BYLAWS

B.E.E.C.H.  BYLAWS

I. MISSION Statement:  

To NURTURE a Christian Homeschool Community that offers Encouragement, Guidance and Support to Families on their Homeschooling Journey.  We Hope to Inspire you to Homeschool with your Hearts.  Preparing your students for Tomorrow's Challenges by Establishing a Strong Foundation of Friendships and Relationships within Our Community based on Christian Values and Beliefs.

II. Directors and Board:

• The Board will be made up of the Directors and Advisory Council.
• Directors will serve in office a minimum of 2 years.  Directors will rotate off the board in opposite years for cohesion of the group.  Directors may step down earlier if necessary for familial commitments or personal reasons.  Directors may serve longer than the 2 year commitment if they so choose.
• The Advisory Council will consist of one Team Leader from each age category (six leaders).  
• Members of the Advisory Council will serve for a minimum of one year, and are asked to rotate off the council in opposing years for the cohesion of the group.  Team leaders/Advisory council may serve longer than the one year - but we ask them to commit for at least one school year.
• Decision making of the Board. 
  • The Directors reserve the right make ALL final decisions as well as add/remove directors, board members, etc...
    • If the directors cannot reach a majority agreement, the issue will be brought to the board where a majority vote will stand.
    • Directors’ reserve the right to allow co-leads in groups. This will be decided on a case by case bases
    • If a conflict arises based on leads for an age group. Directors’ reserve the right to appoint the lead based on the best interest of the group. If a decision is unable to be made the directors and other board members will convene to reach a decision. If a decision still cannot be made this matter will be brought as a vote between the current members.  

*Pease keep in mind BEECH directors and Board/Advisory Council is made up of Homeschool families, just like yours with various responsibilities and obligations as well as maintaining their home AND homeschool. They are donating their time and gifts for the benefit of the ENTIRE group as a whole. This is volunteer, NOT paid.  

III. Conflict Resolution:

• Conflict resolution will follow per Matthew 18:15-17 :  

               “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."

• As a Christian based homeschool group, the church consists of the directors and advisory council (as noted above).
• In order to protect the privacy of the member involved and preserve the unity of BEECH.  Please proceed as follows:
• If a conflict arises, and you have a grievance, please contact your team leader or your event team leader first depending on where the conflict occurred.
• If the situation is unable to be resolved, it will be brought to the directors' attention who will work with the family to resolve the issues.  The Directors may consult with the Advisory Council at this time.
• If no solution can be reached, then the Directors have the authority to convene the Board and resolve the situation by a majority vote of the Board.  
• Until the directors, advisory council and/or full Board has had an opportunity to address whatever grievances you/your family may have please do not consult with others (other than your spouse). Please do not consult with other members. (THIS IS GOSSIP).
• If a situation arises in which leaders in BEECH feel that a member is violating our membership guidelines, the member will be approached and counseled first by the team leader in charge where the violations took place.  
• If the team leader is unable to resolve the situation, or if the violations continue, the member may be counseled by the Directors or another member of the Advisory Council.
• Should the behavior/violation continue and/or be disruptive to the peaceful functioning of the BEECH Homeschool Community, the member may be brought before the Board and counseled,  At this time, the Board may find it necessary to suspend or terminate certain privileges of the member within BEECH or suspend or terminate the membership itself.  

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Eph. 4:29)

*please keep in mind our goal is to amicably, reasonably and gracefully work in all circumstances to the best of our (BEECH Board) abilities, in the best interest and preservation of this group as a whole.

