PALS

By-laws

**By-Laws: Ratified December 1, 2024

PANHANDLE ALTERNATIVE LIFE STYLES BYLAWS

MISSION STATEMENT

The group known as “Panhandle Alternative Life Styles”, hereafter will be referred to as PALS. PALS provides forums for interaction between people accepting of BDSM, and those interested in the different aspects of exchanging power within their relationships (including, but not limited to bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, masochism, and fetishism). PALS will provide a safe, discreet environment to meet and discuss alternative lifestyles. We accept any fetish between consenting adults and seek to help those interested in exploring this lifestyle in any way we can, within the parameters of our bylaws. PALS is not a hook-up group or a dating service. PALS adopts and pledges to support the BDSM ideology of consent. PALS will host meetings and gatherings that benefit our community. PALS does not sponsor public or private play other than for demonstration and educational purposes.

ARTICLE I

MEMBERSHIP

1.01 Sponsorship

  1. To be eligible to sponsor a prospective member the sponsor must have been a member in good standing for a minimum of twelve consecutive months.
  2. Sponsors may only sponsor a maximum of four prospective members per year.
  3. The responsibility of a sponsor is to recommend a person for membership to the board and to introduce the prospective member to existing members.
  4. A sponsor must have known the person they plan to sponsor for at least three months.
  5. Once the results of the votes are in, the sponsorship is dissolved.

1.02 Membership Requirements:

  1. Must be at least 21 years of age (proof of age is required).
  2. Have attended at least six PALS events within the past two years (these can be demos, munches, special events, or a combination) and have been verified by a board member.
  3. Sponsored by a member who has been in good standing for twelve consecutive months.
  4. Attend a bylaws orientation.
  5. Complete new member application.
  6. Pass board approval by majority vote.
  7. Membership approval by over 75% of the votes that are cast.
  8. Request access to members only group.

1.03 Membership Process

  1. Contact a board member to verify requirements were met.
  2. Board accepts or declines prospect request.
  3. Approved applicant submitted for vote to membership.
  4. Approved member invoiced to pay dues.
  5. Board accepts member to Fetlife members only group page and add to website.
  6. An individual who was previously a paid member but has not been a member of PALS for one year and one month or longer, will follow new member requirements.
  7. An individual who was previously voted on by the membership over one year and one month ago or longer but did not pay their dues and become a full member, will follow new member requirements.
  8. A member who voluntarily resigns from the group may rejoin upon paying full annual dues.
  9. Voting for membership will take place monthly, except in the months of March and April to allow for board transition.

1.04 Membership Dues

  1. Each person: $60 for 12 months (which will be prorated to coincide with PALS’ fiscal year-end in April). Memberships expire in April.
  2. A member in good standing is someone who has paid their dues, is not under sanction and has no confirmed complaint filed against them.
  3. Any member who fails to pay their annual dues will be suspended from all member benefits, until their dues are brought current.
  4. The member will have a one month grace period to become current with annual dues and will still be considered a member of good standing for the concurrent 12 months.

1.05 Benefits of Membership

  1. Vote on bylaws or amendments
  2. Vote for members of the Board of Directors
  3. Vote on new members.
  4. Eligible to become a sponsor.
  5. Hold office on the Board of Directors.
  6. Enjoy a reduced entry fee to special events at board discretion.
  7. Free entry to monthly demos.
  8. Receive a membership card.
  9. Vetting, and member pricing with reciprocal groups.
  10. If a member is not satisfied with a decision of the Board, they may post the issue on the Members Only Group.

1.06 Expulsion of a Member

  1. Members who disregard the PALS By-Laws may be removed by a majority vote of the current PALS membership with over 50% of the votes that are cast.
  2. Members who intentionally disregard Article V (d)(e) of the bylaws or who have been proven to be dangerous to individuals (such as documented stalkers) can be removed by a majority vote of the Board, without a vote of the membership. If this occurs, the Board will announce to the membership within one week that this was done and will provide an explanation; Board members’ votes on this type of action will be made public.
  3. All alleged violations (or complaints) will be made to a board member or a complaint form in writing, to be resolved per article 3.02 #5.
  4. All complaints will be resolved within ninety days of written notification to the Board.

ARTICLE II

GENERAL

2.01 Meetings.

  • Meetings are held at least twice per month, on the first Saturday and the third Monday. The first meeting shall consist of a discussion or a demonstration segment or a special event to be held in a predetermined place. The second meeting shall be a munch, to be held at varying locations within the panhandle area of Florida.

