Article I: Membership and Due
Article I: Section 1: Membership categories and criteria
A. Regular Membership. Any resident of Washington State and holding a valid Washington state falconry permit may be a Regular member of the Association.
B. Associate Membership. Any person may become an Associate member, provided that person is not eligible for Regular membership.
C. Affiliated Membership. Any reputable organization (incorporated or unincorporated, local, regional, national or international) having purposes and objectives complementary to, similar to, or allied with those of the Washington Falconers Association (hereinafter referred to as the “Association”), may become an Affiliated member. The Board is to determine, at their discretion, whether an applicant meets these qualifications.
D. Honorary Membership. Any person of good moral character may become an honorary member. The Board is to determine Honorary membership based on its own discretion and criteria.
Article I: Section 2: Admission to Membership
A. Admissions. Admission to all categories of membership shall be within the discretion of the Board. For the denial of any person or organization to membership, a concurrence of two-thirds (rounding up) of the board members shall be required.
B. Applications. Regular, Associate, and Affiliated membership shall, prior to acceptance, tender current dues. Any application form shall include the applicant’s mailing and emailing addresses, which shall be used for all purposes. Otherwise, any application process or dues or lack thereof, is to be determined by policy of the board.
C. Honorary membership shall be awarded in accordance with criteria and in numbers to be determined by the Board.
Article I: Section 3: Number and Duration of Memberships
A. Number. The number of regular, associate, and affiliate members is not limited by the bylaws. The Board may limit the number of honorary members to be consistent with criteria determined by the board.
B. Duration. The duration of each type of membership may be determined by the board by criteria they set.
Article I: Section 4: Privileges of Membership
A. Voting Members. Regular members and Honorary members (who would qualify as regular members), shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of the Association. Those rights that differentiate them include the rights to vote, to be informed of certain things, and to serve on the Board. The Board may also determine other privileges to be set aside for such members.
B. Non-Voting Members. Associate members, Affiliated members, and Honorary members (who would not qualify as regular members), shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of the Association under these By-laws, except the rights to vote, and to serve on the Board.
Article I: Section 5: Dues
A. Amount of Payment. Dues for Regular, Associate, and Affiliated membership shall be established and approved by the Board. All Honorary members shall be exempt from payment of dues.
B. Manner of Payment. Dues shall be payable to the Association, in the method approved by the Treasurer (or Policy of the Board), at the time of submission of application for membership.
Article I: Section 6: Mailing and Emailing Addresses
A. Addresses. It shall be the responsibility of each member to maintain a current mailing and emailing address on file with the Association at all times. Such addresses shall be used for all purposes within the Association, including mailing of Association publications and determination of residence for voting and election qualifications.
Article I: Section 7: Termination or Suspension of Membership
A. Resignation. Any membership may be terminated by resignation or death of the member (to include dissolution of the organization in the instance of Affiliated membership).
B. Automatic Termination. Regular, Associate, or Affiliate membership will terminate automatically if not renewed by payment of prescribed dues on or before February 28th of the new membership year. Or as otherwise decided by policy/rule/regulation promulgated by the Board.
C. Forceful Suspension and Termination. Any membership may be suspended or terminated for such cause and in such manner as, in the sole judgment of the Board, is in the best interests of the Association. If Regular membership is suspended or terminated by the Board there must be:
1. An affirmative vote of 75% or more of the total Board members,
2. A statement of the grounds for such action shall be sent by certified mail, postage prepaid, to such member at his/her address on file with the Association at least 30 days before such suspension or termination action is taken by the Board;
3. And, provided further that such statement shall advise the member of the scheduled date of Board action and that he/she, may prior to that date, submit to the Board for its consideration any matters in explanation, defense, extenuation or mitigation.
4. All previous clauses notwithstanding, a Board member’s Regular membership cannot be terminated or suspended against his or her will until they are removed from their position on the board first.
D. Authority. Actions by the Board with respect to suspension or termination shall be final and shall not be subject to ratification by or appeal to the Regular membership.
E. Suspension of Privileges. While in a suspended status, a Regular member shall not be entitled to vote or serve on the Board.
