CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this association shall be "Prairie States Mushroom Club", hereinafter referred to as "PSMC".

ARTICLE II. OBJECT

PSMC promotes scientific and educational activities related to fungi and fosters the appreciation of wild and cultivated mushrooms. We advocate the sustainable use of mushrooms as a resource and endorse responsible mushroom collecting that preserves natural areas and their biological diversity.

Its general purpose shall be the practical and scientific study of fungi and the gathering, dissemination and perpetuation of facts and knowledge on that subject.

The primary objective shall be the study of specimens collected by members and others and the exchange of information with other organizations and professional mycologists.

ARTICLE III. OFFICERS

The Constitutional officers of the PSMC shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. They shall be elected in accordance with the Bylaws of this Society by such members as are entitled to vote.

ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP

The qualifications for membership in the PSMC are an interest in the objectives of this organization and the payment of those dues. Meeting qualifications constitutes membership in good standing. Members in good standing are entitled to vote.

ARTICLE V. MEETINGS

The proper office or meeting place of the PSMC shall be in the State of Iowa. An annual business meeting will be held in the fall of each year. Other meetings shall be held when determined necessary by the board.

ARTICLE VI. BYLAWS AND AMENDMENTS

The constitution and Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote by ballot of the members voting, provided the proposed amendment has been provided to each member by email or mail for review at least 30 days in advance of the meeting.

ARTICLE VII. DISSOLUTION

This Society shall not be dissolved except by unanimous vote and the equal division of its properties and assets to all members in good standing.

BYLAWS

SECTION 1. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Elections shall be held at the annual fall business meeting. Elected officers shall take office the first day of January in the year of their term.

Any member may vote in PSMC elections, or on any question before the membership at any meeting.

Any member for at least the preceding year may run for office.

Candidates may be nominated by the Nominating Committee or by a member from the floor, provided the nominee has consented to accept the nomination.

The terms of all elected officers shall be one year.

SECTION 2. DUTIES OF OFFICERS

The President shall supervise the general affairs of the PSMC and shall preside at all meetings. He/she may call special meetings and shall appoint committees and/or their chairpersons.

The Vice-President shall assist the President as necessary, and shall assume the duties and responsibility of the President in his/her absence.

The Secretary shall conduct all of the PSMC correspondence, maintain files on all correspondence for the Society records, take minutes of all meetings and maintain files of same.

The Treasurer shall handle the PSMC funds, maintain financial and membership records, and make reports to the membership at the annual business meeting in the Fall. Membership records shall be maintained in a secure web based format accessible to the President and Secretary as well as the Treasurer.

SECTION 3. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board shall have general control of the affairs of the PSMC; shall approve the plans submitted by the various committees and control all necessary and current expenditures of the Society through the Treasurer.

The Board shall consist of all elected officers. In addition to the elected officers, the Board shall also consist of chairpersons of standing committees and one Board Member at large. Elected officers will be elected by the membership for one-year terms.

Regular meetings of the Board shall be held at least twice a year (dates to be set by agreement of its members). Special Board meetings may be called by the President or any member of the Board. The Board may invite committee members or others to attend meetings if it is felt that they can contribute to the efficient operation of the PSMC.

When an office on the Board becomes vacant, it shall be filled by appointment by the President with the approval of the majority of the Board.

The Board shall have full charge of all funds of the PSMC and shall expend same in such a manner as, in its judgment, shall best promote the interests of the PSMC. The Board may establish limits for the Treasurer to pay routine bills as necessary. Financial records may be audited at any time by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 4. COMMITTEES

Committees shall be established and committee chairs appointed by the President with board approval.

Newsletter, Website and Foray Committees will be required standing committees with specific duties and budget to be determined by board.

SECTION 5. DUES AND/OR INITIATION FEES

Annual Membership dues shall be determined by the Board, and they shall cover the period from January 1 through December 31. Any change in the amount of dues or initiation fees must have the approval of the majority of members voting. The proposed change must be announced to membership at least 30 days prior to the meeting.

Life or Honorary memberships may be awarded to members or non-members upon recommendation of the Board with the approval of a two-thirds majority of members voting, provided the proposed membership has been announced to membership at least 30 days prior to the meeting.

SECTION 6. MEETING PROCEDURE

Meetings shall be governed by Robert's Revised Rules of Order where applicable and not inconsistent with this Society's Constitution and Bylaws.

SECTION 7. SPECIAL MEETINGS

If necessary, special meetings may be called by the President, with the approval of the Board, to discuss urgent business. Members shall be notified, thirty days prior to the meeting, of the place, date, and time of the meeting, and also of the subject of the meeting.

SECTION 8. QUORUMS

Ten percent of the membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any regular or special meeting of the PSMC.

A majority of the members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors.