Membership Policies & Procedures

1-1.  Membership in East Penn Technical Search and Rescue (EPTSAR): is a privilege reserved for those individuals who desire to promote the objectives and purposes of EPTSAR and who meet the eligibility requirements outlined herein.  In the event an individual does not meet the prescribed criteria and is erroneously accepted, the membership is null and void, and dues will be refunded.

      Compensation:  East Penn Technical Search and Rescue Team members are not employees of EPTSAR; they are volunteers who provide their service for the public good without expectation or receipt of salary, pay or compensation of any kind.

      Nondiscrimination:  It is East Penn Technical Search and Rescue policy that no member shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination in any EPTSAR program or activity on the basis of age, sex, religion, race, color, national origin or disability.

1-2.  Membership Categories:  EPTSAR membership is divided into the following categories:

                -     Active: 

    -     In-Active

    -     Honorary

                      -     Auxiliary

1-3.  Membership Year:  Membership is on an annual basis.  Initial membership commences on the date the membership application is approved by the Board of Directors and ends December 31 of the same year.  After year one (1) membership will commence on January 01 of the following year.

1-4.  Membership Conditions:  All persons agree by applying for initial, or membership renewal, to the following continuous conditions of membership:

a.    To obey the decisions of those in authority and to follow and adhere to the appropriate policies and the Constitution and Bylaws of East Penn Technical Search and Rescue Team Inc.

b.   Only corporate officers as defined by the Constitution and Bylaws are authorized to obligate the Corporation.  This includes signing of contracts and commitments of corporate funds or corporate property.

c.   The Corporation will not be liable for loss of, or damage to, personal property when utilized for, or on behalf of, East Penn Technical Search and Rescue.

d.   Yearly dues are paid up to date.

1-5.  Membership Committee:  The Board of Directors will appoint a membership committee comprised of a minimum of three (3) members to assist the Board in determining the eligibility of new applicants and membership renewals.

1-6.  Address Changes:  It is the responsibility of every member to notify the membership committee of any change or address, phone, e-mail address or any other contact information. 

SENIOR MEMBERSHIP

2-1.  General:  Senior membership in EPTSAR is a privilege reserved for those individuals who conscientiously desire to promote the objectives and purposes of EPTSAR and who meet the eligibility requirements outlined in paragraph 2-2.  This privilege may be enjoyed as long as the  member observes and complies with the EPTSAR Constitution and Bylaws.  Categories of senior members are listed below:

                a.  Active Member:  A member who regularly attends meetings, performs specific duty assignments, attends training classes,  missions, fund drives, other functions of EPTSAR and is in compliance with the active member point system.

                b.  In-Active Member:  A member who is not in compliance with the active member point system, or has voluntarily or been asked by the Board of Directors to resign his/her membership in EPTSAR.

2-2.  Requirements for Membership:  All applicants for senior membership in EPTSAR must be accepted by the Board of Directors and must meet the following criteria:

                a.  General:  Possess the desire, willingness and capability to promote the objectives and purpose of EPTSAR.

                b.  Age:  Be at least 18 years of age.

                c.  Compliance:  Be able to comply with the Constitution and Bylaws of EPTSAR, active member point system inclusive of but not limited to meetings, fund drive events, training EPTSAR missions and payment of yearly dues.

                d.  Suitability:  Subject to being waived by the Board of Directors any one of the following may be the basis for rejection of membership:

                                1) Conviction of a felony by any court of record whether federal, state or military.

                                2) A pattern of arrests and/or convictions including any misdemeanor or felony.

                                3) Falsification of information on the membership application.

                                4)  Previously terminated for cause by East Penn Technical Search and Rescue.

                                5)  Any other unfavorable information brought to the attention of EPTSAR officials at any level.

2-3.  Confidential Screening:  All individuals applying for active senior membership will be subject to either a child abuse or criminal background check to aid in the determination of membership eligibility, at the cost of the applicant. Final decision as to each individual’s eligibility rests with the Board of Directors.  The decision of the Board is final and not subject to appeal. You may access the Criminal History Form at sp4-164.pdf and the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Form at Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Form (CY-113).

                a.  Reports received from the criminal background check are maintained in strict confidence and reviewed by the membership committee

                    charged with making recommendations to the Board as to the member’s eligibility.  The Board will not release these reports or associated documentation.  Such reports will be retained for at least 5 years after the individual is no longer a member of EPTSAR.

                b.  Members may be re-screened periodically as required by the Board with reason to question a member’s continued eligibility.

