PREAMBLE 
We, the members of the Filipino Dance Club of Dubai in order to promote our morale, social and physical well-being; protect and uphold our rights; and foster harmonious relations among Filipinos; do hereby ordain and promulgate this Constitution and By-Laws.

ARTICLE I. NAME

Section 1. This organization shall be known as the Filipino Dance Club of Dubai, hereinafter referred to as FDCD or ‘The Club’.

Section 2. FDCD is a non-profit organization that exists under the auspices of the Philippine Consulate General, Philippine Overseas Labor Office/Overseas Workers
Welfare Administration (POLO/OWWA), Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

ARTICLE II. OBJECTIVES

Section 1. Promote ballroom dancing in all its aspects.

Section 2. Offer a standard curriculum of ballroom dancing lessons, instructional workshops, venue for social dancing, and promotion of competitive ballroom dancing among members.

Section 3. Conduct dance clinics for beginners in association with POLO-OWWA, and advance dance training for members.

Section 4. Foster unity and camaraderie among members along with other dance
enthusiasts.

Section 5. Promote Filipino values and culture and enhance the positive image  of Filipinos in the UAE.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Membership is open to Filipinos in the UAE who have reached the age of 15 and above.

Section 2. Membership, whether its a new application or a renewal, is granted upon review and approval by the Board of Directors (BoD).

Section 3. Non-Filipino spouses of Active Members may be granted membership, albeit with limited privileges.

Section 4. Prospective members must successfully graduate in the FDCD beginners’ dance clinic or must display an acceptable level of ballroom dancing skills, in an appraisal to be conducted by the BoD.

Section 5. Membership is maintained by paying the joining fee and/or other fees as determined by the BoD. Membership begins on the date the joining fee is paid and continues for twelve (12) consecutive months.

Section 6. For a member to be of good standing he should be up to date in paying his club dues and he must follow the club rules.

Section 7. Inappropriate behavior that affects the operations of the Club or infringes on the rights of other members may be cause for rescinding membership.

Section 8. FDCD Members are classified as follows:

      a. Active Members – Filipino nationals whose club dues are paid and are actively participating in club activities and events.

       b. Associate Members – Non-Filipino spouses of Active Members whose membership is granted by the BoD.  Associate Members have no right to vote or run as candidates in club elections or be appointed in committee chairmanships. Fees for Associate Members may vary from that of the Active Members.

       c. Inactive Members - Members who have not paid their club dues. Inactive members in the UAE may regain active status by paying the required club dues.

Section 9. Active and Associate Members have the right to attend the Club’s general
assembly meetings.

Section 10. Active and Associate Members have the right to participate in club activities and events.

Section 11. Only Active Members with at least two (2) months of membership have the right to vote in club election.

ARTICLE IV. BOARD of DIRECTORS and APPOINTEES

Section 1. The Board of Directors has the control and management of affairs, businesses, and properties of the Club.

Section 2. The Board of Directors shall consist of seven (7) directors namely: Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Director of Dance Research and Development, Director of Dance Clinic, Director of Communication, Director of Activities and Events; all of whom will be elected annually by the general membership.

A Vice-Chairman position is a concurrent post that may be assumed by any of the
Directors, except the Secretary and Treasurer.

        a. The Chairman
The Chairman shall have the responsibility for the active management and general supervision of the Club. He also has the following duties and power:

        i. Develop and execute the Club’s programs and calendar of activities, in coordination with the BoD.

         ii. Preside in meetings of the BoD and of the general membership.

         iii. Represent FDCD in official functions or appoint official representatives.

          iv. Create committees and appoint it’s chairpersons.

          v. Liaise with other clubs and organizations.

          vi. Approve expenditures and disbursements.

          vii. Plan and lead fund raising activities.

          viii. Report the proceeds of solicitations made on behalf of the club.

         b. The Vice-Chairman
The Vice-Chairman shall be vested with all the powers and shall perform all the duties of the Chairman in the Chairman’s absence.            

         c. The Treasurer
The Treasurer shall have custody of and be responsible for all the funds, receipts records and disbursements, and other transactions in the corresponding books of accounts of the Club. He also has the following duties:

        i. Prepare all the accounting records of the Club, which is subject for review by the Club Auditor, BoD or Active Members.
                    
