Fusion's purpose is outlined in the preamble to our constitution:

Preamble: Preamble- Fusion is a sovereign organization committed to providing support, service, education, safe space, and political strength to the community of the Ohio State University as well as the community of Columbus at large. Our community will heretofore include gay men and women, lesbians, bisexuals, people who identify as transgender, transsexual, intersex, questioning, queer, people living with HIV/AIDS, and our heterosexual allies.  We strive to combat the forces of homophobia, sexism, and racism in society as well as our own communities.  Through education, political expression, and dialogue with leaders in the university and local, state, and federal governments, we attempt to shatter the myths and stereotypes associated with our community.  We denounce violence perpetrated against our community and any mechanism or organization that condones such acts.  Finally, we support only nonviolent forms of promoting change in our society.

The organization's Constitution and Bylaws follow: 

Constitution

Article I - Name, Purpose, and Non-Discrimination Policy of Fusion

Section 1 – Name: Fusion (Formally known as, The Bisexual Gay and Lesbian Alliance, The Gay and Lesbian Alliance, The Gay Alliance, and The Gay Activists Alliance.)

Section 2 – Purpose: To provide and facilitate a “safe space” for our community. Our “safe space” is used to uphold the four pillars of Fusion which are education, outreach, social outlet, and advocacy.

Section 3 – Non-discrimination policy: This organization and its members shall not discriminate against any individual(s) for the reasons of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity sex, age, physical ability, physical appearance, gender identity, political affiliation, HIV/AIDS status, or Vietnam-era veteran status.

Article II – Membership

Section 1 – Membership: Full membership in Fusion is limited to students at OSU who show general interest in and support the causes of our community.  Full members must have attended at least one meeting during each quarter (Autumn Winter, and Spring), with the exclusion of the first meeting of the school year in which all OSU students in attendance are considered members. Honorary membership is extended to OSU faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as non-OSU students, and the community at large.

Section 2 - Responsibility of the membership: When acting as a voice for Fusion members should follow the purpose, guidelines and bylaws in the constitution, in addition to the official position of Fusion.  This is the self-regulated duty of every member. If an issue which divides the membership arises, the membership will meet as a whole body to declare an official position.  The membership may also choose to not take a position on the issue.  Any member whose opinion differs from the position of Fusion may promote his/her position publicly as an individual.

Section 3 – Expulsion/Suspension of a member: Full and honorary members can be expelled or suspended from the group by a majority vote of the officers.  Before expulsion procedures can take place, at least two officers must have spoken with the member and given him/her a warning that his/her actions are contrary to and disruptive to the group.  If after the warning the member has not curbed his/her actions, at least two officers must concur, in writing, that the member be expelled or suspended from the group.  After this has taken place there is to be a closed meeting of the officers (the member in question is encouraged, but not required to be present). At this meeting, a vote will take place to determine whether the member can continue in the group, and if applicable the length of suspension.

Article III – Organization Leadership

Section 1 - Offices and Responsibilities:

Male and Female Representative Co-Chairs:

• Chair and conduct meetings of the main body and officers

• Represent the organization to the university

• Oversee spending of finances

• Ensure that officers and committee heads are fulfilling their job descriptions

• Ensure that the organization is abiding by rules and regulations of the university and of this Constitution.

• Nominate or appoint persons to chair permanent and ad hoc committees, and inform the rest of the executive committee of said appointments.

• Ensure that Office of Student Activities (OSA) forms and paperwork are completed and submitted by their specified deadlines.

• Add and subtract people from the key list for entrance into the office as needs or circumstances change, and inform the executive committee of said changes

• Has the ability to make executive decisions in the event that an immediate decision is necessary, and no other executives can be reached.  This power excludes all matters that require a vote of the general body or executive committee, such as amendments and dissolution of the organization, etc.

• Shall successfully complete his/her term of office except in case of written and voluntary resignation, impeachment, or sanctions by the Office of Student Activities.

• Shall not be the primary leader of any other student organization or be involved in any organizations that are contrary to the purposes of Fusion as stated in the Purpose and non discrimination policy as interpreted by the executive committee.

Secretary:

• Is responsible for recording agenda/minutes from both the executive committee meetings and general body meetings, in addition to sending e-mail to appropriate persons on the executive committee list serve.

• Serves as chair of the tech committee, or appoints a chair.

• Is responsible for creating and maintaining a membership list as dictated by the Fusion role and e-mail list.

• Maintains the production of the Fusion newsletter and or weekly e-mail

Treasurer:

• Has the responsibility of overseeing all organizational finances and expenditures

• Maintains the bookkeeping in such a manner that he/she will not be personally jeopardized by the mishandling of any other individual.

• Must be in agreement with all procedures of student activities at the university

• Chairs all fundraising committees, or appoints a chair to said committee

• Is jointly responsible for, along with the primary leader, the management of a checking account for organizational funds.

• Must give quarterly reports to the executive committee concerning the state of the finances.

• Responsible for year end audit as well as any other reports

Outreach Chair:

• Has the responsibility of promoting Fusion membership to potential and non-Fusion members.

•  Has the responsibility of promoting Fusion events to potential and non-Fusion members.

• Chairs the outreach committee

• Must maintain contacts with student governments, the Multicultural Center, the GLBT Alumni Association, and other allied and potentially-allied student groups.

• Develops Fusion programming that will enhance the cultural diversity and education of the group, subject to the approval of the executive board.

• Is responsible for creating and/or maintaining a list of cultural diversity contacts

Article IV - Responsibilities of the executive committee (As a body)

Section 1 - The executive committee is made up of the two co-chairs, secretary, and treasurer, and the outreach chair only.

Section 2 - Representation: The members of the Fusion executive committee shall at all times act in accordance with this organizations purpose, non-discrimination policy and constitution.

Section 3 - Voting: All votes taken by the executive committee may be closed sessions.  A vote of at least three to one is required for a motion to pass the committee.  If the vote is deadlocked, the heads of all permanent and ad-hoc committees will get a vote at the next executive meeting by being present or giving their vote in writing to the advisor.  If said vote is still deadlocked, it is taken to the general body for a debate and vote.

Section 4 – Leadership Development: During the course of the first quarter of an executive officer's term a leadership development session will be completed in conjunction with GLBTSS.

Section 5 - Primary Leadership: Although this organization operates under a two-leader system, for university and communication purposes, it is necessary to list a primary leader.  This person shall be chosen from the two elected co-chairs amongst themselves.  If there is dispute in this matter the leader that has the most seniority in the organization will receive the position.  The advisor will resolve any further dispute.  This is a figure head position only.  The only distinctions being ability to sign checking and being listed with OSU as the primary leader/contact. The primary leader is required to share any and all correspondence with the other co-chair, executive committee, and/or group when applicable.

Section 6 - Attendance: All executive committee members are expected and required to attend all executive meetings and main group meetings whenever possible prior notice should be given to the executive committee. No committee member shall miss more than two meetings of either body per quarter for any reason other than another's death, family or personal illness, or academic examination.  It is not acceptable for an executive committee member to schedule a class during a regularly scheduled group or executive committee meeting time.

Section 7 - Terms: All executive committee members are elected for a full academic year, and may include functions the summer before their term begins.  All members shall complete their term except in case of voluntary resignation, failure to meet position requirements, impeachment, or sanctions by the Office of Student Activities.

Section 8 - Appointments: If at least one co-chair remains, said co-chair shall nominate a candidate for the open position for unanimous approval by the remainder of the executive committee. If a candidate is approved by the executive committee, they are then presented to the main group for a majority vote to accept or decline the nominee.  If the executive committee declines the co-chair's nomination, the co-chair can continue choosing candidates until they pass the executive committee, or may take a failed nominee to be voted on by the main group. If both co-chair positions are vacant, the secretary becomes acting co-chair and may appoint another acting co-chair and secretary until elections for new co-chairs can be held.  Said elections are to take place no later than three weeks after the date of resignation or impeachment.  At no time; however, may the group go forward without at least one co-chair or plans to elect a new chair. The previous process is to be taken all the way down the line with acting co-chair responsibilities falling to the treasurer and then outreach chair next in line.  In the event that no remains in the line of succession or no one wishes to take on the responsibility, the Advisor shall take the problem to the main body for a resolution.

