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The Southwest Region of the Astronomical League held its Annual Meeting at 10:00 am, May 19, 2023, during Texas Star Party's 43rd star party, "TSP 2023," in the Prude Ranch Meeting Hall |
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| SWRAL By-Laws The Southwest Region of the Astronomical League is one of the 10 regions of the Astronomical League. If you belong to a member society of the Astronomical League in Texas, New Mexico and the western part of Oklahoma, you are also a member of SWRAL According to Astronomical League by-laws, SWRAL is not an independent entity, but a Standing Committee of the Astronomical League. As such, it is subject to AL by-laws and business practices. SWRAL has been a co-sponsor of the Texas Star Party since 1983. It is also co-sponsor of the Eldorado Star Party and the Okie-Tex Star Party. The annual business meeting of the Southwest Region of the Astronomical League is held annually during the week of TSP. BYLAWS OF THE ASTRONOMICAL LEAGUE As a Standing Committee of the Astronomical League, the Southwest Region of the Astronomical League operates under the by-laws of the Astronomical League.
ASTRONOMICAL LEAGUE
BY-LAWS and STANDING RESOLUTIONS (2023) Table of Contents
By-Laws
Art. I. Membership ... Sec. 1. Membership Criteria . Sec. 2. Membership Classes . Sec. 3 Privileges of Members ... Sec. 4 Non-Exclusive Memberships ....
Art. II. National Officers .. . Sec. 1. National Officers . Sec. 2. The Executive Committee . Sec. 3. Terms of Office ... Sec. 4. Removal Sec. 5. Simultaneous Offices .. Sec. 6. Duties . Sec. 7 Succession and Appointment.. ..
Art. III. Council .. Sec. 1. Function Sec. 2. Membership ..... Sec. 3. Membership Requirements . .. Sec. 4. Quorum .... Sec. 5 Voting Sec. 6 One Person-One Vote . .. Sec. 6. Proxy Voting . ... Sec. 8. Operating Procedures Sec. 9. National Office (HQ) .. .
Art. IV. Elections .. Sec. 1. Voting ... Sec. 2. Nominating Committee .. Sec. 3. Ballots ... Sec. 4. Election Procedure . Sec. 5 Election Misconduct . ..
Art. V. Dues .. .. Sec. 1. Dues Renewal . Sec. 2. Delinquent Dues . Sec. 3. Dues Rates .
Art. VI. National Conventions .. . Sec. 1. Schedule . Sec. 2. Hosts . Sec. 3. Registration Fees . . . Sec. 4 Council and Business Meetings Sec. 5. Joint Conventions ...... Sec. 6. Convention Oversight
Art. VII. Committees . Sec. 1. Standing Committees . Sec. 2. Ad Hoc Committees Sec. 3. Creation and Dissolution Sec. 4. Appointment and Removal Sec. 5. Committee Reports .
Art. VIII. Meetings .. Sec. 1. Business Meetings . . Sec. 2. Council Meetings . Sec. 3. Executive Committee Meetings .. .. Sec. 4. Rules of Procedure ... ..
Art. IX. Regions and Regional Activities .. Sec. 2. Regional Councils Sec. 3. Regional Officers . Sec. 4. Regional Representatives .. Sec. 5. Regional Representation on Council Sec. 6. Simultaneous Offices .. Sec. 7. Regional Elections .. . Sec. 8. Regional Conventions . Sec. 9. Regional Meetings ... Sec. 10. Regional Voting Sec. 11. Financial Assistance .. ........ Sec. 12 Removal . .. Sec. 13 Appointment / Election Assistance ... Sec. 14 Regional Reports .
Art. X. Property and Financial ... Sec. 1. Property .... Sec. 2. Non-Profit Status . Sec. 3. Corporate Dissolution . Sec. 4. Mailing Lists . Sec. 5 Contracts ..
Art. XI. The Trust Fund ... Sec. 1. Establishment .. Sec. 2. Use of Principal ... Sec. 3 Trustees Sec. 4 Voting
Art. XII. Amendments .. Sec. 1. Proposal .. . Sec. 2. Voting .. . Sec. 3. Adoption .. .
Art. XIII. Ratification .
Standing Resolutions
S. R. 1. Trust Fund Procedures ........ S. R. 2. A. L. Convention Agreement S. R. 3. Guidelines for Regional Assistance S. R. 4. Financial Management . S. R. 5. The Astronomical League Award S. R. 6. Long Range Planning Committee .. S. R. 7. Use of League Mailing List .. S. R. 8. [Repealed] .. S. R. 9. Dues S. R. 10. Comml. Exhibitors at Conventions S. R. 11. Leslie Peltier Award ......... S. R. 12. G. R. Bob Wright Award S. R. 13. Regions .... .. S. R. 14. Jack Horkheimer Award .. S. R. 15. Mabel Sterns Award . S. R. 16. National Young Astronomer Award ... S. R. 17. [Repealed]
. Astronomical League Bylaws
Astronomical League Bylaws As Amended 2022
Preamble
The purposes of the Astronomical League (hereinafter referred to as the League) shall be:
To promote the science of astronomy, To promote public education in astronomy, To encourage and coordinate activities of amateur astronomical societies, To foster observational and computational work and craftsmanship in the various fields of astronomy, and To provide a medium for correlating amateur activities with professional research.
Article I. Membership
Section 1. Membership Criteria
All classes of membership in the League shall be contingent upon (a) acceptance of these Bylaws by the proper authority of the organization or by the individual, (b) approval by the League Council, and (c) payment to the League Treasurer of the prescribed fees and dues as specified in Standing Resolution #9 for the appropriate category of membership.
Section 2. Membership Classes Membership classes of the League shall be:
a. Member Society - Any club, society, or organization with a bona fide interest in astronomy and three (3) or more members may become a member of the League.
b. Member-at-Large Any individual with a bona fide interest in astronomy may become a member of the League.
c. Youth Member-at-Large Any individual under the age of nineteen (19) with a bona fide interest in astronomy may become a member of the League.
d. Affiliate Member - Any national or international company, corporation, manufacturer, society, or other organization with a bona fide interest in astronomy and a desire to lend financial support to the League may become an affiliate member of the League.
e. Patron Member - Any individual with a bona fide interest in astronomy and a desire to lend financial support to the League may become a patron member of the League.
f . Honorary Member - The title of Honorary Member of the League may be bestowed upon any person who has made a significant, sustained, or outstanding contribution to the League or the science of astronomy. It is granted only upon unanimous approval of the Council.
g. Lifetime Member- Any person with a bona fide interest in astronomy and a desire to lend financial support to the League at the dues level described in Standing Resolution 9 may become a lifetime member of the League.
Section 3. Privileges of Members
All classes of membership are entitled to participate in League affairs, serve on League committees, address the Council as specified in Article IlI, attend national business meetings, and receive official notices and publications of the League:
a. Member Societies shall have these additional privileges:
1. The right to have one (1) vote at national conventions and in national elections and affairs and one (1) additional vote for each ten (10) members, or part thereof, in good standing beyond the first ten (10). Voting in national elections shall be as outlined in Article IV.
2. The right to be represented on the Regional Council of the region in which the society is located.
3. The right of its members to hold national or regional offices if at least 18 years of age.
4. The right to vote at League Business Meetings and the right to vote at regional conventions of the region in which the society is located as provided in Article IX.
b. Members-at-Large shall have these additional privileges:
2. The right to hold national or regional offices if at least 18 years of age.
c. Youth Members-at-Large shall have the same additional privileges as Members-at-Large.
d. Affiliate Members shall have these additional privileges:
1. The right to have one (1) vote at national conventions and in national elections and affairs, said vote to be cast by the members authorized officer or board member. Voting in national elections shall be as outlined in Article IV.
