Directors - Reopen RCWA

I didn't join RCWA and drop a pretty hefty sum of cash as an initiation fee and the yearly dues to fish in a "stocked" :rolleyes: "lake":rolleyes: or the camping sites. I joined for the firearms. I'd say 95% of mine and my kids time is spent at the pistol/rifle range. Anytime we see anybody at the lake, it's 3-4 at most. All the board had to do was post that no more "public" was allowed and members can enter at your own risk. How the hell would anybody prove that they got the damn beer flu there anyway. Maybe it has something to do with the average age of the fudds that are on the board is 117?
 
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Butter said:
You can try to drain the swamp, but dont forget its a good ole boys club.

The underground network to spread rumor and lies is alive and well.

Been there, got the t shirt
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Exactly, glad someone has it figured out.
 
My (outdoor) range just eliminated guests from outside your immediate household. Range is still open.

If you don’t like the leadership of the range, run for the board or and officer position and change it. You just need to find enough members that agree with you.

If our range was closed and you broke in, yes, the police would be called on you for trespassing, and you would be removed from membership. “Member” doesn’t mean “make up your own rules”.
 
concepthomes1 said:
But enough members means that measly board wouldn’t have observable authority anymore.
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A range is a private organization. There are no "rights" involved here, just the contractual arrangement between the club (its bylaws), its officers/board, and its members. Period. Those are legally binding.

If you aren't satisfied with the policies of the officers/board, then change the people in charge. Until you do, those officers/board can kick out anyone that isn't complying with the club rules, which they set (within the bylaws that govern them), and which include the closure. So if half the club shows up in "protest" they might well all get ejected from the club. Probably wouldn't do that - I would just resign and wash my hands of the whole thing (so to speak). But it isn't going to happen - you'd be lucky to get 10% of any gun club to show up for anything, much less during a panicdemic (which some people are worried about).
 
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JimP42 said:
A range is a private organization. There are no "rights" involved here, just the contractual arrangement between the club (its bylaws), its officers/board, and its members. Period. Those are legally binding.

If you aren't satisfied with the policies of the officers/board, then change the people in charge. Until you do, those officers/board can kick out anyone that isn't complying with the club rules, which they set (within the bylaws that govern them), and which include the closure. So if half the club shows up in "protest" they might well all get ejected from the club. Probably wouldn't do that - I would just resign and wash my hands of the whole thing (so to speak). But it isn't going to happen - you'd be lucky to get 10% of any gun club to show up for anything, much less during a panicdemic (which some people are worried about).
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I've tried to stay out of this conversation but this post is beyond avoidable. To the contrary, the board of directors has a fiduciary duty to the club and it's members as it is a not for profit organization. The potential reality of closing the club without a BOD vote, and the lack of informing members of the closure is a significant breach of fiduciary duty and thusly the members have the capacity to take legal action. Also a reality: Active board members have not seen a copy of the organization bylaws, bylaws are not posted at the facility, and there is no current means for the members to gather board minutes. As someone who runs similar organizations, all of these are blaring issues the board is responsible for. I have no desire to see any legal action taken against the club, and am personal friends with several board members (who are great people). The organization as a whole needs support as to how to run a non profit, and would benefit from hiring a consultant to help them get things in order.

None-the-less, to say that any recourse can be taken against members for questioning the decisions and expecting timely answers would violate the board's fiduciary duty and open them (the club and/or board) to legal action.
 
christyouthguy said:
I've tried to stay out of this conversation but this post is beyond avoidable. To the contrary, the board of directors has a fiduciary duty to the club and it's members as it is a not for profit organization. The potential reality of closing the club without a BOD vote, and the lack of informing members of the closure is a significant breach of fiduciary duty and thusly the members have the capacity to take legal action. Also a reality: Active board members have not seen a copy of the organization bylaws, bylaws are not posted at the facility, and there is no current means for the members to gather board minutes. As someone who runs similar organizations, all of these are blaring issues the board is responsible for. I have no desire to see any legal action taken against the club, and am personal friends with several board members (who are great people). The organization as a whole needs support as to how to run a non profit, and would benefit from hiring a consultant to help them get things in order.

