2022 - 2023  STANDING RULES

Cy-Fair Express Network (CYFEN) of ABWA

CYFEN standing rules are designed to cover situations not covered in Association bylaws and policies. CYFEN standing rules cannot conflict with the National or Network Bylaws and are not bylaw amendments.

Standing rules will be reviewed annually by the incoming Executive Board, then presented and approved by a majority vote of the membership no later than the September meeting.

  1. Local primary membership dues will be $60.00 and run from the date of sign up until 1 year later. 
  2. ABWA Secondary dues will be $45.00 and run from the date of sign up until 1 year later.
  3. Guests are welcome to attend two meetings. They must become members to continue to participate in the monthly meetings.
  4. The Executive Board may approve non-budgeted bills up to $400.00 without approval of the membership.
  5. As necessary, for time-sensitive matters the Executive Board may conduct a vote via electronic correspondence to membership or Executive Board.
  6. In accordance with Best Practices guidelines, the CYFEN Executive Board will disburse funds evenly between all primary members in good standing that attend the National Women’s Leadership Conference (NWLC). This allowance is to be used for conference registration, hotel, and purchased transportation. All members attending NWLC must email a report and reimbursement form with accompanying documents to VP of Finance within 10 days of attending conference to receive reimbursement. A member must attend 100% of the conference to receive reimbursement. Budget for conference reimbursements will be contingent on the performance and budgeted funds availability.
  7. In accordance with Best Practices guidelines, the CYFEN Executive Board will disburse funds evenly between all primary members in good standing that attend the Regional Conference. This Allowance is to be used for conference registration, hotel, and purchased transportation. All members attending Regional Conference must email a report and reimbursement form with accompanying documents to VP of Finance within 10 days of attending conference to receive reimbursement. A member must attend 100% of the conference to receive reimbursement. Budget for conference reimbursements will be contingent on the performance and budgeted funds availability.
  8. All Delegates and Committee Chair positions can serve for no more than two consecutive years.
  9. CYFEN will pay annual dues to the Houston Area Council. CYFEN will reimburse the meeting cost of one Houston Area Council delegate for attendance at the quarterly meetings (CYFEN will not pay the late reservation fee). The delegate shall submit in writing via email a report of the quarterly meeting within 3 days of the meeting to the VP of Communications.
  10. CYFEN will pay annual dues to the Federation of Houston Professional Women (FHPW). CYFEN will reimburse the meeting cost of one FHPW delegate for attendance at the quarterly meetings (CYFEN will not pay the late reservation fee). The delegate shall submit in writing via email a report of the quarterly meeting within 3 days of the meeting to the VP of Communications.
  11. CYFEN will pay the annual dues to the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce. CYFEN will pay the meeting cost of one delegate each month for attendance at the monthly luncheon. (CYFEN will not pay the late reservation fee). The delegate shall submit in writing via email a report of the monthly meeting within 3 days of the meeting to the VP of Communications. 
  12. No refunds for local dues will be given after three days of receipt. Refunds requested within three days of payment submission will be returned within 30 days.
  13. No refunds for yearly pre-paid lunches will be given after three days of receipt. Refunds requested within three days of payment submission will be returned within 30 days.
  14. No refunds for yearly advertising will be given after three days of receipt. Refunds requested within three days of payment submission will be returned within 30 days.
  15. CYFEN will have the following officers/committees with the following duties, which are not covered in the Express Network Bylaws:
  1.  Vice President of Fundraising: Responsible for coordinating and executing the planned fundraising events. Each event Committee Chair will report to the VP of Fundraising with monthly reports to be shared with the Executive Board at the monthly meetings. The VP of Fundraising will also meet and sign contracts for the venues with the President Elect, schedule monthly committee meetings with an agenda, assign committee members to coordinate each event, including but not limited to the Fashion Show & Tea, Chili Cook Off, and the Candy Market. She will also attend all monthly Board meetings, strive to achieve Best Practices for CYFEN and attend at least one National or Regional Conference.
  2.   Mentor Committee: Provide orientation and assistance for new members. Board member liaison: VP of Membership.
  3.   Scholarship Committee: Oversee and promote scholarship opportunities.  Board member liaison: President 
  4.   Hospitality Committee: Plan and schedule hospitality events and act as hostess/host at all events. Board member liaison: VP of Membership
  5.   Technology Committee: Oversees website, updates, page changes etc. Board member liaison: VP of Marketing 
  6.   Newsletter Committee: Oversees coordination of the CYFEN quarterly newsletter. Board member liaison: VP of Communications

     16. The monthly meeting cost will be $30.00 for members with reservations made by 5pm the currently posted deadline. The cost will be $35.00 for guests and $35.00 late reservations, and walk-ins. The meeting cost for an invited guest will be $30.00 if, and only if, an early reservation is made by the sponsoring member and the sponsoring member pays the money.

     17. New primary members will receive their official personalized name tag at no charge. There will be a $25.00 charge for all additional or replacement name tags.

    18. Adhere to the Proud Code of Conduct, which shall also be published in each quarterly newsletter.

    19. All emails sent to membership by any board member will be for CYFEN business only.

Approved 2/23/2023