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BY LAWS OF “THE WILDE BUNCH”



ARTICLE I: NAME AND PURPOSE

SECTION A: NAME

      The name of the club shall be “The Wilde Bunch.”

SECTION B: FOUNDING

      The club was officially founded on May 5, 1984

SECTION C: ADDRESS

      The club’s principal address is P.O. Box 40393, Albuquerque, NM 87196.

SECTION D: OBJECTIVES

      1. To provide opportunities for members of the gay community and their friends to square dance.

      2. To develop interest and skills for square (and related) dancing within the gay community.

      3. To develop callers and teachers of square (and related) dancing within the gay community.


ARTICLE II: EXECUTIVE BOARD

SECTION A: EXECUTIVE BOARD

      The governing body of this shall be known as the Executive Board.

SECTION B: ELECTION OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

      1. Members of the Executive Board are elected to a twelve month term of office, by a majority vote of the voting members, beginning January 1 of each year.

      2. No officer may serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office.

      3. The members of the board shall be: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Class Director, Outreach Director, Member-at-Large, and Past President. The Caller shall serve only in an advisory capacity to the board.

SECTION C: DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

      1. President – To preside at all meetings; appoint persons and/or committees as needed to carry on club business; schedule meetings.

      2. Vice-President – To assume the duties of the President in case of the President’s absence; chair balloon fiesta; organize publicity and/or advertising.

      3. Secretary – Shall keep the minutes; keep the records of the club; take care of the monthly calendar; communicate with other gay and non-gay square dance clubs; keep and update the folder containing newsletters and communications from other clubs; keep the key to the club mailbox; pick up and respond to any club mail.

      4. Treasurer – Shall account for all club funds; collect club dues and fees; disburse these funds as necessary and prescribed by the club; keep an accurate record of all the club’s funds and shall make a report at each club meeting as to the balance and disposition of those funds. The financial records of the club will be audited annually within the first 30 days of the calendar year.

      5. Class Director – To coordinate smooth flow and organization of beginners classes; maintain attendance records; work with students to keep them involved; recruit angels; publicize new classes; order badges.

      6. Outreach Director – Will coordinate Club recruiting efforts and outreach to other gay, lesbian organizations; will coordinate all Club recruiting/outreach efforts at G/L/B/T events in Albuquerque, such as Gay Pride Parade and Pridefest, National Coming Out Day, WomensFest, Caught In The Act, etc.

      7. Member-At-Large – To monitor participation in club activities; make recommendations and assist in increasing such participation; order club dress.

      8. Immediate Past President – Shall serve in an advisory capacity with a board vote.

SECTION D: NOMINATIONS

      1. A nominating committee of three persons will be appointed by the Executive Board six weeks prior to the election date.

      2. Nominations for elective positions will be made to the nominating committee no later than two weeks prior to the date of election.

      3. The nominating committee will post a list of nominees one week prior to the election date.

      4. Nominations may also be made from the floor on the day of election, provided that the nominee has been contacted and agreed to serve if elected.

SECTION E: ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE BOARD

      Elections of the Executive Board will be made two weeks prior to assuming duties. This time will be considered a “turn-over” period for orientation. Terms will run from January 1 through December 31.

SECTION F: INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GAY SQUARE DANCE CLUBS REPRESENTATION

      A representative and an alternate to the International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs (IAGSDC) will be appointed by the Executive Board.


ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

SECTION A: QUALIFICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

      Membership in “The Wilde Bunch” shall be open to any Basic 49 Level square dancer who is sympathetic with the stated purpose of the organization.

SECTION B: TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP

      Voting Membership – All persons who are current with dues.

SECTION C: MEMBER VOTING

      Only persons listed with the Secretary as having current Voting Membership may vote on an issue before the club.

SECTION D: DETERMINATION OF DUES AND FEES

      1. Dues and fees are payable for the time period and in the amounts determined by the Executive Board.

      2. Dues and fees are to defray costs of the Caller, publicity, hall fees, club social events and general operating expenses.

