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By-Laws
Bylaws
of
Bounders United, Inc.
Article I. Organization
Bounders United, Inc., hereinafter referred to as Bounders United, is a democratic, self-governed organization as established by the Articles of Incorporation, Constitution and Bylaws. The Governing Authority is an Executive Board guided by a Board of Directors. The membership expresses advice and consent through Chapter elected National Directors, who in turn are members of the Board of Directors These documents establish the organization and define its aims, functions and management.
Article II. General Provisions
1. Aims:
a. To preserve and perpetuate the ideals and spirit of friendly and wholesome fellowship that was begun
by our Founders.
b. To promote camaraderie and cooperation among all Bounders Untied members, to provide group representation and to support the interests of Bounder owners
c. To help and encourage the formation of Bounders United Chapters, enabling members to camp together regularly at convenient settings and discuss matters of mutual interest regarding travel, camping and their Bounder.
d. To stimulate meetings and rallies that will most effectively provide a forum for the exchange of
information, making new friends and visiting with old friends, experiencing the joys of belonging to a common interest group and for friendly participation in organized events.
e. To provide a friendly haven for Bounders United members that are traveling, camping or visiting areas away from their normal surroundings.
f. To provide a regularly distributed publication as a source of and means to disseminate information of interest to Bounder owners.
g. To demonstrate a uniformly high standard of conduct and enjoyment, to create a favorable image and encourage other Bounder owners to become members.
h. To fulfill these aims, the requirements to host a rally shall be stated in a Standing Rule. A Chapter, Regional or National rally can be one of the greatest enjoyments of membership in Bounders United and the source of much self-satisfaction for its sponsors.
2. Logo:
a. The bounding kangaroo is a registered trademark of Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. and its use has been authorized for Bounders United.
b. The official Bounders United logo is a bounding kangaroo above the words "Bounders United, Inc." in a shaded open (white) font. Below and to the right, in small, black, lowercase letters are the words, "...and they lived happily ever after" (in quotes).
c. Any design using the logo shall be submitted to and approved by the Board of Directors.
d. If considered necessary and appropriate the Executive Board may establish a “use” fee.
e. No exclusive franchises shall be awarded, and no favoritism shall be shown.
f. Bounders United will not be a party to any disputes between different vendors of logo items
3. Geographical Regions: The three major geographical regions are:
a. the Eastern Region encompasses the States of OH, KY, AL, ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT, NY, PA, MD, NJ, WV, VA, DE, NC, SC, GA, FL, TN and the Canadian Provinces of Eastern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland.
b. the Central Region encompasses the States of IN, MI, MS, IL, WI, LA, AR, MO, IA, MN, TX, OK, KS, NE, SD, ND, NM, CO, WY, Eastern Montana, the most westerly counties of Blaine, Fergus, Wheatland, Sweet Grass and Park and the Canadian Provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Western Ontario.
c. the Western Region encompasses the States of WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, UT, AZ, AK HI, and western Montana counties of Hill, Chouteau, Judith Basin, Meagher and Gallatin and the Canadian Provinces of Yukon Territory, Northwest Territory, British Columbia and Alberta.
4. Alcoholic Beverages:
a. The manufacturing, selling, or furnishing of any alcoholic beverages, by any person or organization acting in an official capacity as an agent of Bounders United is prohibited.
b. This rule does not affect an individual member’s right to bring their own alcoholic beverages to a rally, campout or meeting and share them with their fellow Bounders United members, as long as such sharing does not include either the selling of, or the furnishing of (with some type of payment) the alcoholic beverage in question.
c. Bounders United members or guests of Bounders United members shall hold neither Bounders United nor its officers liable for bodily injury or property damage arising from or in connection with the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
d. These restrictions are based on an endorsement to our present insurance policy with regard to prohibition of the sale, distribution, serving or furnishing of alcoholic beverages. Each member has a responsibility to abide by these provisions of Bounders United insurance coverage.
5. Insurance. Bounders United shall not pay for a binder/certificate for any chapter outing that creates a cost. The chapter must provide that expense. These restrictions are based on an endorsement to the present insurance policy with regard to prohibition of the sale, distribution, serving or furnishing of alcoholic beverages. Each member has a responsibility to abide by these provisions of Bounders United insurance coverage.
6. Bounder Sounder. A monthly publication, titled Bounder Sounder will be published and distributed to each member of Bounders United. This publication is to disseminate information of interest to the membership.
7. Dedication. The officers and members of Bounders United shall strive to do anything and everything reasonable and lawful for the furtherance of the aims and overall achievement of the organization.
8. Conflicts. The rights, responsibilities and limitations specified herein do not supersede the Constitution. The Constitution is the ultimate written authority. Any conflicts that exist between Bounder United directives shall be resolved in favor of the Constitution, Bylaws and other regulations, in that hierarchical order.
Article III. Membership
1. Definitions of Membership:
a. Charter Membership. A family member who joined Bounders United between September 1, 1987 and September 1, 1988. They will be accorded all the rights and privileges of family members.
b. Family Membership. As defined in the Constitution. A family member must own a Bounder. They must have voluntarily applied for membership in BU, paid the initiation fee, been assigned a BU number, and paid their dues for the current year.
c. Commercial Membership. As defined in the Constitution, a commercial member may be a distributor, dealer, agent, service center, campground or similar organization. They must have paid their dues for the current year. A Commercial member does not have to own a Bounder.
d. Retired Membership. A family member, who no longer owns a recreational vehicle of any kind, has belonged to Bounders United and wishes to remain a member. Retired members shall continue to pay the same dues as other family members and will retain their Bounders United number followed by an “R” to signify their status. They will also receive the Bounder Sounder. Retired members are not eligible to vote or hold office but may belong to and attend Chapter functions.
2. Membership in Good Standing is the essence of membership in Bounders United. It applies to all members and includes:
a. Ownership of a Bounder (except Retired and Commercial members)
b. Payment of dues, fees, and other financial obligations on time without undue reminders.
c. Demeanor that is in keeping with the stated purpose and aims of Bounders United as stated in the Constitution and herein
d. Promptly notifying the National and Chapter Secretaries of changes to name, address and phone number
e. All persons or entities that are not under consideration for disciplinary action, censure or expulsion from Bounders United
3. Membership Rights, Responsibilities and Limitations.
a. Nondiscrimination. Admission to membership in Bounders United, or any of its Chapters shall not be denied because of sex, race, religion, age or nationality.
b. Voting.
(1) All family members in good standing, and those afforded rights and privileges of family members in good standing, have the right to vote or hold office at the National or Chapter level.
(2) Family members exercise their rights to vote on national matters through their National Director
c. Survivorship. If all conditions of membership in good standing are met, a surviving spouse or any afforded family member status prior to survivorship retains the same membership as previously enjoyed.
d. Membership is a privilege and is not subject to sale, transfer, assignment or inheritance.
e. All members have the right to attend any meeting and give verbal, or provide written, comment to item(s) of the agenda. Proceedings shall be in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, as may be modified by the Chairperson.
f. All members have the right to present proposals to the governing authority, as defined in these Bylaws.
g. All members shall receive a subscription to the Bounders Sounder.
h. All members have such rights and privileges as specified herein.
4. Eligibility for Family Membership.
Bounder ownership is a requirement for “family” membership. Disposition of a member’s Bounder automatically terminates membership at the time of sale or transfer, unless the member concurrently procures a replacement Bounder.
5. Application Process.
a. Application for membership is voluntary.
b. An applicant for membership shall complete a Bounders United application form, as published in the Bounder Sounder and mail it to the address indicated on the form along with their initiation fee and first year’s dues.
c. On the application, the prospective member shall certify (by signing the application form) their present ownership of a Bounder and agreement to accept and abide by the Bounders United Constitution and Bylaws.
d. If the applicant meets the eligibility requirements, the National Treasurer shall grant membership, assign a Bounders United member number and forward a membership kit to the new member.
e. Membership shall endure as long as eligibility criteria are met and the member remains in “good standing”.
