Post by gipsie on Jan 21, 2011 11:20:05 GMT -5
THESE BYLAWS ARE ACCEPTED AND APPROVED BY THE NEW JERSEY TRAIL LOVERS COALITION THIS 15th DAY OF DECEMBER IN THE YEAR 2010.”
ARTICLE I. NAME
A. This organization shall be known as the “New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition.”
ARTICLE II. PURPOSES
A. The New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition is organized for the purposes of:
1. Developing and maintaining a spirit of cooperation, courtesy, and consideration among all the people of diverse recreational interests in New Jersey, by
a. Creating a membership that reflects a wide variety of outdoor recreational interests.
b. Meeting regularly with each other, with appropriate state agencies, and with other managers of open spaces to maintain good lines of communication.
c. Seeking constructive ways to resolve issues that may arise due to the various needs and preferences of the different users of our open spaces.
2. Promoting an ethic of guardianship for the open spaces of New Jersey, by
a. Promoting conservation of the natural resources of New Jersey.
b. Participating in and supporting volunteer activities for the betterment of open spaces.
c. Providing social, recreational, and educational activities for its membership.
d. Promoting safe, sensible, and responsible operation of motorized vehicles.
e. Developing and maintaining trail systems for motorized and non-motorized use.
f. Helping authorities, when called upon, in emergencies or for other urgent needs.
B. This organization shall operate without profit, and shall be nonpartisan and nonsectarian.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
A. Qualifications for membership in the New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition are as follows:
1. Applicants for membership must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Applicants must participate in, or have an active interest in one or more of the recreational activities listed under Article VI, A.
3. All members must conduct themselves in a respectable and orderly fashion, in or out of activities of the organization.
4. Any member may be subject to expulsion upon a decision of the Governing Committee after appropriate deliberations by the same (see ARTICLE X).
B. Application for membership shall be made to the Governing Committee, and will be accepted at any time during the year.
C. Membership will not be limited by number.
D. There are no membership dues.
E. Members shall promptly notify the Membership Secretary of any change of home address, mailing address, or phone number.
ARTICLE IV. AFFILIATIONS
A. Any organization whose mission and conduct are consistent with the purposes and standards of conduct of the New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition is eligible to become affiliated with the New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition.
B. The New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition reserves the right to strike from its list of affiliated organizations any organization that, in the judgment of the Governing Committee, does not maintain purposes and standards of conduct consistent with those of the New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition.
C. Application for affiliation shall be made to the Governing Committee, and will be accepted at any time during the year.
D. Affiliated organizations are encouraged to support the purposes of the New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition and encourage their members to become members of the Coalition.
E. Members of affiliated organizations are not members of the New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition merely by virtue of the affiliation.
ARTICLE V. MEETINGS
A. The Regular Meetings shall be held monthly, normally on the third Wednesday evening of each month.
B. The agenda of the Regular Meetings shall include:
1. Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting.
2. Reports from any committees that worked.
3. Any pertinent reports from Governing Committee members.
4. Elections and results (if any).
5. Discussion on any matter pertinent to the organizational goals.
C. The Annual Meeting shall be held on or near the spring equinox.
D. The Governing Committee may hold additional meetings during the year as needed. In order for the Governing Committee to conduct business or make decisions, there must be a majority of sitting Governing Committee members present.
F. The agenda of any meeting shall be drawn up by the Chair in consultation with the Governing Committee.
F. Any changes to the meeting dates shall be made and announced well in advance by the Chair.
“ARTICLE VI. ADMINISTRATION"
A. The Governing Committee shall consist of twelve members, each of which shall primarily represent one of the various recreational interests in New Jersey. The number of interests and representatives is subject to review and revision by the Governing Committee at any time. Provisionally, the twelve interests recognized by the New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition are:
1. 4WD motoring
2. Canoeing and Kayaking
3. Cross-Country Skiing and Bicycling
4. Dirt Bike Riding
5. Fine Arts (e.g., Photography, Painting)
6. Geocaching
7. Hiking, Backpacking, and Camping
8. Historical
9. Horseback Riding
10. Hunting, Fishing, & Trapping
11. Canine Sports and Training
12. Natural History Activities (e.g., birding, botany studies, etc.).
B. Members of the Governing Committee must be members of the New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition.
C. Governing Committee members shall be selected by a simple majority vote of the general membership at the Annual Meeting.
