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Article 1 Definitions

As used in this constitution, unless the context otherwise clearly requires, the words in this article shall have the following meanings:

1.  Board: The Board of Directors of this club.
2.  Bylaws: The bylaws of this club.
3.  Director: A member of this club's Board of Directors.
4.  Member:  A member, other than an honorary member, of this club.
5.  RI: Rotary International. 6.  Year: The twelve-month period which begins on 1 July. 

Article 2 Name

The name of this organization shall be Rotary Club of MARION, NORTH CAROLINA USA
    (Member of Rotary International) 

Article 3 Locality of the Club

The locality of this club is as follows: MCDOWELL COUNTY

Article 4 Object

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
 First. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;  
  Second. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
  Third. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life; Fourth. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. 

Article 5 Meetings

Section 1  Regular Meetings. 

(a) Day and Time. This club shall hold a regular meeting once each week on the day and at the time provided in the bylaws. 
(b) Change of Meeting. For good cause, the board may change a regular meeting to any day during the period commencing with the day following the preceding regular meeting and ending with the day preceding the next regular meeting, or to a different hour of the regular day, or to a different place.

* The bylaws of Rotary International provide that each club admitted to membership in RI shall adopt this prescribed standard club constitution.  

(c) Cancellation. The board may cancel a regular meeting if it falls on a legal holiday or in case of the death of a club member, or of an epidemic or of a disaster affecting the whole community, or of an armed conflict in the community which endangers the lives of the club members.  The board may cancel not more than four regular meetings in a year for causes not otherwise specified herein provided that this club does not fail to meet for more than three consecutive meetings. 
Section 2  -  Annual Meeting. An annual meeting for the election of officers shall be held not later than 31 December as provided in the bylaws. 

Article 6 Membership

Section 1 - General Qualifications. This club shall be composed of adult  persons of good character and good business and professional reputation. Section 2 - Kinds. This club shall have two kinds of membership, namely:  active and honorary.
Section 3 - Active Membership. A person possessing the qualifications set  forth in article 5, section 2 of the RI constitution may be elected to active  membership in this club.
Section 4 - Transferring or Former Rotarian. A member may propose to  active membership a transferring member or former member of a club, if  the proposed member is terminating or has terminated such membership  in the former club due to no longer being engaged in the formerly  assigned classification of business or profession within the locality of the  former club or the surrounding area.  The transferring or former member  of a club being proposed to active membership under this section may  also be proposed by the former club.  The classification of a transferring  or  former member of a club shall not preclude election to active  membership even if the election results in club membership temporarily  exceeding the classification limits.
Section 5  - Dual Membership. No person shall simultaneously hold active  membership in this and another club.  No person shall simultaneously be  a  member and an honorary member in this club.  No person shall  simultaneously hold active membership in this club and membership in a  Rotaract club.
Section 6 - Honorary Membership.
 (a) Eligibility for Honorary Membership. Persons who have distinguished   themselves by meritorious service in the furtherance of Rotary ideals   and  those persons considered friends of Rotary for their permanent   support of Rotary’s cause may be elected to honorary membership in   this club.  The term of such membership shall be as determined by the   board.  Persons may hold honorary membership in more than one club.

(b) Rights and Privileges. Honorary members shall be exempt from the   payment of admission fees and dues, shall have no vote, and shall not   be eligible to hold any office in this club.  Such members shall not hold   classifications, but shall be entitled to attend all meetings and enjoy all   the other privileges of this club.  No honorary member of this club is  entitled to any rights and privileges in any other club, except for the  right to visit other clubs without being the guest of a Rotarian.  

Article 7 Classifications

Section 1 - General Provisions.  
(a) Principal Activity. Each member shall be classified in accordance with  the member's business or profession.  The classification shall be that  which describes the principal and recognized activity of the firm,  company, or institution with which the member is connected or that  which describes the member's principal and recognized business or  professional activity.
(b) Correction or Adjustment. If the circumstances warrant, the board may  correct or adjust the classification of any member.  Notice of a  proposed correction or adjustment shall be provided to the member  and the member shall be allowed a hearing thereon.
Section 2 - Limitations. This club shall not elect a person to active  membership from a classification if the club already has five or more  members from that classification, unless the club has more than 50  members, in which case, the club may elect a person to active  membership in a classification so long as it will not result in the  classification making up more than 10 percent of the club's active  membership.  Members who are retired shall not be included in the total  number of members in a classification.  The classification of a transferring  or former member of a club shall not preclude election to active  membership even if the election results in club membership temporarily  exceeding the above limitations.  If a member changes classification, the  club may continue the member's membership under the new  classification notwithstanding these limitations. 

Article 8 Attendance

Section 1 - General Provisions. Each member should attend this club's  regular meetings. A member shall be counted as attending a regular  meeting if the member is present for at least 60 percent of the  meeting,  or is present and is called away unexpectedly and  subsequently produces  evidence to the satisfaction of the board that  such action was reasonable,  or makes up for an absence in any of the  following ways:
 (a) 14 Days  Before or After the Meeting. If, within fourteen (14) days  before or after  the regular time for that meeting, the member
 (1) attends at least 60  percent of the regular meeting of another club  or of a provisional club; or
 (2) attends a regular meeting of a Rotaract or Interact club, Rotary  Community Corps, or Rotary Fellowship or of a provisional Rotaract or  Interact club,  Rotary Community Corps, or Rotary Fellowship; or
 (3) attends a convention of RI, a council on legislation, an international  assembly, a Rotary institute for past and present officers of RI, a Rotary  institute for past, present, and incoming officers of RI, or any other  meeting convened with the approval of the board of directors of RI or  the president of RI acting on behalf of the board of directors of RI, a  Rotary multizone conference, a meeting of a committee of RI, a Rotary  district conference, a Rotary district assembly, any district meeting held  by direction of the board of directors of RI, any district committee  meeting held by direction of the district governor, or a regularly  announced intercity meeting of Rotary clubs; or
 (4) is present at the usual time and place of a regular meeting of  another club for the purpose of attending such meeting, but that club  is not meeting at that time or place; or
 (5) attends and participates in a club service project or a    sponsored community event or meeting authorized by the board; or
 (6) attends a board meeting or, if authorized by the board, a meeting  of a service committee to which the member is assigned; or
 (7) participates through a club website in an interactive activity  requiring an average of 30 minutes of participation.
 When a member is outside the member's country of residence for more  than fourteen (14) days, the time restriction shall not be imposed so  that the member may attend meetings in another country at any time  during the travel period, and each such attendance shall count as a  valid make-up for any regular meeting missed during the member's  time abroad.
 (b) At the Time of the Meeting. If, at the time of the meeting, the   member is 
  (1) traveling with reasonable directness to or from one of the   meetings specified in sub-subsection (a) (3) of this section; or 
  (2) serving as an officer or member of a committee of RI, or a trustee   of The Rotary Foundation; or
  (3) serving as the special representative of  the district governor in   the formation of a new club; or
 (4) on Rotary  business in the employ of RI; or
 (5) directly and actively engaged in a  district-sponsored or RI- or   Rotary Foundation-sponsored service  project in a remote area   where making up attendance is impossible; or
  (6) engaged in Rotary business duly authorized by the board which  precludes attendance at the meeting.
Section 2 - Extended Absence on Outposted Assignment. If a member  will be working on an outposted assignment for an extended period of  time, attendance at the meetings of a designated club at the site of the  assignment will replace attendance at the regular meetings of the  member’s club, provided there is a mutual agreement between the two  clubs.
Section 3 - Excused Absences. A member's absence shall be excused if  (a) the absence complies with the conditions and under circumstances  approved by the board.  The board may excuse a member's absence  for  reasons which it considers to be good and sufficient.
 (b) the aggregate of the member's years of age and years of  membership in one or more clubs is 85 years or more and the member  has notified the club secretary in writing of the member's desire to be  excused from attendance and the board has approved.
Section 4 - RI Officers' Absences. A member's absence shall be excused  if the member is a current officer of RI.
Section 5 - Attendance Records. Any member whose absences are  excused under the provisions of sections 3 or 4 of this article shall not  be included in the membership figure used to compute this club's  attendance nor shall such absences or attendances be used for that  purpose. 

Article 9 Directors and Officers

Section 1 - Governing Body. The governing body of this club shall be  the board constituted as the bylaws may provide.
Section 2 - Authority. The board shall have general control over all  officers and committees and, for good cause, may declare any office  vacant.
Section 3 - Board Action Final. The decision of the board in all club  matters is final, subject only to an appeal to the club.  However, as to a  decision to terminate membership, a member, pursuant to article 11,  section 6, may appeal to the club, request mediation, or request  arbitration.  If appealed, a decision of the board shall be reversed only  by a two-thirds vote of the members present, at a regular meeting  specified by the board, provided a quorum is present and notice of the  appeal has been given by the secretary to each member at least five (5)  days prior to the meeting.  If an appeal is taken, the action taken by the  club shall be final.
Section 4 - Officers. The club officers shall be a president, a president-  elect, and one or more vice-presidents, all of whom shall be members  of the board, and a secretary, a  treasurer, and a sergeant-at-arms, who  may or may not be members of the board as the bylaws shall provide. Section 5 - Election of Officers.   (a) Terms of Officers other than  President. Each officer shall be elected as provided in the bylaws.  Except for the president, each officer shall take office on 1 July  immediately following election and shall serve for the term of office or  until a successor has been duly elected and qualified. (b) Term of  President. The president shall be elected as provided in the bylaws, not  more than two (2) years but not less than eighteen (18) months prior to  the day of taking office and shall serve as president-nominee upon  election. The nominee shall take the title of president-elect upon the  election of a successor.  The president shall take office on 1 July and  shall serve a period of one (1) year or until a successor has been duly  elected and qualified. (c) Qualifications. Each officer and director shall  be a member in good standing of this club.  The president-elect shall  attend the district presidents-elect training seminar and the district  assembly unless excused by the governor-elect.  If so excused, the  president-elect shall send a designated club representative who shall  report back to the president-elect.  If the president-elect does not  attend the presidents-elect training seminar and the district assembly  and has not been excused by the governor-elect or, if so excused, does  not send a designated club representative to such meetings, the  president-elect shall not be able to serve as club president.

Article 10 Admission Fees and Dues

 Every member shall pay an admission fee and annual dues as prescribed  in the bylaws, except that any transferring or former member of another  club who is accepted into membership of this club pursuant to article 6,  section 4 shall not be required to pay a second admission fee. 

Article 11 Duration of Membership

Section 1 - Period. Membership shall continue during the existence of  this club unless terminated as hereinafter provided.
Section 2 - Automatic Termination
 (a) Membership Qualifications. Membership shall automatically terminate when a member no longer meets the membership qualifications, except that
  (1) the board may grant a member moving from the locality of this  club or the surrounding area a special leave of absence not to  exceed one (1) year to enable the member to visit and become   known to a Rotary club in the new community if the member   continues to meet all conditions of club membership;
  (2) the board may allow a member moving from the locality of this  club or the surrounding area to retain membership if the member  continues to meet all conditions of club membership. 
 (b) How to Rejoin. When the membership of a member has terminated   as provided in subsection (a) of this section, such person, provided   such person’s membership was in good standing at the time of   termination, may make new application for membership, under the   same or another classification.  A second admission fee shall not be   required.
 (c) Termination of Honorary Membership. Honorary membership shall   automatically terminate at the end of the term for such membership   as determined by the board.  However, the board may extend an   honorary membership for an additional period. The board may   revoke an honorary membership at any time.
Section 3 - Termination Non-payment of Dues.
 (a) Process. Any member failing to pay dues within thirty (30) days after   the prescribed time shall be notified in writing by the secretary at   the member's last known address.  If the dues are not paid on or   before ten (10) days of the date of notification, membership may   terminate, subject to the discretion of the board.
 (b) Reinstatement. The board may reinstate the former member to   membership upon the former member's petition and payment of all   indebtedness to this club.  However, no former member may be   reinstated to active membership if the former member's     classification is in conflict with article 7, section 2.  
 Section 4 - Termination Non-attendance.
  (a) Attendance Percentages. A member must
  (1) attend or make up at least 60 percent of club regular meetings in  each half of the year;
  (2) attend at least 30 percent of this club's regular meetings in each  half of the year. If a member fails to attend as required, the  member's membership shall be subject to termination unless the  board consents to such non-attendance for good cause.
 (b) Consecutive Absences. Unless otherwise excused by the board for   good and sufficient reason or pursuant to article 8, sections 3 or 4,   each member who fails to attend or make up four consecutive   regular meetings shall be informed by the board that the   member's non-attendance may be considered a request to   terminate membership in this club.  Thereafter, the board, by a   majority vote, may terminate the member's membership.
 Section 5 - Termination   Other Causes. 
  (a) Good Cause. The board may terminate the membership of any  member who ceases to have the qualifications for membership in  this club or for any good cause by a vote of not less than two-thirds  of the board members, at a meeting called for that purpose.
  (b) Notice. Prior to taking any action under subsection (a) of this  section, the member shall be given at least ten (10) days' written  notice of such pending action and an opportunity to submit a  written answer to the board.  The member shall have the right to  appear before the board to state the member's case.  Notice shall  be by personal delivery or by registered letter to the member's last  known address.
 (c) Filling Classification. When the board has terminated the   membership of a member as provided for in this section, this club   shall not elect a new member under the former member's   classification until the time for hearing any appeal has expired and   the decision of this club or of the arbitrators has been announced.
 Section 6 - Right to Appeal, Mediate or Arbitrate Termination.
  (a) Notice. Within seven (7) days after the date of the board's decision  to terminate membership, the secretary shall give written notice of  the decision to the member.  Within fourteen (14) days after the  date of the notice, the member may give written notice to the  secretary of the intention to appeal to the club, request mediation,  or to arbitrate as provided in article 15.
 (b) Date for Hearing of Appeal. In the event of an appeal, the board   shall set a date for the hearing of the appeal at a regular club   meeting to be held within twenty-one (21) days after receipt of the   notice of appeal.  At least five (5) days' written notice of the meeting   and its special business shall be given to every member.  Only   members shall be present when the appeal is heard.
  (c) Mediation or Arbitration. The procedure utilized for mediation or  arbitration shall be as provided in article 15.
  (d) Appeal. If an appeal is taken, the action of the club shall be final  and binding on all parties and shall not be subject to arbitration.
  (e) Decision of Arbitrators or Umpire. If arbitration is requested, the  decision reached by the arbitrators or, if they disagree, by the  umpire shall be final and binding on all parties and shall not be  subject to appeal.
  (f) Unsuccessful Mediation. If mediation is requested but is     unsuccessful, the member may appeal to the club or arbitrate as   provided in subsection (a) of this section.
Section 7 - Board Action Final. Board action shall be final if no appeal to  this club is taken and no arbitration is requested.
Section 8 - Resignation. The resignation of any member from this club  shall be in writing, addressed to the president or secretary.  The  resignation shall be accepted by the board if the member has no  indebtedness to this club.
Section 9 - Forfeiture of Property Interest. Any person whose club membership has been terminated in any manner shall forfeit all interest in any funds or other property belonging to this club. 

Article 12 Community, National, and International Affairs

Section 1 - Proper Subjects. The merits of any public question involving  the general welfare of the community, the nation, and the world are of  concern to the members of this club and shall be proper subjects of fair  and informed study and discussion at a club meeting for the  enlightenment of its members in forming their individual opinions.  However, this club shall not express an opinion on any pending  controversial public measure.
Section 2 - No Endorsements. This club shall not endorse or  recommend any candidate for public office and shall not discuss at any  club meeting the merits or demerits of any such candidate.
Section 3 - Non-Political. (a) Resolutions and Opinions. This club shall  neither adopt nor circulate resolutions or opinions, and shall not take  action dealing with world affairs or international policies of a political  nature. (b) Appeals. This club shall not direct appeals to clubs, peoples,  or governments, or circulate letters, speeches, or proposed plans for  the solution of specific international problems of a political nature.
Section 4 - Recognizing Rotary's Beginning. The week of the anniversary  of Rotary's founding (23 February) shall be known as World  Understanding and Peace Week.  During this week, this club will  celebrate Rotary service, reflect upon past achievements, and focus on  programs of peace, understanding, and goodwill in the community and  throughout the world. 

