Constitution and Bylaws of:  The Cane Corso Club of the Pacific Northwest

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I 

NAME AND OBJECTS

These Bylaws are subject to and governed by the State of Washington Laws and the Articles of Incorporation of The Cane Corso Club of the Pacific Northwest. In the event of a direct conflict between the provisions of these bylaws and the mandatory provisions of Washington State Laws, the Washington State Act will be controlling.

SECTION 1. The name of the club shall be The Cane Corso Club of the Pacific Northwest. The name is abbreviated to CCCPNW.

SECTION 2. The objects of the club shall be:

(a) To encourage and promote quality in the breeding of purebred Cane Corso Dogs and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection;

(b) To urge members and breeders to accept the standard of the breed as approved by The American Kennel Club as the only standard of excellence by which Cane Corso Dogs shall be judged;

(c) To do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of the breed by encouraging sportsmanlike competition at:

· Dog Shows 

· Obedience Trials

· Rally Trials

· Agility Trials

(d) To conduct Sanctioned Matches:

· Dog Shows 

· Obedience Trials

· Rally Trials

· Agility Trials

· and any other event for which the club is eligible under the Rules and Regulations of The American Kennel Club

SECTION 3. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, officers, directors, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions on furtherance of the purposes set forth in the Constitution or in Article I of the Bylaws.

SECTION 4. The members of the club shall adopt and may from time to time revise such bylaws as may be required to carry out these objectives.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I 

MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. Eligibility. There shall be four types of membership open to all persons 18 years of age and older, and one type of membership open to all persons ages 10-17 years of age, who are in good standing with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Cane Corso Club of the Pacific Northwest (CCCPNW), and who subscribe to the purposes and Bylaws of the Club. Each applicant for membership will apply on a form as approved by the board of directors. Although membership is to be unrestricted as to residence, the club’s primary purpose is to be representative of the breeders and exhibitors in its immediate area.

Regular Membership — Enjoys all club privileges including the right to vote and hold office.  Is open to all persons 18 years of age and older. 

Household Membership — Two (2) adult members residing in the same household, each eligible to vote and hold office.

Associate Membership — is open to all persons 18 years of age and older and enjoys all the privileges of the CCCPNW except the right to vote and to hold office and will not count in the determination of a quorum. This membership is offered to individuals who live outside of the club’s area; as well as to individuals who live in the club’s area but are not active. Applications should be filed with the Membership Chair but need not require sponsors or the approval process required of prospective Regular applicants.

Junior — is open to persons 10 – 17 years of age and will enjoy all the privileges of the club except the right to vote and to hold office and will not count in the determination of a quorum. Dues are the same as Associate Individual membership. Upon reaching the age of 18, a Junior member may automatically convert to Regular or Associate membership.

SECTION 2. Dues. Membership dues will be set by the board and will not exceed: $45.00 per year for Regular Membership; $65.00 per year for Household Membership; $25.00 per year for Associate/Junior Membership. Dues are payable on or before the 1st day of January of each year. No member may vote whose dues are not paid for the current year. During the month of November, the Membership Chair will send to each member a statement of dues for the ensuing year. The dues will be collected by the Membership Chair and forwarded to the Treasurer within 15-business days. The Membership Chair will keep a record of members whose dues are paid for the current year.

SECTION 3. Election to Membership. Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form as approved by the Board of Directors, and which shall provide that the applicant agrees to abide by the constitution and bylaws, and the rules of The American Kennel Club and the Cane Corso Club of The Pacific Northwest. The application shall carry the endorsement of two members in good standing. Accompanying the application, the prospective member shall submit dues payment for the current year.

All applications are to be filed with the Secretary and each application is to be read at the first meeting of the club following its receipt. At the next club meeting the application will be voted upon and affirmative votes of 2/3 of the members present and voting by secret ballot at that meeting shall be required to elect the applicant. Applications shall state the name, address, and occupation of the applicant. Applications will state the applicant’s interests in the breed and events.

