ARTICLE 1 – NAME, PRINCIPAL OFFICE, AND AFFILIATION

Section 1. Name. The name of this organization shall be “The Jane Austen Society of North America, Northern California Region” (“JASNA, Northern California or JASNA NorCal”), hereinafter referred to as the “Region.”

Section 2. Principal Office. The principal office shall be located at the Regional Coordinator’s address.

Section 3. Affiliation. The Region is a region of The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) and is thus part of JASNA. The Region is not a separate corporation or entity. It is required to operate in conformity with the purposes and bylaws of JASNA and the practices adopted by the JASNA Board of Directors for regions.

ARTICLE 2 – PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

Section 1. Purpose and Mission. The purpose and mission of the Region are the same as those of JASNA. The purpose of the Region is to promote discussion and encourage the exchange of ideas among readers who enjoy the works of Jane Austen. The mission is to foster among the widest number of readers the study, appreciation, and understanding of Jane Austen’s works, her life, and her genius.

Section 2. Nonprofit Status. The Region, by virtue of its affiliation with JASNA, is a nonprofit organization. No part of the assets or income of the Region shall be distributable to or accrue to the benefit of its individual members or officers.

Section 3. Dissolution of the Region. In the event of dissolution of the Region, no member shall be entitled to any distribution or division of its remaining property or proceeds therefrom, except as payment for existing debts of the Region. The balance of all money or other property received or held by the Region from any source after the payment of all debts and obligations of the Region shall be surrendered to JASNA.

ARTICLE 3 – MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS

Section 1. Qualifications. To be a member of the Region, a person must be a member of JASNA in good standing, paying national dues. Members may participate in more than one Region but shall be assigned by JASNA to a primary Region based on geographic location or shall designate a primary Region for purposes of the Society’s membership records.

Section 2. Any member of JASNA who specifies JASNA Northern California as their primary or secondary Region shall be eligible to become a member of JASNA Northern California.

Section 3. Membership decisions will not discriminate on the basis of age, color, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Section 4. Community Guidelines. Region members agree to abide by JASNA’s Community Guidelines.

Section 5. Visitor Policy. Visitors may attend up to two regular meetings as the guest of a Region before being required to join JASNA. (This policy does not pertain to visitors who are members of another JASNA Region.)  This section does not preclude the Region from declaring a meeting or special event to be “open” to the public.

Section 6:  Dues. Regions shall not charge dues. National dues are determined by JASNA and are paid directly to JASNA.

Section 7. Regular Meeting. Meetings and programs should be held often enough through the year to keep the Region active. At least one meeting shall be held during the fiscal year. Meetings shall be held on dates, at times, and at locations established by the Regional Coordinator and/or Board. Notice of meetings shall be given to all members at the beginning of the Region’s year or at least thirty (30) days prior to each meeting.

Section 8. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Region shall be the same as JASNA’s fiscal year, beginning on September 1 and ending on the following August 31.

Section 9. Reporting Requirements. By November 1, the Region’s Treasurer shall complete and return the Financial Report form provided by the JASNA Treasurer. By November 1, the Regional Coordinator shall complete and return the Region Report form provided by the JASNA Vice President of Regions.

ARTICLE 4 – REGION OFFICERS

Section 1. Designation of Officers. The Region’s officers shall include the Regional Coordinator (all references to Regional Coordinator in this document include Regional Co-Coordinators), Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Program Coordinator, Membership Coordinator, and any At-Large Officers. The officers shall manage the affairs of the Region and exercise all the duties and powers of the Region as set forth in these bylaws. All officers of the Region must be members of JASNA. The Board shall hold meetings as often as it deems necessary to diligently conduct business. Positions appointed by the Regional Coordinator, such as the Newsletter Editor, Web Site Manager, Fundraising Coordinator, etc., may participate as non-voting members of the Board.

Section 2. Term of Office. As required by JASNA Bylaws, the Region shall hold elections for Regional Coordinator at least every two years. The Regional Coordinator may be re-elected to two subsequent terms of office (six years total). The term of office for the Regional Coordinator shall commence on January 1 and end on January 1 two years hence.

Elections for other Regional officers shall also be held every two years, and officers may be re-elected to two subsequent terms of offices (six years total). The term of office for other officers shall commence on January 1 and end on January 1 two years hence. 

