Preamble

The Castro Colonies Heritage Association was chartered August 28, 1975, with Rodney Noonan as the first president. The first meeting was held at Landmark Inn in Castroville on September 21, 1975. The organization was formed by people interested in the history, architecture and culture of Medina County, Texas, with special emphasis on the Castro Colonies.

Article I: Name
The name of this organization shall be Castro Colonies Heritage Association (CCHA).

Article II: Purpose
The purpose of CCHA is to bring together people interested in the culture and history of the Castro Colonies of Castroville, Quihi, Vandenburg and D'Hanis, established in Medina County, Texas from 1844 through 1847, and to promote this heritage.

Article III: Membership
Membership is extended to all persons interested in the history, architecture and culture of Medina County, Texas, with special emphasis on the Castro Colonies. Individuals shall not be excluded based on age, race, gender, disability, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation.

Article IV: Board of Directors
Day-to-day business is vested in the Board of Directors.

Article V: Constitution Amendments
The Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of members present at a quarterly meeting, provided proposed amendments were read at the previous meeting.

BYLAWS

Article I: Organization
CCHA is recognized by the IRS as an organization and is subject to applicable federal and Texas laws. Members may be Charter, Regular, Life, Honorary, or Associate. Officers are President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, with the Immediate Past President serving ex officio.

Article II: Elections and Appointments
Nominations may be made by a Nominating Committee or from the floor. Elections are held at the fall quarterly meeting in odd-numbered years.

Article III: Duties of Officers
The officers are active members of CCHA, serve on the Board of Directors, and follow the guidelines for their offices.
Article IV: Board Meetings and QuorumThe Board meets the month before the quarterly meeting or at the call of the President and reports at quarterly membership meetings.

Article V: Membership Meetings
Meetings and QuorumMeetings are held quarterly unless otherwise designated by the Board. Special meetings may be called by the President.

Article VI: Dues
Annual dues are set each year by the Board in preparation of the budget.

Article VII: Committees
Committee chairs are appointed by the President and serve for a two-year term or until a successor is appointed.

Article VIII: Fundraising
Income is derived from dues, donations, contributions, and projects that finance and further the aims of the association.

Article IX: Finance
The fiscal year begins January 1 and ends December 31. CCHA is strictly not for profit, and income is used for its stated purposes. The association operates exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Article X: Parliamentary Authority 
Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised governs matters not otherwise provided in these bylaws.

Article XI: Bylaw Amendments
The Bylaws should be reviewed at least every five years and may be amended by a two-thirds vote at a regular meeting, subject to the stated reading requirement.

Article XII: Association
Authority The Association shall have the powers and responsibilities provided by the Texas Business Organizations Code while maintaining its Section 501(c)(3) status. STANDING RULES Standing rules cover membership classes, officer duties, quarterly and virtual meetings, committees, fundraising, the Living History Center, Alsatian Dancers, nominations, audits, and amendments.

The revisions were adopted by the Castro Colonies Heritage Association at the Braden Keller Center in Castroville on December 5, 2022. Joe Fohn, President. Attest: Dianne Keeton, Secretary.