officer shall incur expenses or indebtedness against Federation funds without prior approval by the President.

Section 1 – The President shall be the Executive Head and the Director of all Federation activities, shall preside at all Federation Conventions and meetings of the Federation and Executive Board, and perform all other duties naturally pertaining to the office.

Section 2 – The President shall be responsible for the efficient execution of the policies and programs of the federation under the general policy direction of the Executive Board.

Section 3 – The President shall require an itemized account of expenses on the approved Federation form with the required receipts attached for payment or reimbursement.

Section 4 – The President shall co-sign all checks and warrants with the Treasurer, subject to such restrictions as may be set by the Federation or the Executive Board.

Section 5 – The President shall appoint all Committees, except the Nominating Committee, and serve as an ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominating Committee.

Section 6 – The President shall call special Federation Board meetings when deemed necessary or at the request of a majority of the Federation Executive Board members, or at the written request of 30 percent (30%) of the Federation Chapters.

Section 7 – The President shall make an annual report to the Federation in Convention, and handle the affairs of this organization to the best of his ability, subject only to such restrictions as may be set by the Executive Board.

Section 8 – No person shall be elected to the office of President for more than (2) two (2) two year terms.

Section 9 – The President is authorized to attend all Federation Conventions in Region VI. Reimbursement may be provided in accordance with provisions of Article X and XIV of these Bylaws.

Section 1 – The First Vice-President shall preside in the absence of the President, and shall perform such duties as are assigned by the President. The First Vice-President shall be the Membership Officer of the Federation. The First Vice-President shall work with the National Field Vice-President, the Federation District Vice-Presidents and other Federation Board members to assist chapters by, (1) obtaining lists of Active and Retired Federal employees for chapter use; (2) encouraging and stimulating chapter activities in their quest for new members; (3) seeking out Federal Active and Retired Employees, their spouses or survivor annuitants and induce them to join NARFE; (4) organizing new chapters and serving as President of State Chapter 2351; and (5) maintaining contact with Federal installations and offer to conduct pre-retirement seminars for their employees.

Section 2 – The Second Vice-President shall preside in the absence of the President and First Vice-President and perform such duties as assigned by the President. The Second Vice-President shall be the National Legislative Officer of the Federation and Co-Chairman of the Legislative Committee. As Co-Chairman of the Legislative Committee, maintains constant contact with current and proposed legislation before the Congress and advise the Executive Board as to action to be taken thereon. The Second Vice-President shall assist the Third Vice-President with State Legislation as needed.

Section 3 – The Third Vice-President shall preside in the absence of the President, First Vice-President and the Second Vice-President, and perform such duties as assigned by the President. The Third Vice-President shall be the State Legislative Officer of the Federation, and Co-Chairman of the Legislative Committee. As Co-Chairman of the Legislative Committee, maintain constant contact with current and proposed legislation when the State Legislature is in session and recommend and lobby for needed legislation for the benefit of Active and Retired Federal Employees and advise the Executive Board as to action to be taken. The Third Vice-President shall assist the Second Vice-President with National Legislation as needed.

Section 4 – Vice-Presidents will forward reports and information to the Federation President and to Districts/Chapters.

Section 1 – District Vice-Presidents shall assist the First Vice-President in carrying out the Federation membership campaign, with special emphasis on increasing the membership of the National Association, and the establishment of new Chapters in their Districts. The District Vice-President shall work with the First Vice-President in forming appropriate District Membership Committees.

Section 2 – District Vice-Presidents shall work with the President and Vice-Presidents (Legislation) in forming appropriate District Committees to promote legislative action, both National and State, that are a benefit to Federal retirees. They shall provide leadership within their Congressional District, to espouse the causes of NARFE with duly elected representatives, both National and State, which will enhance the image of NARFE and promote the welfare of its members.

Section 3 – District Vice-Presidents are empowered to represent the President in all matters pertaining to Federation work in their respective District, policy making excepted. It shall be the goal of each District Vice-President to make an official visit to each Chapter once a year. If a follow-up visit appears advisable, the District Vice-President shall notify the Federation President giving the reasons for advising a second official visit and request authorization to make such an additional visit.

Section 4 – District Vice-Presidents will also be members of the Federation Membership Committee and the Federation Legislative Committee.

Section 5 - In case of a vacancy in the office of a District Vice-President, the chapter Presidents of the District concerned shall, under the direction of the Federation President, elect a successor to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.

Section 6 - A District Vice President who is unable to attend a specific Executive Board meeting may select a temporary replacement who shall have the authority to represent the District at that meeting and receive reimbursement under ARTICLE V, Section IV.

Section 1 – District Vice-Presidents may appoint an Assistant District Vice-President to assist with duties in their districts.

