ARTICLE 11 - Branches

11.1 A group of a minimum of six (6) memberships may apply for Branch status by completing an application for branch status which may be acquired from the Vice President.

11.2 Branches must file their by-laws and any rules and regulations with the Secretary/Treasurer and Vice President annually along with their most current membership roster.

11.3 Minutes of any Branch meeting will be submitted to the Newsletter for publication.

11.4 All Branches will hold at least three (3) meetings per year.

11.5 All Branch officers and directors must be LIOC members in good standing.

11.6 At least fifty percent (50%) of Branch members must also be LIOC members.

11.7 Branches must adhere to all LIOC By-laws pertaining to branches and may not make any policy or take any action contrary to the principle, policies, rules or regulations of LIOC.

11.8 A Branch may not have as a member any person expelled or suspended from LIOC.

11.9 A LIOC member in good standing may belong to as many Branches as he or she wishes.

11.10 The Board of Directors has sole determination as to Branches.

11.11 The Executive Board may rebate to the Branches an annual per-member fee to be used for educational programs on the Branch level. To obtain such a rebate, the Branch must provide proof of expenses incurred in such a program. For purposes of figuring such a rebate, only LIOC members will be counted.

11.12 Branches are encouraged to have a person to coordinate with each of the Term Directors in the same capacity.

11.13 No Branch may make any by-law or regulation which bypasses the democratic process in the election of officers.

11.14 Although Branch territory is the sole determination of the Executive Board, a proposed territory should be stated on the Branch Application and once a certain territory is granted to a Branch, no other Branch activities will be allowed within that geographic area except through special exceptions which may be made by the Board of Directors.

11.15 Special exceptions would be made when it could be shown that an existing Branch does not meet the needs of a large segment of available members and that the proposed Branch would serve to meet these needs. In such a case, neither Branch sharing a geographic area could actively solicit members of the other.

11.16 Branches may send as a representative one Branch member to represent the Branch at the Executive Meeting of the Board of Directors. Branch Representatives have input at this meeting (except when executive session is called) but no vote.
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ARTICLE 12 - The Newsletter

12.1 The Board appoints the Newsletter Editor at the first Board meeting following an election. The Editor serves for two (2) years or until the Board terminates the appointment.

12.2 The budget allocated for the production of the Newsletter shall not exceed seventy-five percent (75%) of the annual budget for the Corporation.

12.3 The Editor is charged with following LIOC policy as set forth by the Board of Directors.

12.4 Advertising policy and related charges are set by the Board. However, all advertising for felines must carry the name of the owner or broker, the state, and the phone number.
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ARTICLE 13 - Convention

13.1 A Convention is held at intervals determined by the Board of Directors with the Board determining the site of Convention.

13.2 A General Membership meeting shall be held at each convention during which members may voice their concerns and wishes to the Board of Directors.

13.3 Any individual or Branch may offer to host the convention. The host determines the dates and general convention schedule allowing for the General Membership Meeting and Executive Board Meeting.

13.4 Funds generated by any Convention activity will be utilized as determined by the Board.
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ARTICLE 14 - The Lotty

14.1 The Lotty is presented at Convention, usually annually, and signifies unusual devotion and service to the Organization, its members and the exotic feline.

14.2 The recipients of past Lotty are polled for nominations and then vote on the upcoming recipient.

14.3 Honors or other considerations may be conferred to Lotty recipients at the discretion of the Executive Board.







Source: LIOC-ESCF Membership Handbook
Copyright © 1997 LIOC-ESCF