BYLAWS OF ASCOLTANDO INC.

ARTICLE I : NAME 

The name of this organization shall be Ascoltando Inc. (hereafter referred to as "Ascoltando", "the organization", "us", "we", or "our").

ARTICLE II : PURPOSE

Ascoltado inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Italian culture and providing assistance to those with hearing loss. We create and facilitate programs, activities, and events that are intended to benefit the Italian culture and help individuals who suffer from hearing loss.

MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission is to promote Italian culture by producing fundraising events that celebrate the Italian heritage through activities, food, and music. We will also provide financial assistance to those with hearing loss, who are in need of hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other hearing-related services. Our fundraising efforts will focus on activities that have a strong connection to the Italian culture, such as traditional Italian cooking classes, wine tastings, and opera performances. We also partner with other organizations to host joint fundraising events. Proceeds from these events will be used to promote Italian culture and assist those with hearing loss. We are committed to providing financial assistance to those in need of hearing-related services, as well as promoting the Italian culture. 

ARTICLE III : CHAPTERS

Ascoltando Inc. allows individuals to create chapters in different states or counties by request. The chapter must have at least six officers in order to get started, though a smaller number of officers may be approved by Luciano Marazzo. The newly established chapter will be subject to the same bylaws that are already established, and these bylaws may not be modified. All officers of the new chapter may be eligible for a salary, though volunteering is highly encouraged. Furthermore, all individuals who are interested in promoting the Italian culture and assisting those with hearing loss are welcome to join Ascoltando Inc. regardless of their chapter affiliation.

ARTICLE IV : OFFICERS:

Each Ascoltando Chapter shall be managed by a board of officers, appointed by Luciano Marazzo. The officers shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Music Officer, Italian Officer, and Hearing Loss Officer. All officers must be members of the National Ascoltando Society, and when appointed, have the same duties, authority and responsibilities to the Chapter as those of any other officers.

President: The President shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Chapter and preside at all meetings of the Board. The President shall be authorized to make decisions necessary for the operation of the Chapter and shall be the primary representative of the Chapter to all outside entities. The President shall also be responsible for developing a yearly plan for the Chapter, working with the other officers to ensure that the goals of the organization are met, and ensuring that all required paperwork is completed and submitted on time. The President shall serve as the primary spokesperson for the Chapter in all public forums, and work to ensure the Chapter is engaging in meaningful outreach activities. The President shall also ensure that all members are informed of any changes to the Chapter's policies. Finally, the President shall ensure that all financial activities are in compliance with the rules and regulations set forth by the governing board.

Vice President: The Vice President shall serve as the Chief Operating Officer of the Chapter and shall assist the President in the management of the Chapter. The Vice President shall act as the President in their absence and shall be responsible for making decisions in the interest of the Chapter. The Vice President shall be responsible for coordinating the activities of the Chapter and its members and shall oversee all operational aspects of the Chapter.

Secretary: The Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining the records of the Chapter and shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the Board. The Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining and updating the Chapter’s membership records and shall be the custodian of all documents and records of the Chapter. The Secretary shall be responsible for notifying the members of meetings and shall be responsible for the dissemination of information to members and other entities.

Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for the financial management of the Chapter, and shall be responsible for maintaining the accounts and financial records of the Chapter. The Treasurer shall be responsible for collecting and disbursing all monies due to or from the Chapter, and shall be responsible for preparing and submitting financial statements to the Board and National Office.

Music Officer: The Music Officer shall be responsible for coordinating the musical activities of the Chapter, and shall be responsible for contacting musicians, booking performances, coordinating events for musicians to perform, and writing articles promoting musicians. The Music Officer will also be responsible for coordinating with venues and other organizations to ensure that the Chapter’s musical activities run smoothly. The Music Officer will also be required to keep up to date with the latest music trends, and should have the ability to identify potential musicians and performances. The Music Officer will be expected to liaise with other departments within the Chapter to ensure that the musical activities are in line with the Chapter’s overall mission. Finally, the Music Officer will be responsible for ensuring that the Chapter’s musical activities are well-documented and reported to the Executive Committee.

Italian Officer: The Italian Officer shall be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with Italian-speaking individuals and organizations in the area. This includes finding local businesses interested in promoting Italian culture, contacting and participating in local Italian organizations or groups, expanding our Italian learning content in our website, and planning and conducting Italian cultural events. The Italian Officer shall also be responsible for creating opportunities for the public to learn the Italian language, including recruiting, training and managing language instructors, and creating and implementing language curriculum. In addition, the Italian Officer shall be responsible for coordinating and organizing all Italian-related events, activities and educational materials. The Italian Officer shall also be responsible for providing necessary support when needed, such as researching, planning and preparing materials in Italian, as well as providing translation services, if necessary.

Hearing Loss Officer: The Hearing Loss Officer shall be responsible for coordinating the hearing loss activities of the Chapter and shall be responsible for organizing and conducting educational events and other activities. The Hearing Loss Officer shall be responsible for procuring any necessary materials related to the hearing loss activities. The Hearing Loss Officer shall be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with local businesses to increase awareness and financial support for the organization. The Hearing Loss Officer shall be responsible for updating the organization’s website with educational and informative content related to hearing loss. The Hearing Loss Officer shall be responsible for attending and participating in local events and conferences related to hearing loss. The Hearing Loss Officer shall be responsible for developing new ideas and approaches to increase awareness and support for the organization. The Hearing Loss Officer shall be responsible for assessing the progress of the organization’s hearing loss objectives.

ARTICLE V: MEETINGS

Ascoltando Chapters shall hold regular meetings of the board of officers and general membership. Board of officer meetings shall be held at least once every six months, and general membership meetings shall be held at least once every year. All meetings shall be open to the public. 

ARTICLE VI: VOTING

The board of officers shall have the authority to cast votes on matters pertaining to the management and operations of Ascoltando. The board of officers shall be the only members of Ascoltando with voting power.

ARTICLE VII: BUDGET

Ascoltando shall maintain a budget for the organization. The President and Vice President shall have authority to approve expenditures from the budget. The Treasurer shall be responsible for managing the budget, and shall provide regular reports of the budget to the board of officers. ARTICLE VIII : AMENDMENTS The bylaws of Ascoltando may be amended by a vote of the board of officers. ARTICLE IX : DISSOLUTION Ascoltando may be dissolved by a vote of the board of officers. In the event of dissolution, all assets of Ascoltando shall be distributed to another non-profit organization with similar goals and objectives. ARTICLE X : RULES The board of officers may make, amend, or repeal rules governing the operations of Ascoltando as they deem necessary. ARTICLE XI : DISPUTES Any disputes regarding the management or operations of Ascoltando shall be resolved by the board of officers.

ARTICLE XII: SEVERABILITY

If any section of these bylaws is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the bylaws shall remain in effect.

ARTICLE XIII :

EFFECTIVE DATE These bylaws shall become effective immediately 

These chapter bylaws were approved by the board of officers on the ___ day of __________, ________.

President __________________

Vice President __________________

Secretary __________________

Treasurer __________________

Music Officer __________________

Italian Officer __________________

Hearing Loss Officer __________________