The Vermont Paddlers Club

ARTICLE I - NAME

1. The name of this association shall be the Vermont Paddlers Club, Inc., hereafter referred to as VPC.

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

1. The purposes of the VPC are:
   1. To facilitate the enjoyment of recreational paddlesport.
   2. To organize a schedule of whitewater and flatwater canoe and kayak trips which suit the interests of Vermont Paddlers Club members.
   3. To promote safe and enjoyable paddling through education and other activities.
   4. To maintain an awareness of river resource and conservation issues, and to take action when appropriate to protect paddling resources.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERS AND THEIR MEETINGS

1. Any person may become a member upon application to the Treasurer and payment of annual dues.
2. Membership may be either (a) individual, or (b) family. For those members who hold a family membership, each adult within the household is entitled to one vote. The Board of Directors shall set the annual dues for individual and family memberships. The membership year is the calendar year for which the annual dues are paid.
3. Meeting dates shall be set by the Board of Directors. Membership meetings will generally be held in March arid June of every year, and a special meeting for the election of officers will be held in fall of odd-numbered years.
4. A special meeting may be called by the President or by petition of 20 or more members.
5. Notice of any meeting shall be mailed to each member at least one week in advance of such meeting and such notice shall include the purpose of the meeting and the names of persons nominated for election as officers.

ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS

1. The officers of the VPC shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, who shall be ex officio members of the Board of Directors.
2. The officers of the VPC shall be elected approximately every two years. The Board of Directors shall nominate a slate of officers. Nominations may also be made from the floor during the election meeting.
3. An officer may not serve in the same position for more than four consecutive years. Any vacancy in an officer position may be filled for the balance of the term by appointment of the Board of Directors.
4. The President has basic responsibility for the care and direction of the VPC. He/she shall preside at meetings of the VPC.
5. The Vice President shall assist the President in supervision of VPC activities, and shall also perform the duties of the President in the latter's absence or disability. The Vice President shall also be responsible for arranging entertainment for VPC meetings.
6. The Secretary shall:
   1. Take the minutes of VPC meetings;
   2. Prepare and distribute notice of VPC meetings;
   3. Coordinate mailing of the VPC newsletter; and
   4. Prepare and file periodic reports required by federal or state government.
7. The Treasurer shall:
   1. Process membership applications and maintain the membership files;
   2. Advise the Board of Directors on financial decisions; and
   3. Be responsible for receipt and disbursement of all funds of the VPC, and for the preparation of financial reports as requested by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE V - BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES

1. Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three members elected by the general membership. The President or any two officers of the VPC may call meetings of the Board of Directors. A majority of the members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The Board of Directors shall:
   1. Advise the President on the care and direction of the VPC;
   2. Approve any single expenditure of funds from the VPC's treasury in excess of $ 100 and any contracts entered into by the VPC;
   3. Fill any vacancy in any elective office for the remainder of the term of that office;
   4. Recruit members to coordinate trip schedules, training clinics, membership meetings, publication of the club newsletter, etc; and
   5. Generally manage the affairs of the corporation.
2. Committees. The Board of Directors may authorize the establishment and termination of special committees for activities of the VPC, including a Nominating Committee for the biennial elections.
3. Committee Membership. Committees shall be composed of volunteers from the VPC membership.

ARTICLE VI - FISCAL YEAR

1. The fiscal year for the VPC shall be the calendar year.

ARTICLE VII - DISPOSITION OF ASSETS

1. In the event of the dissolution or disestablishment of the VPC, any tangible assets remaining after all liabilities have been met shall be donated to the Green Mountain Club at RR I Box 650, Route 100 in Waterbury Center, Vermont.

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS

1. The bylaws of the VPC may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the adult members present at any regular or special meeting of the VPC, provided that notice of the proposed action is given in the notice for such meeting.

BYLAWS2C.VPC Rev.03/10/95