Bylaws of the
Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts
May, 2025
ARTICLE 1: NAME OF ORGANIZATION
Section 1. Name
The name of the organization is the Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts.
Section 2. Purpose
The purpose of the Society shall be to promote interest in cacti and other succulent plants through educational, scientific and social programs. The Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts is a non-profit Society.
ARTICLE 2: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership
A. Active members are those individuals whose membership dues are current and who are in good standing with the Society. Active members shall be encouraged to hold memberships in the Cactus and Succulent Society of America.
B. Associate members are partners or spouses of regular members who reside at the same address.
C. Honorary members are those individuals who have been designated as honorary members upon recommendation of the Executive Board.
ARTICLE 3: DUES AND FINANCES
Section 1. Dues
Membership dues shall be $20.00 per annum. Membership dues may be changed by a majority vote of a quorum of members at a regularly scheduled meeting. Dues shall be payable on the 1st of July or not later than the first meeting in September. Included in the cost of the membership will be a subscription to the Society newsletter.
Section 2. Financial Authority
The President or treasurer may authorize any disbursement up to $50.00. Disbursements in excess of $50.00 will require a majority vote of the Executive Board. Society checks may be signed by either the treasurer or the President.
Section 3. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year shall run from July 1 through June 30.
ARTICLE 4: EXECUTIVE BOARD
(an elected board)
Section 1. Officers of the Board
The officers of the Society shall be President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Collectively the officers shall be known as the Executive Board. The Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts (CSSM) President is to be a member of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America (CSSA), The President’s CSSA dues are to be paid CSSM, all other officers are encouraged to join the Cactus and Succulent Society of America.
Section 2. Duties of the Executive Board Officers
President
The President shall preside at all meetings and shall ensure that all business and activities of the Society are conducted according to the bylaws. The President may appoint committees as deemed necessary and may appoint committee chairpersons with the approval of the Executive Committee.
Vice Presidents (2)
The Vice Presidents shall jointly perform the duties of the President in the President’s absence. They shall also perform miscellaneous other duties as needed. The Vice Presidents are co-equal members of the Executive Board.
Secretary
The Secretary shall take minutes at all formal meetings and perform other duties of a secretarial nature as directed and required by the activities of the Society. Duties will include mailing minutes of formal meetings and meeting notices to the membership. Minutes may be included in the Society’s newsletter.
Treasurer
The Treasurer shall receive dues and any other funds for bank deposit and be responsible for timely payment of all expenses incurred by the Society and approved by the officers. The treasurer will maintain a list of membership dues paid and keep accurate records of all receipts and disbursements and report when required. In the event that the treasurer cannot fulfill his or her duties, the President and/or either Vice president is authorized to assume such duties.
ARTICLE 5: ADVISORY BOARD
(an appointed board)
Section 1. Structure
The Advisory Board shall consist of up to six members-in-good-standing, selected and appointed at will by the President.
Section 2. Duties of the Advisory Board
The Advisory Board shall meet formally or informally, in whole or in part, at the President’s discretion. The duty of the Advisory Board is to advise and give council to the President when requested. The Advisory Board has no executive power and can only advise the Executive Board. It cannot vote on Society issues.
ARTICLE 6: NEWSLETTER
Section 1. Newsletter
The Society shall publish a monthly newsletter.
Section 2. Newsletter Editor
The Newsletter Editor (a member volunteer) shall perform other duties of a secretarial nature as directed and required by the activities of the Society. Duties will include mailing minutes of formal meetings and meeting notices to the membership. Minutes may be included in the Society’s newsletter. The Newsletter Editor shall also be responsible for preparing meeting minutes in the absence of the Secretary.
ARTICLE 7: MEETINGS
Section 1. Meetings
Meetings shall be held on a monthly basis during the period from September to June unless otherwise specified. Additional meetings may be called by the President when needed. Field trips may be substituted for regular meetings. The schedule of regular meetings for the coming year shall be set by the Executive Board and mailed to members at least two weeks prior to the September regular meeting. The Secretary must mail changes to that schedule to members at least two weeks before the meeting date which has been changed.
Section 2. Location
Regular meetings of the Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts shall be held at locations which are scheduled by the President with the approval of the Executive Board.
Section 3. Quorum
A quorum for the transaction of business at any regular meeting shall consist of a simple majority of present paid members of the Society.
Section 4. Parliamentary Authority
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern the Society in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Bylaws of the Society.
ARTICLE 8: NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
Section 1. Annual Meeting
Elections of officers shall occur at the time of the annual meeting to be held concurrent with the regular May meeting. Term of office shall commence at the regular September meeting.
Section 2. Nominations
A nominating committee of three active members, appointed by the Executive Board, shall make its recommendation of a slate of officers to the membership one month prior to the annual meeting.
Section 3. Additional Nominations
Additional nominations may be made by a member from the floor at the time of the annual meeting if seconded. Such nomination must be accepted by the nominee at that time.
Section 4. Ballots
Balloting shall be done by a show of hands or secret ballot when two or more nominees are being considered.
Section 5. Tenure of Office
Term of office shall be one year and shall commence at the regular September meeting. The President shall serve no more than 3 consecutive terms however shall be permitted to stand for reelection following the completion of a succeeding president. No member shall hold more than one office at a time
ARTICLE 9: ADDITIONAL COMMITTEES
Committees may be appointed by the President. Standing committees may be formed to conduct regular Society business on on-going bases. Special committees may be formed to conduct other business as assigned.
ARTICLE 10: APPOINTMENTS
The Executive Board may make other appointments at its discretion.
ARTICLE 11: AMENDMENTS
The bylaws may be amended by a three fourths (3/4) vote of members present at any regular meeting of the Society provided that all members have been given copies of such amendments in writing at least ten (10) days prior to such meeting.