HUNTSVILLE AREA MOTHERS OF MULTIPLES
BY-LAWS

(Revised July 2009)

ARTICLE I - ORGANIZATION NAME
Name of the club is HUNTSVILLE AREA MOTHERS OF MULTIPLES, abbreviated as HAMOM (effective 1999) and formally known as the Huntsville Area Mothers of Twins Club, HMOTC. Founded in 1970.

ARTICLE II - AFFLIATION
HAMOM shall be a member of the NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF MOTHERS OF TWINS CLUB.

ARTICLE III - MISSION STATEMENT
The purpose of HAMOM is to promote general fellowship among its mothers of twins, triplets and higher order births. HAMOM will provide a source of advice and support for families of multiple birth children. This organization will further serve as a source of information about multiple children and related areas. HAMOM will work to promote educational and social activities for the membership. HAMOM will also work to increase awareness of the individuality of each multiple.

ARTICLE IV - POLICY
HAMOM is a non-profit, non-commercial, non-partisan, non-racial and non-sectarian organization.

ARTICLE V - PARLIMENTARTY AUTHORITY
Rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the organization in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are consistent with the by-laws or the special rules of order of this organization.

ARTICLE VI - AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS
The bylaws may be amended by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of all qualified members present. At least a two week notice shall be given in advance of the vote.

ARTICLE VII - MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS
1. The membership will consist of women who are mothers, guardians, stepmothers or expectant mothers of twins, triplets and other multiples.
2. Member must demonstrate a willingness to accept the policies and objectives of HAMOM.
3. Members must pay dues timely per schedule after joining HAMOM.
4. Prospective members may visit two meetings and receive two complimentary newsletters, but upon the next meeting attended are required to pay dues to become an active member and to continue to receive the newsletter.
5. Members in arrears of dues shall relinquish all privileges of membership.

ARTICLE VIII - DUES AND FISCAL POLICY
1. As stated by National guidelines, HAMOM fiscal year will be August 1st to July 31st. Dues are as follows:
a. Membership dues are $30 per year and run from July 1st to June 30th of the following year.
b. Previous members in good standing renewing in the months of January 1st - June 30th must still pay $30.00. A late fee of $5.00 will be collected with dues. Member wishing to discontinue membership must notify Membership Chair in writing by email or postal letter.
2. If a member's check is returned by the bank, the member is responsible for paying the amount of the returned check plus bank charges incurred by club account.
3. FIRST TIME MEMBERS shall be assessed dues by the following schedule:
Membership Granted - Month Dues Assessed
July - December $30.00
January - June $15.00
4. The dues are non-refundable except in the case of the loss of one or more children at the mother's request.
5. Any paid members of 5 consecutive years will receive a discounted rate of $25 for membership after their membership anniversary. This will be documented in the database.
6. Any paid members of 10 consecutive years will receive a discounted rate of $20 for membership after their membership anniversary. This will be documented in the database.
7. Any paid members of 15 years or more will receive "Lifetime" membership. This means they will receive a complimentary newsletter and their annual dues paid in full. This will be documented in the membership database.
8. Dues to the National Organization shall be paid by the Treasurer by September 30th.
9. If HAMOM's gross receipts exceed $25,000 annually, filing IRS Form 990 by December 15th is required. If HAMOM's gross receipts do not exceed $25,000 annually, a financial statement with a letter from HAMOM Treasurer and President is sent to NOMOTC by March 31st of the following year, authorizing NOMOTC to include our chapter in their filing of IRS Form 990.
10. All club disbursements shall be paid by check or checking account debit card.
11. Disbursements other than normal budgeted amounts over $50 shall require prior approval of both the President and the Treasurer.

ARTICLE IX - MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
1. Meetings will be held on the THIRD TUESDAY of each month at 7:00 p.m. However, due to conflicts, holidays, and/or school calendars the board can change the meeting date.
2. Members shall not bring children to meetings or club functions unless otherwise specified
3. Family and friends are welcome to attend as visitors only at specified meetings and events.
4. Regular meeting shall be conducted as follows:
a. Sign-In
b. Call to Order
c. Club Business
d. Reading minutes from the last meeting
e. Program presentation
f. Adjournment

ARTICLE X - QUARTERLY BOARD MEETINGS
1. All officers (Board of Directors) will attend board meetings. All other board members (Committee Chair MOMs) or any member is encouraged to attend.
2. The majority (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors and/or the majority of the board present at the quarter board meeting or via email votes will determine all decisions, with a two-day grace period for responses on all email votes. If a board member is unable to attend, she may send her vote by proxy based on the agenda.
3. Meetings will be held May, August, November, and February. Alternations to this schedule may be made by majority board approval and membership notified.

ARTICLE XI - QUORUM
Three officers should be in attendance, one of which shall be the president or vice-president, and thirty (30%) percent of the membership of this organization shall constitute a quorum of this organization.

