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STATUTES OF THE FRANCISCAN FEDERATION OF THE THIRD ORDER REGULAR OF THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF THE UNITED STATES
PROLOGUE
"And wherever the brothers and sisters may be together or meet (other) brothers and sisters, let them give witness that they are members of one family. And let each one confidently make known his (or her) need to the other, for if a mother has such care and love for her son born according to the flesh (cf. Thess. 2:7), should not someone love and care for his (her) brothers and sisters according to the Spirit more diligently (cf. Reg B 6, 7-8; cf. Reg TOR 7:23; cf. Writings of Francis and Clare)."

FORWARD
The Conference was organized in 1965 as the Federation of Franciscan Sisters Communities of the United States. It became an ecclesiastical body of the Roman Catholic Church in April 1967, by decree of the Congregation for Religious and Secular Institutes (CRIS) and a civil body by incorporation in the State of Pennsylvania on November 18, 1985, under the title of the Franciscan Federation of Brothers and Sisters of the United States, Inc.

ARTICLE 1: NAME AND OFFICE

Section 1.1: Name
The name of the organization shall be the Franciscan Federation, Third Order Regular,of the Sisters and Brothers of the United States, hereafter referred to as The Franciscan Federation, Inc.

Section 1.2: Principal Office
The principal office of The Franciscan Federation, Inc. is located in Washington, D.C.

ARTICLE 2. VISION AND MISSION

Section 2.1: Vision (Revised AFC 03)
The Vision of the Franciscan Federation is to deepen the understanding and love of the Third Order Regular Charism in our lives in order to share this gift with the Church and the World.

Section 2.2: Mission (Revised AFC 03)
The Mission of the Franciscan Federation is to promote exploration and study of
Franciscan Evangelical Life and its implications for these times and for our world. The Federation provides national and regional opportunities to collaborate, gather, and celebrate so that the brothers and sisters can better live the Third Order Regular call to conversion, contemplation, poverty, and humility.

Section 2.3: Objectives
Each year the National Board of the Federation and the Steering Committees of the regions establish for themselves goals and objectives in keeping with the vision and mission of the Federation.

ARTICLE 3.- MEMBERSHIP

There are three types of membership in the Franciscan Federation: congregational membership, regional membership, and associate membership.

Section 3.1: Congregational Membership (Congregations as Members)
All United States congregations or United States provinces or regions of congregations, approved by the Holy See, which follow the Third Order Regular Rule of Saint Francis of Assisi, may become congregational members of the Franciscan Federation. When the general administration of a congregation having separate provinces or regions within the United States is also located within the United States, the generalate may join the Federation as a congregational member. Membership is maintained through the congregational, general, provincial, or regional minister or his/her delegate. Congregational members may attend the Annual Federation Conference; participate in all discussions; and serve on Federation committees. Congregational members may vote whenever a vote is required. Congregational members who meet the qualifications for officers as contained in Article 5, Section 5.4, are eligible to serve as officers of the National Board.

Section 3.2: Regional Membership (Third Order Regular Sisters and Brothers as Members)
The Franciscan Federation is divided into six geographical regions. Membership in the Federation's regions is open to all Third Order Regular sisters and brothers. Regional members may attend the Annual Federation Conference; participate in discussions; and serve on Federation committees. Regional members may not vote or serve as officers of the National Board. The six geographical regions include: I. Canada, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, II. Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Maryland, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Indies and West Virginia, III. Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, IV. Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin,
V. Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas
VI. Alaska, Arizona, California Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New
Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

Section 3.3: Associate Membership
Members of the First, Second, and Secular Orders of Saint Francis may become associate members of the Franciscan Federation. Associate membership is also open to lay associates of Third Order Regular congregations and to Chief Executive Officers and Directors/Administrators of ministries sponsored by Franciscan religious congregations. Third Order Regular leadership teams are not eligible for associate membership. Associate members may attend the Annual Federation Conference; participate in discussions; and serve on Federation committees. Associate members may not vote or serve as officers of the National Board.

Section 3.4: Application for Membership
Application for congregational and associate membership is made annually to the Executive Director of the Franciscan Federation. Application for regional membership is made annually to the Chair of the Region Steering Committee.

Section 3.5: Dues
Annual dues for congregational and associate members are determined by the National Board of the Franciscan Federation upon the review and recommendation of the Treasurer. Annual dues for regional members are determined by the Steering Committee of the Region.

Section 3.6: Communications
3.6.1: The Federation Newsletter is sent to congregational and associate members of the Franciscan Federation, and to others upon subscription. Congregational members may request sufficient copies of the Newsletter for distribution to local living units within the congregation, province, or region.

