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
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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