MICHIGAN SOCIETY
OF AMERICAN FORESTERS
Upper Peninsula & Lower Peninsula
Chapters
Article 1: Name, Objectives, Mission, and Vision
This organization is a unit of the Society of American Foresters (the Society) and shall be known as the "Michigan Society of American Foresters" (the state society), as provided in Article VI, Section I of the Constitution of the Society of American Foresters. The territory of the state society encompasses all counties in the state of Michigan. These bylaws are written in conformance with and operate under the authority of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Society.
The Society objectives shall be:
MISSION
The mission of the Michigan Society of American Foresters is responsible stewardship of our forests while meeting the vital needs of society.
VISION
Realizing that the health and use of forests is vitally important to society and that we, as foresters, have a technical and advisory role to play as spokesperson for these resources, we offer the following:
Article 2: Activities Limited to Exempt Purposes
No part of the net earnings of the state society shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members. trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the state society shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article 1 hereof. No substantial part (greater than 5% of the annual budget) of the activities of the state society shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and the state society shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. In the case of written or oral request from a governmental body, committee or subdivision, the state society shall provide technical assistance and advice providing the state society deems it appropriate to provide such assistance. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the state society shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by the organization exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
Article 3: Membership
Every member of the Society in good standing is entitled to membership in the state society in which the member has established a domicile. The domicile of a member shall be the member's home or residence, unless the member's place of business and professional affiliations lie within the territory of another state society, when, by notification in writing to the national office, the member may establish domicile with said other state society for the purpose of state society membership. An individual may be a voting member of and be eligible for office holding in only one state society, but may become an associate member of any other state society.
Only voting members, as defined in the Society's Constitution, in good standing, shall be entitled to vote on any question before the state society. Other members may attend any meeting of the state society and take part in the discussions, but shall have no vote. Members of a student chapter shall be entitled to vote only on any question before the student chapter.
Membership in the state society may be terminated by (1) voluntary resignation, (2) failure to pay National and state society dues, (3) expulsion from the Society for unprofessional conduct, or (4) transfer domicile to another state society.
Article 4: Dues
The annual dues of the state society shall be due upon receipt of the invoice, with the exception of Student Members who shall not be assessed. Dues shall be collected by the Society concurrently with collection of national dues and transmitted to the Treasurer of the state society.
Members who have not paid national and state society dues by March 1 shall be notified by the Society that they are in bad standing, and thus ineligible to vote, to receive Society publications, to be a candidate for office, or to hold office until the dues are paid.
A member who transfers to another state society and has paid annual dues in the state society from which the transfer is being made shall not be required to pay additional dues for the year of transfer and shall automatically become a member of the state society to which transferred for the remainder of the year.
New members admitted during the year shall pay pro-rata dues beginning with the quarter after the admission is accepted. No member shall be entitled to a return of fees or dues upon discontinuance of membership.
The Treasurer shall remit to each Chapter amounts as determined by the Executive Team.* Current amounts for each chapter are: $1.50 per member for the first 100 members, $1.40 per member for the second 100 members, $1.30 per member for all other members and for each student chapter, $.10 per student member.
Article 5: Officers
The officers of the state society shall include a Chair, a Vice Chair , an Immediate Past Chair, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Policy/Communication Coordinator, an Editorial Board Chair, a Membership Coordinator, a Science/Technology Coordinator, the Upper Peninsula Chapter Chair, and the Lower Peninsula Chapter Chair. Officers holding non-elected positions shall be appointed by the Chair with the approval of the Executive Team. These officers and such other officers as may be found necessary, shall be considered the core members of the Executive Team. Officers shall be voting members of the Society and the state society for the duration of their terms. Terms shall be for one year and commence on January 1.
The Vice Chair is elected for a one-year term and shall automatically become Chair for the subsequent term, and shall be ineligible for re-election to either office. The Secretary and Treasurer may be elected or appointed. The Secretary and Treasurer may be the same person.
The Chair, upon completion of the term as Chair, automatically becomes Immediate Past Chair for one term.
