Club By-Laws

By-Laws of the Triangle Unabashed Homebrewers (TRUB)

As approved by membership vote on Wednesday February 7, 1999.

1. The club name is the Triangle's Unabashed Homebrewers also known as TRUB. Membership is open to people over twenty-one years of age. A single paid membership includes that person and a spouse or significant other over age 21. Spouses/significant others are encouraged to attend meetings and club events. Members shall abide by all rules set forth by the club.

2. The purpose of the club is to meet informally to swap brewing experiences, understand beer making techniques, learn beer styles, sample homebrew, and help one another to make better beer. The Club is committed to ensuring that members are responsible drinkers. Meetings may include but are not limited to discussion on brewing beer, guest speakers, beer competitions informal beer tasting, questions and answers, and seminars

3. Dues are set by a majority vote of a 2/3 quorum of members. Dues are payable each January to cover the period ending December 30 of that year. New members joining after January 1 pay $1.25 per month for the time remaining in the dues year, as long as annual dues are under $15/year. Executive Committee members and appointed officers are exempted from dues to encourage members to run for these positions and acknowledge their work on behalf of the club.

4. An Executive Committee composed of five club members in good standing will be selected by majority vote each year. Members of this committee preside over monthly meetings, conduct club business, and may act as representatives for the Club when dealing with other organizations and businesses. The Executive Committee may either be (1) the five elected members who divide duties and titles among themselves and other club members, or (2) by majority vote of club members it may operate with the traditional offices of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
   
   In either case at least one member of the Executive Committee shall serve as the Treasurer and be responsible for collecting dues, maintaining funds belonging to the club in a bank or credit union account, and maintaining an up-to-date ledger of club income and expenses. The Treasurer has signature responsibility on any club bank accounts. All expenditures over $100 must be approved by 3/5 of the Executive Committee (see below) before payment by the Treasurer.

5. In the event an Executive Committee member is unable to fulfill their duties during the course of the year another club member may be selected to serve on the Executive Committee by a majority vote of club members in good standing.

6. Other officials may include Newsletter Editor, Librarian, and Competition Organizer. It is expected that a committee of club members will be selected who will assist in organizing an annual competition. Although the Executive Committee may assume much of this responsibility, participation of all club members is strongly encouraged.

7. Meetings are held monthly. Day, time, and place are decided by the members of the club. Meetings are informal and do not need to follow strict guidelines but should loosely follow Robert's Rules for order.

8. All members will be required to sign a document stating that they are over 21 years of age. This document shall contain a disclaimer that holds the club, its members, officers, and sponsors harmless from liability.

9. The Executive Committee consists of five members as designated above and may take action relative to club business without prior approval of the club membership as a whole when warranted. Three committee members constitute a quorum. Votes may be obtained by phone or email to obtain a quorum provided that reasonable attempts were made to contact all committee members at that time. The general club membership must be notified of any Executive Committee actions by the next scheduled club meeting.

10. Officers serve a term of one year. Elections will be held during the month of January or February. Nominations must be held prior to the election. Each member present at the election is eligible to vote. This may constitute more than one vote per household. A vote by a majority of dues paying members is required for election. Voting may either be in person or by proxy. The term of office is from January 1 to December 31. Multiple terms are allowed. An officer or club member may be removed from office by a vote of 2/3 of the club membership.

11. It is the responsibility of attending members of the Executive Committee to guide meetings and maintain order. It is up to every club member to behave responsibly and to maintain a level of standard during all club events. All members should communicate our club's goal of promoting homebrewing to others within the community.

12. A vote of 2/3 of the members in good standing is needed to amend or change the bylaws.