Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Ethics Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Ethics Policy is to ensure that persons conduct themselves in an ethical manner in order to promote the harmony and welfare of all participants.

Ethics

The following shall apply:

➢ All activities shall be conducted in accordance with leave no trace practices.
➢ Persons shall act in an ethical manner at all CTTT activities.
➢ A participant acting in an unethical manner that undermines the welfare of themselves and/or others, as determined by the Crew Leader, shall be asked to leave the activity and may be required to do so at his (or her) own expense. The Crew Leader will, if necessary, contact the local law enforcement authorities to enforce this policy.

Fiscal Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Fiscal Policy is to provide a minimum level of protection against the financial hazards associated with the operation of the corporation. This is not intended to be a substitute for liability insurance.

Checking Account

The checking account will be administered by the Executive Committee in accordance with Article 6 of the Bylaws.

Reserve Account

A reserve account will be maintained to provide a reserve to be used in event of catastrophic loss to tools and equipment. Allocation of funds from the reserve may only be appropriated by resolution of the Board of Directors. Checks drawn on the reserve account shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the President of the corporation.

Insurance Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Insurance Policy is to provide a minimum level of protection against the hazards associated with the performance of CTTT activities. Insurance coverage only applies with respect to registered volunteers. This is not intended to be a substitute for personal health insurance.

Insurance

The following levels of insurance shall be maintained.

$25,000 - Medical Indemnity for members participating on LRT’s
$500,000 – Vehicle Liability
$1,000,000 – Volunteer Liability

Leadership Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Leadership Policy is to ensure that persons with sufficient skill sets are available to lead participants in a safe and effective manner.

Leadership

A Crew Leader shall supervise all Local Work Days and Long Range Trips. Crew Leaders shall act as the representative of the Board and shall have the authority to enforce the Policies, Procedures and guidelines as may be established from time to time.

Crew Leader Qualifications

Unless otherwise determined by the Executive Committee, to be qualified as a Crew Leader for a CTTT work activity, one must meet the following minimum specifications.
➢ Must have participated in 1-LRT or 3-LWD’s
➢ Must have completed Crew Leader training
➢ Must be approved by the Board
➢ Must comply with all CTTT Policies and Procedures

Membership Policy

Purpose

Central Texas Trail Tamers (CTTT) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation governed by a Board of Directors in accordance with the Bylaws. Membership dues are added to the general operating account to partially offset administrative expenses. The membership policy is being set forth to insure the tranquility, health, safety and well being of members of the Central Texas Trail Tamers and provide a means to generate the revenue necessary to sustain a growing organization.

Definitions

Dues – fees payable in $US; in the amount assessed by the Board to qualify for membership.
Term – time frame for which payment of dues qualifies one for membership.
Member in good standing – person whose membership dues are current and whose fiduciary and/or supervisory conduct while in a CTTT sanctioned activity is not under review by the board.

Revocation – suspension of membership privileges.

Requirements

Single Member - open to all persons having reached the age of 18.

Family member – Same as a member

Student member - open to all persons having reached the age of 16 but less than 25.

Life member – open to all persons having reached the age of 25 and make a 1-time dues payment, or granted by the Board to a person in recognition of an extended career of service above and beyond the ordinary.

Benefits

*Subject to the terms of the Policies, Procedures & Guidelines documents, only members in good standing are eligible to:
a. Participate in Long Range Trips (LRT’s)
*Subject to the terms of the Policies, Procedures & Guidelines documents, only members in good standing, except Student Members are eligible to:
b. Be considered for the Board of Directors
c. Chair a committee
d. Be a crew leader
*Membership is not required for Local Work Days (LWD’s), or participation in general meetings
*Members will receive the regularly published newsletter, “Pathfinder”.
*Members may, from time to time, receive collateral benefits (e.g. discounts & reduced fees) from other organizations that CTTT may become associated with from time to time.

Dues

Single member - $25/year.

Family member – $40/year

Student member - $5/year

Life member – $500/life unless the Board grants such status in which case there is no charge.

Term

Single, Family, Student Membership will be valid for the fiscal year in which dues are paid. Dues paid after October 1st will qualify one for membership during the balance of that fiscal year and the next.

Life Membership will be valid for the fiscal year in which dues are paid (or status is conferred by the Board) until death or revocation. Life membership is not transferable.

Repercussions

Persons whose conduct does not comply with the terms set forth in the Policies, Procedures & Guidelines may have their membership revoked by the Board. Such persons have the right to review the minutes of the Board meeting in which such a determination was made if such request is made in accordance with the Bylaws. After reviewing said minutes such persons may petition the Board for a review hearing.
In the case of Revocation of membership, dues will be forfeited.
Persons whose membership has been revoked may apply to the Board for reinstatement after a period of one (1) year.
Persons whose membership term has expired relinquish all the rights, privileges, and benefits of membership.

Organization Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Organization Policy is to describe the organizational structure of CTTT including the Board, officers and the committees.

Board Members

Board members are selected at-large. Traditionally there has been no Chairperson of the Board and the President, who is a member of the Board, chairs all functions. It is also tradition that the Vice President be a member of the Board.

Officers

The Board elects officers. As stated above the President and Vice President are traditionally Board members. The Secretary and Treasurer are often not Board members. All officers report to the Board, having duties as defined by the Bylaws.

Executive Committee

As provided for in the Bylaws, the Board has created an Executive Committee. Membership of this 3-person committee is the President, Vice president and an Executive Director appointed by the Board.

Standing Committee

By resolution of the Board, Standing Committees have been created that exist until disbanded by Board action. The Board appoints standing Committee chairpersons.

Governing Documents

By law the Articles of Incorporation are the supreme governing document. Subservient to that are the Bylaws, Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines. In each case the successor may not supercede the former.

Attachments

A graphical depiction of this policy is attached.

Participation Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Participation Policy is to ensure that well-meaning people are not exposed to bad situations

Participation

Participation shall be open to all adults having reached the age of 18, subject to approval by the Crew Leader, and as provided for by the Policies of CTTT.
For their own safety, participants must meet the following minimum requirements.

1) Must be in the physical condition appropriate for the level of activity planned.
2) Must be willing to comply with all CTTT policies, procedures and guidelines.
3) Must be willing to sign the liability release and complete the medical information forms.

Policy on Illegal Substances, Drugs and Alcoholic Beverages

• Purpose
➢ The purpose of establishing a policy on drugs and alcoholic beverages is to insure that the tranquility, health, safety and well being of members of the Central Texas Trail Tamers (CTTT) is not jeopardized by wrongful acts of non-thinking individuals.
• Definitions
➢ Prohibited Activities - activities that shall not be conducted during a CTTT sanctioned activity.
➢ Regulated Activities - activities that may take place if done so in accordance with prevailing laws, medical advice and after having been disclosed to the CTTT leader.
• Prohibited Activities
➢ Purchase, possession, transportation, use, transfer or sale of any illegal substance.
➢ Consumption of alcoholic beverages on the job or work period as specified by the crew leader.
➢ Use of public funds including sponsorship contributions, activity fees, grants or other donations to purchase alcoholic beverages.
➢ Consumption of alcoholic beverages during the eight-hour period prior to operations of vehicle or machinery. Designated non-drinking drivers will be assigned to drive to and from functions where alcoholic beverages are served.
• Regulated Activities
➢ Possession and use of prescriptions drugs during and immediately prior to participation in any project must be in accordance with the prescription and disclosed to the group leader and his medical representative.
➢ Possession and use of a non-prescription drug will be at the discretion of the user, but disclosure to the group leader and his medical representative is encouraged. In cases where proper usage may impair coordination or cause drowsiness, disclosure is required.
➢ Use of tobacco products is permitted but the health and safety of non-users shall prevail. Smoking may be prohibited entirely in certain areas and at times of high fire hazard.
➢ Possession, transportation, display and consumption of alcoholic beverages shall conform to the rules established by the authority having jurisdiction over the project, i.e. National Park Service, U.S. forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Texas Parks and Wildlife, etc.
➢ Private consumption during non-duty hours is permitted if not otherwise prohibited up to eight hours prior to the start of the work period.
➢ Public consumption of alcoholic beverages after the work period shall be at the discretion of the CTTT group leader. Each individual is responsible for his/her behavior and shall not infringe on the rights of others to enjoy the peace and serenity of the area.
• Repercussions
➢ Violation of this policy and/or disregard for the spirit and intent of this policy shall result in termination of an individual's privilege to participate in current and future CTTT projects.
➢ Participants acting in a manner that is unsafe to themselves and/or others shall be asked to leave the activity and may be required to do so at their own expense. The CTTT Leader will, if necessary contact the local authorities to enforce this policy.

Safety Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Safety Policy is to ensure that persons conduct themselves in a manner that does not endanger themselves or other participants.

Safety

The following shall apply:

➢ First aid kits shall be maintained by CTTT and be present at all LWD and LRT’s.
➢ To ensue the safety of all participants, the buddy system should be used.
➢ The Drug and Alcohol Policy shall be in force at all CTTT activities.
➢ Participants acting in a manner that is unsafe to themselves and/or others, as determined by the Crew Leader, shall be asked to leave the activity and may be required to do so at his (or her) own expense. The Crew Leader will, if necessary contact the local law enforcement authorities to enforce this policy.

Crew Leader Training Procedure

Mission

A Training program will be established to maintain a cadre of Crew Leaders who will oversee CTTT activities to ensure: 1) the effective use and protection of natural resources, and 2) the safety of all volunteers.

Duration

Crew Leader training will typically involve (1) Saturday or multiple evening sessions.

Participation

Crew Leader training is open to all members as stipulated in the CTTT Leadership Policies. A fee established by the Technical Committee may be assessed to cover the cost of training materials.

Organization

Training shall be presided over by the Technical Committee and be staffed as follows.

1. Training Coordinator – schedules and coordinates all training classes. Procures training materials and facilities.
2. Instructor – conducts training sessions.
3. Participants – typically six per class per instructor.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum requirements for certification as a CTTT Crew Leader are participation in four sessions of classroom instruction.

Recommended schedule for 1-day classroom instruction is as follows:

Time Event Contents

8AM Registration Personal contact information, medical release form, coffee and doughnuts

8:30 Introduction
Instructor information and personal history

8:35 Session 1
CTTT History Foundation, pictures of past events, letters of commendation

8:45 Session 2
Trail design Techniques and review of reference materials

10:15 Break

10:30 Techniques continued

12:00 Lunch

1PM Session 3
Crew leadership
Basic techniques

2:30 Break

2:45 Session 4
Policy review Review of CTTT Policies, Procedures & Guidelines

5:00 Adjourn


Crew Leader Trainee should complete First Aid training in one of the following approved programs

1) Red Cross
2) Firefighters
3) EMT
4) SWEAT

Participation in programs deemed equivalent by the Board (e.g. VOC Crew Leader training) may also be considered sufficient if approved by the Board. Technical Committee may also nominate Crew Leaders for consideration by the Board based on their experience and knowledge. A majority vote is required to confer the certification of Crew Leader.

Instructors

Technical Committee will nominate Instructors for consideration by the Board based on their experience and knowledge. A majority vote is required to confer the certification of Instructor.