ARTICLE I: Formation

1.01 Name
The name of this organization shall be Redding Neighbors & Newcomers, Inc. ("the Organization").

1.02 Purpose
The Organization is organized exclusively for social, charitable, and educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It aims to provide opportunities for residents of Redding and surrounding areas to socialize, connect, and participate in community service through clubs, events, interest groups, and special programming.

1.03 Mission

To provide an inclusive environment to build enjoyable and meaningful connections among new and long-time Redding area residents. 

1.04 Registered Office and Agent
The Organization shall maintain a registered office and agent in the State of Connecticut as required by law.

ARTICLE II: Board of Directors

2.01 Powers and Responsibilities
The Board of Directors ("the Board") shall manage the affairs, property, and interests of the Organization. It shall establish policies, approve the budget, oversee operations, and ensure alignment with the Organization’s mission. All corporate powers shall be exercised under its authority.

Until these Bylaws are amended, the Board consists of three (3) directors who are elected for a term of no more than two (2) years, with optional renewal with board approval and will hold office until their successors are duly elected and qualified at the following annual meeting of the Board. 

2.02 Composition
The Board shall consist of the elected officers and the Immediate Past President. Voting members of the Board include:

The Immediate Past President is a non-voting advisor for a minimum of two months following the end of their term. All Board members must be Redding Neighbors & Newcomers members and residents of Redding, CT.

These Board members are the voting Officers of the Organization.

2.03 Meetings
Regular meetings of the Board shall be held monthly, with the September meeting attended by both outgoing and incoming members. Special meetings may be called by the President or by written request of three Board members. A majority of current Board members constitutes a quorum. All Board meetings are open to all members.

2.04 Officer Responsibilities
Officers are expected to:

2.05 Officer Liability
Redding Neighbors & Newcomers, Inc. maintains current Directors & Officers liability insurance. Each Officer is required, individually and collectively, to act in good faith, with reasonable and prudent care, and in the best interest of the Organization. If an Officer acts in good faith and in a manner that is reasonably in line with the best interests of the Organization as determined by a reasonably prudent person situated in similar circumstances, then they shall be immune from liability arising from official acts on behalf of the Organization. Officers who fail to comply with this section of these Bylaws shall be personally liable to the Organization for any improper acts and as otherwise described in these Bylaws.

2.06 Removal and Vacancies
The Board may remove an Officer for cause by majority vote.

All vacancies in the Board may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Officers, provided that any such Officer who fills a vacancy is qualified to be an Officer and shall only hold the office for the term specified in Section 2.02 of these Bylaws and until a new Officer is duly elected by the Board or members. Any vacancy to be filled due to an increase in the number of officers may be filled by the Board for a term lasting until the next annual election of officers by the Board at the annual meeting or a special meeting called for the purpose of electing officers. Any officer elected to fill a vacancy which results from the removal of an officer shall serve the remainder of the term of the removed officer and until a successor is elected by the Board and qualified.

Any individual who fills a vacancy on the Board shall be considered equally qualified and eligible for election to replace the officer. 

ARTICLE III: Officers

3.01 Titles and Election
The Organization shall have the following officers: President, Secretary, and Treasurer unless amended by the Board.These are elected annually based on their term tenure at the Annual Membership Meeting.

3.02 Duties of Officers
President

Secretary

Treasurer

ARTICLE IV: Elections and Terms of Officers

4.01 Nominations
The Nominating Committee, appointed by May 15, proposes a slate of officers for the Annual Meeting. Additional nominations may be made from the floor.

4.02 Elections
Officers are elected at the Annual Membership Meeting in July/August by voice vote or secret ballot if multiple candidates exist.

4.03 Terms

• President: 2-year term, renewal once, with a 2-month Immediate Past President advisory role
• Treasurer: 2-year term, renewable once
• Secretary: 2-year term, renewable once

Exceptions on renewal period may be made upon recommendations of the Nominating Committee and majority vote.

4.04 Resignations and Succession of Officers
Written notice of resignation must be provided at least three months in advance. In addition to the notice period, resigning Officers shall remain available for a minimum of two additional months to support a smooth transition for incoming individuals.

During this transition period, the resigning member must:

• Provide a comprehensive update of the officer’s standard operating procedures
• Document any critical or ongoing projects, initiatives, or responsibilities
• Ensure all records, credentials, and tools related to their role are transferred appropriately
• Recommend a successor, where applicable, for Board consideration

Outgoing Officers must ensure that fundamental processes and procedures specific to their position are reviewed and, if necessary, updated prior to their departure.

ARTICLE V: Committees 

Role and Responsibilities
Committees support the Organization’s clubs, programs, events, outreach, and administrative functions. Each committee is led by an appointed Chair who is responsible for coordinating efforts, recruiting and managing volunteers or coordinators, maintaining accurate records, and reporting activities and needs to the Board of Directors. Committees shall operate under the direction of the Board, aligning with the mission and strategic goals of the Organization. All committee work should reflect professionalism, collaboration, and a commitment to community engagement. Committee Chairs and Committee Members must be members of Redding Neighbors & Newcomers.

5.01 Nominations
The Nominating Committee, appointed by May 15, proposes a slate of Committee Chairs for the Annual Meeting. Additional nominations may be made from the floor.

5.02 Elections
Chairs are elected at the Annual Membership Meeting in July/August by voice vote or secret ballot if multiple candidates exist. Chairs may also be elected throughout the year as needed.