6. Membership Fees and Dues:
a. Initiation Fee and Annual Dues: The initiation fee and annual dues for each class of membership shall be determined by the Board of Directors, published in the Bounder Sounder and printed on the Membership Application Form
b. Initiation fees and annual dues, in US dollars, for each type of membership, are as follows:
(1) New family member
Initiation fee $10.00
Dues $25.00
Total, new family member $35.00
(2) Family and Retired Members:
1 YEAR $25.00
2 YEARS $45.00
3 YEARS $65.00
(3) Annual Commercial Member $65.00
c. No additional assessment shall be made of a member of Bounders United
d. Members must pay dues for the current membership year
e. Delinquencies: Any member whose dues remain unpaid for more than two (2) months after becoming due shall be considered delinquent and subject to forfeiture of membership in Bounders United. Members who have forfeited membership in Bounders United are not eligible to become or remain a Chapter member or enjoy any of the rights afforded a member.
f. Reinstatements: Any former member of Bounders United who resigned while a member in good standing may be received again into membership with their original Bounders United number, if requested, upon application and payment of only the current years dues (i.e. without payment of additional initiation dues). Members must fulfill all other requirements.
g. No member shall be entitled to any refund of initiation fees. A member who resigns may receive a refund of a full years advance paid dues, if requested. Refunds of less than one full year will not be made.
7. General Membership Meetings.
a. The General Membership as used herein shall include all members in good standing.
b. Notice of the annual General Membership meeting, including an agenda, shall be published in the Bounder Sounder at least two (2) months prior to the meeting. All BU National Rallies shall include a General Membership meeting.
c. A quorum for the annual General Membership meeting shall be all members of the Board of Directors attending.
d. The President shall set the agenda for meetings of the General Membership.
e. The proceedings shall be in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, as may be modified by the President.
f. Accurate minutes of the meeting shall be kept by the Bounders United Secretary or designated alternate. The minutes shall be signed by the Secretary and countersigned by the President to attest to their accuracy and completeness and retained by the Secretary. A summary of the meeting shall be published in the Bounder Sounder, and sent to members of the Board of Directors.
Article IV. Code of Ethics
1. All members of Bounders United have agreed to accept and abide by the Constitution and Bylaws as a condition of Membership. The Code of Ethics is, therefore, simply a restatement of the Aims found in Article I. In particular, it is those aims that pertain to a uniformly high standard of conduct, promotion of camaraderie, cooperation, preservation, and perpetuation of the ideals and spirit of friendly and wholesome fellowship.
2. Violation or disregard of the Code by any member constitutes cause for discipline or consideration for expulsion in accordance with these Bylaws.
Article V. Government
1. Authority and Composition:
a. The Constitution and Bylaws shall be the top-level written authority for defining and establishing Bounders United, the organization, management and functions. Procedures for change are defined in each document.
b. The governing authority of Bounders United is derived from its members and shall be vested in those officers who serve as the Board of Directors.
c. The composition of the Board of Directors is a defined in the Constitution and herein.
2. The Board of Directors:
a. consists of the Executive Board and the National Directors (one National Director from each Chapter in good standing.
b. shall be elected from the general membership in accordance with procedures specified herein.
3. Conduct of the Board of Directors.
a. Members of the Board of Directors (Executive Board and one National Director from each Chapter in good standing) shall properly exercise the duties and responsibilities of their elected office.
b. Members of the Board of Directors have the following principle obligations when serving the membership:
(1) To remember that they are to represent their constituencies at all times, but also to work in unison for the best interests of the entire BU membership.
(2) To understand that the basic function of the Board of Directors is that of policymaking, oversight, and enforcement as stated in Constitution Article III.3.a. The Executive Board, on the other hand, is charged in Constitution III.3.b. with day-to-day operations and decision-making that fulfill the principles established by the constitution and Bylaws and the Board of Directors.
(3) To insist that the transaction of Board business is conducted in an open, ethical, and above-
board manner.
(4) To endeavor to arrive at decisions only after all facts bearing on a matter have been presented and freely discussed.
(5) To respect the opinions of others and adhere to the democratic principles herein established.
