Camp Constitution and By-Laws
of
Sons of Confederate Veterans
PREAMBLE
In the name of a united country the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Garland & Rodes Camp, No. 409, declare an unquestioned allegiance to the Constitution of the United States of America, largely written and expounded by Southern men, the very Magna Carta of our liberties; a strict construction of all sections conferring power upon the Federal Government, and the implied and understood reservations to the States arising there from and a general attitude of opposition to further amendment thereof. We adhere to the principles of the Great Charter of England granted at Runnymede, 1215 A.D., and the Anglo-Saxon rights and personal liberties transmitted to us therein; to associate in one united, compact body all men of Confederate ancestry, and to cultivate, perpetuate and sanctify the ties of fraternity and friendship entailed thereby; to aid and encourage the recording and teaching the truth of all Southern history and achievement from Jamestown to this present era, constantly endeavoring to see that events of the War for Southern Independence and the heroic contributions of the Confederate soldiers, sailors, and marines 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 comfort, succor and assist needy Sons of Confederate Veterans, their wives, widows and orphans; to urge, aid, and assist in the erection of suitable and enduring monuments and memorials to all Southern valor, military and civil, wherever done and where found; particularly stressing that of our heroic Confederate ancestors, who by their sacrifice, perpetuated unto us and our descendents that glorious heritage of valor, chivalry and honor, which we now hold and venerate; and to instill into our descendants a devotion to and a reverence for the principles represented by the Confederate States of America, to the honor, glory and memory of our forefathers who fought in that cause.
ARTICLE I -- Name
Section 1.1. Name. The name of this organization shall be the Garland & Rodes Camp, No. 409 (herein “the Camp”) of the Sons of Confederate of Veterans, with headquarters in the City of Lynchburg.
Section 1.2. Affiliation. The Camp shall be affiliated with the Virginia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (herein the “SCV”).
ARTICLE II - Object
Section 2.1. Purpose. The Camp declares the following purposes:
2.1.(a). To carry out the Charge of General S.D. Lee to the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
2.1.(b). To foster a sense of comradeship and fraternity among the descendents of Confederate Veterans, their families, and their neighbors.
2.1.(c). To investigate and educate the membership of the camp in those principles that motivated the Confederate soldier and the society of which he was a part.
2.1.(d) To present to the community an accurate picture of the Confederate
soldier and the society to which he belonged.
2.1.(e). To encourage within the membership and the community a spirit of citizenship worthy of our Confederate ancestors.
2.1.(f). To present the "true history of the South to future generations."
Section 2.2. Nature. The Garland & Rodes Camp, No.409 shall be strictly historical and benevolent, non-political and non-sectarian.
ARTICLE III- Membership
Section 3.1. Membership Eligibility and Admission Procedure. All male descendants, lineal or collateral, at least twelve years of age, of those who served in the Confederate Army or Navy to the end of the war, or who died while a prisoner of war or while in actual service, or who were killed in battle, or who were honorably discharged, shall be eligible for membership, provided that such applicant’s admittance be sponsored by a member in good standing of the Camp. Satisfactory proof of the foregoing qualifications on official applications prepared for that purpose shall be submitted to the Adjutant who shall report it, together with the name of the sponsor, at the next meeting of the Camp. A 2/3 vote shall be necessary for election into the Camp. Following election the applicant shall be declared a member in good standing upon the payment of the annual dues and fees.
The Adjutant shall forward a copy of the elected member’s application to International Headquarters, Sons of Confederate Veterans (herein referred to as “IHQ”).
Section 3.2. International Membership. Members in good standing of the Camp shall also be members of the International organization of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Section 3.3. Certificate of Membership. Any member in good standing in the Camp shall be entitled to a certificate of membership from the Adjutant stating his membership and duration thereof.
Section 3.4. Transfer Membership Eligibility and Admission Procedure. Any member in good standing of another camp affiliated with the International organization of the Sons of Confederate Veterans may petition to transfer into the Camp provided that a member in good standing of the Camp sponsors such member’s admittance. Such petition must be submitted to the Adjutant who shall report it, together with the name of the sponsor, at the Executive Committee meeting of the Camp. A 2/3 vote shall be necessary for transfer into the Camp. Upon approval the petitioner shall be declared a member in good standing upon the payment of the annual dues and fees.
