I. Name
The name of the organization shall be The Sugar Belles of South Texas.
II. Purpose
The purpose of this organization shall be to promote further education and the exchange of ideas in the sugar arts, as well as to have an opportunity to socialize and eat!
III. Membership
Full Membership shall consist of persons, 18 years and older who are interested in the purpose of this organization and have paid their annual dues. A member must have a working knowledge in some form, of sugar art, so that he or she can adequately demonstrate and share with other members. Membership dues are $45 yearly (to include a full 12 month time-frame). Dues will be reviewed yearly and any increases over 10% must be brought to a vote. The Board may approve increases under 10%. Visitors will be allowed to attend one meeting before membership dues are required to be paid. Membership dues are nonrefundable except at the discretion of the Executive Board.
Associate Membership shall consist of family members of the same household as a full member who are age 13-17 or a full-time student still living at home, (or at the discretion of the board members) would be eligible for an associate membership. Associate members must also be interested in the purpose of this organization and have paid their dues. They must have a working knowledge, in some form, of sugar art, so that he or she can adequately demonstrate and share with other members. Associate membership dues are $35 yearly (to include a full 12 month time-frame). Associate membership does not include a newsletter or voting privileges. The full member must take responsibility for the actions and behavior of the associate member. Membership dues are nonrefundable except at the discretion of the Executive Board.
Sponsored Memberships
Business-sponsored - for those age 13 and older who do not have a family member with a full membership. A Business-sponsored membership must be applied for and approved by the board members. Sponsored members must also be interested in the purpose of this organization and have paid their dues. They must have a working knowledge, in some form, of sugar art, so that he or she can adequately demonstrate and share with other members. Business-sponsored membership dues are $35 yearly (to include a full 12 month time-frame). Sponsored memberships does not include a newsletter or voting privileges. Membership dues are nonrefundable except at the discretion of the Executive Board.
Personal-sponsored - for those age 13-17 who do not have a family member with a full membership. A personal-sponsored membership must be applied for and approved by the board members. Sponsored members must also be interested in the purpose of this organization and have paid their dues. They must have a working knowledge, in some form, of sugar art, so that he or she can adequately demonstrate and share with other members. Personal-sponsored membership dues are $35 yearly. Sponsored membership does not include a newsletter or voting privileges. Sponsors must take full responsibility for the actions and behavior of the sponsored members. Membership dues are nonrefundable except at the discretion of the Executive Board.
All active members shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of the Club and all members shall share in it's responsibilities. These responsibilities shall include support of its purposes and constructive contribution to its purposes and activities. Any conduct not consistent with these standards may be reason for non-renewal of membership, or even a revocation of their membership without a refund of membership dues.
A member must initially attend a minimum of three meetings before earning voting privileges, and then must maintain a 50% attendance average. Voting members must also participate in one or more service projects a year and be a member in good standing.
Any member who allows their dues to become more than one (1) month in arrears will be considered in-active and will forfeit any voting rights and will no longer receive the newsletter.
IV. Finances
The club shall maintain an accounting of all incoming and outgoing funds. The Treasurer shall maintain receipts for all expenditures and no funds shall be reimbursed without the foreknowledge and approval of the Executive Board. A financial report shall be given to club members each month. The treasurer's books shall be closed on November 30th of each year.
V. Officers
The Executive Board will consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Coordinator. Executive Board decisions will be decided by a majority vote of the Board. At the October meeting, candidates for office will be nominated by any club member. Elections will be held at the November meeting and selection will be decided by a majority vote. The new officers will be sworn in and take over their duties at the January meeting following the election. To be eligible for nomination for an office, a person must be a member for at least one year. (For the first club year only, this eligibility does not apply - any member in good standing may be eligibile for nomination for an office.) Members must be present on election day in order to be elected. Exceptions will be granted by a majority vote of the Executive Board. Officers will be elected for a term of two years and may be re-elected for additional terms. If, for any reason, an elected officer cannot fulfill their obligation, the Executive Board will name appointees for the vacant offices, except for the position of President, which will automatically be filled by the Vice President.
President - The president will preside over any club meetings and appoint committees. If an officer leaves the club during their term of office, the president will appoint someone to fill the office. The president will act in the best interest of the club in all business matters and will serve on the Executive Board. The president will consult with the Executive Board on special events that the club may want to have. Other duties as deemed necessary by the Executive Committee.
Vice President - The vice president will assume the duties of president in the absence of the president. They will assist the president whenever necessary and will consult the president on all business matters. The VP will serve as a member of the Executive Board. The VP will be responsible for the club's calendar of events, schedule programs and special events. Other duties as deemed necessary by the Executive Committee.
Secretary - The secretary shall take minutes of the meetings, which shall be contained in a permanent manner. The secretary will be a member of the Executive Board. The secretary will be in charge of all correspondence and mailings to members and will be reimbursed for approved expenses incurred as secretary. The secretary will work with the membership coordinator regarding all new member information. Other duties as deemed necessary by the Executive Committee.
Membership Coordinator - The membership coordinator will work in conjunction with at least one other person to obtain and register new members. This will be done through fliers, announcements, mailings or any other means approved by the Executive Board. The membership coordinator will be responsible for registering new members and forwarding the appropriate information to other board members or chairpersons. They will keep an updated copy of names and addresses of members and make sure each member has a copy. Other duties as deemed necessary by the Executive Committee.
Other - Other positions will be assigned as needed.
VI. Amendments
This constitution may be amended by resolution adopted by a majority vote of members present, with such amendment proposed in writing by an active member at the meeting immediately preceding that at which the amendment is to be voted on, and upon immediate notice of the change. (Amendments will be proposed in writing and then voted on at the following month's meeting. This will give us the opportunity to notify all members of issues to be voted on.)
VII. Committees
VIII. Liability and Dissolution
This club and its members shall be responsible for approved expenses incurred in connection with its operations, functions and activities. In the event of dissolution of this club, distribution of any funds after payment of indebtedness will be used to purchase and contribute books related to our purpose to the library of our choice. This club does not assume any liability for injuries incurred during the implementation of this club's activities.
