GIRS Constitution

Section 1

The name of the Club shall be the Greater Iowa Reef Society

Section 2

The name of this Club shall not be used by any individual, or group for self representation, or self gain.

Section 1

The Greater Iowa Reef Society is a non-profit organization of marine hobbyists brought together by the desire to promote a better understanding of the life we keep in our home aquariums. Our focus is increasing the longevity of marine life in a controlled environment and to encourage that life to propagate freely. Only through education and the sharing of ideas can we expect a future for our hobby.

Section 2

Under no circumstances may any part of the income of this Club be used to the benefit of any Officer, Trustee or Member.

Section 3

Under dissolution of this Club, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the Club, donate the remaining assets to an agreed upon 501c3 Charity.

Section 1

The term of this Club is to be perpetual.

Section 2

The physical year of the Greater Iowa Reef Society shall be January 1st, through December 31st. The Trustees shall audit all accounts and a complete financial report must be presented to the Board of Directors no later than 90 days following the close of the fiscal year.

Section 1

Membership in this organization shall be open to anyone who, by proper application, meets with the approval of the Board of Directors.

Section 2

Proper application for membership and amount of these shall be established by the Board of Directors of this Club and shall be set forth in the By-laws of this organization.

Section 3

The Greater Iowa Reef Society shall consist of four (5) classifications of membership. Charter, Regular, Student, Honorary, and Commercial.

Section 4

The Greater Iowa Reef Society reserves the right to revoke the membership of any member due to conduct considered detrimental to this Club. This action shall be carried out by the Board of Directors. In addition, any member that has had their membership revoked will not be allowed to attend any GIRS functions at the discretion of the Board of Directors

Section 1

General membership and Board of Directors meetings shall be held as determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 1

Elected Officers of the Greater Iowa Reef Society shall consist of the following and shall be elected every one (1) year: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be combined at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Section 2

The President shall be empowered to appoint trustees, subject to the approval of the elected officers as follows: (1) Trustee for each of the existing 4 Regions; and (1) Trustee for each new region that meets the requirements outlined in the General By-Laws.

Section 3

Elections shall take place in the month of November of the election year. The newly elected officers shall assume office on January 1st of the next year. Nominations for officers shall take place in the month of October of the election year. At this meeting the President or Chairperson will ascertain from the Secretary and Treasurer that all those nominated are qualified to run for office in accordance with the bylaws of this organization.

Section 4

Only members in good standing who have attended at least 4 (four) meetings in the current calendar year are eligible for office.

Section 5

Only members in good standing are entitled to vote at the annual elections as stated under the bylaws of this organization.

Section 1

The duly elected Officers and Trustees as set forth in Article VI, Sections 1 and Sections 2 shall comprise the Greater Iowa Reef Society Board of Directors. Each member of the Board of Directors shall have equal vote in the business of the society. However, in the case of a tie, the President shall have the power of one and one-half (1-1/2) votes.

Section 2

It shall be the function of the Board of Directors to transact all business of the Club and make reports to the General Membership.

Section 3

Any Board Member who misses three (3) consecutive Board Meetings may be replaced by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. If it is an elected office, the President shall appoint an interim replacement until the next scheduled elections.