Preamble
The purpose of the Association is to create a community resource providing information and services, including ways to cope with the emotional and financial needs of families in Austin and surrounding areas after a catastrophic loss, such as the death of a family member. This is similar to mutual assistance social associations traditionally known as "EDIR" in Ethiopian communities.
The Association is not affiliated with any business, religious, or political organizations. The Association is registered as a non-profit organization in the State of Texas.
Article 1 – Name
The name of the Association shall be Austin Area Mutual Aid (EDIR) and will hereafter be referred to as "the EDIR or Austin EDIR." These bylaws are governed by the Texas Business Organizations Code Chapter 22.
Article 2 – Definitions
- Member: A person registered as a member who abides by these bylaws and has fulfilled the obligations of membership.
- Family: Husband, wife, dependent children, and parents living at the same residence.
- Child: Under 18 (biological, stepchild, adopted, or legal ward) or over 18 (biological, stepchild, or adopted).
- Membership Contribution: One-time contribution collected upon registration.
- Replenishment Contribution: Collected from all members to replenish funds after a payout.
- Administrative Contribution: Annual contribution collected each January.
- Designated Coordinator: Person designated to receive EDIR assistance on behalf of a member.
- Austin and Surrounding Areas: Travis, Williamson, Bastrop, Hays, Caldwell, Blanco, Burnet, Bell, Medina, Bexar, and Comal counties.
Article 3 – Purpose
- Coordinate and provide social services to support families of EDIR members during catastrophic losses.
- Maintain a community resource for information related to coping with death of a loved one.
- Coordinate collection of contributions and disbursement of EDIR Assistance.
- Facilitate communication among members and the community.
Article 4 – Limitations on Activities
The EDIR shall not interfere in any business, ethnic, political, or religious activities outside of the purposes in these bylaws. No part of the net earnings shall benefit private persons beyond reasonable service payments.
Article 5 – Membership Eligibility
- Accepts the bylaws of the EDIR.
- Pays Membership, Replenishment, and Administrative Contributions on time.
- Is present at EDIR meetings.
- Lives in Austin or its Surrounding Areas (see Article 2.9).
- Is 18 years or older. Children under 18 may be registered as dependents free of Membership and Replenishment contributions.
- Registration for membership is once and shall not be duplicated or transferred.
Article 6 – Privileges of Membership
- Elect and be elected to the Council of Members and Executive Committee.
- Be eligible to receive EDIR Assistance.
- Serve as representative for family members under 18.
- Cast proxy votes on behalf of registered family members.
Article 7 – Responsibilities of Membership
- Contribute Membership, Replenishment, and Administrative Contributions on time.
- Pay additional contributions when recommended by the Executive Committee and approved by the Council.
- Provide accurate information and notify the executive committee of any changes in contact information.
- Provide emotional support and/or financial assistance to family members of deceased members upon notification.
Article 8 – Finance
The primary revenue of the EDIR will be voluntary contributions from Members. The Council is responsible for evaluating finances and determining contribution levels needed to execute the EDIR's functions and maintain sufficient funds for fair disbursement of EDIR financial assistance.
Article 9 – Governance
General Assembly: Meets every two years on the last Sunday of January. Requires 50%+1 attendance for quorum. Elects Council Members (1 per 20–40 members, minimum 20). Amendments require 2/3 approval.
Council of Members: Elects President, Vice President, Secretary, and Executive Committee. Meets at least once per year. Sets administrative policies and benefit levels.
Executive Committee: Seven positions — Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Accountant, Internal Auditor, Public Relations Officer. Two-year term, eligible for second consecutive term. Meets quarterly.
Article 10 – Membership Continuity
- Membership is perpetual provided obligations are met.
- Members who relocate outside Austin may continue membership but cannot register additional members.
- Voluntary termination: contributions are non-refundable.
Articles 12–16 – Indemnification, Dissolution & Amendments
The EDIR indemnifies current and former Council members, officers, employees, and agents against judgments arising from their service, provided they acted in good faith. Upon dissolution, all assets are donated to 501(c)(3) organizations or distributed per a Texas court. Bylaws may be amended by the General Assembly per Article 9.