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Constitution and Bylaws
Bylaws
Chico Rotary Constitution
| | Bylaws of the Rotary Club of Chico
Article I Election of Directors and Officers
Section 1 – The members of the Board of Directors of this club, other than the President, the
Vice-President, the Secretary-Treasurer, shall each serve for a two (2) year term with four (4)
new directors being elected in even numbered years and five (5) new directors in odd numbered years.
Section 2 – To be eligible for membership on the Board of Directors, other than as an officer, a
member must fulfill the following qualifications:
(a) Is now or has been chairperson of a committee or a division chairperson, or
(b) Has served on any of the following committees:
1. Membership
2. Classification
3. Rotary Information
or
(c) Has been in the Chico Rotary Club for five (5) or more consecutive years, and
(d) In any event, must have been in the Chico Rotary Club two (2) years with December
31 st of the years the member last joined being the date which starts this (2) year period and
(e) Members with an excused classification (SAX) are not eligible, and
(f) Past Presidents are eligible, and
(g) There shall be four (4) years between terms of service on the board.
Section 3 – Ballots listing the names of eligible members shall be prepared annually by the
Secretary using the criteria of Article I, Section 2. One-half of the ballots are to be printed
alphabetically and the other half in reverse alphabetical order, alternating the two halves each
year. An asterisk shall be placed in front of the names of eligible members who have previously
served on the Board of Directors.
Section 4 –A list of the names of the eligible board members shall be posted on the club web
site as part of the Oak Leaves and presented to the membership as a handout during the regular
meeting the week prior to the Tuesday on which the first balloting is to take place. An asterisk
shall also designate prior board members on this list.
Section 5 – Balloting for the members of the Board of Directors, other than the President, the
Vice-President, the Secretary, the Treasurer or the Secretary-Treasurer, shall be done at the last
two regular meetings in November of each year. At the next to the last regular meeting in
November, nine (9) nominees shall be selected by the club membership by secret ballot on the
ballot as prepared under Article I, Section 3 & 4. At the last regular meeting in November, either
four (4) or five (5) directors, as determined under Article I, Section 1, shall be elected by the club
membership by secret ballot from the nine (9) nominees selected at the previous regular meeting
in November.
Section 6 – Following the election of directors under the provisions of Section 5 of this Article at
the regular December meeting of the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors-elect, the current
Board of Directors and the current officers, including the current ex-officio officers, with each
having the right of one vote, shall elect a President-Elect for the Rotary year term commencing
18 months post-election.
(a) No election is required for the Vice-President. No election is required for Secretary,
Treasurer, or the Secretary-Treasurer as the selection and appointment of the Secretary,
Treasurer, or the Secretary-Treasurer shall be made by the President-elect, confirmed by the
Board of Directors.
(b) Special criteria for selection of the President shall be that the member has served on a past
Board of Directors or is a past or is the present Secretary, Treasurer, or Secretary-Treasurer.
Section 7 – A vacancy in the Board of Directors or any office shall be filled by action of the
remaining members of the Board of Directors.
Section 8 – A vacancy is the position of any officer-elect or director-elect shall be filled by
action of the remaining members of the Board of Directors.
Article II Board of Directors
Section 1 –The governing body of this club shall be the Board of Directors and this board shall
have all powers of governing this club except those expressly given to officers.
Section 2 –The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, the Vice President, the
Secretary, the Treasurer, or Secretary-Treasurer when that office is combined and nine (9)
Directors. The officers holding the offices of Secretary, Treasurer, or Secretary-Treasurer shall
be the ex-officio members of the Board of Directors and shall be without the right of vote unless
specifically provided otherwise in these bylaws.
Article III Duties of Officers
Section 1 --- General. The officers of this club shall be the president, vice-president, the
secretary and the treasurer or the offices of secretary and treasurer may be combined into a single
office at the discretion of the board of directors.
Section 2---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 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 --- At the discretion of the president, other members of the club may be appointed to
preside at the regular meetings of the club in the absence of the president.
Section 5 — 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 Rotary International (RI), including the semiannual reports of
membership, which shall be made to the general secretary of RI on January 1st and July 1st 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 6 — 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.
Article IV Meetings
Section 1 — Annual Meeting. An annual meeting of this club shall be held in January of each
year, at which time the names of the newly-elected president and the newly-appointed secretary,
treasurer, or secretary-treasurer shall be announced.
