- Bylaws

 

ARTICLE ONE: NAME

ARTICLE TWO: ADDRESS

ARTICLE THREE: PURPOSE

ARTICLE FOUR: ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNANCE OF THE NETWORK

ARTICLE FIVE: DEMOCRATIC PROCEDURES

ARTICLE SIX: FINANCES AND TREASURY

ARTICLE SEVEN: BYLAWS

ARTICLE EIGHT: RECORDS AND SEALS

ARTICLE NINE: MERGERS

ARTICLE TEN: DISSOLUTION OF THE NETWORK

ARTICLE ELEVEN: STANDING RULES OF AFAN

 

 

ARTICLE ONE: NAME

The name of the corporation, hereinafter called the Network, shall be AFAN, Association for Astrological Networking.

ARTICLE TWO: ADDRESS

Section 1: Principal Address
The principal address of the corporation for the transaction of its business is 8306 Wilshire Boulevard, PMB 537, and Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Section 2: Change of Address
The Board of Directors, herein referred to as the Steering Committee, may change the principal office from one location to another within the State of California by noting the changed address and effective date below, and such changes of address shall not be deemed an amendment to these bylaws.

Section 3: Other Offices
The corporation may also have offices at such other places, within or without the State of California, where it is qualified to do business, as its business may require and as the Board of Directors may, from time to time, designate.

ARTICLE THREE: PURPOSE

The primary objectives and purpose of this corporation shall be:

A. To encourage, promote and develop networking to foster decentralized, non-hierarchical communication and cooperation among astrologers.
B. To provide information and support concerning the civil rights of people worldwide interested in the theory, application, and publication of astrological knowledge to the fullest extent consistent with Section 501(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
C. To lead and support astrologers in educating the general public about the value and validity of astrology by providing model press materials, and to address the public image of astrology by observing and responding to media coverage.

ARTICLE FOUR: ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNANCE OF THE NETWORK

A. By the practice of democratic principles and procedures, distinct sectors of the Network shall cooperate to form, balance, and maintain the network:

1. Members, hereinafter referred to as Networkers;
2. Board of Directors, hereinafter referred to as the Steering Committee (SC);
3. Area Coordinators, hereinafter referred to as Coordinators; and
4. Advisory Council, its members hereinafter referred to as Advisors.

B. In addition, there shall be three officers as required by law: a presiding officer, a recording secretary, and a treasurer.

C. In the interest of accountability, Network information, resources, financial and member data, election procedures and results, with the exception of confidential banking information such as passwords or account numbers, shall be made available to the membership upon request.

Section 1: Networkers

A. Membership Defined
Any person above age fifteen (15) may become a Networker, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, creed, ethnicity or national origin. People shall be admitted to membership upon making application in writing and paying the annual dues. No application fee shall be charged. There shall be no limit on the number of members. Members are not to be held personally liable for the debts, liabilities, actions, and/or obligations of AFAN. Membership is non-transferable. Organizations or interested persons (such as lawyers or members of the media) may affiliate with AFAN but shall not have voting rights.

B. Categories of Membership
Categories of Network membership available at any given time shall be determined by the SC. Possible categories to consider shall include Regular, Life, Student, Senior, Organizational and Affiliate.

C. Rights of Members
All active members shall have the right to receive a copy of the bylaws and any AFAN publication or electronic communication upon individual request. Any member shall have the right to have their views represented in the newsletter and to participate in discussion of Network issues. (Such right to expression shall be limited only by practical considerations to ensure fair and equal newsletter space and discussion time and by the laws governing libel and slander.) Any member has the right to receive a copy of the current AFAN membership list. S/he has the right to be nominated for any and all Network capacities and offices and to serve in such capacities if elected or appointed. S/he has the right to nominate other members for said offices and capacities.

D. Voting
Individual members current in payment of annual dues shall have the right to vote in elections, confirmations, ballots, and polls. (Those whose memberships have not been renewed within 60 days shall be considered non-members, ineligible to vote, and not counted in procedures or provisions requiring a certain percentage of membership.) Only those maintaining individual AFAN memberships shall have voting rights.

E. Termination of Membership
A membership shall terminate with any of the following events: a member’s death, resignation, formal notification of expulsion, or failure to submit dues within 60 days of member renewal date; such membership to terminate on the date of personal delivery of the notice or date of deposit in the mail.

F. Procedure for Expulsion
Upon a determination by the SC that the member has engaged in conduct materially and seriously prejudicial to the interests of the Network, (for example, convicted of a crime directly related to illegal activity occurring within or related to one’s astrological practice), the following procedures shall be implemented:

1. Within forty-eight (48) hours of the SC’s resolution, a notice shall be sent be first-class or registered mail to the last address of the member as shown on the Network’s records, setting forth the expulsion and the reasons therefore. Such notice shall be sent at least fifteen (15) days before the proposed effective date of the expulsion.

2. The member being expelled shall be given an opportunity to be heard, either orally or in writing, at a hearing to be held, either in person or by conference telephone call, not less than five (5) days before the effective date of the proposed expulsion. The hearing will be held by the SC in accordance with the provisions set forth in these Bylaws applicable to the meetings of the SC. The notice to the member shall state the date, time, and place of the hearing on his or her proposed expulsion. A summary of the proceedings shall be published in the next Newsletter of the Network.

3. If a compromise cannot be worked out between the Networker and the SC, the SC’s resolution shall stand, unless and until challenged by a petition bearing the signatures of at least ten percent (10%) of the membership with voting rights as of the date of the SC’s resolution. If such a petition is received at any time before or after the effective date of expulsion, the SC’s resolution shall be reversed and the Networker shall remain a member of the Network.

4. Any person expelled from the Network shall receive a refund of any dues already paid. The refund shall be prorated to return only any non-accrued balance remaining for the period of the dues payment.

G. Rights on Termination of Membership
All rights of a Networker shall cease on termination of membership as provided herein.

H. Delegation of Authority
Control of the Network shall be vested in its members. The members, through the election procedure, shall delegate administration and governance of the Network to the Steering Committee.

Section 2: Steering Committee

A. Composition
The Steering Committee (SC) shall consist of twelve (12) members having equal rights and responsibilities as designated, elected for a four (4) year term as described in the election procedures in Article Five.

B. Powers
The activities and affairs of the Network shall be conducted and all corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the direction of the SC, subject to the provisions of the California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law and any limitations in the AFAN Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws relating to action required or permitted to be taken or approved by the members of the Network

C. Duties and Responsibilities
The SC shall:

1. perform any and all duties imposed upon them by the Articles of Incorporation of the Network or by these Bylaws.
2. direct the policies and business of the Network;

3. initiate and execute actions to fulfill the Network’s purposes as noted in Article Three of these Bylaws.

4. appoint committee chairs, advisors, and employees of the Network, confirm the appointment of coordinators, and supervise all Network activities.

5. meet by conference call or in person, with official minutes kept, at least once every six to eight (6-8) weeks and additionally as deemed necessary by the SC. The SC shall agree on the date, time, and chair of the next meeting at the beginning of each meeting. Any SC member may, due to scheduling conflicts, be absent from a meeting.

6. serve as chair of conference call meetings of the SC (following an alphabetically rotating order); gather, prepare, and distribute the agenda electronically no later than 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting and serve as chair of that meeting. SC members may trade dates to accommodate schedule conflicts. The chair of the first meeting of a newly-elected SC shall be the re-elected member with the earliest alphabetic surname. If there are no re-elected SC members, meeting chair rotation will start with the member having the earliest alphabetic surname.