IV. Membership:

• Enrollment for membership for the fall semester will begin every year in July.  Please enroll as soon as possible as to ensure service areas are filled adequately in order to prepare, budget and plan events/activities in a timely manner.  
  • To meet community needs, Directors reserve the right to re-open membership during the school year to increase enrollment or to accept new memberships on a case by case basis.  (THIS IS NOT GUARANTEED TO TAKE PLACE)
• All following school years for BEECH will have open membership for a specified time allotted by directors and communicated per the BEECH website. (i.e.: for fall and again spring semesters)
• Membership runs from August 1 of the current school year to July 31st of the following year.  Current members will be required to re-enroll in Beech prior to the end of July for the upcoming school year or their membership will be parked. 
• Members will be required to renew their membership and re-enroll for the following school year or they will not have access to the website.  
• Please refer to the noted membership guidelines and prayerfully consider joining:
  • DUES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE - Events, etc. are planned well in advance and are budgeted based on money and membership numbers provided upon joining this group.  
    • Dues amount are subject to change year after year, depending on size of group, budget, activities and expenses.
  • Service:
    • Each family is responsible for service in ONE area (i.e.: family events, field trips, etc...)
      • Please choose four service areas in which you would be willing to serve. You will be assigned to serve on ONE team.
        • In order to meet the needs of our members and our events, members may be assigned to a second team as a back-up member in case of emergencies.
      • We will do our very best to accommodate the service team choices, however, we provide four areas to choose from as we cannot guarantee everyone will be given their first (or second) choice.
      • We recommend new homeschool families DO NOT choose a lead position or a fall event.
      • We prefer Team Leaders to have at least two years of homeschooling experience, as new homeschoolers are still trying to "learn the ropes" and should be allowed to concentrate on their children while serving on events rather than leading them.  However, if someone has a true heart to lead the directors will consider their preferences.
      • This group will not be able to function without service (in a generous and excited spirit) from each individual family.
      • We ask that members take their service commitment seriously.  Bailing on your service, especially at the last minute, makes it that much harder for the team leaders and your Beech friends to put the event together.  Every member's service is needed, expected and required.  Many hands make light work.  

*For you are called to freedom, brothers; only don't use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. (Galatians 5:13)

• In order to become a member prior to payment of dues, each family is required to read/review and agree to the following categories, in addition to these Bylaws:
  • Statement of Faith
  • Code of Conduct
  • Well Child Policy
  • Liability Waiver

* The above areas are subject to change year after year, therefore it is YOUR responsibility to read and review EACH renewal year.

• Each member aspirant is also required to complete the online questionnaire/application upon clicking “Request Membership” button.
  • Once the items are completed, as noted above, upon payment (via PayPal) the member (family), will be notified of approval.
  • After approval email, the member will have a login and access to the member website and forums. Please review and add yourself to the required forums applicable to your family’s bidding.
  • After approval, please make sure you join our GroupME texting app.  This app should be on the homescreen of your phone and you should make sure notifications are on so you don't miss out on information.  Joining the Bulletin Board GroupME is mandatory.  Members are responsible for joining their child's Age Channels.
  • Each member is REQUIRED to attend the two annual member meetings (spring meeting will also be a “BEECH Bazaar” event when possible). THERE WILL BE A SIGN IN SHEET. We highly recommend coming to both. There you can ask questions, discuss topics and fellowship with other BEECH families. It is encouraged that your husband come but not necessary as we prefer not to have children at this meeting in order to keep disruptions to a minimum.

*vendors involved in the “BEECH Bazaar” event are not necessarily involved in/or endorsed by BEECH. It is merely an opportunity for BEECH families to learn more about community activities, businesses, curriculum, events, products, etc… that could enrich their homeschool experience.

• We understand circumstances arise (sickness, vacation, etc…) and you may not be able/available to attend the meeting(s). It is YOUR responsibility to contact your age group leader and/or BEECH contact (as noted on the home page) to receive an “excused absence” and ensure essential information is relayed to you. 
• Please make sure you view Membership Guidelines for what is considered an excused absence.  Members that fail to attend meetings and/or complete their service requirements may not be able to register the following year.

