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Bylaws
of the Rotary Club of Gahanna
Article I Election of Directors and Officers
Section 1 - A nominating committee shall be formed by the President, Immediate
Past President, President Elect and two at large members approved by the
Board of Directors. The committee shall present to the Board of Directors
candidates for President, President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer,
two (2) Sergeant-At-Arms, and Directors (as needed). Upon approval of
the Board the slate will be presented to the club on the second Wednesday
in December. Upon receiving a majority of the votes, the candidates shall
assume office the first day of July following the election.
Section 2 - The officers and directors, so elected, together with the
immediate past president shall constitute the board of directors.
Section 3 - The term of office for officers shall be one (1) year except
for the secretary/treasurer, which shall be two (2) years.
Section 4 - The term of office for Directors shall be three (3) years
Section 5 - Any member of the Club elected as an officer except the secretary/treasurer,
must be a Director, Past Director, Officer or Past Officer of the Club.
Section 6 - A vacancy in the board of directors or any office shall be
filled by action of the remaining members of the board.
Section 7 - A vacancy in the position of any officer-elect or director-elect
shall be filled by action of the remaining members of the board of directors-elect.
Article II Board
of Directors
The governing body of this club shall be the board of directors consisting
of eleven members of this club, namely the President, President-Elect,
Vice President, Immediate Past President, Secretary/Treasurer and the
Directors (Club Service Chair, Community Service Chair, International
Service Chair, Membership Chair, Public Relations Chair and Vocational
Chair) elected in accordance with article I, section 1 of these bylaws.
Article III Duties
of Officers
Section 1 - President. It shall be the duty of the president to preside
at meetings of the club and board and to perform such other duties as
ordinarily pertain to the office of president.
Section 2 - President-elect. It shall be the duty of the president-elect
to serve as a member of the board of directors of the club and to perform
such other duties as may be prescribed by the president or the board.
Section 3 - Vice-President. It shall be the duty of the vice-president
to preside at meetings of the club and board in the absence of the president
and to perform such other duties as ordinarily pertain to the office of
vice-president.
Section 4 - Secretary. It shall be the duty of the secretary to keep the
records of membership, record the attendance at meetings, send out notices
of meetings of the club, board and committees, record and preserve the
minutes of such meetings, make the required reports to RI, including the
semiannual reports of membership, which shall be made to the general secretary
of RI on 1 January and 1 July of each year, and including prorated reports
to the general secretary on 1 October and 1 April of each active member
who has been elected to membership in the club since the start of the
July or January semiannual reporting period, the report of changes in
membership, which shall be made to the general secretary of RI, the monthly
report of attendance at the club meetings, which shall be made to the
district governor within 15 days of the last meeting of the month, collect
and remit to RI subscriptions to THE ROTARIAN, and perform such other
duties as usually pertain to the office of secretary.
Section 5 - Treasurer. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to have custody
of all funds, accounting for same to the club annually and at any other
time upon demand by the board, and to perform such other duties as pertain
to the office of treasurer. Upon retirement from office, the treasurer
shall turn over to the incoming treasurer or to the president all funds,
books of accounts, or any other club property.
Section 6 - Sergeant-at-Arms. The duties of the sergeant-at-arms shall
be such as are usually prescribed for such office and such other duties
as may be prescribed by the president or the board.
Article IV Meetings
Section 1 - Annual Meeting. An annual meeting of this club shall be held
on the second Wednesday in December each year, at which time the election
of officers and directors to serve for the ensuing year shall take place.
Section 2 - The regular weekly meetings of this club shall be held on
Wednesday at 12:00 noon. Due notice of any changes in or canceling of
the regular meeting shall be given to all members of the club. All members
excepting an honorary member (or member excused by the board of directors
of this club, pursuant to article VIII, section 2(b) of the standard Rotary
club constitution) in good standing in this club, on the day of the regular
meeting, must be counted as present or absent, and attendance must be
evidenced by the member's being present for at least sixty (60) percent
of the time devoted to the regular meeting, either at this club or at
any other Rotary club, or as otherwise provided in the standard Rotary
club constitution, article VIII, section 1.
Section 3 - One-third of the membership shall constitute a quorum at the
annual and regular meetings of this club.
Section 4 - Regular meetings of the board shall be held on first Thursday
of each month. Special meetings of the board shall be called by the president,
whenever deemed necessary, or upon the request of two (2) members of the
board, due notice having been given.
Section 5 - A majority of the board members shall constitute a quorum
of the board.
Article V Fees
and Dues
Section 1 - The admission fee shall be $ 25.00 to be paid before the applicant
can qualify as a member.
Section 2 - The membership dues shall be $ 175.00 per annum, payable annually
on the first day of July, with the understanding that twelve dollars (US$12.00)
of each annual payment shall be applied to each member's subscription
to THE ROTARIAN magazine.
