CONSTITUTION of the RAPTOR CONSERVATION GROUP
1. Name
1.1The organization hereby constituted will be called the RAPTOR CONSERVATION GROUP.
1.2 Its shortened name will be R.C.G. (hereinafter referred to as the organization)
1.3 Body corporate
The organization shall:
- Exist in its own right, separately from its members.
- Continue to exist even when its membership changes and there are different office bearers.
- Be able to own property and other possessions.
- Be able to sue and be sued in its own name.
- Have as its figurehead ‘Rocky’ the Staffordshire.
- Have a management structure in order of seniority, from junior to most senior grades (ref: 6.5).
2. Objectives
(a) The organization’s main objectives are to:
1. Encourage the conservation of planet Earth.
2. Create, and act, on various strategies to combat environmental degradation in general.
3. Educate people and communities all around the world on the importance of conserving both flora and fauna; our seas, land, skies, and natural environmentally sensitive areas.
4. Provide funding for environmental projects and save species under threat by man.
5. Gather intelligence on all aspects of poaching, environmental degradation, and how man can save the planet he inhabits along with a myriad of other life forms.
6. Be a catalyst for massive conservation areas to be put aside in perpetuity and not to be developed at any time in the future.
7. To stop the destruction of species around the world.
8. To stop the mass extinctions that are taking place due to man, his pollutants and his unconscionable acts to lesser creatures and their habitats. Especially, but not limited to, as regards the litter, that pollutes both land, oceans and seas, and air pollution from the overuse of coal and oil; and the use of fracking which releases methane as a by-product into the atmosphere. Other areas will include high pressure drilling, which is highly impactful to sea life and birds when pipes rupture; the use of pollutants that damage the ozone layer; toxic and heavy metals that are poisoning our seas and atmosphere; over-development of land for industrial and habitation uses etc.
9. Creating natural reserves in the oceans, seas, land and skies around the world.
10. Returning the oceans, seas, land and skies to their natural states.
11. Regenerating wildlife, fish stocks and bird life around the world.
12. Institute media programs to convince the human population of Earth not to overpopulate our planet and only have between 1-2 children per couple or remain celibate.
(b) The organization’s secondary objectives will be to:
1. Create awards for conservation work by deserving individuals, groups, NPO’s, NGO’s, governments etc, to promote conservation around the world.
2. Create media campaigns using all types of electronic and other platforms.
3. Work as the governing and oversight body for the various RAPTOR units around the world, and to offer direction to other conservation units in every country on Earth.
4. Create a series of medals for conservation work by individuals and organizations (RAPTOR in particular).
5. Highlight the damage governments, corporate entities, individuals and other groups are doing to our environment; for example waste and other pollutants on land, in our seas and in the air we breathe.
6. Create an International Environmental Criminal Court to bring those destroying the Earth and its life forms to justice.
7. Filming and exposing the environmental damage the human population has wrought upon the Earth and all its natural habitats, following, as-it-where, in Jacque Yves Cousteau’s footsteps by taking over where he left off.
8. To bestow Conservation and Environmental Awards and Medals on deserving individuals, corporate entities, groups etc., that have contributed to preserving and saving natural habitats; that have impacted in some manner on the preservation of our world’s natural places; that have contributed to environmental education etc.; that have served R.A.P.T.O.R. and RAPTOR CONSERVATION GROUP with distinction, loyalty and honor, doing their utmost for conservation in a manner above and beyond the call of duty. The Awards shall be:
Trophies (in various categories):- The International Environmental Award
The international Award for Conservation
Medals (in order of importance):- The Environmental Cross
The Conservation Star
The Medal of Valor
The Medal of Honor
The Distinguished Service Cross
The Distinguished Service Medal
The Exemplary Service Medal
For Exemplary Conservation Work
For Distinguished Environmental Service
The Environmental Accomplishment Medal
The Distinguished Conduct Medal
Medal of Merit
Long Service Award
10 Year Service Medal
5 Year Service Medal
Good Conduct Medal
9. RAPTOR CONSERVATION GROUP will bestow the rank upon individuals working for R.A.P.T.O.R. This will be done in consultation with the senior management committee and senior officers of R.A.P.T.O.R. Non-Commissioned officers and Lower ranks will be handled by individual R.A.P.T.O.R units.
10. RAPTOR CONSERVATION GROUP will hold disciplinary committees and a panel to remove or promote senior ranking officers. RAPTOR CONSERVATION GROUP will hold inquiries/panel into the fitness of senior R.A.P.T.O.R personnel and has the right to remove individuals after an inquiry if they are determined unfit for the position and rank that has been bestowed upon them.
