THE HEARTLAND NATURISTS OF KANSAS CITY
CONSTITUTION
Adopted March 16, 2012
ARTICLE I - NAME
1. NAME. The name of the organization shall be The Heartland Naturists of Kansas City.
1.1. ABBREVIATIONS. The name of the organization may be shortened or abbreviated as “The Heartland Naturists”, “Heartland Naturists”, “The HN”, or “HN”.
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
2. PURPOSE. The purpose of The Heartland Naturists is to promote the causes of body acceptance and wholesome nude recreation in the heartland region of the United States.
ARTICLE III - ORGANIZATION
3. ORGANIZATION.
3.1. COMPOSITION. The Heartland Naturists shall be composed of individuals who have a sincere interest in naturism and wish to join together under the Heartland Naturists organization in accordance with this Constitution and the accompanying Bylaws.
3.2. FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of the Heartland Naturists organization shall begin at midnight on 1 January and shall end at 11:59:59 PM on 31 December.
3.3. ADULT ACTIVITIES. The Heartland Naturists organization prohibits any adult activities at all events, house parties, or meetings that it hosts, sponsors, or endorses. Activities defined as “adult” are those that can be reasonably judged as having the purpose of causing sexual arousal or sexual gratification.
3.4. ILLEGAL DRUGS. Possession, use, or being under the influence of any illegal substance is strictly prohibited at all Heartland Naturists events.
ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATION
4. MEMBERSHIP. Membership in The Heartland Naturists shall be open to all individuals, regardless of race, creed, age, handicap, marital status, or sexual preferences.
4.1. BELIEFS. Membership in The Heartland Naturists implies that the member’s beliefs and actions are in agreement with the core naturist values and ideals expressed by the Amercian Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) and The Naturist Society (TNS).
ARTICLE V - AMENDMENTS
5. AMENDMENTS
5.1. CONSTITUTION.
5.1.1. PROPOSAL. Proposed changes to the Heartland Naturists Constitution shall be presented to the President of the Heartland Naturists in writing - either electronic or hard-copy.
5.1.2. NOTICE. Proposed changes to the Heartland Naturists Constitution should be presented to members via e-mail, physical mail, member forum posting, or any other means deemed necessary or appropriate by the President to satisfactorily notify all members possible. The exact text of proposed changes shall be provided to members within 60 of receipt of the proposal.
5.1.3. VOTING.
5.1.3.1. TIMING. The President shall set a date for membership to vote on the proposed changes no more than 90 days after receipt of said proposed change, and no sooner than 7 days after members are provided with the exact text of the proposed change.
5.1.3.2. LOCATION. The voting location for changes to the Constitution of the Heartland Naturists shall be a monthly swim. The President may change the location of the vote if the monthly swim date falls outside of the date criteria or is otherwise deemed impractical by a unanimous vote of the Board. If the location of the vote is changed, members must be notified of the new location and time at least 48 hours prior to the vote. Any alternate location must be within 100 miles of the Heartland Naturists Post Office box located at 6029 Broadmoor, Shawnee Mission, KS 66201.
5.1.4. ENACTMENT. The proposed changes shall take effect immediately after a two-thirds vote in favor of the changes by all current members of the Heartland Naturists organization.
5.2. BYLAWS.
5.2.1. PROPOSAL. Proposed changes to the Heartland Naturists Bylaws shall be presented to the President of the Heartland Naturists in writing - either electronic or hard-copy.
5.2.2. NOTICE. Proposed changes to the Heartland Naturists Bylaws should be presented to members via e-mail, physical mail, member forum posting, or any other means deemed necessary or appropriate by the President to satisfactorily notify all members possible. The exact text of proposed changes shall be provided to members within 60 of receipt of the Proposal.
5.2.3. APPROVAL OF CHANGES.
5.2.3.1. BOARD APPROVAL. The Board may choose to enact changes to the Bylaws without prior approval from members with at least two-thirds of the Board members voting in favor. Members must be notified within 30 days of any Bylaws changes and given 30 days to object.
5.2.3.1.1. MEMBER OBJECTION. If twenty percent of current members object to the Bylaws change approved by the Board, it is temporarily suspended and a vote of the members shall be called according to the TIMING and LOCATION set forth in section 5.2.3.2 MEMBER APPROVAL. If a majority of present voters reject the Bylaws change, it shall be rescinded immediately and shall not be reconsidered for a period of at least one year.