Associate and Junior: Associate and Junior memberships will be approved by the Board upon receipt of application, and dues for the current year. All applicants must be in good standing with the AKC and CCCPNW. Within 15-days the Membership Chair will inform each applicant in writing of the approval by the Board.

Regular: Applications for Regular or Regular Household membership will carry the endorsement of two Regular members in good standing. Accompanying the application, the prospective member will submit dues payment for the current year. All applicants must be in good standing with the AKC and CCCPNW. Within 15-days the Membership Chair will inform each applicant in writing of the approval by the Board.

Applicants for Regular or Regular Household: Membership will be read at the first Board meeting after receipt, and in addition, the applicant’s name will be included in the notice for the following club meeting. At the club meeting, the applicant will be voted upon (by secret ballot), and affirmative votes of 2/3 of the members present. Within 15-days the Membership Chair will inform each applicant in writing of the results of the membership vote. All applicants must be in good standing with the AKC and CCCPNW. Within 15-days the Membership Chair will inform each applicant in writing of the approval by the Board.

Denial: Applicants for membership who have received a negative vote by the Board or membership may not reapply for membership for a period of not less than six months from the date of the negative vote. Upon denial of any application, the submitted dues will be refunded.

SECTION 4. Termination of Membership; Memberships may be terminated:

(a) by resignation. Any member in good standing may resign from the club upon written notice to the Secretary, but no member may resign when in debt to the club. Obligations other than dues are considered a debt to the club and must be paid in full prior to resignation.

(b) by lapsing. A membership will be considered as lapsed and automatically terminated if such member’s dues remain unpaid 60 after the first day of the Financial/Fiscal year; however, the Board may grant an additional 60 days of grace to such delinquent members in meritorious cases. In no case may a person be entitled to vote at any club meeting whose dues are unpaid as of the date of that meeting.

(c) by expulsion. A membership may be terminated by expulsion as provided in Article VI of these bylaws.

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS AND VOTING

Clubs may send members notification of club meetings (also included would be dues notices; minutes and newsletters) and board members notification of board meetings via email, provided that:

The member or board member has signed an authorization agreeing to this method of communication. Such authorization, which is revocable, will also release the club from any liability should the notification be received late or not received by the member or board member due to circumstances beyond the club’s control.

“Email(ed) communications to club members and board members shall be sent in accordance with AKC’s email notification policy and Washington state law.”

SECTION 1. Club Meetings. Meetings of the club shall be held quarterly in the greater Enumclaw WA area at such hour, and place as may be designated by the Board of Directors. Written or electronic notice of each such meeting will be mailed or emailed by the Secretary at least 10 days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for such meetings will be 20 percent of the regular members in good standing.

SECTION 2. Special Club Meetings. Special club meetings may be called by the President, or by a majority vote of the members of the Board who are present and voting at any regular or special meeting of the Board; and will be called by the Secretary upon receipt of a petition signed by five regular members of the club who are in good standing. Such special meetings will be held in the greater Enumclaw WA area at such place, date, and hour as may be designated by the person or persons authorized herein to call such meetings. Written notice of such a meeting will be mailed or emailed by the Secretary at least five days and not more than 15 days prior to the date of the meeting, and said notice will state the purpose of the meeting, and no other club business may be transacted there at. The quorum for such a meeting will be 20 percent of the regular members in good standing.

SECTION 3. Board Meetings. Meetings of the Board of Directors will be held every other month in the greater Enumclaw, WA area and/or via teleconference at such hour and place as may be designated by the Board. Written notice of each such meeting will be mailed or emailed by the Secretary at least 5 days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for such a meeting will be a simple majority of the Board.

SECTION 4. Special Board Meetings. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President; and will be called by the Secretary upon receipt of a written request signed by at least three members of the Board. Such special meetings will be held in the greater Enumclaw, WA area and/or via teleconference at such place, date, and hour as may be designated by the person authorized herein to call such meeting. Written notice of such meeting will be mailed or emailed by the Secretary at least five days and not more than 10 days prior to the date of the meeting. Any such notice will state the purpose of the meeting and no other business will be transacted thereat. The quorum for such a meeting will be a simple majority of the Board.

