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Deaf Youth Canada / Jeunes Sourds du Canada

DYC / JSC · 2024

Bylaws

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Page 1

Deaf Youth Canada
BYLAWS
(Updated on June 30, 2024)




DYC Bylaws 1 of 12 June 2024

Page 2

   TABLE OF CONTENTS
   Preamble .............................................................................page 3
   ARTICLE I: NAME, LANGUAGES & PURPOSE .........................................3
      Section 1: Name .................................................................................. 3
      Section 2: Languages ............................................................................ 3
      Section 3: Purpose & Objectives ............................................................... 3
   ARTICLE II: THE BOARD.................................................................. 4
      Section 4: Board of Directors .................................................................4-5
   ARTICLE III: DUTIES OF DIRECTORS.................................................... 5
      Section 5: Duties of President ...............................................................5
      Section 6: Duties of Vice President ........................................................... 5
      Section 7: Duties of Secretary ................................................................. 6
      Section 8: Duties of Treasurer .................................................................6
      Section 9: Duties of Creative Director         ............................................... 6-7
      Section 10: Duties of Director of Francophones ...........................................7
      Section 11: Duties of Indigenous Director          ............................................. 7
      Section 12: Duties of Camp Director ............................,.................... 8
      Section 13: Duties of Past President      ...................................................... 8
   ARTICLE IV: BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING........................................ 8
      Section 14: Quorum and Meeting for the Board of Directors............................8
      Section 15: Board Meeting Minutes ............................................................ 9
   ARTICLE V: YOUTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND SPECIAL MEETING ................9
      Section 16: Quorum and Meeting for Members.............................................. 9
      Section 17: YGM Minutes......................................................................... 9
   ARTICLE VI: POWERS .....................................................................9
      Section 18: Members Rights .................................................................... 9
      Section 19: Amendment of Bylaws ......................................................... 9-10
      Section 20: Evaluation & Disciplinary Action ............................................... 10
      Section 21: Suspension & Termination ..................................................... 10
   ARTICLE VII: AD HOC COMMITTEE ...................................................10
      Section 22: Canadian Deaf Youth Leadership Camp ....................................10-11
      Section 23: World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section.............................. 11-12
      Section 24: Committees and Groups ......................................................... 13




DYC Bylaws 2 of 12 June 2024

Page 3

   PREAMBLE
   The foundation of DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) was initiated by the campers of the 2008
   CDYLC (Canadian Deaf Youth Leadership Camp). The organization’s bylaws were
   adopted at the First Annual General Meeting in Sylvan Lake, Alberta on July 19, 2008
   and amended in Birken, British Columbia, on July 12, 2010.


    ARTICLE I: NAME, LANGUAGES & PURPOSE

   SECTION 1: NAME

   Campers convening in a general assembly in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, on July 19, 2008,
   voted to unite all Deaf youth across Canada into one single national association called
   Deaf Youth Canada. Unofficially, the association is referred to as DYC.


   SECTION 2: LANGUAGES

   All official written and visual mediums must be presented in English, French, American
   Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ).


   SECTION 3: PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES

   3.1 DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) is organized exclusively for charitable, social, and
   educational purposes for Deaf residents of Canada and Canadians between the ages of
   18 to 30.

   DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) pursues the following ends:

   3.2 By Youth: DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) is governed by Deaf youth.

   3.3 For Youth: DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) promotes the unification of Deaf youth across
   Canada by organizing and stimulating the exchange of information and experiences
   among Deaf youth.

   3.4 About Youth: DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) ensures the inclusion of Deaf Youth in all
   national and provincial organizations and associations of and for Deaf people in Canada
   by partnering with national and provincial organizations and associations for the Deaf
   across Canada.




DYC Bylaws 3 of 12 June 2024

Page 4

    ARTICLE II: THE BOARD
   SECTION 4: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

   4.1 The affairs of the association shall be managed by a board of up to nine (9)
   directors.

   4.2 The officers who shall comprise the Board shall be:

                   a) President

                   b) Vice-President

                   c) Secretary

                   d) Treasurer

                   e) Creative Director

                   f) Director of Francophone

                   g) Indigenous Director

                   h) Camp Director

                   i) Past President

   4.3 Each director must be:

                   a) Deaf, hard-of-hearing, deafened, or DeafBlind

                   b) Can communicate in ASL or LSQ, regardless of signing skills

                   c) Be a Canadian citizen or resident

                   d) Be between the ages of 18-30 at the time of election

                   e) Present, former camper or staff at AGM (Annual General Meeting)


   4.4 There is to be a maximum of three (3) youth per province.

   4.5 Each director shall be elected at the DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) Annual General
   Meeting and voted on by DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) members.

