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Bylaws of the New Orleans Bear and Bear
Trapper Social Club
Adopted 11-07-08, to take effect 01-01-09
CLUB PURPOSE:
The purpose of the New Orleans Bear & Bear Trapper Social Club
(NOBBTSC) is to bring people, who consider themselves Bears or are
attracted to Bears, together to participate in group social and community
activities.
Item #1 - Membership:
A. The New Orleans Bear and Bear Trapper Social Club accepts all
persons who are at least twenty-one (21) years of age who support our
purpose.
B. Voting privileges are granted to all members who have paid their
membership dues in full, and have no other debts owed to the club.
C. The membership categories of this club are:
1. Member: (1st through 5th years) - $25.00 annual dues
Members receive 1-5 year pins, assuming dues are paid
timely and in full.
2. Life Member: ( at the end of 6th year and beyond - $15.00
annual dues. A member qualifies for this status after the
completion of the sixth year of membership, at such time he
will receive the Life Membership Pin, assuming dues are paid
timely and in full.
D. 1) All club dues are due and payable by adjournment of the February
meeting. Any member failing to meet that deadline will be removed from the
membership rolls, and must re-apply for membership, and forfeits any prior
membership status, including eligibility for office.
2. For the first year only, pro-rated dues will apply according to the
following scale:
Those joining in: Pay:
January, February and March $25.00
April, May and June $18.75
July, August and September $12.50
October, November and December $ 6.25
Item #2 - Member’s Responsibilities:
A. Members are required to be current in all membership dues, and other
payments that be owed to the club.
B. All members are encouraged to participate in all club meetings and
functions. Any member who consistently fails to follow through with assigned
or volunteered duties may, at the discretion of the Event Chairman or Board
of NOBBTSC, be excluded from volunteering for any further functions.
C. Honesty and Trustworthiness: Honesty is an essential component of
trust. Without trust, the club cannot function effectively. A member has a
duty to be honest about his representation of the club to others, and about
any circumstances that might lead to conflicts of interest.
Trapper Social Club
Adopted 11-07-08, to take effect 01-01-09
CLUB PURPOSE:
The purpose of the New Orleans Bear & Bear Trapper Social Club
(NOBBTSC) is to bring people, who consider themselves Bears or are
attracted to Bears, together to participate in group social and community
activities.
Item #1 - Membership:
A. The New Orleans Bear and Bear Trapper Social Club accepts all
persons who are at least twenty-one (21) years of age who support our
purpose.
B. Voting privileges are granted to all members who have paid their
membership dues in full, and have no other debts owed to the club.
C. The membership categories of this club are:
1. Member: (1st through 5th years) - $25.00 annual dues
Members receive 1-5 year pins, assuming dues are paid
timely and in full.
2. Life Member: ( at the end of 6th year and beyond - $15.00
annual dues. A member qualifies for this status after the
completion of the sixth year of membership, at such time he
will receive the Life Membership Pin, assuming dues are paid
timely and in full.
D. 1) All club dues are due and payable by adjournment of the February
meeting. Any member failing to meet that deadline will be removed from the
membership rolls, and must re-apply for membership, and forfeits any prior
membership status, including eligibility for office.
2. For the first year only, pro-rated dues will apply according to the
following scale:
Those joining in: Pay:
January, February and March $25.00
April, May and June $18.75
July, August and September $12.50
October, November and December $ 6.25
Item #2 - Member’s Responsibilities:
A. Members are required to be current in all membership dues, and other
payments that be owed to the club.
B. All members are encouraged to participate in all club meetings and
functions. Any member who consistently fails to follow through with assigned
or volunteered duties may, at the discretion of the Event Chairman or Board
of NOBBTSC, be excluded from volunteering for any further functions.
C. Honesty and Trustworthiness: Honesty is an essential component of
trust. Without trust, the club cannot function effectively. A member has a
duty to be honest about his representation of the club to others, and about
any circumstances that might lead to conflicts of interest.
Members should be aware that the mere “appearance” of inappropriate
behavior can be negatively construed as representative of the individual
or the club as a whole. Members should take steps to avoid such
appearances.
D. Respect for Club Property: A member(s)’s activities in acquiring
any physical property donated to and in the name of the club, and
information or knowledge acquired, developed, and utilized in the
activities of the club, does not give that member(s) any rights of
ownership. Such things are considered the sole property of the club by
virtue of the item’s association with the NOBBTSC. Officers of the club
are merely authorized “holders” of club property, including but not
limited to supplies, materials, donations, records and information, during
the term of their office, and as such must return such to the club at the
end of their term of office. No member shall solicit or accept, directly or
indirectly, any thing of economic value in the name of the club without
the notification of the club, in a timely manner. The club reserves the
right to refuse any donation.