7. after being provided with telephonic or electronic notice specifying the specific and urgent need for SC discussion at least 48 hours prior to a special/emergency meeting, participate in said meetings. Emergency meetings can be called by three members of the SC, one of whom shall act as chair for the meeting. There shall be no discussion of or binding decisions made on other than the designated urgent issues except if all members of the SC are present and agree to do so.

8. serve as co-coordinator for one national or international membership area and maintain regular contact with that Area Coordinator.

9. serve as chair or co-chair of at least one and no more than two Mandatory Committees. The SC shall distribute among its members the chairs and/or co-chairs of the following committees and may establish for a definite or indefinite term by time or task other committees (ad hoc) as required to execute the business and/or activities of the Network, with all committees reporting to the SC in an advisory capacity. It is suggested that there be co-chairs for the Legal and Publications committees.

a. Mandatory Committees

  • Advisors (Mentoring)
  • Community Activities (IAD, scholarships and conferences)
  • Correspondence
  • Democratic Procedures/Member Advocacy
  • Finance and Treasury
  • Legal Issues
  • Membership
  • Publications (Newsletter, Website, Web-based Groups, etc.)
  • Public Information (Media Watch, Education)

b. Ad Hoc Committees
As needed (such as Fundraising, Nominating, Awards, etc.)

10. keep a running committee log/notebook with ongoing information of committee history, projects, and actions AND at the end of service as chair, forward this information and any printed committee materials to the next chair of the committee or to the Presiding Officer if the subsequent chair is unknown.

D. Limitations
Members of the SC shall not:

1. serve more than one four-year term on the SC but may be re-elected after a two year lapse in service.
2. use their position for personal profit, to promote any astrological career or business, or to demean or interfere with the astrological career or business operation(s) of anyone else;
3. use their position to promote or demean any astrological approach, ideology, theory, concept, procedure, system, or technique;
4. bind the Network by contract or engagement or pledge of credit, or render liable monetarily for any purpose of amount except by a resolution by at least 2/3 majority of the SC.

E. Conflicts of Interest
1. No SC member or SC representative shall serve concurrently AFAN and the governing board of any other group with whom AFAN has entered a fiduciary agreement (such as for UAC).

F. Compensation for Service
Members of the SC shall serve voluntarily though they may be reimbursed for AFAN-related expenses. The SC can vote to issue a stipend only for the three officers (Treasurer, Recording Secretary, and Presiding Officer) and for those non-SC members creating, producing, distributing or maintaining official Network publications such as the AFAN Quarterly Newsletter and official web site.

G. Nomination
Any member may nominate any other member for the SC by submitting the nominee’s name, address, phone and email access to the Presiding Officer before the completion of the election materials, with the deadline for nominations be announced at least thirty (30) days prior.

1. The Presiding Officer shall contact each nominee:

a. to ask if he s/he accepts the nomination;
b. to send him/her a copy of the duties and responsibilities of members of the SC; and
c. to request biographical information and a campaign statement of up to 250 words total for publication in the election materials.

2. The Presiding Officer shall organize the nominees’ names, addresses, and contact numbers together with biographical information and candidacy statements (as the nominees have provided) into election materials for distribution to the membership.
3. Nominees are encouraged to conduct a campaign based on relevant issues rather than on personalities in AFAN or any other organization. Members are invited to contact and may be contacted by nominees.

H. Election
Cumulative voting for the election of SC members shall not be permitted.

1. Each voter may vote for up to 12 persons, including those listed as write-in votes.
2. The persons with the highest number of votes shall be elected to fill vacancies in the SC unless over nine of the previous SC members would thereby be serving a consecutive term in which case the 10th, 11th, and 12th greatest vote recipients shall step aside in favor of those non-returning nominees with the next largest vote count.
3. Where a tie-vote occurs and needs to be broken to determine a SC member, the Presiding Officer shall gather, by phone or electronically, a vote for nominee #1 or #2, etc., from non-returning SC members and current Advisory Council members.

I. Installation
A newly-elected SC shall assume office within 30 days following the completed ballot count. Until then, those elected shall be invited to audit any SC conference call or meeting held. Audit here means to listen to discussions, only speak when directly requested to do so, and have no vote as to proposed actions.

J. Resignation
Any SC member my resign upon giving two weeks notice to the SC and Presiding Officer and having the resignation accepted by the SC. The resignation shall be effective on a date determined by the resigning member

K. Removal

1. SC members can be removed from their positions through a recall ballot. Said procedure requires a petition containing the SC member’s name, position, and reasons for recall and signed by at least 10% of all vote-eligible Networkers.
2. Upon receipt of such a petition, the presiding officer shall immediately:
a. notify the potential recalled by phone and certified mail that they are temporarily being relieved of all duties; and
b. send via Express Mail to the Membership Chairperson, a copy of the petition for verification of the membership status of the signers with a demand of response to the SC, presiding officer, potential recalled and petition sponsor within 10 working days
3. If a recall election is indicated, the ballot shall contain a statement of the reasons for recall and a rebuttal statement by the potential recalled or his/her supporters. Voting shall be by the same procedure specified under elections.

L. Replacement
To fill a vacant SC position, the results of the previous SC election will be reviewed. Candidates with the highest number of votes, including write-ins, but not elected shall be designated Alternate #1, #2, and so forth, The Presiding Officer will contact candidates in numerical order and asked if they are willing to serve. If no alternate is willing to serve, the SC can appoint a Networker to serve until the next election is held.

M. Quorum
A quorum shall be a minimum of eight members of the SC.

1. Except as provided by law, no business shall be considered by the SC where a quorum is not present except to set the date for the next meeting and move to adjourn.
2. At a legitimate meeting in which a quorum is initially present but lost due to the departure of SC member/s during the meeting, informal discussion may continue but no binding decisions shall be made; the call should end as soon as possible after the quorum is lost.

N. Voting in Absentia
A SC member unable to attend or participate in a particular meeting may consult the printed agenda for the call and submit in writing or by electronic mail to the Recording Secretary comments and/or a vote on any issue listed on the agenda or likely to be introduced as New Business during the call. The Secretary shall report at the meeting any comments/votes received from absent members and file said votes with the minutes of the proceedings of the SC. Actions taken on resolutions including written absentia votes shall have the same force and effect as any other resolution of the SC.

O. Full and Free Discussion
Resolutions and decisions of the SC shall be taken only after full and free discussion to include at least ten minutes of open discussion followed by the opportunity for each SC member present to have up to two minutes to state, without interruption, his or her view. The SC shall strive to achieve consensus on all substantive issues by negotiating with one another respectfully and in good faith, and suggesting compromises. The meeting chair shall solicit and entertain motions for synthesis designed to harmonize or include in any resolution or decision allowances to accommodate or at least acknowledge contrasting or opposing points of view. Where consensus is not reached within two calls, a vote shall be called and a minimum 2/3 majority required for passage of the proposed motion.

