Who are we?
Penn coachmen history
Many of you know Penny, our Penn Coachmen mascot. She has been around for many years and is believed to be about 34 years old. (The average life span of a flamingo is 20-30 years). Penny was picked up from the side of the road, looking for a better life. She spent many years with our Penn Coachmen members. She has traveled all over the country. There are many pictures of her and her adventures. Penny has now moved on to the Senior Citizen RV Nursing Home. No recent address is available.
We are happy to say that Penelope, Penny’s daughter, is still very much involved in Penn Coachmen. She has been told many stories from her mother, and is looking forward to meeting and traveling with our members in the coming years.
Chapter benefits
- One of the greatest benefits of the Penn Coachmen Chapter membership is the opportunity it provides for fellowship with friends in our area.
- The online member directory provides a convenient way to search for members and email, text or phone them.
- Promote regular use of your RV.
- You get increased value out of your RV by using it more often.
- Penn Coachmen hold rallies monthly from April through October.
- Discover new places of interest. We have held rallies at county parks, private campgrounds, restaurants, and fairgrounds.
- Receive a wealth of RV related information. Club members would only be too happy to share their experiences and ideas regarding repairs, winterization, use of various RV products, RV purchasing. battery care, etc.
- Receive regular e-mail. This keeps members informed about up-coming activities and life/death issues concerning our members.
- Receive access to the online member directory which lists members names, addresses and email addresses. We like to include your pictures so you can identify people easier.
- More political clout. Chapter membership offers more input into the policies of FMCA through our National Director, who is elected by the chapter members.
- Volunteer opportunity. Our chapter provides teams of volunteers for National Conventions and the Great Eastern Area Rally (GEAR). In the past, members have assisted with security, tram drivers, FMCA store, Ladies Luncheon and much more. Such service provides opportunities to meet other FMCA members from different areas and increases the overall enjoyment of the rally.
FMCA PENN COACHMEN Chapter by-laws
Revised: March 25, 2024
ARTICLE I – CHAPTER NAME
The name of this not-for-profit organization shall be Penn Coachmen, Chapter of the FMCA,
hereinafter referred to as Chapter and FMCA.
ARTICLE II – OBJECT
- PURPOSE: This chapter exists to promote social, recreational, and informational
exchange activities that provide for the enjoyment and pleasurable use of family member
recreational vehicles hereafter know as RV’s. - AREA: This Chapter shall be authorized to function in the Eastern Area of FMCA.
- SCOPE: This Chapter will have members with a mutual interest in social functions with
all types of RV’s and/or drawn mainly from the location of Eastern Pennsylvania, but
allowing any FMCA member to join our chapter.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERS.
- ELIGIBILITY:
A. To be eligible for and to maintain membership in the Chapter, a person must be in
good standing with FMCA, and meet the dues requirement and provisions set forth
in the Bylaws of this Chapter.
B. Membership in the Chapter shall be open to any family unit or individual regardless
of race, age, gender, national origin, religion, marital status or disability.
C. This chapter welcomes all FMCA members. - DEFINITIONS:
A. The term “Family Unit,” is defined as a person; his or her spouse, or partner;
dependents of each, regardless of age: non-dependent grandchildren and great
grandchildren aged eighteen (18) and under.
B. The term “Membership,” is defined as either a family unit or an individual or
individuals owning a qualifying recreational vehicle (RV) who share a membership
number.
C. The term “member”, is defined as each adult who, jointly or individually, constitutes
a membership. The rights of each member are defined in the description of each
category contained in Article III of the FMCA Bylaws.
D. The term qualifying recreational vehicle (RV) is defined as a “self-contained
wheeled vehicle that includes permanently installed cooking, sleeping and sanitary
facilities. - VOTING AND HOLDING OFFICE:
A. A member must own a qualifying recreational vehicle (RV) or at least 1/3 interest
in order to vote or hold office in this chapter. - DUES AND FEES:
A. ANNUAL DUES: Annual payment of chapter and National dues enables persons to
become active members and entitled to all rights and privileges of the Chapter and FMCA.
The annual dues for membership in the Chapter shall be an amount as the membership
shall establish.
B. RENEWAL: Renewal dues from Chapter members become due and payable by
December 31.
C. INITIAL APPLICATION: Application for new membership shall be accompanied by
payment of annual Chapter and National dues (unless you are already an FMCA member).
If an initial application is accepted after September 1st, the dues shall be regarded as
covering the next membership year.