E. Respect of Privacy: The principle of honesty extends to issues
of club business, club information, and to issues of confidentiality. The
membership lists, club recor4ds and other club information are not to be
used for any purpose other than club business, unless the officers of
the club are discharged from such obligations by law, or by membership
permission.
Item #3 - Election of officers:
A. Nominations for officers will be open at October club meeting
and through the November meeting prior to the candidates speaking. A
member can accept only one (1) nomination. Candidates nominated for
office must have been a member of the NOBBTSC for at least six (6)
months prior to taking office for the offices of Vice-President, Secretary,
Treasurer, and Lieutenant. Candidates nominated for the office of
President must have previous service as an officer of this club for a full
term during their current membership. The office of President shall be
restricted to no more than two (2) years by any one person per term. If
there is no candidate nominated, the current President may be re-
elected by acclamation, with his permission. A past President may serve
another term after a hiatus of one (1) year or longer. Nominations are
placed by the membership in the following order:
1. Lieutenants, 2. Treasurer, 3. Secretary, 4.Vice-President,
and 5. President.
B. Elections will be held at the December club meeting.
C. Absentee voting is not permitted for officer elections. All election
ballots will be verified and counted by the Secretary, the Treasurer, and
one member of the club, elected by club membership, who is neither a
board member nor a candidate in the election of which he will verify.
D. The induction of new officers will be at the Christmas Party
following the December meeting or at the first meeting in January, if
there is no Christmas party.
E. At the December Board meeting, the outgoing Officers will turn
over all club documents, materials and funds to the incoming Officers.
This transfer of club property and records will be documented in
writing, and be made part of the club’s records.
Item #4 - Elected offices and their responsibilities:
A. President:
1. Provides leadership to officers and club.
2. Prepares the agenda for and presides over all general club
meetings.
3. Prepares the agenda for and presides over all Board
meetings.
behavior can be negatively construed as representative of the individual
or the club as a whole. Members should take steps to avoid such
appearances.
D. Respect for Club Property: A member(s)’s activities in acquiring
any physical property donated to and in the name of the club, and
information or knowledge acquired, developed, and utilized in the
activities of the club, does not give that member(s) any rights of
ownership. Such things are considered the sole property of the club by
virtue of the item’s association with the NOBBTSC. Officers of the club
are merely authorized “holders” of club property, including but not
limited to supplies, materials, donations, records and information, during
the term of their office, and as such must return such to the club at the
end of their term of office. No member shall solicit or accept, directly or
indirectly, any thing of economic value in the name of the club without
the notification of the club, in a timely manner. The club reserves the
right to refuse any donation.
E. Respect of Privacy: The principle of honesty extends to issues
of club business, club information, and to issues of confidentiality. The
membership lists, club recor4ds and other club information are not to be
used for any purpose other than club business, unless the officers of
the club are discharged from such obligations by law, or by membership
permission.
Item #3 - Election of officers:
A. Nominations for officers will be open at October club meeting
and through the November meeting prior to the candidates speaking. A
member can accept only one (1) nomination. Candidates nominated for
office must have been a member of the NOBBTSC for at least six (6)
months prior to taking office for the offices of Vice-President, Secretary,
Treasurer, and Lieutenant. Candidates nominated for the office of
President must have previous service as an officer of this club for a full
term during their current membership. The office of President shall be
restricted to no more than two (2) years by any one person per term. If
there is no candidate nominated, the current President may be re-
elected by acclamation, with his permission. A past President may serve
another term after a hiatus of one (1) year or longer. Nominations are
placed by the membership in the following order:
1. Lieutenants, 2. Treasurer, 3. Secretary, 4.Vice-President,
and 5. President.
B. Elections will be held at the December club meeting.
C. Absentee voting is not permitted for officer elections. All election
ballots will be verified and counted by the Secretary, the Treasurer, and
one member of the club, elected by club membership, who is neither a
board member nor a candidate in the election of which he will verify.
D. The induction of new officers will be at the Christmas Party
following the December meeting or at the first meeting in January, if
there is no Christmas party.
E. At the December Board meeting, the outgoing Officers will turn
over all club documents, materials and funds to the incoming Officers.
This transfer of club property and records will be documented in
writing, and be made part of the club’s records.
Item #4 - Elected offices and their responsibilities:
A. President:
1. Provides leadership to officers and club.
2. Prepares the agenda for and presides over all general club
meetings.
3. Prepares the agenda for and presides over all Board
meetings.
4. Delegates special function duties to officers, and/or event
chairpersons.
5. Monitors the performance of other officers.
6. Official representative of the club and the primary contact
for inter-club relations.
7. Monitors all donations to the club and ensures those
donations are entered into club inventory.
8. Acknowledges receipt of donations to the donor(s) with the
assistance of the Secretary.
B. Vice President:
1. Assists president as necessary.
2. Assumes the responsibilities of the President in the absence
or incapacity of the President.
