Bylaws

Article I. Name

This organization shall be named the Northern Virginia Writers Club.

Article II. Purpose

The purpose of this organization, which is a non-profit, shall be to provide a means of exchanging ideas and stimulating the art, craft, and business of writing.

Article III. Membership

Any person age 18 or older interested in the art, craft, and business of writing and in enhancing their skills and opportunities in writing may become a member of this organization. Membership shall be open to all regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, political affiliation, national origin, or disability. This organization will seek to attract members from Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties and the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church who are interested. Only members in good standing may elect officers and vote on membership matters. Each member shall have one vote on each matter. Proxy voting is not permitted. Membership in the Virginia Writers Club is encouraged for chapter membership. An individual’s membership may be terminated by resignation, non-payment of dues, death, or expulsion by the vote of a simple majority of the officers for just cause. In the latter case, allegations must be presented in writing to the members involved. The member has the right to contest the decision within sixty (60) days, provided a written request is received by the president no less than thirty (30) days prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. Terminated members forfeit all dues paid.

Article IV. Officers

The elected officers of this organization shall be a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Officers shall serve for a term of one year, upon nomination and election at the first meeting of this organization in the month of January, or otherwise the first meeting in a calendar year. Elections shall be determined by a simple majority of votes cast. The officers also will serve as the directors of this organization for terms concurrent with their officerships.  The officers will conduct the normal business of the organization and organize and conduct the meetings of its membership. An officer may be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any regular or called meeting, provided notice of the meeting shall include the nature of any proposed removal, and that such notice shall be given to members at the preceding meeting. An officer may resign at any time with written notification to the other officers. Upon an officer’s resignation, expulsion, or death prior to the end of the officer’s term, the other officers, at their discretion, may fill, by simple majority, such officership from the membership.

  1. The president shall manage the affairs, and preside at meetings, of this organization. The president may appoint committees as deemed necessary. The president (along with the vice president) shall serve as a chapter representative for quarterly meetings of the Virginia Writers Club.
  2. The vice president shall, in the absence or vacancy of the president, exercise all powers vested in the president. The vice president shall assist the president and perform such duties as directed by the president. The vice president (along with the president) shall serve as a chapter representative for quarterly meetings of the Virginia Writers Club.
  3. The treasurer shall serve as financial officer of this organization and perform or oversee all bookkeeping and financial reporting functions. The treasurer shall report on the financial position of this organization at the monthly and annual meetings. The treasurer shall evaluate new and renewal membership applications and maintain the membership roster, including dues status.
  4. The secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of this organization and present those minutes for approval before and at the next meeting.

 

Article V. Meetings

This organization shall normally meet once a month, unless it is decided otherwise by a plurality vote of members. The meeting in January, or otherwise the first meeting in a calendar year, shall constitute an annual membership meeting and will include the election of officers.  Any meeting may be held in person, electronically, or both. The president or majority of the officers may call a special meeting, provided membership is given at least 10 days’ advance notice. A quorum at meetings shall be at least five (5) members, and the vote of a simple majority of the members present shall be the act of this organization, unless otherwise specified.

Article VI. Finances

This organization charges membership dues of $30 per calendar year. Dues will be prorated to $15 for new members on or after July 1st. Dues will be credited toward the following calendar year for new members on or after October 1st. Should the organization disband, any collected funds will be donated to the Virginia Writers Club. The fiscal year of this organization shall be January 1 through December 31 (the calendar year).

Article VII. Parliamentary Authority

Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the parliamentary authority of this organization when applicable and when not inconsistent with these bylaws or any special rules adopted by this organization.

Article VIII. Relationship to the Virginia Writers Club

This organization is a chapter of the Virginia Writers Club and will encourage its members to become members of the statewide organization.

Article IX. Amendments

These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any regular or called meeting, provided that notice of the meeting shall include the nature of any proposed amendment, and that such notice shall be given to members at the two preceding meetings.