Article 2: Membership

Section 1: Members

A member is defined as any law abiding citizen of good character, residing or doing business in the State of Rhode Island, who is admitted to membership and conforms to the rules and regulations governed by this Constitution and BY – Laws.

Section 2: Classes of Membership

There shall be only one (1) class of membership, Active.

Active membership shall compose of dues paying members in good standing. Although life membership is no longer available, anyone who acquired Life Membership to this Association prior to this Constitution and By – Laws shall be considered as an Active Member.

Section 3: Limitations on Membership

No member shall be a member of any other organization, association, or union having interest that conflict with the objectives of this Association, without having written approval from the executive board.

Section 4: Good Standing

To be considered in good standing, an active member must:

A) Have all initiation fees, dues, and assessments paid within the periods prescribed by this Constitution and By – Laws. Active members who fail to pay dues, initiation fees or assessments within these prescribed periods shall be considered delinquent and/or automatically suspended from membership.
B) Attend a minimum of three (3) regular meetings in each calendar year. Any active member who is unable to attend a meeting because of illness or employment and who notifies the Executive Board may be excused from attendance and shall not be considered delinquent or suspended from membership.
C) Meet all obligations as herein set fourth in this Constitution and By – Laws.

Members who are delinquent, under suspension or otherwise not in good standing shall not be entitled to any voice or vote in this Association and shall forfeit all rights of membership. Upon suspension or resignation from membership the member shall immediately surrender all Association property then in his or her possession to the Secretary.

Section 5: Rights of membership

Every active member of the Association in good standing shall have equal rights and privileges within the Association to nominate candidates, to vote in elections, to attend regular membership meetings, and to participate in the deliberations and votes of such meetings.

Every active member of the Association in good standing shall have the right to meet and assemble freely with other members, and to express his or her views upon any business before any regular meeting of the Association, subject to the rules pertaining to the conduct of said meeting.

Section 6: Oath of Membership

I (insert name), pledge upon my honor that I will faithfully observe the Constitution of the United States of America and the State of Rhode Island, and the Constitution and By – Laws of the Associates of the Rhode Island Troopers Association. I will cherish, protect, and exercise the freedom and rights for which these laws provide. I solemnly promise to faithfully perform all duties assigned to me and will never subordinate the interest and welfare of this Association.

I hereby reaffirm the obligations I have taken as a member of the Associates of the Rhode Island Troopers Association.

Section 7: Reinstatement

Any member who has resigned or is delinquent or suspended for non-payment of dues or non-attendance of meetings may be reinstated, in the direction of the Executive Board. Prior to full reinstatement and restoration to membership in good standing, said member must pay in full all dues assessed for the current year and must attend three (3) meetings to prior to having any voice or vote in this Association.

Section 8: Miscellaneous

Membership in this association shall not vest any member thereof with the right, title, or interest in or to funds, property, or other assets belonging to the membership of this Association.