Bylaws

of

Indiana Progressives

ARTICLE 1

Identification

Section 1.0 Name

The name of this organization is Indiana Progressives (IP). The organization was formed at the end of 2004 with the intent of helping progressives organize and win at every level of state and local government. 

We believe in a positive approach to government that puts people before profits and trusts evidence over ideology.

Our purpose is to support socially progressive and fiscally responsible candidates, cultivate and support local progressive organizations, and facilitate coordination between affiliated groups within the state of Indiana. 

ARTICLE 2

Membership

Section 1 Eligibility for Membership 

Membership is open to anyone who states they agree with the Indiana Progressives mission, philosophy and statement of purpose.

Section 2 Voting Member

Voting Members must pay current established dues and maintain active participation as determined by the Board of Directors.  The Board may by majority vote wave the dues requirement of this provision for any member upon which its payment would constitute a financial hardship.

Section 3 Dues and Assessments

The amount required for annual dues shall be $60 unless changed by majority vote of the membership, with the fiscal year beginning October 1 and ending September 30. 

Section 4 Resignation from Membership 

Any member may resign at any time by giving written or electronic communication of such resignation to the President or Secretary of Indiana Progressives.  Such resignation shall take effect at the time designated in writing or, if no time is specified, at the time of receipt by the President or Secretary.  Acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

ARTICLE 3

Meeting of Members

Section 1 Regular Meetings 

Regular meetings of the members shall be held quarterly, at a time and place designated by the chair.

Section 2 Annual Meeting 

An annual meeting of the members shall take place in the month of September, the specific date, time and location of which will be designated by the Board.  At the annual meeting the members shall elect the board and officers, receive reports on the activities of the association, and determine the direction of the association for the coming year.

Section 3 Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the Chair or the Board of Directors. A petition signed by ten percent of voting members may also call a special meeting.

Section 4 Notice of Meetings 

Printed notice of each meeting shall be given to each voting member, by mail or electronic communication, not less than two weeks prior to the meeting.

Section 5 Quorum  

The members present at any properly announced meeting shall constitute a quorum.

Section 6 Meeting by Telephone, etc 

Any or all members may participate in a meeting through the use of any means of communication by which all members participating may simultaneously communicate with each other during the meeting.  Participation in this manner constitutes presence at the meeting.

Section 7 Voting

All issues to be voted on shall be decided by a simple majority of those present at the meeting in which the vote takes place.

ARTICLE 4

Board of Directors

Section 1 Board role and size 

The Board of Directors is responsible for overall policy and direction of IP.  There shall be no less than nine (9) Board members nor more than nineteen (19).  The Executive Committee shall consist of the officers of the organization, therein being the Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.

Section 2 Terms 

All board member shall serve two-year terms, but are eligible for re-election for up to five (5) consecutive terms.

Section 3 Meetings. 

The Board of Directors shall meet at least quarterly, at an agreed upon time and place. An official board meeting requires that each board member have written or electronic notice at least two weeks in advance. 

Section 4 Board Elections

New directors and current directors shall be elected or re-elected by the voting members at the annual meeting.

Section 5 Election Procedures

A nominating committee shall be responsible for nominating a slate of prospective board members.  In addition, any member can nominate a candidate to the slate of nominees.

Section 6 Quorum

Fifty percent of board members attending a meeting shall constitute a quorum.

Section 7 Officers and Duties 

There shall be four officers (Executive Committee) of the organization, consisting of a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.  Their duties are as follows: 

 

The Chair shall convene regularly scheduled board and membership meetings, and shall preside or arrange for other members of the Executive Committee to preside at each meeting in the following order: vice chair, secretary, treasurer.

The Vice Chair shall chair committees on special subjects as designated by the board.

The Secretary shall attend all sessions of the board of directors and general meetings of the membership, and act as clerk thereto, recording all votes of the organization and the minutes of all its transactions.  The Secretary shall send out meeting notices and distribute minutes and maintain all IP records.

The Treasurer shall make a report at each board meeting.  The treasurer shall chair the finance committee, assist in the preparation of the fiscal budget, help develop fundraising plans and make financial information available to board members.

Section 8 Resignations, termination and absences. 

Any officer may resign any time by delivering written or electronic notice to the Secretary.  A board member shall be terminated from the board due to excessive absences, more that two unexcused absences from board meetings in a year. A board member may be removed for other reasons by a ¾ vote of the remaining directors.  A resignation is effective upon delivery unless the notice specifies a later effective date.

ARTICLE V

Standing Committees

Section 1 Committee Formation 

The board may create committees as needed, such as fundraising, public relations, membership and etc.  The Chair appoints all committee chairs.

Section 2 Executive Committee 

The Executive Committee are the four officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer); the Executive Committee members shall also be members of the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee shall have all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the intervals between meetings of the Board of Directors and is subject to the direction and control of the full board.

Section 3 Finance Committee 

The treasurer is the chair of the Finance Committee, which may includes up to three other board members.  The finance Committee is responsible for developing and reviewing fiscal procedures, fundraising plans, and the annual budget with other board members.  The board must approve the budget and all expenditures must be within budget.  Any major change in the budget must be approved by the board or executive committee. The fiscal year shall be October 1 through September 30.  Annual reports will be submitted showing income, expenditures and receivables. The financial records of IP are public and shall be made available to the membership, board and public.

ARTICLE VI

Amendments

Section 1

The bylaws may be amended when necessary by two-thirds majority of membership.

Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Secretary to be sent out with regular board announcements.

                                                Certification

The aforementioned bylaws were passed by a majority vote of members present at the _________________ meeting, and therefore are adopted as the organization's bylaws.

Witnessed by:

______________________                  ___________________________

Officer                                                Officer