The mission of the Crystal Lake Homebrewers Club is to promote the craft of homebrewing and increase our community’s awareness of the high quality of microbrewed beers. It is the clubs highest priority that these activities be executed in a safe, positive manner.

As a group we will be able to increase our own members knowledge of homebrewing through the social exchange of ideas and techniques that are available in books, articles, and most of all, from our more experienced members.

We will be able to heighten the community’s awareness through organized activities such as beer tastings and festivals. These events would promote the large variety of styles of regional and national microbrewed beers that are an alternative to the mass produced national brands.

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Club By-Laws

PREAMBLE

The members of this club are joined together to share and promote the pleasures of home brewing. The following By-Laws are adopted to assure an orderly, continuously functioning organization for the benefit of all members.

POLICY

It is the policy of this club to encourage the exchange of ideas and fellowship among its members. To that end the club sponsors tastings, competitions, and other activities to enhance beer making and appreciation.

Article I - Organization

Section 1 - Name

The name of this organization shall be the Midnight Carboys Homebrew Club, hereinafter referred to as MCHC or “the club”.

Section 1 - Purpose

The MCHC is organized on a non-profit basis, to encourage and advance the hobby of home brewing, to provide members an opportunity to enjoy beer making in a friendly and cooperative atmosphere, and to provide the opportunity for every member to share in the operation of the club.

Section 2 – Goals

•  To engage in enjoyable social activities focused on home brewing as a common foundation.

•  To learn more about beer, beer tasting, beer judging, and brewing techniques, based on sharing knowledge and experience. (This includes other fermented beverages as well, i.e. mead, cider and wine.)

•  To promote the hobby and enjoyment of home brewing.

•  To promote the responsible use of alcoholic beverages.

Article II – Membership

Section 1 - Qualifications

Membership in the MCHC is open to any person 21 years of age or older that are active or intend to become active in the homebrewing craft upon application and payment of dues, as hereinafter provided, to the Treasurer. New members will be subject to a ‘probationary period’ of 3 to 6 months for the club to get to know the members before the officers extend an invitation to join. The club officers have the authority to accept or reject all potential members. All members attending meetings are expected to sign a liability waiver.

The membership is comprised of Regular Members, Active Members, and Complimentary Members. The levels of membership are defined as follows:

1. Regular Member status is obtained by being compliant with dues according to Article VI of this document.

2. Active Member status is obtained by being compliant with dues according to Article VI of this document AND participation in ¼ of the regular club meetings for the 12-months preceding the status determination.

3. Complimentary Member status is obtained according to Article II, Section 6 of this document.

Membership review for status determination shall be performed at the January, April, July, and October regular club meetings.

Section 2 - Membership Term

The annual membership term is one year extending from January 1 to December 31.

Section 3 - Membership Cards

The Treasurer will issue membership cards on receipt of each member's annual dues, and the cards shall be valid for the membership term. Either the Treasurer or the President shall sign membership cards.

Section 4 - Membership Revocation

The Club Officers may revoke membership for the following reasons:

1. For non-payment of dues.

2. For failure to comply with the By-Laws.

3. For conduct detrimental to the objectives and purpose of the club.

Section 5 - Membership Reinstatement

Any member whose membership has been revoked because of non-payment of dues may be reinstated to full membership for any term by paying the total annual dues. Any member whose membership has been revoked for other reasons may be reinstated by a two-thirds majority vote of those present and voting at a regular meeting of the membership.

Section 6 - Complimentary Membership

The officers of the club may offer complimentary membership to officers of other homebrew clubs, as well as to organizations upon a majority vote of the officers. Complimentary Members have the same status as Regular Members, but cannot vote, become officers or represent the Midnight Carboys at any AHA club competition.

Complimentary Memberships expire as of December 31st of each calendar year.

Section 7 - Rights and Liability of Members

Each regular member of the club shall have the right to vote on club matters provided they are in attendance during a regularly scheduled business meeting. The members of the club shall not be liable for the debts or obligations of the club. No member shall receive compensation for services rendered to the club except as otherwise approved by the officers of the club and by a majority vote in a regularly scheduled business meeting. A club member may be reimbursed for expenses reasonably incurred on behalf of the club, if and only if approved by the club officers or by a majority vote in a regularly scheduled business meeting.

Section 8 - Guests

Members are encouraged to invite individuals interested in becoming active homebrewers as guests to club meetings and functions. It is anticipated that these guests will eventually join the club. Non-members and guests may be requested to provide a small monetary donation for the consumption of food that the club has provided for the meeting.

Section 9 - Nondiscrimination

Club membership shall not be denied to any individual on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, or sex.

Section 10 - Hold Harmless

My participation in this club is entirely voluntary. I know that participation in club activities involves the consumption of an alcoholic beverage, and this may affect my perception and reactions. I accept responsibility for my conduct, behavior, and actions, and absolve the club and the owner of the meeting place of responsibility for my conduct, behavior and actions. Participation includes any guests that may be present at club activities, wherever they may be held.

Article III – Voting

Section 1 - Eligibility

All Regular Members and Active Members are eligible to vote. Complimentary Members are not allowed to vote but may participate in any discussion preceding a vote.

Section 2 - Items Put to Vote

The officers shall decide when and the kinds of issues and topics to be voted on. Any Regular Member can petition to any officer for an issue to be brought to a vote.

Section 3 - Quorum

A meeting consisting of at least two officers and at least one-half of the average attendance of Regular Members and Active Members considering the 6-months prior to be considered a quorum.

Section 4 - Voting

Voting for officers will be done by controlled written ballot only. For other items, voting will be by show of hands unless a written ballot is more appropriate. If it is not possible to determine the outcome by show of hands, voting will be by written ballot. This means a ballot will be available to regular members in attendance.

Article IV – Officers

Section 1 - Officers

The following positions make up the entirety of the club's officers:

•  President

•  Vice President

•  Secretary

•  Treasurer

•  Web Master

Section 2 - Responsibilities

President : The President is responsible for securing the meeting place, and will normally conduct the meetings. The President can cancel a meeting with a majority vote of the other officers, or appoint a regular member to preside over a meeting if other officers are unavailable. Often, the President is the one who plans the meeting, arranging for demonstrations, speakers, organizing competitions and any annual events. (The President can delegate these responsibilities to other officers or club members.)

Vice President: The Vice President assists the President. This person will also organize the tasting portion of each meeting and insure that there is adequate supply of beer for the meeting. Additional duties include keeping the club up to date on AHA competitions, etc.

Secretary : This Secretary keeps the minutes of the meeting and is responsible for posting the agenda for the next meeting online. The Secretary may also edit and publish the club newsletter or meeting notices. The secretary is responsible for maintaining the official club membership list. The secretary corresponds with other clubs and appropriate bodies.

Treasurer: This Treasurer handles all club finances, including the collection and deposit of dues and fund-raising proceeds, and the disbursement of funds for club expenses. The Treasurer keeps the financial records and manages the club's bank account.

Webmaster : - Updates the club website as needed.

Section 3 – Removal of an Officer

If there is an indication that any officer has not performed or is unable to perform their expected duties, the remaining officers may request the membership to consider removal of the delinquent member from office. A two-thirds majority vote of the membership at a regular meeting will be required to sustain the recommended removal from office.

Section 4 - Officer Resignation

On the resignation of an officer, the remaining officers shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy within 30 days. This person shall take the responsibility of the officer who left and serve out the remainder of the term.

Section 5 - Nominations

Any Regular Member can make officer nominations. Nominations are to be submitted during the August and September meetings. The Secretary will prepare ballots for the November meeting.

Section 4 - Elections

Elections will be held yearly in November with the new officers taking office in January.

Article V - Nonprofit Organization

Section 1 - Nonprofit Status

The club is declared as a nonprofit organization. This does not give it tax exemption status under the rules of the Unites States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) unless applied for and received at a later date.

Article VI - Calendar Year & Dues

Section 1 - Calendar

The Midnight Carboys fiscal calendar runs from January 1 to December 31.

Section 2 – Fees

Fees comprise annual membership dues and club sponsored event fees.

The annual membership dues shall be established by the Club Officers and presented to the membership at a club meeting for its approval. Members must pay dues to the Treasurer annually, on or before April 1.

Club sponsored event fees are determined by a majority vote of the officers on a per event basis. The officers may assign a different fee for each event based upon membership status. Officers may indicate an event is No Charge on a membership level basis.

Section 3 - Financial Report

The Treasurer shall report the club's financial status in the Treasurer's report at each meeting, and provide a detailed accounting of all club transactions at the end of each calendar year. The financial report will be available for audit by the President.

Article VII - Meetings

Section 1 – Regular Meetings

Members shall meet monthly unless otherwise instructed by the club officers. Monthly meetings are normally held on the first (1st) Thursday of each month.

Section 2 - Meeting Procedure

Meetings will consist of two separate sessions open to any Regular Member.

Business Meeting: The Business Meeting will be held prior to every Regular Meeting from 7:45 PM to 8:00 PM. Efficiency and common sense will prevail when transacting official business. The format of the meeting will be as follows: minutes of the prior business meeting, officer's reports, committee reports, old business, new business. In each case, any requested action by regular members during the meeting must be stated in the context of a legitimate motion to be voted upon during the business meeting.

General Meeting: The General Meeting will commence after the close of the business meeting. The general meeting will consist of introductions, discussion, programs, sampling and voting when necessary. Club activities, finances, procedures and policy may be discussed during this meeting.

Section 3 – Special Meeting

The President may call special meetings at any time, with sufficient notice given to the membership. The members may request a meeting by a majority vote.

Section 4 – Officers Meeting

The Officers will meet at regular meetings or as otherwise necessary.

Article VIII - Contingency Fund

Section 1 - Fund

The Treasurer may establish and maintain a contingency fund to cover any unexpected expenses or losses of the club. The amount of the fund shall be established by a majority vote in a regularly scheduled Business meeting, by the President, the Treasurer, or a majority vote of the officers.

Article IX - Bylaw Acceptance Changes

Section 1 - Acceptance

These bylaws are accepted at the time of adoption by a majority vote of regular members.

Section 2 – By-Law Review

From time to time, the President may appoint a committee to review the existing by-laws. The committee may recommend to the President and membership that revisions and/or amendments are required.

Section 3 - Procedure for Changes

Any regular member may make a motion for a change in the bylaws at any regularly scheduled monthly business meeting. When changes are suggested, the petition must be presented in writing. The vote on this motion will be at the next regularly scheduled monthly business meeting. The officers of the club will make every reasonable attempt to notify all regular members of the impending vote within ten days prior to the vote, but they are under no obligation to do so. Failure to notify the membership does not negate the scheduled vote. A vote of the majority of the regular members in attendance is required to approve a change in the existing bylaws. Absentee or proxy votes are allowed, as filed with the Secretary prior to the meeting.

Section 4 – Effective Date

These By-Laws become effective as of 7 April 2005.

Amendments:

None at this time.