Spanish American Genealogical Association Bylaws
Revised Bylaws reviewed and approved at Membership General Meeting held at La Retama Public Library on
March 10, 2016.
ARTICLE I. - NAME AND OBJECT
Section 1. The organization shall be called Spanish American Genealogical Association, hereafter referred to as “SAGA.”
Section 2. The object of SAGA shall be that of promoting research, collection, and development of genealogical data for the earliest Spanish and Mexican settlers of the South Texas area.
Specific objectives of SAGA are to assimilate collected data and develop it for use of members, genealogists, historians, and the South Texas community for furthering their research. Further objectives will be to promote the rich history of the original settlers via conferences, publications, and other media. Data will be stored and archived in local libraries and SAGA collections.
Section 3. Materials housed at the Corpus Christi La Retama Central and Texas A&M—Corpus Christi Libraries by SAGA shall complement the “Dr. Clotilde P. Garcia Collection” of genealogy.
ARTICLE II.- MEMBERSHIP,VOTING, AND DUES
Section 1. Eligibility: Any person, business, or entity with similar interests of SAGA.
Section 2. Membership types:
-Individual
-Students
-Family
-Non-Profit Organizations
-Business
-Contributing Sponsors
Section 3. Voting: One vote per active membership. (Two for a family membership)
Section 4. Dues: The Board of Directors, hereafter referred to as the Board, shall review and establish dues of an annual basis.
The term for a membership is for the calendar year (January to December). SAGA will provide notice or statement of Annual Dues by the end of November for the following calendar year. Due date for payment is the end of January for the calendar year. Late payments may be subject to a late fee.
Membership roll will be updated in March and reflect paid up members. Unpaid members will be provided a reminder encouraging their continued participation in SAGA.
ARTICLE III.- MEETINGS
Section 1. The Board will determine requirements for Recurring General Membership Meetings. Typically, these will be monthly meetings.
Section 2. The President may call special Membership or Executive meetings as needed by the Board or other business matters.
Section 3. A meeting will be scheduled in November of each year as the Annual Meeting for Election of Officers/Directors or other significant business items.
Section 4. Meetings will be conducted using the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Orders. The President will determine if attending members at any meeting are enough to constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE IV- NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Section 1. This committee will consist of at least three (3) members appointed by the Board. Their task is to identify nominees for Director and/or Officer positions. Nominations will need to be completed and presented to the Board for review and approval before the Annual Meeting scheduled for November of that year wherein elections will be held.
ARTICLE V- BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. SAGA shall establish a Board whose responsibility is to assure the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws and/or applicable rules, to include IRS 501c3 requirements, are being followed. The Board shall consist of three (3) participating members. Terms are two years. Each Board Director, hereafter referred to as Director, is eligible for reelection for a maximum of three (3) terms.
Section 2. Duties
a. Determine requirements for General Membership Meetings.
b. Determine membership dues.
c. Identify and select members for a nominating committee.
d. Determine requirements for Board Meetings.
e. Attend Board or special meetings as needed. Excessive absences may result in removal from the Board. The Board may appoint new members for vacant positions to serve until the next scheduled elections.
f. Chair elections for upcoming Directors/Officers.
ARTICLE VI.- OFFICERS
Section 1. The Board will review and approve nominations from the Nominating Committee for the following Officer positions:
a. President- Duties: General oversight and management of SAGA. Collaborate with the Board on all business matters.
b. Vice President- Duties: Assist the President on all matters of business for SAGA.
c. Secretary- Duties: Establish and maintain administrative records for SAGA.
d. Treasurer- Duties: Financial Officer for SAGA. Assure compliance with IRS 501c3 requirements.
e. Historian- Duties: Establish and maintain significant historical activities for SAGA.
Section 2. The term for elected Officers is two (2) years. Each Officer is eligible to be reelected for a maximum of three (3) terms.
At the November meeting, Director and Officer nominees will be presented to the membership as candidates for election. The Board shall chair the elections, establish election procedures, and implement actions necessary to complete the election at the meeting. New Directors and Officers shall be installed before the meeting is adjourned.
Section 3. Elected Directors and Officers will assume their positions at the next scheduled Membership meeting.
ARTICLE VII- AMENDEMENT TO BYLAWS
Section 1. SAGA By-laws may be amended as follows:
a. Proposed amendments to be presented by any member, to include Directors and Officers, at any scheduled Membership Meeting.
b. The President will review and make recommendations to the Board.
c. The Board will present their position on proposed amendments within 90 days to the President.
d. The President will present the item for approval at the next scheduled General Membership Meeting.