Disciplining members is frequently done incorrectly. It is often arbitrary, quick, and without a fair process. This leaves the action, however valid, vulnerable to challenge. This post clarifies three “don’ts” of member discipline and expulsion.
Category: Members and Volunteers
All information relating to members and volunteers.
When does a volunteer need a work permit?
When can visitors to Canada assist Canadian non-profits in a volunteer capacity? Can a charitable or religious worker obtain a work permit, and if so, must they be paid? This post describes some of the common issues faced by non-profits and volunteers.
Case Comment: White Rock Harbour Board
A recent decision of the BC Supreme Court may set a precedent that rules and other documents incorporated by bylaw may be enforced as bylaws, when certain circumstances are met. It is also one of the first reported cases to establish oppression under the new Societies Act.
Five drafting tips to avoid pile-ons at a members’ meeting
Let’s not pretend. No one joins a society because they enjoy fighting with other members. Litigation is expensive, time-consuming, and generally unpleasant for all involved. Often these disputes start because of “meeting stacking”: where a certain group signs-on a bunch of members who change the organization in some fundamental way, which other members disagree with. Here are five bylaw drafting and governance tips to avoid issues with meeting stacking.
What are the rights of “non-voting” members?
The new BC Societies Act allows for the creation of classes of voting and non-voting members, a welcome change many new and transitioning societies are taking advantage of. But what are the rights of non-voting members, and when should non-voting classes be considered?
Can a society’s provisions still be “unalterable”?
As of November 28, 2016, a constitution may only contain a society’s purposes, and no provision in a society’s bylaws can be “unalterable.” While this is good news for many societies which have to adapt their bylaws or purposes to accept specific gifts or govern themselves as time goes on, some are concerned that they will be vulnerable to straying from their key values or obligations. Others have external funding agreements which are dependent on such provisions. However, there are ways to protect a society’s key values, purposes, and funding agreements so they are…