Join BEH
Join BEH
Doin’ it Right
by Big Easy Homebrewers
Version 2.0
SECTION I: The Basics
Our name is Big Easy Homebrewers, but we also respond to BEH and "the club." We haven't figured out a way to make money at what we're doing, so we are a nonprofit association. We can mostly be found in New Orleans, Louisiana, aka "The Big Easy." And these are the closest things to rules we have.
SECTION II: Why We Do It
We like making beer, and we do it for our own enjoyment and edification. We want to share that with others who might have an interest in brewing, brewing history, and the many styles of beer made around the world. On occasion, we also like staging brewing competitions or entering those put on by others. Simply put, it’s our hobby, and our primary goal is to help promote the hobby. We want to brew better beer through friendship.
SECTION III: What We Don’t Do
Just because we like making beer doesn’t mean we’re reckless, criminals, or unable to do the right thing. In all our activities, we not only practice but expect responsible behavior when it comes to the consumption of alcohol.
SECTION IV: Governance
We’re hobbyists, not bureaucrats. We don’t care for procedures or nitpickery. Therefore, we agree to an informal governance arrangement in which authority for decisions on club business is vested with the club board members in the manner to be described in this document.
SECTION V: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Big Easy Homebrewers and its members are committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse club where each individual, regardless of age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, is heard, respected, and valued. We believe the love of beer and brewing can transcend these potential barriers and bring us closer together.
SECTION VI: Fearless Leaders & their Duties
The club will have three to five board leaders with these titles: Membership Director, Internal Affairs Manager, Education Director, Media Manager, and the Northshore Chapter Lead. They will serve on the Club Board, which shall have a minimum of three members but can be expanded to a maximum of seven, at the Club Board’s discretion.
Board member general duties
- Membership Director: Supervises the operation of Big Easy Homebrewers, works to grow the club, and collects club dues. Manages any club participation in homebrew competitions.
- Internal Affairs Manager: Assists the Membership Director with leader duties. Sets meeting schedule, posts meeting agenda, and controls club assets. Organizes any club-sponsored events.
Education Director: Develops and presents educational club topics in a collaborative manner. Coordinates any guest speakers. - Media Manager: Oversees and maintains the club's digital assets, including Social Media presence, Website, Promotional efforts, and use of the club logo. Assists the other board members as needed.
- Northshore Chapter Lead: Since we have a very large lake in the middle of our greater region, we hope to extend our club to the Northshore area and need someone to represent.
Additional board member duties assigned on an annual basis:
- Secretary: Keeps minutes of all "official" meetings. Maintains the membership list.
- Treasurer: Maintains the club's checking account and distributes money.
SECTION VII: Choosing Fearless Leaders
Choosing/changing board members and making club decisions will be the Membership and Internal Affairs board members’ decision with input from the other board members and general members. Otherwise, we understand that most members aren’t particularly interested in doing all the nitty-gritty that goes into club activities, including deciding which poor schmuck gets stuck with all the work. So, the selection of board members and general members will be done informally without a vote. Generally, it will be a matter of finding a victim and convincing him or her to do it and then heaving a big sigh of relief. We don't pretend to be a democracy. In the unlikely circumstance that the decision becomes contentious, and it is necessary to settle the matter formally, the selection of future board members will be by a majority vote of members with the existing board member approval. Board members do not have term limits, but the intent is to rotate the positions every two years nonconsecutively to maintain historical continuity.
SECTION VIII: Taking Care of Business
Authority to make decisions about how to spend the club's meager resources, who to appoint to various tasks, what sort of programs to undertake and any other club business is given to the Membership Director and Internal Affairs Manager. But to ensure against dictatorship or the abuse of club resources, at least three Board members must approve spending club funds, use of other club resources, or commitment of club members. Also, all such actions must be reported to the full Board at the first meeting following the action. The use of the club's name and logo on social media, t-shirts, and at any event, etc. must be approved by the Media Manager board member and two other board members.
SECTION IX: Meetings, etc.
Only one meeting is required: an annual business meeting held in January. This will include the selection of Board members and any other club business brought forward by the club leadership, including setting the amount of annual dues, reporting on the club's finances, and discussion of club activities for the year. Minutes of this meeting will be kept and submitted in writing at the next club meeting. Club members may raise issues to be discussed at future meetings. Other meetings will be called by the Board as needed. Notice for meetings will be by e-mail or Facebook event calendar at least five (5) days before the meeting date. Action at meetings may be taken only if a minimum of three Board members is present, and except as otherwise noted in this document, a majority vote of Board members present is required for approval.
SECTION X: Membership, Part I: Joining Big Easy Homebrewers
Membership in Big Easy Homebrewers is open to adults of legal age to consume alcohol who also share our interest in the brewing arts, are active homebrewers, and are willing to help in the club's operation. Those interested in joining BEH are welcome to attend a meeting or three to try it on for size. After that, if you want to keep coming, it’s time to put up or shut up. Here’s the drill: First, show up and let’s make sure we like each other, and our group is your thing. Then get an existing member to sponsor you and submit your nomination to the Board. It should be noted, however, that the Board can decline to accept a nomination and can place a moratorium on all new memberships if it determines that such action is in the club’s best interest.
