The Constitution of ARC Vancouver
We, the members of this organization, in order to serve as advocates and activists for the purpose of education on and changing of societal and systemic racism and discrimination, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the government of our Coalition.
Article I: Name
1. The name of this organization shall be Anti-Racism Coalition of Vancouver.
2. The name of this organization hereafter shall be referred to as ARC Vancouver.
Article II: Purpose / Mission & Vision Statements
1. Mission Statement:We strive to end all forms of racial inequity through education, legislation, and social events.
2. Vision Statement
a. To become a catalyst for like-minded organizations and individuals.
b. To harness the power of the resistance against racism, wherever it rears its head.
c. To galvanize the political forces by becoming a base of information through activity and action.
d. To aid in the educational process needed to enlighten the general population
e. To provide educational resources for schools, teachers, and students.
f. To deliver educational events to a variety of communities from those who are knowledgeable.
g. To learn and grow with those in the struggle against racism and discrimination.
h. To become a broad base in order to primarily support the struggles of black and indigenous peoples.
i. To become the change that we need and encourage ALL to do the same.
j. To acknowledge that “an injury to one is an injury to ALL”.
Article III: Membership
1. Membership is open to like-minded Individuals, Organizations, and Political Parties.
2. Individuals and Organizational Entities to have 1 vote at meetings.
3. Political Parties/Affiliates to have observer status with no voting rights.
4. Proxy votes to be used at AGM for implementation of incoming members.
a. First Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held June 16, 2021.
5. All members are required to pay an annual membership fee of $30 per annum for individuals and $300 per annum for Organizations.
6. Members must be in good standing to cast a vote.
a. Membership fees paid.
b. Not under discipline or disciplinary review.
7. All members are eligible to attend all meetings and events of this organization.
8. All members are encouraged to pursue ongoing membership drives.
9. Membership decisions will not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or any other unsaid status.
10. Discipline and Withdrawal of Membership to be handled accordingly;
a. Robert’s Rules of Order.
b. Those who do not adhere to the Constitution and Mission & Vision Statements will be faced with disciplinary action from the Executive Membership first and General Membership second.
c. Any disruptive behavior and aggression or discriminatory actions towards status of people as outlined in section 9 of this article (Article III) will NOT be tolerated.
d. Members may have their membership withdrawn for failure to adhere to the standards and practices as stated above.
e. A simple majority vote of the Executive Membership and/or General Membership at a regular or special meeting shall be sufficient to withdraw membership.
Article IV: Officers & Executive Tenure
1. Officer/Executive Titles:
a. Chairperson
b. Secretary
c. Treasurer
d. Chair of Social
e. Chair of Education
f. Chair of Media
g. Chair of Outreach
2. Duties and Tenure
a. Chairperson will conduct and chair all meetings of ARC Vancouver. Will keep members on track to accomplish goals set out by ARC Vancouver’s Mission and Vision Statements and act as the primary spokesperson for ARC Vancouver. Will be a signatory member of the executive board with regards to finances and proclamations. Will provide a regular report to the membership as well as a year-end report to the AGM. The position of Chairperson shall be a one-year term with a maximum of two years in said position.
b. Secretary will record minutes of the meetings and notate discussions and decisions through calls to action. Will compile and deliver minutes to the active and signed membership. Will compile items, articles, and discussion points for subsequent agendas. Will keep all communications on file for historical value. Will be a signatory member of the executive board with regards to finances and proclamations. Will be a secondary spokesperson for the organization in lieu of other absences. The position of Secretary is a two-year term with a maximum of two terms.
c. Treasurer will keep detailed accounting of all finances through a standard method of bookkeeping. Will prepare financial reports to the membership at each meeting. Will be a signatory member of the executive board with regards to finances and proclamations. Will only release funds that are agreed upon by the executive board or annual general meeting. The position of Treasurer is a two-year term with a maximum of two terms.
d. Chair of Social will be responsible forconducting meetings for the Social Committee and for completion of tasks assigned to the Social Committee. Will engage as many general and executive members as possible to fulfill said tasks. Will be a secondary spokesperson for ARC Vancouver in lieu of other absences. The position of Chair of Social shall be a one-year term with a maximum of three terms.
e. Chair of Education will be responsible for conducting meetings for the EducationCommittee and for completion of tasks assigned to the Education Committee. Will act as a secondary spokesperson for ARC Vancouver in lieu of other absences. The position of Chair of Education is a one-year term with a maximum of three terms.
f. Chair of Media will be responsible for conducting meetings for the Media Committee and for the completion of tasks assigned to the Media Committee. The position of Chair of Media is a one-year term with a maximum of three terms.
g. Chair of Outreach will be responsible for conducting meetings for the OutreachCommittee and for the completion of tasks assigned to the Outreach Committee. The position of Chair of Outreach is a one-year term with a maximum of three terms.
3. Holding Office, Nominations, and Elections.
a. All officers and candidates must be current members of ARC Vancouver and in good standing.
b. Any member may motion a nomination of any other member but shall require a second to said nomination for the motion to pass.
c. Nominations for all offices will be taken from the floor of the last general meeting prior to the Annual General Meeting.
d. Nominations may also be made during the election meeting itself, prior to the closing of nominations and taking the vote.
e. Elections will be held during the Annual General Meeting, prior to its conclusion.
f. A simple majority vote of the quorum at that meeting will be sufficient to elect an officer.
g. Elected officers will be assigned their positions at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting.
4. Removal from Office
a. Officers may be removed from office for failure to perform duties or for violation of the membership clause.
b. Officers to be voted upon in this regard will be notified at least one week prior to the meeting at which the vote will be taken.
c. A simple majority vote of the Executive Board or quorum present at said meeting shall be sufficient for removal from office.
d. Any officer may resign by submitting a letter to the Chairperson. The Chairperson may resign by submitting a letter to the Secretary.
e. Should a vacancy in office occur, there will be an immediate nomination procedure and election for the vacant office.
f. During a vacancy in office, the Chairperson shall assume the duties of the vacant office. If the vacant office is the Chairperson, the Secretary shall assume the duties of the Chairperson.
Article V: Committees & Tasks
1. Social Committee; Will be responsible for securing physical spaces (i.e., halls, parks, hotels, lecture rooms, etc.) that are required to perform or complete any events a member deems appropriate. Will provide staffing for all agreed upon events that ARC Vancouver produces, and will be responsible for the organization of said events. Will work with other committees to plan a yearly “Calendar of Events” for actions to be involved with our target groups.
2. Education Committee; Will be responsible for gathering and disseminating educational resources to ARC Vancouver members, specific target groups, and the general public. Will provide documents for any and all targeted events that fall under the members’ participation. Will work in close conjunction with the Media Committee to ensure higher quality production while getting the maximum exposure for messages on various platforms.
3. Media Committee; Will be responsible for creating and managing a multitude of platforms that are required to reach the ARC Vancouver community and general population. Will create and maintain an effective user friendly, easy to navigate website. Will produce and design logos for ARC Vancouver and specific events. Will produce materials for the marketing and advertising of ARC Vancouver and its events.
4. Outreach Committee; Will ensure that ARC Vancouver builds through daily and weekly contact with individuals and organizations. Will create stronger community bonds on like-minded issues. Will expand ARC Vancouver’s reach through community engagement and dialogue. Will work closely with the Social Committee to produce and market events.
5. Committee structures are set up to ensure that any work is done effectively, efficiently, and timely. Work will be established project by project and is open to any and all ARC Vancouver members. Will work on specific projects with all above Committees.
6. Working groups will be established to work on longer term projects which may include affecting policy and engaging in Government structures in order to fulfill needed changes.
Article VI: Meetings
1. General Meetings will be held the first Tuesday of every month.
2. Committee Meetings will be held every Tuesday of the week, except during General Meetings.
3. Special Meetings may be called by any combination of three of the officers. Notice of Special Meetings must be communicated to all members at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.
4. The Annual General Meeting will be held on the 16thof June every year.
5. To conduct business at any meeting, one half of the entire voting membership must be present to form quorum.
Article VII: Amendments
1. This constitution can be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the entire membership at a General Meeting of ARC Vancouver.
2. Notification of such a motion must be made to all members at least one meeting in advance of the one in which the actual vote is taken.
