ASSOCIATED RADIO AMATEURS OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND INC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I NAME
ARTICLE II PURPOSE
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE IV OFFICERS
ARTICLE V MEETINGS
ARTICLE VI GUESTS
ARTICLE VII INITIATION FEE AND DUES
ARTICLE VIll ELECTIONS
ARTICLE IX AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE X EXPULSION OF MEMBERS
ARTICLE XI LIMITATION OF MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE XII MEMBERSHIP IN GOOD STANDING
ARTICLE XIII COMMITTEES
ARTICLE XIV FISCAL YEAR
ARTICLE XV KEY DISTRIBUTION
ARTICLE XVI CONSTITUTION AMENDMENTS
 

CONSTITUTION
 

ARTICLE I NAME

Section 1
The name of this organization shall be the ASSOCIATED RADIO AMATEURS OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND, INCORPORATED.
Section 2
Membership in the said Association shall not be deemed to give to any member title, legal or equitable, to the property of the Association. However, persons that are members in good standing under this Constitution and By-Laws at the end of the dissolution of this Association shall be equally entitled to It's assets in liquidation after the payment and discharge of all standing debts and obligations.
Section 3
Any member who shall cease to be a member in good standing shall cease to have any right, title, or interest of any nature in or to the prop" of the Corporation, unless he shall again become a member in good standing and shall be a member in good standing at the date of dissolution.

ARTICLE II PURPOSE
 

Section 1
The purpose of this organization shall be to promote a broad acquaintance among radio amateurs. The Association provides a meeting place to expand each others interests in amateur radio. These interests include, but are not limited to, packet and digital, contests, Field Day, the ARRL VEC Program, social functions, and open forums for general discussion.

ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP
 

 Section 1
Any person holding a valid amateur radio license, regardless of age or class, who shares common interests with those of the Association, shall be eligible for membership.
Section 2
Applications for membership shall be proposed by one member in good standing and then referred to the membership committee. The applicant shall be considered for a period of not less than 4 weeks. On the next regularly scheduled monthly meeting, the membership committee shall bring the applicant's name before the Association for membership consideration. The applicant should be present at the meeting but will remain outside of the building during voting. The President or Vice President shall promptly notify the applicant of his election or failure to be elected. A member-elect, upon payment of the initiation fee and current dues, shall be enrolled as a member. Any person, failing to qualify by the payment of the initiation fee and dues within one month after having been notified of his election, shall have his membership declared to be void.
Section 3
Election of new members shall be by secret ballot. The applicant will be considered elected to the Association by two thirds (2/3rds) majority vote of the members present who are in good standing. The applicant will be notified of his/her failure to be elected.
Section 4
Re-application for membership may be made after a period of 30 days. Another vote must be taken at a regularly scheduled monthly meeting. A sponsor or a representative of the membership committee should be present. The applicant must be present.
Section 5
Any member who has left the Association In good standing within five (5) years of the date of request for reinstatement is eligible for reinstatement of membership at the next regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Amateurs seeking reinstatement should seek a sponsor. A sponsor is any member of the Association who is in good standing. Reinstatement is not required to be considered by the membership committee. The sponsor will present reasons for reinstatement of the amateur to the Association. The amateur will be required to wait outside of the building during the vote.
Section 6
All resignations shall be submitted to the Secretary in writing. No member shall be entitled to resign unless all dues and debts are paid.
Section 7
Any member whose dues are in arrears for three (3) months will receive a formal letter approved by the Association notifying him that his membership is in jeopardy. A copy of the letter will also be mailed to the members sponsor. Members whose dues are in arrears up to or exceeding six (6) months will be voted upon by the Association for continued membership. The vote will be held at the next scheduled meeting. Voting will be by secret ballot. A quorum as defined by the Constitution must be present for voting. Continued membership will be by two thirds (2/3rds) favorable majority of the vote. If a member fails to secure vote’s necessary to remain a member, he will be notified In writing.
Section 8
Any member who is in arrears six (6) months or more is automatically expelled, unless voted and an extension is granted by vote of the membership at a scheduled meeting.
Section 9
A member is entitled for honorary membership and will be designated as an honorary member if any of the following requirements are met:
1: Permanent disability whereby the member is no longer independent.
Honorary membership status will be voted upon by the Association. Honorary members are members in good standing except that they carry no vote. They are not entitled to hold office. Honorary members are not entitled to benefits as described in Article 1, section 2.
 