D. ARREARS: Any member whose dues remain unpaid for more than 30 days after
becoming due shall be considered delinquent; after April 1, membership is canceled.
ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS
- DUTIES OF OFFICERS: The duties of elected officers shall be as defined in the FMCA policies and procedures.
- TERMS OF OFFICE: The elected officers of this Chapter shall serve a one (1) year term of office, or until their successors are elected.
- RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS:
A. An individual FMCA member may hold either a single office in each of two chapters
or two offices in one chapter. A member may hold the office of National Director or
Alternate National Director in only one chapter.
B. Any member in good standing and eligible to hold office may be nominated from the
floor for any elective office.
C. No official or member shall become vested of any right, title to, or interest in any
chapter property, except as required by law.
4. EXECUTIVE BOARD:
A. The officers of the Chapter shall constitute the Executive Board.
B. The Executive Board shall have general supervision of the affairs of the Chapter.
between its business meetings. The Board shall be subject to the orders of the
Chapter, and none of its acts shall be in conflict with the Chapter or FMCA.
5. VACANCIES
A. A vacancy will be declared to exist in the case of death, resignation, or inability of
any officer to serve, or any officer ceases to meet the membership requirements as
stated in Article III.
B. In the event of a vacancy, permanent or otherwise, in the position of the National
Director, the Alternate National Director shall promptly fill the vacancy. If the chapter
does not have an Alternate National Director, the following paragraph applies.
C. In the case of a vacancy in any office other than the President, the President, with
the consent of the Executive Board, will appoint a person to fulfill the duties
temporarily until the Nominating Committee can nominate one or more candidates
and the chapter can hold an election to fill the office.
D. In the case of a vacancy in the office of the President, the Vice President will
become President and the vacant Vice President position will be filled in accordance
with ARTICLE IV.
ARTICLE V – LIABILITY
The Executive Board or an FMCA member shall be indemnified in accordance with FMCA’s
Bylaws.
ARTICLE VI-COMMITTEES
1. APPOINTMENT: Committee members and chairperson (except Nominating Committee)
shall be appointed by the President.
2. DUTIES: All committees shall function within the policies of the Chapter and (except
Nominating Committee) under the direction of the President. Financial reports, vouchers, and
monies due to the Chapter shall be submitted on a timely basis.
3. QUORUM: A Committee quorum shall be a majority.
ARTICLE VII – CHAPTER ADMINISTRATION
1. AUTHORITY: This Chapter shall be democratically, self-governed, deriving its existence
and authority from the consent of its membership assembled in meeting or, in certain
instances, by mail vote on stated propositions.
2. ORGANIZATIONAL YEAR: The fiscal and membership year of the Chapter shall
commence on January 1 and end on December 31.
3 CHAPTER MEETINGS:
A. TYPES: The term “meeting” shall include RV rallies, campouts, dinner meetings, and
any other gatherings suitable to the function of the Chapter.
B. BUSINESS MEETINGS: The Chapter must hold at least one (1) business meeting
each fiscal year at which a quorum is present. The meeting can be a gathering in one
area or where some or all of the members communicate with other members through
electronic means such as the Internet or by telephone that allows all members the
opportunity for simultaneous aural communication. Said meeting shall be duly
announced in advance to the membership, including adequate description of how to
participate.
C. OFFICER ELECTION: The voting general membership is to elect chapter officers,
including a President, one Sr. Vice President, at least two Area Vice Presidents, a
Secretary, a Treasurer, and a National Director. A chapter may elect in their Bylaws to
combine the position of secretary and treasurer into a single position. A chapter has the
option to elect an Alternate National Director if one would be available. A chapter must
maintain at least three (3) members holding the officer positions in that chapter.
D. QUORUM: A quorum for the transaction of business at any duly called chapter
meeting is twenty-five percent (25%) of the chapter family unit memberships or fifteen
(15) family unit memberships, whichever is less.
E. VOTING: Except as specified elsewhere in these Bylaws, a simple majority vote of F#
or L# members in good standing, eligible to vote and voting shall be required to approve
or disapprove any matter.
The Chapter has established that voting will be one (1) vote per membership #. Balloting
by mail may be undertaken when a proposed matter is voted to be of such importance or
urgency that a total membership vote is advisable.
F. PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS: The rules contained in the current edition of
ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER NEWLY REVISED shall govern this Chapter’s
proceedings to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the
Constitution and Bylaws of FMCA, and the Bylaws of this Chapter.
