Washington County Community Action
NETWORK
501(c)(4)
Mission Statement:
To connect, empower, and activate individuals and organizations working for justice, and sustainable progress in Washington County and beyond.
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Vision Statement:
The Community Action Network envisions a thriving, resilient community where people collaborate across differences to create positive, lasting change through local action..
Core Values:
• Community: We build relationships that strengthen collective action.
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.• Empowerment: We support the ability of individuals and groups to make lasting impact.
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.• Accountability: We act with transparency, integrity, and responsibility.
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• Justice: We work toward systems that respect the dignity and rights of all people.
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• Sustainability: We believe true change must be rooted and resilient.
407 N Main St
Salem, IN 47167
For more information, please contact a board member!
Note: Venmo connects to the bank account for the Coalition. Individual accounts for both the Network and Coalition exist through Centra Credit Union.
COALITION
501(c)(3)
Mission Statement:
To serve as a hub for social causes, civic engagement, education, and community support within Washington County.Vision Statement:
We serve as a collaborative force that encourages and supports local action, empowers community-led initiatives, and helps build long-term capacity for progress across Washington County and beyond.Core Values:
• Collaboration: We believe in the power of working together. When we unite across causes and identities, we create stronger, more sustainable progress.• Community: Everyone deserves an equal seat at the table. We celebrate individualism and strive to build a space where every voice is heard, valued, and uplifted.• Empowerment: We provide space, support, and resources so individuals and groups can lead, grow, and take meaningful action in their communities.• Sustainability: We focus on long-term solutions that benefit both people and planet. This is about building something that lasts.• Accountability: We lead with transparency, respect, and a commitment to shared responsibility for our mission and each other.• Justice: We work to advance dignity and human rights through advocacy, education, and compassionate action.
Network
Coalition
Expenses
Our first, and primary goal financially, is to secure a location that will serve as the home for both the Network and Coalition.We have already found, and are currently renting, the building that we believe to be perfect for this mission of ours.
407 Main Street, Salem, IN, located right off the square, and more importantly, near-catty-corner to Congresswoman Erin Houchin's district office.The juxtaposition to our local Congrasswoman's office is a happy coincidence, but we also feel incredibly important.
To purchase and obtain the deed to the building, as well as provide a cushion for other expenses, we need $154,000.
At this moment, our average monthly expenses for the building are as follows:• Rent, including water: $1000
• Insurance: $71
• Electricity: $200
• Gas: $50Meaning we need about $47/day, or roughly $1,440 a month. This amount will change once the building is owned by us!
After securing the deed to the building, we feel is it imperative to also purchase the large plot of land next door, which we have been affectionately referring to as "The Green."
The amount needed for the green is $750,000. We are aware this is an enormous ask, and would not be pursuing this if we did not feel it important to our mission.
This land would serve as additional space to hold community events, and ensure our right to protest, as it will be private property. It will also help protect us from parties that don't hold our same beliefs.
We have been threatened that, once word gets out of what we are hoping to accomplish with the Network and Coalition, that opposing parties will do everything in their power to block our reach.We were told that this land could be purchased, and a giant fence built, blocking our coalition building from view and overshadowing us.
BYLAWS OF
THE WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, INC.
ARTICLE I
General
Section 1. NameThe name of the Corporation is:The Washington County Community Action Network Inc. (the 'Corporation').Section 2. Purpose and PowersThe Corporation is a nonprofit corporation that is organized and operated to engage in any lawful act for such entity type.
This Corporation principally exists to connect, empower, and activate individuals and Corporations working for sustainable progress in Washington County and beyond.The Corporation shall be and hereby is empowered to acquire and own real property, personal property, equipment, intellectual property and land for use for corporate purposes.Section 3. Annual MeetingThe annual meeting of the Corporation shall be at a time and place set forth by resolution of the Board.
ARTICLE II
Members
The Corporation shall have no Members.
ARTICLE III
Board of Directors
Section 1. Powers of the Board of DirectorsExcept as otherwise required by law, as provided in the Articles and these Bylaws, all details of the operation and management of the Corporation and its affairs and property are vested in the Board.Section 2. Number and TermThe Board shall consist of no fewer than three (3) and no more than eleven (11) individuals (the ‘Directors’) who shall serve for four-year staggered terms. However, in the event of a Board Member’s death or resignation, the remainder of his or her term shall be completed by a qualified successor who has been duly appointed by the Board.Section 3. Election of Directors and VacanciesThe Directors other than the initial Directors shall be elected by the Board at the annual meeting, called for the purposes of electing Director(s).Section 4. Meetings of the BoardRegular Meetings. The Board shall hold regular meetings, as fixed by these Bylaws or by resolution of the Board, for the purpose of transacting business that may come before the Board.These regular meetings shall be held at least six (6) times a year. The Annual Meeting shall count as one of the regular meetings. Regular meetings of the Board may be held without public notice of the date, time, place, or purpose of the meeting. However, minutes of each meeting will be provided to the Directors of the Corporation upon request. Regarding the Annual Meeting, the meeting will typically be held at the principal office of the Corporation but may be held elsewhere either inside or outside the State of Indiana, as determined by resolution of the Board.Special Meetings. In addition to regular meetings, a special meeting of the Board may be called by two (2) Directors or by the President, for any lawful purpose upon two (2) days' notice.A special meeting shall be held on such date, time, and place inside or outside the State of Indiana as is specified in the call of the meeting. Notice of the date, time, and place of each special meeting shall be sent by the Secretary of the Corporation, or by the person or persons calling the meeting, to each Director. The notice need not describe the purpose of the special meeting.Means of Communication. All meetings of the Board shall be in person, telephonic, or by other user-identified means (webcams, digital uplinks, etc.) wherein all Directors may simultaneously hear one another during the meeting.Section 5. Quorum and Approval of ActionsA majority of Directors in office when action is taken shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business at a meeting of the Board. The affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors present at a meeting shall be the act of the Board, unless the act of a greater number is required by law, the Articles, or these Bylaws.Section 6. Board Action by means Other than MeetingAny action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board may be taken without a meeting with a written consent describing the action if signed by each Director and the written consent is included in the minutes or filed with the corporate records. The Board may adopt procedures to allow Directors to sign a written consent by electronic means. Action taken under this section is effective when the last Director signs the consent unless the consent specifies a prior or subsequent effective date.Section 7. AttendanceAttendance at Board meetings shall be a matter of record. Directors are expected to attend all Board meetings unless excused by the President.Section 8. Resignation of DirectorsA Director may resign at any time by providing written notice to the Board. The Director's resignation shall be effective immediately upon receipt unless a subsequent effective date is specified in the written notice.Section 9. Committees...(a) Standing, as well as ad hoc or temporary committees, shall be established by the Board from time to time as necessary to further the purposes of the Corporation and shall be accountable to the Board. There shall be at least one Director on each committee.
...(b) Meetings and actions of all committee(s) shall be reported to the Board of Directors. No independent action by the committee(s) shall be undertaken without authorization by the Board. However, the Board will give significant weight to the recommendations of each committee prior to making decisions relating to the purposes for which the committee was established.Section l0. QualificationsEach Director shall be an individual who shares a genuine interest in the Corporation's mission.
Each Director shall also fulfill any other standards or qualifications as may be required by applicable law and as may be adopted by the Board from time to time.
ARTICLE IV
Officers
Section 1. Officers of the CorporationThe Officers of the Corporation shall be the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and other Officers as the Board may otherwise elect.Section 2. Powers of OfficersThe duties of the Officers shall include all duties imposed by law.Section 3. Appointment of OfficersAfter the election of the Board of Directors by the Board at the annual meeting, the Board shall elect the Officers to begin serving a four-year term beginning January 1st of the following calendar year. Officers may, at the discretion of the Board, serve two (2) consecutive terms in the same office.
ARTICLE V
Indemnification
Section 1. IndemnificationThe Corporation shall indemnify each current and former Director of the Board and each of the Corporation’s Officers and former Officers for the defense of civil and criminal actions or proceedings as hereinafter provided and, notwithstanding any provision in these Bylaws to the contrary, in a manner and to the full extent permitted by applicable law as may from time to time be in effect.The Corporation shall indemnify each current and former Director of the Board and Officers and former officers from and against any and all judgment, fines, amounts paid in settlement, and reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and necessarily incurred or imposed as a result of such action or proceeding or any appeal thereof, imposed upon or asserted against him or her by reason of being or having been such a Director or Officer and acting within the scope of his or her official duties, except where such Officer or Director is adjudged, in a final non-appealable order, decision or holding, to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of a duty which directly gave rise to the action or proceeding.This indemnification shall apply to all judgments, fines, amounts in settlement, and reasonable expenses described above as incurred whenever arising, and the right of indemnification in these Bylaws shall be in addition to any and all rights to which any current or former Director or Officer of the Corporation might otherwise be entitled, and these provisions shall neither impair not adversely affect these rights. Indemnification shall be broadly defined as permitting compensation for his or her harm as a result of acts or failures to act that were approved or should have been addressed by the Board of Directors relating to the performance of an individual Director on behalf of the Corporation.Section 2. Purchase of InsuranceThe Board is authorized and empowered to purchase insurance covering the Corporation's liabilities and obligations under this Art. V and insurance protecting the Corporation's Directors, Officers, employees, agents, and/or other persons.