Section 3.5. Dues. The annual dues to the Camp shall be set annually by the executive committee, such amount subject to approval by the membership at the Annual Meeting. In order to remain a member in good standing, all dues and fees shall be due in accordance with the dates set by the IHQ.
Section 3.6. Associate Members. A member in good standing with another Sons of Confederate Veterans camp who wishes to affiliate with the camp as an Associate Member may do so upon petition and approval by a 2/3 vote. Associate members may participate in all camp meetings and activities except that they do not have voting rights, but can make motions, and may not serve as officers or on the Executive Committee. Associate members will be assessed the camp dues only.
Section 3.7. Affiliate Members. Any male, at least twelve years of age, who is not a descendant, lineal or collateral, as specified in this constitution, shall be eligible for affiliate membership,
provided that such applicant’s admittance be sponsored by a member in good standing of the Camp and that they subscribe to the purpose of the camp as specified in this constitution. A 2/3 vote shall be necessary for election as an affiliate member. Affiliate members may participate in Camp meetings and activities, except that they may not make motions, they may not vote, and they may not hold Camp office or serve on committees. Affiliate members will be assessed the camp dues only.
Section 3.8. Honorary Members. Any male, at least twelve years of age, who is not a descendant, lineal or collateral, as specified in this constitution, may be recognized by the camp as an honorary member for distinguished service on behalf of Confederate heritage, provided that such applicant’s admittance be sponsored by a member in good standing of the Camp and that they subscribe to the purpose of the camp as specified in this constitution. A 2/3 vote shall be necessary for election as an honorary member. Honorary members may participate in camp meetings and activities, except that they may not make motions, they may not vote, and they may not hold Camp office or serve on committees. Honorary members will be assessed the camp dues only, such dues being paid from camp funds.
Section 3.9. Resignation. Any member desiring to resign from the Camp shall submit his resignation in writing to the Adjutant.
Section 3.10. Suspension or Expulsion. Any member may be suspended or expelled from the Camp for causes to include disloyalty, neglect of duty, dishonesty, conduct unbecoming a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, or by committing an act repugnant to the SCV Constitution or the objectives and purpose of the SCV. The parliamentary authority approved by the Camp shall govern all disciplinary action. Any member who has been suspended or expelled has the right to appeal to the Virginia Division, Executive Council, the decision of which shall be final. A member expelled by the Camp is not eligible for membership in any other Camp of the Confederation.
ARTICLE IV - Meetings
Section 4.1. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the Camp shall be in November of each year on a date determined by the Executive Committee.
Section 4.2. Regular Meetings. The regular meetings of the Camp, for the transaction of ordinary business, shall be held at such time and place as may be fixed by the Executive Committee. Unless otherwise changed by majority vote of the executive committee, the regular meetings of the Camp shall be held on the third Wednesday of each month.
Section 4.3. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Camp may be called by the Commander, the Executive Committee, or through the written request of a majority of members in good standing. The purpose, date, time, and location of the meeting, shall be given in the call, which shall be sent to all members in good standing not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the date fixed for the meeting. The Executive Council shall establish the place of such meeting in advance.
Section 4.4. Quorum. One-third of the members in good standing shall constitute a quorum. Once attained quorum shall not be lost for the remainder of the meeting.
ARTICLE V -- Officers
Section 5.1. Elected Officers. The officers of the Camp shall be Commander, Lt. Commander, Adjutant, Treasurer, and Chaplain.
Section 5.2. Duties of Officers. Officers shall perform the duties prescribed by these bylaws, by the parliamentary authority adopted by the Camp, and by the Camp.
5.2.(a). Commander. The Commander shall preside at all meetings of the Camp and the Executive Committee. He shall have the power to call special meetings of the Camp. He shall have the power to call meetings of the Executive Committee. He shall appoint all committee chairmen and members, except for those of the Nominating Committee, and fill officer vacancies, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. He shall be an ex-officio member of all Camp committees, except for the nominating committee.
5.2.(b). Lt. Commander. The Lt. Commander shall perform the duties of the Commander in his absence or at his request. In the event that the position of Commander becomes vacant, the Lt. Commander shall serve as Commander for the remainder of his term. He shall perform such other duties as are assigned to him by the Commander.