2.02 Age requirements.

  • No one under the age of 21 may attend meetings, munches, or any other PALS event.

2.03 Banning of an individual.

  • Members and non-members can be banned from meetings by the board. Non-members can be banned permanently; members only temporarily without first meeting the expulsion requirements (see 1.06). A permanent file (paper and/or electronic) with information regarding banned persons will be passed onto future boards. Bans of non-members will be indefinite, and no future Board can overturn this action without a vote of the membership.

2.04 Other Sanctions

  • Members and non-members may have sanctions imposed such as verbal reminders and short-term dismissal from meetings imposed by the Board for infractions.

2.05 PALS Website and FetLife Pages

  1. PALS Website and FetLife Pages are maintained by the Board of Directors.
  2. The members only website and PALS Members Only group is for administrative and restricted use by members in good standing.

2.06 PALS Legal Status

  • PALS Board may change the legal entity status by unanimous vote, and go forward for majority vote by membership.

ARTICLE III

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

3.01 Purpose and Responsibilities

  1. The purpose of the Board of Directors is to represent and respond to the members of PALS and ensure the continuation of the PALS Group. The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring the Members’ goals are achieved.
  2. The Board of Directors may create committees, either standing or temporary. A Director will chair each committee. The Committee Chairman may seek volunteers from the membership.
  3. All members of the Board of Directors shall be equal, and all will share in the responsibilities to the membership.
  4. Any member may bring any issue to any Director. That Director shall discuss the issue with Board members. Board members will seek resolution.
  5. Written issues may be presented to any director. That Director shall bring the issue to the President, who shall then put the issue before the Board. Once the issue has been discussed, a motion may be made to put the issue to a vote. Passing the issue requires a majority vote of the Board. The Board of Directors will determine whether the issue warrants a vote from the membership. Issues will be resolved within ninety days of written notification to the Board. Once an issue is resolved, written notification will be provided to the person who brought it to the Board. (See Article IV, Voting.)
  6. The Board will determine whether the issue warrants a vote of the membership. If the Board determines that a vote is required, the issue and any documentation will be made available to the membership. Once informed, members will vote through the usual voting process.
  7. Board members may have an assistant that is approved by a majority vote of the board. Assistants are non-voting and may attend general Board meetings at the request of the board.

3.02 Board of Director Meetings

  1. May be requested by any Director but must be called by the President of the Board.
  2. A special meeting may be held at the discretion of the President, by the most expedient means possible.
  3. There will be at least one mandatory Board of Director meeting quarterly.

3.03 Advisor to the Board

  1. This position is for any Board Member who has served for 10 consecutive years or more on the Board. This position is appointed by the Board, by unanimous vote, and will continue until the Advisor chooses to step down, is removed as a member or board member by the usual process.
  2. The Advisor will be non-voting.
  3. The Advisor may attend all Board meetings and will have access to all information provided to the Board.
  4. The Advisor may be included on all PALS bank accounts and may act as added oversight regarding financial matters.

3.04 Elections and Terms of Office.

The elected Board of Directors shall be made up of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Event Coordinator.

  1. March 1st – March 10th
    a. Nominations for officers will be solicited from members.
    b. Nominations are submitted to all current board members, and Pals-Admin.
  2. March 11th – March 15
    a. Verification of nominations is performed by the board.
    b. The President will notify the nominees, and verify their intent to run for the position.
  3. March 16th
    a. The names of Nominees will be posted in the Members-only group.
    b. Campaigning begins.
  4. March 20th 12:01 AM CST – March 27th 12:01AM CST: Voting via the usual process

The Term of Office for all Directors shall commence on the first regular PALS event in April and terminate on the first regular PALS event in April of the following year.

3.05 Requirements and Expectations of a Board Member

  1. To become a Board Member, an individual must:
    a. Be a member in good standing for at least twelve consecutive months.
    b. Must remain a member in good standing for their entire term.
    c. A person must be a Board member in good standing for at least twelve consecutive months within the previous five-year period before becoming Vice President or President.
  2. When a vacancy occurs on the Board, the President shall appoint a replacement for the remainder of the term of office.
  3. Board Members of PALS are not endowed with any special considerations and are expected to follow all the PALS By-Laws.
  4. Board Members must conduct themselves at all PALS functions as their station requires.
  5. Any PALS business or private information obtained by virtue of being a PALS Board member will be kept confidential. Information affecting PALS or individual members will be shared outside of the board only with unanimous board approval.
  6. Board members agree to abstain from any vote in which they have a clear conflict of interest.
  7. Board Members agree that they will make independent decisions regarding issues related to PALS. If a current Board Member cannot agree to this requirement they must resign from office.
  8. Board Members agree that they will abide by all Board and member voting.

