CHIPPEWA VALLEY VHF CONTESTERS

CONSTITUTION

Preamble

We, the undersigned, wishing to secure for ourselves the pleasures and benefits of an association of persons commonly interested with Amateur Radio experimentation and contesting, constitute Chippewa Valley VHF Contesters and enact this Constitution and By-laws 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 implement new ideas, generate activity on the various bands, and to advance the general interest and welfare of Amateur Radio in the Community.

Article I:  Membership

                Section 1. - All persons interested in Amateur Radio communication with interests directed toward experimentation and contesting shall be eligible for membership.

                Section 2. – Dues:  At this time there are no dues required for membership.

Article II:  Officers

                Section 1. - The officers of this club shall be: President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer; each of whom shall have the normal duties associated with these positions, and as amplified in the By-laws.

Section 2. - The officers of this club shall be elected for a term of two years, with election held at the annual business meeting.

Section 3. - Vacancies occurring between elections shall be filled by special election as provided by the By-laws.

Article III:  Meetings

Section 1. - The By-laws shall provide for regular and special meetings. 

Article IV:  Amendments

Proposals for amendments to this Constitution, or the By-laws, shall be submitted in writing to the general membership no later than the meeting prior to that at which a vote shall be taken.

CHIPPEWA VALLEY VHF CONTESTERS

By-laws

1.                Officers

President - The president shall perform the normal duties of the office: preside at all club meetings, conducting them according to the rules adopted;  enforce due observance of the 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.

Vice-president - The vice-president shall assume all the duties of the president in his absence.  Additionally, he shall organize club activities, plan and recommend contests for operating benefits, and advance club interest and activities as approved by the club.

Secretary -  It shall be the duty of the secretary to keep the Constitution and By-laws of the club and make the same available at every meeting. The secretary shall note all amendments, changes and additions on the constitution and shall permit it to be consulted by members upon request.  The secretary shall keep a record of the proceeding of all meetings, keep a role of current members, submit membership applications, carry on all correspondence, and read communications at each club meeting.  At the expiration of his term the secretary shall turn over all items belonging to the club to the incoming secretary.

Treasurer – Although at this time the club does not have a dues amount for membership, the treasurer shall be responsible for the finances of the club, and is empowered to make disbursements of club funds in accordance with the Constitution. In the occasion that a club designated event/purchase/donation occurs where finances are involved, the treasurer shall be responsible for the collection/disbursement of funds. The treasurer shall provide a Financial Report at the Annual Meeting.

Vacancies - Vacancies occurring between elections shall be filled by special election.  Notice of election must be given to current members no later than two (2) weeks prior to the regular meeting at which the election will occur.

2.                Membership

Full membership - Full membership carries all club privileges as well as right to hold a club office and to vote for club officers.  Full membership is open to licensed Amateurs. 

Associate membership - Associate Membership includes all club privileges except for the right to hold office and vote for club officers.  Associate Membership is open to those actively engaged in a class leading to an Amateur Radio license and all other interested persons.

Current members -  Members are considered to be current for the purposes of voting and holding office if they have met the following requirements: 

·         The member has attended a meeting/event, or participated in a contest within a 12-month period.

Service Area - The Service Area of the Chippewa Valley VHF Contesters shall be a 175-mi. radius circle, centered on Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

3.                Meetings

Meetings shall be held at least twice throughout the year.  One meeting shall be designated as the “annual business meeting,” which will normally be designated an Antenna Building party.  A second shall be held in conjunction with the Aurora conference.  Any others shall be held as wanted or needed.

4.                Voting

A.      Elections and business - Elections and business shall be decided by a simple majority of attending members.

B.       Amendments - Amendments to the Constitution or By-laws shall be decided by a two-thirds majority of attending members.

C.       Current members not present may convey written proxies to the Secretary regarding any votes that are to be taken at that meeting, and these proxies shall be considered as “current members present”.