Bylaws

RCWDA
Constitution and Bylaws
Rv 3/2010

ARTICLE I
NAME OF CLUB

1. The name of this association is Rose City Working Dog Association and shall be known as such.
2. The proper abbreviation of this name shall be RCWDA.

ARTICLE II
OBJECTIVES OF THE CLUB

The objectives of this club shall be to train dogs in the sport of Schutzhund and to support activities and educational programs that demonstrate the advantages of well trained dogs and excellence in dog training.  While dog breeds of all types are included and encouraged in the club, it is important to note that the Schutzhund bread evaluation test was developed specifically for the German Shepherd Dog.  Schutzhund is intended to demonstrate the dog’s intelligence and utility.  In working trial, Schutzhund measures the dog’s characteristics which include: mental stability, endurance, structural efficiencies, ability to scent, willingness to work, and show courage and trainability.  This club’s objective is to work towards building these characteristics in our member’s dog(s).  Other activities shall include but not be limited to:

1. Supporting and organizing trials, breed surveys, or confirmation shows under the requirements of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America-Working Dog Association, Inc. (GSDCA-WDA) and according to the Verband Fuer Das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH).
2. Preserving the German Shepherd Dog in accordance with the breed standard as a working dog; to promote humane training methods for all working dogs, and to support responsible dog ownership and breading practices.
3. Supporting the use of dogs by Law Enforcement Agencies and to promote the use of the Bread Standards for the German Shepherd dog.
4. Promoting working dogs for the sport of Schutzhund, police work,  and search and rescue.
5. Interest and educate the public about Schutzhund, police, , and search and rescue training.
6. Promote the enjoyment of training for the Schutzhund sport, diligently work towards that same goal, and camaraderie among our club and “sister” club members – to have fun!

ARTICLE III
TYPE OF ORGANIZATION

This Club shall be a non-profit organization.  All dues, levies and other incomes shall be disbursed to promote the objectives of this club, along with associated social activities.

ARTICLE IV
DISSOLUTION

The Club may be dissolved at any time by the written consent of 3/4 majority vote of its active members in good standing. In such case, after payment of all debts and liabilities of the Club, its assets and property shall be sold and the proceeds shall be divided equally among the active members in good standing.

ARTICLE V
MEMBERSHIP

Section A          The Club shall consist of two types of members.

1. Active Members – these members shall be entitled to benefit in all the advantages of this organization, including voting privileges. All active members must also be members in good standing with the GSDCA-WDA (German Shepherd Dog Club of America - Working Dog Association, www.gsdca-wda.org )

1. Associate Members – these members shall not be entitled to hold office or vote and must be new to the club. These members are required to may remain active and in good standing for a probationary time not to exceed 1 year.  Status change to Active Member will be determined by the Board of Directors at a quarterly meeting. These members must also be members in good standing with GSDCA-WDA.

1. Junior Members – these members shall be 12-18 years old and shall not be entitled to hold office or vote. They shall be members of the GSDCA-WDA.
2. Honorary Members – these members may be elected by the Board of Directors from those who have rendered valuable service to the Club or the police dog movement.  They are not entitled to vote or hold office.  Honorary members are not required to pay membership dues.

Section B          Application for Election to Membership.

1. Applicant shall attend up to three (3) training sessions as a non-member. The Training Director will be at these sessions to evaluate the applicant’s dog. If the dog’s drive or temperament is not suitable for the sport of Schutzhund: the applicant will be informed of this by the Training Director.
2. Applications and annual fee for membership shall be made to the Secretary, in writing upon forms provided.
3. All members shall be subject to a quarterly review of membership by the Board of Directors.  Election to  Membership shall require approval of three-quarters (3/4) of the board members. Any members declined for continued membership will be notified by letter or e-mail.
4. The first year of membership shall be a probationary period.  Probationary members can be expelled by a two thirds (2/3) vote to the Board of Directors.  If a new member is expelled in the first six (6) months of his or her probationary period, fifty percent (50%) of the annual membership dues may be refunded at the request of the member.  If a new member is expelled in the second six (6) months of his or her probationary period, they will not be entitled to any refund of the annual membership dues.
5. The Board of Directors shall appoint honorary members by unanimous vote.

Section C          Resignation

1. Any member may resign at any time and may be deleted from the membership upon request of resignation in writing to the Secretary. Any member who resigns within the first quarter of paying annual dues shall be entitled to a refund of ½ the annual dues paid. Refund of dues for a member who moves to another geographic area shall be considered by the Board of Directors on a case-by-case basis.

Section D         Suspension

1. Any member may be suspended by a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the Board of Directors or automatically as provided for elsewhere.
2. Any member under suspension shall not be entitled to hold office or participate in training sessions.
3. Any member under suspension for four (4) months shall be expelled from membership automatically.
4. Any member who does not renew their membership to WDA, and this club’s Secretary is notified by the WDA Treasurer of said fact, will have thirty (30) days in which to renew their WDA membership and provide the Club with a copy of that membership card with expiration date. Failure to renew WDA membership and provide proof of membership will result in expulsion.

