MAINE ASSOCIATION FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE

BYLAWS

AS AMENDED

JANUARY 7,1996

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this organization shall be called the Maine Association for Search and Rescue.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSES

The purposes of this organization are to promote and develop search and rescue (SAR) capabilities and resources in the State of Maine with the underlying principle of saving lives. It will provide a forum for the volunteer SAR organizations in the State of Maine to express their concerns and exchange ideas in the furtherance of SAR in Maine. It shall also provide the needed liaison between the individual member organizations and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR), and any other similar agencies.

No part of the net earnings of such activities shall inure to the benefit of any private shareholder, member or individual and no substantial part of the activities will include the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and will not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. In the event this corporation should become inactive or dissolved, any funds then remaining on hand after the payment of legal and proper expenses shall be turned over, in toto, without restriction, to a nonprofit cultural activity which is exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and as chosen by majority vote of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE III: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors shall be limited to 7 in number who are to serve for a two-year period with the exception of the first year, in which the term may be for a longer term due to the start-up of the organization. The Board of Directors shall consist of the officers of the Organization and two designates selected by the voting members.

The Board of Directors shall provide overall guidance to the organization in general policy matters but shall not interfere with the normal daily operations. They will provide the direction of the organization and ensure that all applicable laws and regulations are followed and adhered to.

The election of the Board shall be held at the annual meeting of the organization.

ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP

Membership shall be open to all individuals and organizations involved in search and rescue operations, or survival organizations, or supporting such operations provided; however, that such organizations or persons meet the standards of membership established by the Board of Directors.

The Association shall not discriminate in any manner on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, or national and ethnic origin in administration of its programs.

The membership of the Association shall be divided into the following categories:

Organizational Member - Any volunteer organization or association involved directly in search and rescue or survival activities in the State of Maine which meets the current MASAR unit certification standard and two thirds of whose membership is comprised of Maine residents.

Individual Member - Any person involved in search, rescue, or survival activities and affiliated with a SAR organization in the State of Maine.

Associate Member - Any organization, association, or individual involved directly or indirectly inside or outside the State of Maine in search, rescue, or survival activities.

Agency Member - Any designated representative of a federal, state, or local government agency involved directly or indirectly in search, rescue, or survival activities, or emergency services that share the same goals and objectives as MASAR.

ARTICLE V: VOTING MEMBERSHIP

Voting membership shall consist of Organizational and Individual members. They have the privilege of attending meetings, voting, nominating, resigning, presenting motions, resolutions, or other business.

Each Organizational Member shall have a single vote and the Individuals, collectively, shall have a single vote.

ARTICLE VI: OFFICERS

The officer to serve a two year term to coincide with the election of the Board of Directors. Such election to be held at the annual workshop to become effective the start of the next fiscal year.

The officers of the corporation shall be:

A. President/Director: He shall preside at all meetings of the Directors and in his absence a Vice President/Assistant Director will preside. He shall sign all papers of the corporation and perform such other duties as the Directors may, from time to time, prescribe. Either the President/Director or the Treasurer may sign checks.

B. Vice President/Assistant Director: He shall preside, in the absence of the President/Director, and in general, perform any duties that the Board of Directors may, from time to time, prescribe.

C. Education Director: He/she shall be responsible for developing the educational programs that are available to MASAR members and be the Chair-person for the Annual MASAR workshop.

D. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall pay all bills and be responsible for all money collected. He shall present a financial report at each meeting and an annual report at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall have the authority, along with the President/Director, to sign all checks.

E. Secretary: The Secretary shall write the newsletter, prepare advertising, take minutes of all meetings and publish July nominations.

ARTICLE VII: SPECIAL MEETINGS

Special meetings may be determined by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VIII: DUES

Effective on the election of the Board of Directors, dues will be levied as recommended by the Board of Directors and voted upon by the members, payable annually. In the event that a member requests a leave of absence, it is still the responsibility of said member to maintain a current status with respect to his/her dues. If any team member fails to discharge his dues obligation for a period of three (3) months or more, a reevaluation of his intention towards the Association will be made at that time by the Board and recommendations made by them.

ARTICLE IX: LEGAL COUNSEL

The Association shall be represented by legal counsel in an advisory capacity.

ARTICLE X: AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS

These bylaws may be amended at any meeting, by a majority vote of the membership present at that meeting.

Such amendment to be distributed to the membership thirty (30) days prior to the meeting.

ARTICLE XI: REMOVAL

Removal from the Association shall require a two thirds vote of the full Board of Directors and a two thirds majority vote of the entire membership. The member proposed for removal has the right to a hearing before the Board of Directors and or the membership at its annual meeting.

Removal will be for cause and includes but is not limited to the following: