(Effective November 1, 2009)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

The St. Louis Tip Toppers are organized to promote friendship and fellowship among tall people and to sponsor activities of interest and benefit to all members, probationary members, prospective members, and life members; to cooperate and render assistance in anyway with the Affiliation of Tall Clubs International; to improve, maintain, and conduct club and recreational activities for the members; and to assist in any other matters pertaining to the welfare of the members. The meetings shall be held on the second Monday of each month at a place voted on by 2/3 majority of the members in good standing present at a regularly scheduled business meeting. Meetings shall start at 7:30 p.m. Only members in good standing, life members, probationary members, prospective members who have passed the physical and age requirements, and married associate members may attend meetings.

The minimum height requirements for membership shall be:

Women - 5 ft. 10 in.
Men - 6 ft. 2 in.

No maximum height limit shall be set. All measurements are to be made in stocking feet. Measurements are to be taken by a measuring committee of at least two (2) members consisting of at least one (1) man and one (1) woman to be appointed by the President for a term of one (1) year at the January business meeting. The measuring is to be accomplished in the presence of the assembled members of the Club at the first meeting attended by a prospective member.

The minimum age requirement for membership is twenty-one (21) years of age.

The prospective member shall be of good moral character.

Prior to admission to membership in the Club, each prospective member shall be required to attend two (2) business meetings and two (2) Club activities, within a period of four (4) months beginning from the date of application for membership, with special exceptions to be taken up by the Board of Governors. Prospective members who are in the process of a divorce, must present to the President, within 30 days of date of application for membership, evidence of a court date for divorce proceedings. This probationary member cannot be voted into membership until his/her divorce is finalized. The Board of Governors, after investigation, can extend his/her probationary period until the meeting following the divorce; not to exceed 8 months from the date of application. Dues will be prorated from the date of application. During the probationary period, the prospective member is entitled to all rights and privileges of the Club with the exception of the right to vote or hold office in the Club.

A probationary member shall be admitted to full membership at the second regularly scheduled business meeting that he/she attends providing that he/she has fulfilled the activity requirements as described in Paragraph B above; by a vote of those members in good standing present. If a probationary member is unable to meet the monthly meeting requirements due to extenuating circumstances he/she should submit a letter to the President or the Board of Governors stating the circumstances and requesting that the business meeting requirement be waived. The Board of Governors shall decide to accept or reject said request. If accepted, the probationary member shall be voted on at the next regularly scheduled business meeting. A minimum of 12% of the votes cast by dues-paying members in attendance at the business meeting must be negative in order to automatically deny membership to a probationary member. If there are negative votes totaling less than 12%, the issue will be taken before the Board of Governors for final decision as to the acceptance of the probationary member. If a probationary member is denied membership they must wait a minimum of one (1) year from their original application date to reapply for membership. Any dissenting vote given on the probationary member must be signed. If any dissenting votes question the height requirement of that probationary member, the President and one or more members of the Board of Governors will re-measure the probationary member. (If that probationary member does NOT meet our height requirements, their membership will not be accepted.) If the probationary member DOES meet our height requirements, the "no" votes questioning height are voided. A new member will be informed of his/her acceptance into the Club by letter within two (2) weeks from voting date from the Membership Chair and a copy sent to the Treasurer. A new member has thirty (30) days from letter of acceptance to pay his/her dues, or be dropped from the membership roster.

The President may, after obtaining the approval of 2/3 of the members in good standing present at a regularly scheduled business meeting, confer an honorary membership on a person, though disqualified under Section 1 - Physical Requirements of Article II. The intent of "Honorary" membership is to bestow the honor of membership upon people who have dramatically helped the Club through free advertising such as a radio or television personality, or someone whose Honorary membership is in the best interest of the Club, such as a tall clothing store manager who gives discounts to our members. Honorary members thusly appointed or otherwise made, shall not be required to attend Club events; pay initiation fees, dues, or special assessments; nor shall they be entitled to vote, nor permitted to hold office. Honorary members shall not receive the bimonthly Tips on Toppers newsletter.

Honorary membership will be reviewed by the Board of Governors at each constitutional update. Honorary membership shall be withdrawn by a vote of 2/3 of the members in good standing present at a regularly scheduled business meeting.

Married persons shall be considered for membership in the Club only if both husband and wife meet the requirements of the Club and if both make simultaneous applications for membership.

When a dues-paying member marries a person who does not meet the height requirement, the member retains his/her active membership. The wife or husband of such a member will be made an associate member. An associate member is allowed to attend business meetings and social functions, but is not allowed to hold office, or vote.

Any individual previously a member of the St. Louis Tip Toppers may apply for admission to the Club not earlier than one (1) year after his voluntary termination of membership (see Article VIII, Section 1), and if all requirements are met, may be admitted to the Club under the same conditions as any new member as prescribed in Article II, with the exception of Article VIII, Section 2 (Involuntary).

Any member of a club in good standing of Tall Clubs International may be admitted to the St. Louis Tip Toppers Club after meeting the following criteria. Written notice of his/her status in the member club from which he/she is transferring will be required prior to admission. Such written notice shall be from an officer of that member club within ninety (90) days of the first business meeting attended. The transferring member must attend 2 activities and 2 business meetings and will be voted on at the second regularly scheduled business meeting that they attend after all of the above criteria have been met. Any dissenting votes will be treated as stated in Article II, Section 3, Para. C. Dues for any transferring member will be prorated per month from the date of the business meeting at which his/her membership was voted on and approved.

A life member is entitled to all rights of a dues-paying member with the exception of the bimonthly newsletter, Tips on Toppers. There will be a $10.00 annual fee for the newsletter.

Qualifications (either A or B):

A. Life membership is automatic after fifteen (15) years of continuous dues-paying membership at no charge. (See Article VII, Section 2.)

B. Any St. Louis Tip Topper member named Tall Clubs International Man or Woman of the Year.

The term of office for all elected officers shall be (1) year from January 1st through December 31st, inclusive. However, any or all elected officers may be re-elected as often as they choose to run.

If, during the course of his/her term, an officer finds it necessary to resign, the Board of Governors will submit their recommended officer nominee for the vacated office at the next regularly scheduled business meeting. Additional nominations will be solicited from the floor and the new officer shall be elected by the procedures as described in Article III, Sections 3 and 6.

l. Appoint special committees.

2. Require periodic reports from officers and committee members.

3. Appoint honorary members, with approval, as stated in Article I, Section 4.

4. Coordinate the activities of appointed committees.

5. Sign and execute all contracts on behalf of the Club when authorized to do so by the majority of the members present at a regularly scheduled business meeting, or specially called meeting, providing one-third (l/3) of the members are present thereat.

6. Approve bills for payment by Treasurer in emergencies.

7. Provide prior approval of all expenditures by the Editor for preparation and printing of the Tips on Toppers bimonthly newsletter.

8. Provide prior approval of all expenditures submitted by the Club officers and chairpersons.

9. Appoint two members in good standing to assist in conducting the election in the absence of the Board of Governors.

10. Provide prior approval of all expenditures submitted by Miss Tall St. Louis.

11. If the President is unable to preside at the business meeting he/she shall appoint a member of the Board of Governors to preside or one of the current officers.

1. Consult with the Board of Governors on all matters affecting the Club's welfare not specifically covered elsewhere in these By-Laws.

2. Make reports on Club affairs to the members at business meetings.

3. Guard the interests of the Club and protect its reputation.

4. Appoint a committee of Board of Governors consisting of between 4 and 5 members at the January business meeting. (See Article V, Section 6.)

5. Appoint a measuring committee of one Club member, for a term of one (1) year at the January business meeting. (See Article V, Section 1)

6. Appoint a Flower Chairperson for a term of one (1) year at the January business meeting.

7. Appoint an Historian for a term of one (1) year to act as Club photographer, report and maintain a record of the Club's activities and history (scrapbook of newspaper clippings, articles, pictures, etc.)

8. Appoint a T-shirt Chairperson, for a term of one (1) year to maintain and provide for the sale of T-shirts at Club business meetings, and Club functions, including TCI weekends and Convention.

9. Appoint a Marfan Chairperson for a term of one (1) year to serve as the liaison between the St. Louis Tip Toppers and the local Marfan Chapter as outlined in Article V, Section 7.

10. Appoint an individual for the purpose of roster maintenance.

11. Ensure that all TCI nomination forms for awards presented at Convention (See TCI Constitution, Article VII) and Miss Tall International® entry form (See TCI Constitution, Resolution 1), and TCI Scholarship Fund Application (See TCI Constitution, Resolution 3), are submitted prior to the deadlines as specified by TCI.

12. Ensure that the Club P.O. box rental fee is paid by the due date. (See Article IV, Section 5, Item 8)

13. The retiring President shall pass on to the newly elected President all Club property pertaining to the office of President.

14. Ensure that the Articles of Incorporation document is properly updated with the State of Missouri annually.

15. Ensure that the Treasurer pays the Property and Casualty insurance by the due date annually.

16. Ensure that the Annual Registration Report (nonprofit corporations) is filed with the Secretary of the State of Missouri.

17. All correspondence via US Postal Service for the President shall be mailed to the Club PO Box.

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l. Calling of meeting to Order

2. Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting by the Recording/Corresponding Secretary

3. Report of TCI club activities by the Recording/Corresponding Secretary

4. Treasurer's Report

5. Publicity/Membership Chairperson Report

6. Queen's Report

7. Measuring of Prospective members

8. Roll call of Probationary members

9. Report of chairpersons

a) Flower Chairperson
b) Historian Chairperson
c) T-shirt Chairperson
d) Marfan Chairperson
e) Board of Governors

10. Editor's Report

11. Webmaster's Report

12. Activities Coordinator presents - Social Calendar

13. Special Committees

14. Old Business

15. New Business

16. Introduction of Prospective Members

17. Announcements

18. 50/50 drawing

19. Adjournment

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Paragraph A - Duties

1. The Activities Coordinator is responsible for the development of the monthly social calendar.

2. In the event of a Club house party, will retrieve and disseminate calls/emails that come from Club members to appropriate members on a timely basis.

3. The retiring Activities Coordinator shall pass on to the newly elected Activities Coordinator all Club property and information pertaining to the office of Activities Coordinator.

4. All correspondence via US Postal Service for the Vice President shall be mailed to the Club PO Box.

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1. Collect dues, initiation fees, and special assessments.

2. Reimburse Club members for expenses incurred upon approval as outlined in Paragraph B below.

3. Disperse funds for Club events.

4. Deposit all money and valuables in the name of the "St. Louis Tip Toppers" in a bank convenient to him/her. This account should have joint-tenancy with Right of Survivorship between the President and Treasurer.

1. Maintain accurate and adequate records of the Club's funds and make a report at every business meeting.

2. Provide the Editor with a dues notice for each regular member and paper dues subscriber on the roster by May 1st. This notice will be included in the June/July Tips on Toppers newsletter.

3. Maintain an accurate, current list of members in good standing including life members who have paid for the newsletter.

4. Pay only those bills approved by the Treasurer and President. If disapproved, the contracting member shall be held responsible. (In the event of an emergency, the President may approve bills for payment by the Treasurer as provided in Article IV, Section 1, and Article IV, Section 3.)

5. Protect Club funds from unnecessary disbursements.

6. To provide up to the minimum required advance deposit for major events such as the Ozark Weekend, Anniversary Dinner/Dance, Holiday Dinner/Dance, Float trip, etc. with prior approval of the President and Treasurer and if the Club funds will allow.

7. Pay local Club dues to TCI Treasurer; $3.00 per dues-paying member as listed on our Club roster. Dues are due annually to the TCI Treasurer on January 1 and are delinquent as of March 1st (See TCI Constitution).

8. Turn over funds and records to the Board of Governors to be audited at the end of each term of office.

9. The retiring Treasurer shall pass on to the newly elected Treasurer all Club property pertaining to the office of Treasurer.

10. Pay property and casualty insurance premium by the due date.

11. Ensure that the Annual Registration Report (nonprofit corporations) is filed with the Secretary of the State of Missouri.

12. Pay the yearly incorporation fee to the State of Missouri by the due date.

1. Make regular and formal reports at the monthly business meetings concerning the ongoing status of publicity programs and submit report to the Editor for the newsletter.

2. Provide at the Club meeting copies of the outgoing correspondence, notices and news releases, etc., as well as copies of all printed publicity received.

3. Make contacts through the various media in order to make the public aware of our existence and of our activities.

4. Coordinate Miss Tall St. Louis publicity, including publicity for the annual Miss Tall St. Louis Pageant, parades, talk shows, celebrity type sports events, telethons, and any other publicity functions she can become involved in to gain publicity for our Club. The Publicity Chairperson shall provide a tentative calendar of special events to the new Miss Tall St. Louis within 30 days of her crowning. This list will be updated and reviewed as necessary and is intended to provide the Queen with an idea of her calendar so that she may make arrangements to attend the events without conflicts or other scheduling problems (See Article VI, Section 4, Paragraph 4).

5. Keep a record of all print publicity received as well as a videotape record of all television/cable publicity received, if possible.

6. Is responsible to always be on the lookout for new and different methods to obtain publicity for our Club.

7. Must obtain prior approval from the President for all expenditures.

8. Publicity/Membership Chairperson shall give a status report at the monthly business meeting.

9. Return calls of inquiry concerning the St. Louis Tip Toppers and follow-up all inquiries with the mailing of one issue of the bimonthly newsletter.

10. Shall be present with the Measuring Committee at the time prospective members are measured in at regularly scheduled business meetings. If Publicity/Membership Chair is not present at a business meeting to witness measuring procedure, a member of the Board of Governors will fulfill this function.

11. Notify probationary members of upcoming activities.

12. Present the President at the monthly business meeting the slate of probationary members to be voted on who have met the eligibility requirements for membership as referenced in Article II, Section 3.

13. Call roll of probationary members at the monthly business meeting.

14. Inform new members of admittance to the Club.

15. The retiring Publicity/Membership Chairperson shall pass on to the newly elected officer all the Club property pertaining to the office of Publicity/Membership Chairperson.

16. All correspondence via US Postal Service for the Publicity/Membership Chair shall be mailed to the Club PO Box.

Section 6 - Editor

Paragraph A - Duties

1. Maintain all the Club's equipment needed for the purpose of producing the bimonthly newsletter.

2. Coordinate the bimonthly Tips on Toppers and bimonthly paper party. To be responsible for seeing that the newsletter is published and mailed on the fourth (4th) Friday of the following months: January, March, May, July, September and November. NOTE: Bimonthly Tips on Toppers is not to exceed ten (10) 2-sided 8-1/2 x 11" sheets of paper.

3. Shall be responsible for selling "50/50 Pot of Gold" raffle tickets during the monthly business meeting; 50% of the proceeds will be given to the person hosting the next paper party for snacks, etc. and 50% will be given to the winning ticket holder which is to be drawn at the end of each monthly business meeting.

4. Prior approval by the President is required for all expenditures for preparation and printing of the bimonthly Tips on Toppers. (See Article IV, Section 1 and Article XI, Section 2)

5. Obtain from the Treasurer the dues notice for each regular member and paper dues subscriber by May 1st. This notice should be included in the June/July Tips on Toppers newsletter (see Article IV, Section 3).|

6. The retiring Editor shall pass on to the newly elected Editor all Club property pertaining to the office of Editor.

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Article V - Appointed Offices

1. Shall consist of one Club member who will measure in prospective members at the monthly business meetings for a term of one (1) year.
2. Shall provide all prospective members meeting height requirements as specified in Article II, Section 1 with an application for membership.

1. Upon direction of the President, shall be responsible for sending flowers or plants and/or donations to a family-specified charity not to exceed $50.00. This would apply to deaths of Club members, spouse, mother, father and child.

2. In cases of hospitalizations of Club members or their children, an appropriate greeting card shall be sent. |

3. Flowers shall be sent to Miss Tall St. Louis at the annual Tall Clubs International Convention, not to exceed the dollar amount agreed to by the President.

1. Shall act as Club photographer, report and maintain a record of the Club activities and history (scrapbook of newspaper clippings, articles, pictures, etc.) for a term of one (1) year

2. The Historian shall be encouraged to take digital pictures at Club events/meetings.

3. Submit photos via internet to Editor and Webmaster.

1. Shall be responsible for the sale of Club logo apparel, nightshirts, bumper stickers, pins, mugs, etc. at business meetings, Club functions including local functions, TCI weekends, TCI Convention and as requested by the President, for a term of one (1) year.

1. Shall update and maintain all St. Louis Tip Topper membership rosters on a monthly basis. Supply the President with copies of the current membership/probationary membership as well as those life members who pay the dues for a Club newsletter in the roster which is to be distributed at the monthly business meetings. The following disclaimer shall be included on any published St. Louis Tip Toppers roster:

"This roster is for the personal use of the St. Louis Tip Toppers, their members, life members, and probationary members. This roster MAY NOT be duplicated or copied in any manner, nor may it be sold, or used for any other purpose than that for which it was intended, without written consent of the President of the St. Louis Tip Toppers."

Section 6 - Marfan Chairperson

1. The Marfan Chairperson shall be the liaison between the St. Louis Tip Toppers, the National Marfan Foundation and the Canadian Marfan Association for a term of one (1) year.

2. Shall be responsible for the collection of donations at the monthly business meetings which, in turn, are to be forwarded to the National Marfan Foundation and/or the Canadian Marfan Association under the name St. Louis Tip Toppers.

3. Coordinate fund-raisers during the year with the proceeds being forwarded to the National Marfan Foundation and/or the Canadian Marfan Association under the name St. Louis Tip Toppers.

4. Shall attend and make a report at the monthly St. Louis Tip Toppers business meetings.

5. All correspondence via US Postal Service for the Marfan Chairperson shall be mailed to the Club PO Box.

The Board of Governors shall consist of between 4 and 5 members in good standing and shall serve for a term of one (1) year as follows. A member meeting the qualifications to serve as a Board of Governor may serve on the Board for 3 consecutive terms should the President(s) request him/her to do so. After the 3rd consecutive year as a member of the Board of Governors, the member must rotate off the Board for 1 year before again being eligible to be appointed to the Board by the President.

Qualifications for selection include 1 year of service as an elected officer and 3 continuous years of St. Louis Tip Topper membership or a member with a minimum of 5 continuous years of St. Louis Tip Toppers membership.

1. The President will consult with the Board of Governors on all matters affecting Club welfare not specifically covered in this Constitution. (See Article IV, Section 1.)

2. The Board of Governors will make decisions concerning special exceptions to Probationary Membership Requirements and the voting in of probationary members as specified in Article II, Section 3, Paragraph B.

3. At such time that a probationary member is voted on for membership and receives dissenting votes, the issue will be taken before the Board of Governors for final decision as to accept into membership or decline membership to the probationary member. If any dissenting votes question the height of the probationary members, the President and one or more members of the Board of Governors will re-measure the probationary member. If the probationary member does not meet our height requirements membership will be declined. The decision of the Board of Governors is final. (See Article II, Section 3, Paragraph C.)

4. The Board of Governors will review all honorary memberships at each constitutional update. (See Article II, Section 4, Paragraph B.)

5. The Nominating Committee consisting of the Board of Governors will meet prior to the November business meeting to develop a slate of officers for the upcoming year's election. This slate will be presented at the November and December business meetings. (See Article III, Section 5.)

6. All ballots will be distributed and tallied by the Board of Governors, except as noted in Article IV, Section 1, Paragraph A, on the following occasions:

a) Annual officers' elections,
b) Monthly probationary membership voting,
c) Miss Tall St. Louis Pageant.

7. Shall tally all votes on those occasions when a closed ballot is not utilized except as noted in Article IV, Section 1, Paragraph A.

8. If, during the course of a year, an officer resigns or his/her membership is terminated, the Board of Governors will submit their recommended officer at the next regularly scheduled business meeting. (See Article III, Section 7.)

9. The Board of Governors shall receive proposed amendments to the constitution as outlined in Article XIII.

10. Once during every odd-numbered year, the Board of Governors will review and update the constitution and shall present the revised constitution to the membership as outlined in Article XIV.

11. The Board of Governors will make decisions as required regarding the interpretation of this Constitution and By-laws. The decision of the Board of Governors is final.

