BYLAWS of the
S.P.I.R.I.T. Membership Program

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Article I – Name and Purpose

1. The name of this organization shall be the Scientific Paranormal Investigative Research Institute of Texas (S.P.I.R.I.T.).
2. The mission of S.P.I.R.I.T. is to preserve, protect, and respect the history of Yorktown Memorial Hospital while providing members the opportunity to document its history, lore, and stories through scientific paranormal research.
3. S.P.I.R.I.T. is a private membership club, not a commercial property, and not open to the general public.

Article II – Membership

1. Eligibility: Membership shall be open to individuals who support the mission of S.P.I.R.I.T. and agree to abide by these bylaws.
2. Classes of Membership:
   • Annual Members: Voting members in good standing who hold an annual membership.
   • Honorary Members: Individuals recognized by the Board for extraordinary contributions; may not vote unless also Regular Members.
   • Daily Members: Individuals purchasing a one-day membership. Daily members do not have voting rights.

1. Admission: Applications for membership may be issued and approved by the club at the discretion of the Membership Committee or its designees. No vote of the Board is required for approval.
2. Access & Waiver Requirement:
   • Only members in good standing may enter the property. Guests must be accompanied by a member and approved by the Membership Committee or its designees.
   • All members and guests are required to sign a liability and safety waiver before entering the building. No member may access the property without a signed waiver on file.

1. Dues:
   • Annual membership is $50, and may be used for a team or family of up to five (5) individuals.
   • Daily membership is $5 per person.
   • Non-payment of annual dues within 60 days of the due date may result in suspension of membership.

1. Termination: Membership may be suspended or revoked for cause (e.g., misconduct, actions contrary to mission) by a two-thirds vote of the Board.

Article III – Meetings

1. General Meetings: The club shall hold at least quarterly meetings to discuss projects, research findings, and historical documentation.
2. Annual Meeting: An annual meeting shall be held for the election of directors and officers, approval of budgets, and review of activities.
3. Special Meetings: May be called by the President, a majority of the Board, or at least 25% of voting members.
4. Notice: Members shall be notified at least 7 days prior to meetings.

Article IV – Board of Directors

1. Authority: The Board of Directors shall govern the affairs of the club and carry out its mission.
2. Composition: The Board shall consist of not fewer than three (3) and not more than nine (9) directors, including the officers.
3. Terms: Directors shall serve two-year terms and may be re-elected.
4. Vacancies: Vacancies shall be filled by appointment of the Board until the next election.

Article V – Officers

1. Officers: The officers of the club shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
2. Duties:
   • President: Presides at meetings, represents the organization publicly, and provides leadership.
   • Vice President: Assists the President and assumes duties in their absence.
   • Secretary: Keeps minutes of meetings, maintains membership records, and oversees correspondence.
   • Treasurer: Maintains financial accounts, prepares budgets, and reports to the membership.

1. Election & Term: Officers are elected annually by the membership at the annual meeting.

Article VI – Committees

1. Standing Committees:
   • Membership Committee: Reviews applications, issues membership approvals, maintains records, and ensures all members have signed required waivers. May designate others to assist with approvals at its discretion.
   • Research & Preservation Committee: Oversees paranormal investigations, historical documentation, and archival work.
   • Events & Outreach Committee: Plans educational programs, workshops, and public history projects.
   • Historical Marker Committee: Works to research, apply for, and maintain historical markers and designations connected to Yorktown Memorial Hospital and related historic sites. This committee ensures that preservation efforts meet local, state, and national standards and that the hospital’s legacy is formally recognized.

1. Ad Hoc Committees: The Board may establish other committees as needed.

Article VII – Finances

1. Fiscal Year: The fiscal year shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31.
2. Funds: All funds of the club shall be used exclusively for carrying out its mission.
3. Accounts: The Treasurer shall maintain accurate records and present a financial report at each general meeting.
4. Audit: The Board may appoint a committee to audit financial records annually.
5. Food & Alcohol: The club does not provide or serve food or alcoholic beverages on the premises.

Article VIII – Conduct of Research

1. All research conducted under S.P.I.R.I.T. shall be scientific, respectful, and historically sensitive.
2. Members must follow all safety rules, property-use agreements, and ethical guidelines set by the Board.
3. Findings may be published or presented, with credit given to S.P.I.R.I.T. and participating members.

Article IX – Amendments

1. These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of members present at any regular or special meeting, provided notice of the amendment has been given at least 14 days in advance.

Article X – Dissolution

1. In the event of dissolution, any remaining assets shall be distributed to a nonprofit historical or educational organization with a similar mission, as determined by the Board.

For questions about membership or concerns, please contact 

S.P.I.R.I.T. - Scientific Paranormal Investigative Research Institute of Texas

826 Cavalier Ave

San Antonio, TX 78225 

Yorktownmemorialhospital@gmail.com