Article II: The Board
Article II: Section 1: Electorate, Qualifications, and Terms
A. Board Positions. The Board is made up of the following positions:
1. President
2. Vice President
3. Secretary
4. Treasurer
5. Director at Large
6. Western Regional Director
7. Eastern Regional Director
B. Electorate. The Board positions shall be elected by the Regular membership.
C. Qualifications. Directors and Officers must meet membership and residence qualifications as follows:
1. Membership. Board members must be Regular members of the Association.
2. Falconry license duration. Board members must have been licensed falconers (in any state) for a minimum of two years, at the time of their assumption of office, unless permission is otherwise granted by the Board.
3. Residence. Directors and Officers must be residents of the state of Washington.
D. Terms. The term of office of a Board member shall be for two years beginning January 1st.
Article II: Section 2: Election of the Board
A. Authority. The Board shall have general authority to plan for, schedule, and supervise the election of new Board members by the Regular membership. Voting procedures to be promulgated by the Board shall, among other matters:
1. Permit the completion of Regular elections not less than 30 days prior to the expiration of the affected incumbent’s terms.
2. Provide to all Regular members timely notice of both nominations and elections, and reasonable opportunity to nominate and vote.
3. Ensure that each nominee is willing to accept the Office if elected. Active competition for election to Office shall be encouraged.
4. Ensure that the elections are conducted in a fair and equitable manner.
B. Procedure. Voting for Board members shall be by ballot, and voting by proxy shall be prohibited.
C. Timing. The elections of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary shall take place in even years to fill the positions that will start in odd years. The positions of Western Regional Director, Eastern Regional Director, and Director at Large will take place in odd years to fill the positions that start in even years.
D. Serving multiple positions. One Board member may serve in up to two positions on the Board simultaneously. A Board member serving in two positions still only has one vote on the Board.
Article II: Section 3: Responsibility and Authority of the Board
A. Scope. The Board shall have full control and supervision of the affairs of the Association.
B. Policies. The Board shall have full authority to make Polices. These Polices will consist of rules and regulations for the administration of the Association, consistent with the Constitution and Bylaws. Any such Policies shall be made available to Regular members or the public.
C. Responsibility. The Board shall ultimately be responsible to the Regular membership for the effective and efficient operation of the Association.
D. Delegation. Within the discretion of the Board, it may delegate to any Board member such authority as it deems appropriate.
E. Contracts. In addition to the general powers conferred, the Board shall control and manage all funds and property of the Association, including specifically the appropriation and disbursement of its funds. It shall control and authorize the making of all contracts and purchases of the Association. By the authority of the Board, contracts in the name of the Association shall be signed by the President.
F. Debts. Unless specifically authorized by the Regular membership, the Board shall have no power or authority to spend more money than is in the treasury.
G. Fiscal Report. On or before October 31 annually, the Board shall prepare and publish to the Regular membership a financial report for the current calendar year. The report will detail money spent and earned that calendar year.
Article II: Section 4: Board Meetings
A. Timing. The Board shall meet, either in person or by use of the mail, phone, or virtually, upon call of the President at any time, but not less than twice each calendar year. The President or, in his absence, the Vice President, shall preside over all Board meetings, except as otherwise prescribed in these Bylaws.
B. Quorum. A quorum of two-thirds of the total board members (rounding down) is required for a vote to take place. For example, if there are seven board members in total, four will need to be present to establish a quorum.
C. Voting. The affirmative vote of a simple majority of those Board members present shall be required for action on any matter.
D. Proxy Voting. Voting by proxy shall be permitted, provided that proxy may only be given to a Regular member of the Association.
E. Notice. Not less than 14 days from the date of mailing shall be allowed to reply to any request for vote by mail or email. If the Board members meet in person, written notice shall be given to each Board member not less than 14 days prior to such a meeting.
F. Governing Rules. Board meetings, either in person or via other media, shall be conducted basically in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.
G. Presiding Officer. The President is the presiding officer during Board meetings. If the President is absent, the Vice President is the presiding officer. In the event, the offices of President and Vice President both shall be vacant at any one time, or if the Board is called to vote upon removal of President and Vice President from office as described in Article II, Section 5 of these Bylaws, the senior Board member in age shall function as presiding officer pro tempore until a new President and/or Vice President has been appointed, or a vote to remove the incumbent(s) has/have failed to carry, Board action under a presiding officer pro tempore shall be limited to the appointment of temporary Board members if necessary and voting on the appointment or removal of a President and Vice President.
Article II: Section 5: Termination and Removal of Board Members
A. Resignation. A Board member may resign. The following additional acts or omissions shall be equivalent to resignation:
1. A Board member’s Regular membership cannot be terminated against his or her will until they are first removed from their position on the board, but if they willingly terminate their own Regular membership, such termination will be considered a resignation of their position on the Board. It is also considered a willing termination of Regular membership if they choose to no longer be a resident of the State of Washington.
2. Failure to make appearances at three consecutive Board meetings can be considered resignation if a majority of the remaining Board members agree to consider it as such. The remaining Board members should inquire about and consider the reasons for the absences.
B. Absence from the State. Unreasonable absence of a Board member from the state of Washington as determined by the Board, can be cause for termination of his/her office. In reaching a decision in such cases, the Board shall consider, among other things, the duration of the absence and the effectiveness of the Board member’s communications with his/her constituents, as well as his/her responsiveness as a member of the Board during his/her absence.
C. Removal by vote. A Board member may be removed from office under the following process (this process can only occur to a Board member once per calendar year):
1. Petition. Removal is started by a written petition signed by a minimum of twenty percent of the Regular membership
2. Timing. Within 14 days of receipt of such petition, the Board shall submit the petition to the Regular membership for vote. Notice of such petition and a ballot shall be mailed to each Regular member not less than 14 days prior to the last day on which votes will be accepted.
3. Participation. More than 50% of the membership must respond for the removal to take affect.
4. Vote. If more than 50%, of those the votes cast, favor removal, the Board member will be removed.
D. Vacancies. If vacancies in the Board occur in any manner other than by expiration of term of office, then the remaining members of the Board, by majority vote, may fill the vacancy temporarily, by appointment from the eligible Regular membership. Such temporary appointment shall continue only until the next regularly scheduled election, at which time the position shall be filled by the normal election process.
Article II: Section 6: Submission to Regular Membership.
A. Submission to Regular Membership. Within the discretion of the Board, any matter may be submitted to the Regular membership for vote. In such an event, the Board shall be bound by the resulting vote of the Regular membership upon the issue(s) submitted.
B. Petition by Regular Membership. Upon the written petition of ten percent of the Regular members, or a majority of the Board, any matter, including but not limited to proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws, shall be submitted to the Regular membership for vote. The Board shall be bound by the resulting vote of the Regular membership.
Article II: Section 7: Duties of Board Members
A. President. The President shall:
1. Call and preside at all Board meetings and meetings of the Association, except as otherwise prescribed herein.
2. Be responsible for the planning and presentation of all matters requiring Board action or action by the Regular membership, and the expeditious processing of such matters to a conclusion.
3. Conduct Association business in accordance with Policies set by the Board and shall perform such further acts and duties as may be prescribed by the Board.
B. Vice President. The Vice President shall:
1. In the absence of the President, or in the event of his/her death, disability or inability to act, as confirmed by the Board, shall perform all acts and duties of the President.
2. Assist the President as required.
3. Perform such other and further duties as may be prescribed by the Board or by the President.
4. Be responsible to set up and conduct all field meets of the Association, particularly the one major meet, which shall be held in the fall.
C. Secretary. The Secretary shall:
1. Give or cause to be given notice of all meetings.
2. Keep minutes and/or other records of all meetings.
3. Keep records of all actions taken by the Board.
4. As directed by the Board, conduct correspondence on behalf of the Association, and maintain records of such correspondence; and, maintain records of such other official correspondence of the Association.
5. Maintain a complete file of all Association publications.
6. Maintain all Association files and non-financial records which are necessary for the conduct of Association affairs for not less than 3 years. Upon the approval of the Board, the Secretary may purge all non-essential records greater than 3 years old.
D. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall:
1. Serve as custodian of all Association funds and property, and keep a strict accounting of all receipts and expenditures.
