By-laws etc

BYLAWS
SINGLES INTERNATIONAL CHAPTER, FMCA 

ARTICLE I – CHAPTER NAME 

The name of this not-for-profit organization shall be the SINGLES INTERNATIONAL Chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association, Inc. hereinafter referred to as Chapter. 

ARTICLE II – OBJECT-PURPOSE 

The purpose of this Chapter shall be to foster fellowship and communication between single members of FMCA and to promote and/or provide social, recreational and exchange activities for enjoyment of mutual interests and concerns. 

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP 

A.        ELIGIBILITY:  To be eligible for and to maintain membership in this Chapter, a person must own at least one-third (1/3) of an FMCA approved coach, be in good standing with FMCA and meet the dues requirements and provisions set forth in the Bylaws of this Chapter.  Membership in this Chapter shall not be denied any person because of race, sec, religion, color, marital or family status, age nationality or disability. 

B.        DEFINITION:  The term “member” as used herein, except for Corporate or Commercial Membership, is defined as a family unit consisting of a husband and wife, or adult person(s) with or without children. 

C.            CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP:  Only a Full Member, Full Lifetime Member, Life Member, or Honorary Member who has advanced from one of these classes has all rights and privileges of chapter membership.  The Commercial Member, Family Associate and Member Emeritus classes must pay dues to FMCA and may not attend a chapter event in another type of recreational vehicle, vote or hold office. 

D.            DUES AND FEES:

1.             Annual Dues:   Annual payment of Chapter and National dues enables persons to become active members and entitled to all rights and privileges of this Chapter and FMCA.  The annual dues for membership in the Chapter shall be an amount as the membership shall, from year to year, by resolution at a general meeting establish.

2.             Renewal: Renewal dues from Chapter members become due and payable on the first (1st) day of October each year.

3.             Initial/Reinstated Application:  Application for new membership shall be accompanied by payment of dues, along with an application form provided by this Chapter and payment of National dues (unless already a FMCA member).  Reinstated members shall be required to pay the renewal dues established by the Chapter Membership.

4.             Arrears: Any member whose dues remain unpaid for more than two (2) months after becoming due shall be considered delinquent after December 1st and membership is cancelled. 

ARTICLE IV – CHAPTER ADMINISTRATION 

A.        AUTHORITY:  This Chapter shall be democratically self-governed, deriving its existence and authority from the consents of its membership assembled in meeting or, in certain instances, by mail vote on stated issues and propositions. 

B.        FISCAL YEAR:  The fiscal membership year of this Chapter shall commence on January 1st and end on December 31st.  The organizational year of this Chapter of FMCA shall commence upon the election of new officers. 

C.        CHAPTER MEETINGS:  The term “meeting” shall include coach rallies, campouts, dinner meetings, and any other gatherings suitable to the function of this Chapter. 

D.        BUSINESS MEETINGS:   This Chapter must hold at least one (1) business meeting each  year at which a quorum is present.  Said meeting shall be duly announced in advance to the membership. 

E.         ANNUAL MEETING/ELECTION:  The Annual Meeting/Election shall be held during a business meeting at which time the voting membership shall elect Chapter Officers, including a President, Executive Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a National Director, an Alternate National Director, Vice President-Newsletter Editor and as many Area Vice Presidents as needed to cover the geographical areas of an International Chapter.  

F.         QUORUM:  A quorum for the transaction of business at any duly called Business Meeting is twenty-five percent (25%) of the Chapter unit membership or fifteen (15) family unit members, whichever is less. 

G.        VOTING:  Except as specified elsewhere in these Bylaws, a simple majority vote of members in good standing and voting shall be required to approve or disapprove any matter. The election of officers shall be held at the winter/spring national convention by written ballot.  A 51% or greater majority of the votes cast shall be required to elect officers or decide issues.  Each member, present and in good standing, shall be entitled to cast one vote. 

H.        PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS:  The rules contained in the current edition of ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER NEWLY REVISED shall govern this Chapter and in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the constitution and Bylaws of FMCA and of this Chapter. 

I.          MAINTAINING AFFILIATION:  This Chapter must maintain a minimum of fifteen (15) unit members. 

J.         ANNUAL AUDIT:  An annual audit of the Chapter's financial books and records shall be undertaken yearly prior to the Annual Meeting and reported to the membership at the Annual Business Meeting.  The Chapter shall elect an Auditing Committee of at least three (3) members in good standing at the Summer Convention. 

