Approved: January 05, 2002

We, a group of radio amateurs, wishing to secure for ourselves the pleasures and benefits of the association of persons commonly interested in Amateur Radio, constitute ourselves the Meridian Amateur Radio Club and enact this constitution as our governing law. It shall be our purpose to encourage and promote amateur radio communications preparedness, and to make the resources of the Club available to concerned organizations, within the extent of our ability to provide amateur radio communications, in case of national or local emergencies. Also, to further the exchange of information and co-operation between members, to promote radio knowledge, fraternalism, and individual operating efficiency, and so conduct club programs and activities as to advance the general interest and welfare of amateur radio in the community.

All persons interested in amateur radio communication shall be eligible for membership. (Membership shall be by application and election upon such terms as the club By-laws provide).

The By-laws shall provide for regular and special meetings. At meetings, a simple majority of the membership present shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

The Constitution or the By-laws may be amended by two-thirds vote of the total membership present. Proposals for amendments shall be submitted in writing at a regular meeting and shall be voted on at the next following regular meeting, provided all members have been notified by mail of the intent to amend the Constitution and/or By-laws at said meeting.

The club, by majority vote of those present at any regular business meeting, may levy upon the general membership such dues or assessments as shall be deemed necessary for the business of the organization within its objects as set forth in its preamble. Non-payment of such dues or assessments shall be cause for expulsion from the club within the discretion of the membership.

Sec. 1 - The officers of this club shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Sec. 2 - The officers of this club shall be elected for a term of one year by ballot of members present, provided there be a quorum, at the January meeting.

Sec. 3 - Vacancies occurring between elections must be filled by special elections at the first regular meeting following the withdrawal or resignation.

Sec. 4 - Officers may be removed by three-forths vote of the membership present at the regular business meeting.

Sec. 1 - The President shall preside at all meetings of this club, and conduct the same according to the rules adopted. He shall enforce due observance of this Constitution and By-laws; decide all questions of order; and perform all other customary duties pertaining to the office of the President.

Sec. 2 - The Vice-President shall assume all the duties of the President in the absence of the latter.

Sec. 3 - The Secretary shall keep a record of the meetings, keep roll of the members, submit applications for membership, carry all correspondence, read communications at each business meeting, and mail written business notices to each member. He shall at the expiration of his term turn over all items belonging to the club to his successor.

Sec. 4 - The Treasurer shall receive and give receipt for all monies paid to the club; he shall keep an account of all monies received and expended. He shall pay no bill without proper authorization (by the club or its officers constituting a business committee). At the end of each quarter, he shall submit an itemized statement of disbursements and receipts. He shall at the expiration of his term turn over everything in his possession belonging to the club to his successor.

The club will not be conducted or operated for profit and no part of any profits or remainder or residue from dues or donations to the club will benefit any member or individual.

Robert's Rules shall govern proceedings.

1. SECRETARY. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep the Constitution and By-laws of the club and have the same with him at every meeting. He shall cause all amendments, changes, and additions to be noted thereon and shall permit the same to be consulted by members upon request.

2. MEMBERSHIP. Full membership is open to licensed amateurs. Associate membership is open to all other interested persons. Full membership includes all club privileges as well as rights to hold a club office and to vote for club officers. Associate membership includes all club privileges except for the right to hold office and vote for club officers. Applications for membership shall be submitted at regular meetings.

3. MEETINGS. Regular meetings shall be held on the first Saturday of each calendar month at such place as the president shall order. Special meetings may be called by the president upon the written request of any five club members. Notices shall be sent to members concerning special meetings and the business to be transacted. Such notices shall be so sent so that in the ordinary postal delivery they arrive not less than 24 hours before the meeting time.

4. DUES. A regular yearly assessment of twenty-three dollars for first member in a household is hereby assessed in accordance with the provisions of Article IV of the Constitution for the purpose of providing funds for current expenses. Additional family members residing in the same household will be assessed two dollars. Upon reaching age 65, members will be assessed fifteen dollars per year beginning the next calendar year. Dues shall be prorated according to the remaining months of the calendar year with a minimum of one dollar assessed. Associate members under 12 years of age will not pay dues.