P. Resolutions of the Steering Committee

1. With all SC members present and participating, an issue involving an outlay of cash of $500 or more, or a new project or initiative, shall be approved if no more than two SC members register dissenting votes.
2. For regular day-to-day operational issues, only a simple majority vote is required.
3. When not all SC members are present, three dissenters can cause a matter to be tabled until the Recording Secretary can solicit in writing the vote/s of any absentee/s. Votes not received within two weeks of solicitation shall be considered abstentions. SC members who voted on the call may change their vote during this two week period by submitting the change in writing to the recording secretary. After the two week period, the matter shall pass if no more than three members of the SC have registered a dissenting vote. After all SC members have registered their votes, including abstentions, the Recording Secretary shall send the entire SC a written/electronic report with the name and vote of each member and the final disposition of the matter. Said report shall be added to the meeting minutes, including any written comments by the minority dissenters, and published in the newsletter at the request of any dissenter.
4. Proxy votes are prohibited.

Q. Action by Consensus Without Meeting
Only when immediate action is required that does not warrant an emergency meeting for discussion and when action cannot be postponed until the next regular SC call, can a motion be considered and vote taken by the SC without a meeting. In such a case, written/electronic responses to the motion will be gathered from each SC member and it shall be approved if no more than two SC members register dissenting votes. It will then be recorded and filed with the minutes, and acted upon. Any certificate or document filed under any provision of law relating to the action taken shall state that the action was approved by written consent of the SC without a meeting and that the SC is authorized to such action by the Bylaws of the Network; such statement shall be prima facie evidence of such authority.

R. Non-liability of Members of the Steering Committee
Members of the SC shall not be personally liable for the debts, liabilities, or other obligations of the Network.

S. Indemnification by the Network of Members of the Steering Committee, Officers, Employees, and Other Agents

1. To the extent that a person who is, or was, a member of the SC, officer, employee, or other agent of this corporation has been successful on the merits in defense of any civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative proceeding brought to procure a judgment against such person by reason of the fact that he or she is, or was, an agent of the corporation, or has been successful in the defense of any claim, issue, or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses actually and reasonable incurred by the person in connection with such proceeding.
2. If such person either settles any such claim or sustains a judgment against him or her, then indemnification against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements, and other amounts reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such proceedings may be provided by the Network but only to the extent allowed by and in accordance with the requirements of Section 5238 of the California Non-profit Public Benefit Corporation Law.
3. The SC may adopt a resolution authorizing the purchase and/or maintenance of insurance on behalf of any agent of the Network (including a member of the SC, officer, employee, or other agent of the Network) against any liability other than for violating provisions of law (as delineated in Section 5233 of the California Non-profit Public Benefit Corporation Law).\

Section 3: Area Coordinators

A. Purpose
To vouchsafe the original Networking mandate of AFAN and maintain a high level of direct involvement with the national and international astrological community, each SC member shall serve as an Area Liaison in regular contact and working with the designated Area Coordinator/s.

B. Delineation of Areas
For the purposes of organization and promotion, the Areas shall be delineated as follows:
Area 1: Russia and Eastern Europe
Area 2: United Kingdom, Northern and Central Europe
Area 3: Southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa
Area 4: Far East including China, Japan, Korea, and India
Area 5: Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica
Area 6: Central and South America
Area 7: Greenland and Canada
Area 8: Alaska, Hawaii, Philippines
Area 9: US Pacific Time Zone
Area 10: US Mountain Time Zone and Mexico
Area 11: US Central Time Zone
Area 12: US Eastern Time Zone

C. Definition
Area Coordinators shall act as “ambassadors” within the Network and to non-Network individuals and groups interested in astrology. They shall be non-paid members who volunteer to serve as collectors and disseminators of information and shall advise their SC liaison of pertinent area, regional, and local issues and concerns as well as facilitate and coordinate Network communication and activities in their area, such as gatherings planned for celebrating the annual International Astrology Day.

D. Duties and Responsibilities
Area Coordinators shall:

1. act as spokesperson between members in their Area and the SC liaison;
2. respond to concerns, questions, and suggestions of members in their area;
3. organize and delegate tasks to facilitate communication between the Network and local/regional astrological communities;
4. form an area communication tree using telephone and/or email conduits reaching individual members and astrological organizations;
5. monitor media for public comments or publicity regarding astrology and report any findings to the SC chairs of the Media Watch Committee and the Legal Information Committee when appropriate; and
6. encourage, promote, and report on celebrations of International Astrology Day and other AFAN sponsored activities within their area.

E. Powers
Area Coordinators have the power to call a Network election on a specific issue by submitting a petition stating the issue and accompanied by signatures of 10% of all voting members or 25% of Area Coordinators or 12 members of the Advisory Council, according to the procedures outlined in Article 5 below.

F. Selection and Termination
The decision to accept or decline a member’s services as a coordinator shall be made by the SC. If there is any question regarding the Committee declining a member’s offer to serve, the matter shall be resolved through agreement among the member, Area Liaison and Presiding Officer.

G. Term of Service
The Coordinator’s term of service shall be two (2) years, after which s/he can be re-appointed indefinitely to additional two-year terms.

Section 4: Advisors

A. Definition
The Advisory Council consists of a maximum of 24 active members, either former SC members who have completed a full term of office or members who are respected figures in the field whom the SC invites and appoints. (Advisors who become non-members lose their advisory status but can be re-appointed if they rejoin.) Members cannot belong to both the SC and the Advisory Council. The normal term of advisors shall be four years though the SC can invite them to accept an appointment for an additional term/s.

B. Rights and Functions
The Advisory Council individually and collectively advises the SC. They may be invited to sit in on SC meetings as nonvoting members and advise on specific issues. The Advisory Council shall serve as a nominating committee for the selection of a presiding officer. Any twelve (12) advisors have the power to call a Network election on any specific issue by submitting a signed petition to the SC.

C. Recall
An advisor may be recalled using the recall guidelines and procedures set for SC members in Article Four, Section 2.K.

Section 5: Officers

A. Number, Elections and Term
As required by law, the Network shall have three (3) officers, a Presiding Officer, a Recording Secretary, and a Chief Financial Officer designated as the Treasurer. None of these offices shall be held by the same person concurrently. The term of the Treasurer is dictated by limits of service on the SC. The term for the Presiding Officer shall be three (3) years, renewable by the SC. There shall be no term limit for Recording Secretary.

B. Qualifications, Vacancies, Termination and Resignation

1. The Recording Secretary shall not be a member of the SC and shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the SC. The Secretary shall hold office and may be compensated for his/her services.
2. The Treasurer shall be a member of the SC appointed to serve as chair of the Finance and Treasury Committee and serves as Treasurer at the pleasure of the SC, and may be compensated for his/her services.
3. The Presiding Officer shall not be a member of the SC, shall volunteer to serve, is appointed by resolution of the SC, and serves at the pleasure of the SC, and may be compensated for his/her services.
4. Any officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by the SC, at any time. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the SC. Any such resignation shall take effect at the date of the deposit of such notice in the mail or at any later date specified therein, and the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
5. A vacancy caused by the death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or otherwise, of any officer shall be filled through an appointment by the SC.

C. Recording Secretary
The Secretary shall

1. certify and keep at the principal office of the corporation or at such other place as the SC may determine, the original, or a copy, of these Bylaws as amended or otherwise altered to date;
2. during conference calls and meetings of the SC, tape record and take notes on proceedings without actively participating in the discussion (except to correct misstatements of previously established facts, misquotes or inaccurate characterizations of position; to insert relevant information regarding previous discussions; to respond to inquiries for clarification of facts, history of discussion, and accurate quotations and characterizations, or to request clarification);
3. after a meeting of the SC,
a. transcribe or take notes from the recording, produce a report (“minutes”) of the call or meeting, and distribute said report in a timely manner to all members of the SC;
b. prepare a synopsis of the call or meeting and distribute it to the Editor of the Newsletter and such other persons as the SC shall designate;
4. keep with the Bylaws of the Network a permanent record of minutes of all meetings of the SC, elections and meetings of the membership, stating therein the time and place of holding, whether in person, by phone, computer or mail, whether regular or special, how called, how notice was given, the names of those present and participating, and the proceedings thereof;
5. be custodian of the seal of the Network and see that the seal is affixed on behalf of the Network to all duly executed documents, the execution of which is authorized by law or by these Bylaws;
6. exhibit at all reasonable times to any member of the SC, or to his/her agent or attorney, on request, the minutes of the proceedings of the SC; and
7. in general, perform such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation of the Network, or by these Bylaws, or which may be assigned to him/her from time to time by the SC.
8. Limitation: No material shall be printed which promotes or demeans any group or individual astrological business or career, or promotes or demeans any astrological theories, concepts, systems, approaches, techniques, or procedures

D. Treasurer
Subject to the provisions of Article Six of the Bylaws, the Treasurer shall

1. have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds and securities of the Network, and shall promptly deposit all such funds in the name of the Network in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be approved by the SC;
2. receive, and give receipt for, monies due and payable to the Network from any source whatsoever;
3. disburse or cause to be disbursed the funds of the corporation as may be directed by the SC or required by these Bylaws, taking property vouchers for such disbursements;
4. except as otherwise expressly provided by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws, execute in the name of the Network such deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, checks, or other instruments which may from time to time be authorized by the SC;
5. keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of the Network’s properties and business transactions, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, and losses;
6. report to the SC at each of its regular meetings, and at any special meetings if requested to do so, and to the Network quarterly through the Newsletter, the income, expenses, account balances, and general financial condition of the Network, recommending the need to increase revenues or to increase or decrease expenditures when necessary;
7. exhibit at all reasonable times the books of account and financial records to any member of the SC, or to his/her agent or attorney, on request thereof;
8. render to the SC, when requested, an account of any or all of his/her transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Network;
9. prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify, or cause to be certified, the financial statements to be included in any required report;
10. prepare, or cause to be prepared, and submit to the SC for approval expenditures exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00); and
11. in general, perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation of the Network, or by these Bylaws, or which may be assigned to him/her from time to time by the SC.

E. Presiding Officer
The Presiding Officer shall

1. conduct and supervise, all elections, ballots, confirmations, and meetings, if any, of the membership, in consultation with and in furtherance of cooperation among the SC, insuring that all Network policies concerning petitions and elections are executed in accordance with the provisions of the Network’s Bylaws;
2. act as co-chair of Democratic Procedures Committee and as parliamentarian for the Network at all general meetings;
3. represent the Network, or insure that the Network will be represented, at regional, national and international astrological conferences, supplying the AFAN representatives with newsletters, brochures, and other promotional and/or educational literature;
4. negotiate with other organizations sponsoring conferences for Networker meetings at those conferences; and otherwise,
5. perform only such duties as may be required by law and not assigned to other officers or members of the SC in these Bylaws.

Section 6: Publications and Sponsored Activities

A. Newsletter

1. Frequency and Distribution
Newsletter shall be distributed to the Network at least four (4) times each year: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall, or at such additional times as the SC may decide. The newsletter may be distributed physically and/or electronically to the Network.
2. Purpose
The Newsletter shall be the Network’s primary medium to disseminate news, views, and information about the Network, its activities, purposes, projects, and issues, and news about astrology and other astrological organizations. The Newsletter shall represent both majority and minority points of view, and the term “represent” shall mean “to describe in essence.”
3. Limitations
a. No material shall be printed which promotes or demeans any group or individual astrological business or career, or promotes or demeans any astrological theories, concepts, systems, approaches, techniques, or procedures.
b. No paid or unpaid advertisements shall appear in the Newsletter.
4. Editor
The chair of the Publications Committee may, but need not, act as the Editor of the Newsletter. If the chair of the Publications Committee is not the Editor of the Newsletter, the SC shall appoint an Editor. If the Editor is not a member of the SC, the Editor shall not be relieved of duties or post, solely by the member of the SC chairing the Publications Committee. Neither shall the Editor of the Newsletter be removed from his or her post except for cause. “Cause” in this connection shall consist of failure to perform the “duties and responsibilities” of Editor of the Newsletter outlined herein, or any act of journalistic irresponsibility that endangers the continuation or the achievement of the aims and objectives of the Network. If the Editor of the Newsletter is not a member of the SC, s/he shall be entitled to audit the meetings of the SC. Here “audit” means to listen to and take notes on the proceedings, remaining silent unless invited by the SC to speak.

B. Membership Directory
A member directory shall be prepared and published in the Spring of even-numbered years. The SC can decide to make the directory available either physically or electronically.

C. Electronic Communications
Other than the newsletter, each SC shall decide what specific kinds of communications and publications it wishes to sponsor and maintain. Any interactive electronic lists initiated must include specific guidelines for participants to assure the rights of free speech without allowing the demeaning, slandering, or libeling of others. Any participant violating those guidelines shall be dropped from contributing to the list for three months; a second violation shall result in permanent removal as a participant on that specific list.

D. International Astrology Day
The SC shall encourage and promote activities which are designed to celebrate International Astrology Day on or near the Spring Equinox each year. Said activities shall be publicized in the newsletter, on the AFAN website, and on electronic lists when available.

E. Other Sponsored Activities
In addition to cooperating with other organizations such as ISAR and NCGR in sponsoring UAC, the SC shall strive to provide AFAN-sponsored networking opportunities at local, regional, national, and international conferences.

ARTICLE FIVE: DEMOCRATIC PROCEDURES

Section 1: Network Elections

A. Ballot
As AFAN is a communications Network not centered in any particular locality, a ballot can be sent to all members via email, regular mail, or the newsletter in lieu of an annual meeting. The ballot return deadline shall be set by the SC and publicized with issuance of the ballot. An annual meeting may be held at a conference or other Network event in addition to the mailed ballot, but attendance at an annual meeting shall not be mandatory or required to vote. If a meeting of Networkers is held, no action shall be taken except to refer a proposed action to the SC or to the members for determination by written ballot.

B. Annual and Other Regular Elections
In addition to such other business as may appear on the ballot, members of the SC shall be elected for four year terms in even-numbered years, with no more than nine positions being replaced during any election. (To begin the staggered election process, one half [6] of the SC elected in 2002 shall by assent or lottery serve a four year term instead of the two-year term to which they were elected.)

Section 2. Special Elections.

A. Persons Who May Call Special Elections
Special elections by the Networkers may be called by resolution of the SC, by twelve (12) Advisors, by four Coordinators or by ten percent (10%) of the Networkers with voting rights.

B. Rules Governing Special Elections
Special elections by the Networkers shall be conducted according to the provisions set forth in this Article and in Article Four above.