Section 2 — The regular weekly meetings of this club shall be held on Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m.
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 constitution of this club) 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.
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 each month on a day and time as
established by the Board of Directors at the beginning of each Rotary year. 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 payable in an amount as determined by the board and
shall be payable by the applicant before the applicant can qualify as a member.
Section 2 — The annual membership dues shall be an amount as determined by the board and
shall be payable as determined by the board with the understanding that the subscription cost to
The Rotarian magazine shall be applied to each member’s annual dues.
Article VI Method of Voting
The business of this club shall be transacted by voice vote except the election of
directors, which shall be by ballot.
Article VII Committees
Section 1-
(a) Nominating Committee. The president shall appoint each year a nominating committee, to be
chaired by a past president of the club, for the purpose of presenting a candidate or candidates to
the Board of Directors for election to the Office of President, as set forth in Article 1, Section 6,
of these bylaws.
(b) Division Chairs. The president shall appoint each year one or more chairs to head each of the
four avenues of service under which the club operates and which are as follows:
Club Service
Vocational/Youth Service
Community Service
International Service
Section 2 –Each avenue of service shall have committees representing particular phases within
each respective avenue with committee chairs reporting to the chairperson(s) in charge of their
respective avenues of service. Committees and their chairs shall be appointed by the president
with said appointments being subject to the approval by the board.
(a) Committees to be appointed to represent the various phases of club service may include:
Attendance Membership
Classifications Program
Club Bulletin (Oak Leaves) Public Relations
Fellowship Rotary Information
Membership Recruitment Sergeant at Arms
and any other committees that the president may deem necessary for the administration of club
affairs.
(b) Committees to be appointed to represent the various phases of Vocational/Youth Service may
include:
Interact
Scholarship and Awards
Youth Citizenship
Four Way Test Competition
and any other committees that the president may deem necessary for vocational/youth service.
(c) Committees to be appointed to represent the various phases of Community Service may
include:
Community Service Award
Community Service Project
Rural-Urban
Environmental Awareness
and any other committees that the president may deem necessary for community service.
(d) Committees appointed to represent the various phases of International Service may include:
International Project
International Youth Exchange
Rotary Foundation/Paul Harris
and any other committees that the president may deem necessary for international service.
(e) Where feasible and practicable in the appointment of club committees, there should be
provision for continuity of membership by appointing one or more members for a second term.
(f) The president shall be ex officio a member of all committees and, as such, shall
have all the privileges of membership thereon.
(g) 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.
Article VIII Duties of Committees
Section 1 – The President, subject to approval to the Board, may assign to committees duties
which are in addition to those as described in the following four (4) sections of this Article.
Section 2 — Club Service.
(a) Attendance Committee. This committee shall devise means for encouraging
attendance at all Rotary meetings — including attendance at district conferences,
inter-city 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 at the beginning of each
Rotary 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) Club Bulletin Committee. This committee shall endeavor, to produce 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.
(d) 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.
(e) 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.
(f) Membership Recruitment 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.
(g) Program Committee. This committee shall prepare and arrange the programs for
the regular and special meetings of the club.
(h) 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.
(i) 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.
(j) Sergeant at Arms Committee. This committee shall help maintain an orderly dignified and
effective Rotary Club meeting and shall be responsible for the physical preparations for all
meetings, maintaining of name badges, collection of monies and other duties normally a function
of this committee.
Section 3 — Vocational/Youth Service. The general responsibility of any committees appointed
under this section shall be to 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 chair 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.
(a) Scholarship and Awards Committee. This committee shall operate a program of financial aid
to students and to recognize publicly the value of outstanding scholarship.
(b) Interact Committee. This committee shall provide the Interact Club or Clubs with guidance
and counsel after its (their) establishment and shall perform those duties required of this
committee by the Standard Interact Club Constitutions and Bylaws.
Section 4 — Community Service. The general responsibility of any committees appointed under
this section shall be to devise and carry into effect plans which will guide and assist the members
of this club in discharging their responsibilities in their community relationships.
(a) Community Service Award Committee. This committee is charged with the responsibility of
selecting a recipient for the Chico Rotary Club Community Service Award using as the sole
criteria for selection that criteria which was prepared by A.H. Weibel under date of October 15,
1949, and which criteria is maintained in the files of the Secretary of this club.
