Polish Alliance of Canada

Brotherhood-Tolerance-Education

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Constitution 

 

Corporate By-Laws of The Polish Alliance of Canada

 Issued:   The Polish Alliance of Canada
ssue Date:   Dec 29, 2009
Approved:   March 27, 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Introduction 

Article 1:             Name 

Article 2:             Offices 

Article 3:             Purpose and Aims, Nature  and Structure of Organization 

Article 4:             Members  and Type of Membership 

Article 5:             Governing Bodies 

Article 6:             Members Convention 

Article 7:             Head Executive Board 

Article 8:             Standing Committees 

Article 9:             Branches 

Article 10:           Amendments to the Constitution 

Article 11:           Provisions for Dissolution 

Article 12:           Others 

Attachment 1:    Oath of office 

Attachment 2:    Membership oath 

Attachment 3:    Regulations for dispute resolutions 

Attachment 4:    Schedule of dues 

Introduction

The Polish Alliance of Canada was created by the fusion of three Polish organizations existing in the Province of Ontario, Canada: the Sons of Poland Brotherhood of Mutual Benefit (incorporated in 1907), the St. Stanislaus Society (established in 1912) and the Progressive Polish Union (established in 1911). The current charter of The Polish Alliance of Canada is a continuation of one granted to the Sons of Poland Brotherhood on December 19, 1907. The name of our organization was first used in March 1922 and the current legal form of our organization was established in September of 1973. On that date, The Polish Alliance of Canada was incorporated, replacing its prior structure.

The Alliance in all of its activities is governed by the principles of Brotherhood-Tolerance-Education

Article 1:  Name

The official name of the Organization is The Polish Alliance of Canada (hereinafter referred as “the Alliance”).  The Alliance is a not-for- profit corporation registered under the Corporations  Act of Ontario on September 27, 1973 as Ontario Corporation number 276613 (hereinafter referred to as “the Alliance”).

Article 2: Offices

The seat of the Alliance is in the City of Toronto, Province of Ontario.

Article 3: Purpose and Aims, Nature  and Structure of Organization

 3.1       Purpose

The Alliance was incorporated to fulfil the following aims (objects):

3.1.1   to promote interest in, and the study of, Polish culture, history and traditions through promoting, printing and publishing information and literature advancing such interests; and

3.1.2   To accept donations, gifts, legacies and bequests for these purposes.

The Alliance is committed to educating its Members in their civic responsibilities and increasing their participation in Canadian society.

All of the activities of the Alliance shall be carried on without the purpose of gain for its members and any profits or other accretions to the organization shall be used in promoting its aims (objects) as listed in its letters patent or any supplementary letters patent.

3.2       Nature of Organization

The Alliance is a secular and non partisan organization.

3.3       Structure of Organization

The Alliance consists of the following components:

                3.3.1      Branches

                                3.3.1.1   Ladies Circles

                                3.3.1.2   Youth Circles

                3.3.2      Polish Alliance Friendly Society of Canada

                3.3.4      Related Organizations

3.4       Related Organizations

The Alliance may consider the following types of organizations, associations, clubs and corporations to be eligible for a Related Organization status within the Alliance:

·         Children, youth and adult Polish Folk Dance Groups

·         Polish Language Schools;

·         Polish Cultural Associations or Clubs;

·         Polish Culture Support Groups;

·         Polish Seniors Associations or Clubs;

·         Polish Literary and Book Clubs;

·         Polish Cooking Schools;

·         Polish Arts Association or Clubs, and

·         Other Polish Culture supporting organization.

All of the above mentioned must be located in the geographical location of a Branch of the Alliance, use the Alliance’s facilities and programs and their aims and activities must be closely aligned with the Alliance’s aims (objects) listed in Article 3.1. 

All members and shareholders of organizations that would be granted a Related Organization status within the Alliance are eligible for a Related Membership in the Alliance.

3.5       Ownership of Assets

The assets of the Alliance and its Branches as a whole, regardless of how they were acquired and their legal title, are the sole property of the Polish Alliance of Canada, a Non Profit Organization.

3.6       Powers of Ownership

The exercise of the powers of ownership and the administration of the assets of the Alliance is governed by the Head Executive Board according to the directions of the Members’ Conventions of the Alliance.

Article 4: Members  and Type of Membership

4.1       Members

Any person who is of Polish descent, or her or his spouse, and holds Canadian citizenship or landed immigrant status and is over 18 years of age, is eligible for membership in the Alliance. Only members in good standing are entitled to attend any members’ meeting of the Alliance or its Branches or the Annual Members Conventions.

4.2       Honorary Members

On the nomination of Branches or members of the Head Executive Board and with the approval of the Head Executive Board, persons who have rendered services or provided significant support to the Alliance, or to the Polish Community in Canada, or contributed substantially to the realization of the Alliance’s aims, may be appointed Honorary Members. Honorary Members will have all the privileges of a Member except voting or seeking election to the Head Executive Board or any other office within the Alliance or its Branches or to stand for election as a delegate to the Annual Members’ Meeting.   Honorary Members are exempt from the annual dues.

4.3       Related Members

A member of any related organization is eligible to become a Related Member of the Alliance. Only members in good standing can use the facilities of the Alliance and its programs.

There are three types of Related Membership in the Alliance:

a)      Canadian citizens or landed immigrants under 18 years of age (Children)

b)      Canadian citizens or landed immigrants over 18 years of age and under 25 years of age (Youth)

c)       Canadian citizens or landed immigrants over 25 years of age and of Polish descent or his or her spouse (Adult)

Related Members have all the privileges of a Member except voting or seeking election to the Head Executive Board or any other office within the Alliance or its Branches or to stand for election to be a delegate to the Annual Members’ Meeting.

4.4       Rights and Obligations of Members

Members of the Alliance have the following rights:

4.4.1       To participate in activities of Branches;

4.4.2       To be elected as a delegate to Members’ Conventions;

4.4.3       To hold any office within the Alliance if they meet the eligibility criteria required for such office.

4.4.4       Members of the Alliance have the following obligations;

4.4.5       To know and act in accordance with the Alliance’s by-laws or Constitution;

4.4.6       To pay membership dues in the prescribed manner;

4.4.7       To take an active part in the activities of Branches in order to promote the welfare of the Alliance and Canada;

4.4.8       To actively fulfil the requirements of an office within the Alliance if elected;

4.4.9       To act at all times in the best interest of the Alliance;

4.4.10     Not to commence, pursue or continue legal proceedings against the Alliance or any of its components or against any Member of the Alliance acting in an elected or appointed capacity on behalf of the Alliance or any of its components, in any court or administrative body until all procedures for internal settlement of disputed matters have been exhausted, including all appeals to the Annual Members’ Convention.

