Note: The articles of incorporation is also known as a 'charter' or 'constitution.' It is the document to be filed with the Nevada Secretary of State as a part of the process of registering the Unit as a non-profit corporation in the State of Nevada. Registration as a corporation provides legal benefits for the protection of officers and trustees in the performance of their duties. This document is numbered to follow the application available from the Nevada Secretary of State. It should be reviewed by a properly qualified lawyer prior to submission.

Registration as a non profit corporation should not be confused with IRS registration for tax purposes. The IRS registration could include a taxpayer identification number and a letter of compliance with some section of 501(c) of the IRS code to promote tax deductible contributions.

Example Articles of Incorporation - a work in progress

The Sierra Nevada Unit of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International, Inc.

Article I: Name of corporation

The name of the Corporation is the Sierra Nevada Unit of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International, Inc.

Article II: Resident Agent and Registered Office.

The name and address of the Resident Agent for service of process is:

Article III: Governing Board

The members of the governing board of the Corporation are designated as Trustees. The initial number of the Board of Trustees is three (3) members. The name and post office box or street address, either residence or business, of each member of the initial Board of Trustees is as follows:

Article IV: Purpose.

The Corporation is organized for the purpose of engaging in any lawful activity, within or without the State of Nevada. The objectives of this non-profit organization shall be to

furnish encouragement and assistance in the development of the Unit and thus afford fraternization for recreational vehicle owners;
to encourage safe driving and assist in improving the general welfare of the recreational vehicle public through assistance and active participation of all its members in building a strong organization for the betterment of good will toward recreational vehicle travel;
to coordinate with and participate in the interests and activities of the International and Regional components of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International, Inc.;
to cooperate with other organizations and units within our sphere which are seeking to elevate the standards and ethics of the various groups;
to disseminate information of an advisory and educational nature which will be of value to its members and the public;
to study, advise and recommend legislation which is in the interest of the recreational vehicle public and oppose all legislation which is discriminatory and injurious to the recreational vehicle public; and
to encourage government and private agencies to provide more and better recreational vehicle parks and facilities.

Article V: Other matters

This article might contain wording supporting the WBCCI supercendance as required in WBCCI governance documents

Article VI: Names Addresses and Signatures of Incorporators

Article VII: Certificate of acceptance of appointment of resident agent

Note: a corporation must have a physical address where basic records are kept and where process can be served. This 'resident agent' needs to be a long term agreement with the Unit

Disclaimer

These ideas, suggestions, and recommendations are those of the Leipper Management Group for the Wally Byam Caravan Club International and its Region 12 and Sierra Nevada Unit components. These do not represent legal advice - any changes described here should be reviewed by a properly qualified lawyer prior to adoption or use - and the Leipper Management Group presents these ideas only for discussion and education. Any liabilities that arise from the adoption or use of these ideas is solely the responsibility of the individual or individuals or organizations that choose to implement any changes in their structures or governing documents.