THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
Constitution
ARTICLE 1
Names and Objects
Names and ObjectsSECTION 1
The name of the Club shall be The Scottish Terrier Club of Chicago.
SECTION 2
The objectives of the Club shall be:
(a)to encourage and promote the breeding of pure-bred Scottish Terriers and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection;
to encourage and promote the breeding of pure-bred Scottish Terriers and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection;(b)to urge members and breeders to accept the standard of the breed as approved by the American Kennel Club as the only standard of excellence by which Scottish Terriers shall be judged;
to urge members and breeders to accept the standard of the breed as approved by the American Kennel Club as the only standard of excellence by which Scottish Terriers shall be judged;(c)to do all in its power to protect and advance the interest and knowledge of the breed;
to do all in its power to protect and advance the interest and knowledge of the breed;(d)to conduct sanctioned matches, specialty shows, and all other events for which the Club is eligible to participate in under the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club, and to encourage sportsmanlike competition at these events.
to conduct sanctioned matches, specialty shows, and all other events for which the Club is eligible to participate in under the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club, and to encourage sportsmanlike competition at these events.SECTION 3
The Club shall not be conducted or operated for profit, and no part of any profits or remainder or residue from dues or donations to the Club shall inure to the benefit of any member or individual.
SECTION 4
The members of the Club shall adopt and may revise such Bylaws as may be required to carry out these objectives, in a manner described in this constitution.
By-Laws
ARTICLE 1Membership
MembershipSECTION 1Eligibility
EligibilityThere shall be three types of membership, open to all persons eighteen years of age or older, who are in good standing with The American Kennel Club, and who subscribe to the purpose of this club.
(a)Individual membership is open to any individual described above, and shall entitle the member to one vote in Club affairs.
Individual membership is open to any individual described above, and shall entitle the member to one vote in Club affairs.(b)Family membership is open to an individual and one member of his/her family residing at the same address. Each of these members shall have one vote in Club affairs. Club publications and mailings will be sent one to the family group, however, rather than to each as individuals.
Family membership is open to an individual and one member of his/her family residing at the same address. Each of these members shall have one vote in Club affairs. Club publications and mailings will be sent one to the family group, however, rather than to each as individuals. (c)Honorary membership may be conferred upon an individual by majority vote of the members present at a Club meeting for outstanding contributions and/or service to the Club. This honorary member pays no dues, is not allowed to vote or hold office, and is not counted in determining a quorum. An honorary member may maintain voting/office privileges if he/she pays dues.
Honorary membership may be conferred upon an individual by majority vote of the members present at a Club meeting for outstanding contributions and/or service to the Club. This honorary member pays no dues, is not allowed to vote or hold office, and is not counted in determining a quorum. An honorary member may maintain voting/office privileges if he/she pays dues. SECTION 2Member in good standing
Member in good standingA member in good standing is any member who has paid his/her dues for the current year and is not presently suspended from the Club. It is expected that members in good standing will work to strengthen the Club and will not engage in any activities that will bring discredit to the Club.
SECTION 3Dues
DuesMembership dues shall be $35.00 per year for individual members, $45.00 per year for family memberships, payable by July 1st. During the month of May, the Treasurer shall send to each member a statement of his/her dues for the ensuing year. Honorary members shall be exempt from payment of dues.
SECTION 4Election of membership
Election of membershipThe applicant completes an application that states they will abide by the Constitution and By-Laws, the STCC Code of Ethics, and the rules of The American Kennel Club. The application shall state the name, address and occupation of the applicant. Two members in good standing must sponsor the applicant. The prospective member shall, submit the application, dues for the current year, a signed copy of the Code of Ethics; a one-time non-refundable application fee of $25.00 is to accompany the application for membership to the Secretary. Members who are accepted during the last quarter of the Club’s fiscal year shall have their dues credited for the ensuing year. The prospective member must attend two club functions before being voted into membership. The application will be voted on by the membership after the applicant has attended the two club functions; affirmative votes of 2/3 of the members present and voting at that meeting shall be required to elect the applicant.
SECTION 5Termination of membership
Termination of membershipMembership shall be terminated by:
(a)Resignation; any member in good standing may resign upon written notice to the Secretary; but no member may resign when in debt to the Club. Dues obligations are considered a debt to the Club, and they become incurred on the first day of July.
Resignation; any member in good standing may resign upon written notice to the Secretary; but no member may resign when in debt to the Club. Dues obligations are considered a debt to the Club, and they become incurred on the first day of July.(b)Lapsing; a membership will be considered as lapsed and automatically terminated if such member’s dues remain unpaid 30 days after the first day of July; however, the Board may grant an additional 30 days of grace to 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.
