The Strand Brewers Club is governed by these bylaws, originally adopted October 14, 1998, and last amended in 2014. They define our structure, membership, and how we operate as a club.
Article I: Organization
The official name of the organization is the Strand Brewers Club (abbreviated “SBC”).
Article II: Vision
“To brew and drink the best damn beer.”
Article III: Objectives and Policies
Objectives
- Brew beer and share information about brewing techniques and beer history
- Promote quality homebrewing
- Encourage participation in homebrew competitions
- Foster goodwill around beer-making and consumption
Policies
- The SBC brews and consumes beer strictly for fun
- Selling homebrewed beer is prohibited
- Operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol is prohibited
- Providing alcohol to minors is prohibited
Article IV: Membership
Qualifications
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must have an interest in brewing beer
- Must meet “good standing” requirements (see below)
Fiscal Year
The club follows the calendar year unless changed by a majority vote of the officers.
Dues
- $35.00 per member annually
- $10.00 per member-spouse or significant other annually
- Members who fail to pay within three months of the due date are dropped from the rolls, unless the officers authorize an extension
Good Standing Requirements
A member in good standing must:
- Pay annual dues on time
- Demonstrate basic homebrewing knowledge and understanding of beer styles
- Participate in a minimum of two club meetings or events per year
Membership Cards
Members receive yearly membership cards, which provide discounts at participating homebrew supply shops.
Resignations and Termination
Officers may terminate membership by majority vote if a member brings discredit to the SBC.
Article V: Expenditures
Not-for-Profit Status
All monies collected support club operations and objectives only.
Regular Expenditures
The following do not require special approval:
- Website maintenance
- Insurance
- Monthly meeting costs
Extraordinary Expenditures
Any amount exceeding $200.00 requires general membership approval.
Article VI: Club Officers
Composition
The club is governed by eight (8) elected officers.
Officer Meetings
- Officers meet as required to conduct club business
- Quorum for officer meetings requires three officers present
Attendance Policy
Officers who miss three meetings without valid reason may be replaced.
Amendment Process
- Proposed amendments are first submitted to officers for evaluation
- Then presented to the general membership for a vote
Article VII: Offices and Duties
1. President
- Presides over all club meetings
- Appoints committee chairs
- Must have been a member for at least 12 months prior to taking office
- Cannot hold office in any other brew club simultaneously
2. Vice-President
- Assists the President in all duties
- Performs the President’s duties during absence
- Administers and interprets the bylaws
3. Secretary
- Takes minutes at all meetings
- Maintains official club files and records
- Oversees the club newsletter
4. Treasurer
- Manages all club funds
- Must deposit money within seven (7) days of receipt
- Files quarterly financial reports
- Ensures all checks require two signatures
5. Activities Director
- Develops and organizes social events for the club
6. Competition Coordinator
- Maintains lists of upcoming homebrew competitions
- Arranges transportation or shipping for competition entries
7. Web Administrator
- Maintains the club website
8. Dregs Editor
- Publishes the monthly club newsletter (“The Dregs”)
- Arranges photography for club events and newsletter content
Officer Qualifications
- All officers must be members in good standing
- Must be willing to assume all responsibilities of their office
Term Limits
- Officers serve one-year terms aligned with the fiscal year
- Maximum of two consecutive years in the same office
Elections
- Held annually, two months before the start of the electoral year
- A nominating committee is appointed four months before elections
Article VIII: Meetings
Regular meetings are held monthly. The specific day and time are agreed upon by the club membership.
Article IX: Liability
No individual general member, board member, or authorized representative of the SBC shall be personally liable for any debt or obligation of the association.