By Laws

Article I ~ Name
The name of this organization shall be Circle of Friends (hereinafter referred to as “Circle”).
 


Article II ~ Purpose and Standards

Section 1. Purpose
Circle is a volunteer organization committed to supporting Kidspace Children's Museum (hereinafter referred to as “Kidspace”) through the volunteer hours and the fundraising efforts of its Members. Its purpose is exclusively charitable.
 
Section 2. Standards
Circle does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, disability, national origin or sexual orientation. Circle will not act as a fundraising agent for any other organization.


Article III ~ Membership

Section 1. Membership Categories and Obligations
There shall be three categories of membership obligations determining a member in good standing designed as follows:
 
A. Active Membership
Members of Circle shall be those who comply with the financial obligations and service requirements of membership (hereinafter referred to as “Active Members”). Members shall be entitled to vote and participate in all privileges of membership. 

  1. Active Members shall pay annual dues of $200. Dues are payable by September 17. A final notice will go out after September 17 with a notice of delinquency and a penalty fee of $25, if dues are not paid by September 17. Members whose dues have not been received by the date required will not be listed in the roster and a notice of pending removal shall be sent. Removal from membership shall be determined by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Board. 

  2. Active Members are required to attend three (3) of the General Meetings. Excused absences will be granted by contacting the Secretary (via e-mail or telephone) in advance of the anticipated absence.

  3. Active Members shall be an Officer or serve on a Circle Committee fulfilling all the requirements of their placement.

  4. If you are an active member and you are unable to fulfill your Benefit shift requirements (not barring any emergency health circumstances), AND do not notify the President, within 8 weeks of the Benefit date, you will have the enforced fine of $125.

  5. Each Active Member is required to volunteer a minimum of 3 (three) hours at a Kidspace Children’s Museum event. If a member has not completed her 3 hour volunteer commitment, she will be fined $125 (tax deductible donation to Kidspace). Special permission regarding volunteer shifts must be submitted to the President.

  6. Each Active Member is obligated to support the Benefit by providing one auction donation of at least $50 (or an item at a retail value of not less than $50). Soliciting an auction item does not fulfill the $50 auction item requirement. Cash donations are also accepted.

  7. Each Active Member is strongly encouraged to attend the Benefit as a show of support for Circle of Friends and Kidspace Children’s Museum and will promote the activities of the Benefit to ensure its success.

  8. All monies paid to Circle of Friends, including membership dues, are non-refundable. A member who resigns will not be entitled to a refund of any dues.

 
B. Founder's Circle Member
Founder's Circle Members are those who have fulfilled the requirements of Active Members and have served for a minimum of five active years. Founders hold all the privileges of Active Members except that they may not vote or hold an Officer's position. 
1.   Founder's Circle Members shall pay annual dues of $75. Dues are payable by the due date set by the Founder’s President. A final notice of delinquency will go out and a penalty fee of $25 if dues are not paid by the due date.

C. Inactive/Leave of Absence Members

  1. A Member who has been active for at least two years may request a one-year leave of absence. This request must be submitted in writing to the President by March 31. While on leave, the Member is responsible for paying Active Member’s dues of $200. A one-year extension to the leave shall be approved by the Executive Board. A maximum of a two-year leave is allowed.


Section 2. Prospective Members
A. Criteria for Active Membership
Circle uses the following criteria for consideration of prospective Active Members:

  1. A prospective member shall be at least 21 years of age.

  2. A prospective member is encouraged to become a Kidspace Member (at any level) within a reasonable time of joining Circle of Friends.

  3. A prospective member shall show an interest in volunteerism and a commitment to the continued growth and success of Kidspace.

  4. A prospective member shall be proposed in writing by either an Active Member or Founder's Circle Member in good standing (current with paid dues). Additional prospective members may be proposed by either Kidspace staff or Museum Board of Directors or Trustees.

  5. New member proposals shall be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.


B. Application Procedure for Prospective Members
The application procedure for prospective members shall be set forth by the Membership Administration Co-Chairs. This procedure must be approved by a majority vote of the Officers.  Prospective member applications are due to the Membership Administration Co-Chairs no later than one month after distribution of the application  or due date set by the Member Administration Co-Chairs. The number of new members shall be limited to one-half of the active membership, an amount that would limit the total membership to no more than 150 Active Members. Approval by the Executive Board is necessary if the proposed total membership exceeds 150.

C. Acceptance of Members
The list of prospective members shall be voted on by the Officers and Active Members at the Annual Meeting. All prospective members shall be notified of their acceptance into membership in writing from the Membership Administration Co-Chairs.
 
Section 3. Resignations, Removals and Reinstatements
A. Resignations
Any Active Member, Inactive/Leave of Absence or Founder not in arrears in financial obligations or volunteer duties may resign in good standing. A request must be made in writing to the Membership Administration Co-Chairs by March 31 and approved by the President.
 
B. Removals
A Member may be removed from membership for failure to fulfill financial or volunteer obligations. This determination will be made by a vote of two-thirds of the Officers and the Member shall be notified in writing. A grace period of two weeks after the notice has been sent will be given to rectify any failure by such Member.
 
C. Reinstatements
Any Active, Inactive/Leave of Absence or Founder who has resigned in good standing may be reinstated upon payment of current financial obligations. Any Active, Inactive/Leave of Absence or Founder who has been removed may be reinstated if she fulfills all delinquent obligations. Members requesting reinstatement must contact the Membership Administration Co-Chairs via letter or telephone by March 31.
 

