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CONSTITUTION ~ DISTRICT 24, SCARBOROUGH-EAST YORK
AMENDED, MAY 2004
| Every 5 years, the Provincial body asks that District
Constitutions be reviewed.
The Constitution in this booklet reflects the needs of District 24 and adheres to the Provincial guidelines. It is necessary that this Constitution be voted into effect at our Annual General Meeting. We would ask that you please bring this 8-page pull-out of the Constitution with you when you come to the AGM on Thursday, October 28, 2004. |
RETIRED TEACHERS OF ONTARIO
CONSTITUTION OF DISTRICT 24 ~ Scarborough and East York
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Constitution (141kb)
The geographical area of District 24 is defined by the boundaries of the former Scarborough and East York Public and Catholic Boards of Education.
PREAMBLE
Whereas it is the mandate and the objective of both the Provincial and District Organizations to represent the interests of Retired Teachers of Ontario, members of RTO/ERO at both levels shall pursue the following Objectives:
Objectives
Article 1 - DISTRICT MEMBERSHIP
1.01 All persons who are members of the Provincial organization are automatically affiliated to the local RTO/ERO District of their choice. [Provincial membership criteria is set out in Article 4 of the Provincial Constitution.]
1.02 Rights and Privileges of Membership are outlined in Article 5 of the Provincial Constitution.
Article 2 - DISTRICT EXECUTIVE
Structure of District Executive:
2.01 The District Executive shall consist of at least six elected Executive members with at least one appointed representative of each standing committee and members at large. The Executive has the power to appoint members at large. Members at large are defined as those members who assist in implementing and fulfilling the responsibilities of the District Executive for a two year period with consideration for extension for a further two years; after which it shall be their duty to assume and participate in an executive role in whatever position is deemed acceptable to that member. All past executive members on the Executive will retain voting privileges. This ruling will be effective as of January 01, 2004.
2.02 The Executive shall meet at the call of the President or at the request of any other two members of the Executive. A quorum shall be a simple majority.
Duties of the District Executive:
2.03 The District shall determine its Constitution with due regard for the Constitution, Bylaws and Policies of RTO/ERO and shall file a copy with the Provincial Office.
2.04 To hold at least two meetings a year, one of which shall be the Annual Meeting for the election of District officers.
2.05 To elect at a meeting of the District or appoint by the District Executive, two Senators who, at provincial organization expense, will represent the District at Senate Meetings that are called by the President of the provincial organization.
2.06 To send District Observers at District expense.
2.07 To establish standing and special committees, to appoint chairs, to ratify their terms of reference, and to require a financial statement from a committee chair whose committee is receiving or spending money on behalf of the District.
2.08 To send to the Provincial Executive Director the Annual District Financial Statement.
2.09 To send to the Provincial Executive Director resolutions which have been passed at a general meeting of the District for Senate consideration.
2.10 To apply to the Provincial Executive for additional grants to promote special District programs that will strengthen or enhance the effectiveness of their District organization.
2.11 To review the names of District candidates presented by the Awards Committee for consideration as recipients of RTO/ERO pins.
Election of the District Executive:
2.12 The District Executive shall be elected for a period of one year, but an executive member's term of office may be extended for more than one term. If a vacancy occurs on the Executive, it shall be filled by the Executive following recommendation by the Nominating Committee.
2.13 Procedures ~ Nominations:
2.14 Resignation/Leave of Absence/Removal from Office:
Specific Duties of Executive Members:
2.15 Duties of the President:
2.16 Duties of the Past President and Vice-Presidents:
2.17 Duties of the Secretary and Treasurer:
(a) The duties of the Secretary are:
(b) The duties of the Treasurer are:
Article 3 - COMMITTEES: EXECUTIVE and STANDING
3.01 Executive Committees:
(a) Awards Committee:
(b) Nominating Committee:
(c) Resolutions Committee:
3.02 Standing Committees:
(a) Goodwill Committees:
(i) Goodwill - Cards
* To communicate with district members who are hospitalized, with those who are bereaved, and those who are celebrating special days;
* May serve as liaison between a district member and the Provincial Member Services Committee when there is a need for financial aid.(ii) Goodwill - Telephone
* To communicate annually with designated member groups in the district.
(b) Health Services and Insurance Committee:
To assist the Membership of the District with information and advice regarding the RTO/ERO Group Benefits Program;
To study and advise the District Executive of such proposals re health insurance, car insurance, and community housing, etc. as it may affect or be of interest to District members.
(c) Membership/Recruitment Committee:
To receive the membership lists from the Provincial Office;
To investigate and recommend to the Executive ways and means of increasing Provincial and District membership for both those soon-to-retire active teachers, and for those retired teachers who are not members of RTO/ERO.
(d) Communication Committees:
(i) Newsletter:
* To prepare and distribute a newsletter to the district membership at least twice annually.
(ii) Website
* To maintain and communicate information on behalf of District 24 in liaison with the Toronto District webmaster.
(e) Political Action Committee:
To spearhead political action on of behalf of seniors and retired educators in particular in anticipation of Federal and Provincial government initiatives;
To liaise with other organizations which express an interest in pursuing political action at the provincial and federal levels for seniors and retired educators.
(f) Programme Committee:
To plan activities such as golf, tours, trips, bowling, card games, slide and lecture programs and to arrange for members to organize these events
(g) Annual Meeting Committee:
To be responsible for all the arrangements of the Annual Meeting. Arrangements include such details as confirming location, food and beverages.
(h) Pension Committee:
To respond to the concerns of members about all issues related to the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.
(i) Archivist Committee:
To retain, store and catalogue past copies of minutes, newsletters, constitutions and other historical data of District 24, and so maintain a complete historical record of the organization.
(j) Service to Others Committee:
To co-ordinate all submissions and present them to the District 24 Executive for a decision as to which application will be forwarded to the Provincial Executive for Service to Others Grant consideration.
Article 4 - BANKING and FINANCE
4.01 The fiscal year shall commence on January 1 and shall terminate on December 31 of each year.
4.02 The President shall deposit or cause to be deposited all funds accruing to the District in an accredited financial institution in the name of the District.
4.03 All accounts payable and other disbursements made by the District shall be by cheque, signed by any two signing officers.
4.04 The signing officers shall be:
Article 5 - CONSTITUTIONAL SAFEGUARDS
5.01 Amendments to the Constitution
This constitution may be amended by the consent of two-thirds of the eligible district members voting at the Annual District Meeting provided that a suitable Notice of Motion has been sent to the members prior to the meeting; OR, by a 90% vote of the eligible district members voting at the Annual District Meeting, previous notice not having been given.
5.02 Interpretation
Nothing in this District Constitution shall be interpreted in a manner or in terms inconsistent with the Provincial Constitution, Bylaws and Policies of the Retired Teachers of Ontario; nor in a manner nor in terms prejudicial to the best interests of RTO/ERO.
5.03 Meeting Procedures
The current edition of the Sturgis Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure shall be the parliamentary authority used in the conduct of all meetings of RTO/ERO and its committees.