BYLAWS

Article I: Name and Purpose

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1. Name: The name of this organization shall be the “Elite Dance Initiative for Youths Inc.” (hereinafter referred to as “the Program”).

2. Purpose: The purpose of the Program is:

   1.  To provide and make dance education and performance opportunities accessible for underprivileged youth; youths in high-risk neighbourhoods and youths who have an interest to learn how to dance.

   2. To promote community engagement through dance.

   3. Raise funds for causes related to the arts.

   4. To create and establish the operation of dance festivals/presentations for the purpose of promoting dance and public appreciation for the performing arts. 

 

Article II: Governance Structure

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1. Board of Directors:

   • The Program shall be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of no fewer than three (3) members.

   • Members of the Board shall be elected for a term of two (2) years and may serve two consecutive terms.

   • Members of the Board may be elected by current board members or by the members of the program. In cases where there is no competition for roles, the founder or artistic director may select board members accordingly.

   • Reappointment Members who are interested in remaining in their positions or taking on new responsibilities after one term are encouraged to express their intentions to the Founder or Artistic Director of the Program.

   • Non-Reappointment Confirmation For members who have served one term and do not wish to continue in their roles beyond one term, no action is required. Such position will automatically be considered expired at the end the term.

   • Departing Members Members who have served two consecutive terms will automatically be considered expired at the end of the second consecutive term.  Departing members may request to stay on as supporters but without any voting rights.    A period of one term must pass before departing board members can be re-elected to the board.

   • The Board shall include at lease 3 of the following positions:

     • Chair

     • Vise Chair

     • Secretary

     • Treasurer

     • Member-at-Large

2. Duties of Officers:

   • Chair: Presides over meetings, represents the Program in official capacities, and ensures that all activities align with the mission.

   • Vice Chair: Assists the Chair and assumes their duties in their absence.

   • Secretary: Maintains records of meetings, manages correspondence, and keeps track of membership lists.

   • Treasurer: Manages financial accounts, prepares budgets, and provides financial reports at each meeting. 

   • Member-at-Large: Represents general membership interests on the Board.

3. Committees:

   • The Board may establish committees as necessary to carry out specific functions such as fundraising, parent guild, outreach, or event planning.

4. Limitation of Liability of Board Members

• The corporation shall operate without the intention of generating profit for its members except where members fulfill essential roles within the corporation, such as dance instructors, artistic directors, and administrative staff who may receive compensation for their contributions.

• Any profits or other accretions to the corporation shall be used in promoting its objects.

• Board Members of the Program shall not be held personally liable for monetary damages resulting from any actions taken or failures to act, including instances of negligence, except under the following conditions:

a) The Board Member has breached or failed to fulfill the duties associated with their office.
b) The breach or failure to act involves a conflict of interest, willful misconduct, or recklessness in speech and demeanor.

 

  5. Compensation of Liability of Board Members

• Members of the Board of Directors may receive compensation for their services if they fulfill essential roles within the corporation, provided that such compensation is approved by a majority vote of the remaining board members. The amount and terms of such compensation shall be determined annually by the Board and documented in the minutes of the meeting where such determination is made. Any director receiving compensation shall abstain from voting on matters related to their own compensation.”

 

Article III: Membership Rules (This includes participants, their parents and/or guardians)

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1. Eligibility:

   • Membership is open to any individual who supports the mission of the Program.

   • Members must complete an application form and pay any applicable dues as determined by the Board.

2. Membership Categories:

   • Regular Members: Individuals who participate in programs for two or more terms. Respectively; October to December, January to March or April to June.

   • Milestone Members: Individuals recognized for their significant contributions to dance or community service; members who have served 10 years are exempt from dance fees.

3. Rights and Responsibilities:

   • All members have the right to vote on matters presented at general meetings.

   • Members have the right to vote for Board members.

   • Members who, without reasonable cause, fail to attend at least 2 scheduled general meetings may lose the right to obtain membership the following dance seasons.

