Lumberjack Service Society Bylaws
Mission
The Lumberjack Service Society is rooted in service to Stephen F. Austin State University with a goal of helping students have a fresh start so they can finish strong.
Article I – Name
The name of this organization shall be the Lumberjack Service Society.
Article II – Purpose
The purpose of the Lumberjack Service Society is to:
Support student success through meaningful service initiatives.
Foster collaboration between the university and community.
Provide opportunities for faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to give back.
Promote the values of: Caring, Unity, Respect, Responsibility, and Integrity.
Article III – Membership
Section 1: Eligibility
Membership is open to faculty, staff, alumni, and community members who support the mission of the Society.
Individuals employed by Stephen F. Austin State University who are also enrolled in coursework (e.g., graduate or career advancement programs) may be eligible for membership, provided no conflict of interest exists as determined by the Executive Board.
Students are the beneficiaries of the Society’s work and may not serve as members.
Section 2: Non-Discrimination
The Lumberjack Service Society shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Article IV – Officers
Section 1: Officer Positions
The Society shall be governed by the following officers who make up the Executive Board:
President
President-Elect
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Treasurer-Elect (Ex-Officio)
Director of Membership
Parliamentarian
University Liaison
Section 2: General Duties
Executive Board Officers are responsible for the leadership, operations, and advancement of the Society in alignment with its mission. Each member of the Executive Board will have a fundraising requirement to be established by the Executive Board at the first meeting of the year.
Section 3: Terms of Office
Officers on the Executive Board shall serve a term of two (2) years.
The President-Elect will assume the role of President at the conclusion of their term.
Section 4: Removal and Vacancies
Officers on the Executive Board may be removed for failure to fulfill duties or violation of these Bylaws.
Removal requires a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board.
Vacancies shall be filled according to procedures outlined herein.
Article V – Meetings
The Society shall hold regular meetings as determined by the Executive Board. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of active members.
Article VI – Finances
All financial activities shall comply with the laws and policies and be used to support the mission of the Society.
Article VII – Amendments
This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of active members, provided the amendment has been presented in writing in advance.
Article VIII – Membership Requirements
To maintain active membership, individuals must:
1. Dues
Annual membership dues shall be $50 (or amount determined annually by the Executive Board)
Membership becomes active upon payment.
2. Membership Agreement
Members must sign a Membership Commitment Agreement upon joining.
This agreement outlines expectations for participation, professionalism, meeting attendance requirements, service requirements, and alignment with Lumberjack Service Society values.
Article IX – Officer Responsibilities
President
Provides overall leadership, presides over meetings, and sets strategic direction.
President-Elect
Supports the President and prepares for leadership transition at the end of the President’s term.
Vice President
Oversees operations and serves in the absence of the President.
Secretary
Maintains records, meeting minutes, and official communications.
Treasurer
Manages financial records, reporting, and compliance.
Treasurer-Elect
Supports the Treasurer and prepares for transition to Treasurer at the end of the Treasurer’s term.
Director of Membership
Leads recruitment, onboarding, and member engagement.
Parliamentarian
Ensures meetings follow proper procedures and advises on governance.
University Liaison
Serves as the connection between the Society and university administration.
Article X – Elections & Selection
Officers shall be selected through a nomination and voting process determined by the Executive Board.
Elections shall occur bi-annually.
Special elections may be held to fill vacancies.
Article XI – Meetings & Operations
Meetings will be held regularly as determined by the Executive Board.
Agendas will include updates, service planning, and organizational business.
Committees may be formed to support initiatives.
Article XII – Financial Procedures
Income of the organization shall be derived from three principal resources:
Annual membership dues as set by the Executive Board,
Direct donations, and
Designated fund-raising projects.
The Fiscal Year for the Lumberjack Service Society shall be September 1 to August 31.
The Executive Board shall establish and periodically review a reserve policy to ensure funds are not accumulated beyond levels necessary for sustainability and risk management.
The annual budget shall reflect a good faith effort to deploy available resources toward mission aligned programs.
Treasurer, President, President-Elect, Secretary will have signature authority on all bank accounts.
Inaugural Officers with Signature Authority:
Treasurer, Jennifer McCall
President, Kristi Weaver
President-Elect, Joann Black
Secretary, Charity Bentley
Each check must have signatures from at least two of the above referenced officials.
Bank statements will be presented to the Executive Board monthly.
Financial reports will be shared with the membership at large at least annually.
Article XIII: 501(c)(3) Status
Until nonprofit status is obtained:
Membership payments support the mission of the Lumberjack Service Society and are not currently tax-deductible. The Society is actively working toward recognition as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, at which time contributions are expected to become tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.