ARTICLE VI
Provisions for Regulation and Conduct of Affairs
Section 1. Conflict of InterestDirectors, Officers, and employees shall carry out their respective duties in a fashion that avoids actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest. If a vote is required that may be in actual or perceived conflict with the interest of one or more Directors, the Director(s) shall abstain from that vote.Directors will not be compensated for their service on the Board. Some Directors may be employed by the Corporation to work on projects of the Corporation for which they will be compensated.Any Director receiving compensation as an employee or independent contractor of the Corporation must abstain from voting on matters directly related to that compensation.Section 2. Notice...(a) All notices sent by the Corporation, the Board, individual Directors,,or any combination thereof shall be sent pursuant to the procedures detailed herein.Oral notice shall include communications via phone call, voicemail, in-person, webcam, or any other similar means of communication. Oral notice shall be effective when communicated. Written notice shall include communications via mail or other similar delivery method, electronic mail, fax, or other electronic means capable of verification....(b) Written notice shall be effective at the earliest of the following:......(i) when received;......(ii) five (5) days after the notice is mailed, as evidenced by the postmark or private carrier receipt, if mailed correctly addressed to the address listed in the most current records of the Corporation;......(iii) on the date shown on the return receipt, if sent by registered or certified United States mail, return receipt requested, and the receipt is signed by or on behalf of the addressee; or......(iv) on the date sent by electronic mail, text, fax, or other similar means if sent using the correct information listed in the most current records of the Corporation and such did not bounce as undeliverable or fail to send.
ARTICLE VII
Contracts, Checks, Loans, Deposits, and Gifts
Section 1. ContractsThe Board may authorize one (l) or more Officers, agents, or employees of the Corporation to enter into any contract or execute any instrument on its behalf. The authorization may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized by the Board, no Officer, agent, or employee shall have any power to bind the Corporation or to render it liable for any purpose or amount.Section 2. ChecksAll checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money by the Corporation shall be signed by the person or persons the Board may from time to time designate by resolution. The designation may be general or confined to specific instances.Section 3. LoansUnless authorized by the Board, no loan shall be made by or contracted for on behalf of the Corporation and no evidence of indebtedness shall be issued in its name. The authorization may be general or confined to specific instances.Section 4. DepositsAll funds of the Corporation shall be deposited to its credit in the bank(s) or other depositories as the Board may designate. The designation may be general or confined to specific instances.Section 5. GiftsThe Board may accept on behalf of the Corporation any gift, grant, bequest, devise, or other contribution for the purposes of the Corporation on such terms and conditions as the Board shall determine.
ARTICLE VIII
Amendments to the Bylaws or Articles of Incorporation
Section 1. Amendments to Bylaws.The Bylaws may be altered or amended, or new Bylaws adopted, at any meeting of the Board of Directors, by a vote of a majority of the directors in office, if at least seven (7) days' written notice is given of the intention to take such action at such meeting.Section 2. Amendments to Articles.The Articles of Incorporation may be altered or amended, or new Articles adopted, at any meeting of the Board of Directors, by a vote of a majority of the directors in office, if at least seven (7) days written notice is given of the intention to take such action at such meeting.
BYLAWS OF THE
WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION COALITION, INC.
ARTICLE I
General
Section 1. NameThe name of the Corporation is:The Washington County Community Action Coalition Inc. (the 'Corporation').Section 2. Purpose and PowersThe Corporation is a nonprofit corporation that is organized and operated to engage in any lawful act for such entity type.
This Corporation principally exists to establish and sustain a shared community hub that serves as a launchpad for social causes, civic education, and collective action—where individuals and mission-aligned groups can gather, grow, and collaborate to create lasting, positive change in Washington County and beyond.
The Corporation shall be and hereby is empowered to acquire and own real property, personal property, equipment, intellectual property and land for use for corporate purposes.Section 3. Annual MeetingThe annual meeting of the Corporation shall be at a time and place set forth by resolution of the Board.
