Constitution and Bylaws of the Northeastern Conference Pathfinder Federation Preamble Whereas, Pathfinders of the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists realize that Jesus is coming soon, and that the vast army of Adventist youth need to be trained, equipped, motivated and dispatched to spread the everlasting gospel to the communities in which they live and beyond, Whereas, recognizing that the Pathfinder Organization was established to make men and women out of boys and girls, in preparation for active service here in this world, and for the higher joys of wider service in the world to come, Be it resolved that we hereby commission the Northeastern Conference Pathfinder Federation to adopt the following constitution. Article I – Name The organization shall be known as the NORTHEASTERN CONFERENCE PATHFINDER FEDERATION. Article II – Objectives The objectives of the Federation shall be (a) to foster the development of the spiritual, mental, physical and social powers of the youth in the Northeastern Conference (b) to coordinate and standardize the operation of each club, and (c) to make the Pathfinder clubs visible and functional in their respective communities. Article III – Territory The territory of the Federation shall consist of the territories embodying the states of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which constitute the NORTHEASTERN CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST.
Article IV – Membership Membership in the Federation shall be opened to all pathfinder clubs registered with the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. In order for a club to have voice and membership in the Federation, the club must pay required annual membership fee and live up to and abide by the objectives in ARTICLE II. Article V – Officers and Their Duties SECTION 1 Officers of the Federation shall be: President, Vice-President, Executive Secretary, Assistant Executive Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Chaplain, Assistant Chaplain, Parliamentarian and Assistant Parliamentarian, Communications Officer, Assistant Communications Officer, Area Coordinators, Assistant Area Coordinators, Marching Band Coordinator, Assistant Marching Band Coordinator, Drilling & Marching Coordinator, Assistant Drilling & Marching Coordinators, Drum Corps Coordinator, Assistant Drum Corps Coordinators, Risk Manager, The Teen Leadership Training (TLT) Coordinator, Assistant Teen Leadership Training (TLT) Coordinator, two floor members and one member of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC). All officers shall be members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in regular and active standing, and shall have membership in the Northeastern Conference. SECTION 2 – THE PRESIDENT Shall: A. Be an active MASTER GUIDE with at least five years experience. B. Serve as chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Federation. C. Vigorously promote Pathfindering within the Federation, and encourage every club to be an active part of the Federation. D. Support and promote the pathfinder program of the Northeastern Conference Youth Ministries Department. E. Assist the Northeastern Conference Youth Ministries Directors at Conference-wide functions, such as camporees, fairs, conventions, rallies etc. and conducting Pathfinder Training Courses. F. Serve as an ex-officio member of the Boards of Examiners for the territory of the Northeastern Conference PATHFINDER FEDERATION. G. Perform other duties as assigned by the Conference Youth Ministries Director and/or the Executive Committee. H. Assist the Area Coordinators in carrying out their duties. I. Promote the MASTER GUIDE program and encourage existing MASTER GUIDES to form a club within their church or area, and thereby improve their skills through the honor program. J. Under the guidance of the Executive Committee, ensure that the uniform dress code is adhered to. SECTION 3 – THE VICE-PRESIDENT Shall: A. Be an active MASTER GUIDE with at least three years experience. B. Serve as chairperson of the Executive Committee in the absence of the president, or when requested by the president. C. Perform all other duties of the president in his/her absence. D. Vigorously promote Pathfindering within the Federation, and encourage each club to be an active part of it. E. Promote the Master Guide program and encourage existing Master Guides to form a club within their area, and thereby improve their skills through the honor program. SECTION 4 – THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Shall: Be an active MASTER GUIDE with at least three years experience. In the absence of the president and vice-president, act as chairman of the Executive Committee. Perform duties assigned by the president and/or Executive Committee. Handle all correspondence pertaining to the Pathfinder Federation. Send out information to all clubs regarding meetings. Handle all Pathfinder Federation correspondence assigned by the President or Executive Committee. Compile and maintain a current list of active Master Guides in the Federation. Act in the absence of the Assistant Executive Secretary to perform the duties as outlined in Section 5 below
SECTION 5 – ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Shall: Be an active MASTER GUIDE for with at least one year experience. Be responsible for the more accurate recording of all meetings of the Federation and Executive Committee. Provide copies of general meetings for distribution to club directors. Perform other duties as assigned by the president and/or Executive Committee. Send minutes of all meetings to the Youth Ministries Director and or his Associate.
SECTION 6 – THE TREASURER Shall: Be an active MASTER GUIDE with at least three years experience. Prepare a yearly operational budget for the Federation. Be responsible for the receiving and disbursing of all funds in harmony with the actions of the Executive Committee. Render reports bimonthly to the Executive committee, Youth Ministries Director, and for distribution at general meetings. Keep an updated record of the financial obligations of all clubs Provide and distribute an annual report at the Pathfinder Officers’ Workshop. Present books and records for audit and review whenever requested. Prepare a yearly operational budget for the Federation. Possess a working knowledge of bookkeeping.
SECTION 7 – ASSISTANT TREASURER Shall: Be an active MASTER GUIDE with as least two years experience. Assist the treasurer in the performance of his/her duties, when called upon to do so. Coordinate fund-raising activities for the Federation. Collect delinquent payments for the federation. Maintain a log of all the holdings of the Federation. Give annual report of the holdings within the 1st Quarter of each year.
SECTION 8 – THE CHAPLAIN Shall: Be an active MASTER GUIDE with at least one year’s experience.
B. Coordinate a yearly outreach program for the federation. C. Perform or be responsible for all devotional activities at the Executive Committee and general meetings. Be a resource person and provide an accessible vehicle to inform clubs on matters pertaining to spiritual growth.
SECTION 9 – THE ASSISTANT CHAPLAIN Shall: Be an Active Master Guide with at least one years’ experience. Assist the chaplain in the performance of his or her duties.
SECTION 10 – AREA COORDINATORS One coordinator shall be chosen for each area as divided by the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Shall: A. Be an active MASTER GUIDE with at least three years experience, who has demonstrated capability in leading and training young people. B. Be responsible for overseeing the activities of all clubs in his/her area. C. Report on a consistent basis to the Executive Committee and shall present a report of activities to the Executive Committee at all regular and called Executive Committee meetings. D. Assist the President and Youth Ministries Director and the Associate Youth Director when called upon. One COORDINATOR shall be chosen for each area as divided by the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist. E. Will promote and conduct programs in the area such as Master Guide Classes, Master Guide Clubs and staff training. SECTION 11 – ASSISTANT AREA COORDINATORS Shall A. Be an active MASTER GUIDE with at least one year’s experience or a person deemed qualified by the area coordinator in consultation with and the agreement of the club directors. B. Assist the area coordinator in performing his/her duties. SECTION 12 – COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Shall: Be an active MASTER GUIDE with at least one year’s experience. Seek opportunities to promote the PATHFINDER FEDERATION program by writing and collecting articles for publication in the Federation’s Newsletter and other papers. Keep record of all activities in the form of notes, pictures, bulletins, and videos. Be the Editor-in Chief of the In-Step Newsletter. Keep the activities of the Federation in all media in collaboration with the Northeastern Conference Communication Secretary. Ensure that the website is properly maintained and updated.
SECTION 13 – ASSISTANT COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Shall: A. Be a Master Guide with at least one year’s experience. B. Manage the Web Site of the Pathfinder Federation. C. Function as Communications Officer in the absence of the Communications Officer. SECTION 14 – RISK MANAGER (Risk Management Coordinator) Shall: Be an active MASTER GUIDE with at least one year’s experience. Promote and encourage safety within the Northeastern Conference PATHFINDER FEDERATION. Be familiar with the risk management policies of Northeastern Conference and the North American Division. Keep directors informed and updated on such policies.
SECTION 15 – PARLIAMENTARIAN Shall: Be an active MASTER GUIDE with at least one year’s experience. Possess a thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of parliamentary procedure. Furnish information concerning parliamentary procedure to any member at any called meeting of the Northeaster Conference PATHFINDER FEDERATION as outlined in ARTICLE XI of the Constitution. Guide the chairperson presiding at any meeting of the Northeastern Conference PATHFINDER FEDERATION as stipulated in ARTICLE XI of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Northeastern Conference PATHFINDER FEDERATION, to ensure safe, fair and proper conduct of business.
SECTION 16 – ASSISTANT PARLIAMENTARIAN Shall: Be a Master Guide for at least one year. In the absence of the parliamentarian perform the function as in Section 16 above.
SECTION 17 – DRILLING AND MARCHING COORDINATOR Shall A. Conduct Drill Clinics for all areas in the Northeastern Conference Pathfinder Federation. B. Conduct Drill Clinics for all clubs in the Northeastern conference Pathfinder Federation. C. Ensure that all Pathfinder Clubs comply with the drilling and marching instructions outlined in the Pathfinder Drill Manual. D. Serve as an official in formal and informal uniform inspection of clubs at events hosted by the Northeastern Conference Pathfinder Federation. E. Give direction in the specific formation of clubs and groups at conference-wide parades. F. Supervise the Assistant Drilling and Marching Coordinators and Certified Drill Instructors. Qualifications A. Commitment to Pathfindering. B. Be an active Master Guide for at least three (3) years. C. Be knowledgeable in the proper command and execution of drills and marches as outlined in but not limited to, the North American Division Pathfinder Drill Manual. D. The supervisor is the Northeastern Conference Pathfinder Federation President. SECTION 18 – DRILLING AND MARCHING ASSISTANT COORDINATORS Shall: A. One Assistant should be elected to represent each Federation area and serve as an assistant to the Drilling & Marching Coordinator. B. Be responsible for a number of Pathfinder Clubs within his or her elected area of the Federation. C. Conduct Drill Clinics following established standards and guidelines. D. Conduct routine drill inspection of each assigned club (quarterly, as needed). E. Assist in evaluation of all clubs and areas. F. Provide monthly reports to the Drilling and Marching Coordinator of area/club activities. G. Actively participate in conference calls/groups meetings to discuss areas of concern, problems, successes and progress to achieving goals (at least bi-monthly, but definitely as needed). H. Assist in creating, implementing and evaluating Drilling and Marching standards for the Northeastern Conference Pathfinder Federation. I. Perform any other duties as assigned. J. Serve as an official in formal and informal uniform inspection of clubs at events hosted by the Northeastern Conference Pathfinder Federation. Qualification A. Be knowledgeable in the proper command and execution of drills and marches as outlined in, but not limited to, the North American Division Pathfinder Drill Manual. Be a certified Drill Instructor of the Northeastern Conference having completed the Basic and Advance Drilling & Marching Honor. SECTION 19 – DRUM CORP COORDINATOR Shall: Conduct Drum workshops and Clinics for all Northeastern Conference Pathfinder Clubs. Ensure that all Drum Corps comply with the Drum Corp Program of the Northeastern Conference. Lead and supervise Drum Corps in conference sponsored parades and programs. Work with the Band and Drill Coordinator at all conference sponsored events.
Qualifications Shall: A. Be an active Master Guide or staff member or one deemed qualified B. Know the twenty-six standard American Drum Rudiments C. Have a working knowledge of the Rudiments of Music SECTION 20 – ASSISTANT DRUM CORPS COORDINATOR Shall: A. One Assistant should be elected to represent each Federation area and serve as an assistant to the Drum Corps Coordinator. B. Function as in Article V Section 19. C. Perform the functions of the Drum Corps Coordinator in his absence. D Perform all tasks as assigned by the Drum Corps Coordinator. SECTION 21 – BAND COORDINATOR Shall: A. Recruit members for the Pathfinder Band program B. Provide training to members and teach the musical parts to all sections of the band. C. Select musical items to be played in Band performances. D. Prepare performance schedule for band performances to be submitted to the Pathfinder Federation. Qualifications A. Be an active Master Guide, staff member or one deemed qualified. B. Have a knowledge of the twenty-six standard American Drum Rudiments. C. Have a working knowledge of the Rudiments of Music. SECTION 22 – ASSISTANT BAND COORDINATOR Shall: A. One Assistant should be elected to represent each Federation area and serve as an assistant to the Band Coordinator. B Be a Master Guide, a member of staff or one deemed qualified. C Assist the Band Coordinator in the performances and functions of the Band. SECTION 23 – TEEN LEADERSHIP TRAINING (TLT) COORDINATOR Shall: Be a Master Guide for at least two years. Be knowledgeable and conversant with the total TLT program. Promote and develop the TLT program in all areas of the Federation. Execute all decisions made by the Executive Committee or the President with regards to the TLT program.
SECTION 24 – ASSISTANT TEEN LEADERSHIP TRAINING (TLT) COORDINATOR Shall: One Assistant should be elected to represent each Federation area and serve as an assistant to the TLT Coordinator. Function as in Article V Section 23.
BYLAWS ARTICLE VI - BOARD OF EXAMINERS SECTION I - PATHFINDER BOARD OF EXAMINERS The members of the Boards of Examiners for each area shall: A. Be active MASTER GUIDES with at least one year’s experience, or persons deemed qualified by the Area Coordinator in consultation with and agreement of the club directors. B. Selected by the club directors under the guidance of the Area Coordinator, acting as chairperson of the board. SECTION II Board of Examiners shall serve for a term of one (1) year and may be reelected at the discretion of the Area Coordinator and the club directors. SECTION III - MASTER GUIDE BOARD OF EXAMINERS A. The Northeastern Conference Youth Ministries Department in consultation with the Northeastern Conference Pathfinder Federation Executive Officers shall select a Master Guide Board of Examiners. B. The Master Guide Board of Examiners shall be selected annually and reflect a broad representation from all the territories comprising the Northeastern Conference PATHFINDER FEDERATION. ARTICLE VII - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SECTION I The Executive Committee shall consist of all head elected officers, plus two members at large who shall be elected at the annual general meeting to serve for one (1) year. The members at-large shall be elected on a rotational basis representing a federation area. The Executive Committee shall consist of the positions listed below. In the absence of an Executive Officer, his or her assistant or representative shall be present at the meeting and have voting rights. 1. President 2. Vice President 3. Executive Secretary 4. Assistant Executive Secretary 5. Treasurer 6. Chaplain 7. Parliamentarian 8. Communications 9. Area Coordinator - Bronx \ Manhattan 10. Area Coordinator - Brooklyn \ Staten Island 11. Area Coordinator - Franco Haitian 12. Area Coordinator - Hispanic 13. Area Coordinator - Hudson Valley \ Capital City 14. Area Coordinator - Long Island 15. Area Coordinator - New England South 16. Area Coordinator - New England North 17. Area Coordinator - Queens 18. Area Coordinator - Rockland \ Westchester 19. Area Coordinator - Western NY 20. Marching Band Coordinator 21. Drilling & Marching Coordinator 22. Drum Corps Coordinator 23. Risk Manager 24. Teen Leadership Training (TLT) Coordinator 25. Floor Member 26. Floor Member 27. Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Representative SECTION II Between meetings, the Executive Committee shall have full administrative power to conduct the business of the Federation, to fill any vacancies which may occur by death, resignation, or otherwise of Federation Officers. The person/s filling the vacancies should be introduced to the Federation members at a duly called meeting. SECTION III The Executive Committee shall meet at least once each quarter. Meetings may be called by the President or in his/her absence the Vice-President or in their absence by the Executive Secretary. Two-thirds (2/3) of the committee shall constitute a quorum. SECTION IV A. The Executive Committee will develop and publish annually the policies of the Federation as voted in its business sessions. SECTION V In between the Executive Committee Meetings, an Executive Council will convene consisting of the Youth Ministries Director, Associate Youth Ministries Director, President, Vice President, Executive Secretary, and Treasurer with purview to resolve issues of delicacy and policy. The Executive Council will always meet in executive session. ARTICLE VIII - SUB-COMMITTEES Sub-committees may be empowered by the Executive Committee to perform functions necessary for the execution of the Federation’s business or for the operation of its programs. ARTICLE IX - ELECTION OF OFFICERS SECTION I A. The election of officers shall be held by or before the end of the first quarter of the triennial year at the Pathfinder Officers’ Workshop or Youth Ministries Convention or any other location deemed appropriate by the body. B. The Nominating Committee At the beginning of the Pathfinder Officers’ Workshop, a Nominating Committee shall be chosen to select officers for the next term. The Nominating Committee shall consist of two (2) representatives from each federated area. The Youth Ministries Director or his Associate shall serve as the chairperson for this committee. The Committee shall complete and present its work to the body for voting at the time scheduled for the election of officers. SECTION II Voting shall be by secret ballot after names have been placed in nomination and have been properly discussed. SECTION III The term of office shall be for a period of three (3) years. The body shall reserve the right to remove any officer who is not functioning according to their duties as outlined in the constitution and bylaws. SECTION IV If an officer fails to function according to the duties outlined in the constitution and bylaws, the following steps will be taken: A. The officer will be informed of their deficiency/concern. B. A period of thirty (30) days will be given to respond. C. Sixty (60) days will be given for implementation of a plan for correction. D. If the above is not followed the officer shall be removed by two-thirds (2/3) of the voting membership at a called meeting of the general body. SECTION V Voting eligibility shall: A. Be restricted to all elected officers, plus all registered delegates attending the Pathfinder Officer’s Workshop/Youth Ministries Convention. B. In order for delegates to vote, the club they represent must be current in paying annual membership fee(s) dues as outlined in the Constitution & By Laws. All discussions shall be opened to the general body present and representing the Pathfinder clubs within the Federation at the time of election. ARTICLE X - FINANCES SECTION I The financial obligation of each club per year is $125.00 which is due by March 31st of each year. The calendar year shall be January 1st – December 31st. This amount includes annual membership dues and all other activities except Camporee fees and carnivals. The financial obligation is broken down as follows: 1. Annual Membership Dues $75.00 2. Remaining Balance is for activities SECTION II A. A checking account and a savings account shall be opened in the name of the Northeastern Conference PATHFINDER FEDERATION. B. The issuing of checks or the withdrawal of funds from the savings account shall be on the following conditions; any one (1) authorized signature, after consultation with at least one (1) authorized Signee. C. The following persons shall be authorized to sign checks or withdraw funds; the Treasurer, President and the Executive Secretary. D. No more than five hundred ($500.00) dollars shall be spent without the approval of the Executive Committee. ARTICLE XI - MEETINGS SECTION I Executive meetings, see article VII. SECTION II Regular sessions of the Federation shall be held quarterly to transact business pertinent to the welfare of the Federation, at such time and place within the territory of the Federation. Members of the Federation shall be given at least two (2) weeks notice in writing, of the intent to hold meetings. SECTION III Special sessions may be called at the discretion of the Executive committee and shall follow the guidelines as above. SECTION IV Annual General Meetings shall be held, within the first quarter of each calendar year at the Pathfinder Officers’ Workshop. SECTION V - QUORUM Two-third (2/3) of the voting members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the annual general meeting as outlined in ARTICLE 9 SECTION 3 of the Constitution. If 2/3 should leave before the end of the meeting the rest of the third remaining will have the rights to vote on the issues. ARTICLE XII - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY The General Conference Rules of Order shall be the PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY for all sessions and meetings of the Northeastern Conference PATHFINDER FEDERATION. ARTICLE XIII - AMENDMENTS The constitution may be amended by two-thirds 2/3 of the voting membership, voting in a duly called meeting. Proposal to amend the constitution shall be made at least two (2) months (at a regular meeting) before any action is taken. ARTICLE XIV - CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS COMMITTEE A Constitution & Bylaws Committee shall be voted at the time of election to serve for a period of three years. The committee shall comprise of one representative from each federated area. ARTICLE XV - DISSOLUTION SECTION I In the event that this organization can no longer function as described in the CONSTITUTION and Bylaws, its dissolution must be effected by a 3/4 vote of the members present at a general assembly, or a specially called session of the Federation. There will be a period of ninety days in which the Federation will study the possibility of dissolution before it is brought to the body for vote. SECTION II The holdings of the organization shall be transferred to the Northeastern Conference Youth Ministries Department after all debts have been settled. | 
