BAPVA By-Laws

ARTICLE I. OBJECTIVES and PURPOSES

The objectives and purposes of this association shall be to:

Advance videography in all its branches, both as an art and as a profession.
Create, foster and maintain cordial relations, cooperation, and interchange of thoughts and opinions among its members.
Oppose violations and infringements of the rights of professional videographers or their organizations.
Cooperate with other organizations endeavoring to accomplish similar purposes.
Promote and educate the consumer to the advantages of hiring a professional videographer.

ARTICLE II. CODE OF ETHICS

SECTION A. The following shall constitute the Code of Ethics for all members of this Association, and each member shall abide by its guidelines:

Having been accepted for membership in the Bay Area Professional Videographers Association, I do hereby subscribe, without reservation, to this code of ethics, and do solemnly agree that:

Members will conduct business in a professional manner and will at no time knowingly indulge in any practice, action or method that could reflect negatively upon the BAPVA or its membership.
Members will at all times strive to maintain the highest level of workmanship possible.
Members will represent each client fairly and honestly, providing all agreed-upon services in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
Members will offer a reasonable guarantee of assurance of satisfaction, such as under a monetary refund arrangement, subject to the agreement by both parties.
Members will accept the right of the client to forward any complaint against a member to the BAPVA Board/Administrators.
Members will ensure that the final production of any video commissioned and paid for by the client shall not be sold for any other purpose without the consent of that client in writing.
Members shall at all times shall maintain the confidentiality of information either entrusted to them by a client, or obtained in pursuance of their work except on the order of a court of law or other appropriate authority.
Members will deal with employees in a fair, unbiased manner and will endeavor to ensure their safety and that of the general public at all times.
Members will carry out work with respect for the surroundings in which they are working, causing minimum disturbance to achieve a satisfactory result.
Members will cooperate with fellow members and will endeavor to maintain a professional liaison between each other in a spirit that will promote the art of videography and that of the entire video industry.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

SECTION A. CLASSIFICATIONS

FULL MEMBER

ACTIVE PROFESSIONAL VIDEOGRAPHER: An individual who, on a regular basis, produces, sells and/or distributes video productions for profit. Includes freelance shooters, editors and graphic artists. Must satisfy federal, state, and local license requirements.

ASPIRING VIDEOGRAPHER: An individual who does not currently satisfy the requirements of an active professional videographer, but is aspiring to become one. The aspiring videographer must satisfy the definition of active professional status within six months of joining BAPVA. If this condition is not met within the prescribed period of time, a re-evaluation of the appropriateness of membership will be determined.

RETIRED: An individual no longer active in the business of videography. Must have been an active professional member of BAPVA for five years prior to retiring.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

STUDIO STAFF: An individual who is employed by or affiliated with a Full Member of the BAPVA.

SUSTAINING: Manufacturers and distributors of video equipment, publishers or firms providing services to videographers.

HONORARY: The Board of Directors shall elect a member, in special cases.

SECTION B. CHANGE IN STATUS

A member shall promptly notify the Board of any change in status.

SECTION C. USE OF OFFICIAL EMBLEM

The following classifications may display the official emblem of the Association:

Active Professional Videographer
Retired
Sustaining
Service Specialist
Studio Staff
Honorary

The right to use said emblem shall cease with termination of membership.

SECTION D. REVIEW OF MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

An application for membership is subject to review and approval by the Board of Directors before the applicant may be received into the association. Applicants are requested to apply in person, but may be represented by a current member with the Boards approval.

SECTION E. VOTING RIGHTS

The following classifications shall have the right to vote in Association elections and have the right to hold office: Active Professional Videographer, Retired, Studio Staff and Honorary. Sustaining and Aspiring and Honorary members shall not have these rights.

SECTION F. CIVIL RIGHTS DECLARATION

Membership shall not be denied to anyone because of his/her race, sex, creed, ethnic origin, age or sexual orientation.

SECTION G. MEMBERSHIP APPROVAL

Application for membership shall be approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the Board members.

SECTION H. DENIAL OF MEMBERSHIP

Membership may be denied an applicant for prior failure to adhere to the Association’s Code of Ethics.

ARTICLE IV. DUES

SECTION A. PAYMENT

Membership dues are now accepted anytime throughout the year.
Renewal fees will be $100 if paid within 30 days of membership expiration period.
Terminated members making payment after 30 days of expiration shall pay an additional $25 to cover administrative fees.
New member fees are $125

SECTION B. DUES CHANGES

Changes in the dues structure maybe proposed by the Board of Directors to the membership at a regular meeting, and must receive a two-thirds (2/3) vote of any quorum to pass. Members must be notified of any such proposal by mail at least thirty (30) days in advance of the time to be voted upon.

ARTICLE V. OFFICERS

SECTION A. TITLES

The officers of this association shall be a President, Membership Director, a Treasurer, Membership Chair, Program Coordinator, Library Chair, and Web Developer all of whom shall be elected annually by the members.

