Hop Barley and the Alers

By-Laws

Updated March 23, 1999

Article 1 - Purpose

Section 1 - Purpose
To enjoy and promote the hobby of homebrewing.

Section 2 - Goals
To engage in enjoyable social activities focused on homebrewing as a common foundation.

To learn more about beer, beer tasting, beer judging, and brewing techniques, based on sharing knowledge and experience. (This includes other fermented beverages as well, i.e. mead.)

To promote the hobby and enjoyment of homebrewing.

To promote the responsible use of alcoholic beverages.

Article 2 - Membership

Section 1 - Eligibility
All persons of legal age to consume alcoholic beverages in the State of Colorado are eligible for membership.

Section 2 - Acceptance
The only criteria for membership are to make application to the club and to keep annual dues current.

Section 3 - Rights and Liabilities of Members
Each accepted member shall have the right to vote on club matters. The members shall not be liable for the debts or obligation to the club. No member shall receive compensation for services rendered to the club except as otherwise approved by the officers of the club. A club member may be reimbursed for expenses reasonably incurred on behalf of the club, if approved by the club officers.

Section 4 - Guests
Members may bring guests to club meetings and functions. It is anticipated that these guests will eventually join the club. It may be requested that non-members and guests provide a small monetary donation for the consumption of food that the club has provided for the meeting.

Section 5 - Membership Year
The membership year is the calendar year.

Section 6 - Non-Discrimination
Club membership shall not be denied to any individual on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex.

Section 7 - Hold Harmless
My participation in this club is entirely voluntary. I know that participation in club activities involves the consumption of an alcoholic beverage and this may affect my perception and reactions. I accept responsibilities for my conduct, behavior, and actions. Participation includes guests that may be present at club activities, wherever they may be held.

Section 8 - Types of Memberships
All types of membership are subject to Sections 1 and 2 of Article 2.

A - Regular Members

Open to all persons as provided by Sections 1 and 2 of Article 2. Dues will be set by officers. All regular members are eligible to run for an officers position at election time.

B - Institute Member

Officers may award institute sponsor membership to organizations or companies in exchange for services or other benefits to the club or its members. Institute members shall not have voting rights and are not eligible to become officers.

C - Associate Member

Open to all who are Regular members, or equivalent, to any other homebrew club approved by the officers. The approved club must have a similar arrangement for regular members of Hop Barley and the Alers. Associate members are not eligible to become officers and may not represent Hop Barley and the Alers at any AHA club competition. Dues for an Associate member shall a lower rate than that of a Regular member, as set by the officers.

D - Couples / Household Members

This membership gives a reduced price for two people joining as regular members, but only receiving one newsletter (i.e. two people at one address).

Section 9 - Upgrading of Membership
Any member can change to Regular member status by paying the difference in dues.

Article 3 - Voting

Section 1 - Eligibility
All regular members are eligible to vote.

Section 2 - Items Put to Vote
The officers shall decide when and the kinds of issues and topics to be voted on. Any Regular Member can petition to any officer for an issue to be brought to a vote.

Section 3 - Quorum
A meeting consisting of at least one officer and at least one-third of the regular club members is to be considered a quorum.

Section 4 - Elections
Elections are to be held yearly in October with the new officers taking office in November.

Section 5 - Nominations
Nominations can be made by any regular member.

Section 6 - Voting
Voting is by controlled ballot assuming there is more than one candidate running for office.

Article 4 - Officers

Section 1 - Officers
The following positions make up the entirety of the club's officers:

President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Past President
Webmaster - appointed position

Section 2 - Officer Responsibilities
President - This officer will normally conduct the meetings. He/she will be responsible for securing the meeting place. Often, the President is the one who plans the meeting, arranging for an interesting demonstration, speaker, or discussion. This person is also in charge of organizing the Dredhop competition and the Annual Auction and prize collection for both events. (This may, and most often does, include enlisting help and delegating responsibilities to other officers and capable club members. Ultimately, the President is responsible for making sure things get done.)

Vice President - This person assists the President. This person will also organize the tasting portion of each meeting and insure that there is adequate supply of beer for the meeting. The Vice President is also responsible for writing the "Style of the Month" article for the newsletter each month.

Secretary - This officer keeps the minutes of the meetings (if necessary), and edits and publishes the club newsletter. The secretary also maintains the club membership list. He/she also corresponds with other clubs and appropriate bodies.

Treasurer - This officer handles the finances. They collect dues and money for club merchandise and see that it is deposited into the club's account. The Treasurer keeps the financial records.

Past President - This officer assists the current president as needed.

Webmaster - Updates the HBA website as needed.

Section 3 - Removal
Any officer can be removed by the vote of a majority of members. Such a vote must be recommended by an officer. Notification of this vote to remove an officer must be published in the newsletter prior to the meeting at which the vote will take place.

Section 4 - Officer Resignation
On the resignation of an officer, the remaining officers shall select a person to take the responsibility of the officer who left. This person shall serve out the remainder of the resigned officer's term.

Article 5 - Non-Profit Organization

Section 1 - Non-Profit Status
The club is declared as a non-profit organization. This does not give it tax exempt status under rules of the United States Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service unless applied for and received at a later date.

Article 6 - Dues

Section 1 - Calendar
Dues are paid annually in January or before the calendar year. The dues for all members are set by the officers. When current members pay their dues, they must pay for the whole year. Dues are one half the regular dues for members joining in the second half of the calendar year.

Section 2 - Form
Dues will be collected by the Treasurer and may be paid in cash, personal check, money order, travelers check and all other cash-based negotiable media.

Section 3 - Reporting
The Treasurer shall report the financial status of the club at each meeting (or when appropriate).

Article 7 - Meetings

Section 1 - Meetings of Members
Members will meet monthly unless otherwise instructed by club officers.

Section 2 - Meeting Procedure
Procedure of the meeting shall be dictated by the President, based on the planned activities for the meeting.

Section 3 - Officers Meetings
Officers will meet 1-2 weeks before the regular members meeting, or as necessary, to discuss the upcoming meeting and any other club business.

Article 8 - Contingency Fund

Section 1 - Fund
A contingency fund will be established and maintained by the Treasurer to cover unexpected expenses or losses of the club. The amount of the fund shall be established by the club officers.

Article 9 - By-Law Acceptance Changes

Section 1 - Acceptance
These by-laws are accepted at the time of adoption by a majority vote of registered members.

Section 2 - Procedure for Changes
Any member can petition for changes in the by-laws. When changes are suggested, they must be introduced in writing at a regular meeting and made available to all members to review. After a 30 day waiting period (or at the next regular meeting, whichever comes first), a vote can be taken for acceptance of the new by-laws, provided a quorum is present (as defined in Article 3, Section 3).

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