Pure
Water Paddlers
Club Charter
Club Name
The Club will be known as Pure Water Paddlers.
Pure Water Paddlers is an educational, recreational, and social club created to provide members of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to learn and experience the joys of paddling. All aspects of paddling are explored in a variety of vessels (kayak, canoe, raft, etc.). In all programming, education, safety, and respect for the environment are top priorities.
Activities
Pure Water Paddlers will sponsor a number of activities for its members. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
¨ Instructional sessions
Ø First aid and CPR
Ø Paddling techniques
Ø Rescue techniques
Ø How to buy equipment
Ø Paddling safety
Ø No-impact trekking
¨ Trips and Outings
Ø Evening paddles
Ø Day long trips
Ø Overnight trips
¨ Social Activities
Ø Off season get-togethers
Ø Canoe/Kayak shows
¨ Fundraising Activities
Ø Raffles
Ø Sales
¨ Community Service
Ø Working with youth
Ø Environmental cleanup and protection
This charter outlines the mission, activities, and organization of the Club. Proposed changes in the charter will be distributed to active Club members at least one week prior to a vote on the changes. A simple majority vote of active Club members who are present (or have submitted absentee ballots to the Secretary) is required for a change to become effective.
Membership
Membership is open to any person over the age of 18. Members in good standing will be those who have submitted a membership application/liability waiver form and have paid their dues. Each member has one vote.
Member Information
Member information will be maintained by the Club Secretary. Individual members will indicate in their membership application if they want to have their personal information made available to other Club members. The Club Secretary will compile and produce a membership directory that will be available to all Club members. The information contained in the directory is for personal use only and may not be used for any commercial purpose.
Minors
Minors (those under 18) may be part of their parent’s membership and have no voting rights.
Minors may attend any and all programs and activities of the
Club when accompanied by their parent or guardian. If the minor’s parent or guardian is not at
the activity, the minor may participate if the parent or guardian provides
written permission for another adult to serve as the temporary guardian. Amended
The written permission is to be provided to the trip leader prior to the trip beginning.
Non-member Participation
A member may bring a non-member guest on a Club trip by permission of the trip leader. The member assumes responsibility for the guest’s safety and conduct. Members and guests must respect reasonable standards of decency and discipline for their behavior at Club trips and other Club events. Members and guests must sign a mutual agreement for protection from liability form as a condition for participation in Club trips.
Meetings
The Club will meet monthly during the “off season” (October thru April). During paddling season (May thru September) meetings will be held “on the water” as part of the Club’s trips and events. An end of season event will be held in late September for members to share memories of the season.
Quorum
To conduct official Club business, a quorum of at least five members must be present.
Dues
Dues to cover general Club expenses will be assessed to all members. Due are to be paid annually to the Secretary/Treasurer. The amount of dues is set by the general membership of the Club. Following the initial chartering of the Club, dues are to be received by the Treasurer by December 1. They are not prorated if received after that date.
Additional Costs
Costs for specific trips and programs are in addition to the membership dues paid by each member. These costs may include, but are not limited to, transportation, equipment rental, admissions and fees, instruction, meals, etc.
Fiscal Year
The Club’s fiscal year will be the calendar year—January 1 thru December 31. The Treasurer will produce required year end financial reports and submit required paperwork for tax purposes. The Club President will be the official who signs tax forms.
Charitable contributions and fund raising
As a 501(c)(7) organization, charitable contributions may be received. These are recorded by the Club Treasurer and appropriate documentation is to be provided to the donor.
The Club may, at any time as agreed upon by the members, carry on fundraising activities. Funds received become the Club’s and may be used for Club activities only.
Officers
The Paddling Club will have the following officers:
¨ President – The President is the Club’s designated leader. He/She has ultimate responsibility and authority for the Club and its activities and actions.
¨ Vice President for Events – The VP for Events serves as the President in his/her absence. Additionally, he/she is responsible for the overall coordination of all events planned by the Club. He/She works with the individual Trip Planners to ensure all details are coordinated.
