Carrollton Rainbow Inc. Bylaws, updated 2025

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION & 

THE BYLAWS POLICIES, PROCEDURES & STANDARDS OF CARROLLTON RAINBOW, INC DBA CARROLLTON PRIDE

UPDATED: October 28, 2025

1. Name and Purpose

• Name of the Organization

• Mission Statement

• Purpose

• Guiding Principles

2. Organizational Structure

• Board of Directors:

  • Roles and titles of executive board members (e.g., President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer).

  • Term limits (e.g., 2 years in an elected role, 1 year as member-at-large for onboarding purposes).

• Committees

3. Board of Directors Roles and Responsibilities

• Detailed description of duties for each board role, including President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice-President.

• General Expectations

4. Board Member Code of Conduct

• Behavior

• Conflict of Interest

• Volunteer Expectations

• Financial Contributions

5. Meetings and Voting

• Regular Board Meetings

• Special Meetings

• Quorum and Voting

6. Board Member Election and Removal

• Term Lengths and Limits

• Election Process

• Resignation and Removal

7. Committees

• Standing Committees

• Ad Hoc Committees

• Committee Leadership

8. Fiscal Management

• Financial Reporting

• Budget Approval

• Fundraising and Donations

9. Conflict Resolution

• Internal Disputes

10. Amendments to Bylaws

• Amendment Process

11. Dissolution

• Asset Distribution

12. Indemnification and Liability

Article I: Name and Purpose

1.1 Name

The name of the organization shall be Carrollton Rainbow, Inc. dba Carrollton Pride, a nonprofit 501c3 corporation operating in Carrollton, Georgia.

1.2 Mission Statement

Carrollton Rainbow, Inc. fosters a supportive and inclusive community for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies in Carrollton and the surrounding areas. We create safe spaces for connection, celebration, and mutual care through meaningful events, outreach, and year‑round engagement. Our work focuses on building belonging and strengthening local support networks where everyone feels valued and accepted.

1.3 Purpose

The purpose of Carrollton Rainbow, Inc. is to provide resources, events, and opportunities that support the emotional well‑being, visibility, and inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community in the West Georgia region. We aim to connect individuals and families with affirming spaces, cultivate a sense of belonging, and promote respect and understanding through community‑based programs and celebrations, including the annual Carrollton Pride Festival.

Carrollton Rainbow Inc. strives to empower members of the LGBTQ community and allies by creating a safe and inclusive environment where individuals can express themselves freely without fear of discrimination or judgment. 

Our goal is to build a more inclusive, accepting, and supportive community where all individuals are valued and respected for who they are. We believe that by promoting connection, we can help our community feel empowered, proud, and confident to live authentically and with pride.

1.4 Guiding Principles

The guiding principles of CR are as follows:

• To encourage fellowship and support among participating businesses, professionals, individuals, charities, religious spaces, and public organizations in their charitable pursuits in the LGBTQ community.

• To oppose prejudice in society at large and within the LGBTQ and allied communities based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and self-expression.

• To foster communication, tolerance, and mutual aid among LGBTQ persons and allies.

• To provide reasonable and sufficient outreach to the LGBTQ and allied communities about the organization itself, its purposes and intents, and all events and activities sponsored by it.

• To create a welcoming and accepting organization, through being positive role models for our LGBTQ community, allies, and youth in the community who need advocates and support systems.

• To produce an annual pride event that fosters a sense of community, encourages LGBTQ citizens to live openly and with pride, and educate the public of the importance of LGBTQ equality, confronting homophobic and transphobic bigotry, and the importance of our shared cultural heritage.

Article II: Organizational Structure

2.1 Board of Directors

CR is an organization that is run by an elected Board of Directors, as set out in these Bylaws. The organization does not have general members, nor does it collect membership dues of any kind. The organization shall operate as a 501C3 Non-Profit Organization. The most current edition of Robert's Rule of Order shall be the parliamentary authority whenever applicable.

The Carrollton Rainbow Board of Directors sets policy for the organization; ensures that it is operated in a legal, ethical, and professional manner; represents the organization in the LGBTQ community; and assists in raising funds for continued operations, fiscal stability, and community events, which are at the center of the organizational goals.

The Board of Directors (hereafter "the Board") shall govern Carrollton Rainbow, Inc. The Board shall consist of a minimum of four officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Additional members-at-large and Ex-Officio members may be appointed based on need and availability.

2.2 Committees

The Board may establish standing or ad hoc committees as needed. Standing committees may include Communications, Events, and Fundraising. The President, with board approval, shall appoint committee chairs.

Article III: Board Roles and Responsibilities

3.1 President

• Preside over all board meetings.

• Act as the primary representative of the organization.

• Ensure that the organization adheres to its mission and objectives.

• Serve as tie-breaker to votes of the Board.

• Approve unbudgeted expenditures of under $100 without prior Board approval.

3.2 Vice-President

• Act as President in their absence.

• Oversee and assist with committee activities.

• Ensure annual bylaw review and recommend amendments when necessary.

3.3 Secretary

• Maintain meeting minutes and records of organizational activities.

• Manage the organization's internal documentation and archives.

• Manage email correspondence as recommended by the Board.

