BY-LAWS OF THE FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY

Updated March 2025

ARTICLE 1

IDENTITY

SECTION 1: TITLE

The name of this organization shall be the: FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY

SECTION 2: PURPOSE

A. INTEREST

This Society is for people interested in the leather, uniform, Levi and BDSM lifestyle and the celebration of special interests.

B. OPEN MEMBERSHIP

This society of persons is open to individuals who have been designated as a person of interest, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or natural origin and is dedicated to educating the community and promoting unity in social, charitable and political ways. Membership is contingent on satisfactorily fulfilling the process of pledge-ship.

SECTION 3: VISION

In order to secure unity, integrity, honor, respect, trust, and tradition within the community of North Florida and Florida At-Large, the members of the FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY promise to uphold every individual as equals and his/her lifestyle as long as they adhere to the by-laws of the FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY. Members will strive to reach out everyone, no matter what sexual orientation or race. Neither will they discriminate due to handicap or gender identity. They vow to create and maintain a solid, unified front that encourages growth, understanding and cooperation. They also will promote and create an educational program for teaching and instructing the Leather/BDSM lifestyle as mentors and examples of correct and proper etiquette and protocol.

SECTION 4: EMBLEM

The official emblem of the FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY shall be a triangle of a stylized bird with wings spread in dark blue color with the letters “FCLS” in red in a step pattern down the center section of the bird with a red heart at the bottom of the letter pattern.

SECTION 5: BY-LAWS

These by-laws shall become effective July 1, 2025 and shall supersede all previous by-laws. Amendments to these by-laws may take place at the annual meeting within the correct manner and procedure. The most current issue of Robert’s Rules of Order shall supersede anything not covered in these by-laws. Violation of these by-laws will result in disciplinary action.

SECTION 6: FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year for the FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY shall be from July 1 to June 30 of any calendar year.

MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1: MEMBERSHIP

A. ACTIVE MEMBERS

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  1. Active members must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and must reside within the Greater Duval County area, including surrounding counties within the state of Florida and Georgia and receive 100% approval of the Executive Board at the time of application.
  
  
  
  
  2. There shall be a one time fee as well as annual dues per FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY’s Policy and Procedures.
  
  
  
  
  3. There will be no limit of the number of active members.
  
  
  
  
  4. Each active member shall have voting privileges.
  
  
  
  
  5. Active members are required to attend all general meetings. If a member is unable to attend a meeting, he/she shall notify one of the Executive Board members prior to the next meeting. The Executive Board will decide, at its sole discretion, where there is just cause to excuse the absence.
  
  
  
  
  6. Under certain circumstances meeting attendance may be accomplished via videoconference. The member must remain present within the video screen and notify the club of the presence of any other person.
  
  
  
  
  7. Active members with three (3) unexcused absences or two (2) months delinquent dues shall be notified in writing by the Secretary to appear at a meeting of the Executive Board to show cause why they should not have their membership terminated and colors removed. The decision of the Executive Board is final and is not subject to appeal.
  
  
  8. Club colors shall be worn at all FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY meetings, functions, bar nights, runs and other activities. Club colors shall remain the property of FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY.

B. MEMBERS-AT-LARGE

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  1. Members-at-large are active members who reside outside the Greater Duval County area and receive 100% approval of the Executive Board at the time of application.
  
  
  
  
  2. There shall be a one time fee as well as annual dues per FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY’s Policy and Procedures.
  
  
  
  
  3. There will be no limit of the number of members-at-large.
  
  
  
  
  4. Each member-at-large shall have voting privileges.
  
  
  
  
  5. Members-at-large are required to attend all general meetings. If a member is unable to attend a meeting, he/she shall notify one of the Executive Board members prior to the next meeting. The Executive Board will decide, at its sole discretion, where there is just cause to excuse the absence.
  
  
  
  
  6. Meeting attendance shall be accomplished via videoconference. The member must remain present within the video screen and notify the club of the presence of any other person.
  
