These new bylaws have been voted on and approved by the PGS Board. We will ask the membership to ratify the new bylaws at the December meeting.
BYLAWS
Portland Guitar Society
Accepted by Membership Vote 12/5/2016
Purpose. The Portland Guitar Society is dedicated to promoting the guitar and its music through sponsorship of monthly meetings, special performances, and educational and public service activities.
Membership. Anyone who pays his/her dues is a full member of the Portland Guitar Society for one year.
Dues. Dues for full membership are determined periodically by the Board of Governors. Payment of dues entitles members full voting privileges, to library access at our monthly meetings, and discounts at concerts and other events we sponsor.
Board of Governors. The Board of Governors consists of three officers (President, Secretary, and Treasurer) and five chairpersons each responsible for and representing our five main standing committees, and Interim Board Members as needed. Including officers, chair people, and Interims, no fewer than 5 or more than 8 persons may serve on the Board at any given time.
Interim Board members may be selected by the Board without general membership ratification. However their positions are term-limited:
a) as they are temporary replacements for one of the standing committee chairs or officers defined below;
b) until a special project they joined the Board to fulfill has ended;
c) by their election to more permanent status.
Officers. The positions of President, Treasurer, and Secretary are filled from within the Board, by the Board. Officers are not necessarily chair persons, but may be so. It's also possible for someone to chair more than one activity area.
Duties:
a) President: to plan, set agenda, preside at Board meetings, and be the registered agent with the Oregon Secretary of State's office.
b) Secretary: to keep minutes of the Board meetings and provide Board members with copies.
c) Treasurer: to keep accurate records of all financial transactions and receive and disburse monies; file appropriate papers to maintain nonprofit status.
The Board will meet at least quarterly and will have the power to direct and generally plan activities of the Society that will be carried out by the standing committees. A majority of Board members constitute a quorum of the Board.
In addition, ad hoc committees may be formed by the Board of Governors as needed.
Standing Committee Board positions:
Monthly Meetings: Organize each monthly meeting, including arranging for special performers and for persons to lead the meetings.
Special Events: Organize and produce concerts, workshops, master classes, and any other activities sponsored by PGS beyond its monthly meetings.
Information Technology: Maintain website, Facebook, Paypal, and other electronic media.
Membership: Actively seek new members and maintain membership list.
Library: Maintain lending library and keep materials for the monthly meeting (music stand, sign-up sheets, and membership forms as needed).
Elections. With the exception of interim board members, chairpersons of each of the five Standing Committees will be elected by a quorum of the general membership. Each member is eligible unless he or she openly declines.
A quorum is defined as fifteen PGS members including a quorum of Board members present at a regular monthly meeting.
Term limits for regular board members: 2 years, with 2 possible renewals, i.e., 6 years.
Board Member Removal: A Board member may be removed by a 2/3 majority of standing Board members.
The Board of Governors will be responsible for holding elections and for procedures other than those specified here.
Meetings. Meetings of the general membership will be held monthly. The purposes of monthly meetings are to transact business as directed by the Board of Governors, play music, and share information.
Dissolution. In the event of dissolution of the PGS, the assets shall be given to such nonprofit organizations(s) as decided by the Board of Governors.
Amendment Procedure. These Bylaws may be amended by a quorum of members including a quorum of Board members at a regular monthly meeting of the membership.