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As amended through January 1, 2009
Be it known that we, the subscribers, do hereby associate ourselves as a body politic and corporate pursuant to the statute laws of the State of Connecticut regulating the formation and organization of corporations without capital stock and the following are our Articles of Association:
Article 1:
The name of our corporation shall be The American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Our corporation commenced its corporate existence as the American Radio Relay League, Incorporated, when its Articles of Association were approved by the Secretary of the State of Connecticut on January 29, 1915. The original Articles of Association were subscribed by Hiram Percy Maxim, Clarence D. Tuska and Lawrence A. Howard. The affairs of the corporation have since that time been continuously governed by a Board of Directors selected by the membership.
Article 2:
The purposes for which our corporation is formed are the following: the promotion of interest in Amateur Radio communication and experimentation; the establishment of Amateur Radio networks to provide electronic communications in the event of disasters or other emergencies; the furtherance of the public welfare; the advancement of the radio art; the fostering and promotion of noncommercial intercommunication by electronic means throughout the world; the fostering of education in the field of electronic communication; the promotion and conduct of research and development to further the development of electronic communication; the dissemination of technical, educational and scientific information relating to electronic communication; and the printing and publishing of documents, books, magazines, newspapers and pamphlets necessary or incidental to any of the above purposes. No part of the assets or income of our corporation shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to the members, the officers, or any of them, or to other private persons except that our corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth herein.
Article 3:
The principal office of the corporation shall be maintained at 225 Main Street, Newington, Connecticut.
Article 4:
The affairs of the Corporation shall be governed by a Board consisting of fifteen Directors, each representing a territorial Division comprising a geographical area as defined in the By-Laws. The Directors shall be elected for terms of three years by the members eligible to vote, according to the schedule prescribed in the By-Laws. Election of Directors shall be by mail vote in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed in the By-Laws. The Board shall meet twice a year at times and places as provided in the By-Laws. The first meeting shall be called the Annual Meeting and the second shall be called the Second Meeting. Special meetings of the Board shall be called by the President upon written request of a least one-half of the membership of the Board as then constituted.
Article 5:
At the time of the election of each Director there shall also be elected a Vice Director who shall have power of succession to the office of Director as hereinafter prescribed. No person shall be eligible for the office of Vice Director who does not possess the qualifications herein specified for the office of Director.
Article 6:
During the intervals between meetings of the Board of Directors, the affairs of the Corporation shall be administered by an Executive Committee consisting of the President, five Directors selected by the Board of Directors, and, without vote, the First Vice President and Executive Vice President. The term of office of the Executive Committee members shall be for one year or until their successors are elected. The Executive Committee shall meet at the call of the President, but no less often than semi-annually. The Executive Committee may in its discretion submit for determination or decision by members of the Board of Directors by mail vote any proposal pending before the Executive Committee. When such submission is made, it shall be in precise terms embodying the text of the proposed resolution. Such action shall be binding upon the Executive Committee.
Article 7:
A vacancy in the Board of Directors shall be deemed to occur upon the death, resignation, recall, move of permanent residence outside the division from which elected, or refusal to act of any Director. Upon the occurrence of such vacancy, the Secretary shall proclaim it and thereafter the duties of the Director shall be assumed by the Vice Director, and the Vice Director shall hold office of Director for the remainder of the term for which he was elected Vice Director. Should the office of Vice Director be vacant, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the President. The Vice Director shall also serve as Director at any meeting of the Board of Directors which the Director is unable to attend.
Article 8:
The officers of the Corporation shall be a President, a First Vice President, an Executive Vice President, a Chief Financial Officer, an International Affairs Vice President, not more than one additional Vice President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, who shall be elected by a majority of the Directors at the Annual Meeting on even-numbered years. The Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer shall be compensated at rates agreeable to them and the Board of Directors.
Article 9:
These articles may be amended by a three-fourths vote of all Directors, or, provided due notice of the proposed amendment shall have been placed in the mail to each Director at least thirty days in advance, by a two-thirds vote of all Directors. The Board of Directors may from time to time adopt By-Laws not inconsistent with the Articles and applicable statutes. By-Laws may be amended by a three-fourths vote of all Directors, or, provided due notice of the proposed amendment shall be mailed to each Director at least thirty days in advance, by a two-thirds vote of all Directors. Notices shall be sent by First-Class mail or electronic mail to the last known address to each Director.
Article 10:
The membership of the League shall consist of (a) Full members who shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of the League except as otherwise provided in these Articles, in the Bylaws, or in the Rules and Regulations of the ARRL Field Organization, and (b) International members and Associate members who shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of the League except the right to vote for Directors, Vice Directors and Section Managers and the right to hold office. The Board of Directors shall by appropriate By-Laws specify the requirements of each membership class, provided, however, that the Board of Directors shall not terminate or reduce the rights of any member except for the lapse or termination of a condition now required as precedent to the exercise of such rights. Nothing herein contained shall preclude the Board of Directors from expelling a member upon good cause shown and after notice and an opportunity to be heard.
Article 11:
No person shall be eligible for the office of Director, Vice Director, President, Vice President, or Treasurer who has not been a Full member of the League for at least four continuous years immediately preceding nomination and throughout the subsequent term of office, nor shall any person be eligible who has not held continuously during that period a valid authorization as a radio amateur in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of the United States. No person shall be eligible for, or hold, the office of Director, Vice Director, President or Vice President whose business connections are of such nature that his or her influence in the affairs of the League could be used for his or her private benefit or would materially conflict with the activities or affairs of the League. The primary test of eligibility under this portion of the Article shall be full compliance with the Articles, Bylaws and Rules and Regulations of the League relating to ethics, elections and conflicts of interest.
Article 12:
No substantial part of the activities of our corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and our corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, our corporation shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of the purposes of our corporation.
Article 13:
Upon the dissolution of our corporation, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of our corporation, dispose of all of the assets of our corporation exclusively for the purposes of our corporation in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Board of Directors shall determine. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a court of competent jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of our corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said court shall determine, which are organized and operated for such purposes.
Members
1. Pursuant to Article 10 of the Articles of Association, the following membership categories are established:
(a) Full Membership. To be eligible, an applicant must be a resident of the United States, its possessions, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a United States citizen temporarily resident elsewhere, and the holder of an unexpired Amateur Radio operator's license or reciprocal operating authorization issued by the United States.
(b) International Membership. Any person who is the holder of an unexpired Amateur Radio operator's license or its equivalent issued by any administration, but who is not eligible for Full Membership by virtue of his place of residence, is eligible for International Membership.
(c) Associate Membership. Any person who is not eligible for Full Membership or International Membership, but who is interested in amateur radio, is eligible for Associate Membership.
2. Applications for membership or renewal of membership shall be submitted to the Secretary. In the case of any applicant whose character, reputation or conduct might make him an undesirable member, the Secretary shall refer the application to the Executive Committee for review; in all other cases, the Secretary shall have the authority to grant membership.
3. The Secretary shall notify members of the expiration of their membership not less than thirty days prior to expiration. In determining eligibility for office, memberships renewed within thirty days of expiration shall be regarded as continuous.
Dues
4. The dues of Members shall be $39.00 annually worldwide, payable in advance. For members outside the United States, except for International members who elect not to receive QST by mail, the Executive Vice President shall assess such additional mailing costs as are consistent with the postal rates for destinations outside the United States. Members choosing to pay dues for more than one year in advance, but for no more than five years, may be entitled to lower rates as determined periodically by the Executive Vice President and as published in QST.
5. [Deleted effective January 1, 2009]
6. The Executive Vice President may establish a reduced dues rate for Full members who have not reached the age of 22 years, provided that this rate shall not be less than 50% of the rate established in Bylaw 4. This rate shall not be available for Life membership.
7. A special dues rate of 20% of the annual rate established in Bylaw 4, rounded to the nearest dollar, with all membership privileges except the receipt of QST, shall apply to any Member who meets either of the following criteria:
(a) is legally blind; or
(b) is the husband or wife, brother or sister, son or daughter, or father or mother of another member who lives at the same address and is either a Life Member or is paying dues in accordance with By-Law 4 or 5. In the event of the decease of such principal member, his or her spouse will continue to receive QST until the expiration of the current family membership.
Life Membership
8. Life Membership in the League is available upon payment of twenty-five times the annual dues rates set forth above.
9. Life Membership is not transferable; however, upon the death of a Life Member, it may pass to a surviving spouse upon request, if he or she is a Family Member and licensed at the time of the Life Member's death. A new Life Member plaque, if desired, will be available for a one-time fee of $25.00.
10. Should a Life Member who paid dues at a multiple of the special rate established in By-Law 7 cease to be eligible for the special rate, his membership shall cease and the amount paid shall be creditable toward a Life Membership, including receipt of QST, at the then-current rate.
General Provisions as to Officers and Directors
11. Every officer, director and vice director of the League shall serve and continue in office until his successor shall have been elected and qualified. One or more honorary officers may be elected.
12. All officers, directors and vice directors shall serve without compensation in any form. This shall not preclude the reimbursement, and the League shall reimburse, the reasonable and necessary traveling expenses of officers and directors from their homes to the place of meeting of the Board of Directors or of the Executive Committee and return to their homes. This section shall not be construed to prevent the employment for agreed compensation, of the Secretary, the Treasurer, and any Vice-President other than the First Vice-President, by the League in other capacities.
13. No person shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director or Vice Director of the League unless, at the time of nomination, he has reached his 21st birthday and is a Full member of the League.
14. The members of the Board of Directors shall be the President, the Vice-Presidents, the Treasurer, and one director from each of the several territorial divisions of the League.
15. The President, the Vice Presidents, and the Treasurer shall possess all of the rights and duties of directors save the right to vote and the right to participate in the call of a special meeting of the Board, as referred to in Article 4 of the Articles of Association, provided, however, that the President shall be required to cast a vote on any matter as to which a tie is found to exist.
16. Recognizing the importance of liaison between the Corporation and other IARU member Societies, the President is authorized to invite the president of another IARU member Society, or his designated representative, to attend and participate in meetings of the Board, without the right to vote thereat.
17. Each director shall keep himself informed as to conditions and activities in his territorial division and as to the needs and desires of the members therein in order that he may faithfully and intelligently represent the true interests of such members. He shall attend all meetings of the Board. At least 14 days prior to each annual meeting of the Board of Directors each director is encouraged to file with the Secretary a written report on the status of the affairs of the League in his division, together with a statement of his recommendations as to any actions required for the effective administration of the objectives and affairs of the League.
18. In the July and August issues of QST, the Secretary shall solicit nominations for the office of Director in each division in which the term of the incumbent is to expire on the subsequent January 1, in a notice that shall include the name of the incumbent. On any date between the appearance of the first solicitation for same in QST and noon Eastern Time on the second Friday of August of any election year, any Full member of such division may request official nominating petition forms. To constitute a valid nomination, the original copy of such an official nominating petition form as provided by the Secretary must name a Full member of the division as a candidate for Director; must be signed by ten or more Full members of the division; must be accompanied by a statement signed by the candidate attesting to his eligibility, willingness to run, and willingness to assume the office if elected; and must be filed with the Secretary no later than noon Eastern Time on the third Friday of August of that year. Only original documents shall be accepted by the Secretary, and he is not authorized to accept facsimiles of any kind. The Secretary shall immediately acknowledge the receipt of nominations to the candidate, and shall forward the nominations to the Ethics and Elections Committee.
19. The Ethics and Elections Committee shall delete the name of any nominee who may be ineligible to election and the name of any who may withdraw by written communication. The remaining names shall be listed on a ballot, in alphabetical order. If there be but one eligible nominee, the Ethics and Elections Committee shall declare him elected without balloting by the membership. If there be more than one eligible nominee, then on or before October 1 of each year the Secretary shall send by mail to every person who on the tenth day of September of that year was a full member of the League in the divisions in which elections are being held, a ballot listing the candidates for director in his division, and a return envelope, soliciting a vote for one name. The ballot shall contain a copy of By-Laws 18 and 20.
20. The Ethics and Elections Committee shall appoint a committee of three tellers including at least one director and shall arrange to have a certified public accountant present to certify the results of the balloting; but any member of the League who shall deliver to the Secretary on or before the first day of October of election year a written petition signed by at least ten full members of a division, stating their desire that he witness the counting by the committee of tellers of the ballots from that division, shall be permitted to do so and shall be accorded reasonable opportunity to satisfy himself of the correctness of the count reported by the committee. Ballots, to be counted, shall reach the mailing address established for their return no later than noon Eastern Time on the third Friday of November of election year. No outer envelopes marked as containing ballots shall be opened until the meeting of the committee of tellers held for the purpose of counting the ballots. The committee of tellers shall meet at the headquarters office of the League as soon thereafter as possible and in the presence of each other shall open the envelopes containing ballots and shall count the vote, after first eliminating the ballot of anyone disqualified from voting. They shall forthwith prepare and sign in the name of the Ethics and Elections Committee a report of the results of the vote, declaring duly elected as new directors the candidate in each division receiving the greatest number of votes therein; and they shall turn over all their records and ballots to the Secretary for presentation at the next annual meeting of the Board of Directors.
21. If there be no eligible nominee, the procedure provided for in By-Laws 18, 19 and 20 shall be repeated three months later and if there again be no eligible nominee, the person then holding the office of director shall continue in office (subject to the provisions of Article 7 of the Articles of Association), until the next regular election established by these By-Laws for the division.
22. Simultaneously with each election for director of any division there shall be held an election for vice director of that division. All of the provisions of By-Laws 1, 18, 19 and 20 shall be applicable to the election for vice director. Should it appear that any one person is nominated for the office of director and vice director, his nomination shall be deemed for director only and his nomination for vice director shall be void.
