SECTION 1: The full name of this organization shall be “Humanitarian Order of Sierra Falconès Incorporated”. Its shorter name shall be “Sierra Falconès”.
SECTION 2: Sierra Falconès shall be a non-profit and non-stock Humanitarian Service and Environmental organization.
SECTION 3: Each regional unit of Sierra Falconès shall be called Cast (regional level); each Cast, shall be divided into Nest (chapters in district level).
ARTICLE TWO
SECTION 1: The Primary Purpose of Sierra Falconès shall be threefold:
First,to become an avenue for humanitarian service; Second, to bring together individuals as responsible members of society on the basis of mutual respect, interest, support, and cooperation; and Third, to foster love for the environment and protection of its biodiversity.
SECTION 2: The Secondary Purposes of Sierra Falconès shall be as follows:
a. To acquire, hold, lease, purchase, exchange, borrow, mortgage, or otherwise deal in real and personal properties, and to build, construct, acquire, lease, purchase, mortgage buildings and offices as may be necessary and useful; and to invest funds or utilize properties as may be necessary and useful to carry out the objectives of the organization and incidental thereof, subject to limitations imposed by law.
b. To enter all contracts, arrangements, agreements or joint ventures with government or private entities and other organizations in order to promote the attainment of the objectives of the organization, subject to limitations imposed by law;
c. To organize, conduct, perform and carry on any activity necessary for, or incidental to the purpose of the organization and generally to do all such things, perform all such activities and exercise such powers as may be directly or indirectly incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above-stated purpose; and
d. To do every other act or acts, incidental or appurtenant thereto, or connected with the aforesaid business or powers, or any part or parts thereof. Provided the same be not in conflict with the law under which this corporation is organized.
ARTICLE THREE
Emblem, Colors and Symbols
SECTION 1: The emblem of Sierra Falconès shall be a bird over a mountain with the words "Sierra Falconès". Both Spanish words, "sierra" means “mountain” and “falcones” means “falcons”. The emblem symbolizes a cast of falcons soaring above the earth looking into the wilderness below and protecting the natural environment and its inhabitants.
SECTION 2: The colors of Sierra Falconès shall be Golden Yellow and Black.
ARTICLE FOUR
Membership
SECTION 1: Members of Sierra Falconès shall stem from Nests bound by any or all of the following advocacies:
a. Humanitarian assistance;
b. Environmental protection; and
c. Outdoor recreation.
SECTION 2: Nests of Sierra Falconès shall emerge from the following groups and clubs:
a. Community-based Nests shall be composed of individuals who have performed volunteer community service and have successfully passed the organization’s membership screening process.
b. Company-based Nests shall be composed of employees of companies or entities, public or private that allow membership of its employees in the organization for the purpose of exercising corporate social responsibility.
c. School-based Nests shall be composed of undergraduate, post baccalaureate, and/or graduate students who choose to join the organization.
SECTION 3: Membership in Sierra Falconès entitles him/her the rights and privileges of lifetime membership subject to the provisions of Article Thirteen.
SECTION 4: Transferor Relocation of Member.Transfer or relocation of members from one place to another shall be allowed upon validation from the rooster of members at the National Office at the discretion of the new Nest.
SECTION 5: Closure of Nest or lose of official recognition. Should a particular Nest be closed or lose official recognition, any of its members may maintain membership in Sierra Falconès as long as eligibility requirements in Article Five are met.
ARTICLE FIVE
Qualifications and Eligibility and for membership
SECTION 1: The qualifications for membership in Sierra Falconès shall be based on Character, Advocacy for Humanitarian Service, and Leadership.
SECTION 2: Exemplary character shall be the primary consideration for membership in Sierra Falconès.
SECTION 3: To be eligible for membership in Sierra Falconès, an applicant needs to meet the following minimum requirements:
a. Good moral character.
b. Good standing in the Community, Company, or School that he/she represents.
c. Had voluntarily served in three Sierra Falconès humanitarian activities.
d. Recommended by no less than three full-fledged members with at least Explorer member status (See Section 2 of Article Seven).
SECTION 4: The selection of student members shall consider the following areas of a candidate’s collegiate record:
a. Good moral character;
b. Scholastic standing;
c. Service to the University/College; and
d. Service to his/her larger community.
ARTICLE SIX
Selection and Commencement of Members
SECTION 1: New members may be selected either annually or semi-annually by each Cast or Nest, the manner and frequency of selections being subject to the provisions of the local by-laws and policies. Honorary members may be selected as a Cast and Nest may desire.
SECTION 2: The selection of candidate-members under the provisions of this Constitution shall be upon the discretion of the respective Cast or Nest, subject to such restrictions as may be imposed by the National Executive Office.
SECTION 3: Membership in Sierra Falconès shall commence upon oath and compliance of the requisites subject to Article Five and Six of this Constitution.
