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A. State Bylaws Template. The Texas Master Naturalist Program provides a template for all Chapters to use to adopt and amend individual Chapter Bylaws. All Chapter Bylaws must be uniform across all Chapters and are to be adopted verbatim by each Chapter selecting an option for the ‘Term of Officers’ and an option for an Addendum for 501 (c) (3) Chapters. Chapters that desire to meet additional requirements to be recognized as a tax-exempt organization may or may not adopt the Addendum for 501 (c) (3) Chapters.
B. Approval Before Vote. In order to ensure consistency, continuity and adherence of statewide guidelines, the initial Chapter Bylaws and any subsequent proposed amendments to Chapter Bylaws must be submitted in writing for approval by the Chapter Advisors and then the Director of the Texas Master Naturalist Program as a representative of the TMN State Committee before being submitted to the Chapter’s general membership for a vote.
C. Notification. Notice of the proposed adoption of Chapter Bylaws and all proposed amendments to the Chapter Bylaws with the date, time and place of consideration shall be presented in written form via conventional mail, email or other equivalent means to members at least 30 days prior to consideration by the membership.
D. Membership Vote. These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of members constituting a quorum after the proposed amendment has been approved by the Chapter’s Advisors and the Director of the Texas Master Naturalist Program acting on behalf of the TMN State Committee.