Bylaws


 

ARTICLE I: Club Name: The name of this club shall be the ' Alaska Extreme Fourwheelers.'

 ( Abbreviated as : AKX4WD)

ARTICLE II:
Club Purpose: This shall be a non-profit organization for the purpose of social, recreational, and educational activities; to enjoy and protect our natural resources; to enjoy family oriented outdoor activities; and to foster the enjoyment of our four wheel drive vehicles.

ARTICLE III: Membership:

Section 1.
Applicants for membership must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Be the owner or co-owner of a 4WD vehicle.

2. Possess a valid drivers license. (For public road portion of trail runs).

3. Maintain minimum PL or PD insurance, unless you don't use your vehicle on club functions, or your vehicle is for competition purposes only.

4. Attend 2 (two) club meetings during the six months prior to application. Applications will be considered for membership during the 3rd (third), (or later), club meeting.

 

5. Participate in at least 2 (two) club runs within the same 6 (six) month period as above where the prospective member is the primary operator of their own four wheel drive vehicle. The prospective member must then be nominated for membership by at least 3 (three) members having been on 1 (one) or more of the qualifying outings with the prospective member.

 

6. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply:

                a. Club run - A trail run with at least 2 club members in attendance, is scheduled at a regular club meeting, and has a set trail boss.  The qualifying runs must be on two separate trails and the run shall attempt to complete the traditional end of the trail.

 

                b. Nominated - A nomination will consist of a brief description of the traits observed in the prospective member during outings with them and a recommendation for the prospective member to become a full member of Alaska Extreme Fourwheelers.

 

7. Any prospective member under the age of 18 years old must have written permission from their parents or guardian stating the 'Alaska Extreme Fourwheelers' Club or any member of 'Alaska Extreme Fourwheelers' will not be held responsible for any injuries or damages to said minor or said minor's vehicle.

Section 2. Prospective members must be approved by a simple majority of the voting members present at the regular  meeting where  8 (eight) of more voting members are present.

Section 3. When accepted, the new member must pay any unpaid membership dues.

Section 4. To maintain membership, members must retain ownership or co-ownership of a 4WD vehicle. In case the vehicle is sold, 90 (ninety) days will be allowed in which to replace it with another 4WD vehicle.

Section 5. Members must attend 2 (two) club sponsored activities in any 12 month period.  The Board of Directors shall notify a member 30 days prior to 12 months of inactivity.  If the member does not participate in the requisite number of club sponsored activities the member shall be removed from the club roster 30 days after the 12 month period has expired and will no longer be entitled to the rights and privileges as provided by being a member of this organization.

 

Section 6. Members whose dues are not paid in full shall have no rights and privileges as provided by being a member of this organization.  If a members dues are not paid 30 days after renewal date the member shall be removed from the club roster.

 

Section 7. Members with extenuating circumstances as determined by the Board of Directors shall be excused from the requirements of ARTICLE III Section 5 and ARTICLE III Section 6 to be considered a member in good standing.

 

Section 8. Members who have been removed from the club roster due to inactivity or unpaid dues as described in ARTICLE III Section 5 and 6 wishing to be reinstated in the club shall be held to the application process of a new member.

Section 9. There are 3 (three) classifications of membership and voting. Member must be present to vote. No proxy votes will be allowed.

* Family Membership 2 (two) votes, 1 (one) vote each. Both must be present to vote.
* Individual Membership, 1 (one) vote.
* Associate Membership, no (zero) vote.

ARTICLE IV:
Associate Membership

Section 1.
Associate membership is available to individuals who desire to belong to 'AKX4WD’, but for varied reasons can't attend regular club meetings or participate in club functions, or don't own a 4WD.

Section 2. All rules pertaining to membership shall apply to an associate member with the following exceptions: An associate member will not be required to comply with ARTICLE III, Section 1 par. 1 and 4, and ARTICLE III, Section 4 . Associate members shall be recommended by a member, (in good standing), of ' Alaska Extreme Fourwheelers'.

Section 3. An associate member shall be required to pay the annual dues for a membership as specified in ARTICLE V.

Section 4.
Associate members must abide by the rules set forth in ARTICLE III, Section 1, par.2.

Section 5.
Prospective associate members must be approved for membership as stated in ARTICLE III, Sections 2, 3, and 5.

Section 6. Associate members may participate in all club events, but must abide by the Code of Conduct and Trip rules as specified in ARTICLE VI.

Section 7. Associate members at no time have the right, personal or otherwise, in any funds or property belongings to the 'AKX4WD' Club.

Section 8. Associate members can at no time hold an Elected position within the club.

ARTICLE V:
Dues

Section 1.
Dues will be $40.00 for both Family and Individual membership per year. Payable at next scheduled club meeting following new member vote-in.

Section 2. Dues are to include the following:

1. Membership in ' Alaska Extreme Fourwheelers'.

2. Membership in 'United Four Wheel Drive Associations, Inc.' (UFWDA)

3. 2 (two) ' Alaska Extreme Fourheelers' Club stickers.

 

4. 2 (two) ‘UFWDA’ stickers

 

5. 1 (one) Membership Card

Section 3. Annual dues of $40.00 are due annually based on the date last paid.

ARTICLE VI: Code of Conduct and Trip Rules

Section 1.
All members must conduct themselves in a respectable and orderly manner. Any member disgracing the club will be subject to dismissal. Formal charges, in writing, may be brought against such a member, and the general membership will be advised of the reason for dismissal. A 2/3's (two-thirds) vote from the members present at a regular or special meeting, will sustain dismissal. If a special meeting is called for this purpose, members will be advised at least 2 (two) weeks in advance.

Section 2. Members will be responsible for their guests, and families.

Section 3. All decals and insignias referring to membership in the ' Alaska Extreme Fourwheelers' are the sole property of said club.

Section 4. A resigned or dismissed member will be required to remove any and all decals and insignias referring to membership in the ' Alaska Extreme Fourwheelers' and return them to the Board of Directors.

 

Section 5. Trip rules will be adhered to at all times:

1. IF YOU HAUL IT IN, YOU HAUL IT OUT. Don't throw away litter or bury trash.

2. Use extreme care with cigarettes and matches. Prevent fires by using ashtrays and maintaining your vehicles’ exhaust system.

3. No motorcycles allowed in immediate camp area.

4. Drinking of alcoholic beverages while driving on or off road will not be condoned.

5. Pets must be controlled by their owners at all times.

6. When travelling in a caravan, day or night, turn on your headlights to make it easier for the vehicle ahead to see you. Always keep the vehicle both ahead and behind in sight. If the vehicle behind you stops, stop and assist him/her, except on a freeway, then proceed to the next off ramp and let the Tail Gunner, (last man), stop and assist.

7. Don't drive over plants or soft meadows or anywhere damage to the terrain may occur. Remember the property we use usually belongs to someone else. In other words TREAD LIGHTLY!

8. The Trail Boss is in charge of the run. Cooperate with him/her and obey their orders. The Trail Boss has the ultimate authority on all runs.

9. If you must leave the caravan for any reason, notify the Trail Boss immediately.

10. Outdoor restroom stops will be handled with common sense, "Men to the Left, and Women to the Right", unless otherwise instructed by the Trail boss.

11. Profane language should be limited and used with discretion.

ARTICLE VII: Vehicle Equipment:

Section 1.
The following equipment is required for all vehicles on all runs. It is the Trail Boss’ job to spot check vehicles prior to the start of the run. There will be a $1.00 fine for each item not carried. Only applicable to club members. Fines will go to the treasurer.

* PL or PD Insurance.
* Fire Extinguisher.
* Roll Bar. (Exception to this requirement are those vehicles having a steel utilized structure).
* First Aid Kit.
* Tow Rope or Winch
* Safety Belts, one for each person traveling in the vehicle.
* Spare Tire, Jack, and Lug Wrench.
* Tow Hook or Strap Attachment Point (front and rear)

* Pair of Leather Heavy Work Gloves.

* Citizens Band (CB) or Family Radio Service (FRS) Radio.

Section 2. Recommended, no fines imposed.

* Shovel with at least a 5" x 7" blade and 12" handle.
* Axe, Saw, or Hatchet.
* Highway Flares (3).
* One Gallon Bucket.
* Pair of Hip or Chest Waders.

Section 3. No Exceptions, these are required.

* Headlights.
* Tail Lights/Brake lights.
* Windshield Wipers.
* Spare Tire.

