BY-LAWS
YL INTERNATIONAL SINGLE SIDEBAND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Adopted June 9, 2005
Amended February 15, 2008
Amended February 15, 2011
Amended February 15, 2013
Article I…NAME AND ADDRESS
Section 1. This organization shall be known as YL International Single Sideband Communication System or YLISSB.
Section 2. The organizational address shall be that of the current treasurer.Section 3. The period of duration of the YLISSB shall be perpetual.
Article II…PURPOSES
Section 1. The purposes of this non-profit, non-affiliated Amateur Radio Fraternity shall be:
(a) to support and promote our Credo and Motto purposes.
(b) In order to promoted friendship and understanding, the members make contact with each other for use in obtaining System awards.
(c) Our Credo: We believe in the dignity of man.
(d) Our Motto: Dedicated to the building of better understanding and friendship among all the people of the earth through Amateur Radio communications.
Article III…GOVERNMENT
Section 1. The general policies and management of YLISSB shall be vested in a Board of Directors which shall consist of nine (9) Officers that act as the governing body. The Board of Directors includes a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Immediate Past President and three (3) Directors. A YL shall hold the offices of President and Vice President, and at least 2 other members of the Board of Directors shall be YL’s.
(a). All officers shall be elected by the membership using a ballot published in the official publication of the organization, the VOICE. Newly elected officers will be installed in their respective offices at the Annual Convention following their election.
(b). The term of office for the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer shall be two (2) years or until their successors are elected. The term of office for the three (3) directors shall be three (3) years or until their successors are elected, with one director being elected every year. All elected officers may not hold their offices for more than two consecutive terms.
(c) Elected Government body members shall accept their positions with the understanding that for other than significant circumstances, they are expected to attend the Annual Convention.
(d). All officer’s of the YLISSB shall hold a FCC General Class license or higher, or the foreign equivalent, and shall have current and active e-mail capability.
(e). The President selects members to serve on various committees, with concurrence of the Board of Directors. The president serves as an ex officio member of all committees, with the exception of the nominating committee.
(f). The Board of Directors shall establish an Emeritus Council. To be selected to this Council is one of the highest honors that the YLISSB can bestow upon a member. Members who have served a minimum of 5 years on the Board of Directors will be eligible to become a member of the Emeritus Council upon their retirement from the Board of Directors, if they so desire. Other members may be nominated and voted on by the membership. Members of the Emeritus Council will be non-voting members of the Board of Directors, and every effort shall be made through e-mail to get their input on issues before the Board. The election to the Emeritus Council is for the lifetime of the member so elected.
Section 2. The voice of the membership shall be heard. Any member may at any time make recommendations to any of the Board of Directors members. All such recommendations shall be acted upon by the Board of Directors, using e-mail or other means. Final determination of any issue brought before the Board will be a simple majority vote of the nine (9) Board members.
Section 3. In the event of a vacancy in the Board of Directors, the vacancy shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Board members, until the following election, at which time the Membership shall fill the position by vote. If there is a vacancy in the office of President, the Vice President will become the President, and the office of Vice President shall be filled as outlined above.
Section 4. In the event that the YLISSB is disbanded, the assets of the organization will be distributed to the Scholarship fund of the ARRL.
Section 5. Officers can be removed from office with or without cause by a two-thirds vote at the Annual Meeting where previous notice of such proposed action has been given. If the Board of Directors determines that the representation by a Board Member has become so obstructive that the Board is limited in effective and timely completion of assigned duties, the Board member may be removed by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IV…DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1. President: The chief administrative duty of the President is to represent the organization.
The President signs all legal documents, with the exception of convention contracts; supervises the2
activities of the organization; represents, or speaks for, the organization; and presides at all meetings. The President shall make periodic reports to the membership.
Section 2. Vice President: The Vice President shall serve in the President’s absence, and performsuch other functions as may be assigned by the President.
Section 3. Secretary: The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping the minutes, maintaining the official documents of the organization, including the bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation, writing official correspondence, and working with the other officers. In cases where the President and Vice- President are unable to preside at the Annual Meeting, the Secretary shall preside.
