Dear CRW Members,
The Board of Directors is proposing updates to the Contemporary Romance Writers (CRW) Bylaws to better align with the organization’s current operations and future needs. View amendments below and vote here. Voting opens April 1, 2026 and closes on May 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST.
These amendments focus on clarifying Board structure, strengthening governance practices, and supporting the continued growth and sustainability of CRW.
Summary of Proposed Changes
The proposed amendments include:
- Adjustment to Board composition to reflect a four-member Board structure (Article 5.2)
- Updates to Board qualification requirements (Article 6.2)
- Adjustment of term lengths for Secretary and Treasurer to two-year terms (Article 6.3)
- Clarification of Board meeting frequency (Article 7.2)
- Updates to financial audit requirements (Article 11.5)
- Minor language and formatting revisions for clarity (various sections)
Review the Proposed Amendments
Below is the full text of the proposed bylaw amendments for your review.
Article 5 – Board of Directors
Proposed Revision – Section 5.2 (Composition)
The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Officers and have four (4) Directors. A Board member need not be a resident of the State of Texas. All Officers shall also serve as Directors of CRW.
Article 6 – Elections (Qualifications & Terms)
Proposed Revision – Section 6.2 (Qualifications)
In order to be eligible for a Board position a candidate must:
(1) be a member of CRW;
(2) have been a member for a minimum of six (6) months before taking office;
(3) not have a material conflict of interest that would disqualify the person from holding the intended office;
(4) not have been found guilty of a Code of Ethics violation.
Proposed Revision – Section 6.3 (Term Lengths and Limitations)
An individual may hold only one position on the Board at any time. No candidate may run for more than one position at a time. Directors may run for office while serving on the Board.
The terms of the President and Vice President shall be one (1) year in length and shall commence on the first day of the fiscal year. The terms of the Secretary and Treasurer shall be two (2) years in length and shall commence on the first day of the fiscal year.
An individual may serve no more than two consecutive full terms in any one office, except in such cases in which a replacement has not been elected or appointed and the Texas Nonprofit Corporations Law requires the individual to remain in office.
Article 7 – Meetings
Proposed Revision – Section 7.2 (Board Meetings)
The Board of Directors shall hold quarterly meetings each calendar year, at times, dates, and locations as set by the President. Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed.
Article 11 – Finances
Proposed Revision – Section 11.5 (Financial Audit)
The financial records of the organization shall be audited when required by applicable state or federal law, or when otherwise directed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Any such audit may be conducted by a three-person committee appointed by the Board of Directors or, upon a majority vote of the Board, by a professional.
Additional Non-Substantive Updates
The Board has also approved minor, non-substantive updates throughout the Bylaws to improve clarity, consistency, and formatting. These changes do not alter the meaning or intent of the Bylaws and do not require member approval.
Vote Now
Members may cast their vote using the link below or here.
Voting Details
- Voting Opens: April 1, 2026
- Voting Closes: May 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST
- Each member is entitled to one vote
- Amendments will be approved by a majority of ballots cast
Your participation is an important part of CRW’s governance. Thank you for your time and for being an active part of the CRW community.
Sincerely,
Contemporary Romance Writers Board of Directors