IV. Member Conduct:

• Please refer to the Code of Conduct. 
• In addition, as noted in our statement of faith and mission statement, we are a Biblically based Christian group welcoming to all Christian faiths.  Please be aware that you are representing Christ in all you do including activities and events involving this group. As such there is an expectation of behaviors, character, choices, words, etc… to reflect Christian values.
• Please respect, have grace and be accepting to other members within the group. Yes, we are all Christians, however we may not choose to discipline or homeschool the same. Please respect the choices within each family. Also, each family goes through various
  situations, if a child is acting up at a field trip, they may be dealing with a personal matter, autism, a death in the family, divorce, etc… have grace and LOVE without judgment.  

"So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them, and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment."  Romans 2:3

• Please refrain from GOSSIP. 

"A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends."  Proverbs 16:28

• Forums and age groups have been established to help build closer relationships with families in similar circumstances.  So we ask you to please keep within your chat forums and age groups for activities.  However, you are able to follow and view any optional forum that you so choose.  If you see an activity or a field trip in another group that you think your kids would really get something out of  - by all means talk to the field trip/event coordinator and get permission to sign up, especially if your child has friends in that older/younger age group and would be coming as their guest.  It shouldn't be a problem unless there is a head count or some other type restriction (for example: related to age or developmental readiness).  After all, we let younger and older siblings attend events all the time.   However, please make sure the event is suitable to your child's maturity and developmental level.  Should your child attend a field trip or event not in their age group (even as a sibling) - if your child doesn't behave properly – the BEECH leadership reserves the right to hinder that child from attending further activities.  And if you bring a BEECH friend as a guest to an event you are responsible for their conduct at all times.  
• UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES is it okay to invite a non-BEECH member to a BEECH event; however, family members (granny, etc.) may come with member children. The only exception will be a high school prom-type dance (under which you take responsibility for the non-members behavior) and the non-member will need to sign a liability waiver prior to the event. If you have a special situation regarding needing to bring a non-member to an event please speak with the event team leader.
• You are solely responsible for your family (children) and any additional bodies you have taken under care (i.e.: taking another members child to an event, etc…). Therefore by joining this group, you agree if a person is under your care and they break or damage property in any way YOU are responsible to fix or replace the item or property. Also, if a person under your care hurts themselves or another (physically or emotionally) YOU are responsible for reparations and/or medical expenses.
• If a situation should arise, please refer to Conflict Resolution as noted above.

V. Communication:

• Computer access is necessary to join BEECH as ALL forms of communication will transpire via website. (Internet access is available at your local library).
  • You can access BEECH via your phone, and you can choose to remain logged in - however, we ask that you do not choose this option on a public computer/tablet, etc.
  • New Calendar Event Info is announced via email.
• The GroupME App is required.  We use this texting app to make communication easier in the group - messages are sent directly to your device.  
  • We recommend that you turn notifications on (your phone's do not disturb will turn them off while sleeping) so you don't miss important information. 
  • We recommend that you keep GroupME on your phone's homepage so you can see if you have unread messages. Just like your text messages, a number will appear next to the App icon if you have unread messages. 
  • Each member is required to join the Bulletin Board..  Members are responsible for joining the Age appropriate Beech GroupME loops for their children and any other channels of interest.  Members are also responsbile for joining the appropriate BEECH Forums on the website.
• You will be notified at the mandatory BEECH launch meeting in August which service areas you are assigned.
  • It is YOUR responsibility to contact your leader (and/or team to organize, meet, discuss, etc… and carry out your event/activity(ies).
• The forums, calendar, etc… have been established to ease communication within teams/activity groups. It is your responsibility to check your emails, chat forums and calendar to ensure you are aware of activities, events, play dates, etc…
• If a question arises that cannot be answered by these bylaws, or any of the other places noted on the website, please email through the contact BEECH link on the web page. (We are HS families as well, so please give us grace if you do not receive an immediate response.)
• If there is an event/activity/chat forum that is not listed, please contact BEECH and we will consider adding it to the list. BEECH leadership reserves the right to deny such a request.
• Please keep in mind the chat forums are not monitored or moderated, therefore we must trust members to use their best judgment and conduct themselves accordingly.

