By-Laws of the Jody Richards Elementary Jr. Beta Club
Article I
Name
The name of this organization shall be the Jody Richards Elementary School Chapter of the National
Junior Beta Club.
Time and Place of Meetings
The time and place of meetings of this chapter of the National Jr. Beta Club shall be Monday afternoons
from 3:30-4:30 in the library at the discretion of the sponsors. It is to be understood that before State
Convention meetings may be more frequent for certain members of various competitions.
Article II
Quorum
A quorum of the membership shall be constituted by a majority of the membership. No action may be
taken which is binding upon the membership unless a quorum is present. However, certain matters, such
as, a discussion of means of taking in new members, the presentation of program, etc., may be carried on
at a regular or special meeting without a quorum being present.
Article III
Affiliation and Co-ordination
This chapter of the National Beta Club is an integral part of the central organization of the National
Junior Beta Club, and shall be governed by the academic and financial policies laid down in the National
Constitution of the central organization of the National Junior Beta Club. In coat-of-arms, motto, colors,
creed, and official insignia shall be those of the National Organization.
Standards of Membership
Standards of membership in the Jody Richards Elementary chapter of the National Jr. Beta Club must
conform to the general features as laid down in the National Constitution, the Jody Richards
Constitution and Bylaws and in all cases must be approved by the Board. The grades from which the
members may be drawn shall be fifth and sixth grade.
The scholastic requirements for membership in this chapter of the National Jr. Beta Club shall be: a 90%
average of all grades, an approximate equivalent to a 3.5 gpa. The prospective member must
demonstrate a history of service and leadership within the community and school. The prospective
member must not have received any official office/bus referrals throughout 4th, 5th, or 6th grade
(intermediate grades), and have the overall recommendation from their current teacher. Any office
referrals prior to 4th grade will be under review with the Beta Club sponsors. Above all the candidate
must be a responsible individual. Members must demonstrate service by completing a minimum of 10
volunteer hours.
Article IV
Induction of Members
The induction of new members into the membership of this Chapter of the National Beta Club shall be
one of the dignities appropriate to the ideals of the organization. Some sort of induction ceremony
should be held yearly to induct new members into this chapter.
Article V
Administrative / Disciplined Actions
A member of this chapter of the National Jr. Beta Club will be placed on probation if he/she is absent
from three regular consecutive meetings without the prior approval of the sponsor. A member will be
given written notification of being placed on probation after two regular consecutive meetings have been
missed without prior approval by the Board sponsors. In all cases, those placed on probation will receive
written notification and actions required for reinstatement.
A member of this Chapter of the National Jr. Beta Club will be placed on probation if his/her grades fall
below the set standard. The member must bring his/her grades back up within the next grading cycle. All
members will report their grades to the sponsor at the end of each semester/quarter.
Members of this chapter in the state of written probation, may not be able to participate in the activities
of this chapter. This may include, but is not limited to, any state or national convention. This
determination will be decided upon by the club council and sponsors of the club.
Loss of Membership
A member of this chapter of the National Jr. Beta Club will be dropped from membership if he/she does
not maintain the required grades. A member may also be dropped from membership for moral or
disciplinary reasons that are deemed sufficient by the sponsor. If membership is revoked for any reason
students may not reapply for membership at any point, including a new school year. Once membership
is lost, students may not regain entry to the Beta Club at Jody Richards Elementary.
Article VI
Service Projects
As soon as possible after its activation the Chapter will undertake a program of service, which will be of
benefit to the community. The project shall be decided upon only after consultation with, and upon
approval of, the sponsor.
At a minimum, the Jody Richards Jr. Beta Club will sponsor two service projects per year. *subject to
the discretion of the sponsor*
Each member is required to accumulate 10 service hours during the academic year. Service is defined as
any act of service you are not paid for that benefits the community.
Article VII
Local Dues
The local dues of this Chapter of the National Beta Club shall be determined by the sponsors and Beta
officers. The dues are $15 for returning members and $20 for initial membership.
Members may be asked to pay a fee to participate in some activities of this chapter of the National
Junior Beta Club, such as state and national conventions.
Article VIII
Amending the By-Laws
The By-Laws of this Chapter of the National Beta Club may be amended by a four fifths vote of the
Board, provided such amendment is placed before the club at a previous meeting. The By-Laws will be
reviewed yearly to determine if amendments are necessary.
Article IX
Officers
The officers of this chapter of the National Junior Beta Club shall be: president, vice president of
membership, vice president of projects, secretary, accountant, historian, and chaplain. The previously
listed officers shall make up the Council of this chapter along with the sponsors.
The duties of each office is as follows:
President: The president will be responsible for conducting monthly meetings, as well as the New
Member Induction ceremony, along with other leadership responsibilities requested of him/her
throughout the year by the Beta Advisor and Principal. The president’s effectiveness will be
measured by his/her ability – by voice, demeanor, and stage presence – to keep order and to so
conduct himself/herself that fellow members are willing to abide by his/her decisions and
directions.
Vice President (Membership): The vice president of membership will work with the executive
committee to develop activities that promote a desire for membership among our general school
population. This person will also encourage participation and involvement in club activities
among members.
Vice President (Projects): The vice president of projects will work with the executive committee
to develop service projects of interest to the majority of members. The projects should be of value
to the Beta Club membership or entire school or the school community.
Secretary: The secretary should be detail-oriented and willing to keep excellent records of
membership along with detailed notes from monthly meetings. These notes will be kept organized
in a notebook and returned to the club advisor at the end of the year as a record of activities for
the year.
Accountant: The accountant will be responsible for reporting the balances in the club account
periodically throughout the year. This person will also be responsible for counting the ballots
following the election of officers and will be responsible for collecting service project logs and
tallying the information to determine eligibility for club membership the following school year.
Historian: The Historian will take pictures of all our Junior Beta events and activities. At the end
of the year a presentation of pictures will be presented to view at the final cookout. The Historian
must attend every Beta Function. This position may be held by more than one person.
Chaplain: The Chaplain will provide words of wisdom and guidance (spiritual or otherwise) at
each regular meeting as well as at the new member induction.