CLUB GUIDELINES
Cumberland Mycological Society (CMS) is an organization open to anyone with an interest in mushrooms -collecting, identifying, studying, and cultivating, while supporting the protection and preservation of natural habitats. The primary focus of the organization is the identification of wild mushrooms and to promote an interest in mycology. CMS is a network of cooperative individuals who share ideas, experiences, knowledge and common interests regarding fungi.
CMS was founded in 2004 on the Cumberland Plateau of East Tennessee. Periodic forays in the local area sponsored by CMS involve the gathering, identification, and knowledge-sharing of wild mushrooms. State permits at various parks on the Cumberland Plateau and surrounding area have been secured in order to provide suitable locations for CMS sponsored forays, while providing valuable scientific data regarding the fungi found in these parks to the state of Tennessee.
Membership entitles full CMS privileges and voting rights, provided dues are kept current. Active members, except for minors, are also eligible to hold office. To vote, an active member must be at least 18 years of age. The current dues effective Sept. 1, 2009 are $5 per person per fiscal year. Current members and their minor children may attend the periodic CMS sponsored forays. If an individual person wants to attend a foray, but doesn't want to join, they may attend as a guest for $5 per foray. Minors accompanied by an adult may attend a CMS sponsored foray at no charge, but may also choose to become a member by paying dues.
Dues become due and payable on March 1 of each year. The fiscal year for CMS is March 1 through the end of February. Dues become delinquent after three months, on the first day of June. Any member who has not paid their dues for the new fiscal year by the first day of June relinquishes their membership privileges and voting rights. These privileges and rights will be reinstated when dues are paid.
Each year, the dues shall be established by majority vote of the Executive Committee. If the Executive Committee ever wishes to increase the dues to more than $15 per person, $20 per couple or family, it shall be approved by the majority vote of the membership present at an established meeting. 30 days advance notice of the meeting with mention of the proposed increase to CMS membership is required.
A Charter Member is any member who joined CMS in the year 2004.
Officers of CMS, elected yearly, shall consist of the following: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. All officers must be members in good standing. These officers comprise the Executive Committee.
The President is responsible for the welfare and progress of the Society; shall conduct the meetings and may appoint positions to carry out the plans of the Society; shall establish agendas for business meetings and develop policy recommendations for consideration and approval by the membership; shall perform, coordinate, and/or delegate any other given tasks in the ongoing operation of the society; shall have the authority to fill by appointment any officer vacancies occurring during his/her term of office to be effective until the end of his /her term of office.
The Vice President shall be the primary assistant to the President and act in his/her behalf during any absence of that officer; shall fill in for any other absent officer not present at a meeting. In the event that the office of President becomes vacant, the Vice President will assume the office of President and all functions and responsibilities of that office.
Treasurer: Shall be responsible for maintaining the office records of membership to include addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses and dues records; shall keep an accurate record of all income and expenditures; shall retain written receipts for all expenditures; shall prepare a financial statement at the end of each fiscal year to include income, expenditures and balance on hand with supporting documents available for audit; shall, upon request, give a report of the current income and expenditures to the members at meetings.
Secretary: Shall keep minutes for each meeting to include motions and dispositions thereof. These minutes shall be subject to approval by the membership and made available to any Society officer on request; shall assist with various record keeping tasks at forays.
Roberts Rules of Order will apply at all business meetings of the Society. The President may appoint a parliamentarian for advice in the conduct of business.
Voting Quorum: A quorum shall consist of 15% of the active voting members. A quorum must be present or represented at any meeting where the following items are being acted upon: 1) Election of Officer, 2) Changes or Amendments to the Guidelines.
Proxies: If a member in good standing cannot attend a meeting when a quorum is required, such member may forward a written proxy to any other active member in good standing. This written proxy will have the same effect as attendance at the meeting.
Voting: Eligible voting members must be notified at least 30 days in advance of any meeting when a quorum is required. This can be accomplished by notice in the Society Newsletter, which will specifically state the business to be voted on. On all other issues a simple majority of eligible active members present and voting will prevail. In case of a tie vote, the President shall cast the deciding vote.
Changes or Amendments to the Guidelines: Suggested or proposed changes to the Guidelines may be recommended by the Executive Committee or by a clearly seconded motion from the floor. Such proposed changes or amendments will be published in the Newsletter or sent by mail/and or email at least 30 days before the meeting scheduled to consider these actions. A quorum must be present at this meeting and a 2/3 vote will decide the issue. From time to time the Executive Committee, with the approval of the membership may establish rules and procedures for the Society.
All members and foray attendees release CMS and any officer or member for any responsibility, liability, or claims arising from any injuries or accidents of any nature incurred during or as a result of any event, field trip, foray, excursion or meeting sponsored by CMS.