The AOTS Constitution and Bylaws

The National Association of United Church AOTS Men's Clubs, (“The National AOTS”) was originally conceived as an association of men’s clubs.  The name AOTS (As One That Serves) is derived from the words of Jesus, “I am among you as one that serves” (Luke 22:27, K.J.V.).

Members of local men’s clubs are members of The National AOTS by virtue of their Club Membership.  Over time, men who did not have access to a local club were invited to join The National AOTS as Individual Members.

The original Rules of Government of The National AOTS consisted of the Constitution, the Bylaws, the Rules of Order, and the Standing Rules.  The Constitution was amended several times and the 1988 revision was published as a booklet that was widely available.  The Bylaws were revised in 1999; but were not widely communicated. The Rules of Order and Standing Rules were never adopted as operating documents.

The membership approved a new Constitution and Bylaws at the Biennial Convention of April 15, 2011.  The new documents strive to achieve effective administrative processes that are commensurate with the nature of the organization, and provide operating rules that reflect the current mode of operation.

In 2012, the Executive approved two Bylaw changes relating to the Role of Women in AOTS and membership fees.

The current Constitution and Bylaws facilitate flexible operations and effective decision-making in support of the AOTS aims.  The principles that make this possible are:

1.       The Executive is a small administrative body with national representation.

2.       The Executive focuses Officers and Committees on the priorities and needs of the organization.

3.       The Regional Council structure reflects the needs and interests of Clubs and Members in the region.

4.       A strong relationship with the Men‘s Ministries Network allows leveraging common resources.

 

The major elements of the Constitution are:

1.       The AIMS of The National AOTS are fellowship, spiritual growth, Christian Service and outreach to youth.

2.       Membership is open to both Clubs and Individual Members.

3.       The Executive is the AOTS administrative body. This body consists of 8 Officers elected at a National Convention and 3 members-at-large appointed by the Executive. The Executive is responsible for transacting all AOTS business that arises between National Conventions.

4.       The National Council serves as a consultative group to the Executive. The National Council consists of the Executive, Regional Council Representatives and Committee Chairs.

5.       The Executive is empowered to establish Committees as necessary to carry out assigned tasks.

6.       The President-Elect chairs a Visioning Team to prepare recommendations on the future direction of The National AOTS.

7.       The relationship between The National AOTS and the United Church of Canada (especially the Men‘s Ministry Network) is clearly stated.

8.       Regional Councils, composed of clubs in a designated region, support and assist the local clubs.

9.       The Rules of Order for all business meetings of the National AOTS are as published in the United Church Manual.

10.   The Constitution may be amended, subject to approval at a National Convention.

11.   The Executive is empowered to amend the Bylaws and is required to report Bylaw amendments to the next National Convention.

                       

The major elements of the Bylaws are:

1.       AOTS Membership categories are Club, Individual or National Life membership.

2.       Membership fees for each category of membership.

3.       New in 2012:  The Bylaws were amended to suspend membership fees for 3 years in favor of voluntary contributions to the Camp Improvement Project.

4.       The rights and privileges of Clubs and Membership.

5.       A new Bylaw in 2012:  Women may be invited to participate as members of local clubs.

6.       National Convention procedures.

7.       Officer responsibilities.

8.       Regional Council Representative responsibilities.

9.       Guidelines for establishing, operating and dissolving Committees.

10.   Financial Guidelines.

11.   Requirements for the AOTS Logo, Lapel Pins and the AOTS Flag.

12.   Miscellaneous procedures

  

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Contact information for, Executive Member-at-Large John Cooke

Telephone 519-869-2908

Address 1945 Huron Ave, Sarnia, ON N7T 7H4

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The Role of Women in AOTS

The National AOTS was originally constituted as an“organization of men” in the form of an association of men’s clubs. Over the years, men have benefited greatly from an organization that focused on their needs and spiritual growth. Men have given back immensely to their Church and community through AOTS service projects at the local and national level.

We will always be thankful for the impact of our unique men’s ministry.

We look forward to AOTS leadership in men’s ministry in the future.

