Neon Makers Guild Bylaws
ARTICLE 1 NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Neon Makers Guild.

ARTICLE 2 PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization is dedicated the preservation of the craft of neon, offering support to neon makers by providing resources, connection and the exchange of information to our members. We strive for excellence by valuing high standards and best practices in the fabrication of neon.

ARTICLE 3 MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
Eligibility of Membership
Membership shall be open to any individual that supports the purpose statement in Article 2. Membership is granted at the discretion of the administrative board after the completion and receipt of the membership application and dues.
Section 2
Annual Dues
An active member is one who pays dues as required by these bylaws. Payment of dues entitles a member to all rights and privileges of the Neon Makers Guild. The amount of the annual dues shall be set by the Board of Directors. Payment of dues shall be made within one month of the anniversary of the previous year’s payment . Any member whose dues are delinquent shall have their membership profile downgraded to ‘inactive status’ and lose all benefits of membership.
Section 3
Rights of Members
Members can vote in general membership meetings on matters brought to the board for consideration. Members can vote in general elections for Administrative Board positions.
ARTICLE 4. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1
The Board of Directors shall be comprised of those elected to the office of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and board member(s) At-Large.
Section 2
The Board of Directors will decide on matters by majority rule. Board members have the right to vote in by absentee.
Section 3
The Board of Directors shall transact the business of the organization, authorize payment out of the treasury of all current expenses, and shall have general supervision of the affairs of the organization between its meetings and shall perform such duties as may otherwise be set forth in these bylaws.
Section 4
Change of Administration
Board members may resign from their positions. New board members may be chosen by recommendation and majority vote of the administrative board.
Section 5
Removal of Board Members
If an issue may arise, the majority may vote to remove an administrator. Non-attendance of an officer for three consecutive Board meetings without an excuse given to the presiding officer, the board may vote on removal of that board member. The vacant position shall be filled by appointment by the President, subject to ratification by the Board of Directors.
Section 6
Compensation of Dues for Board Members and Founders
Board members shall have their annual dues waived during their tenure on the Board of Directors and for one additional renewal period following their departure. Founders shall continue to receive waived dues through the year 2025. This compensation recognizes their service and dedication to the Neon Makers Guild.
ARTICLE 5 DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1
The President shall preside at all meetings of the organization and shall select, with the advice and consent of the Executive Board, all appointed officers and special committee chairpersons. The President shall perform such duties as pertain to the office, and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating committee.
Section 2
The Vice-President shall assume the duties of the President in the absence of the President. The Vice-President shall support the board and manage tasks outside roles of other leadership.
Section 3
The Secretary shall record the proceedings of all meetings, submit meeting minutes, and keep attendance records of the Board at all of their meetings.
Section 4
The Treasurer shall be the custodian of the funds of the Neon Makers Guild. The Treasurer shall administer payments on behalf of the Neon Makers Guild, keep an accurate account of all financial transactions, and submit a current statement to the Board of Directors at regular admin meetings and at the annual membership meeting. The Treasurer shall make and manage an annual budget, and file all required annual paperwork for the Neon Makers Guild, including taxes and year end reports.
Section 5
At Large board members(s) shall support the rest of the Board of Directors by attending admin meetings, voting and filling in with tasks as needed by the board.
ARTICLE 6 ELECTIONS
Section 1
All officers shall be elected for a term of two years. The terms of the officers shall be staggered so that one-half of the board is elected each year.
Section 2
Each year, the President will appoint a Nominating Committee of two members. This committee will present a slate of officers to the Board at the Annual General meeting. All nominees must have given prior consent for their nomination. Election of officers will be held at the Annual General meeting.
Section 3
Election of officers may be held by email or other forms of common electronic communication. The names of all candidates for office will be sent out by email. A plurality of the votes cast will constitute the election.
Section 4
Officers shall take up the duties of office upon election. For purposes of budgeting and financial reporting, the calendar year, January 1 to December 31, shall be the fiscal year.
ARTICLE 7 COMMITTEES
Section 1
Committees may be established to serve the Guild to assist in matters of operation.
Section 2
Committee chairs shall be appointed by the Board of Directors
Section 3
Committees shall be brought to the attention of members for potential involvement. Members may join the committees at their own will and may leave such committees after they give notice to the committee chair.
ARTICLE 8 FINANCES
Section 1
The Neon Makers Guild is a membership funded organization.
Section 2
The Neon Makers Guild is designated as an LLC Corporation
 
Section 3
The Neon Makers Guild will maintain a record of their budget and finances, to be made available to membership upon request and at the annual membership meeting.
ARTICLE 9 MEETINGS
Section 1
A general membership meeting will occur once annually (virtually) and open to all members. Annual reports will be presented during the meeting.
Section 2
Board meetings will occur periodically as determined by the Board of Directors, via virtual format. Board meetings will be closed to members, however special sessions will be open to all members and will be announced in advance.
Section 3
A quorum of the Board of Directors shall be one half of the total members of the Board, plus one. Whenever a board member (other than the President) is temporarily unable to perform thier duties, the President may appoint an acting officer for the period of the temporary vacancy. In the absence of a quorum, the meeting shall be adjourned.
Section 4
One-tenth of the membership shall constitute a quorum at any general membership meeting. A simple majority of the members present and voting is required to pass any motion. Voting by members may be by proxy or email in such form and by such methods as the Board of Directors may specify from time to time.
Section 5
Meeting minutes will be available to members upon request.
ARTICLE 10 DISCIPLINE

If the guild code of conduct is violated it is the board’s responsibility to decide the member's consequence, up to and including expulsion from the guild. Expulsion of members is at the discretion of the board.

ARTICLE 11 AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be amended at any time after being submitted to and voted upon by membership.

Standing Rules
  1. Plans of committees requiring the support of the Neon Makers Guild shall be approved by the Board of Directors before being publicized.
  2. Officers and Committee chairmen shall submit a report to the Board of Directors at each quarterly meeting with copies to the President, and Secretary.