Charles B Hopkins Chapter 30 Constitution
TelecomPioneers
WASHINGTON STATE CHAPTER NO. 30
Chartered as Charles B. Hopkins No. 30
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
Issued December 1, 1964
Amended July 1, 1972
Amended January 1, 1979
Amended June 1, 1984
Amended December 1, 1987
Amended June 1993
Amended September 1993
Amended April 1996
Amended August, 1998
Amended November, 1999
Amended, November, 2002
Amended, December 9, 2003
ARTICLE I-NAME AND SCOPE
SECTION 1. The name of this organization is Charles B Hopkins Chapter 30, doing business as Washington State Chapter No. 30, TelecomPioneers - hereinafter referred to as the "Chapter."
SECTION 2. This Chapter was formed under a charter dated March 11, 1924 granted by the Telephone Pioneers of America - hereinafter referred to as the "Association" and shall operate under the jurisdiction of the Association. The Chapter was originally chartered as Charles B. Hopkins Chapter #30 and named by amendment in April, 1996 to add the doing business as name.
The Telephone Pioneers of America was changed to the TelecomPioneers, a (501) (c) (3) organization, in 2002.
SECTION 3. This Chapter is granted jurisdiction over the membership of QWEST for the State of Washington and Northwestern Idaho.
ARTICLE II-SUBORDINATE UNITS
SECTION 1. For administrative purposes, the territory of this Chapter may be sub-divided into Councils, Combined Clubs, and Life Member Clubs.
SECTION 2. Each Council, Combined Club, and Life Member Club shall be a constituent part of this Chapter.
SECTION 3. Groups consisting only of life members may be organized into units known as "Life Member Clubs," groups consisting of members regularly employed by a sponsoring company may be organized into units known as "Councils" and groups consisting of both regular and life members may be organized into units known as "Combined Clubs"
SECTION 4. All subordinate units including Councils, Combined Clubs, and Life Member Clubs shall be governed by the Constitution and Bylaws of this Chapter, shall derive their authority from the Executive Committee of this Chapter and shall be established or abolished only with the approval of the Chapter Executive Committee.
SECTION 5. The Councils, Combined Clubs, and Life Member Clubs which have been authorized by the Executive Committee of this Chapter shall be as described in an appendix to the Bylaws of this Chapter. The description shall include the name given to each subordinate unit, the territory in which it operates, its headquarters and the organization date.
ARTICLE III-PURPOSE
SECTION 1. The purpose of this Chapter, and of its subordinate units, shall be to carry on Pioneer activities for the membership within its jurisdiction in accordance with the purpose of the Association, which is: The purpose of the TelecomPioneers shall be to promote and participate in activities that respond to community needs and problems; to provide a means of friendly association for telecommunications employees and those retired; to foster among them a continuing fellowship and a spirit of mutual helpfulness, to contribute to the progress of the Association and promote the happiness, well being and usefulness of the membership; to exemplify and perpetuate those principles which have come to be regarded as the ideals and traditions of our industry.
ARTICLE IV-MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. To be eligible for admission to membership an individual must be a current or former employee of one of the sponsoring companies listed in the TelecomPioneer Association Constitution.
SECTION 2. Past or present employees of any of the companies referenced in Section 1, above, whose current or last employment was within the jurisdiction of this Chapter are eligible for membership in this Chapter.
SECTION 3. Any member who retires from employment and receives benefits shall be granted life membership, effective on the day following retirement. Any members who otherwise leave the employment of a sponsoring company may apply for life membership upon the attainment of age 55. Life members shall be entitled to all membership privileges but shall be exempt from the payment of dues.
SECTION 4. Honorary membership may be granted to a person making a truly unusual or outstanding contribution to the TelecomPioneers or to the telecommunications industry. Such membership shall not be conferred upon anyone who could otherwise attain membership eligibility. Honorary membership must be unanimously recommended by the Chapter Executive Committee, concurred in by the Association Vice President of the Region concerned, and unanimously approved by the Association subcommittee on membership and the Association Executive Committee. Honorary members do not have the right to vote or hold office but are entitled to all other membership privileges and may wear the Pioneer emblem. Honorary members shall be exempt from the payment of dues.