12. The Board of Governors will ensure that an audit of the funds and records turned over to them, at the year-end/term by the Treasurer is performed.

13. The Board of Governors will make decisions as required on all issues not covered by this Constitution and By-laws. The decision of the Board of Governors is final.

The Scholarship Chairperson shall be responsible for organizing a committee to select a local scholarship winner to compete for the Tall Clubs International Scholarship

1. Shall be a Club member in good standing. Shall appoint a Selection Committee of no less than three Club members and no more than five Club members of whom Chairperson shall be one.

2. The committee shall select the top applications, no less than three and no more than seven, for interviews with the committee. At the time of the interview, applicants must be informed that inability to accept the local scholarship in person at a regularly scheduled business meeting may cause forfeiture of any local monies distributed by the St. Louis Tip Toppers.

3. Where necessary, second interviews may be scheduled to assist in the final selection. A final candidate must be selected by the May business meeting of the current year.

4. The amount of the monetary gift awarded locally to the final St. Louis Tip Toppers' candidate for the Kae Sumner Einfeldt Scholarship Award shall be determined by a consultation with the current President and Treasurer. Amount thereby determined shall be voted on by general membership in attendance at a regularly scheduled business meeting. A simple majority will carry the vote.

5. All local monies awarded to the St. Louis Tip Toppers' candidate for the Kae Sumner Einfeldt Scholarship Award shall be disbursed directly to the student, unless the student requests that the monies be forwarded to the college of their choice, for disbursement through school offices.

6. In order to capture promotional publicity, the Scholarship Chair is responsible for informing the candidate's high school of any and all monies awarded. The Scholarship Chair is responsible for forwarding all information to the Publicity Chairperson for timely news releases.

7. All correspondence for the scholarship shall be mailed to the Club PO Box, including and not limited to applications from student inquiries.

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Section 9 - Webmaster

Paragraph A - Duties

1. To maintain all software needed for the purpose of producing the Club website

a.) If software or hardware is to be purchased for maintenance and production of Club website and reimbursement obtained from Club, purchases to be cleared with President and Board of Governors before purchase is made. Receipts to be furnished to Treasurer with appropriate form for reimbursement.

2. To coordinate with the TCI Webmaster to arrange transfer of e-mails sent to TCI-managed Club mailbox -- info@tallstlouis.org -- to an appropriate Tip Topper e-mail address.

a.) Preferred recipient would be the Tip Topper webmaster e-mail address to facilitate dissemination of information. See Item 3 below.
b.) Alternate choice to be determined by President

3. To be responsible to forward all e-mails received at the Club e-mail address -- info@tallstlouis.org -- to the appropriate person(s)

a.) Membership information requests (cc to President)
b.) Club apparel information requests (cc to President)
c.) Scholarship Chairperson (cc to President)
d.) Marfan Chairperson (cc to President)
e.) Board of Governors (cc to President)
f.) Miss Tall St. Louis (cc to President)
g.) Newsletter Editor (cc to President)

1.) If the designated chairperson/e-mail recipient does not have e-mail access, Webmaster to print and mail information requests to the appropriate person within a reasonable period of time and will keep receipts to submit to treasurer for postage and materials reimbursement

h.) Information received through the TCI Talk Mail List to be disseminated by Webmaster to members on the Tip Topper e-mail list, if determined to be pertinent and appropriate

1.) If there is a question of appropriateness or pertinence, President to make decision on whether or not to disseminate information through the Tip Topper e-mail list

4. To be responsible for updating and maintaining Club e-mail address list

a.) Solicit new e-mail addresses at each business meeting by circulating a form (currently an Excel spreadsheet) during the meeting for members who wish to be added to the e-mail list

1.) Announce that all email messages sent to members who have signed up for the Tip Toppers email list are sent with all recipient email addresses in the BCC area so that their email addresses are not made public. This is to respect the privacy of the Tip Toppers who elect to be a part of the Club email list. The exception to this concerns information sent electronically to the President and Board of Governors. The email addresses for the President and Board of Governors will be made public to members of the group comprising the President and Board of Governors so that these individuals may discuss TCI and Tip Toppers issues on line with ease among themselves.

b.) Concerning dissemination of the email list, Tip Toppers who have signed up for the Tip Toppers email list have surrendered their email addresses to the email list managers knowing that their email address will be kept confidential in order to protect their privacy.

5. To coordinate and update information on the Club website as often as necessary to maintain relevancy and correctness

a.) Coordinate with Tips on Toppers Editor and/or other persons as needed to obtain information to post on website in appropriate format

1.) Calendar
2.) Newsletter (only if software is in possession that can delete home address/phone
information and directions to private residences)
3.) Photographs
4.) Featured events

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A selection of a "Miss Tall St. Louis" will be based on the decision of Club members for that year for the purpose of having a Queen to represent our Club locally as well as at the TCI Convention for the "Miss Tall International®" Pageant. The title of Miss Tall St. Louis is intended to bestow honor and recognition to a member who has volunteered her time and efforts in the interest of the Club.

1. All nominees must be the minimum height requirement of 5 ft. 10 in. in stocking feet (there is no maximum height limitation). Verification of meeting the above stated height requirements will be made by the measuring of the queen candidates at the time of nomination. The measuring of these candidates will be by two or more of the Board of Governors. The Board's decision concerning height qualifications is final.

