Constitution and By-Laws For the
Association des Familles Chevarie Inc.
Chapter A - Clarifications
- Interpretation:
In the present document, the following will apply:- The masculine form is used and is not intended to discriminate between sexes
- The name "Chevarie" is intended to include all different spellings of the name Chevarie.
- Language: The language used by the Association is French. However, the Association is open to all Chevarie, whatever language they may speak, therefore, the Association will endeavour to satisfy the language preferences of its members.
- Name of the Association: The Association will be known as the “Association des Familles Chevarie”. It is a not-for-profit organization.
- Jurisdiction and territory: The jurisdiction of the Association extends to all Chevarie, Chavaries, Cheveries, Chevarys, Etcheveries, Detcheveries or other spellings, who are interested in the goals and objectives of the Association.
Chapter B- Reason for being
- Goals and Objectives:
The Association is committed to the "rapprochement" of all Chevarie. Therefore, the Association wants to:- Establish communication links between Chevarie families.
- Promote the participation of Chevarie in reunions of Acadian families.
- Share research (historical, genealogical, or others) on Chevarie.
- Make Chevarie known to other Acadian families.
- Encourage and recognize the contribution that Chevarie make to their communities.
- Endeavour to resolve questions raised by members, for example, the absence of Chevarie families within the list of Acadian families of the pre-deportation period in l'Acadie.
Chapter C - Membership
- Members of the Association:
All Chevarie, their descendant, spouse and friends may become members of the Association. - Members in good standing:
A member in good standing is a member of the Association who:- has respected the present Constitution and By-Laws of the Association; and
- has paid the membership dues as outlined in Chapter E.
Chapter D - Meetings
- Regular meetings:
The Board of Directors will meet at least three times per year. - Annual meeting of Members:
- Time and notices: The annual meeting of members of the Association will take place during the month of October of each year, at a date set by the Board of Directors, upon notice of convocation, signed by the Secretary and sent by public conveyance at least fifteen days prior to the date of the meeting.
- Deliberations: Only members in good standing have the right to vote at the annual meeting, and at all other meetings of the Association. The meeting will:
- Elect members to the Board of Directors for a term of three years. The staggering of the terms of office will be established by the founding Board of Directors, such that one third of the Board members will be elected or re-elected every year.
- Receive, study and accept the financial report and on occasion deal with other reports submitted to the meeting, such as activities of the previous year; activities planned for coming years; etc.
- Deal with other subjects of interest to the Board.
- Special meeting of members: A special meeting of members must be called: at the request of fifty percent (50%) of Board Members; or at the request of at least fifteen (15) members in good standing. Such a meeting must take place within twenty days following the submission of the request. Members of the Association must be advised of the meeting, as well as the reason for calling the meeting, at least five (5) days before the date of the meeting. Such a meeting can only deal with the specific topics giving rise to the special meeting.
- Quorum: The quorum at the annual meeting or at special meetings of the Association is composed of at least ten (10) members in good standing. The quorum at Board meetings is composed of the majority of members having a right to vote.
Chapter E - Administration
- Fiscal Year:
The financial year for the Association will end on August 31 of each year. - Members of the Board of Directors:
The Board of Directors will be made up of seven people:- The President who: - Will preside meetings of the Board of Directors; - Ensure that decisions of the Board of Directors are implemented; - Is an ex-officio member of all committees of the Association, and; - Cast a deciding vote in case of a tie.
- The Vice-President: In the absence of the President will: Preside at meetings; - Represent the Association, and; - Fulfill the same functions as the President.
- The Secretary will: - Write and sign the minutes of Board meetings and those of the Association, and; - Is the guardian of all documents of the Association.
- The Treasurer will: - Act as the guardian of all funds of the Association; - Report the financial status of the Association to the Board; - Is in charge and maintain accounting records of the Association, where all funds received and spent are registered, all assets held, all debts and liabilities, as well as all financial transactions of the Association; - Sign cheques made by the Association with one of the two signatories approved by the Board.
- The Past- President: - The Board may make him responsible for specific files.
- The two Directors: - The Board may make them responsible for specific files.
- Powers of the Board of Directors:
The Board of Directors: - Recommend and oversee the implementation of broad orientations, priorities and objectives of the Association; - Create committees when needed; - Establish and see to the maintenance of the list of members in good standing of the Association; - Establish the membership dues of members to the Association; - Approve in advance all contracts of the Association; - Select the banking establishment of the Association; - Select the signatories of the Association; - Name a qualified person to fill a position that became vacant on the Board due to a resignation, mortality or other reasons, and; - Take other decisions necessary to the good operation of the Association.
Chapter F - Amendments
Chapitre F - Changes
- Modifications to the Constitution and By-Laws:
All modifications to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association must be communicated in writing to members of the Association within the time frame prescribed in Chapter D and must be approved by a vote of at least two-third of members in good standing present at the annual or special meeting