League Governance/Membership

Governance encompasses the system by which our League is controlled and operates and the mechanisms by which it and its members are held accountable. Our Board of Directors is an elected group representing the entire membership. The board is a governing body regularly meeting to set league management and oversight policies.

MEMBERSHIP GUIDELINES

Ladies/prospective members must attend at least three functions of the SMWL general membership as a guest of a current member before being proposed for membership. After each general membership function, the Treasurer will report the names of attending guests to the Membership Committee Chair, who will record guests’ attendance. Guests are welcome to any meetings of the SMWL. However, if guests participate in the meeting where service projects are voted on; they will not be eligible/authorized to vote.

Guests are welcome to attend a minimum of three (3) functions (including meetings) of the SMWL before joining but can attend more than three. Guests are generally charged $10.00 more for meetings or events than the published member price. Some exceptions apply: Members do not pay for the Christmas Party, as some of their dues pay for this. So, if a guest attends the Christmas Party, she will pay the full cost amount (typically…$75). Other special events may be more expensive for guests. Members’ dues subsidize all events/meeting expenses.

Applications for new members may be submitted after the individual has satisfied the three (3) meeting requirements and will be voted on via email. The membership committee-appointed person will email the proposed members’ names, photos, and brief bios to the membership and allow three days to vote “Yea” or Nay.” Any vote not received shall be considered affirmative. If four percent (4%) or more current members vote against a proposed new member, membership will not be offered (i.e., two votes out of 50 would be 4%). Once voted in, applicants will be considered full members upon dues remittance.

Annual dues are due to the League Treasurer by July 1st of each fiscal year. New members joining between July and December will pay dues for the entire year. New members joining between January and June may pay prorated dues of a $ 125 flat fee. If a prospective member wishes to do so in June, it is recommended that they wait and pay the $250 dues for the upcoming fiscal year (due by July 1st). In this case, prospective members may attend events for June at the guest price.

Members who do not pay their dues promptly will be removed from the membership directory. However, they may renew their membership at any time by paying their entire year’s dues and any amounts outstanding, such as dues, event fees, meals, and other items. Past members who desire to rejoin SMWL may pay the entire year’s dues and any amounts owed to SMWL at their departure. Note: Members and or/their Guests who RSVP for a Program/Event and do not show are still responsible for payment. The Programs and/or League Treasurer Chair will send an invoice for the missed event.

SMWL FOUNDATION SUPPORT

Members are expected to support the annual fundraiser or make a direct donation (a minimum of $250 or an amount decided upon by the members/due by December 1.) in support of the SMWL Foundation-established scholarships, grants, and 2-year Programs.

2024/2025 Board of Directors

OFFICERS

President: Andrea Sanford
Vice President: Pam Frank
Treasurer Corporation: Pam Frank, Treasurer Mentor
Treasurer Foundation: Ruth Mudd, Treasurer Mentor
Secretary: Brenda Lowe

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Laura Bryant: Chair - Grants
Katie Pierce: Chair - Programs
Tequila House: Chair - Membership, Treasurer Trainee
Candice Kelly: Care
Brenda Lowe: Chair - Scholarships
Andy Sanford: Chair - Communications
Becky Hoffman: Past President/Advisor
Helen Heier: Membership Emeritus

Board of Directors Responsibilities

LEAGUE PRESIDENT

The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and meetings of the general membership of the Corporation. The President shall provide the Agenda to the Board at least three days before the meeting. The President shall appoint chairpersons of all committees annually and shall be an Ex-Officio member of all committees. The President shall serve as Chair of the Nominations Committee.

If the President is a candidate for the Board of Directors or otherwise disqualified from serving as the Chair of the Nominations Committee, the most recent Immediate Past President available may serve as the Chair of the Nominations Committee.

LEAGUE VICE PRESIDENT

In the absence or inability of the President to act on a vacancy in that office, the duties of the President shall be performed on an interim basis by the Vice President. The Vice President shall perform duties as assigned by the Board of the President.

LEAGUE TREASURER

The Treasurer shall (1) be responsible for the custody of the funds, and for safeguarding the assets; (2) shall have authority to open bank accounts in the name of the corporation and with such other person or persons as may be designated by the Board of Directors to sign checks and drafts and other papers requiring the payment of money; (3) cause all debts and obligations of the Corporation to be paid upon verification; (4) keep an accounting of all receipts and disbursements, which shall be open for inspection by the Directors and Auditors; (5) give a report of accounts at meetings of the BoD and present a draft Budget to the Board; (6) facilitate annual audit and ensure that federal and state tazes and reports are filed; (7) present the approved Annual Budget to the membership at theAnnual meeting; (8) present an Annual Statement of all receipts and disbursements at the first general memebership meeting of the new fiscal year; and (9) provide a financial report to the membership no less than quarterly.

LEAGUE SECRETARY

The Secretary shall prepare and issue notices of meetings of the Board of Directors and shall distribute draft minutes to the BoD at least five days before a regular meeting. The Secretary shall record minutes and shall maintain the record of books in good order for all minutes of meetings of the BoD, general membership meetings, and all resolutions of the BoD. The Secretary shall call roll at the commencement of meetings of the BoDs and shall track the attendance of members of the Board. The Secretary shall notify the Board when members of the BoD fail to meet attendance requirements as set forth in Article V, Section 5.5 of these Bylaws. Secretary shall collect and maintain committee meeting minutes.

OTHER OFFICERS - BOD has the authority to elect additional officers including.

FOUNDATION PRESIDENT, FOUNDATION TREASURER, and more.

Committees Responsibilities

Bylaws Section 7.1: Committees - The Corporation shall operate with the assistance of Standing and Special Ad Hoc Committees. Unless otherwise stated in these Bylaws, all committee actions are considered recommendations to the Board of Directors, and not official board actions.

Members of the Corporation are eligible to serve on committees unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws, or by State law. Vacancies in the membership of any committee may be filled by the Chairperson with notification to the Board. At least one member of the Board of Directors shall serve on each Committee.

Section 7.2: Committee Procedures - Each Committee shall maintain Standard Operating procedures. Committees shall report to the Board of Directors concerning all matters upon which it has acted, record minutes of its meetings, and deliver a copy of such minutes to the Secretary of the Corporation. Committees are authorized to operate within the budgeted amount approved by the Board of Directors. Committees may not exceed the amount budgeted by the Board, without written Board approval.

Section 7.3.2: Membership Committee - The Membership Committee's purpose is to recruit new members and retain current members. The Committee will maintain a master list of members and their contact information and share this information as needed with the membership. The Committee will (1) supervise the electronic approval of new members to the Corporation and Foundation, (2) coordinate New Member Orientation, (3) work closely with the Board, and (4) maintain a sub-committee to offer greetings, condolences, and other support to members.

Section 7.3.4: Public Relations Committee - The Public Relations Committee's purpose is to communicate with the membership and the general public. The Committee may maintain an official website and publish a newsletter with meeting information, committee updates, and other information of interest. The Committee will generate goodwill and positive recognition for the Corporation and Foundation, provide support to all committees, and work closely with the Board.