Our Bylaws and Governance

Transparent Rules for Supporting Foster Families

The Okanagan Foster Parents Association operates with transparency and accountability under British Columbia’s Societies Act. Our bylaws outline how we govern our organization to support foster children, families, and parents in the Okanagan region. Below, explore our governance rules or download our full bylaws to see how we uphold our mission with integrity.

What Are Our Bylaws?

Our bylaws are the rules that guide how the Okanagan Foster Parents Association operates as a nonprofit society under the Societies Act (SBC 2015, c. 18). They cover membership, director elections, general meetings, and restrictions on our activities, ensuring we serve foster families in communities like Kelowna, Vernon, and Penticton with accountability and transparency. Per section 11 of the Act, our bylaws meet all legal requirements and are tailored to our mission of supporting foster care.

Key Bylaw Highlights

Here are the core provisions of our bylaws, designed to ensure effective governance and support for foster care:

  • Membership:
    • Admission: Individuals committed to foster care can apply to become members, subject to board approval. Applications are reviewed based on alignment with our mission.
    • Rights and Obligations: Members can vote at general meetings, attend events, and access resources like foster parent training. Members must pay annual dues (set by the board) and uphold our values.
    • Good Standing: A member is not in good standing if they fail to pay dues within 60 days of notice. Non-compliant members lose voting rights and may cease to be members after six months (adapted from Schedule 1 Bylaws).
    • Classes: We have one class of voting members, ensuring equal rights for all foster parents and supporters.
  • Directors:
    • Election and Appointment: Directors are elected by members at annual general meetings (AGMs) or appointed by the board to fill vacancies, per section 42 of the Act. Terms last until the next AGM, unless otherwise specified.
    • Number: We maintain 3 to 11 directors, with at least one residing in British Columbia (section 40).
    • Qualifications: Directors must be at least 18, capable of managing their affairs, and free from relevant convictions (section 44).
  • General Meetings:
    • Quorum: The quorum for general meetings is 3 members or 10% of all members, whichever is greater, ensuring robust participation (adapted from Schedule 1).
    • Voting: Voting is by show of hands or secret ballot if requested by the chair or two members. Proxy voting is permitted, and electronic voting (e.g., via Zoom) is allowed for Okanagan members’ accessibility (section 83).
    • Notice: Members receive at least 14 days’ notice of general meetings, with details of special business (section 78).
  • Restrictions:
    • Our activities are limited to advancing foster care support, advocacy, and resources in the Okanagan, per our constitution and section 2 of the Act.
    • We do not operate for profit, and any funds are used to further our mission or distributed to qualified recipients (section 4).

Our Commitment to Compliance

The Okanagan Foster Parents Association adheres to the Societies Act to ensure accountability:

  • Record-Keeping: We maintain records (e.g., bylaws, member register, financial statements) at our registered office in the Okanagan, as required by section 20. Members can inspect these records without charge (section 24).
  • Annual Reporting: We file annual reports with BC Registry Services, updating director and office information (section 73).
  • Financial Transparency: We prepare financial statements for AGMs and disclose remuneration for directors or high-earning contractors, per sections 35 and 36.
  • Bylaw Updates: Any changes to bylaws are approved by special resolution (2/3 vote) and filed with the registrar (section 17).

Access Our Full Bylaws

For a detailed view of our governance rules, download our complete bylaws below. These bylaws, based on the Societies Act’s Schedule 1 Model Bylaws and customized for our foster care mission, outline how we operate transparently to serve the Okanagan community.

Download OFPA Bylaws (Coming Soon)

Note: Our bylaws are under revision to enhance our governance.

Contact Us

Have questions about our bylaws or governance? Reach out here.