RESOURCES COALITION

LEGAL FUND POLICY

SECTION ONE.

PURPOSE

A.  The Resources Coalition Legal Fund was created for the express purpose of protecting the rights of miners and prospectors, individually and as a whole, against harassment, burdensome regulations and unfair public access issues.

B. Resources Coalition encourages the use of these funds to further the rights of miners everywhere, with the rights of miners in Washington State paramount. Individuals applying for help must have an issue that could impact or set a precedence, either negative or positive, for mining in general. All miners have the responsibility to use these resources in an equitable, ethical, and lawful manner.

C. To ensure the equitable, ethical and lawful use of these funds, the following guidelines have been established. No policy can lay down rules to cover every possible situation. Instead, it is designed to express Resource Coalition’s philosophy and set forth general principles when making a determination as to the eligibility of legal fund use.

SECTION TWO.

PROHIBITED USE

Legal funds cannot be used to resolve a situation which arises from:

1. A personal dispute between or among individual miners or mining groups;

2. Any issue which could be determined derogatory, defamatory or threatening to any individual miner or mining group;

3. A blatant act or violation of any reasonable and necessary mining law.

4. Act that is illegal or contrary to Resources Coalition’s policy or mining interests.

The Legal Fund is to be used exclusively for the purpose above expressed.  Any use of these funds by Resources Coalition or any member thereof for any other purpose is strictly prohibited.  These funds shall be set apart from the general funds of Resources Coalition, and a separate accounting shall be made thereof and reported to the membership.

SECTION THREE.

ACCESS TO LEGAL FUNDS

A. Any miner or organization requesting use of the legal funds shall do so as follows:

1. A written request for funds, including all supporting evidence of need shall be mailed to the Resources Coalition President or Legal Fund Chairman. 

2. The President or Chairman shall disseminate copies of the request to all board members prior to the next scheduled meeting.  In extremely urgent matters, a special board meeting may be convened.

3. Applicant shall appear personally before the board at the next scheduled meeting to present their request and answer any questions the board may have.

4. The Board will make a determination as to whether or not the request meets the criteria to qualify for use of Legal Funds.  If so determined, the applicant will return to a general meeting to present their case to the general membership.  At that time, a majority vote of the members present will be called to approve or disapprove the use of the legal funds. Any interested members unable to attend may send in their vote by proxy.

B. Resources Coalition Board reserves the right, at its discretion, to review any legal fund usage granted to be sure it remains in compliance with the terms of this policy.  If at any time a grantee is determined to be out of compliance, the funds granted will be frozen immediately, and any funds previously not used for the intended purpose shall be returned.

C. All applications will be deemed private and confidential until such time as they come before the general membership. If an applicant has a legitimate need for confidentiality, the Board reserves the right to adjust this process as it deems appropriate under the circumstances.

D.  All members of Resources Coalition shall be held accountable for strict confidentiality in all dealings of the organization.

SECTION FOUR.

VIOLATIONS

Any individual or organization who is found in violation of this policy will be subject to corrective action, including possible termination of membership, legal action, and criminal liability.

I have read, understand, and agree to comply with the foregoing policies, rules, and conditions governing the use of the Resources Coalition’s Legal Fund. I am aware that violations of this guideline may subject me to disciplinary action, including termination from membership, legal action and criminal liability. I further understand that my use of the Legal Fund may reflect on the image of Resources Coalition to our members, state agencies, and legislators, and that I have a responsibility to maintain a positive representation of the Resources Coalition. Furthermore, I understand that this policy can be amended at any time.

Dated: _________.

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Applicant’s Signature

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Applicant’s Printed Name