By-Laws

Updated June 2008

Article 1 - Purpose
Section 1 - Purpose
To enjoy and promote the hobby of homebrewing.
Section 2 - Goals
To engage in enjoyable social activities focused on homebrewing as a common foundation.
To learn more about beer, beer tasting, beer judging, and brewing techniques, based on sharing knowledge and experience. (This includes other fermented beverages as well, i.e. mead.)
To promote the hobby and enjoyment of homebrewing.
To promote the responsible use of alcoholic beverages.
Article 2 - Membership
Section 1 - Eligibility
All persons of legal age to consume alcoholic beverages are eligible for membership.
Section 2 - Acceptance
The only criteria for membership are to make application to the club and to keep annual dues current.
Section 3 - Rights and Liabilities of Members
Club member shall have the right to vote on all club matters. Members shall not be liable for debts or obligations made by the club. No member shall receive compensation for services rendered to the club except as otherwise approved by the club officers. All expenses must be approved by club officers before any purchases are made. A club member may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred on behalf of the club (expenses need to be pre-approved by the club officers).
Section 4 - Guests
Members may bring guests to club meetings and functions. It is anticipated that these guests will eventually join the club. It may be requested that non-members and guests provide a small monetary donation for the consumption of food that the club has provided for the meeting.
Section 5 - Membership Year
The membership year begins on July 1 and ends June 30.
Section 6 - Non-Discrimination
Club membership shall not be denied to any individual on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex.
Section 7 - Hold Harmless
My participation in this club is entirely voluntary. I know that participation in club activities involves the consumption of an alcoholic beverage and this may affect my perception and reactions. I accept responsibilities for my conduct, behavior, and actions. Participation includes guests that may be present at club activities, wherever they may be held.
Section 8 - Types of Memberships
All types of membership are subject to Sections 1 and 2 of Article 2.
A. Regular Members
Open to all persons as provided by Sections 1 and 2 of Article 2. Dues will be set by officers. All regular members who have been members for at least one year and have paid thier dues are eligible to run for an officers position at election time.
B. Family Membership
This membership gives a reduced price for two people joining as regular members. Both members will have voting privileges and are eligible to run for any club office.
C. Student Membership
This membership gives a reduced price for full time students wanting to participate in club events. Student members are allowed to participate in any club event, but are not eligible to vote or run for a club office.
D. Honorary/Institute Member
Officers may award honorary or institute sponsor membership to organizations or companies in exchange for services or other benefits to the club or its members. Honorary/Institute members shall not have voting rights and are not eligible to become officers.
Section 9 - Upgrading of Membership
Any member can change to Regular member status by paying the difference in dues.
Article 3 - Voting
Section 1 - Eligibility
All regular members in "good standing" are eligible to vote on club materials. Members in "good standing" are those members who have fully paid their dues.
Section 2 - Items Put to Vote
The officers shall decide when and the kinds of issues and topics to be voted on. Any Regular Member can petition to any officer for an issue to be brought to a vote.
Section 3 - Quorum
A meeting consisting of at least one officer and at least one-third of the regular club members is to be considered a quorum.
Section 4 - Elections
Elections are to be held yearly in July with the new officers taking office in June.
Section 5 - Nominations
Nominations can be made by any regular member (in good standing).
Section 6 - Voting
Voting is by controlled ballot assuming there is more than one candidate running for office.
Article 4 - Officers
Section 1 - Officers
The following positions make up the entirety of the club's officers:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Past President
Webmaster
Section 2 - Officer Responsibilities
President - This officer will normally conduct the meetings and is responsible for securing the meeting place. The President is responsible for planning and coordinating club events. The President can (and should) delegate responsibilities by enlisting the help of other club members.
Vice President - This person assists the President and conducts meetings when the President is unable to attend.
Secretary - This officer keeps the minutes of the meetings (if necessary), and edits and publishes the club newsletter. The secretary also maintains the club membership list. He/she also corresponds with other clubs and appropriate bodies.
Treasurer - This officer handles club finances. The will collect dues and money for club merchandise and see that it is deposited into the club's account. The Treasurer keeps the financial records.
Past President - This officer assists club officers as needed.
Webmaster - The principle responsiblity of the Webmaster is to maintains the club webpage. Currently the club web page is located at www.wvhomebrew.com.
Section 3 - Removal
Any officer can be removed by the vote of a majority of members. Such a vote must be recommended by an officer. Notification of this vote to remove an officer must be published in the newsletter prior to the meeting at which the vote will take place.
Section 4 - Officer Resignation
On the resignation of an officer, the remaining officers shall select a person to take the responsibility of the officer who left. This person shall serve out the remainder of the resigned officer's term.
Article 5 - Incorporation
Section 1 - Social Club
The Greater Huntington Homebrewers Association (GHHA) was incorporated as social club in the state of West Virginia (WV-033-9189-001) on January 31, 1997.
Section 2 - Non-Profit Status
The club is declared as a non-profit organization. This does not give it tax exempt status under rules of the United States Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service unless applied for and received at a later date.
Article 6 - Dues
Section 1 - Calendar
Dues are collected annually in July. Dues for all members are set by the officers. Members are required to pay the full annual amount. New members joining GHHA between December and June are expected to pay one half the normal fee for dues.
Section 2 - Form
Dues will be collected by the Treasurer and may be paid in cash, personal check, money order, travelers check and all other cash-based negotiable media. Credit card payment (through PayPal) will also be accepted.
Section 3 - Reporting
The Treasurer shall report the financial status of the club at each meeting (or when appropriate).
Article 7 - Meetings
Section 1 - Meetings of Members
Members will meet monthly unless otherwise instructed by club officers.
Section 2 - Meeting Procedure
Procedure of the meeting shall be dictated by the President, based on the planned activities for the meeting.
Section 3 - Officers Meetings
Officers will meet 1-2 weeks before the regular members meeting, or as necessary, to discuss the upcoming meeting and any other club business.
Article 8 - Contingency Fund
Section 1 - Fund
A contingency fund will be established and maintained by the Treasurer to cover unexpected expenses or losses of the club. The amount of the fund shall be established by the club officers.
Article 9 - By-Law Acceptance Changes
Section 1 - Acceptance
These by-laws are accepted at the time of adoption by a majority vote of registered members.
Section 2 - Procedure for Changes
Any member can petition for changes in the by-laws. When changes are suggested, they must be introduced in writing at a regular meeting and made available to all members to review. After a 30 day waiting period (or at the next regular meeting, whichever comes first), a vote can be taken for acceptance of the new by-laws, provided a quorum is present (as defined in Article 3, Section 3).