5.2.3.2. MEMBER APPROVAL. Proposed changes to the Bylaws may be enacted by a two-thirds vote in favor of the changes.
5.2.3.2.1. TIMING. The President shall set a date for membership to vote on the proposed changes no more than 90 days after receipt of said proposed change or objection by membership, and no sooner than 7 days after members are provided with the exact text of the proposed changes.
5.2.3.2.2. LOCATION. The voting location for changes to the Bylaws of the Heartland Naturists shall be a monthly swim. The President may change the location of the vote if the monthly swim date falls outside of the date criteria or is otherwise deemed impractical by a unanimous vote of the Board. If the location of the vote is changed, members must be notified of the new location and time at least 48 hours prior to the vote. Any alternate location must be within 100 miles of the Heartland Naturists Post Office box located at 6029 Broadmoor, Shawnee Mission, KS 66201.
ARTICLE VI - REPEAL
6. REPEAL OF PRIOR CONSTITUTIONS. Any prior Constitution is declared void as of the date of adoption of this Constitution.
ARTICLE VII - MEMBERSHIP TYPES, REQUIREMENTS, AND SPECIFICATIONS
7. MEMBERSHIP.
7.1. TYPES. The Heartland Naturists shall offer three distinct types of membership: 1) Member, 2) Distance Member, or 3) Student Member. No type of membership shall have special privileges above another.
7.1.1. MEMBER. Any person over the age of 18 may apply for a Member membership.
7.1.2. DISTANCE MEMBER. A prospective member may apply for a Distance Membership if the address of their current residence is 75 miles or more from the club’s post office box located at 6029 Broadmoor, Shawnee Mission, KS 66201. The dues for a Distance Member shall be one-half those of the Member.
7.1.3. STUDENT MEMBER. A prospective member may apply for a Student Membership if they: 1) are between ages 18 and 24 inclusive at the time of application, and 2) provide proof of current full-time attendance, defined as twelve credit hours, to a university, college, vocational school, or technical school. The dues for a Student Member shall be one-quarter those of the Member.
7.2. APPLICATION. Application for new or renewal membership shall be provided to anyone making such request within a reasonable time frame. Such application may take the form of hard copy, electronic copy, or a web hyperlink to an online application.
7.3. DUES.
7.3.1. PAYABLE. Dues shall be payable to the Heartland Naturists of Kansas City.
7.3.2. SETTING DUES. The amount of dues shall be reviewed on an annual basis and set by a majority decision by the board. Approval of any change in the dues amount shall be approved by a majority vote of the current membership. Any change in dues amount shall take effect immediately after approval by the membership vote. Any change in dues amount shall not be retroactive.
7.4. REQUIREMENTS.
7.4.1. AGE. Members of the Heartland Naturists shall be at least 18 years old.
7.4.2. BELIEFS. Member’s beliefs and actions shall be in agreement with the core naturist values and ideals expressed by the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), The Naturist Society (TNS), and those specific to the Heartland Naturists organization.
7.5. SPECIFICATIONS.
7.5.1. DURATION. Membership in the Heartland Naturists is on an annual basis. Membership begins immediately upon: 1) approval of application for membership, and 2) payment of dues, whichever occurs last. Membership expires at 11:59:59PM on the date one calendar year after it takes effect.
7.5.2. GRACE PERIOD. If renewal dues have not been paid, membership shall remain in effect for a grace period of 30 days after expiration. Additional grace period may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Heartland Naturists President.
7.5.3. SPOUSE, SIGNIFICANT OTHER, OR FAMILY. Membership is granted for an individual, individual and spouse, individual and significant other, or for an individual and his or her immediate family. In application for membership, information for all adult applicants shall be provided on the application. Any adult granted membership as an individual, spouse, or significant other is granted full individual membership rights upon acceptance of application for membership. Minor children are given special consideration as part of their parent or legal guardian’s membership and hold no individual membership or voting rights.
7.6. PRIVACY. Information about members of the Heartland Naturists shall remain confidential. The Heartland Naturists shall make every reasonable effort to protect any information given on applications, received during verbal interaction or correspondence, or otherwise known by any member of the Heartland Naturists organization.
