This is the up to date version of TARAS bylaws. They have been posted in the minutes forum since Feb by Greg, but many folks do not see them there so here they are again for everyone, Mark

By-Laws
Of
The Alberta Reptile and Amphibian Society (2006)

Objectives
1) The objectives of the society are to promote an awareness of reptiles and amphibians and to educate the public at large in the conservation or husbandry of these creatures and to assist in providing knowledge and assistance in all related areas including that of responsible pet ownership as allowed by the laws of Alberta.
Membership
1) Membership in the society shall be available to all persons interested in furthering the objectives of the society.
2) Membership fee shall be determined annually by the members at the annual meeting.
3) Any member wishing to withdraw from membership may do so upon a notice in writing to the Board. Only at the boards discretion will a refund of the Membership fee be considered.
4) If any member is in arrears for fees, such member will be automatically suspended at the expiration of 6 months from the end of such year and shall thereafter be entitled to no membership privileges or powers in the society until reinstated.
5) Individuals can be expelled or suspended from membership in the society by a ¾ majority vote of the Board members, for any cause which the society deems reasonable.
Board of Directors
1) The Executive Committee or Board, which shall number no more than eleven members in total, shall mean the Board of Directors of the Society, and will include all of the following: the President, President Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and Editor, and all other elected Directors.
a) President – the President shall be the Chair Person of the executive committee and ex-officio a members of all committees.
b) President Elect – shall in the absence or inability of the President, carry out the functions of that office, exercise the powers of the President and shall perform such other duties as shall be imposed upon him or her by the Board.
c) Secretary – shall attend all meetings of the society and of the Board, and keep accurate minutes of the same. The Secretary shall have charge of the Seal of the society which Seal, whenever used, shall be authenticated by the signature of the Secretary and the President, or, in the case of the inability of either to act, by the President Elect. In case of the absence of the Secretary, his or her duties shall be discharged by such officer as may be appointed by the Board. The Secretary shall have charge of all the correspondence of the society and be under direction of the President and the Board. The Secretary shall also keep a record of all the members of the society and their addresses, posting notices of the various meetings as required, and shall collect and receive the annual dues or assessments levied by the society, such monies to be promptly turned over to the treasurer for deposit in a charted Bank as hereinafter required.
d) Treasurer – shall receive all monies paid to the society and shall be responsible for the deposit of same in whatever Bank the Board may order. He or She shall promptly account for the funds of the society and keep such books as may be directed. He or She shall present a full detailed account of receipts and disbursements to the Board whenever requested and shall prepare for submission to the Annual Meeting a statement duly audited as hereinafter set forth of the financial positions of the society. The office of the Secretary and Treasurer may be filled by one person if any annual meeting for the election of officers shall so decide.
e) Editor – shall receive all articles and be responsible for editing, composition, and production of a periodical magazine as well as any other publications deemed necessary by the Board.
2) The Board shall, subject to the By-Laws or directions given by a majority vote at any General Meeting or Board Meeting properly called and constituted, have full control and management of the Society.
3) Meetings of the Board shall be held as often as required, but at least once every three months, and shall be called by the President. ( See Meetings 4)
4) A special meeting may be called on the instructions of any two members provided they request the President, in writing, to call such a meeting, and state the business to be brought before the meeting. ( See Meetings 4)
5) A quorum shall consist of one half plus one of the members of the Board. Meetings may be held without notice a quorum of the Board is present, provided, however, that any business transactions at such meeting shall be ratified at the next regular meeting of the Board, otherwise they shall be null and void.
6) Membership on the Board may be terminated, at the discretion of the Board, if a member fails to attend two consecutive meetings of the Board.
Nominations for Board membership
1) For the positions of President, President Elect or Treasurer, nominations are open to any member of the Board who has attended at least 5 of the past 6 society meetings. If there is more than one nomination meeting this criterion, for any of these positions, a vote shall take place.

2) Nominations for all other board positions including Secretary, Editor, and the Board of Directors, shall be open to any member who has attended at least 2 of the last 4 society meetings. If there is more than one nomination meeting this criterion for any of these positions, a vote shall take place.

3) If a nomination can not be found meeting the above criteria for any position, then nominations are open to members of TARAS who have attended at least three monthly meetings within the last six months. This criterion applies for nominations for all positions.

4) If nominations can not be found meeting any of the above criteria, then nominations are open to the floor.
Auditing
1) The books, accounts and records of the Secretary and Treasurer shall be audited at least once each year by a duly qualified accountant or by two members of the society elected for that purpose at the Annual Meeting. A complete and proper statement of the standing of the books for the previous year shall be submitted by such auditor at the annual Meeting of the society. June 30th in each year shall be the end of the fiscal year of the society.
2) The books and records of the society may be inspected by any member of the society at the Annual Meeting provided for herein or at any time upon giving reasonable notice and arranging a time satisfactory to the officer or officers having charge of same. Each member of the Board shall at all times have access to such books and records.
Meetings
1) This society shall hold an Annual Meeting on or before the 30th of June each year, of which due notice shall be given to all members. At this meeting, there shall be elected a Board of Directors (neither less than 5 nor more the 11). The directors so elected shall form a Board, and shall serve until their successors are elected and installed. Any vacancy occurring during the year shall be filled at the next meeting provided it is so stated in the notice calling such meeting. (see sub section re “Nominations for Board membership”)
2) Meetings of the society may be called at any time by the Secretary upon the instructions of the President or Board.
3) A special general meeting of the society shall be called by the President or Secretary upon receipt by him of a petition signed by one third of the members, or members of the Board in good standing, setting forth the reasons for calling such meeting.
4) Notice for all meetings must be made either by electronic mail or otherwise in writing to the last known address of each member, or by a general notice posted on the TARAS webpage, at least ten days prior to the date of such meeting.
5) Fifteen members personally present shall constitute a quorum at any general meeting of the society.
Voting
1) Any regular member who has not withdrawn from membership nor been suspended nor expelled as herein provided shall have the right to vote at any meeting of the society. Such votes must be made in person.
Remuneration
1) Unless authorized at any meeting and after notice of same shall have been given, no officer or member of the association shall receive any remuneration for his service.
Borrowing Powers
1) For the purpose of carrying out its objects, the society may borrow or raise of secure the payment of money in such manner as it thinks fit, and in particular by the issue of debentures, but this power shall be exercised only under authority of the society, and in no case shall debentures be issued without the sanction of a special resolution of the society.
By-Laws
1) The By-laws may be rescinded, altered or added to by a “special resolution” passed by a majority of not less than three fourths of such members entitled to vote as are present in person, at a general meeting of which one month’s written notice specifying the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution has been duly given.
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