UJGS - Our Constitution
Our constitution was approved at the UJGS meeting of 18 November 2003.
Constitution of the Utah Jewish Genealogical Society
ARTICLE I - NAME
This organization shall be known as the "Utah Jewish Genealogical Society", hereinafter referred to as the "Society" or "UJGS".
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
- The purpose of this "Society" shall be to assist its members engaged in Jewish genealogical research. The Society's Activities shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Facilitate exchange of research information.
- Encourage and coordinate research activities.
- Educate members to help themselves and others.
- Acquire and organize research materials, taking into consideration existing resources in Utah.
- Present genealogical programs at meetings.
- Conduct any other activity that will further Jewish Genealogy.
- In the pursuit of the "Society's" purpose, members are encouraged to utilize all the facilities available in the Greater Salt Lake area.
- All of the foregoing are for carrying on the work of the "Society" to operate solely for educational purposes as authorized by Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as revised.
- In the event of dissolution, funds and tangible property of the Society shall be distributed to an organization or organizations exempt under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies unless otherwise voted by a majority of the "Society" membership, shall be recipient of said assets in such an event.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall be open to anyone interested in promoting the purposes of the "Society".
ARTICLE IV - DUES
Membership dues shall be paid by each member of the "Society" to defray costs incurred in running the "Society", such as cost of materials, and costs of paid speakers.
ARTICLE V - OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- The term of office of elected Officers and nominated Chairpersons shall be two years. The terms shall run from January 1 to December 31. In case of resignation or inability to serve, the board shall select and propose for a vote by the membership at the next meeting any replacement for the balance of the term for elected positions, and inform of any changes for nominated chairpersons.
Any current dues paying member of the "Society" is eligible to be an Officer. There shall be no limitation of term of office.
An Officer shall be considered unable to serve if he resigns or if he does not participate, without reason for three consecutive meetings, subject to a vote of 2/3 of the board and being so notified in writing, fails to give a satisfactory answer to the board by the next meeting. - The Board of Directors shall consist of the Officers, the immediate past President and the Chairpersons of the Standing Committees.
- The Elected Officers shall consist of the President, Program Chair/Secretary, Newsletter Editor, and Treasurer.
Other Elected Officers, as needed, may be proposed by the board or the membership subject to a 2/3 majority vote at a regular meeting of the "Society". When elected, their term shall be the same as that of currently elected Officers.
ARTICLE VI - COMMITTEES
- The Standing Committees shall consist of:
- Membership Committee
- Activity Committee
- Publications Committee
- Finance Committee
- Nominating Committee
- Website Committee
- Other committees for special functions or ad hoc purposes may be established.
- Chairpersons of Standing Committees shall be appointed by the majority vote of the Officers and all other committees shall be appointed by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS
- The activities of the "Society" shall be keyed to the fiscal year, January 1 to December 31.
- The Board of Directors shall meet once each 4 months and at such other times as called by the President. Three Officers shall constitute a quorum for a meeting of the Board of Directors. Any member of the "Society" may attend such meeting.
- General Membership meetings shall be held bi-monthly, and determined at the last meeting of the year for the following year, for the primary purpose of pursuing the goals of the "Society" as outlined in the Constitution. Additional General Membership Meetings may be called at the discretion of the Board of Directors provided two weeks notice is given to the members. A simple majority of the members in good-standing present shall constitute a quorum.
- Election of Officers shall take place at the last General Meeting of the calendar year when the term of office of current Officers ends. The slate for voting shall have been given in writing or by email at least two weeks prior to such meeting to the membership. Prior to the beginning of the vote, the Nominating Committee chairperson shall present the slate for motion to nominate. Then alternate nominees may be proposed by motion. When the motion to nominate shall be closed, the vote will take place by secret ballot. Such ballot will show the proposed person by the nominating committee and a blank for each position. Members will vote by checking their choice or entering the name of alternate nominated person, if any. Any other indication or lack thereof on the ballot shall render same null and void.
Election shall be by simple majority of those expressing a valid vote if a quorum is present.
ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS
The Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Members in good standing who are present at a General Meeting but no amendment shall be voted upon without two weeks' notice, in writing to the Members.
ARTICLE IX - TAX EXEMPT STATUS
Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the "Society" shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an association exempted from Federal Income Tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue law), or by (b) an association, contributions to which are deductible under 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).