BYLAWS OF

 SEA BELLES

   AN AUXILIARY OF BELLEVUE SAIL AND POWER SQUADRON
A UNIT OF UNITED STATES POWER SQUADRONS

ARTICLE 1

SEA BELLES

Section 1.1       The name of this organization shall be Sea Belles, constituting an auxiliary of Bellevue Sail and Power Squadron, a unit of United States Power Squadrons, a nonprofit organization.

 ARTICLE 2

Objects, Restrictions, and Definitions

Section 2.1       The purpose of the Auxiliary is to assist the above-named squadron in a manner consistent with USPS policy.

 

2.1.1     The Auxiliary will follow directives established from time to time by Bellevue Sail Power Squadron and USPS relating to the activities in which auxiliaries may participate.

 

2.1.2     The Auxiliary will take no action or engage in any activity contrary to the bylaws of the squadron, the bylaws of USPS or which, in the opinion of the USPS Operating Committee, might be contrary to the best interests of USPS.

 

2.1.3     The Auxiliary will not permit the squadron to use it as a means by which the squadron engages in any activity or takes any action which the squadron is not authorized to do under the policy and authority of USPS.

 

2.1.4     The Auxiliary recognizes the authority of the squadron and of USPS to revoke the recognition of the Auxiliary if it engages in any program or activity or adopts any bylaws or policy, which are contrary to the policies and best interests of the squadron or of USPS.

 

2.1.5     In the event this organization ceases to operate as an auxiliary, or in the event that the squadron withdraws its recognition of the auxiliary, the Auxiliary shall immediately notify the squadron and the National Auxiliary Council chairman, and return to the squadron its Letter of Recognition.

 

2.1.6     The Auxiliary shall file an annual report with the commander of the squadron and the National Auxiliary Council chairman.  Such report shall include the names, addresses, E-mails and telephone numbers of its officers, the number of members; a description of the activities in which the auxiliary is then engaged or plans to be engaged; and such other information as may be of value to the Squadron, the Auxiliary Council or to other auxiliaries.

 

Definitions

 

Section 2.2       As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term:

 

2.2.1     USPS means United States Power Squadrons.

 

2.2.2     Auxiliary means this auxiliary.

2.2.3     Squadron means the sponsoring squadron (the squadron of which this organization is an auxiliary).

 

2.2.4     District means the district to which the sponsoring squadron is assigned.

 

2.2.5     Members, officers, committees, and subjects treated generally refer to and mean those of this auxiliary.

 

2.2.6     Policy and authority of USPS refers to and means the bylaws of USPS, the policies adopted by the USPS Governing Board, and the current USPS Operations Manual which supplements these documents.

 

ARTICLE 3

Membership

Section 3.1       Membership in this Auxiliary is by application only.

 

Section 3.2       Membership shall be open to all persons without discrimination as to sex, race, religion or national origin.

 

Section 3.3       Regular members shall consist of individuals not less than 18 years of age who have been recommended by the Membership chair or any regular member and accepted by the Executive Committee.

 

Section 3.4       Reserved.

 

Section 3.5       Consideration for membership shall be selective, with emphasis on the candidate’s desire and ability to participate in the activities commensurate with the purpose of the auxiliary.

 

Section 3.6       The types of membership in the auxiliary shall include:

 

3.6.1      Regular Member—All dues-paying members (which may include active, senior, life and other categories except Honorary and Apprentice).

 

3.6.2     Life Member—A Regular Member who has completed twenty-five (25) years of membership. A Life Member shall be exempt from the obligation to pay dues.

 

3.6.3     Honorary Member—A member who has rendered conspicuous service to or on behalf of the auxiliary and its objectives and who has been elected to honorary membership as provided herein. Honorary membership may also be granted to the spouse of the current Squadron Commander or other such dignitary should he/she not already be an Auxiliary Member. Honorary members shall be elected for the period of one year but may be re-elected for additional years if continued conspicuous service so warrants.

 

3.6.4  Apprentice Member—-An individual who has attained the age of twelve (12) and has been approved by the Executive Committee but does not qualify for Regular membership solely because he/she has not attained the age of majority.  Apprentices shall, in general, have all the privileges of a regular member but shall not be able to hold elected office or be able to contract or commit the Auxiliary in any way.

 

Section 3.7       Reserved.

 

ARTICLE 4

 

Officers and Committees

Section 4.1       The elective officers of the auxiliary shall be president, vice‑president, secretary, treasurer and membership chair who shall be elected as provided herein or any combination of the above to ensure the proper management of the Auxiliary.  The offices of secretary and treasurer may be held by the same person if so authorized by the Executive Committee.

 

Section 4.2       There shall be an Executive Committee, which shall consist of the elected officers, the immediate past president and up to three (3) members elected from the general membership as herein provided.

 

Section 4.3       There shall be a Nominating Committee consisting of a chairman and two other members all of whom shall be elected by the regular members at the annual meeting each year for a three-year term.

 

Section 4.4       There shall be an Auditing Committee consisting of the Squadron Auditing Committee.

 

Section 4.5       There shall be a Rules Committee consisting of a chairman and at least one other member who shall be elected by the regular members at the annual meeting each year for a two year term.

 

Section 4.6       The president may appoint a chaplain, a presidential aide and assistant aides, and such other committees and chairmen as are deemed necessary.  All such appointees are to hold office at the pleasure of and during the term of the president.

 

 

ARTICLE 5

Duties and Powers of Officers and Committees

Section 5.1       The president is the ranking officer of the auxiliary and shall preside at the meetings of the auxiliary and of the Executive Committee.  The president is responsible for reporting as directed by 2.6.1 herein and shall report each year to the membership at the annual meeting with written copies to the secretary and to the squadron commander.  The president shall be an ex‑officio member of all committees of the auxiliary except the Nominating, Rules and Auditing committees.

 

Section 5.2       The vice-president shall assist the president in the discharge of the president’s duties and, in the absence of the president, act in the president’s stead.

 

Section 5.3       The secretary shall:

 

5.3.1     Keep a record of the proceedings of and attendance at the meetings of the auxiliary and the Executive Committee, and of all other matters of which a record may be deemed advisable, in books belonging to the auxiliary.

 

5.3.2     Keep a current list of all members’ names, address, E-mails, and any other pertinent information as deemed advisable by the Executive Committee.

 

5.3.3     Keep and file all documents, records, reports and communications connected with the business of the auxiliary.

 

5.3.4     Notify applicants of their acceptance to membership.

 

5.3.5     Send notifications to members of all meetings of the Auxiliary and the Executive Committee.

 

5.3.6     Notify the squadron commander, the squadron law officer and the National Auxiliary Council chairperson, by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested, of any threatened or actual litigation which is, or may be, pending against the auxiliary.

 

5.3.7     Send notification of the Annual Meeting and the Nominating Committee Report to all members by US Mail at least 30 days prior to the annual meeting.

 

5.3.8     At the expiration of the term of office turn over to the successor all files, records, documents and other property belonging to the auxiliary.

 

Section 5.4       The treasurer shall:

 

5.4.1     Collect all monies due and owing to the auxiliary and hold all monies of the auxiliary in such a manner as prescribed by the Executive Committee.

 

5.4.2     Pay all bills contracted by the auxiliary, which shall have first been approved by the Executive Committee or by the chairman of any committee, which contracted such bills by virtue of any appropriation by the Executive Committee.

 

5.4.3     Keep a true and complete record of all monies and other assets of the auxiliary received and of all disbursements made.

 

5.4.4       Reserved.

 

5.4.5       Reserved.

 

5.4.6     Make a written report to the annual meeting, including a financial statement showing all receipts and disbursements during the business year and the amount in his or her possession at the end of the year, and make reports at such other times as may be requested by the president or the Executive Committee.

 

5.4.7     Perform other appropriate duties as the president or the Executive Committee shall direct.

 

5.4.8     At the expiration of the term of office turn over to the successor all monies, assets, documents and other records pertaining to the auxiliary.

