Article 1: Name and Purpose of Organization
1.1 The name of our organization is the Toronto Association for Peace and Solidarity. TAPS is a member of the Canadian Peace Congress and by extension a member of the World Peace Council. Our activities are guided by the policies and principles of the Canadian Peace Congress.
1.2 We strive to agitate, educate and organize, in the Greater Toronto Area, for a world without war and oppression, from a specifically anti-imperialist perspective and to cooperate and build solidarity with other progressive organizations and struggles which share our goals.
Article 2: Membership
2.1 Membership in TAPS is open to individuals who are committed to the struggle for peace, disarmament and anti-imperialist unity and who subscribe to the principles of our organization.
2.2 Membership is voluntary with a sign-up and annual dues payment of $20, or a $10 low income rate, at the AGM, any membership meeting or activity.
2.3 All members are encouraged to support TAPS through volunteer labour, participation in events, attendance in meetings and build TAPS organizationally.
2.4 Members have the right to participate in the decision-making process within the organization and run for positions on the executive.
Article 3: Governance Structure
3.1 The Annual General Meeting is the highest decision-making body.
3.2 At the AGM a Steering Committee is elected as a decision-making body between AGMs.
3.3 Quorum for an AGM is a minimum of ten (10) members.
Article 4: Membership meetings
4.1 Membership meetings will be held at least quarterly to discuss current issues and plan events, fundraisers and actions.
Article 5: Steering Committee
5.1 Steering Committee is responsible to:
- Provide leadership.
- Act as spokesperson for the organization.
- Oversee and administer the finances of the organization in a transparent manner.
- At its first meeting the Steering Committee will choose a treasurer and its signing officers.
- That no money can be spent without the consent of the steering committee in its majority and only with the signature of two (2) signing officers.
- The treasurer will provide reports to the steering committee at every meeting.
- Maintain regular communication with all TAPS members.
- Form sub-committees to assist in its work.
5.2 The outgoing Steering Committee shall recommend the incoming committee’s size, with no more than eleven (11), to be decided at the Annual General Meeting. The Steering Committee may co-opt members to fill vacancies.
5.3 All decisions at AGMs, Steering Committee and all other meetings will be made by a majority vote of those present.
5.4 Quorum for a steering committee is achieved when a simple majority of its members are present.
Article 6: Amendments to Bylaws
6.1 Bylaws can be amended at the AGM. Notice of proposed amendments must be circulated in writing to all members thirty (30) days in advance.
Passed by unanimous vote at the January 23, 2025 Annual General Meeting.