Out Business Builders Guidelines
Out Business Builders Group
I. Name and Purpose
a. Section 1 - Name
b. Section 2 - Purpose
II. Definitions
III. Membership
a. Section 1 – Eligibility for Membership
b. Section 2 – Dues
c. Section 3 – Number of Members
d. Section 4 – Attendance/Absences
e. Section 5 – Misconduct
f. Section 6 – Membership Code of Ethics
IV. Membership Meetings
a. Section 1 – Regular Meetings
b. Section 2 – Member Presentations
c. Section 3 – Guests
V. Management and Administration of the Group
a. Section 1 – Office of the Facilitator and Subordinate Officers
b. Section 2 – Election of the Facilitator
c. Section 3 – Leadership Meetings
VI. Structure and Governance
VII. Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment
I. NAME AND PURPOSE.
Section 1 – Name. The name of the Group is Out Business Builders.
Section 2 – Purpose. The purpose of the Group is to provide an LGBT/LGBT-friendly networking platform committed to building business and professional relationships among and between its Members. Members are expected to help each other to expand their business and professional practices, and in the process build relationships with other interesting and empowering professionals and business people. The Group fosters a proactive approach to entrepreneurs and to small and large businesses to market and promote themselves and build their professional network, and to do so in a safe and supportive environment.
II. DEFINITIONS.
As used in these Guidelines:
“Facilitator” shall mean the President of the Group. The Group may elect Co-Presidents, who should act cooperatively and may be referred to as “Co-Faciliators.”
“Guidelines” shall refer to these Guidelines.
“The Group” shall refer to the Business Builders group.
“Leadership Meeting(s)” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Article V, Section 3 of these Guidelines.
“LGBT” shall be used in the broadest possible sense to refer to individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and gender non-conforming.
“Membership Meeting” shall refer to the approximately bi-monthly meetings of Members defined in Article IV of these Guidelines.
“Member” or “Members” shall refer to each member in good standing of the Group.
“Out Professionals” or “OP” shall refer to Out Professionals, Inc., 501(c)(7) Not-for-Profit Corporation organized and existing pursuant to the laws of New York State.
“OP Business Member” shall have the meaning designated from time to time by Out Professionals.
III. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 – Eligibility for Membership. Members must be current Out Business Builders Members in good standing.
Only one (1) Member is allowed from each occupational category or professional specialization. Members must abide by these Guidelines. Membership shall at all times be at the pleasure of the Group and may be terminated by the Member or the Group at any time upon notice.
Section 2 – Dues. Each Member shall pay dues on quarterly basis in an amount determined by the Facilitator as sufficient to cover the cost of the breakfasts, other incidental and operating expenses of the Group, and to establish reasonable reserves. Quarterly dues are non-refundable.
Section 3 – Number of Members. Although there is no fixed minimum or maximum number of Members who may join the group, before permitting the Group membership to exceed twenty-five (25) Members, the Group shall carefully consider the potential impact of expansion in the context of the Group’s stated purpose.
Section 4 – Attendance/Absences. Member attendance at Membership Meetings is mandatory, and is critical to the success of the Group. Members need to arrive on time and stay for the entire Membership Meeting. Members should miss no more than two (2) Membership Meetings per any consecutive six (6) month period, and all absences must be communicated to the Facilitator in advance, except in the event of emergency.
If a Member will be absent from a Membership Meeting, he or she is encouraged to send a stand-in to represent him or her at the Membership Meeting and provide the group Facilitator with advance notice that the stand-in will be attending. Members may be considered for removal from the Group in the event of excessive, unexcused absences.
Section 5 – Misconduct. Inappropriate or disruptive behavior contrary to the purpose and well-being of the Group will not be tolerated.
Section 6 – Membership Code of Ethics. Members shall comply with the following:
- Each Member will commit to punctual attendance at regularly scheduled meetings.
- Each Member will provide the quality of services at the prices he or she has quoted.
- Each Member will be truthful with the Members and their referrals.
- Each Member will build goodwill and trust among Members and their referrals.
- Each Member will take responsibility for following up with the referrals that he or she receives.
- Each Member will live up to the ethical standards of their profession.
- Each Member will display a positive and supportive attitude with the Members of the Group.
- Each Member agrees to abide by these Guidelines and all applicable OP by-laws, guidelines, rules and regulations.
IV. MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS.
Section 1. Regular Meetings. Membership Meetings will occur twice a month, usually on the first and third full weeks of each month. Adjustments will be made to accommodate holiday schedules, and Members will be notified in advance in email by the Facilitator or his/her designee(s).
The Facilitator or his/her designee(s) shall preside over and control the conduct of the Membership Meetings in his/her/their discretion and in accordance with the general purpose of the Group.
The structure of the Membership Meetings will give each Member a chance to present him or herself to the Group so that the other Members can learn what that Member provides in the way of goods and services, and then in turn, make referrals of clients, friends, and colleagues. The goal is to create relationships among individuals who are likely to refer business.
During Membership Meetings, announcements of upcoming events, reports on previous referrals, testimonials concerning interaction among the Members, and a business forum will take place.
Section 2. Member Presentations. Each Membership Meeting should include a ten (10) minute presentation by a designated Member. The presentation is designed to give each Member an opportunity to present his/her services in detail and answer any questions. Each Member should have an opportunity to give a ten (10) minute presentation at least once per calendar year. Each Member is responsible for content of his/her presentation.
Section 3 – Guests. Members are encouraged to invite their colleagues, clients and business associates to attend as guests. Invited guests may attend a maximum of two (2) meetings during any consecutive three hundred sixty-five (365) day period and do not need to be OP Business Members. Guest attendance is open to any business owner and/or entrepreneur engaged in a legitimate, lawful and ethical business profession. Guests may fully participate in Breakfast Meetings except they may not distribute marketing materials other than business cards. At or before the Membership Meeting, Guests must pay a fee in an amount fixed in advance by the Facilitator.
V. MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE GROUP
Section 1 – Office of the Facilitator and Subordinate Officers. The Facilitator shall be responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of the Group. The Facilitator will manage the Group in accordance with these Guidelines, including but not limited to the orderly conduct of Membership Meetings, the scheduling of presentations, attendance, and tardiness. The Facilitator is the front-line channel of communication for the dissemination of information to enhance the participation of all Members.
The Facilitator may delegate authority to subordinate officers and representatives, who may include, without limitation, a treasurer, secretary, guest coordinator, and/or a social coordinator. The Facilitator should seek the input of the other Members before making appointments.
Section 2 – Election of the Facilitator. The Facilitator shall be elected by a majority of the Members in good standing. Election of the Facilitator shall occur on the first Monday in October of each calendar year. If the first Monday falls on a public holiday as such term is defined under the laws of the State of New York then applicable, then the election shall occur on the next subsequent day that is not a public holiday.
In the event the facilitator resigns from his/her position or is otherwise unwilling or unable to fulfill his/her office, an election shall be held as soon as practicable after reasonable notice to the Members.
Section 3 – Leadership Meetings. After taking into account the concerns and availability of the Members, the Facilitator shall schedule meetings for the exclusive purpose of addressing the goals and concerns of the membership (“Leadership Meeting”). All Members shall be entitled to attend Leadership Meetings. At least one (1) Leadership Meeting shall occur during each calendar year.
VI. STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE
The Out Professional Board of Directors is the governing body of the Group. For all matters of proposal, suggestions, or requests for changes to this guidelines policy, the current Out Professionals President shall represent the interest of the Out Professional Board of Directors by providing approval through endorsement.
VII. NON-DISCRIMINATION AND ANTI-HARASSMENT
The Group is committed to maintaining an environment that encourages and fosters appropriate conduct among all persons and respect for individual values. Discrimination based on race, gender and/or gender identity or expression, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, veteran or military status, sexual or affectional orientation, pregnancy, marital status, citizenship status or any legally prohibited basis is strictly prohibited.