Westbank Homeschool Organization, INC
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WHO Inc. Bylaws
Article I - Name The name of this organization is Westbank Homeschool Organization, hereafter referred to as WHO and it is a non-profit organization. Article II - Mission Statement WHO is a support group that exists for the purpose of providing service and support to home educators. We support the freedom of all homeschool families. We believe that every family has a legal and constitutional right to home educate in the State of Louisiana. WHO has Christian values and is non-denominational. We encourage our members to be involved in a Christian Church. Article III - Purpose WHO exists to support and provide information for home school families in the following ways: By providing information on the political climate of home education in Louisiana and the United States of America. By protecting the freedom of home education in our communities and the State of Louisiana. By publishing a monthly newsletter, with the exception of June and July. By distributing home education material vital to home educators. By providing activities, seminars, workshops, and other educational services that will help educate our families interested in home education. By providing whatever programs or services in the future that are deemed necessary by the membership of this organization. Article IV - Family and Education Section I - Family We believe that the family is the social and spiritual unit that will teach their children in their own religious beliefs. We believe “family” can be defined as a male and/or female parent. We recognize single, divorced, or married couples, and adopted, foster, or step children. We reject homosexual or bisexual marriages or arrangements because of our Christian values. We consider such relationships to be destructive to children and families. Considering this, no homosexual or bisexual “parents” are eligible for membership. We believe in God and his son Jesus Christ. Because of this we reject Satan. Therefore Atheists, Satanists, and Pagans are not eligible for membership. Section II - Education We believe the ultimate responsibility of educating children belongs to the parents. Parents may allow others to teach skills that children need to know, but all education is under the control of the parents. Although we have chosen to home school our children, we recognize that some parents cannot educate at home and we support the right of parents to send their children to a school of their choice. Article V - Membership Membership is open to all homeschoolers who agree with Article IV - Family and Education. It is expected that all families will support WHO with annual dues and support each other as home educators. Members are responsible for underwriting their share of the cost of activities in which they participate in. (i.e. field trips, picnics, sports activities, etc.) Members are not to give out names, addresses, or phone numbers of other members unless given permission. Families may sign up for membership as long as they agree with our bylaws. A membership form and dues will be submitted to the Membership Coordinator on an annual basis at the beginning of each school year or at the time of application of membership. If any member is found to be in non-compliance with our bylaws, then there will be a hearing before the general membership to decide whether the said member may be dropped from membership. This will be done by a majority vote. All members are entitled and encouraged to discuss homeschooling related ideas and concerns with the board of directors. All members are entitled and encouraged to participate in open discussions about WHO. All members are entitled and encouraged to represent themselves as members of the homeschooling movement to the media and to the community in general. Article VI - Board of Directors Section I - Description of Board There shall be a number of five officers for this organization. They shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Membership Coordinator. Board members may be male, female, or a couple. Each position may be held by one family, but only one vote is allowed for each board position. Section II - Meetings The Board of Directors shall meet at least four times a year. Meetings may be held in August - September, October - November, January - February, and April -May. When the board meets, it will be open meetings. All members are welcome to attend these meetings and make suggestions. Special meetings can be called by the discretion of the President, or by a majority of the Board with a 24 hour notice. Special meetings may be held behind closed doors. Section III - Eligibility Board members must be homeschooling for at least one year and a member of WHO. Any exceptions will be subject to approval by the Board of Directors and/or members. Board members cannot serve on another home school board while serving on the board of WHO. This would create a conflict of interest. Section IV - Terms of Board A term consist of 1 (one) school year. Dates of the term are July 1st - June 30th. Members may serve more than one school year. Nominations are accepted for the board from March 1st - April 30th. Elections for board members will be held at the May meeting. Cast of votes by all members present will decide the officers for the board in the upcoming school year. If for some reason a person cannot fulfill their duties on the board, they shall turn in a written resignation to the rest of the board. Nominations will then be open for a new board member. Within one month (30 days) of the date of resignation a special election will be called. Section V - Miscellaneous Votes shall be decided by a majority of the board. Board members may be reimbursed for expenses incurred while fulfilling Board duties. The Board of Directors will discuss these expenses at an open meeting and will approve or disapprove the expenses at that time. Members of the Board of Directors shall not receive salary for being on the Board. Article VII - Duties of the Board President - Is responsible for the overall function of WHO: presides over all meetings of the Board of Directors, coordinates the dates of all activities and functions sponsored by the organization, oversees work done by any individual or organizations that are rendered by WHO and works with the Treasurer in the disbursement of funds. Vice-President - Shall execute the duties of the President in his/her absence, will have duties assigned by the President, and works with the President to oversee all activities and functions. Treasurer - Will be responsible for maintaining financial records, paying bills of this organization as long as it is Board approved, providing financial reports, and proposing an annual budget. Secretary - Responsible for recording all minutes of the regular and special board meetings and must present written records of such meetings to all Board members. Membership Coordinator - Responsible for collecting the annual dues and application forms, maintaining a list of all members’ addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, advise board of new members, and distribute information packets to new members. Article VIII - Budget A proposed budget and annual dues shall be developed by the Treasurer, approved by the Board of Directors, and adopted at an annual meeting. The proposed budget is tentative and can be changed according to the needs of the group. Dues will be based on the operating expenses, such as the cost of the Newsletter, Promotion Ceremony, an Information Packet, and other expenses deemed necessary by the board. A new family joining WHO from July 1 to October 31 is to pay 100% of the annual dues; November 1 to January 31, 75%; February 1 to April 30, 50%; May 1 to June 30, 25%. Dues will be paid by members directly to the Membership Coordinator. The fiscal year shall be from July 1 to June 30. Article IX - Expectations of Members We focus on support and friendship among families. We have respect for our differences in religious beliefs, backgrounds, and methods of home schooling. Even though we are all Christians, members are expected to be courteous and keep their religious beliefs to themselves. Each family is responsible for their safety and well being during WHO activities. Members are encouraged to use appropriate safety equipment when engaging in activities such as bicycling, roller blading, etc. Use of obscene gestures or language when attending WHO activities and meetings is not acceptable. Members are expected to show good character. Members are expected not to smoke around the children at WHO functions because some have health problems. Members shall not bring guns, knives, or other weapons to our group activities and meetings. Members shall not physically or verbally insult other members. Members can feel free to join other home school groups. There is no law that says homeschoolers have to belong to only one group. Article X - Amendments These bylaws may be amended by a majority of the Board of Directors of WHO and/or a majority of the vote of members present at a meeting. An amendment must be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors 6 (six) weeks in advance of a board meeting. Article XI - Dissolution This organization may be dissolved and activities closed upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors and a majority of said Board and its members. After all payment of bills and claims are distributed, all cash shall be disbursed evenly among its members. Article XII - Non-Liability of Board Members Board members shall not be personally liable for the debts, liabilities, or obligations of the corporation. |
