Constitutional Amendment on 2008 Ballot

When the 1947-48 Constitution came into being the members were local New York gentlemen who laid an excellent foundation for QCWA membership that has grown to become an international member association. Sixty years later, the present QCWA members are at a point where we have within our grasp the foresight and voting power to move the association forward into new territory that can yield good results for QCWA's future.

The QCWA Board of Directors (BoD) has unanimously approved a motion for a Constitutional Amendment to be on the 2008 Ballot that would allow opening up the full 365-day year to the possibility of an annual meeting for the members. The effective date of the motion would be September 1, 2008, the same date that the newly elected Officers and Directors take office.

Currently, we are bound by Article IV Section 1 of the QCWA Constitution that states, "The Association shall hold an annual meeting during the second half of the each year at a time and place to be designated by the Board of Directors." Thus, as currently written, the Constitution prevents having an annual meeting anytime except during the last 6 months of the year.

Therefore, any attempt to hold the annual meeting at any major hamfest or amateur radio attraction in January through June, even though many QCWA members would be in attendance, WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH our CURRENT Constitution because it's the WRONG HALF of the year!!

Therefore, you as a QCWA member, in approving this proposed Constitutional Amendment have a wonderful opportunity of opening up many possibilities to the QCWA membership. Accordingly, the Officers, Directors, and GM of the QCWA solicit and encourage your vote in favor of amending Article IV Section 1 of the current Constitution to read:

"The Association shall hold an annual meeting at a time and place to be designated by the Board of Directors."

It has been determined that there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING negative about the proposed amendment as it will be opening up the potential for ALSO using the "other" first half of the year to QCWA's benefit. Why limit ourselves to holding annual meetings in the second half of the year when 365 days are waiting for our use!!!

Your vote on the ballot in favor of this change is encouraged and appreciated.