In the event the Chair is unable to complete the full term of office, the Vice Chair shall succeed and complete the unexpired term prior to serving the full term as Chair. Should this occur, the Executive Team by a majority vote shall appoint a replacement Vice Chair who shall assume the duties of the vacant office until the next regular election of officers. In the event the Vice Chair is unable to complete the term of office and succeed to the office of Chair, the Executive Team shall appoint an acting Vice Chair to serve until the next election at which time both a Chair and a Vice Chair shall be elected. Vacancies in the offices of Secretary and Treasurer shall be filled by the Executive Team.
Article 6: Duties and Responsibilities of Officers
The Chair shall be responsible for developing and continuing state society activities during the term of office and for organizing the membership toward meeting the mission and vision. The Chair shall preside at meetings of the state society; serve as Chair of the Executive Team and as ex officio member of all other core teams; oversee the business affairs, appoint, with the approval of the Executive Team, the standing teams and other special teams; act as the official delegate to the House of Society Delegates, or, with the approval of the Executive Team, appoint an alternate; and perform all other duties commonly incident to such office.
The Vice Chair, in the absence of the Chair, shall preside at state society meetings and act for and assist the Chair in conducting state society affairs, as may be requested by the Chair, and act as the Strategic Planning Coordinator.
The Immediate Past Chair shall act in accordance with the Immediate Past Chair's Charter. The Immediate Past Chair shall act as strategic plan reviewer, act as Chair of the Past Chair's Team, and shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Chair.
The Secretary shall act in accordance with the Secretary's Charter. The Secretary shall act as Chair of the Archival Team, shall serve as ex officio member and shall oversee and coordinate the activities of the Audit Team and the Teller Team. The Secretary or another officer as directed by the Executive Team shall conduct all state society elections and referendums which are not conducted by the national office of the Society; keep the minutes of the state society's meetings and send a copy to the Executive Vice President* ; conduct correspondence; announce meetings; send agenda for meetings to the Executive Vice President 30 days in advance when possible; and perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Team or Chair. The Secretary shall prepare and present at the annual meeting a report on the state society's activities, and shall provide a copy of the report to the Executive Vice President. The Secretary shall report to the executive Vice President adoption of and amendment to these bylaws,
The Treasurer shall act in accordance with the Treasurer's Charter. The Treasurer shall act as the Finance Team Chair and oversee and coordinate Forester's Fund activities in the state society. The Treasurer or another officer directed by the Executive Team shall act as custodian of the state society's accounting records and accounts; receive and deposit all monies and disburse all monies authorized by the Chair (or Executive Team) on behalf of the state society; and perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Team or the Chair. The Treasurer shall prepare and present an annual report of the state society's financial status, including an income and expense statement for the year's operations and a balance sheet as of the end of the Society's fiscal year, i.e. December 31. Upon certification by the Auditing Team, copies of the written report shall be submitted to the Chair and the Executive Vice President. The Treasurer, in response to an annual request from the Executive Vice President, shall provide all information required by the Internal Revenue Service Form 990 and, if the state society has unrelated business income, Internal Revenue Service Form 990-T. And, in the event that Internal Revenue Service reporting requirements are changed, the Treasurer shall provide the Executive Vice President the information required on any additional form of the Internal Revenue Service.
The Policy/Communication Coordinator shall act in accordance with the Coordinator's Charter. The Policy/Communication Coordinator shall serve as ex officio member and shall oversee and coordinate the activities of the Policy Team, the Communication Team, the Telecommunication Team, the Michigan United Conservation Club's (MUCC) liaison to the state society, the state society's liaison to MUCC, and the state society's liaison to the Michigan Forest Resource Alliance.
The Science/Technology Coordinator shall act in accordance with the Coordinator's Charter. The Science/Technology Coordinator shall oversee and coordinate activities of the Continuing Forestry Education and Certification Coordinator, the Internal Technical Programs Coordinator, the Canadian Institute of Forestry Liaison, and the state society's liaisons to universities.
The Membership Coordinator shall act in accordance with the Coordinator's Charter. The Membership Coordinator shall oversee and coordinate the activities of the Ethics Team, the Membership Diversity Team, the Membership Categories Team, the Students/Mentoring Team, the Recruiting/Reinstating Team, the Member/Leader Training/Orientation Team, the Nominating/Placing /Developing Team, the Member Services Team, the Awards Team, and the Membership at Large.
The Editorial Board Chair shall act in accordance with the Chair's Charter. The Editorial Board Chair shall oversee and coordinate the activities of the state society's Publisher, Publications Business Manager, Editor, and
additional personnel associated with the state society's publications.
The Upper Peninsula Chapter Chair and the Lower Peninsula Chapter Chair shall act to inform the Executive Team as to the chapters activities. Each chair shall be responsible for conducting one state society meeting each year.
Article 7: Elections
Election of officers shall be by letter ballot in October. The ballots shall be counted by December 1. Election results shall be reported to the national office not later than December 8.
Nominations made by the Nominating Team shall be transmitted to the Chair with a copy to the Secretary by
September 1. Nominations by the membership at large, if endorsed by at least 25 voting members in good standing and presented to the Secretary in writing by September 1, shall be included on the mail ballot.
The Secretary shall determine whether all nominees are voting members in good standing, eligible to hold state society office, and agreeable to serve if elected. The Secretary shall report to the Chair and Nominating Team the name of any nominee who falls to qualify. Further nominations, if necessary, shall be made by the Nominating Team by no later than September 15.
The Secretary shall mail or provide for mailing a letter ballot to each voting member in good standing in October. The ballots shall (1) state the offices to be filled, (2) list the names of the candidates for each office in alphabetical order, (3) show the closing date for receiving the ballots, and (4) be accompanied by a brief factual professional biography of each candidate and a return envelope or post card addressed to the Secretary, someone designated by the Secretary, or the Teller Team.
The outcome of all elections shall be determined by a plurality or simple majority of those voting. In the case of a tie vote, a run-off election shall be held within one month. The ballots shall be counted by the Teller Team who
shall promptly certify the results of the election to the Chair, the Executive Team, the Executive Vice President, and all candidates for office. Election results are to be provided to the National Office on or before December 8 of each year. The membership shall be informed of the election results as soon as possible.
Article 8: Standing Teams
Standing teams of the state society shall include, but not be limited to, the Executive, Past-Chairs, Archival, Audit, Teller, Finance, Forester's Fund, Policy, Communication, Telecommunication, Continuing Forestry Education & Certification, Program, Ethics, Membership Diversity, Membership Categories, Students and Mentoring,
Recruiting/Reinstating, Member/Leader Training/Orientation, Nominating/Placement/ Development, Awards,
Membership Services, Membership At Large, and Editorial Board. The Chair of the state society with the approval of the Executive Team, shall appoint a chair and members of standing teams, except as specified below for the Executive Team. Special teams may be appointed by the Chair, with the approval of the Executive Team.
member. The team shall act to identify and recommend services and opportunities that are not normally available to state society members.
team shall act to contribute to membership goals by handling special assignments as delegated by the Membership Coordinator.
The official publication, The Michigan Forester, of the Michigan Society shall be published at least once each year and preferably twice, each edition to be mailed to each state society member.
The Editorial Board Chair shall be appointed by the state society Chair to serve during the Chair's term of office.
Chapters are urged to appoint an official reporter and all members are encouraged to provide articles and new items.
Article 9: Appointments & Special Teams
With the approval of the Executive Team, the Chair shall make the following appointments:
A. (1) Michigan United Conservation Club (MUCC) Liaison to MISAF. The liaison shall operate in accordance with the liaison's charter. The liaison shall coordinate their activities with the Policy/Communication Coordinator.
(2) MISAF Liaison to MUCC. The liaison shall operate in accordance with the liaison's charter. The liaison shall coordinate their activities with the Policy/Communication Coordinator.
(3) MISAF Liaison to Michigan Forest Resource Alliance (MFRA). The liaison shall operate in accordance with the liaison's charter. The liaison shall coordinate all activities with the Policy/Communication Coordinator.
(4) MISAF Liaison to Canadian Institute of Forestry. The liaison shall operate in accordance with the liaison's charter and shall coordinate all activities with the Science/Technology Coordinator.
(5) MISAF Liaison to Michigan Technological University. The liaison shall operate in accordance with the liaison's charter and shall coordinate all activities with the Science/Technology Coordinator.
(6) MISAF Liaison to Lake Superior State University. The liaison shall operate in accordance with the liaison's charter and shall coordinate all activities with the Science/Technology coordinator.
B. Special Teams. The Chair and members of each authorized special team shall be appointed to serve for one-year terms, beginning January 1.
