Constitution and Bylaws
Rains Amateur Radio Association
Preamble:
We, the undersigned, wishing to secure for ourselves the pleasures and benefits of an association of persons commonly interested in Amateur Radio, constitute ourselves the Rains Amateur Radio Association (The Club /RARA) and enact this constitution as our governing law. It shall be our purpose to further the exchange of information and cooperation between members, to promote radio knowledge, fraternalism and individual operating efficiency, and to so conduct Club programs and activities as to advance the general interest in and welfare of Amateur Radio in the community.
Article I - Membership
All persons interested in Amateur Radio communications shall be eligible for membership. Membership shall be by application and election upon such terms as the Club shall provide in its Bylaws.
Article II - Officers
Sec. 1. The officers of this Club shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Sec. 2. The officers of this Club shall be elected for a term of one year by ballot of the members present, provided there be a quorum, at the annual meeting.
Sec. 3. Vacancies occurring between elections must be filled by special elections at the first regular meeting following the withdrawal or resignation.
Sec. 4. Officers may be removed by a three-fourths vote of the membership.
Article III - Duties of Officers
Sec. 1. The President shall preside at all meetings, and conduct them according to the rules adopted. The President shall enforce due observance of this Constitution and Bylaws; decide all questions of order; sign all official documents adopted by the Club, and perform all other duties pertaining to the office of President.
Sec. 2. The Vice-President shall assume all the duties of the President in his/her absence. In addition, the Vice President shall organize Club activities, plan and recommend contests for operating benefits, and advance Club interest and activity as approved by the Club. The Vice President shall maintain close liaison with the ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator to further Club participation in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service.
Sec. 3. The Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of all meetings, read the previous months meeting minutes at each meeting, retain membership applications, carry on all correspondence, read communications at each meeting. The Secretary shall notify news media of date and time of all regularly scheduled meetings and provide information to the media furthering the presence of RARA. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep the constitution and bylaws of the Club and have the same available for review at every meeting. The Secretary shall note all amendments, changes and additions to the constitution and shall permit it to be consulted by members upon request. At the end of the elected term, and unless reelected, the Secretary shall turn over all items belonging to the Club to the successor to the office.
Sec. 4. The Treasurer shall keep a roll of members, receive and receipt all monies paid to the Club, keep an accurate account of all monies received and expended, and pay all bills with proper authorization (by the Club or its officers constituting a business committee). At the end of each quarter treasurer shall submit an itemized statement of disbursements and receipts. At the end of the elected term, unless reelected, the Treasurer shall turn over all items belonging to the Club to the successor to the office.
Article IV - Meetings
The Bylaws shall provide for regular and special meetings. At meetings, a minimum of one-third of the membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Article V - Dues
The Club, by majority vote of those members present at any regular meeting, may levy upon the general membership such dues as shall be deemed necessary for the business of the Rains Amateur Radio Association. Non-payment of such dues shall be cause for termination of membership from RARA within the discretion of the general membership.
Article VI - Membership Assistance
The Club, through designated interference, Public Relations, and Operating Committees will provide technical advice to members concerning equipment design and operation to assist in frequency observance, clean signals, uniform practice, and absence of spurious radiation from Club member-stations. The Club shall also maintain a program to foster and guide public relations. Club members are expected to operate their stations within the regulations of the FCC and the guidelines of the ARRL. Repeated violations can lead to expulsion from the Club upon a majority vote of the membership.
Article VII - Amendments
This constitution or Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the total membership. Proposals for amendments shall be submitted in writing at a regular meeting and shall be voted on at the next following regular meeting, provided all members have been notified by mail of the intent to amend the constitution and/or Bylaws at said meeting.
Bylaws:
2. Membership. Full membership is open to licensed amateurs. Full membership includes all Club privileges as well as rights to hold a Club office and to vote for Club officers. Associate membership is open to those actively engaged in classes leading to an Amateur Radio license and to all other interested persons. Associate membership includes all Club privileges except for the right to hold office and vote for Club officers. Applications for membership shall be submitted at regular meetings.
3. Meetings. Regular meetings shall be held monthly at a time and place approved by a majority of the voting members. The President upon the written request of any five Club members may call special meetings. Notices shall be sent to members concerning special meetings and the business to be transacted. Only such business as designated shall be transacted. Such notices shall be sent so that they arrive not less than 24 hours before the meeting. Robert?s Rules of Order shall govern proceedings.
4. Dues. A regular yearly consideration of $20.00 per individual members and family groups is hereby assessed in accordance with the provisions of Article V of the constitution for the purpose of providing funds for expenses. To encourage young-adult membership, there are no dues for members under 18 years of age.
5. Interference committee. This committee shall consist of three members (appointed by the Club President). The committee shall direct investigation, invite proper inquires, establish technical facts and testimony, and report its results to the Club.
Signed by the elected officers at the first official Club meeting:
President: ___________________________________________ Date: ____________
Vice President: ______________________________________ Date: ____________
Secretary ___________________________________________ Date: ____________
Treasurer: __________________________________________ Date: ____________
This version approved by the membership by unanimous vote at the 8 March 2008 meeting