Section 3 - Member who are over 65 years of age and have been a Rotarian
for 15 years shall pay seventy five percent (75%) of the regular dues.
Article VI Method
of Voting
The business of this club shall be transacted by viva voce vote.
Article VII Committees
Section 1 -
(a) The president shall, subject to the approval of the board, appoint
the following standing committees:
Club Service committee
Community Service committee
International Service committee
Membership committee
Public Relations committee
Strategic Planning committee
Vocational Service committee
(b) The president shall, subject to the approval of the board, also appoint
such committees on particular phases of club service, vocational service,
community service, and international service as deemed necessary.
(c) The club service committee, community service committee, international
service committee, membership committee, public relations committee and
vocational service committee shall each consist of a chairman, who shall
be named by the president from the membership of the board, and not less
than two (2) other members.
(d) The president shall be ex officio a member of all committees and,
as such, shall have all the privileges of membership thereon.
(e) Each committee shall transact such business as is delegated to it
in the bylaws and such additional business as may be referred to it by
the president or the board. Except where special authority is given by
the board, such committees shall not take action until a report has been
made to the board and approved by the board.
(f) The president may appoint one or more committees dealing with various
aspects of youth activities, which, depending on their respective responsibilities,
may be under any, or all, of the vocational service, community service,
or international service committees. Where feasible and practicable in
the appointment of such committees, there should be provision for continuity
of membership, either by appointing one or more members for a second term
or by appointing one or more members to a two-year term.
Section 2 - Club Service Committee.
(a) The chairman of the club service committee shall be responsible for
all club service activities and shall supervise and coordinate the work
of all committees appointed on particular phases of club service.
(b) The club service committee shall consist of the chairman of the club
service committee and the chairmen of all committees appointed on particular
phases of club service.
(c) The president shall, subject to the approval of the board, appoint
the following committees on particular phases of club service:
Fellowship committee
Magazine committee
Program committee
(d) Where feasible and practicable in the appointment of club committees,
there should be provision for continuity of membership, either by appointing
one or more members for a second term or by appointing one or more members
to a two-year term.
(e) The magazine committee shall, wherever feasible, include the editor
of the club publication and a local newspaper or advertising member of
the club.
Section 3 - Community Service Committee.
(a) The chairman of the community service committee shall be responsible
for all community service activities and shall supervise and coordinate
the work of all committees appointed on particular phases of community
service.
(b) The community service committee shall consist of the chairman of the
community service committee and the chairmen of all committees appointed
on particular phases of community service.
(c) The president shall, subject to the approval of the board, appoint
the following committees on particular phases of community service:
Human development committee
Community development committee
Environmental protection committee
Partners in service committee
Section 4 - Membership Committee.
(a) The chairman of the membership committee shall be responsible for
all membership activities and shall supervise and coordinate the work
of all committees appointed on particular phases of membership.
(b) The president shall, subject to the approval of the board, appoint
the following committees on particular phases of membership service:
Attendance committee
Membership development committee
Appoint one member each year to the following committees:
Classifications committee
(c) The president shall appoint the president-elect or vice-president
to oversee and coordinate the work of the classifications, membership,
membership development, and Rotary information committees.
(d) The classifications and Rotary information committees shall each consist
of three (3) members, one member of each committee to be appointed each
year for a term of three (3) years. The first appointments made under
this provision shall be as follows: one member for a term of one year;
one member for a term of two (2) years; one member for a term of three
(3) years
Section 5 - Public Relations Committee
(a) The chairman of the public relations committee shall be responsible
for all public relations activities and shall supervise and coordinate
the work of all committees appointed on particular phases of public relations.
(b) The president shall, subject to the approval of the board, appoint
the following committees on particular phases of public relations:
Club bulletin committee
Appoint one member each year to the following committees:
Rotary information committee
Section 6 - Strategic Planning Committee
(a) The chairman of the strategic planning committee shall be responsible
for all strategic planning activities and shall supervise and coordinate
the work of all committees appointed on particular phases of strategic
planning.
(b) The president shall, subject to the approval of the board, appoint
two new members each year to serve a three-year term.
(c) The Immediate Past President will chair the committee.
Section 7 - Vocational Service Committee
(a) The chairman of the vocational service committee shall be responsible
for all vocational service activities and shall supervise and coordinate
the work of all committees appointed on particular phases of vocational
service.
Article VIII Duties
of Committees
Section 1 - Club Service Committee. This committee shall devise and carry
into effect plans, which will guide and assist the members of this club
in discharging their responsibilities in matters relating to club service.
The chairman of the club service committee shall be responsible for regular
meetings of the committee and shall report to the board on all club service
activities.
(a) Fellowship Activities Committee. This committee shall promote acquaintance
and friendship among the members, promote participation by members in
organized Rotary recreational and social activities, and do such work
in pursuance of the general object of the club as may be assigned by the
president or the board.
