Frequently Asked Questions - Ormocanon Circle, USA

	*FAQs* (Frequently Asked Questions)

Question:		*Is the Ormocanon Circle, USA organization incorporated in the State of California?*
Answer:		YES. The Ormocanon Circle, USA organization has been incorporated in the State of California since July 19, 2005 and granted a non-profit organization status. All charitable contributions donated to the club are tax-deductible.

Question:	*How often does the Ormocanon Circle, USA hold its stated meetings and where are the venues?*
Answer:	At least once every quarter or as required by the President to confer matters that requires officers and membership decision making. Venues for such meetings are non-specific and are usually hosted or sponsored voluntarily by any member who so desire to provide it.

Question:	*When is the annual membership dues collected to become and/or remain as a member in “good standing?”*
Answer:	Annual dues are collected normally in the month of June each year. They can be accepted any time during the fiscal year. New Membership Application Forms filed within six months prior to the due date is automatically carried over to the next year. A minimum of 30 days grace period is granted before the membership is automatically suspended and member could no longer enjoy the benefits of membership.

Question:	*What is the age requirement for an individual to be considered a full-pledged member of the organization?*
Answer:	Eighteen (18) years old and older.

Question:	*What is the monetary limit to be refunded by the organization for officers’ expenses incurred during an official club function?*
Answer:	NONE. All expenses incurred by officers in the performance of their official functions are voluntary tax deductible donations and considered non-reimbursable.

Question:	*Are members reimbursed when attending official club functions?*
Answer:	Unless otherwise stipulated or agreed upon by the Presiding Officer and the individual(s) concerned, NO monetary expense is reimbursed if voluntarily donated for the benefit of the organization.

Question:	*How much funds from the organization’s treasury coffers are allocated for reimbursement of official visits to the Philippines or other functions and locations?*
Answer:	NONE. Any monetary fund or labor/efforts in kind expended in the performance of an official function or club representation is NOT reimbursable. It is considered voluntary expense and borne by the person or official who had made the trip.

Question:	*Does being an officer of this organization entitle one to have discounts in club fund-raising event?*
Answer:	NO. Everyone, most especially officers, are charged the same prices as any other member and guest of the organization. Discretionary discounting is not a common practice of the organization.

Question:	*How much bereavement monetary benefit does the organization extend to members whose immediate family member had passed away?*
Answer:	NONE. The organization is not designed to be a “benefit” organization. Club funds are collected from minimal annual dues, which does not allocate bereavement benefits. When such an event does occur, the organization can send a condolence card signed by the members that are available at the time. Otherwise, the “hat is passed around” and monetary donations are given as needed by individuals who so desire to. The organization neither endorse nor discourage such an effort.

Question:	*Can anyone make any suggestions as to what project(s) the organization should embark upon or support?*
Answer:	YES. But only bonafide members in “good standing” can make suggestions of what projects the organization should embark upon or support. The suggestion must be submitted via regular mail to the President or via e-mail addressed through the *Webmaster*. Once the suggestion is conveyed and officially received by the President, it will be tabled for consideration on the subsequent Quarterly Meeting.

Question:	*Can anyone not originally from Ormoc, Leyte, Philippines become a member of this organization?*
Answer:	YES, if the individual is married to a person that is a current member and a former resident of Ormoc and can only be considered an “Honorary Member.” The usual membership application form and the applicable membership due shall be submitted at time of application. The President shall then approved the application and will grant the honorary membership status for the duration of one year at a time. It has the same benefits as a regular member except he/she is not allowed to vote in any official election or decision making processes. He/she can hold an appointed office as deemed necessary by the President for the benefit of the organization. Regular membership dues also apply.

Question:	*Is the Ormocanon Circle, USA affiliated to the Ormocanon, USA, Inc. of Northern California?*
Answer:	YES. Both organizations hold close friendly and congenial relationships and share and support each other in any way possible. Several members hold dual membership with both organizations.

Question:	*Is the Ormocanon Circle, USA affiliated to the Ormocanos, USA of Southern California?*
Answer:	NO. Although some members of the Ormocanon Circle, USA used to be members of the old Ormocanos, USA organization, there is no current interaction between the two organizations, official or otherwise.

Question:	*When can a new member qualify or become an officer of this organization?*
Answer:	A new member CANNOT avail himself/herself to any elected office (i.e. President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Auditor) in this organization until after his/her first membership anniversary date or one year after the recent Election of Officers, whichever comes first. He/she, however, is qualified to hold an appointed office at the discretion of the President with the approval of the sitting officers for the benefit of the organization or to fill-in critical vacant positions as needed.

Question:	*Does the Ormocanon Circle, USA organization endorse any political candidate or party?*
Answer:	NO. The Ormocanon Circle, USA is a non-profit, non-sectarian, and non-political organization. Although some members might be affiliated to certain political candidates in Ormoc or in the U.S., NO endorsement of any kind is offered or conveyed on behalf of the organization. Any political and sectarian discussions are discouraged to eliminate any conflicting opinions that might affect club decision making processes and membership senstivities.


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