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Constitution

Updated December 14th, 2025

Article I - Name

The name of this organization shall be:  “Desert Aquarist Society.”

Article II - Purpose

This organization shall be non-profit and educationally oriented.

The purpose of this organization is to:

  1. Promote the hobby of keeping, propagating, and displaying fish, plants, and other forms of aquatic life.

  2. Provide educational resources and support for aquarists.

  3. Foster a community for sharing knowledge and experiences related to the aquarium hobby.

Article III - Membership

Eligibility: Membership is open to all individuals interested in the aquarium hobby or any of its phases.

Types of Membership:

  • Individual Membership: Available to anyone 18 years and older.

  • Junior Membership: Available to individuals aged 6 to 17.

  • Affiliate Membership: Available for free to local aquatics related businesses, organizations or services. Eligible businesses must be registered as an LLC or must have a commercial establishment (retail or wholesale).

Membership Dues and Duration:

  • Membership dues shall be determined annually by the Board of Directors.

  • Membership is valid for the calendar year (January 1 to December 31), regardless of the start date.

  • Dues can be paid at any of the general meetings.

Membership Benefits: 

  • Individual members may vote on important organization matters, including Board of Directors elections.

  • All members may participate in discussion of matters brought before the Board of Directors. 

  • All members may participate in contests, raffles and receive reduced rates for special programs and field trips when available. 

  • The organization may purchase gift cards from Affiliate members for member-only raffles, contest prizes and holiday events.

  • Members in good standing may submit suggestions or proposals related to the functioning of the organization to the Board of Directors, which will consider and act upon them as appropriate.

Membership Termination:

  • The Board of Directors reserves the right to suspend or terminate any membership for: 

    • Violation of the Constitution and Bylaws 

    • Violation of the Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy outlined in Article VI 

    • Conduct detrimental to the organization's reputation or mission 

    • Non-payment of dues 

  • Process for Involuntary Membership Termination: 

    • Any member may submit a written complaint regarding another member to the Board of Directors 

    • The Board shall notify the member in question of the complaint 

    • The member shall have the opportunity to respond to the allegations in writing or in person at a Board meeting 

    • Following consideration of all evidence, the Board may vote to terminate membership 

    • Termination requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board of Directors

Article IV - Meetings

  1. General Meetings: The organization shall hold regular meetings at least once a month. General meetings are open to all members as well as the general public. General meetings shall include discussions of organization activities, educational programs, auctions, and other relevant topics as determined by the Board of Directors. No organization business shall be conducted unless one-quarter of individual members are present. No item of business shall be brought to a vote of the general membership unless referred by the Board of Directors or required by these Bylaws.

  2. Board of Directors Meetings: The Board of Directors shall hold regular meetings at least once a month. A quorum for Board meetings shall consist of a majority of the Board members. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President or upon request by a majority of the Board members. Board meetings shall address administrative and operational matters of the organization.

Article V - Officers and Board of Directors

  1. Composition: The Board of Directors shall consist of adult members only and include the following officers: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Editor, Membership Coordinator, Social Media Coordinator, Program Chair, two Board Members-At-Large, and President Emeritus. All officers shall have voting privileges except for the President who shall vote only on issues to break tie votes.

  2. Duties:

    • Board of Directors: The Board of Directors shall have general supervision of the affairs of the organization and shall manage the organization’s finances, membership, programs, and administrative operations as authorized by these Bylaws. The Board may act directly on matters within its authority, or refer the matter to the general membership for advisory discussion or binding vote, as required by the Constitution and Bylaws. The Board of Directors shall exercise final authority in the management of the organization’s affairs, except where these Bylaws specifically reserve authority to the general membership.

    • President: The President shall preside over all meetings, represent the organization, be responsible for the organization fulfilling its purpose as outlined in the constitution, ensure adherence to the constitution, and appoint all non-elected positions with the approval of the Board of Directors.

    • Vice-President: The Vice-President shall assist the President, perform all duties in the President’s absence and coordinate publicity, membership engagement, and liaise with affiliate members.

    • Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for all activities related to organization finances, including but not limited to keeping track of all organization income and expenditure, keeping an accurate statement of funds, and signing checks on behalf of the organization. The books of the Treasurer shall be audited as often as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.

    • Editor: The Editor shall oversee the creation and publication of all official communications from the organization, including the organization’s newsletter and website.

    • Membership Coordinator: The Membership Coordinator shall handle recruitment, retention, and membership records.

    • Social Media Coordinator: The Social Media Coordinator shall manage the organization’s online presence and outreach via social media platforms.

    • Program Chair: The Program Chair shall plan and oversee organization events including monthly programs and contests.

    • Board Members-At-Large: Two Board Members-at-Large shall represent the general membership and provide input on various organization matters. The President may appoint Board Members-At-Large to assist with specific officer roles.

    • President Emeritus: The President Emeritus shall be the outgoing President serving in an advisory role to provide institutional knowledge and continuity.

  3. Elections: 

    • Nominations for Officer positions will be accepted starting October.

    • Nominations shall remain open until the elections at the December general meeting.

    • All members in attendance at the December meeting shall cast votes to elect the next Board of Directors.

    • A simple majority of the votes is required to obtain office.

    • Officers shall serve for a term of one year from January to December without any term limits.

  4. Removal:

    • The Board of Directors shall have the power to remove any Board Member from office on the following grounds:

    • Inability to perform duties: Failure to properly fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

    • Recurrent absenteeism: Absence from two consecutive Board meetings or three meetings within one year, unless prior arrangements have been made.

    • Conduct unbecoming of a Board Member: Behavior that is inappropriate or detrimental to the integrity and mission of the organization, including but not limited to violations of the Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy outlined in Article VI.

    • Removal from office requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board of Directors.

Article VI - Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy

  1. Non-Discrimination: The Desert Aquarist Society does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

  2. Anti-Harassment: Harassment of any kind, including but not limited to unwelcome sexual advances, bullying, or offensive behavior that creates a hostile environment, is strictly prohibited. This policy applies to all members and participants in organization activities.

  3. Reporting and Resolution: Any member who believes they have been subjected to discrimination or harassment should report the incident to a member of the Board of Directors. All complaints will be investigated promptly and thoroughly. Retaliation against individuals who report discrimination or harassment is prohibited. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to removal from membership, removal from the Board of Directors, or exclusion from organization activities, as determined by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board of Directors.

Article VII - Amendments

  1. This Constitution and Bylaws shall be periodically reviewed and revised by the Board of Directors. Any necessary changes in the form of amendments may be brought before the general membership by the Board of Directors for consideration.

  2. Any member may propose an amendment in writing to the Board of Directors. Upon approval, it will be presented to the general membership at the next regular meeting for ratification.

  3. An amendment shall be adopted with a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members present at the meeting.

Article VIII - Rules of Order

The proceedings of this organization shall follow Robert’s Rules of Order, as applicable and not in conflict with this Constitution and Bylaws.

ARTICLE IX - Historical Reference

The Desert Aquarist Society acknowledges the previous Constitution and Bylaws adopted on February 10, 1974, and amended on July 14, 2019. Copies of past constitutions will be maintained in official records and made available to members upon request.

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