JRLW
Jewish Residents of Leisure World
Silver Spring, Maryland

JRLW Bylaws

The following JRLW Bylaws were adopted at a special membership meeting October 7, 2009. They will take effect May 2010.

 JEWISH RESIDENTS OF LEISURE WORLD, Inc.

BYLAWS

Effective Date: 

May 1, 2010  

INDEX 

       Page

JEWISH RESIDENTS OF LEISURE WORLD, INC

ARTICLE I – NAME AND LEGAL ORGANIZATION

 The formal name of the organization shall be “Jewish Residents of Leisure World, Inc”.  It is also known as JRLW, Inc., or JRLW.  Jewish Residents of Leisure World, Inc. is a tax-exempt non-stock corporation, incorporated in the State of Maryland on June 8, 2009.  It is recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a non-profit tax-exempt charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes.  It is also registered with the Charitable Organizations Division of the Office of the Secretary of State of Maryland. 

ARTICLE II – AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 

The aims and objectives of the organization shall be:

1.       To provide such religious services, educational, social and religious activities as may be desired and approved by the Board.

2.       To make charitable contributions to organizations whose activities fall within the purview of Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code or its successors.

3.       To participate in selected Leisure World activities for the betterment of all residents.

4.       To act as a liaison between its members and other organizations in the Washington Metropolitan area and elsewhere. 

ARTICLE III – DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS 

1.       No part of the net earnings of the organization shall benefit or be distributable, to its members, directors, officers or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the objectives in Article II above.  The organization shall not carry on any activities not permitted by (a) an organization exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law); (b) an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law). 

2.       If this organization is dissolved, the Board of directors, shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the organization, dispose of all of the assets of the organization, exclusively for the objectives of the organization in such manner, or to such other organization or organizations, organized and operated exclusively for Jewish charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Board shall determine.  Any such assets not so disposed of, shall be disposed of by the court of general jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the Jewish Residents of Leisure World, Inc. is then located, in accordance with the sense of this provision. 

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP 

1.  Eligibility:  Any resident of Leisure World of Maryland is eligible for membership.  A resident is a person who resides in a dwelling in Leisure World. 

2.  Membership in Good Standing:  A member in good standing is a person whose dues have been paid for the current year. 

3.  Privileges:  All members in good standing shall enjoy the following privileges: 

a.       Have a voice and vote at all Annual meetings of the organization

     b.       Have a voice at any and all open meetings.

     c.       Hold office in the organization.

     d.      Serve on the Board.

     e.       Serve on Standing and Special committees

     f.       Observe monthly Board meetings. 

ARTICLE V – DUES 

Dues are payable at the beginning of each membership year.  The membership year is June 1 through May 31. 

ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS 

Except for the meetings of the Board and Committees, a quorum shall consist of 100 members in good standing, or ten percent (10%) of the membership, whichever is less. Roberts Rules of Order (Revised) shall apply to all meetings. 

1.     Annual Meeting:  There shall be a meeting of the general membership each year in the Spring. This meeting shall constitute the Annual Meeting.  Written notice of this meeting shall be given at least (10) days prior to the meeting. 

2.     Special Meeting:  A special meeting shall be called by the President when deemed necessary, or upon written request of at least fifty (50) members in good standing.  Notice of such Special meeting shall be given no later than seven (7) days prior to the Meeting and shall set forth the purpose of the meeting.  A Special meeting shall consider only such business as set forth in the notice. 

3.  Agenda for Annual Meeting:

     a.  Financial report shall be given by the Treasurer.

     b.  A report by each standing committee shall be given.

               c.  Recommendation of the Board concerning the annual budget

                    and annual dues shall be acted upon.

     d.  Election of officers.

4.  Voting: 

a. Unless otherwise specified, all matters shall be decided by a majority of Votes cast. 

b. The vote shall be by show of hands.

c.  The President or a majority of those members in good standing may request a secret ballot. 

5.  Meetings of the Board: 

     a.  Meetings of the Board shall be held monthly.  Such meetings

          shall cover any and all business that the Board may be empowered        

          to transact.

     b.  A quorum shall be required to conduct JRLW business. (See Article 

          IX, Sec 1b)

     c.  Any JRLW member in good standing may attend Board Meetings  

                    and may speak at the discretion of the Presiding Officer, but will not 

                    have a vote.

               d.  The President shall call special meetings of the Board as deemed     

                    necessary or as requested by at least 5 members of the Board. 

