Swansea Mutual Aid Resource Treasury Bylaws
Ratified 12 July 2025
Swansea Mutual Aid Resource Treasury (SMART) exists to meet the needs of our neighbors through collective care, shared resources, and a commitment to mutual aid. We believe in the power of community, solidarity, and equality as both a guiding ethic and a practical strategy for survival, resilience, and justice.
Mutual aid, as defined by this organization, is the voluntary exchange of resources and services for mutual benefit, grounded in horizontal relationships, collective self-determination, and shared responsibility. Mutual aid is not an act of charity, nor is it hierarchical or transactional; it is an expression of solidarity, not saviorism.
SMART shall not operate as a charity. We do not provide services on behalf of any state or institution. We reject the model of top-down assistance that reinforces gatekeeping or moral judgment. We believe that all people deserve access to what they need to survive and thrive, and that our communities already have the tools, knowledge, and capacity to care for one another.
Our mission is to cultivate systems of community, solidarity, and equality with a focus on direct action, mutual support, and member initiative. We aim to empower members of our community to organize, share, and lead their own projects, while providing a common platform for coordination, visibility, and resource pooling.
SMART is, and shall remain, a mutual aid organization. No action may be taken by the board, members, or leadership that would reclassify SMART as a charitable, for-profit, or hierarchical entity. These bylaws are structured with the direct intention to preserve and protect this identity in perpetuity.
Section 1.1 – Name
The name of this organization shall be Swansea Mutual Aid Resource Treasury, hereafter referred to as SMART.
Section 1.2 – Organizational Structure
SMART is a nonprofit mutual aid organization, incorporated and recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity under the Internal Revenue Code. SMART operates as a volunteer-run collective committed to mutual aid principles. Its charitable designation exists solely to facilitate access to resources and shall not alter its core structure or mission.
Section 1.3 – Purpose
SMART exists to facilitate mutual aid within Swansea and surrounding communities. Its purpose is to distribute resources, support community initiatives, and cultivate systems of community, solidarity, and equality through horizontal organizing.
Section 1.4 – Prohibition on Profit and Enrichment
SMART shall not engage in activities for the purpose of generating private profit. No member, board steward, or advisory participant shall receive financial compensation or personal enrichment from SMART’s activities, assets, or resources. Any funds or property held by SMART shall be used solely in service of mutual aid, as defined in the “Who We Are” section.
Section 1.5 – Ownership and Property
SMART may own property, equipment, or financial accounts only for the express purpose of supporting mutual aid. Ownership shall be collective, managed by the board of stewards, and used exclusively to advance SMART’s mission.
Section 1.6 – Mutual Aid Commitment
SMART’s charitable status shall not be used to justify hierarchical practices, eligibility restrictions, or donor-driven priorities. SMART shall not operate as a traditional charity, nor shall it act as a service provider for institutions or agencies. All resource distribution and organizational activity must align with mutual aid principles and the values of community, solidarity, and equality.
Section 2.1 – Membership Defined
Membership in the organization is open to all individuals who participate in the life of the community and affirm the organization’s mission of mutual aid, community solidarity, and collective care.
We recognize three categories of membership:
1. Members at Large
Members at large are individuals who actively engage with the organization. This may include attending events, joining projects, offering support, or otherwise participating in the activities of the organization. Members at large are welcome to attend meetings, contribute to discussions, and collaborate on initiatives. However, they do not hold voting privileges.
2. Voting Members (Members in Good Standing)
Voting members are individuals who have attended at least one of the previous three general membership meetings, either in person or virtually. This ensures that those with voting privileges are informed and actively engaged in the current work of the organization. Only members in good standing may vote on matters such as elections, bylaw amendments, and other organizational decisions.
3. Satellite Members
Satellite members are individuals who live outside the immediate geographic community but who participate in solidarity with the organization’s mission and work. Satellite members have the same privileges as members at large, including the ability to attend meetings and contribute to projects and discussions. While they do not have voting privileges, their unique status reflects their potential to help grow the organization’s reach and may serve as the foundation for future chapters in other locations.
Membership is never contingent upon financial contribution, and no one shall be excluded based on ability to pay, background, or identity.
Section 2.2 – Member Participation
Members are encouraged to participate in decision-making, support ongoing projects, and propose new initiatives aligned with SMART’s mission. Participation may include attending meetings, volunteering time or resources, engaging in mutual aid efforts, or collaborating on community-led initiatives.
Section 2.3 – Rights of Members
All members shall have the right to:
Section 2.4 – Responsibilities of Members
Members are expected to act in alignment with SMART’s values and mutual aid principles. This includes but is not limited to:
Section 2.5 – Termination of Membership
Membership may be revoked only in cases of repeated or egregious behavior that contradicts SMART’s mission and values, such as harassment, theft, or disruption of mutual aid efforts. Removal of a member must be approved by a unanimous vote of the board of stewards, with written explanation provided.
Section 3.1 – Purpose
The Board of Stewards serves as the primary coordinating body of SMART. Its purpose is to uphold the mission, steward resources, ensure accountability, and support member-led initiatives. The board does not exist to govern the organization from above, but to serve and amplify the collective work of the community.
Section 3.2 – Composition
The Board of Stewards shall consist of no fewer than five (5) and no more than nine (9) voting members, selected through a transparent and participatory process. The board shall also include one (1) non-voting advisory position held by the Founder.
Section 3.3 – Eligibility, Nomination, and Selection
Any active SMART member who has demonstrated alignment with the mission and sustained involvement in mutual aid activities may be nominated to serve on the Board of Stewards.
Nominations may be submitted by any member at any time through a publicly accessible process managed by a three-person Nominations Committee, which shall be appointed annually by the board. This committee is responsible for:
Board elections shall be held during a designated Annual Community Board Elections Meeting, with voting open to all members in good standing. Voting shall be by anonymous ballot, either paper or secure digital method, with results certified by the Nominations Committee.
Section 3.4 – Terms and Rotation
Stewards shall serve staggered two-year terms. Elections shall be structured so that roughly half the board seats are open each year. No individual may serve more than three consecutive terms without a one-year break in service. Term rotation is intended to ensure fresh perspectives and prevent the consolidation of authority.
Section 3.5 – Non-Voting Advisory Role: Founder
The Founder of SMART shall be offered a permanent, non-voting advisory seat on the board. This role exists to preserve institutional memory and safeguard SMART’s founding values. The Founder may participate in discussions and offer guidance but shall not vote on board decisions.
Section 3.6 – Duties of the Board
The Board of Stewards is responsible for:
Section 3.7 – Transparency and Accountability
Meetings of the board of stewards shall be open to all members unless closed for matters of safety or privacy. Minutes shall be recorded and made accessible to the membership. Board decisions must be justified with reference to SMART’s values and mission.
Section 3.8 – Prohibition on Compensation
No board member shall receive compensation for their service. Reimbursements for approved expenses may be issued but must be transparent, pre-approved, and aligned with SMART’s mission.
Section 3.9 – Removal and Vacancies
Board members may be removed for cause, including but not limited to misconduct, dereliction of duties, or repeated unexcused absence, by a unanimous vote of the remaining board members.
If a unanimous vote cannot be reached, but a majority of the remaining board members vote in favor of removal, a special meeting of the membership shall be called within 30 days. At that meeting, the board member in question may be removed by a majority vote of members present.
Vacancies resulting from removal or resignation shall be filled through the same nomination and election process described in Section 3.3.
Section 4.1 – Executive Roles
SMART shall maintain a three-person Executive Board selected from within the Board of Stewards. These roles exist to satisfy legal and organizational requirements, not to create a hierarchy. All Executive Board members shall be accountable to the full board and the membership.
The Executive Board shall consist of the following officers:
Section 4.2 – Selection and Term of Executive Officers
Executive officers shall be selected by consensus or supermajority vote of the Board of Stewards at the first board meeting following each election cycle. Officers shall serve one-year terms and may be reappointed, provided they remain board members.
Provision for Initial Leadership:
Until such time as the Board of Stewards reaches its minimum composition of five (5) voting members, the Founder shall serve as the acting President (Chief Executive Officer) of SMART. During this interim period, the Founder may also designate individuals to serve in the roles of Treasurer (CFO) and Secretary (CIO), provided such designations are made in alignment with SMART’s mission and with a commitment to transparency and accountability. These appointments shall be considered provisional and subject to formal selection once the board reaches quorum.
Section 4.3 – Resignation and Removal
An executive officer may resign at any time by providing written notice to the board. An officer may be removed by a unanimous vote of the remaining board members for failure to fulfill duties, misconduct, or actions inconsistent with SMART’s mission.
Section 4.4 – Collective Accountability and Non-Hierarchy Clause
The existence of executive roles shall not be construed as granting authority over the board or membership. All decisions must align with SMART’s horizontal, collective governance model. Executive officers serve at the will of the board and are accountable to the membership.
SMART encourages its members to take initiative in addressing the needs of their community through mutual aid. Projects sponsored by SMART must align with the organization’s mission of community solidarity and equality and must clearly embody the principles of mutual aid, as defined in the Preamble.
