Bylaws of the Clinch Appalachian Artisans Cooperative
Article I- Name and Location
Section 1: This organization shall be known as the Clinch Appalachian Artisans Cooperative (Clinch Artists).
Section 2: This organization shall be located in the city limits of Sneedville, Hancock County, Tennessee and includes artisans from the northeast Tennessee area.
Article II- Purpose
Section 1: Insofar as it is empowered to do so, the Cooperative will:
A. Create community by providing an opportunity for art and fine crafts, cooperatively.
B. Encourage dialogue and education regarding the arts and the business of art amongst members.
C. Collaborate with other organizations focused on the arts.
D. Endeavor to support businesses of local artists through marketing and a regional store front.
Article III- Membership
Section 1: Membership eligibility: Any person is eligible for membership.
A. Associate members are less than 18 years of age or are qualifying students as determined by the members.
Section 2: Membership dues and privileges
A. To become a member of the Clinch Artists Cooperative, the eligible person must fill out a membership form, have his or her work evaluated and accepted by the members present at a Monthly Membership Meeting, and if accepted, pay an annual membership fee as voted by members.
B. Membership entitles the person to vote for officers, to vote to amend the bylaws, and to run for office; members must be present at a meeting to vote. Membership also allows for display space in the Cooperative shop, website and other showcases when available, with fees and commissions applicable as determined by a vote of the members. There will be no discrimination with regard to membership based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, or sexual preference.
C. A vote of the members shall determine the amount of membership dues necessary. Discounted dues may be given to associate members.
D. A vote of the members shall also determine other privileges for members such as discounted entry fees.
E. In addition to annual dues, members must:
1. maintain inventory and tag items in the Cooperative store
2. participate and/or prepare for Cooperative shows or displays
3. participate in fulfilling the needs of the Cooperative as determined by the members or otherwise called upon
4. attend at least three meetings and/or events during the year.
F. The membership fee, as set by vote of the members, is due annually on January 31st. Those who have not paid will be notified by mail by the Treasurer of balance due. Those who have not paid, or made special arrangements with the Treasurer to pay, by the Annual Meeting will not have voting rights at the Annual Meeting. Additionally, non-payment of annual dues implies intent to discontinue membership and all inventory must be removed from the shop within 14 days.
Section 3: Ending Membership
A. If a member wishes to withdraw from Clinch Artists, he or she will give written notice to the Cooperative manager.
It is requested that a reason be given so if there are underlying conflicts, they can be addressed.
B. If the Cooperative or the manager wants to end the membership status of one of the members, efforts will first be made to resolve the issues. If they are unable to be resolved, the future membership status of the individual will be brought before the members of the Cooperative for a decision. The member in question will be invited to attend the meeting also. A third party may be asked to facilitate this portion of the meeting if desired by either party. Members are invited to join the Clinch Artists by the membership at large, and members will be asked to end their relationship the same way. All members of Clinch Artists will be notified ahead of time of the meeting at which this decision will be made.
C. Notice and reasons for ending membership status will be given to the member in writing.
Article IV- Officers
Section 1: The officers of the Clinch Appalachian Artisans Cooperative shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Section 2: The President shall preside at all meetings of the Cooperative, set the agenda and include requests of members when provided at least one week's notice, appoint committees and a Cooperative Manager as needed with the approval of the membership, and perform any other duties as voted by the members.
Section 3: The Vice-President shall assume the duties of the President in his or her absence, and perform any other duties as voted by the members.
Section 4: The Secretary shall record and distribute the minutes of the official meetings, conduct correspondence, and perform any other duties as voted by the members. The Secretary can delegate these duties to staff or volunteers.
Section 5: The Treasurer shall receive, deposit, and account for all monies of the Cooperative, provide reports of the financial
status, disburse funds as authorized, maintain the official records of the Cooperative and perform any other duties as voted by the members. The Treasurer can delegate these duties to staff or volunteers.
Section 6: Officers shall be elected by the membership at the Annual Membership Meeting for a one-year term. The outgoing President will chair that meeting until the new President is elected.
Section 7: A vacancy in any office shall be announced at a meeting of the membership and shall be filled by a majority vote at a subsequent meeting.
Section 8: Officers shall be eligible for reelection.
Article V- Membership Meetings
Section 1: There shall be at least one membership meeting, the Annual Membership Meeting, in February or March of each year. Meeting hour and place will be selected by the officers on an annual basis. Notice of the Annual Meeting shall be distributed at least ten days prior to the meeting date. Annual reports on the finances and activities of the Cooperative will be given at the Annual Meeting. The election of officers will be conducted at the Annual Meeting.
Section 2: Other membership meetings will be held monthly, and special meetings may be called by the President (with minimum seven day notice).
Section 3: A quorum for the Annual Membership Meeting shall be one quarter (25%) of current members.
Section 4: Monthly or Special Meetings dealing with procedural issues (policies, financial management) shall have a quorum of one quarter (25%) of the current membership. Members must be present to vote.
Article VI- Finance
Section 1: The fiscal year of the Clinch Appalachian Artisans Cooperative shall be from January 1st to December 31st.
Section 2: All disbursements of the Cooperative shall be made by check. One signature is required. Authorized to sign shall be the Treasurer.
Article VII- Statement of Dissolution
In the event of dissolution, all assets, real and personal, shall be distributed to members in good standing.
Article VIII-Amendments
These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote at the Annual Meeting. Written notice of a proposed amendment must be distributed to the membership at least ten days prior to the meeting date. The officers shall be the interpreter of the bylaws until a Membership Meeting can be called for the purpose of amending them.