ARTICLE
ONE
1.1 NAME: Whatcom Association of Celestial Observers (
ARTICLE
TWO
2.1 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: Whatcom Association of Celestial
Observers is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to participate and
promote amateur astronomy within the organization and the community. In addition, the group will provide
educational opportunities which promote astronomy through community
presentations, star parties, and organizational meetings for anyone or group
expressing a desire to learn more about astronomy.
ARTICLE
THREE
3.1 MAILING ADDRESS: W.A.C.O., PO
ARTICLE
FOUR
4.1 MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS: The membership of the
organization is open to anyone expressing an interest or desire to participate
in activities related to astronomy
4.2 MEMBERSHIP DUES:
There is a twenty-one dollar ($21.00) annual payment for membership dues
for acceptance into the organization. The term of membership begins on January
1 of each calendar year and terminates on December 31, unless renewed. New
members shall pay prorated dues, at the current rate of $1.33/month, until the
end of the calendar year. The amount is based on an annual $5.00/member fee for
the Astronomical League, and $16.00 for the
4.3 MEMBERSHIP ROSTER: The organization shall keep an up
to date roster of the names, telephone numbers and addresses of the members of
the organization. The membership roster
shall be distributed once annually to each paid member. The roster will be distributed with the
February newsletter.
4.4 VOTE OF MEMBERS:
Each individual shall have the right to vote in any and all matters
which require their vote. There is only
one vote for each paid membership. (i.e. A family membership has only one
vote.)
4.5 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP: Members may terminate membership at any time
at their own discretion. The unused
portion of each membership will be refunded upon request of termination. A member may be terminated by the
organization if it is found that that persons actions prevent the organization
from accomplishing it’s stated goals, and/or those activities are found to be
detrimental to the organization, or criminal in nature.
ARTICLE
FIVE
5.1 MEETING TIMES:
The regular business of the organization shall be held the second
Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM at a location specified in the organizations
monthly newsletter. Star parties are
published in the monthly newsletter.
5.2 CHANGE OF MEETING TIMES: Members will be notified of any change of meeting
location, time, or date.
ARTICLE
SIX: The Executive Board and Officers
6.1 The Officers shall manage the affairs of the
organization. In addition to the powers
and authority expressly conferred by these by-laws, the Officers shall perform
the requests of the total membership.
6.2.1
PRESIDENT: The President has the responsibility to chair
the meetings or designate another Executive Board Member or officer to chair
the meetings in his/her absence. The
President also has the responsibility that all orders and resolutions of the
members at large are acted on.
6.2.2
VICE-PRESIDENT: The Vice President shall fill the duties of
the President when the President is absent.
The Vice President shall be responsible for coordinating programs for the
monthly membership meetings.
6.2.3
SECRETARY: The Secretary shall keep a list of all
members along with those person’s addresses and telephone numbers, shall keep
minutes of all meetings, shall be responsible for all correspondence between
the organization and individual or groups, and shall be responsible for
coordinating the newsletter and mailing of notices of all meetings and
activities to the general membership.
6.2.4
TREASURER: The Treasurer shall be the custodial of all
funds governed by the Executive Board and officers and shall keep on deposit in
such financial institution as they direct.
The treasurer shall pay all bills and disperse funds at the direction of
the board and officers. All checks and
disbursements issued by the organization shall be signed by the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall keep a full and accurate
account to be listed in the monthly newsletter.
The Treasurer is responsible for an audit at the conclusion of each
calendar year, and shall be responsible for purchasing all materials required
by the organization.
6.2.5
SEC/TREASURER: The positions of Secretary and Treasurer
shall be combined and filled by one person until such time as the membership
finds the necessity of requiring separate positions.
ARTICLE
SEVEN: Elections and Appointments
7.1.1
ELECTION OF
OFFICERS: The position of all officers
shall have a term of one year.
7.1.2
ELECTIONS: Nominations for Officers will begin with the
November meeting. Elections will be held
during the February meeting. Appointments
will be made during the election process from a simple majority of voting
members present.
7.1.3
VACANCIES,
REMOVALS, AND/OR RESIGNATIONS: Any
Officer may be removed by the affirmative vote of a majority Officers plus no
less than five voting members at large present at any given meeting.
ARTICLE
EIGHT: Meetings
8.1 BOARD MEETINGS:
Meetings of the Officers may be called at any time by the President or
by a simple majority of the Officers.
8.2 ELECTION MEETING:
The February membership meeting shall serve as the election meeting for
the purpose of electing Officers.
8.3 MEETING QUORUMS:
A quorum shall consist of three quarters of the Officers plus at least
five voting members at large at any given meeting.
ARTICLE
NINE: Amendments
9.1 AMENDMENTS:
These by-laws may be amended by two thirds vote of the general
membership present and voting at any regular meeting or special meeting at
which a quorum is present. Each member
must be provided with a written copy of the proposed amendments at least ten
days prior to the meeting.