Section 2 – Assistant District Vice-Presidents are empowered to represent the District Vice-Presidents in all matters pertaining to Federation work in their respective assigned areas, policy making excepted. It shall be the goal of each Assistant District Vice-President to assist the District Vice-President in making an official visit to each of their district chapters once a year. If a follow-up visit is advisable, the District Vice-President shall be advised.

Section 3 – Assistant District Vice-Presidents shall assist the District Vice-President in carrying out, but not limited to, the membership goals and policies of NARFE.

Section 4 – Assistant District Vice-Presidents shall receive from the Federation Travel and Per Diem allowance authorized in Article X of these Bylaws while serving in the official capacity of visiting District Chapters for the District Vice-President, or other official duties, as authorized by the Federation President.

ARTICLE VI – Secretary and/or Treasurer

Section 1 – Individual membership eligibility shall be in accordance with National Bylaws.

Section 1 – The Revenues of the Federation shall be obtained from the payment by each Chapter of a per capita tax of two dollars ($2) per member per year; from the ten percent (10%) of the National dues of each member which is returned to the Federation; and from any gifts, donations or bequests that may be received by the Federation.

Section 2 – A qualified member of any affiliated Chapter within the District may be elected to and hold office as District Vice-President. Each District Vice-President shall be elected in caucus of Chapters within the district at the annual Federation Convention. In voting for the District Vice-President, each Chapter within the district shall have one (1) vote. In voting for the District Vice-President, each nominee will be requested to leave the caucus while the voting is transacted.

ARTICLE XVIII – Rules of Order

Section 1 – Roberts’ Rules of Order (Newly Revised) shall govern the Convention in cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Constitution and Bylaws of this Association.

Section 2 – A Rule of Order may be changed on a one-time basis if approved by a majority vote of the delegates present.

Section 3 – Only the Elected Officers, Past Presidents of the Federation and Official Delegates shall participate in the business of the Convention.

The following Order of Business at the annual Federation meeting shall be observed unless changed by a majority vote of the delegates present:

1.Invocation, Presentation of Colors and Pledge of Allegiance.

2.Memorial Service.

3.Roll Call of Officers and Chapters.

4.Committee Appointments.

5.Reading of Minutes and Communications.

6.Treasurer’s Report.

7.Committee Reports – Credentials (Preliminary), Historian, Legislative, Resolutions, and Nominating         (Preliminary).

8.Unfinished Business.

9.New Business.

10.Committee Reports – Auditing, Credentials (Final), Resolutions (Final), and Nominating (Final).

11.Selection of Next Convention City (Time and Place Committee).

12.Election and Installation of Officers.

13.Adjournment.

(Standing)

Rule 1 – The convention shall be called to order at (time, day & date) and shall adjourn no later than (time, day, date) unless extended by two-thirds of delegates present. *

Rule 2 – The official printed program of the (Number) Annual Convention is hereby approved and the order of business as shown therein shall be followed unless changed by a majority of the delegates.

Rule 3 – The delegates shall take their place in the area designated for delegates at all business sessions and only delegates may sit in that area. Visitors and non-voting members shall be seated in areas separate and apart from voting delegates.

All delegates are expected to attend Convention Business sessions.

Rule 4 – A member rising to speak shall wait to be recognized and shall announce his or her name, chapter and city which he or she represents.

Rule 5 – A delegate may not speak more than twice on the same question, unless given permission by a majority of delegates present. The first speech shall be limited to three (3) minutes and the second to two (2) minutes. No subject shall be permitted on the floor unless it involves the proceeding of the Convention.

Rule 6 -- Any motion which has been seconded and to which there has been no objection shall be declared adopted by the presiding officer, as will also the resolutions.

Rule 7 – Any delegate may question the ruling of the chair on a motion and call for a standing vote. Any delegate who requests a ballot vote shall have the support of twenty-five (25) delegates representing five (5) chapters present and voting.

Rule 8 – Chapters may cast their ballots as a unit or as individual delegates. Those electing to vote as a unit shall select a chairperson who shall vote the yes or no votes, as they are instructed by the individual delegates from the chapter. Any delegate regularly elected may, by informing the chairperson, vote an individual ballot.

Rule 9 – If two or more persons are nominated for a Federation Office, a written ballot will be utilized.

Rule 10 – At the option of the delegate offering a resolution for consideration, the preamble or "whereas" clauses may be omitted and the presentation made in the statement of the text in condensed form.

Rule 11 – No delegate shall interrupt a speaker except to raise a point of order or to request information.

Rule 12 – The Oklahoma Federation Convention will be conducted in a smoke-free environment.

Rule 13 – Matters of procedure not covered by these rules, the National Bylaws and the Federation Bylaws shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order, using the latest revision available.

* This standing rule was revised by the Federation Board on April 17, 2010 at their meeting after the convention at the Hilton Hotel in Tulsa, OK.