1. Any Verizon employee or retiree who subscribes to GLOBE of VZ’s purpose shall be eligible to become a member of GLOBE of VZ and upon payment of dues shall be enrolled as a member, with all rights, privileges and responsibilities thereof.
2. No person who subscribes to GLOBE of VZ’s purpose shall be excluded from membership or otherwise discriminated against within the organization.
3. Members of GLOBE of VZ are entitled to: attend and participate in all GLOBE of VZ meetings and events, including annual General Membership meetings and conferences; vote on ratification of, and amendments to, the Bylaws; nominate and/or run for elected positions; vote in general membership elections of board members; and participate on committees, programs, and projects.
4. Members of GLOBE of VZ shall respect the privacy rights of other members. While GLOBE of VZ is committed to promoting a work environment in which it is safe to come out, the organization recognizes that each individual has the sole and absolute right to decide if and when to share their sexual orientation inside or outside the workplace.
5. GLOBE of VZ as an organization shall not in any way make public any portion of its membership list without the express consent of the affected individual members.

1. Upon joining GLOBE of VZ, members will be asked to select a local GLOBE of VZ chapter affiliation, where available.
2. Members affiliated with a GLOBE of VZ chapter are entitled to: attend and participate in all chapter meetings and events, nominate and/or run for elected chapter positions; vote in elections of chapter officers; and participate on chapter committees, programs, and projects. These rights are in addition to those general membership rights provided in Article III, Section 1.
3. Members can maintain only one local chapter affiliation at a time.
4. Members can change their local chapter affiliation by issuing a written request to GLOBE of VZ’s Vice-President. Members and affected chapters will be notified in writing that the chapter affiliation change has been processed.

1. Employees residing or working in a given state, county, municipality, regional or metropolitan area shall be encouraged to join or form a local GLOBE of VZ chapter.
2. GLOBE of VZ chapters operates under charter from GLOBE of VZ, for the stated purpose of GLOBE of VZ, comply with these bylaws, and elect local chapter officers.
3. Chapter charter applications, which must be sponsored by ten GLOBE of VZ members, should indicate, at a minimum, the name of the proposed chapter, the chapter governance structure and officer positions, delegate to the Board of Directors, the voting requirements and procedures, minimum meeting frequency and quorum requirements.
4. The Vice President of GLOBE of VZ shall assist the chapter in their formation, creation of charter applications, and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors for approval. The GLOBE of VZ’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Membership should be used as a guideline.
5. The GLOBE of VZ Board of Directors shall review and approve charter applications for new GLOBE of VZ chapters.
6. GLOBE of VZ chapters shall adopt as their name the name of this organization GLOBE of Verizon, followed by a local chapter identifier.
7. The policies, programs and operating rules of each GLOBE of VZ chapter shall be defined by its members so long as such policies, programs and rules are not contrary to these bylaws.
8. All chapters of GLOBE of VZ shall promote diversity in membership and leadership functions including race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, gender variance, disability, sexual orientation, status as a veteran or special disabled veteran of the Vietnam era, and position in Verizon.
9. If after some period of time, a Chapter cannot support itself through conducting regular meetings and activities or engages in behavior that could prove detrimental to the organization, the GLOBE of VZ Board of Directors reserves the right to revoke or suspend a chapter’s charter. A majority vote of the Board is needed to revoke or suspend a charter. If approved, all members in good standing will be notified in writing of the Board’s action. Each member will be encouraged to select another chapter affiliation and will continue to be a member of GLOBE of VZ, Inc.
10. A “revoked” chapter charter cannot be reinstated. A new chapter charter must be developed, submitted, and approved with ten member names affixed to the new charter application.
11. A “suspended” chapter charter can be reinstated, by submitting in writing a letter of intent attached to the previous charter application, the new list of officers, and at least ten member signatures.