SECTION 5. Associate membership may be granted by the Chapter Executive Committee to the Partner of a deceased regular or life member who so desires. An Associate member may wear the Pioneer emblem and shall be entitled to such privileges as the Chapter Executive Committee may designate, including the right to vote, hold office, or serve as a member of the Executive Committee at the club level only. An Associate member shall be exempt from the payment of dues.
SECTION 6. Another form of association with the TelecomPioneers is the Pioneer Partner. Pioneer Partner status is automatically bestowed upon the spouse of any member of the Association. Another family member or any individual designated by the Pioneer may be a Pioneer Partner. A Pioneer Partner shall be entitled to such privileges as the Chapter Executive Committee may designate, except that in no case will these privileges include the right to vote or hold an elective office. A Pioneer Partner may wear the Pioneer Partner emblem and is exempt from the payment of dues.
SECTION 7. Membership in this Chapter may be transferred to or from this Chapter on changing work or residence location in accordance with the practice(s) established by the Association and this Chapter.
ARTICLE V-OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SECTION 1. The officers of this Chapter shall be President, Vice President, immediate Past President, Chapter Administrator/Assistant , Secretary and Treasurer. The title of President applies to that position where the incumbent is responsible for the implementation of the Pioneer program specified for that year. The title Chapter Administrator/Assistant applies to that position that is responsible for functions specified by the Chapter President and the Executive Committee and holds voting rights associated with Annual Meeting issues.
SECTION 2. There shall be an Executive Committee of this Chapter consisting of the President, Vice President, immediate Past President, Chapter Administrator/Assistant, Secretary and Treasurer, and the Presidents of each of the Councils, Combined Clubs and Life Member Clubs. The President shall act as chairperson of the Chapter Executive Committee. The Secretary and Treasurer, as non-elected positions, are non-voting members of the Executive Committee.
SECTION 3. There shall be an Executive Committee of each of the subordinate Councils, Combined Clubs and Life Member Clubs, consisting of the President, the immediate Past President, Sr. and/or Jr. Vice President(s), the unit Secretary and Treasurer, (if required). The unit Secretary and Treasurer, as non-elected positions, shall be non-voting members of the Executive Committee.
SECTION 4. The Chapter President, Vice President and Chapter Administrator/Assistant shall be elected by vote of the Membership.
The President and Vice President(s) of the subordinate unit shall be elected by vote of the voting members of that unit. The Secretaries and Treasurers shall be appointed by the President of the respective unit with concurrence from the Executive Committee.
SECTION 5. The terms of the President, immediate Past President, Vice President(s), and Administrator shall be one year. The Secretaries and Treasurers shall serve until a successor is appointed. All terms begin on the first day of January following their election, except in the case of appointed members of the Executive Committee.
SECTION 6. The Chapter President and Chapter Vice President may have the option of serving a second and/or third consecutive term in that office under the following conditions: The Candidate will obtain written permission from their immediate supervisor (active employees), the unit executive committee (2/3 affirmative vote required), and the Regional Vice President. All three approvals are required. Approvals must be submitted to the chair of the Nominating Committee before inclusion on the ballot to the membership. A person who has been appointed to fill a vacancy in office for the remainder of a term may be nominated and elected to that office for the following term.
The Chapter Administrator/Assistant may serve additional term(s). Council, Club and Life Member club Presidents and Vice Presidents may serve two or more consecutive terms.
SECTION 7. No member of this Chapter shall hold more than one elective position in the Pioneer organization at any one time.
ARTICLE VI-RESPONSIBILITIES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES
SECTION 1. The Chapter Executive Committee shall be the governing body of this Chapter with responsibility in accordance with the provisions of the Constitutions and Bylaws of this Chapter and of the Association. It shall have the authority to establish or abolish Councils, Combined Clubs and Life Member Clubs and to prescribe methods for their operation. It shall have the power to fill vacancies in the Chapter offices when they occur and to appoint delegates and alternates to the Annual Meeting of the Association in accordance with the Association practices.
SECTION 2. Each Council, Combined Club, and Life Member Club Executive Committee shall be the governing body of its respective unit with responsibilities in accordance with the provisions of the Constitutions and Bylaws of this Chapter and of the Association. Each shall have the power to fill vacancies in the offices and Executive Committee of its respective unit when they occur.
