Constitution
ARTICLE I: Name
The name of this Washington State non-profit organization shall be the Seattle Turtle & Tortoise Club, hereinafter known as "STTC", and located on the web at www.seattleturtleandtortoiseclub.com .
ARTICLE II: Purpose
Section 1: STTC is a charitable organization formed exclusively for educational and scientific purposes within the meaning of section 501(c )(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The primary purpose of STTC shall be to educate the members of STTC and the general public about the husbandry and conservation of turtles and tortoises everywhere. Our goal is to prevent animal cruelty due to lack of educational resources and to aid conservation efforts to preserve turtle and tortoises for future generations.
Section 2: To promote communication and understanding among herpetological organizations, zoological institutions, conservation organizations, universities and government.
Section 3: To inform the membership of local legislative issues which affect the caring and keeping of turtle and tortoises in Washington state. As well as informing the membership about the global conservation of turtle and tortoises in general and how we can best help.
ARTICLE III: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of STTC shall begin the first day of January in each year.
ARTICLE IV: Membership
Membership in STTC shall be open to all persons who have fulfilled the obligations set forth in the By-Laws.
ARTICLE V: Executive Board
The Executive Board of STTC shall consist of Executive Director, President, Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Committee Chair holders.
ARTICLE VI: Meetings and Quorum
Section 1: Regular meetings shall be held on the third Sunday of each month, except when otherwise designated.
Section 2: The annual meeting shall be the regular meeting in January.
Section 3: Two-thirds (66%) of the voting membership present at a meeting when that meeting is called to order shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
ARTICLE VII: By-Laws
STTC shall establish and abide by the By-Laws concerning the Society and procedures to be followed.
ARTICLE VIII: Rules of Order
On matters of parliamentary procedure not expressly provided for by this Constitution and its By-Laws, the most recent edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall constitute the ruling authority.
ARTICLE IX: Amendments
Section 1: Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed by a signed petition of 2/3 (66%) of the Executive Board.
Section 2: Upon review of the Board a ballot stating the proposed amendment(s) shall be emailed to each voting member at least 30 days prior to the decision deadline. Members not having email will be notified by regular mail.
Section 3: Such amendment(s) shall be adopted provided it shall have the approval of 2/3 (66%) of the responding voting membership which must comprise a minimum of 20% of the total voting membership.
ARTICLE X: Dissolution
In the event of dissolution of STTC, all monies remaining in the treasury shall, after payment of all outstanding debts and obligations, be disposed of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction, at time of dissolution, to an exempt organization, with closely related herpetological interests, that currently meets the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.