Article Six - Membership

General Qualifications of Membership

The primary outreach of this organization is to gay men, specifically the "Bear" Community and their admirers.  To be eligible to apply for membership candidates must be males of at least 21 years of age.  There will be no physical characteristics required for membership in determination or definition of a "bear."  All members will be called "Bears."  The Dallas Bears will not discriminate regardless of race, creed, color, religion or physical handicap.

Types and Definitions

Full Member (Bear)

• This type of membership is only available to persons living in the Greater Dallas area or other areas as individually approved by the Membership.
• This type of membership carries an expectation of committed involvement and participation.
• This type of membership is designed for persons wanting to be active participants in the activities of the club and is open to all qualified persons upon approval of the membership.
• As a volunteer organization, it is acknowledged and accepted that Full Members may not be available for all club functions, however the success and future of Dallas Bears depends on the active participation by the membership.  The position of Full Member holds the expectation that members are to attend monthy membership meetings and active participation/support of club socials, fundraisers and other special events.
• The status of Full Member holds the following benefits:  voting privileges, offical club t-shirt, access to club e-mail list server, web site privileges, possible appropriate discounts at Dallas Bears sponsored events as determined by the Board or the Membership and eligibility to purchase and use Dallas Bears club sanctioned items.
• A Full Member in good standing may be nominated and hold office.
• In order to be an active member in good standing, payment of annual dues in an amount determined by the membership as outlined in the Operating Instructions is required.  This type of membership has an annual renewal date in July at the monthly membership meeting.

Associate Member

• This type of membership is open to persons living outside the Greater Dallas area or persons within the Greater Dallas area that do not want to be Full Members.
• This type of membership is the hand of friendship, open to all persons upon the approval of the membership.
• This type of membership does not have voting rights and cannot purchase or use club-sanctioned items restricted to Full Members.
• This type of membership receives the following benefits:  Official club T-shirt, club newsletter, access to club e-mail list server and possible appropriate discounts at Dallas Bears sponsored events as determined by the Board or the Membership.
• This type of membership requires payment of dues in an amount determined by the membership as outlined in the Operating Instructions.

Procedures for Attaining Membership

Full Member (Bear)

• An applicant will present his application and annual dues at a monthly membership meeting.
• An applicant should have one Full Dallas Bears Member as their sponsor.
• Dallas Bears members will vote to accept or reject the application.  A simple majority of the members voting is needed to approve an applicant for membership.
• The new member will be assigned a Bear Member as a Bear Buddy for 90 days to encourage and associate the new member to the events and members of the club.

Associate Member

• An applicant may present his application and annual dues via US Postal Service or at any monthly membership meeting.  The applicant is not required to physically appear to apply for associate membership.
• Dallas Bears members will vote to accept or reject the application.
• A simple majority of the members voting is needed to approve an applicant for membership.

Administrative and Disciplinary Actions

• Members are granted a 60-day grace period from the date of annual renewal.  Members not renewing within 60-days will be removed from the active member list.
• The Membership or Board of Directors may recommend removal of a member from its rolls if that member has acted in a manner detrimental to the organization or its members.
• The Membership and the Board of Directors reserves the right to bar any individual from any club event if that person has acted in a manner detrimental to the organization or its members.