Gobles History Club Bylaws
ARTICLE 1 - NAME, SETUP
SECTION 1
The Gobles History Club is a non-profit association, recognized by the state of Michigan and the Federal Government as a Local Civic. It has been in existence since the winter of 2005 with twenty-eight original members.
ARTICLE II - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1
A four-person panel runs the Gobles History Club. A president and three residing panel members who evaluate guidelines for trips, determine what trips will be taken, and what students can attend.
Section 2
President: Jim Wiseley
Residing officer: Joan Rumery, John Curtis, and Deb Dietrich are panel members. Deb Dietrich will serve as secretary tracking how much money each student has. The Gobles History Club has also hired an accounting firm to track financial records.
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
Evaluations’ for students who want to attend will be set in the format of oral interviews. The Board of Directors will interview students to gain an understanding to why that person feels they should be allowed to attend the Gobles History Trip.
Section 2
Applying members are required to have three references proving good standing with school and community (references will include education professional, employment, parent/guardian).
Section 3
Applying members are required to submit a one-page essay explaining why they would like to attend the trip. The essay needs to explain the benefits the applying member will gain by joining the Gobles History Club. While the club does take its name takes from the town of Gobles it is open to surrounding towns and is a separate entity from Gobles Public Schools.
ARTICLE IV PURPOSE
Section 1
The purpose of the Gobles History Club is to educate students through the cultural diffusion of their own beliefs into those of different societys. Countries such as Ireland and Italy have had a direct impact on the ethnic make-up of our own country. Many of our own students can link their own heritage to these countries.
Section 2
During spring break of March 07, twenty-two students left for Ireland. It was a trip, students will never forget. Plans are set for our 2009 trip, which will visit Italy and 2011 trip to Hawaii, Costa Rica, or New Zealand. There will be important meetings over the next few months to plan fundraising and passport requests.
ARTICLE V - MEETINGS OF MEMBERS
Section 1
Organizing the trip now, rather than later, will allow students to raise funds, collect donations, and work fundraisers needed for the trip.
Section 2
We will have numerous fundraisers to meet the student’s financial needs. When students raise funds, they will return this money to me. An account has been established at the National City in Gobles. Student accounts are then recorded.
Section 3
It is also important to understand that if a student signs up for the trip, raises money, and then drops out, they forfeit the money they have raised. Money left from members who drop out is divided among remaining participants or used to purchase equipment. This decision belongs solely to the Gobles History Clubs decision.
Section 4
There will be meetings every month to every other month. These meetings are mandatory for all members wanting to attend trips. Members are notified through emails, phone calls, News link articles, and oral conversations.
ARTICLE VI TRIP ORGANIZATION AND CONTACT
Section 1
The trip to Italy is organized and supervised with a twenty-four hour Explorica guide. We will also have an additional chaperone for every six students. Every student that has an interest in going has been given all the necessary information or needs to see me immediately. For more information, you can look at the trip itinerary at MyExplorica.com. If you are interested in going on the trip and room permits, you may go as well. I hope to answer any questions you may have concerning the trip. If you are unable to attend this meeting or if you have, any questions please feel free to contact me.
Section 2
It is also important to understand that while we are traveling to foreign countries and Governmental laws and regulations can and will differ from those we are familiar with in the United States. The Gobles History Club will follow those rules (where applicable) that are established by the United States, State of Michigan, Local Governments, and the Public Schools where the student(s) reside. (Examples: drinking ages 21, driving age) If a student(s) has an infraction while on an Explorica trip, chaperones will determine if student(s) should be sent home at student(s) expense, and parent/guardian, school system, local law enforcement, will be notified of infraction. We will have a parent/guardian student(s) meeting once interested students have been identified outlining guidelines, rules and expectations.
Section 3
Having experienced some European cultures personally, I can tell you there is a great opportunity for our students to learn. I hope students look forward to going on this great adventure.
Section 4
If you have any questions regarding a Trip, please feel free to call me any time. Home Phone: (269) 521-4444 Work Phone: (269) 628-2113 Ext: 1606
Jim Wiseley
Explorica Trip Organizer
Secondary Education Instructor