Version 20140629
"GENERAL JAMES LONGSTREET CAMP #1247,
SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS BYLAWS"
ARTICLE I. Name. The name of this organization shall be the General
James Longstreet Camp # 1247 .
ARTICLE II. Object. To associate in one united, compact body of men of
Confederate ancestry, and cultivate, perpetuate, and sanctify the ties
of fraternity and friendship entailed thereby; to aid and encourage the
history and achievement from Jamestown to this present era, constantly
endeavoring to see that events of the War Between the States and the
heroic contributions of the Confederate soldiers are authentically and
clearly written, and that all documents, relics, and mementoes produced
and handed down by those active participants therein are properly
treasured and preserved for posterity; to aid and assist in the erection
of suitable and enduring monuments and memorials to all Southern valor,
civil and military, wherever done and where found; to instill into our
descendants a devotion to and reverence for the principles represented
by the Confederate State of America, to the honor, glory, and memory of
our forefathers who fought in that Cause.
ARTICLE III. Nature. General James Longstreet Camp #1247 shall be
strictly historical and benevolent, non-political, and non-sectarian.
a. Said organization is organized exclusively for charitable,
religious, education , and scientific purposes, including, for
such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that
qualify under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code,
or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
b. No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure
to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees,
officers, or other private persons, except that the organization
shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation
for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in
furtherance of the purpose set forth in the purpose clause
hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the
organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or
otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the
organization shall not participate in, or intervene in
(including the publishing or distribution of statements) any
political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
Not withstanding any other provision of this document, the
organization shall not carry on any other activities not
permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from
federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal
Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax
code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are
deductible under section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue
Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
c. Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets shall be
distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning
of section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or
corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall
be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local
government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not disposed
of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the
county in which the principal office of the organization is
then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such
organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine,
which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
ARTICLE IV. Membership.
Section 1. All male descendants, lineal, or collateral, at
least twelve years of age, of those who served honorably in the
Confederate military shall be eligible for membership.
Section 2. No one shall be admitted to membership until
satisfactory proof of the foregoing qualifications be submitted
on an official blank application prepared for that purpose, such
applications bearing recommendation by a member in good standing
of the Camp. The original shall be forwarded to the
International Headquarters of the Sons of Confederate Veterans
and the Camp shall preserve a copy.
Section 3. All applications for membership in the Camp,
received and reviewed by the Adjutant, shall then be reviewed by
the Commander. If the Commander is unavailable, the chain of
command in Article VIII shall be followed. If neither the 1st
or 2nd Lieutenant Commander is available then any current
officer of the Camp may provide the second required approval
review. Either of the reviewers shall have the right to refer
the application to the Executive Committee for action if they
feel it necessary.
Section 4. Annual dues and fees must be submitted with
completed applications to the Camp Adjutant.
Section 5. Associate Membership. All applications for
Associate membership shall be submitted to the Adjutant on a
form approved by the Executive Committee. The application form
for Associate membership shall confirm that they are a current
member in good standing of another Camp of the Sons of
Confederate Veterans. Associate members shall have no voting
rights in the Camp and will not be eligible to hold any office
of the Camp.
ARTICLE V. Dues.
Section 1. The annual dues to the Camp shall be set by the
Executive Committee, such amount subject to approval by the
membership at the Annual Meeting whenever there is a change.
Section 2. Failure to pay dues by 31 October (90 days after the
date due) shall terminate membership. After that date, former
members must apply for reinstatement, paying any required
reinstatement fees.
ARTICLE VI. Meetings.
Section 1. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the Camp
shall be in month of November each year on a date determined by
the Executive Committee. If the annual meeting shall not be
held at the time fixed it shall be held within a reasonable time
thereafter, and the officers shall hold over until their
successors have been elected and installed.
Section 2. Regular Meetings. The regular meeting of the Camp
for the transaction of ordinary business shall be held on a day
of each month, at such time and place as may be fixed by the
Executive Committee. There shall be a minimum of four meetings
a year.