Section 1. Composition

1. The GLOBE of VZ Board of Directors shall be composed of the elected chairperson of each chartered GLOBE of VZ chapter or alternate Chapter delegate, four elected Officer positions, and elected Director positions.
2. Should a GLOBE of VZ chapter structure provide for more than one chairperson (e.g., co-chairs) the GLOBE of VZ chapter shall designate which of these elected officials shall serve on the GLOBE of VZ Board of Directors.
3. Normally, each Chapter President or Chairperson will serve on the GLOBE of VZ Board of Directors. However, due to geographic or other constraints, each Chapter may designate an alternate to serve as the full time Board of Directors delegate.
4. The general membership shall elect all Board members, except Chapter delegates.
5. The elected Director positions are listed in Article VI. Section 2.
6. It is the responsibility of the officers and the current elected Board members to fill any vacant Director or Officer positions with qualified individuals.
7. A person can not simultaneously hold more than one (1) full time Board Officer or Director position during a given term.
8. The Board must consist of a minimum of three (3) members, including the President

Section 2. Duties and Powers

1. The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall management and administration of GLOBE of VZ. Where action is necessary between meetings of the membership, the Board may act on behalf of the organization provided that the action is consistent with existing GLOBE of VZ policy.
2. The GLOBE of VZ Board of Directors shall meet at least four times a year and shall communicate regularly to ensure unified action.
3. The Board shall report its actions and decisions to the general membership.
4. The Board of Directors duties include, but are not limited to:
   1. Election of GLOBE of VZ officers
   2. Administration of the funds, property and business affairs of the organization.
   3. Coordination of the actions of local GLOBE of VZ chapters to ensure cohesive progress toward the achievement of GLOBE of VZ’s purpose.
   4. Establishment of committees as necessary including definition of the jurisdiction, responsibilities and authority of each committee.
   5. Approval of all appointments.
   6. Adoption of necessary policies and procedures provided that none of the Board’s actions should conflict or be inconsistent with the purpose of the organization.
   7. Declaration of position vacancies.
   8. Conducting internal grievance hearings and determining appropriate remedies.
   9. Seeking legal and financial counsel on matters of the organization as appropriate.

Section 3. Qualifications and Terms of Office

1. With the exceptions of the positions of President and Vice President, elected officers and directors shall serve for a one-year term or until their successors are named. The offices of President and Vice President shall serve for two years, staggered to each other. Meaning, the President’s term shall begin and end in an even year, and the Vice President’s term shall begin and end in an odd year. The exception to this is to the first held office of the Vice President. Within the first occurrence of elections of the newly formed Board, the office of Vice President will be within the election and last for a term of one year, This will allow alternating years so as to provide continuity of the leadership transition periods.
2. Local Chapter delegates shall serve on the Board in accordance with their chapter charter.
3. Any member may serve as a member of the Board providing that they have are a member in good standing.
4. It is not mandatory but is highly recommended that an individual serve at a local chapter level before serving on GLOBE of VZ Board of Directors.
5. Any person may serve on the Board of Directors in the same capacity until they no longer wish to serve another full year of until another member in good standing expresses an interest in the position. At that time the position in question would be subject to the normal rules of election. This purpose is to maintain leadership in areas of knowledge skills.

Section 1. Titles and Duties of Officers

1. President. There shall be a President who shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors. This Officer shall be the principal spokesperson and chief executive officer of the organization and shall call the general membership meetings of the organization and the Board of Directors and shall preside at these meetings.
2. Vice President. There shall be a Vice President who shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors. This Officer shall preside at all meetings in the absence of the President and initiate and coordinate programs designed to support GLOBE of VZ membership including, but not limited to, membership development, meetings, social programs and activities.
3. Secretary. There shall be a Secretary who shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors. This Officer shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the general membership and the Board of Directors; maintain the GLOBE OF VZ historical record and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).
4. Treasurer. There shall be a Treasurer who shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors. This Officer shall chair the Finance Committee, collect and disperse funds as authorized by the Board, and shall keep the financial records of the organization. The Treasurer is also responsible for overseeing an external financial audit of the organization and for certifying the accuracy of the official membership list.