None-the-less, to say that any recourse can be taken against members for questioning the decisions and expecting timely answers would violate the board's fiduciary duty and open them (the club and/or board) to legal action.
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I have no idea what the bylaws at RWCA are. Clearly the board and officers have to operate within those bylaws. If they aren’t, there is little recourse other than, once again, voting them out. I am sure you could get courts and lawyers involved instead, but that might well kill the patient instead of curing it.

In any case, the idea of a fiduciary duty of the board members to membership is worth exploring so I did a little research and found this:

https://www.boardeffect.com/blog/fiduciary-responsibilities-nonprofit-board-directors/

Good info. Sounds like you don’t believe that board is operating to that standard. Maybe you could show your friends on that board that article to help drive change if you haven’t done something like that already.

I am not sure to whom your last paragraph is addressed. I never suggested that the board could take action against a member for questioning anything, only for not following the club rules (including a closure for whatever reason).

My point in my posts above is that just showing up and ignoring a rule you don’t like is not going to fix the problem and it may get you kicked out of the club. Several people suggested just showing up and ignoring the rules. That could end badly.
 
christyouthguy said:
I've tried to stay out of this conversation but this post is beyond avoidable. To the contrary, the board of directors has a fiduciary duty to the club and it's members as it is a not for profit organization. The potential reality of closing the club without a BOD vote, and the lack of informing members of the closure is a significant breach of fiduciary duty and thusly the members have the capacity to take legal action. Also a reality: Active board members have not seen a copy of the organization bylaws, bylaws are not posted at the facility, and there is no current means for the members to gather board minutes. As someone who runs similar organizations, all of these are blaring issues the board is responsible for. I have no desire to see any legal action taken against the club, and am personal friends with several board members (who are great people). The organization as a whole needs support as to how to run a non profit, and would benefit from hiring a consultant to help them get things in order.

None-the-less, to say that any recourse can be taken against members for questioning the decisions and expecting timely answers would violate the board's fiduciary duty and open them (the club and/or board) to legal action.
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RCWA's Directors may be great people, but they appear to be falling far short of satisfying their fiduciary responsibilities as directors of an organization. Their failure to respond to members' calls for copies of board minutes demonstrating the validity of their action in closing RCWA is very disturbing. The failure to make the organization's bylaws available to members is inexcusable (I emailed the Board another direct request today).
 
Well, I guess I'll have to write a strongly worded letter and email it every 4 hours. Maybe they'll respond? :rolleyes:
 
Can someone here (since there is NO RESPONSE on the facebook page from ANY member) tell me just what the duties and responsibilities of a board member are?
 
grungewehr39 said:
Can someone here (since there is NO RESPONSE on the facebook page from ANY member) tell me just what the duties and responsibilities of a board member are?
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@JimP42 provided a link to a generic description of director responsibilities.

We are at a loss as to specific responsibilities of RCWA directors since they have ignored requests for copies of the organization's bylaws.
 
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grungewehr39 said:
Well, I guess I'll have to write a strongly worded letter and email it every 4 hours. Maybe they'll respond? :rolleyes:
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Like this?
4:58pm 4/23/2020

As a member in good standing of Rowan County Wildlife Association, Incorporated, and in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes § 55A-16-02(a), I hereby demand to inspect and copy, on May 1, 2020, the corporation's bylaws as provided in G.S. § 55A-16-01(e)(2).

Furthermore, in accordance with G.S. § 55A-16-02(b), I hereby demand to inspect and copy, on May 1, 2020, the minutes of the meeting of the board of directors, or the record of action taken by the directors without a meeting, with respect to the decision to close the corporation's facilities on March 30, 2020. In accordance with G.S. § 55A-16-02(c), the purpose of inspecting the specified records is to determine whether the action to close the corporation's facilities was properly taken in accordance with the corporation's bylaws.

