LRPWNG By-laws
The Lakewood Ranch Professional Women’s Networking Group is a non-competitive, women-only networking business organization that has been organized for the purpose of assisting its members in the growth and support of their respective businesses.
Membership
Only one business per non-competitive business category (any discrepancies or questionable requests will be determined by membership vote as described below). In order to remain in good standing, each member must:
- Have good business ethics
- Be present for at least the majority of monthly meetings (see attendance)
- Pay all yearly dues
- Present 10 minute infomercials as scheduled
- Actively participate in the recruitment of new members
Attendance
Each member is allotted a total of 15 absences for the year. This roughly allows a member to miss 2 meeting a month if needed for personal and professional business responsibilities. Representatives of a business will be permitted to attend on behalf of the member for attendance purposes. If a member continues to miss consecutive meetings it will be considered a withdrawal from the organization and that member’s business category will become available for occupation by a new member.
In addition, members will be allowed excused absences for a period of up to two months for family illness, death, emergencies, etc., and in the event of such an absence, the absent member shall provide the Directors with a written note with respect to such absence for the Directors’ records.
A guest must attend two consecutive meetings before being considered for membership. Once their application is submitted the membership chair will check their references and then their membership will be voted on by the members at the group’s business meeting. The business meeting is held on the last Wednesday of the month and only members attend.
Professional Dues and Expenses
A $30 application/initiation fee will be due upon acceptance into the group. This will be paid to the treasurer at the time membership is granted. Professional dues in the amount of $44 will be paid to the treasurer at the last meeting of every month. These dues are deposited into a checking account for lunches and miscellaneous purposes. Dues are non-refundable.
Voting Procedures
Any issue that cannot be resolved by group consensus may be submitted for a vote by the members. Submission of proposals for voting and participation in voting is open to those who have been members for a minimum of three meetings. Two-thirds or more members must vote yes for a vote to be approved.
Officers
Officers consist of 2 co-directors, membership director, and a treasurer. All the officers shall serve a 6-month term. Officers may be re-elected at the end of their term.
Changes to the by-laws:
September 2003: Instituted the Exchange of Referrals, phone message book for our referrals.
Regarding membership: If a member misses 3 meetings in a row without an excused absence, their membership will automatically be forfeited. We will phone to make sure the absence was not to due a serious illness, etc., and then will send a letter to that member. When a member reaches 12 absences in a one year period, then the member will receive a letter from the Membership Chair advising their membership is in jeopardy, and if that member misses an additional 3 meetings their membership will be forfeited. When a member attends a “Mixer” their attendance at that mixer will count for attendance at one of our regular meetings.
January 2005: Revision made to Professional Dues and Expenses
March 2005: Limiting our group to 40 members. If a new member does a variety of activities within their profession and one of those things conflicts with a current member it needs to be made expressly clear that they cannot mention any area of conflict. Guests are required to make an application after a maximum of 3 visits. Two candidates who apply for membership the same month, it was discussed that the most qualified woman will be give the most consideration for the spot. No seasonal memberships. No speakers at the monthly business meeting. Monthly treasurer’s report.
May 2005: Visitor policy, past members of the LRPWNG may come and visit the group, but if there is a member occupying their former position, the visitor will not be allowed to promote their business.
March 2006: Members changing jobs to a new category must resubmit a membership application relating to that category and will only be voted upon if that category is open.
June 2006: Leave of Absence: It was discussed and voted on that if members take a leave of absence they will be required to pay dues to hold the position open. This was approved by unanimous vote.
January 2007: Membership and Lunch fees increased.
June 2008: Instituted the definition of Non Compete Membership in the LRPWNG Membership Application. By-Laws will be a separate document presented to the new member at the first Wednesday meeting of the month voted into the group.