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Article I: Purposes

Diversity Recovery Alliance (hereafter referred to as DRA) is organized and shall be operated exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as follows:

  1. The mission of the Diversity Recovery Alliance is to support the LGBTQIA+ Community of San Antonio and their allies by providing safe and welcoming meeting spaces for recovery meetings and other related recovery activities.
  2. To focus these activities within the San Antonio, Texas metropolitan area, DRA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, welcoming individuals from all established addiction recovery programs, regardless of race, color, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

Article II: Prohibited Activities

No part of the net earnings of DRA shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, the members, directors, or officers of the corporation, except that the corporation shall have the authority to pay reasonable compensation for services actually rendered to or for the corporation.

No part of the activities of the corporation shall consist of carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office.

Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bylaws, the corporation shall not engage in or carry on any activities not permitted to be engaged in or carried on by a corporation described in and exempt from Federal income taxation by virtue of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended (or corresponding provisions of any future Federal taxation statute).

Article III: Offices

The principal office of the corporation shall be located in San Antonio, Texas.

Article IV: Membership

Qualifications: The membership of the corporation shall consist of individuals who subscribe to the purposes of the corporation and who pay the requisite membership dues.

Membership Rights: A member will have the following rights:

  1. To vote on resolutions and elect members to the Board of Directors.
  2. To participate in any meeting of the membership that may be duly called in accordance with these Bylaws.
  3. To vote on any amendment to the Bylaws. One member shall have one vote. No proxies or absentee ballots shall be permitted in voting at meetings of the membership. Voting by Virtual on any matter is permitted where the Board of Directors deems such method appropriate.
    Dues: Annual membership dues shall be established by the Board of Directors. Any change in membership dues shall become effective no sooner than 60 days after notice of such change is made to the members in accordance with these Bylaws. (The Board of Directors may provide for the payment of the requisite membership dues by means of services rendered to the corporation under the supervision of the appointed facility manager.)
    Membership Meetings:
  4. An annual meeting of the members shall take place in January on a date set by the Directors to elect Directors and conduct other such business as may properly come before the membership at that time.
  5. Special meetings of the membership may be called by the Board of Directors or upon petition by at least one-third of the members. Only the business specified in the Notice of such meeting is authorized at any such special meeting.
  6. Written or printed notice stating the place, day, time, and in the case of a special meeting, the purpose of the meeting shall be delivered not less than ten (10) or more than thirty (30) days before the date of the meeting, either electronically, a written notification on the announcement board, or by mail, by or at the direction of the Executive Director or the persons calling the meeting to each member entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail, addressed to the member at their residence as it appears in the most current records of the corporation, with postage thereon prepaid.
  7. Any action taken at any membership meeting must be in accordance with these Bylaws and the purposes of the corporation as stated in the Articles of Incorporation. The will of a simple majority of qualified members present at any authorized membership meeting shall prevail.
  8. At any meeting under this Article, a quorum is required for such a meeting to be in order. A quorum shall consist of fifteen percent (10%) of the recorded current membership at the time written notice is first given of such meeting.
    Resignation: Any member of the corporation may resign at any time by delivering a written resignation to the Secretary. Such resignation is effective upon its receipt. Any donations, dues, or other monies (other than loans) collected from the resigning member shall not be refunded.

Membership Requirements and Accountability

(A) Dues and Membership Status:

  • All members must remain current with their membership dues to maintain active status.
  • If a member has not paid dues for three consecutive months and fails to respond to outreach attempts, they will be removed from the membership roster.
  • Members removed due to non-payment may rejoin at any time by paying the current dues, with no additional penalties.

(B) Code of Conduct Violations:

  • Members are required to adhere to the DRA Code of Conduct.
  • If a member is removed from the roster or asked to leave the premises for a conduct violation, no refund of membership dues will be issued.
  • Reinstatement following removal for conduct violations may be subject to board review and approval.

