Division Nine Constitution

ARTICLE I - NAME AND PURPOSE

SECTION 1. This organization shall be known as Division Nine, of the North Central Region of the National Model Railroad Association, Inc., and is established in accordance with their Constitution.

SECTION 2. The purposes of Division Nine are: (a) to further the purpose of the NCR and NMRA as set forth in their Constitutions. (b) To further the hobby by promoting fellowship and social activities and the interchange of ideas among individual model railroaders and club organizations within the divisional area.

SECTION 3. No part of the net earnings of the Division shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its members, officers, or other private persons, except that the Division shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth herein. No substantial part of the activities of the Division shall be the carrying propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. The Division shall not participate in, nor intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of this charter, the Division shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from 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) or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under section 170 (c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law.)

ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

SECTION 1. Any person who is a member in good standing of the NMRA and resides in the territory of the Division or a regular NMRA member in good standing residing outside the division boundary but wishes to be a member may be a regular member of this organization and be entitled to participate in all activities of the organization.

SECTION 2. Any interested model railroader, whether or not that person is a member of the NMRA is encouraged to participate in Division activities for not more than three meetings in a twelve month period. Upon attendance of the third meeting further participation shall require that person to become a paid member of the NMRA and to accept and contribute to expenses of Division Nine as does the regular membership. Membership in good standing of the National Model Railroad Association is required.

SECTION 3. Membership shall not be denied to any person on the basis of race, religion, sex or political belief.

SECTION 4. The Board of Directors will determine expenses if needed and present to the membership for consideration and to vote upon.

ARTICLE III - VOTING

All regular members shall be entitled to vote. All matters including election of officers shall be decided by a majority vote of those members present at a meeting of the Division except as otherwise specified herein.

ARTICLE IV - MEETINGS

SECTION 1. There shall be an annual meeting each year to be held in the winter. The Board of Directors may call other meetings as may be required. Written notice of meetings shall be mailed to all regular members at least three weeks prior to any meeting. Publication in the NCR Hot Box or Division Nine’s newsletter shall be considered as satisfying this requirement.

SECTION 2. The attendance of 8 members at any meeting shall constitute a quorum.

SECTION 3. Election of the Board of Directors shall be at the odd year’s annual meeting.

SECTION 4. Regular monthly meetings may be scheduled by the Board of Directors and announced by the monthly newsletter which shall be mailed at least one week prior to the meeting.

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS

SECTION 1. A Board of Directors whose membership shall consist of the current officers shall manage the operation of the Division. The term of office for officers shall be two years.

SECTION 2. Officers of the Division shall consist of a Superintendent (President), Assistant Superintendent (Vice-President), and a Clerk (Secretary/Treasurer) elected from the regular membership. The duties of the officers shall be that as commonly accepted for officers of those positions. The immediate past Superintendent may also serve on the Board as an advisor.

SECTION 3. No person shall serve in the same elected office for more than two consecutive terms. The Board of Directors shall be empowered to remove any officer for reasons of malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonefficience and to hold an election at the next meeting for replacement of same.

ARTICLE VI - DISSOLUTION

Dissolution of the Division shall take place only upon the affirmative vote of three-quarters of all regular members voting, by secret mail ballot. All assets of the Division shall revert to the Treasury of the NCR upon dissolution after resolving all outstanding debts.

ARTICLE VII - RATIFICATION AND AMENDMENT

SECTION 1. This Constitution shall be ratified and take effect immediately with an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the regular members voting at a Division meeting.

SECTION 2. This Constitution may be amended by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the regular members present and voting at a meeting provided that the text of the proposed amendment is published with the meeting notice. This constitution was unanimously accepted at the March 2, 2008 meeting.