(b) Magazine Committee. This committee shall stimulate reader interest
in THE ROTARIAN; sponsor a magazine month; arrange for brief monthly reviews
of the magazine on regular club programs; encourage the use of the magazine
in the induction of new members; provide a copy of the magazine for non-Rotarian
speakers; secure international service and other special subscriptions
for libraries, hospitals, schools, and other reading rooms; send news
items and photographs to the editor of the magazine; and in other ways
make the magazine of service to the club members and non-Rotarians.
(c) Program Committee. This committee shall prepare and arrange the programs
for the regular and special meetings of the club.
Section 2 - Community Service Committee. This committee shall devise and
carry into effect plans, which will guide and assist the members of this
club in discharging their responsibilities in their community relationships.
The chairman of this committee shall be responsible for the community
service activities of the club and shall supervise and coordinate the
work of any committees that may be appointed on particular phases of community
service.
(a) Human Development Committee. This committee shall devise and carry
into effect plans which will guide and assist the members of this club
in dealing within the community with the welfare of human beings of all
kinds throughout the whole span of life by providing assistance and support
to those in need.
(b) Community Development Committee. This committee shall devise and carry
into effect plans which will guide and assist the members of this club
in working to make the community a better place to live by improving the
physical condition of the community and its facilities.
(c) Environmental Protection Committee. This committee shall devise and
carry into effect plans which will guide and assist the members of this
club in monitoring and improving the quality of the community's environment.
(d) Partners in Service Committee. This committee shall devise and carry
into effect plans which will guide and assist the members of this club
in building reltionships with other Rotary-sponsored organizations within
the community and in cooperating with them in service.
Section 3 - International Service Committee. This committee shall devise
and carry into effect plans, which will guide and assist the members of
this club in discharging their responsibilities in matters relating to
international service. The chairman of this committee shall be responsible
for the international service activities of the club and shall supervise
and coordinate the work of any committees that may be appointed on particular
phases of international service.
Section 4 - Membership Committee. This committee shall consider all proposals
for membership from the personal side and shall thoroughly investigate
the character, business, social and community standing, and general eligibility
of all persons proposed for membership and shall report their decisions
on all applications to the board.
(a) Attendance Committee. This committee shall devise means for encouraging
attendance at all Rotary meetings - including attendance at district conferences,
intercity meetings, regional conferences, and international conventions
by all club members. This committee shall especially encourage attendance
at regular meetings of this club and attendance at regular meetings of
other clubs when unable to attend meetings of this club; keep all members
informed on attendance requirements; promote better incentives for good
attendance; and seek to ascertain and remove the conditions that contribute
to unsatisfactory attendance.
(b) Classifications Committee. This committee shall as early as possible,
but no later than 31 August of each year, make a classification survey
of the community; shall compile from the survey a roster of filled and
unfilled classifications, applying the classification principle; shall
review, where necessary, existing classifications represented in the club;
and shall counsel with the board on all classification problems.
(c) Membership Development Committee. This committee shall review continually
the club roster of filled and unfilled classifications and shall take
positive action to initiate and present to the board the names of suitable
persons to fill unfilled classifications.
(d) Rotary Information Committee. This committee shall inform prospective
members about the privileges and responsibilities of Rotary club membership;
keep members informed about the history, object, and activities of Rotary
at all levels; and oversee the orientation of new members during their
first year in the club.
Section 5 - Public Relations Committee. This committee shall devise and
carry into effect plans (1) to give the public general information about
Rotary, its history, object, and scope; and (2) to secure proper publicity
for the club.
(a) Club Bulletin Committee. This committee shall endeavor, through the
publishing of a weekly club bulletin, to stimulate interest and improve
attendance, announce the program of the forthcoming meeting, relate highlights
of the previous meeting, promote fellowship, contribute to the Rotary
education of all members, and report news of the club, of its members,
and of the worldwide Rotary program.
Section 6 - Strategic Planning Committee. This committee shall:
Form a long-range vision (three to five years) of goals and objectives
for the Club:
(a) To provide improved year-to-year continuity and consistency of each
President's direction and leadership to the club.
(b) To structure goals and objective for each avenues of service.
(c) To ensure that goals and objectives align with Rotary International's
goals and objectives.
(d) To encourage club's goals and objective to align with the district's
or vice versa.
To provide a framework for regular periodic review and adjustments of
the club's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and to update
the Strategic Plan. To create "ownership" in club members so
that it is understood that the goals and objectives are those of the club
overall and not just the current President.
Section 7 - Vocational Service Committee. This committee shall devise
and carry into effect plans, which will guide and assist the members of
this club in discharging their responsibilities in their vocational relationships
and in improving the general standards of practice in their respective
vocations. The chairman of this committee shall be responsible for the
vocational service activities of the club and shall supervise and coordinate
the work of any committees that may be appointed on particular phases
of vocational service.
