One of the stated objectives of the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers is to minimize the role of politics in the running of the organization. It would be naïve to believe that any organization, which has structure to it, would be apolitical; however, the structure of the organization can be created in a manner, which clearly defines and limits the role of the National body, while at the same time re-enforcing the role of local bodies to be called Chapters.

The Canadian Association of Railway Modellers will have a National Board of Directors, which will be comprised of no less than four (4) Directors, one of whom shall be elected as the Chair of the Board. The responsibilities of the National Board shall be:

1. Establish Principles and Goals:
The National Board will be responsible for setting Principles and Policies which will guide all levels of the organization including Chapters and individual members.

2. Recognize Local Chapters:
The National Board will be responsible for recognizing Local Chapters which meet the requirements to be recognized as a Chapter of the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers.

3. Membership:
The National Board will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a membership list and all of the functions that are necessary to the maintenance of the membership function.

4. Communications:

•The National Board will be responsible for publishing and distributing a newsletter to the membership of the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers.
•The National Board will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a presence on the Internet by the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers including, but not limited to a Website and Chat Group.
•The National Board will be responsible for producing and distributing any ballot to the membership.

5. Financials:

•The National Board will be responsible for the collection of a single dues payment from members of the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers.
•The National Board will be responsible for establishing Financial Policies for all levels of the organization.
•The National Board will be responsible for determining the level of dues funding provided to Chapters.

6. National Convention:
The National Board will be responsible for approving and co-hosting a National Convention on an annual basis.

7: Charter Chapter:
The National Board will be responsible for issuing a Charter to a Chapter of CARM, which has met the qualifications stated below.

8: Canadian Railway Craftsman:
The National Board will be responsible recognizing "member’s achievements" and for issuing a Certificate of Achievement to be known as a Canadian Railway Craftsman and a Youth Canadian Railway Craftsman.

The National Board of Directors will be responsible for appointing such Officers as are necessary to conduct the business of the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers. The Officers of the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers will be considered as Members of the National Board with all rights and privileges. The Officers are:

1. Chair

The Chair of the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers will be its Chief Executive Officer and shall be responsible to the National Board of Directors. The Chair of the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers must be a member of the National Board of Directors.

2. Secretary

Secretary of the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers shall be responsible to the National Board of Directors. The Secretary will be responsible for maintaining all records and correspondence of the organization.

3. Treasurer

The Treasurer of the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers shall be responsible to the National Board of Directors. The Treasurer will be responsible for receiving and distributing all monies on behalf of the organization; maintaining accurate records of all financial transactions of the organization, transferring funds to Chapter Treasurers and ensuring such funds are maintained in a proper manner.

4. Newsletter Editor

The Newsletter Editor of the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers shall be responsible to the National Board of Directors. The Newsletter Editor will be responsible for the publication and distribution of the National Newsletter, "The Canadian".

5. Webmaster

The Webmaster of the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers shall be responsible to the National Board of Directors. The Webmaster will be responsible for creating, developing and maintaining the organization's presence on the Internet that includes but is not limited to a Website.

6. Registrar

The Registrar of the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers shall be responsible to the National Board of Directors. The Registrar will be responsible for maintaining all registrations of the organization; record all payments and manage memberships; notify members of renewals.

Chapters are autonomous bodies of the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers, which are created at the local level by members of the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers.

Chapters shall:

•Operate within a defined approved geographic area.
•Have a minimum of 5 members.
•Recognize as members all CARM members who reside within the geographic area.
•Accept and operate within the principles and policies of the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers.
•Hold a Chapter meeting at least once per year.
•Elect a Board of at least two officers, one of whom shall be Chair of the Chapter, and one who shall be Secretary/Treasurer of the Chapter, neither of whom may be related.
•Upon receiving a Charter from the National Board the Chapter Secretary/Treasurer will receive on an annual basis a transfer of funds of $5 per member within the Chapter. Chapter funds for members living outside Canada shall be used by the National to defray higher mailing costs for the newsletter.
•Permit any CARM member from outside the Chapter the right to participate in Chapter activities at the same cost as a member of the Chapter.
•Provide a report of their activities, officers, and financial statements to the National Board no later than January 31 of each year for the preceding year.

Chapters shall not:

•Levy any separate dues for participation in the Chapter.

Chapters may:

•Charge an admission fee for attendance at any meet or event hosted by the Chapter.

Members of the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers are individuals who have:

•Paid their dues to the Registrar and are in good standing.
•Members may belong to only one (1) Chapter of CARM.