Revised November, 1998
Article I Purpose
1.0 Purpose
AppleSiders of Cincinnati (AppleSiders) is an Ohio corporation, not for profit, providing ongoing support for people who enjoy using their computers. AppleSiders exists to share technical information concerning Apple computers and Apple compatible computers, to educate and encourage newcomers to computing and to further the art, science and enjoyment of computing.
As a computer users group, AppleSiders promotes the idea of "members helping members." In keeping with this basic philosophy, AppleSiders provides such activities as monthly meetings, special interest group (SIG) meetings, a newsletter, online communication activities and special events such as computer conventions, swap meets, classes and workshops.
Article II Membership
2.0 Membership
Any person interested in microcomputing is welcomed into the membership of the AppleSiders of Cincinnati. Three classes of membership exist. 1) Full membership is extended to individual persons who pay annual dues in a timely manner. Full memberships are also available to families consisting of parents and their minor children and to corporations. 2) Associate Membership is available to those who wish to avail themselves of all the benefits of AppleSiders excepting voting rights and receiving the club's newsletter. 3) Honorary (non-voting) membership may be extended to another club, university, vendor, person or corporation to foster communication and participation in mutually interesting activities. Privileges accruing to each membership are to be exercised by individual persons.
2.1 Dues
The dues are set by the Executive Board and may be changed by a majority vote of that body. A member is considered to be "in good standing" when his/her annual dues are paid. A member who, in the judgment of a majority of the Executive Board, does not represent the best interests of AppleSiders may be removed from membership by the Executive Board. The expelled member shall be notified in writing of this decision. If reinstatement is requested in writing, the Executive Board will reconsider the action and vote again at the first convenient meeting thereafter.
Article III Officers
3.0 The Executive Board
The Executive Board shall be composed of the following elected and appointed officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, Membership Secretary, Publicity Manager, Newsletter Editor, Online Services Coordinator and General Meeting Coordinator. Although a member may hold more than one office, he/she may not hold more than two.
The Executive Board has responsibility as directors and trustees for the activities and business of AppleSiders. Activities include, but are not limited to, General meetings, newsletters, AppleVentions, SIG meetings, workshops and Internet activities. AppleSiders business includes advertising, club purchases, maintaining non-profit status and membership. The Executive Board must approve all budgets and expenditures of AppleSiders in advance. The actions of individuals, officers, SlGs and committees are subject to review, approval or recision by the Executive Board.
3.1 Elected Officers
The President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer will be elected by the general membership of the club. The term of office is one year beginning with the first of January of the following year.
3.1.1 Election of Officers
In July the President will appoint a nominating committee. This committee will choose a slate of officers and present their names in September at the General meeting. Nominations from the floor will be accepted at the August and September meetings. All candidates must be members in good standing. All candidates' names will be published in the next issue of the newsletter following the September meeting and before the November meeting. The election of officers shall be by a majority of those AppleSiders members at the General meeting held in November. The Executive Board may provide for proxy voting. Results will be published in the first issue of the newsletter following the election.
3.1.2 President
The President is the chief officer of AppleSiders. It is his/her responsibility to preside at General meetings and Executive Board meetings. The President is the official spokesperson for AppleSiders. The President coordinates the operation of AppleSiders. He/She further initiates general policies, subject to the approval of the Executive Board, and appoints committees or people to definable tasks. He/She has all the powers and responsibilities normally attributed to the office of president. The President preferably serves one term unless extenuating circumstances preclude the election of a new President.
3.1.3 Vice-President
The Vice-President is the chief officer of AppleSiders in the absence of the President. The Vice-President also assists the President and oversees any special projects delegated to him/her by the President or Executive Board. The Vice-President shall be responsible for leading the monthly general meeting in the absence of the President or General Meeting Coordinator. In addition, in the absence of a Publicity Manager, the Vice-President shall generate public service announcements well in advance of each AppleSiders meeting or major activity for inclusion in local newspapers and broadcast media.