2-4.  Senior Membership Dues:  Membership dues are required for new members.

2-5.  Application Procedures:

                a.  Action by Applicant:

                     1)  The applicant should complete the EPTSAR Membership Application inclusive of copies of all relevant certifications. The completed application should be turned into a member of the Membership Committee along with the $10.00 yearly membership fee.

                     2)  The application will be reviewed by the committee and the references will be checked.

                     3)  A Membership Committee member will contact the applicant to set up a time and place for a face to face interview.  More then likely this will be the 3rd Saturday of the month at 2:00 pm at the Monroe County Public Safety Center, Snydersville Pa. 18360.

                     4)  The Membership Committee will evaluate all information and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors.  The Board will make the final decision as to the individual’s  membership eligibility.

                     5)  Applicant will be notified by a Board member or appointed individual of approval or denial of membership.  If accepted you will be automatically start a 6 month probation period. After completing your probation period, you will be re-evaluated as to your compliance with EPTSAR Bylaws, Constitution and Policies.

                     6)  For questions regarding our Organization or to receive a Membership Application please contact one of the following  email addresses:

JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP

3-1  General:  A junior member must be between the ages of 16 and 18 years of age.  They must posses the proper work papers with their parent and/or guardians signature.  They must also conform to all state and federal child labor law regulations.  Junior members cannot respond after midnight up through 06:00 am. If a Junior member is on an emergency scene before midnight, they may remain on scene with parents and/or guardians written consent.

3-2.  Requirements for Membership:  All applicants for junior membership in EPTSAR must be accepted by the Board of Directors and must meet  the following criteria:

                a.  General:  Possess the desire, willingness and capability to promote the objectives and purpose of EPTSAR.

                b.  Age:  Be at least 16 years of age.  At age 18 all Junior members are automatically transferred to Senior Member status and will start a 6 month probationary period.  At this point the  transferred member will abide by all Senior Member policies.

                c.  Compliance:  Be able to comply with the Constitution and Bylaws of EPTSAR, active  member point system inclusive of but not limited to meetings, fund drive events, training and EPTSAR mission and payment of yearly dues.

                d.  Suitability:  Subject to being waived by the Board of Directors any one of the following may be the basis for rejection of membership:

                                1)  Conviction of a felony by any court of record whether federal, state or military.

                                2)  Falsification of information on the membership application.

                                3)  Any other unfavorable information brought to the attention of EPTSAR officials at any level.

3-3.  Application Procedures:

                a.  Action by Applicant:

                     1)  The applicant should complete the EPTSAR Membership Application inclusive of copies of all relevant certifications. The completed application should be turned into a member of the Membership Committee.

                     2)  The application will be reviewed by the committee and the references will be checked.

                     3)  A Membership Committee member will contact the applicant to set up a time and place for a face to face interview.

                     4)  The Membership Committee will evaluate all information and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors.  The Board will make the final decision as to the individual’s membership eligibility.

                     5)  Applicant will be notified by a Board member or appointed individual of approval or denial of membership.

                     6)  For questions regarding our Organization or to receive a Membership Application please contact one of the following  email addresses:

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

4-1.  General:  The term of membership is for 1 year, and membership renewal is the responsibility of each individual member.  Late renewals are subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. Late renewals may be subject to status change, possibly to Auxiliary Membership.

4-2.  Renewal:  Membership renewal starts at the February Meeting and is valid for one year. Membership renewals over 60 days from the expiration date are subject to acceptance by the Board and payment of the yearly dues.

4-3.  Rosters:  Updated quarterly membership rosters will be available to all members of EPTSAR.

4-4.  Renewal Procedures: 

    a.  An appointed member of the membership committee will notify members by mail that he or she is to renew their membership.  At this point the member should evaluate their status and consider if he or she can fulfill their commitment to EPTSAR. for another year. Taking into consideration your circumstances at work, school, home and other areas of your life that require time and commitment.

                b. The renewal notice should be returned by the renewing member with the member’s check for the yearly dues.

                c.  The amount of dues to be remitted will be indicated on the renewal notice.

MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR YEAR

                                                                            Senior Members:                                                 $10.00

                                                                            Junior Members:                                                  $10.00

                                                                            Honorary Members:                                             FREE

                                                                            Auxiliary Members:                                              $10.00

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