SEWMG 2008 Proposed By-Law Changes

Introduction

The original by-laws were last reviewed in 1996, were written for a much smaller organization, are often not being followed today, and thus are very out of date and due for a review. The SEWMG President has appointed a By-law Review Committee consisting of Nina Jones, Janet Wintersberger, Kathy Turner, Janet Manke-Fischer and Ed Kraus.

The Committee is actively working on proposed changes and communicating these changes to the membership to stimulate discussion and questions. We have developed the following objectives (in no particular order of importance):

** Update sections where the organization methods of operation have changed and the by-laws are out of date and/or do not reflect the changes.

** Simplify by reducing/removing sections that are not appropriate by-law material, i.e.,
a) remove most of the committee information to a separate document.
b) allow for policies and procedures documents.

** Strengthen and simplify governance; perhaps change to a single governing body.

** Assure necessary and proper organizational controls in the critical areas of finance, insurance and organizational purpose.

** Assure continued compliance with IRS 501(c)(3) regulations and WIMGA guidelines.

** Try to keep the changes as simple as possible; do not make unnecessary or superfluous changes.

Approval of SEWMG by-law changes requires a two-thirds favorable vote of all of the voting members. We will be doing a mailing about mid-year and a mailing with the ballot hopefully by year end. Please review and consider these changes – your vote will be necessary and important to the future operations of our organization.

The current by-laws
BYLAWS of SouthEast Wisconsin Master Gardeners Inc. (17 pages, 38 KB)

Revised sections will be discussed at the monthly Business meetings and also posted on the web site. Comments or questions are encouraged at these meetings or directly to any committee member in person or via email or phone.

Thank you for your interest and support.
The SEWMG BY-Laws Review Committee

Format of Changes (Tips on how to read changes)

Status and Progress of Changes

Governance Proposal

Section 1 - - - -Section 2 - - - - Section3 - - - - Section 4 - - - Section 5&6 - - -

Section 7 - - - -Section 8 - - - - Section 9 - - - - Section 10 - - - - Section 11

Section 12 - - - - Section 13 - - - - Section 14 - - - -Section 15 - - - - Section 16