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Articles of Organization and Bylaws of Harmony Tribe


Approved January 2nd, 2004

 

ARTICLES OF HARMONY TRIBE

The undersigned individuals eighteen years of age or older and adopt the following articles to assist with the management of the organization.

ARTICLE I - NAME The name of this organization shall be Harmony Tribe.


ARTICLE II - REGISTERED OFFICE ADDRESS The place in Minnesota where the principal office of the organization is to be located at 4926 Newton Avenue No Minneapolis, MN 55430


ARTICLE III - PURPOSE This organization was created exclusively for religious, educational, and scientific purposes.

The purpose of this organization is:
to provide spiritual experiences and educational opportunities for practitioners of nature based religions.

ARTICLE IV - EXEMPTION REQUIREMENTS At all times the following shall operate as conditions restricting the operations and activities of the organization:
  1. No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purpose set for the in the purpose clause hereof.
  2. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall constitute the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, or any initiative or referendum before the public, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including by publication or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office.

ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP/BOARD OF DIRECTORS This organization shall have members, The eligibility, rights and obligations of the members will be determined by the organization's bylaws.

The management of the affairs of the organization shall be vested in a board of directors, as defined by the organization's bylaws. No director shall have any right, title, or interest in or to any property of the organization.

The number of directors constituting the initial board of directors is four (4); their names and addresses are as follows: See state filing for this information!

Members of the initial board of directors shall serve until the first annual meeting, at which their successors will be duly elected an qualified, or removed as provided in the bylaws.


ARTICLE VI - PERSONAL LIABILITY No member, officer, or director of this organization shall be personally liable for the debts or obligations of this organization of any nature whatsoever, nor shall any property of the members, officers, or directors be subject to the payment of the debts or obligations of this organization.


ARTICLE VII - DURATION/DISSOLUTION The duration of the organization existence shall be perpetual until dissolution.

Upon dissolution of the organization, assets of the corporation shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose.

ARTICLE - VIII - SIGNATURES In witness whereof, we, the undersigned, have hereunto subscribed our names for the purpose of forming the organization under the laws of the State of Minnesota and certify we executed these Articles this Second day of January, 2004.

Signature of Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Signature of Treasurer, Signature of Secretary




BYLAWS OF HARMONY TRIBE

ARTICLE I - NAME AND PURPOSE
  1. Section 1 - Name:
    The name of the organization shall be Harmony Tribe.

  2. Section 2 - Purpose:
    Harmony Tribe is organized exclusively for religious, and educational purposes.

    The purpose of this organization is:
    To provide spiritual experiences and educational opportunities for practitioners of nature - based religions.

ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP
  1. Section 1 - Eligibility for membership:
    Application for voting membership shall be open to any individual 18 years of age or older that supports the purpose statement in Article I, Section 2. Membership is granted after completion and receipt of a membership application and annual dues. All memberships shall be granted upon a majority vote of the board.
  2. Section 2 - Annual dues:
    The amount required for annual dues shall be $30.00 each year, unless changed by a majority vote of the members at an annual meeting of the full membership. Continued membership is contingent upon being up-to-date on membership dues.
  3. Section 3 - Rights and obligations of members:
    Each member shall be eligible to cast a vote in association elections. Each member shall be obligated to serve on not less than one committee in order to remain a member in good standing.

    Members shall have the following additional rights:
    • Members may vote at Board of Directors meetings at the discretion of the Board of Directors
    • Members may attend all open meetings of members, open meetings of the Board of Directors, and committee meetings.

    • Members have the right to participate in Harmony Tribe sponsored events.


  4. Section 4 - Resignation and termination:
    Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with the chairperson. Resignation shall not relieve a member of unpaid dues, or other charges previously accrued. A member can have their membership terminated by a 2/3 - majority vote of the current Board of Directors. Members will not receive any refund of annual dues upon resignation or termination.





ARTICLE III - MEETINGS OF MEMBERS
  • Section 1 - Annual meetings:
    An annual meeting of the members shall take place in the month of October, the specific date, time, and location of which will be designated by the chair. At the annual meeting the members shall elect a board of directors, receive reports on the activities of the organization, and determine the direction of the organization for the coming year.

  • Section 2 - Special meetings:
    Special meetings may be called by the chair.

  • Section 3 - Notice of meetings:
    Electronic notice or United States Postal Service mailed notice of each meeting shall be given to each voting member, not less than seven days prior to the meeting. Special meetings may be called at the discretion of the chair with less than seven days notice.

  • Section 4 - Quorum:
    30% of the paid members, in good standing, present at any meeting, properly and duly called, shall constitute a quorum.

  • Section 5 - Voting:
    All issues to be voted on shall be decided by a simple majority of those present at the meeting in which the vote takes place.




ARTICLE IV - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  • Section 1 - Board role, size, and compensation:
    The board is responsible for overall policy and direction of the organization, and delegates responsibility of day - to - day operations to the committees. The board shall have up to 15, but not fewer than 4 members. The board receives no compensation.

  • Section 2 - Terms:
    All board member shall serve one - year terms, but are eligible for re - election for up to ten consecutive terms.

  • Section 3 - Meetings, Agendas, and notice:
    The board shall meet at least eight times per year. Additional meetings may be called at the discretion of the chair. Board Chair shall give notice of board meeting agendas by electronic media or internet posting at least three days prior to each board meeting to all members in good standing. Each board meeting agenda shall contain at least:

    (in order)
    1. establishment of quorum
    2. approval of old minutes
    3. treasurers report
    4. authorization for non - board members present to vote
    5. old business
    6. scheduled business
    7. new business
    8. adjournment


  • Section 4 - Board elections:
    New directors and current directors shall be elected re - elected by the members at the annual meeting. Directors will be elected by a simple majority of members present at the annual meeting.

