Mid-Atlantic Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club
By-Laws
ARTICLE I: Membership
Section 1: Eligibility.
There shall be three (3) types of memberships open to persons 18 years of age and older who are in good standing with The American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the purposes of this Club. While membership is unrestricted as to residence, the Club’s primary purpose is to be representative of GSMD breeders, exhibitors, owners and enthusiasts in its immediate geographical area of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware
Section 2: Dues
Membership dues shall not exceed $35 per year for Individual membership, $45 per year for Family membership, $35 per year for Individual Associate membership, and $45 per year for Family Associate membership. Dues are payable on or before the first day of July of each year. No member may vote whose dues are not paid for the current year. During the month of June, the Treasurer shall send to each member a statement of dues for the ensuing year.
Section 3: Application for Membership. Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form as approved by the Board of Directors and which shall provide that the applicant agrees to abide by the constitution and bylaws of The American Kennel Club and those of the Mid-Atlantic Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club. The application shall state the name, address, phone number and email address, and registered names of any GSMDs owned. (Endorsement requirement removed) Accompanying the application, the prospective member shall submit dues payment for the current year. All applications are to be filed with the Treasurer.
Section 4: Termination of Membership
Memberships may be terminated by:
ARTICLE II: Meetings and Voting
Section 1: Club Meetings
Meetings of the Club shall be held at least annually at such place, date, and hour as may be designated by the Board of Directors. Written notice of meetings shall be published in the Club’s Newsletter and/or shall be posted to the Club’s website at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for such meetings shall be twenty (20) percent of the members in good standing. Regular membership meetings for the year may be scheduled by the Board of Directors by publishing notice of the date, time, and location in the Club Newsletter and posting on the Club website at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting.
Section 2: Special Club Meetings
Special Club meetings may be called by the President or by a majority vote of the members of the Board, or upon receipt by the secretary of a petition signed by five (5) members of the Club. Written notice of such meeting shall be emailed or postal mailed by the Secretary at least five (5) days and not more than fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the meeting, and said notice shall state the purpose of the meeting. No business other than the stated purpose may be conducted at the meeting. The quorum for such a meeting shall be twenty (20) percent of the members in good standing.
Section 3: Board Meetings
Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at least quarterly within the Club’s geographical area at such hour and place as may be designated by the Board. The annual board meeting shall be held in conjunction with the annual club meeting. Written notice of each meeting shall be emailed by the Secretary at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for such a meeting shall be a majority of the Board.
Board members are required to attend all Board Meetings. Two or more unexcused absences from Board Meetings by a Board member within a fiscal year may, at the discretion of the Board, result in removal of that member from the Board, in which case the Board will name another member to fill the position until the next election.
Section 4: Special Board Meetings
Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President or upon receipt of a written request from at least three (3) members of the Board. Such special meetings shall be scheduled to take place within thirty (30) days of the receipt of said notice by the Secretary. Said meeting will be held at such place, date, and hour as may be designated by the Board. The Secretary will notify all Board members of the meeting place, date, and time.
Section 5: Voting
Each member in good standing whose dues are paid for the current year shall be entitled to one vote at any meeting of the Club at which he/she is present. Proxy voting will not be permitted at any Club meeting or election.
Article III: Board of Directors and Officers
Section 1: Board of Directors
The Board shall be comprised of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and seven (7) elected Directors, for a total of eleven (11) Board members, all of whom shall be members in good standing. They shall be elected for two-year terms at the Club’s annual meeting as provided in Article IV of these Bylaws and shall serve until their successors are elected. General management of the Club’s affairs shall be entrusted to the Board of Directors. Each member of the Board shall serve on at least one (1) standing committee.
Section 2: Officers
The Club’s officers, consisting of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall serve in their respective capacities both with regard to the Club and its meetings and the Board and its meetings.
Section 3: Vacancies
Any vacancies occurring on the Board or among the offices during the year shall be filled until the next election by a majority vote of all the members of the Board present at its first regular meeting following the creation of such vacancy, or a special Board meeting called for that purpose, except that a vacancy in the office of President shall be filled automatically by the Vice-President and the resulting vacancy in the office of Vice-President shall be filled by the Board.
Article IV: The Club Year, Annual Meetings, Elections
Section 1: Club Year
The Club’s fiscal and official year shall begin on July 1st and end on June 30th.
