OPTIMIST CLUB BYLAWS

Effective October 1, 2010

ARTICLE I - NAME

This shall be known as Northeast Optimist club of Northeast Fort Worth, Texas, an affiliate of Optimist International.



ARTICLE II - PURPOSES

The purposes of this Club shall be to develop Optimism as a philosophy of life, utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed; to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; to inspire respect for the law; to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; to aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one-s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.


ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

The membership of this Club shall represent a compatible cross-section of the business, social, and cultural life of the community and shall consist of adults of good character and community standing, generally compatible with the membership of all Optimist Clubs, who reside or have community interests in the city/area of Northeast Tarrant County and who have been duly elected to membership in the manner prescribed in these bylaws. All memberships shall be held by individuals and shall not be transferable.



ARTICLE IV - ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP

Members shall be admitted to the Club in the following manner:



a. Proposals for membership shall be submitted to the Secretary in the form and manner prescribed by the Board of Directors and shall bear the endorsement of one or more members in good standing.

b. The Secretary shall immediately refer all such proposals to the Membership Committee for investigation and recommendation.

c. Upon approval by the Membership Committee, the Secretary shall notify the membership of the identity of the proposed member and the date the proposal will be voted upon by the Board of Directors.

d. After all members have had opportunity to express objections, if any, the Board of Directors shall approve or reject the proposal for membership without explanation of its action. A majority vote of those present shall be necessary to give approval as established by Article VII, Section 3 of these bylaws.

Section 2: Any former member of another Optimist club, who was in good standing when his membership was terminated, may be admitted to membership in the manner prescribed by Section 1 of this Article and by complying with such requirement as may be established by the Board of Directors. The admission of former members shall be neither required nor automatic.





ARTICLE V - TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

ARTICLE V(a) - TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Board of Directors - Officers

Northeast Optimist Officers and Board of Directors are expected to act in an appropriate manner. Any inappropriate behavior could result in negative implications to the current board as well as the club and our community. The following information details types of actions that are considered inappropriate behavior. This list is only meant as possible examples and therefore is not all-inclusive.

1) Failure to participate in board approved activities. Examples include: workdays, fundraisers, or concession stand duties.

2) Any action that results in violation of current club or activity rules. Examples of these rules include: Current NEO Bylaws, Code of Parent Conduct, NEO Baseball & Softball rules, NYSCA Guidelines, Pony Inc rules and Bear creek Classic rules.

Examples of actions: Ejection from a baseball or softball game, failure to communicate information to your team, failure to provide required volunteers.

Though the above items are deemed serious, the Board realizes that situations do occur and therefore a total a total of three (3) incidents will be allowed in a club calendar year. Upon the fourth (4th) incident, with Board approval, the officer or director will be removed from the Board. Excused absences need to be forwarded to the appropriate person as soon as possible either before the activity or shortly thereafter.

The following details types of actions that are considered grounds for immediate dismissal from the Board:

1) Failure to pass a criminal background check.

2) Verbal or physical violence to any child, parent or fellow member.

3) Any actions, physical or verbal, within the NEO complex or in the community that would result in a negative perception of the current board, the club or the surrounding community.

4) Stealing of club assets. Examples of assets include: Cash, checks, team equipment, field equipment, concession stand inventory or equipment.

5) Intentional damage of club assets.

6) Deception or omission of information presented to the Board or other board members.

7) Discrimination of any kind whether verbal or through actions based on sex, race, religion, income status, or occupation.

8) Participation in a club activity while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

9) Non-payment of any monies due the club after 90 days.

10) Failure to properly perform the position that is held on the board.

ARTICLE V(B) - TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

General Members

Section 1: Any member may resign from the club provided that all his indebtedness to the club has been paid and that such resignation shall be in writing to the Secretary.

Section 2: Any member who is two (2) or more months in arrears in the payment of dues or fees to the club may be suspended from membership. He or she will be provided written notice by the Secretary. Such member, upon payment of arrears and submission of application for reinstatement within thirty (30 days after said notice, may be reinstated at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Such member who has not applied for reinstatement within the stated period, shall be deemed to have forfeited membership and shall be so notified by the Secretary. NOTE: This Section does not apply if the entire dues are offset by fundraisers.

Section 3: Any member charged with conduct unbecoming an Optimist or with any act prejudicial to the best interests of the club or Optimist International, and against whom such charges are sustained after the opportunity to appear before the Board of Directors in his own defense, may be expelled from membership, at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Upon such action by the Board of Directors, the Secretary shall notify the member in writing of said action without further explanation of reasons therefore.

Section 4: In case of the resignation or expulsion of any member, the Secretary shall forthwith notify Optimist International and all members of the club of such action.

