WCFO, INC. CHARTER, CONSITIUTION & BYLAWS

(Adopted March, Two Thousand)
(Amended, August, Two Thousand Seven)

CHARTER

SECTION 1. WCFO, INC is founded as a federally tax exempt, non-profit corporation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code as an organization described in section 501(c)(3), to promote the joys and fun of responsible pet ownership through amateur competitions in the sport of canine freestyle. WCFO, INC will actively seek, without discrimination, membership from interested individuals , corporations and groups to support the sport of canine freestyle amateur competition. WCFO, INC will globally govern canine freestyle events held under WCFO, INC rules. The voice of the WCFO canine freestyle community will help to create rules and regulations in response to members requests. WCFO, INC. will hold amateur sports competitions, seminars, workshops and other canine freestyle events using these approved rules and regulations under the IRS non-profit code 501(c)(3) when such events are held within the United States.

SECTION 2. SLOGAN: DANCING WITH DOGS IS FUN FOR YOU AND YOUR PET!

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE 1: NAME

WCFO, INC. will be the official legal name of the organization representing The World Canine Freestyle Organization.

ARTICLE 2: SEAL

The WCFO, INC seal shall be circular in shape, having an outer circle with the words World Canine Freestyle Organization and an inner circle with an illustration of the globe with 2 abstract figures - one representing a person and one representing a dog - superimposed on the globe.

ARTICLE 3: GOAL


SECTION 1: MISSION STATEMENT

To globally promote the joys and fun of responsible pet ownership thorough musical canine freestyle as an amateur sport.

SECTION 2: NOT FOR PORFIT ORGANIZATION

  1. To conduct the affairs of WCFO, INC within the principles of Section 501© (3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.
  2. To foster and conduct global amateur sports competitions in the sport of canine freestyle.
  3. To support responsible dog ownership
  4. To support worthy organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States, Canine Companions for Independence others who request WCFO sponsored events for fundraising.

SECTION 3: INTENTIONS

  1. To conduct the following events and programs globally:
    A. Demonstrations, workshops, seminars and educational programs promoting WCFO, INC musical canine freestyle
    B. Hold WCFO Sanctioned/Titling Competitions and Fun Meets (nontitling). C. Govern and judge video competitions.
    D. Develop and support a Junior amateur canine freestyle competition for children up to 17 years of age with the goal of promoting responsible dog ownership and the joy of training dogs, with Fun Meets and competitions, seminars and workshops.
  2. To respond to the voice of the WCFO membership to develop events, rules and guidelines, judges' certification, event sanctioning, and charitable demonstrations, either singularly and/or with other internationally recognized sanctioning and titling organizations.
  3. To develop rules for, judging of and execute a Certified Progressive Proficiency Amateur Sports Testing Program for all musical canine freestyle dogs and their owners. Levels are:
    A. Bronze Bar Freestyle Dog:           Title: W-BBFD
    B. Bonze Metal Freestyle DogTitle: W-BMFD
    C. Silver Bar Freestyle Dog:Title: W-SBFD
    D. Silver Metal Freestyle Dog:Title: W-SMFD
    E. Gold Bar Freestyle Dog:Title: W-GBFD
    F. Gold Metal Freestyle DogTitle: W-GMFD
  4. To build a treasury to support the growth of WCFO and to pay for events and competitions through memberships, entry fees and sponsorships.

SECTION 4: ADMINISTRATION

  1. WCFO will bear the expenses of maintaining a postal service address, telephone, fax and email as well as the costs of establishing and maintaining a website.
  2. WCFO will insure that members receive materials supplied by WCFO such a receipts for dues, (duplicated in membership materials)newsletters, membership materials, entry forms, judges information, releases, collateral materials, premiums, awards, etc. in a timely manner.
  3. WCFO will support member non-profit associations/clubs for the specific purpose of holding a WCFO freestyle event, promoting WCFO freestyle, holding WCFO seminars/workshops or presenting WCFO demos. Support shall include information materials, event scoring, entry forms, music releases, public relations, event insurance payments, etc. and financial and promotional sponsorship where available.
  4. To support the growth of WCFO freestyle on a global basis by funding the dispensing of information, videos and collateral materials, giving seminars/workshops.
  5. To support and fund liaisons with other organizations globally to create international titling and non-titling events.
SECTION 5: DEFINITION: MUSICAL CANINE FREESTYLE

WCFO, INC defines canine freestyle as follows: "Musical Freestyle is a choreographed musical program performed by handlers and their dogs. The object of musical freestyle is to display the dog and handler in a creative, innovative and original dance, using music and intricate movements to showcase teamwork, artistry, costuming, athleticism and style in interpreting the theme of the music. Heelwork-to-Music incorporates traditional dog obedience and the are to dressage with the inclusion of musical interpretation, dance elements and costuming with an emphasis on non-standard, obedience movements. Both Musical Freestyle and Heelwork-To- Music routines should create a visually exciting display which is enjoyable to watch and which is equally enjoyable to dogs and handlers executing the programs. Canine freestyle is a showcase that truly demonstrates the joys and fun of bonding with your pet."
Patie Ventre, Founder

BY LAWS

ARTICLE 1: MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. Due to WCFO, INC's 501©(3) tax status, WCFO, INC membership fees are tax exempt.


