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CONSTITUTION
We, a group of individuals united by a
common bond of mutual interest, do hereby establish a non-profit
association of plastic modelers and modelers with the purpose and
objective set forth herein.
ARTICLE ONE
The name of this group is established as
the INTERNATIONAL PLASTIC MODELERS' SOCIETY - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
BRANCH; affiliated by common interest with member groups established in
other nations in accordance with the principles of the founding
organization of the International Plastic Modelers Society located in
the United Kingdom.
ARTICLE TWO
The purposes of this organization are:
A. To cultivate interest in the
hobby of modeling in plastics, particularly through use of commercially
manufactured plastic model kits, and to provide information, data, and
other assistance to such members to continually raise the standards and
techniques of their work.
B. To ensure timely exchange of modeling information while
guarding against the compromise of commercial planning and to ensure
that the modelers' correspondence or discussion is not directed into
areas of national security.
C. To provide for the members' interests by keeping them informed
through the Society's publications of new products and services. Members
will also be warned of unscrupulous practices within the industry, by
private individuals, or by fellow members.
ARTICLE THREE
The objectives of this organization are:
A. To publish at regularly established intervals a magazine of
interest to
the majority of the membership on plastic modeling and related subjects,
including current information pertaining to the hobby and associated
industries.
B. To establish, maintain, and provide an information service for
the benefit of the membership.
C. To encourage interest in plastic modeling and assist
interested organizations and groups.
D. To establish and maintain liaison with manufacturers of
products associated with the modeling hobby where possible.
E. To establish and maintain liaison with foreign IPMS branches.
ARTICLE FOUR
If, for any reason the society should be
dismantled or dissolved, all assets and monies shall be given to the Air
and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC.
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE 1 - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Application for
Membership
A. Any
individual, regardless of race, color or creed, or national origin,
expressing a desire to become a member of IPMS/USA may, by filing an
official application form, be considered for membership by the
Membership Secretary, the President, and/or the Executive Board.
B. The Executive Board will have the ultimate responsibility
and decision for acceptance or rejection of any application.
C. Any applicant accepted for membership agrees to abide by the
terms and conditions of the Constitution and By-Laws of IPMS/USA and
regulations and directives promulgated by the Executive Board.
Section 2. Dismissal of
Members
A. A member
may be dropped from the rolls of the Society by the Executive Board
for reasons felt to be detrimental to the National Society. These
members will have returned to them any subscription monies due them
and will be notified by the President of the action taken.
B. Ex-members so dismissed may reapply for membership six
months after dismissal and will be subject to re-evaluation by the
Executive Board. Notification of the decision will be given to the
applicant as soon as possible.
Section 3. Classes
of Membership
A. LIFE
MEMBERSHIP. This may be granted only by the duly elected National
Executive Board to a member having, to an outstanding degree,
contributed to the success of IPMS/USA. This honor may not be
rescinded by other elected officers at a later date. Life memberships
may not be granted to a current Executive Board member.
B. MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING. Any person who joins and maintains
his dues and abides by the IPMS/USA Constitution and By-Laws.
C. SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP. To be granted to all National Officers
during their national terms of office and for five years following
their terms of office. Regional Coordinators and National Publications
Editors will be given a special membership during their period of
service to IPMS/USA.
D. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP. Shall be afforded any individual or
organization which can and will provide material benefit to the
membership. This privilege may be granted only by the Executive Board
and will be reviewed annually.
E. FAMILY ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP is available to any member of
the immediate family of any member in good standing of IPMS/USA.
Family Associate membership is on an annual basis at the dues set by
the Executive Board. Family Associate members are non-voting, cannot
hold National Office nor serve on Committees, and do not receive
separate publications. They can attend any IPMS meeting or
function/contest and enjoy all other privileges of membership.
Section 4.
Privileges of Membership
A. Life
Members, Members in Good Standing, and Special Members shall be
privileged to vote, hold national office, serve on committees, attend
any meetings, receive all national IPMS/USA publications, and enjoy
all other privileges of membership.
