1.1. The name of the organization shall be “Islamic Educational Center of Seattle”, also known as “IECS”.
Article 2. Goals and Objectives
2.1(a). To provide a forum for better understanding and promoting the religion of Islam based on the Ithna Ashari Shi’a school of thought. As a result, the members accept diversity of opinion within the context of this belief and work within the framework of mutual honor and respect among each other.
2.1(b). The organization shall have an inclusive attitude, seeking and encouraging participation from all Muslims regardless of race, national origin, class, gender, school of thought, or political views.
2.1 (c). The organization recognizes the importance and value of the true Islamic heritage and sincerely attempts to the best of its understanding to apply those principles to the complexities of today’s changing world and American society while recognizing the needs of Muslims, especially the younger generation. Furthermore, the organization recognizes the importance of connecting to the broader community through education and refinement of mutual understanding.
2.1 (d). The organization shall be a non-political entity, and as such, shall not be affiliated with any country, political organization, or political party.
2.1 (e). The organization, which does not contemplate pecuniary gain or profit, incidental or otherwise, to its members, is formed exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes, and for the making of contributions to organizations that qualify as tax exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
2.1. (f). The organization shall receive, maintain, and distribute funds and other assets and administer and apply the income and principal thereof exclusively for the charitable, and educational activities of the organization, and, in furtherance thereof, take and hold by bequest, devise, gift, grant, purchase, lease or otherwise, any property, real or personal, or any interest therein, and sell, convey, or otherwise dispose of any such property and invest, reinvest, or deal with the principal or the income thereof in such manner as will best promote the purposes of the organization.
2.1(g). The organization shall have the authority to perform all acts and to engage in all activities permitted by the Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act, and Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding section of any further federal tax code.
2.1(h). No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or to other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the purpose clause hereof. No part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) of any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this document, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
2.2. The official languages of the organization shall be Farsi and English. Holding activities in other languages shall be contingent upon the approval of the members.
2.3 Amendments to Articles 1 and 2 shall only pass by 100% votes cast at the General Assembly.
Article 3. Entities of IECS
The structure of IECS consists of the following three elements:
1. General Assembly: the highest authority and decision making entity.
2. Board of Directors: operation and management entity of IECS
3. Members: the body of IECS
Article 4. The General Assembly
4.1. The General Assembly, also known as the “Assembly” shall consist of all eligible voting members of IECS
4.2. The Board of Directors shall hold an annual meeting of the General Assembly each Fall. The Board may call additional Assembly meetings at any time as needed
4.3. The Board shall notify all members of Assembly meetings two weeks in advance by email, telephone, or regular mail.
4.4. At each General Assembly meeting, the Assembly meeting Secretary is appointed by the Assembly to manage and record the minutes of Assembly session.
4.5 The Assembly meetings for subjects of Article 4.6 is official and formal by participation of minimum of 75% of all voting members. Here, if the minimum of 75% were not achieved at the first call, second call for the Assembly is formal by minimum of 60% of voting members and 90% of the board members.
4.6. The annual Assembly meeting shall be for the following purposes:
a. To hear and to verify the Annual Board of Directors Report.
b. To relieve the previous Board of Directors from their duties and to vote for the
new Board of Directors to serve for one year by secret ballot.
c. To set new Guidelines, Strategies, and Policies for the new Board and for the organization as needed for the achievement of the Goals and Objectives of IECS.
d. To make all decisions which are outside the scope or authority of the Board.
4.7. Dissolution of IECS shall require a minimum 90% majority of all eligible voting members for passage.
4.8. All decisions of general business shall require a minimum 70% majority of all votes cast for passage.
Article 5. Board of Directors
5.1 The board of directors shall manage the affairs and management of the organization. The board of directors consists of a maximum of seven members, three of whom are mandatory positions which are: the president, secretary, and treasurer. The responsibilities of these positions may be found in another document approved by the General Assembly.
5.1 (a). The Board of Directors, also known as the “Board” shall manage the general affairs of the organization which are within its scope of authority as defined in IECS document: Duties and Responsibilities of IECS Board Members.
5.1.(b). The Board shall consist of a maximum of seven positions, three of which are mandatory: President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
5.2. Board members shall be elected by the General Assembly from among its members by secret ballot for a period of one year
5.3. The President shall be a person well-informed about Islam whose behavior and attitudes reflect Islamic virtues, and who is fluent in the English language.
Article 6. Membership
6.1 The organization seeks members from all sectors of the Muslim community who agree with the objectives and goals of the institution. The members share the financial burden of the organization and at the same time, enrich, diversify, and expand the intellectual assets of the organization.
6.2 The members shall pay a minimum fee of $20 Dollars per month. Higher amounts are encouraged for those who are able to accept more financial responsibility.
6.3 New members shall retain their membership for three months before participating in any election.
6.4 Failure to pay the membership fee for two consecutive months shall result in membership cancellation. If that person wishes to renew membership he or she shall pay the membership fee for three consecutive months before he or she can participate in voting.
6.5 Each eligible voting member has one vote regardless of his or her level of participation.
6.6. No compensation shall be paid to any member for his/her services to the organization except as reimbursement for costs incurred in services rendered to assist the organization in promoting its stated Goals and Objectives.
6.7. Those members who are unable to attend a certain meeting may cast their votes either by selecting another member as their representative with a written statement (i.e. proxy) or by absentee ballots which can be faxed, mailed, hand-delivered, or emailed to the Secretary before voting commences.
Article 7. Election Procedures
7.1. Election procedure is defined in IECS document: IECS’s Election Procedures, which is ratified by the majority vote in the general assembly.
Article 8. Dissolution
8.1. The General Assembly is the sole authority for dissolution of IECS as per Article 4.8.
8.2 In the event of dissolution of the organization, the organizations assets after all debts and expenses have been paid shall be distributed to a non-profit Shi’a Islamic organization meeting the specifications of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or any future federal tax code, and as selected by the majority of the members.
IECS 