Section 1: Name

The legal name of this organization is Oil Slickers Society International, Inc. (Use "The Club" or "OSSi" through the rest of this document.)

Section 2: Purpose

The Club is organized as a non-profit enthusiast group dedicated to:

• Promoting enthusiasm for all things Volkswagen, including air-cooled and water-cooled models, and their family of brands and vehicles.
• Fostering a community for VW enthusiasts to educate, and share knowledge, trade parts, tools, experiences, and other resources.
• Organizing and hosting the annual car show, cruises, tech sessions, and other VW-related events.
• Encouraging and maintaining the preservation of vintage VWs, parts, tools, and literature.
• Supporting charitable causes and community engagement through local activities.
• Providing a safe environment for members to pursue their passion for VWs.
• Cultivating and enduring culture of camaraderie, purposeful recreation, and mindful celebration of life among enthusiasts who find joy through expression, restoring, and sharing their own piece of Volkswagen or automotive legacy.

The Club shall operate in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, and no part of its activities shall inure to the private benefit of any individual.

The Club is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code). Specifically, the Club will advance education through knowledge-sharing, preservation, and community events related to Volkswagen history and automotive heritage, and support charitable causes as described above. No substantial part of the Club's activities shall consist of carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation (lobbying), nor shall the Club participate in or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office (political campaigning.)

Section 1: Qualifications

• Potential members must demonstrate a sincere interest in VW appreciation and respect for The Club's values and members.
• Members must own or have a strong affinity for VWs (air-cooled or water-cooled) but need not own one exclusively; other classics are permitted and encouraged to join.
• All members must be at least 18 years of age.
• Membership is open to all individuals who meet the above criteria, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic under the U.S. Constitution or applicable laws.

Section 2: Categories of Membership

• Active Member: Full voting rights, eligible for office, and access to all events. Requires payment of annual dues.
• Associate Member: Non-voting supporters (e.g., family or friends of active members). Limited to event participation; no office eligibility.
• Honorary Member: Non-voting lifetime status awarded by majority vote of The Club Council for exceptional contributions. No dues required.

Section 3: Dues and Fees

• Annual dues shall be set by majority vote of The Club Council and approved by the general membership at the annual budget meeting (held in January). Dues are payable upon joining and annually thereafter by the first meeting in March.
• Late payments (after 30 days) result in suspension of voting rights and event access until paid.
• Event-specific fees (e.g., car show registration) may apply .
• Dues, fees, and other purchases not made online may be collected by the Treasurer/Administrator.

Section 4: Admission and Termination

• Registration: Prospective members register online or in person with the Administrator.
• Termination: Membership may be terminated for non-payment of dues (after 90 days' notice), violation of the Code of Conduct (per Article VII), or voluntary resignation. Terminations for conduct violations require a two-thirds vote of The Club Council after due process (notice and hearing) followed by two-thirds of member vote to confirm.
• Reinstatement: Suspended members may apply for reinstatement after addressing the issue, subject to Council approval.

Section 5: Rights and Responsibilities

• Members have the right to attend meetings, vote (if active), nominate/hold office, and participate in events.
• Responsibilities include upholding the Code of Conduct, paying dues, and supporting fellow members.

Section 1: Commitment to the First Amendment

The Club supports and upholds the principles of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, protecting members' rights to free speech, expression, assembly, and petition. Members are encouraged to engage in open, respectful dialogue on Club-related topics, including VW history, modifications, events, and personal experiences. The Club shall not restrict or punish speech based solely on its content, viewpoint, or disagreement by others, provided it does not violate the Code of Conduct (e.g., illegal activities, direct threats or harassment that endangers individuals or property).

Section 2: Non-Discrimination and Anti-Alienation

No member shall be alienated, excluded, denied benefits, or subjected to adverse action for any reason protected under the U.S. Constitution, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, or sexual orientation.

However, members should not expect changes, accomodations, nor special considerations for their own personal sociopolitical views.

The Club promotes inclusivity and diversity among VW enthusiasts. Violations of this section shall be addressed as conduct violations under Article VII.

Section 3: Social Media Policy

The Club's official social media channels (e.g., X, Facebook, Instagram) are platforms for community building, event promotion, and VW discussions.

