The Coastal Bend Mothers of Multiples was organized in 1972 to offer a source of information and moral support to mothers of multiples through appropriate literature, speakers, and interchange of experiences; to promote a realistic social concept of multiples; and to participate in research. The club is affiliated with the National Organization of Mothers of Twins, Inc., and Texas Mothers of Multiples.

Socials

At various times during the year, the club hosts gatherings where members can meet with each other’s families and develop closer friendships. The parties are decided upon by popular vote. The list includes Breakfast with Santa, Easter Egg Hunt, Family Picnics, Mom-Tot activity days, and activities for adults only – such as a Mom’s Night Out.

Newsletter

The monthly club newsletter will have all the information regarding meetings, functions, reports and other interesting articles and websites. The Texas Mothers of Multiples distributes a newsletter four times a year and the State Representative will have these available at meetings. The National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc. prints a quarterly newspaper and mails them to each paid members’ home address.

Convention

Each April a Texas Mothers of Multiples convention is held in a Texas city. A volunteer club hosts the convention, and approximately 300 moms go to elect new state officers and meet new friends. Anyone may go. Each club sends delegates to vote in the business meeting. Workshops and speakers on the specific topic of multiples is a big attraction. There are also skits, prepared meals, special “twin” and “triplet” items to buy, contests between club committee entries, entertainment, and “free” time to go shopping. A weekend away - not to relax, but to build memories and friendships. Ask any mom who has gone and they will highly recommend the trip.

Bylaws of the Coastal Bend Mothers of Multiples
Formulated 1973
Revised 1975, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1992

Article I. Character

Section 1. Name: The name of this organization shall be the Coastal Bend Mothers of Multiples.

Section 2. History: The Coastal Bend mothers of Twins Club was formed in September 1972 in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas. The name was changed to Coastal Bend Mothers of Multiples in May 1990.

Section 3. Affiliation: The Coastal Bend Mothers of Multiples is affiliated with Texas Mothers of Multiples and National Organization of Mothers of Twins, Inc.

Section 4. Purpose: The purpose of the club is to provide a source of help, information, and moral support to mothers of multiples through appropriate literature, speakers, and interchange of experiences: to promote a realistic social concept of multiples; and to participate in research.

Section 5. Policy:
A. This organization is to be non-profit, non-political, and non-discriminatory of race, color, or creed.
B. Dissolution, if necessary, of the Coastal Bend Mothers of Multiples shall be by 2/3 votes. Written notice of intent shall be sent to all members, and State and National Clubs prior to the vote call. In the event of dissolution, any funds and assets remaining in its possession shall be equally distributed between the State and National Organizations.

Article II. Membership

Section 1. Membership:
A. The membership shall consist of mothers and legal guardians of multiples who have paid their annual dues and who participate ACTIVELY in the club’s projects. Each active member has voting privileges and is encouraged to participate in projects and activities.
B. Any expectant mother wanting to join the CBMOM are not required to pay membership dues until after delivery.

Article III. Dues

Section 1. Dues:
A. Annual dues for active members shall be $30.00, due at the August function.
B. Member’s delinquent in dues after the regular September meeting shall not have their names included in the roster.
C. Expectant mother’s wishing to join will not be required to pay membership dues until after delivery.
D. First-time prospective members interested in joining CBMOM after Jan. 1 will be asked to pay half the price of annual dues.
E. Members wishing only to receive newsletters and not be actively involved in the club shall pay $35.00.

Article IV. Officers

Section 1. Officers: The officers shall consist of the President, 1st Vice President/State and National Representative, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Newsletter Editor.

Section 2. Term: Officers shall be elected at the regular April meeting and installed at the regular May meeting each year. They can serve only 2 consecutive terms, unless there are no other candidates.

Section 3. Election of Officers:
A. Any member wishing to hold an office shall voice an interest to the current board between the January and March meetings.
B. The Nominating Committee shall consist of out-going elected officers.
C. Prior to the regular April meeting, the Nominating Committee shall meet to select a slate to present to the membership at the April meeting. Further nominations from the floor, with prior consent of the nominee, will be accepted. If no additional names are added to the slate, voting may be by verbal consent. If two or more names are submitted for an office, voting shall be by written ballot. To be elected, a candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast.
D. There must be a quorum present to hold an election (see Article 8, Section 3)

Section 4. Vacancies: Replacements to fill vacancies shall be appointed from active membership by the Executive Board.

