DACOTAH TERRITORY MUZZLE LOADERS

Constitution and By-Laws

Article I. Name

1.     The name of the organization shall be the Dacotah Territory Muzzle Loaders.

Article II. Object

1.     The object of the organization shall be to promote the use of muzzle loading firearms for sport and competition and to promote higher standards of sportsmanship, safety and good fellowship.

Article III. Membership

1.     Terms of annual membership shall be June 1 through May 31.

2.     Classes of Membership – the club or organization shall have two (2) classes of membership. The designation and qualification and rights of the members of such classes shall be as follows:

a.      Active Member – subject to approval by a majority of the Board of Directors and upon payment of an amount determined by the Board, and individual shall be entitled to membership for one year or for a period of years.

b.     Associate Member – subject to approval by a majority of the Board of Directors and upon payment of an amount determined by the Board, the spouse and all minor (16 years or under) children of an active member in good standing shall be entitled to membership for one year with the same rights and privileges as an active member, except that he or she shall not receive the official newsletter; nor shall they have voting rights.

3.     Termination of Membership – any member in default in payment of dues may be barred from the rights and privileges of membership as provided in Article V, Sec 3.

Article IV. Meetings

1.     Annual Meetings – an annual meeting of the members shall be held at a time and place to be designated by the Board of Directors.

a.      Purpose of Annual Meeting – the purpose of the annual meeting shall be for electing the Board of Directors and for transaction of such other business as may come before the meeting.

b.     A notice of the time and place of such meeting shall be published in the official newsletter or by other means at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting.

2.     Special Meetings – a special meeting may be called by the president by notification of the membership as to where to meet, the time and purpose of the meeting.

3.     Voting – each active member in good standing shall have one vote to be cast in person and not by proxy.

a.      All members shall have the right to attend all meetings and be heard.

4.     Rules of Order to Govern at Meetings – the rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order Revised shall govern the meetings of members, the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, where they are not inconsistent with these By-laws.

Article V. Dues

1.     The annual dues of the members of this organization shall not be less than $10.00 payable as provided in Article III, Sec. 1.

2.     Membership dues shall be at such rate or rates, schedule or formula as may be from time to time prescribed by the Board of Directors.

3.     Any member may be expelled by the Board of Directors and by a two-thirds vote for nonpayment of dues after ninety days from date due.

4.     Dues shall be paid within 30 days of date, after which, there will be a $3.00 per month penalty with a maximum of $6.00.

5.     Reinstatement – any member wishing to renew membership after expulsion for on-payment of dues shall pay all past due amounts plus penalties for a maximum of two years dues plus penalties.

6.     Exceptions to Article V, Sec. 5 – if determined by two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors that there were justifiable reasons for non-payment of dues (example: transfer of employment), the Board may waive past dues and penalties.

Article VI. Officers

1.     Officers shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, three (3) elected Directors, and one Director at large, who shall be the immediate past president.

a.      One of the three elected Directors to be the Safety Officer.

2.     Names shall be placed in nomination by a nomination committee consisting of three members of the Executive Board, chosen by the Board. Names may also be placed in nomination by general membership.

3.     Term of office for Directors shall be two (2) years.

4.     Terms of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be one year each.

5.     Any Director or Officer who misses three (3) consecutive meetings shall automatically be removed from office.

Article VII. Duties

1.     President shall preside at all meetings both general and executive and shall call any special meetings necessary in accordance with Article IV, Sec. 1 & 2.

2.     Vice President shall act as President in his (the President’s) absence.

3.     Duties of the Secretary:

a.      The Secretary shall keep an account of all meetings held, both executive and general.

b.     The Secretary shall keep a record of the membership.

4.     Duties of the Treasurer:

a.      The Treasurer shall keep a detailed and accurate account of all funds received and disbursed.

b.     The Treasurer shall pay all bills and shall be responsible for verification of all expenditures.

5.     Duties of the Executive Board:

a.      The Executive Board shall meet to plan the club shoots and order awards and to take up any order of business necessary to the operation of the club in accordance to Article II.

b.     Any expenditure exceeding $100.00 approved by two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors must also be approved by a majority vote of the general membership at the next general meeting in accordance to Article IV, Sec. 1 & 2.

Article VIII. Definition of Board of Directors and Voting

1.     The Board of Directors consists of officers described in Article VI, Sec. 1.

2.     A two-thirds majority of the Board of Directors shall be six votes.

3.     A majority of the Board of Directors shall be five votes.

4.     A quorum shall consist of six officers.

Article IX. Amendments

1.     These By-laws may be amended or altered by a two-thirds vote of the Board and by a majority of the members at any regular or special meeting, providing the notice of the meeting includes the proposals for amendments. Any proposed amendment of alterations shall be submitted to the Board or the members in writing, at least ten days prior to the meeting at which they are to be acted upon.

2.     Said amendment must first pass a two-thirds vote of the Board before being submitted to the general membership.

Article X. Dissolution

1.     The club shall use it’s funds only to accomplish the objects and purpose specified in these by-laws, and no part of said funds shall inure, or be distributed, to the members of the chamber. On dissolution of the charter, any funds remaining shall be distributed to one or more regularly organized and qualified charitable, educational, scientific, or philanthropic organizations to be selected by the Board of Directors.