Bonnyville Pottery Bylaws
Last Edited 2024
Every member of the club must read the bylaws yearly
1. A student
-New potter at a beginner entry level or an experienced potter who is new to the club and needs to be reacquainted with the club and its operations. -A student or former member who does not wish to assume the responsibilities of membership and is prepared to pay the student rate for that option. -Students are welcome to attend annual general meetings to become more informed. A former member who has been away for a period of (24 months) Students & apprentices may NOT drop in.
2. A member
-A potter who has completed two consecutive terms of instruction within 2 years, reviewed, and understands bylaws, code of conducts and has successfully applied for membership to the Executive Committee. -Members are
entitled to a reduced fee for unlimited access to the studio (when there is not a class in progress). -Members have code privileges. -Must take a
leadership role in the operation of the club and its studio -Is encouraged to attend and vote at all General meetings of the club. -Any member in good standing may hold office on the Executive Committee. -Must at least
participate in one or more committees. If advanced cannot do 10 hours volunteer time per session you will stay a student level.
3. Becoming a member
-Must have completed two terms of instruction in 24 months. Must have provided a minimum of 10 hours of volunteer time to the club in the most recent of these sessions –Must submit a membership letter of intent to the Executive Committee. – Must continue to provide 10+ hours of volunteer time to the club each session. (Cleaning, mixing, organizing, maintenance, meetings, audits, etc.) -Must participate within the club by either holding a position on the Executive Committee or on one of the active club committees. (Workshop, Glaze, Cleaning etc.)
4. Executive/General Meeting
-Meetings shall occur as needed. -Members and students are strongly encouraged to attend. -Any member of the club in good standings may hold office on the Executive Committee. Annual General Meetings are open to the general public.
5. Fees
-Are payable to the club Treasurer on or before the registration day. -Fees undergo periodic revision by the Executive Committee, depending on operating costs and fundraising.
6. Safety
-Safe practice must always be observed when working at the studio. ~All materials and tools in the studio are potentially hazardous if misused. -Do not use items for which you have not been trained. -Report any damage or malfunction of equipment to the instructor or executive as soon as possible. -Always seek instruction before proceeding to use unfamiliar equipment not permitted. Ultimately at the user's own risk.
7. Harassment
-It is an expectation that ALL members, students, and instructors will treat each other with courtesy and respect. -Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the club. -All concerns of this nature MUST be submitted in writing to the president who will in turn present it to the Executive Committee for resolution.
8. Lockers
-One cubicle to be allotted to each registrant, subject to availability. Locks supplied by the club. -Students are to empty the locker at the end of each session, unless returning for the next session. Any property that remains unclaimed after 30 days becomes the property of the club.
-Members can maintain their lockers if their membership is in good standing. –Members may miss one session and keep their lockers.
9. Equipment + Resources + Space
– Books, ingredients, and resources need to stay at the club items must stay at the club. Approval to borrow is at the discretion of the executive.
-Instructors will get up to 1 full rack + One large locker while teaching.
-Students and Members will have one shelf
-Equipment should be cleaned and put away in its place after each use.
10. General Jobs
-Are general housekeeping and procedural duties necessary for safe operation of the club. -All members and students are expected to take turns performing the assigned tasks as well as cleaning after themselves.
-Assigned duties and rotations are posted in the studio. –Volunteer hours are jobs over and above cleaning up after yourself
11. Identification of pots
-Each potter is responsible for identifying her/his own pots. This is also to be inscribed on each pot before the bisque firing. -Any unidentified pottery will, after 30 days, become the property of the club. Brand Registry is on the board please add your brand.
12. Club Cleanliness
-club cleanliness is the responsibility of every potter, as a dusty environment can be a health hazard. -All equipment, work surfaces (tables, tools, wheels) must be wiped clean after EACH use. -Floors surrounding the potter's work area must be mopped in aid of dust control. The last person to leave should perform a final check. – Ensure doors are locked –Tables, wheels and shelves will be CLEAN and ready for the next person to use. Unplug equipment -The last person leaving the studio must always check that all wheels are off, lights are off and exit doors are locked.
Consequence – first warning, second time personal use of the club will be revoked for 1 week
13. Code Privileges
-Any member in good standing can get the code. Code holders may use the studio anytime there is not scheduled class, and in accordance with member access times. -Code holders are required to act responsibly in
the studio and in accordance with club rules, or the door code may be changed, and privilege will be revoked. Door code will NOT be given out by anyone but the treasurer or president.
15. Clay
-Must all be purchased from the club -Clay costs include surcharges to cover the cost of glazing materials, equipment and utilities used in the glazing and firing process. -Purchase of clay from an outside source will NOT be used. Unapproved clay poses a safety risk and will not be tolerated.
16. Termination/Leave of absence
-A leave of absence may be accepted to a member in good standing and will be effective for a maximum of two sessions. -A written request for leave of absence must be submitted to the Executive.
17. Class viability
-If class size does not pay for instructor fees, that class will be canceled, unless the Executive chooses otherwise
18.Drop In
-Drop In participants must ask for the code from the treasurer or president. Will receive code at earlier convenience. Payment must be left at the club or e-transferred.
Guest Drop in- Once per session a member in good standing may bring a guest – Member is responsible for such guest and will NOT give outdoor code to guest. Members will provide guests with clay and materials.
19. Abandoned Pieces
Email or phone call sent out- after 30 days the piece belongs to the club and we will see fit on the future either sold or discarded
20. Criminal record check for anyone working with children once a year
Policies
No classes to be booked on advanced studio days.
Advanced members – Can only be at the club from 6-9 the evening you signed up for eg. If you sign up for Thursday you CANNOT be at the club from 6-9 pm Monday evening…day hours are fine
Beginner – If you do not complete a project in time allotted – Classes are up to the student to attend. Sign up for a second session or piece goes unfinished
Beginners – what do we do if they’ve missed classes – Club cannot be responsible for any missed classes- no refunds once session has started no make up classes
Giving out door code: -Consequence for giving out the door code – 50$ fine for first offence 150$ for second offence. 3rd time you will asked to leave and code revoked for 1 session
Spending Policy- Up to 50$ on supplies we already have. Any new supplies or purchases over 50$ requires executive approval.
Any committee must get executive approval to purchase, create etc of new equipment, glazes etc.
Code of conduct
- Pay Fees
- Respect others
- Respect the space
- Be responsible for leaving the club
- Honor the honor system
- Pay promptly when purchasing from the club
- Only clay purchases from the club will be fired at the club
Students – New potter at a beginner entry level or an experienced potter who is new to the club
Member - A potter who has completed two consecutive terms of instruction, reviewed and understand bylaws, code of conducts.
Harassment - Harassment is unwanted or unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that offends or humiliates a person. It may be one serious incident or a series of incidents. Sometimes, harassment is called bullying.
I have reviewed bylaws and I agree to follow them.
I am aware of the consequences.
I am aware of the hazards and wave liability.