BYLAWS OF THE OUTBACK HIKING CLUB OF SOUTHERN UTAH
ARTICLE I: Name
The name of the organization shall be the Outback Hiking Club of Southern Utah.
ARTICLE II: Purpose
The purpose of the club shall be to promote hiking, walking, and other outdoor activities, and an appreciation of the outdoors. The club will plan, publicize, and lead day hikes, overnight trips, backpack trips and other outdoor activities, and various social events as decided by the Club.
ARTICLE III: Members
Section 1. Any adult person 18 years or older shall be eligible to apply for membership in the Club and shall become a member upon the completion of the Club’s application process. Minor children of club members may attend club activities when accompanied by that adult member.
Section 2. Guests of club members are welcome to hike with the Club for a maximum of three hikes per calendar year.
Section 3. Members who have performed outstanding service and shown dedication to the well being of the Club may be selected for Honorary Lifetime Membership at the discretion of the Board.
Section 4. The annual club dues shall be fifteen dollars per person and shall be payable on or before January 1st of each year. These dues should be commensurate with the current club operating expenses.
Section 5. Members are expected to treat each other with respect. Verbally abusive behavior is unacceptable. If it occurs, the matter shall be reported to the Board of Directors as possible grounds for expulsion. A member shall be expelled upon a two-thirds vote of the Board.
ARTICLE IV: Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall consist of the
President, Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Directors of
Communications, Hike Scheduling, and Social Activities.
ARTICLE V: Nominating Committee
Section 1. The Nominating Committee shall consist of the current President, Vice-president and the immediate past President.
Section 2. The
nominating Committee shall annually select willing candidates for the positions
of Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Director of
Communications, Director of Hike
Planning, and Director of Social
Activities for nomination at the November meeting.
Other interested members may also be nominated at the November meeting A member may concurrently hold only one of
the above positions.
Section 3. The Nominating Committee shall oversee the voting for the candidates. Unless the Nominating Committee decides on an alternative voting method, the candidates will be elected at the November meeting by a majority vote of the members present.
Section 4. The current Vice-president shall assume the position of President at the December meeting along with the newly elected officers and directors.
Section 5. Elected members serving as Secretary, Treasurer, and the Directors of Communications, Hike Scheduling, and Social Activities may be annually re-elected to their positions.
Section 6. If an officer or director is unable to serve out their full term, the President, after consultation with the other Board members, will appoint an interim officer or director to fill the vacant position.
ARTICLE VI: Duties of the Officers and Directors
Section 1. The President will preside at all meetings of the Club and the Board, will act as spokesperson for the Club in matters dealing with the public or other organizations and will support activities of the committees and have general oversight of club activities.
Section 2. The Vice-president shall act for the President in all matters in his/her absence, will solicit speakers or programs for the general meetings acting upon recommendations from the Board, committees, or membership and will perform special assignments as requested by the President or the Board.
Section 3. The Secretary will take minutes of business meetings, handle club correspondence, maintain membership forms and waiver forms, and maintain the records of the organization.
Section
4. The Treasurer will maintain
the bank account and all financial records, collect dues, sell promotional
items, disburse funds, and maintain new member applications and related
materials until all requirements for membership are met.
Section
5. The Director of Communications
will email to the general membership the curent hiking schedule, hike reports,
schedule changes and other items of information or interest that need to be
communicated to the membership as directed by members of the Board.
Section 6. The
Director of Hike Planning will select a committee (one of whom will be the
President of the Outback Hiking Club), solicit hike leaders and plan a schedule
of weekly hikes as conditions dictate.
The committee will establish, maintain and update as needed a set of
hiking guidelines.
Section 8. The Web Master shall maintain the
Club website on a timely basis, keeping the schedule, membership lists and
other items, such as hike photos, etc.
Article VII: Meetings
Section 1. A regular or social event of the Club will be
held at least 7 times annually. Regular meetings will be conducted to
receive reports, conduct club business, and to present programs of interest to
the members. Such meetings will normally be held on the second Thursday
of the month. A scheduled meeting quorum consists of the members
present.
Section 2. The Club meeting in November shall be known as the Annual
Meeting. Its primary purpose will be to nominate and select officers and
directors for the upcoming year. In addition, the meeting may include
other matters as described in Section 1. A scheduled meeting quorum consists of
the members present.
Section 3. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called as needed and require a quorum to be present. A Board quorum consists of a majority of the Board members.
Section 4. A special meeting may be held upon the call of the president or any ten members after a 30 day notice. A special meeting quorum consists of twenty members.
Section 5. A special meeting may be called to vote for the removal of an officer or director. A two-thirds majority vote of those members present shall be required for removal.
Article VIII: Financial Responsibility
Section 1. The
Treasurer will pay Club expenses by check upon submission of appropriate
invoice or receipt. The President of
the Club will also have signing authority.
Section 2. Members
may inspect financial records on the club website.
Article IX: Member’s Responsibility
Section 1. Club hikes and trips are not led by professional guides. Each member or other participant participates at his/her own risk. All members shall be required to sign the Club waiver form. A guest must sign a waiver form before each hike or trip.
Section 2. Each participant is responsible for arranging his/her transportation and for bringing adequate water, food, clothing and appropriate equipment.
Article X: Dissolution
In the event the Club should cease to function or is disbanded, the assets of the Club, if any, shall be sold, and, after meeting all financial obligations, all remaining funds shall be donated to the St. George Parks and Recreation Department.
Article XI: Parliamentary Authority
The rules contained in the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order shall govern the Club in all cases where they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order the Club may adopt.
Article XII: Amendment
These bylaws may be
amended at any regular or special meeting of the club after a 30-day notice of
the proposed changes to the membership.
The amendments must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the assembled
members. A quorum for this purpose
consists of 15 members.
Modified:April 8,
2010