23. In the year 2003 and every third year thereafter, a Director and a Vice Director shall be elected in the following Divisions: Central, Hudson, New England, Northwestern, and Roanoke. In the year 2004 and every third year thereafter, a Director and a Vice Director shall be elected in the following Divisions: Pacific, Rocky Mountain, Southeastern, Southwestern, and West Gulf. In the year 2005 and every third year thereafter, a Director and a Vice Director shall be elected in the following Divisions: Atlantic, Dakota, Delta, Great Lakes, and Midwest. The terms of Directors and Vice Directors shall begin at noon on the first day of January of the year after that in which they are elected.
24. In accordance with the provisions of Article 7 of the Articles of Association, members of a territorial division may petition for recall of the director or vice director of their division. Any League member may give notice of proposed recall by mailing to the Secretary by certified mail a letter to that effect. The fact of receipt will be communicated only to Officers, the Director and Vice Director of the division concerned, the sender and the Ethics and Elections Committee. The recall petition shall be presented to the Secretary not later than 75 days after the mailing of the notice of recall and not later than June 1st of the final year of the term of office. A valid petition shall contain the dated signatures obtained on or after the date of mailing of the notice to the Secretary, and will include not less than 10 percent of the number of Full members voting in the election at which the director or vice director was elected, or not less than 10 percent of the Full members resident in the division on the preceding December 31st if the director or vice director was elected without membership balloting. Upon certification by the Ethics and Elections Committee that the petition is valid, the Secretary shall prepare a ballot asking the single question, either "Shall the Director be recalled, yes or no." Or, "Shall the Vice Director be recalled, yes or no." If a majority of the votes cast are for recall, then the office of director or vice director shall be declared vacant. No director or vice director shall be subject to more than one recall election during a single term in office. A person removed from office by recall, shall not be eligible to be a candidate for Director or Vice Director for three years following removal from office.
25. The Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held in the vicinity of Newington, Connecticut, beginning on the 3rd Friday of January. The Second Meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held in the vicinity of Newington, Connecticut, beginning on the 3rd Friday of July. The places of the meetings shall be designated by the President and notified by the Secretary. The times and places of the meetings may be changed provided that specific provision is made therefor by (1) majority vote of the directors at the next preceding Annual or Second Meeting, or (2) majority vote of the directors by mail initiated by the Executive Committee or on petition of at least five directors, such mail vote to be taken at least 60 days previous to the date proposed for the meeting.
26. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may consider or act upon only those matters which are set out in the request provided for in Article 4 of the Articles of Association. The call for any such meeting shall specify the matters to be considered.
27. A majority of the members of the Board of Directors or of any committee shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Board or Committee. Articles 8 and 9 nevertheless shall be applicable to the election of officers and amendment of any Article or By-Law.
28. Prior to any regular meeting of the Board of Directors, the Secretary, upon consideration of the reports of the officers and directors, shall establish an agenda for the meeting. Proposals for amendment of the agenda or for the deletion or addition of items shall be the first order of business.
29. On questions of order and procedure not otherwise determined by these By-Laws the provisions of the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall prevail.
30. In accordance with the provisions of Article 4 of the Articles of Association and for the purpose of By-Laws 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22 and 23, the following territorial divisions are established:
ATLANTIC DIVISION, those portions of the states of New York and New Jersey not included in the Hudson Division, the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware, and the District of Columbia; CENTRAL DIVISION, the states of Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin; DAKOTA DIVISION, the states of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota; DELTA DIVISION, the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee; GREAT LAKES DIVISION, the states of Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio; HUDSON DIVISION, the counties of New York, Bronx, Richmond, Kings, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk, Sullivan, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, Greene, Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington of the state of New York, and the counties of Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Essex, Hunterdon, Somerset, Sussex, Warren, Union, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Hudson of the state of New Jersey; MIDWEST DIVISION, the states of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri; NEW ENGLAND DIVISION, the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut; NORTHWESTERN DIVISION, the states of Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and Alaska; PACIFIC DIVISION, that portion of the state of California not included in the Southwestern Division, the states of Nevada and Hawaii and the United States possessions in the Pacific; ROANOKE DIVISION, the states of Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina; ROCKY MOUNTAIN DIVISION, the states of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico; SOUTHEASTERN DIVISION, the states of Georgia, Florida, and Alabama, the United States possessions in the Caribbean, and the commonwealth of Puerto Rico; SOUTHWESTERN DIVISION, the counties of Imperial, Inyo, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura of the state of California, and the state of Arizona; WEST GULF DIVISION, the states of Texas and Oklahoma.
Officers
31. The President shall preside over all meetings of the Board of Directors. He shall, subject to instructions from the Board of Directors, and with the assistance of the Executive Vice President, represent the League in its relationships with the public and the various governments, governmental agencies and officials with which the League may be concerned, and shall be the official spokesman of the Board of Directors in regard to all matters of League policy. Any vacancy occurring from time to time by death, resignation or incapacity of any member of the Executive Committee may be filled by appointment made by the President, for the balance of the original term of such member. The President shall be an ex-officio member of all Committees unless otherwise designated.
32. In the absence or disability of the President, the First Vice President shall preside at meetings of the Board of Directors and in general act in his stead. Should the First Vice President be also absent or unable to act, the additional Vice Presidents, not including the Executive Vice President, shall succeed in the order of their election.
33. The Secretary shall record the proceedings of all meetings of the Board and of the Executive Committee. He shall promptly furnish copies of the minutes of these meetings to all officers and members of the Board and make them available to members. He shall be responsible for the maintenance of the corporate status of the League and the filing of all reports and certificates which may be required of the League under the corporation laws of the State of Connecticut. He shall be the archivist of the League and for the performance of his such duties may call upon the Executive Vice President for such clerical and stenographic assistance as he may require. To the extent that may from time to time be required by law, he shall act as agent for the service of process, but only while present in the State of Connecticut and he is not authorized to accept service of process elsewhere.
34. The Treasurer, upon consultation with and subject to the general supervision of the Administration and Finance Committee, shall provide for the investment and reinvestment of the surplus funds of the League in any bonds or stocks or other securities as would be selected by a trustee with the care of a prudent investor. He shall make a report at all regular meetings of the Board of Directors and shall attend meetings of the Board. He shall serve as a member of the Administration and Finance Committee. He shall have the authority to sign checks and other legal documents on behalf of the League as required in his role as manager of the League's investment activities. He shall furnish a bond satisfactory to the Board, the expenses of such bond to be borne by the League
35. The Vice President for International Affairs shall monitor the conduct of international liaison by the ARRL staff. He shall initiate recommendations for ARRL representation at international meetings. He shall encourage the growth and strengthening of IARU, its member societies and Amateur Radio worldwide. He shall coordinate and monitor planning and strategy for improving international frequency allocations to the Amateur Radio Service.