5.2.(c). Adjutant. The Adjutant shall conduct all official correspondence pertaining to the proper preparation and forwarding of all reports required of the Camp to SCV Headquarters, Divisions and Brigades. He shall maintain a list of camp members. 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, except the Treasurer's books of account. He shall be the keeper of the Camp charter. He shall receive all applications for membership. He shall forward a copy of the elected members application to International Headquarters, Sons of Confederate Veterans. He shall be responsible for the ordering of all items necessary for operation of the Camp. He shall also maintain adequate stock of SCV membership pins, decals and applications.
5.2.(d). Treasurer. The Treasurer 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. He shall keep an accurate account of his transactions and render a detailed report to the membership at any meeting when requested. He shall present a detailed report in writing, of income and expenditures at the annual meeting. Expenditures made by the Treasurer shall have received approval of the Camp. 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 with the Adjutant. He shall serve as an ex-officio member of the finance committee.
5.2(e). Chaplain. The Chaplain shall provide 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. He shall be responsible for the invocations of prayers at both Camp and Executive Committee meetings.
5.2(f). Editor. The Commander shall, upon taking office, appoint an editor and such other staff deemed necessary for the preparation and distribution of the official Camp Newsletter-“The Muster Roll”. The commander shall periodically review operation of the newsletter to ascertain if its operation is in the best interest of the Camp.
5.2(g). Other Officers. The Commander may appoint at his discretion additional officers. These may include, but are not limited to the following: Judge Advocate, Quartermaster, Surgeon, Color Sergeant, Historian and Heritage Officer. The duties of these officers, if appointed, will be as follows:
Judge Advocate
The Judge Advocate shall advise the camp in legal matters, in the drawing up of resolutions and in interpreting the camp's constitution and bylaws. He also serves as legal advisor to the commander. He could also serve as a referee and parliamentarian in a camp dispute and/or debate under the direction of the commander. If possible, he should be an attorney.
Quartermaster
This officer shall be responsible for the care of camp flags, supplies, and other equipment. He would see that necessary equipment and supplies get to tire meeting place, to memorial services, to campsites, firing demonstrations, parades, etc. in a timely manner so as to be used effectively.
Surgeon
A medical doctor or one who has special
training in first aid usually fills this office, if possible. As the camp
surgeon, he should care for any member who suddenly becomes sick during a camp
business meeting, trip or memorial service.
Sergeant-at-Arms (or Color Sergeant)
He shall be responsible for order and decorum and is appointed by the camp commander. The Sergeant-at Arms would also serve in parades as the color sergeant and attend memorial services, firing demonstrations, and at other camp events.
Historian
This officer shall be responsible for collecting and recording the camp's history, and other data of value and interest to the current camp membership and for future generations. If the camp succeeded a UCV camp, a special effort should be made to retrieve and report on such history. The historian also preserves rosters, mailing address lists and aids in research necessary, for graves registration and individual ancestor research.
Heritage Officer
This officer shall be in charge of all public announcements and external communications to the public denouncing and correcting heritage violations of, and attacks on, Southern and/or Confederate heritage and promoting Southern and Confederate heritage. The Heritage Officer shall also be responsible for reporting such activities by the camp to the Division Heritage Officer and shall act as liaison to the Division regarding heritage related matters.
Section 5.3. Nomination and Election of Officers. At the first regular meeting in the calendar year of each annual meeting when officer elections shall occur, a Nominating Committee of three members shall be elected by the camp. It shall be the duty of this committee to nominate candidates for the offices to be filled at the annual meeting. Nomination and election of officers shall occur at the regular meeting immediately prior to the annual meeting. The Nominating Committee shall report at the regular meeting immediately prior to the annual meeting, additional nominations from the floor shall be permitted. Only members of the Camp in good standing shall be eligible for nomination and election. Officers shall be elected by a majority vote to serve for two years or until their successors are elected, and their term of office shall begin at the close of the annual meeting.
Section 5.4. Vacancies. When an office is vacated as a result of death, resignation, or removal, the Commander shall appoint a successor, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee, such successor to hold office for the remainder of his term. In the event that the position of Commander becomes vacant, the Lt. Commander shall serve as Commander for the remainder of his term.
Section 5.5. Removal. Any officer may be suspended or removed from his position for causes to include disloyalty, neglect of duty, dishonesty, conduct unbecoming a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, or by committing an act repugnant to the SCV Constitution or the objectives and purpose of the SCV. The parliamentary authority approved by the Camp shall govern all disciplinary actions of officers.
