MISSOURI STATE SOCIETY BYLAWS

Amended & Adopted 1/13/10

ARTICLE I – MEMBERS

Only Active Members in good standing are eligible to vote, hold office or otherwise participate in the business and social affairs of the Society. Active Members may bring guests to social functions of the Society.

ARTICLE II – MEETINGS

Section 1. Regular meetings of the Society shall be held at least two times during each calendar year.

Section 2. Additional meetings or social functions of the Society may be held upon 5 day’s notice by the Secretary to the active membership.

ARTICLE III – DUES

Each active member shall pay annual dues. The dues-paid year shall be from January 1 to December 31.

ARTICLE IV – ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Section 1. At least 15 days before the Annual Business Meeting each year the President shall name a Nominating Committee of not less than five active members to report a slate of candidates for office to be voted on at the Annual Business Meeting of the Society. Other nominations may be made from the floor by any Active Member present.

Section 2. Installation of new officers shall occur upon completion of the election at the Annual Business Meeting.

ARTICLE V – DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Society and the Executive Board, call special meetings of the Society and the Executive Board, fill vacancies occurring in an office with the approval of the Executive Board, appoint Special and Standing Committees, uphold the Constitution and By-Laws, and present at the Annual Business Meeting a condensed report of the work and activities of the Society for the past year. The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.

Section 2. The Vice President shall assist the President in the work of the Society and, in the absence of the President, perform the duties of the office.

Section 3. The Secretary shall keep in permanent form the minutes of the meetings of the Society, and the Executive Board, conduct its correspondence, and send out notices of meetings.

Section 4. The Treasurer shall receive all moneys of the Society, pay bills and make disbursements as directed by the Executive Board and make an annual statement of finances.

Section 5. The Historian shall keep a scrapbook, preserve and write a history of the Society.


Section 6. The Social Chair shall plan activities of the Society, including the events related to the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.  There shall be 2 individuals serving in this role.


Section 7. The Membership Chair shall be responsible for recruitment of new Society Members and keep track of yearly active membership lists.


Section 8. The Sponsorship Chair shall be responsible for fundraising efforts fro the Society, both corporate and individual donors.


Section 9. The Philanthropy Chair shall be responsible for the Society’s charity work, both in Washington D.C. and back in Missouri.


Section 10. The Congressional Relations Chair shall be responsible for maintaining relations with Congressional offices about the Society’s events and recent activity.

Section 11. At least 30 days prior to the Annual Business Meeting the Executive Board shall appoint an Auditing Committee to make an audit of the receipts and disbursements of money by the Society for the preceding year. No member of the Executive Board shall be eligible for appointment to the Auditing Committee. The Auditing Committee so appointed shall make a report which shall be read to the membership at the Annual Business Meeting and shall be filed as part of the permanent records of the Society.

ARTICLE VI – EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1. The Executive Board shall hold meetings as needed to conduct the business of the Society.

Section 2. Special meetings of the Executive Board shall be held at the call of the President or upon written request of three members, due notice having been given.

ARTICLE VII – FINANCES

Section 1. The Society shall be supported by Annual Dues and proceeds for social affairs.

Section 2. No committee or part of this organization shall undertake any financial responsibility except as authorized by the Executive Board.

Section 3. Only such funds as pass through the hands of the Treasurer shall be included in the annual financial report of the Society.

ARTICLE VIII – CHERRY BLOSSOM PRINCESS

In a membership mailing, the Society shall announce its intention to select a Princess to represent the State of Missouri at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival and invite the submission of qualified nominees.