Michigan Military MomsBy-laws Of Michigan Military Moms
Article One-Organization
Section One – Name
The name of this organization shall be Michigan Military Moms.
Section Two – Logo
The organization logo shall be in the following form:
Article Two – Purpose
Section One -Purpose
The following is the purpose for which this organization has been organized, and shall be known as our mission statement:
The Michigan Military Moms is a support group united by pride and dedicated to our sons and daughters, either serving or who have served, in the United States military. We have no political, ideological, or religious agenda.
Section Two -Non-Profit
The organization is incorporated under and shall operate as a Non-Profit Corporation in the State of Michigan
We shall operate and have such powers as granted by the law s of a Non-Profit Corporation as outlined by the State of Michigan
Section Three – 501c3
Said organization is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Article Three – Membership & Dues
Section One -Eligibility
Membership in this organization shall be open to all Mothers, Step-Mothers, Mothers-in-law, and other female caregivers of our military members who are serving, or who have served, in the United States military.
Section Two -The Two Categories of Membership & Dues
Membership in this organization shall be Active and Associate.
1. Active Member
Will donate dues as established by the Executive Board OR
Will serve on the Executive Board, OR
Will serve as a Committee Chair, OR
Will donate time in service each year by working on at least two (2) committees or special events sponsored by the organization, OR
Will attend six (6) meetings in a twelve (12) month period
Will have voting rights
2. Associate Member
a. Will pay annual dues as established by the Executive Board in lieu of complying with the duties of an Active member
b. Does not have any voting rights
Section Three –Rights & Privileges
Active members who contribute to the operation of the organization shall be considered members in good standing.
Section Four-Termination
1. Any member, Active or Associate, may terminate their membership at any time
2. Membership of Active or Associate may be terminated if it is determined by the Executive board that the said member does not abide by the eligibility requirements; does not adhere to the Sensitivity guidelines or Standing Rules; or is ruled not to be a “member in good standing.” The Executive Board would then notify the member by written correspondence of the termination of her membership.
Article Four – Meetings
Section One –Regular Meetings
1. Regular meetings of this organization shall be held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, except if such day be a legal holiday, then the Board shall notify the general membership when and if the meeting shall take place
2. The first meeting of each month shall be the Business Meeting where the Executive Board members and Committee Chairs report to the general membership
Section Two –Annual Meetings
The Annual Membership meeting of this organization shall be held the third Saturday in October every year, at a date and time to be determined by the Executive board. Notice of this meeting shall be in compliance with these By-Laws and the following agenda items shall be on the agenda:
1. Receiving reports of the Officers and Committee Chairs;
2. Election of Executive Board members;
3. And transacting any other business that may arise.
Section Three –Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the Executive Board and the general membership shall be notified of such meeting by email or first class mail or directly by phone of the member as it appears on the membership list at least five (5) days and not more than thirty (30) days before the scheduled date set for the said meeting. Only business stated may be discussed.
Section Four-Voting
1. Voice vote is the regular method of voting on a motion unless other wise specified in these Bylaws.
2. A simple majority shall prevail unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws.
3. Each member in good standing is entitled to one (1) vote and may be present or vote by proxy.
Section Five -Quorum
1. A quorum shall consist of 10% of the membership list.
Article Five – Executive Board
The Executive Board shall consist of seven (7) members and shall have the control and management of the affairs and business of this organization. The board shall meet no less than once every six (6) months; preferably in March and October of each year. Vacancies in the Board shall be filled, by appointment, through a vote of the majority of the remaining members of the Board. A quorum shall be defined as the majority of the remaining members of the Board. All Executive Board members shall have one vote and such voting may not be done by proxy No Board member shall be entitled to receive any salary or compensation.
A Board member may be removed when sufficient cause exists for such removal as deemed by the majority of the remaining Executive Board.
Section One -Eligibility
1. Executive Board members must be Active Members of the organization and in good standing
2. Executive Board members must have been Active Members for twelve (12) months or more
3. Vacancies shall be appointed by the current Executive Board
4. An Active member may hold only one (1) Board position, with the exception of the Secretary/Treasurer
Section Two -Executive Board Members of the Organization
1. Chairperson
2. Vice-Chairperson
3. Secretary
4. Treasurer, and
5. Three (3) members at large
Section Three –Duties of Executive Board Members and Officers, and Term Limits
All Executive Board members shall perform the duties prescribed by these Bylaws and will attend all Executive Board meetings, shall transmit to their successors all material pertaining to the office at the time the successor is elected or appointed , and shall be responsible for the following:
1. Chairperson
Term Three (3) Years Commencing: October to September
a. To be the general executive officer of the organization
b. Preside over all general membership meetings, and its Executive Board
c. Sign contracts and/or legal paperwork for the organization
d. Co-sign checks or drafts of the organization
e. Encourage team building
f. Give all communications and assignments thoughtful and prompt attention
2. Vice-Chairperson
Term Three (3) Years Commencing: October to September
a. Preside at general membership and Board meetings in the absence of the Chairperson
b. Serve as committee liaison to the Committee Chairs
c. Assist the Chairperson, as requested
d. May co-sign checks or drafts of the organization
e. Shall, in the event of the absence or inability of the Chairperson to exercise her office, become acting Chairperson of the organization with all rights, privileges and powers as if she were appointed the Chairperson.