ARTICLE VI - Executive Committee
Section 6.1. Executive Committee Composition. The officers of the Camp and the immediate past commander shall constitute the Executive Committee. No member of the Executive Committee shall have more than one vote.
Section 6.2. Executive Committee’s Duties and Powers. The Executive Committee shall conduct the affairs of the Camp between its meetings, fix the hour and place of meetings, make recommendations to the Camp, and perform such other duties as are specified in this Constitution. The Executive Committee shall be subject to the orders of the Camp, and none of its actions shall conflict with action taken by the Camp. The executive committee shall not independently have the power to suspend or expel members, remove officers, or amend the constitution.
Section 6.3. Executive Committee Meetings. Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be called by the Commander or by a majority of the Executive Committee membership. The proceedings of each Executive Committee meeting shall be reported to the camp no later than the immediately following regular meeting.
Section 6.4. Quorum. A majority of the Executive Committee membership shall constitute a quorum. Once attained quorum shall not be lost for the remainder of the meeting.
ARTICLE VII - Committees
Section 7.1. Standing Committees. The standing committees of the camp shall be the Finance Committee, Program Committee, and Rules Committee.
Section 7.2. Duties and Composition of Standing Committees.
7.2.(a). Finance Committee. A finance committee composed of the Treasurer and at least one other members of the Camp shall be appointed by the Commander, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. It shall be the responsibility of this committee to prepare a budget for the following fiscal year beginning the first day of July to be approved at the first regular Camp meeting of the fiscal year. The finance committee shall also submit a written financial report for the current fiscal year at the annual meeting. The finance committee may from time to time submit to the Camp amendments to the budget for the current fiscal year. The finance committee shall make regular reports on the financial condition of the Camp. The finance committee shall be responsible for planning fundraising activities for the Camp.
7.2.(b). Membership Committee. A membership committee composed of the Adjutant and at least one other member of the Camp shall be appointed by the Commander, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. It shall be the responsibility of this committee to plan for membership recruitment and retention. The committee shall report regularly to the Camp.
7.2.(c). Rules Committee. A rules committee, composed of at least two members of the Camp, shall be appointed by the Commander and subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. It shall be the duty of this committee to consider any proposed special rules of order, standing rules, or amendments to this Constitution that may be referred to the committee and to report its findings to the Camp.
7.2.(d). Program Committee. A program committee composed of the Lt. Commander and at least one other member of the Camp shall be appointed by the Commander, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. It shall be the responsibility of this committee to plan the annual program of the Camp. It shall be the responsibility of this committee to report on the proposed annual program at the first regular Camp meeting of the fiscal year and subsequent reports as needed.
7.2.(e). Heritage Committee. A heritage committee composed of the Heritage Officer and at least one other member of the Camp shall be appointed by the Commander, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. It shall be the responsibility of this committee to develop and execute actions intended to project, defend, and preserve confederate heritage.
Section 7.3. Committee Chairmen. The Commander shall designate, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee, one committee member from each standing committee to serve as chairman.
Section 7.4. Special Committees. The Executive Committee may create such other special committees, as it deems necessary. The duties and composition of such committees shall be designated at the time of its creation by the Executive Committee.
Section 7.5. Commander’s Ex-officio Committee Membership. The Commander shall be an ex-officio member of all Camp committees, except for the Nominating Committee.
ARTICLE VIII - Parliamentary Authority
Section 8.1. The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Camp in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with this Constitution and any other rules the Camp may adopt.
ARTICLE IX - Amendments
Section 9.1. This Constitution may be amended at any regular meeting or special meeting called for that purpose by a two-thirds vote, provided that the amendment has been submitted in writing at the previous regular meeting.
ARTICLE X – Prohibitions.
Section 10.1. No discussion of political or religious subjects, or any political action, or the endorsing of aspirants for political office, shall be permitted.
Section 10.2. No assessment shall be levied upon the Camp members other than annual dues and initiation fees, except by resolution of the general membership.
Section 10.3. Proxy voting shall not be permitted in the conduct of Camp elections or business.
ARTICLE XI – Official Observances.
Section 11.1. The Camp shall observe the celebration of Confederate Memorial Day.
Section 11.2. The Camp may, as a token of appreciation to friends and family, annually host a Confederate Heritage banquet on a date selected by the Commander.
Adopted this day of , 2003 by the members of the Garland & Rodes Camp #409.
Camp Commander Camp Adjutant