ARTICLE VIII: Officers and their duties

Section 1.
President
1. Shall exercise general supervision of the club.
2. Shall conduct membership and Board of Directors Meetings.
3. Appoint all committees and the committees are responsible to the President.
4. Sign checks in the absence of the Membership Coordinator/Treasurer.

5. Shall petition for vote at regular meetings associate members seeking full membership status.

6. Shall count and record results of all club votes.

7. Other work as required.

8. If a club officer position becomes vacant, the President shall temporarily assume their duties.

Section 2. Vice-President

1. Shall organize and promote club trips and clean-up events.
2. Shall appoint Trail boss for each run.
3. Act as President in the absence of the President.
4. Other work as required.

 

Section 3. Membership Coordinator/Treasurer

1. Sign checks as necessary.
2. Handles all club finances, using a financial ledger.

3. Shall except and record all membership applications, and keep Membership Roster up to date.  Roster to include members’ mailing addresses, phone numbers (cells and home if applicable), email addresses, and dues payments.

4. Notifies members if dues payments are past due.

5. Maintain a list of emergency contacts.

6. Issue membership cards to members.

7. Other work as required.

Section 4. Secretary
1. Handles club correspondence.

2. Keep a schedule of all planned club events
3. Records club attendance records.
4. Other work as required.

 

Section 5. Sergeant at Arms
1. Stores club properties not responsible to other club officers.

2. Shall maintain meeting composure and parliamentary procedure during meetings.

3. Shall be responsible for all past, present, and upcoming information pertaining to land closure, land use, and land openings.

4. Other Duties as required.

 

Section 6. The Board of Directors shall appoint the Public Relations and Webmaster position on an annual basis.  Other appointed positions shall be created by the Board of Directors when necessary (as determined by the Board), such as Coordinators for large club events.  When an officer fulfills the Webmaster position, that officer shall be excused from some of their duties as stated in Section 1 through Section 5.

Section 7. In the event of a vacancy in a club office, the vacancy will be filled by appointed and a majority vote by the Board of Directors. Exception, the Vice President shall replace the President.

Section 8. Vehicle Inspections will be preformed by at least 2 officers or other competent members appointed by the Board of Directors on first time vehicles and periodically on membership vehicles to ensure that all required equipment is functioning properly. Any vehicle found lacking any of the required equipment from article VII Section III may be refused participation in any club run until such items are required.


ARTICLE IX: Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall consist of the officers of the club. They shall handle all club business, and will serve at the pleasure of the membership.

ARTICLE X: Meetings

Section 1. Meetings will be held biweekly, and will be held on a specified date and time determined from the previous meeting.

Section 2.
Board of Directors meetings will be called at the request of the President or other Members.

Section 3. Under extraordinary circumstances, a ‘Special Meeting’ of the membership may be called by the President.  A minimum of 1(one) week notice must be given.

ARTICLE XI: Elections

Section 1.
Election of Officers will be done at the regular January meetings.

Section 2. The President shall solicit nominations prior to the first regular January meeting. Candidates shall be presented to the membership at the first meeting in January.

Section 3. New Officers will assume their duties immediately following election.

ARTICLE XII: Recall

Any office of the club may be recalled by 2/3 (two-thirds) vote of all the membership.

ARTICLE XIII: Parliamentary Procedure

Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall be the authority for the Parliamentary proceedings at all business meetings, except where they may conflict with the By-Law's of the ' Alaska Extreme Fourwheelers'.

ARTICLE XIV:
By-Law Changes

Section 1.
By-Laws can be changed by a 2/3's (two-thirds) vote of all members present at a meeting.

Section 2. By-Law change proposals must be submitted in writing to the President/Membership Coordinator.

Section 3. By-Law changes will be presented to the membership at the next club meeting.

Section 4. By-Law changes become effective immediately following approval by the membership.

ARTICLE XV: Club Funds

In the event of disbandment of the 'Alaska Extreme Fourwheelers', all club Money's shall either be donated to the 'United Four Wheel Drive Association, Inc.', or used to fund a final club function or farewell dinner as determined by the membership.

 

By-Laws updated on 7 November 2002

Misprint correct 19 February 2003

By-Laws updated on 5 February, 2004