Heidelberg International Ski Club
Constitution

ARTICLE I DESIGNATION

The name of the club is the HEIDELBERG INTERNATIONAL SKI CLUB (HISC). The club is a private organization.

ARTICLE II LOCATION

HISC operates as a Private Organization (PO) under the approval authority of the U.S. Army Garrison, Heidelberg (USAGH), APO 09102, and is established according to Army Regulation (AR) 210-22 and Army in Europe (AE) Regulation 210-22.

ARTICLE III PURPOSE

The purpose of HISC is to provide a medium for conducting skiing, social, and educational activities for its members on a group basis. Individual members have no proprietary interests in the club, but will derive benefits exclusively by participating in the club activities. The club will not engage in activities that compete with those of any appropriated fund (AF) or non-appropriated fund (NAF) activity.

ACTIVITIES

1. Major fundraising activities (MFR) may be conducted in accordance with applicable regulations when approved by the executive council and Commander, USAGH. They may be open to the total military community and may include bazaars, bingo, raffles, and other fundraisers approved by the club.
2. In accordance with IMCOM-E regulations at least 70 percent of the net proceeds from any fundraiser must be provided as a charitable contribution to the Heidelberg Youth Activities or any other charities approved by the membership.

ARTICLE IV MEMBERSHIP

HISC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or mental or physical handicaps. This organization will not accept invitations from, nor participate in, any activity or organization that does not conform to Army in Europe policy. Membership in the club shall be voluntary and may be terminated at any time by written resignation of the individual, or by direction of the Executive Council based on a majority vote. Membership is categorized as follows:

1. Active Membership. Active members are those who are issued a membership card and are authorized to vote upon all matters in which the members have an interest. Active membership will be extended to all members of the U.S. Forces, military and civilian, and their family members who are present in Germany. Active membership will also be extended to all other U.S. citizens who are not members of the U.S. Forces and to non U.S. citizens. However, their membership may not exceed 49 percent of the total membership. Active members must be 18 years old or older. Any active club member may seek and hold an elected office or may be appointed to serve on the Executive Council, however, only members holding a valid US Forces Identification card may serve as President or Vice President. If an account is maintained at a military banking facility, the Treasurer and other council members authorized to sign checks must hold a valid U.S. Forces identification card (required by AE Reg 210-22, para 5.c). All other positions may be filled by members without a US Forces Identification card.
2. Honorary Membership. Honorary membership shall be reserved for those few individuals deemed deserving by a majority vote of the members of the Executive Council. These members shall have the privileges of active members, except they cannot hold office or vote. Honorary memberships will not exceed five percent of total membership.
3. Reciprocal Membership. Reciprocal members are non-dues-paying members who are members of other similarly organized ski clubs that grant the same privilege to members of HISC. Reciprocal members have the privilege of signing up for HISC trips only after the first sign-up night.
4. Life Membership. Past HISC presidents are entitled to a life membership. This includes all rights and privileges of paid membership. Other life memberships shall be reserved for individuals deemed deserving by a majority vote of the Executive Council.
5. Council Membership. Current year council members are entitled to a free membership during the year in which they serve.
6. Ski Patrol Membership. On a year-to-year basis, may be extended the privilege of a free membership. These patrollers must be fully qualified and approved by the Ski Patrol Director. The Ski Patroller that serves as a delegate to the HISC Council is entitled to a free membership for the year during which they serve as a (non-voting) member of the HISC Council.
7. Special Membership Rules.
   1. Active, Honorary, Council, and Ski Patrol membership is individual and does not extend to a member’s spouse or significant other. HISC does not have children or family membership. Dependant children (lives at home with parents or holds a dependant U.S. Forces identification card) are not required to pay a membership fee to attend a HISC function (ski trip or social); however, they are not entitled to the benefits of being a member and do not receive a membership card.
   2. Membership is from 1 August to 31 July each year. Upon joining the club, all members of HISC are required to read the Constitution and Bylaws. Memberships will be offered throughout the year. However, memberships must be renewed and new HISC cards will be available beginning in August of each year. Persons less than 18 years of age will be admitted only if they are a dependent of a HISC member. There are no provisions for return of any membership fees without approval of the Executive Council. Guests of members are invited to attend meetings/social functions, but they shall not receive any benefits that members receive at these functions. Guests residing in Germany, who are not members of a club with whom HISC has reciprocal agreement, will be required to join the club prior to signing up for trips with the club.

ARTICLE V ADMINISTRATION

The government, management and administration of the club shall be entrusted to an Executive Council as set out in the Bylaws of the club. Election of officers to the Executive Council will be held annually, at the first meeting in March. The number of members present at the announced election meeting will constitute a quorum for a valid election. There will be no provisions for absentee or proxy voting. The Council Elect shall be installed the first of May. The President will fill vacancies by appointment.

ARTICLE VI REVIEW

Members of the Executive Council will review the Constitution and Bylaws annually (not later than June 30th) and will consider any amendments submitted in accordance with ARTICLE VII. When revised, two revised copies, duly signed and dated, shall accompany the biannual (i.e. every 2 years) request for renewal. Also included will be an information copy of the annual audits for the past two years, a current list of officers to include addresses and phone numbers, a summary of any major change in the organization, approved minutes from the last two years (unless already submitted), and a copy of the bonding insurance policy. On at least an annual basis, names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of officers, approved minutes, and the percentage of members with SOFA status will also be provided. This request and information shall be forwarded to the Commander, USAGH, APO 09102, to arrive 90 days prior to the 30 August expiration date of every even numbered year (i.e., 2006, 2008, etc.).

ARTICLE VII AMENDMENTS

The Constitution and Bylaws may be amended only by majority vote of the active members present at a regular or special meeting of the general membership. A member desiring to submit an amendment shall present the amendment in writing to the Executive Council at any time. Proposed amendments shall be considered and voted by the Executive Council. Favorable recommendation of an amendment shall require a simple majority vote of the Executive Council. The results of the vote on each amendment considered shall be recorded. At the next regular or special meeting of the general membership, the council shall present each proposed amendment to the membership with the Executive Council's recommendation. Amendments will not conflict with pertinent U. S. Army or Army in Europe regulations and directives. Approved amendments shall be forwarded in letter form to the approving authority, to include a certification of approval by the Executive Council. Approved amendments will remain in effect, unless rescinded by another amendment, until a revised Constitution and Bylaws are approved by the general membership.

ARTICLE VIII DURATION AND DISSOLUTION

The duration of the club shall be perpetual and shall be dissolved only upon vote of a majority of the active members present at any general or special meeting or by the approving authority in accordance with the provisions of AE Regulation 210 22. Upon dissolution of the club, all club funds and property remaining after payment of all liabilities of the club shall be donated to the Heidelberg Youth Activities Fund, Heidelberg NACN 29, Heidelberg, Germany.

ARTICLE IX OBLIGATION

This Club is not an instrumentality of the United States. It must remain self-sustaining and may not receive financial assistance from the U. S. Army or non-appropriated funds. Neither the Department of the Army nor the Army in Europe will assume any responsibility for debts incurred by the club. All members of the club, in accordance with host nation laws, may be personally liable to creditors, if the assets of the club are insufficient to discharge all liabilities.

ARTICLE X ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES

Accounting procedures shall be maintained in accordance with AR 210-22, and other applicable regulations.

ARTICLE XI EFFECTIVE DATE

This Constitution is the sole Constitution of HISC. It is effective when ratified by a majority vote of the Executive Council, and approved by the general membership. Upon approval by the general membership, all previous versions are rescinded.

RATIFIED BY a majority vote of the Executive Council on 23 April 2008.

APPROVED BY majority vote of the Members present at the general membership meeting on 30 Apr 2008.

Click here to read the HISC charter
Click here to read the bylaws
Click here to see the list of council members
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