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INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES CRIMESTOPPERS CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS and MISSION STATEMENT
APRIL 27, 1998
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of this organization shall be the International Association of Natural Resources Crimestoppers.
ARTICLE II - MISSION
To promote the conservation, enhancement and protection of the world's natural resources for the enjoyment, appreciation and benefit of current and future generations by involving the community, the various natural resource crime stopper programs, and the media to help reduce the incidence of natural resource crimes.
ARTICLE III - OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the organization shall be:
1. To encourage the collection and exchange of information on natural resource crimes for other agencies and organizations.
2. To provide information and education for the members and the public on reporting and preventing natural resource crimes.
3. To encourage and promote close cooperation between civilian organizations and natural resource law enforcement agencies to recognize and reduce natural resource violations through the use of crime stopper programs.
4. To assist in developing training programs and funding ideas for programs for the apprehension of natural resource violators.
5. The purposes for which the Association is organized are exclusively charitable, religious, and educational within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law.
6. In the event of dissolution, the residual assets of the organization will be turned over to one or more organizations which themselves are exempt as organizations described in Sections 501(c)(3) and 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code or to the Federal, State, or local government for exclusive public purpose.
7. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, this corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law.
ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP
1. Requirements
Any agency or organization whose primary responsibility is the collection and passing on of information relating to violations of laws and regulations resulting in the immediate loss of fish, wildlife, or habitat in their state, province or country is eligible to apply for membership and will become members upon payment of the annual dues.
2. Members Defined
All authorized employees of a member agency or organization will be considered as members of the Association; however, for the purposes of conducting business and voting, each member shall appoint one person to act as the voting representative for that agency or organization. In any voting question that arises with the Association, each member shall have one vote and that vote is to be cast by the member representative.
3. Associate Members
Individuals, businesses or organizations may become an associate member upon approval by the Executive Board. An Associate Member will have no voting rights, nor hold an elected office.
4. Honorary Members
Members or employees who have retired from a member agency or organization may be considered for honorary membership upon approval of the membership. Such persons may not hold an elected office, have no voting rights, and shall be exempt from annual dues.
5. Dues
The dues for membership shall be two hundred dollars $200.00 (US) per member agency or organization or associate businesses or organizations. Dues for individual associate members shall be twenty-five dollars $25.00 (US). Dues are payable annually by April 1 to the Executive Secretary of the Association. Failure to pay these dues prior to the annual meeting automatically cancels membership in the Association. Reinstatement shall require payment of the current year’s dues.
ARTICLE V - EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS
Officers
The Executive Board of the International Association of Natural Resources Crimestoppers shall consist of:
President - voting member
1st Vice President - voting member
2nd Vice President - voting member
Executive Secretary - voting member
Immediate Past President - voting member
A candidate for these offices must be an authorized employee in a member agency or organization. With the exception of the Executive Secretary, officers shall serve one term and may not succeed themselves in the same office. A list of candidates for these offices shall be compiled and presented to the membership by the Nominating Committee at the annual meeting and shall be elected by a majority vote of the member representatives.
The Board may initiate action on issues of importance to the Association subject to ratification of a majority of the members either by telephone, E-mail or at the annual meeting.
Candidates for the position of Executive Secretary will be selected by the Executive Board Nominating Committee and presented for a vote at the annual meeting. The incumbent Executive Secretary will not vote during the voting process. The Executive Secretary shall work under a contract negotiated with the Executive Board. The contract shall be subject to renewal on an annual basis.
Duties of the Executive Board members are presented outside these by-laws in the Association’s duties, procedures and guidelines.
ARTICLE VI – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
One representative from each agency or organization shall represent their agency on the Board of Directors. Membership in the Board of Directors will be used to fill positions on the standing committees.
ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS
1. The Annual Meeting
The Association shall hold at least one annual meeting in each calendar year at a location to be selected by the President. The date and location of such annual meeting shall be transmitted to the membership at least six (6) months prior to the meeting date.
2.Expense of the Annual Meeting
It is the intention of the Association that the expense of the annual meeting is, as far as possible, borne by the participants of the meeting in the form of a registration fee or similar fee. However, should the fees not be sufficient to meet the reasonable expenses of holding the meeting, then the balance left shall be paid from the Association treasury.