2, The right to have (1) vote at League Business Meetings and the right to vote at regional conventions of the region in which the member resides as provided in Article IX.
e. Patron Members shall have the same additional privileges as Members-at-Large.
f. Honorary Members shall have the same additional privileges as Members-at-Large.
g. Lifetime Members shall have the same additional privileges as Members-at-Large. . Section 4. Non-Exclusive Memberships Membership in any membership class set out in this Section 2 of this Article is non-exclusive, meaning that the member is free join other membership classes for which the member is qualified and is entitled to the full voting privileges granted by each class as set out in Section 3 of this Article.
Section 5. Online Clubs
Online or virtual clubs may not cast more votes in national elections and affairs than the number of votes accorded to a society of 500 members unless the online or virtual club charges total dues equal to at least four times the current League per-member rate. This rule shall not apply to League members societies that normally hold regular in-person membership meetings, but, due to pandemics or other causes, cancel in-person meetings on a temporary basis.
Article II. Officers
Section 1. National Officers
The national officers of the League shall be the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Executive Secretary (hereinafter referred to as national officers). All national officers must be at least 21 years of age. The national officers shall be members of the Council. The Council, described in Article III, may appoint such assistants to the national officers as are deemed necessary for the proper operation of their offices. These assistants shall serve such terms, and be removed from their positions when deemed necessary, as the Council decides.
Section 2. The Executive Committee
The national officers described in Section 1 of this Article shall constitute the Executive Committee of the League, hereinafter referred to as the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall be empowered to act on behalf of the Council, and with its full authority, on matters requiring Council action which arise at such times as the Council is not in Session. Members of the Executive Committee shall have one (l) vote each.
Section 3. Terms of Office
The terms of office of the national officers shall be as follows:
a. The offices of the President, Vice-President, and Secretary shall be for two (2) years, with those of the President and Vice-President running concurrently. The Secretary's term shall begin in the interim year.
b. The offices of Treasurer and Executive Secretary shall be for three (3) years. The terms shall begin in successive years, with that of the Treasurer coming first.
c. No national officer may hold more than two (2) consecutive terms of office in the same executive position. For purposes of this subsection, appointment or succession to an office with more than one (1) year remaining in an unexpired term shall be regarded as a term of office.
d. Each term shall begin on September 1.
Section 4. Removal
Removal of a national officer may be initiated by a majority vote of Council. A national officer may be removed from office by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of Council, provided that notification to remove said person, together with the reasons therefore, shall have been given by mail or electronic means to said person and to Council not less than thirty (30) days prior to the date of consideration of removal. Unless otherwise required by law, debate and voting on removal shall take place in executive session, meaning that only Council members as defined in Article III, Section 2, may attend. Voting may take place in person, virtually, or by electronic means.
Section 5. Simultaneous Offices
a. No person may hold two national offices simultaneously. If a person is elected or appointed to, or succeeds to, a second national office while holding a first, that person will be deemed to have resigned the first office upon commencing the second.
b. A Regional Chair or Representative may hold national office simultaneously but will be limited to one (1) vote on Council per Article III, Section 6
The duties of the national officers shall include the following and such other duties as the Council may, from time to time, assign:
a . The President (i) shall be the chief executive officer of the League, (ii) shall have general charge and supervision of the business and affairs of the League, subject to the powers vested in the president by the Council, (iii) shall have the power to sign, execute and terminate all contracts, deeds, obligations, and other legal instruments in the name of the League as authorized by the Council, (iv) shall preside over Business, Council and Executive Committee meetings and shall have a vote on all issues, (v) may call special sessions of the Council or Executive Committee as prescribed in Article VIII, (vi) shall create, dissolve, and appoint and remove members of ad hoc committees, (vii) shall be an ex-officio member of all standing and ad hoc committees except the Nominating Committee, (viii) shall appoint national officers to fill vacancies as provided in Article II, Section 7.b., (ix) shall appoint regional officers to fill vacancies as provided in Article IX, Section 13.b., (x) shall be responsible for national convention planning and for obtaining all required signatures on convention agreements as set out in Standing Resolution #2, subject to negotiated amendments thereto, and (xi) may, as the most recent living past-president, serve as an non-voting advisory member of Council until succeeded.
b . The Vice-President (i) shall assist the President in the discharge of presidential duties and perform them in the case of absence, death, disability, or resignation of the President, (ii) shall chair or, if a candidate for office, co-chair the Nominating Committee, (iii) shall chair national award committees delegated to the Vice-President by the President or by Standing Resolution of the Council, (iv) shall promote the presentation of annual awards in each League region, and (v) shall serve as ex-officio member on all League award committees.
c . The Secretary (i) shall record and preserve the minutes of the Council, Executive Committee, and Business meetings and distribute these minutes within sixty (60) days following said meetings to the Council and to the League Webmaster for posting online, (ii) shall provide a summary of the Council and Business meetings in the next edition of the League publication and shall make additional copies of the minutes available to members of the League upon request, (iii) shall provide each member of the Council at the annual meeting with a notebook containing the current Bylaws and each Standing Resolution of the League, provide annual inserts updating the Standing Resolutions, and include minutes of all meetings in the previous year, (iv) shall issue notices of Council and Executive Committee Meetings, (v) shall announce to the Executive Committee any called meeting to be conducted in person, virtually or by electronic means and transmit to the Executive Committee the results of any voting conducted by electronic means and (vi) shall file with the Secretary of State of Missouri the annual corporate report due on August 31 of each year if filing annually or due by August 31 of each even-numbered year if filing biennially.
d . The Treasurer (i) shall receive all dues and other funds due the League and shall keep proper books of account of all monetary transactions, (ii) shall place the funds in a repository approved by the Council and shall present an account of all transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the League to the Council at the annual Council meeting and to the Executive Committee when requested but at least quarterly, (iii) shall pay all legal obligations of the League unless instructed otherwise by the President or Council, (iv) shall be bonded if requested by Council, (v) shall conduct audits of League Sales, League regions, and League-owned property when requested, (vi) shall maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory of all League property, (vii) shall annually prepare IRS form 990 in time to meet the required IRS deadline, and (viii) shall serve as Trustee and Treasurer of the League Trust Fund
e . The Executive Secretary (i) shall oversee the national headquarters of the League, (ii) shall annually review the hourly rate and expense reimbursement rates of all employed staff members, (iii) shall work with the National Office Manager, the Treasurer, and a correspondent from each member society to maintain an up-to-date membership roster, (iv) shall manage the election process of national officers in accordance with Article IV, Sections 2d and 3, unless a candidate for national office, (v), shall assist in the process of removal of a Regional Chair or Representative in accordance with Article IX, Section 12, (vi) shall serve as Secretary pro-tem if the Secretary is unable to serve and until the Secretary is able to resume duties or until a new Secretary is appointed or elected, and (vii) shall manage voting regarding adoption of proposed amendments to the By-Laws in accordance with Article XII, Section 3.
Section 7. Succession and Appointment
a. In the event of the death, resignation, removal, or disability of the President, the order of succession shall be Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Executive Secretary.
b. In the event of the death, resignation, removal, or disability of an executive officer other than the President, the President may appoint a successor to fill the unexpired term with the consent of a majority of the entire Executive Committee.
c. If two or more executive offices other than the President must be filled under Section 5b of this Article, the unfilled offices shall be filled by Council.
Article III. Council
Section 1. Function
The affairs of the League shall be managed by the Council as provided for in these Bylaws and in the Standing Resolutions which Article III, Section 8, prescribes.
Section 2. Membership
The Council shall consist of: (a) the Chair of each Region, (b) the Regional Representative of each Region, (c) the Executive Committee, (d) the most recent living past-President as provided for in Article Il, Section 6.a.(xi), and (e) a representative of the Western Amateur Astronomers.
Section 3. Requirements for Membership
Council members must be League members in good standing and at least 18 years of age.
Section 4. Quorum.
The presence of two-fifths (2/5) of the members of the Council, not counting the immediate living past-President, shall constitute a quorum, provided that at least three (3) regions are represented.
Section 5. Voting
In order to pass any resolution, motion, appropriations, or any other matter requiring action in a Council session, a majority vote of the members present shall be necessary except for matters requiring a larger vote as provided for in these Bylaws or by common law.
Section 6. One Person-One Vote
The League adopts the One Person-One Vote rule set out in Roberts Rules of Order with respect to voting on Council. No person may cast more than one (1) vote at Council even if that person holds more than one office each of which, alone, would entitle that person to a vote. This vote shall be in addition to a proxy vote held under Section 7 of this Article.
Section 7. Proxy Voting
Council members, other than the President, who are unable to attend the Council meeting, may be represented by proxy. A written statement designating the substitute and signed by the respective Council member, is necessary before the proxy may be seated. The Regional Chair may also assign the proxy for an absent regional Representative. Proxies may not be assigned by a proxy holder. No person may vote more than one (1) proxy at Council. Proxy holders are subject to the fiduciary obligations of Council members. Proxies may be assigned in writing or by electronic means.
Section 8. Operating Procedures
Standard operating procedures of the League or its activities shall be defined by Standing Resolutions:
a. Standing Resolutions shall be passed by the full Council when and only when it is in open session at a national convention or when meeting virtually if no in-person convention is held.
b. No Standing Resolution shall be adopted which conflicts with these Bylaws.
c. Standing Resolutions shall be in force from the time they are passed until they are revoked by the full Council in open session at a national convention or when meeting virtually if no in person convention is held.
d. The Bylaws and Standing Resolutions notebook shall be the property of the League and at least one per Council Member shall be made available by the Secretary at each convention.
Section 9. National Office (HQ)
The League operates a National Office (headquarters), and the Council or Executive Committee may hire consultants or employees as needed and as finances allow. Duties of any consultants or employees will be described in Standing Resolutions. The paid National Office staff will be supervised by the Executive Secretary.
Article IV. Elections
Section 1. Voting
a. The officers of the League shall be elected by a plurality vote cast on official ballots mailed or transmitted electronically to all members.
b. If no nominees are identified on the mailed or electronically transmitted ballots for a particular office up for election, election to that office shall be decided by a majority vote of Council at the annual Council meeting, or, if the convention is canceled, at a virtual meeting of Council.
c. In the unlikely event of a tie on the mailed or electronically transmitted ballots, the tie shall be broken by a majority vote of Council at the annual Council meeting or, if the convention is canceled, at a virtual meeting of Council.
Section 2. Nominating Committee
a. The Vice President shall serve as Chair of the Nominating Committee including, but not limited to, the Regional Representatives from as many Regions as possible. The Chair shall issue, through the medium of the League's publication, a call for nominations no later than nine (9) months prior to the national convention at which the election results will be announced. If the Vice President wishes to be a candidate, the President shall appoint a Co-Chair .
b. The deadline for receiving nominations shall be March 31 or three (3) months before the annual convention, whichever is earlier (the Ballot Nomination Deadline).
c. The Nominating Committee, in its discretion, shall have 15 days after the Ballot Nomination Deadline in which to secure nominations, or additional nominations, for any office for inclusion on the mail ballots.
d. At the expiration of the 15-day period set out in Section 2c, above, the Nominating Committee Chair or Co-Chair shall report the nominees for each office to the President and the Executive Secretary.
Section 3. Ballots
a. The Executive Secretary (or a non-candidate national officer if the Executive Secretary is a candidate) shall direct the National Office Manager to submit to each member a mail or electronically transmitted ballot, along with biographical data on each candidate, by April 30 or two (2) months before the annual convention, whichever is earlier. The ballot shall instruct members regarding voting procedures and, in the case of mail ballots, shall be accompanied by a self-addressed envelope marked Ballot.
b. The National Office Manager shall determine the number of members in each member society in order to determine each societys weighted club vote pursuant to Article I, Section 3a(1).
c. The ballot shall make provision for write-ins for any office for which there is at least one (1) nominee on the ballot.
d. If there is no nominee on the ballot for a particular office, no provision shall be made for write-ins for that office, and the ballot shall contain a notice that the office will be filled at the annual Council meeting.
Section 4. Election Procedure
a. Ballots shall be counted by a National Office staff member assigned by the National Office Manager prior to the convention and shall be counted again before the annual Council meeting by the Nominating Committee Chair (or by the Co-Chair if the Chair is a candidate) in the presence of two additional League members who are not League officers or candidates for office.
b. Results of the election shall be reported by the Nominating Committee Chair (or by the Co-Chair if the Chair is a candidate) to Council at the annual Council meeting
c. If two or more candidates are tied for the highest number of votes on the ballots, the tie shall be broken by a majority vote of Council.
d. In the event of the death, disability, or declination to serve of the only candidate for an office on the ballot or of the winning candidate for an office on the ballot, the office will be filled by a majority vote of Council at the annual Council meeting.
e. In all cases when an election to national office is to be conducted by Council under this Section, (1) notice shall be given to the membership, either on the ballot or on the League website, that any member may nominate someone for consideration by Council by contacting the Executive Secretary prior to the scheduled date of the annual Council meeting, and (2) Council members may nominate additional candidates for consideration at the annual Council meeting.
f. In the event of the death, disability, or declination to serve of the candidate-elect occurring after the annual Council meeting, the office will be deemed vacant on September 1 and will be filled pursuant to the succession and appointment provisions set out in Article II, Section 7.
g. The mail ballots or electronic ballot files shall be retained by the National Office Manager for sixty (60) days after announcement of election results at the annual Business Meeting and may then be destroyed or deleted provided that the election results have not been challenged under Article IV, Section 5.
Section 5. Election Misconduct
a. Members shall neither participate in, nor use League funds, League logos, or League stationery for, electioneering activities or the advocacy of a candidate, principle, or party. Groups or committees may be formed around genuine policy differences or for the support of specific candidates, so long as no official League endorsement is made or implied.
b. Any member may challenge election results on any of the following grounds: (1) alleged irregularity in the tabulation of votes, (2) alleged violation of the election procedures outlined in Article IV, or (3) alleged misconduct in violation of Article IV, Section 5a. Such challenge shall be filed by registered postal mail and must be received by the National Office within sixty (60) days of the announcement of the election results.
c. In the event of a challenge, Council, meeting in person or virtually, shall decide within sixty (60) days after such challenge what parts, if any, of the election results should be considered invalid. Vacancies shall be filled by the winner of the election as determined by Council or, if none, by the succession and appointment provisions Article II, Section 7.
Article V. Dues
Section 1. Dues Renewal
All dues are renewable by June 30 of each year. Any member whose dues are not paid by June 30 of the year when billed will be considered delinquent.
Section 2. Termination
The membership and privileges of any member who is delinquent in payment of dues may be terminated in accordance with procedures established by the Council. No publications shall be sent to delinquent members.
Section 3. Dues Rates
Dues and fees for all classes of membership shall be periodically reviewed and fixed by the Council. Current dues rates shall be recorded as amendments to Standing Resolution #9 Article VI. National Conventions
Section 1. Convention Scheduling
A national convention shall be held each year at a time and place designated by the majority vote of Council or of the Executive Committee if Council is not in session. Conventions may be canceled for reasons of pandemic or other exigent circumstances.
Section 2. Convention Hosts
The national convention shall be hosted and conducted by one or more League committees or groups, such as member societies. The League may share profits from the convention with a host society or groups in a proportion approved by the Council, but in no case shall the League receive less than fifteen (15) percent. Losses will be shared on the same basis.
Section 3. Registration Fees
The registration fees for the national conventions may be tentatively set by the host society and shall be approved in advance of the convention each year by the Council or the Executive Committee. The registration fee will be distributed as outlined in Standing Resolution 2 (Convention Agreement), paragraph 6.
Section 4. Council and Business Meetings
Provision will be made at the national convention for the annual Council and Business Meetings of the League as outlined in Article VIII, Sections 1 and 2, and in Standing Resolution 2, paragraph 1.
Section 5. Joint Conventions
The Executive Committee may approve the participation in the Convention of other organizations.
Section 6. Convention Oversight
The President shall appoint an ad hoc committee chaired by the President or other appointee to maintain oversight of convention planning and finances. The Council shall be the final authority in resolving questions or disputes concerning the conduct of national conventions.
Article VII. Committees
Section 1. Standing Committees
Standing Committees of the League shall be committees and service sections that are created by operation of By-Laws and Standing Resolutions. Standing Committees shall include the Leagues regions.
Section 2. Ad Hoc Committees
Ad Hoc Committees of the League shall be committees and activity sections that are created by the President from time to time to effectuate the purposes of the League and that are not created by operation of By-Laws or Standing Resolutions.
Section 3. Creation and Dissolution of Committees
a. Standing Committees may be created or dissolved by amendment of League By-Laws or Standing Resolutions, as appropriate.
b. Ad Hoc Committees may be created or dissolved at the discretion of the League President.
Section 4. Appointment and Removal
a. Members of Standing Committees may be appointed or removed by majority vote of Council unless other procedures are established in the By-Laws or Standing Resolutions that created the Standing Committees.
b. Members of Ad Hoc Committees may be appointed or removed at the discretion of the President.
Section 5. Committee Reports
By June 30 of each year, all Standing and Ad Hoc Committees shall submit to the League Secretary a report on committee activities and submit to the Treasurer a report on committee finances and projected budget.
Article VIII. Meetings
Section 1. Business Meetings
The League Business Meeting shall be held annually at the place of, and during the period of, the national convention. The exact time and place will be stipulated by the Executive Committee. Twenty (20) delegates shall constitute a quorum, provided that at least five (5) Member Societies are present. Voting on ordinary business motions at the Business Meeting shall be by majority vote of those in attendance. Ordinary business motions shall not include elections of Trust Fund Trustees or any matter for which an alternative decision process is set out in these By-Laws or Standing Resolutions.
Section 2. Council Meetings
a. The Council shall be in regular session during the period of, and at the place of, the national convention. The President shall fix the time of such meeting with sufficient notice so that the Secretary can and will transmit this information to Council members at least thirty (30) days prior to the convention. During this session, the Secretary shall, in accordance with Article II, Section 6.c.(iii), submit the minutes of any Executive Committee or Council sessions held since the last national convention.
b. Any member may have business brought before the Council in regular session by petitioning, either orally, by electronic means, or by postal mail, a Council member from the region in which the member resides. If said Council member deems it necessary, the member(s) with business before the Council may then address the group directly, subject to Council approval. Proposals or issues to be brought before the Council or Executive Committee for action between national conventions shall be submitted to the President by mail or by electronic means.
c. The Council may hold additional meetings or conduct business virtually or by electronic means at the request of the President or by petition to the President of a majority of either the Council or the Executive Committee. Council members must be notified by electronic means at least one (1) week in advance of any proposed virtual meeting or electronic exchange involving voting unless emergency circumstances require shorter notice.
Section 3. Executive Committee Meetings
a. The Executive Committee shall meet at the place of, and during the time of, the scheduled regular session of the Council until such time as a quorum of Council members is present. The presence of three (3) of its members shall constitute a quorum of the Executive Committee.
b. The Executive Committee may hold additional meetings or conduct business virtually or by electronic means if requested by the President or by petition to the President by a majority of the Executive Committee. Executive Committee members must be notified by electronic means at least two (2) days in advance of any proposed virtual meeting or electronic exchange involving voting unless emergency circumstances require shorter notice.
Section 4. Rules of Procedure
The parliamentary rules of procedure for all League meetings shall be Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, unless different rules of procedure have been established by these By-Laws. The President or a presidential appointee shall serve as parliamentarian for interpretation and administration of these rules.
Article IX. Regions and Regional Activities
Section 1. Establishment
Regions shall be established by the Council in Standing Resolution 13 and shall constitute Standing Committees of the League.
Section 2. Regional Council
A Regional Council shall conduct the business and administer the affairs of each Region and shall perform such other duties as prescribed by itself. Such Council shall consist of the Regional officers, the Regional Representative to the National Council, the President or his/her proxy from each member society, a society representative from each member society in the region, and a representative of the members-at-large within the region.
Section 3. Regional Officers
The Regional Officers shall consist of a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and/or Treasurer. Regional officers may also include the Regional Representative if Regional By-Laws so provide. The Regional Officers shall be empowered to act on behalf of the Regional Council, and with its full authority, on all matters other than the election of Regional officers that may require attention when the Regional Council is not in session.
Section 4. Regional Representatives
a. Each region shall elect a Regional Representative to a three (3) year term on the League Council as provided for in Article III, Section 2, and Article IX, Section 3.
Section 5. Regional Representation on Council
Each region shall be represented on Council by the Regional Chair and the Regional Representative.
Section 6. Simultaneous Offices. No person may hold the offices of Regional Chair and Regional Representative simultaneously. If a person is elected or appointed to, or succeeds to, a second such position while holding a first, that person will be deemed to have resigned the first office upon commencing the second.
Section 7. Regional Elections
Elections for Regional Officers shall be held in each region every (3) years unless a shorter period is specified in Regional By-Laws. Elections may be conducted among League members voting at a Regional Convention or designated event of the Regions choosing, or if none is held, among Regional Council members voting at a meeting of the Regional Council
Section 8. Regional Conventions
Regional Convention may be held annually in each Region and shall be conducted by one or more societies or groups of members within that Region at a time and place designated by (a) business meeting attendees at a prior Regional Convention, (b) the Regional Council, or (c) a majority vote of the Regional Officers. Regional conventions may also be held virtually.
Section 9. Regional Meetings
A Regional Council Meeting and a Regional Business Meeting may be held annually at the Regional Convention. Provision shall be made for the Regional Council to meet virtually and/or to vote on matters by electronic means if no Regional Convention is held.
Section 10. Regional Voting
In order to pass any resolution, motion, appropriation, or other matter requiring action in a Regional Business Meeting, a Regional Council Meeting, or a meeting of the Regional Officers, a majority vote of the members present shall be necessary except for matters requiring a larger vote as provided for in the Regional Bylaws.
Section 11. Financial Assistance
Financial assistance shall be available to the individual regions according to the rules set forth in Standing Resolution #3.
Section 12. Removal
The Regional Chair or Representative may be removed from office prior to completion of his/her term by either of the following means:
a. As specified in the region's By-Laws, or
b. By a majority vote of Council following receipt of a petition to remove the individual and debate thereon. Such petition must be in writing and signed by the presidents of two member societies within the region or by three members of the Executive Committee, state the reasons for removal, and be delivered to the Executive Secretary by postal mail or by electronically submitted attachment. The petition will be submitted to Council vote only after due investigation by the President. If the Council votes to remove the individual, the President may appoint an acting Chair or Regional Representative to fill the position until an election is held following the normal procedures of the region. Debate and voting on removal shall take place in executive session, meaning that only Council members as defined in Article III, Section 2, may attend. Voting may take place in person, virtually, or by electronic means.
Section 13. Appointment / Election Assistance
a. A Regional Chair or Representative who, in the view of the Executive Committee, remains inactive for a period of three (3) years will be deemed to have resigned. For purposes of this section, the term inactive shall mean that an individual did not participate, in person or by proxy, in live or virtual Council meetings, in live or virtual regional meetings, or as an active member of League committees.
b. If elections for Regional Chair and/or Regional Representative are not conducted as prescribed by Article IX, Section 7, of these By-Laws, or if a Regional Chair or Representative is deemed to have resigned under Section a, above, the President may (1) appoint a Regional Chair and/or Representative to serve until the next Regional election and/or (2) direct the League Secretary to assist the Region in soliciting nominations and in financing and conducting elections in that Region.
Section 14. Regional Reports
By June 30 of each year, Regional Chairs shall submit to the League Secretary a report on committee activities and submit to the Treasurer a report on committee finances and projected budget.
Article X. Property and Financial
Section 1. Property
The League may acquire and hold property of any description, real or personal, by gift, purchase, or otherwise.
Section 2. Non-Profit Status
The League shall be a not-for-profit organization in accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Donations of material, real or personal, and monetary gifts and contributions shall therefore be tax deductible.
Section 3. Dissolution
Upon dissolution of the Corporation, referred to in these Bylaws as the League, the Council shall, after paying or making provision for payment of all corporate liabilities, dispose of all corporate assets exclusively to such tax-exempt organization(s) operated for educational and/or scientific purposes as the Council may determine. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the courts of the county in which the principal office of the Corporation is then located, exclusively for such organizations or purposes of an educational or scientific nature, as said courts shall determine.
Section 4. Mailing Lists
There shall be no commercial use of the Leagues mailing list except for League business.
Section 5. Contracts
Section 6. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year shall be consistent with the tax reporting year and shall be July 1 to June 30.
Article XI. The Trust Fund
Section 1. Establishment
A trust fund shall exist with funds donated to the Trust Fund or designated by Council to be placed in said Trust Fund.
Section 2. Use of Principal
Subject to the terms of any existing trust agreement and state law, the Trust Fund principal, by rule, shall remain inviolate, but this rule may be waived under the following conditions: (a) critical functions of the League are endangered, (2) the League cannot pay legal costs or meet legal obligations, and/or (3) expenditure of principal is necessary to preserve the Leagues non-profit status. A 3/4ths (75%) majority of Council and at least 4 of 5 Trustees must approve waiver of this rule. The income from the Trust Fund not used in any given year may be accumulated and added to the principal of said fund, according to the discretion of the trustees.
Section 3. Trustees
Subject to the terms of any existing trust agreement and state law, the Trust Fund shall be administered, in a manner consistent with Standing Resolution #1, by five (5) trustees who shall include (a) the League Treasurer who shall serve as treasurer of the Trust Fund for the duration of the Treasurers term of office and (b) four (4) additional Trustees appointed by Council for terms designated by Standing Resolution #1. National officers may not hold more than two Trustee positions simultaneously. Council may require Trustees to be bonded.
Section 4. Trustee Voting
Subject to the terms of any existing trust agreement and state law, all decisions regarding the use or handling of the Trust Fund shall be by majority vote of the Trustees except for decisions regarding expenditure of principal under Section 2 of this Article.
Section 5. Removal
Subject to the terms of any existing trust agreement and state law, removal of a Trustee may be initiated by a majority vote of Council. A Trustee may be removed from office by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of Council, provided that notification to remove said person, together with reasons therefore, shall have been given by mail or electronic means to said person and to Council not less than thirty (30) days prior to the date of consideration of removal. Unless required by law, debate and voting on removal shall take place in executive session, meaning that only Council members as defined in Article III, Section 2, may attend. Voting may take place in person, virtually, or by electronic means.
Article XII. Amendments
Section 1. Proposals
Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed by Council resolution, by Regional Council resolution, by petition of three (3) or more Member Societies, by petition of five (5) or more Patron members, or by petition of five (5) or more Members-at-Large.
Section 2. Voting
A proposed amendment shall be distributed to each Member Society and to all other members who shall have the number of votes provided for in Article I, Section 3.
Section 3. Adoption
Two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast by the members shall be required for adoption of a proposed amendment. In order to be valid, these votes must reach the office of the Executive Secretary within the time specified by the Council in the amendment notice, but in no case later than four (4) months after the distribution date of said amendment.
Article XIII. Ratification
These Bylaws will be ratified upon acceptance by two-thirds (2/3) of all voting members of the League, within four (4) months of its distribution. They shall take effect on or after September 1, 2023, superseding all previous documents including prior versions of Standing Resolutions #1 through #17, but it shall not be retroactive.
Astronomical League Standing Resolutions
Standing Resolution #1: Trust Fund Procedures
Rewritten and approved by Council 7/22/1989, at Cheney, WA; Amended 7/13/1999, at Cheney, WA, Amended 7/27/2022 at Albuquerque, NM.
The Astronomical League Trust Fund, herein called the ALTF, shall be administered according to the following procedures, subject to the terms of any trust agreement and state law:
1. The affairs of the ALTF shall be managed by a Board of Trustees consisting of the League Treasurer and four (4) persons elected by the Astronomical League Council. No more than two national officers may serve as Trustees simultaneously. Vacancies arising from retirement or other cause may be filled by Council at any time by electronic balloting or at the next annual meeting following the vacancy.
2. Trustees other than the League Treasurer shall serve for four (4) year terms, to be re-elected by Council or replaced as Council sees fit after each term. Trustees may be removed by Council pursuant to Article XI, Section 5, of the By-Laws. Trustees' terms begin September 1, and Trustees may be removed from office at any time in accordance with the Bylaws under Article II, Section 3.e.
3. The League Treasurer shall serve as ALTF Treasurer and shall maintain ALTF accounts as directed by majority decision of the Trustees. The responsibilities of the ALTF Treasurer are:
a. To invest most of the ALTF principal in low-risk securities to produce a maximum of income but retaining a sufficient amount in a savings account to meet anticipated annual disbursements.
b. Make all disbursements countersigned by another of the Trustees in accordance with paragraph 5.
d. Submit a written description of the use of ALTF funds to the REFLECTOR according to paragraph 5.
4. The Astronomical League Executive Committee may request all or part of the annual earnings accrued from the principal of the ALTF for the furtherance of League projects. Since this is the original purpose of the Trust Fund, it should be allocated in a most responsible manner for highly visible uses such as:
a. Improved program materials to member societies.
b. Materials to promote new and existing member societies.
c. Promotional materials to increase the effectiveness of member societies and the ALTF.
These funds are not for the routine operating expenses of the League. Any unused earnings shall automatically become part of the ALTF principal at the close of the League's next fiscal year on June 30.
5. It is the responsibility of the Executive Committee to determine the use of these earnings and to make such uses known to the ALTF Trustees for their comments and suggestions. A majority of both the Executive Committee and the Trustees will determine if the proposed use of the ALTF earnings is proper. In case of a tie vote, a simple majority of Council members polled by the Executive Committee will approve or disapprove the proposed use of such funds. The ALTF Treasurer shall disperse the funds as directed. The ALTF Treasurer will make sure this allocation of the ALTF earnings receives proper publicity in the REFLECTOR in cooperation with the League President and Publications Chair.
6. The duties of the Trustees are:
a. To promote the acquisition of funds from both inside and outside the League to increase the principal of the ALTF.
b. To assist the Executive Committee in insuring that the very best use of the earnings is being made in pursuit of legitimate League goals.
c. To administer the handling or sale of any real property and/or items donated to the ALTF. Items to be sold will be deposited in the ALTF as a part of the principal.
7. The ALTF Treasurer will submit an annual financial report to the Council at the annual convention. If no national convention be held, the ALTF financial report shall be filed with the Council by August 1.
8. The principal will be inviolate except under conditions specified in Article XI, Section 2, of the Bylaws.
Standing Resolution #2: Astronomical League Convention Agreement
Enacted 8/17/1976, at Kutztown PA.; Amended 8/17/1976, at Portland OR; 7/30/1983, at Jacksonville, Fl.; 7/25/1989, at Spokane, WA.; 7/14/1992, at San Jose, CA.; 7/28/1993, at Madison, WI; and 7/1/97, at Copper Mountain, CO.; 7/13/1999, at Cheney, WA.; 7/18/2000, at Ventura, CA; 7/27/2022, at Albuquerque, NM.
1. The host society(ies) or group(s), hereinafter referred to as the host(s) shall provide the following:
a. Adequate and suitable space for meetings of at least 250 persons.
b. Adequate and suitable space for Council meetings attended by up to forty (40) persons. Provision that the meeting may begin as early as the day prior to the convention, and may last until midnight.
c. A large, suitable space for exhibits that can be secured when not manned and whose contents shall be under the League's control.
d. Necessary and adequate audiovisual and public address equipment, to be operated by the host(s).
e. A registration/information desk, to be operated throughout the convention by the host(s).
f. Adequate and suitable housing for attendees. The less costly alternative of a school, college, or university is preferred over motels and/or hotels.
g. Adequate room for Astronomical League committees, member societies and other organizations co-sponsoring joint conventions which may have commercial exhibits or conduct associated activity. No fees will be charged.
2. No contract or agreement may be signed by the host(s) that will bind the Astronomical League financially without the written approval of the Astronomical League Executive Committee.
3. The Astronomical League will, if necessary, advance funds, not to exceed three thousand ($3,000.00) dollars, as a loan to the host(s) for initial actions for the convention. Such advance will be contingent on approval by the Executive Committee and availability of funds in the League Treasury.
4. The host(s) will provide publicity for the convention in League publications and major amateur astronomy periodicals.
5. Each convention committee shall produce a convention summary. The summary shall consist of a copy of the convention program and a two page, or less, description of the convention results. This summary shall be submitted to the Astronomical League Secretary and to the Historian within sixty (60) days after the close of the convention.
6. Registration fees will be determined by the host(s) society with the approval of the Executive Committee. One ($1.00) dollar portion of the registration fee will go toward the League Trust Fund.
7. The net profits of the convention, after repayment of any loan made under paragraph 3 above, shall be distributed as follows: forty (40) percent to the host society; twenty (20) percent to the host region; forty (40) percent to the national treasury (1983). In the event of a joint convention sponsored by another organization and the League, a different distribution of net profits may be negotiated with the approval of the Executive Committee. Any losses incurred by the convention shall be shared in the same proportion.
8. A detailed statement of the convention's receipts and expenses will be provided to the Astronomical League Treasurer within thirty (30) days of the close of the convention.
9. Provision will be made for the Council and Business Meeting of the League. Timing and placement of the meeting shall be stipulated by the officers of the Astronomical League.
10. The monetary affairs of the convention shall be handled by a separate bank or checking account than is normally used by the host society.
11. Participation in the convention by other organizations must be approved by the Executive Committee of the League.
12. There shall be, as mandated by Article VI, Section 6, and Article II, Section 6.a.(x), of the League's Bylaws, a standing committee chaired by the President or other Presidential appointee, to advise and monitor the operation and planning of the convention.
13. Initial invitations, negotiations, and site approval for the convention more than one year in advance are encouraged.
14. The host(s) shall obtain liability insurance of at least one-million dollars ($1,000,000) for the convention and shall add the Astronomical League as a named insured on such policy.
15. The host(s) agree not to arrange or provide transportation during the convention except for transportation secured by written agreement with a licensed and insured commercial or public transportation provider. In the event such a provider is used, the Astronomical League shall be added as a named insured on the provider's liability insurance policy.
16. The agreement must be signed and dated as follows:
________________________ ________________________ Convention Chair President, Astronomical League
Date: ___________________ Date: ___________________
________________________ Host President or Chair
Standing Resolution #3: Guidelines for Regional Assistance
Enacted 8/9/1977, at Boulder, CO.; Amended 8/4/1990, at St. Louis, MO.; 8/16/1991, at Amherst, MA
1. Whereas a modest, regular source of income is necessary to enable Regions to develop and conduct programs on behalf of the League, and Whereas, active Regions can, and do, affect membership growth, provide personal help to members and individuals, and foster communication across and between the various structural levels of the League, therefore there will be a line item in the League's annual budget for regional financial assistance.
2. Regions must submit their requests to the Treasurer.
3. Each Region submitting a request shall:
a. Include a financial report, stating at least income, expenditures, and cash balance, for the preceding fiscal year.
b. Include a proposed program(s) and budget.
c. Agree to provide at least twenty five (25%) percent of the proposed expenditure.
4. Requests will be reviewed by a Presidentially-appointed screening committee including the League Treasurer. The committee will recommend to the Council action on each request submitted.
Standing Resolution #4: Financial Management
Enacted 8/9/1977, at Boulder, CO.; Amended 8/15/1979, at Portland, OR.; 7/2/1980, at Dallas, TX., 7/14/1992, at San Jose, CA., and 7/27/2022 at Albuquerque, NM.
1 . Audit - The President shall appoint an annual committee which shall be empowered to audit all of the accounts of the Astronomical League, including the League Treasury, League Sales, the League Trust Fund, all League Regions, and League service organizations and committees maintaining property or financial accounts. The committee shall issue a report to Council at the annual convention covering the general treasury, and covering all other accounts at least each three (3) years or, by petition by the number of members required to initiate a Bylaws change.
2 . Service Organizations - In order to provide services to League members, the following Service Organizations are authorized:
The Sales Service The Subscription Service The Educational Materials Committee The Program Materials Committee The Publications Committee
Each Service Organization is authorized to set up its own bank account for the transaction of business. The numbers and locations of such accounts will be on file with the Treasurer, who will be authorized to withdraw funds from or close any such account. Each Service Organization and Committee shall submit an annual report of its financial transactions to the League Treasurer in addition to other reports, if requested. The summary of the annual report of each Service Organization or Committee shall be included in the Treasurer's annual financial report.
3 . Investment Income - It shall be the policy of the Astronomical League to maintain the minimum amount of money required for the efficient transactions of business in non-interest bearing accounts.
4 . Regions - Each Region shall submit an annual financial report to the League Treasurer by June 30, the end of the League's fiscal year. The report shall include balances at the beginning and end of the period, income and expenditures. This report shall be included in the Treasurer's annual financial report.
5 . Budget - Expenditures from each line item in the budget shall be approved by the appropriate officer or committee chair before being paid by the Treasurer. Authority to exceed the budgeted line item must be secured from the President before expenditures are authorized or made. Authority to exceed the authorized budget must be secured from Council. It is the usual practice to pay for all out-of-pocket expenses approved by an officer or committee chair under the budget upon submission of receipts, but in the case of major approved expenditures or extenuating circumstances, the bill may be submitted directly to the Treasurer for payment or expense advances, not to exceed one hundred ($100.00) dollars. Full accounting of all advances is required.
Standing Resolution #5: The Astronomical League Award
Enacted 8/9/1977, at Boulder, CO.; Revised 8/15/1979, at Portland, OR.; 7/30/1983, at Jacksonville, FL.; 7/13/1999, at Cheney, WA
1. The Astronomical League Award is presented to any person(s), either amateur or professional, who has made worthwhile contributions to the science of astronomy on a national or international level. This award shall not be presented to any current officer of the League (until they are out of office for one year) or to any current member of the award committee.
2. The award committee shall consist of the current president, the immediate living past president and the second living past president, all of whom must vote on the award. The award recipient must receive no negative votes.
3. Nomination must be made in writing to the Executive Secretary and contain the affiliation with the League (not necessary to receive the award), and the reasons the person should be considered for the award. It must be received at least four (4) months before the national convention. Announcement shall be made annually.
4. The award need not be given each year. It may be given to more than one person or more than one award may be given in a year. The award may be posthumous.
5. The award shall be presented at the banquet held at the national convention, or if no banquet is held, at the largest gathering of League members at the convention. If no convention is held, the award may be presented virtually or presented at a subsequent convention at the discretion of the President.
6. The receipt of nomination shall be acknowledged by the Executive Secretary. Nominations which are deemed to be qualified need not be acted upon in the year in which they are received but may held for future consideration.
7. No reasons will be furnished for not making the award to any person nor will the proceedings of the presidents' committee be made public.
8. The committee may nominate additional names.
9. Award committees shall report award winners, and the justification for their awards to the Reflector Editor, League Webmaster, and League Publicity Chair within 30 days of the presentation of the award.
Standing Resolution #6: Long Range Planning Committee
Rewritten and accepted 8/6/1991, at Amherst, MA
Recognizing that the Astronomical League has limited resources and expertise and that the League cannot address effectively all issues facing amateur astronomy, a standing committee is established as follows:
1. The committee name is the Long Range Planning Committee.
2. The committee members are:
a. the five officers of the League; b. the five trustees of the Astronomical League Trust Fund; c. the immediate past President of the League; d. additional members appointed by the President, so long as the total membership does not exceed 15.
3. The President will chair the committee.
4. The committee will continually review the Mission Statement and identified critical issues of the League for relevance to amateur astronomy and to the League as a federation of societies. When necessary, the committee will recommend to Council changes to either the Mission Statement or to the issues which are critical to the success of that mission.
5. The committee will report annually to Council with any recommendations for addressing the issues identified as critical.
Standing Resolution #7: Commercial Use of the Astronomical League Mailing List
Enacted 8/15/1979, at Portland, OR.; Amended 8/12/1981, at Kutztown, PA.; and 7/28/1993, at Madison, WI.
Repealed, Kansas City, MO, August 2005. There is no commercial use of the League mailing list except for League business.
Standing Resolution #8: Repealed
Enacted 8/15/1979, at Portland, OR.; Amended 7/2/1980, at Dallas, TX;
Repealed, 7/13/1999, at Cheney, WA..
Standing Resolution #9: Dues
Enacted 8/15/1979, at Portland, OR.; Amended 8/12/1981, at Kutztown, PA.; 7/30/1983, at Jacksonville, FL.; 8/8/1986, at Baltimore, MD.; 7/25/1989, at Spokane, WA., and 7/24/1996, at Rockford, IL, 7/1/1997, at Copper Mountain, CO. and 7/21/1998, at French Lick, IN.; 7/13/1999, at Cheney, WA., 8/11/2005, at Kansas City, MO., and 7/27/2022, at Albuquerque, NM.
Dues of the various membership classes shall be:
Member Society - Ten dollars ($10.00) plus a per-member fee to be determined from time-to-time by the Council. During the fiscal year in which a society joins the League, the dues called for in this Standing Resolution shall be prorated semiannually and the per-member fee called for in this Standing Resolution shall be prorated quarterly.
Membership-at-Large Forty dollars ($40.00) (U. S. members) and fifty dollars ($50.00) (non-U.S. members) plus the addition thereto of the cost of a group subscription to a major astronomy publication. Members-at-Large who entered the program before April 1, 1999, and wish to retain their membership-at-large can continue to do so under the membership-at-large policies in effect on March 31, 1999. These Charter membership-at-large dues are ten ($10.00) dollars (U.S. members), twenty ($20.00) dollars (non-U.S. members) plus the addition thereto of the cost of a group subscription to a major astronomy publication.
Youth Member-at-Large Twenty dollars ($20.00) (U.S. members only) plus the addition thereto of the cost of a group subscription to a major astronomy publication.
Affiliate Seventy-five dollars ($75.00).
Patron Seventy-five dollars ($75.00) plus the addition thereto of the cost of a group subscription to a major astronomy magazine.
Lifetime Five hundred dollars ($500).
Honorary - Zero dollars ($0.00).
International Member Society Dues shall consist only of a per-member fee to be determined from time to time by the Council. No dues shall be charged during the first year of membership.
Standing Resolution #10: Commercial Exhibitors at Conventions
Enacted 7/2/1980, at Dallas, TX.; Amended 1983, at Jacksonville, FL.; 7/14/1992, at San Jose, CA
Many astronomy suppliers and commercial firms support the development of the science through their Supporting Memberships in the League. In order to encourage additional support and recognize the efforts of these commercial members:
1. Current Supporting Members are permitted by the Bylaws to exhibit products and services at all Astronomical League conventions.
2. Recognized dealers for these Commercial Members may represent them at all League conventions and may display and/or sell the products of our Commercial Members.
3. All exhibits and associated commercial activity will be regulated by the convention committee or League Executive Committee.
4. Door prizes or awards may be made by commercial firms, subject to acceptance by the convention committee or League Executive Committee.
5. Supporting members will not be charged an exhibit fee. All others will be charged a fee. Both may be required to pay a share of expenses incurred by the convention committee to provide exhibit space as agreed upon in advance.
6. Astronomical League committees, member societies and other organizations co-sponsoring joint conventions may have commercial exhibits or conduct associated activity. No fees will be charged.
7. "Swap shops", authorized and regulated by the convention committee, may be conducted. Attendance is limited to official exhibitors, Astronomical League members and convention attendees acting in a non-commercial capacity.
Standing Resolution #11: The Leslie C. Peltier Award
Enacted 7/2/1980 at Dallas, Tx.; Amended 7/13/1999, at Cheney, WA.
The League shall present an annual Leslie C. Peltier Award to an amateur astronomer who contributed to astronomy observations of lasting significance.
1. A three (3) person Peltier Award Committee shall be established, which shall execute the nomination and selection process, and shall be responsible for the design and sponsorship of the representative plaque.
2. Nominations shall be sent to the committee chair, who will forward the name(s) to the committee members for their selection by simple majority vote. The committee chair shall maintain a permanent list of nominees not selected, for consideration in future years.
3. Dates for the implementation of this process shall be set by the committee. The award shall be presented at the banquet of the annual convention or, if no banquet is held, at the largest gathering of League members at the convention. If no convention is held, the award may be presented virtually or presented at a subsequent convention at the discretion of the President.
4. Award committees shall report award winners, and the justification for their awards to the Reflector Editor, League Webmaster, and League Publicity Chair within 30 days of the presentation of the award.
Standing Resolution #12: The G. R. "Bob" Wright League Service Award
Enacted 7/31/1984, at Waukesha, WI.; Amended 7/14/1992, at San Jose, CA.; 7/13/1999, at Cheney, WA., and 7/27/2022, at Albuquerque, NM.
1. Purpose - To honor current or past League volunteers for service to the Astronomical League.
2. Award winners will be selected by the President. The Award shall consist of a plaque to be presented at the banquet of the annual convention or, or if no banquet is held, at the largest gathering of League members at the convention. If no convention is held, the award may be presented virtually or at a subsequent convention at the discretion of the President.
3. Award committees shall report award winners, and the justification for their awards to the Reflector Editor, League Webmaster, and League Publicity Chair within 30 days of the presentation of the award.
Standing Resolution #13: Regions
Adopted by Council at Amherst, MA., 8/6/1991, with the proviso that the Western Region not be established until the societies therein meet to formally organize as a Region; Amended 7/28/1994, at Kansas City, MO.
Pursuant to Article IX, Section 1, of the By-Laws, the following Regions are established:
Great Lakes -- the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and lower Michigan. Mountain Astronomical Research Section -- the states of Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. Mid-East -- the states of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, southern New Jersey and the District of Columbia. Mid-States -- the states of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and northern Oklahoma. North Central -- the states of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and upper Michigan. North East -- the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and northern New Jersey. North West -- the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. South East -- the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. South West -- the states of New Mexico, Texas and southern Oklahoma. Western -- the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada. International clubs outside of the United States
Standing Resolution #14: The Jack Horkheimer Award
Enacted 7/21/1998, at French Lick, IN.; Amended 7/13/1999, at Cheney, WA; 7/27/2022 at Albuquerque, NM.
1. The League shall present annual Jack Horkheimer Awards as follows:
a. Horkheimer/Smith and Horkheimer/DAuria Service Awards to League members under the age of 19 and still enrolled in high school or equivalent on the application deadline for outstanding service to the League or League member societies or to public education in astronomy.
b. Horkheimer/Parker Imaging Awards to League members under the age of 19 and still enrolled in high school or equivalent on the application for outstanding astronomical imaging.
c. Horkheimer/OMeara Journalism Awards to League members between the ages of 8 and 14 and still enrolled in high school or equivalent on the application for outstanding writing on a science-related topic.
2. The Awards shall be chaired by the League Vice-President who shall (a) solicit award nominations and (b) recruit, from among the League Council members, a panel of judges from at least three regions to evaluate nominees.
3. The Awards shall consist of plaques and cash prizes donated by the award sponsor, the Jack Horkheimer Foundation. One or more awards may include expense-paid trips to the Leagues national convention if provided for in annual award announcements.
4. The Awards shall be presented at the banquet of the annual convention or, if no banquet is held, at the largest gathering of League members at the convention. If no convention is held, the award may be presented virtually or at a subsequent convention at the discretion of the President.
5. The Committee Chair shall maintain a list of nominees who are not selected and shall submit those nominees for consideration in future years, if still eligible.
6. Award committees shall report award winners, and the justification for their awards to the Reflector Editor, League Webmaster, and League Publicity Chair within 30 days of the presentation of the award.
Standing Resolution #15: The Mabel Sterns Award
Enacted 7/21/1998, at French Lick, IN; Amended 7/13/1999, at Cheney, WA.
1. The League shall present an annual Mabel Sterns Award for outstanding editing of a League-society newsletter. Newsletters from League-member institutions, such as planetariums, museums and event boards, are not eligible.
2. The Award shall be chaired by the League Vice-President who shall (a) solicit award nominations and (b) recruit, from among journalism professionals and League members, a panel of judges to evaluate nominees.
3. The Award Chair shall, in the February Reflector each year, identify a particular monthly or quarterly issue from the prior calendar year which will be eligible for consideration for the award.
4. The Award shall consist of a plaque to be presented at the banquet of the annual convention or, or if no banquet is held, at the largest gathering of League members at the convention. If no convention is held, the award may be presented virtually or at a subsequent convention at the discretion of the President.
5. Award committees shall report award winners, and the justification for their awards to the Reflector Editor, League Webmaster, and League Publicity Chair within 30 days of the presentation of the award.
Standing Resolution #16: The National Young Astronomer Award
Award approved by Council in 1992; Standing Resolution Enacted 7/21/1998, at French Lick, IN.; Amended 7/13/1999, at Cheney, WA; 7/27/2022, at Albuquerque, NM.
1. The League shall present an annual National Young Astronomer Award ("NYAA.").
2. The Award shall be chaired by the League Vice-President who shall solicit nominees, publicize the award, and recruit qualified judges.
3. NYAA shall recognize outstanding work, by amateur astronomers of high school age, in the areas of research, public education, academic scholarship in astronomy or science, observing, imaging, telescope or equipment design or construction, publications and writing, local club activities, and regional and national organizational activities.
3. To be eligible, candidates must be (a) either enrolled in high school on the award deadline or 14 to 19 years of age and not enrolled in college on the award deadline and (b) one of the following: (I) a U.S. citizen, (ii) a resident of the United States or its territories or possessions, or (iii) enrolled in a secondary school in the United States or its territories or possessions. Candidates are not required to be members of an astronomy club or of the Astronomical League in order to enter. Prior first place winners are not eligible.
4. The NYAA chair shall promote the award nationally, publicize award winners, and solicit award prizes which shall include, at a minimum, (a) a plaque for each of the top three winners and (b) an all-expenses paid trip to the national convention for the first place and second place winners. The award shall be presented at the banquet of the annual convention or, or if no banquet is held, at the largest gathering of League members at the convention. If no convention is held, the award may be presented virtually or at a subsequent convention at the discretion of the President.
5. Award committees shall report award winners, and the justification for their awards to the Reflector Editor, League Webmaster, and League Publicity Chair within 30 days of the presentation of the award.
Standing Resolution #17: The Jack Horkheimer Planetary Imaging Award: Repealed Enacted 7/18/2000, at Ventura, CA. ; Repealed 7/8/2003, at Nashville, TN. |
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The
Southwest Region |
The Southwest Region of the Astronomical League consists of 28 member societies of the Astronomical League in the states of Texas, New Mexico and western Oklahoma.