3.1.4 Secretary
The Secretary shall be responsible for the minutes of each Executive Board meeting and will supply the Editor with summaries of these minutes for publication in the newsletter. The Secretary shall be responsible for handling all written communications on behalf of AppleSiders following the policies and instructions from the President and Executive Board. The Secretary shall also assist the Parliamentarian in maintaining a record of the club's historical activities
3.1.5 Treasurer
The Treasurer, acting on the instructions of the Executive Board, shall be responsible for recording all monetary transactions of AppleSiders such as collection of all monies, payment of all debts, filing of legal notices for non-profit organization status and other financial matters including the management of AppleSiders bank account(s). The Treasurer will also issue financial reports as requested, or at a minimum of quarterly, to the Executive Board. He/She will maintain a permanent ledger and will make the AppleSiders' books available for inspection within 168 hours of receipt of any written request from the Board. The Treasurer shall maintain an inventory of AppleSiders' equipment and its whereabouts. The Treasurer shall maintain adequate insurance on such equipment and liability insurance for all AppleSiders events.
3.2 Parliamentarian
The office of Parliamentarian will normally be occupied by the immediate past-President of AppleSiders in order to provide continuity from year to year. If this is not possible, this will become an elected office, with any past Executive Board member being eligible to run. Election will be by the Executive Board. The Parliamentarian will initiate periodic review of the Bylaws . He/She will receive suggestions from the membership concerning Bylaws revision and will introduce such suggestions at Executive Board meetings. The Parliamentarian will assist the Secretary in maintaining a record of the club activities as club historian. He/She will undertake other duties as directed by the President.
3.3 Additional Officers and Appointments
Board elected positions shall be officers and if so specified in Section 3.0 Board members. Presidential appointees will not be officers or board members. The Board and President may elect/appoint positions other than those listed as needed. Both Board elected officers and presidential appointees shall serve during the term of the current Board.
3.3.1 Membership Secretary
The Board shall elect a Membership Secretary who is responsible for keeping membership mailing lists current and providing the Newsletter Editor a current mailing list each month, on or before a date set by the Editor and in a format set by the Editor.
3.3.2 Publicity Manager
The Board shall elect a Publicity Manager who is responsible for the creation, coordination and placement of publicity in the local news media, and the AppleSiders newsletter and online communication system(s). The publicity will announce AppleSiders meetings, special events, and services for the computing public. Further, this publicity will enhance the AppleSiders, be non-controversial, and be limited in cost to that approved by the Board. The Publicity Manager shall seek information from those conducting the activities and shall be responsible to the President. The Publicity Manager will develop and maintain accurate and current publicity mailing lists.
3.3.3 Newsletter Editor
The Board shall elect a Newsletter Editor. The Editor of AppleSiders newsletter is responsible for working with the Executive Board in soliciting or gathering material for the newsletter. He/She shall also be responsible for editing, formatting, printing and mailing the newsletter. The Editor shall establish a deadline for receipt of articles and produce and mail the newsletter so that it should be received by members in a timely fashion. The Editor may form a committee to assist with these responsibilities. Editorial policy and the cost limitations for publishing shall be directed by the Executive Board.
3.3.4 Online Services Coordinator
The Board shall elect an Online Services Coordinator (OSC). The OSC will be responsible for the operation and daily upkeep of the AppleSiders online communication system(s). He/She is responsible for maintaining the quality, standards, and propriety (having the right of censorship) of the online communication system(s). The OSC may limit or eliminate any user's access from the online communication system(s) at his/her sole discretion. In addition, he/she will provides instruction to members on the proper use of the online communication system(s) in the newsletter as system changes or educational needs of the members dictate. Policy regarding use of the online communication system(s) shall be overseen by the Executive Board.
3.3.5 General Meeting Coordinator
The Board will elect a General Meeting Coordinator (GMC) who is responsible for planning and conducting the General meeting each month. The GMC will coordinate arrangements for speakers/programs of general interest to the membership. These programs will include all Apple Computer and related platforms.
3.4 Privileges of Office
All members of the Executive Board shall have membership dues in AppleSiders waived and receive admittance to any AppleSiders function without charge for their term of office.
3.5 Vacancies in Offices and Removal From Office
Vacancies in any office, for any reason, shall be filled by Executive Board election. Any officer may be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of the remaining members of the Executive Board at any regular meeting of the Board. The Executive Board will then elect a successor to fill the vacant office.
