Article I: Name and Purpose
Name: This organization is named the Elk River Valley Amateur Radio Club (abbreviated as ERVARC).
Purpose: The club is dedicated to:
- Promoting interest and fellowship in amateur radio.
- Providing community and emergency communications support during severe weather, emergencies, and civic events.
- Mentoring new and prospective operators through hands-on help and licensing assistance.
- Operating and maintaining club equipment, nets, and repeating infrastructure for the benefit of area operators.
Article II: Membership and Dues
Eligibility: Membership is open to anyone interested in amateur radio communication and electronics.
Classes:
- Voting Member: Any member holding a current FCC Amateur Radio license.
- Associate Member: Any unlicensed enthusiast or student. Associate members are welcome at all activities, discussions, and nets.
No Dues: There are no mandatory dues or membership fees. Membership is completely free. Club operations, equipment maintenance, and activities are supported entirely through voluntary contributions, passed hats, or designated project fundraisers approved by the membership.
Article III: Officers and Administration
Inaugural Officers:
- President: Jason Wills (KO4DDG)
- Vice President: Joe Oddo (KR4HVS)
- Secretary: Chris Turner (N9XC)
- Treasurer: Jerry Wall (KR4HFR)
Officer Responsibilities:
- President: Leads meetings, acts as the primary club liaison, and oversees overall club activities and direction.
- Vice President: Steps in when the President is unavailable, helps coordinate weekend activities, and assists with technical programs.
- Secretary: Records meeting minutes, keeps the contact roster updated, and handles announcements and official club paperwork.
- Treasurer: Manages the club bank account, accounts for voluntary donations and receipts, pays authorized bills, and gives a brief financial report when funds are collected or spent.
Elections and Terms: Officers serve one-year terms. Elections take place each year at the November or December weekend meeting. Officers are elected by a simple majority vote of voting members present.
Article IV: Meetings
Weekend Schedule: To accommodate working people, shift workers, and family schedules, regular meetings are held on a designated weekend day (Saturday or Sunday) each month.
Notice: Meeting dates, times, and locations (in-person, breakfast/lunch gatherings, or on-air) will be posted at least seven (7) days in advance via email, the club net, or the club messaging group.
Decision Making: Routine decisions and motions are approved by a simple majority vote of voting members attending that day’s meeting.
Article V: Club Station and Equipment
Club Call Sign & Trustee: The officers shall appoint an eligible member holding an amateur radio license to serve as the FCC Club Station Trustee. The Trustee oversees the club call sign and ensures compliance with FCC Part 97 rules.
Club Property: Any repeaters, antennas, or gear purchased through donations or donated to the club remain the shared property of ERVARC for the common benefit of the membership.
Article VI: Amateur Radio Emergency Service – ARES®
Trademarks: ARES® and Amateur Radio Emergency Service® are registered trademarks of the ARRL. Any use of these trademarks must have the registered trademark notation (circle R ®).
Relationship to ARES®: ARES® is a program of the ARRL. Local ARES® groups under the direction of the ARRL field organization or its appointees (SEC, DEC, EC) cannot be organized as a club or incorporated as this will conflict with the ARES® program.
Club Status: ERVARC is an independent amateur radio club and is not itself an ARES® group. Members may take part in ARES® as individuals, and the club may sponsor and support local ARES® activities, but those activities remain under the direction of the ARRL field organization.
Article VII: Amendments and Dissolution
Amendments: These bylaws can be updated or amended at any regular weekend meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of members present, provided the suggested change is announced at least one week beforehand.
Dissolution: Should the club dissolve, any remaining funds or club equipment will be donated to a regional amateur radio non-profit, emergency service group, or the ARRL Foundation as decided by a majority vote of the final membership.
Ratification
Adopted and established by the founding officers of the Elk River Valley Amateur Radio Club:
| Office | Name | Call Sign |
|---|---|---|
| President | Jason Wills | KO4DDG |
| Vice President | Joe Oddo | KR4HVS |
| Secretary | Chris Turner | N9XC |
| Treasurer | Jerry Wall | KR4HFR |