ARTICLE I

 

Section I - Scope of the By-Laws

It is intended that all powers of the Germany Philatelic Society, Inc., conferred upon it by virtue of its incorporation, shall be executed in accordance with the provisions of these By-Laws and that admission to membership in the Society, the rights and obligations of members, and the tenure of membership, shall be entirely subject to and dependent upon the provisions herein, and the exercise of the authority herein conferred.

 

Section 2 - Purpose of the Society

The purpose or purposes for which the Corporation is organized are: to promote interest and knowledge of philately, among its members and the public generally - through the encouragement of philatelic research - through the exchange of information with other philatelic organizations, and among its own members at regular meetings for this purpose - through the preparation and distribution of philatelic literature and periodicals - through the maintenance of a philatelic library - through the maintenance of a laboratory with appropriate equipment for the examination and study of philatelic material - through the holding of public and private philatelic exhibitions - through co-operation and advice to assist schools, hospitals and similar institutions in the organization and conduct of philatelic clubs, and in the instruction of philatelic matters, particularly with a view to enlarge and develop the cultural and historical aspects of philately - to study the history of the world as depicted on stamps issued by the countries of the world, particularly by Germany, its occupation areas, its former colonies and plebiscite areas - to study methods of printing - to study methods of paper making, including watermarks - to study types and composition of printing; no part of the profit or net earnings of the Corporation to inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual; and to receive and hold by grant, gift, purchase, deed of trust or devise, and to dispose of and convey any real or personal property, subject to such limitations as the law may prescribe and as these purposes may require for the benefit of the members and philately in general. No substantial part of the activities of the Corporation shall be carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation Upon dissolution of the Corporation, the assets shall be distributed to one or more corporations, funds, foundations, or organizations organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or within the meaning of a corresponding section or sections in a subsequent Internal Revenue Code. (Adopted by the General Membership on November 6, 1989, at Chicago, Illinois)

 

ARTICLE II

 

Section I - Qualifications

Any person of good character, interested in philately, may become a member of the Germany Philatelic Society, in accordance with the provisions of this article.

 

Section 2 - Application for Membership

Applications for membership in the Society shall be in writing and in such form as the Board of Directors shall £?om time to time either prescribe or approve.

 

Section 3 - Fees and Dues

The membership admission fee and the annual dues of members shall be as fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors. The membership year shall commence with the first day of September. Dues shall be payable in advance. An application shall be accompanied by the admission fee and by the full annual dues on applications received between the first day of September and the last day of February. Applications received during the period March 1st through August 31st shall be accompanied by the admission fee plus one-half year's dues. If an application is not accepted, the accompanying fees and dues shall be returned less a handling charge in an amount to be set by the Board of Directors to the applicant with notice of such non-acceptance.

 

Section 4 - Admission to Membership

(a) After all necessary investigations have been completed, and upon admission new members shall be assigned membership numbers seriatim. All new members' names, together with any particulars deemed necessary, shall be published in the GERMAN POSTAL SPECIALIST at the earliest convenient date to be determined by the editor of the GERMAN POSTAL SPECIALIST, and will be accepted as a member 30 days after publication. A rejected applicant may petition the Board of Directors for reconsideration of his application and may submit additional pertinent information. The decision of the Board of Directors upon such consideration shall be final.

(b) An application for membership by a person under 18 years of age shall be accompanied by a guarantee signed by a guarantor, acceptable to the Board of Directors, that all his financial obligations to the Society will be paid when due. When admitted to membership, such person shall be assigned a membership number prefixed with the letter "J". When junior members shall have reached legal age, they shall notify the Secretary and said prefix "J" shall be dropped upon renewal for the succeeding year.

(e) Associate memberships are available to spouses of an existing member. All conditions outlined in Sections 1 and 2 will apply for this type of membership. If accepted, associate members will be subject to all benefits and rules of the Society, but shall not receive the monthly issue of the GERMAN POSTAL SPECIALIST.

 

Section 5 - Good Standing

A member in good standing - within the meaning of that term as used in these by-laws - is one who is not in default in the payment of dues or other indebtedness to the Society or any of its functions, i.e., study groups, sales department, GPS Service Center, etc., and against whom no charges are pending or filed.

 

Section 6 - Life Membership

Any member in good standing, having been a member of the Society for an uninterrupted period of no less than ten years, may on application and approval by the Board of Directors, become a life member on payment of such amount as may be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors. Approval for life membership will be considered by the Board of Directors at its annual meeting. Upon favorable action from the Board of Directors, the Secretary shall be notified and in turn, inform the applicant of the favorable action and effect life membership, after receipt of the payment of the amount set as aforesaid. All life members shall be exempt from dues and assessments. (Adopted by the General Membership on February 15, 1992)

 

Section 7 - Resignations

The resignation of a member shall become effective at the expiration 30 days after receipt of the written request, if such member is then in good standing or, if not, at such later date as he shall be restored to good standing. No refimd of membership dues will be made under this section.

 

Section 8 - Non-payment of Dues

If a member is in arrears in the payment of dues to the Society for a period of 30 days, the fact shall be certified to the Board of Directors by the Secretary. If the dues in arrears are not paid within a period of time fixed by the Board of Directors, the delinquent member shall be dropped h m membership, subject to reinstatement pursuant to Section H hereof.

 

Section 9 - Other Indebtedness

If a member is delinquent in the payment of indebtedness to the Society, or any of its departments, for a period of 30 days, the fact shall be certified to the Board of Directors by the Secretary. If such indebtedness is not paid within a period of time fixed by the Board of Duectors, the Secretary shall prefer charges to that effect against the delinquent member, which shall be considered and acted upon by the Board of Directors, as provided by Section 10 (d) of this article.

 

Section 10 - Expulsion

(a) Any member found guilty by the Board of Directors of conduct which has been declared either by general resolution of the Society or the Board of Directors to be unbecoming a member shall be suspended for a definite period or expelled fiom the Society, as herein provided.

(b) Charges of such conduct shall be in writing, and may be prefmed by the Board of Directors itself or by any otha officer or by any member in good standing. All charges shall be definite and specific. A copy of such charges shall be given to the member against whom they are preferred, either in person or by certified mail, not less than 30 days prior to the date fixed for a decision by the Board of Directors, On or before that date, the member against whom the charges have been preferred shall have the right to file to the Secretary an answer in writing to the charges against him.

(c) Charges preferred against a member shall be investigated in such manner as the Board of Directors deems proper. Upon the review of such charges, the Board members shall consider the results of all investigations and all evidence, including correspondence and other documents submitted in support of and defense against the charges, and shall make findings in writing thereon, and in case the charges are sustained, shall impose the penalty of suspension for a definite period, or expulsion. The findings of the Board of Directors, and the penalty imposed when the charges are sustained, shall be recorded, and a separate file of all data pertaining thereto shall be permanently preserved in the office of the Secretary. The majority opinion of the Board of Directors shall prevail.

(d) Any member found guilty by the Board of Directors of charges preferred against him may file within 30 days with the Board a notice of appeal to the Board of Review. The Board of Directors shall transmit to the President all evidence and other data in its possession relating to the charges. The President shall thereupon appoint a review board consisting of no less than three members, headed by the Vice-president. Any member or official in good standing and not previously connected in any way with the original charge or finding shall be eligible to serve. The President shall thereupon transmit to the chairman of the Review Board all evidence and other data in his possession relating to the charges, and the appeal shall be determined by the Review Board without undue delay and shall be final. The disposition of the case after find decision shall be published in the GERNIAN POSTAL SPECIALIST. The findings of the Board of Directors and penalty imposed by it, when no appeal is taken, shall be final.

(e) Any member indicted in any court of justice with a crime involving philatelic material or any other felony shall be suspended by the Board of Directors pending trial and upon conviction thereof, shall be expelled by said Board from the Society.

(f) Any member found guilty by the Board of Directors of failure to pay his indebtedness to the Society or any Department or Agency thereof within the period of time fixed by the Board shall be suspended for a definite period or expelled from the Society as herein provided.