SECTION 5. Voting. Each regular member in good standing whose dues are paid for the current year will be entitled to one vote at any meeting of the club at which he/she is present. Proxy voting will not be permitted at any club meeting or election.

ARTICLE III 

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

SECTION 1. Board of Directors. The Board will be comprised of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and four other persons, all of whom shall be regular members in good standing and all of whom shall be elected at the club’s annual meeting for two-year terms. Except for two of the four directors which are elected every year on staggered two-year terms. All officers and directors will be elected as provided in Article IV and will serve until their successors are elected. General management of the club’s affairs will be entrusted to the Board of Directors.

(a) Duties of the Board of Directors: The Board of Directors will have the duty of the management of the routine affairs of the club. It will be their duty to do such acts as will best promote the purpose of the club, and they will be limited in their judgment to the exercise of such duties only by good faith. They may, at their discretion, refer matters for approval or advice to the members at large at any meeting. Without limiting their powers as stated, they will have the following specific powers and duties. They will provide facilities for any meetings of the members and designate to a committee of any number of their members or to any officers, such duties, either general or special, as they deem wise, and may include therein any club member in good standing not currently serving on the Board of Directors.

(b) If any Officer or Director misses four consecutive meetings without just cause during the year (annual meeting to annual meeting), he/she may be removed from office by 2/3 vote of the Board and the same procedure for a vacant office will follow.

SECTION 2. Officers. The club’s officers consisting of the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall serve in their respective capacities both with regard to the club and its meetings and the board and its meetings. They will be elected for two-year terms. To be eligible to serve as President a member shall have been a regular member for at least one year and a board member, officer or director, for at least one year.

(a) Duties of the President: The President will preside at all meetings of the club and of the Board of Directors and will have the duties and powers normally appurtenant to the office of President in addition to those particularly specified in these bylaws. He/she will sign all authorized contracts and other obligations in the name of the club. He/she will be ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating committee. He/she will do and perform such duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the Board. The President also will have the authority to sign club checks.

(b) Duties of the Vice President: It will be the duty of the Vice President to perform all duties and exercise the powers normally appurtenant to the office of the President during his/her absence, death or incapacity.

(c) Duties of the Secretary: The Secretary will preside in the absence of the President and Vice President; He / She will keep an accurate and detailed written account of each club meeting and board meeting and of all matters of which a record shall be ordered by the club; He /She will keep an accurate record of member attendance at all meetings. He/she will have charge of all the correspondence from and to the general public and all communication to the membership, which does not originate from an official of the Board of Directors. He/she will be the liaison to the Membership Chair on matters related to club membership, notify members of meetings, notify new members of their election to membership, notify officers and directors of their election of office, and include matters that are required to be part of the permanent record in the minutes. He/she will send a copy of the meeting minutes to the Board within fourteen days after the board meeting. The Secretary will keep a roll of the members of the club with their addresses, which shall be sent to any member in good standing, upon written request, once every club year, and carry out other such duties as prescribed by the Board in these bylaws.

(d) Duties of the Treasurer: The Treasurer shall collect and receive and disperse all monies due or belonging to the CCCPNW. He/she will deposit the same in a bank designated by the Board in the name of the club. The Treasurers books will always be open to the inspection from the Board and he/she will report to them at every meeting the condition of the club’s finances and every item of receipt or payment not before reported; and at the annual meeting an accounting shall be rendered of all moneys received and expended during the previous fiscal year. The club shall be insured in such amount and through a type of policy as the Board shall determine which will cover the actions of the Treasurer. Treasury books will be reviewed annually by a committee of three (3) consisting of at least one (1) Board member. The review is to take place not later than thirty (30) days after the election of the new officers. In the case of a change of Treasurer, the books will be reviewed (as stated above) before the transfer to a new Treasurer. To disburse monies of the club over $250.00, expenditure must be approved by the majority vote of the elected Board of Directors. The Treasurer will oversee the club’s insurance requirements through analysis of policy needs, options, and prices by consulting with responsible insurance brokers. The Board must approve material changes in the club’s insurance coverage or costs. The Treasurer will strive to preserve the club’s tax-exempt status and file appropriate tax returns and other required information with the State of Washington, and the Internal Revenue Service. The Treasurer will act as custodian and keep a complete inventory of all club property.

(e) The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by the same person; in which case the board will be comprised of seven persons.

SECTION 3. Vacancies. Any vacancies occurring on the Board or among the offices during the year shall be filled until the next annual election by a majority vote of the regular members of the Board at its first regular meeting following the creation of such vacancy, or at a special Board meeting called for that purpose; except that a vacancy in the office of President shall be filled automatically by the Vice President, and the resulting vacancy in the office of Vice President will be filled by the Board.

ARTICLE IV 

THE CLUB YEAR, ANNUAL MEETING, ELECTIONS

SECTION 1. Club Year. The club’s fiscal year shall begin on the first day of January, and end on the last day of December. The club’s official year shall begin immediately at the conclusion of the election at the annual meeting and will continue through the election at the next annual meeting.

SECTION 2. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting shall be held in the month of December, at which officers and directors for the ensuing year will be elected by secret ballot from among those nominated in accordance with Section 4 of this Article. They shall take office immediately upon the conclusion of the election and each retiring officer will turn over to the successor in office all properties and records relating to that office within 30 days after the election.

SECTION 3. Elections. Elections will take place at the end of New Business at the December meeting. The nominated candidate receiving the greatest number of votes for each office will be declared elected. The two nominated candidates for Directors who receive the greatest number of votes will be declared elected. All candidates for uncontested races will be assumed elected.

SECTION 4. Nominations. No person may be a candidate in a club election who has not been nominated. By September 1st, the Board will select a Nominating Committee consisting of three members and two alternates, not more than one of whom may be a member of the Board. The Secretary will immediately notify the committee men and alternates of their selection. The Board will name a chairman for the committee and it will be such person’s duty to call a committee meeting, which will be held on or before September 15th.

(a) The committee shall nominate one candidate for each office and positions on the Board and, after securing the consent of each person so nominated, will immediately report their nominations to the Secretary by October 1st. All nominees must have been regular members for at least one year by the time of the election.

(b) Upon receipt of the Nominating Committee’s report, the Secretary shall notify each member of the candidates nominated. The nominating committee’s slate shall be mailed or emailed to the members at least two weeks prior to the November meeting.

(c) Additional nominations may be made at the November meeting by any member in attendance, provided that the person so nominated meets the membership requirements and does not decline when their name is proposed. No person may be a candidate for more than one position except as allowed in Article III Section 2(e).

(d) Nominations cannot be made at the annual meeting or in any manner other than as provided in this Section.

ARTICLE V 

COMMITTEES

SECTION 1. The Board may each year appoint standing committees to advance the work of the club in such matters as dog shows, obedience trials, trophies, annual prizes, membership, and other fields which may well be served by committees. Such committees shall always be subject to the final authority of the Board. Special committees may also be appointed by the Board to aid it on particular projects.

SECTION 2. Any committee appointment may be terminated by a majority vote of the full membership of the Board and is effective upon written notice to the appointee; and the Board may appoint successors to those persons whose services have been terminated.

ARTICLE VI

DISCIPLINE

SECTION 1. American Kennel Club and Cane Corso Club of the Pacific Northwest Suspension. Any member who is suspended from any of the privileges of the American Kennel Club automatically will be suspended from the privileges of this club for a like period.