K.        APPLICATION OF NANTIONAL CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS: This Chapter accepts and agrees that the chapter bylaws shall conform with any mandatory requirements stipulated in the National Constitution and Bylaws of FMCA 

ARTICLE V – ELECTIONS 

A.        NOMINATING COMMITTEE COMPOSITION:

1.    The Nominating Committee shall consist of five (5) Chapter Members in good standing, but not less than three (3).

2.    The Nominating Committee shall be nominated by the membership at the Winter/Spring Convention of the Chapter Meeting and shall serve during the year.

3.    This Committee shall nominate candidates for the Chapter Officers including a President, Executive Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a National Director, an Alternate National Director, Vice President-Newsletter Editor and as many Area Vice Presidents as needed .

4.    Election of an individual to the Nominating Committee shall not prohibit that person from being nominated for elected office of any member in good standing from being nominated from the floor for any elective office.

5.    The Nominating Committee shall nominate candidates to fill vacancies which occur in elected Chapter Offices. 

B.        NOMINATING COMMITTEE DUTIES:  The duties shall be:

1.    To select a slate of officers for the new year to be presented for voting by the Chapter Membership.

2.    To obtain clear acceptance of the nominees to serve the Chapter should they be elected.

3.    To make certain that nominated candidates are members in good standing and qualified under the applicable National and Chapter Bylaws.

4.    To select one of its members a Nominating Committee Chairman.

5.    The Nominating Committee shall present the slate of candidates at the Winter/Spring Convention. 

ARTICLE VI – OFFICER DUTIES 

A.        PRESIDENT:  The elected Chapter President is the leader of the Chapter and presides at all meetings of the Chapter Membership.  Upon a vacancy occurring in any office, the President shall promptly appoint a member to temporarily fill said vacancy until the next election is held. 

B.        EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT:  The Chapter Executive Vice-President assists the President and serves as the presiding officer in the absence of the President form any duly-called meeting.  Upon a vacancy occurring in the office of President, or upon inability or refusal to preside, the  Executive Vice-President performs all duties of the President.  When so acting, the Executive Vice-President exercises the authority and is subject to the same limitations as apply to the President. 

C.        SECRETARY: 

1.    The Chapter Secretary shall keep accurate and up-to-date records of the Chapter's Membership and forward to the National Office a membership list of names and FMCA numbers of the Chapter's Members along with a list of incumbent Chapter Officers and certification that the Chapter held the required number of meetings in the Chapter's previous fiscal period.  These reports are to be sent to the National Office no later than the last week in December each year.

2.    The Chapter Secretary shall promptly report, in writing, to the National Office of FMCA, the results of any election or change in status of Chapter Officers.  This report shall include addresses and telephone numbers of each person so elected.

3.    Failure to annually forward a membership list and certification of meetings held, shall result in the suspension of the right to vote by the National Director of Alternate National Director.

4.    The Chapter Secretary is expected to record, in a Chapter Minute Book, the proceedings of all meetings of the Chapter's Membership.  This signed minutes shall be read and approved at the next meeting, unless said reading is waived by majority vote.  Minutes of all meetings are to be kept available in the event a member of the Chapter desires to read them. 

D.        TREASURER: 

1.    The Chapter Treasurer receives, safeguards, and holds all Chapter funds in the name of the Chapter and as its trustee and fiscal agent.

2.    The Treasurer keeps accurate accounts of all Chapter Funds and renders reports on same at each business meeting of the Chapter's Membership.

3.    The Chapter Treasurer disburses Chapter funds only for authorized Chapter purposes. 

E.         NATIONAL DIRECTOR AND ALTERNATE NATIONAL DIRECTOR:

1.    Each Chapter shall elect annually a member as National Director to serve on the Governing Board of FMCA.  An Alternate National Director shall also be elected to serve whenever the National Directory is unable to attend meetings of the Governing Board or be otherwise unable to serve.  The number of terns of National Director and/or Alternate National Director are not limited.  Another Chapter Officer is not precluded from election as the National Director, or as the Alternate National Director.

2.    Members of the same family unit may serve as National Director or Alternate National Director in different Chapters; such members may not hold these offices in the same Chapter concurrently.

3.    The term of office of a newly-elected National Director or Alternate National Director begins after the National Office receives written notice of said election, and has verified that the person is qualified. The term extends for one (1) year, or until his/her successor is duly elected and qualified.

4.    If a vacancy occurs in the Office of National Director, the Alternate National Director shall immediately assume this office, and this shall be promptly reported in writing to the National Office.