2. All nominees must be 21 years of age or older.

3. All nominees must be legally single (divorced, widowed or single -- NOT separated), and if crowned, shall remain single throughout her reign.

4. All nominees must have completed all St. Louis Tip Toppers' requirements for membership and be a dues-paying member by the September business meeting.

5. If Miss Tall St. Louis does not meet all TCI requirements, she may not represent the St. Louis Tip Toppers at the TCI Convention. (See TCI By-laws - Resolution I)

6. For a percentage analysis of Convention expenses paid by the St. Louis Tip Toppers for a qualifying Miss Tall St. Louis, See Article VII, Section 5.

1. Nominations will be accepted for contestants in the Miss Tall St. Louis Pageant at a designated regularly scheduled business meeting by any dues-paying or life member in good standing.

2. Judging for the Miss Tall St. Louis Pageant will consist of 4 categories:

a.) New Dimensions*

b.) After-five cocktail dress

c.) Question/Answer (1 serious & 1 informal question)

d.) Club participation

The combination of the categories shall be determined by the current Tall Clubs International Pageant Guidelines as found in the TCI Bylaws Resolution I.

*The New Dimensions category is a category in which each contestant dresses to reflect her own personality, profession, or the city or state which she represents, accompanied by a 2 minute (maximum) verbal explanation given by the contestant.

3. Voting will be held at the annual Miss Tall St. Louis Pageant by all dues-paying and life members in good standing (one vote per member). A simple majority determines the winner.

4. In the event of a tie for the title of Miss Tall St. Louis, the tie will be announced along with the contestants' names that tied. These contestants will then be asked one additional informal question as referenced in Article VI, Section 3. After each contestant has answered her additional question, ballots will again be distributed to all dues-paying and life members in good standing for a re-vote involving only the contestants who tied. The contestant with the most votes will reign as the new Miss Tall St. Louis and the contestant with the second highest amount of votes will become the first runner-up, etc.

5. In the case of a tie for any position other than the title of Miss Tall St. Louis, the Board of Governors will cast a silent vote to determine the outcome.

6. Ballots shall be distributed and tabulated by members of the Board of Governors.

1. To work with The St. Louis Tip Toppers, Inc. as a member of Tall Clubs International, during her reign to promote tall awareness and tall fellowship to the absolute best of her ability.

2. To attend the monthly business meeting and make a report of her activities.

3. To prepare an article for the Tips on Toppers bimonthly newsletters in order to share her experiences and accomplishments with the Club's membership and prospects.

4. The Queen shall receive a calendar of special events from the Publicity Chairperson within 30 days of her crowning and will be expected to attend all events unless prior notification is given to the Publicity Chairperson. This list will be updated and reviewed as necessary.

5. To attend a minimum of four social functions of The St. Louis Tip Toppers, Inc., each month.

6. To be available to attend special events over and above the four social functions each month at the request of The St. Louis Tip Toppers, Inc.

7. To attend the St. Louis Tip Toppers' annual weekend scheduled for ___________________, 20___.

8. To attend the Tall Clubs International Convention to be held in ________________________ (city) during the period of _______ through _______, 20___, to represent the St. Louis Tip Toppers, Inc. in the Miss Tall International® Pageant. Reimbursement of costs are as outlined in the Constitution and By-laws of the St. Louis Tip Toppers.

9. To organize fundraising activities for the purpose of replenishing the Queen's Fund (See Article VII, Section 5, Paragraph A).

10. To assist the Pageant Coordinator and his/her committee for the Anniversary Dinner Dance. In the case where a current Miss Tall St. Louis wishes to rerun the following year she may do so, providing she has never been a Miss Tall International® title holder. If she is eligible to rerun and wishes to do so, she should designate a past queen with the Pageant Coordinator's concurrence to assist the above-mentioned committee.

11. Shall relinquish her crown at the end of her reign to the new Miss Tall St. Louis.

12. Supply the new queen with past contacts concerning publicity or participation in local events and activities.

13. To aid and assist the new queen in answering questions and providing information concerning the new queen's duties for the coming year.

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A. I am at least twenty-one (21) years old.

B. I am presently unmarried and have no plans to marry during my reign should I be selected Miss Tall St. Louis.

C. I have received a copy, have read, understand, and agree to abide by the Tall Clubs International Bylaws and the Constitution and Bylaws of the St. Louis Tip Toppers, Inc.

D. I understand that the St. Louis Tip Toppers, Inc., and/or Tall Clubs International has made no obligations for financial support other than that which is specifically stated in the St. Louis Tip Toppers, Inc. Constitution and By-laws and/or the Tall Clubs International Bylaws.

A. To work with The St. Louis Tip Toppers, Inc. as a member of Tall Clubs International, during my reign to promote tall awareness and tall fellowship to the absolute best of my ability.

B. To attend the monthly business meeting and make a report of my activities.

C. To prepare a bimonthly article for the Tips on Toppers bimonthly newsletter in order to share my experiences and accomplishments with the Club's membership and prospects.