(g) Any member found guilty by the Board of Directors of any £kaudulent or unethical conduct as a stamp collector or dealer shall be expelled from the Society as herein provided.

(h) Members expelled from the Society shall not be entitled to return of dues paid However, an expelled member may be rewmmended for readmission to the Society, and be readmitted to the Society upon affirmative action of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 11 - Reinstatement

A former member may make application for reinstatement. All applications for reinstatement shall be subject to a review by the Secretary and the payment of dues for the current fiscal year plus a reinstatement fee, to be set by the Board of Directors from time to time, as well as all indebtedness to the Society, its Agencies or Departments, etc., if any. If a member is reinstated, he may be assigned his former membership number only if he pays in full all his dues for the interim period. Any current member in good standing may, within 30 days after publication of the reinstatement of a former member request the Board of Directors to reconsider such reinstatement. The decision of the Board upon such reconsideration shall be final.

 

ARTICLE III

Officers

 

Section 1 - Eligibility

Any member of the Germany Philatelic Society, Inc., in good standing, who is 21 years of age or over, shall be eligible to hold any office in the Society or to serve upon any committee.

 

Section 2 - Elective Officers

The elective officers of the Society shall be a President, Vice-president, SecretaryITreasurer, and six members of the Board of Directors. The officers shall serve for a term of four years and the members of the Board of Directors for a term of four years. The President and Vice-president shall not run individually, but rather as a team, and shall be elected as a team. (Adopted by the General Membership on June 30, 1979) All newly elected officials shall assume their duties on the first day of September following the elections.

 

Section 3 - Administrative Officers

(a) The administrative officers of the Society shall include the heads of such divisions as may be established fiom time to time by the President and certified by the Board of Directors; an Editor; a Librarian; a Sales Manager, and an International Secretary.

(b) Administrative officers shall be appointed by the President, subject to approval by the Board of Directors, and shall serve indeterminate terms until resignations are submitted in writing and their successors are appointed.

 

Section 4 - Election

(a) The elective officers of the Society shall be elected by the members of the Society in good standing by ballot in 1981 and every four years hereafter. (Adopted by the General Membership on June 30, 1979)

(b) Nominations may be made by petition, or petitions signed by a total of not less than ten members, or by Chapters. Nominations by a Chapter shall be seconded by one or more other Chapters, or by ten members who are not resident members of the nominating Chapter. A nomination or a second thereto, made by a Chapter, shall be signed by its President and Secretary. The Society's Secretary shall call for nominations for the various elective offices and each nomination and second thereto so made shall be published in the GERMAN POSTAL SPECIALIST under the certificate of the Secretary not less than 120 days prior to the date of election. If the sole candidate for an office is found to be ineligible afier nominations have been published, or dies, the Board of Directors shall nominate another candidate for such office to fill the vacancy thus created.

(c) An official ballot shall be prepared by the Society's Secretary containing all nominations and spaces indicating a choice opposite each name. No other ballot shall be valid. An official ballot shall be mailed to each member, either separately or included as part of the SPECIALIST, by the Society's Secretary not less than 60 days prior to the election. Ballots shall be returned to the Society's Secretary.

(d) A plurality of all valid votes cast shall be required fbr the election of a candidate. In the case of a tie vote for any office, or if the successll candidate for any office dies, the election shall be decided by a poll of the elective officers in office.

 

Section 5 -Vacancies

In case of a vacancy in the office of any of the officers of the Society, such vacancy shall be filled as follows: In the office of President - by the succession thereto of the Vice-president. In any other elective or administrative office, by appointment of the President, subject to approval by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 6 - Removal from Office

Any elective officer may be removed eom office or suspended for a definite period by the Board of Directors upon being found guilty by the Board of misconduct in office. Any administrative officer may be removed from office or suspended for a definite period for cause by the President subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

 

ARTICLE IV

Duties of Directors and Officers

 

Section 1- Executive Board

(a) The Executive Board shall consist of the President, Vice-president, Secretary-Treasurer, the six members of the Board of Directors, and the immediate past-President. The Board shall have full power to manage the business and affairs of the Society except as otherwise provided in these By- Laws.