ARTICLE IV OFFICERS
 

Section 1
The officers of the Association shall be as follows:
1. President 2. Vice President 3. Secretary 4. Treasurer
Section 2
The officers will be elected by the Association for the period of one (1) year.
Section 3
The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association and shall have general supervision over the affairs of the Association and shall be ex-officio member of all standing committees, and shall have power together with the Secretary and Treasurer to execute on behalf of the club, all legal documents by approval of the Association and shall insure that all orders and resolutions of the Association are carried Into effect.
Section 4
The Vice President, in the absence or incapacity of the President, shall exercise the powers of the President. The Vice President is the chairperson of the Ethics committee.
Section 5
The Secretary is responsible for all administrative activities and record keeping except in those areas of responsibility performed by the Treasurer. The Secretary shall:
(1) Keep an accurate list of the membership of the association with the address of each member.
(2) Remove from the list all delinquent members. The list shall be updated on a quarterly basis.
(3) Carry on the general correspondence of the Association.
(4) Keep the minutes of all meetings of the Association.
(5) Present a written report at the Annual Business Meeting.
(6) In the absence of the President and the Vice President, the Secretary shall automatically assume the responsibility of the President; or shall perform such duties as may be delegated by the President.
Section 6
The Treasurer shall collect and receive all moneys of the Association and shall disburse it under the direction of the Association. He shall keep an accurate book of accounts, make monthly financial reports to the Association, and at the annual meeting, shall submit a report for the preceding fiscal year. Money shall be drawn only in payment of items approved by the Association or by a committee member appointed by it. The Treasurer shall provide the Secretary with a list of current and delinquent members on a quarterly basis.
Section 7
In the absence or disability of the Treasurer, checks shall be signed by the President.
Section 8
A Club Officer or the Chairman of the Membership committee is required to discuss the entire Constitution with any guest who is considering an application for membership.
 

ARTICLE V MEETINGS
 

Section 1
Regular meetings will be held at the premises of the Association on the second Friday of each month at 8:30 pm, except the May meeting which will be held on a floating Friday, the date to be determined at the previous regular meeting. The annual Meeting will be held in September on the second Friday of that month at 8:30 pm. The regular meeting will follow the Annual Meeting.
Section 2
The order of business for the monthly meetings shall be as follows:
(1) Call to Order
(2) Roll call
(3) Reading of the minutes of the previous monthly meeting.
(4) Report of the Treasurer.
(5) Reading of all communications and notices.
(6) Reports of all committees.
(7) Unfinished business.
(8) Election of new members.
(9) Technical discussions.
(10) Adjournment
(11) Payment of dues.
Section 3.
The order of business for the Annual Meeting shall be as follows:
(1) Reading of the minutes of the previous Annual Business meeting.
(2) Reports of the officers.
(3) Reports of the Committees.
(4) Unfinished business.
(5) Nomination and election of new Officers.
(6) New business.
(7) Adjournment.
Section 4
Newly elected Officers shall assume office at the annual meeting.
Section 5
Written notices of the Annual Meeting shall be mailed or delivered to each of the members at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting date.
Section 6
A special Meeting may be called by the President, the officers, or by vote of the membership at a regular meeting.
Section 7
A written notice of all special meetings shall be mailed or delivered at least fourteen (14) days before the date of the meeting to every member of the Association. The notice shall state the time of the meeting and business to be transacted.
Section 8
Thirty five percent (35%) of the members in good standing shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Association. All business, except that described in Article III, Section 7, shall be conducted by an affirmative vote of more than thirty percent (30%) of the members in good standing or fifty one percent (51 %) of the members in good standing present, which ever is greater, except for amendments to the Constitution, special assessments, the sale of Association assets of more than $500 in value, and the expenditure of funds in any fiscal year greater than the total of the annual membership dues payable as of January 1 st. For these exceptions, a vote of two thirds (2/3rds) of the total members in good standing will be required. A matrix page that clarifies this paragraph is a recognized attachment to the constitution.
Section 9
For any motion requiring two thirds (2/3rds) of the membership voting, a polling of the membership by mail ballot shall be made whenever less than two thirds (2/3rds) of the membership are present at the meeting when the motion is made and seconded. The members present at the meeting will be polled when the motion is made. The Secretary shall be directed to mail ballots to each member who was not present, requiring reply within fourteen (14) days after the motion was made. Included in the ballot shall be a copy of the motion. Ballots not received within fourteen (14) days shall be considered an affirmative vote on the motion. The officers shall tally the votes and announce the decision after fourteen (14) days from the date the motion was made.
 

ARTICLE VI GUESTS
 

Section 1
Guests are requested to complete all entries in the Association's Guest book.
Section 2
Members are responsible for the conduct of their guests. Members must be present with their guests at all times.
Section 3
Guests are not permitted to remain inside the building during meetings. (Note: President's option) 

ARTICLE VII INITIATION FEE AND DUES
 

Section 1
The initiation fee shall be five ($5) dollars.
Section 2
The dues for members shall be twelve dollars and fifty cents ($12.50) payable quarterly in advance or fifty ($50.00) dollars annually.
 