   • Members are expected to uphold the values of the Program and participate actively in its activities.

4. Policy on Social Media Posting:

   • Protection of Privacy:
     Members/Parents are prohibited from posting images or videos of any child other than their own without obtaining prior written permission from the other child/children’s parent or legal guardian who are seen in the images or videos. This policy is in place to respect the privacy and rights of all members and their families.

   • Cultural Costume Representation:
     Members/Parents must refrain from posting images of children in cultural costumes that are not fully complete. This guideline ensures that cultural representations are respectful and accurate, maintaining the integrity of the traditions being portrayed.

   • Permission for Costume Posts:
     While we encourage sharing moments from our dance community, we require that all social media posts involving our members in costume be made with prior approval from the Artistic Director. This policy allows us to maintain control over how our students are represented publicly and ensures that all portrayals align with our organization’s values.

   • Identifiable Information Requirement:
     All social media posts featuring our students must include identifiable information, such as a link to our company website, Instagram, or Facebook page. This requirement helps promote our organization while ensuring that viewers can easily find more information about our programs and activities.

5. Policy on Choreography and Performance:

   • Members are prohibited from performing company choreography without obtaining written consent from the Artistic Director.

   • Members are permitted to perform individual and small group choreographies for which they have fully paid in a private class setting, without needing written consent from the Artistic Director.

6. Conflict of Interests:

   • Using confidential information obtained through association with the organization for personal gain.

   • Taking advantage of opportunities that would benefit oneself while knowing these opportunities would be of interest to the organization.

   • Recommending a company that provides services to the dance program (such as photography, videography, or event planning), where there is a direct financial gain to that parent.  A parent who volunteers such services with no financial gain may request permission and receive a majority vote from the Board.

   • Parents involved in our dance program are prohibited from soliciting other parents to join, learn about, or visit competing dance programs during the active period of our program. This includes any form of communication, whether direct or indirect, that may encourage participation in alternative dance programs.

   • Termination of Membership Due to Conflict of Interest
     A member’s membership may be terminated if they are found to have breached one or more provisions related to conflicts of interest. This includes any actions or decisions that compromise the integrity of the organization or create a situation where personal interests conflict with the interests of the dance program.

   • The process for termination will include a review by the governing body, which will assess the nature and severity of the breach. Members will be given an opportunity to respond to any allegations before a final decision is made regarding their membership status.

7. Termination of Membership:

   • Membership may be terminated when:

     1. Member dies.

     2. Member’s term expires.

     3. The member fails to comply with membership responsibilities including paying dues timely; fundraising and outreach obligations as given in orientation or present on members page of website.  Membership dues will not be reimbursed.

     4. Member breaches one or more conflict of interests.  Membership dues will not be reimbursed.

     5. The Board of Directors, the Artistic Director or another member within the program reports that a member’s conduct as being harmful to the Program.

     6. The Program dissolves.

 

Article IV: Meetings

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1. Regular Meetings:

   • The Program shall aim to hold regular meetings with members and Board at least twice per year. 

   • Notice of meetings shall be provided at least two weeks in advance via email or other communication methods.

   • All meetings may be held in-person or via electronic means.

2. Special Meetings:

   • Special meetings may be called by any member of the Board with at least one week’s notice given to all members.

3. Quorum:

   • A quorum for conducting business shall consist of a majority (more than 50%) of active members present at a meeting or at least 25% of members along with a minimum of at least 3 Board Members.

4. Voting Procedures:

   • Decisions shall be made by a simple majority vote unless otherwise specified in these bylaws.

   • Voting may occur via show of hands unless a secret ballot is requested by any member.

5. Minutes:

   • Minutes from each meeting shall be recorded by the Secretary and made available to all members within two weeks after each meeting.

 

Article V: Amendment to Bylaw

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1. Amendments

• These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote from Board Members at any regular or special meeting provided that notice has been given regarding proposed amendments at least two weeks prior to voting.