ARTICLE VII – OFFICERS 

  1.   The officers of the organization shall consist of the following:

          a.       President

b.       Vice President

c.       Recording Secretary

d.       Corresponding Secretary

e.       Treasurer

f.        Parliamentarian 

  2.     Duties and Responsibilities of the Officers:

a.  President

(1)     Exercise general supervision and direction over the various

                          Committees.                                  

                   (2)     Preside at an executive meeting prior to the monthly Board meeting. 

                   (3)     Preside at all Board, Annual and Special meetings.

                   (4)     Appoint the Chairperson of each Committee.

                   (5)     Represent or appoint appropriate delegate(s) in the Leisure

                             World community, or any other group or body to which such

                             representation is considered necessary or advisable.

                   (6)     Make an oral report to membership at the Annual Meeting

                             summarizing the year’s accomplishments.

          (7)     Deliver to his/her successor all records and property of the

organization upon leaving his/her office of the President.            (8)             Serve as ex-officio member of all committees, except the

Nominating Committee.  To be advised of all proceedings of the committees.

                    (9)    Recommend the establishment of any standing committee(s).                  

          b.  Vice President

                   (1)     Exercise the powers of the President in the absence or  

                             disability of the President. 

                    (2)     Perform those duties as assigned by the President.     

                   (3)     Deliver to the newly elected Vice President all records and

                             property of the organization.                      

          c.   Recording Secretary

                    (1)     Record proceedings of all meetings

                    (2)     Record all policy decisions

                   (3)     Deliver to the newly elected Recording Secretary all records

                              and property of the organization. 

           d.  Corresponding Secretary

                    (1)     Prepare and maintain the official correspondence of the          

                              organization.      

          (2)    Maintain the files of the organization including   

                              announcements and records of important events.

                   (3)    Deliver to the newly elected Corresponding Secretary all           

                              records and property of the organization.

          (4)     Prepares JRLW news articles. 

  e. Treasurer

                    (1)     Collect all monies due the organization

                    (2)     Present a financial report of the organization at both the

                              Annual and Board of Directors meetings.

                    (3)     Maintain all funds of the organization in one or more    

                              financial institutions approved by the Board.

                   (4)     To sign all checks and other instruments for expenditures.

                              Treasurer’s signature alone may be used for up to

                              $1,000.  Expenditures above $1,000 requires the signature of a 

                              second designated elected officer. 

(5)     In the absence or disability of the Treasurer, the President     

and/or Vice-President shall sign such checks and instruments.

                    (6)     Prepare and present a Budget to the Board for approval prior to

                              the Annual Meeting.

                   (7)     Has jurisdiction over the Tzedakah committee and recommends

to the Board the amount available for charitable distributions.               

(8)            Deliver to the newly elected Treasurer all records and 

                              property of the organization.  

           f.  Parliamentarian – attends all meetings and renders decisions as

requested by the President in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Orders, Newly Revised (most recent edition). 

ARTICLE VIII – TERMS OF OFFICE 

  1.     Officers shall be elected for a term of one (1) year. 

  2.     The President shall select Chairpersons of Standing Committees for a              term of (1) year. 

ARTICLE IX – BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

1.  Composition of the Board of Directors

a.      The Board shall consist of the six (6) officers; the most immediate Past-President if still a member of the organization; and the Chairpersons of each of the Standing Committees as listed in Article X.

        b.      A quorum for the Board meeting shall be ten (10) Directors. 

2.  Rights, duties and powers

        a.      Determine the amount of annual dues.

           b.     Fix and determine by a majority vote of the Board, any fees, or charges, for activities.

        c.      Approve an annual budget.

        d.      Authorize the expenditure of money not provided by the budget.

 e.      Deposit funds of the organization in any Federally insured financial institution.  

        f.      Provide for an annual review or audit of the financial records and procedures of the organization. 

3.  Committees

        a.               All committees act in an advisory capacity and at the discretion of the President and Board.

        b.               All members in good standing may attend a committee meeting.  Guests may speak if permitted by the chairperson, but have no vote. 