SECTION 2. WCFO, INC individual members receive:

  1. Membership card with enrollment number.
  2. Membership Gift.
  3. 15% discount on all WCFO, INC videos
  4. Discounts on all WCFO, INC workshops.
  5. Titling certificates for WCFO, INC sanctioned titles.
  6. WCFO Newsletters
    A. Free listings in newsletters for competitions, seminars, workshops.
    B. Free listings on website for members' events.
    C. Membership Referral Directory for trainers, speakers, judges.

SECTION 3 WCFO, INC Club memberships include:

  1. Framed Color Certificate of Club Membership.
  2. 25% discount on all individual and family WCFO, INC memberships for Club members.
  3. Use of Music License for WCFO, INC Events held at Member Club
  4. Provide First, Second, Third award ribbons/medals and frist place trophies for WCFO, INC sanctioned events.
  5. Collateral/advertising/public relations support for WCFO events
  6. Referral and listing in Club Directory
  7. Financial and sponsorship support for WCFO events, if available.

SECTION 4: DONATION SPONSORSHIPS

  1. Friend
  2. Donor
  3. Dog Lover
  4. Dancer
  5. Bronze
  6. Silver
  7. Gold


SECTION 5: MEMBERSHIP DUES: All dues are tax exempt under United States IRS tax code 501©(3) and are in US$

  1. INDIVIDUAL: $402.WCFO Club member: $30 (member of a WCFO member club)
  2. JUNIOR: $25
  3. 4H JUNIOR: $20
  4. WCFO JUNIOR: $16 (member of a WCFO member club)
  5. FAMILY (up to 3 members): $65
  6. WCFO Club Family (all family members are members of a WCFO member club) $48.75
  7. FAMILY 4H MEMBERSHIP: $40 (up to 3 members)
  8. 4H/WCFO FAMILY: $32
  9. WCFO, INC member club dues
    1. CLUB: 75% plus members are individual WCFO members $40
    2. CLUB: 50% plus members are individual WCFO members $150
    3. CLUB: less than 50% members are individual WCFO members $200
    4. FRIEND: $25
    5. DONOR: $50
    6. DOG LOVER: $75
    7. DANCER: $100
    8. BRONZE: $250
    9. SILVER: $500
    10. GOLD: $1000

SECTION 6: WCFO, INC will keep accurate records of all memberships, assigning each member a number. This number will be used to track all member activities.

SECTION 7: WCFO, INC membership dues and fees will be reviewed each October for changes in the following year. ( For example October 2000 will be the review date for dues for 2001 year.) Dues may be raised or lowered by a 2/3 vote of the Directors and majority approval of the Directors Advisory Board.

SECTION 8: Any member who shall have failed to pay annual dues within one month of the date due shall stand suspended from all privileges of WCFO, INC. Membership dues are due upon application for membership in WCFO, INC and renewal dues are due annually during the month of application.

ARTICLE 2: BOARD OF DIRECTORS/ELECTION/MEETING/QUORUM

SECTION 1: WCFO, INC shall be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of no less than three (3) WCFO members. New members of the Board of Directors shall be selected by the acting Board of Directors and approved by a majority of the Advisory Board.

SECTION 2: A vacancy in the Board of Directors shall be filled by the acting Board of Directors by a majority vote of those present at any meeting, subject to the approval of a majority of the members of the Advisory Board.

SECTION 3: WCFO, INC will maintain a policy on insurance covering liability on the part of the Board of Directors with coverage as determined by the Board.

SECTION 4: The WCFO, INC Board of Directors will meet annually. Meetings may be conducted in person, or via the internet, or by telephone conference.

SECTION 5: Membership on the Board of Directors is a volunteer position and the term of office is at the discretion of each Director, except that a Director may be removed by a unanimous vote of the other Directors, or by failure to remit WCFO, INC membership dues in a timely manner.

SECTION 6: Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called by the President or can requested by any Director or three members of the Advisory Board.

SECTION 7: 65% of the members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum.

SECTION 8: Each member of the Board of Directors who attends a regular or special meeting of the board may be paid a nominal Director's fee and/or expenses for attending each such meeting.

SECTION 9: The order of business for meetings of the Board of Directors shall be:

      Reading and approval of minutes of the previous Board of Directors meeting
      Election of new director(s)
      Reports from officers and committees
      Report from the Advisory Board
      Unfinished business and general orders
      New business

ARTICLE 3: BOARD OF DIRECTORS GENERAL POWERS

The Board of Directors shall provide the general management of the business and affairs of WCFO, INC. Directors shall generally perform all duties appertaining to the office of Director; provided, however, that all the powers conferred by this Article of the Bylaws shall be exercised subject to all other provisions of these By Laws and to the statues of the State of New York and all amendments thereof and additions thereto.

ARTICLE 4: DIRECTORES ADVISORY BOARD

SECTION 1: The Advisory Board of WCFO, INC shall be by appointed by the Board of Directors from among the current members of WFCO, INC.

SECTION 2: Members of the Directors Advisory Board shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and approval by other Advisory Board members evidenced by majority vote.

SECTION 3: The duties of the Advisory Board shall be determined by the Board of Directors and shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

SECTION 4: Compensation, if any, and reimbursement of expenses for the Advisory Board shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 5: OFFICERS

SECTION 1: The officers of WCFO, INC shall be a Chief Executive Officer designated President (If this title refers to the founder of WCFO, INC the title "Founder" may be substituted.), a Secretary and a Treasurer.

SECTION 2: The President shall perform the usual duties of a Chief Executive Officer, shall preside at all board meetings and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 3: The Secretary shall have charge of all records and papers of WCFO, INC, shall have custody of the seal of WCFO, INC, shall keep records of all the meetings of WCFO, INC and the Board of Directors and shall issue calls for the same at the direction of the President or others certified to call meetings of the Board. The secretary shall keep a current roll of members. The Secretary shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board of Directors.

SECTION 4: The Treasurer shall keep the financial records of WCFO, INC in such manner as may be required by law and as directed by the Board of Directors and shall be responsible for the collection, custody and control of the funds of WCFO, INC., subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 5: The Board of Directors may appoint Vice Presidents.

SECTION 6: Officers may be paid a salary and compensation for out of pocket expenses if the Board of Directors shall so determine, the amount of which salary shall be fixed by said Board.

ARTICLE 6: FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of WCFO, INC shall run from the first day of March to the last day of February of the following year.

ARTICLE 7: AUDIT

SECTION 1: The Board of Directors shall have the books and accounts of WCFO, INC audited at least once a year, either by a professional auditor approved by said Board.

SECTION 2: WCFO, INC will file all necessary papers and forms as required by the Internal Revenue Service for 501 (3)© organizations and as required by state tax authorities.

ARTICLE 8: ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS AND QUORUM

SECTION 1: The Annual meeting of WCFO, INC shall be held in March.

SECTION 2: The Rules meeting of WCFO, INC to decide on organization competition rules, event venues and judging guidelines will be held in October of odd numbered years. The Rules meeting may be held in person or via email or telephone conference.

SECTION 3: Notice of the date, time and location the Annual and Rules meeting shall be made in writing or by email to all members of the Board of Directors and Advisory Board at least 21 days before the date of the meeting.

SECTION 4: Special meetings of WCFO, INC shall be called by the Secretary on request of any member of the Advisory Board or any member of the Board of Directors. Notice of the date, time and location of each special meeting, together with the business to be transacted, shall be sent to all members of the Board of Directors and the Advisory Board within three (3) days of the receipt of the request of the special meeting. Such notice must be sent by mail or email at least seven (7) days before the date of the special meeting.

SECTION 5: There must be at least sixty percent (60%) Advisory Board members and sixty-five (65%) Directors present for a quorum at special meetings.

SECTION 6: The order of business for Directors' Meetings shall be:

ARTICLE 9: AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITIUTION BY LAWS AND RULES

SECTION 1: Amendments to the Bylaws and /or the Rules may be proposed by a member of the Board of Directors or the Advisory Board or by any member in good standing of WCFO, INC.

SECTION 2: The Bylaws and/or Rules may be amended at the Rules Meeting of WCFO, INC in October of each year.

SECTION 3: Amendments to the Bylaws and/or Rules must be presented in writing to the Board of Directors and Advisory Board. They will approve, disapprove and/or make recommendations.

SECTION 4: All proposed amendments to the Bylaws and Rules will be published by WCFO, INC via email and snail mail. The recommendations of the Board of Directors and Advisory Board will appear along with the proposed amendments.

SECTION 5: The Board of Directors will vote on amendments to the bylaws, a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors shall be necessary for passage. Directors, Advisory Board members and members of WCFO, INC shall vote on proposed amendments to the Rules. A sixty percent (60%) vote shall be necessary to adopt proposed amendments to the rules. If a sixty percent vote is not received, the Board of Directors and Advisory Board members may pass or reject the amendment by a seventy five percent vote. Voting may be by either email or snail mail.

ARTICLE 10: DISSOULTION

In the event of the dissolution of WCFO, INC the financial assets of WCFO, INC shall be divided equally among the following: Humane Society of the United States and Canine Companions for Independence. The historical documents and physical assets will be disposed of as determined by the directors active at the time of the dissolution.

The above organizing document has been unanimously approved by the Directors of WCFO, INC in August 2006.

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