Article IX Leave
of Absence
Upon written application to the board, setting forth good and sufficient
cause, leave of absence may be granted excusing a member from attending
the meetings of the club for a specified length of time.
(Note: Such leave
of absence does operate to prevent a forfeiture of membership; it does
not operate to give the club credit for the member's attendance. Unless
the member attends a regular meeting of some other club, the excused member
must be recorded as absent except that absence authorized under the provisions
of article VIII, section 2(b) of the standard Rotary club constitution
is not computed in the attendance record of the club.)
Article X Finances
Section 1 - The treasurer shall deposit all funds of the club in some
bank to be named by the board.
Section 2 - All bills shall be paid only by checks signed by the treasurer
upon vouchers signed by any two officers. A thorough audit by a certified
public accountant or other qualified person shall be made once each year
of all the club's financial transactions.
Section 3 - Officers having charge or control of funds shall give bond
as may be required by the board for the safe custody of the funds of the
club, cost of bond to be borne by the club.
Section 4 - The fiscal year of this club shall extend from 1 July to 30
June, and for the collection of members' dues shall be done annually for
the period extending from 1 July to 30 June. The payment of per capita
dues and magazine subscriptions to RI shall be made on 1 July and 1 January
of each year on the basis of the membership of the club on those dates.
(Note: Magazine subscriptions for members joining during a semiannual
period are payable upon invoice from the Secretariat.)
Section 5 - At the
beginning of each fiscal year the board shall prepare or cause to be prepared
a budget of estimated income and estimated expenditures for the year,
which, having been agreed to by the board, shall stand as the limit of
expenditures for the respective purposes unless otherwise ordered by action
of the board.
Article XI Method
of Electing Members
Section 1 - The name of a prospective member, proposed by an active member
of the club, shall be submitted to the board in writing, through the club
secretary. A transferring or former member of another club may be proposed
to active membership by the former club. The proposal for the time being
shall be kept confidential except as otherwise provided in this procedure.
Section 2 - The board shall ensure that the proposal meets all the classification
and membership requirements of the club constitution.
Section 3 - The board shall approve or disapprove the proposal within
30 days of its submission, and shall notify the proposer, through the
club secretary, of its decision.
Section 4 - If the decision of the board is favorable, the prospective
member shall be informed of the purposes of Rotary and of the privileges
and responsibilities of membership, following which the prospective member
shall be requested to sign the membership proposal form and to permit
his or her name and proposed classification to be published to the club.
Section 5 - If no written objection to the proposal, stating reasons,
is received by the board from any member (other than honorary) of the
club within seven (7) days following publication of information about
the prospective member, that person, upon payment of the admission fee
(if not honorary membership), as prescribed in these bylaws, shall be
considered to be elected to membership.
If any such objection has been filed with the board, it shall vote on
this matter at its next meeting. If approved despite the objection, the
proposed member, upon payment of the admission fee (if not honorary membership),
shall be considered to be elected to membership.
Section 6 - Following the election, the president shall arrange for the
induction of the new member; the club secretary shall issue a membership
card and shall report the new member to RI; and the Rotary information
committee shall provide appropriate literature for presentation at the
induction and assign a member to assist in the assimilation of the new
member.
Article XII Resolutions
No resolution or motion to commit this club on any matter shall be considered
by the club until it has been considered by the board. Such resolutions
or motions, if offered at a club meeting, shall be referred to the board
without discussion.
Article XIII Order
of Business
Meeting called to order.
Introduction of visiting Rotarians.
Correspondence and announcements.
Committee reports if any.
Any unfinished business.
Any new business.
Address or other program features.
Adjournment.
Article XIV Amendments
These bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting, a quorum being present,
by a two-thirds vote of all members present, provided that notice of such
proposed amendment shall have been mailed to each member at least ten
(10) days before such meeting. No amendment or addition to these bylaws
can be made which is not in harmony with the club constitution and with
the constitution and bylaws of RI.
Constitution
of the Rotary Club of Gahanna
Article I Definitions
As used in this constitution, unless the context otherwise clearly requires,
the words in this article shall have the following meanings:
1. Board: The Board of Directors of this club.
2. Bylaws: The bylaws of this club.
3. Director: A member of this club's Board of Directors.
4. Member: A member, other than an honorary member, of this club.
5. RI: Rotary International.
6. Year: The twelve-month period, which begins on 1 July.
Article II Name
The name of this organization shall be the Rotary Club of Gahanna, a member
of District 6690 of Rotary International.
Article III Locality
of the Club
The locality of this club is as follows:
Gahanna, Ohio and that area bounded on the north by Morse Road, on the
east by the Franklin/Licking County line starting at the intersection
of the county line and the Conrail/B&O Railroad tracks, west along
the tracks to Columbus corporation line, then along the Gahanna/Columbus
corporation line to an imaginary extension of 17th Avenue (Airport terminal
access road), then west to 17th Avenue (Airport terminal access road),
west along the north side of 17th Avenue to Stelzer road, then north along
Stelzer Road to Morse Road.
