Baltibrew is a collective of homebrewers dedicated to the art and science of beer.
baltibrew@gmail.com
January 19, 2010 by admin
Baltibrew is a Baltimore City based beer/brew club begun in July of 2009. The club’s overall goals span the enjoyment of beer and other fermented beverages, educating members about beer and brewing, and most importantly, having a good time, all within the city limits.
The focus is on education, so it doesn't matter if you don't know the difference between a wheat beer and an I.P.A. We don't laugh, and we don't judge. We strive to be as inclusive as possible, while supporting the expansion of the club's diversity whenever we can.
We meet the second Sunday of every month at 3 p.m. (hope to see you there).
Baltibrew is a non-profit organization, and shall be operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.
Our mission is to promote homebrewing, craft beer and the appreciation of both within the club and to the general public through education and research, and through the collection and dissemination of information via our website (baltibrew.org) and public events.
Our purpose is to serve as a forum for technological and cross-cultural aspects of the art of homebrewing and to encourage the responsible consumption of alcohol. Baltibrew is not liable for the actions of its members while under the influence, and will hold its members accountable for misconduct while representing the club or attending club-related functions/events, both public and private.
Baltibrew is committed to promoting the homebrewing hobby for ALL people: as such, the club aims to support the efforts of member brewers of every ability, background, culture, gender, race, age, and orientation. We work hard to create a space that is light-hearted and fun, but also respectful and actively inclusive for all members and potential members. Racist, sexist, or offensive behavior on the part of its members or their guests is unacceptable and may result in disciplinary action as noted in the Conduct section.
Individuals shall be considered members of Baltibrew upon payment of dues. One is considered a member in good standing if current dues are paid in full. One is considered an active member if they have participated in at least 50% of votes from the previous calendar year. New members will be considered active upon the meeting following their initial payment of dues.
Members retain certain privileges, including, but not limited to: participation in club votes, access to the Members Only sections of baltibrew.org, and the right to participate in club activities (such as group brews).
Baltibrew meetings are open to the general public. Those who find themselves wanting to continue to attend meetings and/or support the club are strongly encouraged to become members as soon as possible. However, once any individual has attended three (3) meetings, they will be contacted by the Treasurer to pay dues and become a member.
Due to the presence and consumption of alcoholic beverages, membership is restricted to those over the age of 21.
A membership fee (“dues”) shall be paid annually at a rate determined by the club.
Current fee schedules will be posted on baltibrew.org.
Annual dues are due on the anniversary of the date dues were paid in the previous calendar year.
Any member who is 30 days or more past due on their annual dues shall lose their status as a member in good standing until their dues are paid.
Only Balitbrew members in good standing are eligible to vote on changes to dues.
Whenever possible, dues will be paid online using the membership system on baltibrew.org. Members who do not use the online system are responsible for paying their dues on time to either the Treasurer or Meeting Czar.
Baltibrew’s primary means of communication to the public is baltibrew.org. Secondary communication to the public will take place via the Baltibrew mailing list. Public topics include the announcement of club votes, meeting agendas, meeting minutes, etc. Members-only communication will take place via the Members Only section(s) of baltibrew.org, personal emails, phone calls, or in person. Members-only topics include the casting of votes, discussion between committee members or Executive Board members, etc.
Members are not required to subscribe to the Baltibrew mailing list, and topics discussed on the mailing list should be related to club business only. Personal discussions, issues and/or opinions, and any inappropriate or irrelevant posts will not be tolerated, and may result in disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, removal from the mailing list.
The Executive Board of Baltibrew shall consist of all currently elected Officers of Baltibrew. The Executive Board will coordinate all Baltibrew activities both public and private over the course of the year. The Executive Board will receive all concerns, proposals, and issues from members at large and will ensure that the concerns, proposals, and issues are addressed in a timely fashion and in accordance with the Charter/By-laws. Issues regarding actions to be taken on behalf of the club will result in a recommendation to be voted upon by the club as a whole.
Baltibrew Officers serve the calendar year (January through December) following their election. Officers are tasked with upholding the bylaws of the club, continuing the mission of the club as delineated within the charter, and are expected to set an example of what it means to be an exemplary member of the club by encouraging participation, communication, and camaraderie amongst members.
Each year, nominations for new Officers will be submitted during the October meeting. Each nomination must have a second to become a candidate for the position, and the nominee must also accept. Additional nominations can be made electronically until the November meeting. At the November meeting, candidates will be allowed brief stump speeches for their desired position. Candidates running unopposed are encouraged, but not required, to make stump speeches. Candidates not in attendance are encouraged to submit their stump speeches to the Meeting Czar so they can be included in the agenda. Following the November meeting, candidates running unopposed will be granted their positions, and an electronic vote will commence for all remaining (contested) positions. Results will be announced at the December meeting, and all elected/granted Officers will assume their positions at the meeting's conclusion.
Requirements and responsibilities to run for and hold office:
Meetings will be held once per month at a time and location noted on baltibrew.org. All meetings should take place within Baltimore City limits. This does not limit group brews or any other club-related events from occurring outside of Baltimore City limits.
Meeting date(s) and time(s) are subject to change with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice to all members in good standing, and may be changed permanently by vote. All meetings will be governed in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order (a copy of which shall be present at each meeting), and will be overseen by the Meeting Czar.
All attendees are required to sign in at each meeting, identify themselves as either a member or non-member, and whether or not their dues are currently paid to the best of their knowledge. Non-members who have attended three (3) meetings without having paid dues will be contacted by the Treasurer to do so.
Club business shall constitute at most one hour (whenever possible) of the meeting agenda.
Any member in good standing may propose amendments or additions to the bylaws at a meeting, with a second being the only requirement to begin club discussion of the matter, and the process of amendment.
Amendments will be presented to the club at large electronically containing the following:
Additions will be presented to the club at large electronically containing the following:
Voting on the proposed amendment or addition will take place electronically. A minimum of ⅔ majority is required for alteration to bylaws. A minimum of 75% of members are required to vote yes, no, or no opinion on the proposed amendment in order to ensure sufficient participation. Once the required majority is met or failed the vote will end, and an announcement will be made to the club via baltibrew.org and through email.
Baltibrew remains in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. While production and consumption of alcoholic beverages is a vital part of our mission, Baltibrew encourages all members and visitors to drink responsibly. Consumption of alcohol by those under legal drinking age is strictly prohibited. Baltibrew is not responsible for the actions of individual members or visitors, nor for their legal consequences.
In the event of dissolution, all of the remaining assets and property of Baltibrew shall, after payment of necessary expenses, be distributed as evenly as possible amongst all members in good standing.
We hope you will consider joining us and helping establish our club within the baltimore beer scene. We can be contacted HERE for more information. Cheers!
Baltibrew is a collective of homebrewers dedicated to the art and science of beer.
baltibrew@gmail.com