Preamble
We, the members of The Talented Tenth Organization, establish this constitution in order to increase college graduation rates (in particular among African American males), to further advance the professional and personal development of character, and to increase a sense of Camaraderie of its members.
Article I. Name & Purpose
Section A. This Organization by means of the Augusta State University shall be named The Talented Tenth. The name of the organizations is based upon W.E.B. Dubois’s Talented Tenth Theory.
The Talented Tenth
September 1903
W.E.B. DuBois
“The Negro race, like all races, is going to be saved by its exceptional men. The problem of education, then, among Negroes must first of all deal with the Talented Tenth; it is the problem of developing the Best of this race that they may guide the Mass away from the contamination and death of the Worst, in their own and other races. Now the training of men is a difficult and intricate task. Its technique is a matter for educational experts, but its object is for the vision of seers.”
Section B. The purpose of the Talented Tenth organization at Augusta State University shall be to increase college graduation rates (in particular among African American males) to further advance the professional and personal development of character, and to increasing a sense of Camaraderie of its members.
Article II. Membership
Section A. General Membership is open and offered to all undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled at Augusta State University in good academic standing as defined in the Student Handbook. Membership is open without regard to race, sex, academic major/minor, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
Section B. Associate Membership* is open, and offered to faculty and staff of Augusta State University, students, and any students (including students who attend area colleges, who otherwise do not meet the requirements for general membership. Associate membership is granted by a vote of 2/3 of the general membership in attendance during vote, and approval by the president. Those seeking Associate Membership must sign a binding agreement that states that he or she understands the following: they may be denied for any appropriate reason, they hold limited rights within the organization, as outlined in section E of Article 2.
Section C. Founding Members of the Talented Tenth Organization will permanently hold Associative Membership after graduation, and can serve as a co-adviser(s) to the group if appointed by the president and approved by general membership through 2/3 vote. In this situation, they will work under the selected faculty adviser.
Section D. General Membership provides the following constitutional rights/requirements within the Talented Tenth Organization:
I. Right to vote on all proposals brought to the general membership body.
II. Right to petition for an amendment to the constitution.
III. Right to run and hold office.
IV. Right to initiate, first or second motions during meetings.
V. Right to speak (when recognized) in meetings.
VI. Right to bring petition for ousting and replacing elected officer(s) and adviser(s).
VII. Requirement to pay all imposed dues
Section E. Associate Members are restricted from all rights and privileges outlined in section D of Article II of this constitution. In addition to these restrictions (AM) must act as observing members when organizations business affairs are conducted.
Article III. Quorum A quorum of membership for voting purposes will be reached when 1/3 majority of the general members are present.
Article IV. Officers, Qualifications and Duties
Section A. The officers of the organization shall be the following: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Public Relations, Membership Liaison, Recruiter, and Technology Specialist
Section B. Officers must possess a minimum of 2.25 cumulative GPA during their term of office and