Section 2. Titles and Duties of Directors

1. Director of Speakers Bureau. There shall be a Director of Speakers Bureau who shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors. This Director will be responsible for the Speakers’ Bureau and will initiate and coordinate speaking engagements, as well as provide materials, training and support for the individuals facilitating the speaking engagements. The goal of the Speaker’s Bureau is to increase awareness of GLOBE of VZ, its objectives, and activities.
2. Director of Communications and the Newsletter. There shall be a Director of Communications and the Newsletter who shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors. This Director will be responsible for the coordination and implementation and distribution of all internal communications.
3. Director of Corporate Advocacy and Programs. There shall be a Director of Corporate Advocacy and Programs who shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors. This Director shall be the main advocate for the organization for corporate policies and program and will initiate and coordinate programs and activities designed to ensure that Verizon corporate policy addresses issues of concern for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender employees.
4. Director of Public Relations and Education. There shall be a Director of Education, Exhibits, and Events who shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors. This Director shall initiate and coordinate programs and activities designed to promote awareness, support and understanding of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender issues facing Verizon employees.
5. Director of Corporate Success and External Affairs. There shall be a Director of Corporate Success who shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors. This Director shall initiate and coordinate programs and activities designed to enhance Verizon success in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender markets and to create a positive community influence.
6. Director of Bargained for Employee Issues. There shall be a Director of Bargained for Employee Issues who shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors. This Director shall initiate and maintain an open line of communication between GLOBE and the IBEW and CWA Unions. This Director is expected to raise areas of concerns and issues which need to be addressed within Verizon regarding the sector of the employee base who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender and who are also effected by the policies and practices of either of these Unions. This position must be filled by an associate.
7. Director of Membership. There shall be a Director of Membership who shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors. This Director shall maintain and update the official membership list, conduct annual membership drive, receive membership applications and dues and appropriately disperse dues to the Treasurer, collect correspondence from the Arlington PO Box and distribute as appropriate, determine methods of increasing membership.
8. Director of Mentoring. There shall be a Director of Mentoring who shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors. This Director shall create and implement an ongoing program for GLOBE members to enter into a mentoring relationship with VZ managers. This mentoring program shall include Associates (Craft) members as permitted by union agreements.

Section 1. General Membership Meetings

1. The general membership shall meet at least once a year. This annual general membership meeting, the date of which to is set by the Board, shall be called for the purpose of electing, or certifying the election of, Board members, and any other business which shall be brought to the general membership.
2. More frequent general meetings may be established by the President and/or the Board.
3. All general membership meetings shall be open to all GLOBE of VZ members.
4. A quorum shall be ten GLOBE of VZ members, including at least three Board members, one of which must be an Officer of GLOBE of VZ.

Section 2. Local Chapter Meetings

1. Individual GLOBE of VZ chapters shall establish, through their chapter charter, the minimum frequency and quorum requirements of their membership meetings.
2. All GLOBE of VZ chapters, however, must hold at least one chapter membership meeting per year.
3. All GLOBE of VZ chapter meetings shall be open to all GLOBE of VZ members, regardless of chapter affiliation, however, only those members of the local GLOBE of VZ chapter may participate in chapter votes and elections.

Section 3. Board of Directors

1. The Board of Directors shall meet at least quarterly. The Board may establish more frequent meetings. The Board may meet by any means, such as a conference call, instant messaging, etc., which will allow the Board members to confer as a body.
2. Meetings of the Board shall be held only after adequate notice to all Board members. Emergency meetings of the Board may be held with 24 hours notice to all Board members.
3. A quorum shall be at least two officers and 4 other board members.
4. All meetings of the Board of Directors shall be open to all members.

Section 1. Board Nominations

1. A Nominating and Elections Committee, including representation from GLOBE of VZ, usually chaired by the Secretary, and composed of at least three members shall be appointed by the President with the consent of the Board of Directors.
2. The Nominating and Elections Committee shall not endorse individual candidates but shall instead:
   1. Inform the membership of the call for nominations.
   2. Determine the schedule for receiving nominations.
   3. Accept nominations from members, including self-nominations.
   4. Determine each nominee meets the qualifications as stated in these bylaws.

Section 2. Board Elections

1. Voting for the Board of Director positions, which are elected from the general membership, shall be held annually.
2. The Nominating and Elections Committee shall conduct the elections including preparation, tabulation, and certification of the ballots and all procedural matters.
3. Voting shall be conducted by electronic mail and/or US mail to ensure that all eligible members get a ballot. Ballots shall be distributed, to all eligible members at least thirty days prior to the close of the election. The Board shall approve the closing date of election, provided that said date shall be no less than fifteen days prior to the Annual Membership meeting.
4. Any GLOBE of VZ member in good standing sixty days prior to the close of the annual election shall be eligible to vote for members of the Board of Directors.
5. In the event of a tie, the non-vacant highest officer shall cast the deciding vote.
6. Ballots, which contain more than the required number of selections or which are otherwise invalid will not be counted.
7. Board members elected from the general membership shall assume office at the end of the annual general membership meeting. The election results will be announced and certified at the annual general membership.

