[MA-RPC] Proposed by-laws for operation of the MARPC

[Frank Bohn]

To the members of the Mid-Atlantic regional Partnership Committee:

Per promise here (below the dashed line) is a draft of an initial set of
operating rules for the MARPC.  These are basic nuts-and-bolts for the
operation of the committee.  I didn't try to draft a committee "charter"
because it already exists in the action of the ATC Board.  Added verbiage
could be redundant, prematurely limiting, or at worst inconsistent with the
ATC decisions.  But for context I included almost verbatim the "Function"
description from the meeting documents.

The draft is also relatively short because this is a new body with authority
to advise rather than decide.  I don't think it needs to be elaborate.
Experience will show what changes are needed in the future. 

This is a draft.  I invite your comments for additions or changes that you
think desirable.  In particular you might want to consider:

	(1)  Whether specific skill sets or qualifications should be added
for the MARPC designated roles (Chair, Stewardship Council reps, etc.).

	(2)  Whether the by-laws should require a nominating committee, and
if so, whether it may present a single slate.

	(3)  Whether you want to change any of the terminology.

If you give me responses before the meeting, I can incorporate some changes.
In any case, this is presented for your disposition, acceptance, rejection,
or amendment at the meeting.

Thanks,

Frank Bohn

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PROPOSED BY-LAWS OF THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP
COMMITTEE

I.  Purpose of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Partnership Committee (MARPC):

	The Regional Partnership Committees (RPC) are established by action
of the Board of Managers of the Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC).   The
purpose of each RPC is to advise the ATC Regional Director, the region's
Trail maintaining clubs, and the region's agencies, and to provide direct,
two-way communication between the ATC regional office and the constituent
clubs and agencies.  The RPC provides a formal structure for regularly
scheduled meetings to facilitate collaborative planning, share experiences,
and discuss common concerns among clubs, agencies and ATC staff.  In
addition, the RPCs will provide discussion forums for issues of Trailwide
significance and provide input to the Trail Stewardship Council, ATC
committees, and the Board of Directors on those issues.  As advisory bodies,
the RPCs will have no authority to set Conference policies or to control
Trail maintaining club activities, but will be fully self-governing within
the general guidelines for structure and function established by the Board.
Each RPC must nominate at least two persons to serve on the Trail
Stewardship Council.  (Adapted from a policy position endorsed by the ATC
Board of Managers on 8 May 2004.)

II.  Membership of the MARPC:

	As mandated by the ATC Board, the membership of the MARPC consists
of representatives of each of the Trail Maintaining Clubs in the
Mid-Atlantic Region.  Each club shall select one Representative and one
Alternate to participate in the RPC.  Each club Representative or Alternate
must be a member of the ATC and of the represented club, and must have
experience as a club officer, director, or holder of another club leadership
position.  Each club will determine its own procedure for selection of its
Representative and Alternate.  Representatives and Alternates will normally
be appointed for a term of two years.  They may serve multiple consecutive
terms at the option of their clubs.

III.  Designated roles within the MARPC:

	The MARPC shall select members to fill the following roles for terms
of two years.  Except at the initial organization of the MARPC, the Chair
shall appoint a nominating committee to develop a ballot for these
positions:

	Chair:  The Chair will plan meetings in consultation with the ATC
Regional Director and will preside at MARPC meetings.  A person may serve as
chair for no more than three consecutive terms.

	Vice-Chair:  The Vice-Chair will assist the Chair in communicating
with the MARPC members and Clubs.  The Vice-Chair will preside at meetings
in the absence of the Chair.  

	Secretary:  The Secretary shall provide written Minutes of each
meeting.  The draft of the minutes should normally be circulated to the
MARPC members within four weeks of each meeting.

	Representatives to the Stewardship Council:  As mandated by the ATC,
the MARPC will nominate representatives to the Stewardship Council.  These
representatives must be chosen from the Club Representatives to the MARPC.
They must be members of the Appalachian Trail Conference.

IV.  Meetings of the MARPC:

	Two regular meetings of the MARPC will be scheduled each year.  At
each regular meeting the MARPC must set the date for the next regular
meeting.

	The presence (in person or by teleconference) of representatives of
at least 2/3 of the member clubs of the MARPC will constitute a quorum.

	If urgent matters require MARPC attention between regular meetings,
the Chair may call a special meeting or use electronic mail or
teleconference to facilitate discussion.  When a matter is decided by
electronic mail in lieu of a meeting, the Chair must set a deadline for
responses.  Responses from 2/3 of the member clubs by the deadline will
satisfy the requirement for a quorum.

	The MARPC will normally seek consensus.  Where consensus cannot be
reached, the MARPC will formalize its recommendations or (within its scope)
decisions by a majority vote of the member Clubs participating in the
meeting.  Each member club shall have one vote, cast by the Club
Representative, if present, or Alternate.  A tie vote will count as
rejection.

	Meetings of the MARPC will be open to all interested parties,
including agencies and other stakeholders, but only the Clubs through their
Representatives or Alternates will have a vote.  

	The member Clubs, agencies or others are strongly advised to submit
matters for discussion to the Chair at least four weeks in advance of the
regular meetings.

VI.  Amendment of these MARPC By-Laws:

	The by-laws of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Partnership Committee may
be amended by a vote of the member clubs at a regularly-scheduled meeting of
the RPC.  Amendments must be consistent with the RPC charter established by
the ATC Board.  Proposed amendments must be circulated in writing to the
club Representatives at least four weeks prior to the meeting.   At least
two-thirds of all the member clubs must, through their Representatives or
Alternates, approve any proposed change. 

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