11. RAPTOR CONSERVATION GROUP will be the oversight body of the various units of R.A.P.T.O.R and will act appropriately to see that the rules, regulations and conservation ideals are adhered to.
12. Each R.A.P.T.O.R unit will be affiliated to the RAPTOR CONSERVATION GROUP and will abide by the guidelines laid out by the Secretary of RAPTOR CONSERVATION GROUP, its Chairman and the managerial steering Committee. Each R.A.P.T.O.R unit will sign a declaration of fealty to RAPTOR CONSERVATION GROUP.
3. Income and property
3.1 The organization will keep a record of everything it owns.
3.2 The organization may not give any of its money or property to its members or office bearers. The only time it can do this is when it pays for work, intellectual property, property, goods or a service that a member, office bearer, associate member or employee has rendered, supplied or done for the organization, or, a salary, if the member or employee is working full or part time for the organization. The payment must be a reasonable amount for the work that has been done.
3.3 A member, associate member or employee of the organization can be reimbursed by the organization for expenses that he or she has incurred or paid for on behalf of the organization.
3.4 Members or office bearers of the organization do not have rights over things that belong to the organization.
3.5 The organization may cover insurance, health, medical, and, or, other expenses, of members, associate members or employees in, and for, the execution of their duties for the organization, or, as part of their employment package.
3.6 Members, office bearers, associate members or employees of the organization can have expenses for goods, travel, food, accommodation, uniform, training and other, paid for by the organization if it is related to organizational work or duties.
3.7 Members, office bearers, associate members, employees or others deemed worthy by the management committee may receive scholarships, bursaries and training, or, courses paid for by the organization if it is of a beneficial nature to the organization in order to achieve its aims and goals, and, to promote nature conservation and care of the environment, or, to keep members and employees at a high rate of proficiency.
3.8 The organization may purchase items needed by members, office bearers, associate members or employees for the execution of their duties for the organization. These remain the property of the organization. Certain items, for example, uniforms, may be reused by RAPTOR CONSERVATION GROUP, or, disposed of.
4. Membership and general meetings
4.1 If a person wants to become a member of the organization, she or he will have to ask the organization’s management committee. The management committee has the right to say no.
4.2 Members of the organization must attend its annual meetings. At the annual general meeting members exercise their right to determine policy of the organization.
4.3 Associate members are non-voting and do not have the rights of members but may suggest policy or strategy for the organization, which will be reviewed by the management committee or a sub-committee.
5. Management
5.1 A management committee will manage the organization. The management committee will be made up of no less than three members. They are office bearers of the organization.
5.2 Office bearers will serve for 6 years, but they can stand for re-election for another term in office after that. Depending on what kind of services they give to the organization, they can stand for re-election into office any amount of times. This is so long as their services are needed and they are ready to give their services. If they are not able to complete their terms in office, or, they resign, the management committee will then appoint another to fill the office until the annual meeting when another will be elected.
5.3 If a member of the management committee does not attend three management committee meetings in a row, without having applied for and obtaining leave of absence from the management committee, then the management committee will find a new member to take the person’s place.
5.4 The management committee will meet at least once a month. More than half of members need to be at the meeting to make decisions that are allowed to be carried forward. This constitutes a quorum.
5.5 Minutes will be taken at every meeting to record the management committee’s decisions. The minutes of each meeting will be given to management committee members at least two weeks before the next meeting. The minutes shall be confirmed as a true record of proceedings, by the next meeting of the management committee, and shall thereafter be signed by the chairperson.
5.6 The organization has the right to form sub-committees. The decisions that sub-committees take must be given to the management committee. The management committee must then decide whether to agree to them or not at its next meeting. This meeting should take place soon after the sub-committee’s meeting. By agreeing to decisions the management committee ratifies them.
5.7 All members of the organization have to abide by decisions that are taken by the management committee.
6. Powers of the organization
The management committee may take on the power and authority that it believes it needs to be able to achieve the objectives that are stated in point number 2 of this constitution. Its activities must abide by the law.
6.1 The management committee has the power and authority to raise funds or to invite and receive contributions.
6.2 The management committee does, however, have the power to buy, sell, hire or exchange for any property, materiel and services that it needs to achieve its objectives.
6.3 The management committee has the right to make by-laws for proper management, including procedure for application, approval and termination of membership.