ARTICLE X – STANDING COMMITTEES 

The following constitute the Standing Committees (Directors) of JRLW, Inc. and their functions:      

       1. Communications                           8. Programs

       2. Community Relations                             9. Religious Materials

       3. Education                                    10. Religious Services              

       4. Events Coordinator                     11. Technology

       5. JRLW Singles                              12. Travel

       6. Membership                                13. Tzedakah

       7. Benevolence  

All committee Chairpersons must maintain records of their activities that are to be submitted annually to the President at a date to be determined by the Board. 

1.    Communications Committee:

a.       Collection of information, articles and illustrations for the preparation of the JRLW monthly newsletter.  The Newsletter will be distributed either by e-mail or hardcopy for those who desire it.

b.       Collection and submission of information to the Columnist in preparation of the column in the Leisure World News in accordance with the requirements of the newspaper.

c.       Responsible for flyers, posters, notices, etc. to publicize the organization’s events, including all special flyers.

d.       The committee, through the Webmaster, will post pertinent information and documents on a regular basis to the JRLW web site so that residents of Leisure World or other interested parties can access it on their computers.

e.       Committee shall review all published materials for content, layout, and other timely matters that will help to improve the appearance and effectiveness of all published materials. 

  2.     COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE:

a.       Liaison between various groups both within and outside Leisure World.

b.       Examples of such groups:  E & R, Interfaith Chapel, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Community Relations Council, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, etc. 

 3.      EDUCATION COMMITTEE:

                   a.       Provide programs and courses with a Jewish focus. 

  4.     EVENTS COMMITTEE:

a.       To supervise and select persons responsible for running special organization events, such as, Malava Malka, Second Sedar, Sunday morning breakfast, Break-the-Fast, etc. 

  5.     JRLW SINGLES COMMITTEE:

                   a.       Plan and promote events for singles.

                   b.       Maintain a membership roster.

          c.       Maintain a record of events as to success, receipts, and

number of participants. 

  6.     MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE:

a.       Keep a current list of all members’ names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses.

b.       Coordinate the mailing of membership bills each fiscal year.

c.       Send a monthly list of members’ names and addresses to the printer of the Newsletter.

d.       Send 2^nd renewal notice 8 weeks out and then 2-3 weeks later, call unpaid members encouraging them to renew their membership.

e.       Provide a membership list to Board members at the discretion of the Board. 

  7.     BENEVOLENCE COMMITTEE:

                   a.       Make contact with those who are ill or in bereavement.

                   b.       Send appropriate cards to individuals. 

  8.     PROGRAMS COMMITTEE:

a.       Arrange for speakers or entertainment for the organization within budget guidelines. 

  9.     RELIGIOUS MATERIALS COMMITTEE:

a.       Collects donations for Prayer Books and Torah Repair Fund.

b.       Sends out thank you cards to donors and provides information to JRLW Newsletter.

c.       Prepares and installs book plates. 

 10.    RELIGIOUS SERVICES COMMITTEE:

a.       Plan, schedule and arrange for the monthly Friday night and Saturday morning services.

b.       Plan, schedule and arrange for the High Holy Days and Yizkor services.

c.       Oneg Shabbat and Kiddush Committee will purchase items necessary for the Oneg Shabbat and Kiddush.  Manage volunteers for set-up and clean up.

d.       Coordinate with the following organizations in planning and conducting Friday Night services under their sponsorship:

          (1)     B’nai B’rith

          (2)     Hadassah

          (3)     Jewish War Veterans

          (4)     Na’Amat

e.       Negotiate and prepare contracts for the Clergy hired to officiate at:

          (1)     High Holy Days

          (2)     Friday Night Services

          (3)     Saturday Morning Services

          (4)     Yizkor Services

f.       Recruit and coordinate lay readers and participants for the following services and events:

          (1)     High Holy Days

          (2)     Friday Night Services

          (3)     Saturday Morning Services

          (4)     Yizkor Services

          (5)     Minyanim

          (6)     Sukkoth

(7)     Holocaust Remembrance Day

(8)     Kristallnacht Remembrance

g.       Provide funeral information

h.       Maintain inventory of religious items and arrange for any changes in the insurance coverage.

i.        Responsible for set-up for services in the Interfaith Chapel and Clubhouse II. 

