Amended January 2022

Article I: Name

1.1 The name of this corporation shall be Handweavers Guild of America, Inc., hereinafter referred to as HGA.

Article II: Purpose

2.1 The purpose of the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc. is to educate, support and inspire the fiber art community.

2.2 This corporation is organized and operated exclusively for artistic and educational purposes, as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and its regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended. The purpose of the corporation shall be the advancement of fiber art education, and in specific furtherance thereof:

a. To conduct programs and activities to build an inspirational, supportive, and inclusive fiber art community for the public benefit and general welfare of all persons;

b. To promote a widening participation in and appreciation of the fiber arts for their creative, cultural, and educational value;

c. To encourage the development of opportunities to create, teach, exhibit, study, and serve the fiber art community; and

d. To bring about cooperation among agencies and individuals interested in the weaving, spinning, dyeing, fiber arts and related fields.

Article III: Members

3.1 Eligibility for membership

At any time, any person, association, or institution which subscribes to the purposes and basic policies of HGA may become a member of HGA, subject only to compliance with the provisions of these by-laws. Membership shall be available without regard to race, ancestry, religion, ethnic origin, national origin, age, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or developmental ability, veteran’s status, political service or affiliation.

3.2 Membership Classifications

There shall be five categories of membership: Active Member, Student Member, Professional Artist Member, Professional Organization Member, and Guild Member.

a. Active Membership shall be open to all individuals and families who are engaged in or support the fiber arts. Those persons holding Active Membership shall be entitled to participate in all HGA activities and programs, to vote, hold office, and receive the official HGA publications.

b. Student Membership shall be open to students currently enrolled at in a certificate or diploma awarding institution. Student members shall be entitled to the same privileges as Active members.

c. Professional Artist Membership shall be open to all individuals who offer services as a professional artist in the fiber arts such as teaching, commissions, creation of items for sale, etc. Those persons holding Professional Artist Membership shall be entitled the same privileges as Active members.

d. Professional Organization Membership shall be open to those businesses or corporations who have an interest in furthering the mission of HGA. Professional Organization members shall receive the official HGA publications, but shall not have the right to vote, hold office, or enter exhibitions.

e. Guild Membership shall be open to those institutions that have an interest in furthering the purpose of HGA. Each institution shall receive the official HGA publications, but shall not have the right to vote, hold office, or enter exhibitions.

3.2.1 The board shall have the authority to establish and define benefits of voting and non-voting categories of membership as defined in the Standing Rules/Board Notebook.

3.2.2 Honorary members shall be appointed through special award by the Board of Directors, and shall have the rights and responsibilities as detailed in the Standard Rules/Board Notebook.

3.3. Annual dues

Each member of the corporation shall pay annual dues, the amount of which shall be established from time to time by the Board of Directors.

3.4 Resignation and Termination

Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with the Executive Director. No dues refund will be given. Resignation shall not relieve a member of unpaid dues or other charges previously accrued. Membership in HGA is a privilege and not a right. The Board of Directors, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote, may terminate a membership if the Board determines that termination is in the best interest of HGA or the purposes of HGA as stated in Article II of the Bylaws. The Board of Directors shall only consider and vote upon the proposed termination of a membership after the member has been advised of the alleged reason for termination and been provided an opportunity to present information to the Board of Directors on his or her behalf. If membership is terminated, the individual may appeal for reconsideration of that decision to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will determine whether to uphold the membership termination by a majority vote. In the event of a membership termination, a dues refund will not be given.

Article IV: Meetings of the Members

4.1 Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the members shall be held at a time and place designated by the Board of Directors. The Board may determine that a meeting of the members may be held solely by means of remote or electronic communication.

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