1
Name
The organization shall be known as The Museum Volunteers of the Philippines, M. V. P.
2
Nature
The organization shall be non-profit, non-sectarian, non-political and non-partisan.
3
Aims
The organization aims to -
3.1 Promote the study of the history and culture of the Philippines in particular and of Asia and other regions of the world.
3.2 Promote voluntary assistance in local Museums.
3.3 Promote friendship and understanding between the numerous nationalities represented in the membership
4
Means of achieving aims
The organization shall achieve these aims by -
4.1 Holding regular General Meetings for members and others.
4.2 Inviting speakers.
4.3 Canvassing for volunteers to assist in local museums.
4.4 Organizing Study Groups.
4.5 Presenting public lectures.
4.6 Arranging educational tours locally in the Philippines and internationally.
4.7 Providing members with a newsletter.
4.8 Providing at least one social function annually at which members may meet, and also meet staff of local museums.
5
Membership
5.1 Membership shall be of three categories:
5.2 a) Regular Members - Residents of the Philippines.
5.3 b) Overseas Members - Members who are resident overseas.
5.4 c) Honorary Members - appointed at the discretion of the Steering Committee.
5.5 Membership other than Honorary Membership shall be effective upon payment of dues.
5.6 Membership dues may be changed with the approval of the Annual General Meeting.
6
Privileges of regular membership
6.1 All regular members shall be eligible to vote and to stand for election to the Executive or Steering Committee.
6.2 All regular members shall be eligible for voluntary work in a Museum provided this is acceptable to Museum staff and the appropriate M. V. P. Museum Liaison Officer.
6.3 All members shall be eligible to join the Study Groups.
6.4 All regular members shall have the use of the M. V. P. Library and slide library.
6.5 All members shall be eligible to receive the Newsletter.
7
Meetings
7.1 General Meetings shall be held at regular intervals.
7.2 The Annual General Meeting shall be held in May each year and only regular members in good standing shall be entitled to vote.
8
Management
8.1 The management of the organization shall be by a Steering Committee consisting of the following officers:
8.2 Liaison officers for as many individual museums as the Steering Committee shall deem appropriate. Any other person whom the steering Committee shall deem appropriate from time to time.
8.3 With approval of the Steering Committee, members shall have the power to appoint an Assistant to share their workload and to represent them at Steering Committee Meetings, in their absence.
9
Election of Steering Committee
9.1 The Steering Committee shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting for the term of one year.
9.2 Interim vacancies on the Steering Committee shall be filled at the discretion of the Steering Committee.
9.3 No member shall hold more than one office concurrently, with the exception of Museum Liaison Officers.
9.4 No member shall hold the same office for more than two consecutive years, except at the discretion of the Steering Committee.
10
Responsibilities of the Steering Committee
10.1 The Committee shall be entrusted with the management and maintenance of the property of the organization.
10.2 Any checks drawn shall require the signature of at least two authorized members of the Steering Committee and the approval of the Committee.
10.3 The Treasurer shall present a monthly Statement of Income and Expenditure at every Steering Committee Meeting and shall also present an audited Statement of Accounts for the whole year at the Annual General Meeting.
11
Financial year
The organization’s financial year shall begin on 1st of April and terminate on 31st of March the following year.
12
Quorum
A quorum of one half of Steering Committee members shall be required at any Steering Committee Meeting. For voting purposes at any General Meeting those present shall be considered a quorum.
Resolutions shall be decided by a simple majority vote.
13
Amendments to the constitution
Amendments to the Constitution shall be proposed to the Steering Committee, publicized in a newsletter at least seven days before the General Meeting at which the proposal for adoption is to be made. If a quorum is not present, the Steering Committee may then call an extra-ordinary meeting at its discretion at which a two-thirds majority is required to approve the amendment.
14
Dissolution
14.1 The organization may be dissolved at any time by decision taken at a General Meeting with a quorum of one half total membership and a simple majority vote.
14.2 A committee authorized by the general membership shall continue functioning until such times as matters relating to the dissolution of the organization are finally settled. Residue funds and property are to be disposed of according to the wishes of the General Membership.
Approved at the Annual General Meeting, 19 May, 2000.