California Association of Mine and Cave Exploring Bylaws
California Association of Mine and Cave Exploring Bylaws
ARTICLE 1 - NAME, PURPOSE
Section 1: The name of the organization shall be the California Association of Mine and Cave Exploring (CAMCE).
Section 2: CAMCE was formed to increase public awareness of abandoned and inactive mines and caves located throughout the United States. CAMCE plans to educate the public and its members through planned excursions and events exploring mines and caves. The goals of CAMCE are to locate, research, and preserve historic mines through documentation of artifacts or related materials located within the confines of the explored mines and caves. CAMCE will also perform rescue operations or survey work if called upon. CAMCE members and associates will follow strict guidelines set forth by the Association founders and officers.
ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP
Section 3: Membership into CAMCE shall be open to anyone providing that the individual(s) meet and satisfy the requirements set forth in Article II, Sections 4 & 5. Membership shall be granted by a majority vote of the CAMCE Executive Board. Association names shall be given to members at this time. Potential CAMCE Members (PCM’s) not meeting the minimum requirements for membership for whatever reason shall be given another opportunity at the discretion of the CAMCE Executive Board. PCM’s not acting in a manner congruent with the goals and behavior of CAMCE will not be allowed membership. Denial of membership into CAMCE does not require explanation to the PCM.
Section 4: Membership into CAMCE shall be granted after the PCM(s) attends (3) three field trips with the Association. PCM’s must also pass a basic safety and climbing test set forth in Article III, Section 7. All members must complete an application and sign a release of liability form. PCM’s must be at least fifteen (15) years of age. Any PCM(s) 15 to 18 years of age must have parent or legal guardian present and have a signed parental permission form in order to attend a CAMCE field trip. Anyone under the age of fifteen (15) is forbidden from attending CAMCE field trips.
Section 5: CAMCE Members shall pay quarterly dues of $25.00 to remain in good standing. Dues shall be paid in full no later then the last month of the quarter. These dues may also be paid in advance for no more then one (1) full year. The fiscal year shall correspond to the calendar year. CAMCE Members are required to attend at least two (2) trips in a six month time period. Any member not attending the required trips is subject to membership termination. The Executive Board or Association President may revoke any member upon their discretion.
Section 6: The CAMCE Executive Board or the Association Founder/President may designate an individual as an honorary member in recognition of exceptional contributions to the aims of CAMCE. Honorary membership is non-voting, for life, and not subject to dues or assessments. Any member may propose candidates for the honorary membership category.
ARTICLE III – SAFETY, TRAINING, EQUIPMENT, UNIFORMS
Section 7: All CAMCE Members shall be trained and informed of potential safety hazards to include, but not limited to gases, loose rocks and any other danger related to exploring mines and caves. PCM’s must show that they can safely navigate their way out of a mine to satisfy membership requirements. PCM’s must also have knowledge of climbing equipment and basic climbing skills. A verbal test shall be given by the CAMCE President or Vice President in order to determine if membership is warranted.
Section 8: Any CAMCE Member, PCM or invited guest of CAMCE shall have the minimal following equipment for CAMCE field trips:
• Safety Harness
• Helmet
• Light system-to be attached to the helmet
• Back up light system-any type of spare light
• Hydro Pack
• Marking tape, chalk or light sticks
Some special equipment may be required for attendance on certain trips due to special circumstances.
ARTICLE III – SAFETY, TRAINING, EQUIPMENT, UNIFORMS
(cont)
Section 9: The official CAMCE uniform shall be a military style coverall or military style fatigue trouser and shirt. CAMCE patches shall be attached to the left and right upper sleeve area and the association name “CAMCE” shall be affixed to the members left side just above the breast pocket. Member’s club name shall be affixed to a members right side just above the right breast pocket. Executive Board members are responsible for showing the members where the appropriate items shall be affixed. CAMCE logos and other material shall not be used, displayed or otherwise reproduced without Executive Board approval.
ARTICLE IV – TRIPS, PRESS RELEASES, CONTACTS
Section 10: All CAMCE field trips or other related events which involve the use of CAMCE material or members shall have at least one board member present. Members may perform official “Scout” trips to areas of interest with the written permission of the Executive Board. Scout trips do not require the presence of any Executive Board members.
Section 11: Executive Board members are responsible for any decision making processes that may affect a trips outcome or CAMCE reputation. These decisions include but are not limited to; weather, emergencies, road conditions, dangerous mines, or the rescue and removal of artifacts. The Executive Board will make the appropriate decision based on the best interest and safety concerns of the members present. Members, PCM’s or guests of CAMCE that disagree and cause internal doubt of the group are subject to immediate termination and/or removal from the CAMCE group without explanation.
Section 12: CAMCE field trips shall be coordinated and planned by the board and/or members. A designated “Trip Leader” shall be assigned for each CAMCE field trip. The trip leader must be a member and shall be responsible for coordinating meeting locations, providing directions, supervising entry procedures into mines or caves. A trip leader does not need to be an Executive Board member.
