Proposed Bylaws

BYLAWS OF THE
POINTE COUPEE AMATEUR NETWORK

ARTICLE I: CLUB NAME
The official name of the club is "Pointe Coupee Amateur Network" (herein referred to as "PCAN" or "the club").
ARTICLE II: CLUB PURPOSE
Section 1: The Pointe Coupee Amateur Network is a nonprofit club dedicated to the continuing growth of amateur radio within the community being guided by Part 97.1 of the FCC Rules which define the purpose of the amateur service as:
(a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.
(b) Continuation and extension of the amateur's proven ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art.
(c) Encouragement and improvement of the amateur service through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communications and technical phases of the art.
(d) Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur radio service of trained operators, technicians, and electronics experts.
(e) Continuation and extension of the amateur's unique ability to enhance International goodwill.
The club offers support to the community when called on for communication help such as in emergencies, parades, triathlons or any event where communication could be of service to the event and its participants. The club will support and provide as it is able, training to anyone interested in getting or upgrading their amateur radio license. The club will also encourage its members to register and participate in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service so as to be most useful to the community in the event of an emergency. The club welcomes people of all levels of interest, experience and ability in the amateur radio service.
Section 2: The purposes of PCAN also includes all other lawful purposes associated with or related to that general purpose, to the extent such activity is limited so that the club qualifies as a non-profit organization.
ARTICLE III: CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Membership shall be open to any individual who shares in the common purpose of PCAN. Membership shall be granted without discrimination upon basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, and physical or mental handicap.
Section 2: There shall be three types of membership:
Regular Member: A regular member holds a valid FCC Amateur Radio license, pays dues and has full voting rights.
Junior Member: A junior member is 16 years of age or under, holds a valid FCC Amateur Radio license, is not required to pay dues and has full voting rights.
Supporting Member: A supporting member is not required to have an FCC Amateur Radio license and has no voting rights. A supporting member is an individual or entity who wishes to support the club in any contributory way.
Section 3: Members must display ethical conduct and good amateur practice at all times.
Section 4: An application must be completed by any person wishing to become a member of the club. Membership shall be obtained upon a majority vote of the members present at the first regular meeting following a 30 day waiting period.
Section 4: Each regular member shall be required to pay annual dues which shall expire on December 31 of the year following payment. Dues are non-refundable. Dues are subject to change upon recommendation of the Treasurer and voted on by the membership.

Section 5: PCAN events, meetings and activities may generally be limited to club members and guests.
ARTICLE IV: CLUB OFFICERS
Section 1: A maximum three officers shall comprise the club Executive Board. Terms of office and qualification requirements are set forth in Article VII. The number of officers is subject to change as necessary due to club growth and interest.
Section 2: The officers include:

a) President – official contact person and representative for the club; presides over meetings; issues call for special meetings when necessary; and has such other powers and duties as may be approved by the members.
b) Treasurer – collects club member’s dues, pays club debts and club expenditures as approved by the members, responsible for club bank account, keeps accounting records, and provides financial report to the members upon request.
c) Secretary – assists with club correspondence, records, and filings; takes meeting minutes.


Section 3: The officers may have additional powers and duties as may arise from time to time and as approved by the members.

Section 4: The President can appoint committees and committee chairman as needed for club business or activities.

Section 5: Any officer may delegate a portion (but not all) of his or her duties and responsibilities to club committees or other members in order to assist in the process of operating the club.

Section 6: The Executive Officers have the power to use club funds in a discretionary manner. All club expenditures are subject to the approval of the members.

ARTICLE V: INCOME AND FISCAL YEAR
Section 1: No part of the net income or net assets of the club shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its officers, members or other persons. However, the club is authorized to pay reasonable compensation or reimbursement for services actually rendered and to make payment and distributions in furtherance of its non-profit purposes.

Section 2: PCAN shall operate on a fiscal year basis, such fiscal year commencing on January 1 and ending on December 31 of the next calendar year.

ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS
Section 1: Executive Officer Meetings
a) Executive Officer meetings should be held at least bi-annually and may be combined with general membership meetings. Dates, times and locations shall be determined by the officers.
b) There must be a majority of officers present to have a quorum.
c) All Executive officers’ meetings are open to the membership and shall be announced on the club webpage at least 10 days prior to the meeting.

Section 2: General Membership Meetings
a) General membership meetings should be held at least monthly and may be combined with Executive officer meetings or club events.
b) Dates, times and locations of general membership meetings are to be published on the club webpage at least ten days in advance.

