Section I. History

Rule I. History and Stance Toward Democratic Procedures
AFAN was founded originally, informally, as a special activities group of members of the American Federation of Astrologers, Inc. (AFA) to promote the conformity of the AFA with the aims and objectives set forth in the AFA Charter and with fair and democratic procedures and elections. AFAN supports democratic principles and free speech in astrology, among individuals, within organizations, and in the community at large, and will work within the law to create opportunities for free speech and rights for astrologers everywhere.

Section II. The Steering Committee

Rule II-1. Duties and Responsibilities of the Chair of Meetings of the SC
The chair of a meeting of the SC shall

1. confirm with the recording secretary items of old business to be included on the agenda of the next meeting;

2. during the period between meetings, solicit from the other members of the SC items for the agenda of the next meeting;

3. not less than 5 days before the next meeting of the SC prepare and email the agenda for the next meeting to the SC;

4. direct the meeting so all matters on the agenda can be handled within the time allotted, while moderating the call to provide full and free discussion, as defined in the Bylaws, of all issues;

5. maintain order and decorum on the call while insuring that all points of view are heard;

6. when appropriate, call for roundtable discussion, giving each member an uninterrupted statement limited to two (2) minutes duration;

7. when appropriate, call for and conduct in alphabetical order, a non-binding poll or formal vote; and

8. when appropriate, call for and entertain motions for synthesis of contrasting and/or conflicting ideas and other motions.

Rule II-2. Calls of the Steering Committee
The SC may pass a resolution requesting each member of the SC to contribute monies to defray the costs of conference telephone calls for SC meetings. The amount of money requested per SC member may not exceed 5% of the total cost.

Section III. Duties and Responsibilities of Committees.

In addition to duties and responsibilities specified herein, each committee shall perform such other functions and duties as are appropriate to the purview of the Committee as directed by the SC from time to time.

Rule III-1. The Advisory Committee
The Advisors' Committee shall

1. create maximum opportunity for members of the Advisory Council to participate in the affairs of the Network;

2. recommend nominees to the SC for appointment to the Advisory Council and as Presiding Officer;

3. establish and maintain an active mentoring program;

4. solicit, receive, organize, and distribute to the members of the SC advice from the Advisory Council;

5. supervise the referral of matters by the SC to the Advisory Council; and

6. cooperate with the Recording Secretary to prepare and distribute to the Advisory Council synopses of the meetings of the SC when requested.

Rule III-2. The Community Activities Committee
The Community Activities Committee shall

1. cooperate with the Local and Regional Coordinators to determine and define the duties and functions of the Coordinators;

2. recruit, screen, and interview, and nominate potential Coordinators for acceptance by the SC;

3. support current Coordinators in the fulfillment of their duties;

4. organize the international telephone and/or email trees, in cooperation with the Coordinators;

5. promote local IAD activities;

6. confer with regional coordinators to solicit potential scholarship venues and nominees; and

7. coordinate with the Presiding Officer to make sure that AFAN promotional materials are made available to astrological groups and conferences.

Rule III-3. The Correspondence Committee
The Correspondence Committee shall

1. receive all mail addressed to the Network through the mail drop or PO box;

2. distribute mail to the appropriate committee or the Presiding Officer;

3. forward all bills, funds, and donations to the Treasurer;

4. respond to inquiries about the Network according to guidelines and policies established by the SC;

5. photocopy or save to disk and refer letters outside this committee's authority to answer, asking to be copied on any written answers provided by other SC members or the Presiding Officer;

6. maintain files of correspondence;

7. check the 800 number at least weekly for messages and refer calls to other committees when appropriate;

8. set up teleconferencing meetings and notice SC of said meetings; and

9. maintain inventory of stationery for distribution to SC members.

Rule III-4. The Democratic Procedures Committee
The Democratic Procedures Committee shall

1. hear and investigate complaints, grievances, questions, and suggestions of Networkers and refer input on such matters to the SC;

2. maintain a website display of the current Bylaws;

3. send copies of these bylaws and/or successive versions thereof to Networkers who request them and who forward the cost of duplicating and mailing said copies; and

4. through its chair, operate as parliamentarian and sergeant-at-arms of the SC meetings.