A SMART-sponsored project is any community initiative, distribution effort, campaign, or ongoing service that:
Section 5.3 – Project Proposal Process
Members may submit project proposals at any time through a written form, accessible in both digital and paper formats. All proposals must name a Project Coordinator, who will serve as the primary point of contact and will be responsible for reporting to the Board. Each proposal must also include the names of at least three additional members committed to organizing the project.
A complete proposal shall include:
Proposals may be submitted via email or in person to any board member.
Section 5.4 – Board Review and Decision
The Board of Stewards shall review each proposal at its next regular meeting or, if urgent, at a special meeting. Proposals shall be evaluated based on:
Approval shall be by consensus of the board whenever possible. If consensus cannot be reached, a decision may be made by majority vote.
Section 5.5 – Support and Oversight
Approved projects may receive logistical, financial, or volunteer support from SMART. The initiating members shall remain the primary stewards of the project and are expected to provide periodic updates to the board and membership. SMART may designate a board liaison to assist with coordination or ensure accountability as needed.
Section 5.6 – Project Sunset and Revocation
Projects may conclude naturally when their goals are met or needs change. If a project is inactive for more than three months without communication, or shows significant misalignment with SMART’s mission, the board may vote to withdraw sponsorship. Members involved will be notified and given an opportunity to respond.
All funds received by SMART shall be used exclusively to support its mission of mutual aid, community solidarity, and equality. The Treasurer shall maintain accurate, transparent records of all income and expenditures, with financial reports reviewed at each regular board meeting and made available to members upon request.
SMART may accept donations from individuals, community groups, and institutions, provided that:
SMART may own property, materials, and equipment necessary for the fulfillment of its mutual aid mission. Such property shall be held in the organization’s name and managed by the Board of Stewards for collective use and benefit. No individual may claim ownership over or receive profit from SMART’s assets.
No part of SMART’s earnings shall inure to the benefit of any board member, officer, member, or private individual. Reasonable reimbursements for pre-approved expenses related to mutual aid activities may be allowed, provided they are properly documented and publicly reported.
SMART shall prepare an annual financial report that includes:
This report shall be presented at the Annual Community Meeting and made publicly available to members in both print and digital formats.
SMART shall comply with all applicable financial reporting and tax requirements associated with its 501(c)(3) status. The Treasurer shall be responsible for timely filing and documentation, with the board ensuring records are maintained for at least seven years.
In the event that SMART dissolves, all remaining funds, property, and materials—after satisfying outstanding debts and legal obligations—shall be used exclusively for charitable, educational, or mutual aid purposes consistent with SMART’s mission of community solidarity and equality.
No part of the organization’s assets shall be distributed to any individual member, board member, or private entity.
The Executive Board, in consultation with qualified legal and financial counsel, shall oversee the disposition process. Priority shall be given to:
If SMART owns real property at the time of dissolution, the Executive Board may sell or transfer such property at fair market value unless a local mutual aid organization is able and willing to assume ownership for continued community benefit. All proceeds shall be distributed in alignment with the priorities above.
The Board of Stewards shall meet at least once per month to review organizational activity, proposals, finances, and other business. Meetings may be held in person, virtually, or in hybrid format, and must be accessible to all current board members.
SMART shall hold a Quarterly Membership Meeting every three months. These meetings are open to all members and serve to:
Notice of each meeting shall be provided at least 14 days in advance.
Once per year, SMART shall host an Annual Community Meeting, which shall include:
Elections shall follow the process outlined in Article III. Nominations and ballots must be prepared in advance, and all members in good standing may vote.
The Board of Stewards shall strive to operate by consensus whenever possible. If consensus cannot be reached, a supermajority vote (two-thirds of those present) may be used. Decisions must always align with SMART’s mission and mutual aid principles.
In urgent situations where delay would compromise SMART’s ability to act on immediate community needs, the President (or acting facilitator) may call an emergency meeting. At least three board members must participate. Any decisions made must be documented and reported to the full board and membership as soon as possible.
The Secretary (CIO) shall ensure that minutes are recorded for all meetings and made available to members within 14 days. Documentation must include attendees, topics discussed, decisions made, and any follow-up tasks or votes.
Special meetings of the membership may be called outside of the regular schedule to address urgent or timely matters that require collective input. A special meeting may be initiated by:
Notice of a special meeting must be provided at least 7 days in advance, including the reason for the meeting and any proposals to be considered. All general meeting rules (quorum, voting, and documentation) apply unless otherwise specified.
.
Section 8.1 – Authority to Amend
These bylaws may be amended by the Board of Stewards, with the input and approval of the membership, in accordance with the process outlined below.
Section 8.2 – Proposal Process
Amendments may be proposed by:
All proposed amendments must be submitted in writing and include a rationale explaining how the change aligns with SMART’s mission and values.
