Bert Miller Nature Club of Fort Erie Constitution

  1. The name of the organization shall be The Bert Miller Nature Club of Fort Erie in honour of the late, noted Fort Erie naturalist. Herein this document it will be referred to as the Club.

  2. OBJECTIVES

    • To preserve, protect, restore and improve the natural resources and environment of the Niagara Peninsula;
    • To protect and preserve the wildlife of the Niagara Peninsula and to protect the natural habitat therein;
    • To encourage, promote and foster an understanding and awareness of the natural resources and environment and their value in enhancing the quality of life;
    • To encourage co-operation with other organizations having similar interests;
    • To recognize and honour individuals contributing to the preservation and restoration of our natural heritage;

    And such other complementary purposes not inconsistent with these objects.

  3. FINANCES

    • The Club shall be operated without the purpose of gain for its members and any profits or acquisitions to it shall be used in promoting its objectives as outlined in the document of incorporation, January 17, 1997.
    • The financial year of the Club shall be the calendar year.

  4. PROGRAMS AND OUTINGS

    • Programs of the Club shall be included for the education and enjoyment of the members and guests.
    • There shall be a minimum of seven monthly meetings as determined by the Executive.
    • Outings and field trips will be arranged under the direction of the Executive.

  5. BOARD ORGANIZATION

    • President, elected for a two year term, who shall be ex officio member of all committees, and shall call and chair all meetings of the Executive.
    • Past president shall be the immediate Past President.
    • Vice-President, elected for a two year term, who shall act in the place of the President when the latter is unable to do so.
    • Secretary, elected for a two year term, who shall prepare and distribute the minutes of each Executive meeting as directed by the President.
    • Treasurer, elected for a two year term, who shall maintain the financial books and records of the Club and present the financial statements to the members of the Annual Meeting. The Treasurer must have two of the following cosign cheques from the General Account: Treasurer, President, or Director designated by the President.
    • There shall be at least 3 (three) and no more than 6 (six) Directors elected each year.
    • An archivist shall be appointed by the Executive to collect materials relevant to the history of the Club.
    • A Newsletter Editor shall be appointed by the Executive and a Club Newsletter shall be published as often as possible.

  6. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CLUB EXECUTIVE:

    • Direct and manage the affairs of the Club
    • Control the distribution of the Club funds.
    • Set the membership sues.
    • Fill by appointment any vacancy occurring on the executive for the balance of any term.
    • The majority of the executive shall constitute a quorum.
    • The President may create and disband ad hoc committees, establish their objectives, and appoint their chairpersons and other members.

  7. CONSTITUTION AMENDMENTS:

    • Any member may submit a written proposed amendment to the executive.
    • The executive shall cause the proposed amendment to be published in the Club Newsletter.
    • The proposed amendment shall be voted upon at the next members’ meeting and must be approved by two-thirds of those voting in order to be adopted.