5.    If an incumbent Alternate National Director cannot serve, the Chapter shall promptly elect a member to fill the vacancy in the Office of National Director and notify the National Office. 

F.         VICE PRESIDENT, NEWSLETTER EDITOR:  The Vice President, Newsletter Editor shall receive news and announcements of the Chapter's activities from the officers and members and prepare a newsletter published every other month, or as deemed practical by the Chapter.  The editor shall make arrangements for printing and mailing the newsletter with expenses reimbursed by the Chapter Treasurer upon submittal of receipts. The Chapter Treasurer shall furnish the editor a current list of members or mailing labels. 

G.        AREA VICE PRESIDENTS:  Each Area Vice President shall represent and serve their respective geographical area membership.  They are responsible for promoting and organizing rallies and other activities within their area.  They may serve as host for such activities and rallies or obtain volunteers from their area members for such responsibilities. 

H.        TERMS OF OFFICE:

1.    The elected officers of this Chapter shall begin serving their term immediately upon announcement of their election except for the National Director and Alternate Director who shall begin their terms 14 days thereafter.

2.    The elected officers of this Chapter shall be limited to two (2) successive terms except the Treasurer, Area Vice Presidents, and Vice President-Newsletter Editor who may serve unlimited terms.

3.    The Election Committee shall inform all old and new officers of changes immediately after the ballots are tallied so that they may start their term immediately 

I.          OFFICER LIMITATIONS:

1.    An individual FMCA Member may hold Chapter Office(s) in only one (1) Chapter.

2.    Individual FMCA Members may hold no more than two (2) offices in the same Chapter.

3.    Only Full Members, Full Lifetime Members, Life Members, or Honorary Members who have advanced from one of these classes have the right to hold office in FMCA or this Chapter.

4.    No official or member shall become vested of any right, title to, or interest in any Chapter Property, except as required by law. 

ARTICLE VII – COMMITTEES 

A.        COMMITTEES:  Committee Members and Chairmen (except the Nominating and Auditing Committee) may be appointed by the President. 

B.        DUTIES OF THE CHAIRMEN:  All Committees shall function within the policies of the Chapter and, except for the Nominating Committee, under the direction of the President.  Financial reports, vouchers, and monies due the Chapter shall be submitted on a timely basis. 

C.        QUORUM:  A Committee quorum shall be a majority vote of the members present. 

ARTICLE VIII – DISCIPLINE- RECALL OR EXPULSION 

A.        AUTHORITY:  Final authority for the expulsion of the members of this Chapter and for the recall of officers shall rest with the Chapter Membership.  Any Member, Director, or Officer of this Chapter is subject to expulsion, discipline, or recall from the Chapter for any of the listed offenses. 

B.        OFFENSES

1.    Conviction of a felony.

2.    Failure to perform the duties of his/her office in a reasonable manner.

3.    Misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance of office.

4.    Fraud, deceit, theft or embezzlement of any property of this Chapter.

5.    Constant and continuous expression of dissatisfaction with the Chapter and/or Association, and/or it officials, and/or its members at any place other than at the regular meetings of the members. 

ARTICLE IX – LIQUIDATION AND DISSOLUTION 

In the event of dissolution of the Singles International Chapter of FMCA, by majority vote of the Chapter, all of the remaining assets of the Chapter shall be contributed to the purpose(s) for which the Chapter is organized, or to a qualified non-profit charity or charities. 

ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS OF BYLAWS 

A.        MANDATORY AMENDMENTS:  Amendments applicable to Chapter operations shall be automatically adopted as may be required by amendments to the National FMCA Constitution and Bylaws.  Such mandatory amendments are not subject to voting by the Chapter Membership. 

B.        AMENDING PROCEDURE:  The Bylaws of the Singles International Chapter of FMCA may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the members present and voting at a duly call meeting, providing that prior notice of at least thirty (30) days has been given of the propositions(s) to amend.  Any member of this Chapter may propose changes to the Bylaws.  Approved amendments to these Bylaws become effective immediately upon their adoption, or at such time as specified in the amendment. 

C.        DISTRIBUTION:  Copies of changes, amendments, or revisions to these Bylaws shall be forwarded to the National Office and to the International Area Vice President. 