Article IV Object
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as
a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
First. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
Second. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition
of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each
Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
Third. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal,
business and community life;
Fourth. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and
peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons
united in the ideal of service.
Article V Meetings
Section 1 - Regular Meetings.
(a) Day and Time. This club shall hold a regular meeting once each week
on the day and at the time provided in the bylaws.
(b) Change of Meeting. For good cause, the board may change a regular
meeting to any day during the period commencing with the day following
the preceding regular meeting and ending with the day preceding the next
regular meeting, or to a different hour of the regular day, or to a different
place.
(c) Cancellation. The board may cancel a regular meeting if it falls on
a legal holiday or in case of the death of a club member, or of an epidemic
or of a disaster affecting the whole community, or of an armed conflict
in the community, which endangers the lives of the club members. The board
may cancel not more than four regular meetings in a year for causes not
otherwise specified herein provided that this club does not fail to meet
for more than three consecutive meetings.
Section 2 - Annual Meeting. An annual meeting for the election of officers
shall be held not later than 31 December as provided in the bylaws.
Article VI Membership
Section 1 - General Qualifications. This club shall be composed of adult
persons of good character and good business and professional reputation.
Section 2 - Kinds. This club shall have two kinds of membership, namely:
active and honorary.
**Interim Provision
Relating to Section 2 --- Notwithstanding the provisions of article VI,
section 2, no one who was a member of a Rotary club as of 1 July 2001
shall lose membership by reason of enactment 01-148 adopted by the 2001
Council on Legislation.
Section 3 - Active
Membership. A person possessing the qualifications set forth in article
V, section 2 of the RI constitution may be elected to active membership
in this club.
Section 4 - Transferring or Former Rotarian. A member may propose to active
membership a transferring member or former member of a club, if the proposed
member is terminating or has terminated such membership in the former
club due to no longer being engaged in the formerly assigned classification
of business or profession within the locality of the former club or the
surrounding area. The transferring or former member of a club being proposed
to active membership under this section may also be proposed by the former
club.
Section 5 - Dual Membership. No person shall simultaneously hold active
membership in this and another club. No person shall simultaneously be
a member and an honorary member in this club. No person shall simultaneously
hold active membership in this club and membership in a Rotaract club.
Section 6 - Honorary Membership.
(a) Eligibility for Honorary Membership. Persons who have distinguished
themselves by meritorious service in the furtherance of Rotary ideals
may be elected to honorary membership in this club. The term of such membership
shall be as determined by the board. Persons may hold honorary membership
in more than one club.
** The 2001 Council
on Legislation adopted an enactment, which eliminated types of membership
(senior active, past service and additional active) and revised the classification
principle. However, no one who is a member of a Rotary club as of 1 July
2001 will lose membership by reason of the new provisions. All such persons
will be considered active members.
(b) Rights and Privileges.
Honorary members shall be exempt from the payment of admission fees and
dues, shall have no vote and shall not be eligible to hold any office
in this club. Such members shall not hold classifications, but shall be
entitled to attend all meetings and enjoy all the other privileges of
this club. No honorary member of this club is entitled to any rights and
privileges in any other club, except for the right to visit other clubs
without being the guest of a Rotarian.
Section 7 - Holders of Public Office. Persons elected or appointed to
public office for a specified time shall not be eligible to active membership
in this club under the classification of such office. This restriction
shall not apply to persons holding positions or offices in schools, colleges
or other institutions of learning or to persons who are elected or appointed
to the judiciary. Members who are elected or appointed to public office
for a specified period may continue as such members in their existing
classifications during the period in which they hold such office.
Section 8 -Rotary International Employment. This club may retain in its
membership any member employed by RI.
Article VII Classifications
Section 1 - General Provisions.
(a) Principal Activity. Each member shall be classified in accordance
with the member's business or profession. The classification shall be
that which describes the principal and recognized activity of the firm,
company or institution with which the member is connected or that which
describes the member's principal and recognized business or professional
activity.
(b) Correction or Adjustment. If the circumstances warrant, the board
may correct or adjust the classification of any member. Notice of a proposed
correction or adjustment shall be provided to the member and the member
shall be allowed a hearing thereon.
Section 2 - Limitations. This club shall not elect a person to active
membership from a classification if the club already has five or more
members from that classification, unless the club has more than 50 members,
in which case, the club may elect a person to active membership in a classification
so long as it will not result in the classification making up more than
10% of the club's active membership. Members who are retired shall not
be included in the total number of members from a classification. If a
member changes classification, the club may continue the member's membership
under the new classification notwithstanding these limitations.