Section 3. A special meeting of the Camp may be held at any
time upon call of the Commander. The Commander shall also call
a special meeting upon demand in writing, stating the object of
the proposed meeting, and signed by not less than 20% of the
members entitled to vote. Notice of the time, place, and object
of any special meeting shall be given all officers and members
in good standing, in writing, by United States Mail not less
than fifteen (15) days prior to the date fixed for the meeting.
The Executive Committee shall establish the place of such
meeting in advance.
Section 4. Quorum. 20% of the members of the Camp entitled
to vote shall constitute a quorum at any meeting.
Section 5. The rules of procedure at any meeting of the Camp
shall be those set forth in Roberts Rules of Order, revised,
except wherein they may be altered by the vote of the Camp.
ARTICLE VII. Officers.
Section 1. The officers of the Camp shall be the Commander,
First Lieutenant Commander, Second Lieutenant Commander,
Adjutant/Treasurer, Judge Advocate, Quartermaster, Chaplain, and
Historian/Editor/Webmaster. All officers shall be elected by a
majority vote of the members in good standing present at the
annual meeting of the Camp. They shall hold office for two
years or until their successors are elected and installed.
Officers elected at the meeting shall take office upon their
installation.
Section 2. An Executive Committee shall be composed of the
officers in section 1 and the two (2) immediate past commanders.
No past commanders shall be eligible that have failed to
maintain a good standing within the Camp.
Section 3. Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held at
any time and place as the Commander may determine. At least
three (3) members of the Executive Committee may call meetings
at any time on demand and in writing to the Commander.
Section 4. Four members of the Executive Committee shall
constitute a quorum.
Section 5. E-Mail Voting: Voting may be conducted by E-mail
provided that a proposal may only be adopted if there is no
objection from any voting member to the vote being held by this
method. If this cannot be resolved and any member still wishes
to pursue the action, then it may only be accomplished at a
regular or called Executive Committee meeting. This will allow
the proposal to be more fully discussed. All votes should be
copied to all members of the Executive Committee If a committee
member does not have E-mail, requests to not vote via E-mail, or
has the request for vote returned as undeliverable or because he
is out of his office, an attempt to solicit his vote will be
made by the Commander by telephone or in person. His vote or
the reason for not obtaining his vote will then be communicated
to the other committee members. A committee member who fails to
vote within three days shall be considered as an abstention.
Section 6. When an office is vacated as a result of death,
resignation, expiration of term or removal, the Commander shall
appoint a successor, upon recommendation of the Executive
Committee, such successor to hold office until the next election
during the annual meeting.
ARTICLE VIII. Duties of Officers.
Section 1. Commander. The Commander shall preside at all
meetings of the Camp and the Executive Committee. He shall be a
member ex officio of all regular and special committees, and
shall perform all such other duties as usually pertain to his
office.
Section 2. First Lieutenant Commander. The First Lieutenant
Commander shall perform the duties of the Commander in his
absence or at his request. He shall serve as program chairman,
securing guest speakers and presentation for Camp functions.
Section 3. Second Lieutenant Commander. The Second Lieutenant
Commander shall perform the duties of the Commander in the
absence of the Commander and the First Lieutenant Commander. He
shall be responsible for the enlistment of new members. He
shall maintain an adequate supply of SCV brochures and
applications to accomplish the recruitment of new members. He
shall monitor membership as to dues payment and meeting
attendance. He shall constantly strive for an active, growing
membership. He shall prepare and distribute to the membership
in good standing- a roster of members, their addresses and
telephone numbers.
Section 4. Adjutant/Treasurer. As Adjutant he shall conduct
all official correspondence pertaining to the proper preparation
and forwarding of all reports required of the Camp to
International Headquarters, Division, and Brigades. He shall
notify all members of special meetings. He shall keep a true
record of all meetings of the Camp and have custody of the books
and papers of the Camp. He shall be the keeper of the Camp
seal. All applications for membership, initiation fees, and
first year dues shall be made to the Adjutant. He shall be
responsible for the ordering of all items necessary for
operations of the Camp. He shall also maintain adequate stock
of SCV membership pins, decals, and applications.