3. Acts as Sergeant at Arms and maintains order at all club
meetings.
4. Maintains and updates the club’s inventories.
5. Orders or delegates the ordering of all club materials after
appropriate approval by either the general membership or
the Board.
6. With the assistance of the Lieutenants, plan and organize
social events.
7. Assists the President in the monitoring of other club
officers’ performance.
C. Secretary:
1. Updates and maintains the club’s membership roster
including dates of membership, addresses, phone numbers
and e-mail addresses of all members. This information is
collected with the assistance of, and provided to the
Editor/Media Officer and the Webmaster.
2. Assists President in preparing all meeting agendas, and club
correspondence.
3. Maintains club history, including bylaws, rules, and
correspondence.
4. Takes minutes of all club meetings and maintains same.
5. Coordinates press release materials with President,
Editor/Media Officer and the Webmaster.
6. Maintains the Post Office box.
D. Treasurer:
1. Maintains the club’s bank accounts and club monies.
2. Prepares and presents a monthly Treasurer’s report.
3. Tracks, documents, and reports on all club monetary
transactions monthly.
4. Supervises the collection of funds for all club events and is
responsible for coordinating backup fiscal assistance for
those times when he cannot be present, or when an event
spans an extended period.
5. Maintains a record of all payments, including but not limited
to dues, and for the sale of club paraphernalia.
6. Prepares a club year end audit and inventory report for the
incoming board.
E. Lieutenants: (Number to be elected: 1-25 members =1; 26-50
members = 2; 51-75 members = 3; etc.)
1. Acts as liaison between the general membership and the
club officers.
2. With the assistance of the Vice President, plans and
organizes social events and fund-raising events.
3. Provides budget for event planning and publicity with the
assistance of the Editor/Media Officer.
. 4. Maintains the club display case.
chairpersons.
5. Monitors the performance of other officers.
6. Official representative of the club and the primary contact
for inter-club relations.
7. Monitors all donations to the club and ensures those
donations are entered into club inventory.
8. Acknowledges receipt of donations to the donor(s) with the
assistance of the Secretary.
B. Vice President:
1. Assists president as necessary.
2. Assumes the responsibilities of the President in the absence
or incapacity of the President.
3. Acts as Sergeant at Arms and maintains order at all club
meetings.
4. Maintains and updates the club’s inventories.
5. Orders or delegates the ordering of all club materials after
appropriate approval by either the general membership or
the Board.
6. With the assistance of the Lieutenants, plan and organize
social events.
7. Assists the President in the monitoring of other club
officers’ performance.
C. Secretary:
1. Updates and maintains the club’s membership roster
including dates of membership, addresses, phone numbers
and e-mail addresses of all members. This information is
collected with the assistance of, and provided to the
Editor/Media Officer and the Webmaster.
2. Assists President in preparing all meeting agendas, and club
correspondence.
3. Maintains club history, including bylaws, rules, and
correspondence.
4. Takes minutes of all club meetings and maintains same.
5. Coordinates press release materials with President,
Editor/Media Officer and the Webmaster.
6. Maintains the Post Office box.
D. Treasurer:
1. Maintains the club’s bank accounts and club monies.
2. Prepares and presents a monthly Treasurer’s report.
3. Tracks, documents, and reports on all club monetary
transactions monthly.
4. Supervises the collection of funds for all club events and is
responsible for coordinating backup fiscal assistance for
those times when he cannot be present, or when an event
spans an extended period.
5. Maintains a record of all payments, including but not limited
to dues, and for the sale of club paraphernalia.
6. Prepares a club year end audit and inventory report for the
incoming board.
E. Lieutenants: (Number to be elected: 1-25 members =1; 26-50
members = 2; 51-75 members = 3; etc.)
1. Acts as liaison between the general membership and the
club officers.
2. With the assistance of the Vice President, plans and
organizes social events and fund-raising events.
3. Provides budget for event planning and publicity with the
assistance of the Editor/Media Officer.
. 4. Maintains the club display case.
Item#4B - Appointed Positions and Recognitions
Editor/ Media Officer:
(Note: this position does not vote as a board member)
1. Responsible for the distribution of all club mailings through
the appropriate medium.
2. Formats, edits, and obtains and/or writes articles for the club
newsletter.
3. Maintains all graphics tools of the club.
4. Assist Officers with previously mentioned responsibilities.
5. Maintain the “bearsofneworleans” yahoo group calendar.
Webmaster: (Note: If the Webmaster is a member of NOBBTSC, he is
a voting board member)
1. Responsible for the maintenance and running of the Club’s
website.
Item #5 - Powers of the officers:
A. The elected officers of this club, with the participation of club
membership, will determine the scope of club activities and provide
general rules and regulations for the running of the club and its activities.
