Constitution of the Westminster Astronomical Society

Name Of Organization:
The name of the organization is the Westminster Astronomical Society (WAS) of Maryland.

Purpose:
The purpose of the society is to engage its members in the study of astronomy. The knowledge and skills of the WAS shall also be directed at promoting the public's astronomical awareness. The society is a primary source of astronomical information in the community.

Annual Business Meeting:
The January Meeting date shall be used for the annual society business meeting. At this time any pending business from the previous year requiring a vote by the members will completed. Election of officers shall also be conducted at this meeting.

Majority Vote:
Decisions made by the society as a whole shall be conducted at the annual business meeting, or during regular monthly meetings if necessary, when is a quorum of the members are present.

Treasury:
A treasury shall be used for payment of debts and receipt of funds. Any proceeds held by organization after payment of debts, shall be invested in club equipment and property. No income received by the society shall be distributed among any of its members.

Debts:
The society shall not financially extend itself beyond the current balance of the treasury unless two thirds of a quorum direct it to be done. Personal property of members shall not be liable for debts incurred by the society.

Dissolution of Funds:
In the event that the organization should dissolve, all organization assets, including cash and property owned by the organization, shall be donated to one or more non-profit astronomical organization, as determined by a quorum decision.

The Executive Committee:
Club business shall be directed by the Executive Committee. Meetings shall he held when necessary at the request of the President. The committee may use treasury funds for any valid purpose pertaining to the WAS.

Nomination and Election of Officers:
Elected offices shall be held by members in good standing. Nominations are prepared by the Executive Committee and published in the November and December newsletter. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor at the January meeting. Offices shall be by a show of hands or secret ballot vote at the annual business meeting. The term of each office is February 1 through January 31. No member shall hold more than one elected office concurrently.
Should an office be vacated, the President shall appoint an individual to fulfill the remaining term. If the office of President is vacated, the Vice-President shall assume the duties of the President.

Duties of Elected Officers:

President: The President organizes and conducts all club activities including the monthly meetings. Motions may not be proposed or seconded by the President. The President may call meeting of the Executive Committee and make appointments to non-elected and vacated offices. The President represents the society at regional or national conferences when in attendance. The President shall not serve more than two consecutive terms.

Vice-President: The Vice-President fills in for the President during the President's absence. In addition the Vice-President is in-charge of public relations. This includes informing the news media of meeting, events and phenomena of interest to the public.

Secretary: The Secretary is in charge of corresponding with potential members as well as other organizations, and records and files the minutes of each meeting.

Treasurer: The Treasurer is responsible for funds in the treasury and the society's finances. The Treasurer shall collect dues and pays bills from the treasury. A written treasury report shall be prepared at the request of any member of the Executive Committee. Any member may request an oral treasury summary. The Treasurer shall prepare an annual written treasury summary for inclusion in the February Newsletter.

~~Director-at-Large:~~ Second Vice-President: The Second Vice-President is responsible for the internal programming related to the club events and awards.~~Executive Committee member in good standing.~~

Duties of Appointed Officers:

Non-elected offices shall be appointed by the President. In addition the President may appoint supervisors for special temporary projects (e.g. Astronomy Day) as needed during the year. All members shall be eligible for the following

ALCOR:
     The Astronomical League Correspondent (ALCOR) is a primary interface between the WAS and the Astronomical League (A.L.). The ALCOR maintains the A.L. membership list, and keeps the organization informed of A.L. activities.

Editor:
     The Editor is in charge of preparing the newsletter in time for the scheduled meetings. The Editor also maintains the society membership list.

Program Chairman:
      The Program Chairman is responsible for securing programs and facilities for the monthly meetings.

Observing Chairman:
     The Observing Chairman is responsible for organizing monthly star parties. this includes securing facilities and selecting dates.

Dues:
Changes in dues rates shall be proposed by the Executive Committee, announced by the Committee in the newsletter, and will be approved by a majority vote of members present at the following meeting.

Benefits to Members:
The individual yearly membership period begins when dues are initially received by each member. The four classes of membership in the society are; Family, Regular, Honorary and Lifetime. All classes receive the monthly newsletter. Regular members shall have one vote in election. Family memberships shall have two votes, when two or more family members are present. Lifetime members have full voting privileges as a Regular member. Individuals outside the organization, who have provided outstanding service or support, shall be nominated for honorary membership at the yearly business meeting. Those so nominated shall become an honorary member of the WAS for a period of one year, if elected by a majority vote.

All paid members may actively participate in club activities and submit articles for publication n the newsletter free of charge by members.

Membership is open to all who have an interest in astronomy.

Astronomical League

All regular, family, and lifteime members shall automatically become member of the A.L., a federation of amateur astronomical organization nationwide. A.L. members receive the League's quarterly newsletter, the Reflector, may take advantage of services provided by, and enjoy all benefits if being a member of the League.

Founded in 1984, Incorporated 2003 & amended 2004

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