ACOS Constitution

Magazine Overview

This document is the constitution of the Centre for UFO Studies (ACOS) Australian Co-ordination Section. It details the foundational rules and operational framework of the organization, which appears to be a non-profit entity focused on UFO research and information dissemination within Australia and internationally.

Constitution Details

Name and Office Bearers

The organization is officially named the "CENTRE FOR UFO STUDIES - AUSTRALIAN CO-ORDINATION SECTION," abbreviated as "A.C.O.S.". The constitution stipulates at least one Office Bearer, known as a Co-Ordinator, who has the discretion to appoint and revoke other positions.

Finance

ACOS operates as a non-profit organization. Its finances, derived from subscriptions to the "ACOS BULLETIN," donations, or other means, are to be used for general running costs such as postage, telephone, stationery, and printing, as well as for research purposes as decided by the Co-Ordinator(s).

Publication: The ACOS Bulletin

The "ACOS BULLETIN" is designated as the official journal of ACOS. It contains articles relevant to UFO investigators and researchers. The bulletin is distributed free of charge at the Co-Ordinator(s)' discretion, though a yearly subscription fee may be imposed to cover production costs. The Co-Ordinator(s) reserve the right to refuse any submitted article or information without providing reasons. All submitted material becomes the property of ACOS, with no payment offered or expected. The bulletin is copyrighted and registered with Australia Post as a Periodical, Category B. Reproduction of material requires written consent from ACOS, except for other UFO organizations which must give credit, unless an article is explicitly stated as copyright to ACOS.

Purposes of ACOS

The primary objectives of ACOS are:

• To serve as a central "clearing house" for all Australian UFO reports that have been investigated by ACOS "member organisations" and found to be unidentified. This clearing house function is to facilitate information exchange between Australian UFO organizations, individual investigators, and the Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, Illinois, USA.
• To act as a "central clearing house" between Australian UFO organizations and the Australian UFO COMPUTER FILE, located in Sydney, NSW.
• To disseminate information received for research purposes or relevant to UFO studies among Australian UFO organizations, individual investigators/researchers, scientific advisors, and overseas contacts, at the Co-Ordinator(s)' discretion.
• To represent Australian UFO organizations and individuals as a unified body if the need arises and if such representation is deemed beneficial to the majority.
• To coordinate activities within Australia upon request, such as organizing annual conferences and compiling information.
• ACOS does not have public members; it consists of UFO organizations themselves, known as "Member organisations".
• ACOS will not interfere with the internal politics or matters of any member organization, unless requested by the organization's executive committee.
• To standardize, as much as possible, the techniques used for investigating and researching UFO phenomena in Australia and overseas, with the assistance of information, literature, and equipment. This standardization requires the full knowledge and approval of the majority of Australian UFO organizations and individuals.

Reserved Rights

Each member organization of ACOS retains its independent identity and is not answerable to ACOS. Similarly, ACOS is not answerable to any group for its actions, unless it is representing said groups or individuals. ACOS reserves the right to refuse cooperation with any organization or individual without explanation and to disassociate itself from any organization or individual at the Co-Ordinator(s)' discretion, also without explanation.

Amendments

Regulations are as described in the constitution, unless amendments are attached.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document establishes a clear organizational structure and operational guidelines for a UFO research collective. The stance is one of structured information gathering, inter-organizational cooperation, and standardization of research methods. There is a strong emphasis on maintaining the autonomy of member organizations while fostering a collaborative environment for UFO investigation and reporting. The role of the "ACOS Bulletin" as a central publication and the "clearing house" function highlight a commitment to sharing and processing UFO-related information. The constitution also reflects a cautious approach to external engagement and internal interference, with reserved rights for both the central organization and its members.