D. The term of office for Governing Committee members is two years, except that one half of the original slate of Governing Committee members selected at the March 2011 Annual Meeting shall serve a one year term, for the purpose of establishing a staggered tenure for the committee. There is no limit on the number, consecutive or not, of terms of office a Governing Committee member may serve.”
ARTICLE VII. DUTIES AND POWERS OF GOVERNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
A. The duties of all the Governing Committee members are as follows:
1. Conduct the day-to-day business of the organization.
2. Regularly promote the purposes of organization.
3. Continually promote good will and cooperation among all the members of the Coalition.
4. Continually promote responsible use of open spaces during all recreational activities.
5. Strive for objectivity when evaluating the impacts of recreational activities on open spaces.
6. Continually educate one’s self and others about the natural resources represented by open spaces.
7. Be creative and resourceful in addressing problems related to protection of open spaces and recreational opportunities.
B. The Governing Committee shall select from among its own members, by simple majority vote, a Chair, Vice Chair, Recording Secretary, Membership Secretary, and any other distinct positions of duty that are deemed necessary.
C. The duties of the Chair shall be as follows:
1. Preside over all meetings.
2. Be present at all events when possible.
3. Carry out the policies and decisions of the entire membership and the Governing Committee.
4. Maintain such records as may be pertinent to the organization.
D. The duties of the Vice Chair shall be as follows:
1. In the absence of the Chair, serve in that capacity.
2. Assist the Chair in carrying out the goals and administration of the organization.
E. The duties of the Recording Secretary shall be as follows:
1. Record the minutes of the meetings.
2. Maintain a copy of such minutes and a copy of any other documents as requested by the Chair.
F. The duties of the Membership Secretary shall be as follows:
1. Maintain a complete file of all memberships.
2. Receive and promptly distribute to the other Governing Committee members copies of all applications for membership.
G. Decision-making
1. The Governing Committee will work for consensus concerning all matters that require a decision on behalf of the organization.
2. In the event that consensus is not being reached on any matter requiring a decision by the Governing Committee, any member of the Governing Committee may make a motion for a vote by the Governing Committee to decide that matter.
3. Any matter voted upon by the Governing Committee is to be resolved by a simple majority vote.
H. In the event of a vacancy in any office, the Governing Committee shall appoint a member to fill the un-expired term until the next general election.
I. In the case of a Governing Committee member taking an extended leave of absence, it is at the discretion of the Governing Committee to appoint a temporary replacement either to fill the unexpired term or to serve until the return of the elected Governing Committee member on leave.
ARTICLE VIII. ELECTIONS TO THE GOVERNING COMMITTEE
A. Elections will be held at the appropriate Annual Meeting.
B. Newly elected positions become effective one month after the date of the election.
C. Voting will be done in person, by secret ballot.
D. All ballots must be counted and checked by an election committee.
E. A simple majority vote will decide the election to a position.
ARTICLE IX. CHALLENGE TO REMOVE A MEMBER
A. Any member, with due cause, may challenge the membership of any other individual. A written challenge must be delivered to the Chair, and must include all allegations and the basis for the challenge.
B. Upon receipt of the written challenge, the Chair shall promptly notify and fully inform the rest of the members of the Governing Committee and the challenged individual. The Governing Committee will then fully investigate the challenge and meet to render a decision within 8 weeks of reception of the challenge by the Chair.
ARTICLE X. CHALLENGE TO REMOVE A GOVERNING COMMITTEE MEMBER FROM OFFICE
A. Any member, with due cause, may challenge the position of any of the Governing Committee members. A written challenge must be delivered to the Chair, and must include all allegations and the basis for the challenge.
B. Upon receipt of the written challenge, the Chair shall promptly notify and fully inform the rest of the members of the Governing Committee. The Governing Committee will then fully investigate the challenge and meet to render a decision within 8 weeks of reception of the challenge by the Chair.
ARTICLE XI. EVENTS
A. All events must be conducted in an orderly manner with safety as the primary concern.
B. All members and guests participating in an event shall abide by pertinent laws and regulations of the State of New Jersey and by the laws, regulations, ordinances, and rules of the city, county, or property concerned.
ARTICLE XII. RULES & PROCEDURES FOR MEETINGS
A. Robert's Rules of Order, revised edition, shall govern parliamentary procedure.
B. Voting on any issue other than elections by the membership at a regular membership meeting will be by hand vote. A motion may be called for a secret ballot when deemed necessary.
ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTS
A. These By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote at a Regular Meeting. Any proposed amendment must be presented to the membership, in writing, at the Regular Meeting preceding the meeting in which the vote is to be taken.
