Bylaws of the Humanists & Freethinkers of Cape Fear
These Bylaws were approved by a majority vote of the members on October 12, 2008, and become effective immediately.

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 support one another.

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 HFCF, will be considered a voting member. Dues are to be set by the Board of Directors (Board), and will be for one (1) year. Dues are renewable and are due on the date of the original individual membership.

IV. GOVERNMENT

HFCF shall be governed by its membership and an elected Board of Directors consisting of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and five additional Directors all elected by the membership for a period of two (2) years, with the exception of the first year under these bylaws (2009) when some officers and Directors will be elected for one (1) year terms (see “ELECTIONS”). Board members who miss three (3) consecutive regularly scheduled meetings may be removed from the Board, and vacancies occurring during the year may be filled by the Board both 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 meetings of HFCF 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 regular 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 open Board vacancy, and these nominations will be posted on the HFCF web site no later than November 30th. Elections will be held during the regular business meeting in December, with additional nominations from the floor being allowed. Voting members not able to attend the December meeting may vote for candidates for the Board via email to the HFCF Secretary, such email to be received no later than midnight on the Friday prior to the December meeting.

The candidates winning the most votes will become Board Members beginning Jan.1st of the year following the election. At this same December election meeting, a second vote will be conducted after the winning candidates for Board are announced. This vote will determine which of the newly elected Board members will assume the title and duties of any open Officer positions.

The first year under these bylaws (2009) the Vice-President, Secretary and two (2) Board members will be elected for one (1) year terms, with all remaining officers and Directors elected for two (2) years. Thereafter, all terms will be for two (2) years.


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.

VIII. DISSOLUTION

A resolution to dissolve the association of The Humanists and Freethinkers of Cape Fear shall only be proposed at a regular meeting and shall only be carried by a majority of at least three-quarters of members voting present. The dissolution shall take effect from the date of the resolution and the Board of Directors shall be responsible for the winding-up of the assets and liabilities of the association. Any property and or funds remaining after the discharge of debts and liabilities of the association shall be given to The American Humanist Association.