Bylaws of the BAL SABHA OF Mid- MISSOURI
Approved on March 26, 2000, Amended on February,26, 2007

Objectives

The objectives of the Bal Sabha of Columbia, Missouri (referred to as Bal Sabha hereafter) are:

a. To create among youngsters an awareness of India's history and culture.
b. To provide youngsters an avenue to research topics related to India and present it to Bal Sabha membership.
c. To provide youngsters a means of acquiring knowledge about India from their peers.
d. To provide youngsters a means of being involved and serve the Columbia community
e. To provide the Columbia community a perspective of India's culture by means of a regular Bal Sabha newsletter.

Membership

1. Membership is open to any Columbia family interested in participating in the activities of Bal Sabha. For all voting purposes, each member family will have one vote.
2. Membership dues will remain at $ 10 per family during the academic year (September 1-August 31),  regardless of the time of joining Bal Sabha.Dues will be collected at the August meeting each year.
3. Children of Bal Sabha members will perform in the republic day cultural program. The various activities (like dances, songs etc) will be organized/choreographed by members of Bal Sabha including those performed under the umbrella of CAI (like India night, and republic day function).  Children of non-members are welcome to sing the national anthems.
4. Families who have not paid the membership dues will have a grace period of three months from the beginning of an academic year (September 1 of each year). Failure to renew the membership after this period will result in loss of membership privileges, and no e-mails will be sent to delinquent members.

Meetings

Regular monthly meetings shall be held each month, on the fourth Sunday of the month.  The President of the Bal Sabha will arrange for the meetings. The venue will be Shanthi Mandir.  Bal Sabha picnic is typically held in mid-August along with HTCC "Youth Day".  December and January meetings may be cancelled to facilitate preparations for the Republic Day cultural program.

Officers

Each Officer shall participate in the management and conduct of the various Bal Sabha activities as defined hereunder.

a. Officers: The officers of Bal Sabha shall comprise the President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, Cultural Secretary and Bal Sandesh Coordinator.

b. Term and Elections: The term of office for each officer shall be one year and no person may be elected to the same office for more than two successive terms.  Officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the members present at the April meeting of each year, and shall take office beginning the August meeting.  Office bearers will have to be 18 years or older when they take up office. Any officer may be replaced in the middle of his/her term by a majority vote of the membership.  Special elections may be held at any meeting to fill vacant offices.

c. Duties of President: The President shall preside at all the meetings, appoint committees, and oversee all activities such as library services, cultural and volunteer activities and newsletter publication. The President shall also cosign for the Bal Sabha bank account.

d. Duties of Vice-President: The Vice-President will fill-in for the President when necessary.  The Vice-President will coordinate library services and volunteer activities.

e. Duties of Secretary/Treasurer: The Secretary/Treasurer shall send out notices of all meetings, and record minutes of each meeting.  The Secretary/Treasurer shall maintain an updated roster of the member names, home addresses, and e-mail addresses.  The Secretary/Treasurer will also collect, disburse and maintain the Bal Sabha accounts and present the yearly financial report at the Bal Sabha picnic in May.

f. Duties of Cultural Secretary: The Cultural Secretary shall coordinate all cultural and social activities of Bal Sabha including India Nite (anthems), Republic Day function, and Bal Sabha Picnic.

g. Bal Sandesh Coordinator: The Bal Sandesh Coordinator shall solicit funds for Bal Sandesh, solicit articles/ideas, provide advise to youngsters on the editorial staff, produce and distribute Bal Sandesh .

Accounts

Bal Sabha shall maintain a bank account.  Funds deposited with the said account shall be withdrawn by checks signed jointly by the President and the Secretary/Treasurer.

Amendments

These bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting after it is included as an agenda item. At a regular meeting, any member can request that the President include Bylaws Amendment as an agenda item for the next meeting. These bylaws can be amended by a simple majority of those present at the said meeting.

First Amendment: Feb 26, 2007:  To change the name to Bal Sabha of Mid-Missouri ;  to have the meetings every month on  the fourth Sunday  in the Shanthi Mandir; to have the picnic in August along with HTCC "Youth Day".

Dissolution

The Bal Sabha may be dissolved by agreement of the members. Two thirds of the total membership should agree to a motion to this effect .