However, it was the great Bob Dylan who in 1964 told us The Times They Are a-Changin'. AOTS Clubs, their members, and their Churches have changed remarkably. Most are facing questions about their future direction – some are tough, others exciting. Many are searching for new models for spiritual growth and service.

That search is causing some clubs to think about the role of women in AOTS. Some of the typical questions and comments are:

1. Is it okay for our club to invite women to participate in club programs or help with fundraising?
2. Most of our club members prefer programs that also involve their spouse or significant other.
3. If women participate in our club, does that make them AOTS members?
4. We are declining in numbers at our club. We joined forces with the UCW; but we feel obliged to withdraw from AOTS.
5. If we allow women to participate, can we continue our affiliation with AOTS? Must we give up our club charter?

The Executive of The National AOTS recognized that the AOTS Bylaws should be clear on this issue, thereby allowing clubs to move forward in their vital men’s ministry. Accordingly, the Women in AOTS bylaw was adopted by the Executive at its June 2012 national meeting in Minnedosa, MB. The new bylaw gives individual clubs the freedom to invite women to be full members of their local club. Some clubs will be eager to do so; others are welcome to continue with their traditional model. We hope this change will be a positive step forward that enhances the AOTS experience and outreach. The text of the new bylaw is printed below.

WOMEN IN AOTS:

Individual Clubs may need some flexibility in their membership and/or organization to be effective in reaching out to men while retaining their national affiliation with the National AOTS. This Bylaw provides a mechanism for clubs, if they so choose, to allow women to participate in activities or as members. It also formalizes the process to allow women to participate in Regional or National activities.

1. A local club may invite women to participate as guests (non-voting) in specific activities or events (e.g. Ladies Night, joint fund raisers, etc.).
2. A local club may vote to accept women as members of the local club, subject to:

1. A resolution to adopt this policy requires agreement by 2/3 of the members (men).

2. Women and men will enjoy the same rights and privileges in the local club.

3. Annual dues to The National AOTS will be assessed based on the number of men in the club.

4. A resolution to end this policy requires agreement by 2/3 of the members of the club (men and women).

3. Women are not eligible to be Individual Members or National Life Members of The National AOTS.
4. Women may be invited to participate as guests (non-voting) at regional activities or events (e.g. Rally’s, Round-ups, fund raisers) subject to:

1. General agreement by participating clubs and

2. Advance notification of the Regional Vice President.

5. Women may be invited to participate as guests (non-voting) at national activities or events (e.g. Biennial Convention) subject to approval by the National Executive.

 

Submitted by John Cooke, Executive Member-at-Large. Email at cookejc@ebtech.net.

Questions or comments are welcome.

ARCHIVED: Proposed Changes Accepted at the National Biennial Convention

The proposed changes to the Constitution and Bylaws were accepted at the National Biennial Convention In April.

It is our privilege to present to you the new AOTS Constitution and Bylaws

ARCHIVED: The National AOTS Report to All Members - Proposed Changes to the Constitution & Bylaws

Executive Summary

After the 2009 Biennial Conference, the National Council undertook to revise and update the Rules of Government of The National AOTS. This work culminated in a substantial revision of both the Constitution and Bylaws documents. The National Council endorsed the proposed new documents with concurrence in April 2010 as the first step towards final approval. The process for change requires that the membership and clubs be advised of the changes at least 4 months in advance of the Biennial Conference scheduled for April 2011. To meet this requirement, the proposed new documents will be circulated with the Winter 2010/2011 Handshake and be available on the AOTS website. They will be presented to the membership for debate and approval at the 2011 Biennial Conference. All members are encouraged to review and discuss the proposed changes in the months leading up to the Convention.

Rationale for Change

The original Rules of Government of The National AOTS was a four-part document including the Constitution, the Bylaws, the Rules of Order, and the Standing Rules. The Constitution was amended several times and the 1988 revision was published as a booklet that is widely available amongst the membership. The Bylaws were revised in 1999; but were not widely communicated. The Rules of Order and Standing Rules were never adopted as operating documents.

