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BYLAWS OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER -
SOCIETY OF WETLAND SCIENTISTS Revised and Adopted August 8, 2000 ARTICLE I Names and Objectives 1. The name of the organization shall be the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - SOCIETY OF WETLAND SCIENTISTS, hereinafter referred to as the Chapter. The Chapter was chartered by the Executive Board of the Society of Wetland Scientists at the 1988 Annual Meeting. The Society was established in 1980 to pursue the objectives stated in the National Society Bylaws. 2. The objectives are as follows: The general purpose of the Chapter is to operate solely and exclusively as a charitable and educational organization to foster conservation and understanding of wetlands. Advance public education and enlightenment concerning the Rocky Mountain and semi-arid regions' wetland resources. Provide an independent forum for an interchange of ideas and data developed within wetland science. Develop and encourage wetland science as a distinct discipline by supporting student education, curriculum development, and research. Encourage and evaluate the educational, scientific, and technological development and advancement of all branches of wetland science and practice. Encourage the knowledgeable management of wetland resources. Serve as an authoritative source of information on wetland science in the Rocky Mountain and semi-arid regions. 3 . For the administration of the affairs and the attainment of the objectives of the Chapter, as set forth in Article 2(a) to (g), the Chapter shall have the power, either directly or indirectly, either alone or in conjunction or cooperation with others, to do any and all lawful acts and things, and to engage in any and all lawful activities that may be necessary, useful, suitable, desirable, or proper for the furtherance, accomplishment, fostering, or attainment of any or all of the objectives for which the Chapter is organized, and to aid and assist other organizations whose objectives are such as to further accomplish, foster, or attain any of such objectives. 3. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Chapter shall neither have nor exercise any power, nor shall it directly or indirectly engage in any activity that would: (1) prevent the National Society from obtaining exemption from Federal income taxation as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and its regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended from time to time; or (2) cause the National Society to lose such exempt status. ARTICLE II Membership of Chapter 1. The membership of the Chapter shall be of the following classes: Active Members: Persons involved in the study, management, or regulation of wetlands; and in any other appropriate wetland activity, including research and educational endeavors. Student Members: Persons involved in full-time academic training toward any appropriate wetland endeavor. Institutional/Corporate Members: Any institution, government agency or corporate organization with interest in the Chapter and the furtherance of its objectives may become an Institutional/Corporate member, but shall not be eligible to vote. Library Members: Institutional libraries such as those at colleges, universities, and agencies shall be eligible to join as library members but shall not be eligible to vote. Family Members: Two members of a family may be Chapter members with full, active member privileges, but shall receive a limited set of publications (usually only one copy per issue of the Society's journal, Wetlands). Lifetime Members: Members joining for the rest of their lives will receive full active members privileges. 1. As used in the Bylaws and Standing Rules, the term "member in good standing" means a Chapter member whose dues are paid. ARTICLE III OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE BOARD 1. The Officers of the Chapter shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer who are elected by the members; and the Immediate Past President. These five officers constitute the Chapter Executive Board who shall have the authority to meet in closed session. 2. (a) The President shall serve only one term in office for a period of one year or until the next election. The Vice-President shall serve for a period of one year or until the next election and shall automatically be nominated for President for the year following his or her term as Vice-President. Other nominations may also be made. The Secretary and Treasurer shall each serve for a period of three years or until the next election. The terms of office for the Secretary and Treasurer shall be staggered so that their election does not normally coincide during the same year. If an officer cannot fulfill or complete the term of office, the Executive is authorized to appoint a replacement until the next regular election. 1. The Executive Board shall consist of the officers. A quorum for the transaction of official business at a Chapter meeting shall consist of any number of officers present. 2. The Executive Board shall be authorized to appoint an Editor who shall continue in office at the discretion of the Board. ARTICLE IV Meeting and Voting 3. The Chapter may meet once a year at a place to be determined by the Executive Board. 1. In the event of an emergency, the Executive Board may cancel an annual meeting or change the place of an annual meeting or order a Special Meeting. If a meeting is canceled, the Executive Board shall schedule the next annual meeting. 2. A quorum for the transaction of official business at a Chapter meeting shall consist of any number of voting members present. 3. A motion to amend the Bylaws or to establish or dissolve the Chapter shall require a two-thirds majority of those voting. 