3. All amendments shall be in consonance with ARC Vancouver’s Mission and Vision Statements.
Article VIII: Ratification & Interpretation
1. This Constitution shall be established by a three-fourths majority vote of the ARC Vancouver membership.
2. Questions concerning the interpretation of this document shall be decided by the Board.
Article I: Name
1. The name of this organization shall be Anti-Racism Coalition of Vancouver.
2. The name of this organization hereafter shall be referred to as ARC Vancouver.
Article II: Purpose / Mission & Vision Statements
1. Mission Statement:We strive to end all forms of racial inequity through education, legislation, and social events.
2. Vision Statement
a. To become a catalyst for like-minded organizations and individuals.
b. To harness the power of the resistance against racism, wherever it rears its head.
c. To galvanize the political forces by becoming a base of information through activity and action.
d. To aid in the educational process needed to enlighten the general population
e. To provide educational resources for schools, teachers, and students.
f. To deliver educational events to a variety of communities from those who are knowledgeable.
g. To learn and grow with those in the struggle against racism and discrimination.
h. To become a broad base in order to primarily support the struggles of black and indigenous peoples.
i. To become the change that we need and encourage ALL to do the same.
j. To acknowledge that “an injury to one is an injury to ALL”.
Article III: Membership
1. Membership is open to like-minded Individuals, Organizations, and Political Parties.
2. Individuals and Organizational Entities to have 1 vote at meetings.
3. Political Parties/Affiliates to have observer status with no voting rights.
4. Proxy votes to be used at AGM for implementation of incoming members.
a. First Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held June 16, 2021.
5. All members are required to pay an annual membership fee of $30 per annum for individuals and $300 per annum for Organizations.
6. Members must be in good standing to cast a vote.
a. Membership fees paid.
b. Not under discipline or disciplinary review.
7. All members are eligible to attend all meetings and events of this organization.
8. All members are encouraged to pursue ongoing membership drives.
9. Membership decisions will not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or any other unsaid status.
10. Discipline and Withdrawal of Membership to be handled accordingly;
a. Robert’s Rules of Order.
b. Those who do not adhere to the Constitution and Mission & Vision Statements will be faced with disciplinary action from the Executive Membership first and General Membership second.
c. Any disruptive behavior and aggression or discriminatory actions towards status of people as outlined in section 9 of this article (Article III) will NOT be tolerated.
d. Members may have their membership withdrawn for failure to adhere to the standards and practices as stated above.
e. A simple majority vote of the Executive Membership and/or General Membership at a regular or special meeting shall be sufficient to withdraw membership.
Article IV: Officers & Executive Tenure
1. Officer/Executive Titles:
a. Chairperson
b. Secretary
c. Treasurer
d. Chair of Social
e. Chair of Education
f. Chair of Media
g. Chair of Outreach
2. Duties and Tenure
a. Chairperson will conduct and chair all meetings of ARC Vancouver. Will keep members on track to accomplish goals set out by ARC Vancouver’s Mission and Vision Statements and act as the primary spokesperson for ARC Vancouver. Will be a signatory member of the executive board with regards to finances and proclamations. Will provide a regular report to the membership as well as a year-end report to the AGM. The position of Chairperson shall be a one-year term with a maximum of two years in said position.
b. Secretary will record minutes of the meetings and notate discussions and decisions through calls to action. Will compile and deliver minutes to the active and signed membership. Will compile items, articles, and discussion points for subsequent agendas. Will keep all communications on file for historical value. Will be a signatory member of the executive board with regards to finances and proclamations. Will be a secondary spokesperson for the organization in lieu of other absences. The position of Secretary is a two-year term with a maximum of two terms.
c. Treasurer will keep detailed accounting of all finances through a standard method of bookkeeping. Will prepare financial reports to the membership at each meeting. Will be a signatory member of the executive board with regards to finances and proclamations. Will only release funds that are agreed upon by the executive board or annual general meeting. The position of Treasurer is a two-year term with a maximum of two terms.
d. Chair of Social will be responsible forconducting meetings for the Social Committee and for completion of tasks assigned to the Social Committee. Will engage as many general and executive members as possible to fulfill said tasks. Will be a secondary spokesperson for ARC Vancouver in lieu of other absences. The position of Chair of Social shall be a one-year term with a maximum of three terms.
e. Chair of Education will be responsible for conducting meetings for the EducationCommittee and for completion of tasks assigned to the Education Committee. Will act as a secondary spokesperson for ARC Vancouver in lieu of other absences. The position of Chair of Education is a one-year term with a maximum of three terms.
f. Chair of Media will be responsible for conducting meetings for the Media Committee and for the completion of tasks assigned to the Media Committee. The position of Chair of Media is a one-year term with a maximum of three terms.
g. Chair of Outreach will be responsible for conducting meetings for the OutreachCommittee and for the completion of tasks assigned to the Outreach Committee. The position of Chair of Outreach is a one-year term with a maximum of three terms.
