Our RIE-SWO By-Laws

Notice:  Further to the communication in the "Events, News and Updates" gadget on the top right corner of this website, changes have been made to this by-laws document primarily related to the upcoming change in name from DRIE to RIE of this chapter, but also to correct grammar & syntax errors and to increase readability. 


To define and describe the purpose, objective, requirements and operation of the Resilience Information Exchange - Southwestern Ontario (RIE-SWO) chapter, we do hereby establish and ordain these by-laws.
 
1.  Name of Organization
1.1  The name of this not-for-profit organization shall be Resilience Information Exchange - South-Western Ontario (hereinafter referred to by the acronym "RIE-SWO").
1.2  This organization is one of others (chapters) in the greater Resilience Information Exchange organization (e.g. RIE Toronto).

2.  Purpose and Objectives
2.1.  Purpose
a.   The purpose of RIE-SWO is to provide a medium, at the local level, where members can exchange ideas, experiences and information, and keep abreast of developments relating to disaster and incident preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation (hereinafter referred to as “resilience planning”).
b.    RIE-SWO will endeavor to provide a service to professionals located in Southwestern Ontario, an area not represented by adjacent Resilience Information Exchange chapters.
c.    The name, funds or influence of RIE-SWO may only be used to support the purpose mentioned above.
 
2.2.  Objectives
The objectives of RIE-SWO shall be to;

• foster the concept of resilience and continuity planning or organizations (business and not-for-profit)..
• promote a high level of informed practice in resilience/contingency/continuity planners in the RIE-SWO region.
• encourage membership in, and support of, the activities undertaken by this chapter (and peer chapters).
• encourage cooperation between, raise awareness of, and establish interest among business, not-for-profit and government organizations and individuals in the importance of resilience/contingency/continuity planning through meetings, symposiums, and other appropriate mechanisms.
• provide a resource of information on resilience/contingency/ continuity planning for and through its membership base. 

3.  Membership
3.1.  Membership Description
a.   Membership is open to those who are interested in furthering RIE-SWO’s objectives and who pay (or are exempted from) annual chapter membership dues.
b.   Membership in the organization shall be deemed as "Professional": professional membership provides full rights and privileges in this RIE-SWO chapter.
c.   All applicants for membership shall complete the form of application approved by the Executive Committee and submit the application with requisite dues to the Executive Committee.
d.   Membership dues and fees shall be in compliance with those dues and fees established by RIE-SWO’s Executive Committee. Any change in assessment for dues shall be recommended and approved by the Executive Committee.
e.   Membership fees are non-refundable and may be pro-rated in instances of late payment, mid-term entry, or as a result of resignation or expulsion prior to the expiry of the individual in question's membership term.
 
3.2.  Termination of Membership
a.   A member may resign from RIE-SWO by writing to the Executive Committee, stating their wishes. The resignation shall be effective upon delivery of the resignation or a copy thereof, to the Executive Committee.
b.   A member in arrears for fees of twelve (12) months or more will be designated as having resigned their membership with a loss of all privileges and powers within RIE-SWO until they are reinstated. Such resignation does not relieve the resigning member of the obligation to pay any dues, or charges, accrued or unpaid.
c.   Any member, upon two-thirds vote of all members of the chapter in good standing may be expelled from membership for any cause which the organization deems reasonable.
 
3.3.  Rights and Privileges
a.  Professional members shall:

• have the right to vote and elect representatives to the Executive Committee.
• hold any appointed and elective office.
• propose the creation of and changes to by-laws.
• vote to confirm or reject by-laws made by the Executive Committee.
• serve on committees.
• participate in chapter-sponsored activities.
• receive periodic information from RIE-SWO.

b.   Membership is based upon individual application and payment of dues.
c.   The membership belongs to the individual and is transferable to another individual by means of notification, in writing, to the Executive Committee.
 
4. Meeting of the Members
4.1.  Notice of Meetings
a.   Meetings of RIE-SWO may be called at any time upon instructions of the President or Executive Committee.
b.   Notice of any meeting of RIE-SWO shall be provided in writing to the last known address of each member, no less than twenty-one (21) days prior to the scheduled date.
c.   Notice may be included as part of a newsletter, broadcast email or other RIE-SWO publication (digital or conventional).
 
4.2.  Annual Meeting
RIE-SWO shall hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) at a place and date that is determined by the Executive Committee. The meeting shall address the election or nomination of executive members, presentation of financial reports, and any other business presented to the Executive Committee by members. The election of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and all Directors of the Standing Committees will be conducted at a separate meeting of the executive shortly after the Annual General Meeting.
 
4.3.  Special Meetings
a.   Special meetings of RIE-SWO may be called by the Executive Committee from time to time.
b.   The business transacted at special meetings shall be stated in the notice, and no other business may be considered at that time.
 
