Student Hurricane Network
William & Mary School of Law Chapter
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
PREAMBLE
The students of William & Mary School of Law that founded this chapter of the Student Hurricane Network;
Recognizing the severity and permanence of the affects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the Gulf-Region and the entire United States of America;
Considering the shortcomings of all levels of government in managing the crisis;
Considering the strong emphasis William & Mary School of Law places on public interest;
Considering the wide base of William & Mary School of Law student support for ongoing involvement in the rebuilding of the Gulf-Region;
Recognizing the emergence of similar student groups in law schools and graduate schools across the nation;
Recognizing the need to supplement governmental response to future disasters;
Recognizing that such cooperative student involvement will be inviting to and foster the development of future leaders equipping them with empathy;
Have resolved to establish William & Mary School of Law’s chapter of the Student Hurricane Network in accordance with the Articles that follow.
ARTICLE I. NOTE
The name of the organization shall be the William & Mary School of Law Student Hurricane Network (W&M SHN).
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
§ 1. The legal questions and problems facing the individuals and communities throughout the Gulf Coast region are monumental in scale, and will remain for months and years to come. The enormity and longevity of this crisis demand the long-term attention of all facets of our nation’s legal community. In addition, based on the government’s incomplete response to the hurricanes, future disasters will create similar large scale legal disadvantages.
In order to address this need, law students from across the country formed the Student Hurricane Network (“SHN”), a national association dedicated to providing long-term assistance to communities affected by Hurricane Katrina. SHN worked with law students and administrators to create and coordinate volunteer opportunities for law students to get involved in relief efforts and the rebuilding process, streamlining the process for students and the public interest organizations in need of assistance. SHN also sought to educate members of the legal community about the legal crises in the region in the hopes of obtaining additional support. We seek to form W&M SHN to address legal problems arising from Katrina, Rita, and any future disasters.
§ 2. W&M SHN’s purposes are: (1) To work in concert with the national SHN by leveraging the diverse and capable resources of BLS’ administration, faculty and student-body; (2) to work in concert with on-campus groups involved in public interest initiatives and maximize W&M’s visibility and utility to the larger rebuilding process; and, (3) to be an on-campus resource for persons, both faculty and students, who are interested in becoming involved in the rebuilding process in whatever capacity.
§ 3. In striving for these goals, W&M SHN will adhere to all William & Mary School of Law policies.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
§ 1. Membership is available to all William & Mary Law Students, regardless of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender, religion or political affiliation. One becomes a member by signing up at general meetings, joining our email member list, and by subsequently volunteering in an organized trip.
§ 2. Members may withdraw at anytime, except when immediately prior to an organized trip, due to funding and planning concerns.
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS
§ 1. The President will oversee, supervise, and approve the activities of the committees and officers listed in the following sections.
§ 2. The Vice President will fill in for the President when he or she cannot fulfill their duties and shall ensure that all committees are on task.
§ 3. The Secretary is responsible for organizing general meetings, special meetings for ratification of amendments or impeachment of officers, as well as taking recording minutes the meetings.
§ 4. The Treasurer is responsible for managing the organization’s funds with respect to fundraising proceeds and expenses, as well as allocating funds to members on organized trips.
§ 5. The National Liaison is responsible for networking and communicating with the leaders from other law school chapters as well as the national SHN organization. This responsibility includes, but is not limited to, participating in all conference calls and attending any meetings that are called.
§ 6. Members may also participate in two standing committees. (1) The Fundraising Committee will be responsible for organizing bake sales, parties, petitions, and solicitations in order to fund members participating in organized volunteer trips. (2) The Logistics Committee will be responsible for organizing the transportation, lodging and anything else relevant to the logistics of the students’ trip.
ARTICLE V. OPERATIONS
§ 1. Officers will be elected in the spring, in the month of April. Elections will be held during the first general meeting by open ballot following Spring Break. Positions will be held for the period of one year that starts at the beginning of the Fall Semester, and ends the following year at the beginning of the Fall Semester.
§ 2. Officers may resign at any point, but will maintain their position until a replacement has been duly elected by the remaining members of the group.
§ 3. Officers may be subject to removal for several reasons: misappropriation of funds, mistreatment of fellow members, or general incompetence or dishonesty. Potential offenses will be addressed during a specially convened meeting of the group members, and voted on by secret ballot.
§ 4. The President shall have authority to appoint additional officers at his or her discretion, with the advice and consent of the other officers, provided a majority of the officers concur.
ARTICLE VI. FINANCES
§ 1. W&M SHN is a non-profit organization. All trips and events will be funded by donations, fundraisers and solicitation.
§ 2. Many events may be organized in conjunction with other school organizations, or with the sanction of the administration. As a result, additional funding may be available from these sources.
ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS
Amendments may be proposed by officers or committee members. After the amendment has been presented to all members and two weeks have passed, an open vote via email or by special meeting of all members will determine ratification.