4.5       Member Admission Process

The activities of the Alliance are conducted through its Branches. The Branches are internal divisions of the Alliance and their jurisdiction is determined by sub-charters issued by the Alliance and restricted to a geographical area within the Province of Ontario.

In order to join the Alliance, a person eligible for membership is required to complete a membership application with a Branch closest to the area in which he or she resides and pay dues. In areas where there are no Branches, a person can apply to become a member-at-large or join the Branch of their choice subject to the approval of the Head Executive Board. The membership application for a member-at-large will be forwarded together with dues to the Head Executive Board.

Each Member can only belong to one Branch and any changes to the Branch affiliation require approval from the Head Executive Board.

Membership in the Alliance will be granted upon:

4.5.1        Recommendation frommembers of a branch and two sponsors, who are members in good standing of such branch;

4.5.2        Approval of the Head Executive Board;

4.5.3        Taking the oath in front of members of the Branch. The Membership Oath is included in Attachment 1,2: Membership Oath  .

The day of admission of a Member to the Alliance shall be the date of the acceptance of the application by a Branch.

If the approval is refused by the Head Executive Board, the membership dues and other fees will be refunded by the recommending Branch, or if the application is directly to the Head Executive Board under 4.5 above, by the Head Executive Board.

4.6       Honorary Members Admission Process

Honorary Members are admitted on recommendation from Branches or any of the members of the Head Executive Board and after the nominator completes an application included in these bylaws. The Honorary Member Application is available from the Head Executive Board.

4.7       Related Member Admission Process

Any individual that is a member of any of the Alliance Related Organizations may be admitted as a Related Member of the Alliance. Related Members are admitted on recommendation by Branches or any two members of the Head Executive Board and after she or he completes an application included in these bylaws in the form attached. In the case of a child, the application must be complete by a parent or a legal guardian. The Related Member Application is available from the Head Executive Board.

Related Members are entitled to use all of the Alliance`s facilities and to participate in all of the Alliance programs to support its aims as stated in Article 3.

4.8       Loss of Membership

4.8.1      Membership in the Alliance is terminated:

4.8.1.1       When a Member, Honorary Member or Related Member submits a written notice terminating his or her membership in the Alliance;

4.8.1.2       When a Member or Related Member fails to pay ordinary dues and any extraordinary dues for a period of 3 (three) months or fails to attend Branch meetings for 6 (months) without the prior approval by the Branch Executive;

4.8.1.3       By a majority vote of the Head Executive Board at a meeting duly called and for which a written notice of the proposed action has been given. A Member or Related Member has a right to notice and to a hearing before the

4.8.1.4       When a Member or Related Member is convicted of a criminal offence and is sentenced and subject to the discretion of the Head Executive Board;

4.8.1.5       Upon the death of the Member, Honorary Member or Related Member.

4.8.2      Exclusion by the Head Executive Board

A member may be excluded from membership of the Alliance by a two thirds vote of the Head Executive Board and when:

4.8.2.1 A Member, Honorary Member or Related Member ceases to meet their obligations to the Alliance such as paying dues or attending meetings;

4.8.2.2   A Member, Honorary Member or Related Member fails to properly declare a conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest in writing within 10 (ten) days of such conflict occurring or fails to resign from other organizations, corporations, companies or other groups or entities that initiate, continue, pursue or participating in  legal actions against the Alliance;

4.8.2.3   A Member or Related Member generally engages in behaviour detrimental to the Alliance;

4.8.2.4   A Member, Honorary Member or Related Member acts contrary to the Constitution, By-laws, the Head Executive Board or the Branch Executive directions, or decisions, or in a way that harms the Alliance.

The Head Executive Board shall notify a Member, Honorary Member or Related Member whose exclusion is being proposed 14 (fourteen) days before the meeting. The Member or Related Member shall have the right to defend his or her position, and to present proof in his or her defence.

A decision to exclude a Member, Honorary Member or Related Member requires a two-thirds majority of the members of the Head Executive Board who participate in the hearing.

Within 10 days off the meeting of the Head Executive Board, the Secretary must, by registered letter inform the Member and his or her Branch of this decision, or the Related Member and Honorary Member, and state the date of termination and give the Head Executive Board’s reasons.

4.9       Annual Dues

Dues are set by the Annual Members’ Convention and are listed in these bylaws as Attachment 3: Schedule of Dues.

4.9.1      Dues are payable in advance and for the full calendar year (January to December). New members pay the full amount of annual dues upon completing his or her application. Annual dues are due and payable no later than the first meeting of the Branch in new calendar year.

4.9.2      Members pay their dues through the Financial Secretary of the Branch at times officially designated by the Branch Executive. The Alliance shall not be responsible for dues paid in other than the prescribed manner.

4.9.3      Related Members’ dues are paid by the Financial Secretary no later than 90 days after the end of calendar year (December 31).

4.9.4      Dues are remitted by Financial Secretaries to the Head Executive Board and evidenced by the appropriate remittance forms which are included in these bylaws. The Dues Remittance Form – Branches and the Dues Remittance Form – Related Organizations are available from the Head ExecutiveBoard

4.9.5      In the case of Honorary Members and of some Related Members who are exempt from payment of dues,annual membership renewal will be evidenced beside their full name, current address and contact information on the dues remittance form and marked EXEMPT.

4.10     Extraordinary Dues

Extraordinary dues are levied in cases of budgetary deficits or special programs previously approved by the Head Executive Board and Members’ Convention. The period when such dues are levied will be communicated in writing by the Head Executive Board.

Extraordinary dues can be paid in monthly instalments to the Financial Secretaries of branches. Components of the Alliance can elect the manner in which the extraordinary dues will be paid but in any event they must be paid no later than 30 days after the calendar year in which they were levied (December 31).

Article 5:  Governing Bodies

The Alliance’s governing bodies are:

The Members’ Conventions

The Head Executive Board

The Head Audit Committee

The Head Grievance Committee

The Annual Members’ Convention elects the Members who serve on the Head Executive Board, Head Audit Committee and Head Grievance Committee.

The Branches and other components of the Alliance report to the Head Executive Board, and follow the directions of the Head Executive Board as required in this Constitution.

Each Branch and component of the Alliance has its own executive, audit and grievance committee to the extent it is required by this Constitution.