Section 2: Annual Meeting
The annual meeting shall be held in August at a location and time selected by the Board. The election of Directors and Officers listed in Article III will be held by secret ballot at this meeting every two years.
Section 3: Elections
Elections shall be held at the annual meeting every two years. The nominated candidate for election receiving the greatest number of votes for President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be declared elected. The seven nominated candidates for other positions on the Board who receive the greatest number of votes for such positions shall be declared elected. No person may be a candidate in a Club election who has not been nominated in accordance with these bylaws.
Section 4: Election Procedures
The Nominating Committee and Chairperson will be selected by the Board.
The Nominating Committee will consist of one current Board member and three other Club members, all of whom must have been a member of MAGS for 3 years as of the date they are selected for the Nominating Committee.
The Nominating Committee Chairperson shall contact all current Officers and Board members to find out if they wish to run again for the office they currently hold. It should be noted that the office of President is limited to two consecutive terms. Therefore, if the incumbent President has served two consecutive terms, the President will not be eligible for a third consecutive term and will not be contacted.
The Nominating Committee will add the name of any Officer or Board Member who wishes to run for the office they currently hold to the ballot.
The Secretary shall send a notice to all Family and Individual Club Members to advise them of procedures for the upcoming election. Associate Members (those living outside of the geographical region of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware) are not eligible to hold office or cast votes and therefore will not be contacted. Members, who have not paid their dues for the current club year, are not eligible to be a nominee, run for or hold office and may not cast votes. Members may check their current dues status by contacting the Treasurer.
The Secretary shall invite all members who have been members of the Club for two (2) or more years as of the date of the correspondence, are current on Club Membership dues, and are interested in holding an Office or Board position, to nominate themselves by submitting a written letter of intent to the Secretary. The correspondence will also invite Club members who have been members of the Club for two (2) or more years, to nominate other Club members for an Office or Board position. The correspondence from the Secretary will clearly state that all Officers and Board members are required to serve on at least one standing committee. The correspondence shall also state a deadline for receipt of information for nominees.
The Secretary will provide the Nominating Committee with nominations submitted by Club members, along with the appropriate letters of intent, acceptance, and endorsement.
The Nominating Committee will select candidates to be included on the ballot for the upcoming elections as follows:
The Secretary shall prepare Voting Forms to distribute to attendees at the meeting who are eligible to vote. Only members living within the Club’s geographical region, whose membership dues are current, are eligible to vote. Members must be present at the meeting to cast votes. Family Memberships may cast two votes, provided both head of households are present at the meeting. Individual Memberships may cast one vote.
If there is only one nominee for any Officer or Board position, the Nominating Committee’s slate shall be declared elected for that position and no voting will be required. If there are two or more nominees for any Officer or Board position, a vote shall be conducted for these positions only.
Votes will be tabulated by tellers to be chosen from meeting attendees immediately before an election is held. Tellers shall not be Officers, Board Members, or candidates on the ballot. The candidates receiving the most votes for the voted position shall win. The winners will be announced to the members after the conclusion of the voting process. Declaring number of votes for each candidate has been deleted.
Article V: Committees
Section 1: Purpose of Committees
The Board shall appoint standing committees and sub-committees to advance the work of the Club in such matters as dog shows, obedience trials, trophies, annual prizes, membership, social activities, financial and other fields which may well be served by committees. Such committees shall always be subject to the final authority of the Board. Special Ad hoc committees may also be appointed by the Board to aid in particular projects. These committees are disbanded at the completion of the project.
Section 2: Committee Appointees
Any committee appointee may be terminated by a majority vote of the full membership of the Board upon written notice to the appointee and the Board may appoint successors to those persons whose service has been terminated.
Article VI: Discipline
Section 1: American Kennel Club Suspensions
Any member who is suspended from the privileges of The American Kennel Club shall automatically be suspended from the privileges of this Club for a like period.
Section 2: Charges
Any member may refer charges against another member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interest of the Club. Written charges with specifications must be filed in duplicate with the Secretary together with a deposit of $50.00, which shall be forfeited if such charges are not sustained by the Board following a hearing.
The Secretary shall promptly send a copy of the charges to each member of the Board or present them at a Board meeting, and the Board shall first consider whether the actions alleged in the charges, if proven, might constitute conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the Club. If the Board considers that the charges do not allege conduct that would be prejudicial to the best interests of the Club, the Board may refuse to entertain jurisdiction.