G. MAINTAINGING AFFILIATION: This chapter must maintain a minimum of fifteen (15)
family unit memberships. The Chapter secretary shall furnish to the National Office of
FMCA, no later than December 31st each year, a membership list, a list of chapter
officers, and assurance that one (1) business meeting was held.
H. ANNUAL AUDIT: An annual audit of the Chapter’s financial books and records shall be
undertaken and reported to the membership.
I. APPLICATION OF NATIONAL CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS. This Chapter
accepts and agrees that the Chapter Bylaws shall conform to any mandatory
requirements stipulated in the FMCA Constitution, Bylaws and FMCA Policies and
Procedures.
ARTICLE VIII – ELECTIONS
- NOMINATING COMMITTEE COMPOSITION:
A. The Nominating Committee shall consist of not less than three-chapter
members in good standing, nominated and elected yearly by the chapter
membership.
B. Election of an individual to the Nominating Committee shall not prohibit that
person from being nominated for an elected office. - NOMINATING COMMITTEE DUTIES:
A. To select one of its members as Nominating Committee Chairman.
B. To nominate candidates for the chapter offices of President, 1 Sr. Vice
President, Secretary, Treasurer and at least 2 Area Vice Presidents and a
National Director for the new term to be presented for voting by the chapter
membership. A chapter may elect in their Bylaws to combine the positions of
Secretary and Treasurer into a single position. A chapter has the option to elect
an Alternate National Director as well.
C. To obtain clear acceptance of the nominees to serve the chapter should they be
elected.
D. To make certain that nominated candidates are members in good standing and
qualified under applicable national and chapter bylaws.
E. To nominate candidates to fill vacancies that occur in elected chapter offices.
ARTICLE IX – AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
- FMCA National Bylaws and FMCA Policies and Procedures amendments
applicable to chapter operations are not subject to a vote by the chapter
membership. - AMENDING PROCEDURE: These bylaws may be amended by a 65%
affirmative vote of the members present and voting at a duly called meeting,
providing that prior notice of at least 30 days has been given of the
proposition(s) to amend. Any member of the chapter may propose amendments
to the Bylaws.
Approved amendments to these bylaws become effective immediately upon
their adoption, or at such time as specified in the amendment. - DISTRIBUTION: Copies of changes, additions, amendments or revisions to
these Bylaws shall be forwarded to the National Office and to the National Area
Vice President.
ARTICLE X – STANDING RULES
This chapter may adopt Standing Rules to provide guidelines and procedures by
which the chapter may function an operate.
ARTICLE XI – LIQUIDATION AND DISSOLUTION
This chapter of FMCA may be dissolved by a majority vote of chapter members.
All of the remaining assets of the chapter shall be contributed to the purpose(s)
for which the chapter is organized, or to a qualified non-profit charity or charities.
EFFECTIVE: March 25, 2024
(Date the chapter voted on the Bylaws or amendments to the Bylaws)
Revised: March 2024
standing rules of penn coachmen
Executed: 10/5/2006
Amended: 10/25/2008, 11/6/2018, 11/01/2022 & 9/23/2023
While bylaws relate to parliamentary procedures, standing rules refer to operating procedures. Standing rules are adopted, without previous notice to the membership, by a majority vote of the Chapter membership at any duly called business meeting where a quorum exists.
MEMBERSHIP
Annual dues are $15.00 or 3 years for $40.00.
New members shall pay $15.00 for the first year or $40.00 for 3 years. If joining after August 31, the remainder of the year is gratis, and their dues will go toward the next year. Renewing your membership: You may pay $15.00 for one year of $40.00 for three years and the dues start January1.
An Associate Member is an FMCA member whose RV ownership status has changed. They shall pay chapter dues, may participate in all Chapter functions but may not vote or hold office.
An Honorary Member is a former member who no longer meets the criteria for FMCA membership but wishes to retain Chapter association. They may participate in all Chapter functions but may not vote or hold office.
OFFICERS
President. The President shall be Chairman of the Executive Board (Board), preside at meetings of the Board, serve as Chief Executive Officer, carry on the affairs of the Chapter, lead the Chapter and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board.
Senior Vice President. In the absence of the President, the Senior Vice President shall preside at all meetings of the Board and, in general, shall perform all the duties incident to the office of the President and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board. The Senior Vice President shall coordinate with the Area Vice Presidents the planning of the Chapter’s Rallies and serve as the recorder of guests and first time members.