(6) To endeavor to fairly appraise the present and future needs of the membership.
(7) To recognize that a major responsibility of each Board member, as well as the Board itself, is to promote the purpose and aims of BU for all of its members.
(8) To keep in sight that the "Golden Rule" (i.e. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.") should be applied to all decisions.
4. Specific Duties of the Board of Directors.
a. Develop general, overall policies for the business, financial and other affairs of BU.
b. Ensure that the assets of BU are conserved and protected.
5. Meetings of the Board of Directors and Executive Board.
a. The Executive Board and the Board of Directors shall normally convene during each National Rally.
b. Special meetings of either the Executive Board or Board of Directors may be called as necessary by the President or by a majority decision of the respective Board.
c. Special meeting of the Executive Board or Board of Directors shall convene no earlier than thirty (30) days or later than forty-five (45) days after issuance of written notice to each Board member.
6. Quorum
A quorum for all regular and special meeting of the Executive Board or Board of Directors shall consist of a majority of the members of the respective Board, present or not. In the event a quorum is not present, votes may be obtained by phone, e-mail, written proxy, or mail ballot.
7. Voting and Balloting Procedures.
a. The following rules apply only to meetings of the Executive Board or Board of Directors and not to elections or making changes to the Constitution or Bylaws. Each of these activities has its own procedures, as specified in these bylaws.
b. Voting.
(1) Each member of the Board of Directors or Executive Board, excepting the non-voting immediate Past President, shall be entitled to one (1) vote in all proceedings of the Board(s). However, the President shall not be entitled to vote, except to break a tie; in which case, he or she is entitled to one (1) vote to break the tie.
(2) Voting may be by mail ballot, voice vote, e-mail, rising vote, roll call or written proxy.
(3) Any resolution or act of the Executive Board or Board of Directors shall require the affirmative vote for adoption of at least a majority of the respective Board membership.
c. Mail Balloting.
(1) When voting is by mail, or e-mail, the National Secretary shall prepare, sign and post the mail ballot or transmit an e-mail
(2) To permit adequate time for study of any proposed resolution, forty-five (45) days shall be allowed between the date of notification and date of voting
(3) The Secretary will tabulate and announce the results of the voting.
8. Minutes.
Minutes of both the Executive Board and Board of Directors meetings shall be recorded and authenticated by the recorder. Each Board member and each Chapter President shall receive a signed copy. This shall be done within thirty (30) days of the meeting.
9. Referenda.
In unusual circumstances, the Board of Directors may wish to refer measures proposed or passed by them to the vote of the general membership for approval or rejection. Such referenda shall be delivered to each accredited Chapter by their National Director. The Chapter shall follow the mail balloting procedures above, at the Chapter level, and the results returned to their National Director, who will report them to the National Secretary. Members not belonging to Chapters may be queried via the BU publication and their responses made to the National Secretary.
. Article VI. Executive Officers
1. Executive Officers of Bounders United shall be a President, Executive Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, the Regional Vice-Presidents, Special Interest Vice President, and the Immediate Past President. These Executive Officers comprise the Executive Board.
2. Eligibility.
a. Any family member of Bounders United is eligible for nomination and election to an Executive Office
b. An Executive Officer may not hold any Chapter elective office simultaneous with his or her national commitment. This restriction does not apply to the spouse of any National Officer.
3. Terms of Office.
a. The term of office is two years.
b. An Executive Officer may not serve in the same office for more than two terms.
4. Election of Executive Officers
a. There shall be four [4] Executive Officers elected each year.
b. Election of Executive Officers shall be held during the 30 – 90 day period prior to the beginning of the next fiscal year.
c. The President, Secretary, Western Regional Vice President and Special Interest Vice President shall be elected in the odd numbered calendar years and will assume office on the first day of the next even numbered fiscal year.
d. The Executive Vice President, Treasurer, Eastern Regional and Central Regional Vice Presidents, shall be elected in the even numbered calendar years and will assume office on the first day of the next odd numbered fiscal year.
e. To affect the plan the Eastern and Central Regional Vice Presidents will serve an additional year on their existing term. On approval of these bylaws, the Constitution and Bylaws Committee will delete this sub- paragraph e. without further vote of the National Directors. The Board of Directors will be advised of such deletion.
f. Assumption of Offices.