36. The Board of Directors shall employ an Executive Vice President who shall hold office for such term and upon such compensation as the Board and he may agree upon. The Executive Vice President shall manage the affairs of the League under the direction of the Board of Directors. He shall be deemed a member of the Board, but without vote. He shall attend all Board meetings. He shall be in responsible charge, under the Board of Directors, of all property of the League and shall keep full records. He shall, under the general direction of the Board of Directors, employ such personnel as may be necessary for the effective accomplishment of the purposes of the League. He shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the League. He shall prepare and submit at each Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors a comprehensive report of the progress and status of the affairs of the League and shall furnish to the Board of Directors from time to time such financial information and statements as may be required. He shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors. His entire time shall be devoted to the duties as set forth above. He shall furnish a bond satisfactory to the Board of Directors, the expense of the same to be borne by the League.
37. The following officers shall report to the Executive Vice President.
a. The Chief Operating Officer, who shall have responsibility for and supervision over any and all matters relating to publication, advertising, circulation, membership services, field services and volunteer examinations. He shall under the general direction of the Executive Vice President, employ such personnel as may be necessary for the effective accomplishment of the duties set forth in this By-Law. He shall sign checks drawn by the Business Manager. He shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Executive Vice President. His entire time shall be devoted to the duties as set forth above. He shall furnish a bond satisfactory to the Board of Directors, the expense of the same to be borne by the League.
b. The Chief Financial Officer, who shall have responsibility for and supervision over any matters related to personnel policies, comptroller functions, purchasing and administrative services and data processing. He shall, under the general direction of the Executive Vice President, employ such personnel as may be necessary for the effective accomplishment of the duties set forth above. He shall be the Business Manager of the League. He shall collect all monies due the League and shall deposit the same in the name of the League in the depository specified by the Board of Directors, and shall deliver to the Treasurer such surplus funds as may be available for investment. He shall certify the accuracy of bills and vouchers on which money is to be paid and shall draw and countersign checks. He shall have charge of the books and accounts of the League and shall furnish to the Executive Vice President from time to time such statements as may be required. He shall be in responsible charge, under the Executive Vice President, of all the property of the League. He shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Executive Vice President. His entire time shall be devoted to the duties as set forth above. He shall furnish a bond satisfactory to the Board of Directors, the expense of the same to be borne by the League.
c. The Chief Development Officer, who shall have responsibility for and supervision over any and all matters relating to fundraising, including but not limited to annual and planned giving, endowments, grants, and other gifts. He shall under the general direction of the Executive Vice President, employ such personnel as may be necessary for the effective accomplishment of the duties set forth in the By-Law. He shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Executive Vice President. His entire time shall be devoted to the duties as set forth above. He shall furnish a bond satisfactory to the Board of Directors, the expense of the same to be borne by the League.
d. The Chief Technology Officer, who shall advise the Executive Vice President and the Board on matters relating to the encouragement and use of new technologies in the amateur services. He shall assist the President and Executive Vice President in representing the League to federal government agencies and international organizations on technical issues. Under the general direction of the Executive Vice President, he shall employ such personnel as may be necessary for the effective accomplishment of the duties set forth in the Bylaw. He shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Executive Vice President.
Standing Committees
38. The following standing committees are established:
Administration and Finance
Programs and Services
Each Standing committee shall consist of five Directors, plus one Vice President or one Vice Director. Additionally, the Treasurer shall serve as a member of the Administration and Finance Committee. Appointment shall be made by the President at the Annual Meeting and shall be for a term of one year. The President shall designate the chairman of each committee. No elected member of the Executive Committee may serve on a Standing Committee. Standing committees shall make written reports at least 30 days prior to each regular meeting of the Board of Directors. Standing committees may originate studies in their fields and may generate recommendations to the Board on their own initiative.
39. The Administration and Finance Committee shall:
Annually review the operating budget prepared by the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer
Once approved, forward the annual operating budget to the Board for ratification
Review the Chief Financial Officer's budgetary projections and make appropriate recommendations to the Board
Review ARRL finances on a continuing basis
Advise and supervise the Treasurer on investment of ARRL funds
Make recommendations to the Board regarding audit and tax matters, and act as Board audit committee
Monitor and review fundraising efforts
Make recommendations to the Board and Chief Executive Officer regarding fundraising programs
Interface with ARRL Foundation on issues related to fundraising, especially related to scholarships and grants for non-ARRL programs
Make recommendations to the Board and Chief Executive Officer regarding staff management, procedures, and remuneration
Monitor and review key infrastructure projects, including capital improvements and significant information technology changes
Advise the Chief Executive Officer on marketing issues, including but not limited to identifying markets, building and implementing the marketing plan, proposing products, services, and programs to support marketing efforts, and promoting programs; promotional and sales issues, including but not limited to promoting programs and services to ARRL members, licensed non-members, related communities of interest, and the general public; and publications programs, including books, CDs, QST, and other periodicals
Evaluate Chief Executive Officer in coordination with the President
Review ARRL management performance and effectiveness on a continuing basis
40. The Programs and Services Committee shall:
Guide development of service delivery mechanisms, evaluate services, and recommend program priorities
Advise Chief Executive Officer on services provided to individual members other than publications, including but not limited to contests and awards, information services including Logbook of the World and W1AW, and incoming and outgoing QSL bureau services
Advise Chief Executive Officer on volunteer programs, including but not limited to the field organization, affiliated clubs, volunteer examiners, Volunteer Counsel/Consulting Engineers, and educational initiatives
Evaluate and recommend awards recipients to the Board for outstanding volunteer service or outstanding achievement
Executive Committee
41. The President shall serve as chairman of the Executive Committee. Pursuant to Article 6, the five Director members of the Executive Committee shall be elected at the Annual Meeting of the Board. The Secretary and General Counsel shall attend all meetings of the Executive Committee. Vice Presidents in addition to the First Vice President, and the Chief Financial Officer may also attend if the meeting agenda relates to their work. The Executive Committee is assigned specific responsibility for:
Applying existing Board policy to make decisions between Board meetings
Evaluating proposed rules and regulatory changes for the Board
Assisting staff and General Counsel in Board recommendations for petitions to the FCC and other governmental and international agencies
Periodically reviewing and recommending to the Board any changes in the ARRL Articles of Association, By-Laws, Standing Orders, and Memoranda of Understanding with other organizations
Monitoring progress of Board actions and recommendations (task tracking)
Monitoring progress of the implementation of, and suggesting ongoing revisions to, the ARRL Strategic Plan, working in conjunction with Standing Committees as appropriate
Reviewing and recommending programs designed to represent the organization to the public, enhance the organization's image, and communicate with the media
Ethics and Elections Committee
42. There shall be an Ethics and Elections Committee composed of three Directors, who may also serve on other committees without restriction. The Committee shall:
apply guidelines for ethical conduct by ARRL officials adopted by the Board
determine eligibility of candidates for Director and Vice Director, including but not limited to receipt and review of petitions and certification of eligible candidates
certify a nominee's eligibility under Article 11 to fill a Vice Director vacancy under Article 7
supervise the balloting for Director and Vice Director, including but not limited to receipt of all campaign statements and materials, printing ballots, appointing tellers in accordance with Bylaw 20, counting ballots, and distributing/publicizing results
advise the Chief Executive Officer on, and recommend to the Board standards for, Section Manager elections
Decisions of the Ethics and Elections Committee may be reviewed by the Board of Directors upon the written request of the candidate or five or more Directors. Review shall be limited to the materials submitted to the Ethics and Elections Committee. A majority of the Board of Directors is required to change any decision of the Ethics and Elections Committee.
