BCHI Governance System
This site contains the Drafts of the BCHI Governance Manules
GOVERNANCE MANUAL — INTRODUCTION
Purpose
This Governance Manual establishes the formal framework for the organization, authority, and operation of the Backcountry Horsemen of Idaho (BCHI). It provides a clear and durable system that defines how decisions are made, how responsibilities are assigned, and how continuity is maintained across leadership transitions.
This manual is intended to ensure that BCHI operates with consistency, accountability, and transparency while preserving the authority of its membership.
Governance Philosophy
BCHI is a membership-driven organization. Authority resides with the membership and is exercised through duly certified delegates at the Annual Convention and authorized meetings.
The governance system is designed to:
1. Clearly separate authority, policy, and execution
2. Provide stability across changing leadership
3. Maintain institutional knowledge and records
4. Support effective and efficient operations
5. Ensure fair and orderly decision-making
6. Structure of the Governance System
The BCHI Governance Manual is organized into five coordinated books, each with a distinct role:
Book 1 — Bylaws
Defines the legal structure and governing authority of BCHI, including membership authority, officers, Board responsibilities, quorum, and voting.
Book 2 — Rules of Order
Establishes the procedures governing meetings, including motions, debate, and voting processes.
Book 3 — Policies
Provides operational rules adopted by the Board of Directors to guide financial management, records, delegate certification, and other organizational functions.
Book 4 — Procedures Manual
Contains step-by-step instructions for carrying out BCHI operations, ensuring consistency and continuity in execution.
Book 5 — Forms and Appendices
Includes standardized forms, templates, checklists, and technical standards that support implementation of governance and operations.
Hierarchy of Authority
The books within this manual function as an integrated system. In the event of conflict, the following order of authority shall apply:
1. Bylaws (Book 1)
2. Rules of Order (Book 2)
3. Policies (Book 3)
4. Procedures Manual (Book 4)
5. Forms and Appendices (Book 5)
Each lower-level document shall conform to and not supersede a higher-level document.
Adoption and Amendment
The Bylaws may be amended only by the delegates as provided therein.
The Rules of Order may be amended in accordance with their governing provisions.
Policies, Procedures, and Forms may be adopted and revised by the Board of Directors.
All documents shall be maintained as controlled records with clear version identification and archival of prior versions.
Continuity and Stewardship
The effectiveness of this Governance Manual depends upon consistent application and responsible stewardship. Officers and members are entrusted with maintaining accurate records, following established procedures, and ensuring that knowledge and materials are properly transferred during leadership transitions.
This manual is intended to preserve the operational integrity, institutional knowledge, and long-term sustainability of BCHI.
Adoption
This Governance Manual is adopted as the official framework for the governance and operation of the Backcountry Horsemen of Idaho and shall guide all organizational activities.