BEECH does NOT endorse nor take responsibility for the truth, relevancy, legitimacy and/or veracity of posts.

*Please notify the lead of the forum or BEECH administration (contact BEECH) IMMEDIATELY for anything unnecessary or possibly counter to BEECH’s statement of faith and/or membership guidelines.

• BEECH does not endorse, nor encourage business’ and/or fundraising. Nor will BEECH allow the forums as an environment to do so. There is a classified section on the website, please keep all of this type of activity there.
  • As noted above BEECH DOES NOT endorse ANY business or fund raising efforts, we are a support group, therefore we would strongly encourage all members to make sure it is a reputable organization or cause they may be choosing to donate to or purchase items from, this is the responsibility of the individual/consumer to verify.
  • In addition, BEECH will not endorse nor relate themselves to any sub-groups formed within its members not noted within the forums.
• If a situation should arise, please refer to Conflict Resolution as noted above

VI. Finances:

• Please see notes reflecting dues per above.
• Group finances as well as membership dues will be paid through PayPal
  • You do NOT have to have a PayPal account to pay with a credit/debit card.
    • When you are redirected to the PayPal page, instead of sign in to PayPal click the link to “pay with an online bank account, debit or credit card”.
• Reimbursements:
  • If you incur expenses on behalf of BEECH reimbursement of expenses will be handled via PayPal
  • Please see website for additional information on reimbursement
• Financial information will be privy to the directors.
  • An annual review of the books will be conducted by a review committee made up of members of the advisory council.  
  • Directors share authorization for PayPal.
  • PayPal statements will be printed, signed and retained by an advisory council member or other BEECH designee that does not have PayPal authorization.
• BEECH events, that require an additional fee, will be paid via PayPal through the BEECH website
  • This is located on the Calendar sign up page, when you sign up your family/child(ren) to an event
  • Some field trips can be paid for upon arrival at location, however in the event a field trip needs to be paid ahead of time monies are usually paid through the BEECH website but sometimes are to be paid DIRECTLY to the field trip coordinator. Please see coordinators notes in Calendar on payment instructions.

VII. Dissolution:

• In the event one or more of the directors are unable to continue to lead this group, or makes a decision to step down; the following will take place: 
  • The board will convene and if a board member decides to step forward or is nominated (upon their acceptance) the board will vote.
  • If the board is unable to fill a director position (no board member steps forward) or is in disagreement with the contender, then the board may nominate a member and follow per above.
  • If the board has no nominations and cannot come up with a viable candidate, the situation will be brought to the entire member body and follow per above.
• If there is no viable candidate to step forward into a director position, the Board may re-organize the leadership structure in order to keep the organization (BEECH) running.  
• If the Board can not come up with a feasible way to reorganize BEECH and keep it running, then the Board must notify the membership and give fair warning of at least 120 days that the organization may fail.  
• Within 30 days of the fair warning the Board will hold a membership meeting and advise the membership of the issues.  The members will then have 90 days to find a reasonable solution to the leadership structure.  
• At the end of the 120 days, if the board deems it is necessary to dissolve the organization, then they will bring a vote of dissolution amongst the member body. (A 2/3 vote of membership is REQUIRED to dissolve the organization).
• If the membership does not vote to dissolve the organization, but has no viable way to keep the organization running, the Board at this time has the right to step down and/or terminate their relationship with BEECH.
• If no solution takes place and there is no candidate willing to step forward, the group as a whole will dissolve and ANY leftover funds will be donated to the previous directors’ choice of charity which must be a Christian organization, (preferably related to homeschooling or children, like HSLDA or a children's hospital) and not a church.  

*However, membership needs to understand that if they vote to keep organization running SOMEONE must step forward, otherwise  BEECH will dissolve by default.  

·       ***Please keep in mind the noted bylaws are subject to change without notice based on directors’ consent.  If Bylaws, Code of Conduct, Statement of Faith, Well Child Policy and/or Liability Waiver(s) are amended during the “school year” (Sept. to June), it will be noted on the Bulletin Board.