StLGS Proposes Bylaws Changes

St. Louis Genealogical Society operates according to a set of bylaws that are drawn up by the board of directors and approved by the society’s members. The bylaws are periodically reviewed by committee and, if necessary, the committee proposes revisions. The bylaws that are currently in place were last revised in 2014. Late this summer, a bylaws committee met and submitted a set of proposed changes to the board of directors. The StLGS board of directors has agreed to these changes and now offers them to members for approval.

The original wording and the proposed changes are below. (You can read the complete bylaws on the StLGS website by clicking here.)

Bylaws Change One  (original in bold black; changes in red)

Section III: Board of Directors—Section 4: Vacancies

The executive committee shall declare an office vacant upon: a) death, b) resignation, c) illness, or d) failure to perform the duties of the office. The executive committee shall declare an office vacant by a majority vote, when, in its opinion, the incumbent is incapable of performing his/her duties. Vacancies in any elective office shall be filled by majority approval of the executive committee until the next election, excepting the offices of president and vice-president-programs, which shall be assumed by the vice-president-programs and vice-president-membership respectively. A new vice-president-membership may be chosen by the executive committee to serve until the next election. 

Change to: Vacancies in any elective office shall be filled by majority approval of the executive committee until the next election, except the office of president which shall be assumed by the vice-president-programs. A new vice-president-programs shall be chosen by the executive committee to serve until the next election.

Rationale for change: Rather than moving multiple officers around in an emergency, the new process would just affect the vice-president-programs, who often works closely with the president throughout the year. The vice-president-membership would not have to change positions.

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Bylaws Change Two: (original in bold black; changes in red)

Section 3: Payment of Dues

To remain an active voting member of the society, member(s) shall be responsible for the payment of annual dues on or before their membership anniversary date. Memberships are not transferable or refundable.

Change to: To remain an active voting member of the society, member(s) shall be responsible for the payment of annual dues on or before their membership anniversary date or be a life member.

Rationale for change: The original wording does not take into account the fact that life members do not need to pay annual dues.

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Bylaws Change Three (original in bold black; changes in red)

Section V: Officers of the Board—Section 1

Policies and Procedures Manual: Detailed job descriptions and requirements will be maintained in a current version of the Policies and Procedures Manual. The board shall approve all policies and procedures.

Change to: The board shall approve all policies.

Rationale for change: While the board of directors needs to be abreast of all policies, procedures are constantly changing and really shouldn't need to get board approval.

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Bylaws Change Four (original in bold black; changes in red)

Section VII: Elections, Nominations, Terms—Section 4

Nominating Committee: The nominating committee shall be appointed by the board to meet the election cycle and shall be dissolved after certifying the election. This committee shall consist of an appointed chair and four (4) additional members. Election voting shall be closed on 1 November every year.

Change to: This committee shall consist of an appointed chair and from two (2) to four (4) additional members.

Rationale for change: The change from a fixed number of members allows the nominating committee more flexibility, especially in years when the election is uncontested.

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If you are a member of St. Louis Genealogical Society and are ready to vote on the bylaws revisions, please be sure to log into the StLGS website and click on the link at the top of the home page. Voting will begin on Tuesday, 1 December and remain open until Wednesday, 30 December at midnight. If approved, the bylaws revisions will go into effect on Friday, 1 January. Thank you for your continued support of our society.