Constitution of the Triangle Troglodytes on the N.S.S.
I. NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Triangle Troglodytes of the National Speleological Society.
II. PURPOSES
The purposes of this organization shall be thea same as those of the National Speleological Society, with the additional purpose of organizing NSS members in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area of North Carolina to better promote the objectives of the NSS.
III. OFFICERS
1. The Triangle Troglodytes shall be governed by an Executive Committee made up of a Chair, a Vice-Chair, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and an Editor.
2. Officers shall be elected annually by secret ballot of the members at the January meeting.
3. The Officers shall have complete power to manage the business; to formulate the Bylaws; to raise funds in any manner not inconsistent with the policies of the NSS; and to perform all other necessary functions.
4. Decisions or actions for the Executive Committee may be overruled by a two thirds majority vote of the members.
IV. MEETINGS
1. Executive Committee and general meetings shall be held at such times and places as are determined by the Committee.
2. A petition signed by two-thirds of the membership shall be mandatory upon the Executive Committee to call a special meeting for the purpose stated in the petition.
V. MEMBERSHIP
Full membership is limited to members of the NSS.
VI. SUBORDINATION
The Constitution and Bylaws of the National Speleological Society shall be binding on the Triangle Troglodytes. Any action inconsistent therewith shall be null and void.
VII. DISSOLUTION
Any property of the Triangle Troglodytes shall revert to the NSS in the event of dissolution.
VIII. AMENDMENTS
Amendments to the Constitution shall be made by two-thirds favorable vote of those present at any meeting called by the Executive Committee expressly for the purpose, or by written consent of a majority of the total membership.
BYLAWS OF THE TRIANGLE TROGLODYTES OF THE N.S.S.
I. NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Triangle Troglodytes of the National Speleological Society.
II. PURPOSES
The purposes of this organization shall be the same as those of the National Speleological Society, with the additional purpose of organizing NSS members in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area of North Carolina to better promote the objectives of the NSS.
III. MEMBERSHIP
1. Voting membership consists of all persons who have paid annual dues for the current year to the Triangle Troglodytes. (Grotto)
2. Full membership is limited to members of the NSS and voting members of the Triangle Troglodytes.
3. Any reference to members in the Constitution and Bylaws is considered, unless noted, as the Voting membership of the Triangle Troglodytes.
4. Membership status runs from January thru December.
5. Dues for membership shall be set by the Executive Committee, subject to approval by a majority vote of the members present at the January meeting. Dues set go into effect at the meeting.
6. Termination of membership may occur if the member can be shown to have violated the goals or objectives of the NSS or the Triangle Troglodytes.
7. Termination of membership is accomplished by a unanimous vote of the entire Executive Committee after a formal review in which all concerned parties are allowed to express their views.
IV. MEETINGS
1. General Meetings shall normally be held the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 PM.
2. A quorum of 10% of voting membership is required for transacting other business at a General meeting.
3. Executive Committee meetings shall be held at such times and places as are determined by the Committee.
4. A quorum for transacting business at an Executive Committee meeting is a majority of the Committee.
5. Robert’s Rules of Order shall not be exercised at General or Executive Committee meetings.
6. Robert’s Rules of Order may be requested by two members present at the meeting.
7. A petition signed by two-thirds of the membership shall be mandatory upon the Executive Committee to call a special meeting for the purpose stated in the petition.
V. ELECTIONS
1. Election of officers shall occur by secret ballot yearly at the January General meeting.
2. There shall be no quorum needed for election of officers.
3. Nominations of officers shall occur at the General meeting in December; however nominations will also be accepted from the floor at the January meeting.
4. Dated written proxy votes from members shall be accepted for the election of officers.
5. Mail ballots will not be solicited or accepted.
6. The Order of election shall be: 1st – Chair, 2nd – Vice Chair, 3rd – Editor, 4th – Secretary, 5th – Treasurer.
7. The newly elected Executive Committee takes office at the conclusion of the January meeting.
VI. OFFICERS
1. The Triangle Troglodytes shall be governed by an Executive Committee made up of a Chair, a Vice-Chair, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and an Editor.
2. The Officers shall have complete power to manage the business; to formulate the Bylaws; to raise funds in any manner not inconsistent with the policies of the NSS; and to perform all other necessary functions.
3. Decisions or actions for the Executive Committee may be overruled by a two thirds majority vote of the members.
4. Officers must be a Full member of the Triangle Troglodytes in order to serve on the Executive Committee.
5. In the event of a vacancy on the Executive Committee, the post shall be filled at the next General meeting under the conditions specified in the Elections section of the Bylaws.
