Palm Springs
boys
of
Leather
BY-LAWS
Founded July 15, 2003
II. CREATION, MISSION, AND PURPOSE
2. OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE BOARD
B. STANDING AND AD-HOC COMMITTEES
VI. RATIFICATION AND AMENDMENTS
The name of the organization shall be Palm Springs Boys of Leather.
The logo of the Palm Springs Boys of Leather is as follows:
The colors of the club are the graphical representation of the club’s logo on any article of clothing, flag or banner.
The ownership, copyright, and trademark of the name, logo and colors of the Palm Springs Boys of Leather are the sole property of the organization.
The mission of the Palm Springs Boys of Leather is to provide leatherboys a forum to have fun, learn, educate, socialize, contribute, and support each other and their community.
The PS Boys of Leather is a group of self-identified leatherboys. The term leatherboy is defined as broadly as possible with the intent of being inclusive, and boy not being based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, or appearance. Our purpose is to gather in brotherhood and boyhood, supporting our members and our community with respect and integrity.
The number of brothers shall not be limited.
No member shall be under the age of twenty-one years (21) except for associate members who may be no younger than eighteen (18) years.
An Associate member is any individual who is approved by a majority of brothers in good standing in attendance of any business meeting. An Associate member is, in general, a friend and supporter of the club and must attend one designated function of the club annually. The brotherhood may rescind associate membership at any time by majority vote of brothers in good standing at any business meeting.
Associate members who were previously brothers may petition the brotherhood for reinstatement without prejudice or probationary period.
Any individual who identifies as a leatherboy may apply to the brotherhood by completing a membership application. That applicant must be sponsored by at least one (1) brother, alumnus or life brother.
Applicants may be accepted into probationary status by the approval of a majority of brothers in good standing in attendance of any business meeting. Probationary members must:
· subscribe to the mission and purpose of the club;
· attend and participate in no less than fifty (50) percent of all designated functions during the probationary period;
· attend and participate in all educational meetings called by the President or his designee unless excused in advance.
The probationary period shall be no less than three (3) months. The brotherhood may rescind probationary membership at any time by majority vote of brothers in good standing in attendance of any business meeting.
Probationary members may petition the Membership Committee to become brothers at the successful completion of their probationary period. Upon petition, the president may extend an invitation to become a brother to the probationary member with the approval of a majority of all brothers in good standing.
Brothers represent the heart of the organization. Each brother holds all of the rights and responsibilities of membership, including the right or responsibility:
· to display and respect club colors;
· to attend a majority of designated functions;
· to embody the spirit of the club at community events;
· to recruit and select members;
· to serve as and to elect officers;
· to chair and serve on committees;
· to attend meetings and events closed to non-brothers;
· to attend all business meetings called by the President;
· to vote on club business;
· to pay dues.
Brothers must remain in good standing in order to enjoy these rights.
Brothers who cannot fulfill these responsibilities may elect to become associate members. Should said member petition for reinstatement, said member will be reinstated as a brother after ninety (90) days with a majority vote of all brothers in good standing.
Brothers who maintain membership for no less than five (5) years may elect to become alumni members. Alumni retain all rights and responsibilities, excepting the right to serve as and to elect officers; and the right to vote on club business. Alumni members are expected to remain active, and attend no fewer than one (1) designated club function annually.
Brothers who maintain membership for no less than ten (10) years as a brother, and; who have served no fewer than two (2) years as an officer, may be selected by their peers for Life Brotherhood. Life Brotherhood recognizes members whose longevity, participation, and brotherhood have been instrumental in the history of the club. Any brother may sponsor a brother for said honor and present said sponsorship at the annual meeting. Life brothers may only be selected at the annual meeting, and must be selected by sixty (60) percent of all members in good standing.
Life brothers continue to enjoy all the rights and responsibilities of membership, however they are exempt from paying dues.
Life membership may be revoked by the same procedure outlined for brothers in Article II, Section 2, Subsection D, Number ii.
The brotherhood may select individuals from the community who have supported the club, its ideals, mission and purpose, to receive honorary membership. The club may extend no more than one (3) honorary membership per year. Honorary members are nominated by the Executive Board on the advice of any member. Honorary members must be selected by (60) percent of all brothers in good standing at the annual meeting.
Honorary members enjoy the following privileges:
· to display and respect club colors;
· to recruit members;
· to serve on committees;
· to attend meetings and events closed to non-brothers.
Honorary members are exempt from paying dues in recognition of their service to the club and the community.
A member is considered to be in good standing if that member has:
· paid all dues and monies owed the club within sixty (60) days of notification;
· attended sufficient club functions per their membership category.
Additionally, brothers may not miss more than two (2) consecutive business meetings without receiving an exception from the Executive Board. The Executive Board may make exceptions for hardship at the request of the member.