   4.6 The role of Past President becomes automatic at the Annual General Meeting
   when a new President is elected, regardless of age.

   4.7 Past board members are expected to work with the new board of directors for six
   (6) months after the election to ensure a smooth transition.




DYC Bylaws 4 of 12 June 2024

Page 5

   4.8 MANDATE: to hold the position for the term of two (2) years. No person shall hold
   more than one office. They can’t run for the same position for consecutive terms.



    ARTICLE III: DUTIES OF DIRECTORS
   SECTION 5: DUTIES OF PRESIDENT

   5.1 The President shall be the chief representative for the Association.

   5.2 Follows, explains and protects the board decisions to the Associations and in the
   public.

   5.3 Works closely with the three (3) executive colleagues on the board (Vice
   President, Secretary and Treasurer).

   5.4 Reads and approves all reports supervised by the Vice President.

   5.5 Signs all official documents with the Secretary.

   5.6 Signs all approved cheques with the Treasurer.

   5.7 Ensures operations within the association as determined by members at the
   Annual General Meeting.

   5.8 Presides at all meetings of the association and of the Board of Directors.

   5.9 Attends to all meetings held by: the Canadian Association of the Deaf (CAD),
   Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf (CCSD), and Canadian Deaf Sports Association
   (CDSA) to represent Canadian Deaf youth and ensure that their inclusion in the
   activities and long–term goals in Canada.


   SECTION 6: DUTIES OF VICE PRESIDENT

   6.1 During the absence or inability of the President, his/her duties shall be
   exercised by the Vice President.

   6.2 The Vice-President shall be charged with questions pertaining to the bylaws and
   parliamentary procedure, and shall render advice on such matters to the Board or
   members of DYC at any meeting.

   6.3 Supervise all projects and reports under DYC (Deaf Youth Canada).

   6.4 Have cheque signing authority along with the Treasurer and President.




DYC Bylaws 5 of 12 June 2024

Page 6

   SECTION 7: DUTIES OF SECRETARY

   7.1 The Secretary is responsible for communicating with all members and maintaining
   files and archives.

   7.2 Manages letters, emails, and all forms of correspondence.

   7.3 Updates members’ contact information.

   7.4 Sends meeting convocations, minutes and necessary documents.

   7.5 Types the minutes and sends them to the Board of Directors for follow-up.

   7.6 Ensures all official documents are signed.


   SECTION 8: DUTIES OF TREASURER

   8.1 The treasurer oversees and manages the budget, revenue and expenditures.

   8.2 Maintains a detailed record of all financial statements, which must be approved by
   the Vice President and Secretary.

   8.3 Ensures the approved cheques are signed by two out of three authorized board
   members.

   8.4 Prepares the annual financial report and submits it to the DYC (Deaf Youth Canada)
   Board.

   8.5 Works closely with the Treasurer on any ad hoc committee and supervises their
   finances.

   8.6 Make payments within a reasonable timeframe.

   8.7 Claim reimbursements if needed.

   8.8 Coordinates and manages fundraising activities.


   SECTION 9: DUTIES OF CREATIVE DIRECTOR

   9.1 The Creative Director coordinates and manages the website, newsletter,
   emails, and all other sources of media.

   9.2 Ensures all documents are accurate, updated, and accessible.




DYC Bylaws 6 of 12 June 2024

Page 7

   9.3 Develops and distributes information packages to all provincial
   representative(s).

   9.4 Communicates and liaises with organizations at national, provincial, and local
   levels.

   9.5 Works closely with the ad hoc Indigenous Director and Director of
   Francophones.

   9.6 Promotes DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) and recruits Deaf youth to participate.

   9.7 All media must be approved by the DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) board before
   release to the public.


   SECTION 10: DUTIES OF DIRECTOR OF FRANCOPHONES

   10.1 The Director of Francophones shall act as a community liaison between the DYC
   (Deaf Youth Canada) board and the Francophone community of Canada.

   10.2 Ensures that all exchanges of information and experiences are fully accessible to
   the DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) board and the Francophone community in both
   languages – LSQ and French.