SECTION 3. The Chapter Executive Committee shall have authority to prescribe regulations as to Chapter and subordinate unit matters not specifically provided for herein, within the framework of this Constitution and Bylaws, and the Association Constitution and Bylaws.
ARTICLE VII-COMMITTEES
SECTION 1. Standing and additional committees shall be established to carry out the Pioneer objectives of the Association and to meet the specific needs of operating the Chapter and its subordinate units. Committees are listed in Article III, Section 2, of the Bylaws.
ARTICLE VIII-MEETINGS
SECTION 1. Meetings of this Chapter or any of its Councils, Combined Clubs or Life Member Clubs may be held at the call of it's Executive Committee, and shall be held on petition of not less than five (5) percent of the members of the respective unit. The President shall ensure that notice of a meeting shall be sent to each member of the respective unit at least fourteen (14) days before the meeting, or shall post or make a good faith effort to announce to the unit's membership the time and place of the meeting. If an amendment to this Constitution or to the Bylaws is to be voted upon, the notice shall so state, and identify generally the provisions which will be affected. Five (5) percent of the membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of their business. A lesser number may adjourn the meeting until a quorum is present at a future meeting. (Note: the President shall insure that all possible means of publicizing the meeting are investigated and utilized, including company or Chapter/unit publication, posters, Pioneer hot-lines, bulletin boards and announcements or handouts at meetings.)
SECTION 2. Meetings of an Executive Committee may be held at the call of its President, or shall be held at the request of three members of the committee. Notice of a meeting shall be sent to each Executive Committee member of the respective unit at least fourteen (14) days before each meeting. 50% + 1 members of the unit Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
ARTICLE IX-ADMINISTRATIVE AND FISCAL YEARS
SECTION 1. The administrative and fiscal years of this Chapter and its subordinate units shall run concurrently, beginning on January first and ending on December 31 of the following year.
ARTICLE X-REVENUES
SECTION 1. Application fees, other fees and membership dues are prescribed by the Association.
SECTION 2. The funds of this Chapter and its subordinate units shall be derived from that portion of the fees and dues which may be apportioned to the Chapter by the Association. In addition, funds may be derived from fund raising activities, from donations, and from other sources, which have been approved by the Chapter Executive Committee as consistent with the organization and operation of the Association.
SECTION 3. The apportionment of funds (fees, dues,) to subordinate units shall be determined by the Chapter Executive Committees.
SECTION 4. DESIGNATED FUNDS
A. The Chapter Designated Fund, hereinafter referred to as the Designated Fund," is created exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific purposes or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions that qualify as exempt organizations under the United States Internal Revenue Law.
B. The Designated Fund will be managed by the Executive Committee of this Chapter, as identified in Article V, and no funds shall be accepted or disbursed from said Designated Fund except as directed by said Executive Committee.
C. The principal and income of all property received and accepted by the Designated Fund shall be used exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. No part of the fund shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, Chapter members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that payments and distributions may be made in furtherance of the purposes set forth in paragraph "A" above.
D. No part of the activities of the Designated Fund shall be used for the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and there shall be no participation in, or intervention in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) of any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision, the Designated Fund shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt for Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law.
E. Upon the dissolution of the Designated Fund, the Executive Committee, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of its Fund related liabilities, shall dispose of all of the assets of the Designated Fund exclusively for the purposes specified in paragraph A.
ARTICLE XI-AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. Amendments to this Constitution or to the Bylaws may be proposed to the Chapter membership for action only by the Chapter Executive Committee on its own volition but the Chapter Executive Committee may consider a proposal set forth in a petition bearing signatures representing not less than five (5) per cent of the total Chapter membership.
SECTION 2. At any meeting of the Chapter Executive Committee action on any proposed amendment to this Constitution or to the Bylaws may be initiated by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the committee members present, provided notice of the proposed amendment was sent to each member of the committee at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting.
SECTION 3. Proposed amendments to this Constitution or to the Bylaws shall be approved by the Association Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer before being submitted to the Chapter membership for action.
SECTION 4. Each proposed amendment to the Constitution or to the Bylaws authorized for submission to the Chapter membership for action shall be voted upon via printed ballot (mailed or distributed) or via voice vote at a meeting of the Chapter called and held as provided in Article VIII, Section 1, above. At least 30 days before the date set by the President for the counting of ballots or voice vote, the Executive Committee shall send to each member, who is entitled to vote or shall post or otherwise make a good faith effort to announce (see note, below), a ballot that lists the current and proposed amended text of the article(s) or section(s) in question and describes the reason for, and impacts of, each proposed amendment. In addition, the ballot shall provide a voting area (yes/no/abstain) for each proposed amendment and clearly state the address to which completed ballots shall be returned and the date by which ballots must be received at that location. The affirmative vote of at least 2/3 of those voting shall be sufficient for the adoption of any proposed amendments. On the specified date, tellers appointed by the President shall count the ballots and certify the results of the votes in writing to the Chapter President and Secretary. (Note: the President shall insure that all possible means of publicizing the amendment vote and the existence of ballots are investigated and utilized, including company or Chapter/unit publication, posters, Pioneer hot-lines, bulletin boards and announcements or handouts at meetings. Every reasonable effort shall also be made to inform the membership of where ballots can be obtained and when/where they must be returned.)
SECTION 5. The appendix to the Bylaws, referred to in Article II, Section 5 of this Constitution, may be amended by the Chapter Executive Committee.
BYLAWS
ARTICLE I-POWERS AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SECTION 1. The President of this Chapter and the President of each of its' Councils, Combined Clubs, and Life Member Clubs shall:
(a) preside at all meetings of the corresponding Pioneer unit and Executive Committee;
(b) enforce the provisions of the Chapter and Association Constitution and Bylaws;
(c) decide all questions of order subject to an appeal, act as a judge in elections and declare the results;
(d) have authority to call meetings of the Executive Committee;
(e) be empowered to appoint committees as provided in these Bylaws and such special committees as the Executive Committee may deem advisable;
(f) be a member ex-officio of all committees except the nominating committee;
(g) ensure that the nominating committee is selected in accordance with Association guidelines and properly trained to fulfill its mission;
(h) perform such other duties as usually pertain to the office or as may be delegated by the Executive Committee.
SECTION 2. The Vice Presidents, of each unit shall assist the President of such unit in the discharge of duties and responsibilities. During the absence or disability of the President, the Sr. Vice President shall have all of the powers and perform all of the duties of the President. If it appears that the office of President will be vacant for the remainder of the term, the Sr. Vice President may be appointed President by the Executive Committee for the unexpired portion of the term.
SECTION 3. The immediate Past President of each unit shall be a non-elected voting member of the Executive Committee. The immediate Past President acts as an advisor to the President and the Executive Committee and often chairs the nominating committee.
SECTION 4. The Chapter Secretary and the Secretary of each unit are the administrative officers under the direction of the unit President, unit Executive Committee and shall:
(a) keep accurate records of the proceedings of the unit and of its Executive Committee;
(b) take care of the general correspondence and have charge of all records except those in charge of the Treasurer or except as otherwise may be directed by the Executive Committee;
(c) give notice of all meetings;
(d) issue such reports as the Executive Committee may direct;
(e) perform such other duties as usually pertaining to the office or as may be assigned by the President or Executive Committee.
SECTION 5. The Chapter Treasurer and the Treasurer of each unit, where applicable, shall:
(a) receive and be custodian of all its money;v
(b) keep its Executive Committee fully advised on all matters connected with the unit funds;
(c) keep an accurate financial record showing all receipts and disbursements;
(d) keep its funds in such place as the Executive Committee may designate;
(e) prepare vouchers and disburse such funds as directed by the Executive Committee and approved by the President or Vice President;
(f) perform such other duties as the President or Executive Committee may assign.
ARTICLE II-ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF CHAPTER, COUNCIL, COMBINED CLUB, AND LIFE MEMBER CLUB OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
SECTION 1. Each unit shall hold an annual election, preferably not later than September 15th. This election shall be conducted by printed ballots (mailed or distributed) or by voice vote at a meeting.
SECTION 2. At least forty-five (45) days before the date set for the counting of ballots, the nominating committee of the unit shall submit to its President a list of candidates for the elective positions of the unit. At least thirty (30) days before the date for counting the ballots or voice vote, the President shall send to each member of the unit who is entitled to vote (see Article IV of the Constitution of this Chapter) or shall make every effort to post or otherwise announce a ballot containing the names submitted by the nominating committee. Space shall be provided for write in candidates. If the election is by voice vote, time shall be allotted for additional nominations from the floor. On the specific date, tellers appointed by the President of the unit shall count the returned ballots and certify in writing to the unit Secretary. The unit Secretary shall be responsible for notifying the members of the Executive Committee. (Note: the President shall insure that all possible means of publicizing the vote and the existence of ballots are investigated and utilized, including company or Chapter/unit publication, posters, Pioneer hot-lines, bulletin boards and announcements or handouts at meetings. Every reasonable effort shall also be made to inform the membership of where ballots can be obtained and when/where they must be returned.
SECTION 3. Votes can be cast for any person who is eligible for election, even if not nominated. The candidate with the majority votes will be declared elected.
SECTION 4. The Secretary and the Treasurer, if required, or Secretary-Treasurer of each unit shall be appointed by its President. The President, Vice President, and Chapter Administrator/Assistant of the Chapter shall be elected by a vote of the membership ( see Constitution article V, section 4).
SECTION 5. Any elected officer may be removed from office by 2/3 majority vote of the Chapter Executive Committee whenever, in its judgment, the best interest of the Chapter and the Association would be served thereby.
ARTICLE III-COMMITTEES
SECTION 1. The Chapter and its subordinate units shall establish those standing committees that will help to foster the fellowship, loyalty and service of the membership. They may also establish additional committees if size of membership, activities or special projects make this necessary or desirable. Only the established standing committees shall be listed in this Section of the Bylaws.
SECTION 2. Chapter standing committees are:
1. Auditing
2. Community Service 9. Long Range Studies
3. Educational 10. Membership
4. Environmental 11. Nominating
5. Fellowship 12. Participation
6. Fund Raising 13. Publicity
7. Historical 14. Pioneer Partner
8. Hobby 15. Care-Us-All
Established additional Committees in the Washington Chapter include:
1. Volkssport 3. Museum of Communications
2. Talking Books 4. Amateur radio
Councils, Combined Clubs and Life Member Clubs shall establish any of these committees or other committees as required to administer their programs.
SECTION 3. The duties and responsibilities of each of the committees are outlined in Association Guidelines.
APPENDIX FOR THE WASHINGTON CHAPTER
Organized on 3/11/24, covering Washington State and parts of Idaho
Cncl club lmc Name Geo. boundaries Hdqtrs Org Date
X Tacoma Pierce and Kitsap Counties Tacoma 11/2/44
X Seattle Seattle So. of Olive Way and No. of Spokane Seattle 10/4/50
Street and King County north of I-90. Including
Mercer Island, (Excluding West Seattle)
X Columbia Clark and Skamania Counties Vancouver 9/12/51
X LEWIS-CLARK ASOTIN, Clarkston 1956
in Washington and Nez Pierce, Lewis
and the north 1/2 of Idaho County in Idaho - Merged with LilacCity - 2007
X Green River King county South of I-90 and East of I-5 Renton 3/15/69
X Capitol Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason Pacific, Olympia 5/1/69
Thurston counties
X North Star Seattle (No of Olive Way), Island, King, No. Seattle 2/1/71
(From Puget Sound East to Highway 9),
Snohomish Counties
X North Star LMC Same as North Star Council No.Seattle 11/1/74 - Merged with North Star Council, 2008
X Puget Sound So. Part of Seattle (So. of Spokane St. - Parkway
LMC Area) Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way Burien 5/8/78
& West Seattle
X Cascadian LMC King County North of I-90 Including Mercer Island Bellevue 5/3/82
X Cowiltz Cowiltz, Wahkiakum Counties Longview 7/1/86
X Bellingham Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan Counties Bellingham 7/1/86
X Olympic View Clallam and Jefferson Counties Port Angeles 7/1/86
X Lilac City Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Spokane N.A.
Counties and a portion of Northern
Idaho
X North Central Chelan, Douglas Grant, Okanagon, Moses Lake N.A
Adams, west of 261 - merged with members going to Lilac City and Yakima - 2007
X Walla Walla Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Garfield, Walla Walla Walla Walla N.A.
X Yakima Kittitas, Klickitat, Yakima Counties Yakima N.A.
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