Adopted at Annual Business Meeting August 18, 1998

Revised to comply with National Comments Feb. 1, 1999

Revised to comply with National Comments May 5, 1999

Amended at Annual Business Meeting March 12, 2011

  Singles International                       Chapter of FMCA 

STANDING RULES 

1.    The President, Executive Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer shall run for office only after they have been a Singles International member for one full year by the time of the election.  No one should accept the nomination for an office unless they plan to carry out the duties of the office to the best of their abilities. Officers should attend the FMCA National Conventions or have a legitimate reason for their absence.                                                                                                   

2.    Anyone who is eligible and has a motorhome can attend Singles International two times before becoming a member of Singles International.  Anyone who comes with a paid member traveling as a companion may attend without becoming a member as long as they pay the Rally Fees.

3.    Pets are not permitted at the Social Area or anywhere food is being prepared or served.  Pets must be kept on a leash and be attended at all times when outside your coach.  Pets shall not be allowed to disturb anyone at a rally.  The owner will be given two warnings by the rally host. If they do not comply, they will be required to leave.

4.    The rally host will set up tours and other activities, designate the caravan order for all conventions with the SI officers directly behind the host, and name the tail gunner for the caravan.

5.    The rally host shall make a written report detailing funds received and expended. The report shall be supported by receipts and submitted to the SI president after the rally is completed.

6.    Smoking is prohibited at group functions.

7.    Generators shall not run before 7:00 AM or after 11:00 PM.

8.    Singles International will use Channel 16 on CBs.  FMCA uses Channel 14.

9.    Abusive or obscene language will not be tolerated at any SI rally or activity.

10. SI name tags along with National Convention tags are to be worn at SI National Pre-Rally and Convention Rallies.

11. Discussion at the general business meeting shall be limited to three minutes per member on each subject.

12. Three Elected Officers will be a quorum for conducting an Executive Board Meeting.  Two of the officers must be from the major officers which includes President, Executive Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.  National Director is not an officer.

13. All monies processed by the Singles International Treasurers shall relate to general Administration of National and International Convention affairs only.  No other rallies shall be included.

14.  One man and one woman will be appointed at each Singles International Rally to act as a welcoming committee to each visitor or new member.  Duties would be but not limited to:

1.    Name tag denoting a new member or visitor.

2.    A personal welcome.

3.    Functional awareness.

4.    Inclusion in each function.

SINGLES INTERNATIONAL CHAPTER OF FMCA
PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE BYLAWS 

ARTICLE V – ELECTIONS 

A.      NOMINATING COMMITTEE COMPOSTION:  CURRENT WORDING

2.   The Nominating Committee shall be nominated by the membership at the Winter/Spring Convention of the Chapter Meeting and shall serve during the year. 

A.      NOMINATING COMMITTEE COMPOSTION: PROPOSED WORDING

2.   The Nominating Committee shall be nominated by the membership at the Chapter's Annual Meeting/Election and shall serve until the next election 

A.      NOMINATING COMMITTEE COMPOSTION:  CURRENT WORDING

5.   The Nominating Committee shall nominate candidates to fill vacancies which occur in elected Chapter Offices. 

A.      NOMINATING COMMITTEE COMPOSTION: PROPOSED WORDING

5.   remove this item 

ARTICLE V – OFFICER DUTIES 

C.       SECRETARY:  CURRENT WORDING

1.  The Chapter Secretary shall keep accurate and up-to-date records of the Chapter's Membership and forward to the National Office a membership list of names and FMCA numbers of the Chapter's Members along with a list of incumbent Chapter Officers and certification that the Chapter held the required number of meetings in the Chapter's previous fiscal period.  These reports are to be sent to the National Office no later than the last week in December each year. 

C.       SECRETARY:  PROPOSED WORDING

1. The Chapter Secretary shall keep an accurate list of incumbent Chapter Officers and certification that the Chapter held the required number of meetings in the Chapter's previous fiscal period.  These reports are to be sent to the National Office no later than the last week in December each year. 

D.      TREASURER:  PROPOSED WORDING

4.   The Chapter Treasurer shall keep accurate and up-to-date records of the Chapter's Membership and forward to the National Office a membership list of names and FMCA numbers of the Chapter's Members.  A copy of these records are to be sent to the National Office no later than the last week in December each year.

5.   The Chapter Treasurer, upon receipt of an application and applicable dues, shall send the new member a Welcome Letter and other materials as appropriate. 

ADDITIONAL PROPOSED WORDING CHANGES 

Replace the words “Vice President-Newsletter Editor” and “Vice President, Newsletter Editor” with the words “Vice President Newsletter” throughout the Bylaws document

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