B. Proposed By-Law changes must also be readily available to the members in digital form one month prior to the meeting during which they are to be voted on.
ARTICLE I. NAME
A. This organization shall be known as the “New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition.”
ARTICLE II. PURPOSES
A. The New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition is organized for the purposes of:
1. Developing and maintaining a spirit of cooperation, courtesy, and consideration among all the people of diverse recreational interests in New Jersey, by
a. Creating a membership that reflects a wide variety of outdoor recreational interests.
b. Meeting regularly with each other, with appropriate state agencies, and with other managers of open spaces to maintain good lines of communication.
c. Seeking constructive ways to resolve issues that may arise due to the various needs and preferences of the different users of our open spaces.
2. Promoting an ethic of guardianship for the open spaces of New Jersey, by
a. Promoting conservation of the natural resources of New Jersey.
b. Participating in and supporting volunteer activities for the betterment of open spaces.
c. Providing social, recreational, and educational activities for its membership.
d. Promoting safe, sensible, and responsible operation of motorized vehicles.
e. Developing and maintaining trail systems for motorized and non-motorized use.
f. Helping authorities, when called upon, in emergencies or for other urgent needs.
B. This organization shall operate without profit, and shall be nonpartisan and nonsectarian.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
A. Qualifications for membership in the New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition are as follows:
1. Applicants for membership must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Applicants must participate in, or have an active interest in one or more of the recreational activities listed under Article VI, A.
3. All members must conduct themselves in a respectable and orderly fashion, in or out of activities of the organization.
4. Any member may be subject to expulsion upon a decision of the Governing Committee after appropriate deliberations by the same (see ARTICLE X).
B. Application for membership shall be made to the Governing Committee, and will be accepted at any time during the year.
C. Membership will not be limited by number.
D. There are no membership dues.
E. Members shall promptly notify the Membership Secretary of any change of home address, mailing address, or phone number.
ARTICLE IV. AFFILIATIONS
A. Any organization whose mission and conduct are consistent with the purposes and standards of conduct of the New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition is eligible to become affiliated with the New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition.
B. The New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition reserves the right to strike from its list of affiliated organizations any organization that, in the judgment of the Governing Committee, does not maintain purposes and standards of conduct consistent with those of the New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition.
C. Application for affiliation shall be made to the Governing Committee, and will be accepted at any time during the year.
D. Affiliated organizations are encouraged to support the purposes of the New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition and encourage their members to become members of the Coalition.
E. Members of affiliated organizations are not members of the New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition merely by virtue of the affiliation.
ARTICLE V. MEETINGS
A. The Regular Meetings shall be held monthly, normally on the third Wednesday evening of each month.
B. The agenda of the Regular Meetings shall include:
1. Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting.
2. Reports from any committees that worked.
3. Any pertinent reports from Governing Committee members.
4. Elections and results (if any).
5. Discussion on any matter pertinent to the organizational goals.
C. The Annual Meeting shall be held on or near the spring equinox.
D. The Governing Committee may hold additional meetings during the year as needed. In order for the Governing Committee to conduct business or make decisions, there must be a majority of sitting Governing Committee members present.
F. The agenda of any meeting shall be drawn up by the Chair in consultation with the Governing Committee.
F. Any changes to the meeting dates shall be made and announced well in advance by the Chair.
“ARTICLE VI. ADMINISTRATION"
A. The Governing Committee shall consist of twelve members, each of which shall primarily represent one of the various recreational interests in New Jersey. The number of interests and representatives is subject to review and revision by the Governing Committee at any time. Provisionally, the twelve interests recognized by the New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition are:
1. 4WD motoring
2. Canoeing and Kayaking
3. Cross-Country Skiing and Bicycling
4. Dirt Bike Riding
5. Fine Arts (e.g., Photography, Painting)
6. Geocaching
7. Hiking, Backpacking, and Camping
8. Historical
9. Horseback Riding
10. Hunting, Fishing, & Trapping
11. Canine Sports and Training
12. Natural History Activities (e.g., birding, botany studies, etc.).
B. Members of the Governing Committee must be members of the New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition.
C. Governing Committee members shall be selected by a simple majority vote of the general membership at the Annual Meeting.
D. The term of office for Governing Committee members is two years, except that one half of the original slate of Governing Committee members selected at the March 2011 Annual Meeting shall serve a one year term, for the purpose of establishing a staggered tenure for the committee. There is no limit on the number, consecutive or not, of terms of office a Governing Committee member may serve.”