Section 3. Nomination of Officers. Region members may nominate other members or themselves for office by submitting an individual’s name for the ballot. Only individuals who are members in good standing of JASNA and the Region may be elected to office. Nominations may not be made from the floor. Nominations must be submitted to the Regional Coordinator in writing no later than sixty (60) days prior to the election of officers. At least thirty (30) days prior to the election, the Regional Coordinator shall submit to the Membership a slate listing all of the nominees who are members in good standing and eligible for election. The Board shall be responsible for conducting the election.

Section 4. Election. The election of the Regional Coordinator and other officers shall be held at a meeting in the month of December for the term beginning on January 1. A quorum consisting of at least 10 percent of the members of the Region must be present for the election to be conducted. If a quorum is not present, the election shall be held at a special meeting called for that purpose or at the next regular meeting of the members at which a quorum is present. A member is elected to office by a majority vote of the members at the meeting. No member shall vote or be represented by proxy.

Section 5. Duties of the Regional Coordinator. Serves as the representative of the Region to JASNA and of JASNA to the Region by informing JASNA of programs, meetings, and regional activities, and by disseminating information received from JASNA and other regions to regional members. Attends the JASNA Annual General Meeting if possible and participates in the Regional Coordinators meeting. Presides over meetings and has general charge of the affairs of the Region. Reviews the bank accounts and reports of the Treasurer. May delegate duties to the Board or other Region members.

Section 6. Duties of the Treasurer. Has charge and supervision of the Region’s finances, securities, and books of account. Has custody of all funds of the Region. Has full authority to receive money and give receipts for all money due and payable, and to endorse checks. Prepares an annual budget and apprises the Regional Coordinator and Board members of the Region’s financial status. Renders any financial reports required by JASNA. Follows the financial guidelines set forth in the JASNA Regional Coordinators’ Handbook (RC Resource Center.)

Section 7. Duties of the Recording Secretary. Records the minutes of all meetings and distributes the minutes to members of the Board. Keeps copies of all minutes of meetings in the Region’s record book.

Section 8. Duties of the Membership Coordinator.  Keeps accurate and up-to-date records of members’ names, status of membership, and current mailing addresses, based on the list of JASNA members in the Region that is provided by JASNA. Updates records prior to mailings.

Section 9. Duties of the Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator shall coordinate the development of program topics for the Region’s general meetings, with input from the Regional Coordinator, the Board, and membership. Other duties include publishing an annual slate of topics, coordinating with program leaders/speakers prior to each meeting, and arranging for meeting locations, catering, audio-visual services, and other meeting requirements.  

Section 10. Standing Committees.

The Board has the authority to create standing committees and appoint members. Duties of those committees will be determined at the time they are formed.

Section 11. Vacancies. Vacancies shall be filled for the remaining unexpired term. Members shall be notified of vacancies in any office resulting from any cause other than expiration of the term. The Regional Coordinator may make a temporary appointment to the vacancy until members can vote on the permanent replacement. If the Regional Coordinator position is vacant, the remaining Board members may make a temporary appointment until members can vote on the permanent replacement. Nominations will be taken prior to the next meeting of members. The election shall be held at the next meeting, and the candidate receiving a majority of the votes shall be elected.

Section 12. Resignation of Officers. Any Officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Regional Coordinator. The Regional Coordinator may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board. Notice of intent to resign should be given a reasonable time prior to the date of resignation if possible.

Section 13. Removal of Officers. The Board has the authority to recommend to the Region that an officer should be removed when, in the judgment of the Board, removal would be in the best interests of the Region. The recommendation shall be voted upon by Region members at the next general meeting at which a quorum is present and will be determined by a vote of two-thirds of the members at the meeting. No member shall vote or be represented by proxy.

ARTICLE 5 – COMMUNITY GUIDELINES

Section 1. Complaints. Any complaints about violation of JASNA’s Community Guidelines by a member or guest may be brought to the attention of the JASNA ombuds.

ARTICLE 6– AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS

Section 1. Changing the Bylaws. Amendments to the bylaws may be made at any regular meeting. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the Board members at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting at which they will be considered. Adoption of an amendment shall require a vote of two-thirds of the members at a meeting at which a quorum is present.

Section 2. Effective Date. These bylaws are effective upon adoption by a two-thirds vote of the members present at the time of their passage.

Adopted December 31, 2023