JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA

NORTH TEXAS REGION BYLAWS

 
ARTICLE 1 – NAME, PRINCIPAL OFFICE, AND AFFILIATION

 

Section 1.  Name

 

The name of this organization shall be “The Jane Austen Society of North America, North Texas Region” (“JASNA, NTX”), hereinafter referred to as the "Region".

 

Section 2.  Principal Office

 

The principal office shall be located at the Regional Coordinator’s address or a designated Officer’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.

 

Section 4.   Record Ownership

 

All records, data, files, and documents created, received, or maintained by employees, contractors, or volunteers in the course of their work for the Region are the sole and exclusive property of the Region.  No individual retains personal ownership or property. 

 

 

 

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 and paying national dues. Members may participate in more than one Region.

 

Section 2. Visitor Policy

 

Visitors may attend up to two regular meetings as a guest of Region before becoming a member of JASNA. This does not preclude the Region from declaring a meeting or special event to be “open” to the public and not counting the attendance at that meeting as part of the two-meeting limit.

 

Section 3:  Dues

 

The Region shall not charge dues. National dues are determined by JASNA and are paid directly to JASNA.

 

Section 4.  Regular Meeting

 

Meetings and programs should be held often enough through the year to keep the Region active. At least three meetings shall be held during the fiscal year. Meetings shall be held on dates, at times and locations established by the Board of Directors (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 5.  Fiscal Year

 

The fiscal year of the Region shall be the same as JASNA’s fiscal year, beginning on January 1 and ending on the following December 31.

 

Section 6. Reporting Requirements

 

The Region’s Treasurer shall complete and return the Financial Report form provided by the JASNA Treasurer on a timely basis.  The Regional Coordinator shall complete and return the Region Report form provided by the JASNA Vice President of Regions on a timely basis. 

 

 

ARTICLE 4 – REGION OFFICERS & ELECTION

 

Section 1.  Designation of Officers

 

The Region’s officers shall include:  

• Regional Coordinator(s)

• Treasurer

• Recording Secretary

• Program Chair

• Membership Chair

• Marketing Chair

• Founder, Rosalie Sternberg

 

Only the Regional Coordinator, Treasurer, and Recording Secretary are elected by Members of the North Texas Region.  The remaining officers are appointed by the Regional Coordinator. 

 

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.

 

The officers and any additional positions appointed by the Regional Coordinator(s), such as Member at Large, serve on the Region’s Board and may participate as voting members.  A quorum of 50% of the full Board must be present either in person or electronically to vote on any issues.  Passage of an issue is determined by a majority vote of all members present.  

 

 

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, Treasurer, and Recording Secretary may be re-elected to two subsequent terms of office (six years total).  The term of office shall commence on January 1 and end on December 31.

 

Other Regional officers may be re-appointed to subsequent terms of offices by the Regional Coordinator at her discretion. The Regional Coordinator may also terminate a Regional officer’s term at any time at her discretion. The term of office for these officers shall also commence on January 1 and end December 31. If an interim vacancy occurs, the Regional Coordinator can appoint a successor to fill the office until the end of the year when the officer may be reappointed for the following full year. 

 

Section 3. Exceptions to Terms of Officers

 

If the Region is unable to meet JASNA's Regional Coordinator term limit requirement, the current Regional Coordinator must inform and consult with the JASNA Vice President of Regions.

The Nominating Committee may choose to limit the number of consecutive Regional Coordinator or other Officer terms to fewer than three.

While Regional Coordinator elections must be held every two years, the election cycles and term limits for other officers may vary, based on the availability of qualified members, or to intentionally stagger their terms. Any extension of an officer’s term must be disclosed at the election meeting.

Section 4.  Nomination of Officers

 

A Nominating Committee shall be created and composed of the immediate past Regional Coordinator (Chair) and two additional members appointed by the current Regional Coordinator.  The Nominating Committee shall consist only of members who are not running for office or for reelection. 

They shall accept nominations from the general membership by Electronic communications no later than sixty 60 days prior to the meeting date for the election of officers. Nominations submitted must include a summary of qualifications to the Nominating Committee which may be provided to the voting membership.  Receipt of nominations shall be timely confirmed.

At least thirty (30) days prior to that election, the Nominating Committee shall submit to the membership a slate listing one nominee for each position. 

Members shall be notified of the slate of nominees and the date of the election meeting by publication in a direct email or newsletter electronically as well as posting the information on the Region’s website.  

Section 5.  Election

 

The Nominating Committee shall also be responsible for conducting the election. 

