Amended Organizational Bylaws of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, Inc.
(Formerly: Coalition of National Park Service Retirees, Inc.)
Article I – Name and Location of the Organization
The name of the organization is the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, hereinafter referred to as “The Coalition.” The organization shall have and continuously maintain a registered address and registered agent within the District of Columbia.
Article II – Purpose of the Organization
The principal purpose of the Coalition is to inform and educate the public, the media, non- governmental organizations, elected officials, and governmental agencies about issues related to the National Park Service and System. In pursuit of this purpose, the Coalition studies, speaks, and acts for the preservation and protection of America’s national park areas, as well as for the NPS programs that support state and local conservation and recreation efforts, in order to help preserve park resources unimpaired and perpetuate the time-honored values for the benefit of all generations.
Article III – Membership
- Section 1: Eligibility for Membership
- Membership in the Coalition is open to anyone who held a paid position with the National Park Service at any time, or who has served as an official park volunteer and who subscribes to and supports the purposes and objectives of the organization.
- Those who do not meet the criteria for membership may join the Coalition as a Supporter. This includes individuals, organizations, or companies that want to support the work of the Coalition but do not qualify as members because they have never worked for the National Park Service as an employee or volunteer. Supporters can encourage the Coalition in the organization’s efforts to protect national parks and programs by providing financial support in the form of cash or in-kind services as approved by the Executive Council.
- Section 2 – Member Dues
Dues may be prescribed by resolution of the Executive Council, and, after such prescription, shall be paid by all members. The Council may on a case-by-case basis forgive or defer a dues payment of any member.
- Section 3 – Resignation of Membership
Any member may resign from the Coalition by formal notice to the Executive Council Chair or Membership Coordinator. No part of any payment or contribution shall be refundable by reason of resignation.
- Section 4 – Removal of Members
The Executive Council may establish and implement reasonable rules governing termination of membership for just cause. No part of any payment or contribution shall be refundable by reason of removal.
- Section 5 – Representation by Members
The strength of the Coalition is based on the commitment, experience, expertise, and integrity of its members. When deemed appropriate, and with the approval of the Executive Council, Coalition members may represent the Coalition in an official capacity. Depending on the specific issue or action, this work may include working with Congress, partner organizations, the media, the National Park Service, or the Department of the Interior.
Article IV – Governance
The Executive Council, hereinafter referred to as “Council,” is the principal body of governance of the entire organization. The Council shall consist of no fewer than ten members and no more than sixteen members and include any duly elected or appointed members.
- Section 1: Concurrence of Membership
The Council will assume that it has the concurrence of the general membership on broad communications and contacts with the media, governmental agencies, and other organizations.
Where correspondence will include signatures of individual members, the Coalition will circulate the draft to the general membership prior to transmitting the letter, allowing those who wish to sign on to do so.
- Section 2: Report to Membership
The Council will report from time-to-time to the general membership on issues and activities of the Coalition. The Council welcomes advice, input, and assistance from members.
Article V – The Executive Council
- Section 1: General Elections of the Executive Council
Any member can nominate a candidate for the Executive Council. Council members will then vote on the proposed candidates based upon skills needed, number of vacancies, and other criteria. Additional positions may be filled by appointment by the Executive Council for terms to be specified.
- Section 2: Vacancies on the Executive Council
Any vacancy of an elected member occurring in the Executive Council may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Council members for the remainder of the term of the departing member only.
- Section 3: Terms of the Executive Council
Council members typically serve staggered three-year terms to ensure continuity. Duly appointed members may serve two consecutive terms. Thereafter, members may serve additional terms in one-year increments upon the advance approval of a majority vote of the other Council members prior to the commencement of each one-year extension.
- Section 4: Officers of the Executive Council
- A Chair, selected by the members of the Council, will provide leadership for the Coalition’s activities. A duly elected Chair may serve up to two consecutive two-year terms; then may serve additional terms in one-year increments upon the majority approval of the Council and consistent with other provisions provided for above with respect to members’ terms on the Executive Council.