6. An Officer may be removed from office by a majority vote of the Executive Committee. However, voting members present at the next General meeting may overrule the Executive Committee decision if a quorum is met.
VII. DUTIES OF OFFICERS
1. All Officers:
– Shall conduct all business of the grotto in a fair and impartial manner.
– Shall maintain open communications with both other officers and voting members, as well as other interested parties, as needed to conduct the business of the grotto.
– Shall perform other duties as required or designated by the members of the Executive Committee.
2. Chair:
– Shall preside over all meetings of the grotto.
– Shall lead the Executive Committee in the conduct of all business.
– Shall ensure the proper conduct of all business of the grotto.
3. Vice Chair:
– Shall preside over meetings when the Chair is not present.
– Shall serve as the trip coordinator.
– Is responsible for the program at General meetings.
4. Secretary:
– Shall keep and distribute minutes of all meetings of the grotto
– Shall answer inquiries, distribute, and prepare the general correspondence of the grotto.
– Shall maintain an up-to-date listing of the grotto’s members and exchanges.
– Shall prepare the Annual report to the NSS Internal Organization Committee in timely fashion.
5. Treasurer:
– Shall have charge, custody, and responsibility for all funds of the grotto.
– Shall maintain the grotto’s bank account.
– Shall disburse funds as required to conduct the proper business of the grotto.
– Shall maintain an accurate, up-to-date ledger of all financial transactions of the grotto’s funds
– Shall collect dues at meetings and by mail and inform the Secretary of receipt of such dues.
6. Editor: – Shall assemble, prepare, edit, publish, and arrange for suitable printing of the grotto newsletter.
– Shall maintain a library of back issues
– Shall publish the Minutes of all grotto meetings as received from the Secretary as they represent the only record of meeting business.
– Shall avoid derogatory and/or political articles.
– Shall send controversial articles to at least one other Officer before printing for review and recommendation as to the appropriateness for publication.
– Shall maintain an accurate, up-to-date Ledger of all financial transactions pertinent to the Editor’s office.
VIII. COMMITTEES
1. A standing Committee may be organized at a general meeting and shall be open to any interested member.
2. A Committee may review policies and suggest general policy to be adopted by the grotto.
IX. AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS
Amendments to the Bylaws shall be made by two-thirds favorable vote of those present at any meeting with a quorum present, or by written consent of a majority of the total membership.
Triangle Troglodyte Guidelines to Follow BEFORE Leading a Youth Group Trip
The Triangle Troglodytes of the National Speleological Society (NSS) have developed these guidelines which should be met before any youth group trip. These guidelines take into account the policies of both the NSS and the Boy Scouts of America, and they apply to both the youth group leaders and the caver leading the trip.
For Youth Group Leaders
1. No one under 14 years old is permitted on the trip.
2. At least one youth group leader and one experienced caver, both over 21 years old, must be in each party.
3. Parties underground are limited to 10 persons for conservation reasons.
4. Each experienced caver may lead no more than five youths and/or youth group leaders.
5. Prior to the trip, the youth group leader should schedule a lecture on caving safety and conservation to the group by a Troglodyte, at the caver’s convenience.
6. Waiver forms approved by the youth group’s national organization are necessary for every scout and leader on the trip. If the national group requires a tour permit for the trip, the youth group must have one completed.
7. Each participant must be equipped with a hardhat with a chinstrap and a helmet-mounted lamp. Neither the Triangle Troglodytes nor its members will be responsible for these provisions. A list of other necessary equipment will be provided to the youth group by the caver.
8. Specific information about the cave and camping locations should be left with a youth group contact in town.
For Troglodytes
1. Choose “beginner” caves which have historically received high traffic and do not contain sensitive bat colonies. Do NOT give directions to any caves unless a competent caver is going to lead the trip.
2. A lecture about safety, conservation, and landowner relations should be given to everyone planning to go on the trip. Present a list of required equipment and clothing to each member of the group.
3. Check the cave access situation before leaving for the trip.
4. Check that the scout leaders meet all of the guidelines set above.
5. No ropes, ladders, or other climbing devices should be used on novice trips, although belay lines are encouraged.
6. At least one of the Grotto trip leaders must meet 3 of the 4 qualifications listed below:
a. 2 years of continuous membership in the NSS
b. 2 years of continuous membership in a grotto
c. 2 years of experience in cave exploring
d. Current certification in first aid and CPR
7. The trip leader should be a currently active member of the Triangle Troglodytes and of the National Speleological Society.
8. The trip leader should have led a grotto-sponsored cave trip before leading a youth group trip.