SPUG Computer Club Constitution


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A. This organization shall be known as the SPUG Computer Club. The organization was formerly known as the Springfield Pet Users Group.

B. SPUG Computer Club is a Not-for-Profit organization composed of its constituent members, as provided for in Article II, which will conduct its affairs in accordance with this Constitution and Bylaws.

A. Foster the use of personal computers by providing a forum for discussion and information exchange; and provide support to members in accordance to Section 3 of this Article.

B. Aid, and assist new owners to become familiar with the use of personal computers and related products.

C. SPUG Computer Club does not condone nor allow copying of copyright software by the Club organization.

A. The following are services offered to members of SPUG when funds are available and participation/support merits.

1. Monthly Meetings
2. Internet Page
3, Workshops and Special Events

B. Services will be provided to members in accordance to the sections in Article II of this Constitution.

A. The SPUG membership shall be open to anyone interested in personal computers and membership shall not be denied on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, or age.

B. Active members shall be members in good standing and have their dues paid up to date.

C. Sixty days following the expiration of a Members membership, said name will be dropped from the membership list.. Memberships expire on the last day of the month.

A. Individual/Household Membership: Entitles a household to one Club Election vote per household. Members of the household may hold office in accordance with Article II, Section 4-A. Household members may attend all SPUG meetings/events, and may have full privileges as outlined in Article I, Section 3A.

B. Associate Membership: An Associate Membership may be purchased by a member of a member household at an additional fee. Associate members have other full privileges outlined in Article I, Section 3-A and their own rights to hold office.

A. The annual dues will be reviewed by the Executive Board on a yearly basis. Proposed changes to the dues will be brought in front of the general membership two consecutive meetings prior to vote. Changes will be accepted with 2/3 vote of approval by the attended members at the general meeting.

A. The right to hold elected office at all levels is a privilege of an active member. Members eligible to hold elected office must be a member of the club for no less than four months.>

A. An individual's membership may be terminated for one or more of the following reasons:

1. Failure to uphold the constitution and the policies of the SPUG Computer Club.

2. Substantive evidence of unlawful activities such as phreaking or involvement in any manner of software piracy.

3. Theft of any physical and/or monetary assets that are the property of SPUG Computer Club.

B. Procedure: Motion to revoke an individual membership is passed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors and then presented to the General Membership for approval. Approval requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members present at the next General Meeting.

A. Any officer or member of the Board may be removed for one or more of the following reasons:

1. Failure to perform the duties of the elected or appointed position as set forth in the constitution.

2. Documentation of conduct unbecoming an officer or member of the Board in one or more of the following areas: SPUG Computer Club, its membership, its property and its programs or events.

3. Failure to uphold the constitution and policies of the SPUG Computer Club.

4. If one or more of the following exists: dereliction of duty, wanton mismanagement of of any monetary and/or physical assets assets of the SPUG Computer Club.

B. Removal will be accomplished by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members present at the Board meeting.

C. A Board member who is not present at three (3) consecutive Board meetings, and who does not show just cause for his/her absences is automatically removed from the Board without the necessity of any Board action, but may be reinstated by action of the Board at any regular Board meeting upon adequate recorded justification.

A. General Membership Meetings shall be held once a month, and announced on the web page.

B. Business may be carried out by a majority vote of those present at the General meeting provided a quorum is present. By definition, a quorum shall be comprised of not less than two officers and ten percent (10%) of the eligible voting membership as indicated by the most updated membership list. In the absence of a question, a quorum is not assumed.

A. Quarterly Business Meetings shall be held at the General Membership Meetings during the month of March, June, at the Annual Business meeting in September, and December.

A. An Annual Business Meeting shall be held at the General Membership Meeting in September.

B. Election and installation of Officers and the Members of the board shall be conducted.

A. The Board of Directors as defined in Article IV, shall meet when called by the President.

B. The majority of the members of the Board, including at least two officers, shall constitute a quorum for transacting business. Decisions shall be passed by a majority of those in attendance.

A. The following officers shall be elected at each Annual Business Meeting for the year ensuing: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The term of office shall be one year.

B. Vacancies in office shall be filled by advancement in rank in the order of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Vacancies not filled by an elected officer shall be appointed by the President and approved by the Board of Directors, and then presented to the members at the next meeting.

A. President: Presides at all meetings of this organization and serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. He appoints the Chairperson of the Standing Committees, appoints Special Committees, and assigns their tasks as deemed necessary by the Board. Makes appointments to fill vacancies of office.

B. Vice President: Shall oversee the Committees, and assists the Committees in performing their duties. Keeps the President, and Board informed of all actions developed by the Committees. Assists the President, and performs all of the Presidents duties in their absence.

C. Secretary: Takes, and keeps minutes of all business meetings. Maintains all records of the organization and handles its correspondence as assigned by the President, and the Board of Directors.

D. Treasurer: Receives all funds due this organization, and maintains the bank accounts. Keeps in an orderly process of all funds received by this organization. Maintains an inventory of all property owned by this organization. Furnishes Quarterly financial statements and, Annual financial reports at the Quarterly and Annual Business Meetings.

A. Four Board Members will be elected at the Annual Business Meeting, and will serve on the Board of Directors for one year.

B. The vacancy of Board Member positions shall be filled on appointment by the President, and approved the Board of Directors.

A. The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the four elected Board Members.

A. Shall be the approving body for all policies and procedures concerning the normal operation of SPUG, in accordance to Article V, Section 1. They shall supervise all accounts, approve all Club expenditures, and audit the accounts of the Club Treasury.

A. The following are normal operating costs, which the Board of Directors will budget SPUG Treasury funds for. It is the SPUG Board of Directors responsibility to keep expenses in these areas at a minimum, and make sure that funds are spent appropriately.

1. Correspondence & Postage
2. Maintenance of SPUG property
3. Regular and Special Meetings
4. Misc. Office Supplies

B. All other expenditures shall be approved by the attending members at a General Monthly Meeting.

A. Checks shall be signed by Elected Officer, usually the Treasurer. In case of emergency checks may be signed by another Officer.

A. In the event that SPUG should become dissolved or terminated, any funds or property remaining shall be donated to a charitable organization as designated by the Board of Directors.

A. The Standing Committees of the SPUG organization shall oversee the Internet Page, Publicity, Events, Awards, and SPUG Membership. The President shall assign each SPUG Board of Director member a Committee, and they will serve as Chairperson of that Committee.

B. SPUG Nominating Committee will be selected, and approved by the General Membership at the Fourth Quarterly Business Meeting. This Committee shall prepare a slate of nominees to be presented at the Annual Business Meeting. A list of the nominees shall be read at least one month prior to the Annual Business Meeting.

A. Amendments to the Club Constitution may be proposed, and presented in writing to the Club President at any time during the year. The President will take the proposed Amendments to the Executive Board within one month for approval. If the Board approves the Amendment, it will be presented to the general membership two consecutive meetings, prior to vote. The Amendment will be accepted with 2/3 vote of approval of the attending members at the general meeting.