If the Board entertains jurisdiction of the charges, it shall fix a date of a hearing by the Board or a committee of not less than three (3) members of the Board, not less than four (4) weeks nor more than six (6) weeks thereafter. The Secretary shall promptly send one copy of the charges and the specifications to the accused member by register mail together with a notice of the hearing and an assurance that the defendant may personally appear in their own defense and bring witnesses if he/she wishes.
Section 3: Board Hearing
The Board shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, but both complainant and defendant shall be treated uniformly in that regard. Should the charges be sustained after hearing all the evidence and testimony presented by the complainant and defendant, the Board may by a majority vote of those present reprimand and/or suspend the defendant from all privileges of the Club for not more than six (6) months from the date of the hearing, or until the next annual meeting if that will occur after six (6) months. And, if the Board deems that punishment insufficient, it may also recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. In such case, a suspension shall not restrict the defendant’s right to appear before his fellow members at the ensuing Club meeting, which considers the Board’s decision. Immediately after the Club’s Board has reached a decision, its findings shall be put in written form and filed with the Secretary. The Secretary, in turn, shall notify each of the parties of the board’s decision and penalty, if any.
Section 4: Expulsion
Expulsion of a member from the Club may be accomplished only at a meeting of the Club following a Board hearing and upon the recommendation of the Board as provided in Section 3 of this Article. Such proceedings may occur at a regular or special meeting of the Club to be held within sixty (60) days but not earlier than 30 days after the date of the Board’s recommendation for expulsion. The defendant shall have the privilege of appearing in his own behalf though no evidence shall be taken at the meeting. The President shall read the charges and the findings, and recommendations, and shall invite the defendant, if present, to speak in his or her own behalf. The members shall then vote by secret written ballot on the proposed expulsion. A two-third (2/3) vote of those present and voting at the meeting shall be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion is not so voted, the Board’s suspension shall stand.
Article VII: Amendments
Section 1: Amendments to Constitution and Bylaws
Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws may be proposed by the Board of Directors or by written petition addressed to the Secretary and signed by twenty (20) percent of the membership in good standing. Amendments proposed by such petition shall be promptly considered by the Board of Directors. The proposed amendments must be submitted to the membership with the recommendations of the Board attached. The Secretary shall notify the membership of the date, time and place of the meeting for the membership to consider the Bylaw changes and vote on said amendments. Such notification shall be in writing, sent by either email or postal mail, to the entire membership at least two (2) weeks in advance of the meeting and within three (3) months of the date that the Secretary received the petition.
Section 2: Amendment Voting
The Constitution and Bylaws may be amended by a two-third (2/3) vote of the members present. The vote shall be secret ballot. The voting may take place at a regular or special meeting called for the purpose of amending the Bylaws.
Article VIII: Dissolution
Section 1: Dissolution of the Club
The Club may be dissolved at any time by written consent of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the members in good standing. In the event of the dissolution of the Club, other than for purposes of reorganization, whether voluntary or involuntary, or by operation of law, none of the property of the Club or proceeds thereof, nor any assets of the Club, shall be distributed to any members of the Club, but after payment of debts of the Club, its property and assets shall be given to a charitable organization for the benefit of dogs, selected by the Board of Directors.
Article IX: Order of Business
Section 1: Order of Business at Club and Board Meetings
At meetings of the Club, the order of business, so far as the character and nature of the meeting may permit, shall be as follows:
Article X: Parliamentary Authority
Section 1: Robert’s Rules of Order
The rules contained in the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised”, shall govern the Club in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws and any other special rules of order the Club may adopt.
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Mid-Atlantic Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club
Constitution and Bylaws
Passed by membership August 12, 2017
Section 1: Eligibility.
There shall be three (3) types of memberships open to persons 18 years of age and older who are in good standing with The American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the purposes of this Club. While membership is unrestricted as to residence, the Club’s primary purpose is to be representative of GSMD breeders, exhibitors, owners and enthusiasts in its immediate geographical area of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware
- Individual Membership: Open to persons who own or have an interest in the GSMD at the time of application and reside in the Club’s geographical region. The member shall enjoy all privileges of the Club, including one vote and the ability to hold office.
