CONSTITUTION of "THE OTTAWA GUNNERS"

NAME

The name of the "Association" shall be The Ottawa Gunners.

VISION

Vision Statement: "The Ottawa Gunners" is a professional Association of former and serving officers of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery (regular and reserves), their families and other supporters of The Regiment. Our vision is to make a significant contribution to the well-being of members through the sponsorship and management of various activities of interest to them. The Association will collaborate actively with the Director of Artillery and his staff and with other like-minded associations."

MISSION

Mission Statement: "The mission of The Ottawa Gunners in collaboration with other bodies, is to contribute to the well being of its members by acting as a focal point for Gunner activities in the National Capital Region (activities that are not managed through the official chain of command), and to assist the official chain of command when requested. Special emphasis is placed on professional and social events and in promoting and maintaining the heritage, traditions, and culture of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery."

MEMBERSHIP

The following shall be eligible as:

EXECUTIVE

The Executive shall consist of a:

A representative of the Director of Artillery (DArty) and A representative of the Commanding Officer of 30th Field Regiment RCA.

Members of the Executive Committee, with the exception of those appointed by DArty and the CO 30th Fd, shall be elected from the regular membership at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). No limitation shall be placed on the length of service of members of the Executive. In the event that a member of the Executive is unable to continue his/her duties throughout the year, a temporary replacement may be named by the Executive until the next AGM.

Any regular member may nominate any other regular member to serve on the Executive Committee. The Vice President shall chair a nominating committee and will present a proposed slate of nominees to the membership at the AGM.

The Executive Committee will prepare a long term plan (five year) and an annual activities programme to present to the membership on an annual basis.

The Executive Committee will meet monthly to pursue the work of the Association.

Each committee will be composed of at least two members. Other advisors may be invited to assist the committee as required.

GENERAL MEETINGS

A general meeting shall be held once per year on a date to be determined by the Executive. Additional general meetings may be called by the President with the concurrence of at least two other members of the Executive.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall send notice of every general meeting to all members at least 14 days in advance by the most appropriate means. This notification shall include a copy of the agenda and any other pertinent data.

The President, or in his absence the Vice President, shall preside. In the absence of the VP, the Secretary -Treasurer will chair the meeting.

Members wishing to have specific items included on the agenda should advise the Secretary -Treasurer at least 30 days in advance of the meeting.

ELIGIBLE VOTERS

All regular members who have paid their annual dues shall be entitled to one vote. All matters will be decided by a simple majority, and in the event of a tie vote the presiding member of the Executive shall cast the deciding vote.

Voting shall be conducted by a show of hands unless the presiding member of the Executive believes that a secret vote is required.

Any eligible voter who is unable to attend a general meeting may appoint any eligible voter as his proxy by sending a signed note (electronic signatures accepted) to the Secretary -Treasurer giving the name of his proxy. For purposes of voting the person giving the proxy shall be deemed to be present for the meeting, and shall abide by the vote of his/her proxy.

QUORUM

A quorum for a meeting of the Executive Committee shall consist of four members.

A quorum for a general meeting shall consist of at least ten per cent of the paid up membership. This number may include proxies.

FINANCIAL YEAR

The financial year shall be from 1 September to 31 August.

Membership fees shall be established by the Executive and approved by the AGM.

The Secretary-Treasurer will provide a financial statement to the members at the AGM.

CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTION

Any change to this Constitution shall be made only with the approval of a general meeting. Any proposed change must be notified to the Secretary Treasurer at least 60 days in advance of a general meeting, and will be circulated to members with the notice of the meeting.

LANGUAGE

This constitution has been prepared in both official languages and both have equal validity. To the extent that it is financially feasible, the Association will endeavour to provide all of its publications in both official.