D. To attend a minimum of four social functions of The St. Louis Tip Toppers, Inc. each month.

E. To be available to attend special events over and above the four social functions each month (mentioned in Paragraph II (D) above of this contract) at the request of The St. Louis Tip Toppers, Inc.

F. To attend the St. Louis Tip Toppers' annual weekend scheduled for _________________, 20___.

G. Organize fundraising activities for the purpose of replenishing the Queen's Fund.

H. To assist the President and his/her committee for the 20___ Miss Tall St. Louis Pageant to present the crown and title of Miss Tall St. Louis to my successor.

I. To attend the Tall Clubs International Convention to be held in __________________________ (city) during the period of _______ through _______, 20___, to represent the St. Louis Tip Toppers, Inc. in the Miss Tall International® Pageant. Reimbursement of costs are as outlined in the Constitution and By-laws of the St. Louis Tip Toppers, Inc.

J. In the event that I become Miss Tall International® as referenced in II (I) above of this contract, or marry during my reign, I will present the crown and title of Miss Tall St. Louis to the first runner-up or other person so designated by the St. Louis Tip Toppers, Inc.

III. I agree that if I fail to fulfill all the above obligations, the Miss Tall St. Louis crown and title will be forfeited by me and passed on to the first runner-up or other person so designated by the St. Louis Tip Toppers, Inc.

Paragraph A - Regular Dues

Dues, including bimonthly Tips on Toppers, shall be $35.00 per year payable at the July business meeting. New members and transfers must pay at the rate of $3.00 per month until the end of the year (July to July) of their initiation. The monthly dues (amount) may be changed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of members in good standing present at the first regular monthly business meeting held after the subject of change was first introduced and providing Article XIII is complied with. Dues for married couples, including bi-monthly Tips on Toppers, shall be $40.00 per couple per year. Dues for life members are no charge (with the exception of Tips on Toppers dues -see Article II, Section 7) if a life member is married, his or her spouse is also not charged.

Paragraph B - General Membership Dues

If a member does not pay his/her dues by the September business meeting, he/she shall be suspended from membership and removed from the roster. In order to be reinstated, the individual must notify the President prior to the start of the business meeting of his/her desire to be reinstated by presenting payment in the amount of one year's membership dues plus an additional $5 delinquent fee. The individual will be voted on for reinstatement at the business meeting at which payment is made. Any dissenting votes will be treated as stated in Article II, Section 3, Paragraph C. In the event that the individual is not accepted for reinstatement, the one year's membership dues shall be refunded.

Paragraph C - Probationary Membership Dues

A probationary member has thirty (30) days from being voted into the Club to pay his/her dues, or be dropped from the membership roster.

Paragraph D - Paper Dues

Inactive members may subscribe for the bimonthly Club newsletter, Tips On Toppers, at the rate of $10.00 per year. The paper dues may be changed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of members in good standing present at the first regular monthly business meeting held after the subject was first introduced and providing Article XIII is complied with.

Section 2 - Special Assessments

If at any time the need for funds arises which cannot be met out of the collection of dues and initiation fees, the President shall call a meeting of all members for the purpose of voting on special assessments. (Such assessments may be voted on at regular business meetings as well.) The amount of the special assessment must be approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the members in good standing present. When approved, the assessment is payable within thirty (30) days by all members.

Section 3 - Queen's Fees

The Club will give the new queen, providing she meets all TCI requirements, (See TCI Constitution) for the purpose of representing the Club and competing in the Miss Tall International® Pageant, 100% of the contestant entry fee and TCI Convention package costs (Double Occupancy Rates). The Club will pay for all required photographs of the queen required for Convention purposes only. Any other photographic expense must have prior approval from the President and the Board of Governors. The queen is authorized to not exceed the amount of $90 for the purchase of magnetic car signs to be utilized during her parade appearances. Reimbursement in excess of the $90 for magnetic car signs is not authorized unless prior approval is received from the President. This money will be taken from the Queen's Fund; if there is not sufficient amount in the Queen's Fund, then only what money is in that account will be given to the queen. The queen will be eligible for an additional 25% of each dollar earned for the Queen's Fund in money-raising activities organized by the queen during her reign. The additional amount which the reigning queen would be able to earn will be reimbursed to her at the end of her reign. Profits from the Annual Queen's Pageant, Advertisement Book, and Queen's Raffle are excluded. The new queen will be responsible for all travel costs to the TCI Convention, and any incidental costs while at Convention.


Section 4 - Event Reservation/House Party Fees

Paragraph A

Event or House Party reservations should be in by the deadline and no later. If you make a reservation and don't cancel your reservation by 24 hours (one day) before the party starts, you will be charged the per-person party fee. Upon written notification by the Activities Coordinator and/or the Treasurer of cost of party, you will have thirty (30) days to remit or your membership will be suspended. (See Article IV, Section 2.) Legitimate excuses will be accepted, subject to approval by the Activities Coordinator and chairperson/hostess of the party. Payment is collected in advance or made at the party. The Activities Coordinator has the responsibility to set a budget for house parties based on the number of confirmed reservations and by the reservation deadline will inform the host/hostess of this budget.

Paragraph B

The host/hostess of House Parties shall be exempt from paying a party fee.

