There is a potential risk of injury from activities involved in beekeeping. While rules, equipment, and personal care may reduce this risk, the risk of injury does exist. By attending WCB open hives, you understand and accept the risks involved in participating in beekeeping activities. These include but are not limited to bee stings. You agree to wear appropriate footwear (closed-toes shoes), clothing (no shorts), and personal protection equipment (PPE). The PPE must include at least a bee veil (bee bonnet).
Note: Dues are $10 per year for individuals, $15 for families, and free for students.
BYLAWS OF WINDHAM COUNTY BEEKEEPERS (WCB): September 2019
ARTICLE I: NAME AND MISSION STATEMENT
Section A: Name – Windham County Beekeepers (WCB).
Section B: Mission Statement – Support healthy, sustainable bees and the beekeepers that tend them in southern Vermont. Provide educational opportunities for all beekeepers and protect the interests of beekeeping in Windham County.
ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP
Section A: Eligibility – Membership shall be open to any interested persons. WCB membership is open to ALL living human beings (and bees).
Section B: Membership Dues: Dues shall be $10 per year for individuals, $15 for families, and free for students.
ARTICLE III: OFFICERS
Section A: Officers – President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Social Media Manager.
Section B: Eligibility – Officers must be WCB members in good standing.
Section C: Election – Floor (hand) vote at the April club meeting every other calendar year (2019, 2021, 2023, etc.).
Section D: Term – The officers shall serve for 2 (calendar) years, and their term of office shall begin at the following club meeting. They may not hold that office for more than two consecutive terms.
Section E: Vacancy – If a vacancy occurs in the office of President, the Vice President shall assume the office for the remainder of the term. Vacancies in any other office shall be filled by a special election.
ARTICLE IV: DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section A: President – The President shall:
- Preside at meetings
- Vote only in case of a tie
- Represent the club
- Convene committees
Section B: Vice President – The Vice President shall:
- Preside in the absence of the President
- Help manage speakers and meeting ideas/topics
Section C: Secretary – The Secretary shall:
- Record the minutes of all meetings
- Keep a file of the club’s records and maintain a current roster of membership
Section D: Treasurer – The Treasurer shall:
- Receive all funds, process requests for payment and deposit slips, and manage club bank records
- Keep an account of all receipts and expenditures and make reports to the club officers and membership as directed
Section D: Social Media Manager – The Social Media Manager shall:
- Manage the WCB website
- Help manage the Facebook page
- Create and send out notices, WCB Buzzes, and WCB Bee Blasts
ARTICLE V: MEETINGS
Section A: Meetings – Regular meetings will be held every month when practical.
Section B: Education – The club will create educational opportunities for community outreach, peer-to-peer development, and the recruitment and education of new beekeepers.
Section C: Hand Votes – Floor votes on club business will be taken by hand vote and will require a majority vote of the attending club membership.
ARTICLE VI: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section A: Responsibility and membership – This committee shall keep records and organize and plan future activities. It shall consist of the officers as listed in Article III.
ARTICLE VII: AMENDMENTS
Section A: Selection – These bylaws may be amended by a majority hand vote of the attending club membership.
Section B: Notice – All members shall receive advance notice of proposed amendments at least 5 days before the meeting. [The time may be extended to the following meeting.]
Section C: Dissolution Clause – The entity known as the Windham County Beekeepers will endure continually until the remaining members vote by a majority to dissolve it. Assets will be liquidated and donated to a Windham County area organization that supports agricultural or ecological education.