Los Angeles Overdose Prevention Task Force

BYLAWS

Article I. NAME/VISION

Section 1. The Los Angeles Overdose Prevention Task Force (LAOPTF) is a group of private and public agencies, advocates, affected family members and concerned individuals working in partnership and collaboration to prevent the overdoses among at risk individuals in Los Angeles County. The LAOPTF advocates for individuals regardless of their race, color, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, national origin, familial status, gender or disability.

Article II. MISSION/GOALS

Section 1. The mission of the LAODPTF is to shape policy and advocate for the needs of people at risk for opiate drug overdoses and those affected. The goals of the LAODPTF are (1) to develop and enhance systems of overdose prevention, surveillance, and education; 2) to advocate for overdose prevention policies and funding; and (3) to increase public awareness of overdose risk.

Article III. MEMBERSHIP & VOTING

Section 1. All LAODPTF meetings and activities are open to any individual or representative of a nonprofit, private or public organization.

Section 2. Voting rights can be acquired two ways. First, during December 2006 any member of the public can sign up to be a voting member of the LAODPTF by emailing or contacting the LAODPTF coordinator at odprevention@gmail.com. Second, beginning in January 2007, any member of the public can become a voting member of the task force by attending 2 meetings during a 4 month period. At the third meeting, an individual becomes a voting member. Attendance at meetings will be documented by the LAODPTF coordinator and/or Co-Chairs. To maintain voting rights, a voting member must attend 3 meetings over 6 months. A minimum of 30% eligible voting members will be present to conduct basic business. A quorum of 50% plus one will be present when voting on vital decisions such as co-chair elections, with at least 7 days advance meeting notice. Voting privileges are limited to one vote per agency for staff and volunteers; community representatives are permitted an individual vote.

Section 3. The presence of a majority of the members (50% +1) shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the purpose of engaging in any formal decision-making.

Section 4. Whenever possible, the LAODPTF seeks to move decisions by consensus. Members will be notified by fax, mail or by e-mail 7 days prior to any action or decision requiring a vote.

Article IV. OFFICERS & ELECTIONS

Section 1. Officers of the LAODPTF shall consist of two Co-Chair persons and a Secretary. One Co-chair will be a community services employee; the other will be an individual affected by drug overdose. The Co-Chairs will serve staggered terms, with the initial terms being two years for one Co-Chair and one year for the other Co-Chair to be determined by total votes received. There is no term limit for Co-Chairs. The Co-Chairs are responsible for: facilitation of general meetings, drafting the agenda for the general membership meeting, management of LAODPTF staff, fiscal agent relations, and the overall coordination of LAODPTF business. In the absence of both Co-Chairs at the general membership meeting, other members of the LAODPTF will facilitate the meeting. The Secretary will be elected to a two-year term. There are no term limits for the position. The Secretary is responsible for recording and providing minutes of each meeting.

Section 2. For Officer elections, member agencies will be entitled to a maximum of 1 vote and individuals (not representing an agency) will be entitled to 1 vote. In the event of an early vacancy of an Officer, the general membership will appoint a temporary replacement until a new Officer can be nominated and elected.

Section 3. Minutes of general membership meetings will be prepared by the Secretary and will be distributed to members prior to the next meeting.

Article V. COMMITTEES

Section 1. The LAODPTF has three standing committees: Prevention and Education, Policy and Advocacy, and Research and Surveillance. Membership may establish additional committees or work groups, as needed, each consisting of two or more members, and delegate by that action various responsibilities. Committee members will appoint a committee chair. Committee chairs will be responsible for reporting committee activities to the general membership, notifying committee members of meeting times and dates, and keeping a record of activities (minutes or notes).

Article VI. MEETINGS

Section 1. The LAODPTF general membership will meet monthly or less frequently on such dates and at such times as may be fixed by membership. All meetings will be announced by email, fax or by mail prior to the meeting date. Meetings of other task force committees will be announced to the general membership, when applicable, by email, fax or by mail prior to meeting dates.

Article VII. FISCAL AGENT

Section 1. By vote of the membership the LAODPTF can designate a fiscal agent for purposes of receiving funding and conducting various activities and projects. A memorandum of understanding will be developed with the fiscal agent for purposes of providing detailed rights and responsibilities related to this arrangement. Management of staff and projects and supervision of project staffing will be specified by this arrangement. Employees of the fiscal agent may not be co-chair while a memorandum is active.

Article VIII. AMENDMENTS

Section 1. The LAODPTF shall have the power to recommend alterations, amendments, or the repeal of these Bylaws at any meeting at which a quorum is present (50% +1), providing that written notice of the proposed changes is given at least seven (7) days prior to such meeting. Whenever an amendment is adopted it shall be noted in the minutes and bylaws will be updated.