3.06 Board Transition

  1. All items created, donated, or purchased on behalf of PALS, will belong to PALS.
  2. All PALS documents (electronic and paper), demo information and vendor contact names, and ownership of any digital presence (including but not limited to Fetlife Members Only Group, Fetlife Public Group, and Fetlife Admin page) will be turned over to the new Board on or before the April meeting following the election.
  3. The cash box, petty cash, members list, receipt book, and PALS NSR and attendance list will be turned over to the new Board prior to the April meeting following elections.
  4. Any money, bank account information, bank statements, account history, ledgers, a list of any outstanding debts and current membership dues status will be turned over to the new Board during the month of April following the elections.
  5. Any Board Member who does not turn over all PALS property will not be allowed to renew membership until resolved. If, by the end of July, documentation has not been turned over in full this member is banned permanently. Exceptions may be allowed with documentation pending board approval.
  6. The outgoing Board will set up events as advertised through June.
  7. Incoming board members will attend a bylaw review and agree to abide by the bylaws to the best of their ability.
  8. Any Board Member who is associated with a PALS bank account will be required to provide a government issued ID, of which a copy will be kept on file.

3.07 Responsibilities of Board Members and other Positions associated with the Board.

  • Responsibilities may be reassigned to other Board members as needed. All Board Members will assist with and be a part of the planning, decision-making, and execution of all PALS business.

President

  1. Act as the guiding leader of PALS, the PALS Board, and oversee completion of all activities conducted.
  2. Liaison with other group leaders.
  3. Cast the deciding vote in case of a tie amongst board members.
  4. Coordinate with the Secretary scheduling regular board meetings.
  5. Approve the agenda and run board meetings.
  6. Call special board meetings when necessary.
  7. Maintain board cohesion in accordance with the PALS mission statement.
  8. Announce Benefits of Membership at demos

Vice-President

  1. Act as the assistant to the President.
  2. Execute any responsibilities of the President as needed.
  3. Assist with any other board member’s duties or responsibilities.

Secretary

  1. Coordinate with the Board scheduling board meetings.
  2. Create and send meeting agenda to Board members.
  3. Keep minutes at Board meetings and share with Board members
  4. Post announcements on Fetlife in PALS groups.
  5. Chair the bylaws committee.
  6. Maintain all records.
  7. Assist with attendance at events.
  8. Assist with NSR checks.
  9. Assist with the creation and collection of votes/polls/surveys.

Treasurer

  1. Maintain all financial records.
  2. Provide financial statements to any member in good standing upon request in a reasonable timeframe.
  3. Have bank statements available to the PALS Board.
  4. Report monthly I/Os at the regular Board meeting.
  5. Collect and reconcile dues and event fees.
  6. Assist with attendance at demos and munches.
  7. Ensure cash box and receipt book gets to every event.
  8. Reconcile any accounts payable.
  9. Call for budget committee meetings as needed.

Event Coordinator

  1. Coordinate with the board to procure, negotiate, and fulfill expectations for presenters, vendors, and venues for events.
  2. Coordinate with the Treasurer to ensure expectations of presenters and/or vendors are met.
  3. Post announcement of demos, munches etc. to social media
  4. Coordinate with the Treasurer to ensure adequate funds are available for events
  5. Run 50/50 and other raffles at demos and events.
  6. Review input from PALS membership regarding their wants/needs for future events.

3.08 Financials

  • Any single expenditure over $100.00 requires a majority approval of the Board.
  • PALS funding can never be used to purchase membership.
  • PALS Bank accounts must have at least two willing and able Board members as signatories on the accounts. In the event there are not two willing and able Board members, a long standing associated PALS member may be appointed by unanimous vote of the Board.
    • Signatories will provide a government issued ID to be kept on file as long as they remain on the accounts.
    • Signatories must be unrelated by blood, dynamic, romantic or otherwise

3.09 Impeachment

  1. If the Board determines that a Board Member has committed an offense that may warrant impeachment, the Board will follow the procedures outlined below:
    a. The Board will first determine whether the impeachment warrants a vote of the membership.
    b. If a vote is deemed necessary, the impeachment documents and arguments will be made available to the membership. Members, upon receipt of notification, will vote through the usual voting process.
    c. The President will inform the Board Member their position has been revoked. The impeached party will no longer be a Board Member but may retain general membership.
    d. If it is the President who is being impeached, all Presidential duties will fall to the Vice President. If the Board member’s position is not revoked, the issue is Resolved.
    ARTICLE IV

