Category: Articles

BYLAWS

Draft Version

(Book 1 of the BCHI Governance System)

Adopted: [Insert Date]

Last Revised: 3/25/2026

State of Incorporation: Idaho

Supersedes all previous versions

Approval Authority: Convention / Delegates

About:

The Bylaws serve as the governing constitution of BCHI. They establish the organization’s legal structure, authority, membership framework, and fundamental governance principles under which all other governing documents operate.

The Bylaws are BCHI’s foundation. They define who we are, how we’re structured, and the basic rules that guide how the organization is governed. All other documents must follow the Bylaws.

ARTICLE I – NAME, INCORPORATION, AND AUTHORITY

Section 1. Name

The name of this organization shall be Back Country Horsemen of Idaho (BCHI), an Idaho nonprofit corporation.

Section 2. Incorporation

BCHI is incorporated under the Idaho Nonprofit Corporation Act and shall operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Section 3. Authority

Except for powers specifically reserved to the membership in these Bylaws, the corporate authority of BCHI shall be exercised by the State Board of Directors between meetings of the membership.

Section 4 – Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of BCHI shall be established by the Board of Directors. (see policy 30)

Section 5. Governing Documents

These Bylaws shall control over all Rules of Order, Policies, and Administrative Procedures.

In the event of conflict, these Bylaws shall govern.

Forms contained in the Governance Manual are administrative instruments and may be revised by the Board, provided such revisions do not conflict with these Bylaws.

ARTICLE II – OBJECTS AND PURPOSES

Section 1. Purpose

BCHI is organized to:

    Promote the responsible use of horses and stock animals in Idaho’s backcountry and wilderness areas.

    Work to keep public lands open to recreational stock use.

    Assist land management agencies.

    Educate members and the public regarding safe and ethical backcountry use.

    Support and foster affiliated chapters within Idaho.

ARTICLE III – NON-DISCRIMINATION

Section 1. Statement

BCHI shall not discriminate in membership, governance, or programs on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability.

BCHI shall comply with all applicable state and federal non-discrimination laws.

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Eligibility

Membership is open to any person or family supporting the purposes of BCHI and agreeing to abide by its governing documents.

Membership is a privilege and may be denied, suspended, or terminated for cause under procedures established in the Rules of Order.

Section 2. Classes of Membership

BCHI shall have the following classes:

1.   Individual Membership

2.   Family Membership

3.   Non-Affiliated Membership

The State Board of Directors may establish administrative procedures in the Rules of Order.

Section 3. Individual Membership

An Individual Membership consists of one person.

Rights and privileges:

    Participation in BCHI activities

    Eligibility to hold office if otherwise qualified

    Voting through chapter delegate representation

Counted as one membership unit.

Section 4. Family Membership

A Family Membership consists of two adults residing in the same household and their dependent minor children.

Rights and privileges:

    Adult members may participate

    Adult members may hold office

    Voting through chapter delegate representation

    Each adult counted as one membership unit

Counted as one membership unit.

Section 5. Non-Affiliated Membership

Held directly with the State organization.

May:

    Participate in activities

    Receive communications

    Serve on committees at Board discretion

May NOT:

    Vote in chapter matters

    Serve as chapter delegate

    Hold elected state office unless affiliated with a chapter

Non-Affiliated Members are not counted for delegate apportionment or quorum.

Section 6. Dues

Dues amounts and procedures shall be established in the Rules of Order.

Dollar amounts shall not appear in the Bylaws.

Section 7. Membership Year

The membership year shall run from January 1 through December 31.

Section 8. Good Standing

Members are in good standing when dues are paid and no disciplinary action is pending.

Section 9. Non-Transferability

Memberships are non-transferable.

Section 10. Resignation

Members may resign in writing or electronically.

Dues are non-refundable unless authorized by policy.

ARTICLE V – AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 – Supreme Authority

The voting authority of BCHI shall be exercised exclusively through duly selected chapter delegates assembled at a properly called Annual Convention or authorized membership meeting.

Section 2 – Authority of the Membership (Delegates)

The ultimate governing authority of BCHI resides with the membership and shall be exercised exclusively through duly certified delegates assembled at a properly called Annual Convention or authorized membership meeting.

The delegates shall have exclusive authority to:

            (a) Amend the Bylaws; 

            (b) Elect officers of BCHI; 

            (c) Adopt resolutions or official positions of the organization; 

            (d) Approve major governance changes affecting the structure or authority of BCHI; and 

            (e) Exercise such other powers as are reserved to the membership under these Bylaws.

Section 3 – Authority of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall have authority to manage the affairs and operations of BCHI between meetings of the delegates, subject to these Bylaws and actions adopted by the delegates.

