Michigan Gourd Society By Laws

Constitution and By Laws of the Michigan Gourd Society
Theta Chapter of the American Gourd Society
2010

ARTICLE I  Name
This Society shall be known as the Michigan Gourd Society (MGS).
The MGS is non-profit Chapter of the American Gourd Society.
ARTICLE II  Purpose
The purpose of the Michigan Gourd Society is to learn about the cultivation, crafting and decoration of gourds, and to teach these arts to people interested in them.
ARTICLE III  Membership
Section I. Individual memberships in the MGS are open to all persons who are interested in its activities, who pay their membership dues, and who have been a member in good standing of the American Gourd Society within the last three years.
Section II. Membership entitles all members to vote, hold office, and participate in all MGS activities.
Section III. Membership begins or continues upon receipt of annual dues.
Section IV. Annual membership dues will be set by vote of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE IV  Organization
Section I. The MGS is governed by the Executive Board, consisting of the following officers elected by the membership – President, Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer/Membership Secretary - and the Coordinators  of the Gourd Patches.

Section II. In the event that a Gourd Patch Coordinator is also an elected officer, that Patch may designate another person to serve on the Executive Board.

Section III. The Executive Committee will conduct the business of the MGS, including the establishment of Gourd Patches, the appointing of Committee chair people, the scheduling of meetings, and the establishment of an annual budget.
Section IV. The Executive Board must meet at least once a year, separate from meetings of the full MGS membership this meeting may be done via email or online.

ARTICLE V   Meetings
Section I. An annual meeting for all members will be held each calendar year, at a time and place to be determined by the Executive Board. 
Section II. A second meeting, for all members, in a given calendar year may be scheduled, if approved by the membership.
Section III.  The number of voting members at the annual meeting shall be considered a quorum of the total membership.

BY LAWS
ARTICLE I.  Officer Terms and Elections
Section I. All officers shall be elected for a two (2) year term, at the end of which they will be eligible for re-election if they are willing to serve.  Each officer may be reelected for one additional term, but then is not eligible for reelection to the office held until at least  two years have passed.
Section II. If a vacancy for President occurs, the Vice-President assumes that office until  the next election.
Section III. If a vacancy occurs in any other office, the Executive Board shall appoint a MGS member to fill the unexpired term of office.
Section IV. Elections will be held at an annual meeting of the MGS. The Executive Board must notify the membership at least 60 days in advance of an election.

ARTICLE II.  Duties of the Officers
Section I. The President presides over all meetings of the Executive Board and the general membership. The President shall recommend Chairpersons of committees, which must be approved by the Executive Board.
Section II. The Vice-President assists the President and assumes the duties of the President if that person is absent.
Section III. The Secretary records the minutes of meetings of the membership and the Executive Board, keeps other records of the Society’s activities, and handles necessary correspondence. The Secretary will make available copies of the minutes at meetings of the membership and the Executive Board.
Section IV. The Treasurer maintains the MGS bank account and keeps accurate records of receipts and disbursements. MGS bills must be presented to the Treasurer for payment. A written report of receipts and expenditures will be presented at meetings of the membership and the Executive Board. The membership may require the Treasurer to be bonded, to be paid for by the Society.
Section V. The Membership Secretary maintains the current roll of MGS membership and will notify members of expiration dates. Upon receipt of dues, membership cards are to be sent. A written report of membership status will be presented at annual meetings.
ARTICLE III.  Committees
Section I. The Auditing Committee consists of three members approved by the Executive Board or the board it’s self. They will audit the Treasurer’s records at least 30 days before the Treasurer reports at annual meetings.
Section II. Ad Hoc committees may be appointed by the Executive Board.
ARTICLE IV Dissolution
In the event the MGS dissolves, any assets remaining after payment of debts will be given to the American Gourd Society.

Our History

The Michigan Gourd Society is the Theta Chapter of the American Gourd Society, a Non-Profit organization in the State of Michigan.  
We were organized on 25 August of 2007.  
Our goals are to teach and inform all who are interested in the growing and craftsmanship of gourds;
we do this through our local patches, events and our Annual Fest that is held at Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids Michigan. 
We have speakers available to come and share our love of gourds, show some of our art work and help you in any way you wish.  
Membership is open to all who are willing to support the activities of the Michigan Gourd Society. The annual membership fee is $12. 
It is so easy to become a member of the group - just click on the Membership Form, fill it out, and put it in the mail.
In the MGS,  you will meet some of the most wonderful and talented gourders around -
and best of all we are always ready to share our talents and give a helping hand to anyone who asks.
We welcome you to join in the fun.
You can contact us at MichiganGourdSociety@gmail.com . 

Board Members
President: Julie Glover
Vice President: Bobbie Smith-Lee
Secretary: Tammy Gol-Braunscheidel      
  Treasurer: Ellen Rodriguez
Membership Secretary: Ellen Rodriguez
Web Master: Jennifer Schu

Any board member can be contacted at our email MichiganGourdSociety@gmail.com