SECTION B. DUTIES of the PRESIDENT

It shall be the duty of the President to:

(1) Preside at all meetings of the Association.

(2) Designate the time and place for any special meetings.

(3) Direct the activities of the Association.

(4) Act as a member ex-officio of all committees.

SECTION C. DUTIES of the TREASURER

It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to:

(1) Supervise and have custody of the funds of the Association.

(2) Provide a detailed annual financial statement of the Association which shall be made available to all members. Such a statement will be made by January 15th and posted online at www.BAPVA.com

(3) View all bills and accounts presented for payment and to be satisfied that they are in accordance with the requirements of the Association.

(4) Maintain funds in the reserve account of not less than $500. Funds can be withdrawn below this amount only with the notification and approval of the Board of Directors.

SECTION D. DUTIES OF THE MEMBERSHIP CHAIR

It shall be the duty of the Membership Chair to:

(1) Maintain database of current members.

(2) Keep track of dues for members, both new and renewing.

(3) Collect dues and fees from members and visiting guests.

(4) Communicate with members via newsletters.

(5) Provide identification (name cards) for members at monthly meetings.

SECTION E. DUTIES OF MARKETING CHAIR

It shall be the duty of the Marketing Chair to:

(1) Increase awareness of BAPVA to videographers, industry experts, related industry and the general public.

(2) Promote and foster relations between BAPVA and the community

(3) Lead fundraising, charity and public relations efforts.

SECTION F. PROGRAM COORDINATOR

It shall be the duty of the Program Coordinator to:

(1) Research, recruit, and coordinate future programs and guest speakers for BAPVA monthly meetings, special meetings, seminars, and special events.

(2) Introduce guest speakers at monthly meetings.

(3) Inform members of upcoming events in coordination with Membership Chairperson.

SECTION G. LIBRARY CHAIR

It shall be the duties of the Library Chair to:

(1) Maintain the lending library materials in good condition.

(2) Bring lending materials to monthly meetings.

(3) Keep track of titles on loan and due dates

(4) Coordinate for the timely return of loaned materials

(5) Requisition new materials as needed.

SECTION H. WEB DEVELOPMENT CHAIR

It shall be the duty of the Web Development Chair to:

(1) Maintain BAPVA website and forum

(2) Provide for, coordinate and operate webstreaming service

(3) Update online membership information, privileges, and access.

SECTION I. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(1) The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, Treasurer and three other Board members The Directors shall be elected at the same time as the Association officers, and shall serve for a period of one year.

(2) The Board shall meet bi-yearly or as necessary. A majority of Board shall constitute a quorum.

(3) The duties of the Board are as follows:

(a) Conduct the business of the Association.

(b) Approve all expenditures for the activities of the Association.

(d) Approve admission of new members and expel any member for good cause by a two-thirds (2/3) vote.

ARTICLE VI. ELECTION OF OFFICERS and BOARD MEMBERS.

SECTION A. ELECTION

Election of officers and directors shall take place at the regular January meeting and those elected will take office following the Installation.

SECTION B. REMOVAL OF DIRECTOR

A Director may be removed from office by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting membership and a successor shall be selected by the President to fill the vacant office and approved by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VII. MEETINGS and COMMITTEES

SECTION A. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

The President shall appoint such committees as is deemed necessary and they will serve until the next annual election or until their functions have been discharged.

SECTION B. SPECIAL MEETINGS

Special Meetings may be called at any time by the Board.

SECTION C. NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING

The Board shall give not less than seven (7) days prior notice to all Special Meetings.

ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the average monthly attendance for the calendar year immediately preceding if the membership has been notified at least 30 days before the meeting. Amendments to the Bylaws shall become effective immediately upon adoption unless specified in the amendment.

STANDING RULES OF BAPVA

May 30, 2010

SECTION A. GENERAL RULES

Ø All first time guests at the general meetings will be charged $25. This fee may be applied to membership dues when application for membership is made at the board meeting following that general meeting.

Ø Guest fees will be waived for spouses of members if they are not employed in a field related to videography.

Ø Upon a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors, any committee chairperson, or member of a committee may be removed from that committee for due cause.

Ø The membership roster is only given out to BAPVA members in good standing, BAPVA Newsletter advertisers, and other WEVA affiliates and chapters.

SECTION B. VIDEO EXHIBITION RULES:

(1) A minimum of three makers is required to hold a tri-yearly exhibition.

SECTION C. ELECTRONIC IMAGING RULES AND REGULATIONS:

(1) There are three categories: Social Events, (weddings), commercial/industrial (non-social events), or documentary/biographical productions.

(2) Entries are accepted in Standard Definition, and High Definition on DVD, USB Flash drive, or portable USB hard drive.