ARTICLE VI
DUES AND SPECIAL LEVIES

Section A          Dues and Fees

1. Membership Dues – Single Associate membership per year is $125,  Active membership per year is $200.00; and Jr. membership per year is $50.00 which includes one dog.  Additional dogs can be included for $25 per dog per year.  Family membership will be an additional $100.00 per family member (family members must reside at the same address, and includes one dog per person).
2. All members are required to maintain membership in good standing with WDA.
3. Membership Dues are payable by the club anniversary date of October 1. A copy of current WDA membership card showing expiration date shall be included when dues are paid.  If payment of dues creates a hardship, dues may be divided into three (3) monthly payments which are payable over three (3) consecutive months.
4. Dues for new membership applicants who join throughout the year will be prorated on a monthly basis.
5. The Board of Directors may accept important services to the club in lieu of partial or full monetary payment. This must be approved by a 3/4 vote of the Board.

Section B          Special Levies

1. The Board of Directors may approve, by a majority vote, the collection of special equal levies against the Membership, to meet the expenses of the Club.

Section C          Non-payment of Dues or Special Levies

1. The Secretary shall notify an active member whose dues remain unpaid thirty (30) days beyond the Club anniversary date (October 1) in writing. If said dues remain unpaid as of November 15, the member shall be automatically suspended, unless the Board of Directors has approved special arrangements.
2. Any member whose share of a special levy (approved by a Board of Directors vote) remains unpaid for one (1) month, shall be so notified in writing by the secretary. If said levy remains unpaid for another thirty (30) days, the members shall be automatically suspended, unless the Board of Directors has approved special arrangements.

ARTICLE VII
CHARGES OF MISCONDUCT

Any member may refer charges against a member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the interests of the Club. Written charges with specifications must be presented in duplicate and forwarded to the Secretary of the club with a deposit of $50 (fifty dollars), which shall be forfeited if such charges are not sustained. All charges shall be heard before the Board of Directors only. The Board shall suspend or expel from the Club or take such other measures as may be deemed advisable. The accused member must be allowed to present his case to the Board. Any member against whom charges have been filed may by a ¾ (three quarters) vote of the Board of Directors by suspended for a period not exceeding 30 (thirty) days or be expelled from membership.

ARTICLE VIII
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1.         The control and management of the affairs of the Club shall be vested in the Board of Directors, consisting of at least three (3) but not more than seven (7) members who shall be appointed by the President and confirmed by majority vote of the membership.  No more than 2 members of the Board of Directors shall be related by blood, marriage or adoption.

2.         All Officers and Directors shall assume office immediately after the election results are known.  Each active member may vote for only one (1) nominee for each office.

Any active member whose membership fees or levies remain unpaid on election day shall be disqualified from voting or holding office.

4.         The Board of Directors shall consist of a President, Secretary/Treasurer & Training Director at a minimum, and may consist of as many as:

1. President
2. Vice President
3. Sergeant at Arms
4. Secretary
5. Treasurer
6. Training Director
7. Member at Large

5.         The Board shall appoint a Training Director, for an indefinite term, who shall also be a voting member of the Board of Directors.

1. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called by the President at least Quarterly.
2. The President or three Directors acting in concert may call special meetings of the Board of Directors at any time.
3. ¾  of the Board of Directors must be present to constitute a quorum to conduct regular business. The Board of  Directors shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur between elections.
4. The Secretary shall keep minutes of the Board meeting, which shall be available to any member at any time.
5. The Board shall have general supervision over all disbursements and shall appoint an auditing committee to consist of three members of the Board who shall audit accounts and records annually.
6. The President shall have the power to appoint committees and from among the membership.

ARTICLE IX
OFFICERS AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. President.  The President shall preside at all meetings and act as the chief executive of the Club.  They shall be a member of all committees.  They shall officially greet visitors and control their location and movements at the training grounds while dogs are in training.  They shall also answer questions, offer explanations and in general, provide good relations for the interested public.
2. Vice President.  The Vice President shall in the absence of the President, perform all duties of the President. In the case where no Vice President exists, the club Secretary shall resume this role.
3. Sergeant at Arms. The Sergeant of Arms shall insure rules, order and safety is maintained at all club functions.
4. Secretary.  The Secretary shall have charge of all correspondence; keep the records and roll of members, the minutes of meetings and Board meetings, and election results. The Secretary, with assistance as needed, is responsible for the preparation of the official registration for events; acquisition of supplies, trophies, and official forms for recording the events; official catalogs for the events; and, submission of all required forms and catalogs as prescribed by WDA for each event sponsored by the Club.
5. Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall receive, collect, and disburse all funds of the Club.  Disbursements shall be made only be signed vouchers, which shall be kept as part of a permanent record system, which shall include an account book of receipts and disbursements.  They shall render a formal statement regarding the Club funds annually and informally at all regular meetings.
6. Training Director. One shall be appointed for an indefinite term by the Board of Directors.  They shall fulfill all requirements to maintain a satisfactory and successful training program.  They shall be in charge of all Club activities during normal training hours.
7. Member at Large. One may be elected from the general club membership and may represent the sentiments of the same at official board meetings.
8. An officer may assume more than one responsibility if approved by a majority of the Board of Directors.
9. All Board of Director members shall be active members of the club in good standing with the club and WDA.

