Atlanta Woodturners Guild
By-Laws
Chapter #274 of the AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF WOODTURNERS, INC.
ARTICLE I – NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Atlanta Woodturners Guild. This organization shall also be identified as "the Atlanta Woodturners Guild” or by the acronym “AWG”, and may be referred to in these by-laws simply as the "Chapter".
ARTICLE II – OFFICES
The principal office of the corporation shall be located at the address of its then current Treasurer of the Board of Directors. The corporation may have other offices and may conduct its business at such other locations as the Board of Directors may determine from time to time.
ARTICLE III – RELATION OF CHAPTER TO THE CORPORATE ORGANIZATION
All officers of the “Chapter” agree to be members in good standing of the American Association of Woodturners, Inc, While it is understood that the parent organization will provide advice and counsel, as requested, the nature and extent of the activities the “Chapter” are left to the discretion of the local chapter. Demonstrations and other activities of this chapter will be conducted solely at the discretion of the local officers and all safety and instruction is to be under their explicit direction and control.
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ARTICLE IV – PURPOSES
The chapter’s purposes, in addition to supporting the general purposes of the parent organization, are: To provide a meeting place for local woodturners To share ideas and techniques regarding the craft To trade wood and other material To exchange ideas about tools To provide mentoring and encouragement for members new to the craft.
ARTICLE V – MEMBERSHIP FEES
Membership categories are as follows: Individual Membership - All persons 18 years of age and older. Family Membership - All individuals at the same address Student Membership - Students under the age of 21 on January 1. Members under the age of 18 must be accompanied to meetings by an adult member. Annual fees for the Chapter will be set by the board of directors and may be revised from time to time as they feel appropriate. Fees are due January 1st of each year, and are in addition to any annual dues members may pay to the national parent organization. New members who join between October 1 and December 31 will be also be considered paid up members for the next calendar year.
ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS
This chapter normally meets on the third Wednesday of each month. The specific meeting time and location will be posted on the club web site https://www.atlantawoodturnersguild.org and in the club newsletter. Special and/or rescheduled meetings will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VII – EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
A. Officers
The officers of this chapter shall be:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
These officers shall be elected annually by a majority vote of the Chapter’s paid up members present. Committee chairs and/or assistant officers as deemed necessary may be appointed by the Board of Directors.
B. Term of Office
The Term of Office is one calendar year. The term limit for the President is two consecutive terms.
C. Removal
Any officer elected or appointed may be removed when it is deemed that the best interests of the Chapter would be served by such removal. This removal may be accomplished by a majority vote of the chapter members present at the time of the vote provided at least 50% of the paid up members are present.
D. Vacancies
A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise may be filled by a majority vote of the members for the unexpired portion of the term.
E. Duties of the President
The President shall be the principal executive officer of the Chapter. His/Her duties include: Supervise and control all of the business affairs of the Chapter Conduct Chapter and Board meetings Call and conduct meetings of the officers as necessary.
F. Duties of the Vice President
1. In the absence of the President or in the event of his/her death, inability or refusal to act the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President and when so acting shall have all of the powers of and be subject to the restrictions upon the President.
2. Other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the President.
G. Secretary
The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the Chapter’s meetings and all meeting of the officers in one or more books provided, see that all notices are duly given in accordance with these bylaws or as required. The Secretary will notify the AAW of any changes of contact information for the current President and provide a copy of any new or revised Bylaws. In general the Secretary shall perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the President.
H: Treasurer
The Treasurer shall collect all membership fees and all other monies belonging to the Chapter. He/She will be responsible for keeping current and accurate records of all monies that flow through the chapter and also for insuring that all local Chapter Officers are current paid-up members of the national organization. In general the Treasurer shall perform all the duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the President.
ARTICLE VIII – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors shall consist of the elected Officers plus the immediate past President and two additional Board Members at Large elected by the membership to serve for one year. The Board shall be responsible for ordinary business activities of the chapter and must approve all expenditures over $250. The Board may also exercise other duties as specified elsewhere in these by-laws.
ARTICLE VIII – INDEBTEDNESS
AAW’s national office must be notified in writing prior to a Local Chapter incurring any indebtedness for AAW. No member may incur any indebtedness for the Chapter without the consent of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IX – AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF WOODTURNERS’ DISCLAIMERS: FISCAL AND LEGAL
The American Association of Woodturners, Inc. specifically disassociates itself from any debts, obligations or encumbrances of the Local Chapter. The corporate Board of Directors of AAW is not responsible for the debts and does not share in the profits of the Local Chapters. The Corporate organization does not shoulder any legal liability for accidents that occur during events of any kind sponsored or not sponsored by the local Chapter. Atlanta Woodturners Guild specifically disassociates itself from any debts, obligations or encumbrances of the American Association of Woodturners. The officers and membership of the Chapter are not responsible for the debts and do not share in any profits of the American Association of Woodturners. The Chapter does not shoulder any legal liability for accidents that occur during events of any kind sponsored or not sponsored by the National Organization.
ARTICLE X – FINANCIAL REVIEW
A review of the organization’s financial records will be conducted on an annual basis. The review will be conducted by not less than two AWG members in good standing selected by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer may not be included in those performing the review.
ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS
These By–Laws may be altered, amended, or repealed and new By-Laws may be adopted by a vote of a simple majority of the qualified voting members of the Chapter then casting ballots. The Secretary will file copies of all modifications with the national office of AAW.