Rule III-5. The Finance and Treasury Committee
The Finance and Treasury Committee, chaired by and under the supervision of the Treasurer, shall be responsible for the Network's finances. The Treasurer shall

1. have charge and custody of, and be responsible for the care and accounting of all funds and securities of the Network, and shall deposit all such funds in the name of the Network in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected by the SC;

2. keep and maintain accurate and adequate records of the Network's income, expenses, liabilities, assets, and fund balances;

3. monitor the revolving funds advanced to cover the expenses of committees and staff volunteers;

4. report at each SC meeting, and to the Network quarterly through the Newsletter, the income, expenses, fund balances and general financial condition of the Network, recommending the need to increase revenues or to increase or decrease expenditures when necessary;

5. disburse all monies approved for expenditure by the SC or by the Network's Bylaws or Standing Rules;

6. obtain the approval of the SC for expenditures exceeding five hundred dollars ($500);

7. cause to be prepared and submitted annual tax statements for the Network; and

8. prepare and submit an annual budget, in writing, to the SC.

Rule III-6. The Membership Committee
The Membership Committee shall

1. process all membership applications and checks and forward all bills, checks, funds, and donations to the Treasurer;

2. maintain and update the membership list with records of Networkers whose dues are paid, due, in arrears, or expired;

3. give notice to Networkers to pay their dues;

4. maintain current records as to which Networkers are to be counted in the percentages applied to elections, petitions, and confirmations;

5. make available an electronic copy of the membership list to all Networkers who request it and hard copy to those who forward the cost of generating, duplicating and mailing it;

6. verify Networkers' eligibility to vote and be counted in percentages applying to elections, ballots, petitions, and confirmations;

7. verify that the signatures submitted on petitions are names of Networkers who are eligible to vote;

8. maintain a newsletter mailing list with names and contact information of Networkers and other persons, organizations, and businesses with expressed interest in the activities of the Network or desire to be sent copies of the Newsletter; and

9. provide labels for mailing publications and for use by the SC on AFAN projects.

Rule III-7. The Publications Committee
The Publications Committee shall

1. supervise the solicitation, selection, and editing of articles for the quarterly Newsletter and AFAN website, insuring the inclusion of all relevant information and points of view;

2. contact other committees for material;

3. arrange for, contract for, and supervise the typesetting, layout, printing, collating, labeling, stamping, and timely mailing of the Newsletter, website, emergency bulletins, and special letters, insuring that a sufficient number is printed for mailing to the extended newsletter list and distribution at upcoming conferences;

4. arrange for distributing Newsletters to conferences; and

5. be responsible for establishment and maintenance of any electronic lists established by the SC.

Rule III-8. The Legal Information Committee
The Legal Information Committee shall

1. investigate and report to the Network about the legal status of astrology and the rights and responsibilities of astrologers in various communities and locations;

2. prepare and distribute via the AFAN website and hard copy where requested, the legal information to help Networkers understand their constitutional and legal rights and responsibilities;

3. educate Networkers in effective legal advocacy, support them with information, and coordinate their efforts to secure and exercise their Constitutional rights;

4. confer with media concerning astrology and the law;

5. gather and maintain a file of information about local, regional, and national laws and ordinances which relate to the astrological professions;

6. with the approval of the SC, select and solicit advice, assistance, and legal services from attorneys; and

7. with the Presiding Officer, interface with attorneys regarding AFAN's involvement in any litigation.

Rule III-9. The Public Information and Education Committee
The Public Information and Education Committee shall

1. collect and disseminate information on the treatment of astrology and AFAN in the media;

2. inform the SC of any media coverage requiring an AFAN response;

3. suggest and initiate response to media treatment of astrology and of AFAN, cooperating with other standing committee chairs when appropriate;

4. collect and disseminate information about available astrological degree and certification programs;

5. cooperate with the Community Activities Committee in encouraging local and regional groups to present programs which promote discussion, research, and debate on significant astrological issues and professional concerns; and

6. coordinate with the Legal and Publications Committees in preparing and distributing educational materials, including press releases and promotional papers, for community and public outreach.