Section 9 – Financial Responsibility: No executive committee member may sign for or commit Fusion money without the approval of the executive committee.

Article V - Standing committees

Section 1 - All standing committees are required components of the organization and must function as separate entities giving quarterly reports to the executive committee, or their responsibilities be handled by the executive themselves.

• Technology committee: The technology committee is chaired or overseen by the secretary.  The committee is made up of volunteers from Fusion membership.  The committee's primary responsibility is to update and maintain the Fusion web site, oversee list-servs, and any other projects involving the world wide web and email.

• Outreach Committee: This committee is to be chaired by the outreach chair. Other members are on a volunteer basis from Fusion’s main body.  The Outreach Committees should meet at least once a month.  This group's main purpose is to make develop programming and networks with campus, collegiate, and community groups in order to enhance the image and diversity of Fusion.  Members are encouraged to represent Fusion at the events of other groups, to collect resources, and to develop programming to improve Fusion.

• Fundraising committee: These committees are to be chaired

by the treasurer or a chair appointed by the treasurer. Other members are on a volunteer basis from Fusion’s main body.  Fundraising committees should meet at least once a month.  This group's main purpose is to make every attempt to keep Fusion financially stable, and should always keep in mind the goal of having a significant carry over fund for the Fusion general body in the next year.  Excluding CSA funds which should be used that academic year.

Section 2 - At no time may a standing committee member sign for or commit Fusion money without the approval of the executive committee.

Article VI - Ad-Hoc committees

Section 1 - Ad hoc committees are created for the purposes of putting together large events or projects.

Section 2 - All ad-hoc committees are required to file a document of purpose and identify leadership and responsibilities with the executive committee.  The committee is also expected to make quarterly reports to the officers.  A written report should also be written to the officers when the committee dissolves.

Section 3 - At no time may an ad-hoc committee member sign for or commit Fusion money without the approval of the executive committee.

Article VII - Advisor

Section 1 - The selection of an advisor, chosen by the executive committee (in accordance with Article IV, Section 3) is to take place at the end of one, or the beginning of, the next academic year (by the incoming committee.)

Section 2- Expectations of the Advisor

• To act as a referral to other GLBTIAQ organizations and people.

• To meet with the co-chairs on a minimal bi-weekly basis.

• To inform the co-chairs and/or executive committee if they feel the group is heading in a direction contrary to its purpose.

• To assist in connecting the organization with University officials, offices, organizations, and the community at large.

Section 3 - At no time may an advisor sign for or commit Fusion money without the approval of the executive committee.

Article VIII - Organizational meetings

Fusion will meet (in any form or format) at least once a week during fall, winter, and spring quarters with the possible exception of finals week.

Article IX - Methods of Amending The Constitution

Section 1 - Amendments: Any executive committee member may submit amendments.  A vote of the executive committee will take place at the next meeting and must be unanimous for the amendment to go forward. If the amendment goes forward, the details are to be debated, and proper language determined for presentation to the main body.  A full member of Fusion may also present amendments.  Said amendments must be in writing and contain the signatures of thirty full Fusion members (double quorum).  The amendment is then presented to the executive committee; the executive committee is then required to follow the process laid out in Article IX section 2.

Section 2 - The executive committee will present the amendment to the main body (via written documentation and available on the organization web site), and a vote will be taken on said proposal at the next appropriate meeting (Not to accede three meetings). A general announcement of the voting date must be made to the main group list at least one week prior to voting.  A vote of at least three fourths of the voting membership present (at least a quorum) is required to pass the said amendment.

Article X - Methods of Dissolution of Organization

            The executive committee has the authority to begin the disbanding of Fusion.  Said motion must first pass the executive committee unanimously.  If said vote is successful, the main group must also pass the motion by a three-fourths vote.  If the group decides to dissolve, the executive committee is responsible to take care of all debts encored by the group through the solicitation of donations and/or fundraising activities.

