By-Laws Boca Raton Branch,
National League of American Pen Women, Inc.

National LD. #53-0115640

ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this organization shall be called the BOCA RATON BRANCH of the National League of American Pen Women, Inc., Charter No. #298, issued April 30, 1975 by Lee Waldrop, National President; Edna A. Falbo, National Recording Secretary; Elizabeth Bradley Bentley, Florida State President.

ARTICLE II: OBJECT
The object of this branch shall be to:

A. Conduct, promote and encourage creative work, educational activities and programs of professional standards, and engage in charitable activities in the fields of Arts, Letters and Music.
B. Publish the Pen & Palette, a monthly venue for Branch and League news, which also showcases members' winning works of creativity.
C. Provide, in odd numbered years, scholarships to area students engaged in the study of Art, Letters and/or Music.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Types of Membership

Branch Membership shall consist of Active and Associate members, which may include International Affiliates, Members-at-Large, and Honorary, as set forth in the National League By-Laws. The Branch also accepts support from a limited membership of community Patrons.

A. Any woman citizen of the United States is eligible for Active Membership provided she has, within the past five (5) years preceding her application, received payment in the commercial market for original work of professional standard in Art, Letters or Music, and provided she has received the approval of the Branch Membership Committee to which she has applied.
B. A woman meeting all the qualifications required for Active Membership, except that payment for work need not have been received, may acquire Associate Membership.

(1) Associates have all the rights of Active members except, they may not vote, hold National office, propose new members, nor wear the League insignia. In the Branch, they may vote, chair committees and hold office except for President, First Vice President, or Treasurer.
(2) Change of status from Associate to Active shall require formal application, with submission of the necessary credentials to the National Membership Chairman for approval.

C. International Affiliate Membership may be required by a woman meeting all the requirements for Active or Associate Membership, with the exception that she is not a citizen of the United States. She shall have the rights of an Associate Member.
D. Honorary Membership may be conferred provided that such individual is eligible for Active Membership in The League.

(1) National Honorary Membership may be conferred by the National Executive Board upon recommendation by its members or a Branch.

(a) League Members shall not be eligible for National Honorary Membership.
(b) National Honorary Members shall be limited to three (3) each fiscal year one per category of Art, Letters and Music.

(2) Branch Honorary Membership may be conferred on:

(a) An Active member of The League by the Branch to which she belongs, or on an outstanding community leader, who qualifies for membership. National and State Association dues shall be paid by the Branch as long as said honoree remains a member of that Branch and continues to bring honor and prestige to said Branch. Local dues shall not be levied.
(b) Individuals qualifying for membership in The League, who have performed a service (i.e.: judge, juror, free programs, etc.) to the Branch. In such cases, this shall be regarded as a One-Year Honorary Membership. National and State Association dues will be paid by the Branch; however, local Branch dues will be the responsibility of the honoree. Said member shall then assume active membership status and full financial responsibility, thereafter.

Section 2. Membership Procedures

A. The Branch Membership Committee shall pass upon the credentials and eligibility of applicants, who have answered and submitted ALL REQUIREMENTS for the official Application of Membership. They must have the sponsorship and endorsement of two Branch members in good standing.
B. When approved by the Membership Committee, the application is submitted to the Branch Board of Directors for majority approval. The Membership Chair then submits these credentials to the National Membership Chairman for final approval.
C. ALL Branch Members should keep an up-to-date resume on file with the Membership Chair.

Section 3. Membership Qualifications

A. An Applicant for Art Membership (i.e.: architect, cartoonist, choreographer, craftsman, designer, interior designer, graphic artist, illustrator, painter, photographer, or sculptor) shall submit to the Branch Membership Committee three (3) photographs and/or slides of her work, along with proof of sale in each category.

(1) The painter, sculptor, craftsman, and graphic artist shall show proof that her work has been chosen by a qualified jury of selection in at least three (3) jury exhibitions within the last five (5) years. Applicants, who have exhibited in three (3) nationally recognized art competitions, shall be accepted for membership without meeting this requirement. Jury selection requirements may be waived for applicants who have already received outstanding recognition in their field.
(2) The photographer shall show proof that her work has been accepted, within the past five (5) years, for exhibition or published in books, newspapers or national magazines as original creative fine art photography.
(3) The architect and commercial artist (cartoonist, visual technologist designer, interior designer, illustrator) of recognized professional standing shall show proof of work with established firms and/or publication of work within the past five (5) years.
 