Lapsing; a membership will be considered as lapsed and automatically terminated if such member’s dues remain unpaid 30 days after the first day of July; however, the Board may grant an additional 30 days of grace to 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. (c)Expulsion; a membership may be terminated by expulsion, as provided in ARTICLE VI of these Bylaws.
Expulsion; a membership may be terminated by expulsion, as provided in ARTICLE VI of these Bylaws. ARTICLE IIMeetings and Voting
Meetings and VotingSECTION 1Club Meetings
Club Meetings Meetings of the Club, including an annual luncheon and a specialty show, shall be held at least six (6) times a year within the Greater Chicago area at such hour and place as may be designated by the Board of Directors. Written notice of each meeting shall be electronically mailed to members providing a current email address. Members without a current email address will receive their notice through the U.S. mail at least 10 days prior to the date of the meetings.
SECTION 2Special Club Meetings
Special Club MeetingsA special Club meeting may be called by the President or by a majority vote of the members of the Board who are present and voting at any regular or special meeting of the Board, or by the Secretary upon receipt of a petition signed by five members of the Club who are in good standing. Such special meetings shall be held within the Greater Chicago area at such place, date and hour as may be designated by the person or persons authorized herein to call such meetings. Written notice of such a meeting shall be mailed by the Secretary at least 5 days and not more than 15 days prior to the date of the meeting, and said notice shall state the purpose of the meetings, and no other Club business may be transacted thereat. The quorum for such a meeting shall be 15% of the membership.
SECTION 3Board Meetings
Board MeetingsThe first meeting of the board shall be held immediately following the annual Club meeting and election. Other meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such times and places as designated by the President or by a majority vote of the Board. Written notice of each meeting shall be sent electronically or by First Class mail. The quorum for a Board Meeting shall be a majority of the Board voting in person, or in writing by First Class mail, electronically or by a telephone conference call.
SECTION 4Special Board Meetings
Special Board MeetingsSpecial meetings of the Board may be called by the President, or shall be called by the Secretary upon receipt of a written request signed by at least three members of the Board. Such special meeting shall be held within the Greater Chicago area at such place, date and hour as may be designated by the person authorized herein to call such a meeting. The Secretary shall mail written notice at least 5 days and not more than 10 days prior to the date of the meeting. Any such notice shall state the purpose of the meeting and no other business shall be transacted thereat. A quorum for such a meeting shall be a majority of the Board.
SECTION 5Voting
VotingOnline voting will not be allowed for any Club business.
If there is an unopposed slate of officers a written ballot will not be required. If there is more than one candidate for an office a written ballot will be provided.
(a)The new officers and directors shall be announced at the annual meeting of the club. Other specific questions shall be voted on by club members at the time of the annual or special meetings.
The new officers and directors shall be announced at the annual meeting of the club. Other specific questions shall be voted on by club members at the time of the annual or special meetings.ARTICLE IIIDirectors and Officers
Directors and OfficersSECTION 1Board of Directors
Board of DirectorsThe Board shall be comprised of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and (3) three other persons all of whom shall be members in good standing. They shall be elected for one-year terms and shall serve until their successors are elected. The outgoing President shall serve as a member of the Board for one year with full voting rights and privileges. General management of the Club’s affairs and oversight of the website and/or newsletter shall be entrusted to the Board of Directors.
SECTION 2Officers
OfficersThe 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.
(a)The President shall preside at all meetings of the Club and of the Board, and shall have the duties and powers normally appurtenant to the Office of President, in addition to those particularly specified in these Bylaws.
The President shall preside at all meetings of the Club and of the Board, and shall have the duties and powers normally appurtenant to the Office of President, in addition to those particularly specified in these Bylaws.(b)The Vice-President shall have the duties and exercise the powers of the President in the event of the President’s death, absence, incapacity or resignation. In addition, the Vice-President shall serve as the Specialty Show Coordinator.
The Vice-President shall have the duties and exercise the powers of the President in the event of the President’s death, absence, incapacity or resignation. In addition, the Vice-President shall serve as the Specialty Show Coordinator. (c)The Secretary shall have charge of keeping a written record of all meetings both Club ad Board; and also be in charge of correspondence, election records, and membership information as well as notifications for upcoming meetings.
The Secretary shall have charge of keeping a written record of all meetings both Club ad Board; and also be in charge of correspondence, election records, and membership information as well as notifications for upcoming meetings.(d)The Treasurer shall collect and receive monies due to the Club. He/she shall deposit the same in a bank approved by the Board in the name of the Club. His/her books shall at all times be open to the inspection of the Board, and he/she shall report to them at every meeting the condition of the Club’s finances and every item of receipt or payment not before reported. At the annual meeting he/she shall render an account of all money received and expended during the fiscal year. The Treasurer will be personally responsible for the funds on deposit in the Club account.
