Constitution

Article I

NAME

The name of this organization is the Fundraising Executives of Metro Louisville (FREML).

Article II

PURPOSE

The purposes of this organization are to: 1) provide a network for mutual support and encouragement of fundraising professionals; 2) provide a forum through which topics of mutual interest and concern can be addressed; 3) develop the professional skills and knowledge of the members; 4) utilize the expertise of members in addressing common concerns; and 5) work to strengthen the community’s climate of philanthropy.

Article III

MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the organization shall be open to any person(s) affiliated with a not-for-profit agency or organization with professional responsibility for fundraising or who have mutual interest with fundraising individuals. (This includes members in a transitional status, in fundraising consulting firms, and in executive director roles.) Non-members are entitled to two free FREML meetings.

Article IV

GOVERNANCE

A. Officers

The officers of this organization shall be President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. They shall be elected by the membership and chosen from the general membership at the December meeting for a one-year term. By November 1, the President shall develop a slate of officers and Executive Committee for presentation and election at the December meeting.

B. Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall manage the business of the organization, in intervals between meetings. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the officers of the organization, the Immediate Past President, the chairpersons of the standing committees, initiative leaders of the organization and no more than three at-large members. They shall be nominated from and elected by the membership at the December meeting for a one-year term. Members shall not serve more than five consecutive terms in an officer or committee role.

Article V

MEETINGS

The organization shall meet monthly as specified in the by-laws.

Article VI

AMENDMENTS

This Constitution may be amended at any meetings of the organization by a majority vote of two-thirds of the members present. A notice of said amendment must be publicized at least ten days before said meeting.

By-Laws

Article I

MEETINGS

Monthly meetings of the membership shall take place at a date and time as specified by the Executive Committee. Special meetings or workshops may be called at any time by the President or at the request of the Executive Committee, provided one week’s notice is given to each member of the organization.

Article II

OFFICERS

Officers of the organization shall hold regular membership in the organization.

Section 1: The President shall preside at all meetings of the organization and of the Executive Committee. The President is empowered to appoint chairpersons of the standing committees, and for ad hoc committees and initiatives deemed necessary.

Section 2: In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall preside at all meetings of the organization or of the Executive Committee. The Vice President shall be considered president-elect and succeed the President at the completion of his or her term.

Section 3: The secretary of the organization shall maintain a record of Executive Committee meetings and perform other duties pertaining to that office.

Section 4: The Treasurer shall keep and maintain true and exact accounts of all financial matters pertaining to the organization and shall perform such other duties as may be required.

Article III

COMMITTEES

The Standing Committees shall be the Membership Committee and the Program Committee. The Membership Committee shall send monthly meeting notices and other information for the good of the members.

Section 1: The Membership Committee will be responsible for actively recruiting members and encouraging their involvement in the organization, and shall keep and maintain a record of the members of the organization, together with their current occupations and contact information.

Section 2: The Program Committee will be responsible for planning and coordinating the program for each monthly meeting.

Section 3: The President may form ad hoc committees for Special Events, workshops, social events and other special activities as needed.

Section 4: Members of the Executive Committee shall be selected to lead initiatives such as scholarship, mentorship, website, and others deemed necessary by the President. These members shall be called chair persons of the initiative and shall be considered for election at the December meeting.

Article IV

ANNUAL DUES

The annual dues of the organization shall be determined by the Executive Committee.

The annual dues shall be required of each member 12 months to the date of the member’s last dues payment. Dues apply to individual members, and membership status may not be transferred to other individuals. There may be additional assessments to cover meeting costs as needed.

The executive committee may by majority vote create scholarship programs for membership dues. Membership scholarships shall not exceed one year.

Article V

AMENDMENTS OF BY-LAWS

These By-Laws may be amended at any meeting of the organization by a majority vote of two-thirds of the members present. A notice of said amendment must be publicized at least ten days before said meeting.