Stony Brook Camera Club

2. Purpose: To promote enjoyment and proficiency in all aspects of photography through education, fellowship, exchange of knowledge and experience, and a broad appreciation of nature and our environment.

3. Membership: Annual maximum membership is limited primarily by room capacity. When the annual maximum membership is achieved, a waiting list will be held by the treasurer, and as openings allow, membership will be offered to prospective members in the order that the membership requests are received. Membership is not transferable.

4. Organization: The election of officers shall take place on the first meeting in May of each year. The following officers shall be elected:

President: Preside at all club meetings and Executive Board meetings. Appoint chairpersons of all committees. Serve ex-officio on each committee, except Nominating Committee. Act as club spokesperson and generally keep in touch with all club activities. Work with the incoming President to develop budget and dues for coming year. Present proposed budget to membership in September.

Vice President: Assume the duties of the President in his/her absence. Act on Executive Board and chair of the Program Committee.

Treasurer: Maintain all financial records of the club; keeping custody thereof. Maintain club membership list, archive membership list, and membership waiting list. Pay all bills. Act on the Executive Board. Systematically report to the membership.

Secretary: Keep records of the minutes of all club and Executive Board meetings. Notify members of special meetings and events. Responsible for correspondence of club business. Act on the Executive Board.

5. Executive Board: The management of the club shall be advised by the Executive Board. The board is composed of the elected Officers and the two immediate Past Presidents. The Executive Board shall meet as necessary. Board meetings are open to club members and require one week notice. Only elected officers vote and each office has one vote. Prepares budget for committees in collaboration with committee chairs.

6. Committees: Committees, established by the president to conduct club business are Standing or Ad Hoc. Standing committees have responsibilities throughout the club year. Ad Hoc committees are established as needed. Chairpersons shall be appointed by the President. The chairperson shall appoint committee members. Committee chairs shall periodically prepare reports to the membership.

7. Meetings: The club meets on Thursdays, from September to June. Business can be discussed at any meeting. A ten-day written notice is required for finance and policy business. Finance and policy items require approval by membership.

8. Bylaw Changes: Bylaw changes require acceptance by one-third of the total membership. Bylaw changes require the secretary to notify the membership in writing at least two weeks in advance of the vote. Notification shall contain the proposed changes.

9. Quorum: A quorum of the membership for the purpose of conducting club business shall consist of not less than one-third of the entire membership.

10. Elections: Election of the officers shall be held annually during the first week of May. The President shall appoint a Nominating Committee, by January 31, composed of three members not on the Executive Board. The committee will accept nominations from the membership, ensure nominees meet membership qualifications and are willing to serve if elected. The Chairperson will present to the membership, the slate and qualifications of each nominee two weeks prior to the election. Members may nominate other candidates and present their qualifications at this time. A paper ballot, including a write-in option, will be used when more than one candidate is nominated for a position. The installation of officers shall take place at the annual meeting (banquet) held in June of each year.

President: Must be an active member for three consecutive years.
Vice President: Must be an active member for two consecutive years.
Treasurer: Must be an active member for two consecutive years.
Secretary: Must be an active member for two consecutive years.

Vacancies in the club offices shall be filled by Presidential appointment, subject to approval by the membership.

12. Dues: Dues will be approved by the membership at the annual business meeting in June. There are three categories of membership and dues. The minimum age of membership is 16.

Individual: Any person between the ages of 16 and 65, unless a student.
Family: Two household members over the age of 16.
Student/Senior: Full time student with valid student ID, or seniors over 65.

Members with unpaid dues on October 1 will forfeit their membership and the open membership will be filled from the waiting list.
Dues shall be reduced by 50% for members joining after January 1.
Members joining in May or June will pay full dues which will apply to the next club year.

13. Expenditures: Normal budgetary expenditures (programs, competitions, etc.) shall be approved by the Executive Board. The Executive Board may also approve special expenditures of up to $250, with a $1000 annual limit. Any single item over $250 must be approved by the membership.

14. Competitions: Any member whose name is included on the membership list shall be eligible to enter any and all competitions.

15. Affiliations: Any change in affiliations will be voted on at the annual meeting.

16. Honors and Awards: The club can award a variety of honors and awards. These are:

Life Member: Honor awarded to a current club member who has made significant contributions to the club over at least a 10 year period. All dues are waived for the life of the member. When given, this honor is limited to one in any year.
Honorary Member: Honor awarded to a non-member in recognition of contributions to club programs, growth, and education of club members. This award may be granted at any time during the year. When given, this honor is limited to one in any year.
John F. Locke III Memorial Award: Award given to the most improved member of Class B, in their first year, as determined by the Competition Committee. The award consists of a plaque, held for 1 year, and tuition for the annual NECCC conference.
Merit Award: Honor awarded to one or more club members in recognition of their significant contributions, outstanding service, technical support, or otherwise major contribution to club activities. The award is a Certificate of Recognition.

These honors are not mandatory and are issued in response to member nomination. Any club member can nominate individuals for the honors, supported by a written statement of qualifications. The Executive Board, in collaboration with club members, will determine candidate suitability for honors. The membership will vote on the honors candidates. Awards are issued based on award criteria. Honors and awards will be presented at the annual dinner unless stated otherwise.

Adopted: January 22, 1970
Revised: December 1, 1977; January 8, 1981; September 24, 1987; October 1, 1987; February 7, 2002, May 15, 2003, May 17, 2007, May 20, 2010