BYLAWS OF
BENNINGTON YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
ARTICLE I - NAME, PURPOSE
Section 1: The name of the organization shall be Bennington Young Professionals, Inc.
Section 2: The Bennington Young Professionals is organized exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes, more specifically dedicated to gaining and maintaining the participation of young professional members. The BYP will foster relationships with its members, employers, and other special interest groups to promote increased participation. The role of BYP is to help young professionals with local services, activities, and networking opportunities. The BYP will work to improve communications through its Forum, devoted exclusively to the needs of its members and local employers for professional, social, & daily endeavors.
ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Membership shall consist of the individuals of the board of directors as well as any registered & validated users on the Bennington Young Professionals Forum, located at http://www.bypforum.com/. Membership will be limited to those young professionals in the Bennington and surrounding areas. Members who exceed the age limitations of 21 to 40 can be considered “retired” members.
ARTICLE III - ANNUAL MEETING
Section 1: Annual Meeting. The date of the regular annual meeting shall be set by the Board of Directors who shall also set the time and place.
Section 2: Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called by the Chair or the Executive Committee.
Section 3: Notice. Notice of each meeting shall be given to each voting member, by mail, not less than ten days before the meeting.
ARTICLE IV - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1: Board Role, Size, Compensation. The Board is responsible for overall policy and direction of the Council, and delegates responsibility for day-to-day operations to the Council Director and committees. The Board shall have up to five (5) and not fewer than three (3) members. The board receives no compensation other than reasonable expenses. “Retired” members will not be allowed to hold any position on the Board of Directors.
Section 2: Meetings. The Board shall meet at least yearly, at an agreed upon time and place.
Section 3: Board Elections. Election of new directors or election of current directors to a second term will occur as the first item of business at the annual meeting of the corporation. Directors will be elected by a majority vote of the current directors.
Section 4: Terms. All Board members shall serve one (1) year terms, but are eligible for re-election.
Section 5: Quorum. A quorum must be attended by at least sixty (60) percent of the Board members before business can be transacted or motions made or passed.
Section 6: Notice. An official Board meeting requires that each Board member have written notice two weeks in advance.
Section 7. Officers and Duties. There shall be at least four (4) officers of the Board consisting of a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Their duties are as follows:
The President shall convene regularly scheduled Board meetings, shall preside or arrange for other members of the executive committee to preside at each meeting in the following order: Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.
The Vice-President will chair committees on special subjects as designated by the board.
The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping records of Board actions, including overseeing the taking of minutes at all board meetings, sending out meeting announcements, distributing copies of minutes and the agenda to each Board members, and assuring that corporate records are maintained.
The Treasurer shall make a report at each Board meeting. Treasurer shall chair the finance committee, assist in the preparation of the budget, help develop fundraising plans, and make financial information available to Board members and the public.
Section 8: Vacancies. When a vacancy on the Board exists, nominations for new members may be received from present Board members by the Secretary two weeks in advance of a Board meeting. These nominations shall be sent out to Board members with the regular Board meeting announcement, to be voted upon at the next Board meeting. These vacancies will be filled only to the end of the particular Board member's term.
Section 9: Resignation, Termination and Absences. Resignation from the Board must be in writing and received by the Secretary. A Board member may be removed for other reasons by a three-fourths vote of the remaining directors.
Section 10: Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board shall be called upon the request of the President or one-third of the Board. Notices of special meetings shall be sent out by the Secretary to each Board member two weeks in advance.
ARTICLE V - COMMITTEES
Section 1: The Board may create committees as needed, such as fundraising, housing, etc. The Board Chair appoints all committee chairs.
Section 2: The four officers serve as the members of the Executive Committee. Except for the power to amend the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, the Executive Committee shall have all of the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the intervals between meetings of the Board of Directors, subject to the direction and control of the Board of Directors.
Section 3: Finance Committee. The Treasurer is chair of the Finance Committee, which can include up to three other Board members. The Finance Committee is responsible for developing and reviewing fiscal procedures, a fundraising plan, and annual budget with staff and other Board members. The Board must approve the budget, and all expenditures must be within the budget. Any major change in the budget must be approved by the Board or the Executive Committee. The fiscal year shall be the calendar year. Annual reports are required to be submitted to the Board showing income, expenditures and pending income. The financial records of the organization are public information and shall be made available to the membership, Board members and the public.
ARTICLE VI - AMENDMENTS
Section 1: These Bylaws may be amended when necessary by a two-thirds majority of the Board of Directors. Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Secretary to be sent out with regular Board announcements.