| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Form 990, Part VI, Section A, Line 6 | There are approximately 65 members of the organization. Each member was initiated through a centuries old ceremony. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section A, Line 7a | The members of the organization elect the governing body and officers annually. A nominating committee is assembled to evaluate each candidate's skills and abilities. The nominated officers and governing body are presented to the membership for vote and are formally installed into their positions through a centuries old ceremony. The organization's bylaws set forth which governing decisions require vote by the entire membership versus those that can be decided by the governing body and officers. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 11b | The Form 990 is prepared by the organization's treasurer and presented to an audit committee for inspection. Ultimately, the Form 990 is available to the entire membership. The Form 990 data is compared to the underlying accounting records and supporting reconciliations as part of the audit committee's inspection and review. The Form 990 and annual financial statements are presented to the entire membership each September at the organization's Annual Meeting. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 12c | The organization has a code of conduct, which includes conflict of interest provisions, that all members are provided and agree to adhere to. The audit committee reviews all vendor transactions and inquires about the existence of related party transactions. The governing body verbally attests to their independence annually. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 15 | Compensation is limited to three positions within the organization per its bylaws. The bylaws are reviewed annually by a committee. Amendments to the bylaws, including compensation changes, require 2/3 vote of the membership at a regular meeting that has been announced to the membership in writing at least ten days in advance of that regular meeting. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section C, Line 19 | The organization's bylaws are filed with the Massachusetts Secretary of State, who may post these and other organizational documents on its website. The organization's bylaws, code of conduct (inclusive of conflict of interest provisions) and financial statements are available for inspection during the organization's normal operating hours. |
| Software ID: | 23018249 |
| Software Version: | v1.00 |