Acerca de LAMA

Bylaws of the Latin American Medical Alliance (LAMA)

 

ARTICLE I: MEMBERSHIP

 

Section 1.01. Membership Cap

The organization shall impose no limits on the number of members.

 

Section 1.02. Membership Qualifications

Membership is open to all individuals regardless of race, sex, creed, national origin, or

disabilities. Eligible individuals should demonstrate an interest in supporting objectives

such as:

 

1. Fostering networking and professional growth among Latino surgeons in clinical and

academic spheres.

2. Developing programs aimed at enhancing professional development from early

education to faculty roles in academic surgery.

3. Facilitating professional and intellectual exchanges between surgeons and

researchers in related disciplines.

4. Encouraging leadership roles for underrepresented minorities within the surgical field.

5. Promoting health initiatives for Latino populations at multiple levels.

6. Supporting research into diseases and healthcare issues impacting the Latino

community.

7. Enhancing Latino representation in surgical sections and collaborations within

medical societies.

 

Consideration for membership will take into account the applicant's qualifications,

interests, and potential contributions to the organization's goals.

 

Section 1.03. Application for Membership

 

Applications must be submitted in writing, signifying the applicant's commitment to abide

by the organization’s bylaws and regulations. Membership approval requires a majority

vote from the Board of Trustees.

 

Section 1.04. Membership Dues

The Executive Officers will establish a dues structure to fairly generate revenue.

Changes to the dues schedule may be enacted by the Executive Officers as needed.

Members will be notified of delinquency 60 days post the initial billing and may face

membership revocation after three years of non-payment. Dues may be waived under

special circumstances by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees.

 

Section 1.05. Rights and Privileges

All members in good standing are entitled to the rights and privileges as detailed in the

membership dues structure.

 

Section 1.06. Resignations and Termination

Members may resign by submitting a written notice to the Secretary. A member may be

expelled by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Trustees for reasons deemed sufficient,

provided the member is given 15 days' written notice and an opportunity to be heard.

 

Section 1.07. Annual Meeting

An annual meeting shall be held on the second Tuesday of June each year, or on a

suitable date thereafter as determined by the Executive Officers. The purpose is to elect

trustees and conduct other pertinent business. Notice of the annual meeting shall be

provided at least one year in advance.

 

Section 1.08. Special Meetings

Special meetings can be called by the President, a majority of the Board of Trustees, or

by 25% of the members. Such meetings must be announced by the Secretary in

accordance with the bylaws.

 

Section 1.09. Place of Meetings

 

The location of meetings shall be determined by the Executive Officers.

 

Section 1.10. Notice of Meetings

Members must receive notice of meetings between 30 and 90 days prior. Notices are

considered given when delivered personally, left at the member's usual place, or mailed

to the address in the organization's records.

 

Section 1.11. Quorum and Voting

A majority of voting members present or represented by proxy constitutes a quorum.

Decisions are passed by a majority vote in meetings where a quorum is present.

 

Section 1.12. Voting Rights; Proxies

Members may vote in person or by proxy. Proxies must be written and are valid for 11

months unless otherwise specified.

 

Section 1.13. Members List

A complete and certified list of members eligible to vote will be available at each

meeting.

 

Section 1.14. Conduct of Voting

The meeting chair will oversee voting, proxies, and ballot handling, unless an inspector

is designated to conduct the voting.

 

Section 1.15. Informal Action

Actions that may be taken during a meeting may also be taken without a meeting if all

members entitled to vote consent in writing.

 

ARTICLE II: BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

Section 2.01. Role of the Board

The Board of Trustees manages the organization's business and affairs and exercises

all powers of the Corporation.

 

Section 2.02. Composition of the Board

The Board must have a minimum of four trustees, which can be adjusted by a majority

vote but must not exceed twelve members.

 

Section 2.03. Election and Tenure of Trustees

Trustees are elected at the annual meeting and serve until their successors are elected

and qualified.

 

Section 2.04. Removal of Trustees

Trustees can be removed by a two-thirds vote of the membership, with or without cause.

