Preamble & Mission:
We, the undersigned, wishing to secure for ourselves the pleasures and benefits of an association of persons commonly interested in alternative couples relationships, constitute ourselves the NorWestern Social Couples Club and enact this constitution as our governing law. The club’s mission is to provide a safe and entertaining environment for exploring alternative expressions of love and sexuality, and to provide a venue for creating lasting friendships with other open minded couples.
Membership:
Article I
All couples of legal age shall be eligible for membership. Membership shall be by application and election upon such terms as the club shall provide in its By-Laws.
Officers: Article II
Sec. 1- The officers of this club shall be: President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Sec. 2 - The officers of this club shall be elected for a term of one year by ballot of registered members, through e-mail, as provided in the By-Laws.
Sec. 3 - Vacancies occurring between elections m
Sec. 4 - Officers may be removed by a three-fourths vote of the membership.
Duties of Officers: Article III
Sec. 1 - The President shall preside at all meetings of this club, and conduct them according to the rules adopted. He/she shall enforce due observance of this Constitution and By-Laws; decide all questions of order; sign all official documents adopted by the club, and perform all other duties pertaining to the office of President.
Sec. 2 - The Vice-President shall assume all the duties of the President in his/her absence. In addition, he/she shall organize club activities and advance club interest and activity as approved by the club.
Sec. 3 - The Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of all meetings, keep a roll of members, submit membership applications, carry on all correspondence, read communications at each meeting, and e-mail written meeting and election notices to each member. At the expiration of his/her term he/she shall turn over all items belonging to the club to his/her successor.
Sec. 4 - The Treasurer shall receive and receipt
for all monies paid to the club; keep an accurate account of all monies
received and expended; pay no bills without proper authorization (by the club
or its officers constituting a b
Club Support Activity– Article IV
At the discretion of the President or Vice-President, members may be solicited to support such time-demanding activities as developing web pages, providing & organizing entertainment at club events, cooking at club events, etc., and may be remunerated for such activities.
Meetings - Article V
The By-Laws shall provide for
regular and special meetings. At meetings, a minimum of one-third of the
membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of b
Dues: - Article VI
The club, by majority vote of
those present at any regular meeting, may levy upon the general membership such
dues or assessments as shall be deemed necessary for the b
Member Expulsion: Article VII
In addition to non-payment of dues, member couples may be expelled by a two- thirds majority vote if they consistently violate the principles of accepted behaviour, as presented in the Statement of Club Values and Principles and in the Rules of Behaviour for Club Events.
Amendments: - Article VIII
This constitution or the By-Laws may be amended by a two- thirds vote of the total membership. Proposals for amendments shall be submitted in writing at a regular meeting and shall be voted on at the next following regular meeting, provided all members have been notified by mail of the intent to amend the constitution and/or By-Laws at said meeting.
Robert's Rules shall govern proceedings.
By-Laws:
1. Secretary. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep the constitution and By-Laws of the club and have the same with him/her at every meeting. He/she shall note all amendments, changes and additions on the constitution and shall permit it to be consulted by members upon request.
2. Membership. Full membership is open to couples comprised of persons over the age of 18 that are sexually healthy, and of a stable disposition. Membership requires a one-on-one meeting with a club official and sign a membership form to ensure that the couples fully understand the issues involved with this alternative lifestyle, agree to the Statement of Club Values and Principles, and that they are of legal age.
As provided in Article VII, a
full member may be expelled for failing to abide by the principles stated in
the Statement of Values and Principles or by consistently and grievo
3. Meetings. Regular meetings shall be held on the
last Wednesday of each calendar month. Special meetings may be called by the
President upon the written request of any five club members. Notices shall be
sent to members concerning special meetings and the b
Monthly meetings are intended to
be very short, and when possible will be held at a members ho
4. Dues. A regular annual assessment of $36 per member couple is hereby assessed in accordance with the provisions of Article VI of the constitution for the purpose of providing funds for expenses.
5. Club Support Activities. As provided in Article IV, members may be asked to help support club activities. At the discretion of the President or Vice-President members may be remunerated for such activities, including but not limited to costs incurred, at the President’s or Vice-President’s discretion, and at a rate agreed upon before the activity is started. All costs and remuneration, including discounts for event tickets, will be recorded and regularly reported upon by the Club Treasurer.
Note however, that all members are expected to contribute freely and without remuneration from time-to-time to limited activities such as set-up and cleanup after club events, contributions to newsletters, hosting monthly meetings, and other general help and promotional activities.
6. Voting. Election of officials will be done
through e-mail voting, and members m