 

5.4.9     The Squadron/Auxiliary Auditing Committee shall examine the records of the treasurer and the books of the auxiliary within 30 days prior to the Change of Watch and shall report its findings at that meeting.  The report of the Squadron/Auxiliary Auditing Committee shall be acted upon at the Change of Watch.

 

5.4.10    Reserved.

 

5.4.11    Reserved.

 

5.4.12    Reserved.

 

Section 5.5       The Executive Committee shall:

 

5.5.1     Have general charge of the policies, management and finances of the auxiliary between meetings of the membership of the auxiliary.

 

5.5.2     Have custody, care and control of all real and personal property and other assets, except money, of the auxiliary.

 

5.5.3     Make and execute contracts and authorize expenditures for the auxiliary, provided the liability of the auxiliary shall not exceed a sum equal to the amount of money which shall then be in the treasury of the auxiliary and not needed for payment of prior liabilities.

 

5.5.4     Designate depositories in which the funds of the auxiliary shall be kept, and fix the amount of bond and specify the required surety for those who, in its discretion, should be bonded.

 

5.5.5     Enforce the authority given under these bylaws and take any action necessary to promote the best interests of the auxiliary.

 

5.5.6     Have jurisdiction over all disciplinary action.

 

5.5.7     Fill, at any regular or special meeting of the Executive Committee by majority vote of the members present and voting, any vacancy in any office or committee which is elected at an annual meeting, and any person so elected shall hold office until the successor has been elected.

 

5.5.8     Individuals may be approved by majority vote of those present and voting, to regular membership in the auxiliary.

 

5.5.9    Recommend to the membership the election of honorary members as herein provided.

 

Section 5.6       The Nominating Committee shall select a candidate for each elective office and for the chairman and members of each elective committee provided for herein, and shall submit its written report to the secretary at least 40 days prior to the annual meeting and shall publish that report in the regular squadron publication.  A member of the Nominating Committee whose term of office next expires shall be the Chairman of the Committee.

 

Section 5.7       The Rules Committee shall be the guardian of adherence to the policy and authority of USPS, district bylaws, squadron bylaws and these bylaws.  The committee shall keep up to date with the Model Bylaws for Auxiliaries of Squadrons of United States Power Squadrons and prepare recommendations as necessary to keep the auxiliary’s bylaws consistent with the policy and authority of USPS.  It shall prepare proposed wording for amendments as may be directed by the Executive Committee or by the regular members.

 

Section 5.8       The Membership Chairman shall:

 

5.8.1       On or before 1 January of each year, notify each regular member that dues are payable for the following year.

 

5.8.2 Reserved

 

5.8.3. Seek out candidates for membership, assist in applying, and make recommendations to the Executive Committee. He/she shall also be responsible for availability of name tags, pins, roster inputs and the like and arranging for locally adopted induction practices and presentations..

 

5.8.4       Keep a list of the names and addresses of all members and their educational achievements.

 

5.8.5       Reserved.

 

5.8.6       Following the Change of Watch, furnish a Sea Belles membership Roster to its members and the Bellevue Sail and Power Squadron Commander.

 

5.8.7       Reserved.

 

5.8.8       Notify in writing each regular member whose dues are in arrears by the following March General Meeting, that they will be dropped from membership as of April 1 if dues are not paid by that date.

 

ARTICLE 6

 Qualifications of Officers and Committee Members

 Section 6.1       Officers, committee chairmen and committee members shall be regular members.  If the auxiliary has established other types of membership for individuals as determined by their years of service, such as senior member or life member, they shall be considered regular members.

 

Section 6.2       It is recommended that all elected officers shall hold office for one year and shall not be elected to the same office for more than two consecutive terms.

 

Section 6.3       It is recommended that no member may hold two elective offices at the same time except that the offices of secretary and treasurer may be held by the same person.

 

ARTICLE 7

Dues and Fees

 Section 7.1       The annual dues for each regular member of the auxiliary shall be as established from time to time as hereinafter provided and shall be due and payable to the Membership chairperson in January of each year.