  
  
  
  7. Members-at-large with three (3) unexcused absences or two (2) months delinquent dues shall be notified in writing by the Secretary to appear at a meeting of the Executive Board to show cause why they should not have their membership terminated and colors removed. The decision of the Executive Board is final and is not subject to appeal.
  
  
  8. Club colors shall be worn at all FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY meetings, functions, bar nights, runs and other activities. Club colors shall remain the property of FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY.

C. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

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  1. Associate members must be at least twenty- one (21) years of age and must receive 100% approval of the Executive Board. Associate membership shall be comprised of two types of members:
  
  
  
  
  • a. A person who is an active member in good standing of another uniform, leather, Levi or motorcycle club may be voted for associate membership after his/her credentials have been checked and verified by a member of the Executive Board.
  
  
  • b. A person who is not a member of another uniform, leather, Levi or motorcycle club and lives outside the Greater Duval County area may be voted on for associate membership after his/her credentials have been checked and verified by a member of the Executive Board.
  
  
  
  
  2. There shall be a one time membership fee as per FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY Policies and Procedures.
  
  
  
  
  3. There will be no limit on the number of associate members.
  
  
  
  
  4. Associate members must receive a three-fourths affirmative vote by the active members present at the meeting.
  
  
  
  
  5. Associate members shall not have a voting privileges, but may discuss issues.
  
  
  
  
  6. Associate members are encouraged to attend all general meetings.
  
  
  7. Associate shoulder club colors shall be worn at all FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY meetings, functions, bar nights, runs and other activities. Club colors shall remain the property of the First Coast Leather Society.

D. FOUNDING MEMBERS

Founding members are the original members of FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY.

E. ALUMNI MEMBERS

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  1. An active member of 10 years in good standing and wish to step down from active membership but remain a part of FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY.
  
  
  
  
  2. Alumni members shall state to the club in writing their desire to become an alumni member of FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY.
  
  
  
  
  3. There shall be no dues for alumni members.
  
  
  
  
  4. There will be no limit on the number of alumni members.
  
  
  
  
  5. Founding members shall be eligible for alumni status.
  
  
  
  
  6. Alumni members must receive a three-fourths affirmative vote by the active members present at the meeting.
  
  
  
  
  7. Alumni members shall not have voting privileges but may discuss issues.
  
  
  
  
  8. Alumni members are encouraged to attend all general meetings.
  
  
  9. Alumni members may retain their club colors and are encouraged to wear them at all FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY meetings, functions, bar nights, runs and other activities. Club colors shall remain the property of FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY.

F. HONORARY MEMBERS

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  1. Those non-members who in the opinion of FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY have made major contributions to and have supported the purpose of FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY shall be considered for honorary membership.
  
  
  
  
  2. Honorary members must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
  
  
  
  
  3. There will be no limit to the number of honorary members.
  
  
  
  
  4. Honorary members must receive a three-fourths affirmative vote by the active members present at the meeting.
  
  
  
  
  5. Honorary members shall not have voting privileges but may discuss issues.
  
  
  
  
  6. Honorary members are encouraged to attend all general meetings.
  
  
  
  
  7. There shall be no dues for honorary members.
  
  
  8. Honorary members may wear club colors at FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY meetings, functions, bar nights, runs or other activities. Club colors shall remain the property of FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY.

G. INACTIVE MEMBERS

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  1. A member with three (3) unexcused absences within the previous 12 months or two (2) month delinquent dues membership automatically converts to inactive status.
  
  
  
  
  2. A member may request in writing to the Executive Board a temporary break from active membership given the intent to return to active status.
  
  
  3. There must be an approval of three-fourths affirmative vote by the active members present at the meeting to approve an inactive status request for no more than three (3) months.

4. An inactive member must provide a written update to the Executive Board as to future membership intent. There must be an approval of three-fourths affirmative vote by the active members present at the meeting to approve an inactive status extension for no more than three (3) months.