Section 3: Special Meetings
a) Special meetings may be called by the President or 51% of the majority of current club members who petition the membership in writing.
b) Notice of such meetings shall be delivered to each member and posted on the club website not less than two days prior to the meeting.
ARTICLE VII: ELECTIONS
Section 1: Elections for officer positions shall be conducted with the following procedures and subject to the qualifications set forth below:
a) President:
1) Not withstanding the initial formation of the club, to be considered as a candidate for president, the individual must have been an active club member for the previous year and have actively served either as a member, on a club committee or already held an officer’s position. Potential candidates must express their interest in being considered for the position by November 1 of an election year for president. If fewer than two candidates exist, the membership may waive the qualifications set forth herein at their discretion or may choose to nominate one candidate. If no candidates exist, the officers shall actively recruit members who may be considered for the position and modify the requirements herein as necessary.

2) Approved candidate for president should submit a statement of qualifications, intentions and goals to the current secretary by November 15, and the current president shall circulate the statement to the Executive officers as well as post the statement on the club website for members to view. If more than one candidate exists, a member meeting shall be held by December 31 at which elections shall be held. Members may also vote by proxy by submitting their vote in writing to the existing secretary prior to the election. Elections shall be determined by a simple majority vote. If only one candidate exists, no election is necessary, and the candidate may be appointed to the position by a majority vote of the members.

3) The president’s term is for one full calendar year, commencing on January 1 of each year. A president may not serve more than two consecutive terms unless there is an absence of a qualified candidate as described above to fill the position and the membership approves by majority vote an additional consecutive term. A former president may seek the position after sitting out a term. If the president resigns from office, the members may approve by majority vote a temporary president for the remainder of the term.

b) Other Officers:
1) Candidates for any officer position, other than president, must have been active members of the club for at least the previous year and should be able to attend a majority of meetings and club events. Potential candidates must express their interest in being considered for an officer position by November 1. If fewer than two qualified candidates exist, the membership by majority vote may waive the qualifications set forth herein at their discretion or may choose to nominate one candidate. If no candidates exist, the members should actively recruit other members who may be considered for the position and modify the requirements herein as necessary or may eliminate the position.

2) A statement of interest by the candidates may be posted on the club website for members to view. If more than one candidate exists for a officer position, a member meeting shall be held by December 31 at which elections shall be held. Members may also vote by proxy by submitting their vote in writing to the existing President prior to the election. Elections shall be determined by a simple majority vote. If only one candidate exists, no election is necessary, and the candidate may be appointed to the position bya majority vote of the members.

3) The term of office for all officers, is from January 1 until December 31 of the calendar year. These officers may be re-elected without limitation on the number of terms served and may serve consecutive terms.

Section 2: Officers may be removed, with or without cause, by a majority vote of the members. Such a vote is subject to 30 day advance notice in writing to the whole membership. Officers may also resign.
Section 3: A vacancy in any office, that is created, may be filled by an appointment and approval by majority vote of the members for the unexpired portion of the term.
ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS
The bylaws may be amended or repealed, and new bylaws may be adopted. Proposed amendments will be recommended by the Executive officers and shall be posted on the club website ten days prior to the next club meeting at which time they shall be adopted by a simple majority vote of the members present at the meeting. After a thirty day waiting period has passed, adopted amendments shall be approved at the next meeting and shall pass upon a simple vote of a majority of the members present.
ARTICLE IX: NON-PROFIT DESIGNATION
Section 1: The Pointe Coupee Amateur Network is a nonprofit organization. No part of the income or profit of PCAN is distributable to its members, directors, or officers.
Section 2: At such time that the club’s taxable assets has reached a value of $500 the Treasurer shall apply for 501(c)(7) tax-exempt status.

Section 3: The following are attributes of a 501(c)(7) organization:
(a) “Corporation not for profit” means a corporation no part of the income or profit of which is distributable to its members, director, or officers.
(b) No organizational requirement
(c) No requirement to dedicate assets
(d) Social activity must be primary; other activities must be less than primary.
(e) No limit on legislative activity as long as it furthers the exempt purpose.
(f) Political activity permitted, but taxed.
(g) Serves the social and recreation purposes of members.
(h) Donations not deductible as charitable contributions.
(i) Not eligible for lowest bulk mail rates.
(j) Exempt from Federal income tax on income derived from members; other income taxed.

Section 4: In the event of dissolution of the Pointe Coupee Amateur Network, the net assets of the club shall not inure to the benefit of any individual but shall, after all creditors have been paid, be distributed to one or more organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, or other purposes as shall at the time qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as determined by the members.
ARTICLE X: MISCELLANEOUS
Section 1: This Constitution and Bylaws shall comply with all applicable state and federal regulations.
Section 2: This Constitution and Bylaws will take effect __________________, and shall take precedence over any and all previous Constitution and Bylaws of the club. All former Constitution and Bylaws are hereby repealed.

Welcome

Welcome to the Pointe Coupee Amateur Net (PCAN). This blog site will help serve to pass information to members and those interested in the Pointe Coupee Amateur Net. PCAN is a non profit club made up of those that have interest in the Amateur Radio Service in the Pointe Coupee Parish Louisiana area. Please check in often for updates and information.