Vote: 2026 Proposed Budget and Bylaws Revision

Please save the date for our Annual Budget Meeting on Sunday, December 7 at the Rockville Senior Center (1150 Carnation Drive). The meeting will begin after the conclusion of the Jingle Bell Jog, in the Carnation Room and is for current MCRRC Members only.

This is the meeting where the Board reviews the year ending and seeks the membership’s approval of the next year’s proposed budget.  The club’s budget is one of the most important jobs of the Board and its approval is one of the most important roles for you, as a club member.  The Proposed 2026 Budget can be found here under the “Members” button –> Annual Budget.  Members will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed budget in-person only, at the Annual Budget Meeting on December 7.

In addition, membership will be asked to review and vote on the Proposed MCRRC Bylaws Revision.  After more than 45 years of operation under the Club’s current bylaws—with just slight amendments over the years—the Board is proposing updates that will align us with current nonprofit best practices and legal recommendations. These changes reflect how MCRRC actually operates today while ensuring we meet our legal obligations as a Maryland 501(c)(3) organization. The proposed revised bylaws can be reviewed here and a summary document explaining the changes is available here. Members will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed bylaws revision online, with voting opening during the Annual Budget Meeting on December 7. A link will be shared with those attending in-person and will be sent to all current members electronically, during the meeting, for those unable to attend.  The bylaws revision voting link will remain open through 9pm on Monday, December 8 with the results announced later in the week.

Why These Changes?

  • The updates are based on recommendations from legal counsel specializing in Maryland nonprofit law, IRS guidelines for 501(c)(3) organizations, Maryland Corporations and Associations Code requirements, best practices from similar Maryland nonprofits, and comparable bylaws from other Road Runners Club of America member organizations. 

What’s Changing?

  • Modernized membership categories and responsibilities
  • Addition of a Code of Conduct and a clear disciplinary process
  • Formalization of online and flexible participation for meetings and voting
  • Alignment with Maryland nonprofit and IRS requirements
  • Streamlined governance and amendment procedures
  • Retention of member authority over elections and major dues changes 

What Remains Unchanged?

  • Member election of all Board members
  • Two-year term limits for officers
  • Member approval for major dues increases (50% or more)
  • 25% of members can call Special Meetings
  • Access to all financial records and meeting minutes
  • Annual Meeting requirements
  • Authority to amend bylaws affecting member rights 

Questions?
If you have questions on the 2026 Proposed budget before the Annual Budget Meeting, please contact Michael Patrick at treasurer@mcrrc.org.  If you have any questions on the Proposed Bylaws Revision, please contact Jane Heinrichs at secretary@mcrrc.org. 

We have just two races left in 2025 and we hope to see as many members as possible! Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we work to strengthen our club’s governance for the future.

Best regards,
MCRRC Board of Directors