IEEE LMC Charter

A.      GENERAL

The Life Members Committee (LMC), a joint committee IEEE and the IEEE Foundation, shall provide leadership in the identification of, and support to the interests of the Life members (including future Life members) in activities of the IEEE.  The LMC is also responsible for the administration of the Life Members Fund in support of activities that are of professional concern and interest to Life members.  The Life Members Committee shall report to the IEEE Board of Directors with administrative responsibility and operational support assigned to the Regional Activities Board.

B.       SCOPE

In accordance with IEEE Bylaw I-306.14, projects which receive Life Members funds are to be consistent with the interests of IEEE Life Members. The Life Members Committee shall be responsible to the IEEE Foundation for stimulating and monitoring contributions to the Life Members Fund. The Life Members Committee shall be responsible to the IEEE Board of Directors for promoting the interests of Life Members and other older members.

The Life Members Committee shall report to the Board of Directors with administrative responsibility and operational support assigned by the Board of Directors to the Regional Activities Board.  The Life Members Committee shall be responsible for promoting the interests of Life Members and other older members of IEEE. It shall be responsible for disseminating information useful to such members and for encouraging their continued participation in IEEE. It shall consider suggestions for activities of interest for older members, and it may make recommendations to other IEEE organizational units and to the IEEE Foundation for policies and activities appropriate for such members.

C.       FUNCTIONS

1. The LMC shall seek ways to encourage continued IEEE activity and involvement by Life Members at all levels of the IEEE
2. The LMC shall take an active role in encouraging the establishment of Life Member Chapters in the Sections so that those who are at a similar stage in their careers can share experiences and find ways to remain active.
3. The LMC shall publish a Life Members Newsletter as a means of keeping Life Members informed of news of particular interest to them and to provide a forum in which suitable articles may be published.
4. The LMC shall encourage Life Members to support the Life Members Fund financially.
5. The LMC shall act on behalf of the best interests of Life Members.
6. The LMC shall consider suggestions for activities of interest for older members, and it may make recommendations to other IEEE organization units and to the IEEE Foundation for policies and activities appropriate for such members.

D.      COMPOSITION

1. The Life Members Committee shall consist of not more than nine members. 

• Seven members, including the Chair, who shall normally have Life Member status, shall be appointed by the Regional Activities Board, with review and approval by the IEEE Board of Directors using the process in accordance with IEEE Bylaw I-300.4(5). At least one member, who need not have Life Member status, shall also be a member of the IEEE Board of Directors.
• Immediate Past LMC Chair.
• One member, who need not have Life Member status, shall be appointed by the IEEE Foundation Board of Directors.

E.      MEETINGS

1. Meetings shall be scheduled and held as required at the call of the Chair.  There shall normally be two in-person meetings each year.  Between meetings as much business of the committee as practical shall be accomplished by electronic means.
2. Anticipated travel and lodging expenses for committee members shall be budgeted.
3. A quorum shall be a majority of the voting members of the Life Members Committee. 
4. Voting shall be in accordance with the IEEE Bylaws, policies and established practice.

F.        FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

1. In accordance with IEEE Bylaw I-306.14, the LMC shall authorize disbursements from the Life Members Fund, which is an account of the IEEE Foundation, in accordance with the objectives and procedures of the IEEE and the IEEE Foundation.  Projects, which receive Life Members funds, are to be consistent with the interests of IEEE Life Members.
2. The LMC shall approve an annual budget.  The LMC Chair will oversee disbursement of these funds.
3. Staff support for the Committee will be provided by the IEEE Regional Activities Department.

G.     REPORTS

The Committee Chair shall present periodic reports on its activities to both the IEEE Foundation Board and the IEEE Board of Directors. 

H.     CHANGES TO CHARTER

Both the IEEE Board of Directors and the IEEE Foundation Board of Directors shall approve revisions to this Charter.