B. An Applicant for Letters Membership (i.e.: advertising copy writer, author, coauthor, compiler, dramatist, editor, genealogist, lecturer, librettist, lyric writer, musicologist, periodical writer, photo journalist, poet, press writer, research worker, sales promotion copywriter, or script writer for motion pictures, radio or television) shall submit to the Branch Membership Committee, at least three (3) samples of her original work – unless of book length, for which only one (1) is required, together with proof of sale within the last five (5) years.

(1) Authors whose books have self-published, but NOT VANITY published, shall submit copies of their book ( s) to be evaluated by the Branch to substantiate the professional quality of the book(s).
(2) Original writing of professional quality not only must be paid for, but also must have been published, unless the applicant is a salaried writer. In this case, she shall submit samples of her writing and proof of payment by her employer. Cash prizes will be considered as payment, if the material is published.
(3) A lecturer shall have professional rating in her subjects and her lectures shall be her own creative work. Scripts, recordings, auditions, or other forms of library credentials shall be submitted with proof of payment for her lectures, all held within the past five (5) years.
(4) An applicant for advertising/sales promotions shall be engaged in the field of graphic arts, lay-out, design, and/or copy writing for the purpose of publication in periodicals and sales promotion collateral.
(5) The musicologist, who is proficient in the science, history, forms and methods of music, in lecture or written, shall submit published copies of her work with proof of payment. Scripts or recordings of her paid lectures may be submitted.
 

C. An Applicant for Music Membership shall submit, to the Branch and to the National Composer's Committee, at least three (3) original published or unpublished compositions and/or arrangements which she has composed within the past five (5) years, along with proof of payment for at least one professionally published composition, or proof of at least one public performance of professional significance. (An arrangement is an adaptation or a composition to a different form from that in which it was originally written.) In submitting an arrangement, the applicant must include a copy of the composition in its original form, along with her arrangement of it, and permission from the original composer to make the arrangement if the composition is not in public domain.

(1) Proof of payment for a professionally published composition or arrangement shall consist of a copy or photocopy of a publisher's agreement with the composer.
(2) Proof of public performance of professional significance shall consist of printed programs, radio logs and/or TV schedules or tapes, along with written score.
(3) Music sung by a church or synagogue choir made up of volunteer congregates, which under other circumstances would be performed by paid singers, and performed in public. In many cases the music director of the institution is a paid staff professional.
(4) Music which is performed by community or children's theatres. In this case, the performers are not paid and most of the work is volunteer, thus the composer is not paid. However, in a regu1arly scheduled performance, a ticket price or a fee is charged to defray production expenses. This would not include parody lyrics, which are written to existing tunes – that is in the Letters category.
(5) Music which is performed at a benefit or fund-raiser. In this case, the composition is donated to entertain or to attract attention to the benefit, and the performers donate their time. The benefit is sponsored by a recognized organization, and the money is raised to support a needy organization or to fund a political issue.

Section 4. Processing Fees and Annual Dues

(1) With each application for membership, a remittance of $55.00 shall be made to cover the National processing fee for $15 and the National Dues of $40.00 – payable to NLAPW, Inc.
(2) With each application for membership, an additional $20.00 check, made payable to the Boca Raton Branch, NLAPW, will be collected and retained; $15.00 represents local Branch dues and $5.00, Florida State Association dues.
(3) Applicants who are accepted for membership in February, March or April will be given credit for National dues for the next fiscal year, which begins May 1 st.

B. Annual Dues

(1) Branch members shall pay National and Branch dues to the Branch treasurer prior to May 1.
(2) The Branch Treasurer shall forward National dues of $40, for each Active, Associate, International Affiliate and Honorary Member of the Branch, to National Headquarters by May 15.
(3) The Branch Treasurer shall forward Florida State Association dues of $5.00 per member to the State Treasurer by May 15.
(4) A Member-at-Large shall pay annual dues of $50 directly to National Headquarters by May 1st.

C. National Life Membership shall be $300.00. National Life Members shall continue to pay annual Branch and State Association dues.
D. The Fiscal Year of The League is May 1 through April 30.
 

Section 5. Transfer of Membership
A member in good standing, whose dues are currently paid, may apply for a transfer of membership from one Branch to another.

A. Transfer forms, signed by the Treasurer of the member's Branch and by the Treasurer of the receiving Branch, shall be sent to The League Headquarters.
B. No adjustment of state or national dues shall be made for the current year in the transfer from one branch to another. However, the transfer shall pay the local branch dues.
 

Section 6. Classification Change or Addition
A member, who desires to quality in an additional classification or to change from Associate to Active Membership, shall submit an application form for the change to the National Membership Committee, with a $15.00 processing fee.
 

