Note: The SVS was founded in 1986 by Eric Park.
SVS Charter
Preamble
The Sacramento Vegetarian Society (SVS) is an association which recognizes vegetarianism to mean abstinence from flesh, including fish and fowl. The Society encourages vegetarians and non-vegetarians to participate. SVS will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, age, or sexual preference. SVS operates on a non-profit basis.
I. Principles
SVS is associated for the following purposes:
• To sponsor vegetarian potlucks and discussion meetings;
• To educate the membership and general public about vegetarianism; and
• To promote vegetarianism.
II. Officers
Elected officers of SVS will be as follows:
President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Appointed positions of Membership Coordinator, Health and Nutrition Adviser, Newsletter Coordinator, Librarian, and other positions as needed would be filled by SVS members appointed by the elected officers.
All positions, elected and appointed, shall serve as board members. The officers will act in accordance with the principles of the organization and assist in implementing decisions of the membership.
Other offices filled on an as-needed basis approved by the general membership include, but are not limited to, Special Events Coordinator, Animal Rights Liaison, Publicity Coordinator, and Rideshare Coordinator.
Officers will be elected by a mail ballot, except when there is only one candidate for the position, in which case that person shall be declared elected by acclamation.
III. Bylaws
A. Fee Structure
SVS shall have two membership categories and fees:
“Individual Member” requires a $20 annual fee, prorated to $1.75 per month when not paid by December 31.
“Family Member” requires a $33 annual fee, prorated to $2.75 per month when not paid by December 31, and allows for group membership of all residents at a single address.
Additionally, a $4 fee shall be collected at SVS potluck dinners from those attendees who have not brought food or drink.
B. Decision Making
All decisions of the membership will be made by simple majority vote. Voting is open to all current SVS members.
C. Amendment of the Charter
The Charter may be amended by the following procedure: Any proposed amendment shall be introduced and discussed at a general membership meeting. A synopsis of the proposed amendment shall then be printed in the subsequent newsletter, and a final decision shall be made at the next general membership meeting.
D. In addition to voting privileges, SVS members may receive other benefits as expressed in the current SVS brochure.
Ratified at the general membership meeting, May 18, 1997.
Amended at the general membership meeting, March 15, 1998.
Amended at the general membership meeting, January 21, 2001.
Amended at the general membership meeting, January 16, 2005.
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