Tour Guide Society

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TGS Constitution

TOUR GUIDE SOCIETY (TGS) CONSTITUTION

P.O. Box 10489 — Arusha, Tanzania

INTRODUCTION

Tour Guide Society (TGS) was established on 14th April 2017 by a united group of tourism professionals in Arusha, Tanzania. Guided by the belief that unity is strength, TGS exists to support, protect and represent tour guides, porters, chefs and all tourism stakeholders facing challenges in their daily work and lives.

This constitution governs all matters relating to membership, leadership, welfare, conduct and the future of the society.

FOUNDERS

TGS was founded by tourism industry professionals with the shared goal of mutual support during personal and professional challenges within Tanzania’s tourism sector.

HEADQUARTERS

The main office of Tour Guide Society is located in Arusha, Tanzania.
P.O. Box: 10489, Arusha
Website: tourguidessociety.org
Email: info@tourguidessociety.org

The society welcomes all tourism stakeholders across Tanzania.

OBJECTIVES OF THE SOCIETY

TGS exists to support members during challenges including:

  • Bereavement — Death of a member, spouse, children, or registered parents/guardians
  • Illness — Serious medical conditions requiring hospitalization of 3+ days
  • Professional Development — Education, tourism updates, legal guidance and career investment

MEMBERSHIP

Any tourism industry stakeholder may apply for membership provided they:

  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Are of sound mind
  • Have no record of bad conduct in the community
  • Work within Tanzania’s tourism sector

HOW TO JOIN

To become a TGS member:

  1. Contact a TGS leader or existing member
  2. Read and accept this constitution
  3. Pay the registration fee of TSh 100,000
  4. Pay a minimum of 3 months membership dues upfront
  5. New members receive their membership ID card at no extra charge

MEMBERSHIP CONDITIONS

  • Registration fee: TSh 100,000 (one-time, non-refundable)
  • Monthly dues: TSh 5,000/month (TSh 60,000/year)
  • Annual ID card renewal: TSh 10,000/year
  • Minimum welfare contribution per event: TSh 10,000
  • Maximum welfare payout per qualifying event: TSh 1,200,000
  • New members complete a 3-month observation period before receiving full benefits
  • Welfare contributions must be paid within 21 days
  • Membership dues must be paid within 3 months
  • Late payment penalty: 50% of outstanding amount payable within 7 days
  • All funds are received by the Treasurer through the official TGS NMB Bank account
  • TGS is not a SACCOS — no refunds are given upon leaving the society

SOURCES OF INCOME

TGS income is derived from:

    • Registration fees
    • Monthly membership dues
    • Annual ID card fees
    • Sponsorships and grants from local and international partners
    • Returns from development investments

MEMBER RIGHTS

Members are entitled to welfare support when:

    • They pass away — registered dependents receive support
    • They are hospitalized for 3+ days due to serious illness
    • A registered family member (spouse, child, parent/guardian) passes away

LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP

Membership may be terminated for:

    • Failure to follow the society’s constitution
    • Failure to follow leadership guidance
    • Non-payment of dues and contributions within the set deadlines
    • Use of abusive language or disrespectful conduct
    • Absence from 3 or more official meetings without notice to leadership

MEETINGS

  • Annual General Meeting: Once per year — October or November, date announced by leadership
  • Leadership Meetings: Twice per year (emergency meetings called when necessary)
  • Emergency General Meeting: Called by leaders when urgent matters arise

LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

           TGS is governed by the following elected officials:

      • Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson
      • Secretary and Assistant Secretary
      • Treasurer
      • Discipline & Ethics Committee (5 members)
      • Finance & Planning Committee (4 members + Treasurer as chair)
      • Constitution & Legal Committee (5 members)
      • Board of Trustees (5+ members including public and private institutions)

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Chairperson — Leads all society matters and meetings, serves as chief mediator

Deputy Chairperson — Acts in the Chairperson’s absence

Secretary — Organizes all meetings, maintains all records and minutes

Assistant Secretary — Covers Secretary duties when absent

Treasurer — Manages all financial records, bank accounts and reports finances at meetings

Ethics Committee — Enforces member conduct and issues warnings/penalties

Legal Committee — Drafts, reviews and updates this constitution

LEADERSHIP TERM

  • Leaders serve 3-year terms
  • A leader may be re-elected for a maximum of 3 consecutive terms
  • After completing maximum terms, a leader must sit out for one full term (3 years) before standing again
  • Leaders are elected by secret ballot — must receive more than 50% of votes cast by active members present
  • All leaders serve on a voluntary basis unless the Annual General Meeting decides otherwise

LOSS OF LEADERSHIP

              A leader may be removed from office for:

        • Completing their constitutional term
        • Removal by members if 75% of active members vote for removal
        • Prolonged illness or death preventing fulfillment of duties
        • Disloyalty or misuse of society funds or assets

DISSOLUTION OF THE SOCIETY

Should TGS cease operations by government order or member decision:

  • All outstanding debts must be settled first
  • Dissolution requires approval of 75% of all active members at a General Meeting
  • All financial records and minutes must be submitted to the bank to close accounts
  • Remaining funds are distributed equally among all active members at the time of dissolution

This constitution represents the foundation of Tour Guide Society. Every member is bound by its terms upon joining.

Last Updated: 2017
Registered Office: Arusha, Tanzania