Constitution of Faith and Service in Action

Article I: Name

The name of this organization shall be Faith and Service in Action, hereinafter referred to as "FSA."

Article II: Purpose

The purpose of FSA is to provide University of Michigan students with opportunities to engage in meaningful service while exploring and deepening their faith. We seek to build a community grounded in the values of compassion, solidarity, and spiritual growth.

Article III: Mission Statement

Faith and Service in Action is a student organization dedicated to integrating faith and service through partnerships with community organizations, particularly the Capuchin Ministries. We strive to:

Serve: Engage in regular volunteer service to address community needs, focusing on food insecurity, poverty, and social justice.
Reflect: Create spaces for prayer, contemplation, and spiritual formation that allow members to connect their faith with their service.
Learn: Host guest speakers, discussions, and educational programs that deepen our understanding of Catholic social teaching, Franciscan spirituality, and interfaith dialogue.
Build Community: Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where students of all faith backgrounds can explore questions of meaning, purpose, and service.
Raise Awareness: Organize fundraisers and advocacy efforts to support the mission of our partner organizations and address systemic issues of injustice.

Article IV: Membership

Section I: Active Membership

Active membership in FSA is open to all University of Michigan students who:

Attend at least 50% of general meetings per semester
Participate in at least one service event per semester
Contribute to the community through engagement in prayer, reflection, fundraising, or organizational activities
Support the mission and values of FSA

Section II: How to Join

Students interested in joining FSA may:

Attend a general meeting
Contact the Executive Committee via email
Participate in any FSA event or activity

No formal application or dues are required for membership.

Section III: Non-Discrimination

FSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, marital status, religion, or veteran status in its membership, programs, or activities.

Article V: Officers and Executive Committee

Section I: Executive Committee Structure

The Executive Committee shall consist of:

President: Oversees all operations, serves as primary liaison with University and partner organizations, chairs meetings, and ensures alignment with FSA's mission.
Vice President: Assists the President, coordinates service events and logistics, manages volunteer scheduling, and assumes Presidential duties when needed.
Secretary-Treasurer: Records meeting minutes, maintains membership records, manages finances and fundraising, and handles correspondence and communications.

Section II: Elections

Officers shall be elected annually at the end of the winter semester
Elections shall be conducted by secret ballot among active members
A simple majority is required to win
Officers serve a one-year term beginning at the start of the fall semester
Officers may run for re-election

Section III: Duties and Responsibilities

President Responsibilities:

Coordinate with partner organizations, especially Capuchin Ministries
Represent FSA at University events and Voluntary Service Organization (VSO) meetings
Develop long-term strategic vision for the organization
Ensure adherence to University policies and regulations

Vice President Responsibilities:

Plan and execute service events and volunteer trips
Coordinate transportation and logistics for events
Recruit and train new volunteers
Maintain relationships with community partners

Secretary-Treasurer Responsibilities:

Keep accurate records of meetings, attendance, and membership
Manage the FSA budget and financial records
Organize fundraising campaigns
Handle email communications and social media accounts

Section IV: Removal from Office

An officer may be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of active members for:

Failure to fulfill duties
Violation of University policies
Actions contrary to the mission of FSA

Article VI: Meetings

Section I: General Meetings

General meetings shall be held at least once per month during fall and winter semesters. All members are encouraged to attend.

Section II: Executive Meetings

The Executive Committee shall meet at least twice per month to plan events, review finances, and address organizational matters.

Section III: Quorum

A quorum for general meetings shall consist of at least five active members. A quorum for Executive Committee meetings shall consist of at least two officers.

Article VII: Finances

Section I: Funding Sources

FSA may receive funding from:

University of Michigan Student Organization funding
Fundraising events and campaigns
Donations from members and supporters
Grants from faith-based or service organizations

Section II: Financial Management

The Secretary-Treasurer shall maintain accurate financial records
Expenditures over $100 require approval from the Executive Committee
An annual budget shall be prepared at the beginning of each academic year
Financial records shall be available for review by active members upon request

Article VIII: Advisors

FSA may invite faculty, staff, or community members to serve as advisors. Advisors provide guidance and support but do not have voting rights.

Article IX: Amendments

This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of active members present at a general meeting, provided:

The proposed amendment is presented in writing at a previous general meeting
At least one week's notice is given to all active members
A quorum is present at the voting meeting

Article X: Ratification

This Constitution shall take effect upon approval by a two-thirds vote of founding members and recognition by the University of Michigan.

Adopted: September 15th, 2025
Last Amended: September 15th, 2025

Constitution