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MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

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Prospective members must submit an application with the appropriate dues. All areas on the application
must be filled out in order to apply for membership. Election will be by majority vote of members present
at the next general membership meeting. You do not have to be present at this meeting to be voted in, but
you will need to attend an orientation meeting before repeater codes and other club privileges will
be available to the new member.

Full Membership: Available only to licensed radio amateurs who already hold their valid FCC issued
amateur radio call sign. Full members in good standing shall have full voice in the conduct of the affairs
of the club and shall enjoy all the privileges of membership, including access to the repeater functions.
Associate Membership: Available only to non-amateurs, organizations, or licensed radio amateurs who
reside outside of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Associate members do not have voting privileges or
access to repeater codes, and are not eligible to hold office in RATS.
Dues: The annual dues year runs from October 1st through September 30th of each calendar year. New
member's dues are prorated by quarter to expire on September 30th (see chart on application), and include
a $5.00 new member fee. The fee covers various administrative, printing, and postage costs the club
incurs with a new membership. Annual renewal rates do not have the fee included.

Full Membership dues are currently $20.00 per year (prorated), plus the $5.00 new member fee.
Associate members, additional Full members from a Full member's immediate household, Senior citizens
(age 65 and over), and those members 17 years of age and younger, pay at a rate equal to one-half the
annual rate of $20.00 (i.e. $10.00, also prorated), plus the $5.00 new member fee.
If any individual of a family membership qualifies under the standard (Full) dues rate, that member shall
be the primary holder of the family membership. Special rate members can not be primary holders of a
family membership.
"People Powered" Club: In order for a large club such as RATS, Inc., to operate in accordance with its
purpose, a commitment is needed from all members. Whether it is a need to fill an elected or appointed
office, deliver a meeting program, or work on a special project, the club needs your support. Though we
all enjoy the benefits of the repeaters, members also have an obligation to participate as helpers in club
activities. Please consider volunteering to fill a need.
The Frostfest is our annual hamfest, which takes place in January. Help is always needed, whether it is
selling tickets or just watching the doors to ensure "gate-crashers" don't get in without paying. The
purpose of the Frostfest is to promote amateur radio and to provide funds for the support of the club's
operation.
The Program Committee helps with the ideas and coordination of programs for our monthly meetings.
The Social Committee helps plan and implement various social functions (as approved by the Board) such
as parties, picnics, or other group get-togethers.
The Public Relations Committee is responsible for the collection, dissemination, and distribution of
information pertaining to amateur radio as deemed/set by the Board.
Meeting Information: Meetings are normally held at 7:30 p.m. on the third Friday of a month, although the
schedule, which is set by the Board of Directors, can vary. Our current meeting site is the West End
Volunteer Rescue Squad at 1802 Chantilly Street, Richmond