Fluvanna Master Gardeners Bylaws

ARTICLE I: Name

The name of this organization is “Fluvanna Master Gardeners” (hereinafter referred to as FMG). 

ARTICLE II: Purpose

To promote environmentally sound horticultural practices, education, information and assistance to the citizens of Fluvanna County and surrounding communities, and fellowship among those involved in the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Master Gardener Program.

ARTICLE III: Membership

Section 1. Active membership is limited to individuals who are “Master Gardener Trainees”/Interns (are taking or have completed the classroom portion of the Master Gardener training program, who may have successfully completed the final exam or other written requirement, and are working to complete the volunteer hours required as payback); or, “Master Gardeners” (have completed the classroom portion of the Master Gardener training program, successfully completed the final exam or other written requirement, fulfilled the initial volunteer payback requirement, and have annually fulfilled the requirement for hours of continuing education and payback hours in order to maintain active status).

ARTICLE IV: Officers 

Section 1.  The officers of FMG are a President or Co-Presidents, Vice President (the office of Vice-President is optional), Secretary, and Treasurer.  The Treasurer will serve without bond.  The Officers will perform the duties prescribed by Robert’s Rules of Order, current edition. Where the duties outlined in the reference conflict with these bylaws, the bylaws will prevail.

Section 2.  Election of Officers.  Officers will be elected by a majority vote of the members attending the November meeting.

Section 3.  Term of Office.  Officers will serve for one year. An incumbent may continue to serve upon approval of the membership. The term of all officers will begin at the close of the November meeting.

ARTICLE V: Directors

The Board of Directors will consist of President/Co-Presidents, (Vice President), Secretary, Treasurer, and a designated Past President.  Meetings of the Board will be called by the President/Co-Presidents. A quorum of the Board will be a majority of the Board.  The Board will serve as the nominating committee, and carry out additional functions as required.

ARTICLE VI: Timesheets 

It is the responsibility of each Master Gardener to submit their volunteer hours timesheets as required by the VCE.

ARTICLE VII: Projects

Master Gardener Volunteer New Project Request Forms for all new projects must be completed and approved as per current VCE requirements. Projects and activities that are implemented without completion of this form are not considered VCE Master Gardener activities and do not count as MG volunteered time.  Unapproved events do not carry the liability shield of VCE/Virginia Tech.  Projects not in accordance with FMG Bylaws Article II and the policies and educational outreach objectives of VCE will not be considered.  If projects stray from the objectives of VCE, they may be discontinued.

ARTICLE VIII: Miscellaneous

Section 1.  FMG will not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, or veteran status.

Section 2.  Amendment of Bylaws.  These bylaws may be amended at any meeting by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present, provided that notice of the proposed amendment(s) has been given to the membership at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting where they are to be voted upon.

Section 3.  In the event of FMG’s dissolution, its assets will be permanently dedicated to a purpose voted upon by the majority at its final meeting.

AMENDMENTS

Amendment #1. : Dues (adopted June 17, 2004). Annual membership dues of $10 are payable January 1. A complementary membership will be offered to new training class members effective through December of the year of their qualification as an intern.

Amendment #2. : Request for funds (adopted July 21, 2005) A request for funds in excess of $50.00 must be approved at two successive meetings.

Amendment #3. : Request for funds (adopted January 18, 2007).  The "funds approval limit", without tabling for subsequent meeting discussion, was changed from $50.00 to $100.00.

Amendment #4. : Dues payable date (adopted October 18, 2007). Annual membership dues of $10 are payable January 31 instead of January 1.