- Family Membership: Has the same requirements and privileges as an individual membership and is further defined to include the following: two (2) members of the same household. Each member will receive one vote and the ability to hold office.
- Associate Membership: Open to persons who do not reside in the Club’s geographical area. Associate members shall enjoy all privileges of the Club except voting and holding the position of an office or director. Associate members do not count in determining a quorum.
Section 2: Dues
Membership dues shall not exceed $35 per year for Individual membership, $45 per year for Family membership, $35 per year for Individual Associate membership, and $45 per year for Family Associate membership. Dues are payable on or before the first day of July of each year. No member may vote whose dues are not paid for the current year. During the month of June, the Treasurer shall send to each member a statement of dues for the ensuing year.
Section 3: Application for Membership. Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form as approved by the Board of Directors and which shall provide that the applicant agrees to abide by the constitution and bylaws of The American Kennel Club and those of the Mid-Atlantic Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club. The application shall state the name, address, phone number and email address, and registered names of any GSMDs owned. (Endorsement requirement removed) Accompanying the application, the prospective member shall submit dues payment for the current year. All applications are to be filed with the Treasurer.
Section 4: Termination of Membership
Memberships may be terminated by:
- Resignation: Any member in good standing may resign from the Club upon written notice to the Secretary, but no member may resign when in debt to the Club. Obligations other than dues are considered a debt to the Club and must be paid in full prior to resignation.
- Lapsing: A membership will be considered as lapsed and automatically terminated if such member’s dues remain unpaid sixty (60) days after the first day of the fiscal year, however, the Board may grant an additional sixty (60) days of 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.
- Expulsion: A membership may be terminated by expulsion as provided in Article VI of these bylaws.
ARTICLE II: Meetings and Voting
Section 1: Club Meetings
Meetings of the Club shall be held at least annually at such place, date, and hour as may be designated by the Board of Directors. Written notice of meetings shall be published in the Club’s Newsletter and/or shall be posted to the Club’s website at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for such meetings shall be twenty (20) percent of the members in good standing. Regular membership meetings for the year may be scheduled by the Board of Directors by publishing notice of the date, time, and location in the Club Newsletter and posting on the Club website at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting.
Section 2: Special Club Meetings
Special Club meetings may be called by the President or by a majority vote of the members of the Board, or upon receipt by the secretary of a petition signed by five (5) members of the Club. Written notice of such meeting shall be emailed or postal mailed by the Secretary at least five (5) days and not more than fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the meeting, and said notice shall state the purpose of the meeting. No business other than the stated purpose may be conducted at the meeting. The quorum for such a meeting shall be twenty (20) percent of the members in good standing.
Section 3: Board Meetings
Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at least quarterly within the Club’s geographical area at such hour and place as may be designated by the Board. The annual board meeting shall be held in conjunction with the annual club meeting. Written notice of each meeting shall be emailed by the Secretary at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for such a meeting shall be a majority of the Board.
Board members are required to attend all Board Meetings. Two or more unexcused absences from Board Meetings by a Board member within a fiscal year may, at the discretion of the Board, result in removal of that member from the Board, in which case the Board will name another member to fill the position until the next election.
Section 4: Special Board Meetings
Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President or upon receipt of a written request from at least three (3) members of the Board. Such special meetings shall be scheduled to take place within thirty (30) days of the receipt of said notice by the Secretary. Said meeting will be held at such place, date, and hour as may be designated by the Board. The Secretary will notify all Board members of the meeting place, date, and time.
Section 5: Voting
Each member in good standing whose dues are paid for the current year shall be entitled to one vote at any meeting of the Club at which he/she is present. Proxy voting will not be permitted at any Club meeting or election.
Article III: Board of Directors and Officers
Section 1: Board of Directors
The Board shall be comprised of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and seven (7) elected Directors, for a total of eleven (11) Board members, all of whom shall be members in good standing. They shall be elected for two-year terms at the Club’s annual meeting as provided in Article IV of these Bylaws and shall serve until their successors are elected. General management of the Club’s affairs shall be entrusted to the Board of Directors. Each member of the Board shall serve on at least one (1) standing committee.
Section 2: Officers
The Club’s officers, consisting of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall serve in their respective capacities both with regard to the Club and its meetings and the Board and its meetings.
