MINNESOTA RADIO CONTROL SOARING SOCIETY

Constitution and Bylaws

Article I - Name

This non-profit organization shall be known as "MINNESOTA RADIO CONTROL SOARING SOCIETY" hereafter known as MRCSS or the club.

Article II - Purpose and Intent

1. The purpose of the MRCSS is to further the individual enjoyment of radio controlled soaring by the sharing of flying sites and fellowship.
2. It is intended that this purpose be accomplished through the membership, with minimum formality and assets, led by elected officers who serve, but do not govern.
3. It is further intended that the membership consist of people who enjoy flying gliders, both powered and non-powered, group social activities and are willing to share the common goal of propagating our sport through team effort and good sportsmanship.

Article III - Organization

1. The MRCSS shall consist of a body of members, organized by this constitution and led by a board of officers who shall be elected each December, to administer the routine business of the club. The board of officers shall be advised and assisted by committees, as necessary, in specific areas.
2. Membership
1. Full voting membership shall be granted to anyone meeting the following qualifications:
1. Current dues paid to secretary or treasurer
2. Current AMA member
3. Agreement to abide by the club's constitution and field rules.
2. Participation in all MRCSS activities by interested non-members is limited only in that they shall have neither voice nor vote in MRCSS business and that they shall abide by all flying field rules.
3. Termination of membership shall be effective as of:
1. Date of receipt by Secretary or Treasurer of written notice of resignation signed by member, or
2. Vote for termination by 66% of the members voting, or
3. Failure to pay dues on or before the spring meeting date.
4. Duties of Members; it shall be the duty of all members to:
1. Abide by the constitution and bylaws.
2. Abide by field rules.
3. Protect the interests of the MRCSS and of the owner of any flying field used by MRCSS.
5. Privileges of members: Membership in MRCSS shall convey the following privileges:
1. Display MRCSS colors and emblems on clothing and aircraft.
2. Vote in all MRCSS business and elections.
3. Bring before the membership for action any items of interest, business or concern.
3. Board of Officers
1. A board of officers consisting of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected from and by the membership, to serve a one-year term.
2. Duties of the President shall be:
1. To lead and direct the MRCSS as chief representative of the membership, and as advised and assisted by the other elected officers, committees and members.
2. Supervise and conduct the affairs of the MRCSS in an orderly and responsible manner, using the board and committees, and to report on these matters.
3. To call and preside at all business meetings, insuring that all matters requiring consideration, or requested by the membership, are duly aired and acted upon.
4. To inform the membership in a timely manner on any matters of general concern or interest.
3. Duties of the Vice President shall be:
1. To represent the membership by participation on the board of officers.
2. To assist the board by performing duties as assigned and necessary.
3. To perform the duties of the president, in his absence.
4. Duties of the Secretary:
1. To maintain suitable records of all MRCSS meetings.
2. To represent the membership by participation on the board of officers
3. Record and report ballots, including absentee ballots upon the request of a member.
5. Duties of the Treasurer
1. To maintain suitable records of all MRCSS assets.
2. To issue payments by check for all authorized expenses
3. To report the financial condition of MRCSS to the board and to the membership, during meetings on a quarterly basis.
4. To receive and deposit membership dues and other payments in the MRCSS bank account.
4. Committees
1. To assist the board and membership in accomplishing the purpose of the club, committees with specific responsibilities may be designated by the President alone or by the board of officers, as necessary. These committees will report to the board and may exercise such authority as is granted by the board, subject to approval by the membership. Committee membership shall be voluntary.
2. Permanent Committees
1. Field Committee - A chairman and up to three assistants shall be appointed whose responsibilities are to assist the membership in securing flying sites, in maintaining good relations with site owners and in keeping the membership informed on any and all ground rules laid down by individual site owners.
2. Fun-Fly Committee - At least one member shall be appointed to assist the membership in coordinating and conducting fun-flys, by assisting the individual Contest Directors, by keeping track of score boards, frequency boards, availability of launch equipment, and similar paraphernalia, and by assisting in selection of events which offer enjoyment to all members.
3. Newsletter Committee - At least one member shall be appointed to coordinate and prepare and publish a newsletter to inform the membership on MRCSS affairs and other topics of interest.
4. Web Site Committee - At least one member shall be appointed to coordinate and create and maintain a MRCSS web site.

Article IV - Meetings and voting

1. There shall be two formal business meetings each year; one in the spring and one in the fall, approximately in the months of March and September.
2. The Board of Officers may call other business meetings as required to conduct club business.
3. In order to conduct club business a quorum of at least 20% of the full voting members must be present at the meeting.
4. Written notification of meeting time, place and purpose shall be sent by e-mail or U.S. Mail and shall also be posted as an announcement on the MRCSS Web site at least seven days prior to the meeting.
5. Nominations for President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be made at the November meeting. Nominations for each office shall be conducted separately starting with President. Nominees must express a willingness to serve. The names of each candidate for office shall be published in the Newsletter and on the MRCSS web site in advance of the December meeting in order to give members time to consider their vote.
6. Voting shall take place at the December meeting. Ballots will be handed out at the December meeting. Counting of the votes shall take place during the December meeting and the results announced upon completion of the vote. Term of office begins after the December meeting.
7. Voting on all routine business except election of officers and termination of membership shall be decided by a simple majority of the ballots reported.
1. Election of officers shall be by a majority of the secret ballots reported.
2. In order to cast a ballot the member must be present.
3. Termination of membership shall be by 66% or more of the secret ballots reported.

Article V - Finances

1. Dues shall be payable on an annual basis and are to be paid no later than the end of January.
2. The board may adjust dues from time to time to meet the needs of the club.
3. The board may impose an additional fee to any member that has not paid their dues by the end of January.
4. The board of officers shall be responsible for all club assets and shall administer funds only according to a budget approved at the spring meeting. Expenditures up to the budgeted amounts approved by the membership are at the discretion of the board.
5. Items to be included in the budget and approved by the membership shall include, but not be limited to the following:
1. Field funds to cover gratuities, signs and other incidentals relating to establishing and maintaining flying sites.
2. Charter and incorporation funds to cover expenses related to club identity and affiliation.
3. Newsletter and web site funds to cover normal and routine expenses required to prepare, publish and distribute the newsletter.
4. Fun-fly funds to cover incidental expenses related to promoting and conducting fun-flys and social meetings.
5. Contingency funds to be used at the discretion of the board to cover unplanned, unusual and extraordinary expenses of a minor nature, or where the welfare of MRCSS is at stake.
6. The MRCSS shall be a non- profit organization supported by dues and voluntary contributions. The MRCSS shall not offer or accept commercial sponsorship, and shall decline all commitments in return for financial or material consideration.

Article VI - Amendments

Amendments to this constitution shall be made by a majority vote of the membership.

Article VII - Change or addition to Bylaws

Bylaws to augment and interpret this constitution may be added by majority vote of the membership.