Menopause Matter is a dedicated non-profit organization focused on empowering and supporting women during their menopause journey. Our mission is to provide accurate information, valuable resources, and a supportive community for women navigating the physical, emotional, and mental changes associated with menopause. Through research-backed content, educational workshops, and personalized support, Menopause Matter strives to raise awareness, promote understanding, and create a positive and empowering environment for women experiencing menopause. Together, we are committed to making menopause matter.
Mission Statement
At Menopause Matters, our mission is to empower, educate, and support women navigating menopause. We provide accurate information, build inclusive communities, and advocate for better healthcare policies. We promote research and innovation, recognizing menopause’s impact on physical and mental health. By offering holistic resources and fostering resilience, we help women thrive during this transformative phase. Committed to creating a more informed and compassionate world, we strive to change the narrative around menopause, ensuring women have the knowledge and support they need.
Vision Statement
Our vision is a world where menopause is understood and supported as a natural and normal transition, where women are empowered to manage their symptoms and make informed decisions about their health. Where healthcare providers have the knowledge and resources to provide optimal care. We strive to create a future where menopause is a positive and transformative experience, and where women are supported and celebrated in all stages of life.
Value Statement
At Menopause Matters, we are committed to upholding the following values in all our activities and interactions: Empowerment, by enabling women to make informed decisions about their health and well-being during menopause; Education, through providing accurate, up-to-date information on menopause, its symptoms, and management to promote understanding and reduce stigma; Support, by creating a community where women can find validation and resources to improve their quality of life; Advocacy, by pushing for policies that ensure equitable access to menopause care, support research, and reduce health disparities; Respect, by honoring the diversity of experiences and perspectives of women going through menopause and fostering a safe and inclusive space; and Collaboration, by partnering with stakeholders across various sectors to promote menopause health.
Inclusion
Menopause Matter is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes and respects the diversity of all individuals. We believe that every member, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status, has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. We strive to create a supportive community where everyone feels valued, empowered, and able to contribute to the organization’s mission. Our programs, policies, and practices reflect our dedication to inclusion, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered in our decision-making processes
Bylaws
By-Law 1 – Menopause Matter
Updated July 8, 2024
BY-LAW NO.1 OF MENOPAUSE MATTER (in accordance with the Not for Profit Corporation Act of Ontario)
ARTICLE 1: NAME, HEAD OFFICE AND CORPORATE SEAL
1.1 NAME: The name of the organization shall be Menopause Matter, hereinafter called MM.
1.2 HEAD OFFICE: The Head Office shall be located in Mississauga, Ontario, and the place therein where the affairs of the organization are from time to time carried on.
1.3 SEAL: The corporate seal of the organization shall be in the form impressed hereon. Such corporate seal remains in the custody of the President or an officer designated by the President with approval of the Board.
1.4 FISCAL YEAR: The fiscal year of the organization shall be from January 1 to December 31.
ARTICLE 2: DEFINITIONS
2.1 MM: “MM” means Menopause Matter.
2.2 ORGANIZATION: “Organization” means Menopause Matter.
2.3 BY-LAW: “By-Law” means these regulations, Section 18 of the Not for Profit Corporations Act (Ontario), and any other By-Law of MM from time to time in force.
2.4 BOARD: “Board” means the Board of Directors of MM.
2.5 OFFICER: “Officer” means a member of the Board who is authorized to sign bank accounts and/or other documents by virtue of the position that he/she holds on the Board.
2.6 DIRECTOR: “Director” means each and every member of the Board, including Officers.
2.7 MEMBER: “Member” means any member of MM duly admitted to membership under the terms of Article 4 of these By-Laws.
ARTICLE 3: MEMBERS CODE OF CONDUCT
3.1 Service – Members are encouraged to:
a) Act with fairness, honesty, integrity, and transparency.
b) Respect the opinions of others.
c) Treat all with equality and dignity without regard for gender, race, color, creed, ancestry, place of origin, political beliefs, religion, marital status, disability, age, or sexual orientation.
d) Promote the mission, objectives, and ideals of Menopause Matter in all dealings with the public on behalf of the organization and within MM.
e) Foster and provide a positive and valued experience for those stakeholders receiving service within and outside MM.
3.2 Accountability – Members should:
a) Act at all times with honesty and integrity and, where applicable, act in accordance with any professional standards and/or governing laws and legislation that may apply to the duties and responsibilities that are being performed for and on behalf of MM.
b) Comply with the letter and spirit of any training or orientation provided by MM in connection with those responsibilities.
c) Adhere to the stated policies and procedures of MM and support the decisions and directions of the Board and Membership.
d) Take responsibility for their actions and decisions.
e) Adhere to established communication channels and reporting lines to facilitate the effective resolution of problems.
f) Not exceed the authority of their positions but should freely consult with the applicable Board member for further discussion.
ARTICLE 4: OBJECTIVES
4.1 To support and empower individuals experiencing menopause through education, advocacy, and community programs.
4.2 To provide social, cultural, and educational programs that meet the needs of the membership and the community.
4.3 To offer a wide range of services that support the diverse needs of those experiencing menopause.
4.4 To advocate on behalf of the community on various topics relevant to menopause .
4.5 To foster community integration and to help to develop a supportive menopause society in Canada.
4.6 To collaborate with agencies and organizations that share similar values and goals.
4.7 To acquire and hold real and personal property by purchase, bequest, lease, or otherwise for the purposes of the organization.
4.8 To invest the funds of the organization in any securities in which, under the Trustee Act, the Board may invest funds, at its discretion.
4.9 In the event of the dissolution of the organization, and after payment of all debts and liabilities, to distribute the remaining property to charitable organizations that support the values and goals of the organization and that carry out their work solely in Canada.
ARTICLE 5: MEMBERSHIP
5.1 Membership in the organization shall consist of all persons or groups who are, from time to time, accepted as members in the manner hereafter prescribed, and whose membership has not been terminated by expulsion or withdrawal.
5.2 There shall be three categories of membership: Regular, Affiliate, and Lifetime.
5.3 The categories of Regular Membership are adult and senior; the requirements for Regular Membership shall be as follows:
5.3.1 Regular Membership shall be open to all persons who share the aims and objectives of the organization.
5.3.2 Regular Members, sixteen years or older, shall take part in any of the organization’s activities and may vote on MM matters.
5.3.3 A Regular Member may hold any position on the Board of Directors or as Chair of Standing or other Committees.
5.3.4 Regular Members shall be required to pay an annual fee to the organization.
5.3.5 Application for Regular Membership shall be in writing or online and shall be approved by Resolution of the Board of Directors.
5.3.6 At the discretion of the Board of Directors, with approval from the membership, Regular Membership may be revoked, should the activities and/or objectives of the Regular Member become at variance with the interests of MM.
5.4 The requirements for Affiliate Membership shall be as follows:
5.4.1 Affiliate Membership shall be open to all organizations that share the aims and objectives of the organization.
5.4.2 Affiliate Members shall take part in any of the organization’s activities but may not vote on MM matters.
5.4.3 Affiliate Members shall be required to pay an annual fee to the organization.
5.4.4 Affiliate Members cannot hold a position on the Board of Directors, or be a member or Chair of a Committee.
5.4.5 Application for Affiliate Membership shall be made using the online application form and shall be approved by motion of the Board of Directors.
5.4.6 At the discretion of the Board of Directors, with approval from the membership, an Affiliate Membership may be revoked, should the activities and/or objectives of the Affiliate become at variance with the interests of MM.
5.5 The requirements for Lifetime Membership shall be as follows:
5.5.1 At an Annual Anniversary Celebration, Lifetime Membership may be conferred on anyone who has made a significant contribution to the organization or community or who has been a member in good standing for at least ten years.
5.5.2 Nominations for Lifetime Membership must be submitted to the Membership Committee for recommendation to the Board for approval.
5.5.3 Lifetime Members shall not be required to pay an annual membership fee to the organization.
5.5.4 Lifetime Members may take part in any of the activities of the organization and may vote or hold office.
ARTICLE 6: DUES
6.1 The fees payable by Regular and Affiliate Members shall, from time to time, be as recommended by a majority vote of the Board, and shall become effective only when confirmed by a majority vote of the members at an Annual or Special Membership Meeting.
6.2 The Membership period shall be January 1 to December 31. All membership fees shall be due on January 1 of each year.
6.3 At each Annual General Meeting, eligible voters shall be members who have paid dues by January 31 of the current year.
ARTICLE 7: BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COMMITTEES, TRUSTEES
7.1 Only Regular Members in good standing shall be eligible to hold office on the Board of Directors.
7.2 The Board of Directors shall be comprised of the following:
7.2.1 President
7.2.2 Vice-President
7.2.3 Executive Secretary
7.2.4 Treasurer
7.2.5 Director of Fundraising
7.2.6 Director of Communications
7.2.7 Director at Large
7.2.8 Director at Large
7.2.9 Director at Large
7.2.10 The Immediate Past President (non-voting)
7.3 Committees: The following are the standing committees that will report to the Board through the Vice President and directly to the membership at each membership meeting:
7.3.1 Education Committee
7.3.2 Membership Events Committee
7.3.3 Membership Services Committee
7.3.4 Advocacy Committee
7.3.5 Outreach Committee
7.4 Elections:
Elections shall be held annually. The Board of Directors and the chairs of the Standing Committees shall be elected for a two-year term. For continuity, four members of the Board, three Committee Chairs, and two Trustees shall be elected one year; and five Board members, three committee chairs, and one trustee the next year.
7.4.1 The following Directors, Chairs, and Trustees are elected in even-numbered years:
a) The President
b) The Treasurer
c) Two Directors at Large
d) Three Committee Chairs
e) Two Trustees
7.4.2 The following Directors, Chairs, and Trustees are elected in odd-numbered years:
a) The Vice-President
b) The Executive Secretary
c) The Director of Fundraising
d) The Director of Communications
e) One Director at Large
f) Three Committee Chairs
g) One Trustee
7.5 The Board of Directors shall meet monthly and at other times as required.
7.6 The quorum at Board meetings shall be a majority of the Board members.
7.7 Vacancies on the Board or among the Trustees that occur between elections may be filled by appointment by the Board, with such appointments being ratified by the membership at the next Annual General Meeting.
7.8 Removal from Office: Any Director or Trustee may be removed from office for cause by a two-thirds vote of the members present at a Special Membership Meeting called for that purpose.
7.9 Duties of Officers and Directors:
a) The President shall preside at all meetings of the organization and the Board and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.
b) The Vice-President shall assist the President and, in the absence or disability of the President, perform the duties of the President.
c) The Executive Secretary shall keep accurate records of the proceedings of the organization and the Board, and be responsible for the correspondence of the organization.
d) The Treasurer shall be responsible for the financial affairs of the organization, including maintaining accurate financial records and preparing financial reports.
e) The Director of Fundraising shall be responsible for coordinating and overseeing fundraising activities.
f) The Director of Communications shall be responsible for managing the organization’s internal and external communications.
g) Directors at Large shall perform such duties as assigned by the Board or the President.
ARTICLE 8: MEETINGS
8.1 Annual General Meeting: The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the members shall be held within 90 days after the end of the fiscal year, at a time and place determined by the Board.
8.2 Special Membership Meetings: Special Membership Meetings may be called by the President or by written request of at least 10% of the membership. Notice of such meetings shall be given at least 14 days in advance.
8.3 Quorum for Membership Meetings: The quorum for the AGM or any Special Membership Meeting shall be 20 members in good standing.
8.4 Voting: Each member in good standing shall be entitled to one vote on each matter to be voted on at any meeting of members.
ARTICLE 9: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
9.1 The financial affairs of MM shall be managed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
9.2 The Board shall ensure that an annual financial review or audit is conducted by an independent accountant.
9.3 All cheques, drafts, or orders for the payment of money shall be signed by two officers designated by the Board.
ARTICLE 10: AMENDMENTS
10.1 Amendments to the By-Laws may be proposed by the Board or by written request of at least 10% of the members.
10.2 Proposed amendments shall be presented in writing to the membership at least 30 days prior to the meeting at which they are to be considered.
10.3 Amendments require a two-thirds majority vote of members present at the meeting for adoption.
ARTICLE 11: DISSOLUTION
11.1 In the event of the dissolution of Menopause Matter, any remaining assets, after the payment of liabilities, shall be distributed to one or more charitable organizations in Canada with similar objectives.