Paragraph C

Non-members (See Article XII) must be included in the total count for determining the per person cost of the party.

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If a fifty percent (50%) simple majority of the total membership of the Club notifies the President in writing that it finds a member to be objectionable, that member shall be investigated by the officers and shall be given an opportunity to answer the charges brought by the membership. The President shall report to the Club membership the result of such investigation and, hearing the question of expulsion, shall be voted upon by secret ballot. A fifty percent (50%) simple majority vote of the members present shall be necessary for expulsion. Any member so voted out shall be dropped from all rosters effective as of that date and all other TCI clubs shall be notified in writing of said expulsion.

This expulsion shall be considered "persona non grata", and said members shall never again be eligible for membership into the St. Louis Tip Toppers.

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Section 1

If, at any time, the simple majority of members in good standing submit to the Board of Governors in writing, that one of the officers is not capable of carrying out his/her duties in the best interests of the Club by reason of incompetence, inefficiency, or conduct prejudicial to the welfare of the Club, they (the Board of Governors) may call a special meeting of the Club members in good standing for the purpose of removing that officer. The person against whom the charges are brought shall have the right and opportunity to defend him/her self against the charges in whatever manner available to him/her.

After presentation of charges and defense, the members at the meeting shall vote by secret ballot for or against removal. A three-fourths (3/4) vote of the members present shall be required to remove an officer. If the vote is for removal, the individual reverts to a status of an ordinary member, where the matter may rest, or termination of membership may be affected under the provisions of Article VIII, Section 2.

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The Club shall publish a bimonthly paper, including activity bulletin, entitled Tips on Toppers to be published and mailed on the fourth Friday of the following months: January, March, May, July, September, and November.

NOTE: Bimonthly Tips on Toppers is not to exceed ten (10) 2-sided 8-1/2 x 11 sheets of paper.

Section 2 - Expenses

1. The Club share of the 50/50 Pot-of-Gold Raffle shall be used to furnish refreshments at paper meetings.

2. Prior approval by the President is required for all expenditures for preparation and printing of the Tips on Toppers bimonthly newsletter (See Article IV, Section l and Article IV, Section 8).

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Child family members of St. Louis Tip Toppers Club members are allowed to attend Club picnics at public parks. Children are limited to this private Club activity unless otherwise specified by the President of the St. Louis Tip Toppers.

The child/children of a Club member who is host/hosting an activity in their home will be granted the right to remain at home for the duration of the activity.

Parents/guardian accepts full responsibility and sole liability for minors attending activities.

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An outstanding "New Member" award may be presented annually. The recipient of this award will be selected by the current Board of Governors. Presentation of the award will be at the annual Holiday Dinner Dance or by no later than the January business meeting.

Selection criteria include:

1. Dues-paying member in good standing for 18 months or less.

2. Member exhibits enthusiasm toward the Club and the Tall movement in general. |

3. The member is judged to be active in the view of the Board of Governors. Criteria for active status includes, but is not solely limited to the following:

i) Member regularly attends club business meetings and social events.
ii) Member has participated in the planning and organization of at least two (2) club functions (weekend, fund-raisers, parties, etc.).
iii) Member has shown that they are willing and capable of assuming responsibility and follows through on committed actions.
iv) Member has made a positive contribution to the St. Louis Tip Toppers and in the estimation of the Board of Governors, the member has "made a difference".

Section 2 – Outstanding Member Award

An "Outstanding Member" award may be presented annually. The recipient of this award will be selected by the current Board of Governors. Presentation of the award will be at the annual Holiday Dinner Dance or by no later than the January business meeting.

Selection criteria include:

1. Dues-paying member in good standing for over 18 months.

2. Member exhibits enthusiasm toward the Club and the Tall movement in general.

3. The member is judged to be active in the view of the Board of Governors. Criteria for active status includes, but is not solely limited to the following:

i) Member regularly attends club business meetings and social events.
ii) Member has participated in the planning and organization of at least two (2) club functions (weekend, fund-raisers, parties, etc.).
iii) Member has shown that they are willing and capable of assuming responsibility and follows through on committed actions.
iv) Member has made a positive contribution to the St. Louis Tip Toppers and in the estimation of the Board of Governors, the member has "made a difference"

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Once during every odd-numbered year, the Board of Governors will review and update the constitution. At the business meeting preceding the business meeting in which the Board will present the revised constitution for ratification by the membership, the Board shall distribute to each member in good standing present at such meeting a written summary which outlines the proposed changes to the constitution, and for each change, an explanation of why such change is necessary. In addition, a member in good standing who is not present at such meeting may request from a Board member that a copy of such written summary be mailed to them. These changes are not required to run in the Club newsletter Tips on Toppers, or be read at two (2) consecutive business meetings.

The membership must accept all of the proposed revisions in their entirety or reject all of the proposed revisions in their entirety. If the revisions are accepted in their entirety then the revised constitution shall take effect as stated in Article XV, Section 3. If the revisions are rejected in their entirety then the existing constitution shall remain in effect.

This constitution shall take effect as of the first day of the month following its ratification. Approval by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members in good standing at the meeting the constitution is voted upon shall be required to ratify. This constitution makes all preceding constitutions, By-laws and amendments null and void.

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