C. Other Appointments. Other appointments shall be authorized by the Executive Team and made by the Chair.
Article 10: State Chapters
A Chapter shall hold at least one meeting each year to retain its authorization. Chapter meeting notices shall be provided to state society and other chapter chairs.
The authorization for a Chapter may be rescinded by the Executive Team or upon the affirmative vote of at least 10 members of the Council* as specified in the Society's Constitution, Article VI, Section 4.
The officers of each Chapter shall include a Chair, a Vice Chair, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and such other officers as may be found necessary. The Secretary and Treasurer may be the same person. Chapter officers shall be voting members of the Society and shall be residents or employed within the boundaries of the Chapter for the duration of the term of office which shall be for one year, beginning January 1.
Chapters may adopt bylaws subject to the approval of the Executive Team and the Council, provided that no part thereof shall conflict with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Society.
A Chapter shall report promptly to the state society Chair and the Executive Vice President the election of Chapter officers, the adoption of Chapter bylaws and amendments thereto, and shall report at least once a year on the proceedings of the Chapter. Actions or recommendations of a Chapter on Society affairs will be transmitted to the Michigan Society for recommendation to the Council.
Student chapters shall be composed of Student Members and other Society members employed by an institution designated as SAF-accredited or as a candidate institution for accreditation or by an SAF-recognized forest technician school. Student Chapter officers shall serve for the school year.
Student Chapter officers shall be students or graduate students who are members of the Society.
Article 11: Meetings
The annual meeting of the state society shall be held at the time and place designated by the Executive Team with at least 30 day notice to the membership but not conflict with the annual meeting of the Society. Other meetings will also avoid such conflict. Joint meetings between state societies are encouraged.
At least one business meeting consisting of no less than five percent of the voting membership shall be held during the year to consider business of sufficient importance to require careful consideration by the membership at large. Business meetings may be held separately or in conjunction with the annual meeting of the state society and notification of such meeting, stating the nature of the business to be undertaken, shall be sent to the membership 30 days in advance of the meeting. Positions pertaining to state society policy shall be presented at the business meeting for discussion and, if approved by a majority vote, shall be submitted to all voting members by letter ballot, except as provided in the Society's Bylaws. All ballots must be returned for counting within six weeks. A simple majority of the votes cast shall be required for adoption. All adopted positions shall be transmitted to the Executive Team for appropriate action.
Other meetings as needed shall be scheduled by the Chair, with the approval of the Executive Team and may be open to friends of members and other interested persons for the exchange of ideas on subjects of interest to the profession of forestry. Resolution of gratitude, regret and other non-policy matters may be adopted by a majority vote of those present at these meetings.
Important business matters that cannot be delayed until the next business meeting may be submitted to the voting membership by mail ballot.
Article 12: Recall
Any officer may be removed from office for reason of misconduct, incompetence or neglect of duty providing such removal is approved by two-thirds vote of all members voting in a letter ballot. Such ballot may be initiated by the Executive Team on its own volition or it shall be required to conduct such a ballot if it receives a petition setting forth the points of contention and signed by at least two percent but in no case less than 10 of the voting members of the state society. Ballots shall be mailed and received by a member of the Executive Team as chosen by the team.
Article 13: Amendment of Bylaws
Amendments to these bylaws may be proposed by the Executive Team or upon written petition of a least two percent but in no case less than 10 of the voting members of the state society. Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the Executive Vice-President for approval prior to a mail ballot of voting members. Amendments of these bylaws shall require a two-thirds vote of the members voting.
Article 14: Assets
Michigan state society assets belong to the state society membership as a whole. In the event of division or merger of state societies, the assets of the parent state society shall be audited and allocated to the new state society(s) in proportion to the percentage of the voting members transferred.
Upon the dissolution of the Michigan Society, the Executive Team shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the state society, transfer all the assets of the state society to the Society, or dispose of all of the assets of the state society exclusively for the purposes of the state society in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Executive Team shall determine.
Adopted by the State Society
Members on September 9, 1980
Amended by Membership Referendum March 13, 1985
Revised by Membership Referendum November 1, 1996
By: _____________________________________, Chair
Howard J. Lindberg
Date: December 18, 1996
______________________________, Membership Coordinator
William Rockwell
________________________________, Teller
Richard Bolen
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Last update of this page was 05 April 2001.