Section 8.3 – Review and Notice
Proposed amendments shall be reviewed at a board meeting and, if deemed eligible, presented to the full membership for consideration. Notice of the proposed amendment must be provided to all members at least 30 days before the vote, including the full text of the change and an explanation.
Section 8.4 – Approval Process
Bylaw amendments must be approved by:
Remote or absentee voting options shall be made available to ensure equitable participation.
Section 8.5 – Non-Negotiable Principles
Notwithstanding the above, the following core principles shall not be altered or removed by amendment:
Any proposed amendment in conflict with these principles shall be automatically void.
Charity
Charity is a top-down model of giving that often reinforces power imbalances, moral judgment, and control over access to resources. It typically involves gatekeeping, eligibility requirements, and conditional assistance. SMART explicitly rejects the charity model in all its forms.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
The Chief Executive Officer is the President of the board and acts as SMART’s legal representative. The CEO ensures compliance with nonprofit laws, signs contracts on behalf of the organization, and coordinates board operations. This role is filled by a board-elected officer or the Founder until quorum is met.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
The Chief Financial Officer is the Treasurer of the board and oversees all financial matters for SMART. The CFO maintains accurate financial records, prepares budgets and reports, and ensures that all expenditures align with SMART’s mission.
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
The Chief Information Officer is the Secretary of the board and is responsible for maintaining internal documentation, meeting records, and organizational archives. The CIO supports transparency and ensures that important information is accessible to members.
Community Solidarity and Equality
Community Solidarity and Equality is the foundational ethic of SMART. It affirms that no one is more deserving than another, that care is a shared responsibility, and that liberation must be collective. It rejects hierarchies of wealth, status, and control, and commits to building systems where all people are treated with dignity, heard with respect, and supported without conditions.
Consensus
Consensus is a collaborative decision-making process where all participants work together to find solutions acceptable to everyone involved. It does not require unanimous agreement, but it does require that all concerns are heard and that no one has a strong objection. SMART uses consensus to promote shared power, deeper understanding, and collective ownership of decisions.
Enrichment
Enrichment refers to the personal financial gain of an individual through their involvement in the organization. SMART prohibits enrichment of board members, officers, or participants. All resources must serve the community, not individuals.
Horizontal Relationships
A form of organizational or interpersonal structure in which individuals or groups interact as equals, without fixed ranks or authority over one another. In horizontal relationships, decision-making, responsibilities, and power are shared collaboratively rather than imposed from above. This contrasts with hierarchical relationships, where authority and decision-making flow from top to bottom in a ranked structure. Horizontal models emphasize mutual respect, cooperation, and shared accountability.
Member
A member of SMART is any individual who voluntarily participates in the work of mutual aid, shares the organization’s values, and contributes time, resources, or support. There is no formal fee or application required to join. Membership is based on shared commitment, not credentials or status.
Mutual Aid
Mutual aid is the voluntary exchange of resources and support among equals, rooted in trust, reciprocity, and collective care. It is non-hierarchical and grounded in the belief that communities can meet their own needs through solidarity—not saviorism.
Project
A SMART project is any organized initiative proposed and led by members with the intent to address immediate or ongoing community needs through mutual aid. Projects must align with SMART’s mission and principles and may be supported through fundraising, materials, or coordination.
Stewardship
Stewardship is the act of caring for shared resources, relationships, and responsibilities with accountability, transparency, and intention. Stewards serve the mission—not themselves—and are entrusted with maintaining SMART’s integrity.
Supermajority
A supermajority is a voting threshold higher than a simple majority, used when decisions carry greater weight or impact. Within SMART, a supermajority vote is defined as agreement by at least two-thirds (⅔) of voting members present. It serves as a fallback when consensus cannot be reached in a timely manner.
SMART affirms its unwavering commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as an extension of our core mission of Community Solidarity and Equality. We recognize that systems of oppression; racism, ableism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, classism, xenophobia, and other forms of marginalization undermine the very principles of mutual aid and community care.
To live out our values, we must actively dismantle these systems within ourselves, our structures, and our broader community. This means not only welcoming all people into our work, but intentionally centering those most impacted by injustice in our decision-making, leadership, and distribution of resources.
Diversity is more than representation; it is about affirming the dignity of varied experiences, cultures, and identities. Equity is more than fairness; it is the practice of addressing structural imbalance and prioritizing those who have historically been excluded. Inclusion is more than presence; it is meaningful participation and shared power.
We believe that no one is free until all of us are free, and that mutual aid is most powerful when it reflects and uplifts the full humanity of our communities. SMART will continually review its practices to ensure our work is not only inclusive, but actively anti-oppressive. We hold ourselves accountable to one another and to the principle that justice is not charity. It is solidarity in action.