VOTING

4.01 By Membership

  1. Items requiring a vote:
      a. Changes to policies or procedures in the bylaws
      b. Elections to Board positions
      c. New memberships
      d. Expulsion or banning of members
      e. General votes
      f. Challenging board decision
  2. Voting process:
      a. Voting will be done anonymously via the electronic method, and will be open for 7 days.
      b. In the event of a tie:
        i. The parties involved will be given 24 hours to give arguments on the members’ only site.
        ii. A new poll will be open for 48 hours after arguments close
        iii. If there is another tie, a coin will be tossed at the next scheduled event to decide the outcome.
    c. If anyone is found to have violated the secrecy of the vote, they will be banned from PALS indefinitely.
    d. During annual Board elections, all administrative rights to the PALS voting site will be removed by the individual assigned to monitor the vote. Once the election is over, administrative privileges will be reinstated.
    e. Challenge of a board decision:
        i. A member will post a petition to the member’s only group
        ii. If 40% of the members agree by post in the Members Only Group that an issue needs to be voted upon by the membership, the Board will establish a vote via the usual process.
        iii. The Board will abide by the result of the vote.

4.02 By Board of Directors

  1. All Board members must be informed of an issue prior to a vote of the Board.
  2. The Board must reach a majority decision to pass an issue.
  3. In the case of a tie, the President will have the deciding vote.

ARTICLE V

DISCRETION POLICY & PRIVACY

  1. PALS members and event attendees must uphold their obligation to safeguard privacy to the best of their ability. Discretion is absolutely necessary. Members’ families, friends, or jobs may be threatened if the details of their activities within the lifestyle were to become known.
      a. Cameras, tape recorders, or any other type of recording devices are NEVER allowed to be used at any PALS function without the consent of a Board member.
      b. All recordings must be reviewed by a Board member or their designee.
      c. Members’ and event attendees’ privacy and identities are to be protected by all PALS members as well as attendees at PALS functions.
  2. No names or other identifying personal information will be used on social networking sites such as FetLife without express permission of the person involved.
  3. Don’t approach people you have met in the lifestyle in public without express permission of the person involved
  4. No FetLife names or Lifestyle names will be used in a non-kink environment without express permission of the person involved.
  5. Access to the PALS Members Only groups/sites shall NOT be shared with non-members.
  6. Information from the PALS Members Only groups/sites may only be shared with non-members by the Board.
  7. Disclosure of a member’s or event attendee’s lifestyle choices or sexual identity to anyone, without express permission from that person, may be grounds for expulsion, banning, or other sanctions.
  8. Disclosure of a member’s or event attendee’s personal identifying information, to anyone, without express permission from that person, may be grounds for expulsion, banning, or other sanction.

ARTICLE VI

BY-LAWS

  1. The PALS By-Laws shall be reviewed by the Board after elections, between April and December. If the Board determines that changes are beneficial:
    a. A By-Laws committee shall be formed to discuss the changes deemed beneficial and make recommendations to the Board.
    b. The changes shall be submitted to the members for approval through the usual voting process.
  2. The PALS By-Laws shall not be changed or amended between January and March of any year.
  3. All PALS members will familiarize themselves with membership-approved changes to the bylaws.
    a. In any year in which substantial changes are made to the bylaws, all PALS members will be required to familiarize themselves with the changes prior to their next membership renewal. This can be done by attending a bylaws review class, or by electronically signing a copy of the bylaws.
  4. Any time ratified changes are made to the bylaws, the Board may choose to implement some or all of the changes over a period of time. All ratified changes to the bylaws will be completely implemented by the next April meeting. An implementation schedule of the bylaws changes will be published in the Members Only group within one month of the new bylaws ratification.
  5. If, after the ratification of the bylaws, any formatting or grammatical errors are found, they may be fixed so long as the meaning or intent is not changed in any way. The Membership will be informed of corrections made to the bylaws.

ARTICLE VII

DISCLAIMER

  1. Members or attendees of PALS should not assume that people who attend events are suitable for social interactions solely based upon their membership or attendance at PALS events.
  2. Neither PALS, the Board, PALS members, nor any agents, successors, or assignees of any proceeding shall be held liable to any attendee for injury to person or property incurred as a result of attendance at any PALS event.