Section IV. Finances

The Finance and Treasury Committee, chaired by and under the supervision of the Treasurer, shall be responsible for the Network's finances.

Rule IV-1. Funds
The Network shall maintain separate ledger accounts and/or bank accounts for a minimum of the General Fund; Action and Revolving Fund; Grants and Scholarships Fund; and the Johnny Lister Memorial Fund.

1. The General Fund shall receive all membership dues and unrestricted contributions, donations, bequests, and grants;

2. Any structural or activities committee or staff volunteer may request that an Action or Revolving Fund be established for it, to make available to it advance monies that would otherwise be reimbursed to its members, that is, monies required in the discharge of the committee's duties and responsibilities. Action or Revolving Funds shall be established to receive and disburse monies budgeted for specific purposes or to receive and disburse restricted donations, contributions, bequests or grants.

3. A Grants and Scholarships Fund shall be established and funded, and monies shall be disbursed from it, according to the provisions outlined in Rule V-1 below.

4. The Johnny Lister Memorial Fund is established and funded by the Network out of its General Fund, in addition to any restricted grants, donations, or bequests the Fund may receive. The monies of the Johnny Lister Memorial Fund shall be disbursed, upon resolution of the SC, to Networkers in need of financial aid to defray extraordinary expenses related to their health and welfare.

Rule IV-2. The Annual Budget
One to two (1-2) months before the end of each fiscal year, the Treasurer shall prepare a written budget for submission to the SC and publication in the next Newsletter. The budget shall allocate reasonable, substantial, and significant funds to Scholarships and Grants and to the Johnny Lister Memorial Fund. For purposes of this Rule, "reasonable, substantial, and significant" means sufficient to indicate Network support for these activities and to enable these programs to accomplish their purposes. To override these guidelines, or to appropriate monies from Scholarships and Grants or from the Johnny Lister Memorial Fund, for other purposes, unanimous agreement of the SC must be secured and such action announced in the next Newsletter, inviting comment and suggestions for action from the Network.

Section V. Scholarships and Grants

Rule V-1. Disbursement
Each fiscal year, AFAN shall disburse no less than ten percent (10%) of its net income in scholarships and grants to the astrological community, with preference given to but not limited to AFAN members. Said scholarships shall be given to help defray the cost of attending conferences which promote networking or to help with costs incurred while attending certified or accredited astrologically-related academic programs.

Section VI. AFAN Seed Groups

Rule VI-1. Purpose of this Article
It is recognized that AFAN may not be able to respond to all needs of the astrological community, and that plurality of leadership becomes possible when values are shared. In the event that a significant minority of dues-paying members feels it might better pursue its agenda independently, such group may, in the orderly fashion described below, do so with or without the agreement of AFAN's current leadership.

Rule VI-2. Petition to form a Seed Group
Such group must submit a petition bearing the signatures of at least ten percent (10%) of the Network's legal members.

Rule VI-3. Requirement for Obtaining Nonprofit Status and for the Seed Group's Purpose
The seed group must obtain nonprofit status for its organization under federal and state guidelines within six (6) months of submitting its petition. The purpose of the organization as set forth in its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws must fall within the purposes of AFAN, that is, some form of service to astrology, or to the astrological community or profession.

Rule VI-4. Grant of Seed Money
Once incorporated, the seed group shall be entitled to a one-time percentage dispersal from the AFAN treasury, based on the ratio of the number of seed group members to the number of AFAN's legal members.

Rule VI-5. Calculation of Financial Assets
Calculation of financial assets awarded to the seed group shall be based on the contents of the treasury, the number of members with voting rights, and number of members of the seed group on the date of the petition. By "treasury" here is meant all monies under AFAN's control, less accounts payable and monies that were restricted to specific purposes when given, if legally necessary to be excluded from this calculation. The monies paid to a seed group shall be disbursed from the general fund.

Rule VI-6. Limitation on Members' Participation in Subsequent Seed Groups
Any individual Networker may participate in the formation of a seed group as described herein only one (1) time in a seven (7) year period.