NORTHAMPTON DRIVING SOCIETY
BYLAWS
Updated 01/2007
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this association is the Northampton Driving Society.
ARTICLE II: STATEMENT
The Northampton Driving Society is not intended to be a for profit organization. If dissolution of the Northampton Driving Society occurs, after providing for debt and obligations, remaining assets will be distributed to an association of like interest.
ARTICLE III: PURPOSE
The purpose for which the Northampton Driving Society was formed are:
1.) To promote the equine sport of pleasure carriage driving.
2.) To provide educational opportunities for the membership, keeping in mind that the Northampton Driving Society was started with the novice whip in mind. The opportunities should not be solely for the novice, or the advanced whip, but should reach all members.
3.) The Northampton Driving Society shall host an annual pleasure driving competition.
ARTICLE IV: DURATION
The period during which this society is to continue is perpetual.
ARTICLE V: ADDRESS
The area to be served by the Northampton Driving Society shall be western New York, but open to any persons wishing to become members. The name and address of our registered agent shall be that of the current treasurer and/or the corresponding secretary.
ARTICLE VI: MEMBERSHIP AND VOTING PRIVILEGE
1. Membership and voting privilege shall be as follows:
A.) Regular - One or two persons, with any children living in the same household; entitled to two votes.
B.) Honorary - Honorary membership designated by the members of the Executive Committee: not entitled to a vote.
2.) Dues of the membership shall be determined by the Executive Committee
3.) Dues are payable after October 1, with the annual dues to be paid by January 1. Membership year runs from January 1, through December 31. Dues must be current to be eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting.
4.) Termination of any membership with good cause will be decided upon by a consensus of the executive committee.
5.) Members with unpaid dues after March 1, will be dropped from the mailing and membership lists.
ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS, NOTICES, QUORUM
1.) A notice or calendar of meetings and other activities will be provided to all members in good standing at least once a year, or more often as required by the Executive Committee.
2.) A general membership meeting will be held on the second Wednesday of the following months - February, March, April, May, June, September, October, and November unless otherwise notified. (Meetings to start at 7:30 P.M.)
3.) Any action by a majority of members present shall be the action of the membership of the Northampton Driving Society.
4.) The Annual Meeting of the Northampton Driving Society will be held in January and shall be for the election of officers and any other business deemed necessary.
5.) Upon notice special meetings of the membership may be called any time by the President, or Vice President. Members may also request a special meeting by contacting the officers.
ARTICLE VIII: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
1.) The Executive Committee shall consist of the present officers(5), the immediate past president(1), and up to four(4) from the general membership, to be appointed by the current officers. (Maximum of 10.)
2.) The term of the Executive Committee should be annual.
3.) The purpose of the Executive Committee shall be to review and condense information, and to act on behalf of the general membership.
4.) It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to review and authorize any expense in excess of $100.00.
5.) The decision of the Executive Committee shall be by a majority of those present - except where otherwise stated in the bylaws.
ARTICLE IX: OFFICERS
1.) The officers of the Northampton Driving Society shall be elected at the Annual Meeting, by the current membership.
2.) The term for each officer shall be one (1) year. All officers hold office until their successors are elected.
3.) The officers shall be President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer.
4.) The duties and powers of the officers shall include a minimum of the following:
A.) President and/or Vice President: shall preside at all meetings of members and the Executive Committee. Meetings to be conducted according to Robert’s Rule of Order. The President also has the responsibility for creating committees and appointing chairpersons for those committees. In general to represent the assembly, declaring its will and obeying its command in all matters and regards.
B.) Recording Secretary: Shall be responsible for recording all motions, seconds and votes, and minutes of all proceedings. Copies of all minutes shall be available to all officers, executive committee members, as well as Club Historian.
C.) Corresponding Secretary: Shall be responsible to give notice of all meetings as provided in Article VII, items 1 and 2, and shall keep a copy of all correspondence for the club.
D.) Treasurer: Shall have custody of funds in a bank and shall make deposits in a timely manner. Shall make disbursements as required or necessary. Shall make available to all general meetings, and the annual meeting a current and accurate accounting of the Northampton Driving Society financial status.
E.) One of the above officers, other than the President, shall assume the responsibilities of Membership Secretary. The duties of the Membership Secretary are to keep a list of current members and organize renewal.
ARTICLE X: VACANCIES
In the event of an office being vacated the Executive Committee shall appoint a member to finish the term.
ARTICLE XI: FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year for the Northampton Driving Society shall be January 1 through December 31.
ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENTS
The Bylaws of the Northampton Driving Society may be amended or repealed by the majority vote of the members present at a designated meeting called for this purpose.
ARTICLE XIII: HISTORIAN
A voluntary position of Club Historian exists to maintain the historical events of the Northampton Driving Society.
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