I. Purpose.

To establish and acknowledge:

1. The U. S. Department of Energy Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual Employees Association, hereafter referred to as "DOE GLOBE;"
2. The DOE GLOBE's general goal to further increase awareness of gay, lesbian and bisexual employee issues at all levels within the Department; and
3. The DOE GLOBE's support of the Department in pursuing the objectives of quality management practices and diversity in the Federal work force.

II. Functions.

The DOE GLOBE working with the Department shall:

1. Work to eliminate prejudice and discrimination against gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals in the Department of Energy and contractor organizations;
2. Educate employees and managers about issues of concern to gay, lesbian, and bisexual Federal and contractor employees; and
3. Facilitate good work relationships between Department employees of all sexual orientations.

III. Policies.

1. The scope of the DOE GLOBE interest shall include, but not be limited to, key Depeartment elements (Office of the Secretary and Organizational Offices) and contractor organizations, including future key elements. The term "Department" includes the above stated key elements;
2. The DOE GLOBE shall be a secular nonprofit, nonpartisan, and noncommercial organization that shall be supported by external contributions;
3. The DOE GLOBE shall not discriminate against persons with disabilities or on the basis of sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental handicap, sex, race, age, marital status, national origin, or political affiliation;
4. The DOE GLOBE shall be organized to conduct activities of interest common to its general membership and shall expend funds for that purpose.

IV. Membership.

1. Although the DOE GLOBE focuses on gay, lesbian, and bisexual employee issues, voting membership is open to any Department employee or contractor interested in these issues;
2. Voting membership is also open to any person who is a retired Department employee;
3. In addition, any other person outside the Department who subscribes to the goals and missions of the DOE GLOBE and is approved by the Board of Directors or other officer designated by the Board of Directors shall be entitled to associate membership. Associate members are not voting members;
4. Honorary memberships may be conferred by a majority vote of members attending a general meeting. Honorary members are not voting members;
5. Annual membership dues shall be $25.00, and will be paid on a yearly anniversary basis.
6. No member shall engage in any activity in the name of DOE GLOBE without the express approval of a majority of the DOE GLOBE Officers.
7. Because some members may not be open about their sexual orientation, the membership list will be kept confidential and maintained by the DOE GLOBE Officers.
8. It is the responsibility of the officers and members to maintain the confidentiality of fellow employees who attend meetings.
9. Any member may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by majority vote of the Board of Directors then in office.

V. Officers and Election Process.

VI. Duties.

A. The President, with the help of the other officers and committees, when appropriate, will:

1. Develop or update a vision statement that will comprise the strategic business needs and solutions of DOE GLOBE and the Department's interests as they affect gay, lesbian, or bisexual employees;
2. Develop or update a statement of direction that will identify specific annual goals and objectives in support of the DOE GLOBE vision;
3. Organize, direct, and coordinate all DOE GLOBE activities to meet defined goals and objectives;
4. Annually assess progress made, evaluate the effectiveness of the goals and objectives themselves, take necessary actions to correct any deficiency, and report findings to the DOE GLOBE;
5. Develop the agenda and preside at all meetings of the general membership;
6. Serve as the official representative and spokesperson for DOE GLOBE;
7. Coordinate with DOE GLOBE in establishing committees, assuring that committee chairpersons are nominated and elected, and act as an oversight manager of all committees;
8. Sign and execute agreements and obligations voted by a majority of the members in attendance at meetings; and
9. Maintain a master file for the DOE GLOBE with assistance from the other Officers.

 B. The Vice Presidents (FORS and GTN) will:

1. Keep members informed of gay, lesbian, and bisexual employee concerns, issues, and activities;
2. Act as media coordinator for such activities as placing meeting notices in local gay publications;
3. Advise and assist the President in the execution of his or her responsibilities; and
4. Either Vice President will execute the functions of the President in the absence.
5. Upon the resignation of the President, either Vice President will oversee a new election for President.