- The President shall preside at all meetings of the Club and of the Board. The President shall be a member ex officio of all standing committees. The President shall have the duties and powers normally appurtenant to the office of President, in addition to those particularly specified in these Bylaws.
- The Vice-President shall have the duties and exercise the powers of President in the event of the President’s death, absence, or incapacity.
- The Secretary shall keep a record of all meetings of the Club and of the Board and of all matters of which a record shall be ordered by the Club, have charge of the correspondence, notify members of meetings, notify new members of election to membership has been deleted, notify Officers and Directors of their election to office, keep a role of the members of the Club with their addresses has been deleted, and carry out such other duties as are prescribed in the Bylaws.
- The Treasurer shall collect and receive all moneys due or belonging to the Club. He or She shall deposit the same in a bank designated by the Board, in the name of the Club. The books shall, at all times, be open to inspection of the Board and a report shall be given at every meeting on the condition of the Club’s finances and every item of receipt or payment not before reported. At the annual meeting, an accounting shall be rendered of all moneys received and expended during the previous fiscal year. All reports submitted are subject to the review of the Financial Committee. The Treasurer shall notify new members of their membership in the Club and shall maintain a role of the members of the Club with their addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.
- The Club’s delegate to the GSMDCA shall be a member of the Board, appointed by the Board with a majority vote of Board Members.
- The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by the same person, in which case the Board shall be comprised of then persons. Deleted
- AKC Delegate (for when the Club is elected a member Club of the AKC) Deleted.
Section 3: Vacancies
Any vacancies occurring on the Board or among the offices during the year shall be filled until the next election by a majority vote of all the members of the Board present at its first regular meeting following the creation of such vacancy, or a special Board meeting called for that purpose, except that a vacancy in the office of President shall be filled automatically by the Vice-President and the resulting vacancy in the office of Vice-President shall be filled by the Board.
Article IV: The Club Year, Annual Meetings, Elections
Section 1: Club Year
The Club’s fiscal and official year shall begin on July 1st and end on June 30th.
Section 2: Annual Meeting
The annual meeting shall be held in August at a location and time selected by the Board. The election of Directors and Officers listed in Article III will be held by secret ballot at this meeting every two years.
Section 3: Elections
Elections shall be held at the annual meeting every two years. The nominated candidate for election receiving the greatest number of votes for President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be declared elected. The seven nominated candidates for other positions on the Board who receive the greatest number of votes for such positions shall be declared elected. No person may be a candidate in a Club election who has not been nominated in accordance with these bylaws.
Section 4: Election Procedures
The Nominating Committee and Chairperson will be selected by the Board.
The Nominating Committee will consist of one current Board member and three other Club members, all of whom must have been a member of MAGS for 3 years as of the date they are selected for the Nominating Committee.
The Nominating Committee Chairperson shall contact all current Officers and Board members to find out if they wish to run again for the office they currently hold. It should be noted that the office of President is limited to two consecutive terms. Therefore, if the incumbent President has served two consecutive terms, the President will not be eligible for a third consecutive term and will not be contacted.
The Nominating Committee will add the name of any Officer or Board Member who wishes to run for the office they currently hold to the ballot.
The Secretary shall send a notice to all Family and Individual Club Members to advise them of procedures for the upcoming election. Associate Members (those living outside of the geographical region of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware) are not eligible to hold office or cast votes and therefore will not be contacted. Members, who have not paid their dues for the current club year, are not eligible to be a nominee, run for or hold office and may not cast votes. Members may check their current dues status by contacting the Treasurer.
The Secretary shall invite all members who have been members of the Club for two (2) or more years as of the date of the correspondence, are current on Club Membership dues, and are interested in holding an Office or Board position, to nominate themselves by submitting a written letter of intent to the Secretary. The correspondence will also invite Club members who have been members of the Club for two (2) or more years, to nominate other Club members for an Office or Board position. The correspondence from the Secretary will clearly state that all Officers and Board members are required to serve on at least one standing committee. The correspondence shall also state a deadline for receipt of information for nominees.
- Self-Nominees: The letter of intent submitted by self-nominees, must include a statement of qualifications, a list of any MAGS sponsored events the nominee has attended, and the committees on which the nominee has volunteered during the fiscal year preceding the election. The letter of intent shall include an attachment submitted by another Club member, endorsing the self-nominee as a candidate and their reasons for doing so. The attachment may also be submitted independently by the Club member endorsing the nominee.
