Revitalizing UU Women's Groups

Appendix A: 1. Sample Women’s Group Bylaws

BY LAWS
Association of Universalist Women (AUW)
(Organized May 1905 Incorporated May 1907)

Article I — Name

This organization shall be known as the Association of Universalist Women (AUW) of the First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Article II — Purpose

The purpose of this organization is to:

promote fellowship among its members;
extend the principles of liberal religion and to promote their application in individual and community life by study, discussion and action;
be affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation (UUWF);
support First Universalist Church through monetary and in-kind contributions; and
support woman-focused organizations throughout the Twin Cities.

Article III — Membership

Any person interested in the objectives and purpose of this association may become a member by paying the annual dues.

Article IV — Dues and Fiscal Year

Section 1. Dues shall be in an amount to supply the needs of the Association of Universalist Women (AUW) and shall be established annually by the Board.

Section 2. The fiscal year shall commence the first of June each year.

Article V — Board and Officers

Section 1. The officers shall be: (a) a President; (b) a Vice President; (c) a Secretary; and (d) a Treasurer.

Section 2. Those named in Section 1 shall constitute the Executive Committee of the Board.

Section 3. The Board may vary in number from nine to eleven members, including the officers.

Article VI — Duties of the Board

Section 1. The Board shall have the authority to transact the affairs of the organization.

Section 2. Debatable issues, actions and policy statements may be posted and voted on at the next general meeting of the association. A majority vote of members present is necessary for approval.

Section 3. The Board shall be empowered to make disbursements of not more than $400 without the consent of the membership.

Section 4. Two-thirds (2/3) of Board members shall constitute a quorum.

Article VII — Duties of the Officers

President. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board and at all general meetings of the association and shall perform such duties as are usual to the office. She may, in the absence or disability of the Treasurer, sign or endorse checks, drafts and notes. She shall be, ex-officio, a member of all committees except the nominating committee. She shall submit a report of the association’s activities to the annual meeting of the Church.

Vice President. The Vice President shall perform all the duties of the President in her absence and perform such other duties as the President and Board shall designate.

Secretary. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all Board meetings and all general meetings. The minutes of each Board meeting shall be posted following their approval at a Board meeting and distributed via electronic mail (e-mail) to those members who wish to receive them. The Secretary shall perform such other duties as are usual to the office.

Treasurer. The Treasurer shall collect and disburse funds and keep financial records. She shall collect dues and keep a membership list. She shall present a monthly report to the Board, submit an annual report at the May annual meeting, chair the budget committee, and arrange for an annual audit of all AUW accounts. A written report on the audit shall be presented to the annual meeting subject to final entries occurring after audit through the end of May.

Article VIII — Terms of Office

All officers shall be elected for a term of one year. No officer shall hold the same office for more than two consecutive terms. The term of office shall begin immediately after election at the annual meeting.

Article IX — Vacancies

A vacancy in an elective office, except that of President, shall be filled at the discretion of the Board. The Board may also fill Board vacancies which occur between annual meetings.

Article X — Committees

Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall consist of at least three (3) members: two Board members and one or more members of the Association. The nominating committee shall be appointed by the Board. They shall submit a slate of names for officers and board members for election at the annual meeting.

Budget Committee. The Budget Committee shall be appointed by the Board and consist of five (5) members, at least two of whom are not Board members. The committee shall present a budget for the coming year to the membership for adoption at the annual meeting.

Standing Committees. Standing committees may be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board.

Article XI — Meetings

Section 1. Board meetings may be called at the discretion of the President or at the request of the majority of the members of the Board at times and places to be determined by the Board.

Section 2. The annual meeting shall be held in May at such time and place as the Board may determine.

Section 3. General meetings shall also be held in September and December at times and places to be determined by the Board.

Article XII — Delegates

All members of the AUW (Association of Universalist Women) are eligible to be delegates to the UUWF meetings prior to UUA General Assembly. UUWF delegates will be appointed by the AUW Board.

Article XIII — Business Procedures

This organization shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, unless otherwise determined.

Article XIV — Amendments

These Bylaws may be amended at any general meeting of the AUW by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting, provided that notice of such amendment has been publicized thirty (30) days prior to the voting.

(As amended — 8/99)