C. The Secretary will:

1. Keep minutes of all general meetings;
2. Maintain all official correspondence and documents;
3. Develop or coordinate the development of reports and correspondence as may be assigned by the President or Vice President;
4. Notify members of all meetings and activities;
5. Circulate minutes, agendas, and other pertinent documents;
6. Maintain a confidential list of members and other non-financial records;
7. Serve as the DOE GLOBE's historian; and
8. Coordinate with the Treasurer:

1. Provide any funds collected for the Treasurer and request receipt for the same; and
2. Serve as second signature on checking account if so designated.

D. The Treasurer will:

1. Receive all funds payable to the DOE GLOBE and issue receipt for such funds;
2. Satisfy financial obligations as duly authorized by a majority vote of members present at a general meeting;
3. Keep a clear and accurate record of all DOE GLOBE receipts and disbursements;
4. Maintain a checking account to store funds and issue payments, and ensure that the second signature on the account is that of another Officer; and
5. Present a report to the general membership on the financial status of the DOE GLOBE quarterly or when required.

VII. Filling Vacant Positions.

1. When an officer resigns, transfers, or gains employment outside the Department, he/she shall provide a written notice of resignation to the President within two weeks prior to leaving the DOE GLOBE.
2. In the event the President is the resigning officer, either Vice President shall assume the President's responsibilities for the remainder of the term or until a new election can be held, whichever comes first. A new Vice President can be nominated, if needed, and elected by members at the next general meeting.

VIII. Committees.

1. Any DOE GLOBE member may recommend that a committee be formed to develop a specific issue of interest. The DOE GLOBE membership will then consider and vote on establishing the committee provided that an adequate number of members are willing to serve on the committee.
2. Any member of the DOE GLOBE may nominate a fellow member to the Chairperson of a committee. The DOE GLOBE in turn will elect from the available nominations the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, if needed, for the committee.
3. The Committee Chairperson or Vice Chairperson will report the status of the committee effort at general DOE GLOBE meetings.

IX. Departmental Liaison.

The Departmental Director, Office of Civil Rights, or a representative appointed by the Director will serve as the official liaison between the DOE GLOBE and the Department. The role of the Liaison will be to advise and assist in accomplishing DOE GLOBE objectives.

X. Meetings.

1. Meetings will be held bi-monthly and will be open to any Departmental or contractor employee. Other meetings may be held as needed and authorized by the President or Vice President to discuss special issues identified at monthly meetings. During all meetings; Robert's Rules of Order shall prevail. In the absence of any Officers, the members shall appoint a presiding officer and secretary for the meeting.
2. The officers and committee chairperson shall have the authority to conduct other than general meetings with the results of such meetings reported at monthly meetings.
3. Meeting locations will be held at such place as determined by the DOE GLOBE OFficers.

XI. Voting.

1. Votes by a majority of members present at DOE GLOBE meetings shall constitute a quorum authorized to initiate or transact normal business duly presented. All issues regarding significant changes to the DOE GLOBE shall be presented as voting issues and voted on by at least sixty percent of the active members. The number of active members shall be determined by reference to a list of active members maintained by the officer Secretary.
2. Associate and honorary members do not have a right to vote.
3. A member may vote by proxy executed in writing to the Secretary of DOE GLOBE.
4. Voting for removal from office with or without cause shall be done without prejudice and must be in the best interest of the DOE GLOBE.

XII. Chapters.

1. With the approval of the DOE GLOBE membership, local sections of Department employees, designated as Chapters, may be formed at locations other than the Department headquarters buildings. This includes field offices.
2. Each Chapter shall have the power to select its own name and develop its own charter. However, Chapter charters shall be consistent with the vision, goals, and objectives of the DOE GLOBE. All chapter charters and subsequent amendments shall be submitted to the DOE GLOBE for approval.

XIII. Amendments.

Any amendments or changes to the DOE GLOBE Charter will be made by a two-thirds vote of members present at general meetings.

XIV. Order of Business.

The Council will adopt the following order at general meetings:

1. Call to order.
2. Approval of minutes of the prior meeting.
3. Report of the Treasurer (if necessary).
4. Report of the Vice President (if necessary).
5. Report from Committees (if necessary).
6. Unfinished Business.
7. New Business.
8. General announcements of interest.
9. Adjournment.