(b) Rural Urban Committee. This committee shall develop close working relationships between
the rural community and the Rotary Club, extend Rotary Influence to surrounding rural areas and
develop an understanding between rural and urban areas of their mutual dependency.
(c) Environmental Awareness 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) Community Service Project Committee. This committee shall devise and carry into effect
plans which will guide and assist the members of this club in building relationships
with other community service organizations within the community and in cooperating with them
in service.
Section 5 — International Service
(a) The general responsibilities of any committees appointed under this section shall be to 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.
(b) International Service Committee. This committee shall mobilize the resources of members of
the club and others in the community in sponsoring, with the cooperation of the Rotarians
abroad, World Community Service projects.
(c) International Youth Exchange Committee. This committee shall attempt to bring young
people from other countries to live and study in the community, to send youth from the
community abroad and to extend hospitality to students from other lands who are enrolled in
local schools.
(d) Rotary Foundation Committee. This committee shall spread knowledge of and promote
support for the Rotary Foundation and encourage participation in the programs of Rotary
Foundation.
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 constitution of this club 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 such bank(s) 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 July 1st to June 30 th .
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 60 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 and guests.
Announcements.
Club Business.
Program.
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 provided to each member at least ten (10) days before such meeting. No
amendment or addition to these bylaws shall be made which is not in harmony with the
club constitution and with the constitution and bylaws of RI. | |
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| | Constitution of the Rotary Club of Chico
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 Chico, a member of Rotary International.
Article III Locality of the Club
The locality of this club is as follows: Regular meetings are held in the Greater Chico Urban Area, CA, USA, unless otherwise changed as provided for in Article V of this constitution. For the purpose of conducting correspondence and regular club business this club shall maintain a published U S Postal Service Box address.
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. Former membership categories, senior active, additional active and past service shall become active members.
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.
(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.
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 multi-zone
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 inter-city 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 officers of this club shall be the president, the vice-president, the secretary and the treasurer, or at the discretion of the Board, the offices of the secretary and treasurer may be combined into a single office.
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 elect shall serve as vice-president 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 / vice-president shall attend the district presidents-elect training seminar and the district assembly unless excused by the governor-elect. If so excused, the president-elect / vice-president shall send a designated club representative who shall report back to the president-elect / vice-president.
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) miss no more than six unmade-up meetings in each half of the year (amended March 12, 2004);
(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 — The Board of Directors or ten percent (10%) of the club membership may propose an amendment or amendments to this constitution.
Section 2 —This constitution may only be amended at a regular meeting of this club, a quorum being present, by the affirmative vote of a majority of all members present and voting. Notice of such proposed amendment or amendments shall have been provided to each member at least ten (10) days before such meeting.
Section 3 —(a) Attendance Standards. A member must (1) miss no more than six unmade-up meetings in each half of the year (March 12, 2004) Constitution of the Rotary Club of Chico
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 Chico, a member of Rotary International.
Article III Locality of the Club
The locality of this club is as follows: Regular meetings are held in the Greater Chico Urban Area, CA, USA, unless otherwise changed as provided for in Article V of this constitution. For the purpose of conducting correspondence and regular club business this club shall maintain a published U S Postal Service Box address.
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. Former membership categories, senior active, additional active and past service shall become active members.
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.
(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.
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 multi-zone
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 inter-city 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 officers of this club shall be the president, the vice-president, the secretary and the treasurer, or at the discretion of the Board, the offices of the secretary and treasurer may be combined into a single office.
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 elect shall serve as vice-president 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 / vice-president shall attend the district presidents-elect training seminar and the district assembly unless excused by the governor-elect. If so excused, the president-elect / vice-president shall send a designated club representative who shall report back to the president-elect / vice-president.
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) miss no more than six unmade-up meetings in each half of the year (amended March 12, 2004);
(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 — The Board of Directors or ten percent (10%) of the club membership may propose an amendment or amendments to this constitution.
Section 2 —This constitution may only be amended at a regular meeting of this club, a quorum being present, by the affirmative vote of a majority of all members present and voting. Notice of such proposed amendment or amendments shall have been provided to each member at least ten (10) days before such meeting.
Section 3 —(a) Attendance Standards. A member must (1) miss no more than six unmade-up meetings in each half of the year (March 12, 2004) | |
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