¨ Secretary/Treasurer – The Secretary/Treasurer maintains the official records of the Club. He/She maintains the incorporation papers, insurance records, and memberships to affiliated groups (ACA, etc.) He/She maintains the membership records of the Club and all Club finances. The Secretary records the minutes of each Club meeting and distributes these via e-mail to the Club membership.
Officer’s Terms and Conditions
¨ The terms of each of the officers will be one fiscal year. An officer may be reelected to serve up to three terms. After three terms, the incumbent must not be an officer for at least one term.
¨ Officers receive no compensation for their service.
¨ Officers are elected by a vote of the general membership. A simple majority is required.
¨
Officers may be removed from office by a vote of
the general membership. A simple
majority is required.
Other Staff Positions
¨ Safety Coordinators – The Safety Coordinators ensure that best practices are followed in any and all Club training sessions and outings. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
Ø Use of Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) when on the water
Ø Coast Guard approved vessels and equipment
Ø Access to emergency medical services and equipment
Ø First aid and CPR trained personnel at all events
v Although the Safety Coordinators do not have to be at every event, they must ensure that someone at each event oversees safe practices.
¨ Trip Planners – Trip Planners will be those members interested in identifying, developing, and delivering trips and events for the Club membership. The Trip Planners are the primary contact for each event and as such, have final authority in all aspects of the trip (safety, logistics, equipment, etc.). The individual Trip Planners work with the VP for Events to ensure coordination of events and activities.
¨
Membership/
Pure
Water Paddlers
Membership Application
(to be completed by all participants)
First Name: ______________________________________________________________
Last Name: ______________________________________________________________
Mailing address: ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Daytime Phone: ______________________________________________________
Evening Phone: ______________________________________________________
Cell Phone: ______________________________________________________
E-Mail Address 1: ______________________________________________________
E-Mail Address 2: ______________________________________________________
_____ Check here if you do NOT want the above information listed in the Club’s member directory.
Would you be interested in becoming involved in leading or assisting in any of the following Club-sponsored activities?
_____ Trip leader
_____ Instruction (topic) ___________________________________________________
_____ Conservation
_____ Newsletter
_____ Web page
_____ Other: ____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paddling preference: _____ Canoe _____ Kayak _____ Other: __________________
Skill level: _____
Pure
Water Paddlers
Membership Information
Membership
Membership is open to any person over the age of 18. Members in good standing will be those who have submitted a membership application/liability waiver form and have paid their dues. Each member has one vote.
Member Information
Member information will be maintained by the Club Secretary. Individual members will indicate in their membership application if they want to have their personal information made available to other Club members. The Club Secretary will compile and produce a membership directory that will be available to all Club members. The information contained in the directory is for personal use only and may not be used for any commercial purpose.
Membership Dues
Membership dues are a flat fee of $15.00 per year for individuals. Dues are the Club’s major source of income. They are payable for the calendar year and are to be included with this membership application. To ensure inclusion in the Club charter directory, applications and dues must be received by the Club Secretary/Treasurer by May 15. Late submissions may not be printed in the Club charter directory. In years following the charter year, dues are due by December 1.
Minors
Minors (those under 18) may be part of their parent’s membership and have no voting rights.
Minors may attend any and all programs and activities of the Club when accompanied by their parent or guardian. If the minor’s parent or guardian is not at the activity, the minor may participate if the parent or guardian provides written permission for another adult to serve as the temporary guardian. Adult members may serve as guardians for a minor, but must be located and designated by the parent. The written permission is to be provided to the trip leader prior to the trip beginning.
Non-member Participation
A member may bring a non-member guest on a Club trip by permission of the trip leader. The member assumes responsibility for the guest’s safety and conduct. Members and guests must respect reasonable standards of decency and discipline for their behavior at Club trips and other Club events. Members and guests must sign a mutual agreement for protection from liability form as a condition for participation in Club trips.