Article I - Name

Section 1. Name

The name of this organization is Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (BRWIA).

Article II - Purpose

Section 1. Purpose

Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture is dedicated to empowering women and their families with resources, education, and skills related to agriculture to overcome economic and social disparities.

Article III - Membership

Section 1. Eligibility

All persons interested in Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture are eligible to join.

Section 2. Membership year

The membership year shall be the same as the fiscal year, which shall both be the same as the calendar year.

Section 3. Non-Discrimination

Membership in BRWIA is open to all eligible and accepted persons and shall not be denied to any person on the basis of age, race, gender, religious orientation, national origin, or sexual orientation.

Section 4. Rights and Liabilities of Members

Members of the BRWIA shall not be responsible for the debts of the organization. BRWIA members may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred on behalf of BRWIA, if such expenses are approved by the Board of Directors.

Article IV - Voting

Section 1. Eligibility

All members as defined in Article III Section 1 shall have the right to vote on matters presented to BRWIA members at an annual business meeting.

Section 2. Issues for the Membership

The Board of Directors shall set the agenda for the annual business meeting. Any member may bring an issue before the Board of Directors and request that the Board bring an issue before the membership.

Section 3. Quorum

A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the Board of Directors for Board meetings.

Article V - Officers

Section 1. Board of Directors.

Members of the Board of Directors include the Chair, the Vice-Chair, the Treasurer, the Secretary, and up to six elected members called members at large.

Section 2. Nominations.

Nominations for Board Members shall be made by a nominating committee two months prior to the annual meeting. The nominating committee will be appointed by the Chair. The nominating committee will return a slate of nominees to the membership at the annual business meeting. Additional nominations of members for a Board position may be made by any member at the Annual Business meeting. Any members may be nominated for election as an officer or a Board member of BRWIA.

Section 3. Election Dates and Terms of Office.

Elections for officers and members at large shall be held at the scheduled annual meeting of the membership, with new Board of Directors assuming their offices at the next Board meeting. Board members shall be elected by a simple majority vote of the members in attendance and may serve no more than three consecutive terms.

Section 4. Duties of the Officers and Members of the Board of Directors.

A. Chair

This officer supervises the operations of BRWIA. The Chair will conduct all meetings of the regular membership and of the Board of Directors.

B. Vice-Chair

The Vice-Chair shall assist the Chair and shall assume the duties of the Chair in the absence of the Chair.

C. Treasurer

This officer shall oversee the receipt of all funds for the organization, maintain an account for organization monies at a secure financial institution, maintain accurate and timely financial records, and disburse funds to cover expenses. The Treasurer shall consult with the Chair to propose a projected annual budget prior to each fiscal year.

D. Secretary

This individual shall oversee the taking and preservation of the minutes of the organization and maintain all non-financial records of the organization including: the membership rolls; a calendar of events listing times, dates, and places of membership and board of directors meetings; and other educational or social events. This officer will provide, with assistance when needed, all communications for BRWIA.

E. Members at Large

These members will complete the Board of Directors.

Section 5. Resignation and Removal.

• A. Any member of the Board of Directors can only be removed by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors. Removal of a Board Member from the Board of Directors does not imply removal from membership in BRWIA.
• B. Three unexcused absences from regularly scheduled meetings constitutes removal from the Board of Directors.

Section 6. Vacancies.

When a vacancy on the Board of Directors occurs, the Board of Directors shall appoint by majority vote a member to serve out the remainder of the unexpired term.

Article VI - Meetings

Section 1. Rules of Order

All meetings shall be governed by "Robert's Rules of Order."

Section 2. Meetings of the Membership

Meetings of the membership will be held annually or as called by the Board of Directors. Members will be notified of dates, times and locations of membership meetings at least thirty days in advance.

Section 3. Meetings of the Board of Directors.

Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at least quarterly or as often as needed. The duty to call meetings rests with the Chair and prior notice of at least forty-eight hours must be given to all Board members in order for a meeting of the Board of Directors to be called.

Article VII - Committees

Section 1. Standing Committees

Standing committees will be determined by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall appoint the committee chairpersons.

Article VIII - By-Law Adoption and Amendments

Section 1. Adoption

These by-laws shall be adopted by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Amendments

Any member may request a change in the By-laws. When changes are proposed the changes must be presented in writing, introduced at a Board of Directors meeting, and voted on at the next Board meeting. A 2/3 majority vote of all Board members present is required to adopt a change in the By-laws.