Article 6: Members Convention

6.1          Purpose of the Members Convention

The purpose of the Members Convention is to:

6.1.1      Receive the Financial Statements from the previous fiscal year,

6.1.2      Elect new Members to the Board of Directors, which is called the Head Executive Board,

6.1.3      Vote on motions proposed by the Head Executive Board,

6.1.4      Vote on motions of the Head Audit Committee pertaining to the activities of the Head Executive Board,

6.1.5      Consider appeals as outlined in Regulations of Dispute Resolutions,

6.1.6      Elect members of the Standing Committees,

6.1.7      Establish the objectives and set goals, standards and principles for the organizational work of the Alliance.

6.2       Type of Members’ Conventions

There are two types of Members’ Convention: Annual and Extraordinary.

6.2.1      The Annual Members’ Convention will take place within 3 (three) months of the end of the organization’s fiscal year.

6.2.2      An Extraordinary Members’ Convention can be called by the following:

6.2.2.1   Head Executive Board,

6.2.2.2   by a three-quarters majority vote of the Head Audit Committee,

6.2.2.3   by a written petition of 10% of all members in good standing of the Alliance. The signature of each Member signing the petition must be witnessed and a photocopy of one item of his or her photo identification (such as drivers license, government issued ID card, passport, citizenship card, employee ID card, or other reliable photo ID) which is initialled by the signing member, as well as his or her full residential address and phone number shall be attached to the Petition. Such a petition needs to state all business that is proposed to be conducted during such petitioned Extraordinary Members’ Convention.

If an Extraordinary Members’ Convention is called in accordance with 6.2.2.2 and 6.2.2.3 above, the Head Executive Board shall give notice to all Branches by mail or email, or by posting on the Alliance web site, or by all or any of these ways if the Head Executive Board so decides, no later than 30 days after receipt of notice from the Head Audit Committee, or from the date of receipt of the original petition.

If an Extraordinary Members Convention is called in accordance with 6.2.1, the Head Executive Board shall give a notice to all Branches by mail or email, or by posting on the Alliance web site, or by all or any of these ways, no later than 30 days prior to the date of the meeting.

The Extraordinary Members Convention shall deal only with matters for which it was convened.

6.3       Notice

The Notice of a Members’ Convention shall include the Agenda for the Members’ Convention. However, for an Extraordinary Members Convention, the Notice shall include a precise description of the matter for which it is convened.

The Annual Members Convention can amend the Agenda by a three-quarter majority vote of members voting at the Annual Members Convention.

The Notice is considered given 5 (five) days after it was posted by ordinary mail by the Head Executive Board or 3 days after it is posted on the Alliance’s web site or sent by email, whichever is earlier.

6.4       Ex-Officio Delegates

Only members in good standing can be elected as delegates to Members Conventions’ at the Branch meeting convened to elect the Branch’s delegates.

The following shall have delegate status with full voting rights:

6.4.1      All members of the Head Executive Board, including ex-officio members

6.4.2      All members of the Head Audit Committee

6.4.3      Chair or designate of the Head Grievance Committee

6.4.4      Each Member shall have only one vote.     

6.5       Delegates Elected at the Meetings of the Branches of the Alliance

Each branch shall elect one delegate for the first 25 members in good standing and further delegates shall be elected according to the following:

6.5.1      One delegate shall be elected for additional membership from 26 to 50,

6.5.2      One additional delegate will be elected for additional membership from 51 to 75,

6.5.3      Two additional delegates shall be elected for membership 76 to 100, and

6.5.4      For every 25 (twenty five) members over 101, the Branch shall elect one delegate.

6.5.5      Delegate who will not be able to attend the Members’ Meeting can transfer his/her mandate to another delegate from the same Branch. The transferred mandate must be signed by the original delegate and the President of the Branch..

6.6       Rules Governing Members’ Conventions

6.6.1      Members’ Conventions shall be conducted in accordance with the Roberts Rules of Order.

6.6.2      Any suspension of the rules will require a three –quarter majority of votes present. A quorum for valid deliberations is considered to be 50% of votes present.

6.6.3      All resolutions of Members’ Convention are carried by simple majority unless the Corporations Act of Ontario or these by-laws or Constitution otherwise provides.

Article 7:  Head Executive Board

7.1       Eligibility

To be eligible to be elected a director of the Head Executive Board a member needs to be:

7.1.1          An individual;

7.1.2          Be 25 years of age or older;

7.1.3          Be of sound mind;

7.1.4          Be a member in good standing of the Alliance for a period of no less than 2 (two) years;

7.1.5          Have a working knowledge of the English language;

7.1.6          Have a working knowledge of the Polish language;

7.1.7          Reside in Ontario, Canada;

7.1.8          Not be an undischarged bankrupt;

7.1.9          Not have any criminal convictions;

7.1.10      Not be engaged, directly or indirectly, in any legal actions against the Alliance.

7.2     Number of Directors

Unless otherwise determined by an Annual Members’ Convention, the number of directors shall not be less than nine (9) or more than eleven (11).  Half of the directors are required for a quorum to make any decisions. If the President, or in the absence of the President, the Executive Vice President, directs, a meeting can be held by telephone conference or other means of communication so long as sufficient directors participate to constitute a quorum.

7.3       Staggered Head Executive Board and Term of Office

The terms of the Directors shall be staggered in accordance with the following provisions: The initial Directors on the nine (9) Member Head Executive Board shall be divided into three (3) groups, with the first group containing three (3) Directors, the second group containing three (3) Directors, and the third group containing three (3) Directors. If there are 10 (ten) or 11 (eleven) Directors, then the tenth is added to the second group, and the eleventh to the third group.

7.3.1    Transition to Staggered Head Executive Board

To achieve transition to a system of even rotation, the term of the service for a particular group of Directors will be altered to less than 3 years during the first voting cycle after these bylaws and Constitution are passed and in force. Following the approval of these amendments to the Constitution, the first group will face re-election in 3 (three) years, and the second group will for one initial occasion face re-election in 2 (two) years, and the third group will for one initial occasion face re-election in 1 (one) year.  Once all three groups have all finished their initial terms or been initially re-elected, then all following elections shall be on 3 year cycles. Each year one group of Directors will end their terms or face re-election, and all terms of office will then be for 3 years.

7.3.2    Assignment of Terms    

The President, or in his absence the Executive Vice President will determine within 6 (six) months of the coming into force of these amendments to the Constitution, whether any Director is to be assigned for the purpose of the initial term to the first group, second group or third group, and the Head Executive Board will notify the Branches. On the third election after this comes into force, and the transition to a rotation of elections has been completed, the division into different groups of terms will be no longer needed and will be at an end.

7.3.3    Continuance of Service

Despite the expiration of his or her term, a Director continues to serve until his or her successor is elected and qualified. A member of the Head Executive Board shall be eligible to run for a new term on the Board of Directors immediately after the expiration of his or her previous term.

