Constitution of the Rotary Club of
Ocean Grove
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 Ocean Grove Inc.
(Member of Rotary International)
*
The bylaws of Rotary International provide that each club admitted to membership in RI shall adopt this
prescribed standard club constitution.
Article 3 Locality of the Club
The locality of this club is as follows: _________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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.
(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.
Section 7 Holders of Public Office. Persons elected or appointed to public office for a
specified time shall not be eligible to active membership in this club under the
classification of such office. This restriction shall not apply to persons holding
positions or offices in schools, colleges, or other institutions of learning or to persons
who are elected or appointed to the judiciary. Members who are elected or appointed
to public office for a specified period may continue as such members in their existing
classifications during the period in which they hold such office.
Section 8 Rotary International Employment. This club may retain in its membership
any member employed by RI.
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
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(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 club-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.
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(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,
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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