Astrological Society of Connecticut, Inc. By-Laws

Revision History

Click here for printable copy.

Date

Author

Notes

2007

n/a

Current by-laws as amended May 2007

05/2010

D. Corkindale

D. Drinnan

J.  McDonald

D. Vincelett

New format with TOC

Updated sections:

The ASC Incorporated in June 2009 so added "Inc." as needed.

 

Added Table of Contents and changed to one column from 2 to make it easier to navigate.

 

Changed "establish" to "adhere to"

 

Changed Association to Society in all instances.

 

Fiscal Year - the fiscal year shall be from June 1 to May 31.  This now matches the 501(c)3 filings with the IRS.

 

Past presidents have been considered honorary members since 1982, but the by-laws stated that they were only honorary members of the BOD.  Wording was changed to make them honorary members of the society without voting rights.

 

"Membership meeting" was changed to "annual meeting".

 

Changing BOD terms from 2 to 1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Revision History  1

Astrological Society of ConnecticutAstrological Society of Connecticut, Inc., By Laws   3

Article I Name  3

Article II Purposes  3

Article III Membership  3

Section 1.    Eligibility  3

A.  General Eligibility  3

B.  Code of Ethics  3

C.  Conditions of membership  4

Section 2.     Dues  4

ARTICLE IV Officers  4

Section 1.    Name, Tenure and Vacancies  4

Section 2.     Powers and Duties  5

A.       The President 5

B.       1st Vice President 5

C.       2nd Vice President 5

D.       Corresponding Secretary  6

E.       Recording Secretary  6

F.       Treasurer 6

ARTICLE V Board of Directors  6

Section 1.     Name, Tenure and Vacancies  6

Section 2.     Duties  7

ARTICLE VI MEETINGS  7

Section 1.     Regular Meetings  7

Section 2.    Annual Meeting  7

Section 3.    Special Meetings  7

Section 4.     Quorum   7

ARTICLE VII COMMITTEES  7

SECTION 1.    The committees  7

SECTION 2.    The Committees shall serve for a term of one (1) year 7

SECTION 3.    Nominating Committee  7

SECTION 4.    Membership Committee  8

SECTION 5.    Ethics and By-Laws Committee  8

ARTICLE VIIII METHOD OF VOTING   8

ARTICLE IX AMENDMENTS  8

ARTICLE X SUSPENSION OF BY-LAWS  8

ARTICLE XI PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY  8

ARTICLE XII DISSOLUTION OF THE SOCIETY  8


Astrological Society of ConnecticutAstrological Society of Connecticut, Inc., By Laws

 

Article I
Name

The organization shall be known as The Astrological Society of Connecticut, Inc.

Article II
Purposes

Section 1.  To encourage and promote the science and art of astrology through research, teaching, lecturing and practice.

Section 2.  To advocate freedom of thought and speech concerning astrology.

Section 3. To cooperate with scientific research bodies, and to encourage the study of astrology along lines laid down by modern investigation in the field of psychology, physics and astronomy.

Section 4.  To develop and promote a correct legal status for astrology.

Section 5.  To encourage astrological study and the promotion of public understanding of the scientific basis for astrology.

Section 6.  To adhere to a high standard of professional ethics for astrology. (Amend. 05/2010)

Section 7. To adhere to standards and criteria of competence to practice for professional counselors and teachers of astrology consistent with those of other professions.  (Amend. 05/2010)

Section 8.  To disseminate information about astrology in conformity with the Ancient Wisdom teachings as philosophical background.

Article III
Membership

Section 1.  Eligibility

A.  General Eligibility

Any person who sympathizes with and desires to aid in carrying out the purposes of this Society, and who agrees in writing to abide with the following code of ethics, shall be eligible, with the approval of the Board of Directors. (Amend. 05/2010)

 

 

B.  Code of Ethics

I, the undersigned, subscribe to the following code of Ethics:

I recognize that a precise astrological opinion cannot honestly be rendered with reference to the life of an individual unless it is based upon a horoscope cast for the year, month, day and time of day plus correct geographical location of the place of birth of that individual, and I agree not to render such an opinion without this detailed information, unless the horoscope of the individual has been rectified by accepted astrological methods, or unless I positively state to the interested party that such conclusions are reached by alternative methods.

I agree not to interpolate or  to introduce into any astrological deduction, verbally, or otherwise, any  interpretation which my conclusions appear to warrant, that are irrelevant to the science of Astrology without first stating definitely that such deductions are neither based upon the life chart nor identified with the science.

I agree to honor and respect all confidences which may be reposed in me by consultation and to hold such confidences inviolable except wherein they may involve an act of felony or treason.

I agree not to use my identification with the Astrological Society of Connecticut, Inc. as a signature of publicity in any unethical manner. (Amend 5/04)

The Society reserves the right to terminate membership at the discretion of the board of Directors.

Date__________Sign Here__________________

 

C.  Conditions of membership

A person may become an active member by subscribing to the purposes of the Society, agreeing to the Code of Ethics, and paying the annual membership dues. (Amend. 05/2010)

 

Section 2.     Dues

A.        The annual dues shall be $40.00 payable with application for membership and dues shall be paid annually thereafter by the beginning of the program season in September. (Amend.5/07)

B.        Only members in good standing whose dues have been paid prior to the April meeting shall be eligible to vote at the annual meeting. (Amend. 5/99)

C.        Members who are in arrears in dues at the termination of two (2) months shall be automatically suspended without further notice. (Amend. 5/90)

D.        Fiscal Year - the fiscal year shall be from June 1 to May 31. (Amend. 05/2010)

ARTICLE IV
Officers

Section 1.  Name, Tenure and Vacancies

A.        The officers shall be: President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer.

B.        A member shall not be eligible for the office of President or 1st Vice President unless he/she has been a member of the Board of Directors for at least one (1) year preceding the nomination.  (Amend. 05/2010)

C.        The officers shall be elected by the active members in good standing at the Annual Meeting. The officers shall be active members in good standing and shall have attended at least 50% of the Society's public meetings for the year immediately preceding the annual election. (Amend. 5/77)

D.        The officers shall hold office for one term of one (1) year and may be re-elected for one (1) additional year, with the exception of the Treasurer, who may be re-elected for a total of four (4) times.

E.        An officer who has held the same office for two consecutive years, may not again hold the same office until one year after the expiration date of their previous term of office.  This does not apply to the Treasurer, who may be elected for four consecutive years.(Amend. 5/77) (Amend. 05/2010)

F.         Vacancies shall be filled by the Board of Directors for an unexpired term.

G.        All former Presidents of the society shall be considered honorary members of the Society and of the Board of Directors serving in an ex-officio capacity without voting privileges.  If former Presidents pay yearly dues they are considered members will full voting privileges.(Amend. 10/82)

Section 2. Powers and Duties

A.        The President

(1)       Shall be the presiding officer of the Society and of the Board of Directors and an ex-officio member on all committees with the exception of the Nominating Committee. (Amend. 05/2010)

(2)       Shall appoint with the approval of the Board of Directors the Chairman of all committees except those whose selection is otherwise specified in the By-Laws.

(3)       Shall sign checks of the Society with the Treasurer. (Amend. 05/2010)

(4)       Shall approve disbursements.

(5)       May delegate any of his duties to any member or members of the Board of Directors.

B.        1st Vice President

(1)       Shall fulfill the duties of the President in his absence.

(2)       Shall undertake any duties assigned to him by the President.

(3)       Shall become President for the unexpired term of a vacancy.

C.        2nd Vice President

(1)       Shall fulfill the duties of the President in his absence.

(2)       Shall undertake any duties assigned to him by the President and/or 1st Vice President.

(3)       Shall serve as chairman of the Program Committee with the authority to appoint the committee personnel subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

(4)       Shall become Acting 1st Vice President for the unexpired term in the event of a vacancy.
(5)       Shall become acting President in the event that offices of President and 1st Vice President are both vacated.

D.        Corresponding Secretary

(1)       Shall keep a file of all annual and interim reports submitted by officers and committees.

(2)       Shall send written notification to Officers and Board of Directors of their election.

(3)       Shall conduct correspondence of the Society and send out notices except when such duties are assigned or inherent in the duties of other officers or chairmen. (Amend. 05/2010)

(4)       Shall keep a register of membership. (Amend. 05/2010)

E.        Recording Secretary

(1)       Shall keep the minutes of the annual membership meeting and minutes of the Board of Directors. (Amend. 05/2010)

(2)       Shall provide the minutes of the annual membership meeting and Board of Directors meetings to the Board in a timely manner. (Amend. 05/2010)

F.         Treasurer

(1)       Shall be responsible for receiving all monies.

(2)       Shall pay all bills that have been approved by the President.

(3)       Shall keep an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements.

 (4)      Shall present an annual report at the Annual Business Meeting and interim reports as requested. (Amend. 05/2010)

(5)       Shall submit for audit the books of accounts showing receipts and disbursements for the year, together with supporting vouchers and statements. The audit shall be prepared by an Auditing Committee consisting of two (2) members appointed by the Board of Directors and shall be attached to the Treasurer's Annual Report for adoption by the membership.