B. Board meetings are held at the discretion of the President.
C. A quorum of officers is required to conduct a Board meeting.
D. All bylaw amendments and rule changes approved by the Board
will be presented to the general membership at the next general
membership meeting. A majority of the members in attendance must
approve said amendments or changes, at the following month’s
membership meeting, after presentation of said amendments or changes.
E. All club expenditures must be approved by the majority of the
board, with the exception of minor operating supplies. Any expenditures
totaling less than $500.00 per month require a formal vote of the board.
Any expenditure over $500.00, must have the formal approval of the
Board, but also must be presented to the general membership for final
approval.
Item #6 - Officer’s responsibilities:
A. Attendance is expected at club meetings and functions. If unable
to attend, the officer is required to notify another board member, in
advance.
B. If an officer is going to be absent, their report should be given to
another board member, in advance, and their duties or responsibilities
should be delegated to another board member by that officer.
Item #7 - Ranking of Officers:
The ranking of officers will be as follows: 1. President, 2. Vice-President,
3. Secretary, 4. Treasurer, and 5. the Lieutenants.
Item #8 - Officers Vacancies:
Editor/ Media Officer:
(Note: this position does not vote as a board member)
1. Responsible for the distribution of all club mailings through
the appropriate medium.
2. Formats, edits, and obtains and/or writes articles for the club
newsletter.
3. Maintains all graphics tools of the club.
4. Assist Officers with previously mentioned responsibilities.
5. Maintain the “bearsofneworleans” yahoo group calendar.
Webmaster: (Note: If the Webmaster is a member of NOBBTSC, he is
a voting board member)
1. Responsible for the maintenance and running of the Club’s
website.
Item #5 - Powers of the officers:
A. The elected officers of this club, with the participation of club
membership, will determine the scope of club activities and provide
general rules and regulations for the running of the club and its activities.
B. Board meetings are held at the discretion of the President.
C. A quorum of officers is required to conduct a Board meeting.
D. All bylaw amendments and rule changes approved by the Board
will be presented to the general membership at the next general
membership meeting. A majority of the members in attendance must
approve said amendments or changes, at the following month’s
membership meeting, after presentation of said amendments or changes.
E. All club expenditures must be approved by the majority of the
board, with the exception of minor operating supplies. Any expenditures
totaling less than $500.00 per month require a formal vote of the board.
Any expenditure over $500.00, must have the formal approval of the
Board, but also must be presented to the general membership for final
approval.
Item #6 - Officer’s responsibilities:
A. Attendance is expected at club meetings and functions. If unable
to attend, the officer is required to notify another board member, in
advance.
B. If an officer is going to be absent, their report should be given to
another board member, in advance, and their duties or responsibilities
should be delegated to another board member by that officer.
Item #7 - Ranking of Officers:
The ranking of officers will be as follows: 1. President, 2. Vice-President,
3. Secretary, 4. Treasurer, and 5. the Lieutenants.
Item #8 - Officers Vacancies:
In the event of an officer vacancy, for any reason, the board, by majority
vote, will fill the office with an eligible member.
Item #9 – Club Recognitions:
N. O. Bear Backers:
A special recognition will be created to be bestowed on a person or
persons who have contributed to the betterment of the club during the
calendar year. This award, designated Bear Backer will be given at the
Christmas party or at the January meeting if there is no Christmas party.
These awards will be limited to three (3) individuals, groups, or
combinations thereof in any single year. These individuals, groups, or
combinations will be nominated by the Board and approved by the
general membership.
Item #10 - Removal of members, officers, or non-acceptance of new or
renewing members:
Reasons for removal of a member, including officers, or the non-
acceptance of a new or renewing member include but are not limited to
the following:
A. Non payment of monies owed to the club
B. Theft or conversion of club property.
C. Lack of fulfillment of required duties without just cause.
D. Defamation of club character.
E. Any intentional action causing harm to a club member.
1) The removal or non-acceptance of a member will be deliberated by
the Board, and will be implemented with a majority vote of the Board.
2) The lack of performance by an officer will be addressed by action
of the Board. The Board may, by majority vote, remove an officer for
nonperformance of duties and/or for malfeasance of office.
3) A petition signed by two-thirds of the then current membership is
required to remove an officer or member when and if the general
membership believes that the Board has failed to act as noted in Item #10-
2.
4) Any member can petition the board for review, if an incidence
occurs. The board will review the event and report back to the
membership.
5) Voluntary resignation: Resignations should be made in writing.
Neither the club, in general, nor its officers, have the authority to refuse
or ignore a resignation once it is tendered.
Item #11 - Dissolution of the Club:
If the club disbands, after all club debts have been resolved, all remaining
funds and club property will be donated to local charities or community
groups. The choice of recipient(s) will be upon the majority vote of the
membership. The disposition of these funds and items will be recorded
and retained as part of the club’s records.