**Interim Provision
Relating to Section 2 --- Notwithstanding the provisions of article VII,
section 2, no one who was a member of a Rotary club as of 1 July 2001
shall lose membership by reason of enactment 01-148 adopted by the 2001
Council on Legislation. (See footnote for Interim Provision to Article
VI, section 2 of this constitution.)
Article VIII Attendance
Section 1 - General Provisions. Each member should attend this club's
regular meetings. A member shall be counted as attending a regular meeting
if the member is present for at least 60% of the meeting, or is present
and is called away unexpectedly and subsequently produces evidence to
the satisfaction of the board that such action was reasonable, or makes
up for an absence in any of the following ways:
(a) 14 Days Before or After the Meeting. If, within fourteen (14) days
before or after the regular time for that meeting, the member
(1) attends at least 60% of the regular meeting of another club or of
a provisional club; or
(2) attends a regular meeting of a Rotaract or Interact club or Rotary
Community Corps or of a provisional Rotaract or Interact club or Rotary
Community Corps; or
(3) attends a convention of RI, a council on legislation, an international
assembly, a Rotary institute for past and present officers of RI, a Rotary
institute for past, present, and incoming officers of RI, or any other
meeting convened with the approval of the board of directors of RI or
the president of RI acting on behalf of the board of directors of RI,
a Rotary multizone conference, a meeting of a committee of RI, a Rotary
district conference, a Rotary district assembly, any district meeting
held by direction of the board of directors of RI, any district committee
meeting held by direction of the district governor, or a regularly announced
intercity meeting of Rotary clubs; or
(4) is present at the usual time and place of a regular meeting of another
club for the purpose of attending such meeting, but that club is not meeting
at that time or place; or
(5) attends and participates in a club service project or a club-sponsored
community event or meeting authorized by the board; or
(6) attends a board meeting or, if authorized by the board, a meeting
of a service committee to which the member is assigned.
When a member is outside the member's country of residence for more than
fourteen (14) days, the time restriction shall not be imposed so that
the member may attend meetings in another country at any time during the
travel period, and each such attendance shall count as a valid make-up
for any regular meeting missed during the member's time abroad.
(b) At the Time of the Meeting. If, at the time of the meeting, the member
is
(1) traveling with reasonable directness to or from one of the meetings
specified in sub-subsection (a) (3) of this section; or
(2) serving as an officer or member of a committee of RI, or a trustee
of The Rotary Foundation; or
(3) serving as the special representative of the district governor in
the formation of a new club; or
(4) on Rotary business in the employ of RI; or
(5) directly and actively engaged in a district-sponsored or a RI or Rotary
Foundation- sponsored service project in a remote area where making up
attendance is impossible; or
(6) engaged in Rotary business duly authorized by the board, which precludes
attendance at the meeting.
(c) Extended Absence on Outposted Assignment. If the member, while working
within the member's own country of residence for an extended period on
an outposted assignment and with the mutual agreement of the member's
club and a designated club, attends meetings of the designated club.
Section 2 - Excused Absences. A member's absence shall be excused if
(a) the absence complies with the conditions and under circumstances approved
by the board. The board may excuse a member's absence for reasons, which
it considers to be good and sufficient.
(b) the aggregate of the member's years of age and years of membership
in one or more clubs is 85 years or more and the member has notified the
club secretary in writing of the member's desire to be excused from attendance
and the board has approved.
Section 3 -- RI Officers' Absences. A member's absence shall be excused
if the member is a current officer of RI.
Section 4 -- Attendance Records. Any member whose absences are excused
under the provisions of subsection (b) of section 2 of this article shall
not be included in the membership figure used to compute this club's attendance
nor shall such absences or attendances be used for that purpose.
Article IX Directors
and Officers
Section 1 - Governing Body. The governing body of this club shall be the
board constituted as the bylaws may provide.
Section 2 - Authority. The board shall have general control over all officers
and committees and, for good cause, may declare any office vacant.
Section 3 -- Board Action Final. The decision of the board in all club
matters is final, subject only to an appeal to the club. However, as to
a decision to terminate membership, a member, pursuant to article XI,
section 6, may either appeal to the club or request arbitration. If appealed,
a decision of the board shall be reversed only by a two-thirds vote of
the members present, at a regular meeting specified by the board, provided
a quorum is present and notice of the appeal has been given by the secretary
to each member at least five (5) days prior to the meeting. If an appeal
is taken, the action taken by the club shall be final.
Section 4 - Officers. The club officers shall be a president, a president-elect
and one or more vice-presidents, all of whom shall be members of the board,
and a secretary, a treasurer, and a sergeant-at-arms, who may or may not
be members of the board as the bylaws shall provide.
Section 5 - Election of Officers.
