CONSTITUTION

STEPHEN F. AUSTIN RADIO CLUB (S.F.A.R.C.)

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 Stephen F. Austin Radio Club (S.F.A.R.C.), herein referred as The Club, 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 and welfare of Amateur Radio in the community.

ARTICLE I - MEMBERSHIP:

Section I ‑ Membership

All persons interested in Amateur Radio shall be eligible for membership. Membership shall be by application and election upon such terms as The Club shall provide in its By‑Laws.

Section 2 ‑ Levels

To Provide Membership to the widest possible group of applicants, the following division in membership levels will be provided to those eligible:

Full (voting) Licensed Amateurs with legal residence in Austin,

Fayette or Waller Counties, Texas.

General (non‑voting) Licensed Amateurs not eligible for Full membership.

Family (voting) Licensed Amateurs living in the same household

with a Full member (no additional membership fee).

Honorary (non‑voting) Elected by proclamation (no membership fee).

Section 3 ‑ Dues

The Club, by a simple majority vote of the eligible membership, may levy upon the general membership such dues or assessments as shall be deemed necessary for the business of the organization. Non‑payment of such dues or assessments shall be cause for expulsion from The Club with the discretion of the membership.

Senior citizens (individuals age 65 and over) will receive a 10% discount on the membership level of their choice. The fees levied in the Constitution maybe changed by a simple majority vote of the eligible members, as deemed necessary to fulfill the purpose of The Club.

Section 4 ‑ Removal

A member may be removed from membership by his own request or by proclamation. A member's own request for removal shall be approved by a simple majority vote of the eligible members. A removal proclamation is in order when a member is inactive in The Club, has had his Amateur license revoked, or is convicted of a felony. Other proclamations for removal may also be in order. Removal by proclamation shall require a 2/3 majority vote of eligible members. Additionally, membership shall be revoked for non‑payment of dues when 90 days has expired from the June 1st membership fee due date.

Section 5 ‑ Liability

The Club members and officers shall not be held liable for any activities of other members and officers while they are engaged in activities in the name of The Club.

ARTICLE II - OFFICERS

Section 1 ‑ Officers

The officers of The Club shall be: President, Vice‑President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Section 2 ‑ Terms

The officers of The Club shall be elected for a term of one year by ballot of the eligible members. Nominations may be received 'in writing no later than one week before the Annual Meeting each May or they may be made from the floor at the Annual Meeting. Nominated candidates must be voting members of The Club and they must agree to run for the office for which they are nominated. Mail ballots will be sent after the Annual Meeting and results will be announced by mail prior to the June meeting.

Section 3 ‑ Vacancies

Vacancies occurring between elections must be filled by special elections at the first regular meeting following the withdrawal, removal or resignation. The procedure will follow Section 2 above.

Section 4 ‑ Removal

Officers may be removed from office by a 3/4th majority vote of the eligible members.

Section 5 ‑ Concurrent Offices

The Secretary and 'Treasurer may hold both offices concurrently.

ARTICLE III - DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS OF THE CLUB

Section 1 ‑ President

The President shall preside over all meetings of The Club and conduct them according to the rules adopted. He/She shall enforce due observance of this Constitution and By‑Laws, resolve all questions of order, sign all official documents adopted by The Club and perform all other duties customary to and required of the President. The President shall serve no more than one consecutive term.

Section 2 ‑ Vice President

The Vice‑President shall all assume all of the duties of the President in his/her absence. In addition, he/she shall organize Club activities, plan and recommend Club events, and advance Club interest and activity as approved by The Club. He/She shall maintain close liaison with the Section Emergency Coordinator to further Club involvement with the Amateur Radio Public Service Corps.

Section 3 ‑ Secretary

The Secretary shall keep accurate records of the proceedings of all meetings, keep a roll of all members, submit membership applications, carry on Club correspondence, keep all Club records, read communications at each meeting, and mail written notices and ballots to members. At the expiration of his/her term, he/she shall turn over all items belonging to The Club to his/her successor.

Section 4 ‑ Treasurer

The Treasurer shall receive and receipt for all monies paid to The Club, keep an accurate account of all monies receive and disbursed, make no expenditures without proper authorization (by The Club or its officers constituting a business committee). At the end of each calendar quarter, he/she shall submit an itemized statement of receipts and disbursements at the next regular Club meeting.

At the end of his/her term, he/she shall turn over everything in his/her possession belong to The Club to his/her successor. The Treasurer shall keep Club funds a separate account (interest bearing, when practical) in the name of The Club All elected officers of The Club shall be signatories of the account(s) and disbursement of funds shall require two signatures.

ARTICLE IV - MEETINGS AND TERRITORY

Section 1 ‑ Meetings

The official meetings of The Club shall be held every fourth Wednesday unless special circumstances preclude. Reasonable advance written notice containing the exact date, time and major agenda items shall be extended to the Membership. Robert's Rules of Order shall govern proceedings.

Section 2 ‑ Club Territory

The Club exists to serve the needs of the Austin, Fayette and Waller County, Texas, areas. Membership is not limited to these areas, however, meetings and Club business will ordinarily be conducted within The Club territory.

ARTICLE V - AMENDMENTS

This Constitution and its By‑Laws may be amended by a two thirds majority vote of the eligible members. Proposals for amendments shall be submitted in writing by voting members. Proposed amendments shall be mailed to all voting members, discussed at the next regular Club meeting and then voted upon after discussion and amendments are complete.

ARTICLE VI - BY‑LAWS

Article 1 ‑ The Constitution

It shall be the duty of The Secretary of The Club to keep the Constitution of The Club and have same with him/her at every meeting. He/She shall note all amendments, changes and additions on the Constitution and shall permit it to be consulted by members upon request.

Article 2 ‑ Expenditures

Only monies approved for expenditure will be released by the Treasurer. These expenditures must be for the pursuit of the constitutionally stated purposes of The Club.

Article 3 ‑ Purpose of The Club

The Club shall devote its activities to the furtherance of Amateur Radio, to the needs of its members, to fellowship and to service of the community. The Club shall continually strive to use the talent and resources of its membership to provide communications for the community in time of public need or disaster. At no time shall The Club engage in activities that are outside the FCC rules for Amateur Radio in The United States and the ethical standards of the Amateur Radio fraternity.

Article 4 ‑ Club Activities

The Club shall not engage in external activities in the name of The Club without protection of incorporation and/or adequate liability insurance which covers the officers and members.

Article 5 ‑ Voting Procedure

Election of officers, membership votes, constitutional votes and actions involving expenditure of significant and non‑budgeted Club resources shall be made by mail vote of the eligible membership. Abstentions are counted neither aye nor nay. Routine Club business shall be handled at regular meetings by a simple majority vote, providing that one third of the eligible members are present to form a quorum.

Revised 3/24/93