ARTICLE VIll ELECTIONS

Section 1
Election of Officers shall be conducted at the Annual Meeting. The election of officers shall be by members in good standing and present at the Annual Meeting. All voting shall be done by ballot. Officers of the Association shall distribute, collect, and tabulate voting results. Existing Officers will not distribute, collect, or tabulate votes in any Office that they seek reelection. The President shall announce the vote and declare elected those persons receiving the greatest number of votes for the respective office.
Section 2
Any member in good standing can nominate any other member in good standing for election to any office.
Section 3
Newly elected Officers begin service in accordance with Article V, Section 3

ARTICLE IX AMENDMENTS
 

Section I
This Constitution may be amended or repealed, in whole or in part, at any annual meeting of the Association or at any special meeting called for that purpose. A notice that contains a copy of the proposed amendments shall be mailed or delivered to each member in the call for such a meeting.
 

ARTICLE X EXPULSION OF MEMBERS
 

Section 1
Any member, after due hearing and trial, may be expelled from the Association by a vote of two thirds (2/3rds) of the members in good standing.
 

ARTICLE XI LIMITATION OF MEMBERSHIP
 

Section I
The membership of the Association shall be limited to fifty (50).
ARTICLE XII MEMBERSHIP IN GOOD STANDING
Section 1
A member in good standing shall be defined as a member whose dues are paid to date, and who has not lost any privileges through misdemeanor.
 

ARTICLE XIII COMMITTEES
 

Section 1 

The President shall select the most willing individual to serve as chairman of the following committees: (Note: Except for ethics, technical, and volunteer examiner team, the president has the power to appoint any other committee)
(1) Membership
(2) Publicity
(3) Field Day
(4) QSL Manager
(5) Activities
(6) Social
(7) Building
(8) Cleanup
Section 2
The Membership Committee is in charge of all prospective members.
Section 3
The Technical Committee shall perform research as the Association commands, and shall be in charge of all technical discussions at the meetings.
Section 4
The Publicity Committee is in charge of all public affairs communications and is authorized to make official statements on behalf of the Association.
Section 5
The Field Day Committee shall have full responsibility for conducting the Association's annual Field Day operation.
Section 6
The QSL Manager and assistant are responsible for processing incoming and outgoing cards. This committee is also responsible for the decoration of the building. The committee also takes a lead role in the request of awards.
Section 7
The Activities Committee shall be in charge of planning any amateur radio contest or activity for the Association.
Section 8
The Social Committee is responsible for the planning and execution of all social events.
Section 9
The Building Committee is responsible for maintenance and upgrade of the club premises.
Section 10
Every member is part of the clean up committee.
Section 11
The Association shall elect two (2) members to an Ethics Committee at the Annual meeting. The Vice President shall be a member and the Chairman of this committee.
Section 12
The Ethics Committee shall investigate any willful or negligent violation of any local, state or federal law or regulation, association by-laws, the destruction or misuse of Association property committed by any member on Association property or at Association events, brought to it's attention, within thirty (30) days. After investigation and by two thirds (2/3rds) vote of the Committee, the Chairman shall summon the member in question before the Committee to hear and answer the Committee's charges. At the discretion of a two thirds (2/3rds) vote of the Committee, the Committee shall have the power to suspend the member in question for up to thirty (30) days and take possession of his key. The Committee shall notify the member in question and the complainant of its decision within thirty (30) days. The Committee may bring the charges up before the membership. However, if the committee votes to suspend the member, the charges must be brought up before the membership. The membership, by majority vote of two thirds (2/3rds) of the membership, in secret ballot, shall decide whether to suspend, fine, or reprimand the member in question or take any other action it deems necessary. The member in question shall have the opportunity to respond to the charges before the vote is taken.
 

ARTICLE XIV FISCAL YEAR
 

Section 1
The -fiscal year shall begin September 1st and end August 31st in each year.
 

ARTICLE XV KEY DISTRIBUTION
 

Section 1
Keys to the building are the property of the Association and are loaned to its members.
Section 2
Members in good standing are eligible for one (1) non-reproducible key.
Section 3
The key must be signed for at the time of issue on a log maintained by the Officers of the Association. The log will contain as a minimum the date of issue, name, and amateur call.
 

ARTICLE XVI CONSTITUTION AMENDMENTS AND ATTACHMENTS
 

Section 1
Article V, Section 7 contains one (1) attachment and is labeled Attachment 1 (MATRIX).
Article VII INITIATION FEE AND DUES
Section 2 is amended to read as follows:
The dues for members shall be twelve dollars and fifty cents ($12.50) payable quarterly in advance or fifty ($50.00) dollars annually.
 

Article V MEETINGS
Section 1 is amended to read as follows:
Regular meetings will be held at the premises of the Association on the second Friday of each month at 8:30 pm, except the May meeting which will be held on a floating Friday, the date to be determined at the previous regular meeting. The annual Meeting will be held in September on the second Friday of that month at 8:30 pm. The regular meeting will follow the Annual Meeting.