Constitution and Bylaws of Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca

Article 1. Name

The name of this organization is Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca (HFDI). 

Article 2. Purpose

HFDI is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to the
preservation, study, teaching, enjoyment and continuing evolution of
traditional and historical dance and music.

Article 3. Membership

All persons interested in dance and music are eligible to become
members of HFDI upon payment of dues.

a. Membership dues and privileges are determined by the board. Only
those persons whose membership is paid for the current year will be
members in good standing.

b. Members in good standing are entitled to attend general and special
meetings; to vote on all questions coming before the membership; to
hold office if elected and serve on standing or special committees.

c. Members in good standing are welcome to attend meetings of the board. 

d. The board may at any time terminate the membership of any person by
two-thirds majority vote. That person shall be given 30 days notice
and opportunity to be heard by the board at a board meeting.

Article 4. Meetings of the Membership

a. The annual meeting of the membership shall be held each year for
the election of officers and board members at large and the
transaction of any necessary business.

b. Special meetings of the membership may be called by the president
at his or her discretion. Date location the annual meeting shall be
specified by the board.

c. At least one month's notice of the annual meeting shall be given. 

d. A majority vote of those in attendance who are voting is necessary
to transact any business brought before the membership, including the
election of officers, except as otherwise noted in these bylaws.

Article 5. Board of Directors

The responsibility for all business matters lies with the board of
directors, which consists of the officers and any board members at
large.

a. The board has SOLE AUTHORITY to approve schedules and dates for the
year; to approve dues and fees at rates, which will cover costs of
operation; to approve honoraria paid to teachers and musicians, rental
of necessary facilities, and other incidental expenses to engage
facilities for classes and special programs.

b. The board shall determine the need for and the responsibilities of
standing or special committees to carry out projects or special
programs.

b.1. The board shall appoint an audit committee of one or more members
in good standing to meet at least annually to audit and verify the
financial records of HFDI, or hire an independent auditor to do the
same.

c. In the event of a vacancy among the board, the remaining board
members may exercise the powers of the full board until the vacancy is
filled at the next regular election or by a majority vote may appoint
a member to temporarily fill the vacancy until the next election.

d. The board may at any time remove from office any board member by
two-thirds majority vote. That person shall be given 30 days notice
and opportunity to be heard by the board at a board meeting.

e. The actual number of board members at large will be set by the
board and may be changed by majority vote of the board.

Article 6. Meetings of the Board

a. The quorum for transaction of business is at least half of the
officers and board members at large.

b. A simple majority vote of those in attendance who are voting is
necessary to transact any business brought before the board.

c. The dance and music leaders or chair persons of special or standing
committees, whether or not they are members, may attend meetings for
the purpose of advising or receiving suggestions from the board
concerning the programs of HFDI.

Article 7. Officers

The officers of the HFDI are president, vice president, secretary, and
treasurer. Term of office is one year. Officers may not serve more
than three consecutive terms, but may be reelected after the lapse of
a year.

Duties of officers are: 

a. President. The president is the executive officer responsible for
the operation of the group. He or she presides at meetings, calls
regular or special meetings of the board or membership as needed, may
appoint the chairpersons of standing or special committees.

b. Vice President. The vice president acts as president in the absence
or illness of the president and in the event of the president's
resignation or incapacity to serve shall succeed to the office until
the next regular election of officers. The president may delegate to
the vice president such official or other duties as may be necessary
for the conduct of business.

c. Secretary. The secretary keeps records and minutes of meetings;
maintains an up-to-date list of members, attendees and subscribers;
sends notices and flyers; receives and distributes information from
other groups and organizations; and may delegate these duties as
necessary.

d. Treasurer. The treasurer is responsible for the collection of dues
and charges, for the disbursement of fees to musicians and teachers
and for payment of authorized expenditures. The treasurer advises the
board about the finances of the organization and assists in
formulating the budgets for the regular and special activities. The
treasurer also prepares a yearly financial statement.

Article 8. Election of Officers and Board Members at Large

Officers and board members at large are elected at the annual meeting
of the membership and take office immediately.

a. Nominations may be made by any member in good standing with the
nominee's consent.

b. A simple majority of those in attendance who are voting is required
for election to office.

Article 9. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of HFDI is January 1 through December 31. 

Article 10. Amendments to the Bylaws

Amendments to these bylaws may be made at the annual meeting 's
written notice has been sent to mary for passage of the amendment(s).

Article 11. Special Notices re Tax Exemption

a. No part of the HFDI's assets or net earnings may inure to the
benefit of private individuals. This does not preclude the payment of
any reasonable fees for goods or services provided to the
organization.

b. In the event of dissolution of HFDI, the group's assets will be
distributed to another nonprofit organization that is exempt under
section 501(c)3 status of the Internal Revenue Code, to be determined
by the board.

c. HFDI shall not as a substantial part of its activities attempt to
influence, carry on propaganda, or otherwise attempt to influence
legislation except to the extent permitted by section 501(h) of the
Internal Revenue Code.

d. It is intended that HFDI be entitled to exemption from federal
income tax under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code and
shall not be a private foundation as described in section 501(a) of
the Code.

revised 6/25/03, 6/24/04