3.6.2:Each Region is responsible for maintaining communication with the National Office and the Vice-President designated for Regionalization. Each Region determines the best method for maintaining communication with its members. Each region is responsible for maintaining a historical record of its activities. Minutes of meetings and membership of Regional Steering Committees are sent to the National Office and to the Vice President designated for Regionalization.

ARTICLE 4: FEDERATION COUNCIL

The Federation Council is the fundamental legislative body of the Franciscan Federation. It consists of the National Board of the Franciscan Federation and voting congregational members. The Federation Council, in dialogue with regional and associate members, determines the purpose and direction of the Federation; formulates and approves resolutions of concern to the membership; and provides a forum for the discussion of topics relevant to the Federation. The Federation Council elects the officers of the National Board of the Federation and acts in all other ways as legally prescribed in the Articles of Incorporation and these Statutes. Ordinarily, the Federation Council meets once a year. The annual meeting is called the Annual Federation Conference (AFC). Two-thirds of the members of the Federation
Council, six of whom must be members of the National Board, must be present to constitute aquorum.

ARTICLE 5. NATIONAL BOARD

The National Board of the Franciscan Federation consists of the President, First Vice-
President, and Second Vice -President who are elected according to the guidelines set forth in the Statutes of the Federation; the Executive Director and Treasurer who are appointed by the National Board; and a representative from each geographical region of the Franciscan Federation as determined by the Steering Committee of the respective Region. The Executive Director serves without vote. The National Board of the Federation identifies and implements goals and objectives for the Federation and establishes policies and directives for the organization relevant to its vision
and mission. The National Board seeks to unify all of the constituencies of the Federation and to network with other organizations and individuals whose vision and mission are compatible with that of the Federation.

Section 5.1: Duties of the National Board
The function of the National Board shall be as follows:
5.1.1: To identify and implement the goals -and objectives of the Federation;

5.1.2: To develop polices and directives relevant to the role and purpose of the
Federation;

5.1.3: To receive and act upon the report of the Executive Director and others;

5.1.4: To review the budget and to approve the annual budget;

5.1.5:To set aside a percentage of the annual budget as a contingency fund to be used at its discretion;

5.1.6: To approve the agenda for the Annual Federation Conference (AFC).

5.1.7: To authorize such committees as needed by the Federation.

5.1.8: To select the Treasurer and the Executive Director who serves as Secretary to
the National Board.

Section 5.2: Officers of the National Board
The officers of the National Board of the Franciscan Federation shall consist of the President, the First Vice- President, the Second Vice-President, the Treasurer, and the Secretary.

5.2.1: Duties of the President
The President of the Franciscan Federation shall:

* Assume the leadership of the Federation, keeping before the membership the rich
resources of the Franciscan heritage and its potential for servanthood to Church and
society;
* Officially represent the Franciscan Federation;
* Convoke the Annual Federation Conference by mail at least three months before the
date of the meeting;
* Preside at the Annual Federation Conference and all meetings of the National Board
and the Executive Committee of the Board;
* Report the work of the Franciscan Federation to the membership through the Federation Newsletter;
* Solicit items for the agenda from the membership;
* Mail copies of the agenda of each meeting two weeks prior to the meeting;
* Officially sign documents on behalf of the Franciscan Federation; execute or cause to be executed all resolutions and business of the Franciscan Federation; delegate to the Vice-presidents or other officers such duties as are necessary. In general, perform all duties as assigned by the Federation Council;
* Prepare and present an Annual report at the Annual Federation Conference.

5.2.2: Duties of the Vice-Presidents
* The Vice-Presidents shall work in close collaboration with the other members of
the Executive Committee, as well as with the members of the National Board.
* The First Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in the absence of the
President and when so doing shall have all the powers of the office.
* After dialogue with the Vice-Presidents, the President shall delegate to each such duties as seem most appropriate; including, but not limited to the following: acting as liaison with the Executive Director for the purpose of program development, selecting the recipient of the annual Peacemaker Award, and furthering the process of regionalization.

5.2.3: Duties of the Secretary
* The Executive Director of the Franciscan Federation serves as Secretary of the National Board.
* The Secretary keeps the minutes of the Annual Federation Conference and of all
meetings of the National Board and of the Executive Committee of the National Board.

5.2.4: Duties of the Treasurer
The duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer of the Franciscan Federation shall be found in the Policy Manual.

