IN ORDER TO HAVE A BRANCH, THERE MUST BE AT LEAST TEN (10) MEMBERS OR MORE. OF THE TEN MEMBERS, AT LEAST SIX (6) SHOULD BE MUSICIANS AND FOUR (4) PATRONS.

*All branches MUST comply with the requirements as set by the National Organization (see the "How To Become A Branch" manual). Each branch should obtain a local Post Office box as its official business address.

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE

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(Name of Branch)

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NEGRO MUSICIANS, INC.

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the (Name of Branch) of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NEGRO MTISICIANS, INC., assembled at (city and state), believing that the fundamental purpose of this Association is to advance and to promote Negro music; and believing also that Negro music is an inalienable part of American life and culture, and a dynamic, vital and growing field in the musical culture of the world, do hereby adopt this Constitution and Bylaws for our own self-government and to expedite the ultimate achievement of our universal goals.

ARTICLE I - NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be (Name of Branch) of The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NEGRO MUSICIANS, INC.

Section 2. PURPOSE - The purpose of this organization shall be:

To develop world-wide love and appreciation of traditional and contemporary music by Black Composers.

To develop higher professional standards and promote the exchange of ideas and the spirit of fellowship among musicians.

To encourage and assist the cultivation of musical gifts among talented, deserving Negro youth, and create wider opportunities for Artists and Musicians.

ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. The membership shall be composed of:

Section 1. The officers of this organization shall be: President, Vice-president, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain and Parliamentarian.

Section 2. All candidates for office must be in good financial standing with the National organization and the local branch.

Section 3. The President shall preside at all meetings of the branch, and shall be Ex-Officio of all committees. He shall appoint all committees, and exercise the general supervision over the affairs of the branch.

Section 4. The Vice-president shall preside in the absence of the President, and shall perform all duties of the President and all other duties required by the branch during the absence of the President.

Section 5. The Secretary shall keep full and accurate record of the minutes of the branch. He/she shall send out all notices of meetings of the branch, and perform such other duties as the branch may designate. Upon the termination of his/her term of office he/she shall turn over to the successor all properties, books, and papers belonging to the branch.

Section 6. The Assistant Secretary shall assist the Secretary whenever the need may arise during his/her term of office, in keeping the records of the branch in good order and seeing that the membership is properly notified of meetings and other activities of the branch.

Section 7. The Treasurer shall receive all moneys belonging to the branch and the National organization and deposit same in the bank in the name of the branch. He shall give receipt for same and pay out moneys authorized by the branch. He shall, at each meeting of the branch, render a full and complete account of all moneys received and expended by him. Upon the termination of his term of office, he shall give to his successor all property, books, papers and moneys of the branch in his possession.

Section 8. The Chaplain shall be elected to conduct devotionals at all meetings.

Section 9. The Parliamentarian shall be appointed by the President to rule on all matters of business procedure and to advise the President on Parliamentary Law.

Section 10. The Elective Officers shall be known as the Board of Directors, and shall have and hold title to and custody of all property of the branch. They shall convene at such time and places as may seem advisable for the transaction of the business of the branch. They shall fill any vacancies that may occur during the year in any elective office by the appointment of any officer to serve until the next election. They may remove any officer for dereliction of duty by a two-thirds vote of the Board Members.

ARTICLE IV- ELECTIONS

Section 1. Election of Officers shall be held at the first meeting in June of each year.

Section 2. Voting for Election of Officers shall be by voice vote, unless a secret ballot is called for.

Section 3. All elective officers are for one year.

Section 4. Installation of officers shall be held at the first meeting in July of each year, at which time the outgoing officers shall turn over to their successors all records and property of the branch pertaining to their respective offices.

ARTICLE V. - FEES AND FUNDS

Section l. All branch members are required to pay Annual Dues to the Branch as follows:

Each member is to pay $________ (to be determined by Branch) per year. Dues are due at the last meeting in June (fiscal year begins July 1). Dues may be raised at the request of the Board and with the approval of a majority vote of the membership.

Any member delinquent in payment of dues for a period of three months shall be notified of such delinquency, in writing, by the Financial Secretary.

Failure to pay delinquent dues for a period of six months shall result in the suspension of such member. Such member shall be dropped from membership roll and so notified by the Financial Secretary in writing.

Section 2. All dues, fees and moneys raised by concerts or other means shall be placed in the branch General Fund.

Section 3. In case of dissolution of the branch, the funds shall be divided equally between Regional and National offices of NANM.

ARTICLE VI. - COMMITTEES

Section 1. The President shall appoint, when needed, the following committees: Scholarship, Program, Current Events, Publicity, Constitution and Bylaws, Nomination, and Social.

Section 2. The Chairman of each committee is to report to the Board for final approval of all recommendations. The President of the Branch is to provide each committee with a written outline of their duties and responsibilities.

 

ARTICLE VII. - QUORUM & AMENDMENTS

 Section 1. A majority of members in good standing shall constitute a quorum at each meeting.

Section 2. Any member in good standing desiring to offer an amendment to the Constitution and Bylaws may do so by presenting such amendment in writing to the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, who shall make its recommendation to the next General Meeting of the branch for vote on same.

Section 3. A three-fourths (3/4) vote of the membership is required to amend the Constitution and Bylaws.

 
ARTICLE VIII - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The Constitution and By-laws of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NEGRO MUSICIANS, and Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern this branch.

 ARTICLE IX - NATIONAL DUES/ ASSESSMENTS

National assessment for each Branch - $300.00
National dues for each member - $40.00
Life Members are exempt from National dues.
Dues and assessments are due to National office no later then April 15th (This may be paid 1/2 by December 15th and 1/2 no later that April 15th).
Regional dues and assessments (contact Regional Director)