B. Foreign nationals may be members of IPMS/USA but may not
hold National office, nor have voting rights.
ARTICLE 2 - OFFICERS
Section 1.
The officers of the
Society shall be the following: President, First Vice President,
Second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary,
Historian/Publications Director, Director of Local Chapters, and
Director of Foreign Liaison.
Section 2.
Members may be
appointed by the Executive Board to a specific titled position to
facilitate the functioning and control of IPMS/USA. These appointees
will not have a vote within the Executive Board unless so directed by
the President under special conditions.
Section 3.
Special Provisions.
If a national officer must for any reason relinquish his position
during his term, the Executive Board may select a replacement to that
office for the balance of the term, with said replacement having
duties, voting rights, and other privileges of the office.
Section 4.
All officers in
appointed positions must be paid up members in good standing or life
members.
ARTICLE 3 - DUTIES OF
OFFICERS
Section 1. President
A. The
President shall preside at all meetings of the Executive Board and
National meetings and conventions.
B. All national policy decisions will ultimately be made by the
President after due liaison with the National Executive Board and the
National Officer directly responsible for that area.
C. All international policy decisions with foreign branches
will be made by the President after due liaison with the Director of
Foreign Liaison.
Section 2. First
Vice President
A. The First
Vice President shall preside in the absence of the President.
B. The First Vice President shall be in continuous liaison with
the President and be prepared to assume the presidency on immediate
notice.
C. The First Vice President will act as liaison control officer
with the manufacturers of model kits and associated products and
services.
Section 3. Second
Vice President
A. The Second
Vice President will direct the information service and other similar
services.
B. The Second Vice President shall act as liaison and be
responsible for the coordination and communications between the
Executive Board and the Convention Chairman for the National
Convention.
C. The Second Vice President shall preside in the absence of
the President and the First Vice President.
Section 4. Secretary
A. The
Secretary shall keep the minutes of all official meetings.
B. The Secretary shall assist the President at national
meetings and conventions.
C. The Secretary will function as Corresponding Secretary when
necessary.
D. The Secretary will assist all National Officers with
correspondence when necessary.
Section 5. Treasurer
A. The
position of Treasurer shall not be an elective position but will be
appointed by the Executive Board.
B. The Treasurer shall collect all monies and make all
disbursements keeping detailed accounts of all monies received and
expended by the Society.
C. The Treasurer will make a yearly financial report that will
be published in an IPMS publication. He will prepare and file
necessary financial forms including an income tax return with
appropriate governmental agencies for the Society.
D. The Treasurer will keep the President currently aware of the
IPMS/USA financial status.
E. The treasurer shall be bonded for the National Society.
F. The Treasurer shall have a working knowledge of accepted
accounting practices acquired by training and/or experience.
Section 6. Membership
Secretary
A. The
Membership Secretary shall be appointed by the Executive Board.
B. The Membership Secretary shall serve as registrar and be
responsible for the national membership roster, maintaining a file of
current members, giving names, addresses, and a status of each.
C. The Membership Secretary will at no time release the
membership files of the Society to any individual Society member or to
any individual organization or manufacturer without express written
permission from the President.
Section 7.
Historian/Publications Director
A. The
Historian/Publications Director shall have direct responsibility for
all Society publications.
B. The Historian/Publications Director shall be responsible for
publicity in commercial publications.
C. The Historian/Publications Director shall appoint the
Editors with the Executive Board approval as required.
D. The Historian/Publications Director shall have control over
commercial advertisements within the IPMS/USA publications with
Executive Board approval.
E. The Historian/Publications Director will be responsible for
securing copyrights in the name of IPMS/USA from the proper
authorities for all National Society Publications.
Section 8. Director
of Local Chapters
A. The
Director will supply material for IPMS publications relating to the
activities of Local Chapters and groups to the Editor for inclusion in
the Update. This will be done on a regular basis subject to the
Historian/Publications Director's direction.