7.3.4    Term of Office

Except as set out above for the initial election after the coming into force of this Constitution, the Directors of the Alliance shall be elected at an Annual Members‘ Convention for a 3 (three) year term.

7.3.5    Limitation of Terms

No person shall serve on the Head Executive Board for a period of more than 9 (nine) consecutive years or 3 (three) consecutive full terms, although this does not apply to a Past President serving on the Head Executive Board in the capacity of the Immediate Past President.

7.3.6    Oath of Office 

Newly elected members of the Head Executive Board take the oath of office during the Annual Members’ Convention. The oath of office is administered by the chair of the Convention or the senior member of the Alliance who is a delegate to the Annual Members’ Convention.

7.4       Officers of the Alliance

The Head Executive Board is composed of:

-         the President

-         the Executive Vice President

-         the Vice President

-         the Secretary General

-         the Recording Secretary

-         the Financial Secretary/Treasurer

-         the Organizer

-         two  Directors

-         the Immediate Past President (ex-officio)

-         the President of the Head Executive of Ladies’ Circles (ex-officio) but only if she is a Member in good Standing of the Alliance.

The officers of the Alliance shall be the President, Executive Vice President, Vice-President, Secretary General, Treasurer and the Immediate Past President. No officer shall hold the same office more than two (2) consecutive terms.

If the office of the Recording Secretary is vacant or if for any reason the Recording Secretary is unable to act, anything required or authorized to be done by the Recording Secretary may be done by an assistant secretary or, if there is no assistant secretary able to act, by any other officer of the corporation authorized generally or specifically in that capacity by the Head Executive Board.

7.5       Other Considerations

Members of the Head Executive Board and the Head Audit Committee cannot hold any other executive position within the Alliance unless specifically delegated by the Head Executive Board. The members of the Head Audit Committee and the Head Grievance Committee cannot serve on the Head Executive Board during their term of office as committee members.

No more than three persons from any one Branch can be elected to the Head Executive Board except in the case of a lack of eligible candidates from other Branches.

The Alliance may purchase and maintain insurance for a director or officer of the corporation against any liability incurred by that director or officer, in their capacity as a director or officer of the corporation, except where the liability relates to the person’s failure to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the corporation.

7.6       Directors and Officers Indemnity

7.6.1    Protection of Directors, Officers and Chairmen

No Director, Officer or Chairman of any standing committee of the Corporation shall be liable for the acts, receipts, neglects or defaults of any other Director, Officer or other member of any committee or sub-committee or employee, or for joining in any receipts or their acts for conformity, or for any loss, damage or expense happening to the Corporation through the insufficiency or deficiency of any security in or upon which any of the monies from the bankruptcy, insolvency or tortious act of any person with whom any of the monies, securities or effects of the corporation shall be deposited, or for any loss occasioned by any error of judgement or oversight on his part, or for any other loss, damage or misfortune whatever which shall happen in the execution of the duties of his office or in relation thereto unless the same are occasioned by his or her own wilful neglect or default. 

7.6.2    Indemnity of Directors, Officers and Chairmen

Every director, officer or chairman of any standing committee of the Alliance and his heirs, executors and administrators and estate and effects, respectively, shall from time to time and at all times be indemnified and saved harmless out of the funds of the Alliance from and against:

a)     all costs, charges and expenses whatsoever that such director or Officer sustains or in or about any action, suit or proceeding that is brought, commenced or prosecuted against him for or in respect of any act, deed, matter or thing whatsoever made, done or permitted by him in or about the execution of the duties of his office, except those costs, charges and expenses as are occasioned by his or her own wilful neglect or default; and,

b)     all other costs, charges and expenses that he sustains or incurs in or in relation to the affairs of the organization; except such costs, charges or expenses as are occasioned by his or her own wilful neglect or default.

7.7       Vacancies

If a director dies or resigns his or her office or ceases to be a member of  the Alliance, his or her office as director shall be vacated and the vacancy may be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by the Head Executive Board from among the members of the Alliance.

A director shall be deemed to have resigned if he or she is absent from three (3) consecutive Board meetings. Exceptions may be made by a simple majority vote of the Head Executive Board.

In the case of resignations of 50% or more members of the Head Executive Board, an Extraordinary Members’ Convention needs to be called within 90 days from such resignation to fill the vacancies.

7.8       Removal of a Director

The Head Executive Board may at a special meeting of the board duly called for that purpose, by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the directors present at such meeting, remove any member of the board, before the expiration of his or her term. This can be done only under circumstances sufficiently serious to warrant such action which may, among other things, relate to the following:

-         Breach of confidentiality, for all matters dealt with in camera or issues not discussed at the public meeting;

-         Failure to meet obligatory procedures in the disclosure of conflict of interest;

-         Failure to fulfill the fiduciary duties of a director for the corporation;

-         Failure to comply with the attendance policy for directors’ meetings; and

-         Inappropriate or consistent lack of participation and contribution to effective discussion and board decision-making.

The recommendation to remove a director may come from the Head Audit Committee, the Head Grievance Committee or any member of the Head Executive Board. Prior to removing a director the following procedure will be used:

-         The member in question will be given proper notification of the applicable reason for removal;

-         The member will be given the opportunity to respond (for example, attendance can improve, conflict of interest can be examined and questions of conduct can be reviewed); and

-         The member should be clearly notified of the final consideration and action of the Head Executive Board.

During that process, the member and the director in question will both be treated fairly and with respect.

7.9         Duties and Responsibilities of the Head Executive Board

The Head Executive Board is responsible for the management or shall supervise the management of the Alliance’s programs, image and assets. The members of the Head Executive Board have a duty to manage the Alliance honestly, in good faith, and in the best interest of the organization while using the care and diligence of a reasonably prudent person.

The duties of the Head Executive Board are as follows:

7.9.1      To be responsible for the development of the Alliance by establishing goals, defining obligations, and developing plans to reach these goals. The goals should reflect the needs of the organization and its community and be translated into the budget or utilization of resources at the disposal of the organization. Activities carried out on behalf of the Alliance should be consistent with its purpose as stated in Article 3;

7.9.2      To manage the Alliance’s finances in a manner that represents the organization`s priorities and its members are obligated to exercise prudent judgement; by setting up financial controls which protect the assets and limit the liabilities (e.g., procedures for authorizing expenditures and borrowing, budget controls, etc.);

7.9.2      To monitor compliance of the activities of the Alliance with its bylaws;

7.9.3      To implement resolutions of the Annual Members Convention;

7.9.4      To monitor, and if necessary direct, activities of the Branches;

7.9.5      To interpret the organization’s by-laws and all other regulations governing the activities of the Alliance that are in force;

7.9.6      To represent the Alliance externally;

7.9.7      To report its activities to the Annual Members’ Convention;

7.9.8      To submit motions for the Annual Members’ Convention;

7.9.9      To defend and protect the Alliance’s principles, goals, activities, financial obligations and assets;  

7.10   Head Executive Board Meetings

The Head Executive Board shall hold meetings at least monthly on the date established at the previous meeting. The President, Executive Vice President or any three directors may at any time by notice call a meeting of the Head Executive Board. Such notice shall be given in the manner prescribed in Section 7.11 Notice of Meeting   to each director no less than forty eight (48) hours before the time the meeting will be held. The notice of such a meeting will specify the business that will be transacted at such a meeting.