The PS Boys of Leather does not discriminate in the selection of members and the attendance at functions based upon race, creed, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation; unless otherwise noted elsewhere in these by-laws or restricted by law.
The PS Boys of Leather will meet for the purpose of doing business at least once per year. The President shall notify the membership no less than thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting. The President may also call additional meetings for the purpose of conducting business at any time with seven (7) days notice to the membership.
Quorum shall be established as a majority of the brothers in good standing. If no quorum is reached, the President may not call the meeting to order.
The Executive Board shall consist of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Sergeant-at-Arms. No officer may hold more than one elected office.
The President must be a brother for at least one (1) year prior to the start of his term and be in good standing or founding member. All other officers must be brothers for at least six (6) months prior to the start of their terms, and be in good standing.
All terms end the last day of June each year. If the annual meeting has not yet been called, officer terms will automatically be extended until such meeting may be held. No member shall serve in the same office for more than two (2) consecutive annual terms.
Nominations shall be open to the brothers for not less than one month prior to the annual meeting. The President must close nominations prior to the start of the election of officers during the annual meeting. A member may be nominated for more than one office, and may nominate himself. Each nomination requires a second.
All officers of the organization shall be elected annually by the brotherhood at the annual meeting. Voting shall be by secret ballot, and each brother in good standing is permitted one vote per office. Any member in good standing who cannot attend may designate a proxy in writing to the Secretary in advance of the meeting. The Secretary will also hold the responsibility of tallying the votes.
The election shall start with President. If no candidate for President receives a majority in the first round of voting, the top-two candidates will face each other in a second round. In the case of a three-way tie, all three tied candidates will proceed to the second round of voting. If there is still a tie after the second round, the current Executive Board will meet and select the President-elect.
Following the election of the President, the Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Sergeant at Arms shall in turn be elected. The brother with the most votes for office will be selected. In case of a tie, the President-elect shall choose from the tied candidates.
Each office shall be tallied individually so that a person elected to one office may be removed from running for subsequent offices.
The President shall convene the Executive Board at least once within sixty (60) days following the annual meeting, and at other times as necessary. The Executive Board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of their meetings and the management of this organization as they deem proper, so long as they are not inconsistent with these by-laws, the laws of the District of Columbia, and federal law.
All brothers may attend Executive Board meetings. For these meetings, quorum consists of two-thirds of the officers, and only officers may vote. If a quorum is not present at any meeting of the Executive Board, those present shall adjourn the meeting until a quorum is present.
Whenever by statute or the provisions of these by-laws, the Executive Board is authorized to take any action after notice, such notice may be waived, in writing, before the holding of the meeting, by persons entitled to such notice.
Vacancies on the Executive Board occurring between annual meetings shall be filled for the un-expired portion of the term by the brothers in accordance with election provisions in Article III, Section 2, Subsection A at a specified meeting duly called for that purpose within sixty (60) days of the vacancy. The President may fill vacant positions until such meeting can be called. Should the position of President become vacant, the Vice President shall assume the duties of President until a special meeting may be called.
The brotherhood may elect to leave the position of Treasurer and/or Sergeant at Arms unfilled.
The brotherhood may remove an officer for due cause. To impeach an officer, any brother may petition the Executive Board outlining reasons for removal. The President will notify the officer of the petition and shall call a hearing before the Executive Board within thirty (30) days, giving at least fourteen (14) days notice of said hearing. The Executive Board must impeach the officer by a majority of no less than sixty (60) percent, and shall then present the charges to the membership. The President shall call a special meeting of the brothers within thirty (30) days, giving at least fourteen (14) days notice. At that meeting, the officer will be removed should two-thirds of all brothers in good standing find just cause.
Should petition be brought against the President, that petition shall be submitted to the Vice President and the Secretary. They shall together call the Executive Board to order, and the Vice President will fulfill the duties of President until the President is either removed or cleared.
The officers of the Executive Board shall have control and general management of the affairs and business of the organization.
The Executive Board will, by majority vote, designate all required and optional club functions.
The President shall call regular and special meetings of the members, and of the Executive Board, in accordance with these by-laws; and shall chair said meetings. The President shall set the agenda for all meetings.
The President shall represent the club for all external meetings, committees and functions where the presence of the club is requested or required; but may, with the consent of the Executive Board, designate other brothers as the representative.
The President shall ensure the books, reports, and statements required by statute are properly kept, made, and filed according to law. At the annual meeting, the President shall present a report of the club’s standing.
The President shall, with the consent of the Executive Board, make any contracts and agreements on behalf of the club.
The Vice President shall serve in the absence or incapacity of the President and exercise his official duties and responsibilities as outlined in these by-laws.
The Vice President shall serve as chairperson of all internal committees formed by the Executive Board; unless another brother is designated.
The Secretary shall keep minutes of all club business meetings and of Executive Board meetings. The Secretary shall distribute minutes of all meetings to brothers within thirty (30) days of the close of the meeting. The Secretary shall also provide all brothers a copy of any meeting agenda prior to said meeting.
The Secretary shall maintain a roster of all members.
The Secretary shall send and receive all correspondence on behalf of the club.
The Treasurer shall maintain and develop the budget, and shall provide, at any brother’s request, an accounting of all or part of said budget.
The Treasurer shall maintain all financial records, and prepare reports as required by the Executive Board and by law. The Treasurer shall present annually, an accounting of the prior year’s finances to the brothers.
The Treasurer shall assess dues and other financial obligations authorized by the Executive Board and the brothers, and shall collect said assessments. The Treasurer will provide the Sergeant-at-Arms monthly with a list of brothers and members who’s balances are more than thirty (30) days past-due.
Should the office of Treasurer be left vacant by the club, the Executive Board shall appoint one of their number to assume said duties.
The Sergeant-at-Arms shall maintain rule and order at all meetings of the club. The Sergeant-at-Arms will keep a record of attendance at all club events, and will keep the “good standing” roster.
The Sergeant-at-Arms shall chair the Membership Committee, and shall serve as the single point of contact for prospective and probationary members.
The Sergeant-at-Arms shall develop and organize educational events for prospective and probationary members.
The Sergeant-at-Arms shall receive all applications for membership on behalf of the club.
Should the office of Sergeant-at-Arms be left vacant by the club, the Executive Board shall appoint one of their number to assume said duties.
The Treasurer shall, if required by the Executive Board, give to the
organization such security for the faithful discharge of his duties as the officers of the Executive Board may direct. If the Treasurer is unable or unwilling to be bonded, the brother will be removed from office without a vote.
No compensation for services shall be paid to any of the officers of the organization.
The Membership Committee
shall be made up of the Vice President, the Sergeant-at-Arms, and up-to three
(3) brothers designated by the Executive Board; and shall be chaired by the
Sergeant-at-Arms.
The Membership Committee shall organize recruiting events to increase and retain
the membership of the club. The Membership Committee will also create
marketing materials for the community in the interest of educating prospective
members and the community as a whole.
The Membership Committee shall review all applications for membership; and make
recommendation to the brotherhood based on said applications.
The Membership Committee will orient all new members to the club.
The Membership Committee will develop and maintain the membership handbook, and
will present each new member with his copy.
The Executive Board may, on occasion, designate special and standing committees, and deligate its powers to said committee.
All bills payable, notes, checks, drafts and other negotiable instruments of the PS Boys of Leather shall be made in the name of the organization, PS Boys of Leather. Any draft for more than Fifty ($50) Dollars shall be signed by any two officers except the Treasurer. Drafts for lesser amounts, however, may be signed by one officer other than the Treasurer.
No officer or agent of the PS Boys of Leather, either singly or jointly with others, shall have the power to make any bills payable, notes, checks, drafts, or other negotiable instruments or cause to be contracted any debt or liability in the name of or on behalf of the organization, except as herein expressly prescribed and provided.
The ratification of a majority of all brothers with active membership as of August 5th, 2003 shall be sufficient for the establishment of these by-laws.
Upon ratification, these by-laws shall supercede any and all previously written by-laws of this organization. The President shall cause the club to be in compliance with all provisions of these by-laws within ninety (90) days; except that the ratification of these by-laws shall not cause current officers to be removed from office, discharged from their duties, or change the expiration date of their terms.
Any brother may propose amendments to these by-laws at any time, but amendments must be submitted by the first day of April in order to be considered for that year’s annual meeting. The Executive Board shall review all proposals received no later than thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting.
All proposed amendments that receive approval of sixty (60) percent of the Executive Board shall be submitted to the brotherhood in writing for a vote at the annual meeting. The brothers will cause these by-laws to be amended by a majority vote of all brothers in good standing.
Should the PS Boys of Leather be required by law to amend these bylaw, the President may call a special meeting to cause these bylaws to be amended under the procedure outlined above.
Upon dissolution of the PS Boys of Leather, the Executive Board shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the organization, dispose of all of the assets of the organization exclusively for the purpose of the organization in such manner, or to such organization(s) maintained and operated for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization(s) under section 501(c)(3) and/or section 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code or the corresponding future amendments thereto, as the Executive Board shall determine at a special meeting of all the brothers duly called for the purpose.
The organization shall be without capital stock and will not operate for profit.
Upon motion duly made and carried, the principal office of the organization is fixed at 1151 South Calle Rolph, Palm Springs, CA 92264, or at such other place as the Executive Board may from time to time determine.
All meetings shall be conducted using Roberts Rules of Order