Rules and Bylaws Of the Montgomery County Water Garden Society


ARTICLE I NAME

The name of the association shall be:  Montgomery County Water Garden Society (MCWS).

ARTICLE II PURPOSE

The purpose of the MCWS shall be to support and engage in activities which will foster water gardening.

ARTICLE III PROHIBITIVE

The MCWS shall not intervene in or participate in any campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.


ARTICLE IV TERMS OF EXISTENCE OF THE MCWS

The MCWS shall have a perpetual existence, but may have the form of its organization changed in compliance with the Rules and Bylaws.  If and when the MCWS should cease to exist, prepaid dues will be returned to members and the balance will be given to a nonprofit organization(s) determined by the Board.

ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP

The membership of the MCWS shall be open to all persons upon paying the annual membership fee per household.  HONORARY MEMBERSHIPS shall be granted by the officers.  The Honorary Member shall have all the rights and privileges of the MCWS.  A sponsor can be a member of MCWS and an officer of the board of directors.

ARTICLE VI POWER OF THE MCWS

The MCWS shall have the following powers:  1. To collect, receive, hold, manage and expend dues and donations consistent with the purpose of the MCWS.  2.  To incorporate of a non-profit corporation.  3.  To perform all other lawful power, deeds and acts consistent with the purposes of this association.  4.  To complete annual financial audits by two appointed members with the treasurer and presented to the membership at the beginning of the year.

ARTICLE VII MANAGEMENT OF THE MCWS

1.  The elected and appointed officers of the MCWS shall serve as the Executive Committee/Board and shall manage the business affairs of the MCWS.  2.  No officer or member of the association or any other person shall make or cause to be made any statement directly or indirectly reflecting or tending to reflect the position, views or opinion of the association unless such statement is in the form of a written resolution adopted at a regular meeting of the MCWS by a vote of a majority of those members present and voting.  Nothing above shall restrict or prevent the officers or any member or other persons from announcing any meeting, projects, events or any activity which is consistent with the purpose of the MCWS.  3.  The Board of Directors can nominate necessary committees.  4.  The Board will have the authority to fill any vacant position during the fiscal year until the next election.

ARTICLE VIII MEETINGS

1.  Regular meetings of the MCWS shall be held at such a place determined by the members of the MCWS.  MCWS business shall be determined by the majority vote of all members present and voting, with the exception of the election of the MCWS officers.  2.  Elections of the MCWS officers shall be held at the annual banquet.  Only paid members of the MCWS may vote in the election and the elected officers will be determined by the individual receiving the majority of votes.  MCWS officers must be a paid member prior to election.  3.  The office of Treasurer/Secretary shall be limited to two full terms in office.  4.  The ByLaws shall be reviewed and accepted by vote of members at the annual banquet.  5.  Any changes to the ByLaws shall be put before the members and accepted by vote.  6.  Robert's Rules of Order (revised) shall govern all meetings of the MCWS where business is conducted.

ARTICLE IX FEES STANDARDS

Speaker fees (if required) shall be determined by the Board of Directors.  A member holding a water garden party at their home will be reimbursed $75.00.