Please advise as to the time and location at which I can inspect and copy the above records.
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Of course, they don't have to respond, but ...
§ 55A-16-04. Court-ordered inspection.
(a) If a corporation does not allow a member who complies with G.S. 55A-16-02(a) to inspect and copy any records required by that subsection to be available for inspection, the superior court in the county where the corporation's principal office (or, if there is none in this State, its registered office) is located may, upon application of the member, summarily order inspection and copying of the records demanded at the corporation's expense.
(b) If a corporation does not within a reasonable time allow a member to inspect and copy any other record, the member who complies with G.S. 55A-16-02(b) and (c) may apply to the superior court in the county where the corporation's principal office (or, if there is none in this State, its registered office) is located for an order to permit inspection and copying of the records demanded. The court shall dispose of an application under this subsection on an expedited basis.
(c) If the court orders inspection and copying of the records demanded, it shall also order the corporation to pay the member's cost (including reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred to obtain the order unless the corporation proves that it refused inspection in good faith because it had a reasonable basis for doubt about the right of the member to inspect the records demanded.
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Whether or not it was appropriate to close RCWA's facilities is subject to differing opinions.

Directors violating state law by not providing RCWA records to members is not a matter for opinions. Section 55A-16 of the North Carolina General Statutes requires directors to make RCWA's bylaws available to members.

RCWA is not owned by the 14 directors and the organization's rules are not something to be kept secret from the members.

RCWA Directors: make the bylaws available to members as required by law.
 
Im a member of the other less well known, much smaller private range here in Rowan county. We have suspended the shooting competitions we hold every weekend but left the range open. Thankfully our board members left it open to us to still have some fun during these stressful times..
 
RCWA BYLAWS

Earlier today, I received a current copy of RCWA's bylaws from the BOD.

I am still waiting on a response to my legal demand under state law § 55A-16-02(b) for the record of the BOD's decision to close RCWA's facilities.
 

Attachments

  • BYLAWS from RCWA.pdf
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gc70 said:
RCWA BYLAWS

Earlier today, I received a current copy of RCWA's bylaws from the BOD.

I am still waiting on a response to my legal demand under state law § 55A-16-02(b) for the record of the BOD's decision to close RCWA's facilities.
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Was there any conversation about putting it back on the web site so EVERYONE would have access?? There may be interested parties that aren't on CFF. Any reason given for taking it off the site to begin with??
 
Bailey Boat said:
Was there any conversation about putting it back on the web site so EVERYONE would have access?? There may be interested parties that aren't on CFF. Any reason given for taking it off the site to begin with??
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There was no discussion of the history of public availability of the bylaws.

I did suggest to the BOD that instead of responding to individual member requests for copies of the bylaws that:
It would probably be more convenient -and prevent future issues- if the bylaws could be posted on RCWA's About page on Facebook and somewhere conspicuous on the rcwa.club website.
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Should anyone need the text of the above rather than just a photo:

The range will open to members on May 8th when NC restrictions are lifted under the following conditions:
Social distancing of 10 feet will be required per the CDC guidelines.
Members and guests are allowed within the guidelines of the range rules which states: “Members may bring two guests to the range who are over the age of 19. In addition, members may also bring their children and/or grandchildren who are under the age of 19 to the range”.
Areas of the range have not been sanitized. Members and guests use the range at their own risk.
Match directors will be allowed to conduct matches as long as CDC guidelines are followed to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Dues will be prorated for 2020-2021 in the amount of $10.00 per member. Renewal notices were printed in April and will not reflect this discount. However, a notice of the discount will be inserted in the envelopes. There may be a delay in members receiving renewal notices as 1480 envelopes will have to redone.
At this time there has not been a decision on opening the shotgun fields to members.

Apparently, you cannot post or add a PDF file to the facebook page. It will be placed on the website.​
 
I'm sensing some personal interpretation going on here, 10 feet?? If 6 feet didn't work what in hell makes them (who is this) think people will remain 10 feet away?? I could GAS less about a $10.00 prorate, 10 dollars, 10 feet, coincidence??
And just when WILL the shotgun sports be open?? They seem to know everything else but stall on that subject even though it's not their decision since it's a contracted operation.
 
concepthomes1 said:
I'm not a member but based on the Board's actions and continued perceived ineptitude, I have a couple of questions:

If you're a member, has the Board's actions caused you to reconsider continued membership?

If you're not a member BUT were considering becoming a member, has the Board's actions caused you to reconsider?