ARTICLE II
Members
As provided in the Corporation’s Articles of Incorpotation, the Corporation shall have no Members.
ARTICLE III
Board of Directors
Section 1. Powers of the Board of DirectorsExcept as otherwise required by law, as provided in the Articles and these Bylaws, all details of the operation and management of the Corporation and its affairs and property are vested in the Board.Section 2. Number and TermThe Board shall consist of no fewer than three (3) and no more than eleven (11) individuals (the ‘Directors’) who shall serve for four-year staggered terms. However, in the event of a Board Member’s death or resignation, the remainder of his or her term shall be completed by a qualified successor who has been duly appointed by the Board.Section 3. Election of Directors and VacanciesThe Directors other than the initial Directors shall be elected by the Board at the annual meeting, called for the purposes of electing Director(s).Section 4. Meetings of the BoardRegular Meetings. The Board shall hold regular meetings, as fixed by these Bylaws or by resolution of the Board, for the purpose of transacting business that may come before the Board.
These regular meetings shall be held at least six (6) times a year. The Annual Meeting shall count as one of the regular meetings. Regular meetings of the Board may be held without public notice of the date, time, place, or purpose of the meeting. However, minutes of each meeting will be provided to the Directors of the Corporation upon request. Regarding the Annual Meeting, the meeting will typically be held at the principal office of the Corporation but may be held elsewhere either inside or outside the State of Indiana, as determined by resolution of the Board.Special Meetings. In addition to regular meetings, a special meeting of the Board may be called by two (2) Directors or by the President, for any lawful purpose upon two (2) days' notice.
A special meeting shall be held on such date, time, and place inside or outside the State of Indiana as is specified in the call of the meeting. Notice of the date, time, and place of each special meeting shall be sent by the Secretary of the Corporation, or by the person or persons calling the meeting, to each Director. The notice need not describe the purpose of the special meeting.Means of Communication. All meetings of the Board shall be in person, telephonic, or by other user-identified means (webcams, digital uplinks, etc.) wherein all Directors may simultaneously hear one another during the meeting.Section 5. Quorum and Approval of ActionsA majority of Directors in office when action is taken shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business at a meeting of the Board. The affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors present at a meeting shall be the act of the Board, unless the act of a greater number is required by law, the Articles, or these Bylaws.Section 6. Board Action by means Other than MeetingAny action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board may be taken without a meeting with a written consent describing the action if signed by each Director and the written consent is included in the minutes or filed with the corporate records. The Board may adopt procedures to allow Directors to sign a written consent by electronic means. Action taken under this section is effective when the last Director signs the consent unless the consent specifies a prior or subsequent effective date.Section 7. AttendanceAttendance at Board meetings shall be a matter of record. Directors are expected to attend all Board meetings unless excused by the President.Section 8. Resignation of DirectorsA Director may resign at any time by providing written notice to the Board. The Director's resignation shall be effective immediately upon receipt unless a subsequent effective date is specified in the written notice.Section 9. Committees...(a) Standing, as well as ad hoc or temporary committees, shall be established by the Board from time to time as necessary to further the purposes of the Corporation and shall be accountable to the Board. There shall be at least one Director on each committee.
...(b) Meetings and actions of all committee(s) shall be reported to the Board of Directors. No independent action by the committee(s) shall be undertaken without authorization by the Board. However, the Board will give significant weight to the recommendations of each committee prior to making decisions relating to the purposes for which the committee was established.Section l0. QualificationsEach Director shall be an individual who shares a genuine interest in the Corporation's mission.Each Director shall also fulfill any other standards or qualifications as may be required by applicable law and as may be adopted by the Board from time to time.
ARTICLE IV
Officers
Section 1. Officers of the CorporationThe Officers of the Corporation shall be the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and other Officers as the Board may otherwise elect.Section 2. Powers of OfficersThe duties of the Officers shall include all duties imposed by law.Section 3. Appointment of OfficersAfter the election of the Board of Directors by the Board at the annual meeting, the Board shall elect the Officers to begin serving a four-year term beginning January 1st of the following calendar year. Officers may, at the discretion of the Board, serve two (2) consecutive terms in the same office.
