AFRICAN HERITAGE ASSOCIATION OF VANCOUVER ISLAND Constitution & Bylaws
Excerpts from the constitution and bylaws of the African Heritage Association of Vancouver Island, specifically covering voting and amendments.
5. Voting
a) All matters of concern to the Association shall be decided by a majority of the Membership voting except those matters which require a Special Resolution. b) Voting at meetings shall be conducted according to “Robert’s Rules of Order”. c) Only Regular or Associate Members shall be eligible to vote at Meetings. d) Voting by proxy is disallowed. e) Unless otherwise stated in the Association Bylaws, the method of voting shall be determined at the Meeting by Members present at the Meeting. f) There shall be no voting on any issue unless an opportunity to discuss it has been given. g) Arguments presented for and against motions shall be recorded and made available to the Membership in the minutes. h) The Secretary is responsible for documenting the various discussions and including them in the minutes.
6. Special Resolution
a) A Special Resolution must be preceded by one week's notice to the Membership in writing of such a Resolution, and must be decided by a two-thirds majority vote of the Membership voting. b) The following matters shall be decided by Special Resolution: i. Amendments to the Constitution or Bylaws ii. Removal of an Executive Officer iii. Changes in dues structure iv. Unbudgeted expenditures greater than $500.00 v. Honorary Membership vi. Any issue determined by the Executive Council or Governing Council
7. Conduct of Meetings
a) In all matters not regulated by the Constitution and Bylaws, “Robert’s Rules of Order” shall govern meetings of Association. b) Members shall respect the Chair and other Members of the Meeting. c) Disrespect and rudeness to other Members can lead to the removal of a Member from a Meeting by a majority vote of Members present. d) Twenty Members shall constitute a quorum at all Meetings of the Association. e) Three Executive Officers shall constitute a quorum for Meetings of the Executive Council. f) Business of a Meeting may be transacted only if a quorum is present.
ARTICLE XVII CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS AMENDMENTS
- The Constitution or Bylaws of the Association may be amended at any meeting of Association by a Special Resolution and accepted by two-thirds majority of Members voting.
- Voting on amendments shall be by ballot.
- Written or printed notice of proposed amendments to the Association’s Constitution or Bylaws shall be given to the Secretary and circulated by him/her to the Membership at least two weeks before the date of the balloting during which such amendments will be considered.
ARTICLE XVIII USE OF THE ASSOCIATION’S NAME & IMAGE
The use of the Association’s Name and Image can only be used under the authority of the Executive Council or by Resolution of the Membership passed at a Meeting.
ARTICLE XIX DISSOLUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION
- A Special Meeting on the Resolution to Dissolve the Association can be called by the Executive Council, Governing Council, or not by less than two-thirds of the Membership.
- Two-thirds of the Members of the Association must be present at the meeting in order for the Special Resolution for Dissolution to be balloted.
- The Association can be dissolved by a Special Resolution if accepted by two-thirds majority of Members voting.
- Voting on Resolution for Dissolution shall be by secret ballot.
- All papers and records will be disposed of as determined by the Membership.
- All outstanding accounts will be settled by the Association.
- Any monies held by the Association will be donated to a charitable organization as determined by the Membership.
- Notice of dissolution to be sent to the Registrar of Societies of British Columbia with all appropriate paperwork.
Last updated October 29, 2005