000.00 DEFINITIONS
000.01 Membership Qualifications – the basic criteria required for membership in the group is that a potential member must have:
1. A Sponsor – The Active Member in good standing who submitted a personal or business acquaintance as a prospective member.
2. Business Tenure – A minimum of 2 years experience in her industry, company or function.
3. Identifying Information – Contact information to include home and business numbers and addresses for postal, telephone, and electronic communications.
4. Business Classification – The principal job, occupation, or profession that is stipulated in one’s application for membership.
5. Title – the name of the functional position held within the organization represented by the Business Classification
6. Function or Level – sufficient authority within the organization represented by the Business Classification that ensures a prospect or member can meet the attendance, participation, financial and other requirements of membership.
000.02 Guest / Applicant – a prospective member of the organization who:
· Was nominated by her Sponsor via submission of her qualifications to the Membership Committee Chair / Designee.
· After review & verification of qualifications by the Membership Designee, was submitted to the membership for a vote by email.
· Was approved for membership by unanimous email vote of the current members.
· Was invited by her Sponsor and attended 2 consecutive open meetings as a guest of the club.
000.03 New Member – A member of the organization who:
· Signed a letter of commitment to abide by the rules and requirements of the organization
· Submitted a completed Bio Form.
· Paid a one-time $50.00 initiation fee, and dues & assessments of $75.00 per quarter
· Attended a 3rd consecutive meeting to earn voting privileges.
000.04 Active Member - A member of the organization who:
· Has earned voting privileges
· Is current on payment of quarterly dues & assessments
· Attends all meetings (does not miss 3 meetings in one year)
· Agrees to serve a leadership capacity (officer and/or committee) one of every three (3) years.
· Serves as a Mentor to any Guest or New Member she sponsors.
000.05 Associate Member – No more than 5% total membership, active member in good standing who:
· Is fully retired, disabled, or for whatever reason, unable to continue to represent her profession, but wishes to remain associated with the organization.
· Has written the Officers to resign her Business Classification and request Associate status.
· Remains current in full attendance, voting, participation and dues / fees requirements.
· Has received written approval from the Officers for Associate Member status.
000.06 Alumni Member – No more than 10% of total membership,a member of long standing who submit a written request to:
· Continue association with the group and to be informed of all functions and activities
· Relinquish her Business Classification and voting privileges.
· Continue to meet attendance and participation requirements
· Pay dues at a rate of 15% above the cost of meals.
000. 07 Visitor – a non-member who has not been nominated for membership, but who was invited by a new or active member in good standing to attend any regular or open meeting of the group. A Visitor fee of twenty five dollars ($25.00) is invoiced to the member who issued the invitation.
000.08 Friends & Family Visitor – a non-member, not eligible nor interested in membership, who is a relative or close friend of a member and who, by virtue of being a houseguest, out-of-town visitor or other reason pertaining to the personal nature of the relationship needs to be included in the member’s activities. A fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) is invoiced to the member bringing the F&F Visitor.
000.09 Stand-in – a non-member who attends in place of a member so that the member meets attendance requirements. As the member’s stand-in, there is no fee assessed for this participant.
100.00 MEMBERSHIP
100.01 Composition
· Members are chosen by unanimous vote of the membership.
· There will be only one member representing each Business Classification.
· No two members shall hold the same classification, without explicit permission of the member currently holding that classification, or without being business partners, nor shall one member hold more than one classification.
· A minimum of 25 or more members is considered a viable size for this group. Otherwise the membership will comprise 85% New and Active members, and a maximum 15% Alumni (10%) and Associate (5%) members.
100.02 Membership Application Process
· Sponsor invites qualified potential Applicant to attend 1 open meeting.
· Sponsor nominates prospects by submitting their qualifications either by email of the content of or sending a completed Bio to the Membership Designee.
· Membership Committee presents approved Applicant / Guest’s qualifications to the full membership for a vote.
· Members have a standing “Yes” or “Approve” vote and must only notify the Membership Designee of “No” or “Deny” votes.
· A single “no” or “deny” vote is sufficient to reject an Applicant.
· Membership Designee notifies the Sponsor of Applicant approval or denial.
· Upon approval, Sponsor invites Applicant to attend another meeting as a guest and upon attendance of the 3rd consecutive meeting becomes a Member with voting privileges.
100.03 Voting - All balloting for membership is by secret and unanimous vote of the members
Every Member has a standing “Yes” or “Approve” vote and must only notify the Membership Designee of “No” or “Deny” votes in writing, or by email. A single vote is sufficient to reject the Applicant, provided the following criteria are met:
1. The Member casting a “no” vote must sign the Bio form;
2. The reason for the negative vote must be written on the Bio Form;
3. Validity of the reason must be confirmed by the Membership Committee;
4. In the event of a “no” vote, the Committee Chair will announce the vote has been received without naming the member who voted “no.”
5. The Committee will meet within one week with both the member who voted “no” and the sponsor separately, before deciding to accept the validity of the “no” vote.
6. The decision of the Committee is final, based on their findings, and will be announced at the beginning of the next regularly scheduled meeting.