(a) Terms of Officers other than President. Each officer shall be elected
as provided in the bylaws. Except for the president, each officer shall
take office on 1 July immediately following election and shall serve for
the term of office or until a successor has been duly elected and qualified.
(b) Term of President. The president shall be elected as provided in the
bylaws, not more than two (2) years but not less than eighteen (18) months
prior to the day of taking office. The president shall serve as president-elect
for the year immediately preceding the year as president. The president
shall take office on 1 July and shall serve for a period of one (1) year
or until a successor has been duly elected and qualified.
(c) Qualifications. Each officer and director shall be a member in good
standing of this club. The president-elect shall attend the district presidents-elect
training seminar and the district assembly unless excused by the governor-elect.
If so excused, the president-elect shall send a designated club representative
who shall report back to the president-elect.
Article X Admission
Fees and Dues
Every member shall pay an admission fee and annual dues as prescribed
in the bylaws, except that any transferring or former member of another
club who is accepted into membership of this club pursuant to article
VI, section 4 shall not be required to pay a second admission fee.
Article XI Duration
of Membership
Section 1 - Period. Membership shall continue during the existence of
this club unless terminated as hereinafter provided.
Section 2 - Automatic Termination.
(a) Membership Qualifications. Membership shall automatically terminate
when a member no longer meets the membership qualifications, except that:
(1) the board may grant a member moving from the locality of this club
or the surrounding area a special leave of absence not to exceed one (1)
year to enable the member to visit and become known to a Rotary club in
the new community if the member is still active in the same classification
and continues to meet all other conditions of club membership;
(2) the board may allow a member moving from the locality of this club
or the surrounding area to retain membership if the member remains active
in the same classification and continues to meet all other conditions
of club membership; and
(3) a member whose classification is lost without default of the member
may retain such classification and be granted a special leave of absence
not to exceed one (1) year to enable the member to obtain new employment
in the current or a new classification. Such member must continue to meet
all other conditions of club membership. Termination of membership would
take effect only at the end of the period of leave granted to the member.
(b) How to Rejoin. When the membership of a member has terminated as provided
in subsection (a) of this section, such person may make new application
for membership, under the same or another classification. A second admission
fee shall not be required.
(c) Termination of Honorary Membership. Honorary membership shall automatically
terminate at the end of the term for such membership as determined by
the board. However, the board may extend an honorary membership for an
additional period. The board may revoke an honorary membership at any
time.
Section 3 - Termination - Non-Payment of Dues.
(a) Process. Any member failing to pay dues within thirty (30) days after
the prescribed time shall be notified in writing by the secretary at the
member's last known address. If the dues are not paid on or before ten
(10) days of the date of notification, membership may terminate, subject
to the discretion of the board.
(b) Reinstatement. The board may reinstate the former member to membership
upon the former member's petition and payment of all indebtedness to this
club. However, no former member may be reinstated to active membership
if the former member's classification has been filled.
Section 4 - Termination - Non-Attendance.
(a) Attendance Percentages. A member must
(1) attend or make up at least 60% of club regular meetings in each half
of the year;
(2) attend at least 30% of this club's regular meetings in each half of
the year.
If a member fails to attend as required, the member's membership shall
be subject to termination unless the board consents to such non-attendance
for good cause.
(b) Consecutive Absences. Unless otherwise excused by the board for good
and sufficient reason or pursuant to article VIII, sections 2 or 3, each
member who fails to attend or make up four consecutive regular meetings,
shall be informed by the board that the member's non-attendance may be
considered a request to terminate membership in this club. Thereafter,
the board, by a majority vote, may terminate the member's membership.
Section 5 - Termination -- Other Causes.
(a) Good Cause. The board may terminate the membership of any member who
ceases to have the qualifications for membership in this club or for any
good cause by a vote of not less than two-thirds of the board members,
at a meeting called for that purpose.
(b) Notice. Prior to taking any action under subsection (a) of this section,
the member shall be given at least ten (10) days' written notice of such
pending action and an opportunity to submit a written answer to the board.
The member shall have the right to appear before the board to state the
member's case. Notice shall be by personal delivery or by registered letter
to the member's last known address.
(c) Filling Classification. When the board has terminated the membership
of a member as provided for in this section, this club shall not elect
a new member under the former member's classification until the time for
hearing any appeal has expired and the decision of this club or of the
arbitrators has been announced.
Section 6 --- Right to Appeal or Arbitrate Termination.
(a) Notice. Within seven (7) days after the date of the board's decision
to terminate membership, the secretary shall give written notice of the
decision to the member. Within fourteen (14) days after the date of the
notice, the member may give written notice to the secretary of the intention
either to appeal to the club or to arbitrate as provided in article XV.
(b) Date for Hearing of Appeal. In the event of an appeal, the board shall
set a date for the hearing of the appeal at a regular club meeting to
be held within twenty-one (21) days after receipt of the notice of appeal.