ARTICLE SEVEN
Status of Members
SECTION 1: The status of members shall be based on a “Reward System” taking into consideration the individual’s contributions to the Organization.
SECTION 2: Status of members shall be as follows:
a. Explorer Members - those who have undergone the process and passed the basic standard legibility requirements under Article Five.
b. Adventurer Members - those who have held appointed or elected positions of Activity Coordinators and Committee Heads in a Cast or Nest.
c. Discoverer Members - those who have been appointed or elected as Officers or Directors of a Cast and Nest.
SECTION 3: There shall be a “Guardian of Sierra Falconès” body composed of former Grand Falcons (Presidents) and Directors who have finished their term. They shall serve as Advisers in their respective Cast and Nest.
ARTICLE EIGHTH
The Organizational structure
SECTION 1: Sierra Falconès in its entirety shall consist of all active Cast in Regional level and Nests in district level. Territorial boundaries shall be designated by the Board or a vote of the National Executive Committee based on the proposal submitted by respective Cast and Nest.
SECTION 2: The Executive Officers in National level, shall consist of Grand Falcon National (General Secretary), the Chairman of the Board, National Program Director , and member of National Directorates.
SECTION 3: The Executive Officers in Regional level, shall consist of the incumbent Cast Grand Falcon (Regional Secretary), Program Directors and Coordinators of respective Casts.
SECTION 4: The Executive Officers in District level shall consist of the incumbent Nest Grand Falcon (President), Committee Chairpersons of respective Nests.
SECTION 5: The duration of office of Executive Officers shall be based on their terms of office in their respective Nest (two years). Except for the members of the Board of Directors who shall serve for three years or until new members of the board is elected or appointed.
SECTION 6: Selection of the succeeding Board of Directors shall be by a majority vote of the Executive Officers in attendance at a National Convention.
SECTION 7: Each Executive Council member shall be entitled to one vote or one voting delegate in all decisions affecting the organization.
SECTION 8: In instances where the election of the Board of Directors and other Officers in respective Cast or Nest are not possible, the incumbent will serve in hold-over capacity until a new election is held.
SECTION 9: Program Directors in National and Regional level shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Board or National Program Directors while Committee Chairpersons in the Nest Level shall be appointed by the Grand Falcon of the respective Nest at the pleasure of the incumbent officers.
ARTICLE NINE
Cast and Nest Structures and Power
SECTION 1: Each Cast or Nest shall have complete control over all matters of local concern under such restrictions as may be imposed by this Constitution. In no case shall such local power be exercised in a way contrary to the ideals and purposes of Sierra Falconès as set forth in the Constitution, Bylaws, Code of Conduct and Guiding Principles. In case a Cast or Nest be charged with disregarding any of the conditions of its charter, the Executive Officers shall have power and full inquiry; and may, in its discretion, take those steps to the Executive Committee deems necessary.
SECTION 2: All Nest Bylaw and Policy revisions shall be submitted to the National Executive Office for review upon ratification of Nest members.
SECTION 3: The Regional Secretary shall be elected from the Executive Council of the cluster of Nests.
SECTION 4: Nest Officers
a. The Officers of each Nest shall be as follows: Grand Falcon (President), Deputy Grand Falcon (Vice President), Scribe (Secretary), Master Keeper of the Nest (Treasurer) and Master Anchorman (Public Relations Officer).
b. All officers shall be elected by the Nest in accordance with local bylaws and policies.
c. An officer shall be eligible for reelection or reappointment.
d. Nest officers shall be installed in accordance with the Sierra Falconès Constitution and Bylaws.
e. Only resident members shall vote and hold office in a local (Nest) position.
ARTICLE TEN
Program, Projects and Advocacy
SECTION 1: It shall be mandatory for a Cast or Nest to establish separate implementation of program and advocacy in accordance with the primary purpose of Sierra Falconès.
SECTION 2: Every Program or project shall be headed by Program Directors and a Committee Chairperson.
ARTICLE ELEVEN
Chartering and Absorbing other Organization/s
SECTION 1: Chartering and absorbing of another organization with the same advocacy as Sierra Falconès may be done by a Cast or Nest subject to applicable policies and guidelines.
SECTION 2: A member of a chartered and absorbed organization shall have the same privilege and status of members subject to the requirement of mass acceptance and oath-taking as members.
SECTION 3: The chartered and absorbed organization shall bear the name of Sierra Falconès and its former name may become part of the Nest.
ARTICLE TWELVE
Partnership with other organization/s
SECTION 1: Partnership with other organization/s with the same advocacy as Sierra Falconès may be entered into by a Nest or Cast subject to applicable policies and guidelines.
SECTION 2: Partner organization/s shall have the status of sister organization provided there is a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for this purpose and period.
