Bylaws of the Humanists & Freethinkers of Cape Fear
April, 2007
Note: these Bylaws are now replaced by the Oct.12th, 2008 revised version, available elsewhere on this site.


I. PURPOSE

The purpose of the Humanists & Freethinkers of Cape Fear (HFCF) is (1) to lead and promote humanistic ideals based on ethics, freedom, rationalism and human concerns, and (2) to promote a naturalistic (as contrasted to supernaturalistic) view of all life, and (3) to defend the separation of church and state, and (4) to educate the public regarding humanism and freethinking, and (5) to provide an environment where freethinkers can develop friendships, socialize, and enjoy each other?s company.

II. NAME AND AFFILIATION

This association shall be called ?Humanists & Freethinkers of Cape Fear,? and shall be a Charter Chapter of the American Humanist Association (AHA). The provisions of these by-laws are in conformity with and subservient to the by-laws and Articles of Incorporation of the American Humanist Association. Nothing herein shall be interpreted in any manner to be in conflict with the Constitution of the United States of America or the laws of our land required to maintain a tax exempt, non-profit educational organization, or with the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.

III. MEMBERSHIP

Any person who regards himself or herself as a humanist or freethinker, and pays any prescribed dues established by the association, will be considered a voting member. Dues are to be set by the Board of Directors (Board), will be for a calendar year, and will be pro-rated for new members.

IV. GOVERNMENT

HFCF shall be governed by its membership and an elected Board of Directors consisting of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and three additional directors all elected by the membership for a period of one (1) year. Board members who miss three (3) consecutive regularly scheduled meetings may be removed from the board. Vacancies occurring during the year may be filled by the Board and approved by a simple majority vote.

The President and Vice President shall be required to be a member of the AHA during their term of office, and shall be responsible for presiding at general meetings of HFCF, at meetings of the Board of Directors, and at other HFCF events. The President will be, or will designate the chief public spokesperson for HFCF.

The Vice President will be responsible for providing communication within the group, and for planning programs for the general meetings.




V. MEETINGS

Regular Membership Meetings and Board Meetings shall be scheduled in accordance with the times and places set by the Board, with the approval of the membership. Meetings are open to the public. A quorum for the transaction of business at Membership Meetings shall consist of seven voting members. Quorum for Board Meetings shall consist of five elected members.

VI. ELECTIONS

A nominating committee, consisting of voting members, with at least one prior officer, and two others, will be appointed by the President in October, and approved by the Board. The committee will nominate one or more persons for each position, and a ballot will be sent to the voting membership by email. Each voting member who wishes to vote will print this ballot and return it by US Mail, or hand deliver it by the return date stipulated on the ballot. Members may vote for those nominated, or for any other voting member, for any position. The board will set a date for the return of the ballots, and late ballots will not be counted.

VII. AMENDMENTS

Proposed changes to these Bylaws must first be signed by either a majority of the Board or by at least thirty percent (30%) of the voting members of HFCF. These Bylaws and any portion thereof may be amended, repealed, or modified, or new Bylaws adopted at any time by a majority vote of those voting at a regular Membership Meeting provided all members have been advised by email of the proposed change at least five days prior to the meeting at which the vote is to take place.