MBWSO

BYLAWS OF THE

MILWAUKEE BAY WOMEN’S SAILING ORGANIZATION

ARTICLE I - NAME

Section 1

The name of the organization is the Milwaukee Bay Women’s Sailing Organization, hereafter also referred to as MBWSO

ARTICLE II - OBJECT

Section 1

The object of the organization is to encourage and promote women in the sport of yachting and create a spirit of good fellowship among members and fellow yachters.

And to encourage women to become more actively involved in the sport of sailing by developing and improving their skills and confidence in the sport. 

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1

Membership in the MBWSO shall be limited to the following:

1. Women age 18 years or older.
2. Women under the age of 18 who have a written permission slip signed by a parent or legal guardian. (The permission slip will include a statement of release of liability from MBWSO, MBPHRF fleet, and the boat owner.)
3. Men may become members of the MBWSO with limited rights and privileges and a non-voting status. Rights and privileges shall be limited to those described in
4. Section 4. (a), (c) and (d). Right and Privileges as indicated in Section 4 (g) shall be determined specific to each function.

Section 2

1. An application of general membership shall be completed.
2. There shall be two levels of membership; a basic membership which shall include all rights and privileges of membership, and a racing membership which shall include all the rights and privileges of basic membership and prepayment for post race social activities

Section 3

The following conditions, dues and fees shall apply to each respective member.

1. The annual dues for a member shall be based on the year’s budgetary needs.
2. Dues are payable on or before May 1
3. There is no prorating of dues for late entry

Section 4

The following rights and privileges are available to each MBWSO member except as provided in Article III, Section 1(a).

1. To participate in the discussion of any issues presented.
2. To vote on any issues presented.
3. To request the addition of an agenda item to be discussed at the scheduled meeting.
4. To request that a meeting be held for the discussion of a specific topic or issue.
5. To participate as a member of any of the standing committees or any special committees formed.
6. To hold the office of Fleet Series Captain or Fleet Series Co-Captain.
7. To participate in any MBWSO function.

Section 5

All members of the MBWSO in good standing shall have the rights and privileges as outlined in Section 4 and Section 1(c).

Section 6

1. All membership, rights and privileges shall be forfeited when a member fails to pay the annual dues by June 1.
2. All membership, rights and privileges shall be reinstated at the time membership dues are paid in full. 

ARTICLE IV - FISCAL YEAR

Section 1

The fiscal year shall be the calendar year. 

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS

Section 1

The officers of the MBWSO shall be a Series Fleet Captain and a Series Fleet Co-Captain.

Section 2

The officers shall divide and perform the duties described in the parliamentary authority and these bylaws.

Section 3

The officers shall be elected by show of hands and/or by ballot as deemed necessary at the annual fall meeting.

Section 4

The officers shall serve a term of one year and until their successors are elected.

Section 5

The term of office shall begin upon adjournment of the annual fall meeting. 

ARTICLE VI - MEETINGS

Section 1

An annual meeting of the MBWSO shall be held in Fall of each year at such time and place as the officers may determine. The annual meeting will be held for the purpose of electing officers, receiving annual reports and conducting any other business that may arise.

Section 2

Notice of meetings and voting issues shall be given to all members at least 6 days prior to the scheduled meeting.

Section 3

Additional meetings may be held at the discretion of the officers.

Section 4

One fourth (1/4) of the voting members of MBWSO shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting. 

ARTICLE VII - COMMITTEES

Section 1

Standing Committees

1. By-Laws Committee, for the purpose of writing and recommending amendments and/or revisions of the MBWSO by-laws.
2. Membership/Communications Committee, for the purpose of maintaining an accurate record of the membership of the MBWSO and organizing any communications to the membership.
3. Sailing Instructions/Notice of Race Committee, for the purpose of writing and updating the communications regarding the MBWSO annual race series.

Section 2

Special Committees may be formed to consider other functions as may be designated by the needs of the current membership and determined by the officers. 

ARTICLE VIII - PARLIAMENT AUTHORITY

Section 1

The most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised will constitute the parliamentary authority for the conduct of meetings of the MBWSO and in all cases not covered by these bylaws.

ARTICLE IX - AMENDMENTS

Section 1

Method: These governing Documents may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the votes cast by the MBWSO membership.

Section 2

Notice: Notice of the proposed amendment(s) must be given in writing to the members of the MBWSO at least thirty (30) days before the date on which the amendment(s) is to be voted upon.