 11.    TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE:

a.       Maintain a Website that presents JRLW and its activities in the best possible way to its members and others.

b.       Maintain e-mail groups for JRLW members and the JRLW Board to expedite messages to its membership.

c.       Review any other technological developments that can be used by JRLW to advance its programs and/or help its members.

d.       Present recommendations concerning technological advancements to the JRLW Board of Directors. 

 12.    TRAVEL COMMITTEE:

                   a.       Arrange for a variety of trips

                   b.       Recommend ticket prices to the Board of Directors

c.       Checks are to be made out to JRLW, Inc

                   d.       Members get priority

                   e.       Promote trips through announcements and flyers

f.       Maintain records as to success of a trip for future reference

g.       Report is prepared on each trip as to number of participants, gross income, expenses, and net income 

 13.    TZEDAKAH COMMITTEE:

a.       Collect donations for Tzedakah, send acknowledgement cards to donors and provide information to the JRLW Newsletter.

b.       Send out acknowledgement notes to those honored or mourned.

c.       Recommend list of worthy charities for the Board to consider.

d.       Recommend amount to be contributed to each of the approved charities within the proposed budget. 

ARTICLE XI – NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS 

1.  Nominating Committee

        a.  The President shall appoint a Chairperson of the Nominating Committee at least 4 months prior to the Annual Meeting.  This committee shall consist of five (5) members of the organization:  two (2) of whom shall be from the general membership and three (3) of whom shall be members of the Board.  The Chairperson shall cause to be inserted in the subsequent newsletter, the names of the Nominating Committee.  The Committee shall meet as may be required and submit its written report signed by at least three (3) members of the Committee.  The report will contain the nomination of at least one (1) person for each full term on the Board.  Each nominee must be a member in good standing. The report of the Nominating Committee shall be submitted to the membership at least one (1) month before the Annual Meeting by publication in the JRLW Newsletter. 

       b.  The report of the Nominating Committee shall be entered in the minutes of the Annual Meeting.  The Annual Meeting shall be open for additional nominations for each officer position on the Board.  An individual in good standing shall be deemed nominated orally if he or she is present and has agreed to accept, if his or her name has been placed in nomination by a member and seconded by a member who are in good standing. 

2.  Voting

      When there is more than one (1) nominee for a particular office, voting shall 

      be by secret ballot.  Election to any office will be by majority vote of those

      present and voting.  Only members in good standing may vote. 

3.  Election by Ballot

      When election for any position is by ballot, the President shall appoint three  

      (3) members from those present at the meeting to act as judges of the election 

      and to count the ballots. 

4.  Filling of Vacancies

       In the event any officer of the Board is unable to complete the duties and

       responsibilities of the position for the remaining unexpired term, the Board

       shall, by a majority vote of those present at a meeting of the Board, elect a         

       replacement.  In the case of the President, the Vice-President will

       automatically move into the President’s chair. 

ARTICLE XII – AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS 

The Bylaws may be amended in the following manner:

1.  A proposal to amend these Bylaws shall be submitted in writing to    the Board by any member of the Board or by any five (5) members in good standing. 

2.  The Board shall vote on such changes at its monthly meeting or at a special meeting of the Board. A majority of the members present and voting shall be required for adoption.    

ARTICLE XIII – INTERPRETATION OF THE BYLAWS 

Any question of interpretation must be referred to the Board of Directors whose decision shall be final and binding on all parties. 

ARTICLE XIV – EFFECTIVE DATE 

These Bylaws shall be in full force and effect only after it has been approved.  Upon approval, this instrument shall supersede any previous Constitutions and Bylaws, including any amendments.

Submitted by the JRLW, Inc. Bylaws Committee:                 

                                    K. Neil Ross, Chairman

                                    Paul M. Bessel

                                    Walter Budman

                                    Frances Feder

                                    Hymie Rosenberg

                                    Marilyn Solomon

                                    Leonard Teitelbaum

                                    Stanley Warsaw

Approved:  October 7, 2009

Effective Date:  May 1, 2010

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