Albany Running Exchange Constitution

 

Article 1           Name

This organization shall be recognized as the Albany Running Exchange, or the ARE.

 

Article 2           Purpose

The purpose of the Albany Running Exchange is to bring together both students of the University as well as community members who share a common interest in running.  Whether it be for sport, hobby, or simply to lose a few pounds, the ARE shall function as a “match-making” service, as well as a running club, where students can find other students to run with.  Select races in the local area will also be promoted in an effort for the members to test their progress.  In addition, the club will host its own races and group runs.

 

Article 3           Membership

Membership in the Albany Running Exchange is open to anyone who possesses a desire to run, whether it is twice a day or twice a month.  Membership is granted upon payment of dues.

 

Article 4           Government

The Albany Running Exchange’s form of Government is based on a federal system of government, consisting of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.  These positions will constitute the group’s Executive Board.  Any inquiry regarding the club should be brought to the Executive Board.  When appropriate, additional positions may be created, for example, a Race Director to assist in the development of a race.  The duties of each member of the Executive Board are as follows:

President: The President is the highest administrative officer, with the power to appoint or remove officers, write rules, levy dues, and govern the club for it to best achieve its purposes.

Vice President: The Vice President is responsible for assisting the President in matters the group may confront, and may also have Presidential powers in the event the President is absent from a meeting or event.

Treasurer: The Treasurer is responsible for keeping all of the club’s financial records as well as providing written documentation as needed according to the Treasurer’s Handbook.  The Treasurer shall be responsible for the collection and record keeping of membership dues as well as the organization of fundraising activities.

Secretary: The Secretary is responsible for all records non-money related, which includes taking notes from all meetings and events.  The Secretary shall also be responsible for reading announcements at meetings and completing any “secretarial” work that may be needed for the club.

 

Article 5           Club Officer Stipulation

All club officers are required to either hold or attend at least two group runs per week.  More than one officer can hold the same run, but all must be present for at least two runs per week.  A group run is defined as one advertised to the entire organization at least the day before the run (announced at a run, email, or website [quickChat, message board, etc]) and either beginning from the track or some other part of the University at Albany campus.

 

Article 6           Meetings

Official meetings of the Executive Board shall be held regularly at least once per month, at a time and place set by the President, but accepted by the other officers.  The meetings will be open to all of the club’s members, each possessing an equal vote in matters.  The minutes of each meeting will be written.  In addition, heavily advertised general interest and mass meetings will be scheduled and held at various locations and times.

 

Article 7           Quorum

Decisions will be made by a majority vote of all officers and members present at a meeting.  At least 40% of the club’s membership must be present at the meeting to reach quorum.

 

Article 8           Dues

Student members of the Albany Running Exchange will pay $5 dues each semester; non-students will pay $10 yearly.

 

Article 9           Warrants

The President shall have the power to appoint or to remove any officer.  The President may be appointed or removed provided support of at least two-thirds majority of the membership.

 

Article 10         Amendment

With the recommendation of the Albany Running Exchange officers, the President shall have the power to issue an amendment to this Constitution, in whole or in part, to be set down by the Secretary, who has the responsibility to inform the Student Association of the changes, which become effective upon approval by the Student Association.

 

Article 11         Ratification

This Constitution shall become effective upon approval by the Student Association.