Organization Bylaws

Section 1: Name

The name of this organization shall be "OurGunsMatter" (hereinafter referred to as "the Organization").

Section 2: Purpose

The Organization is established for the following purposes:

• To educate, organize, and safeguard communities by promoting responsible firearm ownership
• To assert and protect Second Amendment rights through lawful advocacy and education
• To foster a culture of safety, responsibility, and mutual aid within communities
• To establish and maintain community watch programs focused on observation and reporting
• To provide training in firearm safety, legal rights, and community protection

Section 3: Legal Status

The Organization shall operate as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization under the Internal Revenue Code.

Section 1: Eligibility

Membership in the Organization is open to any individual who:

• Is legally eligible to possess firearms under federal, state, and local laws
• Has no felony convictions or active restraining orders
• Completes the required orientation and safety training
• Agrees to abide by the Organization's Code of Conduct
• Passes the required background check verification

Section 2: Membership Classes

Section 3: Membership Duties

All members shall:

• Uphold the Organization's Code of Conduct at all times
• Maintain current training and certification requirements
• Participate in organizational activities as able
• Report any legal status changes affecting membership eligibility
• Promote the Organization's mission and values

Section 1: Board of Directors

The Organization shall be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of 7-9 members elected by the general membership.

Section 2: Committees

The Board shall establish standing committees to oversee specific organizational functions:

Section 1: Officer Positions

The Organization shall have the following officer positions:

Section 2: Election and Term

• Officers shall be elected by majority vote of the general membership
• Terms shall be two years with a maximum of two consecutive terms
• Elections shall be held during the annual meeting in November
• Vacancies shall be filled by Board appointment until next election

Section 3: Removal

Any officer may be removed for cause by two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors for:

• Violation of the Organization's Code of Conduct
• Gross negligence or misconduct in office
• Failure to perform assigned duties
• Actions bringing disrepute upon the Organization

Section 1: Annual Meeting

• Shall be held each November for election of officers
• Shall include reports from all officers and committees
• Shall address any proposed amendments to these bylaws
• Notice shall be provided to all members at least 30 days in advance

Section 2: Board Meetings

• Shall be held monthly at a time and place determined by the Board
• Special meetings may be called by the President or three Board members
• Quorum for Board meetings shall be a majority of seated Board members
• Minutes shall be maintained and available to members

Section 3: Committee Meetings

• Shall be held as needed to accomplish committee objectives
• Shall be open to all members unless executive session is declared
• Reports shall be provided to the Board at each regular meeting

Section 1: Chapter Formation

Chapters may be established upon meeting the following requirements:

• Minimum of 10 committed members in good standing
• Approved leadership team completing required training
• Submitted and approved operational plan
• Completed 90-day implementation period
• Verification of local legal compliance

Section 2: Chapter Autonomy

Chapters shall have autonomy in the following areas:

• Local program development within national guidelines
• Membership recruitment and management
• Community partnership development
• Local fundraising activities with proper reporting
• Event planning and execution

Section 3: Chapter Requirements

All chapters shall comply with the following requirements:

• Maintain current insurance coverage as specified
• Submit monthly activity and financial reports
• Participate in national training and certification programs
• Adhere to all organizational policies and procedures
• Maintain minimum membership and activity levels

Section 1: Proposal

Amendments to these bylaws may be proposed by any member in good standing by submitting the proposed amendment in writing to the Board of Directors.

Section 2: Approval Process

• Proposed amendments shall be reviewed by the Legal Compliance Committee
• The Board shall vote to approve the amendment for membership consideration
• Approved amendments shall be distributed to all members at least 30 days before vote
• Amendments require two-thirds majority vote of voting members for adoption

Section 3: Emergency Amendments

In cases of legal necessity or emergency, the Board may adopt temporary amendments by unanimous vote, subject to ratification by the membership at the next annual meeting.