As Treasurer he shall have charge of all funds of the Camp and
place the same in such bank or banks as may be approved by the
Executive Committee. Such money shall only be withdrawn by
Debit Card or check signed by the Treasurer. He shall keep an
accurate account of his transactions and render a detailed
report to the membership at any meeting when requested. A copy
of the Camp's monthly bank statement, including copies of all
checks will be furnished by the Treasurer to the Camp Commander.
He shall present a detailed report, in writing, of income and
expenditures at the annual meeting. The treasurer shall have
authority up to but not exceeding $100 to pay normal monthly
operating expenses as approved by the Executive Committee.
Expenses that exceed the $100 limit and any other expenses shall
require approval by the Executive Committee. Other expenses or
bills paid by the Treasurer not exceeding $50 shall require the
approval of the Commander. Such expenses greater than $50 must
receive approval by the Executive Committee. He shall be
responsible for collection of dues and fees, taking proper note
of the paying member, his address and other information
necessary in the maintenance of Camp records and posting such
information.
Section 5. Judge Advocate. The Judge Advocate shall advise the
officers and Executive Committee of all legal matters, including
the construction and interpretation of the SCV General
Constitution and Camp By-Laws. He shall serve as
parliamentarian at both regular and special meetings. Upon
direction of the Commander, he shall conduct investigations into
charges or challenges brought against Camp members. He shall
perform such other duties as are usually incident to his office.
Section 6. Quartermaster. The Quartermaster shall be
responsible for the procurement of meeting sites and
arrangements incident to preparation for regular, special, or
social meetings of the Camp, such sites and arrangements subject
to approval of the Executive Committee. He shall be responsible
for the operation of the Camp stores, maintaining adequate
stocks and other items necessary for efficient operation.
Section 7. Chaplain. The Chaplain provides spiritual guidance
for the Camp. He shall represent the Camp in times of
bereavement. He shall periodically report to the Commander on
the well-being of members confined by illness. In event of a
member's death, he shall immediately notify the membership and
the Chaplain-in-Chief. He shall be responsible for the
procurement of flowers, wreaths, or such other items incidental
to the accomplishment of his duties.
Section 8. Historian/Editor/Webmaster. As Historian, he shall
keep and maintain a written record of the Camp, its officers and
members, and its accomplishments during his tenure of office.
He shall be responsible for the collection of photographs,
newspaper clippings, and such other items as necessary in the
proper recording of Camp history. All items will be affixed in
a bound volume as to insure preservation.
As Editor/Webmaster, he shall be responsible for the preparation
and distribution of the official Camp Newsletter, The Old War
Horse. The Commander shall periodically review operation of
the newsletter to ascertain if its operation is in the best
interest of the Camp. The Executive Committee may provide
acceptances of annual subscriptions from non-members and
establish an annual subscription rate. He shall, at the end of
the fiscal year, prepare a written report concerning number of
copies produced, number distributed and associated cost; this
report to be submitted to the Commander at the annual meeting.
Section 9. Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall:
a. Approve or disapprove all expenditures and all bills
presented to the Treasurer for payment.
b. Sit in judgment in all disciplinary matters.
c. Authorize and approve all meeting dates and arrangements.
d. Rule on all questions affecting the election, eligibility,
and conduct of members.
e. When in the interest of the Camp, transact business on
behalf of the membership.
ARTICLE IX. Awards.
Section 1. The Executive Committee shall be responsible for
the creation and administration of a program of awards presented
to Camp members and non-members deemed worthy of recognition.
Section 2. The Executive Committee shall review and authorize
the presentation of certificates and awards, except the
Commander's Commendations and Resolutions of respect, which are
reserved for the Commander.
ARTICLE X. Suspension or Expulsion.
Section 1. Discipline: Camps and Divisions, being the judges of
their own members, may impose discipline upon their own members.
Camps or Divisions may suspend or expel a member from their
respective Camp or Division. At this point the member in
question is transferred to HQ Camp #584 ,being that he is no
longer a member in good standing of either the Division or a
Camp within that Division. If the Camp or Division wishes to
have the member expelled from the Confederation, they shall
proffer charges to the disciplinary committee within 30 days of
the dispensation of the Camp's or Division's action. At this
point the procedures are as described elsewhere in this article.
