By-Laws
of the
Meat Sheep Alliance of Florida

Article I - Name

The name of this organization shall be Meat Sheep Alliance of Florida.  It is referenced as “the organization” throughout the remainder of this document.

Article II - Address

The address of the organization shall be that of the Secretary.

Article III - Object and Purpose

1. The Meat Sheep Alliance of Florida is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the sheep industry in the state and to the success of individual members of the organization.
2. The purpose of the organization is to assist sheep breeders through education, to disseminate information on current developments in Federal and State regulations, to encourage the breeding of quality meat sheep, and to do such things as will promote the well-being of the Florida sheep industry.

Article IV - Membership

1. Any entity (person, farm, business, etc.) interested in the purpose of this organization is eligible for membership.
2. A member shall be any entity (person, farm, business, etc.) paying dues to the organization.
3. All members are entitled to a copy of the By-Laws, most recent directory, voting rights, and other privileges as shared by fee-paying members of the organization.

Article V – Membership Fees

1. Membership fees for this organization are set by the Executive Committee.
2. Membership fees will be paid in advance for the following Calendar Year.
3. Membership fees are payable at the organization’s Fall meeting or by a date near the Fall meeting to be determined by the Executive Committee.
4. Failure in timely payment of membership fees may result in loss of membership rights and privileges or suspension of those rights and privileges pending payment.

Article VI - Meetings

1. General meetings shall be held twice yearly - in the Spring and in the Fall.  Members should be notified of the meeting date and time no less than 30 days prior to the meeting.  This may be accomplished by regular mail, e-mail, phone or other reliable communication.
2. Nominations for Executive Committee members shall take place before the Fall meeting each even-numbered calendar year (biennially).  The ballot shall be distributed to members no later than the beginning of the Fall meeting and shall require member responses by the end of the Fall meeting.  New Executive Committee members and their positions shall be announced within the next thirty days and shall become effective January 01 of the following calendar year.  

Article VII - Executive Committee

1. The Executive Committee will consist of five, seven or nine executive officers.
2. Each member of the Executive Committee will be elected by the voting membership to serve a two-year term.
3. Elected Executive Committee members will determine from among themselves who will serve in various offices such as President, Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, etc.  The decisions of the Executive Committee regarding member titles and responsibilities will be communicated to the general membership of the organization in a timely manner.
4. Each executive officer, when elected, shall commit to attend Executive Committee business meetings. "Attendance" shall be defined as in person, by telephone, or by e-mail. Failure to meet this standard may result in automatic replacement. A replacement executive officer may be selected by the remaining executive officers to complete the remainder of that term.
5. The Executive Committee officers shall decide what committees need to be established, appoint committee chairs, and empower them to fulfill their assignment in accordance with the By-Laws of the organization.
6. The Executive Committee shall monitor and administer the objectives of these By-Laws and the objectives of all other member-approved policies and procedures.

Article VIII – Funds

All funds shall be deposited to the account of the organization and shall be dispersed as needed for the expenses and activities of the organization.

1. All checks and cash withdrawals from the account shall be signed by two Executive Committee officers.
2. The Executive Committee must authorize any amount in excess of $100.00.

Article IX - Majority Vote

1. Action agenda items will require a majority vote of all Executive Committee members present at regular business meetings.
2. Changes to By-Laws or other adopted Policies and Procedures will require approval by majority vote of:
1. Responding members when presented by attempted notification to all members,  or by
2. Those members in attendance when presentation during a regular meeting.

Article X - Liability

Organization members agree not to hold the Meat Sheep Alliance of Florida, its members, and/or its officers liable for any loss or injury of any kind while participating in any organization sponsored functions or while conducting any organization business.

Article XI - Dissolution

The organization may be dissolved at any time by the written consent of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the responding membership. Upon dissolution, after payment of all debts and liabilities of the organization, any remaining assets shall be transferred to the state of Florida 4-H program, with the designation that the money be used for the promotion of sheep.

Article XII - Miscellaneous

Members may from time to time adopt such Policies and Procedures as they deem advisable, not inconsistent with these By-Laws.

By-Laws approved by Board of Directors and members September 18, 2006.