STWG Bylaws
Bylaws as adopted - 6/25
ARTICLE I. ORGANIZATION NAME
The name of the organization is the Susquehanna Trail Woodworkers Guild, located in York, Pennsylvania. Also known as STWG.
ARTICLE II. MISSION
The Guild is an open-membership organization dedicated to:
1. Preserving the tradition, culture and history of woodworking.
2. Sharing and promoting the knowledge and understanding of all aspects of woodworking.
3. Advancing fellowship among persons interested in the art of woodworking.
4. Enjoying and appreciating the woodworking skills, and experiences of other woodworkers.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
SECTION 1. Any person 18 years of age or older, or younger with the participation of a parent or guardian, believing in the purposes of this organization and willing to take part in STWG activities, is invited to be a member. This person is considered an active member of the Guild upon payment of annual dues. The membership year is the calendar year. Members younger than 18 may only use tools in the presence of, and with the permission of, a parent or guardian.
SECTION 2. Membership dues are payable to the Treasurer. Annual membership dues rates for individual and family memberships are set from time-to-time by majority vote of the membership. Dues are payable upon application for membership for new members, and annually by the third meeting of the year for continuing members. New member dues are pro-rated as: 12 minus the month joining divided by 12. Continuing member dues are not pro-rated.
SECTION 3. A member will be dropped from the roster if the dues are not paid by the third meeting of the membership year.
SECTION 4. A membership may be terminated for conduct or speech that violates the standards of the membership. Termination is only by a unanimous referral of the matter by the Executive Committee to the membership for vote. A two-thirds vote of the members is required to remove a member.
ARTICLE IV. ELECTED OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. The elected officers shall be the: President, Vice-president, Secretary and Treasurer. The elective officers shall be voting members of the Executive Committee.
These officers are to perform the duties prescribed in these By-laws. The elected officers of the Guild also constitute the Board of Directors in all matters requiring a Board of Directors.
A. The PRESIDENT shall:
1. Preside over regular meetings of the Guild and over Executive Committee meetings.
2. Appoint the non-elected officers and chairmen of all standing or special committees.
3. Call special meetings as requested or deemed advisable.
4. See that all officers and committees fulfill their duties.
5. Assume one or more of the Non-Elected Officer positions.
B. The VICE PRESIDENT shall:
1. Assume the duties of the President during any absence.
2. Assume the duties of the President if for any reason the President cannot fulfill the duties of the office, or the office is vacated.
3. Assume one or more of the Non-Elected Officer positions.
C. The SECRETARY shall:
1. Record the activities (take minutes) of all Executive Board meetings, and retain the information.
2. Receive and send correspondence necessary for the operation of the Guild.
3. May assume one or more of the Non-Elected Officer positions.
D. The TREASURER shall:
1. Set-up and maintain a checking account in the name of the Guild. Two people should have access to the Guild checking account.
2. Keep an accurate and current record of receipts and disbursements, and be custodian of all financial funds.
3. Have the authority to make payments furthering the Guild’s operation up to $100 without approval of the Executive Committee.
4. Keep an accurate and current record of member dues status, and provide name tags to members in good standing.
5. Provide quarterly and annual Treasury reports to the membership.
6. Set-up and/or maintain an official address of the Guild.
7. May assume one or more of the Non-Elected Officer positions.
SECTION 2. Removal of Officers. If any officer does not perform their duties, then the general membership may remove the member upon recommendation of the Executive Board, and by vote of the majority of membership present at a general meeting.
ARTICLE V. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
SECTION 1. Nominations shall be established at the previous monthly meeting.
SECTION 2. Elected officers will serve a two-year term, and their term of office shall begin and end at the close of the December social meeting of the term of their office. No elected officer shall hold more than one elected office at a time.
SECTION 3. Vacancies in any elected office shall be filled as soon as possible, and by an election following the announcement of the vacancy. Nominations may be made from the floor, and voting will be by majority of the general members present.
SECTION 4. If there is only one nominee for the office, voting will be by voice. When there is more than one nominee for the office, the voting may be by secret ballot.
Article VI. NON-ELECTED OFFICERS
The President shall appoint, with the approval of the Executive Committee, members to those of the following non-elected officer positions as is deemed necessary and desirable. Any appointed non-elected officer may enlist other members to serve in committee for the non-elected office performance.
1) One or more members may help plan monthly meetings, (guest speakers) field trips, and social events. Also included is a Guild informational booth at local shows.
2) One or more members will fill the role of Communications. (photos, newsletter, email, and website) This person is responsible for ensuring that web hosting fees, and domain name registration fees are paid on time. This member will work with the Treasurer as needed.
Article VII EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SECTION 1 The Executive Committee for the Guild shall be composed of: the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, who are the voting members of the Executive Committee, and of up to four Non-Elected Officers appointed by a majority of the voting members of the Executive Committee.