Article 13 Rotary Magazines

Section 1 - Mandatory Subscription. Unless, in accordance with the bylaws  of RI, this club is excused by the board of directors of RI from complying  with the provisions of this article, each member shall, for the duration of  membership, subscribe to the official magazine or to the magazine  approved and prescribed for this club by the board of directors of RI.  The  subscription shall be paid in six (6) month periods for the duration of  membership in this club and to the end of any six (6) month period  during which membership may terminate.
Section 2 - Subscription Collection. The subscription shall be collected by  this club from each member semiannually in advance and remitted to the  Secretariat of RI or to the office of such regional publications as may be  determined by the board of directors of RI. 

Article 14 Acceptance of Object and Compliance with Constitution and Bylaws

 By payment of an admission fee and dues, a member accepts the  principles of Rotary as expressed in its object and submits to and agrees  to comply with and be bound by the constitution and bylaws of this club,  and on these conditions alone is entitled to the privileges of this club.  Each member shall be subject to the terms of the constitution and bylaws  regardless of whether such member has received copies of them. 

Article 15 Arbitration and Mediation

Section 1 - Disputes. Should any dispute, other than as to a decision of  the board, arise between any current or former member(s) and this  club, any club officer or the board, on any account whatsoever which  cannot be settled under the procedure already provided for such  purpose, the dispute shall, upon a request to the secretary by any of  the disputants, either be resolved by mediation or settled by arbitration.
Section 2 - Date for Mediation or Arbitration. In the event of mediation  or arbitration, the board shall set a date for the mediation or  arbitration, in consultation with disputants, to be held within twenty-  one (21) days after receipt of the request for mediation or arbitration.
Section 3 - Mediation. The procedure for such mediation shall be that  recognized by an appropriate authority with national or state  jurisdiction or be that recommended by a competent professional body  whose recognized expertise covers alternative dispute resolution or be  that recommended by way of documented guidelines determined by  the board of Rotary International or the trustees of The Rotary  Foundation. Only a member of a Rotary club may be appointed as  mediator(s). The club may request the district governor or the  governor's representative to appoint a mediator who is a member of a  Rotary club and who has appropriate mediation skills and experience.
 (a) Mediation Outcomes. The outcomes or decisions agreed between   the parties as a result of mediation shall be recorded and copies   held by each party, the mediator(s) and one copy given to the board   and to be held by the secretary. A summary statement of outcomes   acceptable to the parties involved shall be prepared for the   information of the club. Either party through the president or   secretary may call for further mediation if either party has retracted   significantly from the mediated position.
 (b) Unsuccessful Mediation. If mediation is requested but is  unsuccessful, any disputant may request arbitration as provided in  section 1 of this article.
Section 4 - Arbitration. In the event of a request for arbitration, each  party shall appoint an arbitrator and the arbitrators shall appoint an  umpire. Only a member of a Rotary club may be appointed as umpire  or as arbitrator.
Section 5 - Decision of Arbitrators or Umpire. If arbitration is requested,  the decision reached by the arbitrators or, if they disagree, by the  umpire shall be final and binding on all parties and shall not be subject  to appeal. 

Article 16 Bylaws

 This club shall adopt bylaws not inconsistent with the constitution and  bylaws of RI, with the rules of procedure for an administrative territorial  unit where established by RI, and with this constitution, embodying  additional provisions for the government of this club.  Such bylaws may  be amended from time to time as therein provided. 

Article 17 Interpretation

 Throughout this constitution, the terminology "mail," "mailing," and  "ballot-by-mail" will include utilization of electronic mail (e-mail) and  internet technology to reduce costs and increase responsiveness. 

Article 18 Amendments

Section 1 - Manner of Amending. Except as provided in section 2 of this  article, this constitution may be amended only by the council on  legislation in the same manner as is established in the bylaws of RI for the  amendment of its bylaws.  
Section 2 - Amending Article 2 and Article 3. Article 2 (Name) and Article 3  (Locality of the Club) of the constitution shall be amended at any regular  meeting of this club, a quorum being present by the affirmative vote of  not less than two-thirds of all voting members present and voting,  provided that notice of such proposed amendment shall have been  mailed to each member at least ten (10) days before such meeting, and  provided further, that such amendment shall be submitted to the board  of directors of RI for its approval and shall become effective only when so  approved.  


191 North Main Street
Marion NC 28752

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