  • Section 5 - Election procedures:
    Any member can nominate a candidate for an available position. All members will be eligible to vote for a candidate for each available position

  • Section 6 - Quorum:
    A quorum for business transactions to take place or motions to pass is at least fifty percent of the Board Members present or having assigned their vote by proxy to another board member.

  • Section 7 - Officers and Duties:
    There shall be four officers of the board, consisting of a chairperson, vice - chairperson, secretary and treasurer. Their duties are as follows:

    • The chairperson shall convene regularly scheduled board meetings, shall preside or arrange for other members of the Executive Committee to preside at each meeting, and shall serve as the de facto voice of the board if a board vote is impossible under the circumstances.

    • The vice - chairperson shall chair committees on special subjects as designated by the board.

    • The secretary shall be responsible for keeping records of board actions, including overseeing the taking of minutes at all board meetings, sending out meeting announcements, distributing copies of minutes to each board member, and assuring that corporate records are maintained.

    • The treasurer shall make a report at each board meeting. The treasurer shall assist in the preparation of the budget, help develop fundraising plans, and make financial information available to board members and the public.

  • Section 8 - Voting:
    The Chair compiled meeting agenda shall define voting issues at board meetings. All issues prepublished by agenda shall be decided by simple majority of the total of board members present, and votes of other members authorized to vote, and any proxy votes assigned to other board members. Non - board members shall be authorized to vote at board meetings as a group present at a particular meeting, for that particular meeting only. Any issues presented for a Board vote under "New Business" whereby not published in the agenda, must pass unanimously by the vote of the board members present, proxy votes, and all members authorized to vote. Issues failing to pass unanimously are only entered as Old Business for the next meeting agenda if so requested by the Board Member submitting the motion.

  • Section 9 - Proxy Voting:
    Any Board Member may assign their vote on all issues at any particular board meeting to another Board Member if done so in writing or by phone at the meeting opening. Proxy vote assignment counts toward establishing a quorum.

  • Section 10 - Vacancies:
    A vacancy on the board of directors can be filled by nominations made by current board members and shall be decided by a simple majority of the remaining board members.

  • Section 11 - Resignation, termination, and absences:
    Resignation from the board must be in writing and received by the Chairperson. A board member may be removed from the board by a three - fourths vote of the remaining directors.



ARTICLE V - COMMITTEES
  • Section 1 - Committee formation:
    The board may create committees as needed. Committees may elect their own chairpersons.

  • Section 2 - Executive Committee:
    The four officers serve as the members of the Executive Committee. Except for the power to amend the Articles of Incorporation and bylaws, the Executive Committee Shall have all the powers and authority of the board of directors in the intervals between meetings of the board of directors, and is subject to the direction and control of the full board.


ARTICLE VI - AMENDMENTS Section 1 - Amendments:
These bylaws may be amended when necessary by two - thirds majority of the board of directors.


CERTIFICATION These bylaws were approved at a meeting of the board of directors by a two - thirds majority vote on January 2, 2004.

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Process Covenant for Harmony Tribe

We, the members of Harmony Tribe (HT), agree to carry out our responsibilities using these process guidelines.

  • We will make decisions to carry out the goals and objectives of HT with concern for its overall vitality. We will be guided by long range planning, balancing the needs and challenges of our members, programs, staff, facilities and finances.
  • We will treat each other with respect.
  • We will honor dissenting views, agreeing to disagree, when discussing issues within the committee.
  • We will strive for committee decisions using a consensus process, but will reach decisions by a vote if consensus is not possible. We will strive for consensus within committee meetings and refrain from lobbying others outside of committee meetings. Once all of our opinions have been heard and a decision has been made, we will do our best to support it. When we feel we cannot support it, we will work with the other members of HT to express out point of view in a constructive way.
  • We will maintain confidentiality, not revealing who said what, personal stories, or things which must be kept confidential (legal, personnel, contractual items), when discussing HT matters with others not on the committee. Confidentiality includes HT members talking with HT members outside of the meeting.
  • If we know of any dissent, criticism, or destructive behavior undermining the health of HT, we will discuss it within the HT with the goal of increasing trust and cohesion.
  • We will be responsible for using our time together efficiently.
  • We will each read the agenda materials before each meeting.
  • We will begin and end meetings on time, and each keep our comments to the point during the meeting.
  • We will use Robert's Rules of Order as modified for small groups.
  • We will use a written Agenda, blackboard or chart to keep track of the meeting.
  • Each member will note and follow up on personal responsibilities.
  • Whenever possible, we will bring issues to HT in the form of a recommendation that could become a motion.
  • Any member with an agenda item will notify the Voice of the relevant HT committee about it at least seven days before the next meeting, or at least five days prior for a late - breaking development.
This pledge is signed by all Harmony Tribe Voting Members

Why Join Harmony Tribe?



Harmony Tribe Membership

Harmony Tribe offers membership to any individual who supports our mission statement and has a personal goal of creating and serving Community. Membership dues are $30 annually, and we ask for a time donation. Countless opportunities are available which range in commitment from a few hours working from home to weekly meetings in a leadership role. In return we offer a 100% credit of your membership dues toward your registration at Sacred Harvest Festival.

Your membership dues allow us to make the necessary preparations for Sacred Harvest Festival and support our involvement in the May Day Parade and other events like our Yule celebration.

Your commitment builds our Community. The current members of Harmony Tribe each have their own reasons for being involved. From a focus on public education about Earth - based religion, to business networking, to creating a spiritual context in which to raise children, to the desire to meet new people, our individual concerns are varied, but as a group we are committed to co - creating a return to Community.

Please join us.

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