Lane County Secular Society

Founded:  June 18, 2000
History:  Lane County Secular Society was formed under the name Eugene Atheists and Freethinkers by Kevin Courcey.  Following his departure the group was reorganized and renamed becoming Lane County Atheists on June 18, 2000.  The present bylaws were adopted on that date.  On July 7, 2001, the membership of Lane County Atheists voted to rename the organization Lane County Secular Society.

Lane County Secular Society (LCSS) has been formed to promote the atheist viewpoint as a valid contribution to public discourse, for mutual support, and social activities. LCSS will strive to maintain the First Amendment guarantee of separation of church and state, and to work in coalition with like minded organizations where joint action is needed to achieve these goals. This organization shall operate in an open democratic manner, without discrimination as to gender, race, age, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality or disability.

Membership in LCSS is open to all persons who are free of theistic beliefs and who support the purposes for which this organization is founded. Membership requires payment of dues. Each paid member receives one vote.

Membership meetings shall be held at least quarterly. Decisions will be arrived at by consensus where possible and by a majority vote where issues are contested. A secret ballot shall be taken if requested by at least one person. Members must be present to vote.

The leadership of LCSS consists of a three member Leadership Committee. The Leadership Committee shall rotate the duties of presiding officer, who arranges and conducts meetings. One member of the committee shall perform the duties of treasurer, who receives, deposits, and disperses funds and maintains a financial record for the organization. Other positions may be created, and duties defined, at the discretion of the membership. If necessary, one person may hold two leadership positions. The leaders shall maintain their positions at the will of the membership as expressed annually at a regularly scheduled meeting.

Vacancies in leadership positions may be filled by the membership at the next regularly scheduled meeting or, if necessary, at a specially called meeting.

If removal from office and/or expulsion from membership is called for by at least one office holder or member, all members shall be notified and a special meeting shall be held to resolve the issue. A two-thirds vote of members present and voting shall be sufficient for removal and/or expulsion. Expulsion shall not relieve the office holder or member of any obligation for charges incurred, services or benefits actually rendered, dues or fees, or obligations arising from contract or otherwise. This organization shall retain the right to enforce any obligation or to obtain damages for its breach.

Upon relinquishing a leadership position, the outgoing office holder shall turn over all records to the successor and shall provide the incoming officeholder with any and all information necessary to enable the newly elected officer to carry out the fruitions of that position.

The financial and material assets of this organization shall be owned by the membership. Such assets shall be controlled and used by the leadership only for purposes approved by the membership. A member is not, personally liable for the debts, liabilities or obligations of this organization.

The membership has sole authority to merge with another organization, or dissolve and distribute LCSS's assets. A proposal for merger or dissolution of assets must receive a majority vote at a regular membership meeting. The proposal must then be presented at a special meeting called for that purpose. If there are no assets, a majority vote for or against dissolution or merger shall settle the question. Notice of the meeting must be given to the full membership at least 30 days before the date of the meeting. If at least 70% of the members of the record are present, their vote shall stand. If less than 70% are present, a mailed ballot shall be sent to all members on record, with instructions the ballots must be returned within 10 calendar days. Approval shall require at least 70% affirmative vote of the ballots returned. Only non-theist, non-religious organizations clearly identified as such and having a purpose consistent with that of LCSS shall be considered for merger or distribution of assets. All outstanding debts, obligations and claims must be satisfied before assets are distributed. No assets shall be distributed to individuals.

These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of members present and voting at a meeting called for this purpose.


08-20-00 Adopted by unanimous vote of LCA members present.