Section 5. Duties:
A. The President shall preside at all meetings of the club and of the Executive Board; shall call special meetings of the club and of the Board when advisable, or when required of the bylaws; and shall be exofficio member of all committees. At the May meeting, she shall present a report of the activities of the club during the past year.
B. The 1st Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in the absence of the President, and shall serve as the State and National Representative. As State and National Representative they shall act as liaison with the National Organization and the State Organization and carry out the functions as listed in the National Procedure Manual and the Texas Mothers of Multiples State Procedure Manual, respectively.
C. The 2nd Vice-President shall be responsible for Advertising and shall fulfill any duties that cannot be fulfilled by any board member at any given time.
D. The Recording/Corresponding Secretary shall keep and record the minutes of the club and of the Executive Board, and shall be the custodian of all documents of the club, except those specifically assigned to others. F. The Newsletter Editor shall be responsible for the publication and distribution of the monthly newsletter.

Article V. Executive Board

Section 1. Executive Board: The Executive Board shall consist of the officers, the immediate past President, and the Chairmen of all standing committees.

Section 2. Duties:
A. The Executive Board shall conduct the affairs of the club in accordance with the bylaws. It shall present to the membership for its approval proposed policies and activities.
B. The Executive Board shall have power to declare a chair vacant if upon investigation it determines the chairmanship is not being fulfilled. This would require a 2/3 vote.
C. The Executive Board shall approve the budget and approve all expenditures not included in the budget.

Section 3. Meetings: The Executive Board shall meet regularly, prior to the general meetings, at a time specified by the President, with planning meetings held between May and August, upon recommendation of the Board.

Article VI. Committees

Section 1. Standing Committees: The Standing Committees shall include:
A. Ways & Means: Shall plan and coordinate the club’s fund raising projects which have been approved by the Executive Board. This committee will be co-chaired by the 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents.
B. Publicity/Newsletter: Shall be responsible for the Newsletter and whatever publicity is deemed necessary for the function of the club, including monthly notification of the news media. The chairman of this committee shall be the Newsletter Editor.
C. Social Committee: Shall plan and coordinate the club’s social functions. The chairman of this committee shall be the Social Chair.
D. Telephone: Shall be available to contact members of the club by phone monthly, prior to the meetings and on other occasions when necessary. The chairman of this committee shall be the Social Chair.
E. Library: Shall be responsible for the operation of the club’s library and requisition of materials pertinent to the interest of mothers of multiples; all such materials are to be brought to each meeting and it will be her responsibility to collect fines and overdue books. The chairman of this committee shall be the Secretary.
F. Historian/Scrapbook: Shall be responsible for compiling and maintaining a yearly club scrapbook, and for keeping past scrapbooks. The chairman of this committee shall be the Secretary.
G. Prospects: Shall be responsible for contacting local hospitals for information on new birth of multiples and contact by phone, any other prospective mothers of multiples. This committee will be co-chaired by the 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents.
H. Secret Pals: Shall be responsible for organizing interested members at September & January meetings for drawing of Secret Pals and in charge of revealing of Secret Pals in December & May. The chairman of this committee shall be the President.

Article VII. Meetings

Section 1. Regular Meetings: The club shall meet on the first Tuesday of every month.

Section 2. Special Meetings: Special meeting may be called by the President, when deemed necessary, providing reason for such a meeting is stated, and business transacted is limited to that mentioned in the call.

Article VIII. Amendments and Revisions

Section 1. Amendments & Revisions: Proposed written amendments and revisions may be submitted and presented by any active members at any regular meeting, prior to being voted on the following month. Amendments and revisions to the bylaws may be made by a 2/3 majority vote of the voting membership present at any regular meeting.

Section 2. Rules of Order: The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the club in all cases to which they apply and in which they are not inconsistent with the Bylaws of the Club.

Section 3. Quorum: A quorum consists of one-third (1/3) of the active members enrolled in the club.

Article IX. Convention

Section 1. Delegates: Delegates are the voting representatives of the club at the State Convention, with the number of delegates being based on the number of membership.
A. Prospective delegates shall submit a resume prior of the February Board meeting to the President. C. The Executive Board shall consider all resumes and make the final appointment of delegates to attend Convention.

Section 2. Fees: The club money available shall determine any expenses at Convention time.

Article X. Effective

Section 1. Effective: The bylaws shall become effective when approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present.