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Bylaws

of the

Kansas
    City
       Swing
          Dance
             Club

BYLAWS FOR THE K.C. SWING DANCE CLUB

Preamble The K. C. Swing Dance Club, Inc (KCSDC) is intended to unite Kansas City area dancers who are interested in the swing dance style in learning, competitive, and social bases. The KCSDC will promote the swing dance in the Kansas City area. The KCSDC is to be operated on a non-profit (for fun) basis.

These Bylaws describe the means by which the club known as the K. C. Swing Dance Club is to be organized and operated.

Article I Members The KCSDC is comprised of individuals who subscribe to the intent of this club and are qualified for membership as defined by this article. Qualification for Membership In order to become member of the KCSDC, an individual must comply with the following
(1) He/She must apply in writing for membership, agreeing to abide by these bylaws and clubs standing rules while participating in club activities or representing the club. Said written application will state that applying member supports the KCSDC goals of advancing swing dance.

(2) He/She must pay established membership dues.

The KCSDC shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, or martial status.

Upon receipt of written membership application and dues, he/she shall be immediately entitled to rights and privileges of members, except that he/she may not vote on club matters for 60 days, and he/she shall be offered a copy of the bylaws and standing rules and issued a membership card.

CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP

REGULAR MEMBERS:

Regular members in full standing with all rights of membership including voting and holding office, except in cases of conflict of interest.

JUNIOR MEMBERS:

Junior members under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a regular member 18 years of age or older, responsible for action taken to, for, against, with and on behalf of said junior member. Junior members may not vote or hold elected office within the corporation.

TRIAL MEMBERSHIP

The trial membership class is for those wishing to learn more about swing dancing and the club. The eligibility requirements, membership period, and membership privileges for trial members are different than for other classes of membership and are defined as follows:

(1) Trial members must complete a membership application form stating their interest in learning more about swing dancing and/or the club and agreeing to abide by the clubs bylaws, standing rules, and policies while attending club functions.

(2) Trial members dues are included in the cost of purchasing a set of lessons. Trial members may not join as a couple.

(3) The trial membership period is 30 days after the receipt of dues and completed trial membership application. After this period, an individual may not renew as a trial member and must complete the eligibility requirements of another class of membership if desiring to remain as a member of the club.

(4) Trial members may attend any club social activity, but the Executive Board may define which lessons sponsored by the club may be attended by trial members.

(5) Trial members may not vote or hold office.

Membership Cards
Membership cards remain the property of the KCSDC and must be surrendered at the termination of membership. Termination of Membership
An individual's membership automatically terminates if dues are not paid within one month of the due date. Members with outstanding dues are entitled to attend club functions within that month, but are not entitled to the other privileges and rights of membership until such time as dues are paid current.

Members of the KCSDC are expected to conduct themselves in a proper manner, to refrain from any action detrimental to the club, and to observe the bylaws and standing rules of this club. Within the first 60 day period after becoming a member the executive board may terminate a membership for just cause, refunding all dues.

Individuals who fail to conduct themselves properly and have been a member more than 60 days may have a penalty imposed by the following process:

(1) The Executive Board may initiate the revocation of an individual's membership, or shall do if so petitioned by 10 percent of the members. The individual must be notified in advance of and be allowed to attend a membership revocation hearing at which he/she shall be allowed to answer any charges

(2) At the end of the hearing, the executive board shall determine whether or not to recommend a penalty against the individual.

(3) Penalty: if a penalty is to be imposed, the board shall choose a penalty or combination of penalties from the following:

(a) Reprimand: The individual is officially reprimanded by the club.

(b) Suspension: All the rights and privileges of the member are suspended for a definite interval.

(c) Probation: For a definite interval, the individuals behavior shall be monitored and his/her membership may be terminated during this interval of probation by the executive board without further recourse by the terminated member.

(d) Termination: The individual's membership is revoked, and he/she is ineligible to rejoin the club.

(4) The penalty chosen shall be recommended to the general membership at the next general membership meeting, and this penalty may only be imposed by a 2/3 vote at the next general membership meeting, except that a membership may be immediately suspended by the unanimous vote of the executive board for the period prior to the general membership meeting. Membership Dues
Membership dues are payable upon completion of application form and yearly thereafter. Renewals are to be paid by the first of the month following anniversary date.

The Executive Board shall recommend the amount of dues which shall be established by the general membership. Membership dues are intended to cover the cost of the newsletter and the miscellaneous administrative costs of operating the club.

Established dues shall be published as a Standing Rule. This Standing Rule shall include the monthly budgeted amount for publishing the newsletter and miscellaneous administrative expenses. This Standing Rule may also allocate a portion of membership dues for other purposes.

Dues for members who join as couple may be set at a lower rate commensurate with the fact that the couple shall receive only one newsletter.

