Article 1 – Name
The name of this organization is the Bay Area Humanists (BAH), a Membership Chapter of the American Humanist Association, a non-profit educational organization.
Article 2 – Purpose
The purpose of the Bay Area Humanists is to promote Humanism: an ethical, democratic, naturalistic lifestance that prioritizes reason, scientific and critical thinking, and a system of Humanist ethics and secular values as a rational alternative to those based on religion. We promote activities that educate about humanism, build community with fellowship and mutual support and provide opportunities for humanists to act on their values. We cultivate peaceful and fulfilling living, loving, and relationship skills. We advance social well being, social justice, equality, sustainability, and charitable and civic action. We inspire and empower – fostering confidence, healthy perspectives, know-how, compassion, and emotional and relational intelligence. We are active in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Article 3 – Membership
Eligibility: Any person shall be eligible for voting membership who:
- Is in general accord with the above-stated mission and these Bylaws
- Is current in the dues set by the board.
Dues: The board may institute, with a majority vote, membership dues with caveats for unencumbered accessibility for the financially challenged. Membership dues will pay for chapter events – space rental, event supplies, etc.
Revocation: Membership of any individual who is disruptive or disrespectful of others during activities sponsored by BAH or who does not support the mission of Bay Area Humanists may be rescinded by a majority vote of the Board of Directors and the individual may be barred from all BAH activities.
Article 4 – Government
The organization shall be governed by its members and, between meetings by a Board of Directors consisting of President, Secretary, and Treasurer and members at large. One board member may hold two of the offices. Officers will be selected by consensus or majority vote of the board. The number of Board members and officers may be increased or decreased by a majority vote of the Board. Board members are elected by the membership to 2 year terms. A board member may be removed from the board after 3 unexcused absences from board meetings.
Except as otherwise prescribed in regulations of the membership or of the Board of Directors, the duties of the Board the officers and committees of the organization shall be those as prescribed in Robert’s Rules of Order.
Article 5 – Meetings
Regular meetings of the membership and the Board shall be held at times and places set by the Board. Special meetings, social events, public programs, etc., may be scheduled by the Board or by a committee it appoints. A quorum for the transaction of business at Board meetings shall be a majority of elected Board members.
Article 6 – Elections
A nominating committee shall be appointed by the President in September with the election to be held in January. The nominating committee shall nominate (with the consent of the nominee) one or more persons for each place to be filled. Additional nominations may be made before the January elections either at Board meeting or Membership meeting. Members will be notified by mail or phone (in December) of the Elections in January.
If there is no competition for a board position, there is no need for balloting. Election shall be by vote of a plurality of those voting. If the need arises, the board can call for a special meeting to add a new board member.
Article 7 – Amendments
Amendments of these bylaws may be proposed by vote of a majority of the Board members or by those present and voting at a Membership meeting, or by petition of 20% of the members of the organization. Notice of a proposed amendment shall be given to the paid membership prior to voting by members at regular membership meeting. Enactment of all amendments shall be by vote of a majority of the members voting at a regular membership meeting.
Article 8 – Limitations
No part of the organization’s resources shall be devoted to influencing the election of anyone to public office. No part of the association’s resources shall be used to benefit individual members. No provisions of these bylaws shall be interpreted in any manner to conflict with the laws of our land required to maintain a tax-exempt non-profit organization.
Article 9 – Termination
If and when the organization is dissolved or otherwise terminated, its assets shall be distributed to the American Humanist Association, or other non-profit organizations which are tax exempt under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.