Section 5.3: Election of Officers of the National Board

5.3.1: Each year a Second Vice-President is elected by the Federation. In the second
year, the Second Vice-President becomes First Vice-President and the First Vice-
President becomes the President.

5.3.2: At least 90 days prior to the Annual Federation Conference, the President
appoints a Nominations Committee. At least 60 days prior to the Annual Federation
Conference, this committee requests from the voting members of the Federation,
nominations for the Second Vice-President. From the nominations received, the
Nominations Committee prepares a slate. The slate must include at least two candidates.

5.3.3: The Second Vice-President is elected by the voting members of the Federation
by written ballot during the Annual Federation Conference. An absolute majority (i.e.,
one half of the voting members present plus one) is required for election. If a second
ballot is required, it shall be between the two candidates who had the greatest number of votes. In this case a simple or relative majority (i.e., the one who receives the greater number of votes) is acceptable for election.

5.3.4: The Treasurer and the Secretary of the National Board are appointed by the
National Board.

Section 5.4: Qualifications of Officers
The major superior or delegate of any congregation, province, region or generalate
leadership team holding congregational membership in the Franciscan Federation is eligible for the office of Second Vice-President. The nominee for Second Vice-President must be in an elected congregational leadership position for at least two of the three years he/she would serve in leadership on the National Board of the Federation.

Section 5.5: Term of Officers
5.5.1: The Second Vice-President is elected by the Federation for a three-year term. In
the second year, the Second Vice-President becomes First Vice-President and in the third year, he/she becomes President.

5.5.2: The Treasurer and the Secretary of the National Board are appointed for a three year term and may be reappointed for a second three-year term.

Section 5.6 Regional Representatives of the National Board

5.6.1: There are six Regional Representatives who serve as full, voting members of the
National Board. The Regional Representatives maintain close and effective
communication between the National Board and their regions.

5.6.2: The Regional Representatives are selected by the Steering Committees of their
respective regions. Ordinarily, the chairperson of the Region is the Board representative. If not the chairperson, then one of the other officers of the Steering Committee is the Board representative.

5.6.3: The Regional Representatives serve on the National Board for three years. The
term may be renewed once.

Section 5.7: Vacancies of the Board

5.7.1: If a vacancy occurs in the office of First Vice-President or Second Vice-president,
the President in consultation with the National Board, shall appoint, from among the
congregational members, an interim officer to serve until the annual election.

5.7.2: If a vacancy occurs in the office of Treasurer or Secretary, the President in
consultation with the National Board, shall appoint an interim officer until a suitable
person has been selected.

5.7.3: If a vacancy occurs in the office of President, the First Vice-President will assume the duties of the office until the annual election.

5.7.4: If a vacancy occurs among the Regional Representatives, the Steering Committee of the region shall appoint a Regional Representative to complete the unexpired term.

Section 5.8: Quorum
Two-thirds of the members of the National Board, two of whom must be officers, must be present to constitute a quorum.

Section 5.9: Agenda
The agenda for all meetings shall be prepared by the President and Executive Director in the manner appropriate for the nature of the meeting.

Section 5.10: Records and Minutes
The National Board shall provide for the proper maintenance and safeguarding of all
documents, correspondence, archival material and minutes of the Franciscan Federation. If it is deemed necessary, a historical chronicle of the organization shall be maintained and a qualified person appointed by the National Board to perform this duty. Archives are official record of non-current nature, no longer required for the day-to-day work of the organization but still of enduring value. They may be divided into administrative archives and historical archives. The former are ordinarily available to the creating bodies only, or to those authorized by them. The latter pertain to the history of the organization and include chronicles, new organs and bulletins.
All archival materials should be carefully preserved and a qualified person may be appointed by the National Board to perform this duty

ARTICLE 6. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL BOARD

The Executive Committee of the National Board of the Franciscan Federation consists
of the officers of the National Board.

Section 6.1: Duties of the Executive Committee
The function of the Executive Committee of the National Board shall be as follows:
6.1.1: To act in the name of the Franciscan Federation between ordinary meetings;

6.1.2: To review annually all contracts entered into by the Federation;

6.1.3: To evaluate annually the Executive Director of the Federation.

Section 6.2: Quorum
Two-thirds of the members of the Executive Committee of the National Board must be
present to constitute a quorum.

ARTICLE 7. STEERING COMMITTEES OF THE REGIONS

Each of the six regions of the Franciscan Federation has a Steering Committee. The
Steering Committee of the Region is responsible for administration and program development within the Region.

Section 7.1: Membership on the Steering Committee
The Steering Committee consists of one representative of each congregation, province, or region having congregational membership in the Federation and having individuals residing in the respective geographical region. This representative is appointed by the major superior of his/her congregation, province, or region.

Section 7.2: Officers of the Steering Committee
Each regional Steering Committee has a chairperson and one or more additional officers. Each region decides how the officers are to be chosen. Officers serve for a period of three years, with the option of serving an additional three years.

Section 7.3: Duties of the Steering Committee
Each Steering Committee develops its specific duties in keeping with the vision and
mission of the Federation and the needs of the particular region.

ARTICLE 8: MEETINGS

Section 8.1: Annual Federation Conference
The Federation meets at least once a year (the Annual Federation Conference). The time and place are chosen by the National Board of the Federation. In conjunction with the Annual Federation Conference, the election and installation of officers are held.
Special meetings of the Federation may be called by the President or by at least three
members of the National Board. Congregational members of the Federation must be given at least three weeks notice of the meeting date.

Section 8.2: National Board Meetings
Regular meetings of the National Board shall be held at least three times a year at a time and place determined by mutual agreement of the members of the Board. One meeting each year must be held in conjunction with the Annual Federation Conference.

Section 8.3: Executive Committee Meetings
The Executive Committee of the National Board meets once a year in agreement with the Articles of Incorporation. The Executive Committee may meet at other times as needed to carry out its responsibilities.

Section 8.4: Steering Committee Meetings
The Steering Committee of each region determines the date, place, and frequency of Steering Committee meetings. The Steering Committee meets at least once a year.

Section 8.5: Regional Gatherings
The Steering Committee of the region surveys the constituency for its needs and interests in order to plan for a regional gathering. The Steering Committee chooses the date and place for such gatherings, planning at least one regional gathering each year.

ARTICLE 9: COMMITTEES

In accordance with the needs of the Federation, the President with the recommendation and approval of the National Board, may appoint Committees to carry out special assignments. Upon completion of the assignments and reporting to the Executive Director, the function of the Committee ceases unless it is reappointed. Standing Committees are established and the term for committee members are identified by the National Board. The members of the Committees shall retain their positions until the Annual Federation Conference, when their appointed successors assume the role. The Vision of the Franciscan Federation is to deepen the understanding of the Third Order Regular tradition in our lives so as to share this gift in the Church and society.

ARTICLE 10. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Section 10.1: Responsibilities
1 0.1.1: The Executive Director is the Secretary of the National Board. She/he is
responsible for the administration of the National Office of the Federation.

10.1.2: She/he is accountable to the National Board.

10.1.3: She/he represents and speaks on behalf of the Federation as directed by the National Board.

10.1.4: She/he attends all meetings of the National Board and the Executive Committee
of the National Board, but shall have no vote.

Section 10.2: Appointments
10.2.1: The President may appoint a Search Committee to design a process for the
recruitment and appointment of an Executive Director. The process must be approved by the National Board.

10.2.2: The National Board appoints the Executive Director for a term of three years.
The Executive Director may be reappointed by the consent of the National Board for one additional three-year term.

Section 10.3: Role of the Executive Director
The Executive Director of the Franciscan Federation shall:
 * Serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Federation;
 * Direct, coordinate, and oversee the ongoing administration of the Federation
   (including the National Office and staff);
* Represent the Federation in designated external forums.

Section 10.4: Evaluation of the Executive Director
The Executive Director shall be evaluated annually by the Executive Committee of the
National Board which determines an appropriate process for the evaluation.

ARTICLE 1 1: AMENDMENT OF THE STATUTES

Section ll.l: Amendments
Amendments to these Statutes shall be accomplished at the Annual Federation Conference by a two-thirds vote of the voting members present, provided that the proposed amendment(s) has/have been distributed to the voting members at least 20 days prior to the meeting.

Section 11.2: Dissolution
The decision to dissolve the Franciscan Federation can be made only at the Annual
Federation Conference or a special meeting of the Federation at which a quorum is present. The decision must then be ratified by a two-thirds vote of the quorum. If the Federation resolves to dissolve the organization, the Executive Committee of the Board decides the disposal of the remaining funds in accord with the Articles of Incorporation, and appoints a commission to be charged with the liquidation.

Section 11.3: Policy
In addition to the Statutes, the Franciscan Federation develops and promulgates such
policies and procedures as are deemed necessary for its function. All policies and procedures reflect decisions made by the Annual Federation Conference and/or the National Board. Such policies and procedures are constituted in accordance with the Statutes and adopted after review and approval by the National Board.

APPROVED AS AMENDED: August 21, 1995, August 16, 2000, August 19, 2003

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