Houston Geological Society

“The membership of this organization is made up of four classes: active, associate, student, and special members. Active members: in order to be eligible for active membership, an applicant shall: (1) have a degree in geology or an allied geoscience from an accredited college or university; or (2) have a degree in science or engineering from an accredited college or university and have been engaged in the professional study or practice of earth science for at least five (5) years. Active members shall be entitled to vote, stand for election, and serve as an officer in the society. Associate members: in order to be eligible for associate membership, an applicant shall be involved with the application of the earth or allied sciences. Associate members will not be eligible to vote or hold elected office but will have all other rights and privileges enjoyed by active members. An associate member who becomes eligible for active membership may apply for transfer to active membership by submitting an application to the hgs office. Student members: in order to be eligible for student membership, an applicant must be a student enrolled in geology or in related sciences in an accredited college or university granting degrees in the earth sciences. Student members will not be eligible to vote, or hold elected office, but will have all other rights and privileges enjoyed by active members. A student member who becomes eligible for active membership may apply for transfer to active membership by submitting an application to the hgs office. Special members: the board may elect from time to time certain special members who shall be those deemed by the board to have benefited the profession of geology. A. Honorary life members: the executive board may from time to time elect as honorary life members persons who have distinguished themselves in the science of geology, or who have contributed outstanding service to the success and welfare of the society. Honorary members shall also be considered active members but shall not be required to pay dues. B. Emeritus members: active members who attain the age of sixty-five (65) and have been active members of hgs for a minimum of ten (10) consecutive years may request emeritus status by contacting the hgs office. Emeritus members shall also be considered active members.”

“The governing body is elected by the members eligible to vote.”

“Amendments to these bylaws may be proposed at any time by resolution of the board or by petition signed by at least ten percent (10%) of the active members. Adoption of such amendments shall be by secret ballot in which approval is given by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the total number of members voting. The proposed amendments to the bylaws and a ballot shall be delivered in such form or forms as determined by the board and submitted to the active members for vote using any voting method or methods determined by the board. Ballots must be received no later than forty-five (45) days from the date that ballots are delivered to the active members.”

“The form 990 is reviewed by the treasurer before signing.”

“Tax return information and financial statements are available upon request. Houston geological society also makes the treasurer's report available to the public, which includes a consolidated version of the financial statements. The organization does not have a conflict of interest policy. Governing documents are not made available to the public.”