Article II Executive Board
The Executive Board shall administer the KCSDC subject to the wishes of the general membership.

The corporate powers of the club, expressed or implied, are vested in the Executive Board.

The Executive Board shall consist of the following elected board members as listed in order of seniority from highest to lowest along with their duties:

President
The President will preside at meetings and maintain order, or he may delegate such responsibility when present.

All correspondence to and from the club shall be under the supervision of the President.

The President is automatically an ex-officio member of all committees. On such basis, he will vote at such committee meetings only in the case of a tie vote.

Vice President
The Vice President shall assist the President in all duties and functions of the club

The Vice President shall preside at all meetings in the absence of the President.

The Vice President shall fulfill the duties of any office when such position is vacant until such vacancy can be filled in accordance with these bylaws.

The Vice President shall be in charge of all the club's assets. This is to include an inventory list and the knowledge of who has possession of and responsibility for each item.

The Vice President shall verify membership of those attending meetings by membership cards or membership roll and shall provide the secretary with a list of members attending each general membership meeting or meeting of the executive board.

The Vice-President shall maintain current membership records, and make such records available or keep such information confidential as required elsewhere in these bylaws.

Secretary
The Secretary shall take the minutes of all meetings, a preliminary copy to be given to each board member within 10 days after a general meeting, executive or special board meeting and a fully typed copy ready by the next meeting for approval. The approved version of the minutes shall be the official copy.

The Secretary shall maintain the copy of the agenda for upcoming meetings, and make the agenda available for members prior to the meeting. The Secretary shall maintain the official copy of these Bylaws, Standing Rules, and any other official club documents, including correspondence.

The Secretary shall accept petitions from the general membership and make prompt notifications of the executive board members to facilitate dealing with the petitions in accordance with these bylaws.

Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be charged with and held responsible for the handling of all finances, reports and related correspondence, including tax report preparation. Copies of all bills shall be maintained for at least seven (7) years from the date of -payment

The Treasurer shall maintain records of the club's financial transactions in accordance with generally recognized accounting practices. A summary of the club's financial

status shall be provided in a written report to the general membership on a monthly basis.

The Treasurer is responsible to collect all club income, and to maintain monies not immediately required for club business in a regular banking facility.

The Treasurer is responsible to ensure that only expenses as authorized elsewhere in the bylaws, by standing rules, or by the executive board are to be paid. Signatures of two of the four most senior board members are required on each check. Normally the treasurer will be one of the two executive board members signing the checks.

Dance Coordinator
The Dance Coordinator is responsible for implementing the decisions of the dance syllabus committee and the executive board in regards to dance lessons. The Dance Coordinator may not be paid for any dance lessons taught by him or her personally, during his/her term of office.

The Dance Coordinator will set up and coordinate exhibitions by any group officially representing the club.

Activities Director
The Activities Director shall plan and coordinate dances, special events, club trips, hospitality, and other social activities of the club. Publications Director
The Publications Director shall coordinate the gathering, writing, typing and mailing of the official club newsletter described elsewhere in these bylaws. This shall be performed in a timely basis to meet the requirements of these bylaws. Board Members at Large
Four additional board members will serve "At Large" with duties assigned as needed. Executive Board
The Executive Board shall formulate policy. The Executive Board shall perform routine administrative actions necessary to conduct club business. Each board member is accountable to the board as a whole. Executive Board Meetings
The Executive Board shall hold monthly meetings; the date, time, and place of which are published in advance in the official club newsletter.

At such Executive Board meetings, the executive board shall exercise its powers as defined in these bylaws. A majority vote of all of the members of the executive board, whether all members are present or not, is required for any action.

Parliamentary procedure for meetings of the executive board shall be in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order, latest revision, except where in conflict with these bylaws.

The board shall accept for the executive board meeting agenda any matter submitted in advance in writing by two members who are unrelated or who have not joined as a couple.

Special board meetings may be called by the President after verbal notification of all executive board members with three days notice, unless a majority of the board members accept a shorter notice.

Vacancies on the Executive Board
A position on the executive board becomes vacant on the resignation or death of the individual holding the position, or at the beginning of the second regularly scheduled executive board meeting in a three-month period from which the individual is absent, and such absences are unexcused. Absences may be excused only by the concurrence of the majority of the other members of the executive board.

A position on the Executive Board also becomes vacant if the person holding this position fails to perform the duties of the office. This non-performance is established by the following process:

(1) All of the other members of the executive board sign a letter to be delivered by registered mail stating their concern and requesting a response from the board member accused of non-performance

(2) The executive board member accused of non-performance may respond in writing or by appearing at a regularly scheduled executive board meeting. If the board member fails to respond within 10 days of the registered letter having been mailed, then the position is declared vacant.