Section 7. Resignation and Renewal of Membership
A member may resign in good standing if her National and Branch dues are paid for the year in which her resignation is received.

A. A Letter of Resignation shall be sent by the resigning member to the Branch Treasurer. Within thirty (30) days, the Treasurer shall submit said resignation to the Branch and notify National Headquarters.
B. A member who resigns in good standing may renew her membership within (5) five years by paying the current year's dues, plus a reinstatement fee of $15.00 The request for reinstatement, with payment of the reinstatement fee and the current year's dues, shall be transmitted by the Branch Treasurer to National Headquarters for processing.
 

Section 8. Dropped from Membership for Nonpayment of Dues
A member who has not paid the dues for the current year by July 1, shall be dropped from the list of members.

A. The Branch Treasurer shall be charged with the responsibility of notifying the Branch member, in writing, that she has been dropped from membership for nonpayment of dues. Final notice shall be sent by the Branch Treasurer by June 15 to members whose dues have not been paid.
B. National Headquarters shall be charged with the responsibility of notifying a Member-at-Large, in writing, that she is being dropped from membership for nonpayment of dues.
C. A member, who has been dropped for nonpayment of dues, may be reinstated upon her request, within five (5) years. She must pay all delinquent dues, plus a reinstatement fee of $15.00.
D. A member who bas been dropped for more than five (5) years, and who desires to renew her membership, must apply as a new member.

ARTICLE IV: ORGANIZATION
Section 1. Branch Board of Directors

The Branch Board of Directors shall consist of the Executive Committee (all elected officers), plus the chairs of Arts, Letters and Music. Chairmen of Standing and Special Committees are not required to attend Board Meetings, but may do so when reports necessitate or when invited to do so by the President.

Section 2. Elected Officers and Their Duties
The elected officers of the Branch shall constitute the Executive Committee. They shall include: President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Third Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary and Corresponding Secretary.

A. The President appoints all Standing & Special Committee chairs. In addition to presiding at Board and Branch Meetings, she is an ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominating Committee. The President should:

(1) keep tabs on all programs and activities;
(2) bring new proposals are-brought- before the Board for discussion and approval;
(3) involve as many members as possible in programs and activities;
(4) inform the Board and Membership on major projects;
(5) serve as a responsible Liaison with National and State officials;
(6) co-sign all legal documents with the Corresponding Secretary and be an alternate signature on the Branch checking account;
(7) inspire, guide, and coordinate.
 

B. The First Vice President should be ready to preside in the absence of the President. As the Branch Program Chair, she:

(1) arranges for meetings and speakers;
(2) selects restaurants and menus;
(3) serves as MC for programs and introduces speakers.
 

C. The Second Vice President assists the First Vice President. As the Membership Chair, she:

(1) heads the Membership Committee, which consists of the Branch's Art, Letters and Music chairs;
(2) presents prospective applicants to the Board for approval;
(3) collects and sends applications, with fees, to National Headquarters.
 

D. The Third Vice President shall:

(1) assist the First and Second Vice Presidents when needed;
(2) perform duties assigned to her by the President, as deemed appropriate and necessary to carry on the activities of the Branch. (i.e: Fund-raising, Scholarship, Special Projects and Programs, Patrons. etc.)

E. The Treasurer is the custodian of all Branch funds, helping to prepare a budget. She shall:

(1) prepare a complete, monthly financial statement for reporting at meetings;
(2) collect and send dues, along with an updated Branch membership listing to National and State headquarters;
(3) notify, in writing, members being dropped for non-payment of dues;
(4) handle resignations, reinstatements, and transfers;
(5) sign all Branch checks and see that all bills are paid.
 

F. The Recording Secretary shall record and preserve the minutes of all Board and Branch meetings, with a copy to the President. She:

(1) keeps all Branch Records (Charter, By-Laws, Past Presidents, Charter Members, Newsletter, Yearbook copies and Awards).
(2) helps the President Prepare Meeting Agendas;
(3) notifies National headquarters and the State Chaplain of member deaths;
(4) receives Transfer Forms from the National Headquarters.
 

G. The Corresponding Secretary is the Branch's Courtesy Officer. As such she:

(1) welcomes new members and transfers;
(2) sends a letter of regret to resigning members;
(3) sends Get Well, Birthday cards and condolences to members;
(4) assists in the mailing of the Branch Newsletter;
(5) helps with correspondence when necessary, keeping all correspondence in a readily available file for reference.
 