2. Collect and receive all monies due to the Association from whatever source.
3. Pay only such expenditures as have been authorized by the Board and are within the unappropriated budget balances.
4. Deposit all Association funds and securities in suitable checking and/or savings accounts protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), or similar organization; ensure that signature cards on file with the bank(s) bear the signatures of the President and the Treasurer, and ensure that the accounts are so restricted that the signature of the President or the Treasurer shall be required on all checks drawn thereon or withdrawals made therefrom.
5. Maintain proper accounting records of the Association, and upon 14 days notice from the Board, submit to the Board a current statement of receipts and expenditures and a statement of fund balances.
6. Ensure that the Association books of account are reviewed at the end of each calendar year and that a report of such review is furnished the Board on or before October 31, annually.
7. Issue membership cards, as appropriate; maintain complete lists and addresses of past and current members in all categories; and, when required, certify to the status of the memberships. The mailing address furnished the Association by the member and maintained on file by the Treasurer shall be used for all purposes, including mailing Association publications.
8. Maintain for sale to the membership and account for all surplus copies of Association publications and membership items such as pins, patches, etc., in accordance with Policies and at prices established by the Board.
9. Perform such other duties as the Board may direct, including a final audit when appropriate.
10. Retain all club financial records.
E. Director At Large. The Director At Large shall:
1. Provide general oversight of the WFA Cooperative Breeding Program (for the duration of this program’s existence).
2. Provide general oversight of apprentice related programs and concerns.
3. Document and report to Mewsletter and NAFA publications on WFA activities, such as summer picnics or WFA field meets.
4. Perform such other duties as the Board may direct.
5. Perform the duties of facilities inspection coordination under the relevant interlocal agreement with WDFW.
F. Western Regional Director
1. Represent the interests of falconers in the following counties:
A. Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Mason, Pacific, Wahkiakum, San Juan, Island, Kitsap, Thurston, Pierce, Lewis, Skamania, Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, and King.
2. Aid in the organization of and carrying out of Association events.
3. Attend board meetings and vote on board issues.
G. Eastern Regional Director
1. Represent the interests of falconers in the following counties:
A. Okanogan, Chelan, Kittitas, Yakima, Klickitat, Douglas, Grant, Benton, Ferry, Lincoln, Adams, Franklin, Walla Walla, Stevens, Oreille, Spokane, Whitman, Columbia, Garfield, and Asotin.
2. Aid in the organization of and carrying out of Association events.
3. Attend board meetings and vote on board issues.
Article III: Regular Membership Meetings
Article III: Section 1: Purpose and Scope of Regular Membership Meetings
A. Elections. Regular Members have to elect Board members every year. The meeting can be in person for that election or it can take place by mail or email.
B. Polls. Regular Membership Meetings can be used to poll the opinions of the membership on issues relevant to the falconry community.
C. Amendments to the Bylaws or Constitution. Regular Membership Meetings can be used to amend the Bylaws or Constitution.
D. Other Purposes. Regular Membership Meetings can be used for any other legitimate purpose that benefits the membership.
E. Membership Welcome. The Regular members are the only members that can vote at such meetings, but all types of members are welcome.
F. Time and Manner. Regular Membership meetings are to take place once a year to elect Board Members. The Board may choose to have more Regular Membership Meetings or expand the topics of said meetings. The President may choose to have the meetings in person or by mail or email.
Article III: Section 2: In-person Regular Meetings
A. Time and Place. The Regular membership may meet physically once a year, upon the call of the President.
B. Quorum. At a Regular Meeting, a quorum shall consist of not less than the nearest whole number greater than 20% of the Regular membership in good standing, represented in person or by proxy, or by written ballot sent by mail for voting on specific subjects previously made known to the Regular membership. Not less than 10% of the Regular membership must be present in person. A majority vote of a quorum shall control.
C. Committee of the whole. In the absence of a quorum, those present in person or by proxy at a Regular meeting shall function as a “Committee of the Whole”, to draft resolutions and proposals for submission to the entire Regular membership for a written vote. A majority of the Committee shall control.
D. Notice. Written notice of Regular meetings of the Regular Membership, to include time, place and general nature of the business to be transacted, shall be given each Regular member not less than 30 days prior to such a meeting; provided that such notice shall not be to any Regular member who shall waive notice in writing or who shall be present in person or by proxy or by written ballot and not object to the holding of such meeting, or who shall signify his consent to such a meeting by signing the minutes thereof.