6.4 The organization will decide on the powers and functions of office bearers.
6.5 The management committee will institute and bestow a grade for each member, office bearer, employee or trainee and any subsequent rise in grade the individual might attain, if applicable. If the individual is employed full or part time, the grade will be reflected in a pay scale decided upon by the management committee. Individuals will be graded by ability, experience, education, training within and outside the organization, and, seniority of position within the organization. The most senior position in RAPTOR CONSERVATION GROUP will be that of the CHAIRMAN of RAPTOR CONSERVATION GROUP, who will be the Presiding Officer in Charge.
6.6 The management committee has the power to purchase any intellectual property it requires to achieve the objectives of the organization.
6.7 The organization will take all steps necessary to preserve the health of its mascot and namesake (Rocky), and, perpetuate his existence for future generations of conservationists and the organization.
6.8 The management committee will make the final decision on the pay scale according to the grade of each individual, and, enforce proper operating standards, rules and regulations decided upon by the committee, for the smooth running of the organization, and, decide on meritorious or long service awards for any worthy individual.
7. Meetings and procedures of the committee
7.1 The management committee must hold at least two ordinary meetings each year.
7.2 The chairperson, or two members of the committee, can call a special meeting if they want to. But they must let the other management committee members know the date of the proposed meeting not less than 21 days before it is due to take place. They must also tell the other members of the committee which issues will be discussed at the meeting. If, however, one of the matters to be discussed is to appoint a new management committee member, then those calling the meeting must give the other committee members not less than 30 days notice.
7.3 The chairperson shall act as the chairperson of the management committee. If the chairperson does not attend a meeting, then members of the committee who are present choose which one of them will chair that meeting. This must be done before the meeting starts.
7.4 There shall be a quorum whenever such a meeting is held.
7.5 When necessary, the management committee will vote on issues. If the votes are equal on an issue, then the chairperson has either a second or a deciding vote.
7.6 Minutes of all meetings must be kept safely and always be on hand for members to consult.
7.7 If the management committee thinks it is necessary, then it can decide to set up one or more sub-committees. It may decide to do this to get some work done quickly. Or it may want a sub-committee to do an inquiry, for example. There must be at least three people on a sub-committee. The sub-committee must report back to the management committee on its activities. It should do this regularly.
8. Annual general meetings
The annual general meeting must be held once every year, towards the end of the organization’s financial year.
The organization should deal with the following business, amongst others, at its annual general meeting:
- Agree to the items to be discussed on the agenda.
- Write down who is there and who has sent apologies because they cannot attend.
- Read and confirm the previous meeting’s minutes with matters arising.
- Chairperson’s report.
- Treasurer’s report.
- Changes to the constitution that members may want to make.
- Elect new office bearers if applicable.
- General.
- Close meeting.
9. Finance
9.1 An accounting officer shall be appointed at the annual general meeting. His or her duty is to audit and check on the finances of the organization.
9.2 The treasurer’s job is to control the day to day finances of the organization. The treasurer shall arrange for all funds to be put into a bank account in the name of the organization. The treasurer must keep proper records of all the finances.
9.3 Whenever funds are taken out of the bank account, the chairperson and at least one other member of the organization must sign the withdrawal or cheque.
9.4 The financial year of the organization ends on the 31st March.
9.5 The organization’s accounting records and reports must be ready and handed to the director of Nonprofit Organizations within six months after the financial year end.
9.6 If the organization has funds that can be invested, the funds may only be invested with registered financial institutions. These institutions are listed in Section 1 of the Financial Institutions (Investment of Funds) Act, 1984. Or the organization can get securities that are listed on a licensed stock exchange as set out in the Stock Exchange Control Act, 1985. The organization can go to different banks to seek advice on the best way to look after its funds.
10. Changes to the constitution
10.1 The constitution can be changed by a resolution. The resolution has to be agreed upon and passed by not less than two thirds of the members who are at the general meeting or special general meeting. Members must vote at this meeting to change the constitution.
10.2 Two thirds of the members shall be present at a meeting (“the quorum”) before a decision to change the constitution is taken. Any annual general meeting may vote upon such a notion, if the details of the changes are set out in the notice referred to in 7.3.
10.3 A written notice must go out not less than fourteen (14) days before the meeting at which the changes to the constitution are going to be proposed. The notice must indicate the proposed changes to the constitution that will be discussed at the meeting.
10.4 No amendments may be made which would have the effect of making the organization cease to exist.
11. Dissolution/Winding-up
11.1 The organization may close down if at least two-thirds of the members present and voting at a meeting convened for the purpose of considering such a matter, are in favor of closing down.
11.2 When the organization closes down it has to pay off all its debts. After doing this, if there is property or money left over it should not be paid or given to members of the organization. It should be given in some way to another nonprofit organization that has similar objectives. The organization’s general meeting can decide what organization this should be.