UJGS - Our Bylaws

Bylaws of the Utah Jewish Genealogical Society

Amended and Approved 27 October 2009.
Amended 11 January 2010.

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this organization is the "Utah Jewish Genealogical Society", hereinafter referred to as the "Society" or "UJGS".

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

The purpose of this Society shall be to assist its members engaged in Jewish genealogical research. The Society's activities shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

  1. To promote an interest in Jewish genealogy and encourage interested persons to pursue and preserve genealogical information.
  2. To encourage and instruct Society members in Jewish genealogical research including:
    1. Effective genealogical research techniques.
    2. Careful documentation.
    3. Maintaining quality genealogical standards.
  3. To provide opportunities for the sharing of Jewish genealogical information, experiences, and work with other members to solve research problems.
  4. To locate, protect, and preserve public and private Jewish genealogical records in Utah and to make such records available to society members and the general public.
  5. To publish genealogical and historical information in a regular newsletter and to encourage the publication of worthy materials in the field of Jewish genealogy, especially materials related to Utah.

In the pursuit of the Society's purpose, members are encouraged to utilize all the facilities available in the Greater Salt Lake area.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

Membership shall be open to anyone interested in promoting the purposes of the Society without regard to race, religion, or ethnic identification.

ARTICLE IV - DUES

Membership dues shall be paid by each member of the Society to defray costs incurred in running the Society, such as cost of materials and costs of paid speakers. Dues are $10 per person or $15 per couple.

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  1. The term of office of elected Officers and nominated Chairpersons shall be two years. The terms shall begin and end at the close of the final meeting of the calendar year in election years. In case of resignation or inability to serve, the Board shall select and propose for a vote by the membership at the next meeting any replacement for the balance of the term for elected positions, and inform of any changes for nominated chairpersons.

    Any member in good standing (those whose dues are paid in full for the year) is eligible to be an Officer, serve on the Board of Directors, or vote for such positions.

    There shall be no limitation of term of office.

    An Officer shall be considered unable to serve if s/he resigns or if s/he does not participate, without reason, for three consecutive meetings, subject to a two-thirds vote of the Board and, being so notified in writing, fails to give a satisfactory answer to the Board by the next meeting.

  2. The elected officers shall consist of the President, the Recording Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Newsletter Editor.
  3. The Board of Directors shall consist of the Officers, the immediate past President, and the Chairpersons of the Standing Committees.
  4. Other Elected Officers, as needed, may be proposed by the Board or the membership, subject to a two-thirds majority vote at a regular meeting of the Society. When elected, their term shall be the same as that of currently elected Officers.

ARTICLE VI - DUTIES OF OFFICERS

All officers are expected to attend a minimum of half of the regular meetings per year.

  1. The President shall:
    1. Preside at all meetings of the Society.
    2. Nominate committees and chairpersons as necessary.
    3. Sign all contracts and documents authorized by the Society.
    4. Set the dates for and call meetings.
    5. Plan for and implement programs for meetings.
    6. Identify potential speakers, contact them, and make arrangements for them to present at Society meetings.
  2. The Secretary shall:
    1. Assume the duties of the President in the absence of, or at the request of, the President.
    2. Maintain and publish minutes of the meetings and conduct correspondence as needed.
    3. Assist the Newsletter Editor with proofreading when said Officer has no committee or other assistance to the task.
  3. The Treasurer shall:
    1. Maintain a simple bookkeeping journal.
    2. Collect membership dues and be custodian of all funds of the Society.
    3. Sign checks and make authorized disbursements on behalf of the Society.
  4. The Newsletter Editor shall:
    1. Publish and distribute the Newsletter.
    2. Gather information for publication in the Newsletter.
    3. Solicit, receive, and edit submissions for the Newsletter.
    4. Determine editorial policies for the Newsletter.

ARTICLE VII - COMMITTEES

From time to time, as the organization grows and it becomes necessary, the Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint committees to help carry on the business of the organization. The committees can be temporary or permanent as designated by the Board.

  1. The Standing Committees shall consist of:
    1. Membership Committee
    2. Activity Committee
    3. Publications Committee
    4. Finance Committee
    5. Nominating Committee
    6. Web Site Committee
  2. Not all Standing Committees are required to exist at all times.
  3. Chairpersons of committees shall be nominated by the President, subject to a majority vote by the members of the Society.
  4. New committees shall be appointed by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VIII - NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

Elections shall be held at the last meeting in each alternate calendar year, when the term of office of current Officers ends. Elections shall take place in odd numbered years. The slate for voting shall be given in writing or by email to the membership at least two weeks prior to such meeting if a Nominating Committee exists.

  1. A Nominating Committee may be appointed preceding the expiration of the two year term of office.
  2. The Nominating Committee chairperson shall present the slate for motion to nominate.
  3. Nominations may be made by the general membership from the floor at the meeting.
  4. Each nominee must give their consent to serve if elected.
  5. Each member in good standing may vote in Society elections.
  6. Voting shall be by voice provided there is only one candidate for office. If more than one candidate is running for any one office, the voting will be by written ballot. The candidate receiving the majority of the votes cast is elected, provided a quorum is present.
  7. Newly elected officers and directors shall be installed as the last item of business and they shall assume office at the close of the meeting.

ARTICLE IX - MEETINGS

  1. Meetings of the Society shall be held on a periodic basis, generally six times per year on the second Monday of every other month beginning at 7:00pm.
  2. Meeting dates may be changed to acommodate speakers, holidays, and the meeting facility's availability given two weeks notice to the membership and the meeting facility.
  3. For the purpose of conducting business, five members in good standing shall constitute a quorum. Three Officers shall constitute a quorum for a meeting of the Board of Directors, or in the case of a Board vote at a meeting.
  4. Additional meetings may be called at the discretion of the Board of Directors provided two weeks notice is given to the members.
  5. The Board shall meet as frequently as needed to carry on the business of the Society. A meeting of the Board may be requested by any two members of the Board. The Board must be notified at least two weeks in advance of any meeting.

ARTICLE X - DISSOLUTION OF SOCIETY

In the event of dissolution, funds and tangible property of the Society shall be distributed to an organization or organizations exempt under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies, unless otherwise voted by a majority of the Society membership, shall be the recipient of said assets.

ARTICLE XI - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, will govern the Society in all cases in which they are applicable and not inconsistent with these Bylaws.

ARTICLE XII - TAX EXEMPT STATUS

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the Society shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an association exempted from Federal Income Tax under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue law), or by (b) an association, contributions to which are deductible under 170 (c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

ARTICLE XIII - AMENDMENTS

Once adopted, these Bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting by a two-thirds vote of members in good standing.

Proposals shall be provided to the membership at least five days prior to the meeting at which the amendments will be decided.

© Copyright 2007-2010 Utah Jewish Genealogical Society
    Webmaster, Banai Lynn Feldstein
    Hosting donated by Feldstein Genealogy Services