Effective Date: June 19, 2025
Website: www.betterstepsfoundation.com
Email: info@betterstepsfoundation.com

1.1 Name:
The name of the organization shall be Better Steps Foundation ("the Foundation").

1.2 Legal Status:
Better Steps Foundation is a nonprofit organization incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada.

2.1 Mission:
To support children and youth who have experienced trauma by providing access to counseling, education, support, advocacy, and community resources.

2.2 Objectives:

• To offer individual and group trauma-informed counseling services.
• To provide educational workshops for families, educators, and communities.
• To operate peer support groups for children and youth.
• To advocate for trauma-informed policies in schools and institutions.
• To conduct and share research and best practices on childhood trauma and healing.
• To collaborate with other organizations to build a strong support system for vulnerable youth.

3.1 Eligibility:
Membership shall be open to individuals 18 years or older who support the mission and values of the Foundation.

3.2 Categories of Membership:

• General Members
• Board Members
• Honorary Members (non-voting, recognized for special contribution)

3.3 Voting Rights:
Each General Member in good standing shall have one vote at all general meetings.

3.4 Termination of Membership:
Membership may be terminated by resignation, failure to renew, or by majority vote of the Board for cause.

4.1 Composition:
The Board shall consist of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 11 Directors.

4.2 Term:
Board members shall serve two-year terms and may be re-elected.

4.3 Duties of the Board:

• Set strategic direction and policies
• Ensure financial accountability
• Oversee programs and services
• Appoint and evaluate staff or volunteers as needed
• Approve budgets, reports, and organizational plans

4.4 Officers:

• Chair/President
• Vice-Chair/Vice-President
• Secretary
• Treasurer

4.5 Meetings:
The Board shall meet at least four (4) times per year. Quorum is a simple majority.

4.6 Conflict of Interest:
Board members must disclose any real or perceived conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from related decisions.

5.1 Annual General Meeting (AGM):
Shall be held once a year to review reports, elect Board members, and address other matters.

5.2 Special Meetings:
May be called by the Chair or by written request of at least 25% of members.

5.3 Notice:
Written notice of meetings must be sent at least 14 days in advance.

5.4 Quorum:
Quorum at general meetings shall be 25% of active voting members.

6.1 Standing and Ad Hoc Committees:
The Board may establish committees as needed (e.g., Fundraising, Programming, Finance, Governance).

6.2 Committee Authority:
Committees shall report to the Board and may not make decisions binding on the organization without Board approval.

7.1 Fiscal Year:
The fiscal year shall run from April 1 to March 31.

7.2 Signing Authority:
All cheques and financial documents must be signed by two authorized board members.

7.3 Audit/Review:
The books shall be reviewed annually by an independent accountant or auditor as required by law or funders.

7.4 Use of Funds:
All funds shall be used solely for purposes aligned with the mission of the Foundation.

8.1 These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote at an Annual General Meeting or special meeting, provided that members receive at least 14 days' notice of the proposed changes.

9.1 Upon dissolution of the Foundation, any remaining assets after payment of debts shall be transferred to another nonprofit or charitable organization with similar objectives, as determined by the Board and approved by the members.

Adopted by the Board of Directors of Better Steps Foundation on June 19, 2025.