 

Section 7.2       Upon approval to regular membership each new member shall pay any entrance fees and the dues for the current year.  They shall receive a current Roster and nametag at that time.

 

Section 7.3       Dues amounts and fees shall be established by the Executive Committee and may be changed at any time.

 

Section 7.4       Honorary members shall not be subject to the payment of dues.

 

Section 7.5       Any regular member whose dues are in arrears on the first day of April in any year shall cease to be a regular member as of that day.  Nonpayment of dues may be excused by the Executive Committee for good cause.

 

ARTICLE 8

 Resignations and Reinstatements

 Section 8.1       As this is a volunteer organization, a member may resign at any time without reason.  Reinstatement may be granted upon request and payment of current dues.

 

Section 8.2       Termination of membership shall operate as a release of all right, title to, or interest in any assets of the auxiliary.

 

Section 8.3       Reserved.

 

 

ARTICLE 9

Meetings, Notices, and Quorums

Section 9.1       Regular auxiliary business meetings shall be held at regular intervals, from September to June of the following year, inclusive, at an agreed meeting place.  The Executive Committee may designate other times and places for such regular business meetings upon proper notice.  The Executive Committee shall meet monthly or when convened by the president.

 

Section 9.2       The regular meeting in March of each year shall be the annual meeting of the auxiliary, and shall be devoted to the election of officers and committees, reports of officers and committees, and such necessary business as may properly come before it.

 

Section 9.3       Special meetings of the auxiliary may be called by the president.  The president shall call a special meeting of the auxiliary at an appropriate time and place not less than two weeks and not more than one month after receipt of a written request for such a meeting from a majority of the Executive Committee, or upon receipt of a written request for such a meeting signed by five regular members.  A special meeting in May shall be devoted to the installation of officers, announcement of future activities and new committee chairmen for the following year and such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

 

Section 9.4       Notice of each regular meeting of the Auxiliary and the Annual Meeting shall be sent to every member through the Squadron monthly publication. Notice of the Annual Meeting shall include a list of names of the Regular Members nominated by the Nominating Committee for election at the Annual Meeting, and the offices for which they have been nominated.

 

Section 9.5       The notice of the annual meeting shall be by US Mail and shall be published in the newsletter at least 30 days prior to the meeting.  With such notice shall be included a list of the names of regular members nominated by the Nominating Committee for election at the annual meeting and the offices for which they have been nominated.

 

Section 9.6       Written notice of the names of all persons nominated by petition for election in accordance with Section 11.2 herein, and the offices for which they have been nominated, shall be published in the Squadron publication and sent by the secretary to every member by first class mail at least 10 days before the annual meeting at which they are to be voted upon.

 

Section 9.7       At any regular or special meeting of the auxiliary, 25 percent of the regular members, as determined by the records of the auxiliary, shall constitute a quorum.

 

Section 9.8       At any Executive Committee Meeting, five (5) members shall constitute a quorum.  A quorum for any committee of more than two persons shall be a majority of its members.

 

Section 9.9       Reserved.

 ARTICLE 10

 Order of Business

Section 10.1      Unless waived by consent of the membership, the order of business at the annual and regular meetings of the auxiliary shall be:

 

10.1.1   Call to Order

 

10.1.2   Reading and approval of the minutes of the previous meeting.

 

10.1.3   Reports of Treasurer and Officers.

 

10.1.4   Reports of committees.

 

10.1.5   Communications and correspondence.

 

10.1.6   Unfinished business.

 

10.1.7   New business.

 

10.1.8   Election of officers and committees.

 

10.1.9   Election of honorary members.

 

10.1.10 Adjournment.

 

Section 10.2      All questions of procedure not covered by these bylaws shall be determined in accordance with the most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.

 

 

ARTICLE 11

Nominations and Elections

 Section 11.1      At the first meeting of the membership, at least three (3) Regular Members shall be nominated from the floor to serve on the Nominating Committee for staggered terms of one, two and three years, and shall be elected by a majority vote of the Regular Members present and voting.