        ii. Ensure that disbursements and payments are covered by vouchers and are evidenced by appropriate supporting papers.                                                                              

        iii. Complete the financial statement after each dance clinic or any other club-organized event, within a month after the event has ended.

        iv. Keep an updated record of all physical assets of the Club.

        d. The Secretary
The Secretary shall record proceedings in all meetings. He also has the following duties:

        i. Keep all club records, including, but not limited to: minutes of meetings, resolutions, members’ and students’ records, club database, audited financial statements.
            
        ii. Make official announcements of meetings and events of the club.           
                                                          
        iii. Assist in monitoring and updating members and students records in coordination with concerned directors.

        iv. Assist the Treasurer in collecting club dues.

        v. Select and supervise the Secretariat.

       e. The Director of Dance Research and DevelopmentThe Director of Dance Research and Development shall be responsible for developing and carrying out the club dance curriculum for members in consultation with the Resident Choreographer.  He also has the following duties:

       i. Conceptualize innovative dance programs for members.

       ii. Look for ways to improve teaching techniques.

       iii. Ensure that members’ records are kept current.

       iv. Organize and coordinate membership development over the course of the year, with the aim of maximizing the number of participants in each batch.

       f. The Director of Dance Clinic
The Director of Dance Clinic shall be responsible for developing and carrying out the dance clinic program for beginners in consultation with Resident Choreographer. He also has the following duties:

        i. Conceptualize innovative dance programs for beginners.

        ii. Look for ways to improve teaching techniques.

        iii. Ensure that student records are kept current.

        iv. Organize and coordinate student development over the course of the year, with the aim of maximizing the number of students in each batch.

        v. Develop and supervise the pool of dance instructors.

        g. The Director of Activities and Events
The Director of Activities and Events shall be responsible for planning and carrying out special events and activities. He also has the following duties:

        i. Plan and organize club social functions and shows, e.g. members’ birthday celebration, ballroom nights, graduation ceremonies.

        ii. Plan and arrange outreach programs for promoting ballroom dancing to Filipinos in other emirates.

        iii. Continuously think of activities to raise club interest, promote ballroom dancing, encourage physical fitness, and further civic mindedness.

        h. The Director of Communications
The Director of Communications shall be responsible for planning and carrying out programs to enhance the image of the Club and to promote its activities. He also has the following duties:

        i. Conceptualize and prepare materials for the Club’s events and activities.

        ii. Manage the publication of the Club newsletter, including the creation of the editorial board, in consultation with the Chairman.

        iii. Maintain the Club website.

        iv. Maintain the Club music library.

        i. Council of Advisers
The Club shall have a council of advisers who may be consulted by the BoD for guidance. A majority of advisers shall have the authority to intervene in case of a crisis in the BoD, wherein the stability of the Club is at risk. There are two (2) categories of Advisers:

        i. Honorary Advisers - are composed of the following Philippine Embassy officials in Dubai: Consul General, Labor Attaché and Welfare Officer; and all past presidents and chairmen who has not violated any provisions of the Article 10.

        ii. Interim Advisers - consist of at least three (3) active members who served the Club for a minimum of three (3) years, and duly appointed by the current BoD upon their acceptance and confirmation. The Interim Advisers are co-terminus with the BoD and the majority are given to the past FDCD Presidents and Chairmen.

        j. Resident Choreographer
A Resident Choreographer shall serve as a dance consultant for the beginners’ and members’ dance programs. He must possess excellent skills in ballroom dancing and will assist in developing dance curriculum. The Resident Choreographer is appointed by the BoD.

        i. Resident Auditor
A Resident Auditor is an independent Accountant who shall  certify the accuracy and correctness of the financial records of the Club.  The Resident Auditor is appointed by the BoD.

