Article 1: Name and Purpose
Section 1: In order to improve, aid and encourage competency in the art and practice of falconry among interested persons, we do hereby associate ourselves as a non-profit fraternal organization to be known as the Washington Falconers Association, hereafter referred to as "the Association."
Section 2: We further declare that our purpose is to provide communication among and to all members; to promote the scientific study of the raptorial species, their care, welfare, and training; to promote conservation of birds of prey and an appreciation for their value in nature and in wildlife conservation programs; to urge recognition of falconry as a legal field sport; and, to establish traditions which will aid, perpetuate and further the welfare of falconry and the raptors it employs.
Article II: Membership
Section 1: Any person who is a legal resident of the state of Washington holding a valid Washington falconry permit may become a Regular member of the Association.
Section 2: Any person not meeting the criteria of Section 1 of this article may become an Associate member or be appointed by the board of officers as an Honorary Member of the Association.
Section 3: Any organization having purposes similar to those of the Association may become an Affiliated member of the Association.
Article III: Organizational Authority and Responsibility
Section 1: Authority for the operation and management of the Association shall rest ultimately in the Regular membership. This authority normally shall be exercised by delegation, through the by-laws, to the officers, in accordance with the by-laws.
Section 2: The President shall be responsible to the Regular membership as an entity, and not to individual members thereof. The Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be responsible to the President, and the regional directors to their electorates within the Regular membership and to the President.
Section 3: The by-laws shall provide for the exercise of final authority by the Regular membership by prescribing procedures for Regular membership meetings. They shall provide further for mandatory submission of any matter to the Regular membership for vote by mail in response to actions of a "committee of the whole" at such a meeting, or to petitions from a representative number to the Regular members at any time. Such matters shall include, but not be limited to, removal of officers, proposed amendments to the constitution and by-laws, and dissolution of the Association.
Article IV: Officers and Committees
Section 1: Officers of the Association shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director-at-Large, Eastern Director, Central Director, Southwestern Director, and Northwestern Director. These officers shall be elected by the Regular membership. Other officers may be appointed by the President to provide for the efficient executive, administrative and financial management of the Association.
Section 2: The President may appoint such standing or ad hoc committees' as he considers necessary for the proper functioning of the Association.
Section 3: No officer or member of a committee of this Association shall receive compensation of any kind from Association funds or assets for services rendered, except for payment/reimbursement of legitimate expenses as approved by the Board.
Article V: Meetings
Section 1: A business meeting of the Regular membership, either in person or by mail, shall be held at least once every two years. Proxy voting may be permitted and voting by mail shall be permitted.
Quorums and percentages of the vote shall be prescribed in the bylaws.
Section 2: A business meeting of the Officers, either in person or by mail, shall be held at least once a year. Voting by mail shall be permitted. Quorum and percentages of the vote shall be prescribed in the bylaws. Proxy voting shall be permitted at the Officer's meetings.
Article VI: Bylaws
Section 1: Consistent with the provisions of this Constitution, the Regular membership shall establish and maintain By-laws governing the management and operation of the Association.
Article VII: Amendments
Section 1: Proposed amendments to this Constitution shall be submitted by the Officers in writing to all Regular members, not less than 20 days prior to voting.
Section 2: This Constitution may be amended by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Regular members who make a timely response to such proposed amendment, either in person or by mail.
Article VIII: Dissolution
Section 1: In the same manner as provided for amending this Constitution, the Regular membership may terminate the existence of the Association. Dissolution procedures shall be provided in the By-laws; provided that, upon dissolution, no member of any category shall receive all or part of the assets of the Association.
As of 04/28/90 (Revised 2113/92, 1/3 0/93, 717/97, 5/8/98)