Article V: Board of Directors

Composition, Qualifications, Terms:

  1. The Board of Directors shall consist of ten (10) members of the corporation who are elected by the members. The majority of the Board must have three (3) continuous years of membership in the corporation and three (3) continuous years of participation in an established addiction recovery program, including but not limited to 12-step programs. However, up to three (3) positions on the Board may be filled by professionals who, while not necessarily meeting these recovery-related requirements, possess significant qualifications and experience Do in fields such as legal, accounting, spiritual guidance, mental health or nonprofit management. Directors elected by the members after the third annual meeting shall serve terms of three (3) years each. The initial Board of Directors will serve staggered terms of 3 members for 1 year, 3 members for 2 years, and 3 members for 3 years for the first three (3) years from the inception of the Corporation. Directors elected by the members after the third annual meeting shall serve terms of three (3) years each. The board may, by a simple majority vote, approve a candidate who does not meet the three-year requirement for the board membership, provided the candidate has a minimum of two continuous years of participation in an established addiction recovery program, including but not limited to 12-step programs. Such an exception shall be made at the discretion of the Board and documented in the meeting minutes.
  2. Duties: The business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed by the Board of Directors, which may exercise all powers of the organization and perform all lawful acts and things which are not prohibited by law, the Articles of Incorporation, and these Bylaws.
    Meetings of the Board:
  3. The Board of Directors shall meet at least once each calendar quarter at such times and places as they, by proper resolution, provide.
  4. An annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held in February of each year, at which time newly elected members of the Board shall assume office.
  5. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President.
  6. The Secretary shall either personally or in writing notify each Director of the time and place of each Directors meeting at least ten (10) days in advance.
  7. A quorum is required for any meeting of the Board of Directors to be in order and consists of a fifty percent majority of the Directors.
  8. Proxy voting at meetings of the Board of Directors is prohibited.
  9. Each Director shall have one vote. Actions of the Board will be taken upon a majority of those present and voting except as otherwise specifically provided in these Bylaws.
  10. Any or all Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board or of a committee by means of conference call or other method by which all persons participating in the meeting may hear each other, and such participation will constitute attendance at the meeting.
  11. During Board meetings which occur during the initial three (3) years of the Corporation and in which a quorum is present, the Directors may modify these Bylaws to address any errors or omissions without calling a full meeting of the membership.
    Vacancies: Any vacancy occurring on the Board and any Directorship to be filled by reason of any increase in the number of director positions may be filled by the then membership of the Board, though less than a quorum of the Board. (A Director appointed by the Board to fill a vacancy shall serve until the next annual membership meeting general election, at which time the members shall elect a Director to serve the remainder of the original term of the predecessor Director.)
    Removal: A Director may be removed at a special meeting of the members. (A Director may also be removed and replaced by the Board of Directors, by vote, without a special meeting of the membership for failure to attend at least two (2) lawfully convened meetings of the Board without providing advance notice to the President or the Secretary of the Board, or for failure to attend at least one Board meeting in three (3) quarters of each year. And if the director violated the DRA policy and procedures.)
    Prohibitions: Directors are prohibited from serving in the following positions:
  • Executive Director
  • Staff Employee of the Executive Director
  • Employee of the corporation and
  1. Each Board of Directors may appoint members of the organization to serve on committees for the purpose of training these members to hold a Director’s position on the Board in the future. These committee members will assist with administrative duties and other responsibilities related to the Director's position. Committee members are permitted to attend Board meetings; however, they are not allowed to vote on any matters. Additionally, they may not speak during Board meetings unless specifically requested to do so by a Director. Committee members may also hold officer positions within the recovery groups renting from DRA. However, upon election to a Directorship of DRA, they must resign from all such officer positions. If a committee member is being disruptive in any way during a Board meeting, they may be excused from the meeting at the discretion of the Board.

Article VI: Executive Committee and its Officers

Election, Term: At its Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors shall nominate and elect from among themselves an Executive Committee comprised of five positions, including President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Technology Officer. The term of each office shall be one year.

Functions, General: All officers and agents of the corporation, as between themselves and the corporation, shall have the authority and perform such duties in the management of the property and affairs of the corporation as may be determined by the Board and are not inconsistent with the Bylaws.

President:

  1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the membership, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee.
  2. The President shall sign and certify, along with the Secretary, the minutes of all such meetings.
  3. The President may participate in debate but will vote only when the vote will affect the outcome of the decision. The president shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the corporation and shall ensure that orders and resolutions of the membership and the Board of Directors are carried into effect.
    Vice President: The Vice President shall execute all functions of the presidency in the absence, incapacity, or death of the President. The Vice President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees established by the Board, except the Nominations and Elections Committee.
    Secretary:
  4. The Secretary shall maintain all corporate records, including a current list of members of the corporation and the Board of Directors, and shall ensure (a) that a record of the names and addresses of members of the corporation entitled to vote is kept at the registered office or principal office of the corporation in San Antonio, Texas, and (b) that the annual report of the corporation (and other documents required to be filed with governmental authorities) is properly prepared and filed.
  5. The Secretary shall issue notices of all meetings as required by these Bylaws.
  6. The Secretary shall prepare, sign, certify, and maintain the minutes of all meetings and the membership and the Board of Directors.
    Treasurer:
  7. The Treasurer shall ensure that appropriate financial records of the corporation are maintained and shall present accountings to the Board at annual and regular meetings and at other times as directed by the Board of Directors.
  8. The Treasurer shall receive revenues, including dues and donations, on behalf of the corporation in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Directors.
  9. The Chief Technology officer shall oversee the organization's technology systems, ensuring they are effectively used, maintained, updated, and aligned with the mission, in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Directors.
    Executive Committee: The Officers shall constitute the Executive Committee, which shall act for the Board of Directors between Board meetings pursuant to policies enacted by the Board and shall have no legislative authority. The Executive Committee shall nominate candidates for the position of Executive Director for consideration by the Board of Directors.

Article VII: Executive Director and Staff

The Corporation is authorized to engage an Executive Director of the Corporation’s facilities. The Executive Director, if one is engaged, shall be selected by a majority vote of the Board of Directors from among the candidates nominated by the Executive Committee and may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. (Any person so engaged as Executive Director shall serve and act as an independent contractor of the services generally described in the Bylaws, exercising independent judgment as to the details of performance of such services, and such person so engaged shall acknowledge in writing the status as an independent contractor.) The Executive Director is to be in charge of the daily operations of the corporation and corporation’s facilities subject to the authority of the Board of Directors and the directives of the Executive Committee. The Executive Director is endowed with the powers to hire and fire additional staff within the limits of the budget and other guidelines established by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director shall report at all meetings and Board meetings. The Executive Director shall act as the Treasurer’s agent in the receipt of dues, rents, donations, contributions, and other monies coming into the corporation. The Executive Director shall maintain records of day-to-day financial transactions of the corporation and shall be the Secretary’s agent and assistant in maintaining a correct roster of current corporation members at the corporation’s registered office or principal office in San Antonio, Texas.

Article VIII: Compensation

Any member of the corporation is authorized to receive reasonable compensation from the corporation for services rendered to the corporation when authorized by the Board of Directors. No member may receive compensation merely for action as a member or Director.

No Member, Director, or officer of the corporation shall have an interest, directly or indirectly, in any contract relating to the operations conducted by it, nor in any contract for furnishing goods or services to it unless such contract shall be authorized by the Board of Directors, and unless the fact of such interest shall have been disclosed or known to the Board of Directors at the meeting at which such contract is so authorized.

Article IX: Indemnification

The corporation shall indemnify each Officer and Director, including former Officers and Directors, to the full extent permitted by the laws of the State of Texas.

Article X: Corporate Finance and Records

Deposit of Funds: All funds of the corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited in such banks or trust companies as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

Contracts: The Board of Directors may authorize any Officer or Officers, agent or agents of the corporation, in addition to the officers so authorized by these Bylaws, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the corporation, and such authority must be defined in specific instances.