      3. Personal costs of transportation, lodging, badges or alcoholic beverages will not be covered by the club.


ARTICLE IV: MEETINGS AND QUORUMS

SECTION A: EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETINGS

      1. Executive Board meetings shall be held at least once a month. Additional meetings may be called as needed.

      2. Executive Board meetings shall be open for all members to attend, but only the Executive Board members may vote.

      3. Robert’s Rules of Order shall be the governing authority in instances of dispute.

      4. A quorum for the conduct of Executive Board business shall consist of four Board members.

SECTION B: GENERAL MEETINGS OF THE ORGANIZATION

      1. A general meeting of the membership shall be held annually during the first two weeks of December and shall include election of new officers. Additional meetings may be called by a quorum vote of the Executive Board or a majority of the Voting Members.

      2. Robert’s Rules of Order shall be the governing authority in instances of dispute.

      3. A quorum of the general membership shall consist of fifty percent plus one of the current Voting Members.

      4. On the third occasion in succession in which a quorum of the Voting Members has been attempted but not achieved, then a quorum shall be defined as the Voting Members in attendance, provided all Executive Board members are present

SECTION C: RULES

      The club will adhere to the rules and regulations of the IAGSDC.


ARTICLE V: FINANCES

SECTION A: CONTRACTS

      The professional caller’s fee will be established and reviewed annually by the Executive Board.

SECTION B: CHECKING ACCOUNT

      An interest bearing checking account with the club name affixed will be used for disbursement of expenses. Checks will require signature of the Treasurer and another member of the Executive Board.

SECTION C: ADDITIONAL FUNDS

      The club may obtain additional finances by fund-raising activities to cover the costs of new records, record players, speakers, etc.

SECTION D: EXHIBITION DANCES

      Revenues made from exhibition dancing will become part of the club’s finances.


ARTICLE VI

SECTION A: REPLACEMENT

      1. Any elected Board member who is unable to complete the full term of office may submit resignation in writing to the Executive Board. The presiding officer, with the advice and consent of the majority of the Board, will appoint another individual to complete the unexpired term. This appointment shall not act to prevent the individual from being elected subsequently to serve one or more full terms as provided in Article II, Section B, paragraph 2, above.

      2. Any Board member who vacates an office without submitting written resignation because of death, illness, relocation or other reason will be replaced as provided for in paragraph 1, above.

SECTION B: REMOVAL OF BOARD MEMBERS

      Any Board member who willfully fails to perform the duties of the office to which elected will be asked by the presiding officer of the Executive Board to resign. If voluntary resignation is refused, removal from office as provided elsewhere in these By-Laws, may be accomplished. Filling of such a vacancy will be accomplished as outlined in paragraph 1, above.


ARTICLE VII

SECTION A: ANTI-DISCRIMINATION

      The club shall not, in any manner, or in membership, discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or sexual orientation.


ARTICLE VIII

SECTION A: PROXY BALLOTS

      ballots will not be acceptable at any time.

SECTION B: EFFECTS OF BY-LAWS

      Membership at any given time shall be subject to the By-Laws then in force, and such By-Laws, whether in force or thereafter adopted, shall be considered to be an essential part of the contract between the club and such members.

SECTION C: AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS

      Amendment to these By-Laws may be proposed by any Voting Member and shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Board. They shall be voted on at the next general meeting. A 2/3 vote of Voting Members present, provided there is a quorum, shall be necessary to alter said By-Laws. This section shall also be subject to Article IV, Section B, paragraph 4 above.


ARTICLE IX

SECTION A: DISSOLUTION OF CLUB

      Upon dissolution of “The Wilde Bunch” any assets and funds remaining after all liabilities and obligations of said club have been paid, shall be distributed to such non-profit organizations as shall be selected by the remaining members.

SECTION B: BOOKS AND RECORDS

      The organization shall keep correct and complete books and records of accounts and shall also keep minutes and the proceedings of its members and Board. Any and all books and records of the organization may be inspected by any member or his agent or attorney for any proper purpose at any reasonable time. The fiscal year of the organization shall begin on the first day of January and end on the last day of December.


ARTICLE X

      The undersigned members of the Executive Board of “The Wilde Bunch” certify that on February 9, 1999, by resolution, duly seconded and passed by a majority of the membership, the foregoing revised By-Laws were adopted, consisting of Articles I through X, inclusive.