ARTICLE XII - NOMINATION AND ELECTIONS
1. Five nominations or volunteers to the nominating committee shall be made at the January monthly meeting.
2. At least one person from the previous outgoing nominating committee shall be included in the new committee.
3. The chair for this committee shall be elected by the committee when it is formed.
4. No member may serve more than two consecutive years on the nominating committee.
5. A single slate of nominations is acceptable. Nominations from the floor are also acceptable.
6. Only members who have paid their dues by the time of the election process begins (January 1st) shall be allowed to vote or hold office.
7. The committee shall present a slate of nominations to the membership no later than the March meeting.
8. Elections will be held by secret ballot at the April meeting.
9. The chair and two (2) members of the Nominating Committee or three tellers appointed by the president shall count the votes.
10. A candidate is elected by receiving a majority of votes cast.
11. In the event of a tie vote, a second vote is taken and the winner is selected based on plurality. If a second vote also results in a tie, the winner is selected by lot.

ARTICLE XIII - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1. The Board will consist of President, Vice-President, 2nd Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, Membership, Publications, National's Representative, Outreach, Hospitality, and Librarian/Historian.
2. To qualify for the office of President, a member must have served and fulfilled their duties in another elected office.
3. A 2nd Vice-President chair will be elected by the formation of a "sister membership" of a surrounding area, as needed.
4. Those elected to office must have served on a committee and/or served and fulfilled their duties as members of a MOMs Mart committee for 1 or more years.
5. The First Vice President will assume the office of the President if vacated. The First Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer offices, if vacated, will be appointed by the current year board or directors.

ARTICLE IVX - RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1. The incoming Board of Directors will appoint the Standing Committee Chair-MOMs at the June board meeting.
2. The Board of Directors has the authority to ask for the resignation of any committee chair-MOMs, co-chair-MOMs or Board Officers who fails to fulfill her duties and fill the position with a qualified member appointed by the board.
3. A vacancy in an office shall be filled by election from the membership
4. If an officer misses three consecutive meetings without explanation, this will be considered as resignation from this office
5. Procedures for vacant chair or co-chair position during the year:
a. If a position becomes vacant during the year the executive board contacts the names on the committee list to see if anyone is interested in chairing the committee.
b. If there is an interested member, the executive board ONLY will vote at the next bi-monthly meeting or via email.
c. If no one wants to chair this committee then the Vice President will announce the position in the newsletter for one month.

ARTICLE VX - TERM LIMITS OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEE
CHAIR MOM
1. Elected officers may serve only two consecutive terms for the same office.
2. The service year for the Board of Directors will run from June until May. Elections and installation will be held at the May meeting with incoming officers assuming their duties upon installation.
3. All offices with the exception of the Publications, National's Representative, Hospitality, and Outreach may serve only two consecutive years.
4. In the event that no one volunteers to chair a committee, the outgoing chair-MOM may serve another year. (Updated June 2002)
5. The service year for the chair-MOM is from June until May.

ARTICAL VIX - ADVISOR
The outgoing President will serve as an advisor to the Board of Directors for one year.

ARTICLE VX - RESPONSIBILITY OF OFFICERS
1. PRESIDENT
" Official representative of the organization.
" Supervises all club activities.
" Makes financial recommendations for the club.
" Audit club checking account on a quarterly basis.
" Conducts business portion of meetings.
" Calls and conducts board meetings.
" Locate and secure meeting facilities - liaison between Club and facility's representative.
" Responsible for coordinating setup and securing facility after meetings and club events.
" Work closely with Vice-president in planning monthly meetings and other activities.
" Write monthly column for newsletter describing previous meeting and upcoming events.
" Coordinate with Membership Officer to ensure all officers and committees have current membership status list.
" Will serve as an ex-officio member of all committees (except the nomination committee).
" The president must have served at least one year on the board of directors of this organization prior to assuming the office of President.

2. VICE PRESIDENT
" Coordinate monthly meeting programs with President.
" Plan speakers and programs for monthly meetings.
" Serve as club liaison for guest speakers and introduce speakers to club (this includes both written in newsletters and orally at meetings).
" Write "Thank you" notes to speakers and coordinate purchase of "THANK YOU" gift or gift certificate to be presented to speaker.
" Coordinate with groups/members in areas surrounding the Greater Huntsville Area with information pertaining to support and club events.
" Coordinate monthly play dates.
" Coordinate with Hospitality Chair in locating and reserving site for annual picnic and New MOMs Social.
" Co-Chair semi-annual MOMs Mart Committee.
" Is an ex-officio member of all committees (except the nomination committee).
" Shall assume the office of president in the event of resignation or inability of the president to complete her term.
" Handle club correspondence.