ARTICLE VII. DUTIES AND POWERS OF GOVERNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
A. The duties of all the Governing Committee members are as follows:
1. Conduct the day-to-day business of the organization.
2. Regularly promote the purposes of organization.
3. Continually promote good will and cooperation among all the members of the Coalition.
4. Continually promote responsible use of open spaces during all recreational activities.
5. Strive for objectivity when evaluating the impacts of recreational activities on open spaces.
6. Continually educate one’s self and others about the natural resources represented by open spaces.
7. Be creative and resourceful in addressing problems related to protection of open spaces and recreational opportunities.
B. The Governing Committee shall select from among its own members, by simple majority vote, a Chair, Vice Chair, Recording Secretary, Membership Secretary, and any other distinct positions of duty that are deemed necessary.
C. The duties of the Chair shall be as follows:
1. Preside over all meetings.
2. Be present at all events when possible.
3. Carry out the policies and decisions of the entire membership and the Governing Committee.
4. Maintain such records as may be pertinent to the organization.
D. The duties of the Vice Chair shall be as follows:
1. In the absence of the Chair, serve in that capacity.
2. Assist the Chair in carrying out the goals and administration of the organization.
E. The duties of the Recording Secretary shall be as follows:
1. Record the minutes of the meetings.
2. Maintain a copy of such minutes and a copy of any other documents as requested by the Chair.
F. The duties of the Membership Secretary shall be as follows:
1. Maintain a complete file of all memberships.
2. Receive and promptly distribute to the other Governing Committee members copies of all applications for membership.
G. Decision-making
1. The Governing Committee will work for consensus concerning all matters that require a decision on behalf of the organization.
2. In the event that consensus is not being reached on any matter requiring a decision by the Governing Committee, any member of the Governing Committee may make a motion for a vote by the Governing Committee to decide that matter.
3. Any matter voted upon by the Governing Committee is to be resolved by a simple majority vote.
H. In the event of a vacancy in any office, the Governing Committee shall appoint a member to fill the un-expired term until the next general election.
I. In the case of a Governing Committee member taking an extended leave of absence, it is at the discretion of the Governing Committee to appoint a temporary replacement either to fill the unexpired term or to serve until the return of the elected Governing Committee member on leave.
ARTICLE VIII. ELECTIONS TO THE GOVERNING COMMITTEE
A. Elections will be held at the appropriate Annual Meeting.
B. Newly elected positions become effective one month after the date of the election.
C. Voting will be done in person, by secret ballot.
D. All ballots must be counted and checked by an election committee.
E. A simple majority vote will decide the election to a position.
ARTICLE IX. CHALLENGE TO REMOVE A MEMBER
A. Any member, with due cause, may challenge the membership of any other individual. A written challenge must be delivered to the Chair, and must include all allegations and the basis for the challenge.
B. Upon receipt of the written challenge, the Chair shall promptly notify and fully inform the rest of the members of the Governing Committee and the challenged individual. The Governing Committee will then fully investigate the challenge and meet to render a decision within 8 weeks of reception of the challenge by the Chair.
ARTICLE X. CHALLENGE TO REMOVE A GOVERNING COMMITTEE MEMBER FROM OFFICE
A. Any member, with due cause, may challenge the position of any of the Governing Committee members. A written challenge must be delivered to the Chair, and must include all allegations and the basis for the challenge.
B. Upon receipt of the written challenge, the Chair shall promptly notify and fully inform the rest of the members of the Governing Committee. The Governing Committee will then fully investigate the challenge and meet to render a decision within 8 weeks of reception of the challenge by the Chair.
ARTICLE XI. EVENTS
A. All events must be conducted in an orderly manner with safety as the primary concern.
B. All members and guests participating in an event shall abide by pertinent laws and regulations of the State of New Jersey and by the laws, regulations, ordinances, and rules of the city, county, or property concerned.
ARTICLE XII. RULES & PROCEDURES FOR MEETINGS
A. Robert's Rules of Order, revised edition, shall govern parliamentary procedure.
B. Voting on any issue other than elections by the membership at a regular membership meeting will be by hand vote. A motion may be called for a secret ballot when deemed necessary.
ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTS
A. These By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote at a Regular Meeting. Any proposed amendment must be presented to the membership, in writing, at the Regular Meeting preceding the meeting in which the vote is to be taken.
B. Proposed By-Law changes must also be readily available to the members in digital form one month prior to the meeting during which they are to be voted on.
Attachments:
