SOUTHWEST ARCHAEOLOGY RESEARCH ALLIANCE BYLAWS

Adopted January 30, 2013

Amended August 4, 2013

 

Article I. Organization Name

 Section 1.

The name of the organization shall be Southwest Archaeology Research Alliance, hereinafter designated as SWARA. 

 

 Article II. Purpose

 Section 1.

The purpose of SWARA is to further the anthropological, scientific, and ethnohistoric understanding of past human occupation in the North American Southwest and adjacent regions, and its connections to modern indigenous cultures of the Southwest.

  

Article III. Membership

 Section 1. Membership

Membership in SWARA shall include the founders and the elected board of directors. SWARA reserves the right to create a category of non-voting, marketing members and/or non-voting, affiliate organizations.  Hereinafter “members and membership” refers to the voting members of SWARA, which include the founders and elected board of directors.

 Section 2. Stipulations of Voting

Membership is required for the casting of any official vote.

 Section 3. Revocation and the Process for Removing Members

Board membership and/or officership may be revoked. A vote to revoke membership shall require notification to the subject member of the intention to revoke membership and an official meeting of all voting members. Revocation of membership shall require a two-thirds majority of voting members, excluding the subject member.

 

 Article IV. Board of Directors and Officers

 Section 1.

The Board of Directors (hereinafter referred to as the Board) is responsible for setting policy and governing SWARA. The Board holds the power to conduct the nonprofit corporation’s business and to delegate that power as needed to an agent of the Board. The Board shall serve without pay (for their duties as Board members or officers) and consist of up to seven members. Board members shall serve three-year terms and may be re-elected for additional terms. Board members will be elected with a two-thirds majority of the voting members.

 Section 2.

The officers of the Board shall consist of a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer nominated by the Board. Elected officers will serve a term of two years. Officers will be elected with a simple majority of voting members. 

 Section 3.

(a)    The Chair shall preside at all Board meetings, appoint committee members, and perform other duties as associated with the office.

(b)   The Vice-Chair shall assume the duties of the Chair in case of the Chair’s absence.

(c)    The Secretary shall be responsible for the minutes of the Board, keep all approved minutes in a minute book, and deliver copies of minutes to members of the Board.

(d)   The Treasurer shall keep record of the organization’s budget and prepare financial reports as needed.

  

Article V. Meetings

 Section 1.

The Board shall meet at least three times a year. Additional meetings may be requested by one-third of the board and called by the Secretary. All voting members must be notified 10 days in advance of a meeting.

 Section 2.

Special meetings may be held at any time when called for by the Chair or a simple majority of voting members.

 

Article VI. Committees

 Section 1.

The Board may appoint standing and ad hoc committees as needed.

  

Article VII. Voting

 Section 1. 

(a)    A simple majority of Board members and one founding member constitutes a quorum.

(b)   In absence of a quorum, no formal action shall be taken except to adjourn the meeting to a subsequent date. 

 Section 2.

Passage of a motion requires a simple majority, provided a quorum is present.

 

 Article VIII. Conflict of Interest

 Section 1.

All members shall be required to sign and abide by the SWARA Conflict of Interest Policy. 

 Section 2.

Any member of the Board who has a financial, personal, or official interest in, or conflict (or appearance of a conflict) with any matter pending before the Board, of such nature that it prevents or may prevent that member from acting on the matter in an impartial manner, will offer to the Board to excuse him/herself voluntarily, and will vacate his/her seat and refrain from discussion and voting on said item.

  

Article IX. Fiscal Policies

 Section 1.

The fiscal year of SWARA shall be 01 January through 31 December of each calendar year.

  

Article X. Amendments

 Section 1.

These bylaws may be amended by a two thirds majority vote of members present at any meeting, provided a quorum is present and provided a copy of the proposed amendment(s) is provided to each voting member at least one week prior to said meeting.

 

 Article XI. Operations

 Section 1.

Flagstaff, Arizona shall be the primary location of SWARA business. The exact places of business shall be determined by the Board.

 Section 2.

The Board may authorize any officer or member to enter into a contract or to execute or to deliver any instrument on behalf of SWARA.

 

 Article XII. Publications

 Section 1.

The Board shall authorize the publication of print and/or web-based newsletters, updates, and occasional or serial documents.