SECTION 2. Charges. An individual member may prefer charges against another individual member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of the club. Written charges with specifications must be filed in duplicate with the Secretary together with a deposit of $100 which will be forfeited if such charges are not sustained by the Board following a hearing. The Secretary will promptly send a copy of the charges to each member of the Board or present them at a Board meeting, and the Board will first consider whether the actions alleged in the charges, if proven, might constitute conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the club. If the Board considers that the charges do not allege conduct which would be prejudicial to the best interests of the club, it may refuse to entertain jurisdiction. If the Board entertains jurisdiction of the charges, it will fix a date for a hearing by the Board not less than three weeks nor more than six weeks thereafter. The Secretary will promptly send one copy of the charges and the specifications to the accused member by registered mail together with a notice of the hearing and an assurance that the defendant may personally appear in his or her own defense and bring witnesses if he or she wishes.

SECTION 3. Board Hearing. The Board shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, but both complainant and defendant will be treated uniformly in that regard. Should the charges be sustained after hearing all the evidence and testimony presented by complainant and defendant, the Board may by a majority vote of those present reprimand or suspend the defendant from all privileges of the club for not more than six months from the date of the hearing. And, if it deems that punishment insufficient, it may also recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. In such case, the suspension will not restrict the defendant’s right to appear before his or her fellow members at the ensuing club meeting which considers the Board’s recommendation. Immediately after the Board has reached a decision, its finding will be put in written form and filed with the Secretary. The Secretary, in turn, will notify each of the parties of the Board’s decision and penalty, if any.

SECTION 4. Expulsion. Expulsion of a member from the club may be accomplished only at a meeting of the club following a Board hearing and upon the Board’s recommendation as provided in Section 3 of this Article. Such proceedings may occur at a regular or special meeting of the club to be held within 60 days but not earlier than 30 days after the date of the Board’s recommendation of expulsion. The defendant shall have the privilege of appearing in his or her own behalf, though no evidence will be taken at this meeting. The President will read the charges and the Board’s finding and recommendation, and will invite the defendant, if present, to speak in his or her own behalf if he or she wishes. The members will then vote by secret ballot on the proposed expulsion. A 2/3 vote of those present and voting at the meeting will be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion is not so voted, the Board’s suspension shall stand.

ARTICLE VII 

AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1. Amendments to the constitution and bylaws may be proposed by the Board of Directors or by written petition addressed to the Secretary signed by 20 percent of the regular membership in good standing. Amendments proposed by such petition will be promptly considered by the Board of Directors and must be submitted to the members with recommendations of the Board by the Secretary for a vote within three months of the date when the petition was received by the Secretary.

SECTION 2. The constitution and bylaws may be amended by a 2/3 secret vote of the members present and voting at any regular or special meeting called for that purpose, provided the proposed amendments have been included in the notice of the meeting and mailed or emailed to each member at least two weeks prior to the date of the meeting.

ARTICLE VIII

DISSOLUTION

SECTION 1. The club may be dissolved at any time by the written consent of not less than 2/3 of the regular members in good standing. In the event of the dissolution of the club other than for purposes of reorganization whether voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law, none of the property of the club nor any proceeds thereof nor any assets of the club will be distributed to any members of the club, but after payment of the debts of the club its property and assets will be given to a charitable organization for the benefit of dogs selected by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IX 

ORDER OF BUSINESS

SECTION 1. At meetings of the club, the order of business, so far as the character and nature of the meeting may permit, will be as follows:

Roll Call

Minutes of last meeting

Report of President

Report of Vice President

Report of Secretary

Report of Treasurer

Reports of committees

Election of officers and Board (at annual meeting)

Election of new members

Unfinished business

New business

Adjournment

SECTION 2. The Order of Business at Special Meeting will be as follows:

Roll Call

Statement of Meeting Purpose

Minutes of Last Meeting (if special meeting was adjourned without completion of business)

The Business at Hand

Adjournment

SECTION 3. At meetings of the Board, the order of business, unless otherwise directed by majority vote of those present, will be as follows:

Reading of minutes of last meeting

Report of Secretary

Report of Treasurer

Reports of committees

Unfinished business

New business

Adjournment

ARTICLE X 

PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

SECTION 1. The rules contained in the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised,” shall govern the CCCPNW club in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any other special rules of order the club may adopt.