​​It is the mission of the Swanton Area Railroad and Model Club, Inc., (the "Corporation" or the "Club") To:  Bring the public together in peace and fellowship; Preserve the history and promote the spirit of model railroading, through the information and dedication of our members; Bring an awareness to the general public through our displays and knowledge; Promote the World's Greatest Hobby (WGH), “Operation Lifesaver” and general safety in respect to prototype railroads and Most Importantly:  To Have Fun!

 

Article I. Members

 

(A)  MEMBERSHIP- Definition, Rights and Privileges

 

  (1)(a)  Membership Rights consist of the right to vote and all other privileges specified by Ohio State Law, these Bylaws, by a resolution approved by the members at a meeting, or as per Customs/Traditions acknowledged by the Club, in writing, which includes, but is not limited to running at shows with the Division they have declared and/or ANY other division of the Club, with consent of the run/show's manager for that Division.

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      (b)  Membership in the club may be obtained/maintained by a person of at least eighteen (18) years of age, in writing by completing the Application/Renewal for Membership. The term “Member” is defined to include the Member, their spouse (if applicable), and all individuals living at the same residence address as the Member under the age of 18 and includes grandchildren, foster children, and adopted children. Family members under the age of sixteen (16) years should be accompanied and supervised by an adult member at club meetings and events.

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  (2)  Life Membership may be awarded to any Member in good standing who has maintained membership in the Club for 25 years. Nominations for Life Membership will be made in writing to the Board by the Member or another Member of the club. Nominations for Life Membership will be voted on by the membership at the regular meeting following the nomination.  All future dues will be waived for Life Members provided the Member remains in good standing.

 

  (3)  Honorary Memberships for a non-member may be awarded, after nomination to the Board for recognition as an Honorary Club Member; whereupon the Board shall review the nomination and present a recommendation to the membership for a vote to award or decline to award an Honorary Club Membership. Honorary Members do not have voting rights nor are they required to declare a division.

 

(B)  APPLICATION/RENEWAL OF MEMBERSHIP

 

  (1)  Application/Renewal of membership shall be made in writing on a form prescribed by The Board, which shall include the applicant's agreement to abide by the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Divisional Specifications and/or other Rules as adopted by the Board and a completed Declaration of Division.

 

  (2) Approval of the application If the applicant is approved, the Treasurer shall issue a membership card for the new member, which shall include a notation of either "Lifetime" or date of validity.  If the application is rejected, the applicant shall have no indebtedness or other obligation to the Club.  New member(s) shall receive a book/folder/electronic copy of the current Bylaw's, and all Divisions' specifications and/or rules.

 

  (3)  Duration of Membership  Until membership is terminated by death, resignation, expiration, or expulsion, a member in good standing is entitled to exercise all the rights and privileges of membership in the club.

 

  (4)  Good Standing  A Member in good standing has all dues, both past and current, paid (excludes Life/Honorary Members) and has the Member's Declaration of Division and contact information current and up to date.

 

  (5)  Declaration of Division  Members may be involved in any or all divisions but must declare a primary division for the purpose of voting for Division Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent, as well as division business, including policy and expenditures. Such declaration must be filed yearly when dues are paid and if changed between yearly declarations, must be in writing, acknowledged by the original and new Division Superintendents and filed with Treasurer, who shall place said changed declaration with the most recent declaration-Application/Renewal.

 

  (6)  Voting Rights  Members and their spouse will be eligible to vote in club business requiring a vote.  Other persons falling under the term Member as described in Article I(A)(1) are not eligible to vote on any club business.