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Article I – Name

The organization name shall be ROCHESTER AREA HOME WINEMAKERS.  Referred to as (RAHW).

Article II – Purpose

The purpose of RAHW is to encourage growth and knowledge of home winemaking by the interchanging of ideas with research and contact with experts in the field, to strive for high standards in home winemaking, to attract new winemaking enthusiasts, and to promote the appreciation of fine homemade wine.

Article III – Members

Membership is open to any individual, or additional household member, interested in home winemaking and who subscribes to the purpose of RAHW.

Members have the privilege and the duty to attend meetings, vote, and hold office in RAHW.

Members are defined as those whose dues are current and are listed in the organization’s directory.

Article IV – Meetings

Regular meetings will be held at a time and place designated by the Board of Directors (BOD). Members will receive notice in advance of all meetings and will be welcome and encouraged to attend and participate.

The BOD must approve all meetings or other activities conducted in the name of RAHW or sponsored by RAHW.

The quorum for scheduled meetings shall be 7 members in good standing and decisions are to be determined by a majority vote. Robert’s Rules of Order shall apply.

There shall be NO proxy votes cast.

Article  V – Officers

The officers of RAHW shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Officers will be elected and installed at the first meeting of the fiscal year.

1. Shall be the spokesperson for the RAHW and preside over all meetings.
2. Shall maintain good communications among members and insure that all officers and RAHW appointees discharge their duties satisfactorily.

1. Shall assume the duties of the President in his/her absence.
2. Shall be responsible for the organizing of meeting programs.

1. Shall be responsible for the records and correspondence of RAHW and make them available to the membership.
2. Shall be the official custodian of the historical records of RAHW.
3. Shall be responsible for communications to all members of RAHW.
4. Shall maintain the RAHW membership directory.

1. Shall have the care and custody of all monies of RAHW and be solely responsible for such monies.
2. Shall sign all checks for RAHW and maintain the checking account.
3. Shall provide a written accounting of the financial status of RAHW as directed by the BOD.

In the event of a vacancy in any office except the President, the BOD shall fill the office by appointment.

In the case of the President’s resignation or removal of office the Vice President shall fill the office of the President and the BOD shall appoint a replacement for the Vice President.

All officers shall serve a one (1) year term. To insure continuity the vice president shall automatically serve as president the following year. 

Article VI - Board of Directors

The RAHW Board of Directors (BOD) shall have seven members including the elected officers.

The BOD shall meet to conduct business, establish policies, plan, and supervise the activities of RAHW.

A majority of the BOD constitutes a quorum and a simple majority vote of those present is required decide issues.

The BOD shall be responsive to the wishes of the RAHW membership.

Article VII - Dues

The fiscal year shall start on April 1 and run through March 31. Dues are payable at or before the beginning of the fiscal year and are delinquent on June 1. Dues are not prorated.

There are no admission fees for regular meetings but the BOD will set the fees for any special events.

The BOD will set the annual dues. Dues for additional family members, over 21 years of age, shall be assessed at 50% of the regular member dues.

Article VIII - Committees 

The President with the advice of the BOD appoints all committee chairpersons.

The Program Committee is chaired by the Vice President and is responsible for the meeting programs and other activities of RAHW.

The Nominating Committee is responsible for presenting an annual slate of potential officers to the BOD.

The Membership Committee is responsible for recruitment and all other membership activities.

Other committees may be established as required.

 Article IX – Amendments

These articles may be amended by a majority vote of the members attending a regular meeting of RAHW, provided that the proposed amendments have been submitted to the general membership 30 days in advance of the meeting.

Article X – Dissolution

Should the RAHW ever be dissolved, any remaining funds in the treasury and any remaining property or equipment will be distributed to an educational non-profit organization approved by the BOD.