Section 3. Conduct of Elections and Meetings
All elections, ballots, and confirmations shall be conducted and supervised by the Presiding Officer, in cooperation with the Membership Chair and the SC. General Meetings, if any, shall be presided over by the Presiding Officer, in cooperation with any members of the SC present at the meeting, or in the absence of the Presiding Officer, by the eldest member of the SC present at the meeting. The Recording Secretary shall file all meetings of members, provided that in his or her absence, the Presiding Officer shall appoint another person to act as Secretary of the meeting. Meetings shall be governed by rules to be set by the SC and published in advance of a meeting, insofar as such rules are not inconsistent with or in conflict with these Bylaws, the Articles of Incorporation of the Network, or any provision of law.

Section 4. Required Number of Ballots
Approval by written ballot of the membership shall be valid only when the number of votes cast by ballot within the time period specified equals or exceeds ten percent (10%) of the membership. If a sufficient number of ballots is not received within the time period specified, the membership shall be informed of such insufficiency, and an additional thirty (30) days shall be allowed for receipt of additional ballots; ballots received within the original time period shall be kept secure and uncounted until a sufficient number of ballots is received.

Section 5. Votes Required for Passage of Issues
An issue shall have been approved by the membership when the number of approvals exceeds five percent (5%) of the membership or half of the votes cast regarding the issue, whichever is greater, except if the Network’s Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, or Standing Rules would be changed thereby, in which case the number of approvals must exceed two-thirds (2/3) of ten percent (10%) of the membership or two-thirds of the votes cast regarding the issue, whichever is greater.

Section 6. Manner of Giving Notice for Elections
Notice of an election by members shall be given by mail, addressed to the member at the address of such member appearing in the records of the Network. If any notice so mailed is returned by the United States Postal Service (USPS) marked to indicate that the USPS is unable to deliver the notice to the member at such address, all future notices or reports shall be deemed to have been duly given without further mailing if the notices or reports shall be available for the member upon written demand for a period of one year from the date of giving of notice or report to all other members.

Section 7. Notice of Annual or Regular Elections
At least thirty-five (35) days and not more than one hundred eighty (180) days before the annual ballots are to be counted, each Networker shall be informed of the subject matter and procedures of the election. At least thirty-five (35) days and not more than ninety (90) days before the ballots are to be counted, each member shall be provided with an appropriate ballot and with election materials specifying:

1. the election date;
2. the positions and/or issues to be voted upon, including statements for and against each issue of not more than two hundred fifty (250) words each for each issue;
3. the number of voted ballots required to meet the requirement for quorum;
4. except for the election of members of the SC, the percentage of approvals needed to pass the measure under consideration; in the case of election of members of the SC, the names, addresses, and campaign statements of all those who are nominees at the time the election materials are mailed.

Section 8. Notice of Special Elections
When an election is required according to the procedures outlined in Articles Eleven and Twelve below,

1. The chair of the Membership Committee shall, within ten (10) days after receipt of a petition, verify that the signatures on it have been placed there by the required number of Networkers with voting rights.
AND
2. Within twenty (20) days of receipt of the petition, the SC shall set the election date and the Presiding Officer shall notify the Network that an election is to be held on said date.
3. The election date shall not be less than thirty-five (35) nor more than ninety (90) days after receipt of the petition. At the time a special election is called, the SC may resolve to place additional issues on the ballot, but only if notice for them is given with notice of the special election. Notice for a special election shall contain

a. the election date,
b. a statement of the issues to be voted upon,
c. the number of voted ballots required to meet the requirement for quorum, and
d. the percentage of approvals required to pass the measure under consideration.

4. The ballots for a special election shall be mailed to Networkers eligible to vote at least fifteen (15) days before the election date, and the election materials sent with the ballots shall contain statements for and against each issue limited in length to two hundred fifty (250) words for and two hundred fifty (250) words against each issue.

Section 9. Ballots
Ballots shall set forth the proposed action, provide an opportunity to specify approval or disapproval of each proposal, provide that where the person solicited specifies a choice with respect to any such proposal the vote shall be cast in accordance therewith, and provide a reasonable time within which to return the ballot in order for it to be counted. Ballots shall be mailed in the manner required for giving notice of meetings specified in Section 6 of this Article. Ballots or the election materials provided with the ballots shall also indicate the number of responses needed to meet the required number of ballots and, except for ballots soliciting votes for the election of members of the SC and for the confirmation of Coordinators, shall state the percentage of approvals necessary to pass the measure submitted. The ballots must specify the time by which they must be received by the Network in order to be counted. A ballot may not be revoked after its receipt by the Network or its deposit in the mail, whichever comes first.

Section 10. Procedures for Nomination and Election of Members of the SC
The Network shall make available to members reasonable nomination and election procedures with respect to the election of Members of the SC.

Section 11. Voting
Except for the election of members of the SC, each Networker with voting rights is entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote by the members. When electing Members of the SC, each voter may vote for one person per announced vacancy up to a maximum of nine (9), including write-in candidates. Cumulative voting for members of the SC shall not be permitted. Networkers are urged to vote and return their ballots. Networkers whose annual dues have expired and not been renewed within sixty (60) days of the election date, are urged to pay their dues, vote, and return their ballots.

Section 12. Voting Procedures
Only Networkers eligible at the time ballots are mailed shall receive ballots. Voters shall be provided a personalized envelope for return of their ballot. Ballots shall be returned to the Presiding Officer.

Section 13. Verification of Ballots
The Presiding Officer and the Membership Chair shall cooperate to verify that ballots counted have been voted only by Networkers eligible to vote, and that each eligible Networker has voted only once.

Section 14. Receipt and Counting of Ballots
Returned ballots shall be kept secure until the date fixed for counting ballots. Ballots shall be counted under the supervision of the Presiding Officer, with at least two others present who may or may not be members, in such a place and at such a time that any Networker might reasonably be present should he or she desire to make the effort to do so. Members of the SC and candidates for election or recall shall not receive, count, or participate in counting the ballots.

Section 15. Announcement of Results
The results of an election shall be announced immediately after the ballots are counted and shall also be published in the Newsletter following the election.

Section 16. Challenge to an Election
The conduct of an election may be challenged according to the procedure for initiative.

Section 17. Initiatives
This process is included herein to assure that the concerns of any Networker or group of Networkers have an avenue of expression and redress within the organization.

A. Informal Procedure
Any member may cause an issue to be placed on the agenda of the SC by contacting a member of the SC, expressing his or her concern, and requesting that the issue be placed on the agenda of the next SC meeting.

B. Formal Procedure
If the SC declines to consider an issue after being asked informally to do so, or if after consideration, the issue is being ignored or handled wrongly by the SC, the concerned member(s) may require the SC to consider or reconsider the issue at its next meeting, with the concerned member(s) participating in the discussion, by submitting such request in writing to the entire SC. If several Networkers are concerned about the same issue, they shall appoint a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of five (5) persons to serve as a negotiating committee and spokespersons for the group. If the concerned members are unable to agree upon a negotiating committee (“negotiators”), the SC may adopt reasonable procedures to select five (5) persons from the group of concerned members to so act.

C. Speedy Resolution
The SC may call a special meeting to consider the issue but if a special meeting is not called, or if the SC and the negotiating committee cannot agree on a date and time for a special meeting, the SC shall address the issue at its next meeting.