SECTION 2: CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

A. CLUB COLORS

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  1. Club Colors denote membership into FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY. They also announce the member is involved in the Leather/BDSM lifestyle. Therefore, no active, associate, alumni or honorary member of FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY shall allow anyone else to wear his/her club colors.
  
  
  
  
  2. If membership is revoked for any reason, club colors shall be returned to any member of the Executive Board. Executive Board members shall have the right to reimburse monies paid for club colors due to revoked membership.
  
  
  3. Any funds or money as dues paid shall not be reimbursed for revoked membership.

B. FAVORABLE CONDUCT

Each active, associate, alumni and honorary member and pledge must present themselves as public representative of FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY and as such must conduct him/herself with dignity and responsibility to reflect favorably on fellow members and FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY in general.

C. GROSS MISCONDUCT

Gross misconduct or heinous behavior in public while wearing club colors or at FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY functions will not be tolerated. This includes, but no limited to, theft, willful destruction of property, selling or consumption of drugs or excessive use of alcohol.

D. DISCIPLINE

The Executive Board will review such behavior. Disciplinary action may include, at a minimum, a reprimand and at a maximum, termination of membership and revocation of club colors based on a decision by three-fourths of the voting members present.

SECTION 3: PUBLICATIONS

• A. The FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY shall maintain two separate publications entitled “By-Laws” and “Policy and Procedures”.
• B. The FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY minutes and financial reports are not for general distribution except to individual club members.

SECTION 4: PLEDGE-SHIP

A. PURPOSE OF PLEDGE-SHIP

Pledge-ship is to allow an applicant for membership the opportunity to show his/her interest and support of FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY’s purposes and the ability to work with members to accomplish its goals.

B. PROCESS OF PLEDGE-SHIP

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  1. Becoming acquainted with the Executive Board and the other members of FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY who will explain its purposes, interests and functions.
  
  
  
  
  2. Being allowed to attend a minimum of three (3) regular meetings with a sponsor.
  
  
  
  
  3. Being asked to declare his/her interest and intent toward FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY.
  
  
  
  
  4. Completing an application form with a sponsor’s signature and submitting it to the Pledge Master.
  
  
  
  
  5. Completing a minimum three (3) month probationary pledge-ship, during which time the pledge will be expected to study and learn the by-laws, attend a minimum of three (3) regular meetings and all other club functions.
  
  
  
  
  6. Being assigned a task by the Pledge Master which the pledge will complete for the club. This must be completed before the pledge will be considered for memberships. This task is tailored to show the club the pledge’s willingness to work in and on future projects.
  
  
  7. Being voted on at a monthly meeting following the three (3) month probationary period, acceptance of the by-laws and after completion of project. A pledge must receive three-fourths approval of the active members present to be accepted as an active member.

SECTION 5: RESIGNATIONS

A. METHOD OF RESIGNING

Any active, associate or honorary member of FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY may resign from membership at any time by submitting a letter of resignation to the Executive Board along with the club colors.

B. ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESIGNATIONS

All resignations will be announced at the next regular meeting.

EXECUTIVE

SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE BOARD

The Executive Board shall consist of the following: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant-at-Arms and Pledge Master.

A. PRESIDENT

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  1. The President shall plan and preside at all board and regular meetings.
  
  
  
  
  2. The President shall appoint all committees.
  
  
  3. The President shall, prior to the annual meeting, appoint a nominating committee.

B. VICE-PRESIDENT

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  1. The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in his/her absence.
  
  
  2. The Vice-President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.

C. SECRETARY

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  1. The Secretary shall record, transcribe and distribute copies of the minutes of all regular meetings. The Secretary shall keep a file of the approved minutes of all meetings. The Secretary shall keep a record of attendance at all meetings.
  
  
  
  
  2. The Secretary shall be responsible for all correspondence and keeping a file of the same.
  
  
  
  
  3. The Secretary shall be responsible for all distributions of records to members as directed by the Executive Board
  
  
  4. The Secretary shall keep an up to date copy of all by-laws with amendments and changes and shall provide copies of the by-laws to all members.

