Columbia Amateur Radio Association
Constitution and By laws
As Revised
October 5, 2011
Preamble:
We, the undersigned, wishing to
secure for our organization the benefits of an association, of persons commonly
interested in Amateur Radio, public service communications, and emergency
services, do hereby constitute ourselves as the Columbia Amateur Radio
Association, 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, to develop proficient communication skills, and to
conduct association programs and activities to advance the general interest and
welfare of Amateur Radio and its services in the community
Membership: Article I
All persons interested in Amateur
Radio Services shall be eligible for membership. An application form must be filled
out for valid membership.
Meetings: Article II
The by-laws shall provide for
regular and special meetings. All regular meetings, a minimum of 4 members
present, plus at least 3 association officers shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business. The President may conduct an executive session if a
decision must be made prior to the feasible notification and meeting of the
entire membership.
Officers: Article III
Section 1
The officers of this association
shall be: President, Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee #1, and
Trustee #2.
Section 2
The officers of this association
shall be elected for a term of two years by ballot of the voting members
present provided there be a quorum at the annual meeting as prescribed in the
by-laws. In odd-numbered years, elections will be held for the President,
Treasurer, and Trustee Number 2. In even-numbered years, elections for the
Vice-president, Secretary, and Trustee Number One will be held. The exception
to this section is when a vacancy occurs in a position.
Section 3
Vacancies occurring between
elections must be filled by special elections at the first regular meeting
following the withdrawal or resignation, provided there be a quorum.
Section 4
Officers can only be removed by a
two-thirds vote of the voting membership present.
Duties of Officers:
Article IV
Section 1
The President shall preside at
all meetings of this association, and conduct them according to the rules
adopted. The President shall enforce due observance of this Constitution and
by-laws; decide all questions of order, sign all official documents adopted by
the association, and perform all other duties pertaining to the office of
President. The President shall oversee all committee activities.
Section 2
The Vice-president shall assume
all the duties of the President in his/her absence. In addition the
Vice-president shall organize association activities plan and recommend contest
for operating benefits, advance association interest, and activity as approved
by the association.
Section 3
The Secretary shall keep a record
of the proceedings of all meetings, keep the roll of members, carry on all
correspondence, read communications at each meeting, and mail written meeting
notices to each member. The Secretary shall keep permanent records of the
association. All records shall be in a safe place and shall be available on
request. At term expiration the Secretary shall turn over all items and
supplies belonging to the association to their successor.
Section 4
The Treasurer shall receive and
receipt all money paid to the association: keep an accurate account of all
money received and expended, pay no bills unless authorized by the association
or its officers constituting an executive committee. A bank account will be
established monies received will be deposited therein. A Finance Committee may
be authorized by the President, and chaired by the Vice-President. At each
regular meeting the Treasurer shall submit an itemized statement of
disbursements and receipts. The Treasurer will file all appropriate and
necessary government documents with the exception of those pertaining to the
Federal Communications Commission. At term end the Treasurer shall turn over
everything in their possession belonging to tile association to their
successor.
Section 5
Trustees shall be experienced
amateur elected one at a time starting with #2 for a yearly term each. Trustee
#1 is the responsible amateur for the association license. If trustee #1 is
replaced, or leaves, then the license will need to be modified with the new
Trustee #1 Trustee #1 shall keep the original association license, signed in a
safe place. He/she will produce the license upon request of die association or
the FCC. A copy of the Trustee #1’s license and a copy of the association
license will be kept with the Association Secretary’s documents. A current copy
is to be posted at any association-operated transmitter used for association
activities. Trustee #2 is the custodian for physical assets of the association.
Dues: Article V
The necessity for, and the nature
of association dues are to be recommended by the Executive Committee. Dues as
recommended by the Executive Committee are to be approved by a simple majority
of the club voting membership present. Dues will be paid to the Treasury.
Membership Assistance:
Article VI
The Association will provide, if
funds are available, education opportunities for licensing class advancement.
Amendments: Article VII
This constitution or the by laws
may be amended by a two third voting membership, provided there is a quorum.
Proposals for amendments shall be submitted in writing at a regular meeting and
shall be voted upon at the next following meeting, provided all members have
been notified in writing of the intent to amend the constitution and/or by-laws
at said meeting. All amendments will be attached after the signature page on
the Constitution.
By-laws: Article VIII
Meetings
All meetings will be conducted
using Roberts Rules of Order. The annual meeting shall be held at time and date
decided by the President. Regular meetings will be held as scheduled by the
Executive Committee. Special meetings may be called by the President or upon
the written request of any five-association members. Notices shall be sent to
members concerning special meetings and the business being transacted. Only
such business as designated shall be transacted. Such notices of general
meetings shall be sent so that it will not arrive less than 24-hours before the
scheduled meeting. Meetings by subcommittees will be scheduled by the
chairperson of that committee concerning the nature of that committee. The
Chairperson shall give updates as needed upon the request of the President at
any monthly meeting. These subcommittee meetings shall be open to any concerned
association member for input.
Participation
Every person shall be considered
a voting member in good standing unless they stop participating for a minimum
of 6 months or cease paying dues. The Secretary shall keep a list, for the
record, of people attending each meeting of the association. The executive
committee will address exceptions.
Member Conduct
All members are in good standing
if they agree to abide by the constitution and by-laws of this association,
laws and rules of the Federal Communication Commission, and all applicable
federal, state, and local regulations. Members are expected to conduct
themselves with good faith and respect to good amateur practices. Flagrant
disregard of these guidelines may result in disciplinary action as deemed
necessary by the membership leading up to but not excluding removal from the
association.
Declarations: Article IX
Section 1 CARA Incorporation, State of Oregon
This association, Columbia
Amateur Radio Association shall incorporate in the state of Oregon as a non-profit
organization.
Section 2 Public Benefit
The association shall conduct
itself as a Public benefit as outlined by the state of Oregon.
Section 3 IRS501(C)(3)
Organization
This association shall operate in
accordance with section 501(C)(3) as a publicly supported organization
described in Section 509(A)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. “This corporation
is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the
meaning of Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.” “Notwithstanding any
other provisions of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any
other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt
from Federal income tax tinder section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal
Revenue Law) or (b) by a corporation contributions to which are deductible
under Section 170(C)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the
corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).”
Section 4 Distribution of Assets
Upon Dissolution
Upon dissolution of the
corporation, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations
of the corporation, the remaining assets shall be distributed to a non-profit
fund, foundation, or corporation that performs the same type or similar
services in Columbia County, which is organized and operating exclusively for
emergency or educational purposes, and which has established its exempt status
under section 501l(C)(3) of the internal Revenue Code.
Section 5 Any Sharing of Assets
in the Dissolution
No part of the net earnings of
this corporation shall inure to the benefit of any donor, member, or any
officer of the corporation, nor shall any private individual be entitled to share
in the distribution of the corporate assets.
Section 6 If it becomes
necessary, the Executive Committee may vote to dissolve the club. Such a vote
will require a two-thirds majority vote of the entire Executive Board.
APPROVED. 3/02/2000
REVISED: October 4, 2011