D. Petition
If after discussion including the negotiating committee, no agreement can be worked out between the concerned Networkers and the SC, the concerned Networkers can cause the issue to be voted upon by the membership by gathering on a petition, stating the issue and a supporting statement for it, the signatures of at least ten percent (10%) of all Networkers with voting rights and by submitting such petition to the Presiding Officer. A petition signed by twelve (12) Advisors, or by twenty-five percent (25%) of all Coordinators which number of Coordinators need not exceed ten percent (10%) of the Networkers, shall also require a special election to be held.

E. Wording on the Ballot
The issue shall be worded as a question that can be answered “yes” or “no,” with a “yes” vote representing the desire for a change to occur and a “no” vote representing the wish to retain the status quo. The election materials shall also contain statements for and against the issue, each limited to two-hundred-fifty (250) words.

F. Immediate Special Election
If the concerned Networker(s) wish(es) to bypass discussion and negotiation with the SC, and wish to cause a special election to be held, they may at any time submit a petition stating the issue and a supporting statement for it and containing the signatures of at least ten percent (10%) of all Networkers with voting rights.

G. Passage of an Initiative
An affirmative vote from a majority of the Networkers voting on the issue shall pass the initiative, except if passage would mean changing the Network’s Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, or Standing Rules, in which case passage shall require affirmative vote from two-thirds (2/3) of the Networkers voting in the election. If an initiative passes, it shall become policy of the Network and shall be executed and administered in good faith by the SC.

ARTICLE SIX: FINANCES AND TREASURY

Section 1. Limitation on Source(s) of Income
The Network shall not engage in profit-making business activities unrelated to the purposes outlined in Article Three above.

Section 2. Disbursement of Resources
As the resources of the Network come from the astrological community, the resources of the Network shall benefit or go back into the astrological community through the Network’s various activities, programs, and projects. The accumulation of capital per se shall not be a purpose of the Network. Networkers are invited and urged to contribute to the support of the Network’s various activities. Bequests and endowments, and donations and contributions in excess of a member’s dues, should be directed to the Network’s specific funds or to a specific project. All monies acquired by the Network shall be spent on activities, programs, and projects that further the purposes of the Network as outlined in Article Three above and that benefit the astrological community.

Section 3. Administrative Expenses
The only administrative expenses the Network shall incur shall be for supplies, literature, phone calls, and other tools of effective communication. Until the membership in the Network the Network reaches 1200, only the Recording Secretary shall be a paid or salaried officer, although the reasonable expenses of members of the SC may be reimbursed. With a network of over 1200 members, the SC may allocate a stipend for the Network’s other officers and/or for the Membership Secretary.

Section 4. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Network shall run from October 1 to September 30.

Section 5. Execution of Instruments
Only the SC may by resolution authorize a Networker or other person to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Network, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized, no Networker or other person shall have any power or authority to bind the Network by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it monetarily liable for any purpose in any amount.

Section 6. Checks and Notes
Except as otherwise specifically determined by resolution of the SC, or as otherwise required by law, checks, drafts, promissory notes, orders for the payment of money, and other evidence of indebtedness of the Network shall be signed by the Treasurer. Checks, drafts, promissory notes, orders for the payment of money, and other evidence of the indebtedness of the Network exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00) shall be approved in advance by the SC.

Section 7. Gifts
The Treasurer and the SC may accept on behalf of the Network any contribution, gift, bequest, or device for the nonprofit purposes of the Network.

Section 8. Prohibition Against Sharing Network Profits and Assets
No Networker or any other person connected with the Network shall receive at any time any of the net earnings or pecuniary profit from the operations of the Network, provided, however, that this provision shall not prevent payment to any such person for reasonable compensation for services performed for the Network in effecting any of its purposes, provided that such compensation is otherwise permitted by these Bylaws and is fixed by resolution of the SC.

Section 9. Annual Accounting Review
By the request of the SC, the financial records of the Network may be reviewed annually by a Certified Public Accountant at a level appropriate to the circumstances and as may be required by law.

Section 10. Annual Report

A. As required by law and subject to the exceptions provided by law, the SC shall cause an annual report to be prepared and sent to the members of the SC, and published and sent to the Networkers when required by law, not later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the close of the Network’s fiscal year. Such annual report shall contain in appropriate detail

1. the assets and liabilities, including the trust funds, of the Network as of the end of the fiscal year;
2. the principal changes in assets and liabilities, including trust funds, during the fiscal year;
3. the revenue or receipts of the Network, both unrestricted and restricted to particular purposes, for the fiscal year;
4. the expenses and disbursements of the Network, for both general and restricted purposes, during the fiscal year; and
5. any information required by Section 11 of this Article.

B. If an annual report is not required by law in any given year, a report with the information required in Subsection a above shall be prepared, within one hundred twenty (120) days of the close of the fiscal year, and furnished to all members of the SC and to any Networker who requests it in writing.

C. The annual report shall be accompanied by any report thereon of independent accountants, or there is no such report, the certificate of an authorized office of the Network that such statements were prepared without audit from the Network’s books and records.

Section 11. Annual Statement of Specific Transactions to Members
If the Network sends an annual report to the members according to the provisions of Section 10 of this Article, then such an annual report shall include the information on transactions required by this Section. If an annual report is not required to be sent to the members, then the Network shall mail or deliver to the members a statement within one hundred twenty (120) days after the close of the fiscal year which briefly describes the amount and circumstances of any transaction or indemnification in which the Network was a party and in which any member of the SC had a direct or indirect material or financial interest. Such a statement need be provided only with respect to a transaction from the general fund during the previous fiscal year involving more than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), or which was one of a number of transactions with the same person involving, in the aggregate, more than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00). Similarly, the statement need only be provided with respect to indemnification or advances aggregating more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) paid during the previous fiscal year to any member of the SC or officer other than Recording Secretary, except that no such statement need be made if such indemnification was approved by the members pursuant to Section 5238(e)(2) of the California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law.

ARTICLE SEVEN: BYLAWS

Section 1: Ratification and Prohibitions
Additions Within Four (4) Years of Ratification. During the four (4) year period immediately following ratification of these Bylaws, Articles, Sections, and/or clauses already contained herein, may be added by resolution of the SC and approval of a majority of Networkers voting on the issue.

Section 2: Amendments
Subject to any provision of law applicable to the amendment of Bylaws of nonprofit corporations, these Bylaws, or any of them, may be altered, amended, or repealed and new Bylaws adopted if two-thirds (2/3) of the Networkers voting on the issue agree to the proposed change, provided, however, that no amendment of these Bylaws shall materially and adversely affect the rights of the Networkers or their access to Network information, resources, or tools of communication, or alter substantially the purposes of the Network.

ARTICLE EIGHT: RECORDS AND SEALS

Section 1. Maintenance of Corporate Records
The Network shall keep at its principal office in the State of California, or at such other place as the SC may designate

1. minutes of all meetings of the SC, of all meetings and written ballots of the membership, indicating the time and place of such meetings, whether regular or special, how called, the notice given, and the names of those present and the proceedings thereof;
2. adequate and correct books and records of account, including accounts of the Network’s properties and business transactions and accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, and losses, and
3. a record of its members, indicating their names, addresses, voting rights, and the termination date of any membership.
D. A copy of the Network’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws as amended to date, copies of which shall be sent to all new Networkers and made available subsequently to any Networker upon request and upon receipt of the actual cost of duplicating and mailing said additional copies.