4.4.  Voting
a.   At all business meetings of RIE-SWO, each qualified member in attendance shall have one (1) vote:  a vote by proxy is not allowed.
b.   Voting may be undertaken by a show of hands or by ballot with the method determined by the Executive Committee, in consultation with the members.
c.    In the event of a tie, a second ballot shall be undertaken. If a tie occurs a second time, the President shall break the tie by deciding the winning candidate.
 
4.5.  Quorum
At any meeting of RIE-SWO members, a quorum shall consist of no less than twenty percent (20%) of all members in good standing and qualified to vote.

5.  Executive Committee
5.1.  Meetings of the Executive Committee 
5.2.  Duties of the Executive Committee
The Executive Committee, elected by a majority vote, shall be the governing body of RIE-SWO and shall;
·      Have full control and management of the affairs of RIE-SWO.
·      Select all standing and special committees, designate duties and may authorize financial compensation for justifiable expenses.
·      Determine its own rules of procedure, but its acts shall be reported to the membership.
·      Have full responsibility for maintaining the fiscal integrity of RIE-SWO by keeping it financially solvent.
·      As a not-for-profit organization, not be held or allow any members to be held personally liable for the financial solvency or insolvency of RIE-SWO.
·      Not be held or allow any members to be held financially responsible, provided the member can demonstrate they exercised due care.
 
5.3.    Member Roles of the Executive Committee
a.     The Executive Committee of RIE-SWO shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Past-President and the Directors of all Standing Committees.
b.     At no time shall there be fewer than five (5) sitting officers and directors in the Executive Committee and no greater than twelve (12) members. Additionally, two (2) Directors at Large will be permitted, however they will possess no voting privilege.
c.     The Executive Committee of RIE-SWO shall not be required to pay annual membership dues during their term on the Executive. If an Executive member resigns from the RIE-SWO Executive Committee, they would be required to pay the annual membership dues going forward.
 
5.4.  Election and Term of Office
a.    Executive Committee members shall be elected by the attending members of an Annual General Meeting
b.    Executive Committee members shall serve a minimum one-year term.
 
5.5  Removal of an Executive Committee Member
a.   In the event that a member of the Executive Committee experiences an absence extending over sixty (60) days, the Executive Committee shall appoint another member for the duration of their term of office. 
b.   A request to remove an elected member of the Executive Committee must be forwarded, in writing to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee must then schedule a special meeting for the purpose of voting on removal of said elected member.
 
6. Officers
6.1.  Officers
a.    The officers (roles) of this RIE-SWO chapter shall be:

• President
• Vice-President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Past-President

b.   All officers are also Directors in the Executive Committee
 
6.2.   President
a.  The President shall;
·      Be the Chief Executive Officer and have general supervision over all affairs of RIE-SWO.
·      Preside at all meetings of the Executive Committee, the officers and members.
·      Help to select the Directors of special committees.
·      Sign all agreements and formal instruments.
·      Have a vote in Executive Committee matters and, in case of a tie, a second vote to create a majority.
·      Be the formal (though not exclusive) contact with all other RIE chapters.
b.  In the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall preside over any meetings.
c.  In the absence of the President and the Vice President, the Secretary shall preside over any meetings.
 
6.3.  Vice-President
a.  The Vice-President shall;
·      Serve as coordinator of the Annual General Meeting of RIE-SWO.
·      Assume such duties as may be delegated by the President.
·      Have a vote in the Executive Committee.
b.   In the absence of the President and the Vice President, the Secretary shall preside over any meetings.
 
6.4.  Secretary
a.  The Secretary shall;
·      Represent RIE-SWO and perform such official duties for it as may be requested by the President or Executive Committee.
·      Keep the minutes of all meetings.
·      Maintain a file of correspondence.
·      Have a vote in the Executive Committee.
b.  In the absence of the President and Vice-President, the Secretary shall preside over any meetings.
 
6.5.  Treasurer
a.  The Treasurer shall;
·     Be responsible for collecting and receiving monies and securities.
·     Keep the "books" (accounts) of RIE-SWO.
·     Deposit and disburse funds at the direction of the Executive Committee.
·     Provide an annual financial statement to the Executive Committee.
·     Provide periodic summary statements at the request of the President.
·     Have a vote in the Executive Committee.
 
6.6.   Past-President
a.   The position of Past-President shall;
·     Be filled by the retiring President.
·     Have a vote in the Executive Committee.
·     Assist the President via any means that are appropriate.
 
7.  Nomination and Election of RIE SWO Officers
7.1.   Nomination
a.   A call for members to forward nominees for elected positions within RIE-SWO shall be issued to members not less than thirty (30) days prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
b.   The Executive Committee shall prepare a list of nominees not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
c.   The Executive Committee shall prepare a ballot which includes all nominees.
d.   Each qualified voting member in good standing and in attendance at the Annual General Meeting shall be provided with a ballot.
 
7.2.   Election
a.   All ballots issued shall be counted and certified by the Executive Committee and validated by a neutral third party RIE-SWO member.
b.   The results shall be reported to the members by the Vice-President.
 
