Willard Neighborhood Association

Draft Willard Neighborhood Association Bylaws

Draft ?– Sept 14 , 2002 Bylaws of Willard Nieghborhood Assoc.

1. Name. These bylaws set forth the structure of a community organization to be known as the Willard Neighborhood Association (“WNA” or “the association”).

2. Area boundaries. The Willard Neighborhood (“neighborhood”) is considered to be all area in Berkeley CA bounded by the “inside” block faces of College, Telegraph, Ashby, and Dwight.

3. Purpose. General purposes of WNA are to strengthen community, to promote safety and quality of life, and to facilitate neighbors’ pursuit of other common interests. Means for doing so shall include:

Monitoring, distributing information, and encouraging discussion about neighborhood conditions;
Providing a forum for identifying issues of common interest, airing various points of view on them, and developing options to solve problems;
Serving as a neighborhood voice and recognized channel of communication with City staff, elected officials, and other institutions and groups impacting the neighborhood; and
Encouraging neighbor awareness of and participation in local electoral processes (though not endorsing any candidates).

4. Membership. All persons age 18 and older who reside, own real property, or operate a business or not-for-profit organization located within boundaries (one person per organization) are eligible to be members. Membership is established by informing the WNA secretary of name, address, phone number, and e-mail address (if any). No dues are required, but contributions may be requested as needed to cover specific expenses. Each member shall have the right to run for office, serve on committees, and cast one vote on all issues that come before the association.

5. Steering Committee. WNA Steering Committee (SC) shall consist of 7 to 11 persons, consisting of all officers and directors. All officers and directors shall be elected for a one-year term by majority vote of members present at an annual meeting. None, however, may be elected with less than 10 percent of votes available from members present. A person may serve no more than two consecutive terms in a given office, and no more than three consecutive terms as a director. Any officer or director may be removed during term of office by a 2/3 majority vote of the general membership, following a motion and second from Steering Committee members. The officers and their major responsibilities shall be:

President -- chair membership meetings; officially represent WNA to external parties; appoint committee chairs.
Secretary -- publicize meetings in advance; record and distribute meeting minutes; maintain membership list.
Vice President -- chair steering committee meetings; support and act in place of President or Secretary as needed.
Treasurer -- (may be same person as Secretary or Vice President) – safe-keep, disburse, and account for any funds received from members or other parties to support WNA activity.

6. Other Committees. A WNA committee focusing on a particular issue or task may be established by majority vote of the Steering Committee, either upon request from an association member or on its own initiative.

7. Meetings. A minimum of one General Membership meeting shall be held every year. The President shall develop the meeting agenda with advice from the Steering Committee (SC) and any other WNA members who offer it. Additional meetings may be called as warranted. The Secretary shall announce all general meetings as early as possible, in no case with less than 48-hours notice. The SC shall meet quarterly or more frequently. The Secretary shall publicize the schedule and tentative agenda of SC meetings sufficiently in advance for members to suggest additional topics or request to participate.

8. Voting. Decisions taken at WNA general meetings may be made by a simple majority vote of members present at a general meeting. Results of votes that are taken to determine the balance of opinion within WNA shall be reported as proportions favoring each option considered. The Steering Committee may take action in its name at its meetings by a majority vote of those present only if a quorum of 50% or more of current SC members are present, and the SC will e-mail action taken to WNA membership.

9. Communications. Information about WNA activities shall be disseminated regularly to members as well as prospective members. Most communication shall be by electronic mail. Meeting minutes and other documents pertinent to members shall be sent be email and posted to the WNA website. Contact information for all members except those serving on the Steering Committee shall be kept confidential. Time and cost permitting, the Steering Committee may distribute leaflets and/or post meeting notices throughout neighborhood to encourage participation and new membership.