(b) The Board shall prescribe the amount of the official bonds to be executed by officers as provided in Article 9, Section 4, and may require bonds to be given and prescribe the amounts thereof, in case of any other office. (c) The Board may be called upon by the President, or by any three members of the Board, for the general transaction of business, or for the consideration of such special matters as may be specified in the call for consideration.

(d) The Executive Board shall have authority to define by general resolution that conduct unbecoming a member which shall be the basis for disciplinary action under Section 10 of Article II.

(e) The Executive Board shall keep an accurate, complete, and permanent rewrd of all its proceedings, which shall be permanently filed with the Executive Secretary.

 

Section 2 - The President

(a) The President shall preside at all meetings of the Society.

(b) Shall appoint, with the approval of the Board of Directors, the various standing committees.

(c) Shall execute on behalf of the Society, all contracts, deeds, and other legal instruments.

(d) Shall have general supervision over all officers and committees to the end that there shall be full and complete performance of their duties by each of said officers and committees.

 

Section 3 - The VicePresident

(a) The Vice-President shad assume duties of the President during the President's incapacity to preside at a meeting.

(b) Shall assume the duties of the President in the event the office is vacated.

(c) Shall perform such other duties as required by the By-Laws and assist the President as required.

 

Section 4 - The Secretary

(a) The Secretary shall keep a record, in accurate and permanent form of all proceedings of the Society.

(b) Shall attest all legal documents and file all charters for Chapters and certificates presented to life members, and shall perform such other duties as are delegated to this office elsewhere in the By-Laws.

(c) Shall edit and approve all official notices to be published in the GERMAN POSTAL SPECIALIST, or other philatelic publications.

(d) Shall be charged with the collection and preservation of all general records and official documents of the Society, except as otherwise herein provided.

(e) Shall have charge of the seal, keep the records of members, and issue membership cards.

(f) Shall receive all applications for membership and send the list of new members to the editor of the GERMAN POSTAL SPECIALIST for publication therein.

 

Section 5 - The Treasurer

(a) Shall be responsible for the custody of all funds or securities of the Society.

(b) Shall advise the President in all matters concerning the financial duties discharged, and shall make disbursements of h d s on approval by the President.

(c) Shall present annually a complete statement to the membership in collaboration with the President of the assets and liabilities of the Society and of the financial transactions.

(d) Shall collect all dues and fees and keep proper books of account showing all receipts, disbursements, and balances of cash on hand. Shall deposit all monies of the Society in a bank to the credit of the Society.

 

ARTICLE V

Departments

 

Section 1 - The Sales Department

(a) The Sales Department shall be conducted in accordance with rules approved by the Board of Directors. The rules governing the Sales Department shall specify the individual in charge of and responsible for the operations of the department. The rules may be revised fiom time to time, but such revisions shall not apply to sales books then in circulation.

(b) Each member in good standing shall be entitled to participate in the Sales Department, subject to his strict compliance with all the rules of the department.

 

Section 2 - Other Departments

(a) In addition to the Sales Department as herein provided for, the Board of Directors shall have authority to establish such other Departments as they may deem advisable.

(b) When any Department is established, the Board of Directors shall prescribe the rules and regulations thereof, and all such Departments shall be conducted under the supervision of the Board of Directors.

(c) Any Department so established by the Board of Directors may be discontinued by the Board at any time by giving notice thereof in the GERMAN POSTAL SPECIALISI'.

 

ARTICLE VI

The GERMAN POSTAL SPECIALIST shall be the official journal of the Society and shall be published by the Editor under the supervision and direction of the President and Board of Directors. The subscription price shall be determined by the Board of Directors. All income accruing to the Society in consequence of the publication of the GERMAN POSTAL SPECIALIST, whether fiom advertising or otherwise, shall be deposited by the Secretary-Treasurer in the general fimd of the Society.

 

ARTICLE VII

Chapters

 

Section 1 - Organization

Five or more members of the Society may associate themselves for the purpose of forming a chapter of the Society and may make application for admission and charter as such. 'Me application shall state the name, location, names of the members and officers, and the rules of the proposed chapter. If such application is approved by the President and Board of Directors, such applicants shall become a chapter of the Society, subject to the provisions of this article.

