Bread & Roses Chorus

BYLAWS

February 2025

ARTICLE I – NAME  The name of the Association shall be Bread & Roses Chorus.

ARTICLE II – ORGANIZATION

Section 1. Bread & Roses Chorus shall be governed by these Bylaws as amended periodically as provided herein.

Section 2. Bread & Roses Chorus shall have purposes and engage in activities consistent with its status as a charitable and educational organization as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code of 1954.

ARTICLE III – MISSION

Section 1. The goals and objectives of Bread & Roses Chorus shall be as stated in the mission statement.

Section 2. Mission Statement: The members of Bread & Roses Chorus are devoted to developing and enjoying musical skills, sharing them with each other and the community, and providing a community of women who deliver messages of peace and justice, protection of our fragile environment, and diversity and acceptance for all.

Section 3. The mission is accomplished by:

• Weekly rehearsals
• Retreats for musical development and camaraderie
• Concert performances
• Performances for non-profit charitable organizations
• Benefit performances
• Other performances approved by the membership

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. An active member is a woman who regularly attends rehearsals and pays membership dues. However, no woman shall be denied membership because of an inability to pay dues. The director is considered an active member exempt from annual dues.

Section 2. An inactive member is one who maintains her connection to the group but is not currently singing with Bread & Roses Chorus or paying membership dues.

Section 3. Members must be at least 18 years of age or have written consent from parent or guardian in order to participate.

ARTICLE V – ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Section 1. The Board oversees the attendance/performance policies and procedures; addresses members’ concerns regarding Bread & Roses Chorus; screens proposals/requests for performances; sets agenda and facilitates the annual organizational meeting including committee assignments; conducts other group meetings; reviews the Bylaws as needed; updates Bylaws with membership approval. The Board shall meet at least once per quarter. Positions on the Board include:

1. Chairperson (appointed by the membership): oversees all business aspects of the association; runs the annual membership meeting (creates agenda, keeps meetings moving, etc.); holds other Board members accountable; coordinates calendars in conjunction with the Secretary; may sit on standing committees. Term of 2 years.  The start of the Chairperson’s term will be staggered with the start of the Vice Chair’s term.
2. Vice Chair (appointed by the membership): fills in for Chair as needed; holds Committee Heads accountable; assumes other responsibilities as necessary. Term of 2 years.  The start of the Vice Chair’s term will be staggered with the start of the Chairperson’s term.
3. Secretary (appointed by the membership): maintains attendance records; maintains and distributes membership directory and mailing list in conjunction with the Public Relations Committee; takes and distributes meeting minutes and rehearsal notes. Term of 2 years.
4. Treasurer (appointed by the membership): maintains bank account; is responsible for financial transactions including collection of dues and levies; distributes reports to the membership at least quarterly on current financial status; maintains all financial records; coordinates distribution of concert proceeds to beneficiaries; files appropriate forms for state and federal taxes. Term of 3 years.
5. Choral Director (appointed by the Board): plans and conducts rehearsals; directs group in performances; decides play-list order. The Choral Director may choose to also sit on the Music and/or Concert Committees. Term to be determined jointly by the Board and Choral Director.  A stipend will be commensurate with experience.
6. Assistant Director(s) (ad hoc position appointed by the Director in consultation with the Board): conducts rehearsals when the Director is unavailable; serves as Director for specific predetermined pieces. No specific term.
7. Archivist (appointed by membership): collects and maintains historical artifacts related to Bread & Roses Chorus. Term of 2 years.
8. Committee Heads (appointed by committee members): convene the committee meetings at least once per quarter; organize agendas for committee meetings. Terms of 1 year.

Section 2. Standing Committees. Each member is expected to serve on at least one committee or contribute in kind. Other committees may be established with the approval of the membership. Committee members serve one-year terms and there are no term limits. Permanent standing committees include:

1. Membership Committee. 

• encourages membership
• determines membership requirements
• creates a welcoming environment for potential and new members
• creates and distributes general information folders to prospective members (includes chorus information, personal and contact information sheets)

2. Music Committee: consists of at least one representative from each vocal section and the Choral Director.

• suggests performance music
• reviews lyrics for appropriateness
• reviews music for proper range and difficulty level
• makes final decision on music selection
• obtains music and requests permission to perform pieces, if required
• organizes and distributes music to members
• plans concert program order in conjunction with Choral Director
• holds auditions for ensembles and/or solos
• collects and files music after each performance

3. Concert Committee: consists of at least four members and the Choral Director, if they so choose.

• contracts venues for performances
• serves as liaison with beneficiaries
• serves as liaison with outside groups or individuals who may perform with Bread & Roses Chorus
• arranges for support equipment (risers, piano, sound equipment, etc.)
• develops and reproduces printed concert programs
• collaborates with Public Relations Committee for concert publicity
• arranges for recording of concerts
• arranges receptions if applicable

4. Public Relations Committee: consists of at least three members.

• maintains and updates the website
• maintains and updates social media accounts
• creates a network of resources for publicity
• writes and distributes press releases to promote membership
• writes and distributes press releases and posters to promote upcoming performances in collaboration with the Concert Committee and Choral Director
• updates and maintains snail mail and email lists
• creates and arranges for postcards and e-mails to be sent to those on the mailing lists
• updates publicity brochure

ARTICLE VI – GOVERNANCE

Section 1. Bread & Roses Chorus shall be governed by the membership of the organization, which shall act within the framework of these Bylaws. Only active members, as defined in Article IV, Section 1, may participate in decision-making. The group shall make decisions by consensus, which is characterized by a general agreement of the active members present.

Section 2.  Operational Timeline

a.   The official organizational meeting shall be held annually between April 1 and June 30. At that meeting, changes in member roles and committee membership shall be approved, dues collected, goals and schedules set, activities reported, and proposals discussed.

b.   The operating year begins July 1.

Section 3. In the event of committee vacancies, a slate of names shall be submitted to the membership for approval, or volunteers will be solicited to fill vacant positions.

ARTICLE VII – FINANCE

Section 1. Bread & Roses Chorus receives its operating income from dues as approved by the membership, donations, and concert proceeds, where said proceeds are explicitly stated to include operating costs. Such income must be consistent with the status as a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation.

Section 2. Bread & Roses Chorus may apply for grants from other agencies in order to carry out its Mission Statement and support other organizations.

Section 3. The preparation and administration of the Bread & Roses Chorus budget is primarily the responsibility of the Treasurer in consultation with the Board.

ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Changes in the bylaws may be proposed to the Board by any member. The Board will discuss the proposal. If the Board determines the change to be warranted, it will bring the proposal to the membership at the next membership meeting.

Section 2. Notice of proposed changes shall be given to the membership at least 30 days prior to any consideration for adoption.

Section 3. Bylaws changes must be approved by a consensus of the membership.

ARTICLE IX – DISSOLUTION

In the event of dissolution of Bread & Roses Chorus, distribution of assets shall be determined by the active membership in accordance with 501(c)3 regulations.