3. Secretary
Term Three (3) Years Commencing October to September
a. Record the minutes of the first (1st) meeting of the month, which is the business meeting and all board meetings
b. Publish said minutes prior to the next business meeting or executive board meeting
c. Maintain an updated copy of the corporate records. Carry forth with any other correspondence as necessary
d. Maintain files of all correspondence for the organization
e. Act as the custodian of minutes and reports as required by law
f. See that all books, reports, & certificates, as required by law, are properly kept or filed
4. Treasurer
Term Three (3) Years Commencing October to September
a. Act as the custodian of the organization’s funds subject to the direction of the Executive Board
b. May co-sign checks or drafts of the organization
c. Pay expenses of the organization as directed and approved by the Executive board
d. Any monies collected must be deposited within three (3) business days of collection.
e. Prepare and give a financial report at all 1st membership meeting of each month
f. Collaborate with the Chairperson in preparation of an annual budget
g. Prepare financial reports for the accountant
h. Surrender books and records to the accountant at the Fiscal Year end, December 31st
i. The bank statement must be reconciled and turned over to the bookkeeper on or before the 15th of every month and a copy sent to the Chairperson
5. Members-at-Large
Term Three (3) Years Commencing October to September
a. Represent the general membership and convey member interests and concerns to the Board
b. Serve as liaison to committees as requested
Article Six – Dissolution
In the event of the dissolution of the Michigan Military Mom s, the net assets of the organization shall be distributed to a Military organization whose purposes are similar to those of this organization, as decided upon by the Executive Board and the general membership. No funds shall be used to benefit any member of the organization.
Upon dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
Article Seven – Amendments
These Bylaws may be altered, amended, repealed, or added to by:
1. Approval of fifty-one (51) percent of the voting members of the Executive Board; O R
2. Approval of fifty-one (51) percent of the members present and voting at a general or special meeting.
Article Eight – Personal Liability and Forfeiture of Property Interest
Section One –Rights & Privileges
1. Any person whose membership in this organization has been terminated for any reason shall forfeit:
a. All rights & privileges as an Active or Associate Member
b. All interest in any funds or property belonging to the organization.
Section Two –Financial Responsibility
All persons or corporations extending credit to, contracting with, or having any claim against this organization, its Executive Board, or its members shall look only to the funds and property of the organization for payment of any contract, claim, payment, or debt that may otherwise become due or payable to them from the organization, Executive Board, or the membership. Neither the Active nor Associate Members of the organization, the Executive Board (present or future) shall be personally liable for any debts contracted in the name of the organization.
Article Nine – Standing Rules
1. Individuals will remain a “member in good standing” if they maintain their membership either as an Active or Associate member, as outlined in Article Three
2. Both the Program Year and Fiscal Year for this organization shall be January through December.
3. When procedures are necessitated, Roberts Rules of Orders, as revised, shall govern all procedural and parliamentary matters.
4. Sensitivity Guidelines will be given to all members and shall be made a part of our standing rules
5. No member shall be denied benefits of membership due to hardship
SENSITIVITY GUIDELINES Michigan Military Moms
Michigan Military Moms was established to encourage connecting and sharing among Moms of our heroes. The meetings are for support, encouragement, and answering questions.
The friendly atmosphere encourages conversation among friends who understand the emotions you are experiencing during these uncertain times—from basic training, through deployment to a combat zone, to separation from the military. The atmosphere is intended to promote camaraderie to help minimize general bewilderment by the military lifestyle and the fear of the unknown when a service member returns from deployment and family members don’t know what to expect.
Our mission focuses in four distinct areas:
Informing -To research and providing reliable sources of information about the United States Military, deployment assistance, transitioning back to civilian life, or any other area as deemed appropriate
Connecting –To provide a means for mothers of the United States Military members in our area to connect with each other
Sharing -To provide an environment for sharing personal news, stories, and letters related to our troops in order to help others to feel more connected to their military hero
Supporting -To lend emotional and spiritual support and encouragement to each other in honor of our military heroes, as well as, supporting our children as they serve or have served
Guiding Principles to ensure proper decorum during our Meetings
1. This forum is meant to provide a place to connect and share
2. We do not address political, religious, or ideological views of the war or other conflicts in which the United States may be involved
3. No profanity or otherwise objectionable language will be tolerated
4. We are always faithful to the United States Military and the government of the United States
5. We consider every service person to be a hero, regardless of his/her location or capacity
6. We will be sensitive to the feelings of others
7. Security and safety of our troops is always a top priority, so for that reason we will be sensitive to discussing issues such as location, deployment and return dates, troop movement, and other issues that may touch upon their safety or the safety of others
8. We will, at all times, be sensitive of our Gold Star families and hold them in the high esteem.