Chapter I. General Provisions

Article 1
The Colorado American and Chinese Professional Association (hereinafter referred to as the “Association,” English name: Colorado American and Chinese Professional Association, abbreviation: CAACPA) is a nonprofit, non-political, non-religious community organization registered under the laws of the State of Colorado (Registration No.: ID20021035032). In 2003, the Association was recognized and approved by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Association aims to provide services and connections for people with ties and affinity to both China and the United States, especially Colorado, and to build a friendly, welcoming community.

Article 2
The Association serves Chinese, Chinese Americans, and people of Chinese descent who reside or have resided in Colorado and neighboring states, as well as professionals of all ethnic backgrounds and their families who collaborate or have ties with the Chinese American community in cultural, business, or scientific fields. Its mission is mutual support, community service, cultural promotion, and shared development.

Article 3
The Association operates in accordance with these Bylaws and strictly complies with applicable U.S. laws and regulations.

Article 4
Current address: C/O 4424 Innovation Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80525
Website: www.caacpa2002.org
Email: caacpa2002@gmail.com

Article 5
The Association currently operates two “Doing Business As” (DBA) entities, through which it runs various interest platforms and activity groups.

• Huaxing Chinese School (“Huaxing”): Provides courses in Chinese language, calligraphy, dance, sports, and offers platforms for cultural, fitness, and recreational activities. Promotes cultural exchange and diversity between Chinese and non-Chinese communities.
• Loveland Children’s Choir (“Youth Choir”): Provides vocal training for children under 18, and organizes participation in cultural and musical events in the community.

Other interest platforms and groups (including but not limited to):

• Professional exchange platform
• Fitness and wellness platforms (e.g., pickleball club, yoga, tai chi, dance, karaoke)
• Other groups (e.g., chess & cards, photography, fishing, cooking, music, hiking, gardening)

Chapter II. Membership

Article 6. Membership Eligibility
Individuals and their family members may join the Association if they meet the following criteria:

• Basic Eligibility: Chinese, Chinese Americans, or people of Chinese descent living in Colorado, or who have resided in Colorado for more than one year; or professionals of any ethnicity (including students) engaged in cultural, business, or scientific cooperation with the Chinese American community.
• Affiliate Eligibility: Any person of any ethnicity who supports the Association’s mission, complies with these Bylaws, and is willing to participate in activities and follow decisions.

Article 7. Member Obligations
Members shall:

• Abide by the Bylaws and decisions of the Board of Directors and General Assembly;
• Actively participate in activities and complete assigned tasks;
• Provide voluntary donations or volunteer service when possible;
• Support the Association’s development by sharing information and resources;
• Offer assistance to fellow members, strengthening community cohesion.

Article 8. Member Rights
Members are entitled to:

• Participate in Association events and meetings;
• Exercise the rights to vote, be elected, and make decisions;
• Access information and enjoy mutual support;
• Propose opinions, suggestions, and constructive criticism;
• Publish lawful information on Association platforms without infringing others’ rights;
• Access financial and tax information within permitted scope.

Article 9. Member Registration
Members are encouraged to complete the “Membership Registration Form,” providing:

• Name (or guardian’s name for minors);
• Residence;
• Contact information;
• Other non-sensitive information (e.g., profession, interests).

Information updates are conducted annually during the Spring Festival Gala or other community events. The Association strictly protects member privacy.

Article 10. Membership Withdrawal
Members may freely withdraw and may rejoin three months after withdrawal.

Chapter III. Organizational Structure

Article 11
The Board of Directors is the executive body, consisting of up to 11 directors (at least one non-Chinese) and 4 supervisors. Candidates must be nominated by a director and elected with at least two-thirds approval of both directors and supervisors.

• Any director or supervisor may propose resolutions; resolutions require two-thirds approval of directors.
• Supervisors do not vote but audit finances and oversee operations. With unanimous consent, supervisors may propose new resolutions, veto board resolutions, or propose amendments.
• All board members must disclose conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from related decisions.

Article 12
The President is nominated and elected by the Board of Directors for a two-year term (renewable with two-thirds approval). The President convenes meetings, oversees operations, and manages external relations. The President nominates the Secretary and Treasurer (which may be the same person).

