ARTICLE 1. Purposes of Organization

1. The name of this organization shall be the (insert name) Water Safety Council (hereafter known as the Council).

2. The (insert name) Water Safety Council is a not-for-profit public service organization formed to:

A. Promote boating and water safety in the (add area or region) by providing a forum for member agencies and individuals to develop and deliver joint programs

to the public;

B. Serve as a local (or regional) source for boating and water safety information

for the public or local news media;

C. Support local and regional efforts to promote National Safe Boating Week;

D. Encourage cooperation, networking, and communication between the member agencies of the council as well as other organizations in the area.

(Add other purposes that may be specific to your organization)

ARTICLE 2. Powers

1. This Council shall have the power to accept gifts of money and other property consistent with the purposes for which said Council is created. Upon approval of a majority vote of the voting members of the Council, this Council may be empowered to apply for and receive funds from other sources including grants, training funds, and special projects funding at the local, state, and Federal level.

2. The Council shall have the power to do all things necessary to carry out the objectives and purposes for which the Council has been created within the limits of funds available.

ARTICLE 3. Membership

1. The membership of the Council shall consist of any agency, organization, or person interested in promoting boating and water safety through education, training, or law enforcement.

2. Voting members. Each individual or organization represented on the Council shall have one vote. A simple majority vote shall be sufficient to conduct Council business. Membership fees shall be $______ per individual/organization and due in __________ of each year. (Insert specific language on dues structure for your organization.)

ARTICLE 4. Officers and Committees

1. The officers of the Council shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Two members of the Council shall be elected as Directors At-Large, and together with the officers shall comprise the Board of Directors of the Council.

2. Officers and Directors At Large shall be nominated by an Ad Hoc nominations committee appointed by the President at least 30 days prior to the date of elections. Elections shall be held every ______ year(s) with board members elected by the current membership. The term of all board members shall commence on the first day of ____________, 200_, with terms to run for ______ year(s).

3. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Council and Board of Directors. The President shall have general supervision over all Council activities, programs, and other work of the Council and perform such other duties as assigned as they pertain to the office.

4. The Vice President shall assist the President and, in the absence of the President, shall discharge the duties of the President. The Vice President may be assigned any special duties or projects as directed by the President.

5. The Secretary shall keep a correct record of all proceedings of each meeting (either general or board meeting) of the Council and shall have charge of all records and papers of the Council except such as are assigned to others.

6. The Treasurer shall be the custodian of all funds of the Council and shall keep an itemized account of all receipts and expenditures and file vouchers of their payment. The Treasurer shall disburse Council funds only by order of the Council or Board of Directors as authorized by a simple majority vote of those present. Such votes shall be recorded in the official minutes of the meeting.

7. Directors At Large shall be responsible for representing the general membership of the Council, be elected from the general membership, and have the same status as officers on the Board of Directors. Directors At Large may be assigned specific duties or functions at the discretion of the President.

8. The Board of Directors shall have the power to transact the business of the Council, and a simple majority vote shall be sufficient to conduct business including expenditure of funds.

9. When an officer of the Council or member of the Board of Directors severs his/her connection with the Council, the office held shall become vacant. Vacancies in any elected office shall be filled by action of the Board of Directors for the unexpired term.

10. The President shall appoint chairpersons of the following standing committees:

(Insert your specific committees)

The committee chairs shall be assigned by the President, chosen from the membership at large, and ratified by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 5. Meetings

1. Regular meetings shall be held as mutually agreed by the membership. The Board of Directors is empowered to call special meetings as necessary. The President of the Council may call and conduct meetings of the Board of Directors as needed. No quorum shall be required to conduct business of the Council or Board of Directors.

2. Meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order not in conflict with the bylaws.

ARTICLE 6. Amendments

The bylaws of this Council may be amended, repealed, altered in whole or in part by a simple majority vote of the members present and voting.

__________________________________

President, (Insert name of water safety council)

ATTEST: