CATS Bylaws

The Virginia-registered organization is known as the Capitol Area Telugu Society (CATS).

CATS promotes Telugu culture, language and community life; supports charity, mentoring and business development; and works toward a permanent community facility.

Membership is open to supporters of CATS activities. Life membership covers the member, spouse and dependent youth, and life members form the General Body.

An Executive Committee manages operations, while a Board of Trustees holds governing authority. Officers serve voluntarily and receive no remuneration.

Executive Committee members and non-permanent trustees serve two-year terms.

A new Executive Committee is appointed every two years under procedures set out in the bylaws.

The constitution defines an officer succession order and allows the relevant governing body to appoint an eligible member to a vacant position.

CATS maintains separate operating, savings and building-fund accounts. Building funds are reserved for acquiring land or developing a community facility.

CATS operations must follow the constitution and bylaws, with trustees responsible for addressing non-compliance.

A post-office box or an agreed residence may serve as the organization’s official address.

Eligible members or the Executive Committee may propose changes. Bylaw revisions require a two-thirds vote of members present; constitutional amendments require three-fourths of all enlisted General Body members.

General Body members may propose community projects and commit to leading their delivery with CATS support.

If CATS dissolves, its assets must go to a compatible tax-exempt organization selected by the trustees.

CATS is organized for qualifying religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes under section 501(c)(3), and its assets must remain dedicated to exempt public purposes.