There are a few key reasons for proceeding with change at this time. Over the years, the number of active clubs and members has diminished substantially. The National Council agrees that it is time to restructure The National AOTS to provide effective administrative structures and processes that are commensurate with the size and nature of the organization. In addition to the administrative structure, the current Rules of Government provide for a National Office and Staff that are no longer needed. Another concern is that over time, some of the rules became obsolete and there is a need to update the Rules to reflect the current mode of operation.

The National Council recognizes that implementing change is not always easy; but we look forward to respectful discussion and debate that will lead to the final product. We also want to say that the proposed changes are not intended to imply any disrespect to the original documents, those who created them, or the National AOTS. In fact, the existing Rules of Government have served the AOTS very well and we appreciate the good work that was done to create and amend the Rules of Government over the years.

Summary Of The New Documents

The major elements of the revised Constitution can be summarized as follows:

1. The AIMS of The National AOTS remain the same.

2. Membership remains open to both Clubs and Individual Members.

3. A new Executive replaces the National Council as the AOTS administrative body. The Executive consists of 8 Officers elected at a National Convention and 3 members-at-large appointed by the Executive. The Executive is responsible for transacting all AOTS business that arises between National Conventions.

4. The National Council serves as a consultative group to the Executive. The National Council consists of the Execu-tive, Regional Council Representatives and Committee Chairs. It meets at least once per year.

5. The Executive is empowered to establish Committees as necessary to carry out assigned tasks. The current Standing Committees will be transitioned into the new committee structure.

6. The President-Elect chairs a Visioning Team to prepare recommendations on the future direction of The National AOTS.

7. The relationship between The National AOTS and the United Church of Canada (especially the Men‘s Ministry Network) is clearly stated.

8. Regional Councils replace Conference and Presbytery Councils.

9. The Rules of Order for all business meetings of the National AOTS will be as published in the United Church Manual.

10. National Staff positions are retired.

                       

The major elements of the revised Bylaws can be summarized as follows:

1. Conditions of membership are largely unchanged.

2. New sections describe the rights and privileges of Clubs and Membership.

3. National Convention procedures are updated and simplified.

4. Officer responsibilities are updated and simplified.

5. Regional Conference Representative responsibilities are updated and simplified.

6. The National Secretary role is retired and the responsibilities moved to the appropriate Officer or Committee.

7. The Sub-Executive body is retired.

8. Guidelines are provided for establishing, operating and dissolving Committees. Committee terms-of-reference documents must be approved by the Executive, reviewed annually, and posted to the AOTS website.

9. Financial Guidelines and Miscellaneous Procedures are updated.

10. Bylaws regarding the AOTS, Logo, Pins and Flag are largely unchanged.

The new Constitution and Bylaws are intended to provide more operating flexibility and effective decision-making in support of the AOTS aims. We believe this will be achieved through:

1. The administrative body will be reduced in size by about 50%.

2. Committees will be focused on the priorities and needs as established by the National Convention and the Execu-tive.

3. Regional Councils provide flexibility in how Councils are formed and operated, and will reflect the needs and interests of the Clubs and Members in the region.

4. A strong relationship with the Men‘s Ministries Network will allow leveraging common resources while focusing on the aims of AOTS.

Proposed AOTS Constitution & Bylaws

Next Steps

The National Council is serving notice that the proposed changes will be presented to the National Biennial Convention in April 2011.

The proposed changes are now circulating to the membership in advance of the National Convention through publica-tion in the Handshake and on the AOTS website.

A series of motions to accept the proposed changes will be presented at a business meeting of the National Convention. The membership will be asked to debate, amend as necessary, and approve the proposed changes.

We realize these proposals are extensive and will likely raise many questions, comments and concerns. You can re-spond in the following ways:

1. Direct questions to John Cooke by email, mail or telephone using the addresses listed below.

2. All questions/answers will be published on the web site (and possibly in the Handshake) before the Biennial Con-vention.

3. We are tentatively planning to host an information session prior to the business meeting at the Biennial Convention.

4. Discuss the proposals with fellow members and your club.

5. Discuss the proposals with one of the National Council members. Contact information is available on the AOTS website.

Contact information for John Cooke

Telephone 519-869-2908

Address 1945 Huron Ave, Sarnia, ON N7T 7H4