- A Vice-Chair selected by the members of the Council will assist the Chair in providing leadership for the Coalition’s activities.
- A Treasurer selected by the members of the Council will provide financial management and fiscal accountability for the Coalition’s activities.
- In addition to the Chair, Vice-Chair, and the Treasurer, the Coalition shall have such officers as the Council may from time to time establish and authorize. Officers so established shall be elected by a majority of the Executive Council.
- Section 5: Committees
- The Council has established six permanent standing committees: Issues, Membership, Fundraising, Finance, Governance and Communications.
- The Governance Committee consists of the Executive Council Chair and Vice Chair, the Treasurer, and an at-large member of the Executive Council.
- Further, the Council may establish and empower additional standing and/or ad hoc committees to assist the Council in its work.
- The Chair of the Council may establish temporary committees, not to exceed one year in duration and appoint members thereto.
- Section 6: Decisions of the Executive Council
A simple majority of the Council shall comprise a quorum. Decisions of the Council shall be determined by a simple majority of those members comprising the quorum.
- Section 7: Meetings of the Executive Council
The Council shall meet face-to-face at least once annually. Other Council business may take place through conference calls or other means in order to limit expenditures.
- Section 8: Business of the Executive Council
The work of the Council will be carried out in accordance with a current Strategic Plan that identifies key issues and areas of focus; the annual Coalition Work Plan; effective communication with the membership; and efforts to broaden the work of the Coalition through its members.
- Section 9: Agreements and Contracts
The Council may enter into agreements or contracts with outside entities to provide needed services not otherwise available within the organization. These may include but are not limited to, media consultants, tax preparation providers, and web site coordinators.
Article VI – Executive Director
An Executive Director, with or without full voting privileges, may be appointed or hired by the Council to provide for day-to-day operation of the Coalition’s activities. The Council will provide oversight to the organization’s work, assuring that decisions and actions are effective, efficient, and in concert with the mission, guiding principles and broader interests of the organization and its members.
He/she will serve at the pleasure of the Executive Council. The Executive Director reports to the the Executive Council. His/her responsibilities include executing the policies of the Coalition, fundraising, directing the operations of the Coalition, appointing and supervising staff, and developing and completing an annual Work Plan and budget.
The Work Plan will be developed and presented to the Executive Council in advance of the annual, face-to-face meeting Executive Council meeting, whereupon the Executive Council will consider and approve the plan and budget.
Article VII – Finances
- Section 1: Resources
Financial support for the Coalition is derived from dues, donations and fundraising activities deemed appropriate by the Executive Council. Members of the Executive Council are expected to make annual donations.
- Section 2: Accountability
- Records of Coalition finances are kept current by the Council Chair, his/her designee, or the appropriate officer and are available upon request from any current member, grantor, contractor, or appropriate governmental authority.
- Financial reconciliations are presented to the entire Executive Council on a semi-annual basis.
- Section 3: Expenses of Executive Council and Members
Members of the Executive Council and general members may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in carrying out the goals of the Coalition.
Article VIII – Limitations
No part of the earnings or assets of the organization shall inure to the benefit of any member or individual. The Coalition shall not participate in any way in political campaigns on behalf of any candidate for public office, nor shall any substantial part of the activities of the organization be directed to influencing legislation except in accordance with the organization’s purpose and goals to educate and inform; and never in a way that would jeopardize its non-profit status.
Article IX – Distribution of Assets and Dissolution
In the event of termination, dissolution, or winding up of the affairs of the Coalition, the Council shall, after paying or making provision for payment of all of the liabilities of the organization, dispose of all remaining assets to organizations operated for charitable or educational purposes under Section 501 (C) (3) and any corresponding provisions of the United States Revenue Code.
Article X – Amendment of Bylaws
Bylaws must be ratified by unanimous consent of the Executive Council. Bylaws may then be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Council.
Finalized by Executive Council vote: 5/19/2021