Section 4. Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for collecting dues, and paying bills. The Treasurer shall make monthly financial reports to the Board of Directors, prepare a financial statement for the membership to be presented at the Annual Meeting, and prepare a list of paid-up members for use at the Annual Meeting. The Treasurer shall assist the President in preparing a budget that shall be reviewed by the Board of Directors prior to the Annual Meeting. The Assistant Treasurer shall assist the Treasurer in the completion of all assigned duties.
Section 5. Immediate Past President: The Immediate Past President shall provide sage advice and counsel to the Board of Directors on all issues before the Board, especially on issues acted upon during her previous term as President.
Section 6. Other Duties: The officers shall perform the duties assigned to them in the bylaws or other acts of the YLISSB, and other such duties applicable to the office as prescribed by the parliamentary authority adopted by the YLISSB.
Section 7. Indemnity Clause: The Board of Directors and any officer or agent appointed by the Board of Directors shall not incur a personal liability for any act or damage to the YLISSB, unless intentional misconduct or gross negligence is proven.
ARTICLE V…ANNUAL MEETING
Section 1. The annual business meeting will be conducted at the organization’s annual convention. It will be coordinated, announced, and an agenda disseminated to the membership at least 30 days prior to such an event.
(a). This agenda shall be posted on the organization’s web site under the “Announcements” category,and will also be included in the newsletter.
(b). A nominating committee shall be elected at each Annual meeting to select nominees for any vacant position or position that may be up for election. The nominating committee must report their slate of officers to the Convention, where nominations from the floor will be solicited. If no Convention is held in a particular year, the nominating committee must report their slate of officers prior to September 1 to the Board of Directors and the Editor of the Voice.
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(c). The purpose of the annual meeting shall be to transact any and all business of the Organization, including but not limited to, the ratification of the acts of the Board of Directors undertaken since the last meeting of the members.
(d). For the purpose of approval or rejection votes, a quorum will be 50% plus 1 of the active members present and authorized to vote.
Section 2. Special meetings of the Members may be called for any purpose by:(a). A Majority of the Board of Directors
(b). A written request by at least 25 members in good standing. On-air meetings may be held at the discretion of the president.
ARTICLE VI… COMMITTEES
The following committees shall be appointed by the President, with concurrence of the Board of Directors. The following Committees shall consist of one or more active members: K4RHL Scholarship Fund; Awards Program Coordinator, and such other committees as are deemed necessary.
Section 1. K4RHL Scholarship Fund. There shall be a separate savings account set up for the K4RHL Scholarship Fund that is separate from the general fund of YLISSB. The fund manager shall be the Treasurer. A yearly report on the status of the fund must be prepared by the Treasurer for the Convention.
(a). Donations may be received for the Scholarship Fund in the memory of SK’s or loved ones, or forany other reason.
(b). Scholarships are issued on a yearly basis. Scholarships may be issued to any active YLISSB member or their immediate family studying in a college, vocational school or an accredited institute of learning. The Board of Directors and/or the Convention attendees shall determine the number and amount of the scholarships to be issued on a yearly basis.
(c). When a scholarship has been issued to a recipient, that recipient shall be ineligible to apply for any further scholarship, provided that he or she is able to utilize the scholarship money. If the recipient is unable to use the money, and returns the money to the scholarship fund, then that person will be eligible to reapply in a following year. Anyone that applied for a scholarship, but was not awarded one, is eligible to reapply in following years.
(d). The final decision on the scholarship recipient shall be by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Awards Program Coordinator. The Awards Coordinator shall have oversight over all the awards, including the Top Flight Operator Award, the Rigel Plaque and the Founder’s Award.
(a). It shall be the duty of the Awards Coordinator to communicate with the various Awards Mangers, and to have oversight over any new awards that may be proposed. The Board of Directors shall have the final decision as to any new awards.
(b). The Awards Coordinator shall ask for nominations for the Rigel Plaque and the Founder’s Award.Final decision as to the recipient of those awards rests with the Board of Directors.
