ARTICLE I -- NAME

The name of this organization shall be Texas Outdoor Writers Association.

ARTICLE II -- PURPOSE

The primary purpose of this Association shall be to improve knowledge and skill among its members in the art of communication through the written or spoken word and through art, illustration and photography. This Association shall also strive to increase public awareness, understanding and appreciation of our outdoor heritage in the use and enjoyment of our natural resources.

To accomplish this purpose, we will support the best use and wise management of all natural resources. We will likewise strive to maintain the highest standards of professional competency and ethics in communicating to our respective readers or audiences. In all our written, oral and graphic arts communications we will strive to:

Promote the highest quality of craftsmanship in the art of communicating the outdoors.
Promote responsible ethics among both the communication and the outdoor sportsman.
Promote fellowship among members of the outdoor media.
Provide an interchange of information and techniques with the membership and with allied organizations.
Promote individualism among members without endorsing any particular stand.
Promote goodwill among all political parties without the association taking part in any political campaign in, or in behalf of, any candidate or political party in any level of government.

ARTICLE III -- MEMBERSHIP

Membership shall be open to any applicant who fulfills the criteria for membership as established in the bylaws.

ARTICLE IV -- ADMINISTRATION

Elected officers of this association shall be a president, president-elect, treasurer and members at-large of a board of directors, whose duties shall be established by the bylaws of this association.
An executive director shall be engaged by the board of directors with terms negotiated between them, with appointment and salary approved by two-thirds majority vote of the board, a quorum being present.
There shall be a board of directors, consisting of three officers, six directors elected at large, a representative of the supporting members and the immediate past president.

ARTICLE V -- FINANCES

All of the net assets of this association shall be used for the association as authorized by the board of directors and membership, to include any projects to further the cause of conservation and education.
No net assets of this association shall benefit any individual member for his personal or private interest.
In the event of this association's dissolution, all assets remaining after the obligations of the association have been satisfied shall be distributed to a worthy organization decided on by the outgoing board of directors at the time of dissolution.

ARTICLE VI -- OFFICIAL FAMILY

The elected officers of this association shall be:
a) President

b) President Elect

c) Treasurer

d) Directors

ARTICLE VII -- ELECTIONS

Election of all officers and the board of directors shall be during the annual business meeting.
Immediately following the annual business meeting of the association, the board of directors will elect a board chair, vice chair and recording secretary from among its own number. The board chair, vice chair and recording secretary shall serve at the discretion of the board. All actions by the board are subject to the approval of the membership at any regular or special meeting.

ARTICLE VIII -- TERMS OF OFFICE

The president of the association shall be elected to a one year term but may succeed himself once to serve one additional term only. Should a vacancy occur in the office prior to the next election, the president elect shall serve out the president's term until the next regular election.

ARTICLE IX -- AMENDMENTS OF CONSTITUTION

The constitution may be amended upon appropriate notice per Article XIV of the bylaws as proposed by any active member of the association. The amendment may be passed at any meeting of the membership by a two-thirds majority vote of the active membership, a quorum being present.