- Nomination of Another: If a member wishes to nominate another Club member for an Office or Board position, they must submit their nomination to the Club Secretary, along with their reasons for doing so. The nomination must have an attachment from the person being nominated and such attachment must state that the nominee is willing to accept the position if elected. The acceptance letter from the nominee must also include a statement of qualifications, a list of any MAGS sponsored events the nominee has attended, and the committees on which the nominee has volunteered during the fiscal year preceding the election. This information may also be submitted separately by the nominee.
The Secretary will provide the Nominating Committee with nominations submitted by Club members, along with the appropriate letters of intent, acceptance, and endorsement.
The Nominating Committee will select candidates to be included on the ballot for the upcoming elections as follows:
- President: If the current President is running for a 2nd term, the ballot shall consist of the current president and no more than two nominees selected by the Nominating Committee from the total nominees received from the Secretary. If the current President is not running for a 2nd term or has already served two consecutive terms, the ballot shall consist of no more than three nominees selected by the Nominating Committee from the total nominees received from the Secretary.
- Vice-President: If the current Vice-President is running for another term, the ballot shall consist of the current Vice-President and no more than two nominees selected by the Nominating Committee from the total nominees received from the Secretary. If the current President is not running for another term, the ballot shall consist of no more than three nominees selected by the Nominating Committee from the total nominees received by the Secretary.
- Treasurer: If the current Treasurer is running for another term, the ballot shall consist of the current Treasure and no more than two nominees selected by the Nominating Committee from the total nominees received from the Secretary. If the current Treasurer is not running for another term, the ballot shall consist of no more than three nominees selected by the Nominating Committee from the total nominees received by the Secretary.
- Secretary: If the current Secretary is running for another term, the ballot shall consist of the current Secretary and no more than two nominees selected by the Nominating Committee from the total nominees received from the Secretary. If the Secretary is not running for another term, the ballot shall consist of no more than three nominees selected by the Nominating Committee from the total nominees received by the Secretary.
- Board Members: Seven (7) Board Members will be elected. Incumbent Board members who wish to remain on the Board will be added to the ballot, which will identify each as an “Incumbent”. The Nominating Committee shall select no more than 21 Board member nominees, from both incumbents and nominees received from the Secretary. The board positions shall be filled by the seven candidates receiving the seven highest number of votes
- Incomplete Ballot: If there are no incumbents running and no nominees received for any office or Board position, the Nominating Committee shall select a nominee from the Membership, obtain their acceptance of the nomination in writing, and place their name on the ballot.
The Secretary shall prepare Voting Forms to distribute to attendees at the meeting who are eligible to vote. Only members living within the Club’s geographical region, whose membership dues are current, are eligible to vote. Members must be present at the meeting to cast votes. Family Memberships may cast two votes, provided both head of households are present at the meeting. Individual Memberships may cast one vote.
If there is only one nominee for any Officer or Board position, the Nominating Committee’s slate shall be declared elected for that position and no voting will be required. If there are two or more nominees for any Officer or Board position, a vote shall be conducted for these positions only.
Votes will be tabulated by tellers to be chosen from meeting attendees immediately before an election is held. Tellers shall not be Officers, Board Members, or candidates on the ballot. The candidates receiving the most votes for the voted position shall win. The winners will be announced to the members after the conclusion of the voting process. Declaring number of votes for each candidate has been deleted.
Article V: Committees
Section 1: Purpose of Committees
The Board shall appoint standing committees and sub-committees to advance the work of the Club in such matters as dog shows, obedience trials, trophies, annual prizes, membership, social activities, financial and other fields which may well be served by committees. Such committees shall always be subject to the final authority of the Board. Special Ad hoc committees may also be appointed by the Board to aid in particular projects. These committees are disbanded at the completion of the project.
Section 2: Committee Appointees
Any committee appointee may be terminated by a majority vote of the full membership of the Board upon written notice to the appointee and the Board may appoint successors to those persons whose service has been terminated.
Article VI: Discipline
Section 1: American Kennel Club Suspensions
Any member who is suspended from the privileges of The American Kennel Club shall automatically be suspended from the privileges of this Club for a like period.
Section 2: Charges
Any member may refer charges against another member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interest of the Club. Written charges with specifications must be filed in duplicate with the Secretary together with a deposit of $50.00, which shall be forfeited if such charges are not sustained by the Board following a hearing.