D. TREASURER

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  1. The Treasurer shall be in charge of and record all financial matters. Detailed records must be kept of all incomes and all expenses.
  
  
  
  
  2. The Treasurer shall notify all active members of dues owed and collect them in a timely manner.
  
  
  
  
  3. The Treasurer shall provide a detailed financial report at each monthly meeting.
  
  
  
  
  4. The Treasurer shall publish a yearly written financial report to be presented to the Executive Board and the general membership.
  
  
  5. The Executive Board, except the Treasurer, shall direct audits of all financial records kept by the Treasurer, including frequency of audits and appointing a person(s) to conduct the audit.

E. SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

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  1. The Sergeant-at Arms shall be responsible for all physical property of FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY.
  
  
  
  
  2. The Sergeant-at Arms shall maintain inventory of all property, which shall be audited by the Executive Board.
  
  
  
  
  3. The Sergeant-at Arms shall be responsible for transporting the required properties to and from all functions.
  
  
  4. The Sergeant-at Arms shall maintain order at all meetings and functions.

F. PLEDGE MASTER

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  1. The Pledge Master shall be in charge of all pledges. The Pledge Master shall receive application for club membership from potential pledges and track and record attendance at club functions during the time allocated for the pledge’s three (3) month probationary period.
  
  
  
  
  2. The Pledge Master shall assign all pledges their task(s) as described in Article 2, Section 4.
  
  
  
  
  3. The Pledge Master shall insure all pledges have studied the by-laws and fully understands them.
  
  
  4. The Pledge Master shall monitor the conduct, meeting attendance and task performance of all pledges and report his/her findings at the meeting during which the pledge is considered for membership.

SECTION 2: GENERAL

A. IMPEACHMENT

Any officer can be impeached for gross dereliction of duty. Any active member, in writing to the Executive Board, may initiate impeachment proceedings. A simple majority of the Executive Board, except for the concerned officer who shall not vote on his/her own impeachment, is required to bring the impeachment to the full vote of the active membership. A three-fourths majority of active members present is required to remove an officer.

B. DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS

All expenses incurred by FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY must be justified and receipts presented to the Treasurer prior to payment. Authorities for expenditures are as follows:

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  1. Any officer may spend up to twenty-five ($25.00) per expenditure in fulfilling his/her office without prior approval.
  
  
  2. An expense over twenty-five ($25.00) but less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) per expenditure must be pre-approved by a majority vote of the Executive Board.

3. An expense over one hundred dollars ($100.00) per expenditure must be preapproved by majority vote of the active membership.

C. SPECIAL AWARDS

The Executive Board shall recognize and provide special awards to individuals and other clubs.

SECTION 3: ELECTION OF OFFICERS

A. NOMINATION RESTRICTIONS

Nominations for officers are limited to active members in good standing.

B. OPEN NOMINATIONS

In addition to those named by the nominating committee, the floor shall be open for further nominations.

C. SECRET BALLOT

If there is more than one nomination for an office, voting for that office shall be by secret ballot.

D. TIME OF ELECTIONS

Election of officers shall be at the annual meeting.

E. TERM OF OFFICE

Elected officers shall serve for a period of two one-year terms beginning on the annual meeting in July, after which, said officers may also be appointed to retain their office for an indefinite period of time by a quorum vote of the membership.

SECTION 4: OFFICER’S RESIGNATION

An officer may resign in writing to the Executive Board. If more than two (2) months remain in the term of office, an election will be held at the next general meeting. If two (2) months or less remain, the situation will be handled as follows: In case of the President’s resignation, then theVice-President will assume the duties of the President. In the case of other officers, the President will appoint a successor of that office, subject to the approval of a majority of the Executive Board.

MEETINGS

SECTION 1: MEMBER MEETINGS

A. REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS

Regular meetings will be held monthly at a specific date and time to be determined by the Executive Board and to be approved by the present active members.

B. EMERGENCY MEETINGS

Emergency meetings may be called at any time by the Executive Board or by three (3) or more active members.