3. 2nd VICE PRESIDENT
" Maintain list of members attending Decatur meetings and submit list to President.
" Ensure all requests for expenditures by the Decatur group are approved by the President and Treasurer prior to the purchase.
" Coordinate meetings and play-dates for HAMOM members living in the Decatur area.
" Conduct informal meetings for HAMOM members living in the Decatur area.
" Serve as liaison between HAMOM-Decatur and Parkway Hospital regarding meeting facilities.
" Initiate notification by phone or email regarding meetings and play-dates.
" Update list of potentials and provide copies at HAMOM-Decatur meetings.
" Maintain attendance roster at HAMOM-Decatur meetings.
" Coordinate refreshments for monthly meetings.
" Send information and/or membership packets to potential or new members.
" Maintain current contents of membership packets.
" Coordinate with local members to provide phone support or other support for pregnant MOMs (on bed-rest), and for new mothers of multiples.
" Coordinate with local members to periodically distribute HAMOM flyers to pediatric and obstetrics offices.
" Serve as liaison between HAMOM chapter and its Decatur area members.
" Submit monthly newsletter articles about meetings, play-dates, prayer requests/concerns, potential and new members to Membership and Publications.
" Attend executive officers meetings and HAMOM business meetings.

4. SECRETARY / TREASURER
" Take minutes at Board of Directors regular monthly minutes. Create report for monthly newsletter
" Collect Dues.
" Write checks for monthly annual expenses.
" Make deposits and maintain bank account balance.
" Create spreadsheet of balances and expenses and report to president and Board of Directors on quarterly basis.
" Make financial recommendations for the club to the President.
" Maintain list of paid members.
" Coordinate with President to pick up mail from Post Office box and distribute information.
" Coordinate payment of dues to the NOMOTC with the National Representative; and maintain letter of non-profit status.
" If applicable, file Form 990 with IRS by December15TH or designated paperwork by March 31st.
" Maintain records for history and record keeping coordinating with Historian.

5. MEMBERSHIP
" Maintain attendance roster at monthly meetings and special events.
" Coordinate with Treasurer and President to maintain current membership list of entire organization.
" Send current Membership listing via email to all Board of Directors on a monthly basis.
" Maintain membership packets and keep contents current.
" Send membership packets to new and prospective members.
" Coordinate with President, VP and Publications on keeping list of potentials current and maintain cut off dates, reviewing case by case.
" Coordinate with Outreach, VP and President in meal donation and delivery to members of potentials in need, i.e., new MOMs, MOMs with determined needs.
" Retrieve voice mail messages on a regular (no less than weekly) basis and share information with President, VP and Outreach.

6. PUBLICATIONS
" Compile submitted newsletter articles and information into the HAMOM monthly newsletter and distribute newsletter to members by email or postal service.
" Update website information, calendars, etc., or coordinate with designated member as web master for assistance.
" Work with President, VP and designated committee in creating pamphlets or fliers regarding club and activities.
" Work with Membership Chair in creating name tags for new members; and creating business cards.

7. OUTREACH
" Coordinates publicity for HAMOM (i.e., writes news releases and submits articles to local newspapers for special events.
" Contact local churches, schools, physician offices, etc., to promote HAMOM.
" Attends Marvelous Multiples class and arranges for other HAMOM members to attend. This chair will represent HAMOM and provide the class with information about HAMOM and any information on multiples in general.
" Distribute and/or coordinates the distribution of HAMOM pamphlets, flyers and any other information to NICU, fertility, obstetrics and pediatric offices.
" Work with President, VP and Treasurer on fundraising or charitable projects aiding HAMOM members of potentials in need.

8. NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
" Maintain regular and timely communication with the National organization to keep the local club informed of the National activities.
" Keep National informed of local club's activities and maintain National Representative notebook.
" Coordinate with Treasurer in order to send list of paid members and national dues to NOMOTC on a monthly basis.
" Provide information for monthly newsletter publication.
" Provide printed information pertaining to monthly scheduled meetings, as needed.

9. HOSPITALITY
" Coordinates refreshments for monthly meetings.
" Selects a theme, which coordinates with the meeting topic. Arranges for food, beverages, and paper products for each monthly meeting. Arrives at meetings to prepare for the meetings.
" Greet and welcome new, expecting and potential members at monthly meetings and club events.
" Work with membership and Outreach chairs in coordinating meal support for MOMs in need, i.e., births, illnesses, or deaths.
" Chairs and coordinates committee's for:
a. Family Picnic
b. Cookies with Santa
c. New MOMs Social - Committee consisting of Officers
d. Or any other membership social

10. LIBRARIAN / HISTORIAN
" Maintain club library and list of existing library. Transport library to and from meetings, as needed.
" Keep record of borrowed materials.
" Maintain information on club events, i.e., social, community/charitable involvement, family events in memory / scrapbook format.

ARTICLE VIIX - RESPONSIBILITIES OF STANDING COMMITTEES
1. MOMs Mart
" The current year's Vice-President will serve as Chair of MOMs Mart for the Fall and Spring sales for that same year.
" The Vice-President will appoint Co-Chair-MOMs, if so desired, at the MAY board meeting.
" A committee may be solicited and appointed as early as possible and will be announced at the May regular meeting.
" Committee members will serve from May to May of the following year; and will plan the following Fall MOMs Mart and the following years Spring MOMs Mart.
" Committee members must have served as a worker for at least one MOMs Mart sale prior to being on the MOMs Mart committee.
" All committee members are required to attend at least one MOMs Mart committee planning meeting in order to get full benefit from being on committee.
" The President will sit on this committee, ex-officio, as like all other committee's.

2. Annual Election Nominating Committee
SEE ARTICLE XII