Article IV ~ Finance
Circle's fiscal year shall fall in accordance with Kidspace’s fiscal year. 
 

Article V ~ Officers

Section 1. Personnel

  1. The Officers shall consist of the President, Vice President-President Elect, Treasurer, Benefit Co-Chairs, Secretary, Membership Events Co-Chairs, Membership Administration Co-Chairs, Nominating Chair, Public Relations Chair, Volunteer Day Chair, and Founder's President.

  2. The Executive Board shall consist of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Nominating Chair. The Executive Board shall meet twice per year to review Circle of Friends by-laws. They shall have the authority to take emergency action between meetings if necessary. Their actions shall be submitted to the complete Board for approval at their next scheduled meeting.


Section 2. Selection
The Officers shall be selected by a procedure set forth by the Nominating Chair. This procedure shall be approved by the Officers.

Section 3. Term of Office
The term of office shall be one fiscal year.

Section 4. Powers and Duties
The Officers shall have general charge and control of the affairs of Circle.
 
Section 5. Meetings
The Officers shall hold monthly meetings from May through March, or as scheduled by the President according to the needs of the group.

Section 6. Quorum
 Six Officers shall constitute a quorum.
 
Section 7. Vacancies

  1. When a vacancy in the office of the President occurs, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President. A vacancy in any office other than the office of the President shall be filled by a candidate selected by the Nominating Chair. Approval of the candidate shall be granted by a majority vote by the Executive Board. She shall serve out the remaining term of the office.

  2. When a vacancy in the office of the Nominating Chair occurs, the Secretary will serve as Acting Nominating Chair and shall submit to the Executive Board a candidate to fill the vacated office. Approval of the candidate shall be granted by a majority vote by the Executive Board.

 
 
Article VI ~ The General Membership
The General Membership shall consist of all Members in good standing.
 
Section 1. Meetings
The General Membership shall hold monthly meetings from May through March, or as set by the President in special circumstances. Special meetings may be called by the President or upon written request of three Active Members. The Annual Meeting shall be held each year on a date set by the President and Vice President. 
 
Section 2. Quorum
One-third vote of the Active Members shall constitute a quorum and all business shall be transacted by a majority vote unless otherwise provided by these by-laws.
 

Article VII ~ Nominating Procedures

Section 1. Selection of the Nominating Committee
The duties of the Nominating Committee, having been approved by the majority vote of the Executive Board, will consist of the following:

  1. Request nomination (excluding members on the Nominating Committee) from active members in good standing to fill all Executive Board and Chair positions.

  2. Prepare a slate of candidates for all Officers and all Chair positions.

  3. Distribute the proposed slate of new offices and chairs to the active membership at the March general meeting.

  4. Present the nominating slate to the Executive Board and the active membership for approval by a majority vote.

  5. Amend the slate of new officers and chairs in the event that the proposed slate does not receive a majority vote from the active membership.

  6. The Nominating Chair shall submit to the Executive Board candidates to fill any vacated office during the year. Approval shall be granted by a unanimous vote by the Executive Board. 

 

Article VIII ~ Parliamentary Authority
Roberts' Rule of Order, Newly Revised to the extent consistent with the current law, shall be the authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by the by-laws.
 

Article IX ~ Amendments
The by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Active Members present and voting at a general meeting or a special meeting of Circle.
 

Article X ~ Policies and Procedures
The Executive Board may approve policies and procedures and recommend them to the Officers for ratification by a majority vote.  Any revisions to such policies and procedures must be approved by the Executive Board and ratified by a majority vote of the Officers.


Article XI ~ Kidspace Children's Museum
Circle agrees that it will not undertake any activities that would result in the loss of Kidspace of its status as a tax-free, charitable organization under the Internal Revenue Code or the California Revenue and Taxation Code. In the event Circle terminated its activities, all funds previously collected by Kidspace will remain with the museum.

 
Article XII ~ Use of Directory
The Circle's membership list and directory are for the use of the members only and cannot be used for promotion of any activity unrelated to the Circle or Kidspace. It shall not be used for personal gain or made available for commercial or soliciting purposes.




Article XIII ~ Advisory Board

Section 1. Personnel
The Advisory Board shall be comprised of at least 5 members and shall not exceed 8 members – including the current President and the current Vice President. Criterion for remaining Board positions includes being a Founder and/or past Circle President. Members of the Board will be voted on to the Advisory Board by the current Advisory Board. Positions will be evaluated on an annual basis.

Section 2. Purpose
The purpose of the Advisory Board is to provide continuity, history and support to the current Circle leadership with regards to Circle events and activities. The Board will discuss current issues, future plans, and recommendations to the Circle for the approval by the Circle Board and General Membership.

Section 3. Powers and Duties
The duty of the Advisory Board is to provide strategic vision to the Circle leadership. In addition, the Advisory Board provides recommendations to the Nominating Committee regarding incoming leadership of the Circle, as necessary. The Nominating Committee can accept or reject the recommendations of the Advisory Board.

Section 4. Meetings
Meetings of the Advisory Board shall be held 2 times during the Circle calendar year. Any additional meetings will be called as deemed necessary. All meeting dates and agendas will be set and coordinated by the current Vice President. In addition, members of the Advisory Board will have a standing invitation to attend meetings of the Circle Board and Executive Board.  

Section 5. Voting
The Advisory Board shall have no voting powers regarding Circle decisions or changes.

*Updated on September 30, 2025