The election of the Regional Coordinator and other officers shall be held at a meeting in the month of September or October for the term beginning on January 1.  A quorum consisting of 10 percent of the members of the Region, as of the end of the month prior, must vote for the election to be completed.  A member is elected to office by a majority vote of the members at a meeting.   No member shall vote, or be represented, by proxy.

 

If a member wishes to vote and is unable to attend a meeting, they may submit their vote electronically to the Chair of the Nominating Committee no later than the day prior to the meeting.

 

If a meeting cannot be held, the election may be conducted electronically.

 

 

 

ARTICLE 5 – DUTIES OF OFFICERS

 

Section 1. Regional Coordinator

 

• Serves as the representative of the Region to JASNA and of JASNA to the Region by informing JASNA V.P. of Regions of meetings and regional activities, and by disseminating information received from JASNA and other regions to regional members.

• Participates in the Regional Coordinators meetings and attends the JASNA Annual General Meeting if possible.

• Presides over the region’s meetings and has general charge of the affairs of the Region.

• Has full authority to endorse checks and pay all moneys due and payable.   Reviews the bank accounts and reports of the Treasurer on a quarterly basis.  

• May delegate duties to the Board or other Region members.

• Determines necessary committees and appoints required members.

 

Section 2. Treasurer

 

• Is responsible for the Region's finances, securities, and records.

• Has custody of all funds of the Region.

• Receives money and pays money due either by check or electronically.

• Maintains full and accurate accounts of all income, expenses, assets, and liabilities of the Region.

• Prepares and presents the Treasurer’s Report to the Regional Coordinator and the Board members of the Region's financial status at least quarterly at Board Meetings and annually through the internet or at the first meeting of the year to the General Membership.   

• Submits timely any financial reports required by JASNA and follows the financial guidelines set forth in the JASNA Regional Coordinators’ Handbook (RC Resource Center.)

 

Section 3. Recording Secretary

 

• Prepares the minutes of all meetings and distributes the minutes to members of the Board.

• Keeps copies of all minutes of meetings.

• Tracks the tenures of all elected officers and informs Executive Board of any upcoming elections.

 

Section 4. Program Chair

 

• Coordinates the development of program topics for the Region’s general meetings, with input from the Regional Coordinator and the Board. 

• Arranges for meeting locations, catering, Audio-Visual services, and other meeting requirements. 

 

Section 5 . Membership Chair  

 

• 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. 

• Supports membership communications. 

• Welcomes new members and works to retain existing members.

• Coordinates on sight check-in processes with other volunteers at all Region meetings.  

Section 6. Marketing Chair

• Coordinates the dissemination of information about the Region within the local community to inform existing members and to help attract new members.

• Manages the design, content, and ongoing updates of the regional website, including event listings, announcements, registrations, and any related communications.

• Provides strategic oversight and direction for all marketing activities, including digital, print, and social media channels.

 

Section 7. Members at Large 

Appointed by the Regional Coordinator.  This position is limited to two members.

• Provides flexible support and advice.

• Represents a broader perspective.

• Takes on ad-hoc projects when the Region needs extra help.

• Spearheads special projects, sits on sub-committees, or investigates specific issues that Board Members do not have the time to manage. 

• Helps guide the board on specialized topics. 

 

Section 8.  Duties of the Founder

 

The Founder of the Region is Rosalie Sternberg; she serves on the Board in an advisory capacity and is a voting member.

 

 

ARTICLE 5 – CHANGE OF OFFICERS

 

 

Section 1.  Vacancies

 

Option 1:  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.  See Section 4 Region Officers and Elections.

 

Option 2: All vacancies can alternatively be filled for the remaining unexpired term by a majority vote of the Board members.  If the Regional Coordinator resigns, the Committee Members may fill the vacancy for the remaining unexpired term by a majority vote of the Board members.

 

 

Section 2.  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 3. Removal of Officers

 

The Board has the authority to remove an officer when, in the judgment of the Board, removal would be in the best interests of the Region.

 

 

                            ARTICLE 6 – AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS

 

Section 1. Changing the Bylaws

 

Bylaws may be amended by majority vote of the Executive Board. 

 

 

Standing Rules:

1.  The Regional Coordinator and the Treasurer are authorized to conduct all necessary banking business on behalf of the Region.

 

1. Incurring expenses on behalf of the Region must have the previous approval by the Regional Coordinator and the Treasurer.  Non approved expenses will not be reimbursed.   

 

 

 

Updated September 2026