B. The Director will supply the Historian/Publications Director
with a complete up-to date list of all chartered IPMS/USA Chapters and
local groups along with the names and addresses of said groups. This
will be done on an annual basis and will be published no less than
once a year in an IPMS publication for the benefit of the membership.
C. The Director shall assist in the formation and perpetuation
of chartered IPMS/USA Chapters.
D. The Director shall supply, upon request of an IPMS member,
the name and address of IPMS/USA Chapters and/or groups functioning in
his area.
E. The Director will appoint the Regional Coordinators with
Executive Board approval.
Section 9. Director
of Foreign Liaison
A. The
position of Director of Foreign Liaison shall be appointed by the
Executive Board.
B. The Director of Foreign Liaison will be responsible for all
correspondence with Foreign Branches.
C. The Director will supply the Executive Board and the
appropriate publication with periodic reports.
Section 10. Terms of Officers
A. All elected
officers shall be elected every two years. The President of IPMS/USA
will be limited to two consecutive, two- year terms of office.
B. A past President may run for the office of President at a
later date, being granted no special privileges other than those
granted by the By-Laws at that time.
C. In the event of the First or Second Vice President having
replaced the President, the succession rule ("A" above) shall not
apply.
D. In the event the First or Second Vice President cannot
perform the duties because of health, business, or personal reasons,
the Executive Board will appoint a President for the remainder of the
unexpired term.
Section 11.
Executive Board Decisions
A. The
Executive Board shall be made up of the following officers: President,
First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer,
Membership Secretary, Historian-Publications Director, Director of
Local Chapters, and Director of Foreign Liaison.
B. Two-thirds of the Executive Board will constitute a quorum.
C. Each member of the Executive Board shall have one vote and
in the event of a tie vote, the President will then cast the deciding
vote.
D. A member of the Executive Board may be removed by a vote of
two thirds of the Executive Board, for reasons felt to be detrimental
to the function or operations of the Executive Board or Society.
E. No more than one member of any family can serve on the
Executive Board at the same time.
ARTICLE 4 -
DUTIES OF APPOINTED OFFICIALS
(Special Appointments)
Section 1. Editors
A. The editors
will be directly responsible to the Historian/Publications Director.
B. The Editors will produce the national periodicals, be
directly responsible for content, coordinating all steps necessary to
provide the membership with the periodicals on a scheduled basis.
C. The Editors may resign upon 90 days written notice to the
Executive Board and must have one IPMS publication prepared in
advance.
Section 2: Other
Titled Positions
By directive of the
President and with approval of the Executive Board, any positions
found necessary to the functioning, control, and maintenance of
IPMS/USA may be instituted. These positions will be under the direct
control of the President or other officer for the time required.
Section 3.
Committees
A. A
Constitutional Review Board (CRB) shall exist to review all proposed
amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws. Members of the CRB shall
be past IPMS/USA Presidents and other National Officers who have
served two or more terms on the Executive Board. Current members of
the Executive Board may not serve on the CRB.
1) The most
recent retiring President shall replace the farthest removed
President or Officer on the CRB. (Example: the 1978-80 President
would replace the 1966-68 President.)
2) A minimum of five and a maximum of seven persons shall
serve on the CRB at any one time.
3) Should any member of the CRB not be able to perform these
duties, the CRB shall appoint a replacement to serve (who meets the
above qualifications) until the next available President or
Executive Board member becomes eligible to serve on the CRB.
B. Committees
for other specific tasks as required shall be selected and terminated
by the President and the Executive Board.
ARTICLE 5- MEETINGS
Section 1. General Meetings
The general meeting
of the Society is the National Convention. Routine business of the
Society shall be conducted through the Society's publications or
mailing to the membership between National Conventions.
Section 2. Special Meetings
Special meetings of
the Society or the Executive Board may be called by the President at
his discretion. These meetings must be of sufficient urgency to
preclude using normal channels to conduct the required business.
Section 3. National Conventions
A. Conventions
will be held every year during the month of July or August.
B. Chartered Chapters desiring to host the National Convention
may make their presentations to the Executive Board by representative
or by written application at an open meeting to be held each National
Convention.
C. The Executive Board in closed session will choose the future
convention site. If at all possible, that selection will be announced
at the convention.
D. Convention Regions will be created by the Executive Board,
incorporating IPMS regions in a geographic way. The annual convention
will rotate amongst these Convention Regions with no Convention Region
having the convention twice in succession, if at all possible. If no
chapter bids from the appropriate Convention Region, the bidding will
be opened up to all chapters, regardless of Convention Region.
E. Conventions will be open to members and guests except
business meetings, which will be limited to members only.
F. A National Model Contest will be conducted by the Host
Chapter at each Convention with appropriate judges and trophies
provided.
G. The National Convention and Contest shall be conducted under
strict compliance with the National Parameters and Contest Rules and
Categories provided to the Convention Committee by the National
Executive Board.
H. The National IPMS/USA George Lee Judges' Grand Award (Best
in Show) will be awarded at each National Contest.
I. The National Convention Host Chapter shall provide the most
economical round trip air fare for the National President of IPMS/USA
or the official designated to represent him at the National
Convention.
J. The National Convention Chairman will supply quarterly
reports to the Second Vice President informing him of current progress
of the National Parameters.
ARTICLE 6 - FISCAL
Section 1. Dues
Dues for all types of
membership shall be set by the Executive Board. At no time will this
issue be subject to vote by the entire membership. The dues shall be
adequate to provide services and benefits to each member as stated in
the Constitution and By-Laws and sufficient to operate the Society
throughout the fiscal year. The dues shall be no more than necessary
to maintain the non-profit status. Notification of a dues change will
be made to the membership by mail as soon as possible.
Section 2. Operating Costs
All costs incurred in
the operation of IPMS/ USA shall be paid by check which shall be
signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the President. The First
Vice President shall be listed as an alternate for the co-signing of
checks in the event of an emergency or succession as outlined in
Article 3, Section 2-B.
A. Expenses, Normal. Officers will be reimbursed for normal
operating expenses and postal costs subject to the approval by the
President and the Treasurer.
B. Expenses, Special. Special expenses will be considered and
decided upon by the President and Treasurer with the majority approval
of the Executive Board.
Section 3. National
Convention Account
A. A National
Convention Account shall be established and continuously maintained in
accordance with Article 6, Section 2.
B. The purpose of the National Convention Account shall be to
collect and disburse monies for The National Convention and its
contest in accordance with the procedures, guidelines, and limitations
of the National Parameters.
C. The National Convention Account shall be maintained by a
minimum amount of one hundred dollars ($100) or the minimum required
by the banking institution for an account, whichever is greater.
D. All monies received for the National Convention Account
shall remain in this account until an operating budget of between five
and eight percent of the National Treasury is obtained. Any monies
remaining in the National Convention Account after paying all of the
then current year's convention expenses above the operating budget
shall be deposited in the IPMS/USA general treasury. Said deposits
shall occur not later than November 1, following the convention.
ARTICLE 7 - AMENDMENTS
The Constitution and
By-Laws shall be amended by a vote of the membership. Notification of a
proposed amendment may be made in any IPMS/USA oriented publication
mailed to the membership.
ARTICLE 8 - PROCEDURE
All meetings shall be
conducted by parliamentary law, with "Roberts' Rules of Order, Revised"
being the authority.
ARTICLE 9 - GIFTS,
DONATIONS, AND PROJECT SUPPORT
A. Any decisions
regarding special monetary problems will be decided upon by the
Executive Board.
B. No Society financial support will be given to private projects
or ventures.
C. No projects will be undertaken for profit by the Society
except by recommendation of the Treasurer.
D. IPMS/USA may accept gifts, collections of built or unbuilt
models, supplies, reference libraries or other types of collections.
Such gifts will be offered for sale to the membership and the monies
derived there from will be placed in the National Treasury. Such
procedure will prevail until such time as there is a permanent
headquarters.
ARTICLE 10 - REGIONS AND
REGIONAL COORDINATORS
A. The
territorial United States will be divided into areas to be considered
Regions with Chartered Chapters therein.
B. The Chartered Chapters within a region will nominate Regional
Coordinator candidates and notify the Director of Local Chapters
(Article 3, Section 8-C).
C. The Coordinator will act as liaison between his region and the
National Executive Board acting in conjunction with the Director of
Local Chapters.
ARTICLE 11 - CHARTERED
CHAPTERS
A. Any group of
five or more IPMS/USA members may apply for a Chapter Charter from the
Director of Local Chapters.
B. Chapter Charters may be granted to areas, not individuals, and
will be as allowed by the Director of Local Chapters with the approval
of the Executive Board. Chapter names will be approved by the Director
of Local Chapters.
C. Chapters and their members will conform to the National
Constitution and By-Laws and to the Chapter Charter.
D. Each chapter will renew their charter annually at a fee to be
determined by the IPMS/USA Executive Board. Said fee will be announced
and published in the Journal prior to the start of the renewal year. The
fee will be placed in IPMS/USA’s general fund to be used at the
discretion of the Executive Board.
E. No group may function as an official IPMS/USA Chapter without
an official charter, nor may there be any official group affiliation
with IPMS/USA except by virtue of a charter granted by IPMS/USA.
F. Failure to comply with any of the above may result in the
Chapter Charter being revoked by the Executive Board.
ARTICLE 12 - ELECTIONS
(NATIONAL)
A. Elections
will be held every two years by written ballot.
B. Each member will receive the ballot with sufficient time to
return the ballot for counting.
C. An impartial judge shall be appointed by the Executive Board
to count all votes and report the results. The ballots shall be kept for
two years and will be available at the next IPMS/USA National Convention
for inspection by interested members of the Society.
D. Candidates for the position of President must present to the
Executive Board a list of twenty-five endorsements of current IPMS
members using the Official IPMS/USA Election Format specified by the
Executive Board. The deadline for applying will be announced.
E. Candidates for other elective positions must present the
Executive Board with a list of fifteen endorsements of current IPMS
members using the Official IPMS/USA Election Format specified by the
Executive Board. The deadline for applying will be announced.
F. Each candidate will be given one fourth of a page within an
IPMS publication for a summary of his qualifications for the office he
desires. These will be printed prior to the election so all members may
become acquainted with each candidate. The added cost of printing will
be born by the Society.
IPMS/USA CONSTITUTION AND
BY-LAWS AMENDMENT PROCEDURE
1. Any current
member in good standing of the Society may submit an
amendment proposal using the Official IPMS/USA Amendment Form which may
be
obtained from the Executive Board.
2. The completed form must be returned to the Society's official
address
postmarked between July l and December 31 of each membership year.
3. It shall be the responsibility of the CRB to examine all
Amendment
proposals and to present to the Executive Board and the membership their
opinion as to the workability of all proposals, or a clarification of an
existing article that would make a proposed amendment unnecessary.
4. An amendment ballot will be included in an IPMS publication
between
March 1 and June 1, and be available at the National Convention with the
proposed amendments in the order of the Articles with which they deal.
All
ballots shall be mailed to the official address of the Society with a
postmark prior to September 1 of that year to be counted. A voter
response
of 15 percent will be required to validate an amendment election. The
number will be determined by the count of the membership mailing.
Example:
A mailing of 2,000 will require a minimum of 300 ballots returned.
5. The Executive Board will appoint an impartial judge to count
all votes
and report the results. These ballots will be kept for two years and
will
be available for inspection by interested members of the Society at the
next National Convention. The results of the balloting shall be
announced
at the Convention and in the next available IPMS publication. The
publication shall contain the ballot results and the Constitution in its
current form incorporating those amendments passed.
6. The Constitution in its current complete form shall be printed
once per
membership year in an IPMS/USA publication.
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