Sea Belles Bellevue Sail and Power Squadron Auxiliary
 

BACKGROUND
The Sea Belles is an officially chartered auxiliary of the United States Power Squadron, and with over 90 members, is the largest in the United States. Auxiliaries were originally formed shortly after WW II to support local Power Squadrons as well as to provide a role for spouses and other female affiliates who, at that time, were not permitted to become Power Squadron members. Since the early 80s’, with a USPS By Laws change to permit female members, there has been a steady decline of auxiliaries throughout the nation and the Sea Belles are the only remaining one in the state of Washington. Their purpose however, is as vital today as it was at their founding in 1958.

PURPOSE AND ACTIVITIES
Sea Belles organize and host most of the Bellevue Sail and Power Squadron’s social and fund raising functions. They help fund both public and squadron educational programs and support needs. Members also help directly in classrooms with teaching, proctoring, and grading exams.

ORGANIZATION AND MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the Sea Belles provides an opportunity to become involved with boating activities and boating education without having to take a class and pass an exam. Membership is open to everyone with such interests who meet qualifications established by the Auxiliary without discrimination as to sex, race, religion or national origin. Regular members must be sixteen {16} years of age or older, recommended by the Membership Committee and accepted by Executive Committee. With membership dues of $8.00 per year, anyone can afford it!

The membership consists of Active, Regular and Life Members. Active Members have unrestricted rights and privileges incident to membership. An Active member who has been in the Auxiliary for {25} twenty-five years becomes a Life Member and they or not obligated to pay dues. Honorary Membership may be granted for one year to a person, if the Executive Committee deems an action appropriate to the interest of the Auxiliary. Honorary Members do not pay dues and do not have the rights and privileges of Active Members. Honorary membership will also be granted to the spouse of the current Squadron Commander, if they are not already an Auxiliary Member.

The Executive officers consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Chair. The Executive Committee consists of the immediate past President and two {2} or three {3} members elected from the general membership. The Nominating Committee Consist of a Past President and two {2} elected General Members. The Rules Committee consists of a Chairman and one{1} other elected member. Other Chairman necessary to make up the Auxiliary’s team are, Historian, Hospitality and Sunshine, Parliamentarian, Meydenbauer Bay Yacht Club Liaison, Roster, Telephone Committee {3 members}, Table Decorations, table Setups, the annual Christmas Gala and Crab Feed. These Chairmen are responsible for soliciting the needed help required to carry out these duties from the members of the Squadron, their families and the Auxiliary.