 

Section 11.2      The Nominating Committee shall select Regular Members as candidates for all elective offices of the Auxiliary, including the President, the Lt President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Membership Chairman and members of the Executive Committee, all to be voted upon by the Regular Members at the next Annual Meeting.  After the first election, members of the Nominating Committee and Rules Committees shall be nominated for regular three-year terms.]

 

Section 11.3      Committees whose members have staggered terms shall have members elected or appointed initially for terms to meet such qualifications.  One of the members whose term next expires shall be nominated and elected, or appointed, chairman, as appropriate.

 

Section 11.4      Candidates for office to be voted upon at the annual meeting may be nominated (1) by the Nominating Committee as herein provided or (2) by petition in writing signed by at least five regular members in good standing and filed with the secretary at least 15 days before the date of election.

 

Section 11.5      The officers and elective committee members shall be elected by majority vote of the regular members present and voting at the annual meeting.  They shall be installed in office with appropriate ceremonies at the annual or a special May meeting or at the next regular meeting as determined by the Executive Committee.  They shall hold office until their successors have been elected and installed in office.

 

Section 11.6      The Executive Committee may from time to time recommend to the auxiliary the election of honorary members as it may deem appropriate.  No person shall be eligible for election as an honorary member unless so recommended.

 

Section 11.7      Honorary members may be elected at any regular or special meeting of the auxiliary, by a two-thirds vote of the regular members present and voting at that meeting, provided notice of their recommendation has been sent to each member with the notice of the meeting.

 

ARTICLE 12

Disciplinary Action

Section 12.1      Charges may be made against any member of the auxiliary, including an elected or appointed officer or committee member, for any infraction of these bylaws or for any conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the auxiliary. Such charges shall be dealt with in accordance with the Bylaws of Bellevue Sail and Power Squadron.

 

Section 12.2      Reserved.

 

Section 12.3      Reserved.

 

ARTICLE 13

Insignia and Flags

 Section 13.1      Any insignia denoting rank, grade or merit marks of officers and members of the auxiliary shall not, in any way, resemble those of United States Power Squadrons.

 

Section 13.2      Subject to approval of the squadron, the auxiliary may adopt a burgee which may be flown from the bow of a vessel when under command of an auxiliary member in good standing.

 

Section 13.3      Pins, jewelry and other such items may be designed encompassing the auxiliary insignia or burgee.

 

ARTICLE 14

Amendments

Section 14.1      These bylaws may be amended or new Bylaws enacted, subject to the approval of the squadron, Executive Committee and the National Auxiliary Council, by a two-thirds vote of the regular members present and voting at any regular or special meeting of the auxiliary, provided a quorum is present at the time the vote is taken AND (1) the proposed amendments are stated in full in the notice of the meeting at which action is to be taken, or (2) an announcement of the proposed amendments was given to each member and multiple copies of the old and the proposed bylaws is made available to the members at two or more consecutive general membership meetings.  These meetings are at least 20 days apart.  The last such meeting may be the meeting at which the vote is taken.  A quorum must be present at such meeting at the time the vote is taken.

 

Section 14.2      When proposed amendments are properly brought before any meeting for consideration, they may, before final action thereon, be changed or amended by a majority vote provided the changes offered are germane to the subject of the amendment under consideration.  These changes must be made before final action is taken.

 

Section 14.3      Amendments to these bylaws shall not become effective until approved by the Squadron Executive Committee and the National Auxiliary Council and notice of such approval sent to each regular member.

 

ARTICLE 15

Income, Dissolution, and Distribution of Assets

Section 15.1      No part of the net earnings of the auxiliary shall inure to the benefit of any member.

Section 15.2      In the event of dissolution of the auxiliary, no assets of the auxiliary shall be transferred to its members, but the net assets shall be transferred exclusively to Bellevue Sail and Power Squadron and in the event of the dissolution of the Bellevue Sail and Power Squadron, the assets shall be sent to the United States Power Squadrons to be used in accordance with the purposes of this auxiliary as herein set forth, provided that no amount shall be distributed to or for the benefit of organizations not qualified at the time of distribution under the provision of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and its regulations as they now exist or may be amended.