At the request of a Head Executive Board member, the Head Executive Board will provide electronic means for participation in a meeting, unless to do so would be impractical. In the circumstance such as holiday period, inclement weather or lack of venue the Head Executive Board can meet through group email, teleconference or any other electronic means available. The rules of a meeting convened by electronic means are the same as for a regular Head Executive Board meeting.

7.11     Notice of Head Executive Board Meeting

Notice of a meeting can be:

7.11.1     Delivered personally to a director’s latest address on file with the Alliance;

7.11.2     By regular mail;

7.11.3     By facsimile to a director`s latest fax number on file with the Alliance;

7.11.4     By email to an electronic address on file with the Alliance; or

7.11.5     By phone, if email or letter is afterward sent on the same day confirming the phone call.

7.12     Other Responsibilities of the Head Executive Board

The Head Executive Board, after an investigation, may by resolution of a two-third majority:

7.12.1    Exclude any Member, Honorary Member or Related Member from the Alliance and revoke his or her membership;

7.12.2    Remove any officer within the Alliance from carrying on his or her duties;

7.12.3    Remove the Executive of any Branch, or any of its committees;

7.12.4    Remove any member of a Standing Committee;

7.12.5    Suspend any activities of individual Ladies’ Circles or Youth Circles.

An expelled Member, Honorary Member or Related Member has the right to appeal to the Grievance Committee, which must examine the matter after a grievance is filed in accordance with the Grievance Committee’s regulations. A Member or a Related Member can further appeal his or her expulsion to the Annual Members’ Convention. 

7.13       Duties of Directors

7.13.1        Duties of the President:

-         Plans and presides at Head Executive Board meetings, Members’ Conventions and if deemed necessary all meetings of the Alliance;

-         Ensures that Head Executive Board meetings follow Robert’s Rules of Order;

-         Delegates duties and works with the Committees;

-         Directs the activities of the Head Executive Board and takes necessary steps to promote the development of the Alliance;

-         Acts as the official spokesperson for the organization ;

-         Ensures that the activities of the Alliance comply with the by-laws, policies, regulations and the resolutions of the Members’ Conventions;

-         Votes to break a tie;

-         Has signing authorities;

-         Responsible for the submission of all reports;

7.13.2          Duties of the Executive Vice President

-         Plans and presides at meetings in the absence of the President;

-         Assists the chairperson/president with his (her) responsibilities;

-         Assumes other duties of the chairperson/president in his (her) absence;

-         Assumes the functions of the President of the Alliance in case of his or her inability to carry out his or her duties, if so declared by a two-thirds majority vote of the Head Executive Board.

7.13.3            Duties of Vice President

-         Assist the President of the Alliance;

-         Carries out the functions set out by the Head Executive Board or the Convention.

7.13.4             Duties of Secretary General

-         Responsible for the general administration of the office of the Alliance

-         Ensures that the business of the organization stays on track;

-         Responsible for all correspondence, files, documents and archives of the Alliance

-         Ensure that documents are filed on time;

-         Responsible for the security of official forms and correspondence;

-         Assists in planning meetings and sends out notices;

-         Ensures records and files of the organization are maintained;

-         Retains custody of the corporate seal;

-         Places applications for membership before the Head Executive Board;

-         Ensures the official membership register is maintained;

-         Maintains manuals, timetables, meeting schedules and planning calendars;

7.13.5    Duties of Recording Secretary

-         Executes all resolutions and directives of the Head Executive Board;

-         Prepares and circulates minutes of the Head Executive Board and the Members’ Convention

-         Signs Head Executive Board and Members’ Convention minutes with the President/Chairperson;

-         Assists the Secretary General in his or her duties.

7.13.6           Duties of Financial Secretary/Treasurer

-         Responsible for the insurance, book keeping and assets of the Alliance and ensures that the accounting and bookkeeping work is done according to generally accepted accounting principles. (The Financial Secretary/Treasurer may do the bookkeeping or a bookkeeper may be appointed.);

-         Implements resolutions and recommendation pertaining to the finances of the Alliance;

-         Is responsible for the timely preparation of financial reports and presents them to the Head Executive Board and the Annual Members’ Conventions.

7.13.7           Duties of Organizer

-         Submits and implements plans for membership growth and development of the Alliance;

-         Organizes new Branches and ensures that the existing Branches increase their activities;

-         Carries out other functions directed by the Head Executive Board.

7.13.8            Duties of Directors

The directors carry out functions and tasks assigned to them by the Head Executive Board.

Article 8:   Standing Committees

The Annual Members’ Convention elects two Standing Committees of the Alliance: 

-         The Head Audit Committee 

-         The Head Grievance Committee 

8.1       Role and Duties of the Head Audit Committee 

                8.1.1      Election to Head Audit Committee  

The Head Audit Committee consists of five (7) members, including the Chair and three (3) alternates. 

The members of the Head Audit Committee must be: 

-         An individual; 

-         25 years of age or older; 

-         Of sound mind; 

-         A member in good standing of the Alliance for the period of no less than 2 (two) years; 

-         Familiar with the generally accepted accounting principles or basic knowledge of bookkeeping; 

-         Have a working knowledge of the English language; 

-         Have a working knowledge of the Polish language; 

-         Reside in Ontario, Canada; 

-         Not be an undischarged bankrupt; 

-         Not have any criminal convictions; 

-         Not be engaged, directly or indirectly, in any legal actions against the Alliance. 

Members of the Head Audit Committee are elected by the Annual Members Convention for a term of three (3) years. The terms of the members of the Head Audit Committee shall be staggered in accordance with the following initial provisions: The initial three (3) members of the HAC of the five (7) member Committee shall be elected for the term of three (3) years, the second three (3) members shall be elected for the term of two (2) years and the last member (1) shall be elected for the term of one (1) year.  

After the members elected to 2 (two) and 1 (one) year terms finished their terms, the next elected members of the Head Audit Committee replacing these members will serve 3 (three) year terms. 