(6)       Shall be bonded, the premium to be paid by the Society, when such bonding is available. (Amend. 5/90)  (Amend. 05/2010)

ARTICLE V
Board of Directors

Section 1.     Name, Tenure and Vacancies

A.        The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and Treasurer of the Society and six (6) members elected by the active members in good standing. [Amended 5/2001]

B.        At the annual Meeting six (6) active members shall be elected to the Board of Directors for a term of one (1) year. To be eligible to be a member of the Board of Directors, a member in good standing shall have attended at least 50% of the society's public meetings for the year immediately preceding the annual election. (Amend. 5/77) (Amend. 05/2010)

C.        The Board of Directors shall have the power to fill vacancies occurring in its own number for the expired term.

D.        Any member of the Board of Directors absent for three (3) meetings without adequate cause shall be dropped and his or her vacancy filled by the Board of Directors. (Amend. 5/77)

Section 2.     Duties

A.        Shall function as a deliberative group, responsible for the planning, directions and administration of a program in accordance with the purpose of the By-Laws.

B.        Shall act for membership in planning, policy-making and administration.

C.        Shall appoint those committees whose selection is so designated in the By-Laws.

D.        Shall establish committees for special concrete purposes when and as required.

E.        Shall meet monthly or more often if necessary.

ARTICLE VI
MEETINGS

Section 1. Regular Meetings

Regular monthly membership meetings shall be held during the months of September through May at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Section 2.  Annual Meeting

The regular membership meeting in May shall be known as the Annual Meeting, and shall be for the purposes of electing officers, receiving reports of the Treasurer and committees and for any other business that may arise.

Section 3.  Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the President or Board of Directors. Business transacted shall be limited to that for which the meeting is called.

Section 4.     Quorum

One third (1/3) of the active members in good standing shall constitute a quorum.

 

ARTICLE VII
COMMITTEES

SECTION 1.  The committees of the Society shall be Program, Auditing, Nominating, Membership, Ethics and By-Laws Committees and such other committees as are indicated for special concrete purposes. (Amend. 5/80) (Amend. 05/2010)

SECTION 2.  The Committees shall serve for a term of one (1) year or for the completion of special projects for which they are established.

SECTION 3.  Nominating Committee - The Nominating Committee, consisting of a chairman and two (2) members, shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for the ensuing year; shall be active members in good standing; and shall have attended at least 50% of the year's meetings.

SECTION 4.  Membership Committee - Each year a Membership Committee will be appointed by the Board of Directors and such other committee members as deemed necessary to:

A.        Keep an accurate and up-to-date list of current members including names and addresses.

B.        Arrange for adequate coverage at the door for each general assembly meeting.

D.        To send notices to those whose membership has expired. (Amend. 5/90)

 

SECTION 5.  Ethics and By-Laws Committee - Each year a Committee Chairman and two (2) members shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. The duties of the committee will be in accordance with the needs of the society; updating the By-Laws, if necessary; aiding the Society to perform in conformity with the By-Laws; and to be called upon for any ethical decisions brought before the Society. (Amend. 5/80)

ARTICLE VIIII
METHOD OF VOTING

SECTION 1.  Officers and five (5) members of the Board of Directors shall be elected annually at the May meeting.

SECTION 2.  The Nominating Committee shall bring in one or more names for each office to be filled, and further nominations may be made from the floor at the April meeting.

SECTION 3.  A Ballot Committee of three (3) members shall be appointed by the Board of Directors before the April regular meeting. They will prepare the ballot for marking.

SECTION 4.  The ballot shall be mailed to members at least two (2) weeks prior to the annual May meeting.

SECTION 5.  In case of two (2) candidates for any office being on the ballot, the candidate having the majority shall be considered elected. In the event there are more than two (2) candidates for any office, the plurality vote shall rule.

ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS

The By-Laws or any part thereof may be amended by a majority vote at the Annual Meeting in May.

ARTICLE X
SUSPENSION OF BY-LAWS

A simple majority affirmation vote of the active members in good standing shall be necessary to suspend any part of these By-Laws.  [Amended 5/2001]

ARTICLE XI
PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order shall govern in all cases wherein they do not conflict with the By-Laws of the Society. (Amend. 05/2010)

ARTICLE XII
DISSOLUTION OF THE SOCIETY

In the event of dissolution of the Society any funds remaining in the treasury after payment of all outstanding bills or obligations shall be disbursed to an astrological organization to be determined by the general membership which meets all standards set forth by the Internal Revenue Code for non-profit organizations. (Amend. 5/99)