At least five (5) days' written notice of the meeting and its special
business shall be given to every member. Only members shall be present
when the appeal is heard.
(c) Arbitration. In the event of a request for arbitration, each party
shall appoint an arbitrator and the arbitrators shall appoint an umpire.
Only a member of a Rotary club may be appointed as umpire or as arbitrator.
(d) Appeal. If an appeal is taken, the action of the club shall be final
and binding on all parties and shall not be subject to arbitration.
(e) Decision of Arbitrators or Umpire. If arbitration is requested, the
decision reached by the arbitrators, or, if they disagree, by the umpire
shall be final and binding on all parties and shall not be subject to
appeal.
Section 7 -- Board Action Final. Board action shall be final if no appeal
to this club is taken and no arbitration is requested.
Section 8 - Resignation. The resignation of any member from this club
shall be in writing, addressed to the president or secretary. The resignation
shall be accepted by the board if the member has no indebtedness to this
club.
Section 9 - Forfeiture of Property Interest. Any person whose club membership
has been terminated in any manner shall forfeit all interest in any funds
or other property belonging to this club.
Article XII Community,
National and International Affairs
Section 1 - Proper Subjects. The merits of any public question involving
the general welfare of the community, the nation and the world are of
concern to the members of this club and shall be proper subjects of fair
and informed study and discussion at a club meeting for the enlightenment
of its members in forming their individual opinions. However, this club
shall not express an opinion on any pending controversial public measure.
Section 2 - No Endorsements. This club shall not endorse or recommend
any candidate for public office and shall not discuss at any club meeting
the merits or demerits of any such candidate.
Section 3 - Non-Political.
(a) Resolutions and Opinions. This club shall neither adopt nor circulate
resolutions or opinions, and shall not take action dealing with world
affairs or international policies of a political nature.
(b) Appeals. This club shall not direct appeals to clubs, peoples or governments,
or circulate letters, speeches, or proposed plans for the solution of
specific international problems of a political nature.
Section 4 - Recognizing Rotary's Beginning.
The week of the anniversary of Rotary's founding (23 February) shall be
known as World Understanding and Peace Week. During this week, this club
will celebrate Rotary service, reflect upon past achievements and focus
on programs of peace, understanding and goodwill in the community and
throughout the world.
Article XIII Rotary
Magazines
Section 1 - Mandatory Subscription. Unless, in accordance with the bylaws
of RI, this club is excused by the board of directors of RI from complying
with the provisions of this article, each member shall, for the duration
of membership, subscribe to the official magazine or to the magazine approved
and prescribed for this club by the board of directors of RI. The subscription
shall be paid in six (6) month periods for the duration of membership
in this club and to the end of any six (6) month period during which membership
may terminate.
Section 2 - Subscription Collection. The subscription shall be collected
by this club from each member semiannually in advance and remitted to
the Secretariat of RI or to the office of such regional publications as
may be determined by the board of directors of RI.
Article XIV Acceptance
of Object and Compliance with Constitution and Bylaws
By payment of an admission fee and dues, a member accepts the principles
of Rotary as expressed in its object and submits to and agrees to comply
with and be bound by the constitution and bylaws of this club, and on
these conditions alone is entitled to the privileges of this club. Each
member shall be subject to the terms of the constitution and bylaws regardless
of whether such member has received copies of them.
Article XV Arbitration
Should any dispute, other than as to a decision of the board, arise between
any current or former member(s), and this club, any club officer or the
board, on any account whatsoever which cannot be settled under the procedure
already provided for such purpose, the dispute shall be settled, upon
a request to the secretary by any of the disputants, by arbitration. The
procedure utilized for such arbitration shall be as provided in article
XI, section 6, subsections (c) and (e).
Article XVI Bylaws
This club shall adopt bylaws not inconsistent with the constitution and
bylaws of RI, with the rules of procedure for an administrative territorial
unit where established by RI, and with this constitution, embodying additional
provisions for the government of this club. Such bylaws may be amended
from time to time as therein provided.
Article XVII Interpretation
Throughout this constitution, the terminology "mail," "mailing"
and "ballot-by-mail" will include utilization of electronic
mail (e-mail) and internet technology to reduce costs and increase responsiveness.
Article XVIII Amendments
Section 1 - Manner of Amending. Except as provided in section 2 of this
article, this constitution may be amended only by the council on legislation
in the same manner as is established in the bylaws of RI for the amendment
of its bylaws.
Section 2 - Amending Article II and Article III. Article II (Name) and
Article III (Locality of the Club) of the constitution shall be amended
at any regular meeting of this club, a quorum being present by the affirmative
vote of a majority of members present and voting, provided that notice
of such proposed amendment shall have been mailed to each member at least
ten (10) days before such meeting, and provided further, that such amendment
shall be submitted to the board of directors of RI for its approval and
shall become effective only when so approved.
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