3. Holding Office, Nominations, and Elections.
a. All officers and candidates must be current members of ARC Vancouver and in good standing.
b. Any member may motion a nomination of any other member but shall require a second to said nomination for the motion to pass.
c. Nominations for all offices will be taken from the floor of the last general meeting prior to the Annual General Meeting.
d. Nominations may also be made during the election meeting itself, prior to the closing of nominations and taking the vote.
e. Elections will be held during the Annual General Meeting, prior to its conclusion.
f. A simple majority vote of the quorum at that meeting will be sufficient to elect an officer.
g. Elected officers will be assigned their positions at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting.
4. Removal from Office
a. Officers may be removed from office for failure to perform duties or for violation of the membership clause.
b. Officers to be voted upon in this regard will be notified at least one week prior to the meeting at which the vote will be taken.
c. A simple majority vote of the Executive Board or quorum present at said meeting shall be sufficient for removal from office.
d. Any officer may resign by submitting a letter to the Chairperson. The Chairperson may resign by submitting a letter to the Secretary.
e. Should a vacancy in office occur, there will be an immediate nomination procedure and election for the vacant office.
f. During a vacancy in office, the Chairperson shall assume the duties of the vacant office. If the vacant office is the Chairperson, the Secretary shall assume the duties of the Chairperson.
Article V: Committees & Tasks
1. Social Committee; Will be responsible for securing physical spaces (i.e., halls, parks, hotels, lecture rooms, etc.) that are required to perform or complete any events a member deems appropriate. Will provide staffing for all agreed upon events that ARC Vancouver produces, and will be responsible for the organization of said events. Will work with other committees to plan a yearly “Calendar of Events” for actions to be involved with our target groups.
2. Education Committee; Will be responsible for gathering and disseminating educational resources to ARC Vancouver members, specific target groups, and the general public. Will provide documents for any and all targeted events that fall under the members’ participation. Will work in close conjunction with the Media Committee to ensure higher quality production while getting the maximum exposure for messages on various platforms.
3. Media Committee; Will be responsible for creating and managing a multitude of platforms that are required to reach the ARC Vancouver community and general population. Will create and maintain an effective user friendly, easy to navigate website. Will produce and design logos for ARC Vancouver and specific events. Will produce materials for the marketing and advertising of ARC Vancouver and its events.
4. Outreach Committee; Will ensure that ARC Vancouver builds through daily and weekly contact with individuals and organizations. Will create stronger community bonds on like-minded issues. Will expand ARC Vancouver’s reach through community engagement and dialogue. Will work closely with the Social Committee to produce and market events.
5. Committee structures are set up to ensure that any work is done effectively, efficiently, and timely. Work will be established project by project and is open to any and all ARC Vancouver members. Will work on specific projects with all above Committees.
6. Working groups will be established to work on longer term projects which may include affecting policy and engaging in Government structures in order to fulfill needed changes.
Article VI: Meetings
1. General Meetings will be held the first Tuesday of every month.
2. Committee Meetings will be held every Tuesday of the week, except during General Meetings.
3. Special Meetings may be called by any combination of three of the officers. Notice of Special Meetings must be communicated to all members at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.
4. The Annual General Meeting will be held on the 16thof June every year.
5. To conduct business at any meeting, one half of the entire voting membership must be present to form quorum.
Article VII: Amendments
1. This constitution can be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the entire membership at a General Meeting of ARC Vancouver.
2. Notification of such a motion must be made to all members at least one meeting in advance of the one in which the actual vote is taken.
3. All amendments shall be in consonance with ARC Vancouver’s Mission and Vision Statements.
Article VIII: Ratification & Interpretation
1. This Constitution shall be established by a three-fourths majority vote of the ARC Vancouver membership.
2. Questions concerning the interpretation of this document shall be decided by the Board.