Constitution of the Wisconsin Reef Society


Article I - Name

Section 1. The name of the Club shall be the Wisconsin Reef Society.

Section 2. The name of this Society shall not be used by any individual, or group for self representation, or self gain.

Article II - Purpose

Section 1. The Wisconsin Reef Society is a society of marine hobbyists brought together by the desire to promote a better understanding of the life we keep in our home aquariums. Our focus is increasing the longevity of marine life in a controlled environment and to encourage that life to propagate freely. Only through education and the sharing of ideas can we expect a future for our hobby.

Section 2. Under no circumstances may any part of the income of this Society be used to the benefit of any Officer, Trustee or Member.

Section 3. Under dissolution of this Society, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the Society, equally distribute the assets of the Society to a worthwhile endeavor such the Milwaukee Zoological Society and Pier Wisconsin.

Article III - Term

Section 1 The term of this Society is to be perpetual.

Section 2. The fiscal year of the Wisconsin Reef Society shall be January 1st, through December 31st. The Trustees shall audit all accounts and a complete financial report must be presented to the Board of Directors no later than 90 days following the close of the fiscal year.

Article IV - Membership

Section 1. Membership in this organization shall be open to anyone who, by proper application, meets with the approval of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Proper application for membership and amount of these shall be established by the Board of Directors of this Society and shall be set forth in the By-laws of this society.

Section 3. The Wisconsin Reef Society shall consist of one (1) classification of membership.Regular

Section 4. The Wisconsin Reef Society reserves the right to revoke the membership of any member due to conduct considered detrimental to this Society. This action shall be carried out by the Board of Directors.

Article V - Meetings

Section 1. General membership and Board of Directors meetings shall be held as determined by the Board of Directors.

Article VI - Officers and Elections

Section 1. Elected Officers of the Wisconsin Reef Society shall consist of the following Executive Officers and shall be elected every one (1) year: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Section 2. The president shall be empowered to appoint up to four (4) trustees, subject to the approval of the elected officers.

Section 3. Elections shall take place in the month of June. The newly elected officers shall assume office in August of the same year. Nominations for officers shall take place in the month of May. At this meeting the President will ascertain from the Secretary and Treasurer that all those nominated are qualified to run for office in accordance with the bylaws of this society.

Section 4. Only members in good standing who have attended at least 4 (four) meetings in the current calendar year are eligible for office.

Section 5. Only members in good standing are entitled to vote at the annual elections as stated under the bylaws of this society.

Article VII - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. The duly elected Officers and up to four (4) Trustees as set forth in Article VI, Sections one (1) and two (2) shall comprise the Wisconsin Reef Society Board of Directors. Each member of the Board of Directors shall have equal vote in the business of the society. However, in the case of a tie, the President shall have the power of one and one-half (1 1/2) votes.

Article VIII - AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

Section l. All proposed amendments to the Constitution must be in writing and must list the Article and Section that is to be amended. All proposed amendments must be signed by three (3) active members and presented to the Elected Officers for consideration. If approved by the Board of Directors, the proposed amendment shall be submitted for a general vote.

Section 2. A two-thirds (2/3) majority of voting members present shall be required to pass these changes on a general poll posted on the Wisconsin Reef Society Website.

Section 3. All proposed changes will be published on the website of the Society previous to the meeting at which action is to be taken.

Article IX - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order, revised, shall govern the Society in all cases in which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with the Constitution, By-Laws, or special rules of order of the Wisconsin Reef Society.