Section 13: Members, PCM’s, and CAMCE guests entering mines or caves shall be assigned a number. These numbers are accountability numbers and shall be utilized to keep track of members, PCM’s or guests of CAMCE while entering, exiting or while inside mines or caves. The trip leader is responsible for keeping accurate accountability of personnel while exploring mines or caves.
ARTICLE IV – TRIPS, PRESS RELEASES, CONTACTS
(cont)
Section 14: Members, PCM’s or other CAMCE guests shall direct media personnel to either the CAMCE President or Vice-President for any information.
Members, PCM’s or CAMCE guests shall receive written permission from the Executive Board in order to speak on the behalf of CAMCE.
Section 15: All written communication referred to in the bylaws can be made and submitted on paper, or via electronic media (email or other messaging media). All official notices will be distributed to members via e-mail.
Section 16: The official CAMCE address shall be:
CAMCE
PO Box 389
San Quentin, CA 94964
Section 17: CAMCE Legal affairs shall be directed to:
James T. Abernathy
3720 Nevin Ave
Richmond, CA 94806
ARTICLE V – MEETINGS OF MEMBERS
Section 18: Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called by the President, Vice-President or Executive Officer.
Section 19: Notice of meetings. Notice of meetings shall be given to each member, by e-mail or phone not less then 10 days before the scheduled meeting.
Section 20: Closed session. Notice of closed session meetings shall be given to each Executive Board member by e-mail or phone not less then 10 days before the scheduled meeting. Members and PCM’s are not allowed to attend closed session meetings.
Section 21: Executive Board Meetings: The board shall meet at least quarterly, at an agreed upon time and place. Notice of the board meetings shall be given pursuant to Article V, Section 19.
ARTICLE VI – EXECUTIVE BOARD ROLE, SIZE AND COMPOSITION
Section 22: The Executive Board is responsible for overall policy and direction of CAMCE. The Executive Board delegates responsibility for day-to-day operations. The CAMCE executive board shall have up to five (5) members consisting of the following positions:
1. President/Founder
2. Vice President
3. Executive Officer
4. Treasurer
5. Secretary
Section 23: Vacancies: If the office of President becomes vacant, the Vice President shall become President and shall appoint a member to be Vice President for the unexpired term. The CAMCE Executive board shall vote for non-presidential vacancies on the Executive board. Vacancies are filled by a majority vote of the board.
Section 24: Elections: Elections shall be performed pursuant to Article V, Section 20. A quorum of five (5) board members shall be present if possible for voting decisions conducted by the Executive Board. If a quorum of five board members is not possible the board members present shall conduct voting. In the event of a voting tie due to even number of board members present the CAMCE President may cast another vote to break the tie. In the event the CAMCE President is not present the CAMCE Vice President may cast another vote to break the tie.
Section 25: Item Veto Powers: The CAMCE President/Founder has the exclusive right as the founder of CAMCE to veto decisions voted on by the Executive board if he believes it is not in the best interest of CAMCE. CAMCE President/Founder acknowledges and understands that this veto authority is not to be abused.
Section 26: Duties of the President: The CAMCE President has charge over every aspect of the Executive Board. It is his/her responsibility to maintain, control and oversee CAMCE functions and perform all the administrative duties incidental to this office. The President shall call all meetings of the CAMCE and of the Executive Board, as well as preside at all meetings of the CAMCE where possible.
ARTICLE VI – EXECUTIVE BOARD ROLE, SIZE AND COMPOSITION
(cont)
Section 27: Duties of the Vice President: The CAMCE Vice President has charge over every aspect of the Executive Board. The Vice President shall, in the absence or incapacity of the President, perform the duties of the President and be responsible for other duties as assigned by the President while assuming Presidential control over CAMCE functions.
Section 28: Duties of the Executive Officer: The CAMCE Executive Officer has charge over most day to day operations of CAMCE. He/She is responsible for maintaining general law and order over CAMCE activities. The CAMCE Executive Officer also serves the association function as Master of Arms. In the event that both the President and Vice-President are not present the Executive Officer shall make decisions for CAMCE.
Section 29: Duties of the Treasurer: The CAMCE Treasurer shall have care and custody of all the CAMCE funds and securities and shall deposit them, except for petty funds, in the name of the CAMCE in such financial institutions as the Executive Board may direct. The Treasurer has charge of day to day financial operations of the association and shall keep records of income and expenditures.
Section 30: Duties of the Secretary: The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings of the CAMCE and is responsible for the filing and maintaining of records in regards to CAMCE. The Secretary shall also maintain copies of the Bylaws and Release of Liability forms.
ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS
Section 31: The CAMCE Executive Board may amend these Bylaws when necessary. Proposed amendments shall be approved by the Executive Board.
_____________________________
Signature Date
CAMCE President
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CAMCE Secretary/Treasurer
Signature Date
_____________________________
Signature Date
Member
Created on 04/30/2007 06:40 PM by hightech
Updated on 05/03/2007 02:05 PM by hightech
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