(c). The Awards Coordinator will do his or her best to insure that a report from all Award’s Managersis received by the Treasurer prior to May 15th of each year.
Article VII…WORLD WIDE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS
Section 1. There are established world-wide YLISSB Communications Systems to facilitate the fulfillment of programs set forth in Article I.
(a). Communications channels established, in support of the systems, shall include the following schedules: Each day, seven (7) days a week, the First Period shall begin at 1600 UTC (or at 1500 UTC during daylight savings time) on 14.332 MHz. It shall be the goal of System Control operators to maintain a presence on frequency as long as possible.
(b). Systems may be operated on other bands on standard frequencies as band openings permit.
Section 2. The SSB’ERS Communications Systems, operating daily, are dedicated to the building of better understanding and friendship among all the people. In full radio amateur spirit, YLISSB system controls shall accept requests for routine traffic from countries outside the United States where third party traffic is permitted. Emergency traffic shall be handled on System frequencies and take precedence over all else.
(a). The YLISSB membership is encouraged to make contacts with members or participants that can be used toward the YLISSB Awards Program.
(b). To this end, all participants are enjoined to fully cooperate by dispensing with needless repetition of calls once contact has been established, to restrict exchanges to that essential for QSL purposes and to expeditiously return the frequency to System control so others might have equal opportunity for new contacts. It is the direct responsibility of each participant to keep the communication moving rapidly and smoothly.
Section 3. The YLISSB annual QSO party will be held at some time during the first six (6) months of each year, dates to be announced in YLISSB VOICE newsletter and other amateur radio publications in advance.
(b). The primary frequencies for YLISSB purposes are: 14.332 MHz, and 21.373 MHz plus or minus 6 kHz. These frequencies are also designated YLISSB System frequencies for use as standard meeting places.. Other frequencies for designated operation are: For SSB – 28.673 MHz, 3.873 MHz, 7.273 MHz and 50.20 MHz. For CW – 14.080 MHz, 21.080 MHz, 7.045 MHz, 3.565 MHz and 28.280 MHz.
ARTICLE VIII…CONVENTIONS
YLISSB, in any year and at any national or international location may hold meets or conventions as may be arranged by the Board of Directors. The President may appoint a Convention Chairman , with the concurrence of the Board of Directors. Nothing in these bylaws shall preclude a Convention
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Chairman from chairing more than one convention. The Board of Directors shall make the final decision as to when and where a convention will be held. Whenever possible, conventions will be planned 2 years in advance. Bids to hold Conventions shall, whenever possible, be presented to the Board of Directors prior to the Annual Convention. Every effort shall be made to hold the convention the 3rd week in June. A Convention Chairman shall establish a Convention Account in a local bank, with the approval of the President.
Article VIX…MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to all Amateurs with a valid Amateur Radio license, upon application to theTreasurer with payment of current year’s dues.
(a). A US member may sponsor a DX station by following the above for that DX station who expresses a desire to become a member.
(b). License verification will be accomplished by the Amateur’s call sign being located on any of theworld wide data bases of the Internet. In the event that verification is not possible, the licensee may submit a copy of their operator and station license as is appropriate for that individual.
(c). Once accepted by the Treasurer and a membership number has been issued to the new member,that number remains that of the individual for life. A member’s name shall only be removed from themembership list in the case of: (1) The member’s death; (2) Written request by the member to removehis or her name from the membership list; (3) Failure to maintain a valid amateur radio license; or (4) any action that may impinge upon the credibility and integrity of the YLISSB. Members found to be in violation of (4) above may be removed from the membership list by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors, or by a 2/3 vote at any convention.
(d). All Members current in their dues shall have the privilege of participating in all organization activities, programs, awards and recognition.
(e). Membership shall be classified as active or inactive. An active member is a Radio Amateur that has been assigned a membership number and has rendered the current calendar year’s dues. Inactivemembers, being those that are not current with dues, shall be extended the rights and privileges of full membership, but shall not be eligible to vote, participate in formal business, apply for awards or scholarships, hold office within the organization, or receive the annual publication.