Section 5: Any member whose membership in the club has been terminated for any reason whatsoever shall forfeit all interest in any funds or property of the club and all rights to the use of the Optimist name, emblem or other insignia.

ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS

Section 1: The officers of the club shall be a President and two Vice Presidents, who shall be elected annually, and a Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain, Sergeant at Arms, Purchasing Manager and Concession Manager who shall be appointed annually by the President subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. All officers shall hold office for one year or until their successors are duly elected or appointed as provided in these bylaws. In the event that any office becomes vacant for any reason whatsoever, the vacancy shall be filled forthwith by the Board of Directors.

Section 2: The President shall serve as the executive officer of the club, preside at general membership meetings of the membership, be an ex-officio member of all committees, exercise general supervision over Club affairs and perform such other duties as are ordinarily incumbent upon a President; and shall represent the club in all relations with Optimist International and the District and perform a like function in their behalf in relation to the club. The President shall attend all duly called District meetings or, in the case of absence for good reason, provide for the Club-s representation by an accredited representative.

Section 3: The Vice Presidents shall perform such duties as are ordinarily incumbent upon Vice Presidents and such other duties as may be assigned to them by the President or Board of Directors.

Section 4: The Secretary shall keep and maintain the minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors, business meetings and all records of membership, attendance, and shall conduct such correspondence as may be required by the President and the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall also prepare and file all reports required by Optimist International and the district administration.

Section 5: The Treasurer shall keep and maintain all records of fees, dues and monies collected and dispersed, in the form and manner prescribed by the Board of Directors, submit regular financial statements in the form, manner and frequency prescribed by the Board of Directors, prepare an annual statement for the annual meeting of the club and generally perform such duties as are ordinarily incumbent upon a Treasurer.

ARTICLE VII - DIRECTORS

Section 1: There shall be a Board of Directors which shall consist of the President, the Immediate Past President, the Vice Presidents, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and six (6) elected Directors, each of who shall have the right to vote. The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be combined, in which case the Secretary/Treasurer shall have only one vote. Directors shall serve for a period of two years or until their successors are duly qualified and elected. In the event of a directorship becoming vacant for any reason, such vacancy shall be filled by the Board of Directors, and the appointee shall serve for the duration of the term of the individual being replaced.



Section 2: The Board of Directors shall have control and management of the Club-s activities, determine all policies, elect, dismiss and discipline members and generally supervise the affairs of the Club.



Section 3: The Board of Directors shall meet at least once each month on a regular day to be fixed by it at the beginning of each administrative year; or at the call of the President. Any three members of the Board of Directors may call a meeting providing a three-day notice is given to all members. A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and a majority vote of those present shall be necessary to give effect to any action of the Board.



Section 4: Any member of the Board of Directors who is absent from three consecutive board meetings will forfeit the office with the approval of the Board of Directors. Notice of said action shall be mailed to all members by the Secretary.











ARTICLE VIII - ELECTION PROCEDURE

Section 1: Not later than April 1, the President shall, with the approval of the Board of Directors, announce the appointment of a Nominating Committee of not fewer than five (5) members. The Nominating committee shall select at least one nominee for each expiring office and directorship. Such nominations, in writing, shall be in the hands of the Secretary not later than fifteen (15) days thereafter.

Section 2: Upon receipt of the report of the Nominating Committee the Secretary shall, within sever (7) days, mail to each member a notice setting forth the nominations of the Nominating Committee in alphabetical order and stating the date of the meeting at which the election shall be conducted, which date shall be not later than April 30.

Section 3: During the meeting at which the election is to be conducted the President shall read the nominations as issued by the Secretary and then proceed to conduct the annual election. Separate balloting shall be conducted for each office except where there is only one nominee for an office, in which case the President shall request a unanimous ballot for such nominee. A majority of the votes cast shall be required to elect. In the case of directors, if the number of nominees exceeds the number of vacancies, the required number receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected.

Section 4: Nothing in this article shall be construed as precluding nominations from the floor.

Section 5: Only members in good standing shall be eligible to hold office or vote.

Section 6: Voting shall be by individuals and no person may cast more than one vote. Proxies will not be recognized.

Section 7: All officers and directors shall assume the responsibilities of their respective offices on October 1 next following their election.

Section 8: The Secretary shall immediately report the results of all elections and appointments of club officers to Optimist International and the district.

Section 9: The President of this club who has served a full term as President shall be eligible to succeed himself to as many terms as he is elected. A charter president who assumes office prior to April 1st shall be deemed to have served a full term. The newly elected Board of Directors will appoint the Chairman of the Board position in the event the President is elected to a consecutive term.