E. Voting. The Board shall provide for proxy voting at Regular Meetings and, when appropriate for specific subjects, provide further for the use of written ballots by mail.
Article III: Section 3: Membership Meetings by Mail
A. Equivalency of mail or email vote. Any voting by mail or email in which ballots are provided to the entire Regular membership in good standing shall be equivalent to a Membership Meeting on the subject concerned.
B. Quorum. For the purpose of meetings held by mail, a quorum as such shall not be required. Except as provided for the establishment of dues and geographic regions, the provisions of Article II, Section 5 regarding removal of Board members, amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws, and Dissolution of the Association, a majority (over 50%) of the votes cast by Regular members responding in a vote by mail shall control.
C. Notice. The full notice of the issues involved in a vote by mail or email, including a ballot in which to record the vote, shall be mailed or emailed to each Regular members at his mailing or emailing address on file with the Association, not less than 14 days prior to the effective date for counting the ballots.
Article IV: Association Publications
Article IV: Section 1: Editors of Association Publications
A. Appointment. Editors of Association publications shall be appointed by the President from the Regular membership, with the approval of the Board, to serve at the pleasure of the Board.
B. Duties. Such Editors shall compile, publish, and distribute Association publications in conformity with operational and financial Policies determined by the Board.
Article IV: Section 2: The Mewsletter
A. Purpose. The internal informational organ of the Association shall be entitled “Mewsletter” and shall be in the form of a newsletter.
B. Timing. Mewsletter shall be published as frequently as the material is made available to the Editor(s), within fund limitations prescribed by the Board.
C. Distribution. It shall be distributed to all membership classes of the Association, but not to institutional subscribers, and otherwise at the discretion of the Board. The Mewsletter may be issued to members from the previous year, or to other licensed falconers who are non-members, to encourage recruitment. It may otherwise be mailed to such persons as the Board may specifically direct.
D. Other Publications. The Board may, from time to time, authorize the publication of certain informational, promotional or publicity matter for distribution within or outside the membership, when such activity is clearly in the best interest of the Association.
E. Copyright. The Mewsletter and such other Association publications as the Board may determine to be appropriate shall be protected by copyright in accordance with applicable law and regulation. The Editor of each publication to be copyrighted shall be responsible for compliance with copyright requirements.
Article V: Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws
Article V: Section 1: Process to Amend
A. Procedure. The Constitution and/or these Bylaws may be amended only by a Regular Membership Meeting as described in Article III.
B. Notice. Written notice of such meeting, the proposed amendment, the contents thereof and ballot shall be mailed or emailed to each Regular member in good standing at his address on file with the Association, not less than 14 days to the day fixed for counting ballots.
C. Vote. An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Regular members responding in a vote by mail or email shall be required for amendment. Proxies shall not be authorized.
D. Quorum. There is no quorum needed to amend the Constitution or Bylaws.
Article VI: Dissolution
Article VI: Section 1 Before Dissolution
A. How to Dissolve. In the same manner, as provided for amending the Constitution and the Bylaws, the Regular membership may by affirmative vote dissolve the existence of the Association immediately or at a future time certain.
Article VI: Section 2 After Decision to Dissolve
A. Wind up. In the event the Association is dissolved as provided above, or in the event of dissolution of the Association by operation of law or in any matter, the Board shall forthwith proceed to wind up the affairs of the Association. All property and assets of the Association, including accounts receivable, if any, shall be reduced to cash or other suitable disposition made, and all outstanding Association debts, obligations, or liabilities shall be satisfied insofar as assets of the Association permit.
B. Distribution of Assets. When the above requirements have been satisfied, the Board shall dispose of the balance of cash, if any, and any other property, in such manner and to such organization or organizations operated and organized principally or exclusively for charitable, ecological, educational, scientific or wildlife conservation purposes as shall, at the time, qualify as an exempt organization under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or the corresponding provision of any subsequent United States Internal Revenue Law which may be in effect, as it may determine appropriate.
C. Accounting. A full and general accounting of the dissolution shall be given by the Board to the Regular membership.
(Revised 2/13/92, 1/30/93, 7/7/97, 5/08/98, 11/06/10, 6/4/25)