The members of the committee shall be annually appointed by the President at the Annual Meeting from among those Directors not subject to election during the year of service. The President shall designate the chairman of the Committee.
Additional Committees
43. Other committees may be appointed by the President for specific purposes and defined duration.
Official Publication
44. There shall be an official publication maintained by the League, in the form of a monthly journal, the name of which shall be QST. A copy of this journal shall be supplied each month to every member of the League in good standing, except those International, blind, and family members who have elected a category of membership that does not include receipt of QST. The general management of this journal shall be in the hands of the Executive Vice President. The policy of the journal shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
45. There shall be an official ARRL internet web site maintained by the League. The general management of this official ARRL internet web site shall be in the hands of the Executive Vice President. The policy of the official ARRL internet web site shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
Conflicts of Interest
46. Conflict of Interest Policy.
a. Purpose
The purpose of the Conflict of Interest policy is to ensure that the deliberations and decisions of the Board are made in the sole interests of the Association. A Board Member may not disclose confidential information obtained by him or her relating to the Association nor use his or her position with respect to the Association in order to achieve a financial benefit for himself, herself or a third person or other entity, including another nonprofit or for profit organization. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable laws governing conflicts of interest in nonprofit and charitable corporations.
b. Definitions
i. Board Member. For purposes of this bylaw Board Members shall include the ARRL President, all Vice-Presidents, the Treasurer, all Directors and all Vice-Directors.
ii. Financial Benefit. A Board Member achieves a "financial benefit" if the person has, directly or indirectly, through business, employment, investment, contract or family:
(a) An employment, contractual, compensation, material ownership, investment interest or other financial arrangement with, any entity whose business or operation has been or will be directly affected by a decision, action, or activities of the Association.
(b) For purposes of this Bylaw a material ownership or investment interest shall be an interest that is five (5%) or more of the value of the entity.
c. Administration of Conflict of Interest Policy
The Ethics and Elections Committee shall administer and monitor compliance with this Policy.
d. Duty to Recuse
i. A Board Member shall promptly disclose the existence of any conflict of interest and shall recuse himself or herself from being present for discussion or voting on any matter in which he or she has a material financial interest, as defined above, or is an officer or director of an entity that may reasonably be affected by the outcome of the vote. Upon recusal of a Director, the Division Vice-Director shall fulfill the duties of the recused Director in discussion and voting on such matter.
ii. The Board Member shall state the reason for the recusal, which shall be noted in the minutes of the Board of Directors.
e. Pervasive and Continuing Conflict
In the event the entity, in which the Board Member or a prospective candidate for the Association Board has such a financial interest, is engaged in an ongoing business or activity that directly competes with a material business or activity of the Association, the person shall be deemed to have a pervasive and continuing conflict that would render him or her ineligible to be a Board Member.
f. Disclosure by Directors and Officers
i. When requested by the Ethics and Elections Committee and not less frequently than once a year, each Board Member shall promptly submit a statement to the Committee identifying all business and other affiliations in which the Board Member has a Financial Interest as defined in the Bylaw.
ii. A Board Member shall promptly disclose to the Ethics and Elections Committee any matter that could reasonably be considered to a "financial benefit" to such Board Member, as defined above, whether or not the Board Member believes a conflict exists.
g. Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists
i. After disclosure of the potential conflict of interest, the disinterested members of the Ethics and Elections Committee shall determine whether a conflict of interest exists or continuing and pervasive conflict of interest exists. Neither the Board nor any Committee of the Board shall vote upon any proposed matter, transaction, contract, or arrangement in connection with which an actual or possible conflict of interest has been disclosed by a Board Member until such time as the Ethics and Elections Committee has addressed the actual or possible conflict of interest.
ii. Except in the instance of a continuing and pervasive conflict, a referral to the Ethics and Elections Committee will not be required where the Board Member fully discloses to the Board his or her financial interest and abstains from participation in the Board's consideration of the proposed transaction, contract, or arrangement.
iii. Decisions of the Ethics and Elections Committee may be reviewed by the Board of Directors upon the written request of five or more Directors. Review shall be limited to the materials submitted to the Ethics and Elections Committee. A majority of the Board of Directors, excluding the Board Member who is the subject of the vote, is required to change any decision of the Ethics and Elections Committee.
h. Annual Statements
Each Board Member shall annually sign a statement which affirms that such person:
(i) Has received a copy of the current conflict of interest policy;
(ii) Has read and understands the policy;
(iii) Has agreed to comply with the policy; and
(iv) Understands that the Association is a non-profit organization and that in order to maintain its federal tax exemption it must engage primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of its tax-exempt purposes.
i. Periodic Reviews
The Ethics and Elections Committee shall periodically consider whether and how this Conflicts of Interest Policy should be revised or amended to better meet its objectives and shall report to the Board on its recommendations and the matters referred to it and their resolution.
References
47. Without changing their import, the Secretary may from time to time, on notice to the members of the Board of Directors, renumber these By-Laws so as to serve the purpose of ready reference. Any references in these By-Laws to words "he, his, or him" is understood to mean "he/she, his/her, and himself/herself." References in these By-Laws to Articles shall be corrected, when necessary, by the Secretary to conform to renumbered Articles.
Campaign Statements
Each candidate for Director, Vice Director or Section Manager may submit a 300-word statement for inclusion with the ballot. The submission of this statement shall be filed as elsewhere required, and must be truthful, and not misleading, which matters will be conclusively determined by the Election Committee. With this statement, the candidate may submit his or her black and white photograph not larger than 3 inches high and 2 inches wide to likewise be included with the ballot. The standard of truth applies to all mailings by a candidate.
Mass communications at League expense
In any League election, during the campaign period (the period from the deadline for receipt of nominating petitions for Director and Vice Director until the day ballots are due) any mass communication at League expense in whole or in part, dealing with any candidate in any way or issued by a candidate, League or section official in the Division of the candidate, shall be approved by the Executive Committee prior to the issuance of such communications. The Executive Committee shall deny approval of any communication which in its opinion, reasonably might affect the outcome of such election.