If the answers are yes to either question, I'd believe the membership would have solid standing to either force a vote to change leadership or change bylaws.
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I'll field your question, I ain't skeert.....
I am a member and no I have not considered relinquishing my membership. I've been a member for 20+ years and I have seen BOD members AND Presidents come and go. Some were pretty good and others were a waste of time and did NOTHING constructive for the betterment of the club or it's members, only themselves. Elections come up every January, really looking forward to 2021, should be interesting to say the least.....
 
Bailey Boat said:
And just when WILL the shotgun sports be open?? They seem to know everything else but stall on that subject even though it's not their decision since it's a contracted operation.
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Excuse my ignorance, but since you have been a member longer than I . . . . . why are the shotgun fields a contracted operation?
 
Bailey Boat said:
I'm sensing some personal interpretation going on here, 10 feet?? If 6 feet didn't work what in hell makes them (who is this) think people will remain 10 feet away?? I could GAS less about a $10.00 prorate, 10 dollars, 10 feet, coincidence??
And just when WILL the shotgun sports be open?? They seem to know everything else but stall on that subject even though it's not their decision since it's a contracted operation.
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Hey, I was told last night that the shotgun range will open on May 8th along with the rest of the range. However, it will be members only, still no entry for the public. Also, just a thought for members: recognizing he tension between some in leadership and the members, I would be careful about violating the 10ft rule. I've learned not to be trusting of some in leadership and could imagine persons coming to the range, taking pictures, and attempting to remove members for violating the rule. The bylaws above grant the board of directors this capacity.
 
gc70 said:
Excuse my ignorance, but since you have been a member longer than I . . . . . why are the shotgun fields a contracted operation?
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They have been for some time, Joe Earley had it for years and finally the BOD put it out to bid (as it should have been all along instead of just handed to Joe) and someone new (Brandon Holt) was the successful bidder so he has it until March of 2021 when it comes back up for bid....
I guess the club is too lazy to attempt to operate it themselves or hire someone to do it...
 
rdinatal said:
I wonder how much time is involved when one is BoD, Pres, ect??
(Asking for a friend)
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The time involved in such functions is usually directly proportional to the quality of effort expended.
 
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gc70 said:
The time involved in such functions is usually directly proportional to the quality of effort expended.
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As a member of the BOD the only requirement (that I'm aware of) is to attend the monthly meetings, if you miss 2 or 3 you can be removed and an alternate installed. As President I would imagine to attend to the business of the club, take bids for approved work, meet with contractors, monitor insurance and I'm sure there's lot that I'm not aware of, but in short it's not brain surgery.
Both positions can be resigned if the work becomes too much........
 
Bailey Boat said:
Both positions can be resigned if the work becomes too much........
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I agree that any Director who feels the demands of the job are overwhelming should resign.

However, the members of the Board are stewards for a business with nearly 1,500 members, substantial assets and revenue approaching $200,000 a year. The absolute minimum requirement of attending monthly meetings as delineated in the bylaws is far, far short of what any good Director should be doing.
 
concepthomes1 said:
I'm not a member but based on the Board's actions and continued perceived ineptitude, I have a couple of questions:

If you're a member, has the Board's actions caused you to reconsider continued membership?

If you're not a member BUT were considering becoming a member, has the Board's actions caused you to reconsider?

If the answers are yes to either question, I'd believe the membership would have solid standing to either force a vote to change leadership or change bylaws.
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Been a member for close to 20 years, no plan to change unless I stumbled across something similar from a cost, distance and facilities standpoint - and preferably members only.
 
AppFan said:
Been a member for close to 20 years, no plan to change unless I stumbled across something similar from a cost, distance and facilities standpoint - and preferably members only.
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I have begun to wonder how important it is for the shotgun fields to be open to the general public.
 
concepthomes1 said:
I'm not a member but based on the Board's actions and continued perceived ineptitude, I have a couple of questions:

If you're a member, has the Board's actions caused you to reconsider continued membership?

If you're not a member BUT were considering becoming a member, has the Board's actions caused you to reconsider?

If the answers are yes to either question, I'd believe the membership would have solid standing to either force a vote to change leadership or change bylaws.
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I will rejoin when the time comes.

The first few years I was a member, I didn’t participate in voting. However, the last 4-5years I have.
Im interested to see what happens this next election. If 1/4 of the members show up to vote, they might want to reconsider the “go back to the kitchen and count the ballots method”
 
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