Note: A proposal for revision of the UMAC by-laws is expected to come before the membership at the 2003 Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, PA.

United Methodist Association of Communicators By-Laws

PURPOSE
The purpose of the organization shall be to provide an arena where United Methodist communicators can:

1. have a voice and representation in the denominational agencies of the church;
2. participate in and support training and continuing education events related to their needs;
3. develop and receive services based on common concerns;
4. 4. provide support, fellowship and an opportunity to expand professional relationships.

MEMBERSHIP
Anyone meeting either of the following criteria may become a member of UMAC by sending an official membership form and a check for annual dues to the treasurer.

1. Any person working as an employee or volunteer in communications in any United Methodist local church, district, annual conference, jurisdiction, general church board or agency, or any related institution, such as a hospital or college.
2. Any United Methodist working in communications and who is not employed by The United Methodist Church.

ARTICLE I

MEETINGS

Section 1. A membership meeting shall be held in such place and on such date as shall be determined by the Executive Committee.

Section 2. Special meetings of the membership may be called at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

Section 3. A quorum shall consist of those members present and voting at any meeting, provided all members shall have received notice of the time and place of the meeting 30 days prior to that meeting.

Section 4. The style of decision-making for UMAC shall be by consensus where possible. Otherwise, the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the organization in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these by-laws and any special rules of order the organization may adopt.

ARTICLE II

OFFICERS

Section 1. The officers of the organization shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and a liaison with United Methodist Communications. The elected officers shall form the Executive Committee. Each shall exercise the duties ordinarily performed by his or her office and shall serve until his or her successor is elected.

Section 2. The Executive Committee shall name a nominating committee to prepare a slate of officers to be presented to an official meeting of the members during the quadrennial meeting of the General Conference. All members present shall be eligible to vote. Nominations additional to those of the nominating committee may be made from the floor.

Section 3. The officers shall serve for four years unless otherwise determined by two-thirds of the members present and voting at the annual membership meeting. Also, a change in the term of office may be determined by a mail ballot of two-thirds of the votes cast.

ARTICLE III

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1. The direction and administration of the organization between membership meetings shall be conducted by the Executive Committee.

Section 2. The Executive Committee shall consist of the officers of the organization.

Section 3. The Executive Committee shall meet as the occasion requires but not fewer than two times each year. The meetings may be conducted by telephone conference call.

Section 4. One-half of the members of the Executive Committee shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. All meetings of the Executive Committee shall be open to members of the organization.

Section 5. If matters arise requiring decisions or actions before a meeting of the Executive Committee can be convened, the President or, in his or her absence, the Vice-President shall be empowered to act on behalf of the Executive Committee after consulting such of its members as he or she can reach.

Section 6. Members of the Executive Committee shall receive no compensation for services rendered but will be paid reasonable amounts for expenses incurred in attending to the affairs of the organization at the discretion of the Treasurer.

ARTICLE IV

AMENDMENT OF THE BY-LAWS

Section 1. The By-Laws may be amended by any membership meeting by two-thirds of those present and voting.

Section 2. The By-Laws also may be amended by mail ballot, at the discretion of the Executive Committee. The amendment shall be adopted if approved by two-thirds of the vote cast.

ARTICLE V

EFFECTIVE DATE

The By-Laws of this organization shall be effective when approved by two-thirds of the members present and voting at the UMAC regional meeting on September 23, 1974. These By-Laws, as amended, shall be effective upon adoption by vote of the membership meeting on November 17, 1990, at San Antonio, Texas.

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