"Campaign" labels are furnished upon request, to any election candidate whose eligibility has been properly certified for the purpose of campaigning for office in the League. All requests shall be made in writing on a form to be provided by the Hq. (No telephone requests will be honored.) The form will require that the purpose for requesting the list be stated and will require a signed statement that the list is being used only for the purpose requested. Lists are furnished at the cost of production. Two copies of material mailed using address labels provided by Hq. shall be sent to Hq., and a copy shall be sent to each director concerned, via first class mail, at the time of the first mailing.
Please refer to "Terms and Conditions Governing Availability of Mailing Lists from HQ" for detailed and precise instructions concerning the use of membership lists.
Ethics
It may not be appropriate for candidates to conduct on-the-air campaigning for elected office in the League. The ARRL does not, therefore, sanction such on-the-air activity. Because incumbent directors are in a policy-making role in a corporation, it is better if their campaign activities are conducted in some fashion other than via Amateur Radio.
Articles by or about an incumbent director, or a candidate, (or photos of same) will not be published in an issue of QST that will appear during the period of the election process.
No candidate or person on behalf of a candidate shall distribute campaign literature on official ARRL stationery, except that ARRL member or club stationery may be used. "Campaign literature" is any item in support of a specific person for the office of Director, Vice Director or Section Manager.
Time Table for ARRL Director and Vice Director Elections
Noon -- 2nd Friday of August -- Deadline to request official nominating petition forms
Noon -- 3rd Friday of August -- Deadline for receipt of completed nominating petition forms by Secretary
Monday after 3rd Friday of August -- The Secretary notifies each candidate of the names and callsigns of other candidates
4th Friday of August -- Deadline for Election Committee to determine eligibility and notify candidates
7 days after the 4th Friday in August -- Deadline for receipt by Secretary of 300-word statement and photo, if candidate desires they accompany ballot
Also, deadline for protests of qualification decisions
September 10 -- Membership cutoff date (By-Law 19). Begin printing ballots
September 23 - October 1 -- Ballot mailing period (By-Law 19)
Noon -- October 1 -- Deadline for petitioners or their representatives to request to watch ballot counting (By-Law 20)
Noon -- 3rd Friday of November -- Deadline for return of ballots (By-Law 20). Ballots will be counted that day. Candidates will be notified of results electronically
5 days after the 3rd Friday of November -- Any protests must be received by the Secretary in writing and forwarded to the Election and Executive Committee
1. American Radio Relay League conventions and hamfests are meetings of persons interested in Amateur Radio which are authorized and conducted in accordance with the rules to follow. ARRL conventions may be sanctioned at the section, state and division levels, and in some cases as operating-specialty conventions; there will not be more than one convention at each level in a given area per year.
2. Neither the name of the American Radio Relay League, nor the initials thereof, nor its emblem, shall be used in connection with any meeting or convention, or in the advertising thereof, unless it has been approved in the manner set forth below.
3. Parties desiring to conduct an ARRL convention shall obtain the approval of the director of the division in which the convention is to be held, by an application setting forth the place and date of the proposed convention, the area to be served, the particular purpose to be served thereby, the clubs, associations or groups who propose to sponsor it, and the names and addresses of the officers chosen to conduct it. When the director is satisfied that the approval of such convention will be in the best interests of the League, he shall submit the application to the Executive Committee for its formal approval. Upon such final approval the Headquarters shall notify the chairman or secretary of the convention group. The management, program and financial plans of every such convention shall be subject to the approval of the director of the division in which the convention is to be held. Every such convention will make provision for an ARRL forum or meeting and for an ARRL display booth or table and shall make every effort to use the ARRL diamond prominently displayed on the front of all advertising and program materials. On its part, the League will make every effort to provide a speaker from among the headquarters staff or from among the officers of the League at no cost to the convention treasury; to provide editorial support in QST for the event; to accept paid advertising at rates lower than for commercial purposes, and to contribute publications to be used as awards or prizes. A convention is sanctioned by the Executive Committee for the date(s) and location specified on the application. Following EC approval, should the event officials decide to change the date(s) and/or location of the event, the sanction is invalidated and new application must be made.
4. Parties desiring to conduct an ARRL hamfest shall obtain approval of the director of the division in which the hamfest is to be held, by an application setting forth the place and date of the proposed hamfest; the area to be served; the clubs, associations or groups who propose to sponsor it, and the names and addresses of the officers chosen to conduct it. The director will notify the headquarters that the hamfest has been approved. ARRL hamfests will make space available for an ARRL display, and those ARRL hamfests which include formal speaking programs will provide time for an ARRL meeting if so requested by the director or other elected League official. There is no limit to the number of ARRL hamfests which may be held, but care should be taken to avoid conflict with other hamfests serving the same general area. Headquarters will provide editorial support in QST for the event, will provide for advertising in QST at rates below commercial rates, and will on request provide publications to be used as awards or prizes.
5. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the Board of Directors may authorize or direct upon such terms as it may prescribe, the holding, as a National Convention, of a meeting of persons interested in Amateur Radio from throughout the operating territory of the League. The President will assign a member of the Board to work with the staff to evaluate National Convention applications and negotiate ARRL participation. The management, program and financial plans of every such convention shall be subject to the approval of the Executive Committee.
6. The Executive Vice President, with the approval of the Executive Committee, is also authorized to provide (upon the request of the directors affected), for the holding of a State Convention designed for amateurs residing in any state which lies partly in each of two divisions.
The following rules and regulations provide for the establishment of national Advisory Committees. Such committees shall be composed of amateurs qualified in various specialty areas of concern to the League. The Committees, acting in their areas of specialty, shall undertake studies, review proposals, and make recommendations to the League management. League members interested in serving on Advisory Committees should make themselves known to their Director.
Each ARRL Division is represented on each Advisory Committee. The Division representatives to the national Advisory Committee also serve as special advisors to the Division Director. The Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) may also appoint a representative to each Advisory Committee.
1. Authority for establishing, terminating, or modifying terms of reference of any Advisory Committee rests with the Board of Directors.
2. Any proposal to the Board for the establishment of an Advisory Committee shall outline the purpose of the proposed Committee, the proposed scope of its activities and the Standing Committee of the Board to which it shall report. The proposal shall explain why its objectives cannot be met through the existing organizational structure of the ARRL.
3. The membership of any Advisory Committee shall consist of one Full Member of the League from each Division plus the representative to that Advisory Committee from the RAC who shall be a member of the League. Advisory Committee members are expected to be residents of the Division from which they are appointed and may not hold any League elective office (Officer, Director, Vice Director, Section Manager) during their tenure as a member of an Advisory Committee.
Each committee member is appointed by the respective Division Director for a term concurrent with that of the Director. It is recommended that Advisory Committee members shall serve a maximum of six (6) years so as to provide diversity of views within the Division. The Advisory Committee members serve at the pleasure of the Director and shall be responsible to him for the proper performance of their duties. Directors should consider the following in selecting appointees to an Advisory Committee:
a. Willingness to serve and participate in committee deliberations;
b. Possession of knowledge and expertise in the committee's field of endeavor;
c. The ability and willingness to communicate with others in writing and verbally.
