PRESENTERS:

SHAWN COLLINSCHRISIE STONEALICIA BEARD

Rogers County Alumni Association

How did it start?

First Alumni group began in 2007 and only lasted a few months.

Set up and ran as an elite group for people only in phase 5.

Paid for all expenses including gas with Alumni fees.

Functions only included Alumni members.

The second Alumni group began in December 2008.

Set up a designated meeting place and opened it up to anyone in phases 3-5 and graduates. Also began including other alternative courts including Anna McBride.

Created a mission statement and bi-laws for the association.

Set up a 501 (c) (3) so it would be considered a non-profit.

All money given to the program is used for events and incentives for the program.

Mission Statement

As Alumni members we want to be of support to any Drug Court client that needs guidance, without jeopardizing our own recovery. As Alumni we also want to address issues to the Courts that we feel should be modified. We want to organize activity events, and assist with transportation. We also want to educate the community about the benefits of the Rogers County Drug Court Program. We also intend on raising funds for the Drug Court Incentive Program, and to encourage during Drug Court and after graduation of Drug Court.

Bi-laws

Board Members Members of the board shall consist with out pay

and contain ten members. Chair positions shall be held at a minimum of one

year at a time. Chair position can be changed by a relapse,

sanction, or non-attendance of scheduled meetings. Chair positions are available by an alumni vote.

Alumni Members Potential members must have at least six months

clean time. Potential members must be active in a 12-step

program or have regular meetings with drug and alcohol counselor.

ALL Drug Court graduates who want to be a member must be willing to submit to random drug and alcohol testing.

Must have 90 days clean time not required for attendance only.

Committees The board may appoint standing and as many

committees as needed. Meetings

Meetings shall be held at least once per week. Special meetings may be held at any time set by

the Chair or a majority of the board. Agendas shall be provided at least five days in

advance.

Voting A) A majority (51%) of the board members constitutes a

quorum. B) In absence of a quorum no formal action shall be taken except to adjourn the meetings to a subsequent date.

Passage of a motion requires a simple majority. Conflict of Interest

Any member of the board who has a financial, personal, or official interest in, or conflict (or appearance of a conflict) with any matter pending before the board, of such nature that it prevents or may prevent that member from acting on the matter in an impartial manner, will offer to the board to voluntary excuse him/herself and will vacate his/her seat and refrain from discussion and voting on said item.

Fiscal Policies The fiscal year of the board shall be January 1st to December

31st. Fundraising

Fundraising shall be allowed by chair members or alumni members approved by the board.

Funds raised can be disbursed through the Treasurer/Chairman after approved by board and majority vote.

Alumni Funds All funds will be handled by the Treasure. The Treasure

will balance checkbook and keep all records of funds available to the board. At anytime the treasurer will also be responsible for all cash the association has on hand.

The checking account: each check has to have two signatures out of the four memebrs on the account. The board has to vote and have majority discussion before checks can be writtern.

Petty cash: the treasurer will be responsible for all petty cash on hand and all records. Petty cash disbursed must have majority vote before hand.

Any funds raised or collected will be turned over to the treasurer within 7 days of collection.

Amendments the by-laws may be amended by a two third vote of board

members present at the last meeting of the month.

Officers

The Officers of the board shall consist of Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and Activities Director.

Potential Alumni members must attend at least four consecutive meetings to vote on a chair position.

Members must be clean and sober at least one year prior to holding a chair position.

Vacant chair positions must be filled by board members.

Board members with four absences per month will be replaced .

Chairman: preside at all board meetings, appoint committee members, and perform other duties as associated with the office.

Vice Chairman: assume duties of the Chair in case of the Chair’s absence.

Secretary: responsible for the minutes of the Board, keep all approved minutes in a minute book, and send out copies of the budget and prepare financial reports as needed.

Treasurer: in charge of keeping track of the money that the Alumni raises. Is unable to withdraw any money without the Chair or Co-Chair.

Activities Director: Coordinates events and is in charge of the PR work involved.

Events

Car RacesZoo tripChristmas ParadePicnicsSoftball games and sometimes against other Drug

CourtsGarage SalesFundraisersDunk tank that includes counselors or coordinatorsHelping at the Drug Court graduationAngel Tree

Involvement in the Courts

Quarterly meetings with the Judge and Coordinator

Proposals of changes to the TeamMentor list Meeting in the jail to talk about the programs

to potential applicantsAlumni AwardCounts as a self help group meeting

Tips for others looking to start an Alumni Group

Be a service groupThe Drug Court Team should be used as a

support and not directly involved in the Group.

Create a clear structure of roles and should be held accountable

Understand that each Alumni Group is different and it’s a learning process

The End