Article IV Meetings
4.1 Executive Board Meetings
The Executive Board conducts the business of the AppleSiders at its regular or specially called meetings. Executive Board decisions are final unless overturned by a petition signed by a simple majority of the membership. The Executive Board shall meet as necessary, but at a minimum of quarterly. Minutes shall be taken of each Executive Board meeting. Any member may attend Executive Board meetings in a non-voting capacity. The time and location of Executive Board meetings will be published in the newsletter.
4.2 General Meetings
General meetings shall be held monthly at a location and time to be decided upon by the Executive Board members and announced in the newsletter and online communication system(s). These meetings shall be conducted by the President, Vice-President, General Meeting Coordinator or designated alternate. Meetings shall consist of programs of general interest to the membership, brief announcements and AppleSiders business. General meetings shall include all Apple Computer and related platforms and shall be open to the public.
4.3 Special Interest Group Meetings
Special Interest Groups (SlGs) are comprised of members of AppleSiders with a common special interest. Such interests may include computer programming, business applications, education, games, and any other specialty which a segment of the membership might want to explore in detail outside the General meeting. Membership in SlGs may not be limited by any criteria other than an interest in the specialty and membership in good standing in AppleSiders of Cincinnati. Attendance at these meetings is restricted to members, with only occasional invited guests.
4.4 Special Events
Special events may include AppleVention, SwApple, classes and special presentations. The Executive Board may establish an admission charge at its discretion. AppleVention is a convention for Apple computer enthusiasts. It is normally held in October or November at a location and time decided upon by the Executive Board and announced in the newsletter and online communication system(s).
Article V Voting
5.1 Voting by the Executive Board
Where a vote of the Executive Board is required by these Bylaws, each person holding an office is entitled to one vote if he/she is present at a called meeting of the Board. Where emergency action can not reasonably be delayed until a meeting can be called, members may be polled by telephone or e-mail to vote on the question. Where one person holds two offices, he/she is entitled to only one vote. A quorum is one member more than half of the persons entitled to vote.
5.2 Voting by the Membership
Where a vote of the membership is required by these Bylaws, each vote shall be by a show of hands unless a member requests a written ballot and the total votes of the members attending the meeting shall be tallied. A majority of the total of those present and voting shall carry any question.
Article VI Publications
6.0 Newsletter
AppleSiders shall publish a newsletter to inform the membership of activities and other items of interest. This newsletter is the official printed publication of AppleSiders. Its name may be changed by a vote of the Board. Its content is under the control of the Editor and Executive Board. AppleSiders will not knowingly publish articles that are not free and clear of legal encumbrances and copyrights. Members will be permitted free classified advertising for the sale of personal computer equipment or for personal computer related notices. Any commercial advertisement, whether or not from a member, must be purchased. Articles written by members will be encouraged and rewarded with free users group disks or other incentives.
Article VII Committees and Appointments
7.0 Committees and Appointments
Ad hoc committees will be formed as needed by the President.
Article VIII Dissolution
8.0 Dissolution
The Executive Board may vote to dissolve the users group. At such time all user group debts shall be paid in full and any remaining assets shall be donated to another non-profit organization(s).
Article IX Changes to the Bylaws
9.0 Changes to the Bylaws
Two methods exist for changing the Bylaws. Any member or committee may suggest changes to the Bylaws through the Parliamentarian. The Parliamentarian will review proposals and bring them before the Board with his/her recommendation. The Executive Board will review proposed changes, and, if approved by that body, publish the proposed changes in the AppleSiders newsletter and online communication system(s). Any change in the By-Laws will require approval by a majority vote of the members in attendance when the matter is presented at the general meeting(s) during the month following publication. The second method is by petition. A petition signed by 51% of the AppleSiders Membership will effect any changes presented in the petition.
Written November 1981, Gary Johnston, President
Revised September 1984, Gary Bruce, Parliamentarian
Revised June 1987, R. Walkenhorst, Parliamentarian
Revised June 1990, Gary Johnston, Parliamentarian
Revised March 1993, Robert Jacobs, Parliamentarian
Revised April 1994, Frank Miller, Parliamentarian
Revised April 1996, Frank Miller for the Board
Revised June 1997, Barry Austern, Parliamentarian
Revised September 1998, Anne Cartwright, Parliamentarian