(1) All duties of the office will be assumed by the incoming officer(s) on the precise dates as specified above.
(2) All files and materials pertaining to the office will be turned over to the incoming officer(s) on that date or as soon as is practicable after that date.
(3) All outgoing officer shall assist in every way possible to ensure a rapid and smooth transition.
5. Ascendancy.
a. When a vacancy occurs in the office of President, the Executive Vice-president shall succeed to the office of the President.
b. When a vacancy occurs in the office of any other National Officer, the office will be filled, until the next appropriate election, by a member appointed by the President and confirmed by a majority vote of the members of the Executive Board.
6. Presiding.
a. The President shall preside at all meetings of the General Membership, Board of Directors and Executive Board.
b. In the absence of the President at any meeting, or in the event of the President’s inability or refusal to preside, the Executive Vice-president shall fulfill the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have the same authority as the President.
c. If both the President and the Executive Vice-President are absent from a duly convened meeting, or in the event of the inability or refusal of either officer to preside, the members shall elect as a presiding officer one of the Vice-Presidents.
d. If none of the above is present or willing to preside, the requirements for a quorum cannot be met and business cannot be conducted.
7. The President
a. is the principal executive officer and shall exercise supervision and control of the affairs and business of Bounders United.
b. shall, with the concurrence of the Executive Board, establish Committees and appoint from the membership, a Chairman and as many members as may be required for each committee and is an ex- officio member of all committees excepting the Nominating Committee. A Constitution and Bylaws committee and a Nominating committee shall be two of those established.
c. shall be bonded as determined by the Board of Directors.
8. The Executive Vice-President shall assist the President and perform other duties assigned by the President and the Board of Directors.
9. The Secretary
a. or designee, is responsible for the recording of complete and adequate minutes of all meetings of the General Membership, Board of Directors and Executive Board, and maintaining all organizational records as required by statutory duties of the office.
b. shall issue membership cards to members on receipt of applications from the Treasurer; shall maintain the membership database and shall issue membership renewals as appropriate
c. shall, receive proposals for changes to
the Constitution and Bylaws, forward to the Constitution and Bylaws Committee
for appropriate action,
d. is responsible for publishing, mailing, receiving and recording the count of all ballots of the Board of Directors and the Executive Board.
e. if unable to attend any meeting that requires his or her presence, an alternate, who is willing and able to attend, shall be appointed by the President.
10. The Treasurer
a. is responsible for all financial records of Bounders United,
b. receives all funds for Bounders United. All funds shall be immediately entered into the books of account and deposited to the credit of Bounders United in a bank or other depository as designated by the Board of Directors.
c. shall prepare and submit, to the President, quarterly reports of accounts and statements.
d. The Treasurer shall disburse funds as business may require, upon the order of the properly constituted officer or officers of Bounders United.
e. if unable to attend any meeting that requires his or her presence, an alternate, who is willing and able to attend, shall be appointed.
f. shall follow accepted accounting practices and procedures and shall develop and maintain accurate accounting books.
g. shall be bonded as deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.
11. The Immediate Past President shall provide such assistance as requested by the President.
12. Regional and Special Interest Vice-presidents
a. There shall be a Regional Vice-president for each major geographical region of the contiguous United States and Canada and one for the Special Interest Groups with no geographical reference.
b. shall chair the meetings of National Directors in their respective area.
c. shall assist the President and perform other duties assigned by the President and the Board of Directors.
d. shall represent the best interests of the members in their respective areas.
e. shall be elected every two years, for a two-year term, by their respective National Directors
13. Area Representatives.
a. Area Representatives shall be appointed as necessary by the Regional Vice-President and serve under the direction of the Regional Vice-president.
b. The Area Representatives shall be appointed from the areas they represent when applicable. They shall nevertheless represent, to the best of their ability, the interest of the entire membership of Bounders United at all times.
c. Area Representatives, being appointed, have no vote in any proceedings of Bounders United.
