CNPSR ByLaws 3/20/08

Bylaws of the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees
Ratified May 25, 2006; Amended March 20, 2008

Article I – Name and Location of the Organization

The name of the organization is the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees, hereinafter referred to as “The Coalition.” The organization shall have and continuously maintain a registered office and registered agent within the State of Arizona.

Article II – Purpose of the Organization

The principal purpose of the Coalition is to inform and educate the public, the media, non-governmental organizations, elected officials and governmental agencies about issues related to the National Park System and National Park Service. In pursuit of its vision for the National Park Service, the Coalition studies, speaks, and acts for preservation and protection of America’s national park areas and for their enjoyment in ways that preserve their resources unimpaired and that shares and perpetuates their time-honored values for the benefit of this and all generations.

Article III – Membership

Section 1 – Eligibility

Membership in the Coalition is open to anyone who held a salaried position with the National Park Service at any time and who subscribes to and supports the purposes and objectives of the organization.

Section 2 – Dues

Dues may be prescribed by resolution of the Executive Council, and, after such prescription, shall be paid by all members. The Council may on a case-by-case basis forgive or defer a dues payment of any member.

Section 3 – Resignations

Any member may resign from the Coalition by formal notice to the Executive Council Chair or Membership Coordinator. No part of any payment or contribution shall be refundable by reason of resignation.

Section 4 – Removal

The Executive Council may establish and implement reasonable rules governing termination of membership for cause. No part of any payment or contribution shall be refundable by reason of removal.

Article IV – Governance

Section 1 – Foundation

The strength of the Coalition is based on the commitment, experience, expertise and integrity of its members. Coalition members may be asked to represent the Coalition with the Congress, other organizations, the media, the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior as may be required.

Section 2 – Executive Council

The Executive Council, hereinafter referred to as “Council,” is the principal method of governance of the entire organization. The Council shall consist of no fewer than seven members and include any duly elected or appointed officers. A Chair selected by the members of the Council will provide leadership for the Coalition’s activities. A Treasurer selected by the members of the Council will provide financial management and fiscal accountability for the Coalition’s activities. The Council will provide oversight to the organization’s work assuring that decisions and actions are effective, efficient and in concert with the mission, guiding principles and broader interests of the organization and its members.

Section 3 – Officers

In addition to the Executive Council Chair and the Treasurer, the Coalition shall have such officers as the Council may from time to time establish and authorize. Officers so established shall be elected by a majority of the Executive Council.

Section 4 – Committees

The Council may establish and empower standing and/or ad hoc committees to assist the Council in its work.

Section 5 – Agreements

The Council may enter into agreements with outside entities to provide needed services not otherwise available within the organization. These may include, but are not limited to, such entities as media consultants, tax preparation providers, and web site coordinators.

Section 6 – Decisions

A simple majority of the Executive Council shall comprise a quorum. Decisions of the Council shall be determined by a simple majority of those members comprising the quorum.

Section 7 – Direction and Focus

Direction and focus are carried out in accordance with a current Strategic Plan that identifies key issues to work on, through effective communication with the membership, and through efforts to broaden the work of the Coalition through its members.

Section 8 – Concurrence

The Executive Council will assume that it has the concurrence of the general membership on broad communications and contacts with the media, governmental agencies and other organizations. Where correspondence is portrayed to include signatures of all individual members, the Coalition will circulate the draft to the general membership prior to transmitting the letter allowing those who do not wish to be signatories to have their names removed.

Section 9 – Executive Council Meetings

The Executive Council shall meet at least once annually. Other business may take place through conference calls or other means to limit expenditures.

Section 10 – Report To Membership

The Council will report from time-to-time to the general membership on issues and activities and will welcome advice, input and assistance from members.

Article V – Elections

Section 1 – General Elections of Executive Council

Except as described below, members of the Executive Council are elected by the general membership and serve staggered three-year terms to insure continuity. Council members may only serve two consecutive terms, but may run for election again after a one-year hiatus. The Council will establish the method by which voting will take place.

However, no more than two existing vacant positions may be reserved by the Executive Council to be filled by appointment by the Executive Council.

Section 2 – Nominations

A nominating committee appointed by the Chair of the Executive Council shall recruit and present a full slate of candidates to fill positions on the Council.

Section 3 – Vacancies

Any vacancy occurring in the Executive Council shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Council members for the existing term of the departing member only.

Article VI – Finances

Section 1 – Resources

Financial support for the Coalition is derived from dues, donations and fundraising activities deemed appropriate by the Executive Council.

Section 2 – Accountability

Records of Coalition finances are kept current by the Council Chair, his/her designee, or the appropriate officer and are available upon request from any current member, grantor, contractor or appropriate governmental authority.

Financial reconciliations are presented to the entire Executive Council on a semi-annual basis.

Section 3 – Financial Sponsor

The Coalition may pursue a financial sponsor or agent in lieu of stand-alone non-profit status.

Section 4 – Expenses of Executive Council and Members

Members of the Executive Council and general members may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in carrying out the goals of the Coalition.

Article VII – Limitations

No part of the earnings or assets of the organization shall inure to the benefit of any member or individual. The Coalition shall not participate in any way in political campaigns on behalf of any candidate for public office, nor shall any substantial part of the activities of the organization be directed to influencing legislation except in accordance with the organizations purpose and goals to educate and inform and never in a way that would jeopardize its non-profit status.

Article VIII – Distribution of Assets and Dissolution

In the event of termination, dissolution, or winding up of the affairs of the Coalition, the Council shall, after paying or making provision for payment of all of the liabilities of the organization, dispose of all remaining assets to organizations operated for charitable or educational purposes under Section 501 (C) (3) and any corresponding provisions of the United States Revenue Code.

Article IX – Amendment of Bylaws

Bylaws must be ratified by unanimous consent of the Executive Council. Bylaws may then be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Council.