Checks, Drafts, Loans: All checks, drafts, or orders for the payment of money, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued in the name of the corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the corporation, and in such manner as shall be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors. In the absence of such determination by the Board of Directors, such instruments shall be signed by the Treasurer and/or by the President. The Board of Directors shall not authorize borrowing funds for the use of the corporation except upon specific grant of authority by a majority of the Board of Directors for each instance in which such borrowing may be required.

Records: The corporation shall keep correct and complete records of account and shall also keep minutes of the proceedings of the membership, the Board, and of committees having any of the authority of the Board of Directors, and shall keep at its registered or principal office a record of the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the Directors and members. The Board shall at all times provide for and protect the privacy and confidentiality of all such records to the extent allowed by law. At an annual meeting of the membership, the corporation shall make available an annual financial report.

Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of the corporation shall be October 1 through September 30.

Liquidation: Upon a two-thirds vote of all members of the Board to liquidate the corporation, the Board of Directors, by a majority vote, shall determine the manner in which the property and assets of the corporation are to be distributed, and such distribution shall be in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas and the Federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended, and relevant provisions of other Federal, State, and local taxation statutes. All assets shall be disposed in such manner or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, educational, or such other exempt purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code, or to a federal, state, or local government body to be used for exclusively public purposes as the Board shall determine.

Article XII: Rules of Order

The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall provide guidance for all meetings of the corporation except that the Bylaws shall have precedence in case of conflict with Robert’s Rules of Order.

Article XIII: Amendment

These Bylaws may be amended, rescinded, or repealed only by a two-thirds majority approval of the corporation’s members attending a duly-constituted meeting.

Article XIV: Insurance

The corporation shall purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of the organization and its Directors, Officers, employees, and volunteers against any liability asserted against them or incurred by them in such capacity or arising out of their status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify them against such liability under the provisions of the Texas Nonprofit Corporation Act or applicable state laws. The types and amounts of insurance coverage shall be determined by the Board of Directors and reviewed periodically to ensure adequacy.

Article XV : Miscellaneous

No part of the net earnings of the Company shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the Company shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services actually rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article I hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the Company shall be attempting to influence legislation, and the Company shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, the Company shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Introduction

At Diversity Recovery Alliance (DRA), we are committed to safeguarding the privacy of our website visitors and service users. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in compliance with applicable data protection regulations.

Information We Collect

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

  • Register on our website: This may include your name, company name, email address, phone number, postal address, and any other details necessary for account creation and service provision.
  • Fill out contact forms or request services: Information such as your name, email address, phone number, and the content of your message.
  • Purchase a membership: Your contact information and any details you choose to share in your application materials.

Additionally, we may collect certain information automatically when you visit our website:

  • Browser Data: This includes your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, and pages viewed. This data helps us understand how our website is used and improve user experience.
  • Cookies: We use cookies to enhance site functionality and analyze site usage. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

  • Service Provision: To create and manage your account, provide the services you request, and communicate with you about your account or transactions.
  • Communication: To respond to your inquiries, provide customer support, and send you updates about our services. You can opt out of marketing communications at any time.
  • Recruitment: To process job applications and communicate with applicants.
  • Website Improvement: To analyze website usage and enhance user experience.

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information with:

  • Service Providers: Trusted third-party companies that assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or providing services to you, under confidentiality agreements.
  • Legal Obligations: When required by law or in response to valid legal processes.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. This includes encryption, access controls, and regular security assessments.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data under certain circumstances.
  • Objection: Object to the processing of your data for specific purposes.
  • Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider.

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the updated policy on our website with the effective date.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Diversity Recovery Alliance

PO Box 10002 • San Antonio, TX 78210

draboard210@gmail.com

Or using our web form on our contact us page.

By using our website and services, you consent to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

As this marks the inaugural year of the Diversity Recovery Alliance (DRA), our financial statement reflects the foundational activities essential to establishing our mission. The revenues and expenses detailed below demonstrate our efforts to build a strong framework for recovery and diversity support within our community.

