Red Nose By-Laws

Red Nose Brigade By-laws Adopted June 20, 1994 Revised April 2001 Article 1 - Name This organization is called the Red Nose Brigade. It is also know as RNB. Article 2 - Mission In our volunteerism and service we will honor, respect, and practice established standards of character and appearance knowing as individuals we represent and reflect upon the entire clown world. Article 3 - Membership Membership in the Red Nose Brigade shall be open to anyone interested in the honorable art of clowning and showing dedication toward its advancement. Attendance of 3 monthly meetings of the RNB is required before making application for preliminary membership. Section 1. Preliminary Membership All prospective members shall be allowed a minimum of six (6) months to fulfill the following requirements: Must pay membership dues for the current fiscal club year. Dues will be prorated if preliminary member joins mid-year. Must attend at least three (3) monthly club general meetings. Support and comply with the RNB Make-up, Costume Standards Policy, and RNB Ethics Policy. Attend or show proof of previous completion of an approved Introduction to Clownology or, demonstrate abilities through the help and training of a designated RNB mentor. If all other requirements of preliminary membership are met, a petition by an active member, for active membership status, may be approved or denied by a simple majority of the active membership. Must participate in at least three(3) club events. Must submit and pass a Washington State Patrol Background Check. The first year of membership, members are considered “First of May” clowns. Preliminary and “First of May” members may not vote or hold office until fulfilling the foregoing requirements. Preliminary and “First of May” members are expected to use their first year to learn and obtain education and training from senior alley members and the RNB education program. During the first year a preliminary and/or “First of May” Clown will not represent themselves as an RNB clown when soliciting fees as a private business. Section 2. Active Membership An active member is entitled to all rights and privileges of the RNB. They may vote, hold office and chair events. To retain active status, the following requirements must be met annually. Be current on membership dues. Support and comply with the RNB Make-up, Costume Standards Policy, and with the RNB ethics policy. Participation in at least 5 RNB events and 6 meetings. Two optional events are equal to one RNB event. Verification of attendance may be requested. Section 3. Supporting Clowns and Variety Arts Membership Supporting members are those members who are unable to fulfill the participation requirements for active membership. Supporting members must: Be current on membership dues. Support and comply with the RNB Make-Up, Costume Standards Policy, and comply with the RNB Ethics Policy. May not vote, hold office, or chair events. May participate in all RNB events. Section 4. Honorary Membership An active member may nominate a candidate for honorary membership. Approval is to be made by the active membership. Honorary membership will be granted and reviewed yearly by the active membership. Honorary members do not have voting privileges nor do they pay dues. Section 5. Termination of Membership A member of RNB may have his or her membership terminated for any of the following reasons: Failure to pay dues within 90 days of the due date. Failure to conform to the RNB Make-up, Costume Standards Policy, and the RNB Ethics Policy. If a member is in violation, the following procedure will be followed, which, may result in membership termination. First occurrence of offense: The offending member is given verbal notification of the infraction. The infraction is to be discussed discretely between the offending member and at least two members of the Ethics and Standards committee. Written documentation of the offense and resolution will be put on file. Second occurrence of offense: The offending member is given written notice of probationary status for 1 year. Third occurrence of offense: The offending member is given written notice of termination. This notice will be done within 7 days of verification of offense. Any member issued a warning or a letter of dismissal has the right to challenge the charges in front of the general membership. Section 6. Probationary Membership A probationary member is one who has been placed on probation as the result of having two violations of either the RNB Ethics Policy or the RNB Make-up and Costume Standards Policy. A probationary member must: Support and comply with the RNB Make-up, Costume Standards Policy, and with the RNB Ethics Policy. Probationary members do not have voting privileges and may not hold office for 1 year after suspension. Return to active status requires review and approval of the Ethics and Standards Committee.