Roz

Thank you for your input and quick response Rob!

We have a situation regarding membership fees. Our bylaws state that membership fees are due September 1st. This last year the previous treasurer decided that he was going to make the membership fees due May 1st, as our general election for members is held mid-May and it would be easier for him to just have everyone pay on their way in the door that tovtry to track who had paid and who hadn't. I understand his sentiment, but I don't believe that was a right he possessed if our Bylaws say September. Now we are having an issue as we come up on our election with people feeling that they are current on dues when they are not. Our treasurer proposed that we suspend the requirement for members to pay dues. It's only $5, so I'm not concerned about the financial aspect, I think it is not a good look considering paying dues is one of the only requirements our bylaws state for being considered an active member. I think we apologize for the previous seasons's BOD missing that issue and carry on with what our bylaws state. The previous board made a mistake, but this seems like a blatant disregard for the bylaws and would open a can of worms.

I have a meeting coming up where I am leading the charge in amending our bylaws. They have not been looked at for awhile and there are several places where clarification is due. I want to make sure I am doing things right. Our board invited the general membership to participate in this meeting, though they will not be voting. The board has had a brief discussion about proposed ammendments. Most are things that apparently have always been done a certain way but are not written down: our bylaws state that all members of the Board are voting members, but the band director (ex officio) has always taken their position as a non-voting position. We want to make the bylaws agree with that It also seems to be common knowledge that people related by marriage or blood cannot serve on the board in positions allowing bank access. In that same vein a board member may not sign a check going to someone they are related to. On our board the Pres, Vice pres, treasurer and secretary all have the ability to access the bank account and sign checks. We would like to align our membership dues with our fiscal year Our bylaws state that the Board may adopt, repeal or amend bylaws unless doing so would materially and adversely affect the active members rights as to voting or transfer. And without approval of the members the board may not adopt, amend or repeal and bylaws that would increase or extend the terms of Directors. allow any director to hold office by designation or selection rather than by election. increase the quorum for members meetings. repeal, restrict, create, expand or otherwise change proxy rights.Authorize cumulative voting. that being said, my plan was to start on page 1, work our way through the bylaws. As we approach a spot where an ammendment is recommended we will discuss, the BOD will vote, and move on to the next thing. We will then make the amended bylaws available for our members to review, and then have the general membership vote to approve them on the same ballot that we present our BOD candidates on. Is this correct? Our bylaws don't law out how the approval process works.vdoes the membership approve each proposed ammendment or the bylaws as a whole? Sorry. Long winded. I just want to get it right.

Is a person required to be a member of an organization to run for a board position for that organization? I believe the Robert's Rules answer is no, but I want to make sure.

Thank you Gary for your response.Our bylaws state there are 2 classes: active and community. Any person dedicated to the purposes of the Corporation is eligible on approval by the Board and "timely payment of such dues and fees as the Board may fix from time to time." In the "privileges" sections under membership it states " active members in good standing shall enjoy the privileges of voting and shall be eligible to become chairs of standing committees. Only a child of BVHS band whose parent or guardian is an active member will be considered for scholarships...." the rest of that paragraph continues to list the various types of band students( jazz, drum line concert, etc.) Under voting memers it states that active members have the right to vote on election of Directors, disposition of assets, merger and dissolution of the Corporation as well as "all rights afforded members under the California Lonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law." Under heading "Dues;Good Standing" it states "those members that have paid dues in accordance with this Section shall be members in good standing." I can't find anything about needing to have a current student to be eligible for membership or being nominated to office.