100.04 Resignation - Upon written resignation of any member, her Business Classification is declared open by the President. Resigning does not preclude later re-instatement.
100.05 Change of Classification – To change a Business Classification:
1. A Member submits a new Resume to the Membership Committee.
2. The Committee examines the change for conflict with those of other members.
3. If no conflict is found, the requested change is proposed to a vote of the membership.
4. A vote is conducted in the manner set forth in 100.03.
5. A member changing Classification shall not be liable for additional initiation fees, unless her change falls under Article 104.03, where her existing category was declared open for non-attendance or Article 106.02 delinquency of dues or assessments.
100.06 Re-Instatement of Membership – A member who has resigned or had her membership revoked due to non-payment or non-attendance, may re-apply for membership by following the original Membership Application Process.
100.07 Revocation of Membership Process – is initiated automatically or by any Member or Officer:
1. Automatic Revocation - The President sends written notice of the revocation to members for non-attendance, payment delinquency, or other violation of by-laws or rules.
2. Revocation for “Cause” (breach of member confidentiality, poor business ethics, behavior unbecoming a professional business woman, et al.):
a. Member notifies the Membership Committee of the violation or grievance.
b. Committee meets separately with the complainant, the respondent and any others involved within 3 weeks to determine the validity of the situation.
c. Committee notifies the President of their final decision, based on their findings.
d. President sends written notice of revocation to the Respondent when the grievance is found valid, or written notice of resolution to the Complainant, when the grievance is not validated.
101.00 OFFICERS
101.01 President - The President is the Chief Executive Officer of the organization and presides at all meetings of the organization and the Board of Directors. She has general charge and supervision of the organization business and power to appoint all standing and special committees such as, but not limited to, Newsletter, Hospitality, Business Cards, etc.
101.02 President Elect - The President Elect has and may perform the duties of the President in her absence or disability. Her job is to learn the role of President and should the office of President become vacant by reason of resignation, death, or whatever reason, assume the office and title and serve out the un-expired term of office. It is intended that the President Elect will serve as President following this term of office.
101.03 Vice President of Programs - The VP Programs will plan all 10 monthly meeting agendas and secure speakers and programming for each open meeting of the group. She may appoint Designees to assist her or act in her behalf to carry out those duties.
101.04 Vice-President of Administration – VP Administration maintains the minutes of all business meetings and board meetings. She keeps and maintains a record of all members, their classifications, addresses and telephone numbers (both business and residence) and prepares a semi-annual roster to that effect for distribution to the membership and maintains updated Resumes. She compiles the Rules, Rosters and Resumes into a book for each new member. She notifies members of meetings and maintains accurate attendance, RSVP and tip appreciation records. She Chairs the Membership Committee, has the power to appoint Designees to assist her, and performs any other duties requested by the President.
101.05 Vice President of Treasury - The VP Treasury has custody of and accounts for all funds belonging to the organization. She receives, collects, deposits, and disburses all funds in the name of the organization through any bank or banks as may be designated by the Board of Directors. She reports the state of finances to the Board of Directors or at any regular meeting upon request. She keeps and maintains records of initiation fees, dues, and other assessments, and makes the necessary reports concerning the payment and delinquency of such fees and assessments. She provides quarterly statements of account (invoices) to each member. She has power to collect any assessments or fees made in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws adopted by the organization.
101.06 Vice President of Social Arrangements – The Social VP makes arrangements for meeting locations, food & beverages, and the number of members attending. She accepts all emailed RSVP regrets and provides the VP Treasury with an accounting of who did and did not RSVP or regret. The Social VP is responsible for accommodations required for speakers or special programs, such as retreats or field trips and performs other duties at the request of the President.
101.07 – VP of Membership – The Membership VP serves as the contact person for inquiries about the organization, how to become a member, sponsoring or nominating members, and processing of membership applications or changes of business classification. She chairs the membership committee. Her contact information is included on all public communications and marketing pieces, i.e., website, brochures, letters.
101.08 – Election, Board of Directors and Term of Office – All officers are elected by a majority vote of the membership at the June Meeting or no later than July 1 of each year. The vote is cast in person or by email to the President and as with other votes, it is only necessary to submit a vote of “No.” Officers serve a term of one (1) year and sit on the club’s Board of Directors during that term.
102.00 COMMITTEES
102.01 Membership Committee - The membership committee is chaired by the VP Membership and committee members are appointed at the beginning of each term of office. Said committee consists of no more than five (5) and no less than three (3) members, and must include the VP Administration. The membership committee approves nominees, submits them for a vote, addresses disputes of categories or classifications and also changes in classification.
102.02 Special Committees - The President may appoint other committees as she deems necessary to carry out the business of the organization. Some of those may include: Programs, Hospitality & Mentoring, Newsletter and/or Website, et al. Any Committee Chair may appoint a Designee or Assistant to help carry out her duties.
102.03 Terms of Committees - Standing Committees shall have the same term of office as the elected officers.
103.00 MEETINGS
103.01 Regular or “Open” Meetings - Regular meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at a time and location to be determined by a vote of the membership.
