Click here to Download or Print
Tampa Leather Club
ByLaws
May 11, 2011 Revision

Article 1: Name

  • The name of this organization shall be The Tampa Leather Club which shall be hereinafter referred to as the “Club”. The Club is incorporated in the State of Florida in compliance with Chapter 617, F.S., (Not for Profit).

Article 2: Statement of Purpose

  • The purpose of this organization shall be a fraternal, social, non-profit organization of gay men to foster an interest in Leather-Levi lifestyle and culture in the Tampa Bay area. The Club shall initiate and implement social activities deemed desirable by its members. The Club is committed to a policy of safe, sane and consensual activities.

Article 3: Mission

  • The mission of this organization is to promote creative social activity among its members and other gay lesbian organizations while supporting charitable organizations.

Article 4: Fiscal Year

  • Fiscal year shall end on December 31st of each year.

Article 5: Membership and Colors

  • Membership in the club is open to gay men at least 21 years of age.
  • Any gay man will be accepted for membership in the Club without regard to race, creed, color, religion, relationship status, national or ethnic origin, citizenship or any sensory or physical challenge provided he completes a membership application, completes the membership development program, and pays club dues and fees.
  • All absences must be reported to the Sergeant-At-Arms prior to the scheduled meeting to be considered for excusal.
  • Active membership shall be maintained by attending seven regular meetings during each year and paying dues fully.
  • After five missed meetings full membership shall be reduced to associate membership status for the remainder to the club calendar year.  Any associate member wishing to return to full membership status for the next calendar year must submit a written request to the Sergeant-At-Arms.
  • Full members are those who enter the Club as pledges and successfully complete the membership development program.
  • Associate (social) members may participate as members of the Club but do not have a vote in club business.
  • Honorary membership shall be awarded to any gay male by the board with majority vote of the Club. Honorary members do not have a vote in club business.
  • Current members shall be identified by those who have their dues and fees paid in full.
  • Lifetime membership shall be awarded by the board with the majority vote of the Club. Lifetime members shall be exempt from the obligation of paying dues.
  • Any club property of this organization must be returned upon departure from the club.
  • The elected board of directors shall have the power to revoke any membership by a unanimous vote for cause as determined by the elected board.

Article 6: Meeting and Quorums

  • Regular meeting shall be held on the third Friday of each month.
  • Special meeting shall be called by the officers and the board.
  • A quorum shall consist of membership present
  • A liberal interpretation of “Robert’s Rules of Order” shall be observed in conducting meetings of the Club.

Article 7: Dues and Disbursements

  • Dues shall be set by two-thirds vote of membership. Dues are due by the February meeting of each year any unpaid members shall have their membership revoked. 
  • Dues collected in the last two month's of the year will go towards next year's dues.
  • Disbursements (debit/check card or check) $300 and under can be made by any board member holding such card without further approval. 
  • Amounts greater than $300.00 requires two signatures on checks or 2 confirmed emails by board members. 
  • Amounts greater than $500 will remain the same requiring 3 written email and/or 3 signatures on checks for disbursement.

Article 8: Elections

  • Nominations for general elections shall be held during the May meeting of each year.
  • Nominee shall be an active member with dues fully paid.
  • General elections shall be held during the June meeting of each year.
  • Absentee ballots shall be allowed and received no later than the first Friday prior to the general election.
  • Term of office shall be one year.
  • Special elections shall be called by officers and board.

Article 9: Officers

  • President
    1. President shall be responsible for the month-to-month operation of this organization and for overseeing and planning meetings.
    2. President shall have no voting rights except in the case of a tie vote and in general and special elections
  • Vice-President / Social Director
    1. Vice-President / Social Director shall oversee and plan meetings in the absence of the President and oversee and plan social events and fundraisers for this organization.
    2. Vice-President / Social Director shall have the right to select an Event Chairman with the approval of the board. The Event Chairman shall be under the oversight of the Vice-President / Social Director and the board.
  • Secretary
    1. Secretary shall be responsible for minutes of all meetings, correspondence with membership and other organizations, and maintenance of the organization's website.
    2. Secretary shall have the authority to select an assistant to aid in the function of this with the approval of the board.
  • Treasurer
    1. Treasurer shall be responsible for collecting dues and maintaining financial records of this organization.
    2. Treasurer shall have the authority to select special assistants to aid in the function of this office with the approval of the board.
    3. Treasurer shall report at each meeting the balance in the organization's account.
    4. Treasurer will monitor separate bank account for club money.
  • Recruit Master / Sergeant-At-Arms
    1. Recruit Master shall be responsible for pledge period and oversee recruits.
    2. Recruit Master and board shall decide rules during pledge period.
    3. Recruit Master shall serve as Sergeant-At-Arms.
    4. Sergeant of Arms will maintain monthly meeting attendance rosters and compare rosters against the clubs general membership list.
    5. Sergeant of Arms will notify board of non-compliant members to be presented to the board for further action according to by laws.

Article 10: Board of Directors

  • Board shall consist of the officers of the Club and one active member selected by membership for that purpose.
  • One additional board member shall be added upon reaching twenty-five (25) fully paid members.
  • One additional board member shall be added to the board with each ten (10) additional, fully paid members above twenty-five (25).
  • Board shall consist of a maximum of nine (9) members.
  • Event Chairman shall be temporary board members during the preparation and execution of each event with voting rights.

Article 11: Recruits and Pledging

  • Recruits shall have one (1) sponsor and voted in by a majority vote of the membership.
  • Pledges must successfully complete the club’s membership development program.

Article 12: Amendments

  • Amendments shall be placed before the board and approved for final membership approval.
  • Amendments shall be approved upon two separate votes in regular or special meetings.