Chapter IV. Finance and Information Management

Article 13. Sources of Funds

• Voluntary donations from the community and beyond;
• Sponsorships and fundraising events;
• Other lawful income.

Article 14. Financial Management

1. Association funds are primarily “reserve funds,” with limited expenditures for community benefit, including:
   • Issuing donation receipts;
   • Administrative costs (state registration, insurance, tax filings, website maintenance);
   • Activities outside Huaxing Chinese School (lectures, community projects);
   • External relations (travel, meals, etc.).
     Financial records must be managed by the President and at least one director or supervisor, subject to annual audits.
2. Huaxing Chinese School is the most important platform under CAACPA. Its funds support:
   • Rent, insurance, teacher compensation, volunteer and student awards, cultural activities;
   • Joint activities with the Association.
     Finances must be managed by the Principal, Accountant, and at least one school board member or Association director/supervisor. All activities require at least two authorized signatories, with transparency and IRS 501(c)(3) compliance.
3. Coordination between Huaxing and CAACPA finances must prevent overlap. Example:
   • Spring Festival Gala is co-hosted, with finances under Huaxing;
   • Summer BBQs, Mid-Autumn events may be jointly or separately funded.
4. Both CAACPA and Huaxing maintain independent websites with cross-links. At least two authorized persons must have full access. Information security protocols must be established and followed.

Chapter V. Community Services and Activities

Article 15
The Association organizes:

1. Community celebrations of traditional Chinese festivals (Spring Festival, Mid-Autumn) to foster cultural exchange.
2. Support and expansion of Huaxing activities, including:
   • Chinese language and cultural courses;
   • Support for Loveland Children’s Choir, Pickleball Club, etc.;
   • Exhibitions, performances, camps, lectures, competitions.
3. Community mutual support:
   • Non-binding consulting (college, career advice);
   • Assistance for new immigrants;
   • Cooperation with CSSA groups in Colorado universities.
4. Professional development:
   • Training, lectures, seminars;
   • Networking opportunities.
5. Communication platforms:
   • Internal information sharing;
   • Promoting Sino-American professional exchange.
6. Interest groups (pickleball, tai chi, cooking, fishing, music, hiking, gardening, etc.) to enrich community life and promote health.

Chapter VI. Huaxing Chinese School Mechanism

1. The School Board Chair is nominated by the CAACPA Board and elected with two-thirds approval. The Chair forms a board (up to 9 members, at least 2 also having served as Association directors/supervisors). Term: 2 years, renewable.
2. The School Board sets Huaxing rules, consistent with these Bylaws.
3. The Principal is nominated by the School Board and elected by two-thirds vote. Vice Principals are nominated by the Principal and approved by majority vote. Terms: 2 years, renewable. The Board may dismiss by majority vote.
4. The School Board manages teacher hiring, evaluation, background checks, and may dismiss teachers by majority vote.
5. Finances are jointly managed by Association directors/supervisors and school board members. Must comply with IRS regulations and 501(c)(3) standards.
6. Annual reports must be submitted to the Association Board.

Chapter VII. Amendments and Dissolution

Article 16
These Bylaws were revised on July 31, 2025, effective immediately. Amendments require two-thirds vote of the Board. In principle, amendments shall not exceed two per year.

Article 17
If the Association or any DBA is dissolved, assets shall be distributed by two-thirds Board approval. In principle, assets are equally distributed among community members or placed in trust for community needs.

2025–2027 Board of Directors and Supervisors (as of July 31, 2025):

Directors: Mengmeng Gu, Weiqin Jiang, Song Jin, Shanshan Li, Weiwen Pan, Carolyn Terrell, Yinan Wang, Hong Yan, Qian Yang, Jun Zhang, Zebin Zhao
Supervisors: Yongcheng Zhou, Zongjian Zhu, Zhubiao Zhu
President: Shanshan Li (since Jan 1, 2025)

*CAACPA (EIN 61-1427206) is a nonprofit organization authorized to solicit and receive charitable donations. All lawful donations are tax-deductible under federal law.