Alternate members of the Head Audit Committee serve for 3 (three) term. 

The Annual Members’ Convention will elect three alternate members to the Head Audit Committee. The alternate members will be required to serve in case of illness, resignation or removal of any of the elected members of the Head Audit Committee.  

                8.1.2                       Role of the Head Audit Committee         

The Head Audit Committee audits the management of all assets and activities, conducted on behalf of the Alliance and reports its findings to the Annual Members’ Convention. The Committee shall review the finances of all components of the Alliance as listed in Section 3.3 Structure of Organization   at least once in each calendar year and provide a written report and recommendations to the Head Executive Board and the component that is being audited. All such reports shall be included in the Head Audit Committee report to the Annual Members’ Convention. 

The activities of the Head Audit Committee shall be governed by the Head Audit Committee Guidelines approved by the Annual Members’ Convention. 

No person shall serve on the Head Audit Committee for a period of more than nine (9) years or three (3) full terms. 

8.2       Role and Duties of the Head Grievance Committee 

The Head Grievance Committee provides members of the Alliance with a mechanism to resolve any organizational dispute with the organization. 

Any organizational disputes between members and/ or various components of the Alliance shall be dealt with in accordance with the Regulations for Settlement of Disputes passed by the Annual Members’ Convention of the Alliance. No member of the Alliance shall commence legal proceedings against the Alliance or any of its organizational components until all attempts at settlement of disputed matters have been made through the standing Head Grievance Committee, the Head Executive Board  and the Annual Members’ Convention. 

The time to appeal any decision made by the Head Grievance Committee that was upheld by the Head Executive Board to the Annual Members’ Convention is limited to the first Annual Members’ Convention immediately after the date of the original decision. 

The rules governing submission of the appeal to the Annual Members’ Convention are included as Attachment 3: Regulation of Dispute Resolution .  

                8.2.1   Election to the Head Grievance Committee 

A member of the Head Grievance Committee must: 

-         An individual; 

-         Be 25 years of age or older; 

-         Be of sound mind; 

-         Be a member in good standing of the Alliance for a period of no less than 2 (two) years; 

-         Be familiar with and understand the laws governing the activities of  corporations in Canada and in the Province of Ontario; 

-         Be impartial in their judgment; 

-         Have a working knowledge of the English language; 

-         Have a working knowledge of the Polish language; 

-         Reside in Ontario, Canada;

-         Not be an undischarged bankrupt; 

-         Not have any criminal convictions; 

-         Not be engaged, directly or indirectly, in any legal actions against the Alliance. 

The Head Grievance Committee shall consist of seven members including a Chair, which will be elected by the Committee. Members of the Head Grievance Committee are elected by the Annual Members Convention for a term of three (3) years. The terms of the members of the Head Grievance Committee shall be staggered in accordance with the following initial provisions: The initial three (3) members of the HGC on the seven (7) member Committee shall be elected for the term of three (3) years, the second two (2) members shall be elected for the term of two (2) years and the last two (2) members shall be elected for the term of one (1) year.

No person shall serve on the Head Grievance Committee for a period of more than nine (9) years or three (3) full terms. 

Article 9:  Branches

The Alliance carries on its activities and fulfils its aims through Branches, Ladies’ and Youth Circles. The branches are internal divisions of the Alliance and their jurisdiction is determined by sub-charters and restricted to a geographical area within the Province of Ontario.

 9.1       Creation of a Branch 

The Head Executive Board will create a branch when it deems it necessary and in the best interest of the organization. 

The basic requirements to create a new Branch shall be as follows: 

-         A minimum of twelve  (12) members filed applications; 

-         There is no Branch of the Alliance in the immediate vicinity (municipality, area of municipality if a major city, county, region); 

-         An existing Branch has more than 250 members; 

The Head Executive Board will create a branch by passing a resolution and giving a notice for the new branch’s annual meeting. Once the Executive of the new Branch is elected, the Head Executive Board shall confirm the existence of a branch by issuing its sub-charter. All members participating in the first Annual Meeting of a new branch require consent from the Head Executive Board. 

9.2       Dissolution of a Branch 

The Head Executive Board shall dissolve an existing branch if there are no members in good standing or it deems it to be necessary and in the best interest of the organization. Any members of the dissolved branch that are in good standing shall have an option to transfer to a branch of their choice. The members of such a dissolved Branch can appeal the decision of the Head Executive Board to the Head Grievance Committee. 

9.3       Activities of a Branch 

9.3.1      The Branch will carry activities which are in support of the Alliance’s purpose listed in Article 3.1 Purpose .  Meetings of the Branch shall be held monthly on a day fixed by a resolution of its Members or established at the prior meeting. 

9.3.2      A quorum for a meeting of a Branch shall be twenty five percent of the members in good standing. 

9.3.3      Resolutions are carried if they are passed by a simple majority. All resolutions regarding the financial matters of a Branch require two thirds majority;

9.3.4      Recommendation to buy or sell Branch assets, other than in the usual and ordinary course of the Branch activities, requires written approval of the Head 

Executive Board and will be carried out by the Head Executive Board or a person/company appointed for that purpose by the Head Executive Board. 

9.3.5      All proceeds from sale of Branch assets will be held by the Head Executive Board until such time as members of the Branch would recommend purchase of a new asset that would comply with Article 3 of this Constitution. The proceeds from such a sale cannot be used by the Branch to cover current expenses; 

9.3.6      In the event that a Branch is dissolved, the Branch`s assets including any shares which may be held in the Branch`s name or in the name of Members of the Branch, or by a Trustee holding such assets for the Members of the Branch or the Branch, and any proceeds of such assets, will be automatically transferred and remain with the Head Executive Board until the use and disposition of such assets or proceeds is approved by the Annual Members’ Convention; 

9.3.7      All meetings will be minuted in the format that is available from the Head Executive Board Sample Branch Meeting Minutes;  

9.3.8      At the Annual Meeting of the Branch, which will be held in January of each year, the Members elect the Executive, Audit Committee, Sick Visitation Committee, the Branch`s delegates to the Annual General Convention and any other committee that may be required from time to time. Members of the Branch should be notified about the Annual Meeting at least two weeks prior to the date of such meeting; 

9.3.9      Every two years at the monthly meeting of the Branch held in December each year the members elect a nomination committee whose responsibility it is to propose a slate of candidates for the Executive of the Branch for the next term; 

9.3.10    At the Annual Meeting held in January of each year the following reports will be provided: 

9.3.10.1    The President’s Report in the format that is available from the Head Executive Board Sample Branch President Report  on the Branch’s activity during the year; 

9.3.10.2    The Financial Secretary submits detailed financial statements that consist of the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Operations (Income Statement) and the Cash Flow Statement. 

