Hello NHMQG Members,
Please review the Presidents statement and proposed changes to the by-laws for 2025. Please note, since the August meeting the board has adjusted the recommended membership cap to the next tier 76-75 from the previously proposed 76-90, based on member feedback. More information on voting will be emailed in the coming weeks.
If you have any questions please feel free to EMAIL the guild mailbox or reach out to any of the board members.
Thank you,
Helen, Sonia, Susan, Laurie K, Mary Lou, Lorri W, Amanda
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Presidents Statement Regarding the Membership Cap Increase Proposal
2025 By-Law Change Proposed by Board of Directors
Article 2.1 Membership
Change the membership cap from 65 to 7590.
President’s Statement in Support of this Change by Helen Labadie
Last year, we decided to keep our membership capped at 65 members. At the time, we felt this cap would serve our goal of supporting an intentional community of creative makers. It would preserve the warmth and welcome of our organization while encouraging current members to continue their engagement. We believed that our waitlist would not exceed one or two people, and that we would be able to accommodate new members relatively quickly.
However, this has not been the case. At this time, we now have a waitlist of 10 people, many of whom have attended meetings and have expressed continued interest in joining our wonderful organization. Frankly, who can blame them? I am always blown away by the friendliness and hospitality our members extend to guests. You continue to embody the generous spirit of our community; I am honored to be a part of it.
The board and I have decided that our current membership cap no longer matches the goals of our guild. As an organization who promotes inclusivity, it feels dissonant to turn others away. We believe the guild would be well-served by increasing the cap to 90 and welcoming new members.
Addressing Concerns:
Why 75*90?
The MQG determines membership tiers. We are currently at the 56-65 tier. The next tier is 66-75, followed by 76-90. Bumping up one tier would just cover the existing waiting list, and then we would be at the same point we are in right now, with no opportunity for further growth.
*Note - based on member feedback we have reassessed the member cap tier and are changing the proposed increase to the 66-75 tier.
Will we be able to physically accommodate this increase in members?
We spoke with First Church Nashua, who confirmed that our current meeting space has a maximum capacity of 120 people. At our current membership of 65, we regularly have an attendance between 30 and 40 members. Even if our membership increased to 7590 members, and every new member attended one meeting, we would still be able to provide seating to all members in attendance.
What about parking?
While the church lot can fill up, we do have access to on-street parking. We are looking into getting access to other nearby parking lots. We also encourage members to carpool with a friend.
Will this increase our dues? Will it cost the guild more money?
This will not increase our dues, nor will it impact the guild’s finances negatively. With the amount of members on our waitlist, the cost per member will remain approximately the same if not less.
I’ve been part of bigger guilds before and saw them become cliquey. I worry about that happening here!
This is where you come in! You have done an incredible job of being welcoming to guests and new members; we know you can keep up the good work. Keep starting conversations with people you may not recognize. If you see someone who looks lost or overwhelmed, invite them to sit with you. Remember, we all have something in common, we love fabric and we love to create.
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New Hampshire Modern Quilt Guild By-Laws
Article I: Name, Purpose and General Matters
1.1 The name of the organization will be the New Hampshire Modern Quilt Guild, also referred to as “The Guild” or “The NHMQG.”
1.2 Purpose: The Guild’s purpose is to:
Develop and encourage the art of modern quilting
Work with other guilds and groups with a similar purpose
Encourage new quilters and other fiber artists interested in non-traditional and non-art fiber projects
Offer educational opportunities through classes, workshops, and sharing of information
Support and provide opportunity for “charity” or other works that provide back to the community through the use of modern quilting skills
The Guild is an affiliate member of the Modern Quilt Guild Inc. Through a group exemption with the Modern Quilt Guild Inc., the Guild is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
As such, the Guild is organized and will be operated exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, or scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
The assets and property of the Guild are hereby pledged for use in performing its exempt purpose.
The Guild is additionally organized to do any and all lawful acts that may be necessary, useful, suitable, or proper for the furtherance of accomplishment of the purposes of this Guild. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.
1.3 Location the Guild Servicesand office:
The Guild primarily serves the Southern NH and Northeastern MA region.
The Guild will maintain a PO Box mailing address within the state of New Hampshire and a registered contact.
