Constitution of the Rotary Club of Snoqualmie Valley
As used in this constitution, unless the context otherwise clearly requires, the words in this article shall have the following meanings:
Board: The Board of Directors of this Club.
Bylaws: The Bylaws of this Club.
Director: A member of this Club's Board of Directors.
Member: A member, other than an honorary member, of this Club.
RI: Rotary International.
Year: The twelve-month period which begins on July 1.
The name of this organization shall be the Rotary Club of Snoqualmie Valley.
Article III: Locality of the Club
The territorial limits of this club are as follows: The general area in and around the cities of North Bend and Snoqualmie Washington and the unincorporated ares of Fall City and Preston.
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.
Section
1.
(a) Day and Time.
This club shall hold a regular meeting once each week on the day and at the time provided in its by-laws.
(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 holliday 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 any one Rotary year for causes not otherwise specified herein provided always that this club does not fail to meet more than three consecutive meetings.
Section 2.
An annual meeting for the election of officers of this club shall be held not later than the thirty-first day of December in each year as provided in the by-laws of this club.
Section
1. General Qualifications.
This club shall be composed of
adult persons of good character and good business or professional
reputation.
Section 2. Kinds.
This Rotary club shall have two kings of membership, namely: active and honorary.
Section 3. Active Membership.
A person possessing the qualifications set forth in Article VI, Section2 of the rotary International constitution may be elected to active membership of this club.
Section 4. Transferring or Former Rotarian.
A member may propose to active membership a transferring member or a 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 or business 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 net 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 active 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 Rotary International.
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
covers the principal and recognized activity of the firm, company,
or institution with which such member is connected or that that
which describes the member's principal and recognized business or
professional activity.
(b) Correction and 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 of this club should attend its
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 15 days
before or after the usual 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 of a provisional Rotaract or Interact
club or Rotary Village Corps, or
(3) attends a convention of
Rotary International, a council on legislation, an international
assembly, a Rotary institute for past and present officers of
Rotary International, a Rotary institute for past, present, and
incoming officers of Rotary International, or any other meeting
convened with the approval of the board of directors of Rotary
International, the president of Rotary International acting for
the board of Rotary International, a Rotary multizone conference,
a meeting of a committee of Rotary International, a Rotary
district conference, a Rotary district assembly, any district
meeting held by direction of the Board of Directors of Rotary
International, any district committee meeting held by the
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, and that club is not meeting at
the time and 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 a period exceeding fourteen 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 at this club during the member's
time abroad.
(b) At the Time of the Meeting.
If
at the time of the meeting a member is
(1) traveling with
reasonable directness to or from one of the meetings mentioned in
paragraph (a)(3) of this section, or
(2) serving as an officer
or member of a committee of Rotary International, 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 Rotary
International, or
(5) directly and actively engaged in a
district-sponsored or a Rotary International or a Rotary
Foundation sponsored service project in a remote area where the
opportunity for making up attendance is completely impossible,
or
(6) engaged in Rotary business duly authorized by the board
of this club if this 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
extended periods on an outposted assignment and with the mutual
agreement between the member's club and a designated club, attends
meetins 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 the circumstances approved by the
board. The board may excuse a member's absence for reasons which
it considers 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 Rotary International.
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 a board constituted as the by-laws may provide.
Section 2. Authority.
The board shall have general control over all officers and committees and may, for good cause, 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 a president and a president-elect, both of whom shall be members of the board; a secretary, and a treasurer, and a sergeant-at-arms, who may or may not be members of the board as the bylaws provide.
Section 5. Election of Officers.
(a)
Term of Officers Other Than President.
Each officer shall
be elected as provided in the by-laws. Except for the president,
each officer shall take office on 1 July and shall serve for the
term of office or until a successor shall have been elected and
qualified.
(b) Term of President.
The president shall be elected, as not more than two years but not less than eighteen months prior to the day of taking office. The president shall serve as president-elect for the year immediately preceding the year as president shall commence. The president shall take office on 1 July and shall serve for the period of one (1) year or until a successor has been duly elected and qualified.
(c) Each officer and each 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 of this club shall pay an admission fee and and annual dues as prescribed in the by-laws, 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 classifications 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 exceeding one (1) year to enable the member to obtain new employment in the current or new classification. 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 classification or another classification. If elected to membership, as 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 from 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 sixty percent of the club's regular meetings in each half of the year; and
(2) attend at least thirty percent of the regular meetings of this club in each half of the Rotary year. If a member fails to attend as required above, 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 for 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 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 days' 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 of the arbitrators has been announced.
Section 6. Right to Appeal of Arbitrate Termination.
(a) 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 meeting of he club, to be held within twenty-one (21) days after the receipt of such written notice of appeal. At least five days' 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.
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 the 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 the 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 particular 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, the 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 Rotary International this club is excused by the Board of Directors of Rotary International from complying with the provisions of this article, each member shall for the duration of membership subscribe to the official magazine or to the approved magazine prescribed for this club by the Board of Directors of Rotary International. 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 month period during which membership may terminate.
Section 2. Subscription Collection.
The subscription shall be collected by the club from each member semi-annually in advance and remitted to the Secretariat of Rotary International or to the office of such regional publications as may be determined by the Board of Directors of Rotary International.
Article XIV: Acceptance of Object and Compliance with Constitution and By-Laws
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 by-laws 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 by-laws regardless of whether such member has received copies of them.
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).
This club shall adopt by-laws not inconsistent with the constitution and by-laws of Rotary International with the rules of procedure for an administrative territorial unit where established by Rotary International, and with this constitution, embodying additional provisions for the government of this club. Such by-laws may be amended from time to time as therein provided.
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.
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 by-laws of Rotary International for the amendment of its by-laws.
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 the 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 Rotary International for its approval and shall become effective only when so approved.
Revised for Snoqualmie Valley Rotary, November 2001
