Chapter Bylaws
The Chapter's bylaws were ratified by early members on September 9, 1992. They are as follows:
I. NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Clear Lake Area Chapter of the National Space Society.
II. PURPOSE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The purpose of the Chapter shall be the same as that of the National Space Society. No funds or assets of this Chapter may be used for any other purpose. The Chapter shall operate under the rules of the NSS Bylaws and the Chapter Rules, and the Chapter Fiscal Year shall be the same as that of the NSS. Upon dissolution, all remaining Chapter assets shall become property of the National Space Society.
III. MEMBERSHIP
The membership of the Chapter consists of the those who are full NSS members who have paid Chapter dues for the current year. The amount of Chapter dues is determined by the Board of Directors. The Chapter may deny or withdraw Chapter membership by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at a general membership meeting.
IV. MEETINGS
There shall be at least one general membership meeting every year. All members shall receive one week notice in writing, in person, or by phone, of the time and place of the meeting. A general membership meeting may be called at any time by a majority of the Board of Directors, the President, or by a petition signed by 1/2 of the membership (or ten members, whichever is less). Business may be transacted at any general membership meeting by a majority of those members present and voting.
V. OFFICERS
The Chapter shall have a minimum of 3 officers including President, Secretary, and Treasurer. One person may hold both the offices of Secretary and Treasurer. Officers and Board members shall be elected annually at a general membership meeting. An officer may be removed from office by a majority vote of those present and voting at a general membership meeting for which written notice is provided to the members two weeks in advance. If an office or Board position becomes vacant, the remaining Board members may select a replacement from among the regular members of the Chapter to serve the remainder of the term. The term of office shall be one year from the time of election. Nominations will generally be held in August with elections in September.
Duties of Officers
The President shall: preside at meetings of the membership and of the Board of Directors; administer all affairs of the Chapter in accordance with the decisions of the Board of Directors and the membership; in addition to such other members of the Chapter as are from time to time designated by the Board of Directors, act as the official representative of the Chapter; sign all agreements to which the Chapter is a party; delegate those responsibilities and powers to other members of the Chapter as may be appropriate; act as liaison between the Chapter and the Society; have signature authority on all chapter accounts.
The Vice President shall: preside at any regular meeting from which the President is absent; oversee committees established by the Board; and succeed the President in case he/she resigns, is removed, or is otherwise unable to complete the term.
The Secretary shall: maintain records of resolutions passed at all meetings of the membership and of the Board of Directors; keep the membership roll and provide a copy to any Board member or to the NSS if requested to do so; provide notice of meetings to the membership and the Board of Directors.
The Treasurer shall; receive, record, and safeguard all moneys paid into the Chapter; keep full and accurate books of account for all financial transactions of the Chapter; render a financial report or open the books for inspection when called upon by the Board of Directors or the NSS; pay all duly approved bills of the Chapter; require dual signatures on all amounts above a "petty cash" limit established by the Board or chapter members.
VII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
All powers of the Chapter, except as otherwise explicitly provided in these Bylaws, rest in the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may delegate the power to administer the affairs of the Chapter in specified areas of activity to such members or committees as it finds appropriate or convenient. The Board of Directors shall consist of no less than three nor more than seven members elected annually at a general membership meeting. All Officers shall be Board members. A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Board meetings may be held by mail, by phone, or in person, with a good faith effort made to reach all members before a decision is finalized. Except for extraordinary circumstances, Board decisions will be brought before the general membership in a duly called meeting before commitments are made which involve expenditures above the petty cash limit. Minutes from all Board meetings held separately from general membership meetings will be reported at the next general membership meeting or via phone or mail if no meeting is called within a month of the Board meeting.
VII. RATIFICATION AND AMENDMENT
These Bylaws may be ratified or amended by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting at a duly called general membership meeting.
VIII. COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors may establish standing and temporary committees to carry out the business of the Chapter. The Vice President shall appoint Committee Chairpersons who will keep the Vice President informed and report Committee actions to the Board.