If the member is not expelled from the Confederation at the
culmination of these actions, he may petition the Disciplinary
Committee for the right to transfer to a Camp different from
whence he came. If this petition is denied, he may appeal to
the GEC.
Cause for disciplinary action shall be:
a. Disloyalty
b. Neglect of Duty c. Dishonesty
d. Conduct unbecoming a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans
e. An act repugnant to the Sons of Confederate Veterans
Constitution or the objectives and purpose of the Sons of
Confederate Veterans.
Section 2. No vote on suspension or expulsion may be taken
unless at least fifteen (15) days notice, in writing, shall have
been given to the member of the charges preferred and of the
time and place of the meeting of the Executive Committee at
which such charges will be considered. The notice must be
delivered to the member by registered mail. At such meetings,
the member under charge will be accorded a full hearing.
Section 3. The Executive Committee shall provide for true and
accurate recording of all proceedings of such hearings.
Section 4. Any officer may be removed by a two-thirds (2/3)
vote of the members in good standing present at any special
meeting called for that purpose. No vote on removal may be
taken unless at least fifteen (15) days notice, in writing,
shall have been given to the officer of the reasons for his
pending removal and of the time and place of the special meeting
at which such a ballot on his removal is to be taken. The
Executive Committee, upon majority vote, may suspend an officer
pending outcome of this special meeting. At such meetings, the
officer shall be given a full hearing.
Section 5. Standing. Charges proffered by a Camp or Division
must be against one of its own members. The General Executive
Council or the Convention may proffer charges against any
member. Charges may not be proffered by any individual. They
shall be in writing clearly stating the facts relied upon and
accompanied by all affidavits or exhibits, which are to be used
in their support. Such charges shall be filed with the
Adjutant, who will immediately notify the Commander. The
Commander will call a meeting of the Executive Committee to hear
the charges. The Adjutant will give at least fifteen (15) days
notice of the meeting to each member of the Executive Committee,
to the accuser, and to the accused, which notice shall be in
writing and will include a true copy of the charges and of the
supporting affidavits and exhibits.
Section 6. Any member suspended or expelled by the Executive
Committee may appeal to the full membership of the Camp. Such
appeal shall be made in writing to the Adjutant who will notify
the Commander. The Commander will call a special meeting of the
Camp for the purpose of acting on the appeal. The Adjutant
shall give at least fifteen (15) days notice, in writing, to all
members of the Camp in good standing-stating the date, time,
place, and reason for such special meeting. At the meeting of
the full Camp, the Adjutant will read the original charges, the
supporting affidavits, and read or display the accompanying
exhibits and will read the minutes of the special meeting of the
Executive Committee at which the charges were heard and action
taken. A full hearing will be given the accuser and accused. A
vote will be taken by ballot of the members in good standing
present and a two-thirds (2/3) vote shall be required to reverse
the action of the Executive Committee.
Section 7. Any member who has been suspended or expelled, and
having exhausted the foregoing appeals procedures, has the right
to appeal to the Virginia Division and afterwards, if necessary,
the General Executive Council, whose decision shall be final. A
member expelled by the Camp is not eligible for membership in
any other Camp of the Confederation.
ARTICLE XI. PROHIBITIONS.
Section 1. No discussion of political or religious subjects, or
any political action, or the endorsing of aspirants for
political office, shall be permitted.
Section 2. No assessment shall be levied upon the Camp members
other than annual dues and initiation fees, except by resolution
of the general membership.
Section 3. Proxy voting shall not be permitted in the conduct
of Camp elections or business.
ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS. Any proposed amendments to these by-laws may
be introduced by any member of the Camp at any regular or special
meeting called for that purpose. A vote may be taken upon the proposed
amendment, provided a copy of the intended amendment has been sent to
each Camp member in good standing, by United States Mail or
electronically, at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting. A
two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present, will be necessary to pass
or reject.
Adopted this ???? day of July, 2014 by the members of the
General James Longstreet Camp #1247.
Camp Commander
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Camp Adjutant
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