 

Section 2.05. Filling Vacancies

Vacancies on the Board may be filled by member election or, if not filled, by a majority

vote of the remaining trustees.

 

Section 2.06. Regular Meetings

The Board meets immediately following the annual members' meeting and subsequently

at times and places set by the Board.

 

Section 2.07. Special Meetings

Special Board meetings can be called by the President or a majority of the Board, with

proper notice given to all trustees.

 

Section 2.08. Notice of Board Meetings

Notice of Board meetings must be given at least 24 hours in advance for electronic

communications or 72 hours for mail.

 

Section 2.09. Board Decisions

A majority of trustees present at a meeting where a quorum exists is sufficient to make

decisions.

 

Section 2.10. Meetings by Conference Call

Trustees may participate in meetings through conference calls or similar technology,

deemed as presence in person.

 

Section 2.11. Trustee Compensation

Trustees receive no compensation for their roles, except potentially for travel expenses.

However, trustees serving in other capacities may receive compensation as determined

by the Board.

 

ARTICLE III: COMMITTEES

 

Section 3.01. Advisory Board

The Board may appoint an Advisory Board to provide guidance on various

organizational matters. Members of the Advisory Board may attend Board meetings but

do not have voting rights.

 

Section 3.02. Committees

The Board may establish committees, delegating certain powers while retaining those

specifically reserved in the bylaws. Committee actions require a majority vote of present

members at a meeting where a quorum exists.

 

ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS

 

Section 4.01. Executive Officers

The Corporation will have a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, with

the President acting as the chief executive officer unless otherwise designated.

 

Section 4.02. President&'s Responsibilities

The President oversees all operations, signs official documents, and performs duties as

assigned by the Board.

 

Section 4.03. Vice President's Role

The Vice President assists the President and steps in during the President's absence.

 

Section 4.04. Secretary's Duties

The Secretary maintains records, minutes, and official documents and ensures notice of

meetings is given.

 

Section 4.05. Treasurer's Responsibilities

The Treasurer manages the financial transactions and records of the organization.

 

Section 4.06. Additional Officers

Additional officers may be appointed as necessary, with their roles and tenures defined

by the Board.

 

Section 4.07. Officer Elections and Removal

Executive Officers are elected by members, while additional officers may be appointed

by the Board. Officers can be removed by the Board or members, as applicable.

 

Section 4.08. Compensation for Officers

The Board determines the compensation for all officers.

 

ARTICLE V: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

 

Section 5.01. Financial Transactions

Financial transactions require signatures from designated officers as determined by the

Board.

 

Section 5.02. Annual Financial Report

An annual report detailing the financial status of the organization is prepared by the

President or a designated officer.

 

Section 5.03. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year ends on June 30, unless changed by the Board.

 

ARTICLE VI: GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 6.01. Compliance with Tax Laws

The Corporation will not engage in activities jeopardizing its tax-exempt status.

 

Section 6.02. Records Maintenance

The Corporation will keep comprehensive records of its activities and transactions.

 

Section 6.03. Corporate Seal

The Corporation maintains a seal managed by the Secretary.

 

Section 6.04. Bond Requirements

The Board may require officers to post bonds for fulfilling their duties.

 

Section 6.05. Representation in Other Entities

Voting rights in other entities are exercised by designated officers or appointees.

 

Section 6.06. Mailing Requirements

Notices and documents are to be mailed as per the bylaws' stipulations.

 

Section 6.07. Document Execution

Multiple roles held by an individual do not allow for simultaneous execution of

documents in different capacities.

 

Section 6.08. Conflict of Interest

Conflicts of interest must be disclosed, and affected individuals may not vote on related

matters.

 

Section 6.09. Bylaw Amendments

Bylaws can be amended or repealed by a majority vote at any member meeting

designated for that purpose.

 

These revised bylaws aim to present the governance and operational framework of the

Latin American Medical Alliance in a clear, professional, and structured manner suitable

for compliance and official use.