Friends of Mercy

Friends of Mercy (F.O.M.) is a non-profit support group, founded in 1987, with monthly meetings being held at Mercy High School during the regular school term, and at a church facility during the summer months. At this writing, summer sessions are held at the Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland.

ARTICLE II

PURPOSE

Friends of Mercy is formed exclusively for charitable, religious and educational purposes. Is an all-volunteer organization that gives counsel and otherwise assists persons in crisis resulting from becoming separated, widowed, or divorced. Together the members form a special community – one striving to assist in reentering and dealing with the problems of their new single lifestyle.

No part of the net earnings of the organization shall insure to the benefit of, or be distributed to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distribution shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these bylaws, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

ARTICLE III

MEMBERSHIP

F.O.M. welcomes people from all religious, racial, economic and social backgrounds. An annual membership fee is charged to help defray publication and mailing costs of the newsletter. F.O.M.’s presiding officer, Chairperson or Director, with the approval of the Board of Directors, at all times, reserves the right to exclude any person who is disruptive, does not respect the rights of others, or otherwise undermines the purpose of the organization.

The organization is specifically set us as a “support organization”. Although F.O.M. does not turn away those having never been married, the origin of F.O.M. stresses support to those re-entering the “Single Again” community.

Members are not allowed to advertise or profit financially under the sponsorship of the organization.

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS / CHAIRPERSONS

All officers are responsible to abide by the enforce the By-Laws in the spirit of the organization. The selection of Co-leaders will be based upon character, loyalty to organization, generosity of spirit and length of membership.

CO-LEADERS
F.O.M., because of its unique purpose, shall be led by two co-leaders and it is encouraged, but not required, that a man and a women shall share the co-leadership.
Co-leaders are responsible for leading the organization in such a manner as to create a positive and supportive atmosphere for the members.

A Nominating Committee shall be formed no later than three months before the end of current Co-Leaders’ yearly term to choose candidates for the following term.
Such candidates will be contacted by a representative of the Nominating Committee
regarding acceptance of the Co-Leadership responsibility.

Co-Leaders shall lead the monthly general membership meetings and co-chair the monthly planning meetings, and other meetings if or as required. They shall be responsible for recruiting volunteers and for delegating responsibility insofar as possible to the membership in order to provide a broad spectrum of supportive activities for the group.

RECORDING SECRETARY
F.O.M. shall have a Recording Secretary for recording and maintaining a file of the minutes of all meetings called by the Board including, but not limited to, the monthly Planning Meeting.

TREASURER
The Treasurer shall be responsible for:
1. Having custody of all F.O.M. funds and maintaining said funds in a checking and interest bearing savings account.
2. Keeping full and accurate account of receipts, vouchers and disbursements.
3. Distribute funds as ordered by the Board and / or Sr. Joannes
4. Reporting to the Board at all monthly planning meetings an accounting of all transactions and of the financial condition of F.O.M. and furnish a written balance sheet.
5. Submitting the books for an annual audit with the outgoing Co-Leaders prior to submitting to the incoming Co-Leaders.
6. Filling the Form 999 package with the IRS.

ARTICLE V

LEADERSHIP

Board of Directors
F.O.M. shall be guided by a Board of Directors consisting of Sr. Joannes, the two Co-Leaders, a Treasurer, a Recording Secretary and the Chairperson of each active committee as well as the full membership of the Advisory Committee. Any chairperson unable to attend any meetings (Planning, Monthly General, Special) shall be responsible for having a representative present to report. Currently active committee include the following:
Arrangements
Arts & Entertainment (Theatre)
Discussion Coordinator
Facilitator Coordinator
First Friends
Library
Membership
Newsletter (including Circulation, Coordinator and Editor)
Publicity and Speakers
Refreshments
Service Co-Op
Sunshine Secretary
Social Coordinator
Widows / WidowersAdvisory Committee

F.O.M. shall have an Advisory Committee of approximately six (6) members consisting of past chairpersons and members–at-large. This Advisory Committee will be appointed by the Board of Directors. They shall provide three at-large voting members to the Board. The responsibility of the Advisory Committee shall be:
1. Assist with long term planning
2. Create a smooth transition of Co-Leaders
3. Provide independent analysis
4. Provide a reservoir of volunteers to carry out services for which volunteers are not already in place.

ARTICLE VI

ETHICS

Being a “support organization” to those in crisis commissions the leadership to use caution protecting confidentially of master mailing list, last names and phone numbers. Such master list is distributed only to the Co-Leaders, Membership Director, Sunshine Chairperson, Service Co-Op, and Single Again Friends Moving Forward. Caution is also recommended in choosing group facilitator, providing training of facilitator and guidelines for chose of leaders. All leadership (including committee chairpersons and facilitators) must be provided By-Laws.

ARTICLE VII

AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS

These By-laws may be approved and amended by a two-thirds vote of the total Board members. Official notification shall be made to all voting members at least four weeks in advance and may be initiated by any Board member.

ARTICLE VIII

PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

When situations arise which are not covered by these By-laws, Robert Rules of Order, Revised shall be the authority.

ARTICLE IX

GROUP DISCUSSIONS

High value is placed on these support functions of F.O.M. Facilitator must be chosen with caution and be trained by a professional in the field. It must always be emphasized that those sessions do not take the place of profession mental health care, and reflect a supportive atmosphere only.

CONFIDENTIALITY of all matters discussed within the group must be emphasized. Policy does not permit dating between group facilitator and participants while the Groups are in session. F.O.M.’s presiding officer, Chairperson or Director, reserves the right to exclude any member whose actions are detrimental to this supportive atmosphere. Rap Group participants should be encouraged to commit to sponsorship of an activity upon completion of sessions in appreciation of F.O.M.’s commitment to them.

ARTICLE X

BUDGET

F.O.M. IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION. Any net gain at year’s end should be reviewed keeping in mind the amount needed to be retained to cover any up-front expenses for upcoming year’s activities. Check are to make out to only organization / service contracted.

DONATIONS are normally made annually to the following:
Mercy High School for use of their facilities for the monthly meeting,
planning meetings and other required meetings.
Facilities where the summer monthly meetings are held.
A selected charity or family at Christmas time.
Together We Can Make It Program which is a sister support group.

Budgeted or non-budgeted expenditures – any non routine item in excess of $50 must be approved by both Co-Leaders; amounts in excess of $200 must be approved by the Board of Directors.

The budget should be voted on and approved annually by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XI

NEWSLETTER

The newsletter should be self-supporting. Subscriptions costs (dues) will be set annually by the Board of Directors. Complementary copies may be mailed monthly to
organizations or non-members at the Co-Leaders’ or Board’s discretion.
A complementary copy is available for first-time visitors considering membership.

ARTICLE XII

FUNCTIONS WITH A DONATION

The following functions of F.O.M. request a donation at the door or a sign up charge.
This revenue should offset the expenses of the particular function. Income and expenses need to be reported quarterly to the Board by the Committee Chairperson of the particular function. All excess funds on had are to be given to the Treasurer.
Monthly Meeting with professional guest speaker
Rebuilders
Single Friends Moving Forward
Co-Op
Volleyball

ARTICLE XIII

COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS

The following committee descriptions are recommended as guidelines for committee chairpersons and should be given to each incoming chairperson prior to their officially taking over this position.

[Additional "Job Descriptions" documented elsewhere]

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