Section 3. Election of Officers and Directors

1. After the general membership election has been completed and certified, the newly elected Board of Directors will meet during the annual general membership meeting conference for the sole purpose of nominating and electing specific GLOBE OF VZ officer and director positions.
2. The Board reserves the right to elect or reassign the best possible candidate to fill any board position for the current year.
3. The Nominations and Elections committee will oversee and conduct the nominations and elections process.
4. GLOBE of VZ Officers and Directors will be nominated and elected in the order in which positions are listed excluding any position not up for reelection.
5. Any elected Board Member may nominate, run for, and vote in the election of GLOBE of VZ Officers and Directors. Officers and Directors of GLOBE of VZ may not hold more than one GLOBE of VZ officer or director position at a time.
6. A chapter delegate may NOT serve as a local chapter officer or director and a GLOBE of VZ officer or director simultaneously, unless approved by the GLOBE of Verizon board.

1. GLOBE of VZ committees can be established by the President with the consent of the Board, or by the Board, or by the general membership.
2. GLOBE of VZ chapters, through their charter, may adopt procedures for establishing committees, which operate within the local chapter

1. The schedule and amount of annual dues for GLOBE of VZ membership shall be set by a two-thirds vote of the Board which shall establish regular and hardship dues, based on a recommendation from the Treasurer.
2. The Board will also establish, by two-thirds vote, the portion of dues received to be allocated to GLOBE of VZ and to GLOBE of VZ chapters.
3. Membership renewals shall be solicited, and the GLOBE of VZ Treasurer will collect dues. Chapters shall impose no additional dues upon chapter members, however chapters may engage in fund raising activities and may impose fees for certain optional activities.
4. The fiscal year will coincide with Verizon’s fiscal year, which begins January 1 and concludes on December 31.
5. Annual dues shall be payable on or before January 1 of each year. New members who join on June 1 or later shall pay half the annual dues for their initial year of membership.

These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the members actually voting by mail-in ballot or ratified at the annual meeting provided that:

1. The amendment is proposed by either (a) a majority vote of the Board, (b) a majority vote of the members of any chartered GLOBE of VZ chapter, or (c) by petition of at least ten GLOBE of VZ members.
2. The proposed amendment and ballot is distributed to the membership by Electronic mail and/or US Mail within ninety days of submission to the Board of GLOBE of VZ.
3. The closing date of the amendment voting process shall be no less than 30 days from the date the electronic / mail-in ballots are distributed to GLOBE of VZ members via US Mail.
4. Ratification at the annual meeting may be accomplished by a majority of the voting members attending the annual meeting. Notification of proposed amendment changes must be no less than 30 days prior to the annual meeting.
5. Abstentions are excluded and not counted as a vote.

Section 1. Reasons for Dissolution

At some point in the future, it may be necessary to dissolve GLOBE of VZ, Inc. There are at least three (3) reasons that could prompt the need for dissolution:

1. There are less than ten (10) members in good standing
2. The organization falls into bankruptcy
3. The Board of Directors voluntarily decides to dissolve.

If the Board of Directors decides to voluntarily dissolve the organization, then the Board must notify the entire membership in writing within 60 days of the decision via US Mail.

Besides informing the membership of the potential action, the Board should solicit from the existing membership base potential interest in (1) continuing GLOBE as a VZ resource group and (2) candidates to serve on the Board of Directors. A minimum of three (3) members must express an interest in wanting to continue running the organization, in order to avoid dissolving GLOBE of VZ, Inc. The new and old leadership must notify the appropriate offices, authorities, and members.

Section 2. Procedure for Dissolution

If GLOBE of VZ, Inc. is to be dissolved, there are certain activities that must take place to insure closure.

1. Within 60 days, the entire membership must be notified in writing of the action via US Mail.
2. Within 30 days, the Executive VP of Human Resources, the VP of Ethics, and the Director of Diversity must be notified in writing of the action.
3. All the necessary state and federal agencies must be notified in writing as soon as possible.
4. All bank accounts must be closed out and the fund balances disbursed.

The disbursed funds should be donated to an existing external Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender organization as decided by the remaining membership at the time of dissolution.