FAMILY BEEKEEPERS OF ILLINOIS
CONSTITUTION
Revised September 1, 2022
ARTICLE I: NAME
Section 1. This organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization and shall be known as the Family Beekeepers of Illinois, Inc. The organization may hereinafter, in this constitution, be referred to as the “Club” or the “FBI”.
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
Section 1. The purpose and function of the Club shall be to provide educational opportunities promoting the success of beekeepers with outreach to the community on the benefits of honeybees and beekeeping and to provide a forum for cooperation among beekeepers in support of best beekeeping management and practices.
ARTICLE III: ILLINOIS STATE BEEKEEPER’S ASSOCIATION
Section 1. The FBI shall be an affiliate of the Illinois State Beekeeper’s Association.
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership in the Family Beekeepers of Illinois shall be open to all persons interested in honey bees and beekeeping.
ARTICLE V: LEADERSHIP AND TENURE
Section 1. Board of Governors Members and their tenure of office
a. All Members shall be members in good standing and shall be residents of the state of Illinois.
b. All Members may serve for an indefinite period
c. The Club President shall serve as the Board Chairman.
d. The Club Secretary shall serve as the Secretary of the Board.
Section 2. Officers and their tenure of office
a. All elected Officers shall be members in good standing and shall be residents of the state of Illinois.
b. Officers of the Club shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
c. All elected Officers shall serve for one year each.
d. Officers may not serve for more than three successive terms regardless of office.
e. Officers may be reelected after retirement from office of at least one year. Family Beekeepers of Illinois Constitution Page 2 of 2
Section 3. Directors and their tenure of office
a. All Directors shall be members in good standing and shall be residents of the state of Illinois.
b. Directors of the Club shall be Membership Director, Community Education Director, and Technical Director
c. All Directors shall serve at the pleasure of the President.
d. All Directors may serve for an indefinite period
e. Elected Officers shall not serve concurrently as a Manager
f. All Directors shall serve as advisors to the Club Officers and Board of Directors
ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS
Section 1. General Meetings
a. The FBI shall hold one regular meeting every month.
b. The Annual Meeting shall be the regular meeting in August of each year for the purpose of electing Officers, considering proposed Bylaws and Constitution changes and amendments, and conducting other regular meeting business.
Section 2. Special Meetings
a. Special meetings may be called and events may be held by order of the President or the Executive Board.
ARTICLE VIII: ELECTIONS
Section 1. Election of Club Officers
a. The election of officers shall be by voice vote at the August regular meeting.
b. All members in good standing shall be eligible to cast a vote.
c. A simple majority of the votes cast is required to elect a candidate.
d. The Clubs ’s new officers shall be announced prior to the close of the September meeting.
ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Amending Club Constitution and Bylaws
a. The Constitution and Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present at any regular meeting, or any special meeting called for that specific purpose.
b. The Club Bylaws cannot be suspended during any meeting unless a motion for this purpose is made, seconded, and carried by a two-thirds majority vote of those present.
Respectfully submitted, Executive Board Family Beekeepers of Illinois. Nathan McGrath, President – Wayne Beck, Vice President – Patty Altman, Secretary – Bill Wilson, Treasurer – Butch Isaacs, Membership Director – Dean Beck, Board Member.