Bylaws

Francis O’Neill Club Bylaws

Mission 

The mission of the Francis O’Neill Club (FON) is to develop and promote appreciation and knowledge of traditional Irish Set Dance among our members and the general public through lessons, participatory events and instructional workshops.

Membership

1. All persons who paid that year’s membership fee are members of FON.

2. Members are entitled to attend the annual meeting, to vote on all questions at the Annual Meeting and any Special Meeting, and are eligible to serve on the Board and committees.

3. The Board may, at its discretion, terminate the membership of any person at any time.

4. People who have been members for the prior year are entitled to run for a board position or office.

Membership Meetings

1. There shall be an annual meeting of the members of FON.

2. Special meeting of the members may be called at the President’s discretion, or at the direction of the Board, or at the written request of at least 33% of the membership. Notices of special meetings shall state the matters to be considered.

3. At least one month’s notice of the annual, or of a special meeting, shall be given.

4. No quorem is required for votes at the Annual or a Special meeting.

5. A majority of the members present is necessary to transact any business brought before the membership, including the election of Board members or officers.

Board of Directors

1. The Board of Directors (Board) is made up of 5 directors, elected at the Annual Meeting by the membership.  

2. The Officers shall be Board members, and shall be the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and shall be elected at the Annual Meeting by the membership.

3. The responsibilities of all business matters lie with the Board of Directors.

4. The Board has sole authority to set schedules and dates for the year; to set dues and fees; to set honoraria paid to teachers and musicians; to rent facilities and to incur incidental expenses; and all else to carry out the mission of FON.

5. The Board shall determine the need for, and the responsibilities of, standing or special committees to carry out projects or special programs.

6. In the event of a vacancy on the Board, a majority of the remaining Board members may appoint a member to fill the vacancy until the next annual meeting. 

7. A member of the Board may be removed from office after 1 month notice, and opportunity to be heard, by a majority vote of the FON membership, or by two-thirds majority vote of the entire Board. 

8. The Board shall encourage free and open discussion at meetings.

9. No officer position may be shared, as in, for example, co-presidents, nor may one person hold more than one position.

Meetings of the Board of Directors

1. The Board will meet occasionally as needed.

2. The quorum for transaction of business is at least two-thirds of the Directors.

3. A majority vote of the Directors present is necessary to transact any business brought before the Board.

4. Expenditures of more than $500, other than Band honoraria and rent, shall require Board approval. Payment of Band honoraria and rent increases shall require Board approval. Setting of the annual dance schedule shall require Board approval.

Fiscal Year

1. The fiscal year of FON is from Nov 1 to October 31.

Amendments to these Bylaws

1. Amendments to these Bylaws may be made by the Board upon one month’s written notice.

2. A two-thirds majority vote of those Board members voting is required for adoption.

Miscellaneous

1. No part of FON’s assets or net earnings may inure to the benefit of private individuals.  This does not preclude the payment of any reasonable fees for goods or services provided to the organization.  All conflicts of interest shall be disclosed to the full Board of Directors.

2. In the event of dissolution of FON, the FON assets will be distributed to a 501c3 organization upon vote of the Board of Directors.

3. These Bylaws are effective immediately upon a 2/3 vote of approval by the Board of Directors.

Approved by Board of Directors on 4/30/2026