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| INDEPENDENT RESEARCHERS' ASSOCIATION
for
ANOMALOUS PHENOMENA (IRAAP) BYLAWS
view or print in DOC or PDF format |
Background: Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and other anomalous phenomena are being investigated and researched by individuals with a wide range of talent and expertise. In addition, there are many individuals who wish to be kept informed of what is going on regarding UFOs, Bigfoot, crop circles, animal mutilations, the paranormal, and other types of anomalies .
The Independent Researchers' Association for Anomalous Phenomena (IRAAP), a not-for-profit organization, has been founded to fill the need for people who want to investigate and research UFOs and anomalous phenomena within a networked group environment. Communication with other organizations or individuals outside of IRAAP may be established as a means of informing the public of UFO and various unexplained phenomena. |
Mission Statement: | To investigate and research UFO and other anomalous phenomena in a reasonable and professional manner, using scientific methodology as much as possible. To communicate this information to other members within the association as well as with other serious investigators. |
Goals: Whereas the ultimate goal (as with any organization dealing with UFOs or anomalous phenomena) is to find the answer to the enigmas, more immediate goals are essential to attain that objective. These are: - Independent investigation and research of anomalous phenomena.
- Sharing of independent findings with other members of the group by means of a network.
- Communication and cooperation with other members of the group, should assistance be needed by any other member.
- Keeping the public informed about UFOs and other anomalous phenomena.
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Central Communication | IRAAP Headquarters in New York State is the centralized point where information will be sent for storage and networking. Each member retains his own independent status, investigating / researching in their own capacity. |
Board of Directors: There shall be a Board of Directors (Board) consisting of five (5) members. All five Board members will be permanent.
The Board members shall consist of an Organizational Director, Secretary, Director of Investigations, Associate Administrator, and Treasurer.
Should a Board member leave the Association or be unable to fulfill the duties of his position, a new Board member will be appointed by the remaining members of the Board.
All voting by the Board will be by majority vote. No abstaining will be allowed. If a Board member is unable to attend, an absentee ballot may be used by the absent Board member(s). If this is not possible, a majority vote from the remaining Board members will decide.
The Board will be responsible for the following: - Daily management of the organization.
- Making a determination on all matters affecting the Association.
- Updating the bylaws when necessary.
In the event that an emergency decision is needed and there is no time to convene a Board meeting, the Organizational Director may act in his/her own capacity for the organization. Should the Organizational Director be unavailable, this duty will pass to the Secretary, Director of Investigations, Associate Administrator, and Treasurer, respectively. |
Membership: It must be understood that membership in IRAAP involves networking and, as such, it is recommended that each member's name, home & e-mail address, and telephone number be made available to the other IRAAP members. IRAAP understands, however, that certain members require anonymity. Therefore, members may request that their name NOT be made known to the rest of the membership, or only certain information be made available. This will be done initially on the membership application at the time of joining. Subsequent requests may be made in writing to IRAAP Headquarters.
Membership data information will NOT be sent by IRAAP to outside organizations or individuals. Each member is asked to respect the privacy of the other members in this regard.
Membership guidelines are as follows:
The following qualifications must be met before membership will be allowed: 1. A "down to earth" or scientific approach to UFO and related phenomena must be exhibited by the individual. This should show an objective response to the subject and not "clouded" with unscientific or irrational approaches.
2. A clear understanding that membership includes a desire to seek the answers to the phenomena.
3. The desire to work with other members of the group. This includes the sharing of ideas and information.
4. The individual must be in good standing with the community.
5. Members must be at least 18 years of age, with the following exception:
If an individual under the age of 18 wishes to join, he/she may do so as a "General Interest" member ONLY and a parent or guardian's signature and phone number must appear on the membership application by way of permission. |
Individuals who exhibit the above characteristics may become members. A simple application form must be completed and signed. |
Investigations: | Investigation of UFO and other reports must be done in a professional manner using down-to earth / scientific methodology as much as possible. Investigation forms should be used when submitting information to IRAAP; however, the IRAAP forms are not absolutely necessary if the individual investigator prefers not to utilize them for whatever reason. IRAAP forms are meant to be a guide in assisting investigation. |
Coordination: | To ensure that members receive information periodically about investigation and research within IRAAP, members may forward data to catalog and share. Information will be distributed via a newsletter and/or IRAAP web site. |
Dues: In order to copy and distribute information from IRAAP, each member will be required to pay annual operating dues of $15 in the United States. The dues for areas outside the United States shall be $20 US for North America, and $25 US for all other locations.
Other persons residing in the same household may join for half the annual dues, in which case only one copy of the newsletters will be sent to the household. |
IRAAP Newsletter: | The hard copy newsletter will be sent six times a year to all members and subscribers. This newsletter will be called the The Messenger. This newsletter is open to non-members at a cost of $3 per issue within the United States, $4 US in North America, and $5 US per issue for all other locations. Anyone wishing to pay the per issue fee (to defray publishing cost and postage) may receive this newsletter. The general newsletter shall consist of articles, opinions and various information on all aspects of UFOs and other unexplained phenomena. |
Confidentiality: | It must be understood that every independent investigator / researcher must act in a professional manner and respect the privacy of individuals who wish to remain publicly anonymous. The welfare of witnesses and their confidentiality must be strictly maintained. Names of witnesses will not be released by IRAAP under any circumstances, without the permission of the witness. |
Disclaimer: | All information (including opinions) submitted to IRAAP will be considered those of the individual researcher or investigator. IRAAP cannot be held responsible for any misconduct by its members. In addition, IRAAP is not responsible for any misrepresentation or misuse of submitted material. |
Dismissal: Any IRAAP member who in the opinion of the Board of Directors has acted in an unprofessional manner, breached a witness's confidentiality, routinely refuses to use scientific methodology or intentionally falsifies information shall be immediately dismissed from the group, forfeiting all rights and privileges. No refund of the annual dues will be remitted.
Should any member decide to leave IRAAP for any reason, no refund of dues will be given. |
- March, 2003 (revised) |
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