Chapter Bylaws

ARTICLE I. OBJECTIVES

1. Promote international awareness of, and interest in, professional genealogical services
2. Promote professional standards in genealogical research, writing, and speaking
3. Engage in activities which improve access, facilitate research, and preserve records used in the fields of genealogy and local history
4. Promote awareness of activities and laws which may affect genealogical and historical research
5. Educate the membership and public through publications and lectures; and
6. Provide support for those engaged in genealogical pursuits as a business.

ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP

1. Members of the Lone Star Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (hereinafter "the Chapter") shall be members of the Association of Professional Genealogists.

ARTICLE III. OFFICERS

1. The Chapter is required to vote for a Chapter Representative to the Association of Professional Genealogists and may elect other officers as desired.
2. If the Chapter decides to collect its own dues, then a treasurer must be elected by the Chapter members.
3. Officers shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Chapter Representative to the Association of Professional Genealogists. The positions of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by the same person or individually. Terms of Office shall be for one year, with elections or appointments to no more than two full consecutive years.
4. The Chapter shall be governed by its own bylaws and by those of APG, and will adhere to any changes or revisions adopted after the Chapter was accepted. The Chapter will also at all times be bound by the Policy and Procedures as set forth in the APG Policy Manual and APG Procedure Manual, including changes or revisions adopted after the Chapter was accepted.

ARTICLE IV. MEETINGS AND MEMBERS

1. The frequency of Chapter meetings shall be a minimum of two annually.
2. Chapter meetings may be opened to the public who may attend as guests.
3. Only Chapter members can vote in chapter elections and ballot measures.
4. Only Chapter members can serve as Chapter officers.
5. Only Chapter members can be listed in materials published by the chapter.
6. Non-members:
   
   1. Can attend Chapter meetings.
   2. Can participate in Chapter activities except those designated in Article IV:3, IV:4 and IV:5.

ARTICLE V. OPERATING PROCEDURES

1. The Chapter Representative of the Chapter shall be responsible for sending reports at least twice yearly to the Chapter Liaison of the Association of Professional Genealogists who will act as a contact between the chapter, the Chapter Representative and the Executive Committee of Association of Professional Genealogists. The Chapter Liaison will prepare reports for the APGQ editor.
2. The Chapter shall communicate its activities, concerns, questions through the Chapter Liaison who will channel such communications to the appropriate APG entities as prescribed by the Procedure Manual and the Policy Manual.
3. APG through its Chapter Liaison shall keep chapters informed of changes in policy and procedures that affect them.
4. Except as otherwise required by the bylaws, the Chapter is self governing. The Association of Professional Genealogists cannot be held legally responsible for the actions of the chapters beyond the bylaws.
5. The Chapter will conduct itself in a manner that is in keeping with the professionalism of the APG. All literature, banners, posters, letters etc. will be professional in appearance so as to maintain the APG's image as a professional organization.
6. Any literature, press releases or other such communication intended for the general public shall be submitted to the Publications Advisory Committee in accordance with APG's current policy.

ARTICLE VI. FINANCES

1. If dues are collected, then the dues of the Chapter shall be deposited in a bank account. The bank account shall be in the name of the Chapter.

ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS

1. No amendments can be made in these bylaws without the approval of the Executive Committee of the Association of Professional Genealogists.
2. Amendments or revisions of these bylaws may be proposed by Chapter members. If approved by a vote of the chapter members, a written proposal shall be sent by the Chapter Representative to the Chapter Liaison, who will review the proposal and transmit it to the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE VIII. DEACTIVATION

1. The Chapter may be deactivated by the parent organization (APG) according to criteria prescribed by the Procedure Manual.
2. The Chapter may request deactivation according to procedures outlined in the Procedure Manual.