BY-LAWS OF DOWNSTATE DELAWARE STRIDERS AND RIDERS
OBJECTIVES & MISSION STATEMENT
1. The primary objective of the club shall be to promote and encourage running, bicycling and walking and to educate the public about the benefits of physical fitness.
2. In furtherance of this objective the club may hold races on the road, country, or track, sponsor lectures, clinics and social events, print and publish newsletters and articles using various media of communication, make awards, engage in community activities, engage in fund raising activities, and do all such things that may encourage running, cycling, and walking.
3. Club Mission Statement: An organization to meet like-minded individuals who share an interest in walking, running, or cycling for fitness.
SECTION 1 NAME:
The name of this association shall be “Downstate Delaware Striders”.
SECTION 2 MEMBERSHIP:
Any person with a sincere interest in running, bicycling, or walking may be admitted to membership. A membership will be considered as lapsed and automatically terminated if such member’s dues remain unpaid 90 days after the first day of the calendar year, however, the Board may grant an additional 90 day grace to such delinquent members in meritorious cases. In no case may a person be entitled to vote at any Club meeting whose dues are unpaid as of the date of that meeting. Any member may resign from the Club upon written notice to the Secretary. A member may be dropped from membership by a two-thirds vote of membership after a show of due cause.
SECTION 3 MEETINGS:
‘Meetings' shall mean regularly scheduled club meetings each month at a date and location designated by the general membership. A quorum shall consist of a minimum of three members and two officers present at a duly called meeting. No business shall be conducted unless a quorum is present.
SECTION 4 DUES:
Dues shall be established by vote of the general membership become effective January 1, following. New members who join the club in the last quarter shall pay no dues for that quarter.
SECTION 5 OFFICERS:
The officers of the club shall consist of President-Elect, President, Past-President, Secretary and Treasurer.
SECTION 6 ELIGIBILITY:
All eligible candidates shall be selected from the regular, paid-up membership. Nominations to prepare a slate of eligible candidates will occur at the November meeting.
SECTION 7 ELECTIONS:
The method of voting shall be by ballot or show of hands at the annual election meeting in the month of January. This meeting shall coincide with the regular monthly business meeting in January.
SECTION 8 REMOVALS FROM OFFICE:
Officers may be removed by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership.
SECTION 9 TERMS OF OFFICERS
All newly elected officers assume office at the close of the December meeting. All positions will be of two (2) years duration with the exception of President, which will serve, for a total of three years: 1 year as President–Elect, 1 year as President and then Past-President during the third year. The election of President-Elect will occur yearly and the election of Secretary and Treasurer will occur every other year. The Secretary will be elected on the even numbered years and the Treasurer on the odd numbered years.
SECTION 10 DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE BOARD:
PRESIDENT:
The President’s duty shall be responsible for supervising the activities of the organization; to hold biannual planning meetings, appoint chairpersons and members of committee. The President shall reside at all business meetings. The President shall be chairperson of the Executive Board. The President shall call extra business meetings if required and appoint committee(s) not otherwise provided for. The President shall perform all other duties normally required by the office of President.
PRESIDENT-ELECT AND/OR PAST-PRESIDENT:
The President-Elect or Past-President shall, in the absence of or incapacity of the President, perform all duties and assume all responsibilities of the President. Past-President will act as an advisor to the officers and is responsible for officer nominations and elections. The President-Elect will serve as outreach coordinator and assist the President with committees and organization activities.
SECRETARY:
The Secretary shall be responsible for recording and transcribing minutes of all planning meetings and distribute those minutes to the general membership when requested and shall with the assistance of the Treasurer be responsible for dues collection, and keep records of the club assets and oversee the monthly newsletter publication. The Secretary will maintain an up to date roster of members. Correspond with other running and cycling organizations regarding club business.
TREASURER:
The Treasurer shall receive all dues and other funds, keep itemized and accurate account of all financial transaction, and give a written report of the finances of the organization at all regular and planning meetings, shall prepare an updated membership list to be presented to the Officers, and shall chair any financial committees. Note - the membership List is the function of The Secretary.
All dues, entry fees, and other monies received by the club shall be used to carry out the stated objectives of the club. No officer, director, or any club member shall be compensated from club monies except for authorized expenses.
SECTION 11 EXECUTIVE BOARD:
The Executive Board shall be made up the Officers and three members-at-large, which will be appointed by the President. The Board shall have the authority to make the policy decisions for the club; to carry on the business of the club; to establish rules and procedures of the Executive Board and the club; to approve or disapprove actions of officers and committees; and to establish the annual budget and submit to membership for final approval.
SECTION 12 VACANCIES:
a. If the President is unable to fulfill the term of office of the President, the President-Elect shall act as president until the next January Meeting, at which time the President-Elect will assume the Presidency. If the President-Elect is unable to fulfill the term of office of the President-Elect , a special election will be called.
b. If the Secretary or Treasurer is unable to fulfill his/her individual term of office, and the unexpired term of office is more than one (1) year, a special election will be called prior to the next regular business meeting at which time nominations will be taken for candidates to fulfill the vacant position and an election will be held at the next regular meeting. During the interim period, the Executive Board will appoint an acting officer.
c. If a member at large is unable to fulfill his/her individual term of office, and the unexpired term of office is less than one (1) year, the Executive Board will appoint a replacement to complete the term of office.
SECTION 13 MEETING OF EXECUTIVE BOARD:
The Executive Board will meet at least two (2) times each year as determined by the President. A majority of the Board must be present to provide a quorum. No business shall be conducted unless a quorum is present. The meeting must be rescheduled until the quorum is met.
SECTION 14 TERM LIMITS:
A member may hold a given elected position for no more than two consecutive terms. There is no limit to the number of non-consecutive terms that a club member may serve.
SECTION 15 AMENDMENTS:
All amendments or revisions to the bylaws shall be presented to the membership at two consecutive regular club meetings. A two-thirds vote of the members present at the second meeting will adopt said amendment or revision.
If the club is dissolved, the Execute Board will sell all saleable merchandise and equipment belonging to the club. The proceeds will be deposited into the club bank account. All debts and liabilities of the club will be paid from the balance in the the club bank account. After all debts are resolved, and all checks have cleared the bank, the account balance shall be donated by bank check to one or more non-profit running or cycling organizations as designated by the membership assembled at the last official club meeting or the remaining officers if no membership is available.