This clause may not be imposed if the board member notifies the President of an absence of three weeks or less and makes arrangements for the duties of his/her office to be carried out during this absence.

Until such time as a person can be found to act as replacement, the most senior remaining member shall fulfill the duties of President, and the second-most senior member shall fulfill the duties of any other vacant position.

The majority of the remaining executive board shall select a nominee eligible to hold the position as replacement, this nominee to be presented at the next regularly scheduled general membership meeting. This nominee is empowered to act as replacement in the interim.

Budget Records and Property
Each year in the month of April, the executive board shall prepare a proposed budget for their term of office, providing for regular expenditures and any foreseen special expenditures. This proposed budget shall be published in the official club newsletter and mailed to the general membership before the next General Membership meeting.

All records of the club's business (including membership records) are club property and are to be used only for club business. Each officer is required to turn over to his/her successor any club property or records which are in his/her possession at the end of the term of office.

Committees
Each member of the executive board shall have the power to create a committee drawn from the general membership of the club to assist in the duties of the office, but the executive board member remains responsible for carrying out the duties of his/her office. The executive board as a whole shall have the power to appoint ad-hoc committees to assist in specified tasks, but retains the responsibility for the requirements imposed on it and its individual members by these bylaws. Ad-hoc committees do not have the authority to officially represent the club or to enter into contracts. Permanent committees must be established by these Bylaws or by Standing Rules, and such permanent committees have only the authority given them in the standing rule. Terms of Office and Eligibility Requirements
The term of office for each member of the executive board shall be from March 1 through the last day of February of the following year, unless the member is recalled or vacates the office as defined by these Bylaws.

In order to serve as an executive board member of the KCSDC an individual must have been a member of the KCSDC for at least 3 calendar months prior to being elected or appointed to an office. Nominees must have attended at least one general membership and/or executive board meeting prior to election or appointment to an office.

No individual may hold an office for more than 30 full or partial calendar months within a 48 month period.

Article III Election and Recall of Board Members
The executive board shall appoint a nominating committee. This committee shall attempt to select two or more candidates for each elected position.

An election shall be held each year at a general membership meeting during the month of February to select board members and fill other elected positions. The board member presiding shall turn the meeting over to the nominating committee, which will conduct the election. Nominations shall be accepted from the floor. Prior to the election vote, the eligibility of each candidate to become an executive board member and complete the term of office will be determined and announced.

To be elected, a candidate must win a majority of the votes cast, except for candidates running for "Board Member At Large". The four (4) "Board Member At Large" candidates receiving the highest number of votes are elected.

In the event that no candidate receives a majority vote for any -given position, except "Board Member At Large, candidates will be allowed to withdraw their names from consideration and then another vote will be taken between the two remaining candidates who received the largest number of votes. In cases where two candidates receive the same number of votes, the candidate with the longer current period of membership shall prevail.

Elections shall be conducted by secret written ballot and in two (2) segments. "Board Member At Large" candidates will be voted on in the second segment, and all other positions in the first segment. Candidates who did not win in the first segment of voting, may then elect to run for a "Board Member At Large" position in the second segment.

Recall
A recall vote of a board member may be initiated only by one of the following
(1) By a petition to be presented to the executive board signed by at least 10 percent of the general membership, or

(2) By a majority of the executive board.

In the event that a recall vote is initiated, a recall vote shall be held at the next general membership business meeting. A majority vote is required to remove the board member, at which time the position is vacant. Article IV Publishing of the Newsletter
The club shall publish an official newsletter to meet requirements imposed elsewhere in these Bylaws and to provide information of general interest to the club membership. For the purposes of these bylaws, a matter is considered to have been published 3 days after having been mailed to the address on record of a member or that of two members who have joined as a couple by first class mail. If mailed by other than first class mail, 8 days after having been mailed are required for the matter to be considered as having been published. Article V General Membership Business Meetings
The executive board shall schedule and conduct a meeting of the general membership at least once every three months, or more often as necessary, at a time a-d place thought to be convenient to the general membership. Where possible, such meeting should be conducted in conjunction with another club activity. Notice of a meeting shall be published to each member at least 7 days in advance.

The agenda shall include matters submitted to the Secretary in writing prior to the meeting by any member. The parliamentary procedure for these meeting shall be Robert's Rules of Order, latest revision, except where in conflict with these bylaws.

A quorum for a general membership business meeting is 5 percent of the eligible voting general membership.

Article VI Expenditures
All expenditures of club income, including dues and other funds raised in the course of conducting club activities must be approved or budgeted by the executive board, or by a majority vote of members present at a general membership meeting. Checks drawn on a club bank account must be signed by treasurer and one of the more senior board members, except that two of the more senior board members may sign the check if the treasurer is unable to serve for more than 7 days, Pre-signed checks are not allowed.

At the end of the regular term of office, the club's financial records shall be audited by an individual who was not a member of the executive board during that period.

Article VII Standing Rules
A Standing Rule is a statement of policy. A Standing Rule may be proposed by the Executive Board or by any Member. A Standing Rule is adopted by a majority vote at a general membership meeting.

A proposed standing rule shall be published as soon as practical in the club newsletter. However, the Executive Board may require that those proposing a Standing Rule bear the cost of publishing it.

If the text of a Standing Rule has been published by the KCSDC in advance of the general membership meeting and only minor changes for clarification of wording are made to the published text, the adopted Standing Rule becomes effective immediately upon adoption. Otherwise, a Standing Rule becomes effective 30 days after being published in the newsletter, which must occur as soon as practical after the general membership meeting. However, a Standing Rule which had not been published in advance of the general membership meeting shall not become effective if 5 per cent of the voting general membership objects to the Standing Rule by petition prior to its becoming effective.

Article VIII Incorporation
The five most senior members of the executive board shall constitute the board of directors for the purposes addressed by the Articles of Incorporat>

Transfer interrupted!

tion to the requirements of the Articles of Incorporation, dissolution of the KCSDC shall also require majority votes of the general membership and of the executive board.

In the event of the dissolution of the KC Swing Dance Club, Inc. the club assets shall be distributed as follows:

(1) Debts of the club shall be paid.

(2) Dues shall be refunded from the administrative fund prorated according to the remaining term of prepaid membership. In the event of a shortfall in the fund, those members with the shortest remaining period of membership shall not receive refunds.

(3) The remaining assets shall be transferred to another tax exempt organization, whether another swing dance club or a charitable organization.

Article IX Amendment of these Bylaws These bylaws may be amended by the following procedure:

An amendment is proposed by the executive board or by petition of 10 percent of the members, or by a majority vote of club members present at a general membership meeting. Such proposed amendment is to be published in the newsletter in advance a general membership meeting at which the amendment is to be considered. The amendment may be voted upon with minor changes only, otherwise it must be republished and voted upon at another general membership meeting. A 2/3 vote is required to pass an amendment.

Article X Effectivity of -these Bylaws Special Conditions Certain requirements imposed by these bylaws may be impossible to fulfill during the period immediately following its ratification.

Such requirements shall be met as soon as practical. Additionally, the initial members shall be comprised of the charter members described in the next section on Ratification who have made some contribution prior to May 1, 1990 in the formation of this club. The only eligibility requirement for these individuals is that their dues are paid current by July 1, 1990. Also, the executive board shall be comprised of the following individuals through February 28, 1990:

President: Michael Andreas
Vice-President: Salome Rodriguez
Secretary: Daisy McCluskey
Treasurer: Rick Torres
Dance Coordinator: Carole Ring
Activities Director: Joe Rodriguez
Publications Director: Virginia Cook

Ratification
These bylaws became effective on July 14, 1990 after having been approved by a majority of the following individuals, who are designated as charter members and shall meet the definition of member as used elsewhere in these bylaws:

Joe Rodriguez, Carole Ring, Daisy McCluskey, Virginia Cook, Jewel Siggs, Rick Torres, Sally Rodriguez, Michael Andreas, Vernon Dorse, Dee Bergstrom, Ken Rose

This is a conformed copy of the Bylaws for the KC Swing Dance Club, Inc. as amended by the General Membership on August 27, 1994.

Bill Posladek, President

Diana Journot, Secretary

Bylaws for the KCSDC amended August 27, 1994

STANDING RULES -RESCIND STANDING RULES

May 21, 1994

The membership of the K. C. Swing Dance Club hereby rescinds all previous standing rules.

SUNSET CLAUSE

2. All standing rules will automatically expire fifteen (15) months after adopted unless re-passed in the fifteen (15) month life period by the general membership at a general membership meeting.

MINIMUM BANK BALANCE

3. The Board of Directors shall maintain a minimum bank balance of 25% of current dues. This amount is to be calculated as number of members times 25% of individual yearly dues amount. General membership by majority vote may change this requirement.

BUDGET AND EXPENDITURE

4. The executive board may set up a general operating fund to control income and expenses for the clubhouse and club activities such as dance lessons, socials, special events and other operating expenses associated with running the club. Resources for this fund will come from all dues, dance lessons, parties, workshops and other fund raising activities.

SET FEES

5. The executive board may set fees for club activities, set fees paid for dance lessons, set fees paid to workshop leaders, set fees paid to others paid by the club, set fees paid for equipment rental and other rental fees required to carry on club activities.

MUSIC

6. Regular club dances will be approximately two-third swing, one-third other. Music for the swing variety dance shall be approximately 50% swing, 50% other. No more than two variety dances per month.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES

$20 per person.