9.3.10.3    The Audit Committee report in the format that is available from the Head Executive Board Sample Audit Committee Report  on the audit of the books and purpose of expenditures and management of all assets of the Branch 

9.3.10.4    The Sick Visiting Committee on visiting sick members. 

9.3.10.5    The Branch members, at their monthly meeting, may recommend designation of any organization, clubs, associations and corporation within their geographical location that is currently using the facilities of the Alliance as a Related Organization. The definition of a related Organization is listed in Article 3.4. The recommended organization, club, association or corporation must complete the Related Members Organization Recommendation Form and submit it to the Branch Executive at least 30 days before the date of the members meeting that would consider such recommendation. The recommendation of a related organization status require two thirds vote of members of the Branch present at the meeting.  Once such recommendation is approved, the Executive will submit Attachment 13: Related Organization Recommendation Form with all required attachments to the Head Executive Board. Once the Head Executive Board approves the recommendation of the Branch, all members of the related organization would be eligible to apply for a Related Membership with the Alliance as specified in Article 4.7. 

                9.3.11    Every two years at the Annual Meeting members will elect the Executive of the Branch. Immediately upon their election, the newly elected officers take an oath of office and the new Executive takes office. The oath of office is administered by a member of the Head Executive Board invited to the Annual Meeting, the President or Vice President of a neighbouring branch in case no member of the Head Executive can attend or the eldest member present at the meeting; 

9.3.12    The Executive of the Branch shall consist of: 

-         President 

-         Immediate past President (ex-officio) 

-         President of the Ladies’ Circle of the Branch (ex-officio) 

-         President of the Youth Group of the Branch (ex-officio) 

-         Executive Vice President 

-         Second Vice President 

-         Financial Secretary 

-         Recording Secretary 

-         Organizer (could be two) 

-         Members of the Executive (two)

9.3.13    The immediate past President serves as ex-officio member of the executive with full voting rights for the first term of his or her successor. 

9.3.14    In case any of the offices are vacated during the Executives term, the Executive can appoint an eligible branch member to complete the term of vacated office. Such appointment shall be confirmed by members at the next Branch meeting. 

9.3.15    The Executive of the Branch shall meet once a month or at the minimum during the Branch meeting; 

9.3.16    The term of the Executive of the Branch is two calendar years. All records of the Branch shall be transferred to the new Executive within 30 days from the date of the Annual Meeting; 

9.3.17    The members of the past Executive, who in the opinion of the annual meeting did not fulfill their obligations properly, are not eligible for election to the new Executive; 

9.3.18    Every member who is in good standing has the right to run for office, provided he has been a member of the Branch at least one year and has actively participated in the activities of the Branch by attending at least one half of the meetings of the Branch during the preceding year; 

9.3.19    In order to run for the presidency of a Branch, a member must serve at least one year on the Executive of the Branch. 

9.4       Roles and Responsibilities of the Executive of the Branch 

9.4.1         The Executive of the Branch has following responsibilities: 

9.4.1.1   To deliver the following written reports to the Head Executive Board by no later than February 15th of each year: 

a)     The Branch President’s report (written and electronic format); 

b)     The Financial Secretary’s report (written and electronic format); 

c)     The Audit Committee’s report (written and electronic format); 

d)     The Sick Visiting Committee’s report (written and electronic format); 

e)     The list that includes names, address and contact number and email addresses of the newly elected Executive of the Branch and all members of the Standing Committees (including the electronic format). A sample formats are available from the Head executive Board Sample Branch Executive List   and  Sample Membership List  

f)      A listed of Related Organizations. 

9.4.1.2    To declare any potential conflict of interest in a timely manner; 

9.4.1.3   The members of the Executive of the Branch have a duty to manage the Alliance honestly, in good faith, and in the best interest of the organization while using the care and diligence of a reasonably prudent person.   

9.4.2      Roles of the Executive of the Branch 

9.4.2.1         The President of the Branch 

9.4.2.1.1         Promotes the development of the Branch in accordance to Article 3; 

9.4.2.1.2         Directs the activities of the Branch in support of the purpose contained in Article 3; 

9.4.2.1.3         Represents the Branch locally and to the Head Executive Board; 

9.4.2.1.4         Chairs all the Executive and Branch meetings with the exception of the Annual Meeting; 

9.4.2.1.5         Reports on activities of the Branch during the monthly meetings and files a written report for the Annual Meeting; 

9.4.2.1.6         Responsible for the proper accounting of all of the Branch properties held directly or through a trustee (individuals or corporations); 

9.4.2.1.7         Has signing authorities together with the Financial Secretary on all matters pertaining to the affairs of the Branch; 

9.4.2.1.8         Responsible to the Head Executive Board that all activities of the Branch are consistent with the Constitution; 

9.4.2.1.9         President’s term of office shall not exceed 3 (three) consecutive terms. In case there is no other eligible candidate who accepts nomination, the incumbent will continue for other term of office. 

9.4.2.2         Branch Executive Vice President and Second Vice President 

9.4.2.2.1          Duties of both vice presidents will be set by the Executive at its first meeting following the date of the Annual Meeting. 

9.4.2.3         Branch Financial Secretary 

9.4.2.3.1        Responsible to keep all of the Branch financial records; 

9.4.2.3.2        Collects and receipts all dues and other payments and deposits them into the Branch’s bank account within 7 days and transfers the appropriate funds to the Head Executive Board within 14 days of receipt; 

9.4.2.3.3        Responsible for obtaining the required applications and funds from newly recommended members and remitting them to the Head Executive Board; 

9.4.2.3.4        Responsible together with the Recording Secretary for maintaining of the Branch’s membership list in a required format and delivery of it to the Head Executive Board on a quarterly bases, including notification of termination of memberships; 

9.4.2.3.5        Responsible to prepare monthly financial reports for the Branch meeting sand a written report in a required format to the Annual Meeting of the Branch; 

9.4.2.3.6        Responsible for the proper accounting of all of the Branch properties held directly or through a trustee. 

9.4.2.4         Branch Recording Secretary 

9.4.2.4.1       Responsible for monthly minutes of the Branch meetings and the Executive meetings and filing of the Annual Meeting minutes with the Head Executive Board; 

9.4.2.4.2       Responsible for all of the Branch correspondence documents and, together with the Financial Secretary, to maintain the Branch’s membership in a required format and delivery of it to the Head Executive Board on a quarterly bases. 