ARTICLE IX - MEETINGS

Section 1: Regular monthly evening meetings of the club shall be held on Tuesday at such time and place as may be determines by the Board of Directors.

Section 2: Special meetings may be called by the President, or by the Secretary, upon receiving a written request signed by at least five (5) members in good standing, provided that every member shall have received at least three (3) days prior thereto and in writing, notice of such special meeting stating the nature of the business to be transacted at said meeting. No other business may be transacted at such meeting.

Section 3: One-third (1/3) of the members in good standing shall constitute a quorum at any regular, special or annual meeting of the club.

Section 4: Robert-s Rules of Parliamentary Law & Procedure shall govern all deliberations of this organization and its Board of Directors except as otherwise provided in these bylaws. The Chairman of the Board has the final say on the rules.

ARTICLE X - REVENUE

Section 1: Each new member of the club shall pay a membership fee of $30.00, payment of said fee to be a prerequisite to admission to membership, payable on demand of the Secretary. The Secretary will keep a log of dues paid, as provided in Article IV of these bylaws.

Section 2: Annual dues shall be $60.00 per member, payable in advance except that each fully paid life member shall be priviledged to deduct from payment of dues the amount equal to the dues payable by the Club to Optimist International for each member.

Section 3: A member shall be regarded as in good standing if he is not more than thirty (30) days in arrears in payment of any indebtedness, dues or otherwise, to the club.

Section 4: The Board of Directors may plan or recommend the raising or accumulation of revenue from sources other than those stated in this article, provided such methods or sources have been approved by a Funds Raising Committee consisting of both general members and Officers or Directors. The committee will present their recommendations to the whole Board of Directors for approval.

Section 5: All funds, to which the public or members have contributed for the specific purpose of financing eleemosynary, educational or civic activities of the club, shall be used solely for those purposes and separate records of such funds shall be maintained.

Section 6: The fiscal year of the club shall be from October 1 of each year until September 30 next following.

Section 7: The Board of Directors shall provide for the bonding of the Treasurer in the amount it prescribes and shall arrange for an annual audit by a certified public accountant, public accountant or chartered accountant.

ARTICLE XI - COMMITTEES

Section 1: The Board of Directors shall determine the number and purpose of all special and standing committees necessary to the achievement of the objects and purposes of this club.

Section 2: The President shall, immediately following his election, appoint the Chairmen and members of all committees, and shall announce such appointments not later than November 1 following his election.

ARTICLE XII - MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1: In recognition of the benefits and services available to this club and its members through its affiliation with Optimist International, it shall be the policy of this club to exercise its rights and privileges of participation in the government and activities of Optimist International at all times. This club shall also provide for its proper representation at all meetings and conventions of Optimist International and the district, in accordance with the bylaws thereof, and shall provide for such representation when preparing the annual budget.

Section 2: Any person elected to membership in this Club shall be deemed to have accepted these bylaws and the Constitution and Bylaws of Optimist International, and shall be bound by them in all respects as if he had been a member at the time of their adoption.

Section 3: The Board of Directors shall provide for the prompt payment of all dues and other obligations to Optimist International and to the district, and shall require the prompt completion and submission of all reports required by Optimist International and the district.

Section 4: These bylaws shall be reviewed annually.

Section 5: The club hereby makes it a condition of membership that each member shall become a bona fide, paid subscriber to The Optimist Magazine, official publication of Optimist International, and shall continue as such as long as he remains a member.



ARTICLE XIII - NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

This Club is organized and shall operate as a not-for-profit organization and shall be incorporated within the state/provincial/ national statutes as such. The Club is organized and shall operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes set forth in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as now in effect on or as may be amended (the -Code-), including, but not limited to, developing Optimism as a philosophy of life, utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed; to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; to inspire respect for the law; to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; to aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one-s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.



ARTICLE XIV - AMENDMENTS

Section 1: Any amendment to these bylaws must be in conformity with the Constitution and Bylaws of Optimist International, shall be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at any meeting, provide written notice of the proposed amendments and date of such meeting shall have been given the members at least two (2) weeks prior thereto.



Section 2: All amendments to these bylaws must be submitted to Optimist International for approval.



ARTICLE XV - DISSOLUTION

Upon the dissolution of the Club, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all of the liabilities of the Club, dispose of all the assets of the Club exclusively for the purposes of the Club in such manner, or to such organization or organizations, including Optimist International, organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code, as the Board of Directors shall determine.



Name of Club: The Northeast Optimist Club of Northeast Fort Worth___________________________





Michael Hackney_____________ Approved by _________________________________________

(President) (for Optimist International)





Carrie Rushing   ____________

(Secretary) (by Optimist International)





Date Approved ____October 4, 2011 _____________________________