Communications includes the use of electronic media;
d. The ability and willingness to participate in public forums.
4. Each year, the President shall designate one member of each Advisory Committee as chairman for that calendar year. Chairmen will serve in that post for no more than two one-year terms consecutively. Each chairman shall designate a vice chairman to assist him and to assure continuity in the committee's operation.
5. Each Advisory Committee shall report to an appropriate Standing Committee of the Board. The Chairman of the Standing Committee or his designee shall act as liaison to the Advisory Committee. The Executive Vice President shall designate Headquarters Staff to fulfill the functions of Resource and Administrative Liaison to each Advisory Committee
6. Advisory Committees initiate studies upon request by the Standing Committee of the Board to which they report. Proposals for studies may be made to the responsible Standing Committee by any of the following groups or individuals:
a. By the Board of Directors;
b. Between meetings of the Board, by the Executive Committee or the President;
c. By a committee of the Board;
d. By the Executive Vice President;
e. By the Committee at its own initiative.
The Board shall be advised promptly of the responsible Standing Committees' disposition of proposed studies.
Advisory Committee recommendations shall be made in a timely manner to the appropriate Standing Committee and shall be advisory in nature. Status reports shall be submitted, to the Board Secretary, at least (30) days prior to any regular meeting of the Board.
7. Members wishing to express their opinion on a matter being studied by, or within the terms of reference of, an Advisory Committee are encouraged to communicate with their Division representative. To this end, the names and addresses of Advisory Committee members shall appear in QST at least annually. Space in QST and other League publications shall be available to the committees, as appropriate.
8. Advisory Committee members are entitled to the same privileges accorded Assistant Directors.
9. Incidental expenses are reimbursable according to guidelines adopted by the Board. Any expenses for the Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) representative to any Advisory Committee shall be paid in accordance with RAC policy.
1. The League maintains a Section level Field Organization whose programs provide opportunities for volunteers to further the objectives of the ARRL, provide assistance to fellow radio amateurs, and promote amateur radio's service to the American public. Principal areas of responsibility of the Field Organization are emergency communications, message traffic relay, technical activity / problem-solving, volunteer monitoring, government relations, public relations in the general community, information services for amateurs, and cooperation with affiliated clubs.
2. For the activities of the ARRL Field Organization, the territory of the League is defined as consisting of territorial Divisions described in By-Law 30. The ARRL Divisions are further subdivided into ARRL sections for the administrative purposes of the Field Organization. Information and guidance on proposals for changes to the boundaries of the administrative sections are available from ARRL Headquarters.
3. In each section there will be an elected Section Manager (SM) who will have authority over the section's Field Organization, and, in cooperation with the Division Director, will foster and encourage ARRL activities and programs within that section. No Section Manager shall have the authority to commit, obligate or bind the League in any dealings with individuals, entities or governmental units or agencies unless the agreement has been reviewed by the F&ES Manager and approved by the ARRL President or the President's designee.
4. Any candidate for the office of Section Manager must be a resident of the section, a licensed amateur of Technician class or higher, and a Full member of the League for a continuous term of at least two years immediately preceding receipt of a petition for nomination and throughout the subsequent term of office. A Section Manager shall not simultaneously serve as an Officer, Director or Vice Director. A person who is removed from the office of Section Manager by a recall election or by action of the Executive Committee shall not be eligible to be a candidate for Section Manager in the next election following removal from office. Further, any person who is removed from the office of Section Manager by action of the Executive Committee must receive the consent of the Executive Committee to be eligible to run for that office again.
5. Each Section Manager shall be elected for a two-year term of office in accordance with the following procedure:
a) The Field & Educational Services Manager shall solicit petitions of nomination on or before December 31, March 31, June 30, or September 30. The solicitation shall show the name, call and term ending date of the incumbent in each section solicited, and shall give full instructions for filing. On any date not later than 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time of the Friday prior to or corresponding to the tenth day of March, June, September and December, respectively, of each year, nominating petitions signed by five or more Full members of specified sections and naming a Full member of each such section as candidate for Section Manager may be filed with the Field & Educational Services Manager.
b) If there is only one eligible nominee on the appropriate listed closing date for receipt of petitions, the Field & Educational Services Manager shall declare the nominee elected without balloting. If there is more than one eligible nominee, then on or before April 1, July 1, October 1 or January 2, respectively, the Field & Educational Services Manager shall send by mail a ballot to each person who on the date coinciding with the respective closing date from paragraph 5a above of that year was a Full Member of the League in the section in which the election is being held. If that mailing date falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, then ballots shall be sent out no later than the following Monday. The ballot shall be accompanied by information on the Amateur Radio background of each candidate.
c) Ballots to be counted shall reach the Field & Educational Services Manager not later than 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time of the Friday prior to or corresponding to the 20th of May, August, November or February, respectively, and shall be counted the following Tuesday, under the supervision of the Field & Educational Services Manager. The candidate receiving the greatest number of votes in each case shall be declared elected. The candidates shall be notified by mail and the results of election for Section Manager terms beginning July 1, October 1, January 1 or April 1, respectively, shall appear in the first available issue of QST.
d) If there is no eligible nominee, the procedure in 5a, b and c shall be repeated in six months and the term of office of any Section Manager elected under this resolicitation procedure will be shortened to 18 months. If there again is no eligible nominee, the person holding office shall continue in office until the next regular election established by these rules for said section.
e) Should a dispute arise concerning the qualifications, campaign, balloting or ballot-counting pertaining to a Section Manager election, a summary of the dispute, together with all correspondence specifically relating thereto, shall be promptly forwarded to the Election Committee which shall render a decision thereon. Appeals to the Board from a decision of the Election Committee shall be processed as provided in disputes pertaining to elections of Directors and Vice Directors.
f) Vacancies in the office of Section Manager occurring between elections shall be filled by appointment by the Field and Educational Services Manager in consultation with the Director. The outgoing Section Manager's recommendation may be solicited as part of this procedure.
g) The Section Manager shall, within the section of responsibility, be subject to the provisions of By-Law 24 and Article 7 of the Articles of Association and By-Laws regarding recall petitions, except that the cutoff date shall be not less than six months prior to the expiration of the Section Manager's term of office, and the territory embraced shall be the Section represented, rather than the Division, and the affected Section Manager shall be notified of the fact of receipt of a notice of proposed recall.
