Constitution

August 1, 1993

Preamble:

We, the undersigned, wishing to secure for ourselves the pleasures and benefits of an association of amateur radio operators interested in weak signal work on the bands above 50 Megahertz, constitute ourselves the North East Weak Signal Group, 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.

Article 1
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. The members and organization of the Northeast VHF Association was merged into NEWS on August 24, 1996. (*4)

Article 2
Officers

 
Section 1
The officers of this club shall be: President, VicePresident, Secretary, Treasurer, and Editor(*5)
Section 2
The officers of this club shall be elected for a term of one year by ballot of the members present at the annual meeting. Beginning with the November 2000 Election, the officers shall serve a term of 2 years. (*7)
Section 3
Vacancies occurring between elections must be filled by special election.
Section 4
Officers may be removed by a ¾ (three / fourths) vote of the membership.

Article 3
Duties of Officers

Section 1
The President shall preside at all meetings of the club, and conduct them according to the rules adopted. He or she 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 the president.
Section 2
The VicePresident shall assume all the duties of the president in his or her absence.
Section 3
The Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of all meetings, keep a roll of members, submit membership applications, and carry on all correspondence. At the expiration of his or her term, he or she shall turn over all items belonging to the club, to his or her successor. (*6)
Section 4
The Treasurer shall receive and receipt for all monies paid to the club; keep an accurate account of all monies received and expended; pay no bills without proper authorization by the club or its officers constituting a business committee. At the end of each year, he or she shall submit an itemized statement of disbursements and receipts. At the end of his or her term, he or she shall turn over everything in his or her possession belonging to the club to his or her successor.
Section 5
The Editor shall assemble a newsletter and mail or email it to each member before each meeting (*5) (*6)

Article 4
Board of Directors

Section 1
In addition to the club officers there shall be a Board of Directors comprised of 4 members in good standing.
Section 2
Directors are elected for a term of two years. The four candidates receiving the greatest number of votes at the annual meeting shall be elected to the board.(*1)
Section 3
Vacancies occurring between elections must be filled by special election.

Article 5
Dues

The officers and board, by majority vote of those present, may levy upon the general membership such dues or assessments as shall be deemed necessary for the business of the organization. Nonpayment of such dues or assessments shall be cause for expulsion from the club, within the discretion of the board and officers, at a regular board of directors meeting.

Article 6
Amendments

This constitution or the bylaws may be amended by a 75% vote of the membership present at a regular meeting. Proposals for amendments shall be submitted in writing and shall be voted on at the next following regular meeting, provided all members have been notified by mail, or email, or other suitable clear and effective means of the intent to amend the constitution and ,or bylaws at said meeting.

Article 7
ByLaws

  1. Secretary: It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep the constitution and bylaws of the club and have the same with him or her at every meeting. He or she shall note all amendments, changes, and additions on the constitution and shall permit it to be consulted by members upon request.
  2. Membership: Full membership is open to all licensed amateurs. Associate membership is open to all other interested persons. Full membership includes all privileges as well as rights to hold club office or board position, and to vote for said positions. Associate membership includes all club privileges except for the right to hold club office or board position, and vote for said positions. Applications for membership shall be submitted in writing, or via email, or by other clear and effective means.
  3. Meetings: Meetings shall be held 6 times per year. 5 will be regular meetings and 1 will be an abbreviated meeting to be held at the VHF Conference. Special meetings may be called by the President. Notices shall be sent to members concerning special meetings and the business to be transacted. Only such business designated shall be transacted. Such notices shall be sent so that they arrive not less than 24 hours before the meeting. (*3)
  4. Dues: A regular annual assessment of $15.00 per member is hereby assessed in accordance with the provisions of Article 5 of the constitution for the purpose of providing funds for expenses. Lifetime membership dues are $400 per member and $300 per member over 65 years of age.(*2)(*8)(*9)
Revision Log
Date Number Reference Content
November 3, 1995 1 Article 4, Section 2 Changes the term of Board of Directors from 1 year to 2 years.
2 Article 7, Section 4 Changes the Dues section from $0.00 per member to $10.00 per member.
November 11, 1995 3 Article 7, Section 3 Changes the meeting schedule to 6 per year, 5 regular and 1 at the VHF Conference and increase the number of newsletters to 6 per year, about 2 weeks before each meeting.
August 24, 1996 4 Article 1 The Northeast VHF Association was merged into NEWS.
November 8, 1997 5 Article 2, Section 1
Article 3, Section 5
The Editor was made an officer.
November 6, 1999 6 Article 3, Section 5 The Editor’s duties were described.
    Article 3, Section 3 The meeting notice (newsletter) duties under the Secretary’s description were eliminated.
January 8, 2000 7 Article 2, Section 2 The terms of the Officers were changed to 2 years starting with the Nov 2000 election.
August 27, 2005 8 Article 7, Section 4 Changes the Dues section from $10.00 per member to $15.00 per member.
January 8, 2008 9 Article7, Section 4 Adds lifetime membership dues.
September 27, 2008 10 Article 6 and
Article 7, Section 2
Add Email as a valid method of club correspondence.