QBARS - v3n4 Revision of By-Laws of American Rhododendron Society

Revised By-Laws of American Rhododendron Society

ARTICLE I - MEMBERSHIP

Section a . Membership in this society shall be open to all persons interested in the growth and culture of rhododendrons.
Section b . Membership shall be conferred upon a written application to the Secretary, endorsed by (one) member, and accompanied by remittance for dues as hereinafter provided.
Section c . All members of the Rhododendron Society, the unincorporated predecessor of this corporation, shall automatically become members hereof upon payment of the dues as hereinafter provided.
Section d. Classes of membership shall be as follows:
1. Regular members. This class shall consist of all members other than life members and honorary members.
2. Life members. Life membership may be acquired by making application and payment of life membership dues as hereinafter proficed. (sic.)
3. Honorary members. The honorary membership shall consist of those persons who shall be elected to honorary membership by unanimous vote of the Governing Body.
Section e. All members of this organization shall be entitled to receive publications issued by this organization (with the exception of cloth bound books), to vote at all meetings of the membership and to participate in exhibitions.

ARTICLE II - DUES

Annual dues for each calendar year shall be as follows:
(a) Regular members shall pay annual dues for each calendar year in the sum of $5.00 (payable January 1st.)
(b) Life Members. Life membership dues shall be ($100.00)
(c) Honorary Members. No dues shall be required or imposed upon honorary members.
(d) No person shall be entitled to any of the rights and privileges of membership until his dues shall have been paid for the current year.

ARTICLE III - GOVERNING BODY

Section a . The Governing Body shall consist of the four officers hereinafter provided for together (with 12 additional members and such Regional Vice. presidents as may be appointed by the Board).
Section b . Membership of the Governing Body shall be elected by majority vote of the membership at large (by mail Ballot. Ballots to be in the mail on or before 1st of May).
Section c . The term of office for members of the Governing Body shall be two years.
Section d . The Governing Body shall be vested with the authority to carry on the business of the organization and the management of its affairs.

ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS

Section a. The officers of this organization shall consist of a President, a Vice-president, a Secretary and a Treasurer (and Regional Vice-presidents).
Section b . The President shall preside at all meetings of the membership and of the Governing Body and shall perform the recognized functions of his office.
Section c. The Vice President shall preside in the absence of the President, and shall perform the recognized functions of his office.
Section d . The Treasurer shall (be responsible for the funds of this organization). He shall make a financial report at the annual meeting and the Sallie shall be subject to audit by the Governing Body.
Section e. The Secretary shall record the action taken at meetings of the Governing Body and the membership, (shall collect membership dues and shall perform the recognized functions of the office.)
Section f. Each officer shall, upon the expiration of his term, deliver to his successor the records of the office.
Section g . Regional Vice presidents shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. Duties shall be prescribed by the Board.

ARTICLE V - MEETINGS

Section a . Meetings of the membership shall be held not less than four times annually. (Meetings shall be held on the 3rd., third Thursday of the following months, February, March, April, May, September, October and November. The May meeting shall be the annual meeting for the installation of officers and members of the Governing Body.)
Section b . Special meetings may be called at any time by the Governing Body.
Section c . All members shall be notified in writing of the time and place of all meetings of the membership not less than seven days before such meeting.
Section d. Fifteen members shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the membership.
Section e . The annual meeting of the Governing Body shall take place immediately following the annual meeting of the membership.
Section f . Other meetings of the Governing Body shall be held upon call of the President or any two members of the Governing Body.
Section g . Six members of the Governing Body shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section h . All members of the Governing Body shall be notified in writing of the time and place of any meeting not less than three days prior to such meeting.

ARTICLE VI - ELECTIONS

Section a. In October of each year the President shall appoint a nominating committee to consist of a chairman and four members. This committee shall render its report at the (February meeting) and shall include in its report nominations of one or more persons for each vacancy among the officers and upon the Governing Body.
Section b . In addition to the names placed in nomination by the nominating committee, additional nominations may be made from the floor (at the February meeting.)
Section c . The office of President is to be held only by an amateur. Commercial growers are barred from holding this position.
Section d. These By-laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of those present at any regular meeting of the membership, provided that notice of such proposed amendment shall have been presented to the last preceding regular or special meeting.