5.03 Terms

Committee Chairs shall serve in their role for a 2-year term, renewable once. Exceptions on renewal period may be made upon recommendations of the Nominating Committee and majority vote.

5.04 Resignation of Committee Chairs

Committee Chairs who choose to resign must provide a minimum of one month notice before vacating their duties, role, and responsibilities. They shall also remain available for up to two additional months to assist with onboarding and supporting their successor. During this transition, they must:

• Document and update any standard procedures, resources, or recurring responsibilities related to the committee
• Transfer all records and contact information
• Recommend a successor or assist in identifying candidates for replacement

Outgoing Chairs must ensure that fundamental processes and procedures specific to their position are reviewed and, if necessary, updated prior to their departure.

5.05 Appointed Committee Chairs (Non-Voting) 

• Chair of Membership: Oversees all membership processes including recruitment, renewals, member communications, and maintaining accurate membership records. Coordinates welcome initiatives and helps ensure strong engagement with new and existing members.
• Chair of Marketing & Communications: Manages internal and external communications, including newsletters, social media, public relations, and promotion of events and programs. Ensures brand consistency and supports outreach initiatives.
• Chair of Technology: Maintains the organization’s website, email systems, databases, and other digital tools. Supports technology needs of the Board and committees, ensuring reliable and secure access to information and communication platforms.
• Chair of Merchandise & Online Store: Manages the development, inventory, and sales of branded merchandise. Coordinates online store operations and collaborates with the Marketing Chair for promotions.
• Chair of Community Service: Plans and facilitates community outreach programs and service initiatives. Builds relationships with local organizations and ensures alignment with the Organization’s mission of civic engagement.
• Chair of Clubs and Events: Leads the planning, coordination, and execution of all social clubs and special events throughout the year. Works with vendors, volunteers, and other committees to deliver inclusive, engaging programs for members.

5.06 Committee Meetings
Committee Meetings and Board meetings are different. Board meetings are formal, monthly governance sessions with quorum requirements and voting authority. Committee meetings focus on specific areas (e.g., Events, Communications) and report to the Board. Committee chairs may attend Board meetings to present proposals but do not vote unless they also serve as elected officers.

5.07 Standing Committees

• Community Service: Facilitates outreach projects and volunteer initiatives that benefit the Redding community. Coordinates drives, donations, and partnerships with local organizations.
• Special Events: Plans and executes large-scale or themed events (e.g., Lobster Bake, Trunk or Treat, Holiday Party, etc.) for all ages and ensures alignment with the Organization’s mission and calendar. 
• Club Programming: Develops and organizes interest-based social activities and enrichment programs for all members, such as book clubs, game nights, children’s playgroups, or educational series.
• Communications: Manages internal communication strategies and supports outreach efforts including newsletters, press releases, and content alignment with the Marketing Chair.

5.08 Special Committees
Established as needed, including:

• By-Laws Committee: Responsible for the periodic review and recommendation of updates to the organization’s bylaws. Ensures that governing documents remain compliant with applicable laws, align with organizational practices, and support operational clarity. This committee drafts amendments and collaborates with the Board for approval and adoption.
• Ways and Means/Fundraising: Plans and executes fundraising initiatives and events to support the Organization’s financial health and program goals. Identifies opportunities for sponsorships, donations, and grants. Collaborates with the Treasurer and Board to align fundraising strategies with the annual budget and mission.
• Nominating Committee: Leads the process of identifying, vetting, and recommending candidates for elected positions within the organization. Ensures fair and transparent nomination procedures and strives to balance experienced leadership with new perspectives. Coordinates the publication of the candidate slate and supports the election process in accordance with these bylaws.

ARTICLE VI: Membership

6.01 Eligibility
Open to residents of Redding and surrounding areas age 18 or older.

6.02 Types of Membership

• 30-Day Free Trial (renewable once at discretion of Committee Chair)
• 1-Year Individual or Household
• 2-Year Individual or Household
• 3-Year Individual or Household

6.03 Dues
Collected based on the term of the membership (eg. each year, every two years, etc.). Rates set by the Board.

6.04 Volunteering

Members are encouraged (but not required) to volunteer for a Committee or Officer position after one year of membership.

ARTICLE VII: Finances

7.01 Fiscal Year
September 1 to August 31.

7.02 Financial Authority

• President and Treasurer may sign checks
• Checks over $1,500 require both signatures

7.03 Budget and Oversight
Treasurer drafts an annual budget for Board approval by July. Majority Board approval required.

7.04 Dissolution
Upon dissolution, assets shall be distributed evenly to three nonprofit social service organizations in Redding, CT.

ARTICLE VIII: Professional and Ethical Conduct

8.01 Code of Conduct
All board members, committee chairs, and committee members shall: 

• Conduct themselves with integrity, respect, and professionalism in all interactions
• Provide timely communications regarding problems, concerns, and issues for immediate action regarding the organization, but also with regard to personal or professional matters impacting the ability Officers and Committee Chair Members to fulfill their respective roles and responsibilities
• Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members
• Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts to the Board
• Use organizational resources responsibly and only for their intended purpose
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive organizational matters
• Follow meeting rules of engagement as agreed upon within the Organization

8.02 Accountability

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in removal from office or committee positions, following a review and vote by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IX: Amendments

9.01 Amendment Procedure
These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Board at any regular or special meeting.

9.02 Review
Bylaws shall be reviewed at least every four years.

Roberts Rules of Order, Revised, shall govern meetings unless inconsistent with these Bylaws.
Open to residents of Redding and surrounding areas age 18 or older.