Bylaws for the Association of Philadelphia Tourguides
(adopted 20 November 2008, revised 19 March 2009)
Well-informed local residents have welcomed visitors to the Delaware Valley ever since the Lenape Natives greeted William Penn when he arrived in 1682. The members of this Guides Association appreciate the unparalleled historic and architectural riches of Philadelphia and have formed this association to continue this four-century tradition.
ARTICLE I -- The name of this organization is the
Association of Philadelphia Tourguides (APT).
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE:
This association is established to further the mutual interests and development of professional and volunteer guides in Philadelphia by:
- Establishing high standards for interpreting this city to its public,
- Developing an effective training and continuing education program,
- Acting as a voice for the membership in matters which affect city guiding,
- Enabling independent guides to obtain liability insurance,
- Supporting measures to enhance the visitor experience in Philadelphia.
ARTICLE IIIa. – MEMBERSHIP:
Membership is open to professional and volunteer tour guides, docents, public historians and re-enactors, as well as others with an interest in the history, architecture and culture of the city.
Associate Membership is open to organizations, historic sites and corporations which are involved in the hospitality and tourism industry in the Greater Philadelphia region, Associate Members are welcome at all APT functions; however, they do not have voting privileges and cannot be included in a quorum count.
ARTICLE IIIb. -- DUES:
Members must have paid the agreed-upon dues to be in good standing and qualify to vote in the association. The members will set the dues policy to meet the association’s needs.
ARTICLE IV – MEETINGS:
Association meetings shall take place typically on the 2nd Wednesday evening of each month at a site to be designated by the President. Members may, by voice vote, change the time and site of meetings.
The annual organization meeting, for approval of by-laws, amendments and the election of officers and executive committee members will normally take place in January, weather permitting.
The presence of not less than 40 % of the membership shall be necessary to conduct association business. A vote by 2/3 of the membership is required to change the bylaws. The Secretary shall solicit mail and e-mail ballots from the membership for any votes on the bylaws.
Special meetings may be called by the President or by a majority of the Executive Committee. Members must be notified of such a meeting in writing, phone and/or e-mail at least ten (10) days before a special meeting is to take place. The specific reason(s) for such a meeting must be included in the notice; and no other business will be transacted at such a special meeting without the unanimous consent of all members present.
ARTICLE V – VOTING:
Votes shall normally be taken by Voice Vote. The annual election of Officers and Executive Committee members shall be by written ballot at the organizational meeting. An election for the officers shall be held first. Once those results are announced, the election of other Executive Committee members shall take place, to ensure representation of all major constituencies of the Association. (See Article VI). Results shall be tabulated in the presence of the members during the organizational meeting; and the newly elected officers will take over at that juncture.
ARTICLE VI – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
The business of this Association shall be managed by an Executive Committee between the monthly meetings. This committee shall consist of the officers (President, Secretary, Treasurer) and four additional members – all to be elected at the January organizational meeting. The seven-member Executive Committee must include at least one representative from each of the following constituencies: carriage drivers, historic site guides, independent walking guides, and step-on guides (guides on busses, trolleys, Ducks, etc.).
All Officers and Executive Committee members shall serve for one calendar year. Each will have one vote. Vacancies which occur during the calendar year will be filled by vote of the remaining members of the Executive Committee.
The President must consult the Executive Committee, time permitting, on any policy issues or matters of public interest between membership meetings.
ARTICLE VII – OFFICERS: The officers shall be:
PRESIDENT:
- Shall preside at all meetings of the members and the executive committee;
- Shall present an annual report to the members on the work of APT;
- Shall appoint all committees;
- Shall ensure that all reports, records and official business of the Association are maintained in good order;
- Shall be one of two signatories on any checks;
- Shall act as spokesperson of the Association to the public and press, reflecting the official decisions and viewpoints of the membership.
SECRETARY:
- Shall maintain and update the membership list;
- Shall give and serve all notices to the members of the Association;
- Shall maintain the minutes of membership meetings and a record of all official actions and decisions of the Association and Executive Committee, and submit them monthly to the members;
- Shall submit to the Board any communications addressed to APT.
TREASURER:
- Shall have the care and custody of all the Association’s funds,
- Depositing them in timely fashion in the designated account;
- Shall, with the President, be one of the two signatories on all checks;
- Shall provide a quarterly written account of the Association’s finances – at Membership meetings in January, April, July and October;
- Shall update the Executive Committee on the Association’s finances as requested.
ARTICLE VIII – COMMITTEES:
The Association may establish and charge, or disband, committees at will..
The Events and Education Committee shall be a standing committee of APT to arrange for short presentations on useful subjects of interest to the members, as well as to inform members about educational opportunities.
The Communications Committee shall be a standing committee of APT, to take overall responsibility for the design of any websites or other forms of communication to the public.
The Elections Committee shall consist of three members who will receive and post the nominations for officers and/or membership on the Executive Committee for the January organizational meeting. At the January meeting, they will also count the votes and announce the results. No later than the preceding November meeting, the President, with approval of the Executive Committee, shall select three members who themselves do not expect to stand for election in January to serve on the Elections Committee.
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