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“aye,” those opposed to say “no.” In a roll call, each member answers “yes” or “no” as her name is called. In a vote by general consent, when a motion is likely to be agreeable, the chairperson says, “if there is no objection…” and the members demonstrate agreement by remaining silent (but if even one member says “I object,” the item must be put to a vote). In a vote by division, a voice vote is clarified by members raising their hands or standing to indicate their vote. And in a vote by ballot, members write their vote on a piece of paper.

Your group can also make a motion instead of voting: you can make a motion to “table,” which means to set aside the motion under consideration until a later date. (A “tabled” motion can always be put back on the table.) Or you can make a motion to “postpone indefinitely.”

WRITING THE BYLAWS

* * *

Bylaws are the fundamental principles and rules governing an organization. They should be clear and concise, as their goal is to help a group by defining and protecting its purpose. A group doesn’t officially exist until its bylaws are written. Here is a typical format for constructing your group’s bylaws.

ARTICLE I: Your group’s name

ARTICLE II: Purpose of your group

ARTICLE III: Members

1. Classes of membership (active, honorary, etc.)

2. Eligibility or qualifications for membership

3. Membership fees or dues

4. Rights of membership

5. Resignations and disciplinary action

ARTICLE IV: Officers

1. List in order of rank (president, vice president, etc.)

2. Duties (what each officer does)

3. Term of office (how long they get to be an officer)

4. Nominations and elections (how new officers are nominated and elected)

ARTICLE V: Meetings

1. Regular meetings

2. Annual meetings

3. Special meetings

4. Quorum (how many members need to be present for a meeting to take place)

ARTICLE VI: Board of Directors

1. Composition (who is on the board)

2. Powers (what can the board do)

3. Meetings (how often does it meet)

4. Quorum

ARTICLE VII: Executive Committee

A board within the board of directors

ARTICLE VIII: Committees

List all committees, including the committee name, number of members, manner of selection, and duties. Then list “special committees,” permitting the establishment “of such special committees as necessary to carry on the work of the organization.”

ARTICLE IX: Parliamentary Authority

ARTICLE X: Amendment of the Bylaws

Outlines the procedure for amending the bylaws (usually a two-thirds vote is required)

ARTICLE XI: Dissolution

States what will happen to the assets if the organization should be dissolved

Further Reading on Robert’s Rules

Robert’s Rules in Plain English (second edition), by Doris P. Zimmerman

Watercolor Painting On the Go

ONE OF THE MOST ENJOYABLE ways to begin watercolor painting is to work outdoors, when the weather is nice and the light is good. Working outdoors is also great because nature is a fabulous subject for beginners to paint. Unlike trying to paint, say, a family portrait, or a picture of your friend, a landscape is a forgiving subject: even if you aren’t able to capture the rolling hills and colorful flowers perfectly, your painting can still resemble an outdoors scene. (And you can always call it “impressionistic” if it doesn’t!) Here is what you’ll need in your traveling watercolor kit.

Brushes

Bring an assortment of round and flat watercolor brushes in a variety of sizes (0, 2, 4, 8, 12). Best brands: Winsor Newton Sceptre Gold, Robert Simmons, Grumbacher. Synthetic sable is an economical, long-lasting alternative to the more expensive pure sable bristles.

Brush holder

A flat bamboo mat that can be rolled up and tied with a ribbon or string. Weave a piece of white elastic band through the lower third of the mat and insert brushes. Roll up and tie!

Travel-sized palette

Make sure the mixing area is large enough, and that there’s a good range of colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, yellow ochre, burnt sienna).

Water containers

Two plastic collapsible water containers (they look like