 

Section 2 - Fees and Dues

Each chapter shall pay a fee of one dollar per year when filing their Annual Report, with an admission fee of one dollar accompanying the original application.

 

Section 3 - Non-Society Members

As of this revision, a chapter can admit to membership therein only persons who are paid up members of the Society. Chapters that have non-members may retain them, but said persons cannot hold elective office in the chapter. (Adopted by the General Membership Mmch 1977)

 

Section 4 - Chapter Representatives

Each chapter shall designate the president or secretary, who shall be a member of the Society, as the representative of the chapter in its dealings with the Society. He shall report all activities of the Germany Philatelic Society, Inc., to the chapter and, generally supervise the recruiting fiom the chapter of members of the Germany Philatelic Society, Inc., and make sure that all chapter reports to the Society are promptly made and forwarded to the Society's secretary, and all procedural requirements are complied with.

 

Section 5 - Sales Department

Service Chapters may participate in the Sales Department activities under conditions, arrangements, and agreements as prescribed by the Sales Manager.

 

Section 6 - Reports

Each Chapter shall make an annual report to the Society's secretary of its activities, signed by its president and secretary, and indicate therein those of its members who are members of the Germany Philatelic Society, Inc. This report shall be filed with the Society secretary during the month of January of each year. Failure to do so, or to have less than five Germany Philatelic Society members on its membership rolls for two consecutive years shall be grounds to revoke the charter of the chapter.

 

ARTICLE VIII

Study and Research Groups

 

Section 1 - Organization

Study and Research groups of any phase of Germany philately may be formed by ten or more members of the Society, subject to the provisions of this article. Each group shall organize by adopting rules and regulations and, when deemed necessary, electing officers. Upon the approval of the rules and regulations by the President or the Board of Directors, the Study and Research Group shall be officially recognized as such, and notice thereof shall be given to the executive Secretary and the Editor of the GERMAN POSTAL SPECLALIST for publication therein.

 

Section 2 - Publishing Articles

Each Study and Research Group shall have the privilege of publishing such articles and other material as may pertain to its phase in philately.

 

Section 3 - Disbanding

A Study and Research Group may disband at any time by giving notice to the Society's secretary and to the Editor for publication in the GERMAN POSTAL SPECIALIST.

 

Section 4 - Reports

Each Study and Research Group shall file an annual report with the Society's secretary stating its activities and including a list of its members. This report shall be filed with the Society Secretary during the month of January of each year.

 

Section 5 - Officers and Directors

All officers and directors of the GPS Study and Research Groups must be active members of the GPS. (Adopted by the General Membership October 30, 1998)

 

ARTICLE IX

 

Section 1- General Fund

All sums received from admission fees, dues, advertising revenue, sales, etc., shall constitute the general fund.

 

Section 2 - Life Membership Fund

Moneys received for Life Memberships shall constitute the Life Membership Fund. At the end of each fiscal year, income there from shall be transferred to the general hnd, plus a withdrawal from the principal sum in an amount not to exceed one membership fee of one year per life member enrolled at the beginning of the fiscal year.

 

Section 3 - Trust Fund

(a) All monies and property received from donations, contributions, and bequests, which are received for certain purposes, or subject to certain conditions, shall be retained in a Trust Fund or Trust Funds, subject to the conditions received and shall be administered by a Trustee Committee, appointed by the President.

(b) The monies and property so received shall be held by the Treasurer in separate funds and shall be disbursed upon direction of said Trust Committee.

 

Section 4 - Fiscal Year

The fiscal year for the Society shall commence on September 1st in each calendar year.

 

Section 5 - Official Bonds

The Board of Directors shall prescribe the amount of official bonds to be given by the Society Secretary-Treasurer, the Sales Department Manager, Librarian, and Editor of the GERMAN POSTAL SPECIALIST. All bonds premiums shall be payable fiom the general fund.

