Any active SWSWA member is eligible to join our volunteer board. Board members plan professional development and social events and attend a monthly board meeting. The time commitment is just a few hours per month, plus attendance at SWSWA events as your schedule allows.
Bylaws of the Southwest Science Writers Association
Bylaws of the Southwest Science Writers Association
- Membership.
- Membership is open to anyone who considers themselves a science writer.
- Officers.
- Officers shall include: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer, Secretary, Membership Chair. The President may appoint someone to preside in his or her absence.
- Officers will be elected by a vote of the Board of Directors.
- Elections will be annual. Officers will serve April 1 through March 31.
- Board of Directors.
- Any member may nominate any member to serve on the board.
- A succeeding board will be elected by a vote of the current board.
- Elections will be annual. Board members will serve April 1 through March 31.
- If 10 or more members submit a petition requesting a special election, board members will be elected by a vote of the full membership. Anyone nominated for the board will be named on the ballot.
- The board shall meet at least four times a year.
- At least half of the board members must be present for a quorum.
- Decisions will be determined by simple majority of board members present.
- Board responsibilities.
- The board shall set annual dues.
- The board shall appoint members to coordinate specific activities.
- The board shall be responsible for maintaining the financial health of the organization, and assuring that all funds are spent in accordance with the conditions of incorporation.
President’s responsibilities
Oversee board and executive committee meetings.
Prepare board meeting agendas.
Appoint committee chairs.
Work with the governance committee to recruit new board members.
Act as a spokesperson for the organization.
Treasurer’s responsibilities
Maintain knowledge of the organization and personal commitment to its goals and objectives.
Understand financial accounting for nonprofit organizations.
Ensure that appropriate financial reports are made available to the board on a timely basis.
Present the annual budget to the board for approval.
Secretary’s responsibilities
Ensure the safety and accuracy of all board records.
Take board meeting minutes.
Assume responsibilities of the chair in the absence of the board president or president-elect.
Provide notice of meetings of the board and/or of a committee when such notice is required.
President-elect’s responsibilities
Carry out special assignments as requested by the board president.
Understand the responsibilities of the board chair and be able to perform these duties in the president’s absence.
Participate as a vital part of the board leadership.
Past-president’s responsibilities
Carry out special assignments as requested by the board chair.
Provide continuity to the organization by providing historical context for issues.
Participate as a vital part of the board leadership.
Oversee board and executive committee meetings.
Prepare board meeting agendas.
Appoint committee chairs.
Work with the governance committee to recruit new board members.
Act as a spokesperson for the organization.
Treasurer’s responsibilities
Maintain knowledge of the organization and personal commitment to its goals and objectives.
Understand financial accounting for nonprofit organizations.
Ensure that appropriate financial reports are made available to the board on a timely basis.
Present the annual budget to the board for approval.
Secretary’s responsibilities
Ensure the safety and accuracy of all board records.
Take board meeting minutes.
Assume responsibilities of the chair in the absence of the board president or president-elect.
Provide notice of meetings of the board and/or of a committee when such notice is required.
President-elect’s responsibilities
Carry out special assignments as requested by the board president.
Understand the responsibilities of the board chair and be able to perform these duties in the president’s absence.
Participate as a vital part of the board leadership.
Past-president’s responsibilities
Carry out special assignments as requested by the board chair.
Provide continuity to the organization by providing historical context for issues.
Participate as a vital part of the board leadership.