The Secretary shall promptly send a copy of the charges to each member of the Board or present them at a Board meeting, and the Board shall first consider whether the actions alleged in the charges, if proven, might constitute conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the Club. If the Board considers that the charges do not allege conduct that would be prejudicial to the best interests of the Club, the Board may refuse to entertain jurisdiction.
If the Board entertains jurisdiction of the charges, it shall fix a date of a hearing by the Board or a committee of not less than three (3) members of the Board, not less than four (4) weeks nor more than six (6) weeks thereafter. The Secretary shall promptly send one copy of the charges and the specifications to the accused member by register mail together with a notice of the hearing and an assurance that the defendant may personally appear in their own defense and bring witnesses if he/she wishes.
Section 3: Board Hearing
The Board shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, but both complainant and defendant shall be treated uniformly in that regard. Should the charges be sustained after hearing all the evidence and testimony presented by the complainant and defendant, the Board may by a majority vote of those present reprimand and/or suspend the defendant from all privileges of the Club for not more than six (6) months from the date of the hearing, or until the next annual meeting if that will occur after six (6) months. And, if the Board deems that punishment insufficient, it may also recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. In such case, a suspension shall not restrict the defendant’s right to appear before his fellow members at the ensuing Club meeting, which considers the Board’s decision. Immediately after the Club’s Board has reached a decision, its findings shall be put in written form and filed with the Secretary. The Secretary, in turn, shall notify each of the parties of the board’s decision and penalty, if any.
Section 4: Expulsion
Expulsion of a member from the Club may be accomplished only at a meeting of the Club following a Board hearing and upon the recommendation of the Board as provided in Section 3 of this Article. Such proceedings may occur at a regular or special meeting of the Club to be held within sixty (60) days but not earlier than 30 days after the date of the Board’s recommendation for expulsion. The defendant shall have the privilege of appearing in his own behalf though no evidence shall be taken at the meeting. The President shall read the charges and the findings, and recommendations, and shall invite the defendant, if present, to speak in his or her own behalf. The members shall then vote by secret written ballot on the proposed expulsion. A two-third (2/3) vote of those present and voting at the meeting shall be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion is not so voted, the Board’s suspension shall stand.
Article VII: Amendments
Section 1: Amendments to Constitution and Bylaws
Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws may be proposed by the Board of Directors or by written petition addressed to the Secretary and signed by twenty (20) percent of the membership in good standing. Amendments proposed by such petition shall be promptly considered by the Board of Directors. The proposed amendments must be submitted to the membership with the recommendations of the Board attached. The Secretary shall notify the membership of the date, time and place of the meeting for the membership to consider the Bylaw changes and vote on said amendments. Such notification shall be in writing, sent by either email or postal mail, to the entire membership at least two (2) weeks in advance of the meeting and within three (3) months of the date that the Secretary received the petition.
Section 2: Amendment Voting
The Constitution and Bylaws may be amended by a two-third (2/3) vote of the members present. The vote shall be secret ballot. The voting may take place at a regular or special meeting called for the purpose of amending the Bylaws.
Article VIII: Dissolution
Section 1: Dissolution of the Club
The Club may be dissolved at any time by written consent of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the members in good standing. In the event of the dissolution of the Club, other than for purposes of reorganization, whether voluntary or involuntary, or by operation of law, none of the property of the Club or proceeds thereof, nor any assets of the Club, shall be distributed to any members of the Club, but after payment of debts of the Club, its property and assets shall be given to a charitable organization for the benefit of dogs, selected by the Board of Directors.
Article IX: Order of Business
Section 1: Order of Business at Club and Board Meetings
At meetings of the Club, the order of business, so far as the character and nature of the meeting may permit, shall be as follows:
- Roll Call
- Minutes of the last meeting
- Report of the President
- Report of the Secretary
- Report of the Treasurer
- Reports of Committees
- Election of Officers and Board (at annual meeting)
- Unfinished business
- New business
- Adjournment
Article X: Parliamentary Authority
Section 1: Robert’s Rules of Order
The rules contained in the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised”, shall govern the Club in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws and any other special rules of order the Club may adopt.
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Mid-Atlantic Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club
Constitution and Bylaws
Passed by membership August 12, 2017