Country Dancers of Rochester BYLAWS
(Adopted Sept. 27, 1984)
1.NAME: The name of this organization is COUNTRY DANCERS OF ROCHESTER. Country Dancers of Rochester is a not-for-profit organization operating as a Center of the Country Dance and Song Society of America under Guidelines established by the Society
2.OBJECTIVES: The Country Dancers of Rochester supports the objectives set forth in Article II of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Country Dance and Song Society and will endeavor to further these objectives through activities and programs open to the general public.
3.MEMBERSHIP: Membership in Country Dancers of Rochester is open to all. All members are entitled to attend general and special meetings; to vote on all questions coming before the membership; to hold office and serve on special committees.
4.MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERSHIP: An Annual Meeting of the membership will be held each year in the month of September for the election of Officers and to transact any necessary business. Other meetings may be called by the President as needed. All meetings of the membership are open to the public, but only members may vote on the matters on the agenda. At least three weeks notice of all meetings will be given, except in cases of emergency.
5.DUES AND CHARGES: The yearly dues for members and the charges for single sessions, special events and enrollment for a series are to be set by the Officers and Advisory Committee at rates that will cover costs of operation.
6.OFFICERS: Officers are a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, elected by the members. Terms of office are one year and officers may not serve more than five consecutive terms. Duties of the officers are:
a) The President is the executive officer responsible for the operations of the group; presides at meetings; calls regular or special of the membership or advisory committee as needed; appoints chairmen and committees to carry out projects or special programs.
b) The Vice President acts as executive in the President's absence, and is responsible for publicity of the club.
c) The Secretary keeps records and minutes of meetings, maintains an up-to-date list of members and a mailing list, sends notices, and receives and distributes information from other groups and organizations.
d) The Treasurer is responsible for collection of dues and charges; for disbursement of fees to musicians and callers; and for payment of authorized expenses. The Treasurer files the yearly financial statement of operations as required by National Headquarters. The fiscal year of the Country Dancers of Rochester is January 1st to December 31st of each year.
7.ADVISORY COMMITTEE: This committee is a standing committee consisting of the Officers and not less than 4 members appointed by the President to consult on matters affecting the Center. It is desirable for the Advisory Committee to include at least: a) the past President or one past officer b) the chairmen appointed by the President c) one or more of the teachers or musicians when matters affecting the program and activities are at issue. The Advisory Committee has the power to set schedules and dates, to make engagements for the Country Dancers, to set fees and honoraria to be paid to musicians and callers as well as to determine dues and charges as noted above.
8.ELECTIONS: Officers are elected at the Annual Meeting in September. In July, the President appoints a nominating committee of 3, one of whom should be an Officer or member of the Advisory Committee. The Nominating Committee reports to the membership its nominations for officers in August, one month before the Annual Meeting. Nominations may also be made from the floor.
9.NON-PROFIT STATUS: No part of the earnings of Country Dancers of Rochester will inure to the benefit of private individuals. This does not preclude payment of reasonable fees for work performed. In the event of dissolution, the assets of Country Dancers of Rochester will be distributed to another nonprofit organization with 501(c)3 status. Country Dancers of Rochester will not, as a substantial part of its activities, attempt to influence legislation or particpate in a political campaign for or against any candidate for public office.
10.AMENDMENTS: Amendments to these By-Laws may be made on one month's written notice to members. A majority vote of members present at the meeting set for consideration of the proposed amendments is required for adoption.
Amendments (reflected above) were approved at the general membership meeting on 17 Sep 98. Maximum number of consecutive terms was increased from 3 to 5, and the start of the fiscal year was changed from June 1 to January 1.