BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I - PURPOSE

Section 1 - Purpose

The Heart of the Valley Homebrewers exists as a means for members to enjoy and learn about beer and brewing.

Section 2 - Goals

To engage in social activities focused on homebrewing and/or craft beer as a common foundation.

To learn more about beer, beer evaluation, and brewing techniques.

To promote the hobby and enjoyment of homebrewing.

To promote the responsible use and enjoyment of alcoholic beverages.

ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 - Eligibility

All persons are eligible for membership.

Section 2 - Acceptance

Prospective members need only make initial application and keep annual dues current.

Section 3 - Non-Discrimination

Membership in the Heart of the Valley Homebrewers shall not be denied to any individual on the basis of race. color, creed, national origin, sex, physical handicap, or age.

Section 4 - Participation

Members will recognize that participation in Heart of the Valley Homebrewers activities is entirely voluntary. Participation in these activities may include the consumption of alcoholic beverages which may affect perception and reactions. Members will accept individual responsibility for their conduct and behavior. The Heart of the Valley Homebrewers will neither assume or accept responsibility for an individual's actions.

Section 5 - Rights and Liabilities of Members

Each regular member of the Heart of the Valley Homebrewers shall have the right to vote on club matters. Voting rights for other types of members are described in Article II, Section 6.

 

Individual members of the Heart of the Valley Homebrewers shall not be personally liable for debts or obligations of the club.

 

No member shall receive compensation for services rendered to the club except as otherwise approved by the officers of the club. A member may be reimbursed for expenses reasonably incurred on behalf of the club, subject to approval of the club officers.

Section 6 - Types of Membership

REGULAR MEMBERS: open to all persons per Article II, Sections 1 and 2.

 

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS: open to all full, or equivalent members of another homebrew or beer appreciation club approved by the officers for this purpose. The approved club must have a similar arrangement for full members of the Heart of the Valley Homebrewers. Associate members are not eligible to become officers. Associate members may not represent the Heart of the Valley Homebrewers in any club competition or similar type event as determined by the officers. Dues for an associate member shall be set by the officers at a rate less than the dues for a regular member.

 

INSTITUTE MEMBERS: the officers may award institute membership to organizations or companies in exchange for services or other benefits to the Heart of the Valley Homebrewers or its members. Institute members shall not have voting rights and are not eligible to become officers.

 

LIFETIME MEMBERS: lifetime membership may be awarded to individuals in recognition of extraordinary contributions of service to the Heart of the Valley Homebrewers. Lifetime membership shall be offered upon a vote of club membership in approval.

ARTICLE III - VOTING

Section 1 - Eligibility

All members with voting rights as described under Article 11 and who have paid current dues, shall be eligible to vote.

Section 2 - Items Put To Vote

The following items will be decided by a vote of the membership at a regularly scheduled meeting:

- New lifetime memberships
- Election of officers
- Changes in by-laws
- Spending of funds greater than an amount set annually by a vote of the membership
- Any other issues offered by an officer

Section 3 - Quorum

Any number of regular members at a regularly scheduled meeting shall constitute a quorum.

Section 4 - Election Dates

Elections shall be held annually in November, with new officer taking office in January.

Sections 5 - Nominations

Nominations shall be made by a nominating committee appointed by the officers or may be made by any member.

Section 6 - Voting Method

Elections for officers shall be by controlled ballot. Votes on other issues may be conducted by any appropriate method that insures a fair determination of a majority decision of eligible voting members as determined by the officers.

ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS

Section 1 - Officers

The following positions shall constitute the officers of the Heart of the Valley Homebrewers:

- President
- Vice President
- Secretary/Newsletter Editor
- Treasurer
- Festival Chair

Section 2 - Responsibilities of Officers

President - this officer will normally conduct the meetings. He or she will be responsible for securing the meeting place. The president will also be responsible for planning the meetings and arranging for topical discussions, demonstrations, or guest speakers. This officer shall review the financial records of the club on a regular basis.

 

Vice President - this officer will assist the president. He or she will organize the tasting portion of the meeting and insure that there is an adequate supply of beer. He or she will also coordinate the organization of the annual picnic and holiday party.

 

Secretary - this officer will edit and publish the club newsletter. The secretary, with assistance from the treasurer, will maintain the membership list. He or she will correspond with other clubs and appropriate bodies relative to club matters.

 

Treasurer - this officer will handle the club finances. The treasurer collects the dues and sees that they are deposited in the club's account. He or she is responsible for disbursement of funds for approved expenditures and keeps the financial records. The treasurer is also responsible for reporting on the club's financial status.

 

Festival Chair Ð this officer will coordinate the annual festival and homebrew competition.

Section 3 - Eligibility

Any regular member, as per Article II, Section 6-A may be elected.

Section 4 - Removal

Any officer of the club may be removed by a vote of a majority of the members. Notification to the membership that an election will be held on the removal of an officer must be included in the regular notice of the monthly meeting. The remaining officers shall select a replacement for the position of the removed officer.

Section 5 - Resignation

Upon resignation of any officers the remaining officers shall select a person to fulfill the responsibilities of the resigning officer for the remainder of the term.

Section 6 - Terms of Office

Elected officers terms shall be for one year. There is no limit to the number of terms an elected officer may serve as long as he or she is elected in accordance with Article III.

ARTICLE V - NON-PROFIT STATUS

Section 1 - Non-profit Status

The Heart of the Valley Homebrewers is declared to be a nonprofit organization. This does not give the club tax exempt status under the rules of the United States Department of Internal Revenue unless applied for and received at a later date.

ARTICLE VI - FINANCES

Section 1 - Dues

Dues are paid annually in January or before the ensuing calendar year. The dues amount is set by the officers. When current members pay their dues, they must pay the dues for their type of membership, for the full calendar year. New members will be charged full dues for their type of membership if they join in the first half of the calendar year. Dues for new members joining in the third quarter of the calendar year will be one half of the full dues for their type of membership. Dues for new members joining in the last quarter of the calendar yea will be charged full dues for their type of membership which will be good through the following year.

Section 2 - Payments

Dues will be collected by the treasurer. Dues may be paid in cash, money order, personal check, traveler's check, or any other cash based negotiable media.

Section 3 - Reporting

The treasurer shall be prepared to report the financial status of the club at the regular meeting. He or she shall cooperate fully with the president in any audit or review of the financial records.

ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS

Section 1 - Meetings of Members

The Heart of the Valley Homebrewers shall meet monthly unless otherwise advised by the officers.

Section 2 - Notification

An appropriate method for notifying members of the time and place for the monthly meeting shall be established.

ARTICLE VIII - BY-LAWS ACCEPTANCE

Section 1 - Acceptance

These by-laws are accepted at the time of adoption by a majority vote of current members.

Section 2 - Amendments or Changes.

Any member or members may petition for a change or amendment to the by-laws. The petition must be presented in writing and introduced at a regular meeting. The proposed changes or amendments shall be published for review by the membership, in the newsletter or by a special mailing to all members, at least thirty days prior to the meeting at which the changes will be voted on. Amendments or changes must be approved by a majority vote of all current voting members.

FINIS

Heart of the Valley Homebrewers acknowledges and thanks the Oregon Brew Crew
for permission to excerpt portions of their by-laws for our use.