ARTICLE I

NAME

The name of the Association is Rowan County Master Gardener Volunteer Association.

ARTICLE II

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Association is:

To educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture.

To promote and foster community enrichment.

To provide leadership opportunities and recognition for Association membership.

To communicate the value and accomplishments of Extension’s Master Gardener program to the public and elected officials.

To provide funding for Association expenses and where possible and deemed appropriate, to provide supplemental funds that enhance and expand the consumer horticultural educational programs provided through Extension’s Master Gardener volunteer staff.

To provide suggestions that could enhance the Extension Master Gardener program.

The selection, training, placement, supervision, evaluation and recognition of Master Gardeners while performing volunteer duties will remain under the auspices and jurisdiction of Cooperative Extension, North Carolina State University and North Carolina A T & T State University.

ARTICLE III

MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: A person who has completed the Master Gardener training program is eligible for membership. Newly qualified Master Gardeners are eligible for membership immediately upon completion of their core training.

Section 2: The following shall be non-voting members, and be ineligible to hold office: A. County Extension Agents with consumer horticulture and Master Gardener responsibilities may join the Association and serve as advisors.

Section 3: Membership shall begin each year on January 1.

Section 4: Any member that does not pay dues shall be dropped from the Association rolls. This however does not terminate their continuation in the Extension Master Gardener program but does affect their participation in Association activities.

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1: Elected officers of the Association are President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Historian.

Section 2: The Board of Directors shall consist of: the elected officers, an Advisor (a member of the Rowan County Extension horticultural staff) appointed by the elected officers, the immediate Past President, project chairs and the Master Gardener Coordinator. If an officer or director becomes unavailable to fulfill the duties of the office, the President shall appoint a member of the Association to fill the position for the balance of the term.

Section 3: Terms of Office

A.   Officers will serve a term of one year.

B.   President and Vice President may not serve more than two consecutive terms.

C.   Treasurer, Secretary and Historian may serve two or more consecutive terms.

ARTICLE V

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section I: The President will preside at all Association and Board of Directors meetings. The President will appoint the Chairpersons of all committees, and be an ex-officio member of them. The President will appoint an auditor from within the Association with the approval of the Board of Directors who shall audit the financial accounts of the Association and report to the membership at the January meeting. The President, the Master Gardener Coordinator, and the advisor, in cooperation with officers and board members, will coordinate all activities of the Association.

Section 2: The Vice President will serve as Program Chair and preside at all meetings in the absence of the President

Section 3: The Secretary will record minutes of Association and Board of Directors meetings; attend to all communications and maintain all Association records.

Section 4: The Treasurer will collect all moneys; pay all bills and maintain a detailed record of the source and disbursement of funds. A written treasurer’s report will be presented at meetings or as otherwise required. Disbursement of funds over $150.00 will require the approval of the Board of Directors.

Section 5: Chairpersons will lead their projects and committees and report on their activities at Board of Directors meetings, as needed.

ARTICLE VI

MEETINGS

Section 1: Regular meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of the month.

Section 2: Regular Board of Directors meetings will be held on the last Tuesday of the month, and are open to any member.

Section 3: Robert’s Rules of Order will govern all meetings of the Association.

Section 4: New business will be brought forward at regular membership meetings.

Section 5: New officers will be presented and voted on no later than the December meeting.

The budget and financial report will be presented at the January meeting.

Section 6: Half plus one of the members of the Association will constitute a quorum and no business at a general meeting may be conducted without a quorum present.

Section 7: A majority of the Board of Directors will constitute a quorum for Board Meetings. No business of the Board will be conducted at Board Meetings without a quorum present.

ARTICLE VII

VOTING

Section 1: Only members in good standing may vote during the election of Officers. The President will certify election results.

Section 2: Officers will be elected by a simple majority and will take office at the January general meeting.

Section 3: Adoption of amendments to the Constitution and By Laws require a two-thirds majority of the votes cast. Proposed amendments will be published and provided to the member prior to the vote. The Board of Directors will certify and publish the results to all members.