7.6.1. EXCEPTIONS.
7.6.1.1. LAW ENFORCEMENT. Information about a member may be shared with law enforcement upon reasonable or legally binding request by an agent of law enforcement. Information about a member may be shared with law enforcement upon decision of any member or guest of the Heartland Naturists upon evidence of illegal, dangerous, or threatening behavior.
7.6.1.2. NATURIST ORGANIZATIONS. Information about a member may be shared with other local, national, or international naturist organizations either: 1) upon their request, or 2) initiated by the Heartland Naturists to report behavior contradictory to the core values of naturism as defined by the American Association of Nude Recreation (AANR) and The Naturist Society (TNS). The type and scope of information provided is at the discretion of the President of the Heartland Naturists.
7.7. DISPOSITION. The decision for acceptance or rejection of any person’s application for membership shall be made by the President of the Heartland Naturists. Such decision will be made based on various factors including, but not limited to, a background check; interviews with the applicant; interviews with others with pertinent information about the applicant; information provided by local, regional, national, or international naturist or nudist groups; and information provided on the application for membership.
7.7.1. OVERRIDE. If any board member disagrees with the decision of acceptance or rejection of an applicant for membership, they may call a vote of the whole board. The decision of the President shall be overturned if the vote of the board is at least 75% in favor.
7.8. TERMINATION.
7.8.1. MEMBER INITIATED. Membership in the Heartland Naturists may be terminated by the member at any time upon written notification to any board member. Notification may be electronic or hard copy.
7.8.2. BOARD INITIATED.
7.8.2.1. BEHAVIOR. Membership may be terminated if behavior is contradictory to the core values of naturism as defined by the American Association of Nude Recreation (AANR), The Naturist Society (TNS), or those specific to the Heartland Naturists. Behavior during or outside of Heartland Naturists events may be considered.
7.8.2.2. NONPAYMENT OF DUES. Membership shall be terminated if dues go unpaid after expiration of membership and grace period.
7.8.3. NOTIFICATION. The Heartland Naturists president or delegated board member shall notify any person whose membership has been terminated as soon as practical using any reasonable means. Notification of termination must include a reason for termination, but may withhold specific member or guest names to protect their privacy or safety at the discretion of the affected member or members.
ARTICLE VIII - RULING DOCUMENTS
8. RULING DOCUMENTS. This Constitution and the Bylaws shall be the sole governing documents of the Heartland Naturists.
8.1. PRECEDENCE. In case of conflict, this Constitution shall take precedence over any other document or decree for the functioning of the Heartland Naturists organization.
8.2. SCOPE. Any powers, procedures, or functions not specified within this Constitution may be defined in the Bylaws.
8.3. REVIEW. This Constitution and the Bylaws shall be presented to the membership for review at least once each calendar year.
ARTICLE IX - OFFICERS, DUTIES, AND ELECTIONS
9. OFFICERS. The Officers of the Heartland Naturists shall consist of a four member governing Board and additional Officers as appointed by the Board.
9.1. BOARD MAKEUP. The board shall consist of four positions: 1) President, 2), Vice President, 3) Public Relations and Membership, and 4) Treasurer.
9.1.1. PRESIDENT. The President shall be the official head of the Heartland Naturists organization and Board. The President shall work with all other Officers and members to coordinate, plan, and hold events for the Heartland Naturists. The President is responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the organization. The President may call special elections or meetings with the second of any other Board member as necessary.
9.1.2. VICE PRESIDENT. The Vice President shall act as the Presiding Officer at any function from which the President is absent. The Vice President shall have the privilege of joining any discussion, deliberation, or decision of the Board. In the event that the President resigns, is removed from office, or is unable to perform the duties of the President, the Vice President shall assume the duties of the President for the remainder of the elected term.
9.1.3. PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MEMBERSHIP OFFICER. The Public Relations and Membership Officer shall be responsible for developing and executing initiatives for expanding knowledge of the Heartland Naturists. This Officer shall also be responsible for maintaining a complete and current list of membership and applications for membership. This Officer shall also be responsible for the regular publication of the official Heartland Naturists newsletter.