SECTION XI: Membership, Part 2: Club Dues & “The Pledge”
But wait, there’s more. Once you’re approved, you must pay a full year’s dues (we’ll give you a break after Thanksgiving and credit your dues to the next year). Dues shall be payable as of January 1st of each year. Any member who has not paid by March 1st shall be kicked to the curb and will be ineligible to share in the activities of the BEH until all dues are paid up. Dues shall be prorated on a per month basis for new members only, or at the discretion of the Board. Annual dues shall be determined by the Board. Dues cover you and one member of your household of legal drinking age who live under your roof. And, not quite last, you must sign "The Pledge," indicating your understanding of club expectations regarding the responsible use of alcohol and assuming all responsibility for your actions. No member or guest may take part in a club event, meeting, or social function until the club has his or her signature on "The Pledge."
SECTION XII: Membership, Part 3: Participation
And finally, all members are expected to contribute in some way each year to the club's mission. This is often done by bringing your beer to club events or holding brewing sessions at your home. Other examples of contributions are serving as a host, organizing a workshop, providing education or beer tastings, volunteering for cleanup, or anything else that keeps the gears turning. Drinking beer does not constitute help. All members entering homebrew competitions shall list BEH as their affiliated club.
SECTION XIII: It Pays To Be a Member, Sometimes
If, during your tenure as a member, you achieve the brewing equivalent of rock-star status, you might be awarded a lifetime membership, which means you don’t have to pay dues anymore. This can only be done by a vote of the general membership at an annual meeting in which at least half of all members are present.
SECTION XIV: It Pays To Be Our Friend, Sometimes
We like people who like us, especially if those people are in the business of selling good beer or beer-making stuff. To acknowledge kind businesses, the Board may award free institute membership to organizations or companies in appreciation of services or benefits to Big Easy Homebrewers. But as much as we like them, institute members do not have voting rights and are not eligible to become board members.
SECTION XV: Bad Actors
If a member’s behavior is of such an offensive or abusive character that his or her continued presence at club events is deemed detrimental, that member either may be suspended or permanently expelled. It takes a majority vote of the Board to do either, and the vote must be taken at a meeting after notice of the action has been given to the member in question. In the case of suspension, the Board will decide the length of suspension from club activities. In the case of expulsion, no dues will be refunded.
SECTION XVI: Personal Conduct
Members recognize that participation in Big Easy Homebrewers activities is entirely voluntary. Participation in these activities may involve the consumption of alcoholic beverages which may affect perception and reactions. Members always accept individual responsibility for their conduct and behavior. Big Easy Homebrewers will neither assume nor accept responsibility for an individual’s actions. Also, members agree that driving while intoxicated is a serious violation of law and of expected behavior at club events and agree that they will find alternate transportation if they are unable to operate a motor vehicle safely and legally. Members agree they alone are responsible for their actions before, during, and after club events, including, but not limited to, decisions about driving after consuming alcoholic beverages and waive any claim, legal or otherwise, against the club and its members, hosts, and guests stemming from any club-related activities.
SECTION XVII: Changes
Sooner or later, someone is going to want to change things. Helpful suggestions are encouraged, and any member is welcome to put his or her name forward for a position as a Board member, subject to the selection rules described above, to take part in decision-making. Otherwise, changing these rules requires a majority vote of the Board, regardless of the number of Board members actually present, at a meeting in which proper notification has been made. Members may submit suggested changes in writing to the Board, which shall consider them at the next meeting.
SECTION XVIII: Finances
A designated board member shall keep the books of the club and report on its finances at the annual meeting and at other meetings as requested by the Board members. The expenditure of club funds requires a majority vote of the Board, either by poll or at a meeting with a quorum present. Also, we don’t intend to live forever, so should Big Easy Homebrewers ever be dissolved or cease to exist, its financial assets remaining after payment of all debts and liabilities shall be conveyed to a nonprofit entity that is organized and operated exclusively for scientific, educational, or community service purposes and has established its tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code and the Revenue and Taxation Code. Priority shall be given to brewing-oriented educational organizations. The remaining real physical property of Big Easy Homebrewers shall be sold to any existing members on a first-come-first-serve basis or made available to other home brewing organizations established in the State of Louisiana.
"The Pledge"
(2024 Membership Application)
Our Mission Statement and Purpose
The objectives of Big Easy Homebrewers (BEH) are to:
- Brew beer.
- Disseminate among our members information pertaining to the brewing, history, culture, critique, presentation, and consumption of beer.
- Promote home brewing of the freshest and highest quality beer.
- Foster general goodwill throughout Louisiana and nationally through the making and consuming of this noble and most excellent beverage.
We do not support or condone in any manner:
- The sale of homebrewed beer.
- The operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol by any member or by a participant in any club event.
- The provision of alcoholic beverages to minors.
Your Pledge
I hereby pledge and confirm that:
- I am of the age of 21 years or older.
- I am aware of my local laws and restrictions regarding alcohol.
- I know that participation in this club involves the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and I accept total responsibility for my conduct, behavior, and actions. I completely absolve the club, its officers, and fellow members of any and all responsibility for them.
- I have read the club by-laws and agree to all their terms.
Join Big Easy Homebrewers
Big Easy Homebrewers (BEH) is New Orleans premier nonprofit club of active, enthusiastic and award-winning homebrewers.