[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of
Charles County 9-7-1982 by Res. No. 82-62. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
Senior citizens clubs are designated by the County Commissioners
of Charles County, Maryland, to provide an harmonious atmosphere for
social and recreational activities for older Charles Countians. As
such, the goal of the senior citizens clubs is to reduce social isolation
and enhance the quality of life for older Countians.
A.
Membership in the Charles County senior citizens clubs is open to
anyone over 55 or over age 50 and disabled, regardless of race or
national origin, sex or religious or political affiliation.
B.
It is preferred that members belong to only the one club nearest
the member's place of residence (primary club).
C.
Membership in any club should first be open to those who are not
members of another appointed club.
D.
If a person's membership in a club which is not the member's
primary club prevents the membership of a senior citizen who lives
near that club and is not a member of any other club, the club leader
will advise the coordinator, who may request that the person having
dual membership withdraw from the secondary club.
A.
Upon creation of a club, representatives of the club meet with the
Charles County Aging Services Director and Area Council on Aging Chairperson,
or their designees, to identify a club leader.
B.
Club leaders are selected by the club members through a fair process
which will permit the selection of a person capable of carrying out
the responsibilities of leadership.
C.
Club representatives will meet with and advise the Aging Services
Office of their selection of a leader.
D.
The Director of Aging Services will advise the County Commissioners
of the club leader selection, and, upon their approval, the club leader
becomes a stipended volunteer.
E.
By the same process, club members may request appointment of a different
individual to serve as club leader.
A.
The club leader provides the link in communication from Aging Services
to the membership, conveying to the club information on available
services and programs and/or announcements in the interest of senior
citizens.
B.
The club leader reports to the Aging Services Coordinator.
C.
Club leader duties include conducting weekly senior citizens club
meetings and submitting to the coordinator a weekly report of club
activities and services and other related information as requested.
The leader is to attend quarterly club leaders' meetings as scheduled
and report appropriate information to the club members.
D.
The leader arranges trips or activities on behalf of the membership,
or a member or committee of members is selected to handle these arrangements.
E.
Additionally, the leader makes arrangements for presentations/guest
speakers on topics of interest to the membership, e.g., services to
the aging, energy/weatherization, health and/or income maintenance,
or a club member is selected to do this. The leader may suggest topics
to the membership and invite indication of their interest in the subject
matter, or members may suggest an agenda to the leader and invite
indication of interest from the membership. Club meeting time is not
to be used in support of specific political activities.
F.
If club members prefer, they may provide financial support to the
club treasury. Financial records should be open to review by a finance
committee, which committee may submit a report to the leader and membership.
G.
As a representative of the club, the club leader is not to engage
in political activity. The leader may not show favoritism toward nor
discrimination against club members or persons seeking membership
in the club.
H.
As a volunteer receiving a stipend from the County Commissioners
of Charles County, Maryland, the club leader is not eligible for fringe
benefits or leave time.
I.
If a club leader chooses to take a vacation from club activities,
the leader may pay a club member to act as a substitute leader, assuming
full responsibility in the leader's absence.
A.
Clubs are free to operate in an harmonious manner which provides
positive support of the interests of the membership.
B.
Bylaws are not required. Clubs may choose to adopt bylaws specific
to the interests and needs of their group that are not contrary to
law or County rules, regulations or policies.
C.
Clubs are not required to have officers. Clubs may elect to have
officers in support of club activities.
D.
Clubs may not discriminate against nor show favoritism toward members/individuals
on the basis of race or national origin, sex or religious or political
affiliation.
E.
Moneys collected or funds raised in support of club activities become
the property of the club, to be used as members deem appropriate.
F.
Each club should establish adequate records of fiscal activity to
ensure proper controls of receipts and expenditures.
G.
The organization of the local aging network is such that it allows
the club members to communicate directly to the club leader, who reports
to the Aging Services Coordinator.
H.
Club issues which are unresolved at the level of the leader and coordinator
may be referred to the Director of Aging Services. Unresolved matters
at the level of the Director are referred to the County Administrator
and finally, if necessary, to the County Commissioners of Charles
County, Maryland.