9.4.2.5         Branch Organizer 

9.4.2.5.1       Responsible for submission to the Executive plans of activities of the Branch that complies with Article 3; 

9.4.2.5.2       Responsible for recruiting of new members and informs the Branch about the upcoming meetings. 

9.5       Other Duties of the Executive of the Branch 

The Executive of the Branch has a right to suspend a member for: 

9.5.1       Not meeting his or her obligations to the Alliance such as paying dues or attending meetings; 

9.5.2       failure to properly declare a conflict of interest or a potential conflict of interest in cases when the member serves as a director or officer of organizations or companies that initiate legal actions against the Alliance or generally engage in the behaviour detrimental to the Alliance; 

9.5.3       Acts contrary to the Constitution, By-laws, the Head Executive Board or the Branch Executive decisions or in a way that harms the Alliance. 

The Executive of the Branch shall notify a member whose suspension is being proposed 14 (fourteen) days before the meeting. The member shall have the right to defend his or her position. 

A decision to suspend a member requires a two-thirds majority of the members entitled to vote and voting. 

Thesuspension cannot exceed more than 90 days and the Head Executive Board shall be notified in writing regarding such suspension within 10 days after the date of the meeting that suspends a member. The notice to the Head Executive Board shall include the reasons for suspension. Based on such notice the Head Executive Board can initiate an investigation which can conclude by excluding the Member from membership of the Alliance or setting aside or varying the suspension.

9.6       Role and Responsibilities of the Audit Committee 

The Audit Committee of the Branch consists of a chair, two members and one alternate. The eligibility for the membership in the Branch Audit Committee is the same as in the Head Audit Committee. 

The Audit Committee audits the management of all of the Branch’s assets as well as assets of the Related Organization active within the Branch’s jurisdiction. The Audit Committee reviews all functions of the Branch as to their purpose and consistence with resolutions passed. The above mentioned audits and or reviews are conducted at least twice during the Executive term of office. 

The Audit Committee submits a written report of each such audit and/or review and forwards the copy to the Head Audit Committee within 14 days after such report is presented to the Branch. 

9.7       Role and Responsibilities of the Grievance Committee 

The Branch Grievance Committee provides members of the Branch of the Alliance with a mechanism to resolve any organizational dispute with the organization.   

Any organizational disputes between members and/ or various components of the Alliance shall be dealt with in accordance with the Regulations for Settlement of Disputes passed by the Annual Members’ Convention of the Alliance. No member of the Alliance shall commence legal proceedings against the Alliance or any of its organizational components until all attempts at settlement of disputed matters have been made through the standing Branch Grievance Committee, the Head Grievance Committee, the Head Executive Board  and the Annual Members Convention. 

The time to appeal any decision made by the Grievance Committee that was upheld by the Branch Executive to the Head Grievance Committee is limited to 30 days immediately past the date of the original decision. 

The rules governing submission of the appeal are included in Regulations of Dispute Resolution. 

The Grievance Committee consists of 5 (five) members and 2 (two) alternates. The Chair of the Committee is elected by its members. The quorum of the Grievance Committee shall consist of three members.  All decisions of the Grievance Committee are provided in writing and approved by a majority of votes by the members present at the meeting. The Grievance Committee’s activities are governed by Regulations of Disputes Resolution included in Regulations of Dispute Resolution. 

9.8       Sick Visitation Committee 

The Sick Visitation Committee consists of as many members as elected at the Annual Meeting. The Chair of the Committee is elected by its members. The Committee visits and comforts sick members of the Branch, and in the event of a member’s death, console his or her Family. 

Article 10: Amendments to the Constitution

Proposed motions from Branches pertaining to amendments to the Constitution shall be submitted to the Head Executive Board at least 180 days prior to the Annual Members’ Convention. The Head Executive Board shall review all proposed motions for their compliance with legal and organizational requirements and may recommend its approval to the Annual Members Convention. 

The Head Executive Board shall submit all proposed amendments to the Constitution to all Branches at least 90 days before the Annual Members’ Convention. 

In case when the Head Executive Board rejects the proposed motion, the Branch and the Annual Members Convention shall be notified as to the reason for such rejection.  The Branch will be notified within 120 days of the Annual Members’ Convention. 

Motions to amend the Constitution require a two thirds majority of members voting at the Annual Members’ Convention. The changes to the Constitution approved by the Annual Members’ Convention shall be circulated to the Branches within 90 days after the date of the Annual Members Convention. 

Article 11:  Provisions for Dissolution

Upon dissolution of the Polish Alliance of Canada and after the payment of all debts and liabilities, its remaining property shall be distributed or disposed of to charitable organizations which carry on their work solely in Canada. 

The Head Executive Board shall appoint trustees, any of whom may be members of the Head Executive Board and one of whom shall be an auditor or accountant licensed to practice in Ontario to determine the charitable organizations to which the remaining property should be distributed. The Head Executive Board, after receiving the recommendations of these trustees, shall transfer the remaining property to the charitable organization the Head Executive Board deems most worthy.  The Head Executive Board will take into consideration the extent to which the charitable organization promotes or is prepared to promote the goals of the Alliance, including the promotion of Polish culture and education in Canada, and also the practicality and appropriateness of a charitable organization dedicated primarily to Polish culture in Canada.

Article 12:  Versions

The English text of this Constitution is binding in case of any dispute in interpretation. 

Date of Approval: 

The approval of this Constitution was confirmed by a two-thirds majority of delegates voting at the Annual Members Convention held on March 27 and 28, 2010 in Windsor, Ontario. 

Andrzej Szuba, President                             Teresa Szramek,   Secretary General 

Attachment 1: Oath of Office

 Accepting this office I solemnly promise to fulfil my duties to the best of my abilities. I pledge to be honest, fair, conscientious and loyal towards all Members and the Governing Bodies of the Polish Alliance of Canada. I will obey the provisions of this Constitution and I will uphold the honour of the Alliance. I promise to do my best in furthering the development of the Alliance and the unification of Polonia. 

Attachment 2: Membership Oath

 After becoming familiar with the objects and activities of the Polish Alliance of Canada, I join its ranks to work cooperatively with others for the good of the Alliance and its Members. I solemnly declare that I will uphold all of the provisions of the Alliance’s Constitution and Regulations 

Attachment 3: Schedule of Dues

 

Annual dues are set by the Annual Members’ Convention and are payable in advance and for full calendar year (January to December). 

The Annual Dues are $30 as approved by the Annual Members’ Convention held on March 27 and 28th, 2010 in Windsor, Ontario. 

The dues distribution is as follows: 

Branches                                 $6 per member 

HEB                                         9 per member.

 

 

Not-for-Profit Corporations (ONCA)