1.4 Powers: Members and directors of The Guild are subject to adherence to these Bylaws.
1.5 Fiscal Year: The fiscal year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31 of each year.
1.6 5 Annual Meeting: The December meeting of The Guild will be considered the Annual Meeting where elections results are announced, and the President and Treasurer deliver reports.
1.7 6 Privacy: Member information is for the purpose of The Guild business only and every effort will be made to protect the privacy of individual members. Personal information of members will never be offered for sale or otherwise to non-authorized parties.
1.8 7 Consensus Decision-Making Process. All general and Board Of Directors meetings will be conducted in accordance with the Consensus Decision-Making Process.
1.9 8 Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment: All members have a right to meet in an environment free from discrimination and harassing conduct. No person may be denied membership to The Guild or be denied participation in any Guild events or activities because of the person's sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. All members shall treat one another fairly, with courtesy, respect, and dignity, without harassment or verbal or physical abuse.
1.10 9 No Private Inurement
No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the Purpose of the Guild in Article 1.2.
Article II: Members
2.1 Membership: Membership is granted to anyone 18 years or older upon payment of dues. All members must attend at least one general meeting in a given year to remain eligible for membership in the following year. Exceptions may be granted to former Board of Directors members. Members must adhere to these By-Laws to remain in good standing and maintain membership.
Membership is capped at 75 65. Additional applications received as number 66 76 and above will be placed on a waiting list. Waiting applicants will be contacted in numerical order of their application as space becomes available.
2.2 Dues: The annual dues amount will be set by the Board of Directors. If a member withdraws from The Guild, dues will not be refunded. Dues must be received by the December meeting to remain in good standing. Dues for new members may be prorated depending on the month they join the Guild, as determined by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has the authority to authorize payment arrangements on a case-by-case basis.
2.3 Meetings: The Guild will hold a monthly meeting. The timing of the meeting will be determined by the Board of Directors. The time of the meeting will not change in a fiscal year unless special circumstances are determined by the Board of Directors. Members may attend meetings free of charge.
2.4 Benefits and Privileges of MembershipVoting: Each member in good standing receives one vote towards Guild matters.
Members in good standing are eligible to participate in all Guild activities. These include swaps, bees, show and tell, sew-ins, retreats, workshops, etc.
Members are entitled to the privilege of voting, holding office, and serving on committees. Each member receives one vote on each matter.
2.5 Revoking of Membership: Membership may be revoked in cases of actions that threaten the non-profit status of The Guild. Membership may also be revoked for violating policies set by the hosting meeting space or by participating in any activity related to The Guild that is blatantly criminal.
Article III: Officers
3.1 Officers: The Board of Directors shall consist of President, Vice Presidents, Secretary, and Treasurer. Each officer must be a member in good standing for the entire term. Candidates must understand and adhere to The Guild’s purpose and have been an active member for one full year to be considered with an exception of the first year of elections within The Guild. Officers must attend 80% of the general and Board of Directors Meetings.
3.2 Nominating Committee: A nominating committee will be formed 60 days prior to elections and will consist of three to five members who do not wish to be considered for any officer position. Standing Board of Directors members may stand in if no members wish to join the Nominating Committee
3.3 Election of Officers: Officers will be elected to a one-year term by a majority of the members. Voting is by electronic ballot sent to members in email and will be tallied by two members in good standing who are not in consideration for an officer position.
3.4 Installation of Officers: Officers will be installed immediately following the election for the term of one year unless they resign or are removed from office or membership. All books and papers regarding The Guild shall be delivered to the new Officer within two weeks of the election.
3.5 Filling of Vacancies: An Officer may resign at any time. Any Officer position with the exception of President can be appointed by the Board of Directors. A Vice President will fill in for President until Elections can be held.
3.6 Powers and Duties: The Officers are listed below. Each Officer is responsible for one or more committees, if established. The committees for each Officer are listed below.
President: Nominating Committee
Vice-President(s) for Communications: Social Media Committee
Vice-President(s) for Programming/Events: Special Events, Challenges & Swaps, Education, Charity/Community Service, and Retreats Committees
Secretary: Historian and Hospitality Committees
Treasurer: Membership Committee
Article IV: Board Of Directors
4.1 Members: The Board of Directors shall consist of the Officers of The Guild.
4.2 Powers: As directed by these Bylaws, the Board of Directors will be responsible for managing the business and affairs of The Guild.
4.3 Meetings: The Board of Directors shall meet monthly on a schedule that is agreed upon by the members. Changes to the meeting time or place must be announced 7 days in advance by either electronic communication or oral communication with the exception of emergencies. The Board of Directors may invite other persons as guests to these meetings.
4.4 Quorum: At all meetings of the Board of Directors, 50% of the members must be present to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If the quorum is not met, the meeting may be immediately adjourned and rescheduled.
4.5 Voting: A majority of the Board of Directors members present at a meeting where the Quorum is met will constitute an affirmative vote.
4.6 Electronic Meeting: Board of Directors members are allowed to electronically attend meetings.
Article V: Committees
5.1 Committees: Committees are created to assist the Board of Directors in carrying out activities and responsibilities to The Guild. Committees can be suggested by any member and the Board of Directors may officially create or dissolve a committee.
5.2 Chairpersons and Members: Any member of The Guild in good standing can belong to one or more committees at any one time. Chairpersons will be appointed by a member of the Board of Directors.
5.3 Chairperson Responsibilities: The Committee Chairperson is responsible for the general supervision of the committee and its membership. The Committee Chairperson reports to its respective Board of Directors officer. The Committee Chairperson is responsible for providing the President monthly reports of pertinent information and for notifying the Board of Directors immediately of any concerns or issues.
5.4 Term: The Board of Directors will determine the term for the Committee and Committee Chairperson.
5.5 Resignation and Removal of Committee Chairpersons: The Board of Directors may remove a Committee Chairperson no longer in good member standing. In the event of removal or resignation, the Board of Directors may appoint a replacement Committee Chairperson.
5.6 Meetings: Each Committee may meet as needed and set its own rules for quorums and voting.
5.7 Financial Affairs: Each committee will work with the Treasurer. At no time should a committee be considered to be independent of The Guild nor fail to submit money or expenses to the Treasurer.
Article VI: Execution of Documents
6.1 General: The Board of Directors will be responsible for maintaining the good standing of The Guild in all matters regarding legal documents and contracts.
6.2 Contracts: The Board of Directors has the power to execute contracts on behalf of The Guild and to delegate such power to others on a case-by-case basis.
Article VII: Guild Funds
7.1 The fiscal year is January 1st through December 31st.
7.2 All funds delivered to The Guild will be deposited in The Guild bank account. The Treasurer will oversee the bank account and will deliver any check or other payment of monies on behalf of The Guild. A member of the Board of Directors will be designated as the back up to the Treasurer.
Paper copies of financial records will be stored at the home of the Treasurer. The President will have access to the records as needed.
7.3 Treasurer Review Committee: A Treasurer report will be given annually.
7.4 Budget Adoption: The Board of Directors will approve a budget every 6 months for the first year of The Guild operation and on a yearly basis after that.
7.5 Audit: Financial records shall be audited each year in January by two or more members (excluding the Treasurer and President) appointed by the Board of Directors.
Article VIII: Indemnification and Insurance
8.1 Indemnification of Officers, Members, Volunteers: The Guild may purchase indemnity insurance as needed for Guild business.
8.2 Insurance: The Guild may purchase and maintain D&O insurance for any member of the Board of Directors.
8.3 Fidelity Bond: The Guild will purchase and maintain a Fidelity Bond when non-profit status is achieved.
Article IX: Amendment
9.1 Amending the Bylaws: The Board of Directors may propose an amendment to these Bylaws at any time. The proposed amendment must be emailed to members and posted on The Guild’s website two weeks prior to voting via an electronic ballot sent to members in email and/or a paper ballot presented at a general meeting. 50% of the members must vote to constitute a quorum for amending the By-Laws. A majority of voting members where the quorum is met will constitute an affirmative vote. The outcome of the vote will then be placed in the minutes. The final binding vote will take place following the reading of the minutes at the next Board of Directors’ meeting.
Article X: Dissolution
10.1 Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
In the event the Guild is dissolved, all funds and goods owned by the Guild shall be donated to one or more non-profit organizations as designated by a majority vote of the membership in attendance at the meeting wherein the matter is discussed. The organizations considered will include those to which the Guild has previously donated.
In the event The Guild is dissolved, the money in The Guild’s bank accounts will be used to purchase quilts for museums and historical societies and/or given to charity.
Revision Proposed August 23, 2025
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