The Treasurer shall collect and receive monies due to the Club. He/she shall deposit the same in a bank approved by the Board in the name of the Club. His/her books shall at all times be open to the inspection of the Board, and he/she shall report to them at every meeting the condition of the Club’s finances and every item of receipt or payment not before reported. At the annual meeting he/she shall render an account of all money received and expended during the fiscal year. The Treasurer will be personally responsible for the funds on deposit in the Club account. (e)Board Members
Board MembersBoard members are responsible for various activities to facilitate the operation of the Club.
(f)Long-term STCC members may be called upon from time to time in an advisory capacity to assist the Officers and the Board. Those serving in an advisory capacity will not have a vote on issues voted upon at board meetings. These members can be invited to a board meeting but attendance is not required.
Long-term STCC members may be called upon from time to time in an advisory capacity to assist the Officers and the Board. Those serving in an advisory capacity will not have a vote on issues voted upon at board meetings. These members can be invited to a board meeting but attendance is not required. SECTION 3Vacancies
Vacancies Any vacancies occurring on the Board or among the officers during the year shall be filled until the next annual election by a majority vote of all the then members of the Board; 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.
SECTION 4Officer Removal
Officer RemovalAn Officer or Director may be removed for dereliction of duty by a majority vote of Board members and Directors.
ARTICLE IVThe Club Year, Nominations, Elections
The Club Year, Nominations, ElectionsSECTION 1The Club Year
The Club YearThe Club’s fiscal year shall begin on the first day of July and end on the 30th day of June.
SECTION 2Annual Meeting
Annual MeetingThe annual meeting shall be held in the month of August at which Officers and Directors for the ensuing year shall be announced from among those nominated in accordance with Section IV of this Article. They shall take office immediately upon the conclusion of the election, and each retiring office shall turn over to his/her successor in office all properties and records relating to that office within 30 days after the election.
SECTION 3Elections
ElectionsThe nominated candidate receiving the greatest number of votes for each office shall be declared elected. The nominated candidates for other positions on the Board who received the greatest number of votes for such positions shall be declared elected.
SECTION 4Nominations
NominationsNo person may be a candidate in a Club election who has not been nominated. No one shall hold the office of President for more than three consecutive years. Other offices and board seats are to be considered open as to the length of service by any individual.
During the month of May, the board shall select a Nominating Committee consisting of 3 members, not more than one of whom shall be a member of the Board, and two alternates. The Secretary shall immediately notify the committee members and their alternates of their selection. The Board shall name a chairperson for the committee, and it shall be his/her duty to call committee meetings, which shall be held on or before June 1st. Meetings may be conducted by teleconference.
(a)The committee shall nominate one candidate for each office and one candidate for each vacant position of the Board (in years when there is no immediate past President, three shall be nominated), and, after securing the consent of each person so nominated, shall immediately report their nominations to the Secretary in writing.
The committee shall nominate one candidate for each office and one candidate for each vacant position of the Board (in years when there is no immediate past President, three shall be nominated), and, after securing the consent of each person so nominated, shall immediately report their nominations to the Secretary in writing.(b)Upon receipt of the Nominating Committee’s report, the Secretary shall before July 1st notify each member in writing of the candidates so nominated.
Upon receipt of the Nominating Committee’s report, the Secretary shall before July 1st notify each member in writing of the candidates so nominated.(c)Additional nominations of eligible members may be made in writing, by registered or certified mail addressed to the Secretary at his/her regular address on or before July 15th. This nomination must be accompanied by the written acceptance of each such additional candidate. No person shall be a candidate for more than one position. The additional nominations, which are provided for herein, may be made only from among those members who have not accepted a nomination of the Nominating Committee. If no additional nominations are received by the Secretary on or before July 15th, the Nominating Committee’s slate shall be declared elected at the time of the Annual Meeting. No balloting will be required.
Additional nominations of eligible members may be made in writing, by registered or certified mail addressed to the Secretary at his/her regular address on or before July 15th. This nomination must be accompanied by the written acceptance of each such additional candidate. No person shall be a candidate for more than one position. The additional nominations, which are provided for herein, may be made only from among those members who have not accepted a nomination of the Nominating Committee. If no additional nominations are received by the Secretary on or before July 15th, the Nominating Committee’s slate shall be declared elected at the time of the Annual Meeting. No balloting will be required.(d)If the Secretary receives one or more valid nominations on or before July 15th, he/she shall, on or before August 1st, mail to each member in good standing a listing of all the nominees for each position in alphabetical order. The voting will take place and shall be announced at the Annual Meeting.