Section 2. Corporate Seal
The SC may adopt, use, and at will alter, a corporate seal. Such seal shall be kept at the principal office of the Network or at such other place as the SC shall designate. Failure to affix the seal to corporate instruments, however, shall not affect the validity of any such instrument.

Section 3. Inspection Rights of SC Members
Every member of the SC shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect and copy all books, records, and documents of every kind and to inspect the physical properties of the Network, except as prohibited by law or Article Four, Sections 5.C.8 or 6.A.3 of these bylaws.

Section 4. Networkers’ Inspection Rights
Every Networker with voting rights shall have the following inspection rights:

1. to be sent a copy of all members’ names, addresses, and voting rights, within ten (10) days of receipt of such request, and upon receipt of the actual cost of generating, copying, and mailing said list; and
2. to inspect at any reasonable time the books, records, or minutes of proceedings of the members or of the SC, upon written demand on the Network by the member, for a purpose reasonably related to such person’s interest as a member, except as prohibited by law or Article Four, Sections 5.C.8 or 6.A.3 of these bylaws.

Section 5. Right to Copy and Make Extracts
Any inspection under the provisions of this Article may be made in person or by agent or attorney and the right to inspection includes the right to copy and make extracts.

ARTICLE NINE: MERGERS
Unanimous agreement of the Steering Committee shall be required in order for the Steering Committee to submit to the Networkers eligible to vote a ballot issue proposing to merge the Network into another organization. Such a ballot issue shall be phrased, “Shall AFAN cease to exist as a separate entity and become merged into (name of other organization).” The merger shall pass if it gathers the required number of ballots and more affirmative than negative votes.

ARTICLE TEN: DISSOLUTION OF THE NETWORK

Section 1. Septenary Election
Every seven (7) years beginning in 1989, and continuing in 1996, 2003, 2010, etc., the following question shall be submitted to the Networkers on the annual ballot: “Shall AFAN continue to exist?” If a majority of those voting vote “no,” AFAN shall cease to exist, unless three hundred (300) voters vote “yes,” in which case AFAN shall continue to exist.

Section 2. Limitation on Distribution of Assets
Should the Network ever dissolve, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, no Networker and no other person or persons connected with the Network shall be entitled to share in the distribution of, and shall not receive, any of the Network’s assets on such dissolution of the Network. All Networkers shall be deemed to have expressly consented and agreed that on dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Network, after all debts have been satisfied, then remaining shall be distributed as required by the Network’s Articles of Incorporation and not otherwise.

ARTICLE ELEVEN: STANDING RULES OF AFAN

Section I. History

Rule I. History and Stance Toward Democratic Procedures
AFAN was founded originally, informally, as a special activities group of members of the American Federation of Astrologers, Inc. (AFA) to promote the conformity of the AFA with the aims and objectives set forth in the AFA Charter and with fair and democratic procedures and elections. AFAN supports democratic principles and free speech in astrology, among individuals, within organizations, and in the community at large, and will work within the law to create opportunities for free speech and rights for astrologers everywhere.

Section II. The Steering Committee

Rule II-1. Duties and Responsibilities of the Chair of Meetings of the SC
The chair of a meeting of the SC shall

1. confirm with the recording secretary items of old business to be included on the agenda of the next meeting;
2. during the period between meetings, solicit from the other members of the SC items for the agenda of the next meeting;
3. not less than 5 days before the next meeting of the SC prepare and email the agenda for the next meeting to the SC;
4. direct the meeting so all matters on the agenda can be handled within the time allotted, while moderating the call to provide full and free discussion, as defined in the Bylaws, of all issues;
5. maintain order and decorum on the call while insuring that all points of view are heard;
6. when appropriate, call for roundtable discussion, giving each member an uninterrupted statement limited to two (2) minutes duration;
7. when appropriate, call for and conduct in alphabetical order, a non-binding poll or formal vote; and
8. when appropriate, call for and entertain motions for synthesis of contrasting and/or conflicting ideas and other motions.

Rule II-2. Calls of the Steering Committee
The SC may pass a resolution requesting each member of the SC to contribute monies to defray the costs of conference telephone calls for SC meetings. The amount of money requested per SC member may not exceed 5% of the total cost.

Section III. Duties and Responsibilities of Committees.

In addition to duties and responsibilities specified herein, each committee shall perform such other functions and duties as are appropriate to the purview of the Committee as directed by the SC from time to time.

Rule III-1. The Advisory Committee
The Advisors’ Committee shall

1. create maximum opportunity for members of the Advisory Council to participate in the affairs of the Network;
2. recommend nominees to the SC for appointment to the Advisory Council and as Presiding Officer;
3. establish and maintain an active mentoring program;
4. solicit, receive, organize, and distribute to the members of the SC advice from the Advisory Council;
5. supervise the referral of matters by the SC to the Advisory Council; and
6. cooperate with the Recording Secretary to prepare and distribute to the Advisory Council synopses of the meetings of the SC when requested.

Rule III-2. The Community Activities Committee
The Community Activities Committee shall

1. cooperate with the Local and Regional Coordinators to determine and define the duties and functions of the Coordinators;
2. recruit, screen, and interview, and nominate potential Coordinators for acceptance by the SC;
3. support current Coordinators in the fulfillment of their duties;
4. organize the international telephone and/or email trees, in cooperation with the Coordinators;
5. promote local IAD activities;
6. confer with regional coordinators to solicit potential scholarship venues and nominees; and
7. coordinate with the Presiding Officer to make sure that AFAN promotional materials are made available to astrological groups and conferences.

Rule III-3. The Correspondence Committee
The Correspondence Committee shall

1. receive all mail addressed to the Network through the mail drop or PO box;
2. distribute mail to the appropriate committee or the Presiding Officer;
3. forward all bills, funds, and donations to the Treasurer;
4. respond to inquiries about the Network according to guidelines and policies established by the SC;
5. photocopy or save to disk and refer letters outside this committee’s authority to answer, asking to be copied on any written answers provided by other SC members or the Presiding Officer;
6. maintain files of correspondence;
7. check the 800 number at least weekly for messages and refer calls to other committees when appropriate;
8. set up teleconferencing meetings and notice SC of said meetings; and
9. maintain inventory of stationery for distribution to SC members.

Rule III-4. The Democratic Procedures Committee
The Democratic Procedures Committee shall

1. hear and investigate complaints, grievances, questions, and suggestions of Networkers and refer input on such matters to the SC;
2. maintain a website display of the current Bylaws;
3. send copies of these bylaws and/or successive versions thereof to Networkers who request them and who forward the cost of duplicating and mailing said copies; and
4. through its chair, operate as parliamentarian and sergeant-at-arms of the SC meetings.

Rule III-5. The Finance and Treasury Committee
The Finance and Treasury Committee, chaired by and under the supervision of the Treasurer, shall be responsible for the Network’s finances. The Treasurer shall

1. have charge and custody of, and be responsible for the care and accounting of all funds and securities of the Network, and shall deposit all such funds in the name of the Network in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected by the SC;
2. keep and maintain accurate and adequate records of the Network’s income, expenses, liabilities, assets, and fund balances;
3. monitor the revolving funds advanced to cover the expenses of committees and staff volunteers;
4. report at each SC meeting, and to the Network quarterly through the Newsletter, the income, expenses, fund balances and general financial condition of the Network, recommending the need to increase revenues or to increase or decrease expenditures when necessary;
5. disburse all monies approved for expenditure by the SC or by the Network’s Bylaws or Standing Rules;
6. obtain the approval of the SC for expenditures exceeding five hundred dollars ($500);
7. cause to be prepared and submitted annual tax statements for the Network; and
8. prepare and submit an annual budget, in writing, to the SC.