6. The Section Manager is accountable for carrying out the duties of the office in accordance with ARRL policies established by the Board of Directors and shall act in the best interests of Amateur Radio. In discharging these responsibilities, the Section Manager:
a) Recruits, appoints, and supervises section-level staff to administer the Field Organization's principal areas of responsibility in the section. These areas are emergency communications, message traffic relay, technical activity / problem solving, volunteer monitoring, government relations, public relations in the general community, information services for amateurs, and cooperation with affiliated clubs.
b) Appoints qualified ARRL members in the section to other volunteer positions in support of Field Organization objectives, and may authorize section-level staff to make such appointments.
c) Keeps well informed concerning matters of ARRL policy so as to administer the Field Organization in accordance with current policy and so as to provide correct information in response to members' inquiries.
d) Supervises the activities of the section-level staff, monitors the performance of the Field Organization volunteers, and provides guidance as necessary to ensure that appointees act in the best interests of Amateur Radio and in accordance with ARRL policies.
e) Maintains liaison with the Division Director; makes periodic reports to the Director regarding the status of Section activities; receives from the Director information and guidance pertaining to matters of mutual concern and interest; serves on the Division Cabinet and renders advice as requested by the Director.
f) Conducts correspondence and other communications with ARRL members and affiliated clubs in the Section; makes personal visits to clubs, hamfests, and conventions; responds to members' questions and concerns or refers them to an appropriate person or office in the League organization; maintains liaison with representative frequency coordinator(s) having jurisdiction in the Section.
g) Writes, or supervises preparation of, a monthly "Section News" column; uses electronic communications, such as the Internet, to distribute information about Section activities and to encourage member participation in the Field Organization.
h) Promotes recruitment of new amateurs and new ARRL members; encourages attitudes and actions which welcome new radio amateurs and integrate them into League and club activities.
7. The office of any Section Manager may be declared vacant by the Executive Committee whenever it appears to be in the best interests of the ARRL to do so. Grounds for declaring the office vacant include, but are not limited to, move of permanent residence outside the Section from which elected, expiration of ARRL membership, and expiration or cancellation of Amateur license. On such declaration, the Field & Educational Services Manager will appoint a new Section Manager as provided in Rule 5f.
8. Section-level staff appointments in the Field Organization, made by the Section Manager, shall be available to qualified ARRL Full Members in each section. These are Assistant Section Manager (optional at the discretion of the Section Manager), Section Emergency Coordinator, Section Traffic Manager, Official Observer Coordinator, State Government Liaison, Technical Coordinator, Affiliated Club Coordinator, Public Information Coordinator, and Bulletin Manager.
9. In support of the Section-level staff, other Field Organization appointments shall be available to qualified ARRL Full Members in each section. These are Official Relay Station, Official Bulletin Station, Official Emergency Station, Official Observer, Technical Specialist, Public Information Officer, Local Government Liaison, District Emergency Coordinator, Emergency Coordinator, and Net Manager. The Section Manager may authorize Section-level assistants to make these appointments.
10. Guidelines concerning the qualifications for and duties of Field Organization and all appointments shall be provided to appointees, and published in appropriate ARRL publications and on the ARRL Website.
11. Any Field Organization appointment may be canceled by the Executive Committee whenever it appears to be in the best interest of the ARRL to do so.
12. These Rules and Regulations of the ARRL Field Organization may be amended by a majority vote of the ARRL Board of Directors.
1. It shall be the policy of the League to affiliate with itself organized, non-commercial Amateur Radio groups or societies of kindred aims and purposes with a view to forming a homogeneous organization for unity of action in matters affecting amateur welfare. This policy shall embrace four categories of affiliation as follows:
Category 1 -- Local Amateur Radio clubs.
Category 2 -- Regional or National organized Amateur Radio groups.
Category 3 -- Local school or youth group Amateur Radio clubs, or Amateur Radio clubs in homes for the elderly or disabled.
Category 4 -- Groups of Amateur Radio clubs joined together in common purpose.
2. Any such society which suitably expresses its sympathy with and allegiance to the aims and policies of the League in accordance with these Rules and Regulations is eligible for affiliation. Applications for affiliation shall be submitted to the Executive Vice President and referred to the respective Division Director who, in discretionary consultation with the respective Affiliated Club Coordinator and Section Manager, shall determine that the society is worthy and well qualified. The applicant thereupon shall be referred to the Executive Committee for its approval. A suitable certificate shall be issued to the society in recognition of its affiliation.
3. The affiliation of any society may be terminated and its charter recalled by the Executive Committee at any time for any cause deemed prejudicial to the best interests of the League.
4. In a Category 1 or 2 society, at least 51% of the voting membership must be members of the League, and at least 51% of the voting members must be licensed amateurs to be eligible for and to maintain affiliation status. In a Category 3 society, affiliation status may be granted if the sponsor, faculty advisor, president or trustee of the society is a licensed amateur and a League member, and where the society's name clearly shows that it falls within this grouping. In a Category 4 society, at least 51% of the member clubs must be actively affiliated with the ARRL for affiliation status to be granted. Category 4 affiliated club groups are not eligible to participate in club competitions, but individual clubs are encouraged to submit entries. A Category 1 affiliated club must have no fewer than four members.
5. The Executive Vice President shall be responsible for the general supervision of the affiliated societies and their welfare, and for the relations existing with them; he shall keep the records and conduct the correspondence with them.
6. These Rules and Regulations shall have the force and effect of By-Laws of the League. They may be amended as necessary from time to time by the Executive Committee. Amendments or revisions shall become effective as of the date of their publication in QST.
7. In addition to meeting the normal requirements for affiliation, as outlined in the Rules and Regulations Concerning Affiliated Societies, an amateur radio club outside the League operating territory must submit a statement from the IARU member society of the country in which it is located approving ARRL affiliation of the club. Upon receipt of this letter and the usual forms, the club's application will be submitted to the Executive Committee for approval.
Category 1 labels--Lists furnished without charge to further the organizational purposes of the League.
"Admin" labels are furnished to incumbent division directors and section managers for use in routine and administrative mailings to members in their respective geographical territories.
"Convention" and "Hamfest" labels are furnished, upon request, to sponsors of ARRL sponsored and approved events for use in making mailings promoting the event. They may not be used for any other purpose, specifically for campaign mailings during an ARRL election.
Category 2 labels--Lists furnished at cost of production.
"Campaign" labels are furnished, upon request, to any election candidate whose eligibility has been properly certified for the purpose of campaigning for office in the League.
"Non-commercial" labels are furnished to any Full member of the League for any non-commercial purpose which is designed to further Amateur Radio and the purposes of the League. Such lists may be furnished up to a division in size.
Category 3 labels--Lists furnished at commercial mailing list rates.
"Commercial" labels are furnished for any legitimate business purpose. Such lists are made available under a cost schedule prepared from time to time by the Executive Vice President of the League.
Any member of the League may, upon request, have his name deleted from any Category 3 commercial lists which are furnished by League Headquarters. Such a request may be made upon renewal by an annual member or any time by a Life Member of the League.
All requests shall be made in writing on a form to be provided by the Headquarters. (No telephone requests will be honored.) The form will require that the purpose for requesting the list be stated and will require a signed statement that the list is being used only for the purpose requested.
Two copies of material mailed using address labels provided by Headquarters shall be sent to Headquarters, and one copy shall be sent to each director concerned, via first class mail, at the time of the first mailing.