Article VII. Finances
1. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of Bounders United shall commence on the first day of September and end on the last day of August.
2. Deposit of Funds. All funds and moneys received on behalf of Bounders United Inc., or in the name of Bounders United Inc., shall be immediately entered in the financial records and promptly deposited in the name of Bounders United Inc. in the depository approved by the Executive Board.
3. Expense Reimbursements. Based on allocations and balances in the Bounders United approved annual budget covering the applicable period,
a. members, who on direction of the President, perform official travel business (Chapter Formations, Emergency Meetings, etc.) shall be entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses to include fuel costs, tolls and campground fees up to $100.00 per trip, not to exceed $300.00 in any 120 day period
b. members who perform administrative duties shall be entitled to reimbursement for typical office expenses to include long distance telephone charges, postal costs, stationery, computer printer ink, updating computer programs, etc.
c. member of the Executive Board, the Editor of the Bounder Sounder, the National Rally Master and the Commercial Membership and Advertising Manager are entitled to reimbursements of $15.00 per month for electronic mail expenses.
d. the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Editor of the Bounder Sounder shall be entitled to reimbursement, up to $2500.00 in each 2 year term, for expenses associated with the maintenance and repair of individually owned computers and printers.
e. the Executive Vice President, Immediate Past President, Regional and Special Interest Vice- Presidents shall be entitled to reimbursements, up to $500.00 in each 2 year term, for expenses associated with the maintenance and repair of individually owned computers and printers.
f. the members of the Executive Board and the National Rally Master shall be entitled to reimbursement of Registration Fees at National Rallies.
4. Disbursement of Funds.
a. Funds of Bounders United shall be disbursed only for payment of budgeted Bounders United obligations authorized for Bounders United purposes.
b. Disbursements of Bounders United funds shall be made only by check, indicating the purpose for which payment is made.
c. Checks must be signed by the President or Treasurer of Bounders United.
d. The Treasurer, President, and appointed National Rally Master may write checks from the National Rally checking account. The National Rally Master will, each quarter, send a report to the National Treasurer.
e. Any Bounders United funds budgeted and approved for special programs shall be by check and only for amounts and conditions approved by the Executive Board.
f. All expenses submitted to the Treasure for reimbursement shall be supported by receipts or other objective evidence,
g. Expenses shall be presented for reimbursement at least every 90 days with the final reimbursement request presented no later than 30 days after the end of the fiscal year. This final request for reimbursement shall consist of no more than 30 days of expenses
5. Budget and Procedures.
a. The President and the Treasurer shall develop a budget to be approved by the Executive Board, the Board of Directors and presented to the Membership at the annual General Membership meeting
b. The approved budget shall be published in the official Bounders United publication.
6. Audits
a. The President, with the approval of the Executive Board, shall appoint three (3) members of the Board of Directors to serve as a committee to perform an annual audit.
b. The Committee shall report their findings to the President and Board of Directors,
c. The Internal Audit Committee report shall reflect that
(1) all funds are balanced and so recorded on a regular basis by the responsible parties,
(2) funds maintained in bank accounts are balanced for the respective fiscal year end,
(3) checks, by number, were randomly selected and that the purpose noted on the records, amount and payee agree,
(4) the amount paid agrees with the amount on the receipt/invoice and that the payee should agree with the endorsement on the check/s.
d. If an irregularity is noted or the audit committee does not understand something, a question should be addressed to the responsible party. If the response is not satisfactory, the Audit Committee should submit a written request to the President requesting a written response from the responsible party that is satisfactory to the audit committee and the President.
e. The Executive Board shall take appropriate action on all discrepancies noted on the final committee report.
f. The President shall advise the National Directors of the final report of the Audit Committee and the actions taken by the Executive Board.
Article VIII. Nominating Committee
1. Composition.
a. A Nominating Committee shall be appointed every second year by the President, with the concurrence of the Executive Board.
b. The Nominating Committee shall consist of two (2) members each from each geographical region, one from the Special Interest Group and one member at large.
c. The President shall appoint, from the Nominating Committee members, a chairperson to preside.