Article VI

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Membership Structure

 

Section 1:         The board of directors shall set membership categories and fees, and shall have authority to add, modify, or delete categories, and shall have authority to adjust membership fees.

 

Section 2:         A membership shall terminate upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

a. Resignation of the member;

b. Expiration of the period of membership; unless the membership is renewed on the renewal terms fixed by the board;

c. The member’s failure to pay dues, fees or assessments as set by the board within period of time set by the board after they are due and payable;

d. Any event that renders the member ineligible for membership, or failure to satisfy membership qualifications;

e. Termination of membership based on the good faith determination by the board that the member has failed in a material and serious degree to observe the rules of conduct of the organization, or has engaged in conduct materially and seriously prejudicial to the organization’s purpose and interests.

 

Section 3:         If grounds appear to exist for terminating, the following procedure shall be followed:

a. The board shall give the member at least 15 days’ prior notice of the proposed termination and the reasons for the proposed termination. Notice shall be given by any method reasonably calculated to provide actual notice. Notice given by mail shall be sent to the member’s last address as shown on the organization’s records.

 

b. The member shall be given an opportunity to be heard, either orally or in writing, at least five days before the effective date of the proposed termination. The hearing shall be held, or the written statement considered, by the broad or by a committee authorized by the board to determine whether the suspension or termination should occur.

 

c. The board, or committee, shall decide whether the member should be suspended, expelled, or sanctioned in any way. The decision of the board or committee shall be final.

 

d. Any action challenging an expulsion, suspension, or termination of membership, including a claim alleging defective notice must be commenced within one year after the date of the expulsion, suspension, or termination.

 

Section 4:         No membership or right arising from membership shall be transferred. All membership rights cease on the member’s death or dissolution.