Heinlein Hegemony

ARTICLE I – NAME & PURPOSE

Section 1. Name

The name of the Cooperative shall be Heinlein Film Cooperative, aka The Heinlein Hegemony (“the Cooperative”).

 

Section 2. Purpose

The purpose of the Cooperative is to:

• Support the creation, production, distribution, and exhibition of film and media projects based on the works of Robert A. Heinlein.

• Provide shared resources, education, and opportunities for members.

• Operate on cooperative principles of democratic control, shared ownership, and mutual benefit.

• Promote artistic, cultural, and community-based filmmaking.

The Cooperative shall be organized and operated on a for-profit basis.

 

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Eligibility

Membership is open to individuals who support the Cooperative's purpose, including Heinlein Society members, science fiction fans, filmmakers, writers, actors, technicians, editors, and other media creators.

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Section 2. Admission

Applicants shall:

• Submit a membership application

• Agree to abide by these by-laws and any policies adopted by the Cooperative

• Pay any required membership fee

Approval of membership shall be determined by the Board of Directors or the membership, as established by policy.

 

Section 3. Rights of Members

Each member shall:

• Have one (1) vote in Cooperative decisions

• Be eligible to participate in Cooperative projects and programs

• Have access to Cooperative records as permitted by law

• Be eligible to serve on committees or the Board (subject to eligibility rules)

 

Section 4. Responsibilities of Members

Members shall:

• Act in good faith toward other members

• Follow Cooperative policies and decisions

• Contribute time, skills, or resources as agreed

• Maintain respectful and professional conduct

 

Section 5. Termination of Membership

Membership may be terminated by:

• Voluntary resignation

• Nonpayment of dues

• Serious violation of these by-laws or Cooperative policies, following fair notice and an opportunity to be heard.

 

ARTICLE III – MEETINGS OF MEMBERS

Section 1. Annual Meeting

An annual meeting of members shall be held once per year for:

• Election of the Board of Directors

• Review of reports/project progress

• Any other business properly brought before the meeting

 

Section 2. Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by:

• The Board of Directors

• A petition of at least 30% of the members

 

Section 3. Notice

Members shall receive at least a 15-day notice of meetings, including the time, place, and agenda.

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Section 4. Quorum

A quorum shall consist of 10% of active members.

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Section 5. Voting

Each member has one vote. Decisions shall be made by majority vote unless otherwise specified in these by-laws.

 

ARTICLE IV – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Authority

The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall governance and direction of the Cooperative.

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Section 2. Composition

The Board shall consist of five (5) Directors elected from the membership, except for the first-term Directors, who will be appointed to coordinate the initial setup and operations of the Cooperative.

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Section 3. Term

Directors shall serve terms of two years and may be re-elected.

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Section 4. Duties

The Board shall:

• Set policy and strategic direction

• Approve budgets and major expenditures

• Hire or appoint officers and committee chairs

• Ensure compliance with laws and by-laws

 

Section 5. Meetings

The Board shall meet at least four (4) times per year (which is at least once a quarter). A quorum shall be a majority of Directors.

 

ARTICLE V – OFFICERS

Section 1. Officers

The Directors will also assume the roles & duties of Officers during the Cooperative's initial setup and operations. When established, the Officer positions shall include:

• President / Chair

• Vice President / Vice Chair

• Secretary

• Treasurer

 

Section 2. Duties

• President/Chair: Oversees meetings and represents the Cooperative

• Vice President: Assists the President and acts in their absence

• Secretary: Maintains records and meeting minutes

• Treasurer: Oversees finances and financial reporting

Officers shall be elected by the Board or membership, as determined by policy.

 

ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES

The Cooperative may establish standing or temporary committees, such as:

• Production Committee

• Education & Training Committee

• Membership Committee

• Finance or Fundraising Committee

Committees report to the Board or to the membership, as assigned.

 

ARTICLE VII – FINANCES

Section 1. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year shall be from April to March.

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Section 2. Use of Funds

All funds shall be used to further the Cooperative’s purpose. No profits shall be distributed to members except as permitted under cooperative principles and applicable law.

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Section 3. Financial Oversight

The Cooperative shall maintain accurate financial records and make them available for member review.

 

ARTICLE VIII – INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Section 1. Ownership

Ownership of films and creative works shall be determined by written agreements approved by the Cooperative and participating members.

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Section 2. Cooperative Credit

Projects supported by the Cooperative shall acknowledge the Cooperative in film and project credits, unless otherwise agreed.

 

ARTICLE IX – AMENDMENTS

A two-thirds vote of the members present at a duly called meeting may amend these by-laws, provided that advance notice of the proposed amendment is given.

 

ARTICLE X – DISSOLUTION

Upon dissolution, remaining assets shall be distributed to:

• Another cooperative with similar purposes, or

• As required by applicable law

No assets shall be distributed for private benefit.

 

Adoption

These by-laws were adopted on [date 2026] by the members of Heinlein Film Cooperative.