We shall be called "SWANS"  in reflection on the lessons implicit in the children's tale of the "Ugly Duckling."  We shall be organized as a transgendered persons social club and support group.  Spouses, significant others, friends and parents may apply for and receive full membership.  The club shall not discriminate on the basis of birth sex, gender presentation, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, wealth, educational attainment or age.  All members shall be expected to behave in a manner implicit in the meaning and spirit of the Oath of Conduct.

To these Principles a SWAN will so swear or affirm as condition of membership.  Violation of the Oath of Conduct shall be cause for separation from the group.

In a spirit of mutual respect a SWAN will Protect and Respect the Rights & Privacy of Another, Respect the Opinions of Another, Share Experiences to Benefit Others, Behave in a Manner Appropriate to the Situation and to Their Gender Presentation and Respect the Property of the Meeting Hosts.

The governing body of the club shall be the Executive Committee.   The Executive Committee, or Board, shall consist of a President and presiding officer, Vice-president-Treasurer, VP-Secretary, VP-Programming/Activities,  VP-Welcoming/Membership, and the Past President.  All but the Past President shall be elected by a simple majority of the paid membership present at the February open meeting of the organization for a one-year term.  Nominations for office, which may include incumbents, and who consent to serve, shall be made at the January open meeting and shall be announced in "GoWings On" the official newsletter of the SWANS, at least one week prior to the February regular open meeting.  The Executive Committee shall identify and assign functions to members necessary for the activities of the group which shall include but not be limited to Newsletter Composing & Production, WebSite maintenance,  Library organization & maintenance, Meeting Refreshments.  The Board shall establish annual dues and subscription rates for the Newsletter.  Newsletter subscriptions may be shared by cohabiting members.  Additional meetings fees may be set by the Board and be collected to allay specific meetings' costs.

The official name of the organization, "SWANS", and the title of the official organ of communication, "GoWings On" as affixed to the emblem and logo of the organization shall have a copyright designation affixed and shall be the property of the organization.  Use of the names+logo shall be limited to official use of the organization.

The governing body of the club shall meet in open board meetings which may coincide with or precede regular open meetings.  The board shall enact a core agenda which shall be presented to the membership during regular meetings.  Prior to a vote all points of view of those eligible to vote  shall be heard.  All business subject to vote at open meetings, except amendment to the Bylaws, shall be approved by a simple majority of those regular paid members in attendance.  Amendment to the Bylaws shall be approved by a two-thirds majority of those regular paid members in attendance.  All other business subject to vote at open meetings, except amendment to the Bylaws, shall be approved by at least one board member.  All Officers shall be expected to be in attendance at at least half of the regular open meetings of SWANS during a calendar year.  Absence for more than two consecutive meetings without notice shall be deemed prima facie evidence of abdication of office.

Membership in the organization shall be contingent on presentation and request by the candidate, a recommendation of a member, a willingness by the candidate to swear or affirm the Oath of Conduct and obey its expectations, and payment of all annual dues, subscriptions and fees set by the Board.  Membership shall not be denied due to personal financial conditions. All fees can be waived upon demonstration of a financial hardship.
Prospective members must be 18 years of age or older except upon referral by a certified therapist and/or written consent personally submitted by a parent or guardian.
 

 © SWANS, 1999

Mail Comments to:

SWANS
P. O. Box 12701
Knoxville, TN 37912-2701

Or Fe-mail me at  Windi Knight