If the Secretary receives one or more valid nominations on or before July 15th, he/she shall, on or before August 1st, mail to each member in good standing a listing of all the nominees for each position in alphabetical order. The voting will take place and shall be announced at the Annual Meeting.(e)Nominations cannot be made at the Annual Meeting or in any manner other than is provided above.
Nominations cannot be made at the Annual Meeting or in any manner other than is provided above.ARTICLE VCommittees
CommitteesSECTION 1
The Board may each year appoint standing committees to advance the work of the Club in such matters as may well be served by committees. Such committees shall always be subject to the final authority of the Board. Special committees may also be appointed by the Board to aid on particular projects.
SECTION 2
Any committee may be terminated by a majority vote of the full membership of the Board upon written notice to those persons whose services have been terminated.
ARTICLE VIDiscipline
DisciplineSECTION 1Suspension
SuspensionAny member who is suspended from the privileges of The American Kennel Club or The Scottish Terrier Club of America automatically shall be suspended from the privileges of this Club for a like period.
SECTION 2Charges
ChargesAny member may prefer charges against a member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of the Club or the breed. Written charges with specifications must be filed in duplicate with the Secretary together with a deposit of $50.00, which shall be forfeited if the Board following a hearing does not sustain such charges. 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 or the breed. If the Board entertains jurisdiction of the charges, it shall fix a date for a hearing by the Board not less than 3 weeks or more than 6 weeks thereafter. The Secretary shall promptly send one copy of the charges to the accused member by registered mail together with a notice of the hearing and an assurance that the defendant may personally appear in his/her own defense and bring witnesses if he/she wishes.
SECTION 3Board Hearing
Board HearingThe Board shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, both complainant and defendant shall be treated fairly 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 suspend the defendant from all privileges of the Club for not more than six months from the date of the hearing. And, if it deems the punishment insufficient, it may also be recommended to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. In such case, the suspension shall not restrict the defendant’s right to appear before his/her fellow members at the ensuing Club meeting which will consider the Board’s recommendation. Immediately after the Board has reached a decision, its finding shall be put in written form and filed with the Secretary. The Secretary shall notify both complainant and defendant of the Board’s decision and penalty, if any.
SECTION 4Expulsion
ExpulsionExpulsion of a member from the Club may be accomplished only at a meeting of the Club following a Board hearing and upon the Board’s recommendation as provided in Section III of this ARTICLE. Such proceedings may occur at a regular or special meeting of the Club to be held within 60 days but not earlier than 30 days after the date of the Board’s recommendation. The defendant shall have the privilege of appearing on his/her behalf, though no evidence shall be taken at this meeting. The President shall read the charges and the Board’s findings and recommendations, and shall invite the defendant, if present, to speak on his/her behalf if he/she wishes. The members shall then vote by secret written ballot on the proposed expulsion. A 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 VIIAmendments
AmendmentsSECTION 1
Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws may be proposed by the Board of Directors or by written petition to the Secretary signed by 20% of the membership in good standing. Amendments proposed by such a petition shall be promptly considered by the Board and must be submitted to the members with recommendations of the Board by the Secretary for a vote within 3 months of the date when the Secretary received the petition.
SECTION 2
The Constitution and Bylaws may be amended by a 2/3 vote of the members present and voting at any regular or special meeting called for the purpose, provided the proposed amendments have been included in the notice of the meeting and mailed to each member at least 10 days prior to the date of the meeting.
ARTICLE VIIIDissolution
DissolutionSECTION 1
The Club may be dissolved at any time by the written consent of not less than 2/3 of the members in good standing. In the event of the dissolution of the Club, whether voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law, none of the property of the Club nor any proceeds thereof nor any assets of the Club shall be distributed to any members of the Club, but after payment of the debts of the Club, its property and assets shall be given to a non-profit organization for the benefit of dogs selected by the membership.
ARTICLE IXOrder of Business
Order of BusinessSECTION 1
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
• Report of Committees
• Election of Officers and Board (at Annual Meeting)
• Election of new members
• Unfinished business
• New Business
• Adjournment
SECTION 2
At meetings of the Board, the order of business, unless otherwise directed by majority vote of those present, shall be as follows:
• Roll Call
• Minutes of the last meeting
• Report of the President
• Report of the Secretary
• Report of the Treasurer
• Report of Committees
• Unfinished business
• New business
• Adjournment
ARTICLE XParliamentary Authority
Parliamentary AuthoritySECTION 1
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.
Dates Adopted and Amended
Adopted October 11, 1974
Amended February 14, 1983
June 11, 1984
April 17, 1988
June 13, 1992
June 17, 2000
June 12, 2004
March 18, 2012
August 14,2016
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