   10.3 Coordinates all translation and interpretation.

   10.4 Works closely with the President, Secretary and Creative Director.


   SECTION 11: DUTIES OF INDIGENOUS DIRECTOR

   11.1 The Indigenous Director advocates for the needs and perspective of Indigenous
   Deaf youth.

   11.2 Fosters relationships and collaborates with Indigenous communities across Canada
   to promote DYC (Deaf Youth Today Canada)’s goals and initiatives among Indigenous
   Deaf youth.

   11.3 Works collaboratively with other directors, including the President, Secretary,
   Treasurer, Creative Director and Director of Francophones, to integrate Indigenous
   perspectives and ensure inclusivity in all DYC (Deaf Youth Today) activities.

   11.4 Builds and maintains networks with Indigenous organizations, leaders, and
   stakeholders to enhance DYC (Deaf Youth Today)’s outreach and impact within
   indigenous communities.

   11.5 Provides regular updates and reports to the DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) board on
   Indigenous Deaf youth.




DYC Bylaws 7 of 12 June 2024

Page 8

   SECTION 12: DUTIES OF CAMP DIRECTOR

   12.1 The Camp Director designs and develops the overall CDYLC (Canadian Deaf Youth
   Leadership Camp) camp program, including activities, workshops, and events that
   align the camp’s mission and goals.

   12.2 Recruits, hires, and establishes a camp committee to collaborate on making plans
   regarding the camp program.

   12.3 Manages camper enrollment process, including registration, health forms, and
   communication with campers regarding camp logistics and expectations.

   12.4 Ensures compliance with safety regulations and implements risk management
   protocols to create a safe environment for campers and staff.

   12.5 Collaborates with the Treasurer to develop and manage the camp budget,
   including revenue projections, expense tracking, and financial reporting.

   12.6 Collaborates with the Creative Director to develop and implement strategies to
   promote the camp and attract new campers.

   12.7 Ensures compliance with all local provincial, and national regulations related to
   camp operations, including health and safety standards, licensing requirements, and
   employment laws.


   SECTION 13: DUTIES OF PAST PRESIDENT

   13.1 The Past President shall act as an advisor to the board of directors.

   13.2 Has no voting power and shall act as parliamentarian at all official meetings of
   the Board and at the Youth General Assembly.



    ARTICLE IV: BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
   SECTION 14: QUORUM AND MEETING FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

   14.1 The quorum at general meetings of the Board of Directors shall be 2/3 of the
   voting representatives of the Board of Directors.

   14.2 The Board of Directors shall hold a meeting at least once every three months.

   14.3 The President shall oversee the meetings and may not vote except in
   situations that require a tiebreaker.

   14.4 Motions must be submitted 48 hours before the meeting.

   14.5 The agenda must be distributed 24 hours before the meeting.


DYC Bylaws 8 of 12 June 2024

Page 9

   SECTION 15: BOARD MEETING MINUTES

   15.1 The minutes of Board meetings shall be drafted and sent to board members within
   7 days after each meeting. Within fourteen (14) days after receiving the minutes, board
   members shall share their reactions with the President.


    ARTICLE V: YOUTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND SPECIAL MEETING
   SECTION 16: QUORUM AND MEETING FOR MEMBERS

   16.1 Any Youth General Assembly (YGA) or special meeting of the members shall be
   held at a time and location determined by the DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) board.

   16.2 Voting on any motion or position shall be decided by a majority of votes, with
   at least a minimum of 2/3 to pass any motion or position.

   16.3 The President has no voting rights at the meetings.

   16.4 All documents used for voting purposes must be destroyed immediately after the
   meeting.

   16.5 The Past President shall act as the moderator during the election portion of the
   Youth General Assembly.

   16.6 If the Past President is not present at the Youth General Assembly, a moderator
   will be selected by the DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) board and remain neutral during the
   election.


   SECTION 17: YOUTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OR SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES

   17.1 The minutes of the Youth General Assembly or special meeting shall be drafted
   and sent to members within thirty (30) days after each meeting. Within thirty (30) days
   after receiving the minutes, members shall share their reactions with the President.


    ARTICLE VI: POWERS
   Section 18: Member Rights

   18.1 All DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) members have the right to voice and vote at the
   Youth General Assembly.


   SECTION 19: AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

   19.1 Bylaws can only be amended at the Youth General Assembly. Any proposal for
   amendments to the Bylaws must be submitted to the Board at least one month before
   the Youth General Assembly. The President shall report all proposed amendments along
   with the Board's recommendations to the members at least two weeks before the Youth
   General Assembly.


DYC Bylaws 9 of 12 June 2024

Page 10

   19.2 A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote by the members is required for the approval of
   proposed amendments.


   SECTION 20: EVALUATION & DISCIPLINARY ACTION

   20.1 All members of the board must sign a contract at their first meeting to determine
   the disciplinary action(s) to be taken if they fail to fulfill their role as a board member.
   The contract can be drafted and approved by the present board.


   SECTION 21: SUSPENSION & TERMINATION & RESIGNATION

   21.1 If a board member is suspended from their role, the Vice President shall assume
   their duties or assign them to another board member for the duration of the
   suspension. The length of suspension shall be decided by the board, with no suspension
   lasting longer than three (3) months.

   21.2 If a board member is terminated, the Vice President shall assume the duties of
   that position until it is filled. No position may remain vacant for more than three (3)
   months.

   21.3 If a board member wishes to resign, they must submit a letter of
   resignation and continue serving for one month before leaving.

   21.4 In the event of termination or resignation, the replacement board member
   shall be considered an acting member and will not have signing authority.



   ARTICLE VII: AD HOC COMMITTEE
   SECTION 22: CANADIAN DEAF YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP

   22.1 The CDYLC (Canadian Deaf Youth Leadership Camp) is a biannual project overseen
   and sponsored by DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) since 2008.

   22.2 CDYLC (Canadian Deaf Youth Leadership Camp) must be held every two years in
   accordance with the date and province of the upcoming Deaf Canada Conference. In the
   event of the cancellation of the Deaf Canada Conference, DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) will
   continue, and the DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) board and CDYLC (Canadian Deaf Youth
   Leadership Canada) committee will decide on the location.




DYC Bylaws 10 of 12 June 2024

Page 11

   22.3 Participants of the camp must be:


                   a) Deaf, hard-of-hearing, deafened, or DeafBlind

                   b) Be a Canadian citizen or resident

                   c) Can communicate in ASL or LSQ regardless of signing skills

                   d) Be between ages 18-30 on the FIRST day of the camp


   22.4 The position of the CDYLC (Canadian Deaf Youth Leadership Camp) Camp
   Director is to be elected by the DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) members at the YGA
   (Youth General Assembly).

   22.5 The Camp Director must work closely with the Vice President and Treasurer.

   22.6 All members of the CDYLC (Canadian Deaf Youth Leadership Camp) committee
   must adhere to the Canadian Deaf Youth Leadership Camp guidelines. If a CDYLC
   (Canadian Deaf Youth Leadership Camp) committee member does not respond or not
   complete tasks assigned by the Board or the Chairperson within two weeks without
   notice, they shall be given a warning and removed after a second warning.

   22.7 The host of the Deaf Canada Conference should provide free registration for
   camp participants to attend the Deaf Canada Conference, which takes place right
   after the camp. ** Hold it for board meeting

   SECTION 23: WORLD FEDERATION OF THE DEAF YOUTH SECTION

   23.1 Delegates to WFDYS (World Federation of the Deaf Youth
   Section) Youth Camp must:


           a) Be a former CDYLC (Canadian Deaf Youth Leadership Camp) camper, and at
           least one must be a current DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) board member.

           b) Has contributed significantly to the Canada Deaf Community.

           c) Be selected by an ad hoc committee within the DYC (Deaf Youth Canada)
           board.

           d) Provide a presentation to their provincial Deaf community and a presentation
           during the CDYLC (Canadian Deaf Youth Leadership Camp).




DYC Bylaws 11 of 12 June 2024

Page 12

   23.2 Chaperones to the WFDYS (World Federation of the Deaf Youth
   Section) Children and Junior Camps must:


           c) Be a former CDYLC (Canadian Deaf Youth Leadership Camp)

           b) Has contributed significantly to the Canada Deaf Community.

           c) Be selected by an ad hoc committee within the DYC (Deaf Youth Canada)
           board.

           d) Provide a presentation to their provincial Deaf community and a presentation
           during the CDYLC (Canadian Deaf Youth Leadership Camp).


   SECTION 24: COMMITTEES AND GROUPS

   24.1 The Board of Deaf Youth Canada can establish groups or temporary ad hoc Work
   Groups to utilize the resources of individuals with expertise in areas of interest.

   24.2 The Expert Groups and ad hoc Work Groups work under the supervision of the Vice
   President. They shall also carry out tasks assigned to them by the Board of Deaf Youth
   Canada or the DYC (Deaf Youth Canada) members.




DYC Bylaws 12 of 12 June 2024