BYLAWS FOR THE PRODUCER’S AND ORGANIZER’S SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP
Article 1: Name and Purpose
Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the Organizers Special Interest Group.
Section 2. The purpose of the Organizers Special Interest group is to encourage cooperation, networking and support among organizers within the NSN and to foster the professional growth of the individual members of this special interest group.
Section 3. The Organizers Special Interest group is a recognized group of the National Storytelling Network (NSN) members and adheres to the NSN bylaws, policies, and procedures.
Article 2: Membership
Section 1. The Organizers Special Interest group is open to those individuals who have a personal membership in the NSN. Persons who are not members of the special interest group may attend meetings of the special interest group, but may not vote.
Section 2. The special interest group may charge its members group dues in addition to the general membership dues charged by the NSN to each of its members. The minimum amount of such group dues shall be determined by the Board of the NSN. The entire amount of such minimum group dues shall be allocated to the cost of basic services provided to the special interest group by NSN. The special interest group may charge group dues in excess of the minimum group dues, however, and such excess may be used by the group for any appropriate purpose. By the affirmative vote of a majority of the group’s Executive Committee, the special interest group may change its dues, to any amount not less than the minimum dues currently in effect. Dues may be changed only once a year, however, effective November 1, provided notice of the dues change has been given to NSN no later than October 1. If the special interest group does not specify group dues to be charged, dues will be set at the minimum rate.
Section 3. The special interest group must maintain at least 30 members. If the special interest group fails to maintain at least 30 members for two consecutive years, the special interest group will disband.
Article 3: Executive Committee
Section 1. The special interest group is governed by an Executive Committee composed of three members elected by the members of the special interest group to serve for one year commencing November 1. One of the members of the executive committee must be designated as the person whom the NSN Board may contact for any communications regarding the special interest group. A majority shall constitute a quorum of the Executive Committee.
Section 2. It is the responsibility of the Executive Committee to plan and coordinate all programs sponsored by the special interest group, and prepare and submit to the NSN Board by November 1 of each year an annual budget and an annual report, detailing the special interest group’s activities. If the special interest group fails to submit an annual report or an annual budget, the special interest group will disband. Copies of the annual report and annual budget shall be available upon request to members of the special interest group.
Article 4: Officers
Section 1. The officers of the executive committee will consist of a chair, retreat coordinator and communication coordinator and are elected by the executive committee to serve for one year commencing November 1.
Section 2. The chair shall preside at all meetings; plan and coordinate all programs sponsored by the Organizers Special Interest Group; prepare and submit an annual budget; prepare the treasurer’s report; an annual report; and is designated as the person whom the NSN Board may contact for any communications regarding the special interest group.
Section 3. The retreat coordinator will work with the chair to implement the Annual National Organizer’s Retreat.
Section 4. The communication coordinator shall serve as recorder, preserving a complete recording of the proceedings of all meetings and communicate with the members of the Storytelling Organizers Special Interest Group.
Article 5: Meetings
Section 1. The special interest group will conduct at least one meeting of members every calendar year. If the special interest group fails to have an annual meeting for two consecutive calendar years, the special interest group will disband.
Section 2. The special interest group may request space at the annual conference for a meeting. Such space requests are due when conference proposals are due. Special interest groups may request space at the National Storytelling Festival or at any other NSN functions. Deadlines and criteria for such requests will be established by the NSN Board.
Article 6: Contracts, Loans, and Checks
Section 1. Unless authorized by the Board of Directors or Executive Committee of the NSN no special interest member shall enter into any contract or loan, or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of or on behalf of the special interest group or the NSN or in any manner bind or obligate the special interest group or NSN.
Article 7: Amendments
Section 1. These Bylaws may be amended at any meeting of the special interest group by a two thirds vote of the special interest groups members present providing that written or printed notice of the proposed amendment (s) be announced to the members by the Chair at least 30 days previously. In accordance with NSN policy these Bylaws also may be amended by mail with an affirmative vote of two thirds of the special interest groups members responding. The closing time must be stated clearly on the ballots and the ballots must be mailed to special interest group members at least 30 days before such closing time.
Article 8: Status of Members and Officers
Section 1. No member or officer of the special interest group shall be or be deemed to be an officer, employee, or agent of NSN unless specifically so appointed by the Board of Directors of NSN.