ARTICLE V
Indemnification
Section 1. IndemnificationThe Corporation shall indemnify each current and former Director of the Board and each of the Corporation’s Officers and former Officers for the defense of civil and criminal actions or proceedings as hereinafter provided and, notwithstanding any provision in these Bylaws to the contrary, in a manner and to the full extent permitted by applicable law as may from time to time be in effect.The Corporation shall indemnify each current and former Director of the Board and Officers and former officers from and against any and all judgment, fines, amounts paid in settlement, and reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and necessarily incurred or imposed as a result of such action or proceeding or any appeal thereof, imposed upon or asserted against him or her by reason of being or having been such a Director or Officer and acting within the scope of his or her official duties, except where such Officer or Director is adjudged, in a final non-appealable order, decision or holding, to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of a duty which directly gave rise to the action or proceeding.This indemnification shall apply to all judgments, fines, amounts in settlement, and reasonable expenses described above as incurred whenever arising, and the right of indemnification in these Bylaws shall be in addition to any and all rights to which any current or former Director or Officer of the Corporation might otherwise be entitled, and these provisions shall neither impair not adversely affect these rights. Indemnification shall be broadly defined as permitting compensation for his or her harm as a result of acts or failures to act that were approved or should have been addressed by the Board of Directors relating to the performance of an individual Director on behalf of the Corporation.Section 2. Purchase of InsuranceThe Board is authorized and empowered to purchase insurance covering the Corporation's liabilities and obligations under this Art. V and insurance protecting the Corporation's Directors, Officers, employees, agents, and/or other persons.
ARTICLE VI
Provisions for Regulation and Conduct of Affairs
Section 1. Conflict of InterestDirectors, Officers, and employees shall carry out their respective duties in a fashion that avoids actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest. If a vote is required that may be in actual or perceived conflict with the interest of one or more Directors, the Director(s) shall abstain from that vote.Directors will not be compensated for their service on the Board. Some Directors may be employed by the Corporation to work on projects of the Corporation for which they will be compensated.Any Director receiving compensation as an employee or independent contractor of the Corporation must abstain from voting on matters directly related to that compensation.Section 2. Notice...(a) All notices sent by the Corporation, the Board, individual Directors, or any combination thereof shall be sent pursuant to the procedures detailed herein.Oral notice shall include communications via phone call, voicemail, in-person, webcam, or any other similar means of communication. Oral notice shall be effective when communicated. Written notice shall include communications via mail or other similar delivery method, electronic mail, fax, or other electronic means capable of verification....(b) Written notice shall be effective at the earliest of the following:......(i) when received;......(ii) five (5) days after the notice is mailed, as evidenced by the postmark or private carrier receipt, if mailed correctly addressed to the address listed in the most current records of the Corporation;......(iii) on the date shown on the return receipt, if sent by registered or certified United States mail, return receipt requested, and the receipt is signed by or on behalf of the addressee; or......(iv) on the date sent by electronic mail, text, fax, or other similar means if sent using the correct information listed in the most current records of the Corporation and such did not bounce as undeliverable or fail to send.
ARTICLE VII
Contracts, Checks, Loans, Deposits, and Gifts
Section 1. Contracts
The Board may authorize one (l) or more Officers, agents, or employees of the Corporation to enter into any contract or execute any instrument on its behalf. The authorization may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized by the Board, no Officer, agent, or employee shall have any power to bind the Corporation or to render it liable for any purpose or amount.Section 2. Checks
All checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money by the Corporation shall be signed by the person or persons the Board may from time to time designate by resolution. The designation may be general or confined to specific instances.Section 3. Loans
Unless authorized by the Board, no loan shall be made by or contracted for on behalf of the Corporation and no evidence of indebtedness shall be issued in its name. The authorization may be general or confined to specific instances.Section 4. Deposits
All funds of the Corporation shall be deposited to its credit in the bank(s) or other depositories as the Board may designate. The designation may be general or confined to specific instances.Section 5. Gifts
The Board may accept on behalf of the Corporation any gift, grant, bequest, devise, or other contribution for the purposes of the Corporation on such terms and conditions as the Board shall determine.
ARTICLE VIII
Amendments to the Bylaws or Articles of Incorporation
Section 1. Amendments to Bylaws.The Bylaws may be altered or amended, or new Bylaws adopted, at any meeting of the Board of Directors, by a vote of a majority of the directors in office, if at least seven (7) days' written notice is given of the intention to take such action at such meeting.Section 2. Amendments to Articles.The Articles of Incorporation may be altered or amended, or new Articles adopted, at any meeting of the Board of Directors, by a vote of a majority of the directors in office, if at least seven (7) days written notice is given of the intention to take such action at such meeting.