Bylaws

Article I — Name and Purpose

The name of this organization shall be Association Name, a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of the State of [State] and recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The purpose of the Association is to preserve and promote our shared heritage, support educational scholarships, fund community projects, and foster fellowship among members across all chapters.

Article II — Membership

Section 2.1 · Eligibility

Membership is open to any individual aged 18 or older who supports the Association's mission and agrees to its bylaws. Three tiers of membership are offered: Standard, Patron, and Sustaining.

Section 2.2 · Dues

Annual dues shall be set by the Board of Directors and reviewed at least every two years. Members in good standing have voting rights at chapter and general meetings.

Section 2.3 · Resignation and Removal

A member may resign at any time by written notice. The Board may remove a member for cause by a two-thirds vote after providing written notice and an opportunity to be heard.

Article III — Board of Directors

Section 3.1 · Composition

The Board shall consist of no fewer than seven and no more than fifteen directors, including the four officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer). Directors are elected by the membership to staggered three-year terms.

Section 3.2 · Powers and Duties

The Board has general supervision and control of the affairs of the Association. It establishes policies, approves the annual budget, oversees the Executive Director (if any), and ensures fiduciary compliance.

Section 3.3 · Meetings

The Board meets at least quarterly. A majority of seated directors constitutes a quorum. Decisions are by majority vote of those present, except where these bylaws or law require a higher threshold.

Article IV — Officers

The officers shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Officers are elected annually by the Board from among its members and serve one-year terms with a maximum of three consecutive terms in the same office.

Duties of each officer are as customarily understood: the President presides over meetings and is the chief representative of the Association; the Vice President acts in the President's absence; the Secretary maintains records and minutes; the Treasurer oversees finances and reports to the Board.

Article V — Standing Committees

The Board shall maintain standing committees including Membership, Programs, Scholarship, Finance & Audit, and Communications. Additional committees may be established by the Board as needed. Committee chairs are appointed by the President with Board approval.

Article VI — Chapters

Local chapters may be established in any city or region with at least ten members. Each chapter elects its own officers and reports to the National Board. Chapters operate under these bylaws and any chapter-specific guidelines adopted by the Board.

Article VII — Meetings

Section 7.1 · Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the membership is held in conjunction with the National Convention. Business includes the election of directors, presentation of the annual report, and adoption of policy resolutions.

Section 7.2 · Special Meetings

Special meetings of the membership may be called by the President, the Board, or upon written petition of ten percent of members in good standing.

Article VIII — Finances

The fiscal year of the Association is January 1 through December 31. The Board adopts an annual budget. Financial records are maintained by the Treasurer and audited at least every two years by an independent CPA. Audited statements are made available to any member upon request.

Article IX — Conflict of Interest

Directors, officers, and committee members must annually disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest. A person with a conflict shall not vote on, or be present during, deliberations on the matter in question.

Article X — Amendments

These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Board followed by ratification by a majority of members voting at the next Annual Meeting or by mail/electronic ballot. Notice of proposed amendments shall be sent to all members at least thirty days in advance.

Article XI — Dissolution

In the event of dissolution, all remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more 501(c)(3) organizations with a similar mission, as determined by the final Board of Directors and consistent with applicable law.

Adopted by the Board of Directors. Last revised on the effective date listed above. For questions about these bylaws, contact secretary@associationname.org.