3. Special Meetings
The President is authorized to call special meetings throughout the year as needed to conduct business.
ARTICLE VIII - COMMITTEES
1. Standing Committees shall be established to monitor issues of interest to the Association during the year. Members may serve a minimum two-year term on the committee of assignment. The President shall appoint members to the following standing committees:
Legal - Which shall monitor statutory or judicial actions that would be of interest to the members and report the same at the annual meeting or by suchWhich shall prepare the slate of new officer(s) for the annual meeting vote. The President shall appoint a chairperson and a minimum of two members to the Nominating Committee prior to the annual conference. The Nominating Committee shall seek nominations from active members for the office of 2nd Vice President, Executive Secretary, and standing committees.
Nominating – Which shall prepare the slate of new officer(s) for the annual meeting vote. The President shall appoint a chairperson and a minimum of two members to the Nominating Committee prior to the annual conference. The Nominating Committee shall seek nominations from active members for the office of 2nd Vice President, Executive Secretary, and standing committees.
Audit/Finance - Which shall annually review the finances and investments of the Association. The committee shall present its findings to the membership at the annual conference. The committee shall prepare a written report of its findings to the 2nd Vice President and Executive Secretary for record retention.
Regional Director - Which shall maintain communication with states/provinces in their established region concerning Association issues.
Special Ad Hoc Committees - As needed for a particular issue.
2. Committee Chair and Members - The President shall name the Chair of all committees and, after consultation with the Chair, shall name the members of each committee. The Chair is responsible for the activity of the committee throughout the year and is further responsible for presenting a written report of its accomplishments at the annual meeting.
ARTICLE IX - EXPENDITURES
Expenditures of Association funds for items other than operating expenses shall require a written proposal outlining the project and providing a projected cost. Such proposals may be approved by the Executive Board subject to ratification by a majority of the member agencies or organizations through a phone or E-mail poll taken by the President or by a vote at the annual meeting.
Upon approval from the Executive Board, solicitations for grants, donations and similar items may be made in the name of the Association for merchandise, gifts or funds from non-members of the Association for purposes that meet the mission of the Association.
ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS
Submittal and Approval - Any changes or amendments to this Constitution and by-laws may be proposed by any member, but must be submitted in writing to the Executive Secretary. The Executive Secretary shall then ensure that every member receives the proposal in writing. Such changes or amendments may be approved by the Executive Board subject to ratification by a majority of the member agencies or organizations through a phone or E-mail poll taken by the Executive Secretary or by a vote at the annual meeting.
THE ABOVE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS WERE SUBMITTED AND APPROVED BY THE MEMBERSHIP AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN RENO, NEVADA ON APRIL 27, 1998.
THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS WERE AMENDED BY THE MEMBERSHIP AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN HELEN, GEORGIA ON APRIL 18, 1999.
THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS WERE AMENDED BY THE MEMBERSHIP AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN NASHVILLE, INDIANA ON APRIL 17, 2000.
THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS WERE AMENDED BY THE MEMBERSHIP AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO ONAUGUST 5, 2001.
THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS WERE NOT VOTED ON BY THE MEMBERSHIP AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN REHOBOTH BEACH, DELAWARE ON MAY 21, 2002.
THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS WERE AMENDED BY THE MEMBERSHIP AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN CANMORE, ALBERTA, CANADA ON JUNE 16, 2003.
THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS WERE APPROVED WITH NO AMENDMENTS BY THE MEMBERSHIP AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS ON APRIL 14, 2004.
THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS WERE AMENDED BY THE MEMBERSHIP AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN GREAT FALLS, MONTANA ON APRIL 26, 2005.
THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS WERE AMENDED BY THE MEMBERSHIP AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PORTLAND, MAINE ON JUNE 6, 2006.
THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS WERE AMENDED BY THE MEMBERSHIP AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY ON JUNE 20, 2007.
THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS WERE AMENDED BY THE MEMBERSHIP AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN MADISON, WISCONSIN ON JUNE 17, 2008.