9.1.4. TREASURER. The Treasurer shall be responsible for monitoring and regular reporting of the financial health of the Heartland Naturists organization to the Board and members. The Treasurer shall deliver to the Board and members an annual report prior to March 1 that shows, at minimum, the total and net income and expenses for the organization. The Treasurer shall also be responsible for the timely handling of all monies received and their deposit into the Heartland Naturists bank account.
9.2. QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE.
9.2.1. PRESIDENT. Must be a current member in good standing and a Member for two full years before running for the position.
9.2.2. VICE PRESIDENT. Must be a current member in good standing and a Member for two full years before running for the position.
9.2.3. PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MEMBERSHIP OFFICER. Must be a member in good standing and a Member for one full year before running for the position.
9.2.4. TREASURER. Must be a member in good standing and a Member for one full year before running for the position.
9.3. VACANCIES. Any vacancies in the office of Vice President, Public Relations and Membership Officer, or the Treasurer shall be filled by the calling of a Special Election. A simple majority of votes by the membership present at the vote is required to fill the position. The person assuming the vacated position will hold the position for the remainder of the current term.
9.4. ELECTIONS.
9.4.1. TIMING. Elections of the Heartland Naturists Board shall be held in November on a date and time set by the current Board.
9.4.2. BALLOTS.
9.4.2.1. DELIVERY. Physical ballots shall be provided to any member who requests one in person at the time of elections. Ballots shall be provided to those not able to vote in person at least 14 days prior to the election date set by the Board. There is no provision for members to vote after the counting of ballots has begun.
9.4.2.2. COUNTING. Ballots shall be counted in sight of at least two Board members and one appointed representative of the membership, as defined in the Bylaws, immediately after the voting period closes.
9.4.2.3. CANDIDACY.
9.4.2.3.1. REQUIREMENTS. Any member may have their name placed on the ballot for Board member elections, provided they meet the requirements for the office they are seeking.
9.4.2.3.2. TIMING. Any member seeking office must notify a current Board member in writing, either electronic or hard copy, at least 30 days prior to the date of elections.
9.4.3. LOCATION. The current Board shall set the location for the election and subsequent counting of the ballots. The location must be announced to members at least 30 days prior to the election.
9.4.4. RIGHT TO VOTE. Only current members of the Heartland Naturists are given the right to vote. Minor children have no right to vote.
9.4.5. VOTING RESTRICTION. Members of the Board are prohibited from voting in any election for any Board member.
9.5. SPECIAL ELECTIONS AND RECALL OF ELECTED OFFICERS.
9.5.1. SPECIAL ELECTIONS. The Heartland Naturists President shall announce to current members the date, location, and purpose of a Special Election at least 15 days prior to said Special Election.
9.5.2. RECALLS. A recall vote to remove any Officer shall be announced at least 30 days prior to the vote via e-mail and online forum posting to members. An Officer of the Heartland Naturists may be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of the members present at the vote.
9.6. COMPENSATION. No Heartland Naturists Officer shall receive monetary compensation for duties performed for the Heartland Naturists organization in their official capacity.
9.7. LENGTH OF TERMS.
9.7.1. BOARD MEMBERS. The term for all board members shall be one calendar year and shall coincide with the organization’s fiscal year.
9.7.2. PARTIAL TERMS. Any office position assumed due to a vacancy shall expire at the end of the original office term.
10. APPOINTED OFFICERS.
10.1. CREATION AND DISSOLUTION. The Heartland Naturists board may create special officer positions as needed for the handling of special projects or initiatives. Any position created shall have a clearly defined objective and limits of action. Creation of the position shall be by majority vote of the Heartland Naturists board.
10.2. TERMS. Appointed Officers shall serve only during the fiscal year in which the office was created, but may be re-appointed by the board taking office in the subsequent fiscal year.
10.3. AUTHORITY. Appointed officers are not members of the board, but shall be granted the authority to act in official capacity as a representative of the Heartland Naturists under guidance and approval of the Heartland Naturists board.
10.4. APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL. The Heartland Naturists board may appoint any current Heartland Naturists member as an Appointed Officer by a simple majority vote of the current board.
10.5. REMOVAL. Any Appointed Officer may be removed from office by a simple majority vote of the current board. An Appointed Officer in office when the current fiscal year ends ceases to be an officer of the Heartland Naturists at the same time as the appointing board. Any Appointed Officer holding an office with a specified end date shall cease to be an Officer when the office ends.