• Members shall not be blocked, deleted, or removed from these channels solely for speech or opinions expressed, even if controversial, unless the speech constitutes a direct threat of harm, illegal activity, or targeted harassment that endangers individuals or property.
• Moderation shall be handled by the Administrator in consultation with the Sergeant at Arms. Appeals of moderation decisions go to The Club Council.
• Members are encouraged to use personal accounts for non-Club speech to avoid conflation. Members shall not say or suggest that they are speaking for or representing the Club in such speech.
• What members do on their own time, conversations had between them, and actions from their past, present, or future are not Club business.

Section 4: Inclusion and Autonomy in Events

• The Club permits the inclusion of non-members and members from other clubs in its events, regardless of any evictions, terminations, or other judgments against them from external organizations, unless the event is specifically designated as members-only.
• The Club reserves the right to pass its own judgments and make independent decisions regarding participation and inclusion. Individuals considered persona non grata by other organizations are welcome here; inclusion is key, and everyone has a home in the Club, provided they adhere to the Club's Code of Conduct.

Section 1: Regular Meetings

• General membership meetings shall be held on the fourth Tuesday of every month (recommended) at a location designated by The Club Council.
• One organized meeting per month is required, conducted in a structured manner with a clear agenda (circulated in advance by the Secretary).
• Quorum: A majority of active members (or 10, whichever is fewer) constitutes a quorum for voting.

Section 2: Special Meetings

• Special meetings may be called by a majority of The Club Council, or a petition signed by 25% of active members. Notice shall be given at least 7 days in advance.

Section 3: Rules of Order

• Meetings follow parliamentary procedure (Robert's Rules of Order, simplified).
• Agenda items: Call to order, minutes approval, officer reports, old business, financial disclosures, new business, announcements, adjournment.
• Speaking: Members raise hands for the floor; side conversations are prohibited.
• Voting: Majority rules unless otherwise specified. Absent members' votes are void. Proxy voting is not permitted.
• Attendance: Members should attend in their VW if weather permits and the vehicle is operational.
• The Sergeant at Arms (or appointee) enforces order; unruly conduct may result in eviction.

Section 4: Conduct During Meetings

• No alcohol, drugs, or impairing substances are permitted.
• No yelling, foul language, or disruptive behavior.

Section 1: Executive Officers

The executive officer positions shall be: President, Strategic Advisor, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant at Arms, Administrator, and one or more Members at Large (to make a total Council of five or seven, never six, and never less after five total officers is established). All hold seats on The Club Council, however, not every individual position described in this section must be held by a Council member if the Council has the correct number of seats filled and is functional thus meeting the needs of the Club.

Section 2: Term of Office

• Terms: One year, beginning March 1 following election.
• Incumbents may serve consecutive terms if unopposed.

Section 3: Duties

• President: To address and preside over meetings, serve as the brand ambassador for The Club, interpret responsibilities; promote OSSi lifestyle. The President cannot make unilateral decisions on major matters, which require Council or membership approval as outlined in these bylaws.
• Strategic Advisor: Provide long-term vision, planning, and guidance (requires prior Club experience); act as liaison to other clubs and external organizations based on current and previous relations.
• Secretary: Record and maintain minutes; update bylaws and conduct code; handles records requests and correspondence.
• Treasurer: Track finances; collect dues and fees; supervise transactions; create financial reports, and annual budgets.
• Sergeant at Arms: Maintain order; resolve personal disputes; enforce policies; handle disciplinary actions; perform miscellaneous tasks.
• Administrator: Fill in for absent officers; assist President; manage operations, logistics, PR, member engagement, web/social media.
• Member at Large: Offer insights; represent general membership; substitute for absent officers.

Section 4: Vacancies

• Temporary filling by Member at Large via Council majority vote; ratification by general membership at next meeting.

Section 5: Selection of Members at Large

• Members at Large shall be elected by plurality vote at the February election meeting, alongside other officers, with nominations open to any eligible active member.
• If fewer than the required number of candidates are nominated, the Council may appoint additional temporary Members at Large by majority vote at the next Council meeting, subject to ratification by the general membership.
• In the event of vacancies among Members at Large, the Council shall appoint temporary replacements by majority vote. Upon filling such vacancies, the Council shall determine, by majority vote, which Members at Large (if any) are removed to maintain the total Council size at 5 or 7 members.