Section 1. A Commission on Elections (COMELEC) shall be in charge of club elections.  They shall set up election guidelines, conduct elections, announce results, and proclaim the winners.

        a. The COMELEC is an independent body that shall have the sole decision on election issues.

        b. The COMELEC shall have five (5) active members. The committee will be headed by a chairman, appointed by the BoD. The remaining members shall be chosen by the COMELEC Chairman. The COMELEC shall serve for the same term as the incumbent BoD.

        c. The COMELEC shall be formed within one (1) month after the assumption of the new BoD.

        d. The COMELEC shall manage its own affairs and shall coordinate with the BoD.

Section 2. The annual club elections shall be held within the 3rd trimester of the club calendar year. There will be no club elections during Ramadan.

Section 3. The election shall be by ballot by those present and qualified to vote.

Section 4. An Active Member who has established at least one (1) year of membership on or before the last day of nomination for candidacy is eligible to be a candidate.

Section 5. Candidates must declare to the COMELEC if they hold a post in a non-profit organization in the UAE. A candidate who holds a position in another non-profit
organization in the UAE could be allowed to run, provided that he signs a waiver that he will resign his other post if he is elected.

Section 6. An Active Member who has established at least two (2) months of membership can vote.

Section 7. If the candidates running in an election are less than or equal to seven (7), the COMELEC shall assess if the candidates can be directly elevated to the BoD.

Section 8. The COMELEC Chairman shall convene the election winners within two (2) weeks after their proclamation; for the purpose of electing a director to each BoD post.

Section 9. The post of the Treasurer shall not be held by the same person for more than two (2) consecutive terms.

Section 10. If there are less than seven (7) election winners, they will first elect their BoD posts before appointing the remaining BoD posts.

ARTICLE VI. TERMS OF OFFICE and VACANCY

Section 1. Elected BoD members shall serve the club for one (1) term and/or until their successors are elected.

Section 2. If a director is appointed or elevated to the BoD due to a vacancy, his tenure will end along with the incumbent BoD.

Section 3. A term starts from the day the newly elected directors are proclaimed by the COMELEC. A term ends at the formal handover of the outgoing BoD.

Section 4. The new BoD shall assume their responsibilities upon the formal handover of the outgoing BoD. The handover should be completed no longer than three (3) weeks after the 3rd trimester.

Section 5. Committee chairpersons and members shall serve for the duration their project. Committee posts are subject to the review and decision of the current BoD.

Section 6. In case a vacancy occurs in the BoD, the next candidate with the highest vote in the last club election as determined by the COMELEC shall be elevated to the BoD.

Section 7. If the BoD is still incomplete and there are no more candidates to elevate, the BoD can appoint active members to fill vacant BoD positions.

Section 8. A director or committee member who decides to give up his post should inform the BoD at least thirty (30) days prior to vacating his post. He is obliged to handover all club assets in his possession and to account for transactions he made on behalf of the Club, before relinquishing his post.

Section 9. A director, whether elected or appointed, who gives up his post without a valid reason will be disqualified for any club post in the current and succeeding term.

Section 10. A director, who becomes unavailable for seventy-five (75) continuous days from the last BoD meeting, with or without valid reason, shall be removed from the BoD.

Section 11. A director or an adviser can be removed from his post if he is in breach of his duties or if he has committed any act that is detrimental to the interest of the club.

Section 12. The COMELEC shall preside in all cases involving a removal of a director or adviser. A council composed of the BoD and the imterim advisers shall decide the action(s) to be taken in such cases.

Section 13. In case of a crisis in the BoD, wherein the stability of the club is at risk, a council composed of the advisers and the COMELEC shall temporarily preside over the club until issues are resolved. The council is to be convened upon the decision of the majority of the advisers. If the crisis is not resolved within thirty (30) days from the first meeting of the council, the BoD may be dissolved and an election will be scheduled as soon as possible.

ARTICLE VII. CLUB MEETINGS

Section 1. The Club shall hold at least one general meeting every six (6) months, to be announced by the Secretary at least three (3) weeks in advance.

Section 2. Special meetings may be called by the Club Chairman or upon the written petition by at least twenty-five percent (25%) of Active Members.

Section 3. BoD meetings shall be held at least once a month, to be announced by the Secretary at least three (3) days in advance.

ARTICLE VIII. MEMBERSHIP FEE and FUND MANAGEMENT

Section 1. An annual membership fee shall be collected from the members duly acknowledged by a receipt.  
                                                                             
Section 2. Past Club Chairmen are granted free lifetime memberships.

Section 3. The amount of membership fee and other dues shall be determined by the BoD.                      

Section 4. An Active Member who has paid his membership fee for the current year and then elected to the BoD in the same year will have one (1) year of free membership after the end of his term.

Section 5. Fees collected from members and from dance clinic registration shall constitute the funds of FDCD, to be used for club operations.

Section 6. Monies collected in behalf of the club from public support, corporate sponsorship, and other fundraising activities shall be part of the club funds. 

Section 7. The BoD shall approve budgets and expenses for specific projects.

Section 8. Expenditures shall be supported by receipts or by appropriate supporting papers.

Section 9. Reimbursements by Directors shall be reviewed by the Treasurer and then approved by the Chairman.

Section 10. The Treasurer shall submit a provisional financial statement a week after each month-end.  An audited financial statement shall be presented during general meetings.

Section 11. The Treasurer shall handover all club monies and relevant records to a designated director, except the Chairman and Secretary, whenever he travels outside the UAE and the same will be handed back when he returns.

Section 12. Spot cash counts will be conducted by the auditor in  coordination with the Chairman at least once every trimester.

ARTICLE IX. RULES OF ORDERS

Section 1. A majority vote from among those present shall prevail at club meetings. For general meetings, twenty-five percent (25%) of Active Members shall constitute a quorum. For the BoD and committee meetings, majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.

Section 2. Dignity of men and women and equality will be upheld in dealing with members.

Section 3. Club and committee rules and regulations must be oberved.

Section 4. It shall be the duty of every member to actively participate in all the activities and functions of the Club, cooperate and extend assistance to the BoD and the Club whenever possible and exercise his right of suffrage for the improvement and development to the Club.

ARTICLE X. CODE OF CONDUCT

Section 1. Members are required to behave at all times in a way which upholds the FDCD values and objectives.

Section 2. Any member who has committed an offense as contained in FDCD Constitution and Bylaws or who has committed an act that is detrimental to the interest of the club shall be subject to any of the following sanctions:

         a. Warning – a member is issued a verbal or written reprimand

         b. Suspension – a member’s rights and privileges are suspended for specific period

          c. Expulsion – termination of membership and removal from the members’ list.

Section 3. The severity of a violation and it’s corresponding sanction will be determined by the BoD.

Section 4. Violations that will result in expulsion will require the joint deliberation of the BoD and the advisers.

Section 5. The following list serves as a guide of which offenses are considered violations:
Non-payment of dues, disorderly conduct, disruptive behavior, defamation, harassment, blasphemy, indecency, assault, theft, property damage, vandalism, attempt to defraud the club or members, unauthorized use of club intellectual properties, disrespect to directors and members, disrespect to the club constitution, falsification in any form, misrepresenting the club, illegal possession or use of drugs, any criminal act, carrying weapons, and members holding elected/appointed/titular posts rendering services to a club of the same nature in Dubai.

ARTICLE XI. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

Section 1. The Intellectual Property of FDCD is defined as any concept, dance program, literary material, artwork and design, photographs, videos, club data, or any other
original material that was developed for or within the Club.

Section 2. FDCD shall endeavor to protect and enforce its intellectual property rights.

Section 3. BoD permission must be obtained before using any intellectual property of the club. Unauthorized usage of FDCD intellectual properties shall be dealt with accordingly.

ARTICLE XII. DISSOLUTION

Section 1. Dissolution of the Club has to be recommended by the BoD with the ratification of fifty percent plus one (50% +1) Active Members.  

Section 2. In the event of dissolution of the Club, distribution of any funds, after payment of any indebtedness, shall be made by contribution to a charitable cause or institution selected by the BoD and the advisers.

Section 1. Proposal for amendments to this Constitution and By-Laws shall be made by the BoD or upon petition by at least twenty-five percent (25%) Active Members.

Section 2. No amendment shall become a part of this constitution and bylaws until they are ratified by majority of the Active Members present at a special meeting or by a plebiscite called for such purpose.