By-Laws

Article I -  Parliamentary Procedure:

Each executive committee has the disclosure to set its own rules of procedure, with the exclusion of the procedures listed in this document.  It is; however, recommended that Robert's Rules of Order govern the organization in all cases in which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with the constitution and by laws of this organization.  In addition Robert's Rules of Order may be initiated by the executive committee at any time by the vote of two committee members by and in the main body by a majority vote.

Article II - Membership:

See Article II of the Constitution.

Article III - Elections:

Elections of the executive officers will take place no later than the fifth week of each spring quarter for the following school year.  Nominations/declarations will be open no later than three weeks prior to the election, and close one week before the election date.  Only full members of the organization may make nominations/declarations. Only full members may be nominated for elected positionsEach candidate has the right to make a statement to the main group at the same meeting where elections are taking place.  Each nominee also has the right to make one written statement via the main group list-serv before said election.  This statement should be sent between the time of nomination and the election day.  The student who receives the most votes shall fill the position in question.  A quorum is necessary for a vote to take place.  The voting shall take place by secret ballot and counted by the advisor (or non-partial third party chosen by the advisor), and witnessed by current officers not running for re-election.  Votes may be given in absentia to the advisor (or determined third party) in writing, in person, and containing a valid signature.  All absentia votes must be in by the close of the business day on the day of the election.

Article IV - Impeachment & Removal:

Section 1 - Initiative: In case of impeachment, charges must be in writing and signed by at least two officers of the group.  If at least two officers find that the problem cannot be solved among the officers, then the two officers have the option of implementing impeachment procedures and bringing the problem to the attention of the group.  In addition a full member can initiate impeachment procedures against any or all officers.  Said member must have a petition containing a thirty full members' signatures (double quorum), and said grievance against officers.  No expulsion or suspension proceedings can be brought against any member during removal proceedings of an officer.  Both contingencies should be a last resort only after all channels of communication and conflict resolution have been completed and determined to be futile.

Section 2 - Trial and removal: The charges will be read in a general meeting and not voted on until the next meeting.  A quorum of members must be present to vote, and the majority vote is the deciding indicator of outcome.  If the vote is in favor of removal, the decision is effective immediately and Article V carried out.

Article VI - Meeting Requirements

Section 1 - A quorum as defined by this organization is 15 members present.  A quorum is required for all meetings requiring official voting.

Section 2 - Group Conduct: Before every group discussion, a list of guidelines to preserve Fusion’s safe space should be presented to the group. During this presentation, there should be interaction between the group and the facilitator to determine whether this list of guidelines is sufficient and meet the group's changing needs. (A sample list of suggested guidelines is included with this document.)

Article VII - Method of Amending By-Laws:

Any executive committee member may submit amendments to the by-laws.  A vote of the executive committee will take place at the next executive committee meeting, and must be unanimous for the amendment to go forward. If the amendment goes forward, the details are to be debated and proper language determined for presentation to the main body.  A full member of Fusion may also present amendments.  Said amendments must be in writing and contain the signatures of 30 of the full members’ signatures (double quorum).  The amendment is then presented to the executive committee; the executive committee is then required to follow the process laid out in Article IX section 2 with the exception that only a majority vote of full members is required to amend the by-laws.

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Fusion’s Safe Space Guidelines

Developed by the Fusion Constitutional Committee 23 May 2001.

• CONFIDENTIALITY – What is said in the room stays in the room.

• BE OPEN TO CHANGING YOUR MIND

• RESPECT OTHERS

• BE MINDFUL OF YOUR OWN FEELINGS

• LISTEN, THINK, THEN SPEAK

• PARTICIPATE, DON’T DOMINATE

• BE MINDFUL OF JUDGEMENTS

• BE MINDFUL OF OTHERS’ FEELINGS

This list was created as a set of guidelines for all Fusion meetings and events in order to maintain Fusion’s pillar of being a ‘safe space’ for all. They should be reviewed often to ensure that they are understood and are meeting the needs of Fusion members.