Sample Constitution

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Constitution of the ABC Gold Foil Seminar/Study Club

ARTICLE I - NAME OF OPERATION

Section 1. This group shall be known as the ABC Gold Foil Seminar/Study Club.

Section 2. The clinical activities of the seminar shall be directed and supervised by permanent directors as nominated by the Executive Committee, and elected by the members of the seminar at the annual meeting.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE - (goals)

The primary purpose of the seminar shall be the study of gold foil and its manipulation, with any other subjects coincident with the advancement of better dentistry in general, as may be selected by the seminar.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Membership shall be of three types:  Active, Privileged, and Honourary.

Section 2. Membership shall be limited to (number) members. (Dependent on facilities and capable instructors) (minimum number of members excluding mentor is 4 people)
Section 3. Membership shall be by (secret?) ballot and must be made by (unanimous?) ballot.  Only those who have demonstrated a definite interest shall be considered.

Section 4. Members must be members of organized dentistry (but not limited to 1 or 2 offices).

Section 5. Loss of Membership
1. Personal resignation in writing (with dues paid);
2. By 2/3 vote of membership (reasons may be: inappropriate conduct, malpractice, non-payment of dues, etc.);
3. Two unexcused absences in one year (acceptability of excuse shall be determined by the Executive Committee);
4. Arrears in dues.

ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS & DUTIES

Section 1. The officers of the club shall compose an Executive Committee consisting of:

President
Vice-Present
Secretary/Treasurer

Section 2. Election of officers shall be conducted annually by a majority vote by secret ballot at the annual meeting.

Section 3. The newly elected officers shall assume their offices at the annual meeting.

Section 4. Duties of the Officers

President
1. Preside at all meetings and maintain order;
2. Appoint committee(s) with consent of Executive Committee;
3. Decide tie votes;
4. Call special meetings;
5. Responsible for duties of all subordinate officers.

Vice-President
1. Assist the president;
2. Act when the president is absent.

Secretary/Treasurer
1. Take minutes at official meetings and keep records;
2. Collect and receive funds; 
3. Make disbursements with signature of president or vice-president;
4. Issue notices;
5. Furnish monthly reports to the Executive Committee.

Executive Committee (usually the elected officers)
1. Nominate the clinical directors;
2. Enforce by-laws;
3. Make a yearly audit of finances (or appoint auditing committee);
4. Conduct business not ordinarily handled by full membership.

ARTICLE V - FINANCES

Section 1. The dues shall be (dollars) per meeting whether member is present or not.

Section 2. Dues shall be payable one year in advance.

Section 3. Special assessment may be levied by only 3/4 vote of membership.

Section 4. Initiation fee may be considered.

ARTICLE VI

Section 1. The seminar shall meet monthly, except during the months of July, August, and December. The date of each meeting shall be the (number) day of each month.

Section 2. The meeting shall consist of an afternoon. Evening dinner meetings shall be held in conjunction with the afternoon operative meeting when deemed advisable by the Executive Committee (the dinner meeting component does not qualify for credit).

ARTICLE VII

Amendments shall be made by 2/3 majority vote of members present at any meeting, provided the said amendment shall have been presented at the previous meeting.