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RULES AND BYLAWS OF TURBO DIESELS OF NEW ENGLAND
PREAMBLE
The name of the club is Turbo Diesels of New England. Developed in 2007, the club was created by founding (charter) members, Doug Stevenson, Albert Russell, Dave Winslow, Chris Eno, Heather St. Jean, and Eric Haggstrom who will ensure to protect the integrity of the organization. The club is a non-profit organization for turbo diesel powered vehicle enthusiasts. The purpose of the club is to promote or attend vehicle related events, maintain a club web-site, generate business contacts in the area to provide discounts to our members, provide a network of members that can be called upon for assistance when needed, and most of all to have fun with anything that is turbo diesel related!
The club is formed as a turbo diesel club, where turbo whine and the sweet smell of diesel in the morning is not only a hobby, but a way of life. We wish to share and encourage our love of diesel powered vehicles, modifying such, and appreciating the art form and imaginations of the owners of such vehicles.
It is the firmly held belief of all the founding members that this club is to be run as a family. The intention of the club is not to have a strict and formal organization, and that by communication and friendship, considerable flexibility in roles and responsibilities is possible and desired. The most important founding value of the club is the desire to have the club controlled by the members, not run by a,”dictator” or president.
To avoid any possible conflicts in the future, the founding members of the club have constructed these bylaws to clearly illustrate our desires on the direction of the club and the manner in which it is to be run.
GENERAL
□ Violations of the following rules may result in a warning, suspension, or removal from the club □ Any member found to compromise the integrity of the club, including disrespect for any fellow members, shall be reprimanded and in exceptional cases, asked to resign from the club. □ The officers of the club will consist of a Chairman of the Executive Board (immediate past President), President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Sergeant at Arms. □ Ownership of any trademarks, logos, website, web address, etc. is solely held by the members of the club, and any use or alteration is not allowed without the approval of the majority of the club.
VEHICLES
Since this is a club celebrating Turbo Diesels enthusiasts, ownership of a turbo diesel powered vehicle is not mandatory, but it is encouraged. The club is not vehicle specific, we promote all brands of vehicles from all over the world, as long as they are diesel powered.
MEETINGS
Meetings will be held once a month, with times and locations to be published on the website. The standard meeting date is the third Sunday of every month. Optional meetings will be held by the Executive Board whenever deemed necessary. Minutes from these meetings will be read to the general membership, but not recorded in the general meeting minutes for distribution to the public.
All members are responsible for the success of the club; furthermore, this will provide the membership with reliable service, advantage and good use. No illegal drugs or activities will be allowed at club functions or while representing the club. Drinking and driving will not be tolerated. Members will receive a copy of the by-laws, and are required to abide by them. Members will approve of the by-law document by signing the appropriate line on the membership application and returning it along with membership fee to the secretary within 2 weeks of receipt of the document. If signatory approval is not received within 2 weeks, member will be dropped from the roster (and considered resigned from the club) unless an Executive Board member has been contacted to discuss delay.
Any member of Turbo Diesels of New England during meetings, with the exception of the President, may make motions. A simple majority of fifty-one percent (51%) of the members in attendance shall be required to pass all motions except changes to the by-laws.
By-law changes require a minimum of half (1/2) of the membership to be present and an approval vote of 2/3 of all founding members to pass. Changes to the by-laws will not occur within the first two (2) years of inception. Each subsequent amendment that is introduced must be voted on at a general meeting and pass with the aforementioned approval.
For Executive Board meetings, a quorum of two thirds (2/3) of the officers must be present to propose/pass motions, and constitute a valid meeting. Committees from the membership will be set up as needed for functions, activities, and shows and developed by the Executive Board for such issues.
All new members will be subject to a probationary period of 90 days and will submit a non-refundable membership fee. Probationary period will end after 90 days and final approval will be given by the Executive Board. New member applicants must attend two (2) meetings before final approval for membership is voted on.
WEBSITE
The website will be maintained by the club webmaster. All pertinent information will be located on the clubs website; including but not limited to; club announcements, meeting times and locations, new member announcements, message from the President, tips and how to’s, etc.
Being that the club is non-specific in regards to vehicle types, we request that members refrain from using any on-line forums to discuss club matters. This includes but is not limited to; discussing upcoming/past meetings and/or events, and soliciting persons to join the club in open forum. Send a private message and then conduct matters offline.
EVENTS
Events will be conducted towards Turbo Diesel related activities at all times, with the exception of the annual Holiday Party. Families are encouraged to attend all events and become involved with the club. Members are encouraged to sponsor building or mechanical sessions for other members to view and learn from.
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OFFICERS
All Officers must attend all meetings and club sponsored events, or contact a designated officer on their own to act as a replacement. An office carries with it only the rights necessary for executing the duties of that office. None of our by-laws will take the place of courtesy, respect, tact, and common sense.
PRESIDENT: Inspires other officers. Presides over meetings. Represents the club in a ceremonial fashion at other car related activities. Completes a monthly column for the website, “from the workbench of the President”
VICE PRESIDENT: Supports the President. Provides status feedback to the president. Presides for the president when necessary. Provides the president with ideas and advice.
SERGEANT AT ARMS: Sees that the rules are observed and conducts meetings in the following order, calls the meeting to order, reads the agenda, calls for reports from officers, states motions, calls for a vote and announces the results, enforces rules of discussion, debate and maintains decorum, expedited business, calls for new business and adjourns meetings.
SECRETARY: The recording officer and custodian of records. Duties include; keeping a record of all club proceedings at meetings, keep a file on all committee reports, make minutes and records available to members. Minutes are to record what was done & what was said at meetings and should contain; Name of the club, type of meeting, date, time, location, and officers present. Each subject should have a separate paragraph and contain all motions including ones to be brought up again. Copies of each meetings minutes will be posted on the clubs website.
TREASURER: is the custodian of funds. Required to make a full financial report semi-annually and give a verbal report at monthly officers meetings. A separate report will be required for shows & reports on number of new members. Dispenses funds for club related expenses. Requirement for position is an excellent credit record (as they will have check signing abilities) and have access to a computer with financial software. There will be co-signers set in place.
ADDITIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Many important roles and responsibilities will fall outside the direct influence of the executive board, and are vital to the day to day workings of the club. These roles include; web master, event coordinator, electronic, verbal and written communications related to any and all club activities. Car show event coordination, and fund raising and promotion for club sponsored activities. This list is only an example and is not fully inclusive. The club as a whole and the executive board in particular are responsible for the coordination of these activities, as they are done on behalf of the club. One key individual or several individuals may be trusted to perform these activities.; However, it is very important for the club to remember that communication is important to avoid duplication of effort, to ensure the important tasks are performed as needed, and to avoid allowing one person to handle the full burden of many responsibilities due to lack of participation of other members.
DUES
New members will be charged $50 to join. Members must be 18 yrs of age. Discounts for late season applications will be considered by the Executive Board. Club events may have additional costs for non-members.
Renewal dues will be due at the March meeting, renewal applications will be sent in November. Members that sign up in January of February of that year do not have to renew their application until the following year.
Club dues are used to fund the club activities, as this is a non-profit organization that has no additional source of income. The club expenditures may include but are not limited to; the cost of the website, office supplies, food for various events and meetings, and of course the Holiday party.
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