(f). No Member by virtue of just being a Member of the Organization shall be liable for the debts, liabilities, or obligations of the Organization.
Article X…DUES
Section 1. Annual dues shall be in the amount designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. A US member may sponsor as many DX stations/members as may be desired by remitting dues for each to the Treasurer.
Section 2. Members shall remit annual dues on January 1st of the year, with a grace period of 90 days to remain a member “in good standing” which entitles him/her to receive the annual issue of the
VOICE, to be eligible to apply for and receive awards, to vote at the annual meeting, and enables the member to participate in the Scholarship program.
Article XI…PUBLICATIONS
Section 1 YLISSB will periodically publish a booklet to be named the “Voice”. Publication will be on an annual basis whenever possible.
(a). The VOICE will be free to all members whose dues are paid.
(b). The VOICE shall remain an independent objective free press without obligation to any person or special interest, and shall be without advertisements.
Section 2. YLISSB will periodically publish a newsletter, to be named the COMMUNICATOR.Publication will be on a monthly basis, whenever possible.
(a) The COMMUNICATOR will be free to all members on-line.
(b). The COMMUNICATOR shall remain an independent objective free press without obligation to any person or special interest and shall be without advertisements.
(c). The COMMUNICATOR shall be published on the web page, may be distributed through e-mail, and will also be mailed to those that send Self Addressed Stamped Envelopes to the Editor.
Section 3. the YLISSB shall provide a web site for it’s members. Access to the Web Site shall be freeto all members.
(a). The YLISSB shall have a Web Master, who shall act as a liaison between the YLISSB and the Web Host.
Article XII…FINANCE
Section 1. The YLISSB System is strictly a fraternal and non-profit organization.
Section 2. Administrative funds shall be limited to membership dues, awards handling fees, and unsolicited donations. The highest amount of indebtedness or liability to which the YLISSB may subject itself to, without approval by vote of the membership at the annual convention, is One Thousand ($1,000.00) dollars.
Section 3. No officer or member shall be paid any salary or realize any financial gain from YLISSB.
Section 4. No financial obligation shall be incurred on behalf of YLISSB except by written approval of the Board of Directors.
Section 5. The Treasurer shall establish a special bank account into which all funds, except the Scholarship funding, shall be deposited and/or disbursed.
Section 6. The Convention Chairman shall establish a special bank account to deposit Convention monies, and pay Convention expenses. Within 90 days of the close of the Convention, an accounting of the monies shall be made to the Treasurer and President, any money remaining in the account shall be sent to the Treasurer, and the account shall be closed.
Article XIII…AWARDS AND TROPHY PROGRAM
Section 1. The YLISSB shall establish and maintain an Awards Program with. Award Certificates,
Plaques, and Trophies.
Section 2. Application for awards shall be submitted to Awards Managers whose name and address shall be published in the VOICE, prominently displayed on membership lists and on the Web page. Charges, if any, shall be clearly stated. All awards, certificates or trophies are for contacting YLISSB members after 9 February 1963, the date of the founding of YLISSB, and/or specific dates as may be indicated and plainly stated in the awards section of the Voice and on the Web Site.
Article XIV…MEMBER CORRESPONDENCE AND RECORDS
Section 1. It is requested that all members use SASE when writing for information when a reply is desired.
Section 2. Members are requested to keep their own records and file copies of all award applications. Members shall not ask any official to provide any personal service – if said members are physically able to provide for themselves.
Article XV…BY-LAW CHANGES
These by-laws may be amended or otherwise changed by a majority vote of the Membership, after all members of the Board of Directors and Emeritus Council have been dutifully notified of the proposed changes via e-mail, and the proposed changes are presented in writing to the membership at the annual meeting and posted on the Web-site. Any such bylaws change shall be presented to the Membership by printing in the Voice, with the vote being by written ballot.
Article XVI…PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order: Simplified and Applied shall govern meetings wherethey are not in conflict with the bylaws or other rules of the YLISSB.