The Board of Directors shall:

            (a) Implement and carry out the decisions of the delegates; 

            (b) Adopt and administer policies and procedures consistent with these Bylaws; 

            (c) Oversee financial management and organizational administration; 

            (d) Coordinate and support the activities of affiliated chapters; and 

            (e) Exercise such powers as are necessary for the ongoing operation of BCHI.

Section 4 – Limitations on Board Authority

The Board of Directors shall not take any action that is inconsistent with these Bylaws or with actions adopted by the delegates.

The Board shall not amend these Bylaws except as expressly authorized for non-substantive administrative corrections.

Section 5 – Delegation of Authority

The Board of Directors may delegate operational responsibilities to officers, committees, or other authorized individuals, provided that such delegation does not transfer or diminish the authority reserved to the delegates under these Bylaws.

Section 6 – Relationship of Authority

In the event of any conflict between actions of the Board of Directors and actions adopted by the delegates, the actions of the delegates shall prevail.

ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS OF DELEGATES

Section 1 – Annual Meeting

An annual meeting of the members shall be held at a time and place designated by the State Board.

Section 2 – Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the President or by petition of at least 10% of members.

Section 3 – Notice

Notice of meetings shall be provided at least 14 days in advance.

Section 4 – Quorum

A quorum shall be majority of Delegates present, certified and in good standing. as defined in Article  V must be met.

Section 5 – Voting

Voting shall be exercised exclusively by accredited chapter delegates in accordance with Article VIII. Voting may occur in person, electronically, or by proxy as defined by the Rules of Order.

ARTICLE VII – CHAPTERS

Section 1 – Authorization and Formation

BCHI chapters may be formed with approval of the State Board and must comply with state law and BCHI Bylaws.

Section 2 – Chapter Bylaws

Chapters shall maintain bylaws consistent with BCHI minimum standards.

Section 3 – Chapter Officers

 Each chapter shall elect officers as defined in its bylaws.

Section 4 – Reporting Requirements

Chapters must submit annual reports, including membership, financial, and activity summaries, to the State Board.

ARTICLE VIII – DELEGATES AND REPRESENTATION

Section 1. Chapter Representation

Each affiliated chapter in good standing shall be entitled to representation at the Annual Convention through duly certified delegates.

A chapter is in good standing if it:

            (a) Is recognized by BCHI;

            (b) Has submitted required reports; and

            (c) Has paid required dues.

Newly chartered chapters shall be eligible to appoint delegates upon maintaining continuous recognition as an affiliated chapter in good standing for not less than five (5) consecutive months immediately preceding the opening date of the Annual Convention.

Section 2. Delegate Apportionment

Each chapter shall be entitled to delegates as follows:

            (a) eight (8) delegates..

Section 3. Alternate Delegates

Each chapter may designate alternate delegates up to the number of its authorized delegates.

Alternate delegates shall be identified in advance through the credentialing process and may be seated only to replace an absent or unseated delegate.

An alternate delegate shall have full voting rights only while officially seated in place of a delegate.

Section 4. Certification and Credentials

All delegates and alternate delegates must be duly certified prior to being seated and recognized for purposes of quorum and voting.

Certification of delegates shall be conducted in accordance with policies adopted by the Board of Directors, including procedures for submission, verification, and reporting

.

A Credentials Committee appointed by the President shall review and verify delegate certifications and shall report the official list of certified and seated delegates to the assembly at the beginning of the convention and as updated during the proceedings.

Section 5. Voting

Each duly certified and seated delegate shall be entitled to one (1) vote on all matters brought before the Annual Convention or authorized membership meeting.

The voting body of BCHI shall consist exclusively of duly certified delegates.

Members in good standing may attend meetings and may be granted floor privileges in accordance with the Rules of Order but shall not be entitled to vote unless serving as a duly certified delegate.

Section 6. Quorum

Quorum shall be as defined in ARTICLE XX – Quorum

Section 7. Vote Required

Unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws, action shall be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the duly certified delegates present and voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present.

Section 8. Parliamentary Authority

The current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern meetings of BCHI, except where inconsistent with these Bylaws.

ARTICLE IX – STATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Composition

The Board shall consist of:

    Two Directors from each chapter

    One Alternate per chapter

    Immediate Past President

    Two National Directors

    President

Section 2. Authority

The Board conducts the affairs of BCHI between meetings of the membership.

Section 3. Voting

Each Board member shall have one vote.

Alternates vote only when replacing an absent Director.

Section 4. Selection and Qualifications

Directors shall be selected by their respective chapters in accordance with the chapter’s bylaws or governing procedures.

Each Director must:

    Be a member in good standing of a recognized BCHI chapter

    Remain in good standing throughout their term

Directors shall serve a term of one (1) year unless otherwise provided by chapter bylaws and may be reselected without term limitation.

A chapter may remove and replace its Director at any time in accordance with its governing procedures, provided written notice is submitted to the State Secretary.