Section 6: Conflicts of Interest

• The Club Council shall maintain a conflict-of-interest policy to protect the Club from transactions or arrangements that may benefit the private interest of an officer, director, or member. Each officer, director, and key employee must annually disclose any potential conflicts (e.g., financial interest in a vendor or family ties to a proposed transaction). If a conflict arises, the interested party shall recuse themselves from discussion and voting on the matter. Any such transaction must be approved by a majority vote of disinterested Council members, and it must be reasonable, fair, and in the Club's best interest. The Secretary shall document all disclosures and actions in the minutes. This policy ensures no part of the Club's net earnings inures to the benefit of any private individual.

Section 1: Eligibility

• Active, paid member; over 18; sound mind/health.
• Club member greater than 1 year.
• Present at least 3 consecutive meetings prior to election.
• No crimes of moral turpitude (guilty or under investigation); cleared individuals may run with Council approval.
• No simultaneous runs for multiple offices.
• To prevent nepotism, no two close family members (e.g., spouses, parents/children, siblings) may serve on the executive board simultaneously.

Section 2: Nomination and Election Process

• Nominations: Self or member nominations at January or February meetings.
• Elections: Held at February meeting
• Candidates must be present.  Upon candidate absence, incumbent maintains seat until an election can be held at next meeting with new candidate. (See eligibility)
• Open floor for discussion, endorsements, objections before voting.
• All positions must be elected, even if uncontested.
• Voting mandatory for office: Plurality for contested positions; binary AYE/NAY for single candidates (majority AYE required).

Section 3: Special Elections

• For vacancies: Held at next monthly meeting.

Section 1: General Rules

All members shall conduct themselves in a civil manner during Club activities and interactions. The following rules promote a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all:

• Respect all vehicles and property: No touching, bad-mouthing, or rude opinions about others' vehicles.
• No yelling, foul language, or disruptive behavior that is intended to harm or intimidate others.
• No politics or religion in Club settings unless the discussion is civil, non-disruptive, and free of intent to harm, harass, or alienate others.
• Mutual aid: Help fellow members; no VW left behind on rides; Club stays together.
• Abide by Club votes; no individual actions against them.
• No harm to people or property; no lying, cheating, or stealing.

These restrictions are not intended to limit free speech protected by the First Amendment, but to prevent conduct that creates a hostile environment or endangers the safety and enjoyment of Club activities.

Section 2: Enforcement

• Violations reported to Sergeant at Arms.
• Process: Written notice to the member, followed by a hearing before The Club Council where the member may present their case and call witnesses. Member voices shall be heard through opportunity for general membership input at the hearing. Discipline (suspension, expulsion) requires a majority vote of The Club Council, followed by a confirmatory majority vote of the general membership at the next regular meeting.
• Appeals: Must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the final membership vote.

Section 1: Composition

• Consists of all executive officers, totaling 5 or 7 members to ensure an odd number and avoid ties.
• Must attended monthly meetings at least 9 months of the year (February-November recommended); emergency meetings as needed. If the regular meeting date conflicts with major events, it must be rescheduled by the Council with at least 7 days' notice.
• Must not skip more than 3 meetings concurrently.

Section 2: Responsibilities

• Evaluate Club and car show operations.
• Approve major expenditures (> $200).
• Interpret bylaws/gaps; act as disciplinary court.
• Set strategic direction for The Club and events, subject to ratification by general membership vote for major decisions (e.g., changes to purpose, dissolution, or significant policy shifts).

Section 3: Voting

• Majority rules; quorum more than 50% of Council members. No ties possible with odd number of seats.

• Car Show Committee: Subset of Council; plans annual event.
• Ad Hoc Committees: Formed by The Club Council for specific tasks (e.g., tech sessions, charity drives, parties, cruises, and other special events); dissolve upon completion.

Section 1: Fiscal Year

February 1st - January 31st

Section 2: Budget

• Annual budget approved at January meeting.
• All funds in Club account; dual signatures for disbursements > $100.

Section 3: Audits

• Annual review by independent member; full audit if requested by 25% of members.

Section 1: Proposal

• Any active member may propose an edit, addition, or removal of any bylaw provision by submitting it in writing at any regular meeting.

Section 2: Adoption

• Scope of Changes: These bylaws may be edited, amended, or have provisions removed in whole or in part upon the same member vote. No part of these bylaws is sacred or untouchable; every line is open to improvement by the people who live them.
• Two-thirds vote of active members present; quorum required.
• Effective immediately unless the motion specifies a later date.

In the event of dissolution, after paying debts, remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more organizations exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as selected by the Club Council per state and federal laws.