BYLAWS
Outback Hiking Club of Southern Utah
OUTBACK HIKING CLUB BYLAWS <- Click for a printable pdf
ARTICLE I: Name and Affiliation
The name of the organization shall be the Outback Hiking Club of Southern Utah. The Club will operate within the Meetup network but according to its own bylaws and under the governance of its own Board of Directors.
ARTICLE II: Mission and Purpose
Section 1. Mission
The mission of the Club shall be to promote hiking, other outdoor activities, and an appreciation of the outdoors, as well as social interaction among its members to build a strong community.
Section 2. Purpose
The Club will plan and lead day hikes, overnight trips, backpack trips and other outdoor activities
The Club will promote responsible hiking and outdoor recreation through programs and speakers.
The Club will support local recreational venues by assisting with trail maintenance, trail cleanup, and other activities.
The Club will plan and support social activities and gatherings to promote goodwill and interaction among its members
ARTICLE III: Members
Section 1. Any adult 18 years or older shall be eligible to apply for membership in the Club via Meetup.com and shall become a member upon completion of the application process. All members must provide the Club with a full name, personal phone number, and an email address. Members are urged to provide an emergency contact number as well. Minor family members may attend Club activities when accompanied by an adult member.
Section 2. Guests of club members are welcome to hike with the Club for a maximum of three hikes per calendar year as space permits. Guests are required to sign a waiver before participating in any hike and to obtain the hike leader’s permission.
Section 3. Members who have performed outstanding service and shown dedication to the well-being of the Club may be selected for Honorary Lifetime Membership at the discretion of the Board.
Section 4. The annual club dues shall be set by the Board and will be commensurate with the current club operating expenses.
Section 5. Members are expected to treat each other with respect. Verbally abusive behavior is unacceptable. If it occurs, the matter shall be reported to the Board of Directors as possible grounds for expulsion. A member shall be expelled upon a two-thirds vote of the Board.
ARTICLE IV: Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Archivist/Historian, Secretary/Treasurer, Director of Communications, Director of Hike Planning, and Director of Social Activities.
ARTICLE V: Duties of the Officers and Directors
Section 1. The President will preside at all meetings of the Club and the Board, will act as spokesperson for the Club in matters dealing with the public or other organizations and will support activities of the committees and have general oversight of club activities. The President will also ensure that the “Guidelines for Members” are kept current.
Section 2. The Vice-President shall act for the President in all matters in his/her absence, will solicit speakers or programs for the general meetings acting upon recommendations from the Board, committees, or membership and will perform special assignments as requested by the President or the Board.
Section 3. The Secretary/Treasurer will maintain the bank account and all financial records, collect dues, sell promotional items, disburse funds, and maintain new member applications and related materials until all requirements for membership are met. He/she will also take minutes of business meetings, handle club correspondence, maintain membership forms and waiver forms, maintain the records of the organization, and file the annual IRS form 990-N (e-postcard). New member requests are only granted by the Secretary/Treasurer or a designated alternate.
Section 4. The Director of Communications will prepare and send out a weekly newsletter containing hike reports, schedule changes, upcoming hikes, and other items of information or interest that need to be communicated to the membership as directed by members of the Board.
Section 5. The Director of Hike Planning will maintain the Leader and Member guidelines, recruit and mentor new leaders, review all hikes submitted by members, and may approve, disapprove, or suggest adjustments to hikes. When necessary, the Director of Hike Planning may cancel any hike submitted by a member or delete comments not consistent with the Bylaws or Guidelines.
Section 6. The Director of Social Activities will make the arrangements necessary for any social activities which may be planned by the Board.
Section 7. The Archivist/Historian will maintain the historical records of Club activities and provide continuity in the Board of Directors and, as a full voting member, ensure a tie-breaking vote when needed.
Section 8. A special meeting of the membership may be called to vote for the removal of an officer or director. A two-thirds majority vote of those members present shall be required for removal.
Article VI: Meetings
Section 1. A regular meeting or social event of the Club will be held at least 6 times annually. A service project such as trail maintenance or other service will constitute an “event” counting toward this requirement.
Section 2. Regular meetings will be conducted to receive reports, conduct club business, and to present programs of interest to the members. Meeting dates and times will be at the discretion of the Board. A scheduled meeting quorum consists of the members present.
Section 3. The Club meeting in November shall be known as the Annual Meeting. Its primary purpose will be to nominate and select officers and directors for the upcoming year. In addition, the meeting may include other matters as described in Section 1. A scheduled meeting quorum consists of the members present.
Section 4. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called as needed and require a quorum to be present. A Board quorum consists of a majority of the Board members.
Section 5. A special meeting may be held upon the call of the president or any ten members after a 30-day notice. A special meeting quorum consists of twenty members.
ARTICLE VII: Nominating Committee
Section 1. The Nominating Committee shall consist of the current President, Vice-President and Archivist/Historian.
Section 2. The Nominating Committee shall annually select willing candidates for the positions of Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, Director of Communications, Director of Hike Planning, and Director of Social Activities for nomination at the November meeting. Other interested members may also be nominated at the November Annual Meeting. A member may concurrently hold only one of the above positions. The Archivist/Historian will be nominated by committee annually and will assume the Board responsibilities without a membership vote.
Section 3. The Nominating Committee shall oversee the voting for the candidates. Unless the Nominating Committee decides on an alternative voting method, the candidates will be elected at the November Annual Meeting by a majority vote of the members present.
Section 4. The current Vice-President shall assume the position of President on January 1 as will all other newly elected officers and directors.
Section 5. Elected members serving as Secretary/Treasurer, and the Directors of Communications, Hike Planning, and Social Activities may be annually re-elected to their positions.
Section 6. If an officer or director is unable to serve out his or her full term, the President, after consultation with the other Board members, will appoint an interim officer or director to fill the vacant position.
Article VIII: Financial Responsibility
Section 1. The Secretary/Treasurer will pay Club expenses by check or other appropriate means upon submission of appropriate invoice or receipt. A second Board member will also have signing authority.
Section 2. Members may inspect financial records on the club website.
Article IX: Members’ Responsibility
Section 1. Club hikes and trips are not led by professional guides. Each member or guest participates at his/her own risk. When a member joins Outback and completes the personal profile on Meetup, the member’s required full name is the legal signature of agreement for the Waiver, Guidelines and Bylaws. A guest must sign an OHCOSU waiver before each hike or trip.
Section 2. Members are required to be familiar with and adhere to the “Guidelines for Members” posted on the club website. Failure to do so may result in a member being barred from hiking with the Club. Each participant is responsible for arranging his/her transportation and for bringing adequate water, food, clothing, and appropriate equipment.
Section 3. If a member has signed up for a hike but cannot go, he/she must change the RSVP to “Not Going” as soon as possible. Members with a record of no-shows may be barred from hiking with the Club.
Article X: Hike Leaders’ Responsibility
A hike leader’s primary responsibility is to ensure, to the best of his/her ability, a safe and satisfactory hiking experience for Club members participating in the hike. To that end, hike leaders are required to become familiar with and adhere to the “Hike Leader Guidelines” posted on the Club website. Failure to do so may result in being barred from leading hikes for the Club.
Article XI: Dissolution
In the event the Club should cease to function or be disbanded, the assets of the Club, if any, shall be sold, and, after meeting all financial obligations, all remaining funds shall be donated to the St. George Parks and Recreation Department.
Article XII: Parliamentary Authority
The rules contained in the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order shall govern the Club in all cases where they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order the Club may adopt. https://assembly.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/roberts_rules_simplified.pdf
These bylaws may be amended at any regular or special meeting of the club after a 30-day notice of the proposed changes to the membership. The amendments must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the assembled members. A quorum for this purpose consists of 15 members.
Revised: November 19, 2025