Rule III-6. The Membership Committee
The Membership Committee shall

1. process all membership applications and checks and forward all bills, checks, funds, and donations to the Treasurer;
2. maintain and update the membership list with records of Networkers whose dues are paid, due, in arrears, or expired;
3. give notice to Networkers to pay their dues;
4. maintain current records as to which Networkers are to be counted in the percentages applied to elections, petitions, and confirmations;
5. make available an electronic copy of the membership list to all Networkers who request it and hard copy to those who forward the cost of generating, duplicating and mailing it;
6. verify Networkers’ eligibility to vote and be counted in percentages applying to elections, ballots, petitions, and confirmations;
7. verify that the signatures submitted on petitions are names of Networkers who are eligible to vote;
8. maintain a newsletter mailing list with names and contact information of Networkers and other persons, organizations, and businesses with expressed interest in the activities of the Network or desire to be sent copies of the Newsletter; and
9. provide labels for mailing publications and for use by the SC on AFAN projects.

Rule III-7. The Publications Committee
The Publications Committee shall\

1. supervise the solicitation, selection, and editing of articles for the quarterly Newsletter and AFAN website, insuring the inclusion of all relevant information and points of view;
2. contact other committees for material;
3. arrange for, contract for, and supervise the typesetting, layout, printing, collating, labeling, stamping, and timely mailing of the Newsletter, website, emergency bulletins, and special letters, insuring that a sufficient number is printed for mailing to the extended newsletter list and distribution at upcoming conferences;
4. arrange for distributing Newsletters to conferences; and
5. be responsible for establishment and maintenance of any electronic lists established by the SC.

Rule III-8. The Legal Information Committee
The Legal Information Committee shall

1. investigate and report to the Network about the legal status of astrology and the rights and responsibilities of astrologers in various communities and locations;
2. prepare and distribute via the AFAN website and hard copy where requested, the legal information to help Networkers understand their constitutional and legal rights and responsibilities;
3. educate Networkers in effective legal advocacy, support them with information, and coordinate their efforts to secure and exercise their Constitutional rights;
4. confer with media concerning astrology and the law;
5. gather and maintain a file of information about local, regional, and national laws and ordinances which relate to the astrological professions;
6. with the approval of the SC, select and solicit advice, assistance, and legal services from attorneys; and
7. with the Presiding Officer, interface with attorneys regarding AFAN’s involvement in any litigation.

Rule III-9. The Public Information and Education Committee
The Public Information and Education Committee shall

1. collect and disseminate information on the treatment of astrology and AFAN in the media;
2. inform the SC of any media coverage requiring an AFAN response;
3. suggest and initiate response to media treatment of astrology and of AFAN, cooperating with other standing committee chairs when appropriate;
4. collect and disseminate information about available astrological degree and certification programs;
5. cooperate with the Community Activities Committee in encouraging local and regional groups to present programs which promote discussion, research, and debate on significant astrological issues and professional concerns; and
6. coordinate with the Legal and Publications Committees in preparing and distributing educational materials, including press releases and promotional papers, for community and public outreach.

Section IV. Finances
The Finance and Treasury Committee, chaired by and under the supervision of the Treasurer, shall be responsible for the Network’s finances.

Rule IV-1. Funds
The Network shall maintain separate ledger accounts and/or bank accounts for a minimum of the General Fund; Action and Revolving Fund; Grants and Scholarships Fund; and the Johnny Lister Memorial Fund.

1. The General Fund shall receive all membership dues and unrestricted contributions, donations, bequests, and grants;
2. Any structural or activities committee or staff volunteer may request that an Action or Revolving Fund be established for it, to make available to it advance monies that would otherwise be reimbursed to its members, that is, monies required in the discharge of the committee’s duties and responsibilities. Action or Revolving Funds shall be established to receive and disburse monies budgeted for specific purposes or to receive and disburse restricted donations, contributions, bequests or grants.
3. A Grants and Scholarships Fund shall be established and funded, and monies shall be disbursed from it, according to the provisions outlined in Rule V-1 below.
4. The Johnny Lister Memorial Fund is established and funded by the Network out of its General Fund, in addition to any restricted grants, donations, or bequests the Fund may receive. The monies of the Johnny Lister Memorial Fund shall be disbursed, upon resolution of the SC, to Networkers in need of financial aid to defray extraordinary expenses related to their health and welfare.

Rule IV-2. The Annual Budget
One to two (1-2) months before the end of each fiscal year, the Treasurer shall prepare a written budget for submission to the SC and publication in the next Newsletter. The budget shall allocate reasonable, substantial, and significant funds to Scholarships and Grants and to the Johnny Lister Memorial Fund. For purposes of this Rule, “reasonable, substantial, and significant” means sufficient to indicate Network support for these activities and to enable these programs to accomplish their purposes. To override these guidelines, or to appropriate monies from Scholarships and Grants or from the Johnny Lister Memorial Fund, for other purposes, unanimous agreement of the SC must be secured and such action announced in the next Newsletter, inviting comment and suggestions for action from the Network.

Section V. Scholarships and Grants

Rule V-1. Disbursement
Each fiscal year, AFAN shall disburse no less than ten percent (10%) of its net income in scholarships and grants to the astrological community, with preference given to but not limited to AFAN members. Said scholarships shall be given to help defray the cost of attending conferences which promote networking or to help with costs incurred while attending certified or accredited astrologically-related academic programs.

Section VI. AFAN Seed Groups

Rule VI-1. Purpose of this Article
It is recognized that AFAN may not be able to respond to all needs of the astrological community, and that plurality of leadership becomes possible when values are shared. In the event that a significant minority of dues-paying members feels it might better pursue its agenda independently, such group may, in the orderly fashion described below, do so with or without the agreement of AFAN’s current leadership.

Rule VI-2. Petition to form a Seed Group
Such group must submit a petition bearing the signatures of at least ten percent (10%) of the Network’s legal members.

Rule VI-3. Requirement for Obtaining Nonprofit Status and for the Seed Group’s Purpose
The seed group must obtain nonprofit status for its organization under federal and state guidelines within six (6) months of submitting its petition. The purpose of the organization as set forth in its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws must fall within the purposes of AFAN, that is, some form of service to astrology, or to the astrological community or profession.

Rule VI-4. Grant of Seed Money
Once incorporated, the seed group shall be entitled to a one-time percentage dispersal from the AFAN treasury, based on the ratio of the number of seed group members to the number of AFAN’s legal members.

Rule VI-5. Calculation of Financial Assets
Calculation of financial assets awarded to the seed group shall be based on the contents of the treasury, the number of members with voting rights, and number of members of the seed group on the date of the petition. By “treasury” here is meant all monies under AFAN’s control, less accounts payable and monies that were restricted to specific purposes when given, if legally necessary to be excluded from this calculation. The monies paid to a seed group shall be disbursed from the general fund.

Rule VI-6. Limitation on Members’ Participation in Subsequent Seed Groups
Any individual Networker may participate in the formation of a seed group as described herein only one (1) time in a seven (7) year period.

 

 

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