(3) Productions will be judged a maximum of 4 minutes, from the beginning. Any production continuing beyond the 4 minute mark will be stopped and judged up to that point.

(4) Entries will be judged on creativity, impact, quality, technique, content, camera work, lighting, audio, color and editing. If the maker’s name or logo appears on the entry, it will be disqualified. The maker’s name may appear on the tape case. The maker accepts responsibility for copyrighted materials etc.

(5) A statement of purpose may be submitted with the entry to explain the entry’s content, purpose etc.

SECTION D. VIDEOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

(1) An award will be given for Videographer of the Year. It will be awarded to the videographer who has the highest total of points, for the calendar year, calculated as follows:

(a) Video exhibitions:1.5 points for each video scoring 85 – 100 1.0 point for each video scoring 80 – 84 0.5 points for each video scoring 76 – 79 Points will be awarded for each videographer’s ten highest scoring videos.

(b) Year-end video awards:

o 3.0 points for 1st place.

o 2.5 points for 2nd place,

o 2.0 points for 3rd place.

(2) A minimum of five (5) videos representing three (3) different makers is required in each category before any awards will be given in that category.

(3) In using the award for any publicity or advertisement, it must state clearly what the award was given for. It will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors to determine if the publicity or advertisement is stated properly.

SECTION E. STANDING RULES FOR BAPVA’S NEWSLETTER:

(1) The Newsletter is a committee of BAPVA. The Association shall appoint an editor, by vote, who shall be responsible for publication of the Newsletter. The editor shall be responsible to the President of BAPVA.

(2) The editor shall have the discretion to edit articles for the purpose of clarity and spelling.

(3) The editor may delay publication of an article when space is a problem, or delete an article when it is in the best interest of BAPVA.

(4) Any member of BAPVA may submit an article for publication, provided it is of interest to the general membership.

(5) All articles will be submitted in writing, or via email.

SECTION F. PROCEDURES FOR ETHICS COMPLAINTS

(1) All ethics complaints shall be referred to the president of BAPVA who will assemble an Ethics committee.

(2) All complaints must be in writing or via email. The complaint should include any written documentation to support the claim against the accused. The president shall keep one copy of the complaint in his records until the issue is resolved.

(3) In the event of an ethics complaint, the President will refer the complaint, in writing, to the Ethics Committee. Copies of any documentation supplied by the complainant shall also be included.

(4) President shall also notify the accused, in writing, of the Ethics Committee’s intent to conduct an investigation. The President shall also include copies of any documents received from the complainant.

(5) The Ethics Committee shall conduct an investigation of the complaint. During the investigation, all members of BAPVA shall not discuss the case with anyone except the Ethics Committee, to prevent possible damages to anyone’s business or reputation.

(6) At the conclusion of the investigation, the Ethics Committee shall make a report to the President. If the issues under investigation cannot be resolved by the Ethics Committee, the President shall require a written report be presented to the Officers and Directors of BAPVA at their next Board Meeting.

(7) The report need not be detailed, but should contain recommendations as to what action BAPVA should take.

(8) The Officers and Directors of BAPVA shall require the accused to be present at the time the report is presented. Such notice shall be given by the Secretary, in writing, at least two weeks prior to the appointed time.

(9) A failure of the accused to obey the summons is cause for expulsion.

(10) After the Ethics Committee has presented its report, the accused should be allowed to cross-examine the other’s witnesses. The accused may have counsel at this meeting

(11) After all the evidence is in, the accused should retire from the room, and the Officers and Directors shall vote upon the question. Vote should be by written ballot only.

(12) Members of the Ethics Committee have the same vote as the Officers and Directors.

(13) No member should be expelled by less than a 2/3 vote of those voting.

SECTION G. MEMBER OF THE YEAR

(1) This award will be given to any member, in good standing, who has contributed significantly towards the organization and/or its members through outstanding deeds, services, actions and assistance. Member shall be determined by Board no later than December 1st.

SECTION H. HUMANITARIAN AWARD

(1) This award shall be presented to a member in good standing who has contributed their talent, time and/or services on a volunteer basis or without compensation. Nominations will be accepted throughout the year and a winner shall be determined by the Board no later than December 1st.

SECTION I. EDUCATIONAL LIBRARY

(1) Material checked out at monthly meetings need to be returned at the following meeting. If a member is planning not to attend 2 consecutive meetings, it shall be their responsibility to provide for the return of loaned property at their expense or be assessed an overdue materials fine.

(2) Deposits may be charged for certain titles/charts/equipment at the discretion of the Board and subject to prior vote.

(3) Overdue materials may incur a fine of $10/title or full replacement value depending on discretion of librarian and availability/popularity of overdue title. Enjoy the library and remember that others are waiting to use the books and tapes.

(4) We welcome suggestions for new videotapes or books. Please contact your librarian with your ideas and we will try to expand as well as update our library.