ARTICLE X
ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

1. Office of President will be a two (2) year term. Nominations will be made by the Board of Directors for the office of President and shall be elected by the active membership, by a majority vote.
2. The President shall appoint the Officers and Directors. All Officers and Directors shall assume office immediately after the appointments are known.
3. Officers and Directors appointments shall be made from the Active Membership at the annual meeting.

 4.        Any Active Member whose membership fees or levies remain unpaid on Election Day shall be disqualified from holding office.

ARTICLE XI
PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The current edition of “Sturgis” shall govern this association in all parliamentary situations that are not covered in the law, or in these constitution and by-laws, or adopted rules. In case of conflict between the provisions of “Sturgis” the provisions of these constitution and by-laws shall prevail.

ARTICLE XII
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

General membership meetings to conduct business shall be held at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XIII
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

1. The Constitution and By-laws may be amended, altered or repealed by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors.
2. Any proposed changes to the Constitution and By-laws shall be formally read at the meeting preceding the meeting at which actual voting takes place and shall appear in the minutes of that meeting.

ARTICLE XIV
TRAINING DIRECTOR

The President shall appoint a Training Director and must be confirmed by a ¾ vote of the Board of Directors. They shall fulfill all requirements to maintain a satisfactory and successful training program. They shall be in charge of all Club activities at the training grounds during normal training hours. He shall be a member in good standing of the Club and shall maintain current helper status with GSDCA-WDA. The Training Director is a member of the Board of Directors by appointment and such appointment may be rescinded by a ¾ vote of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XV
TRAINING

1. It is the policy of this Club that one (1) dog per person will be given priority over extra dogs. The training of extra dogs at any one session can be done only without the interference of the timely training of other dogs. Extra dogs and non-member dogs may be trained last in the sessions.
2. Extra dogs owned by club members that are between four (4) and six (6) months of age may be staked or tied out during training sessions, or brought to sessions for socialization, provided that such action does not interfere with the training of other dogs. A helper with the consent of the Training Director may work puppies briefly. No puppies under four (4) months will be allowed at training sessions, trials, etc.
3. Prospective members and guests of members may observe any training session from the sidelines. Prospective members may not enter into training activities of the Club except by the consent of the presiding officer or Training Director. Before participating in any of the phases of training, non-members shall be required to register with the Secretary, fill out and sign a liability waiver, and shall be subject to pay a non-member training fee after one free session.
4. The non-member training fee will be $15.00 (fifteen dollars) per session.

ARTICLE XVI
EMPOWERED REPRESENTATIVES

1. At each annual meeting of the Board of Directors, the Directors will elect one (1) person who will be the Club delegate to the parent organization, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America – Working Dog Association.
2. This delegate must be an active member in good standing with the Club; he must not have any disciplinary action pending from the WDA. All dues payable to both this Club and the WDA must be current.
3. This delegate must be empowered to represent the Club in all matters, as he is a member of the Board of Directors of the WDA.
4. This delegate will begin his/her one (1) year as the Club’s empowered representative to the Board of Directors of the WDA effective with the annual meeting of the WDA.

ARTICLE XVII
CLUBS DUES TO THE WDA

The Club must pay to the Treasurer of the WDA an annual fee as prescribed by that organization, upon the date of affiliation with WDA and every year (anniversary date) thereafter.

ARTICLE XVIII
ASSETS OF THE CLUB

1. Tangible club assets are defined as those items that have been purchased by, or donated to the club for legitimate club purposes.
2. All tangible assets of The Club shall be maintained and carefully stored on the training grounds and be accessible to the active club membership at all times.
3. All tangible club assets shall be recorded on a club ledger in written form that will be maintained by the Secretary of the club.
4. Exceptions to #2 above may be made by a majority vote of the Board of Directors on a case by case basis.  Disposition of any club assets if not maintained on the training club grounds shall be recorded by the club Secretary to reflect the club member who has possession, it’s physical location along with a specified period of time the item is to be returned.
5. In the case where an item is not returned in a timely fashion (according to the Secretary’s record), or in the case of any damage to a club asset while assigned to a club member, the member who had been assigned the item will be held responsible to replace and/or repair said item immediately upon written request from the Board of Directors.  Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action by the board and may result in further legal actions.