Free Professional Association Bylaws Template
Association Bylaws
Article I: Name and Purpose
Section 1: Name
The name of this organization shall be the [Your Company Name] (hereinafter referred to as the "Association").
Section 2: Purpose
The purpose of the Association shall be to promote the professional development and advancement of its members in the [Industry/Field], to establish and maintain high ethical standards for the profession, to provide a forum for networking and collaboration among members, and to advocate for the interests of the profession.
Article II: Membership
Section 1: Eligibility
Membership in the Association shall be open to individuals who are actively engaged in the [Industry/Field] and who meet the membership criteria established by the Association.
Section 2: Classes of Membership
The Association shall have the following classes of membership: Regular Members, Associate Members, Student Members, and Honorary Members. The rights and privileges of each class of membership shall be as determined by the Board of Directors.
Article III: Governance
Section 1: Board of Directors
The affairs of the Association shall be managed by a Board of Directors consisting of [Number] members elected by the membership. The Board shall have the authority to govern the Association, adopt policies and procedures, and oversee the activities of the Association.
Section 2: Officers
The officers of the Association shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, who shall be elected by the Board of Directors. The officers shall serve for a term of [Number] years and may be re-elected for successive terms.
Article IV: Meetings
Section 1: Annual Meeting
The Association shall hold an annual meeting of the membership for the purpose of electing officers, receiving reports from the Board of Directors, and conducting such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Section 2: Special Meetings
Special meetings of the membership may be called by the President, the Board of Directors, or upon written request of [Number] members of the Association.
Article V: Finances
Section 1: Dues
The Board of Directors shall determine the annual dues for membership in the Association. Dues shall be payable annually in advance and shall be non-refundable.
Section 2: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Association shall be from [Month] 1 to [Month] 31.
Article VI: Amendments
Section 1: Amendment Process
These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any regular or special meeting of the membership, provided that written notice of the proposed amendment has been given to the membership at least [Number] days prior to the meeting.
Section 2: Effective Date
Any amendment to these Bylaws shall take effect immediately upon adoption unless otherwise specified in the amendment.
Article VII: Dissolution
Section 1: Dissolution Process
In the event of the dissolution of the Association, any assets remaining after payment of all debts and liabilities shall be distributed to one or more organizations exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as determined by the Board of Directors.
Section 2: Notice
Notice of any proposed dissolution shall be given to the membership at least [Number] days prior to the meeting at which the dissolution is to be considered.
Section 3: Distribution of Assets
No part of the net earnings of the Association shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the Association shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article II hereof.
Article VIII: Miscellaneous
Section 1: Parliamentary Authority
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Association in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws and any special rules of order the Association may adopt.
Section 2: Conflict of Interest
Directors, officers, and members of the Association shall disclose any conflicts of interest they may have in any matter pending before the Association and shall refrain from voting on such matters.
Section 3: Indemnification
The Association shall indemnify and hold harmless its directors, officers, employees, and agents to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Section 4: Effective Date
These Bylaws shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the membership.
Section 5: Amendments
These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any regular or special meeting of the membership, provided that written notice of the proposed amendment has been given to the membership at least [Number] days prior to the meeting.