Financial Highlights:

  • Revenue: $51,160
    • Includes membership dues, donations, and fundraising events.
  • Expenses: $45,000
    • Key expenditures: building leasing costs.
  • Net Position: $9,000

This financial statement underscores our commitment to transparency and accountability as we establish and expand our operations. Our focus remains on creating a supportive environment for our members and delivering impactful programs aligned with our mission.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our members and donors, whose generosity and engagement have made this first year a success. Together, we look forward to advancing our shared goals in the years ahead.

Service Animal Policy

Our goal is to ensure a safe, comfortable, and accommodating environment for all our guests, including those with disabilities who rely on the assistance of service animals.

Service Animals Only: The San Antonio DRA Center only allows service animals on the property.   Service animals include dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Please note that emotional support animals and pets do not qualify as service animals. Service animals are welcome to all areas of the DRA Center where guests are allowed. 

Behavior Standards: All service animals must be kept on a leash or working harness and be under the control of a handler at all times. If the service animal is not leashed, harnessed, or causes disruptions, the handler may be asked to remove the service animal from the property temporarily and/or permanently. The handler is responsible for any injuries, damages, or disturbances caused by the animal.

 Identification of Service Animals: While not required, we appreciate if service animals can be identified through a vest, ID card, or other indicators. This helps our club manager and volunteers recognize the service animal. If you have any questions or need assistance regarding our service animal policy, please do not hesitate to contact us at draboard210@gmail.com.

 For more information about service animals, you can refer to the following federal and state resources:

 ADA Requirements for Service Animals:

https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm 

 Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA: https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/

 Texas Disability Law – Service Animals: https://gov.texas.gov/organization/disabilities/assistance_animals

Effective April 1, 2025

Code of Conduct Policy

Thank you for visiting. In order to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests, the following activities are prohibited and will be viewed as trespassing:

  • Violations of the law
  • Any activity that threatens the safety of guests or tenants
  • Any activity that damages or defaces the property
  • Any activity that disturbs a safe recovery based environment
  • Any activity that would disrupt the operation of meetings

Examples of specific activities that are prohibited include but are not limited to:

  • Sleeping on Property
  • Vulgar language, hate speech, or threatening behavior
  • Unnecessary blocking of doorways and walkways
  • Panhandling, unauthorized solicitation, or loitering
  • Illegal possession of firearms or weapons
  • Drug use and alcohol use of ANY kind.
  • Littering or dumping of waste
  • Overnight parking

For further assistance, please contact us at draboard210@gmail.com.

Dial 911 immediately in case of emergency.

No Trespassing. The DRA Center is a privately-owned property.

Guests who do not act responsibly may be asked to leave the property.

TEXAS PENAL CODE 30.05 VIOLATERS MAY RECEIVE CRIMINAL TRESPASS CHARGES

Violation of Club Rules

The San Antonio DRA Center’s Mission is to provide a clean, safe, and respectful environment for our members and guests to recover through programs such as but not limited to: 12 Step programs, Smart Recovery, Refuge Recovery, and Dharma Recovery.

Reporting Violations: Club members should report disruptive incidents and violations of the Rules of Conduct to the Club Manager or by email at draboard210@gmail.com.

Warnings & Removal: The Manager and Board Members have the authority, at their discretion, to enforce these Rules, issue Warnings, and may require an individual to leave the Center for 24 hours at any time should they deem it necessary.

Banning: The Manager along with one Board Member, or two Board Members may immediately and unilaterally ban an individual from using Center facilities for up to 30 days. The San Antonio DRA Center board of directors must approve any ban longer than 30 days. Extremely severe violations may result in being banned from the Center for up to five years.

Reinstatement: Any individual who has been banned from the Center and wishes to have their access privileges reinstated must write a letter to draboard210@gmail.com addressed to the DRA Center Board explaining why they should be reinstated and receive written approval.

To report any inappropriate behavior, please get in touch with us at draboard210@gmail.com.

Join our cause by becoming a contributing member.