4. The Secretary shall certify the voting eligibility of members. ARTICLE V Adoption of Standing Rules 5. The Executive Board is authorized to adopt and amend Standing Rules necessary for conducting Chapter business by a majority vote. 1. The Standing Rules must include, but shall not be limited to, the following: Matters pertaining to Chapter finances. Prescribed duties of Chapter officers. Provisions for the establishment, duties, and methods of selection of committees necessary to conduct the business of the Chapter. Authorization for the specified publications of the Chapter for the furtherance of its objectives. ARTICLE VI Amendment of Bylaws 2. The Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members in good standing who attend an annual meeting and vote on the amendment. Proposals for amendments may be generated in the following ways: Recommendation of a majority of the Executive Board. Petitions signed by not fewer than twenty Chapter members in good standing or 10 percent of the Chapter membership eligible to vote, whichever is fewer, and presented to the Chapter President at the annual meeting. ARTICLE VII Dissolution of Chapter 1. If the Chapter is dissolved, all net assets will be distributed to a similar organization exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Designation of the organization(s) to receive said assets will be at the discretion of the Executive Board. ARTICLE VIII Chapter Representation 1. No member of the Chapter will represent the Chapter without the prior approval of the Executive Board. STANDING RULES The following rules are established to assist in conducting the business of the Chapter. Section 1. Duties of the President The President shall be responsible for the business of the Chapter, make appointments authorized in the Standing Rules, establish committees required for the business of the Chapter and exercise such other responsibilities determined from time to time by action of the Chapter or its Executive Board. The President shall chair all meetings of the Chapter and Executive Board. Section 2: Duties of the Vice-President Duties of the Vice-President are to assist the President and to perform the duties of the President when that officer is absent or unable to act. The Vice-President will also serve as chairperson of the Program Committee for the annual meeting and be responsible for Chapter publicity as directed by the Executive Board. Section 3. Duties of the Secretary Obtain annually from the National Society's business management company a roster of the Chapter members in good standing. Upon request from the Executive Board, provide copies of membership lists. Serve as the Chairperson of the Membership Committee. Certify eligibility of members prior to any vote. Direct all correspondence received to the appropriate board member as needed. Prepare and mail correspondence at the direction of the Executive Board. Prepare and disburse information pertinent to increasing membership. Maintain a file of correspondence and records of Chapter business. Maintain and update copies of the Bylaws and Standing Rules. Prepare semi-annual reports of membership status. a. Record and read minutes of the annual meeting of the Chapter and all called meetings of the Executive Board. Distribute minutes to Executive Board members. b. Oversee development, procurement, and distribution of Chapter stationary, brochures, postage, photocopying, and other items as needed or directed. Section 4. Duties of the Treasurer Administer the financial resources of the Chapter. Pay all bills of the Chapter as authorized by the President or the Executive Board. Serve as Chairperson of the Ways and Means Committee if such a committee is formed. Be responsible for preparation and filing of the Chapter's annual financial statement to the National Society. Prepare an annual budget and present it at the annual meeting of the Chapter. Section 5. Duties of the Past President The immediate Past President chairs the Nominating Committee and Bylaws Committee and performs the duties of President if both the President and Vice-President are unable to act. The Immediate Past President shall serve as Parliamentarian at meetings. Section 6. Duties of the Editor Draft, edit, and publish all Chapter publications. Section 7. Salaries and Expenses c. Officers and Committee Members of the Chapter shall not receive any salary or clerical or other expenses unless approved by the Executive Board in advance. a. Travel expenses for the President or other officers to attend the mid-year National Society Board meeting and the annual Society meeting may be authorized by the Executive Board in advance. Section 8. Dues and Fees Active members of the Chapter are required to pay annual dues to the National Society of Wetland Scientists. The cycle for membership in good standing will be on a calendar basis, extending from January I to December 31. This term coincides with the fiscal year of the Society of Wetland Scientists. Section 9. Committees Committees, composed of Chapter members in good standing, shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Executive Board to assist the President and Board in the conduct of the affairs of the Chapter. The Chairperson of each committee shall report at the annual meeting of the Chapter on scheduled meetings of the Executive Board, as directed. The term of duty for members of committees shall extend from their appointment to the end of the following annual meeting, unless otherwise specified. b. Membership Committee The Committee shall be responsible for maintaining and increasing the membership of the Chapter, and shall take appropriate measures to attract new members. The Committee shall consist of the Secretary, who shall be Chairperson, and four other members. a. Ways and Means Committee The Committee shall be responsible for the promotion and involvement of the Chapter. The Committee shall be composed of three members, including the Treasurer who shall be Chairperson. b. Conference Committee The Committee shall be responsible for making arrangements for the annual meeting, including but not limited to: (1) meeting and lodging site(s), (2) banquet and refreshments, (3) field trips, and (4) transportation rates. All Committee members shall be appointed by the President or within 30 days after recommendation by the Executive Board. Committee appointees shall continue to serve until the business of the annual meeting has been concluded. A separate Conference Committee shall be established for each forthcoming meeting. Section 10. Order of Business The agenda for a business session for an annual meeting of the Chapter shall include, but shall not necessarily be limited to, the following items: Call to order by the President, Address of the President, Determination of a quorum, Introduction of guests and visitors, Reading of the minutes and report of the Secretary, Report of Committees, Other old business, Installation of newly elected officers, c. New business, and a. Adjournment. Section 11. Chapter Boundaries The area prescribed for the Chapter is as follows: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. |