 

ARTICLE X

Amendments

 

The By-Laws of the Society may be amended as herein provided. Amendments may be proposed

(a) by petition signed by at least 5 members in good standing;

(b) by an annual meeting;

(c) by action of a chapter of the Society, provided one or more other chapters endorse the proposal. AU proposals and endorsements thereto, made by chapters shall be signed by their President and Secretary.

 

Form of Amendment

A proposed amendment shall be placed in the hands of the Secretary not later than the first day of the fourth month preceding the month during which the annual meeting is to be held and shall be published in the GERMAN POSTAL SPECIALIST at least ninety days prior to said meeting. A ballot for voting upon a proposed amendment shall be mailed to each member of the Society in good standing not less than 60 days prior to the meeting at the time when the call for the annual meeting is sent out. Arguments pro and con furnished by the members interested may be mailed with the ballot, upon such conditions as the Board of Directors may prescribe. The form of ballot shall provide a space wherein each member may indicate his vote for or against the proposal submitted. The ballots shall be tabulated and the vote reported by the Secretary. A favorable vote by two-thirds of the members voting thereon as herein provided shall be necessary for the adoption of an amendment of the By-Laws. GPS Philatelic Code of Ethics Membership in the Germany Philatelic Society is a privilege extended to those persons and organizations deemed worthy thereof and is not a matter of right. Membership may be obtained unless the Board ofDirectors determines that the conduct of a member has been such that, in the best interest of the Society, membership should be suspended or terminated. For the guidance of its members, this Code of Ethics has been duly adopted by the Roard of Directors and by the authority vested in it by the Constitution and By-Laws of the Society. A breach of ethics by any member reflects, directly or indirectly, upon all other members. Such a breach shall be considered conduct prejudicial to the welfare of the Society and cause for disciplinary action by the Board of Directors. As a member of the Germany Philatelic Society:

1. I agree to support and be governed by the Constitution and By-Laws of the GPS and such amendments, resolutions and policies as may be established.

2. I agree to abide by all federal, state and local laws relating to philatelic matters.

3. I agree to conduct myself so as to bring no reproach or discredit to the GPS, or to impair the prestige of membership therein, or to philately.

4. I agree neither to buy or sell philatelic items of which the ownership is questionable and to report promptly to the proper law enforcement agencies information on suspected stolen material.

5. I agree to correct promptly any error I may make in any transaction.

6. I agree to assist in the prosecutions of violations, of which I have knowledge, of laws pertaining to philatelic matters and to report promptly to the proper law enforcement agencies any such violations. I agree not knowingly to sell, trade, produce or advertise repaired, altered, or otherwise modified philatelic items unless that condition is clearly stated.

7. I agree not to sell, produce or advertise counterfeit material in any form, in violation of any law.

8. I agree to fulfill all contracts made by me, either orally or written, to make prompt payments upon delivery and to return promptly any item that is not satisfactory.

9. When exhibiting, I agree to display only material kom my own collection or else to state cleafly the contrary intent.

10. I agree that substitution of stamps or covers, in circuits, approval selections, auction lots, etc. is dishonest and is cause for expulsion.

11. 1 agree to bring known examples of irresponsible or unethical tactics to the attention of the societies in which 1 hold membership and which embrace this code.

12. 1 agree to conduct myself in accordance with accepted standards of morality and courtesy in philatelic activities not specifically cited in this code.

13, Unless otherwise previously agreed, requests for extension of time to return purchased material while awaiting expert opinion is not an acceptable reason to hold up payment for same. Prompt refund shall be forthcoming fiom the seller should the material submitted for opinion be deemed other than as offered or described by the seller. The seller shall also bear reasonable costs for obtaining the opinion if material is other than as offered or described. The buyer shall inform the seller immediately after receipt of any expert opinion. Requests for extension of time must be in writing.

14. 1 agree to read, understand and be bound by the "terms of sale" wnditions before submitting an auction bid or placing a philatelic order.

15. If I should be found guilty of unethical or unlawfd conduct, the record thereof may be disclosed to other philatelic societies of which I am a member.

16. I agree that any dispute concerning philatelic transactions in which I am involved may be settled by arbitration mutually agreed upon by the parties involved.

(Adopted by the Board of Directors November 1980)