Manitoulin Island Dark Sky Association (MIDSA)
CONSTITUTION / February, 2001
PREAMBLE
Since the beginning of time mankind has gazed up at the heavens. Our fascination with
this vast endless beauty of space has inspired us both as individuals and as a people.
We.ve fashioned timeless myths and legends and immortalized them as constellations.
We.ve navigated the globe by charting the stars, given birth to astrology and
astronomy, and formed theories on the fabric of space and time. We.ve explored our
planet, our solar system, and our universe, inspired by the natural beauty and mystery
of the night skies. But now, much of the natural wonder we once took for granted is
threatened. Increasingly throughout the world, our cities are ablaze with light so strong
it literally blots out the stars. In a great many parts of the globe, the night sky can be
seen as nothing more than a fuzzy, faded glow overhead. Northern Lights are invisible
to the naked eye. Our Dark Skies are endangered and quickly depleting as a global
resource.
Northern Ontario possesses an abundance of natural resources such as lakes, forests,
wildlife, geology and climate that all contribute to our unique natural environment.
Manitoulin Island, already quite a dark location owing to the surrounding water and
minimal development, is a natural environment for a .Dark Sky Sanctuary.. By simply
structuring By-laws to grandfather existing lighting systems, we could ensure that no
up-front costs or financial burdens be placed on the local populace and that any future
upgrade or development be mandated to adhere to a lighting code designed
specifically to prevent light pollution and maintain our .Dark Sky. environment.
Our mission is to preserve the beauty of the night sky for future generations by
establishing Manitoulin Island as a .National Dark Sky Sanctuary., and to provide
stewardship for this Sanctuary by establishing the Manitoulin Island Dark Sky
Association - a community-based organization dedicated to sharing the mysteries and
mythologies, the science and the wonder of the night sky.
Our Activities include;
- Lobbying Manitoulin’s First Nations and Municipalities to appoint by
Resolution, Manitoulin Island as a "National Dark Sky Sanctuary".
- Working with Provincial and Federal Government partners for their
endorsement and support of our concept.
- Providing a cooperative, strong lobbying voice to ensure that
Manitoulin’s Dark Skies are preserved and promoted on a global
level to increase regional Eco-tourism and recreation activities.
- Acting as a resource for participating First Nations and Municipalities
to develop Lighting By-laws and to assist with Conversion Projects.
- Setting goals for Conversion Projects, monitoring results and
reporting to respective stakeholders.
- Marketing and advertising Manitoulin Island as a "Destination" for
Science, Astronomy and Eco-tourism purposes.
- Working in conjunction with various government funding agencies,
charitable organizations, science and astronomy resources,
educational institutions etc. to achieve our goals.
ARTICLE 1: NAME
1. An association to be known as the .MANITOULIN ISLAND DARK SKY ASSOCIATION
(MIDSA). is hereby established.
ARTICLE 2: OBJECTIVES
1. To act as a volunteer not-for-profit organization to protect and promote one of our
greatest natural resources, our intensely dark night skies, by lobbying to have Manitoulin Island
designated as a "National Dark Sky Sanctuary" by means of Resolution to be adopted by all
Island First Nations and Municipalities.
2. The Association will identify, develop and/or facilitate a variety of initiatives
to help increase awareness of the value of dark sky preservation, while marketing Manitoulin
Island as a "Destination".
3. The Association will be structured to function on a Sponsor/Membership
basis, which may include preparation and submission of funding applications to various
organizations for assistance in the implementation of numerous special programs. An annual
Sponsor/Membership fee is structured to inspire individual membership, family membership,
business membership and corporate membership.
4. The Association itself shall be carried on without the purpose of financial gain for its
Executive members and any profits or other accretions to the Association shall be used in
promoting its objectives.
ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP
1. The membership of the Association will consist of:
Any person who pays to the Association the annual membership fees.
Only those who have paid the required fees will be entitled to vote at any meeting of the
Association.
2. Any person who has contributed to the good and welfare of the Association may be
elected an honorary member of the Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
members of the Executive present at a meeting.
3. An honorary member is eligible to vote, and is relieved of membership fees.
ARTICLE 4: OFFICERS
1. There shall be a President, Vice-President, and Secretary / Treasurer and two Directors
of the Association elected in accordance with the By-laws of the Association.
2. The first Officers of the Association are:
|
| President: | Rob Maguire (Nov 10, 2002) |
| Vice-President: | John Albers |
| Secretary: | Debbie Robinson (Nov 10, 2002) |
| Treasurer: | Sam Nardi (Nov 10, 2002) |
| Communications Director: | Mark Oldfield (Nov 10, 2002) |
| Star Party Manager: | Michel Simard (Nov 10, 2002) |
| Membership Director: | Debbie Robinson |
who shall hold office until their successors are elected in accordance with the By-laws of the
Association. |
ARTICLE 5: BY-LAWS
1. Such By-laws as may be deemed necessary for the proper operation of the Association
may be adopted by an affirmative vote of a majority of the voting members present at a meeting,
and may be amended in accordance with Article 6.
ARTICLE 6: AMMENDMENTSM
1. The Constitution and the By-laws of the Association may be amended on notice of
motion presented at a regular meeting of the Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of
the voting members at a meeting, provided that a copy of the notice of motion has been
received by the Secretary / Treasurer at least two days before a vote on the motion.
BY-LAWS
OFFICERS
1. The Officers of the Association shall hold office for a term of five (5) years, and be
elected by a majority vote of the voting members present at the annual general meeting to be
held in June of each year.
2. The Officers will hold their positions until their successors are elected.
3. Officers will be elected by a show of hands, or if requested, by ballot.
VACANCY
1. Where a vacancy occurs in any office for any reason, a member of the Association shall
be elected by the Executive to fill the vacancy, and the member so elected shall hold office for
the remainder of the term of his/her predecessor. In the case of a tie vote, the decision will be
taken to the membership.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. PRESIDENT
The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association and shall call special meetings at
the request of the majority of the Executive, or when he/she deems it necessary.
2. VICE-PRESIDENT
In the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall preside at the meetings of the
Association.
3. SECRETARY (Nov 10, 2002)
The Secretary shall keep a record in a minute book of the proceedings at each meeting of the
Association, and the names of the members and guests who attended at each meeting.
4. TREASURER (Nov 10, 2002)
A. The Treasurer shall collect and receive all monies due or owing the Association.
B. Shall deposit the funds of the Association in a chartered bank approved by the Officers
of the Association.
C. May make payments out of the funds of the Association on cheques or orders drawn by
him/her and countersigned by the President or Vice-President.
D. Shall keep books of accounts showing receipts and expenditures as required by the Bylaws.
E. Shall present an audited report of the receipts and expenditures as required by the Bylaws.
F. A petty cash fund shall be established and maintained for the purpose of purchasing
operating supplies such as office supplies, postage, etc. A detailed account of these purchases
will be reported along with the other receipts and other expenditures.
5. COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR (Nov 10. 2002)
The Communications Director shall lead all official presentations, develop news releases,
oversee development of marketing materials and be responsible for maintenance of the MIDSA
website.
6. STAR PARTY MANAGER (Nov 10, 2002)
The Star Party Manager shall organize and oversee all aspects of the Great Manitou Star Party.
7. MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR (Nov 10, 2002)
The Membership Director shall organize and implement various membership expansion
activities and maintain accurate records of MIDSA membership standings.
DIRECTORS
1. Directors will chair a permanent committee.
Directors will present activity reports to the membership at the regular meetings.
2. The official year-end of the Association will be April 30th. (Nov 10, 2002)
3. Two auditors will be appointed at the first meeting in each year by a majority vote of the
voting members of the Association present at the meeting. These auditors will then serve for the
next year.
4. The auditors report shall be presented at the annual general meeting in June.
COMMITTEES
1. There shall be an Executive Committee composed of the Officers of the Association.
2. A Membership and Publicity Committee or other special committees may be appointed
by the President or established by majority vote of the voting members present at a regular
meeting of the Association, and the President is an Ex Officio member of every such committee.
MEETINGS
1. Regular meetings of the Association shall be held quarterly throughout the year.
2. Notice of special meeting shall be given two days in advance.
3. Between meetings the general management and control of the affairs, funds, and
property of the Association shall be vested in the elected Executives of the Association, subject
only to the Constitution and decisions taken by majority vote of members present at a meeting.
QUORUM
1. A quorum consists of two-thirds of the membership of the Executive.
VOTING
1. Except as otherwise provided, at meetings of the Association, the votes of the members
shall in the first instance be by a show of hands, but any member of the Association may
demand a ballot.
FEES & DONATIONS (Nov 10, 2002)
1. The annual membership fee for each member is payable at or before the annual general
meeting in June each year and the rate including GST is as follows:
| Individual (Stellar): | $15.00 |
| Family (Constellation): | 30.00 (March 1, 2003) |
| Business (Galaxy): | 45.00 (March 1, 2003) |
| Corporate (Cosmic): | 210.00 |
| Honourary (Aurora): | One-year Complimentary (March 1, 2003) |
| Honourary (Celestial): | Lifetime Complementary |
Any donations received by the Board will receive a charitable receipt. Promoters of the Great
Manitou Star Party will receive a free membership for one year and will be designated as a
"Meteor Member".
INACTIVE OR DISBANDING OF THE ASSOCIATION
1. In the event that the Association disbands, or becomes inactive, the Secretary /
Treasurer on a majority vote of the Officers, must turn over the balance of the funds of the
Association to any future organization or association formed for the purpose of raising funds for
protection and promotion of the night skies on Manitoulin Island. In the event that another
association is not formed, the Executive shall insure that any remaining funds be allocated to
another charitable organization on Manitoulin Island.
LAPSE OF MEMBERSHIP
1. Membership in the Association will lapse June 30th, upon non-payment of membership
dues.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
1. The following .Rules of Order. shall govern the meetings of the Association in all cases
in which they are not inconsistent with the Constitution and By-laws of the Association.
Roll Call (recording of those attending meetings)
Review and Approval of Agenda
Minutes of the Last Meeting
Business arising from Minutes
Executive Reports
New Business
Next Meeting
Adjournment
This Constitution was presented to, and accepted by the members of the Association at a
meeting held on February 9, 2001 and becomes effective as of that date. Any changes or
amendments to the Constitution will have the date of the amendment in brackets
following the item.
