Article 1 - Name
1. This society shall be known as the Big Sky Bonsai Society. Hereafter referred to as BS2.
2. The BS2 is a non-profit society.

Article 2 - Purpose and Objectives
The objectives of this society are the encouragement and awareness of the art of bonsai, and related art forms via public education, demonstrations, and exhibits.

Article 3 - Membership
1. Membership shall be open to all who are interested in the objectives of the society without discrimination regardless of age, race, gender, creed, or national origin.
2. A member in good standing is defined as an individual or family that upholds the objectives of the society and pays yearly dues.
3. Suitable notice of meetings will be sent to each member/family of the society in good standing prior to the meeting by mail, e-mail or telephone.
4. The membership and fiscal year shall be January one to December 31 of each calendar year.

Article 4 - Rights of Membership
1. Each member is entitled to a copy of the Bylaws.
2. Each member is entitled to one vote on all matters brought forth for vote before the general membership of the BS2.
3. Written proxies may be submitted prior to a vote by eligible members who are not in attendance. Written proxies must be submitted to the Secretary at the conclusion of vote.
4. A membership confers one vote in aggregate to each family.
5. Notice of meetings is sent to one member or family.

Article 5 - Fees and Dues
1. Dues shall be established by action of the Executive Board and voted on by the membership.
2. Special events may be organized from time to time. Participants in these special events may be asked to commit funds and to share in the expense of these special events.
3. Society funds may be used at the discretion of the executive board to help defray costs of any society activities.
4. Dues are non refundable.

Article 6 - Officers
1. The officers shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
2. The term of office will be for one year from the January meeting to the end of the next December or until a successor is elected.
3. In no case shall any person hold the same office for more than 2 consecutive years.
4. Election of officers shall take place at the November general membership meeting. A simple majority vote of those attending the November meeting will determine the new officers.
5. In case of vacancy in any office during the year the President will appoint a member to finish out the term of office. A vacancy in the Presidency shall be filled by the Vice President who will complete the term of office.
6. No member shall hold more than one executive position at the same time. The Secretary and Treasurer position may be combined in the first two years of operation at the discretion of the Executive Board.
7. Duties of the President are:
a. To serve as the chief executive officer of the BS2
b. To be responsible for the general affairs of the BS2
c. To call and conduct Executive Board meetings
d. To designate committee chairs, who shall be approved by a simple majority of the membership in attendance.
e. To chair regular monthly meetings of the BS2
8. Duties of the Vice President are:
a. To perform duties of the President in his/her absence
b. Fill the remainder of the President's term if vacated
c. Oversee, coordinate the regular monthly programs of the BS2
9. Duties of the Secretary are:
a. To keep accurate and properly recorded minutes of the society, meetings of the Executive Board, and all annual and special meetings
b. To prepare and mail the monthly newsletter and any correspondence of the Executive Board
c. To maintain a club roster and mailing list
d. Maintain the club web site along with the webmaster
10. Duties of the Treasurer are:
a. To maintain accurate financial records
b. To disburse funds; expenditures exceeding $100 must be approved by the Executive Board. Expenditures over $175 must be approved by a majority vote of the membership in attrndane..
c. To maintain up to date details of assets and liabilities of the BS2.
d. Membership and financial records are to be available at all meetings.
e. A written report of the Treasurer activities will be given at the first meeting of each year.
f. Financial records will be examined at least yearly by an audit committee appointed by the President.

Article 7 - Executive Board
1. Will consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer and the immediate past President.
2. Actions of the Executive Board will be by simple majority of those attending.
3. The Executive Board will oversee all affairs of the society.
4. Actions of the Board may be reconsidered, amended, or rescinded at the regular membership meetings by a majority of the members attending.

Article 8 - Meetings
1. Regular meetings of the society shall be held once each month with the exception of July, the month of the annual show, and December.
2. Special meetings may be called at any time by the President with the concurrence of the Executive Board.
3. Meeting dates may be changed by the Executive Board.
4. A quorum at regular meetings is considered to be 25% of the members of the society and one or more officers of the society.
5. Meetings will be run by the "Roberts Rules of Order, Revised"

Article 9 - Election of Officers
1. The October meeting shall see the appointment of the Nominations Chair by the President. The Nominations Committee will present a slate of officers at the November meeting.
2. The membership will vote for the new slate of officers at the November meeting. A simple majority of members attending shall elect the new slate of officers.
3. Nominations from the floor will be accepted at the November meeting.

Article 10 - Amendments to the bylaws
1. The bylaws may be amended at any meeting of the society by a majority vote of those present.
2. Written notice having been given to the membership at least 28 days in advance of proposed bylaws changes.

Article 11 - Executive Board and Committees
1. The Executive Board shall consist of the President, Vice President and the Secretary, Treasurer, and the immediate Past President.
2. The President in collaboration with the executive board will set and promote the general direction of the society as well as promote the goals of the society.
3. Actions of the Executive Board will be by a simple majority of those attending.
4. The Executive Board will appoint such committee heads as are deemed necessary. Committees may include Nominations, Show Committee, Special Events and Speakers Committee, and the Program Committee.