SECTION 3: Partner organizations are separate entities from Sierra Falconès and govern by their own policies. Any violation of the MOA will be subject to cessation and nullity of the agreement subject to applicable laws of the Republic of the Philippines or place thereto.
ARTICLE THIRTEEN
Suspension, Expulsion and Resignation
SECTION 1: Any member found responsible of conduct unbecoming of Sierra Falconès shall be deprived of membership and required to surrender the ID and certificate issued to him/her. Written notification shall be sent to the individual in question and the National Executive Office.
SECTION 2: A three-fourths (3/4) vote of the active members of the local Nest is required to deprive an individual of membership and shall be subject to review by the National Executive Committee before effectivity is made final.
SECTION 3: Expulsion and suspension of members must be in accordance with the Cast and
Nest Policies subject to existing laws and gravity of offense.
SECTION 4: Resignation or voluntary cessation of members shall also be allowed upon approval of Nest officers. Such resignation may be subject to review by the National Executive Committee.
SECTION 5: Resigned and Expelled members’ names shall be stricken out from the Roster of Members.
ARTICLE FOURTEEN
National Executive Committee
SECTION 1: The National Executive Committee shall be empowered to pass, repeal, or modify bylaws relating to the mode of procedure of commencement of member, installation, extension, general policy and all other matters of a similar character not expressly provided for in this Constitution. These restrictions shall not be construed as limiting in any way the action of the National Executive Committee in emergency cases.
ARTICLE FIFTEEN
Amendments
SECTION 1: Any amendment to this Constitution shall require an affirmative vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the combined votes of the Executive Committee and of the active Cast or Nest secured by mail vote within two months after its submission.
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Bylaws
ARTICLE ONE
Meetings
SECTION 1: The Board of Directors and the Executive Officers shall have a joint meeting at least once a year. To constitute an official meeting, two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Executive Committee must be in attendance. All of the organization’s members are eligible to attend the annual meeting.
SECTION 2: The Executive Committee and Officers of a Cast and Nest may meet more often to conduct business of the organization.
ARTICLE TWO
List of Officers and Their Duties
SECTION 1: Composition and Function
a. The Executive Officers shall consist of Grand Falcon National (General Secretary), the Chairman of the Board, the Program Directors other and other officers in Cast and Nest level as deemed necessary to fulfill the mission of Sierra Falconès.
b. b. Grand Falcon Nacional shall serve as the General Secretary as deemed necessary to fulfil the mission of Sierra Falconès.
c. Grand Falcon Regional who shall serve as the Regional Secretary as deemed necessary to fulfill the mission of Sierra Falconès.
d. d. Other Officers of respective Nest as provided in section 4-5 of Article Nine of the Constitution.
SECTION 2: Vacancy in Office
If a vacancy in an office should occur, the Chairman of the executive committee shall nominate a replacement with concurrence of committee members. In case of a local Nest the incumbent officers shall nominate a replacement. A simple majority is all that is needed to confirm the nomination.
ARTICLE THREE
Finances
SECTION 1. Commencement and Fees
a. There shall be a one-time Commencement fee of 200 pesos to cover the cost of official ID, pin and certificate. This fee should be sent with the form provided by the Executive Office at least four (4) weeks before the date of acceptance and oath as official member. Honorary members may be asked for a commencement fee of minimal amount.
b. Each local Nest shall have its own funding and can decide whether to have local dues and how much these will be.
ARTICLE FOUR
Conduct of Meetings
SECTION 1: The time, place and manner of calling and conducting regular or special meeting of the Board of Trustees, Executive officers of respective Cast and Nest.
a.) Regular meetings of the Board of Trustees, and Officers of Cast and Nest shall be held monthly.
b.) Special meetings shall be held at any time upon the call of the of the chairman of the board in national level or Grand Falcons of respective Cast and Nest.
c) Meetings of trustees and officers of respective Cast and Nest may be held anywhere in or outside of the Philippines.
SECTION 2: The time and manner of calling and conducting regular or special meeting of members.
a. Regular or annual meetings of members shall be held annually on January 1
b. Written notice of regular meetings shall be sent to all members of record at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting, unless a different period is required.
c. Special meetings of members shall be held at any time deemed necessary or as provided in the by-laws.
d. Notice of special meetings shall be sent to all members at least one week prior to the meeting unless a different period is required by the by-laws.
e. Members' meetings, whether regular or special, be held in the city or municipality where the principal office in national and respective officers in local level is located.
SECTION 3: The required quorum in meeting of members.
a. The required quorum in meetings of members shall consist of the member/s representing a majority of the entire membership.
ARTICLE FIVE
Amendments
SECTION 1:
Any amendment to these Bylaws shall require an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the combined votes of the Executive Officers which shall be secured by mail vote within two months after its submission.
