Westford Garden Club By-Laws

ARTICLE I – Name

The club shall be known as the Westford Garden Club.

ARTICLE II – Objectives

1. To encourage interest in all phases of gardening.
2. To aid in the protection and conservation of natural resources.
3. To promote civic beautification.
4. To support community participation and betterment.

ARTICLE III – Membership

1. The qualifications for membership shall be an interest in gardening.
2. Payment of annual dues.
3. Each member annually shall:
   • Serve as Hostess at one meeting.
   • Serve on at least one committee.
   • Participate in all fundraisers.
4. A member may resign from the club at any time by submitting a resignation to the Executive Board.

ARTICLE IV – Dues

1. Dues shall be payable at the June Business Meeting.
2. Dues for anyone joining on or after the January meeting shall become half the yearly amount.

ARTICLE V – Officers and Election

1. The officers of the club shall be: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Program Directors, Publicity, and other officers as needed.
2. These officers shall be elected every two years.
3. No officer shall serve in one office for more than two consecutive terms but, after a lapse of at least one year, shall again be eligible to hold that same office.
4. Officers shall have the power to fill any vacancies.
5. Any office resignation shall be submitted in writing.
6. The Executive Board shall nominate new officers at the May Board Meeting.
7. The Executive Board shall prepare a list of candidates whose names shall be published in the Newsletter for the May Business Meeting.

ARTICLE VI – Duties of Officers

1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Club and meetings of the Executive Board.
2. The Secretary shall keep a record of Club proceedings, report at each meeting, and handle all correspondence.
3. The Treasurer shall have charge of Club funds, maintain records of receipts and disbursements, pay all approved bills, report at each meeting, and prepare income taxes.
4. The Membership Chairperson shall greet and introduce new members at monthly meetings, inform them of Club policies, maintain name tags and the membership list, and work in conjunction with the Treasurer and Newsletter Editor regarding addresses and current membership dues.
5. The Program Director shall plan the yearly programs and provide information to the Yearbook Editor and Newsletter Editor.

ARTICLE VII – Executive Board and Duties

1. The officers shall constitute the Executive Board.
2. The Executive Board shall meet at least one week prior to regular meetings.
3. The Executive Board shall formulate and distribute information to the Newsletter Editor and ensure effective communication among committees.
4. The Executive Board shall conduct the general business of the Club, consider questions of policy, and present recommendations to the Club for action.

ARTICLE VIII – Standing Committees

1. The Executive Board shall appoint committee chairpersons.
2. Each Chairperson shall organize the committee.
3. Each Chairperson shall maintain a yearly record of committee activities.
4. All committee records shall remain the property of the Westford Garden Club.

ARTICLE IX – Meetings

1. There shall be one regular meeting on the first Wednesday of each month, except for September, when the meeting shall be held on the second Wednesday.
2. The Executive Board may change the date of a meeting when necessary.
3. The May meeting/luncheon shall be held for the purpose of installing officers and presenting annual reports.
4. No regular meeting shall be conducted without a quorum.
5. A quorum shall consist of one-fourth of the paid membership.

ARTICLE X – Amendments

1. These By-Laws may be amended at any regular meeting of the Club by a two-thirds vote of those present, provided the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing at the previous meeting and published in the previous month's Newsletter.

ARTICLE XI – Guest Privileges

1. Guests are always welcome.
2. A guest may attend only two meetings each year without becoming a member.

ARTICLE XII – Financial Contributions

1. With the exception of memorial gifts, the Westford Garden Club will contribute financially only to causes and organizations approved by the Executive Board.