3.4 Treasurer

• Manage the organization’s financial accounts, budgets, and reports.

• Present a financial statement at each board meeting and prepare annual tax filings.

3.5 Members-at-Large

• Assist with special projects and onboarding of new board members.

• Serve as a voting board member during their third year of board service, following a two-year term in an elected role.

3.6 Ex-Officio Role (Director Emeritus Immediate Past President)

• Provide assistance on special projects whenever needed

• Provide guidance and context to new President based on historical knowledge 

• All other duties assigned by the board

Article IV: Board Member Code of Conduct

4.1 Behavioral Expectations

• Board members must exhibit integrity, respect, and responsibility in all actions, including in public and on social media.

• Any conduct deemed harmful to the organization or its mission may lead to disciplinary action, including possible removal from the Board.

4.2 Conflict of Interest

• Board members shall disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including financial or personal relationships that may influence their decision-making.

4.3 Volunteer Expectations

• Each board member must host or volunteer at a minimum of one event or tabling opportunity per quarter to support the organization's activities.

4.4 Financial Contributions

• All board members are expected to make regular financial contributions, either through monthly donations or a one-time annual donation, to help sustain the organization.

Article V: Meetings and Voting

5.1 Regular Meetings

• The Board shall meet at least quarterly. Meetings may be held in person or virtually, with all members receiving at least ten days’ notice.

• Provisions will be provided for members to attend virtually, via Zoom or a similar conferencing system. Meetings may be recorded for internal use and record-keeping. Reasonable efforts must be made to hold regular board meetings at a time and place that the majority of board members can attend. 

• Any members attending virtually shall participate in the meeting as though physically present and shall be included in the quorum count.

• All board members are encouraged to attend and engage in both regular and special board meetings and may request at any time the meeting minutes be provided to them.

5.2 Special Meetings

• Special meetings may be called by the President or upon the request of a majority of board members. All members shall be notified of special meetings by email, Slack, or phone at least 48 hours in advance.

• Reasonable efforts must be made to contact all board members for their input. If a special meeting is held, a motion may be decided by a majority vote of the quorum present.

• Upon determination that a matter requires the attention and vote of the board prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the board, the President can, at their discretion, either (a) call a special meeting of the board to discuss and vote on the matter, or (b) poll the members in external communication for their vote ahead of the special meeting.

• The Executive Board should make every consideration to conduct all votes brought before the board at the regularly scheduled board meetings and avoid calling for electronic votes that are sensitive, divisive, or vague in nature.

5.3 Quorum and Voting

• A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of board members (50% plus one). Decisions shall be made by a majority vote, except for bylaws amendments, which require a two-thirds vote.

Article VI: Board Member Election, Terms, and Removal

6.1 Election Process

• Board members shall be nominated and elected by the existing Board. Nominations may be submitted by any board member or volunteer with the nominee's consent.

• Elections shall occur annually in November, with new terms starting immediately after the meeting.

6.2 Term Limits

• Officer Positions (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer): Three-year terms per position with optional rotation to a different role after three years

• Member-at-Large: Up to five consecutive years in that position

• Key Rule: No one can serve more than three consecutive years in the same officer role, but they can rotate to other positions indefinitely

6.3 Resignation and Removal

• A board member may resign by providing written notice to the Board. Any board member who misses two consecutive regular meetings without excuse or fails to meet the code of conduct may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the Board.

Article VII: Committees

7.1 Standing Committees

• Communications Committee: Oversees the organization's public relations, social media, and community outreach.

• Events Committee: Plans and coordinates all events, including the annual Pride Festival and monthly community meetups.

• Fundraising Committee: Manages all fundraising campaigns, including donor relations and grant writing.

7.2 Ad Hoc Committees

• Temporary committees may be formed to address specific tasks or short-term projects.

Article VIII: Fiscal Management

8.1 Financial Reporting

• The Treasurer shall prepare and present financial reports at each board meeting. The annual budget shall be reviewed and approved at the first board meeting of the year.

• The accounting year of the organization shall be based on the organizations registration with the state, beginning October 1 and ending September 30.

8.2 Fundraising and Donations

• The organization shall maintain transparent and accurate records of all donations and fundraising activities. Board members are expected to participate actively in fundraising efforts.

Article IX: Conflict Resolution

9.1 Conflict Resolution Process

• In the event of a conflict between board members or within the organization, the Board shall first seek to resolve the issue internally through mediation. If unresolved, the Board may appoint a neutral mediator to facilitate a resolution.

9.2 Mediation Principles

• The Board shall adhere to principles of emotional intelligence, active listening, and non-discrimination in all conflict resolution processes.

Article X: Amendments to Bylaws

10.1 Amendment Process

• These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the board members present at any regular or special meeting, provided that the amendment has been proposed and distributed to all board members at least ten days in advance.

Article XI: Dissolution

11.1 Dissolution

• Upon dissolution, any remaining assets shall be distributed to nonprofit organizations with similar LGBTQIA+ advocacy missions.

Article XII: Indemnification and Liability

12.1 Indemnification

• Board members shall be indemnified and held harmless from liabilities resulting from their service to the organization, provided they act in good faith and in accordance with their fiduciary duties.