SECTION 2 The Executive Committee:
1) Shall have the authority to carry out the supervision of the affairs of the Guild between general membership meetings.
2) Shall authorize all payments from Guild funds in excess of $100.
3) Shall meet when the President declares a meeting, or two members of the Committee declare a meeting.
4) May make recommendations to the membership.
5) Shall perform other duties as needed, or specified by these by-laws.
Article VIII MEETINGS
SECTION 1. The Guild membership shall meet for their general meeting the fourth Thursday of each month, except November and December. Old Business and New Business may be conducted in the business portion of every regular meeting of the Guild. The October regular meeting is designated as the Annual Business Meeting. The membership shall meet socially in December on a day and time to be adopted by the members at a regular meeting.
SECTION 2. The agenda of the Annual Business Meeting shall include, but not be limited to:
[i] reports from each officer of the Guild;
[ii] elections;
[iii] annual review of, and possible amendment to these Bylaws;
[iv] membership revocations (if needed);
[v] old business; and,
[vi] new business.
SECTION 3. Proxy voting is not allowed. Every decision of every Guild body requires a majority affirmative vote of the members who are attending, unless these Bylaws require a greater vote. Decisions by the Executive Committee require a majority vote of all voting Executive Committee members. An amendment to these Bylaws requires a 2/3 affirmative vote of Members present at the Annual Business Meeting. The quorum of every Guild body is a majority of that body, except for the Annual Business Meeting, which shall use a quorum of 25% of the Members of the Guild. Any Guild body may conduct a meeting by voice, video, or in-person. A Guild body may meet other than in-person, and may conduct a vote other than in-person, but when, [A] meeting other than in-person or when, [B] voting other than in person, then that meeting and that voting must at all times maintain unanimous consent for the conducting of that meeting or that vote.
Article IX DISSOLUTION
Should the members of the Guild decide to dissolve the organization, they may do so by two-thirds vote to dissolve by the members at a regular meeting. The moved and seconded resolution to dissolve must be published in the Guild newsletter, as well as the STWG website. It should be the first item on the front page in the next issue of the newsletter, at least one issue in advance of the vote. The resolution must include provision for payment of all the Guild’s debts to the extent assets permit. The resolution to dissolve must also include provision for transfer of any Guild assets, after payment of debts, to an IRS designated non-profit organization.
ARTICLE I. ORGANIZATION NAME
The name of the organization is the Susquehanna Trail Woodworkers Guild, located in York, Pennsylvania. Also known as STWG.
ARTICLE II. MISSION
The Guild is an open-membership organization dedicated to:
1. Preserving the tradition, culture and history of woodworking.
2. Sharing and promoting the knowledge and understanding of all aspects of woodworking.
3. Advancing fellowship among persons interested in the art of woodworking.
4. Enjoying and appreciating the woodworking skills, and experiences of other woodworkers.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
SECTION 1. Any person 18 years of age or older, or younger with the participation of a parent or guardian, believing in the purposes of this organization and willing to take part in STWG activities, is invited to be a member. This person is considered an active member of the Guild upon payment of annual dues. The membership year is the calendar year. Members younger than 18 may only use tools in the presence of, and with the permission of, a parent or guardian.
SECTION 2. Membership dues are payable to the Treasurer. Annual membership dues rates for individual and family memberships are set from time-to-time by majority vote of the membership. Dues are payable upon application for membership for new members, and annually by the third meeting of the year for continuing members. New member dues are pro-rated as: 12 minus the month joining divided by 12. Continuing member dues are not pro-rated.
SECTION 3. A member will be dropped from the roster if the dues are not paid by the third meeting of the membership year.
SECTION 4. A membership may be terminated for conduct or speech that violates the standards of the membership. Termination is only by a unanimous referral of the matter by the Executive Committee to the membership for vote. A two-thirds vote of the members is required to remove a member.
ARTICLE IV. ELECTED OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. The elected officers shall be the: President, Vice-president, Secretary and Treasurer. The elective officers shall be voting members of the Executive Committee.
These officers are to perform the duties prescribed in these By-laws. The elected officers of the Guild also constitute the Board of Directors in all matters requiring a Board of Directors.
A. The PRESIDENT shall:
1. Preside over regular meetings of the Guild and over Executive Committee meetings.
2. Appoint the non-elected officers and chairmen of all standing or special committees.
3. Call special meetings as requested or deemed advisable.
4. See that all officers and committees fulfill their duties.
5. Assume one or more of the Non-Elected Officer positions.
B. The VICE PRESIDENT shall:
1. Assume the duties of the President during any absence.
2. Assume the duties of the President if for any reason the President cannot fulfill the duties of the office, or the office is vacated.
3. Assume one or more of the Non-Elected Officer positions.
C. The SECRETARY shall:
1. Record the activities (take minutes) of all Executive Board meetings, and retain the information.
2. Receive and send correspondence necessary for the operation of the Guild.
3. May assume one or more of the Non-Elected Officer positions.
D. The TREASURER shall:
1. Set-up and maintain a checking account in the name of the Guild. Two people should have access to the Guild checking account.
2. Keep an accurate and current record of receipts and disbursements, and be custodian of all financial funds.
3. Have the authority to make payments furthering the Guild’s operation up to $100 without approval of the Executive Committee.
4. Keep an accurate and current record of member dues status, and provide name tags to members in good standing.
5. Provide quarterly and annual Treasury reports to the membership.
6. Set-up and/or maintain an official address of the Guild.
7. May assume one or more of the Non-Elected Officer positions.
SECTION 2. Removal of Officers. If any officer does not perform their duties, then the general membership may remove the member upon recommendation of the Executive Board, and by vote of the majority of membership present at a general meeting.
ARTICLE V. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
SECTION 1. Nominations shall be established at the previous monthly meeting.
SECTION 2. Elected officers will serve a two-year term, and their term of office shall begin and end at the close of the December social meeting of the term of their office. No elected officer shall hold more than one elected office at a time.
SECTION 3. Vacancies in any elected office shall be filled as soon as possible, and by an election following the announcement of the vacancy. Nominations may be made from the floor, and voting will be by majority of the general members present.
SECTION 4. If there is only one nominee for the office, voting will be by voice. When there is more than one nominee for the office, the voting may be by secret ballot.
Article VI. NON-ELECTED OFFICERS
The President shall appoint, with the approval of the Executive Committee, members to those of the following non-elected officer positions as is deemed necessary and desirable. Any appointed non-elected officer may enlist other members to serve in committee for the non-elected office performance.
1) One or more members may help plan monthly meetings, (guest speakers) field trips, and social events. Also included is a Guild informational booth at local shows.
2) One or more members will fill the role of Communications. (photos, newsletter, email, and website) This person is responsible for ensuring that web hosting fees, and domain name registration fees are paid on time. This member will work with the Treasurer as needed.
Article VII EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SECTION 1 The Executive Committee for the Guild shall be composed of: the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, who are the voting members of the Executive Committee, and of up to four Non-Elected Officers appointed by a majority of the voting members of the Executive Committee.
SECTION 2 The Executive Committee:
1) Shall have the authority to carry out the supervision of the affairs of the Guild between general membership meetings.
2) Shall authorize all payments from Guild funds in excess of $100.
3) Shall meet when the President declares a meeting, or two members of the Committee declare a meeting.
4) May make recommendations to the membership.
5) Shall perform other duties as needed, or specified by these by-laws.
Article VIII MEETINGS
SECTION 1. The Guild membership shall meet for their general meeting the fourth Thursday of each month, except November and December. Old Business and New Business may be conducted in the business portion of every regular meeting of the Guild. The October regular meeting is designated as the Annual Business Meeting. The membership shall meet socially in December on a day and time to be adopted by the members at a regular meeting.
SECTION 2. The agenda of the Annual Business Meeting shall include, but not be limited to:
[i] reports from each officer of the Guild;
[ii] elections;
[iii] annual review of, and possible amendment to these Bylaws;
[iv] membership revocations (if needed);
[v] old business; and,
[vi] new business.
SECTION 3. Proxy voting is not allowed. Every decision of every Guild body requires a majority affirmative vote of the members who are attending, unless these Bylaws require a greater vote. Decisions by the Executive Committee require a majority vote of all voting Executive Committee members. An amendment to these Bylaws requires a 2/3 affirmative vote of Members present at the Annual Business Meeting. The quorum of every Guild body is a majority of that body, except for the Annual Business Meeting, which shall use a quorum of 25% of the Members of the Guild. Any Guild body may conduct a meeting by voice, video, or in-person. A Guild body may meet other than in-person, and may conduct a vote other than in-person, but when, [A] meeting other than in-person or when, [B] voting other than in person, then that meeting and that voting must at all times maintain unanimous consent for the conducting of that meeting or that vote.
Article IX DISSOLUTION
Should the members of the Guild decide to dissolve the organization, they may do so by two-thirds vote to dissolve by the members at a regular meeting. The moved and seconded resolution to dissolve must be published in the Guild newsletter, as well as the STWG website. It should be the first item on the front page in the next issue of the newsletter, at least one issue in advance of the vote. The resolution must include provision for payment of all the Guild’s debts to the extent assets permit. The resolution to dissolve must also include provision for transfer of any Guild assets, after payment of debts, to an IRS designated non-profit organization.