Section 3. Committees & Chairs

A. The Standing Committees, appointed by the President, shall be: Arts, Letters, Music, Membership, Program, Chaplain, Parliamentarian, Historian, Publicity, Newsletter, Reservations, Year Book, and By-Laws.
B. Special Committees are created and appointed by the President. They may include Sunshine, Scholarship, Telephone, Fund-raising, and any sub-committees, as needed; i.e. workshop chairs.
C. For details on duties and responsibilities – all Officers, Board Members, and appointed Chairs should refer to the Branch Duties and Procedural Manual.
D. Special Appointments are made by the President in the event an officer or committee chair is unable to serve in her capacity. Prior to the end of a term, the President should appoint an Auditor or Auditing Committee to examine the Treasurer's books.
E. The Executive Committee (elected officers) shall be the decision-making body of the Branch during those months when regularly scheduled meetings are not held, and in emergency situations. An action taken by the Executive Committee is subject to ratification by the Board of Directors at the first available opportunity.
 

Section 4. Elections
Elections of officers are held in even numbered years.

A. The term for each Branch officer is two (2) years, or until a successor is elected. No officer, except the Treasurer, shall be eligible for re-election for more than two (2) consecutive terms in the same office, except after an interval of two (2) years.

B. A Nominating Committee of five (5) members shall be named no later than January of the election year. No one serving on this committee should be a candidate for President.

(1) The Committee shall consists of:

(a) a member of the Board (appointed by the President, to serve as chair);
(b) a member of long standing;
(c) a member of three (3) years or less;
(d) a past president;
(e) nominee elected by the membership.
 

(2) Two notices of the slate must be made to the membership. The committee will present the slate of proposed officers to the Branch Membership no later than the February meeting. The slate will then be published in the March issue of the Branch Newsletter.

(a) No member's name shall be submitted without her consent to serve, if elected.
(b) All candidates should be Active Members in good standing and eligible for office.
 

C. Election of new officers shall be held during the March meeting, with installation scheduled for the April meeting.

(1) Nominations may be made from the floor at the March meeting.
(2) Members shall elect by written ballot. In the event there is but one nominee for each office, and there is no opposition voiced, the President "declares that ____ is elected."
(3) A majority of members present shall elect.

ARTICLE V: MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular Branch Meetings

Luncheon program meetings shall be held the Third Thursday of each month, October through May, in area restaurants. At least four (4) meetings shall allow for Branch business.

A. Special General Meetings may be requested by:

(1) written petition to the President, of any five (5) active members in good standing;
(2) the President.

B. The President may "call" Special General Meetings. In case of extended illness or absence, the Vice President, who moves up to the office of President, shall assume the same authority.
C. Branch Awards (if any) shall be given at the annual April meeting.
 

Section 2. Board Meetings
The Board of Directors shall meet prior to each monthly meeting of the Branch, at the convenience of its members. The Branch Executive committee shall meet at their discretion during the summer months for planning and to handle routine matters of the Branch.

A. Special Board Meetings can be requested of the President, by any three (3) Board Members, or by the President, herself.
B. Only the President may "call" special Board Meetings. In case of extended illness or absence, the Vice President, who moves up to the office of President, shall assume the same authority.
C. All Branch records, reports and properties shall be given to successors at the May Board meeting, following an April election.
 

Section 3. Quorum

A. A MAJORITY of qualified voting members present, shall constitute a quorum at regular meetings of the membership.
B. THREE (3) members of the Board of Directors, or the Executive Committee, shall constitute a quorum of those meetings.
C. All Branch records, reports and properties shall be given to successors at the May Board meeting, following an April election.
 

ARTICLE VI: DISCIPLINE
All matters pertaining to the conduct of members of the organization shall be subject to the requirements of the By-Laws of the National League of American Pen Women.
 

ARTICLE VII: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern the proceedings of this organization in cases not provided for in these and the League By-Laws.
 

ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS
These by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote at a regular Branch meeting, provided:

A. 30 days notice has been given;
B. amendment read at the meeting prior to voting;
C. said revision, published in the official Branch Newsletter.

After approval by the Branch, the amended By-Laws are to be sent to the National Chairman of By-Laws for review by the National Parliamentarian and final approval by the National Executive, Board of the NLAPW.
 

ARTICLE IX: DISSOLUTION
Should dissolution occur in the Boca Raton Branch, NLAPW, the Charter and Branch funds shall be sent to League Headquarters, after all unpaid bills and obligations for which this Branch is responsible, are resolved.