Hudson River Potters Bylaws
Effective October 6, 2008
Article I: Statement of Purpose:
Hudson River Potters is a group of potters dedicated to refining their skills, sharing techniques, and inspiring each
other’s creative vision. The organization is predicated upon personal involvement and individual development
through association with the whole.
Article II: Membership
Membership is open to all interested in the production of ceramic wares both artistic and functional. The annual
membership term runs from July1 through June 30. New members are requested to fill out an application form
detailing their interests and skill levels and attend a general meeting in order to have their membership confirmed.
HRP sets aside time at regular meetings for new members to show their work and introduce themselves to the
group. All members are expected to participate in the sub-committees defined in Article VI or in another capacity
that furthers the interest of the organization. All members are encouraged to maintain a presence on the HRP
website.
Article III: Meetings
General meetings are held once a month from September through June, excluding December. Each meeting begins
with an informal social gathering, a brief business meeting, and the principal program of the evening. The
September meeting is devoted to an opening business and organizational meeting. All program presenters are
required to fill in a form describing their work and presentation; completed forms are kept in HRP files.
Article IV: Dues
Annual dues are payable July 1 and due by the first annual meeting. The yearly dues amount may be changed by
the Steering Committee if deemed necessary.
Article V: Governance
A. A Steering Committee composed of six HRP members shall perform the following functions:
- Set date, time and agenda of monthly general meetings
- Meet regularly to discuss HRP concerns, policies, and ongoing business.
- Maintain and update the membership list and annually circulate copies among the members
- Maintain the treasury and report to the general membership.
- Facilitate and encourage member participation in all areas of HRP activity.
- In order to maintain communication and facilitate activities, one steering committee member shall serve on each of
the standing committees defined in Article VI below.
B. Composition
The Steering Committee shall comprise six people serving in three-year rotating terms in order to allow continuity
from previous years. Two members will retire each year; their replacements will be selected by existing Steering
Committee members and confirmed by general membership at the annual business meeting. If a committee member
resigns before the end of the three year term, the remaining members shall seek a replacement to be ratified by the
general membership as soon as possible.
C. Steering Committee Governance
In order to conduct SC meetings and HRP business in an efficient manner, the Steering committee shall designate
the following positions:
Chair: presides at SC meetings and coordinates efforts of Committee as a whole.
Secretary: with input from other SC members, sets the agenda and records actions taken. Oversees the
communications committee and all official HRP correspondence.
Treasurer: Oversees the Finance committee; responsible for collecting membership dues, expense disbursement,
tax obligations, and maintaining financial records and accounts. Reports based on these records shall be presented
to the Steering Committee monthly. The treasurer also reports to the membership annually, at the first meeting in
September, at which time he or she also presents the annual budget. The Treasurer is the sole signatory on
Hudson River Potter bank accounts; in an emergency, the Chair is empowered to sign in the Treasurer’s stead.
The positions of Secretary and Treasurer may be held for the duration of the holder’s term.
Article VI: Standing committees
The following subcommittees shall work with the Steering Committee relative to their respective concerns:
Membership: maintains and updates list of members; provides for refreshments at monthly meetings; organizes
annual parties; introduces new members, provides name tags for all members and guests, and facilitates integration
into the group.
Shows: Keeps track of HRP show inventory. Compiles and maintains the HRP handbook, which details the protocol
for HRP shows and sales of members’ work. Facilitates and advises the organizing committee of each individual
show, ensures smooth transition between shows, and directs show participants to expertise in specific areas.
Communications: Maintains website, which includes news of interest to members, major items of business, the
monthly meeting program, member profiles, and a summary of the previous general meeting.
Venues: With assistance from membership, investigates new show and sales venues and thematic configurations.
Programs: Identifies programs of interest for general meetings; invites guest speakers and maintains records of
past speakers. Facilitates other informal smaller group activities such as excursions, firings, workshops, etc.
Finance: Maintains treasury, reports finances to membership, and fulfills tax obligations incurred by the organization.
Article VII: Shows and Sales
All shows and sales are to be conducted according to the guidelines set forth in the Hudson River Potters Show
Handbook. Individual show organizers are responsible for all facets of their respective shows, including publicity,
overseeing quality, pricing, and compatibility of work. Funds for sale expenses come from entrance fees of
participating members, not from the general treasury. All show participants must establish an individual listing on the
HRP website prior to showing of selling activity under the name of Hudson River Potters.
Bylaw Review
The statement of purpose and bylaws shall be reviewed every three years.