8.   Ratification and Amendment of by-laws
8.1.  Ratification
a.     These by-laws shall become effective immediately following an affirmative vote by no less than two-thirds of those attending the final presentation of the draft by-laws.
 
8.2.   Amendment
a.     Amendments must be proposed to and approved by the Executive Committee before submission of the amendment to all members qualified to vote. These by-laws may be amended by a ballot provided to all members qualified to vote and two-thirds of the responding vote must be affirmative. A vote by twenty-five percent (25%) of the qualified members is required.
 
8.3.   Numbering of Sections
a.     The Executive Committee is authorized to number the sections of these by-laws to correspond with any changes that may be approved.
 
9.  Dissolution of RIE-SWO Chapter
9.1.  Dissolution Guidelines
a.     A professional member may request that the RIE-SWO chapter be dissolved by forwarding, in writing, said request to the Executive Committee.
b.     The Executive Committee must schedule a special meeting for the purpose of voting on dissolution within sixty (60) days of receipt of a request to dissolve the RIE-SWO chapter.
c.     Members must vote to dissolve RIE-SWO at a special meeting called by the Executive Committee, solely for the purpose of discussing and voting on the aforementioned.
d.     Notification to members of such meeting shall be given no less than twenty-one (21) days prior to the date of the meeting.
e.     No less than two-thirds of the vote must be affirmative. A vote by twenty-five percent (25%) of the qualified members is required.
f.      In the event of dissolution of RIE-SWO, all assets real and personal shall be applied against any debts. Any remaining assets shall be distributed equally to all members in good standing at the time of dissolution or they may be forwarded to an association of similar interests or activities. The Executive Committee shall determine the best alternative for the remaining assets at the time of dissolution.
 
10.  Audits and Finance
10.1.  Auditing
a.   The books, accounts and records of the Secretary and Treasurer shall be audited at least once each year by two members of RIE-SWO elected for the purpose at the Annual General Meeting.
b.   A complete and proper statement of the standing of the books for the previous year shall be submitted by such members.
c.   The books and records of RIE-SWO may be inspected by any member at the Annual General Meeting or at any time upon giving reasonable notice and arranging a time satisfactory to the officers having charge of same.
d.   Each member of the Executive Committee shall at all times have access to such books and records.
 
10.2.  Fiscal Year
a.   The fiscal year shall commence on January 1st and end December 31.
 
10.3.  Borrowing Powers
a.   For the purpose of carrying out its objectives, RIE-SWO may borrow, raise or secure the payment of money in such manner as it thinks fit.
b.   The President and Vice-President may borrow funds on the credit of RIE-SWO.
c.   Prior to borrowing funds, agreement to incur a debt and the total amount to be borrowed must be acquired through the Executive Committee.

10.4  Banking
a. The President, Vice-President and the Treasurer are authorized to sign one of the two (2) signatures required on behalf of RIE-SWO, any and all documents as they relate to the management of the finances of RIE-SWO. Limits to signing authority are at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
 
11. Code of Ethics
11.1 Discrimination
a.   RIE-SWO members shall not discriminate because of race, sex, creed, age, disability or national origin as it relates to their RIE-SWO relationships.
 
11.2.  Confidentiality
a.   All information shared about people and organizations should be treated as confidential and shall not be communicated with non-members unless prior written consent is given.
b.   The mailing list is considered confidential and will not be distributed to anyone outside the RIE-SWO Membership. The Executive shall use the mailing list for the purpose of issuing correspondence.
 
11.3.  Conflict of Interest
a.   Activities that may generate a conflict of interest or the perception of a conflict of interest between members, their employers and any other groups shall be avoided.
 
11.4.  Commercialism
a.   Product and service information will not be displayed or distributed without prior approval from the Executive Committee. If distributed as part of a symposium, the product or service provider will cover the costs associated with their presentation or display.
 
11.5.  Recording of RIE-SWO Events
a.  Any audio or video recording of symposiums will not be permitted without the prior written consent of the Executive Committee and guest speakers.
 
11.6.  Resolution of Ethical Conflicts
a.   In the event of an ethical conflict between two or more members, the President shall serve as primary mediator.
b.   If the President is unable to resolve the issue at hand to the satisfaction of all concerned, or if the issue directly involves the President, it shall be brought before the Executive Committee. The judgment rendered by the Executive Committee shall override all previous decisions and shall be accepted by all as final.


Signed at Cambridge, Ontario
on the 9th DAY of October, 2024
by RIE-SWO’s Directors, as evidence that this document correctly sets out the provisions of the RIE-SWO chapter's by-laws.

    Name of Signed.  Shanda Chronowich
    Name of Signed.  Pam de Boer 
    Name of Signed.  Mike Fiorino
    Name of Signed.  Jim Loyer
    Name of Signed.  Bill Mustard
    Name of Signed.  Reena Patel
    Name of Signed.  Diana Ramirez Murello
    Name of Signed.  Kim Sachau

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