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CONSTITUTION

(As Amended: July, 1995)

ARTICLE 1.

NAME. The name of the society shall be the Electrostatics Society of America.

ARTICLE 2.

PURPOSE. The Society shall serve to unify and integrate the varied, diversified, and often isolated areas of electrostatic researches and applications by bringing together the workers in these areas through conferences, conventions and otherwise, for the mutual benefit of all; it shall serve the needs of its members by exchange of information, such as by a news sheet, and possibly eventually through a journal; it shall promote the proper growth and recognition of electrostatics in suitable ways, such as to secure the cooperation of the schools so that teaching of electrostatics may not be ignored; in general, it shall serve the cause of electrostatics in all possible ways; and it shall cooperate with like groups abroad to the mutual benefit of all.

ARTICLE 3.

SCOPE. The scope of the Society shall be inclusive, not exclusive; it shall embrace man-made electrostatics in industrial, medical, space, and other areas; and natural electrostatics in atmospheric and other areas.

ARTICLE 4.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. The affairs of the Society shall be managed by an Executive Council of five, elected by the membership, as determined by constitutional amendments prepared by the Interim Executive Council.

4a) The Councils succeeding the Interim Council shall have terms of office of two years, beginning on July 1.

4b) If extraordinary circumstances prevent the election of a new Council, the existing Council shall continue in office, year by year, until an election can be held.

4c) The Council shall be nominated as a full slate, naming the officers and members.

4d) Slates may be self-nominated, each being presented by a member of the slate. Also, the Council may nominate a slate.

4e) The several slates shall be presented to the Secretary three months before the end of the Council's term. After validation the nominated slates the Council shall cause the Secretary to present the slates to the membership two months before term end, with the mail vote deadline to be one month before term end. The slate receiving the largest number of votes shall be declared elected. If two slates are tied in receiving more votes than any other slate, the Council shall act to break the tie.

4f) If the President's seat falls vacant, the Vice President shall become President, and the Council shall make one of its members Vice President. It shall likewise fill the seat of the Vice President if that seat becomes vacant. The Council shall maintain its membership at five; as necessary, it shall appoint a member of the Society to a seat on the Council.

ARTICLE 5.

INTERIM EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. The first, or Interim Executive Council of five shall be elected by the Charter Members. If an elected member cannot serve, the remaining members shall appoint to fill the vacancy; the appointee need not be a member prior to appointment. The Interim and later Councils shall have a President and Vice President, who also serve nationally in these capacities. The Council shall appoint a Secretary and a Treasurer, from within its membership or from without.

ARTICLE 6.

MEMBERSHIP. Those participating in the founding shall be the Charter Members. Other adults having interests in electrostatics may apply, and if approved by the Council shall be granted membership. Membership may be extended to workers anywhere in the world. Institutional memberships may be granted. To maintain membership the payment of dues may be required.

ARTICLE 7.

DUES. In the Interim period the Council may set up a moderate schedule of dues.

ARTICLE 8.

ELECTIONS. The Interim Council shall be elected as provided for in the Enabling Act. In due course, it shall prepare to be replaced by a succeeding Council, by preparing procedures normal and proper for such a society.

ARTICLE 9.

AMENDMENTS. The Constitution may be amended by membership vote by mail or at a conference or convention, on amendments prepared by the Interim or later Council; or, ten members in good standing may present amendments directly to the membership.

ARTICLE 10.

BYLAWS. The Interim Council shall set up procedures for adoption of Bylaws.

10a) Bylaws may be adopted by mail vote when presented to the membership by Council; or by action of a national Convention.

ARTICLE 11.

ENABLING ACT. An Enabling Act accompanies this Constitution, outlining steps for founding the Society.

ARTICLE 12.

FOUNDING ACT. The ballots having been counted, the day when the report of election of the Interim Council is completed shall be the Founding Date of the Society. Upon notification, the Interim Council shall assume management of the Society.

ARTICLE 13.

ADOPTION. This Constitution is adopted and becomes the Constitution of the Society on the Founding Date.

ARTICLE 14.

SECRETARY-TREASURER. The Council may at its discretion, combine or separate the offices of Secretary and Treasurer. These officers whether separate or joint shall serve continuously until replaced by Council. He or they shall be a member of the Council ex officio, without vote.

ARTICLE 15.

OTHER OFFICES. Other offices, such as Editor of a news letter or journal, may be provided in the Bylaws.

ARTICLE 16.

RULES OF ORDER. For the conduct of business at Conventions, the rules shall be Robert's Rules of Order.

ARTICLE 17.

BOARD OF ADVISORS. To provide continuity and guidance, a Board of Advisors, to be appointed by and serve at the discretion of the Council, shall be established to recommend policy for the Council's consideration and action. The Board of Advisors shall consist of significant contributors to the Society and of past presidents who express an active interest in guiding the affairs of the Society.

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AMENDMENTS:
(ARTICLE, DATE ADOPTED)
16 June 11, 1971
10a June 11, 1971
4a through 4f June 11, 1971
4e July 1, 1981
14 June 11, 1971
15 June 11, 1971

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