Secretary. The Secretary shall be responsible for the custody of all records of the Chapter and shall render such statements and reports as may be required by the Board. The Secretary may delegate the performance of any of the aforementioned duties, but shall at all times be responsible for their proper performance. In the absence of the President and Senior Vice President, the Secretary shall preside at all meetings. The Secretary shall also keep records and minutes of the meetings, furnish FMCA with a listing of the Chapter’s certified members annually and communicate as required by FMCA.
Treasurer. The Treasurer will have charge and custody of all funds of the Chapter, will deposit all funds, will pay bills, will keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of the Chapter’s properties and business transactions, will render reports and accountings to the Board and to the members as required by law, and will perform, in general, all duties incident to the office of Treasurer. The Treasurer shall collect dues from the Chapter’s members, collect any special assessments, including, but not limited to, fees for rental of meeting places.
Execution of Documents. Except as otherwise provided by law, checks, drafts, promissory notes, orders for the payments of money and other evidence of indebtedness up to $5,000.00 of this Chapter will be signed by the Treasurer. Contracts, leases or other instruments over $5,000.00 executed in the name of and on the behalf of the Chapter will also be signed by the President or designated representative. Copies of said contracts shall be forwarded to the Secretary to record..
Area Vice Presidents. The duties of the Area Vice President shall include assistance in setting policies, administering to the welfare of the Chapter. If no Rally Master is available, it is the Area Vice Presidents responsibility to serve as Rally Master if the chapter has made a commitment for said rally.
National Director and Alternate National Director. The duties of the National and Alternate National Director shall be consistent with those required by the FMCA.
Vacancies. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise, may be filled by the Board upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee for the unexpired portion of the term by a vote of not less than a majority of the members of the Board present at the meeting during which the vacancy is to be filled.
Annual Elections will be held at a business meeting provided members were given at least a 30 day notice with a roster of candidates.
Special Meetings and Executive Sessions. Special meetings and executive sessions of the Board may be called by or at the request of the President or Vice President.
RALLY FEES AND REFUNDS
14. Rally fee refunds will be made under the following guidelines and with the final approval of the Rally Master in conjunction with the club President or Vice President.
- a.A full refund of the previously paid $25.00 per person rally fee will be made if the cancellation request is received before the rally reservation deadline.
- b.The portion of the total rally fee relating to ‘meals / food’ will be refunded if the cancellation request is received after the rally reservation deadline and / but prior to the rally master’s placing the meal / food order with the caterer. Refund requests received after the meals have been ordered will not (cannot) be refunded. After meals are ordered the club (the member) is required to pay.
- c. In instances where Penn Coachmen have to prepay camping fees to the campground – i.e., – prior to our arrival and as a condition of occupying our reserved spaces, no refund of any camping fee will be made.
- d.A participant(s) who leaves the rally prior to the conclusion of the rally will receive a refund of any ‘camping fee’ that might have not been used. i.e. – if the participant leaves after spending Friday night at the rally they may receive a refund of their Saturday night camping fees in instances where the campground is not going to charge the club.
- e.A participant(s) who does not eat food ordered / purchased for them will not receive a refund.
- f. Any participant who ‘does not show up’ – i.e. – having given no notice of not attending – will not receive any refund.
- g.Participants who cancel ‘at the last minute’ for medical or other emergency reasons will be judged on a case by case basis; the decision will be made by the rally master, club president and / or executive committee.
- h.Every effort will be made to reimburse money where possible.
- i. Refunds will generally be made so long as the refund will not cost the club money.
GENERAL
Conduct. All members attending a meeting/rally shall conduct themselves in accordance with FMCA’s Code of Ethics.
Pets. All pet owners are required to follow the guidelines of the camping facility.
Operation of Generators. Follow the same guidelines designated by FMCA or local campground rules.
Chapter funds shall not be used to purchase alcoholic beverages for any rally or other Chapter function.
WHERE PENN COACHMEN LIVE
Although the Penn Coachmen chapter was chartered in Pennsylvania and many of our members live in the Keystone state, membership is open to all FMCA members.
We currently have members residing in the following states as well as the province of Ontario Canada:
Pennsylvania
New York
New Jersey
Delaware
Maryland
Virginia
West Virginia
Ohio
Tennessee
Kentucky
Florida
Connecticut
North Carolina
South Carolina
Texas
Arizona
South Dakota