Constitution & Bylaws

 

Article I - Aims and Objectives:

  • To encourage and promote the science and art of Astrology through research, teaching, lecturing and practice.
  • To advocate freedom of thought and speech concerning Astrology and to promote awareness of its value whenever possible.
  • To assist all persons engaged in educational and scientific efforts, such as teachers, lecturers, or writers on Astrology whose work is beneficial.
  • To encourage a high standard of ethics and professionalism for Astrologers.


Article II - Code of Ethics:

  • "I realize that an honest and precise chart interpretation can only be given from a chart prepared according to generally accepted Astrology practices.

    "I agree to give, to the best of my ability, a true and accurate reading using Astrological principles in order to provide understanding to the person whose chart I am interpreting.
  • "I agree to honor and respect all confidences that are placed in me through my consultation and to treat all relevant information in strict confidence.
  • "I agree to use my membership in the Association in an ethical manner, and I subscribe to this Code of Ethics as a condition of my membership."
  • The Association reserves the right to terminate membership at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The above Code of Ethics is on each membership application and a signature is required before membership can be granted.

 

Article III - Memberships:

  • The membership of the Astrology Association of St. Petersburg shall consist of any person who sympathizes with and desires to aid in carrying out the aims and objectives of this Association. A prospective member shall submit an application in writing, which shall include an agreement to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws, and subscribe to a Code of Ethics. Such Code of Ethics shall be attached to every application and signed by the prospective member in order for the applicant to become a member of the Association.
  • The annual dues are $35 per member. ($17.50 for students) ($60 for couples). Dues will be paid with an enrollment application, and annually thereafter.  The Association’s fiscal year is from September through August.  Meeting fees are $15 for members and $25 for non-members, $10 for student members and $20 for non-member students.
  • Termination of Membership: Any member may be terminated or suspended for (a) failure to pay dues within one month after they become due; (b) for any other cause, which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors is not consistent with the goals, ethics and aims of the Association.

Article IV - Meetings:

  • Regular meetings of the Association will be held on the first Thursday of the month from September through April. An annual luncheon meeting will be held the first Saturday in May. There will be no formal meetings from June through August.
  • The annual business meeting will be held at our monthly meeting in April. The annual election of officers will be held at this business meeting.
  • Other business meetings of the Association and meetings of the Board of Directors will be called at the discretion of the President.

Article V - Officers:

A. The Officers of the Astrology Association of St. Petersburg shall be a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary and five active Members-at-Large. This group serves as the Board of Directors for the Association. Except as otherwise provided, the general policies and business affairs of the Association shall be managed by the Board of Directors.

1. Each Officer and Board Member will be elected at the annual meeting and shall serve for a term of one year. The newly elected Officers and Board will begin their term after the final meeting in May. Each outgoing Officer will thereupon deliver to the elected successor all records and property of the Association which may be in his/her possession.

2. A member shall not be eligible for the office of President or Vice President unless he/she has been a member of the Astrology Association of St. Petersburg for one year.

3. Only members in good standing are eligible to vote.

4. All officers may be re-elected.

B. Vacancies created during the one year term (resignation, removal, etc.) will be filled for the unexpired term in the following manner:

1. President: The Board of Directors will meet and will elect one of their members to serve out the unexpired term.

2. All other officers: The President will appoint a person from the members-at-large to serve out the unexpired term.


Article VI - Duties of the Officers:

A. The President:
1. Presides at all meetings of the Astrology Association of St. Petersburg, and shall perform all other functions normally expected of a president in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order.

2. Provides for the Association's meeting place with approval from the Board.

3. Appoints all committee chairpersons and serves as ex-officio member of all committees.

4. Is responsible for having a monthly emailed newsletter distributed to members and other interested parties on our mailing list, announcing the Association’s meetings, workshops and other pertinent updates.

B. The Vice President:

1. Assists the President in the performance of all duties.

2. In the absence of the President, presides over all meetings.

3. In the event of a vacancy occurring in the office of the President, the Vice President will act as President until a successor has been elected from the Members of the Board.

C. The Treasurer:

1. Receives and dispenses all monies of the Association.

2. Within seven business days of receiving funds, deposits them in a bank, which is a member of, and whose deposits are insured by, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in the name of the Astrology Association of St. Petersburg.

3. All withdrawals in the name of the Association shall carry the signature of at least two authorized officers.

4. Keeps a correct account of all income and disbursements, and at the annual business meeting submits a current written report itemizing the financial transactions of the Association. Makes reports and statements to the President and the Board of Directors as required by them. Copies of all financial reports will be given to the President and to the Secretary for insertion in their records.

5. The President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be given power to sign checks.

6. Financial reports will be open to inspection by any member, on request, at the annual business meeting.

D. The Secretary:

1. Records the minutes of all business and Board meetings held by the Association and provides copies of the minutes to the President.

2. Maintains the following papers and reports as part of the Secretary’s records:

a. The bylaws or restated bylaws and all amendments to them currently in effect;

b. All resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors;

c. Minutes of all members’ meetings;

d. A list of the names and addresses of all officers and directors of the Association.

e. A record of the members and their addresses; and

f. All filings required by regulatory authorities.

3. Handles all correspondence usually assigned to the office in accordance with general practice.

E. The Members-at Large:

Act in an advisory capacity to, and carry out special assignments from the President.

Article VII- Election of Officers:

A. The election of officers shall be held annually at the April business meeting.
B. The President shall appoint a nominating committee to carry out the duties necessary for the election.

Article VIII - Dissolution:

Upon the dissolution of the Astrology Association of St. Petersburg, the membership shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all liabilities of the Association, dispose of all the assets of the

organization for the purpose of the association in such manner, or in such organizations operated as charitable, religious, or scientific purposes, as the membership shall determine. Any assets not so disposed shall be disposed of by the Court of the County in which the principal office of the Association is located.

Article IX - Amendments:

A. The Constitution and Bylaws of the Astrology Association of St.

Petersburg may be amended by a vote of a majority of the members present at any regular business meeting. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the members present.

B. Any amendment to this document requires a one month written notice to all members.

Dated November 1, 1984.

Amended by membership vote at the business meeting of May 2, 1990.
Amended by membership vote at the business meeting of May 6, 1991.
Amended by membership vote at the business meeting of May 2, 1994.
Amended by membership vote at the business meeting of April 1, 2010.