103.02 Special Meetings - Special meetings may be called by the President at a time and place designated by her.
103.03 Tips & Lead Exchanges – Members are encouraged to exchange tips and leads for business between one another. A tip or lead is defined as information the recipient uses to make or save money in her business. That might include: trends to explore further for possible business development, industry or company information to follow-up for use in the recipient’s business, a referral or introduction to another person for the purpose of transacting a piece of business, or other information.
103.04 Appreciations - If any tip or lead results in a profit or furtherance of a member’s business, she acknowledges such in a quarterly networking meeting. She need not reveal any detailed information.
103.05 Mentoring and Club Development – Each member is required to promote Club growth and strength by:
1. Bringing at least one prospective member or guest per quarter to actively recruit new members.
2. Serving as mentor for new members she sponsored until they achieve Active status.
103.06 Meeting Format – Meeting duration is one and one-half (1 ½) hours. The agenda will be set by the Program Committee, and can be altered by a majority vote of the members at a meeting at which there is a Quorum. In general:
1. Regular meetings might follow the format of: A. Networking & Meal; B. Call to Order & Welcome; C. Icebreaker / Introductions; D. Program (Guest Speaker, Roundtable or Activity Meeting); E. Inspiration; F. Adjourn
2. Quarterly Networking meetings might follow the format of A. Networking & Meal; B. Call to Order & Welcome; C. Icebreaker / Introductions; D. Networking Program (One Member’s 15-minute Spotlight and all members’ 60-second Commercials); E. Inspiration; F. Adjourn
3. Holiday meetings have no agenda except to enjoy the party.
104.00 ATTENDANCE
104.01 Regular Attendance - Each member is required to attend every meeting.
104.02 RSVPs – Each member has a standing RSVP for every meeting. Notice to the Secretary is required by noon on the Friday before the scheduled meeting when:
1. A member is bringing a Visitor (a woman who has not been nominated for membership). The member is invoiced twenty dollars ($20.00) per Visitor to cover food, beverages and materials.
2. A member is unable to attend a scheduled meeting and must cancel her standing RSVP. The member is assessed a fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) for not cancelling.
104.03 Non-Attendance - Any member who misses three (3) meetings in a year, shall have her classification declared open. At that time, the Secretary shall notify the President regarding the status of the non-attending member. Written notice is sent to the member notifying her that she has a 30 day grace period to respond. If no response is received by the end of the 30 day grace period then membership will be revoked and classification announced open.
1. Any member whose classification and seat have been declared open, for any reason, can request readmission and be voted on as any prospective member, as provided in the By-Laws.
2. If re-admission is made within six (6) months, the reinstatement fee shall be $10.00, plus all back dues and assessments.
105.00 FEES, DUES AND ASSESSMENTS
105.01 Initiation Fee - Initiation fee shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) payable upon election to membership. When paid, the Membership Book (Organizational rules, Roster and member resumes) is given to the new member by her Sponsor.
105.02 Dues - Monthly dues shall be set by a vote of the majority of the members. Dues are invoiced quarterly. Dues are payable at the first meeting of each quarter and are delinquent at the third meeting. Currently dues are:
a. Seventy-five dollars ($75.00) per quarter = Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per month,
b. One-hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) per half-year, or
c. Three hundred dollars ($300.00) per year.
105.03 Special Assessments - Special assessments may be levied by a majority vote of the members at a regular meeting containing a Quorum. Special Assessments currently include:
a. A “no show” fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) for members neglecting to RSVP for upcoming meetings.
b. A “Visitor” fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) to cover food, beverages and materials to members who invite a woman who has not been nominated for membership.
d. A “Reinstatement” fee of ten dollars ($50.00), plus all back dues and assessments for members seeking re-admission.
e. A “Friends & Family” fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) to members who bring a female friend or family member who is not eligible or likely to join, but who may be a houseguest, visiting from out-of-town, or for other reason of relationship need to be included in any open meeting.
106.00 FINANCIAL DELINQUENCY
106.01 Delinquency of Initiation Fee - Any person accepted to membership has no floor privileges (discuss business, receive tips) until her initiation fee has been paid.
a) If the initiation fee has not been paid within twenty (20) days from the date of membership, the President declares the classification and seat open.
106.02 Delinquency of Dues and Assessments - Any member who has been invoiced in accordance with prescribed procedures remits promptly to the Treasurer. At the Board meetings, the Treasurer advises the President of those members who are in arrears. Any member in arrears sixty (60) days has her classification automatically declared open. Reinstatement of members for failure to pay dues as stated above, is conducted in the manner set forth in 104.02.
107.00 EXPULSION OF MEMBERS
107.01 Expulsion - Any member may be expelled for cause by a two-thirds vote of a Quorum. Written notice of expulsion must be sent to such member at least ten (10) days in advance of the meeting at which the vote is to be taken.
108.00 CONFIDENTIALITY
108.01 Public Disclosure - No member shall make public disclosure of any information gained through the organization or of its source.
108.02 Private Disclosure - Discretion should be exercised in the disclosure of any business information, either general or specific, in private or to individuals.
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