C. RESCHEDULING MEETINGS

In case of extenuating circumstances (i.e.: inclement weather), the Executive Board shall be responsible for rescheduling the meeting and notifying members of the new date and time.

D. RULES OF ORDER

Meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.

E. QUORUM REQUIRED

Business may be conducted at the regular meetings with a quorum of 50% plus one (1) active member present.

SECTION 2: EXECUTIVE MEETINGS

A. PRIOR TO GENERAL MEETINGS

The Executive Board has the right to meet prior to the regular meetings.

B. CLOSED EXCEPT BY INVITATION

The Executive Board meeting shall be closed to the general members, except by invitation.

C. REQUEST BY ACTIVE MEMBER

Any active member may request in writing to attend a meeting o the Executive Board.

SECTION 3: VIDEOCONFERENCE MEETINGS

Videoconference meetings may be scheduled by the Executive Board in lieu of face to face meetings for many reasons not limited to natural disaster, health crisis or community disruption. The meeting will be electronically scheduled by the club secretary. He/she may delegate someone else to be the “host’ of the meeting. The Executive Board will give those on the most current email list ample written notice of a videoconference meeting. Attendance will continue to be counted even in a videoconference meeting. To be counted in attendance, a member must remain active on the screen. Members may be allowed to replace attendance to a face to face meeting with a videoconference meeting with previous notification to the Executive Board. Emergency videoconference meetings can be scheduled.

DISBANDMENT

SECTION 1: PROCEDURE

To insure that FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY’s direction continues to be nonprofit, in the event of disbandment, the remaining active members shall decide by majority vote which assets to donate to charitable or nonprofit organization(s) and which to sell at auction.

SECTION 2: DISPOSAL OF FUNDS

All of FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY’s funds shall be donated to the charitable or nonprofit organization(s) selected by majority decision of the remaining active members.

AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1: METHOD OF PROPOSAL

Two (2) members of the Executive Board or 25% of the active members shall propose an amendment in writing.

SECTION 2: PRESENTATION AND VOTING

The proposed amendment shall be presented in writing at the general meeting and discussed. The amendment can be tabled until the next general meeting until the amendment is accepted. The amendment shall be voted on only at the next annual meeting.

SECTION 3: RATIFICATION

An affirmative vote of three-fourths of the active members present shall be required for ratification of the proposed amendment.

LIABILTY DISCLAIMER

I agree that the members, operators, owners and agents of FIRST COAST LEATHER SOCIETY (hereinafter referred to as the club) or the club’s locations may not be liable in any way for any occurrence in conjunction with the club’s activities, which may result in injury, death or damage to me.

In consideration for being allowed to attend these activities and undertakings, I release the aforementioned club members, location owners, operators and agents, including but not limited to the person mentioned, from any harm, injury or damage, which may befall me, while I attend or participate therewith, whether foreseen or unforeseen; and further to save and hold harmless said activities and club members, location owners, operators and agents for any claim by me or by my family, estate, heirs or assigns, arising out of my attendance and participation in the club activities.

I further state that I assume all risk or claim, which may arise in connection with such activities. I further state that I assume all responsibilities of participation in this, the club’s activities. I further state that I am physically fit. It is further understood and agreed that all rights of recovery under applicable Florida Law, similar law of any state or territory of the United States, including any rights under Federal Law are hereby expressly waived.

I further state that I am of legal age and legally competent to sign this release; and that I understand the terms herein are contractual and not a mere recital; and will abide by this document as my own free act. I have informed myself of the content of this release by reading it.

I herby irrevocably consent to and authorize the use and reproduction by you, or anyone authorized by you, of any and all photography, which you have taken of me in connection with this event, negative or positive, for any purpose in promoting the club events without compensation to me. All negatives and positives together with the prints shall constitute your property, solely and completely.

Finally, I agree to abide by the regulations, notwithstanding the other provisions of this agreement.

Member Signature: __________________________________________________________________
Print Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________________________________________
President Signature: _________________________________________________________________