The Villages Desi Club By-Laws
(Note: A “Desi” is a person of descent from the Indian sub-continent region (i.e., India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and neighboring countries))
The Villages Club for Desis: a resident organization subject to the control and policies of the Board of Directors on the Villages Golf and Country Club.
Purpose: The Villages Club for Desis is a social organization with the main purpose of giving all members and guests an opportunity to meet and share the Desi culture, customs, music, art, literature and various forms of activities.
Membership: All residents of The Villages, regardless of national origin, race, color, or religion, who have shown or expressed interest in Desi culture, are eligible to join. Membership will be granted to an applicant after a completed application form is submitted with the annual membership fee paid and accepted by the Villages Club for Desis’ governing body (hereinafter referred to as “Member(s)”). All memberships are renewed annually (on a calendar year basis) upon the payment of the next annual membership fee due. Membership can be terminated with a written notice to the Villages Club for Desis governing body but there will be no refund of any remaining calendar year membership fee.
Governing Body: The Villages Club for Desis “Executive Committee” is responsible for running all club activities. It consists of five “Executive Members”: President, Vice President, Secretary, Joint Secretary and Treasurer. In addition to many activities each Executive Member is responsible for:
The President will be the primary spokesperson of the Club. She/he will preside over the Executive Committee meetings. She/he is also responsible for coordinating sub-committees targeting various activities and setting the event calendar for the year.
The Vice President will support the President in executing her/his responsibilities and assume the President’s role during her/his absence.
The Secretary is responsible for all meeting and communication of such meetings to members.
The Joint Secretary will share the responsibilities of the Secretary.
The Treasurer is responsible for membership registration, income, and expenses of the Club.
Any member can nominate himself/herself to be a candidate of the Executive Member. The candidates will be voted in each year by the general members of the club. The term of office is 1 calendar year. Any vacancies will be filled by the normal election process.
General meetings: There will be at least one (1) annual general meeting in the 4th quarter with a quorum of no less than 10 attendees for the election, transition, and introduction of the new Executive Committee. Regular Executive Committee meetings will be called once a quarter by the President. Any member of the Executive Committee can call a meeting as needed.
Dues: Membership fee is $10 per Member, due on January 1st of the applicable calendar year. Additional fee may be necessary for participants of certain events/activities. For guests who are not Members, their participation in certain events/activities may require payment of additional token non-member fees.
Sub-committees: Sub-committees will be formed specifically for each major event of activities. Executive Member(s) and/or selected volunteer(s) from the general membership will lead each sub-committee as it is formed.
Amendments: Amendments to the By-Laws of the Club will be voted on by the general membership.
Approvals:
Ratification by the membership: ____________
Approval by the Villages Board: _____________
Amendments approved by Executive Committee & Village Board: