Revised September 14, 2007

 The United States Marine Corps

Combat Correspondents Association, Inc.

Article I:  Name 

Section a. The name of the organization is the United States Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, Incorporated (herein referred to as “USMCCCA” or the “Association.”

Article II:  Purpose

Section a.  The purpose of the USMCCCA is to serve the general welfare of its members and establish and maintain a rapport between the USMCCCA, the U. S. Marine Corps, and related agencies; to promote the professional development of its members and recognize their achievements; to recognize achievements and provide awards for active duty Marines, including reservists serving on active duty; to provide a means for the exchange of information of interest and importance to its members; and to aid and assist the public affairs and other programs of the Marine Corps.  This organization’s objectives are patriotic, professional, and fraternal.  The Association shall not be used as a vehicle for personal achievement.

Section b.  The USMCCCA  is a not-for-profit organization.

Article III: Fiscal Year 

Section a.  The Association’s fiscal year shall be calendar year:  January 1-December 31.  

Article IV: Membership 

Section a.  REGULAR MEMBERSHIP may be granted to any present or former U. S. Marine who has served as a Marine Corps print or broadcast journalist, photographer, motion picture or television production person, artist or illustrator, reproduction specialist, public affairs officer or audiovisual officer.   Regular members shall have the right to vote in elections and on issues raised as at annual meetings of the Association, and to hold national elected office.

Section b.  ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP may be granted to any Marine veteran in the profession of mass communications or any member of the communication media who is or was professionally associated with the U.S. Marine Corps.  Associate membership may also be granted to any individual working in a support capacity with a Marine Corps Public Affairs Office.  Associate members shall have the right to vote in elections and on issues raised at annual meetings of the Association and to hold National Director office. (Amended September 1998).

Section c.  AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP may be granted to any individual interested in furthering the aims and goals of the association through affiliation with the Association.  Affiliate members are encouraged to attend meetings and debate issues, however they may not vote or hold national office.

Section d.  LIFE MEMBERSHIP may be granted to any regular, associate or affiliate member who satisfies the dues requirement for lifetime membership.  (Amended September 1998). 

Section e.  HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP may be granted to any individual who has been of outstanding service to the Marine Corps through his or her professional works.  Honorary Life Membership shall be granted to any member who was awarded the Purple Heart Medal.  Honorary Life Membership may only be granted upon approval of the Board of Directors.

Section f.  All membership applications must be forwarded to national headquarters and may be subject to approval by the board of directors.  Applications may be made by email.  No one may join a local chapter unless a member of the national Association.

Section g.  Annual dues in amounts determined by vote of the regular and associate membership, are due and payable to the national headquarters on October 1.  Nonpayment of dues results in the loss of voting and other membership privileges.  Dues may be paid by credit card by calling or emailing national headquarters with necessary credit card information.

Article V:  Annual Meetings 

Section a.  The Association shall meet in conference annually to conduct business, review progress and develop united action toward accomplishing the goals and furthering the aims the purposes and furthering the aims of the Association. The site of each annual meeting shall be determined by majority vote of the board of directors.

Section b.  National officers and directors shall be elected during the annual meeting.

Section c.  A quorum for the annual meeting shall be fifty percent plus one (50% +1) of the regular members registered at the conference approximately one hour before the beginning of the annual meeting.

Article VI:  Management 

Section a.  The management of this Association is entrusted by the membership to a nine-member board of directors.  The board shall consist of four officers (the Association president, vice president, secretary and treasurer), each to serve a one year term; and five directors who serve two year-terms of office.  Three directors will be elected in even numbered years and two directors will be elected in odd numbered years.

Section b.  The board of directors is vested with the responsibility of formulating the Association’s general policies, goals and objectives.  Once these strategic plans and objectives are established it is the President together with the officers of the Association, acting under the direction of the board, who are responsible for implementing plans and strategies to meet these objectives.