Constitution and Bylaws of the
Gainesville
Chapter
Amended
Oct., 17, 2003,
Feb. 19 and Oct. 15, 2007 and Jan 19, 2010
Article
I
Name
The name of this organization shall be the Gainesville Chapter of
the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Article
II
Purposes
and Objectives
The objects of this society are declared to
be patriotic, historical, and educational, and shall include those intended or
designed to perpetuate the memory of those who, by their services or sacrifice
during the War of the American Revolution, achieved the independence of the
American people; to unite and promote fellowship among their descendants, to
inspire them and the community at large with a more profound reverence for the
principles of the government founded by our forefathers; to encourage historical
research in relation to the American Revolution; to acquire and preserve the
records of individual services of the patriots of the war, as well as documents,
relics, and landmarks; to mark the scenes of the Revolution by appropriate
memorials; to celebrate the anniversaries of the prominent events of the war and
Revolutionary period; to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend the
institutions of American freedom, and to carry out the purposes expressed in the
preamble of the Constitution of our country and the injunctions of Washington in
his farewell address to the American people
Article
III
Eligibility
Any man shall be eligible for membership in this society who,
being of the age of eighteen years or over and a good citizen in the community,
is the lineal descendent of an ancestor who was at all times unfailing in
loyalty to, and rendering active service in, the cause of American Independence,
either as an officer, soldier, seaman, marine, militiaman, or Minuteman, in the
armed forces of the Continental Congress, or of any one of the several Colonies
or States; or as a Signer of the Declaration
of Independence, or as a member of a Committee of Safety or
Correspondence; or as a member of any Continental, Provincial, or Colonial
Congress or Legislature; or as a recognized patriot who performed actual service
by overt acts of resistance to the authority of Great Britain. Junior membership
is available for a male under the age of eighteen (18) who files the appropriate
lineage and is required to pay annual dues. The applicant
must also be personally acceptable to the Society.
Family tradition in regard to the services of an ancestor
will not be considered.
Acceptable service includes:
Signer of the Declaration of
Independence
Military or Naval Service
Battle
of
Point Pleasant
,
10 October 1774
.
Service from
19 April 1775
to
26 November 1783
.
Civil service under the Colonies from
19 April 1775
, to
26 November 1783
, inclusive.
Patriotic service by men or women during the
Revolutionary period, including –
Members of committees made necessary by the war, such as
committees of Correspondence, Inspection and Safety; Committees to care for
soldiers’ families; including Committees from six months before the Battle of
Point Pleasant which furthered the cause of the Colonies.
Any pledge to support the cause of the Colonies, such as
signing the Oath of Fidelity and Support, the Oath of Allegiance, Articles of
Association, or the Association Test.
Members of all Continental Congresses.
Furnishing a substitute of military service.
Signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration, 1775;
Albemarle
,
Virginia
, Declaration; and similar declarations. Signers of petitions addressed to and
recognizing the authority of the provisional and new state governments. Persons
accepting obligations or acting under direction of the provisional or new state
governments, such as persons directed to hold elections, oversee road
construction, collect provisions, etc.
Members of the Boston Tea Party; Kaskasia Campaign;
Galvez Expedition; Cherokee Expedition; Edenton Tea Party.
Physician, surgeon, nurse, or others rendering aid to the
wounded, and ministers known to be in sympathy with the Colonies, either by
sermon, speech, or action.
Defenders of forts and frontiers; rangers.
Prisoners of War, including those on the British ship,
“Old Jersey,” and other prison ships.
Rendering material aid, such as furnishing supplies with
or without remuneration; lending money to the colonies, munitions makers, and
gunsmiths; or anything, which furthered the cause.
Male members of the Children of the American Revolution may apply for
membership in the SAR after reaching the age of eighteen. A transfer card
available from the National Society, CAR will be accepted in lieu of the regular
admission fee, provided that the application is submitted not later than his
twenty-second birthday.
Anyone who is a present of former member of CAR on a line
that is currently acceptable may fill out application papers to the SAR and give
National Number CAR. All generations back to the patriot ancestor must be shown.
The CAR Membership Transfer card, the birth record of the
applicant naming his father and mother and a record copy of the supportive CAR
or DAR paper must be submitted.
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Article
IV
Membership
Section 1
Application for Membership: the application form authorized by the National
Society must be used by all applicants for membership. The form may be obtained
from either a Chapter or a State Society and must be filed in duplicate with the
State Society. After acceptance from the State Society, it must be signed by the
State Registrar and the State Secretary. The original application (not a
photocopy or carbon copy) must then be sent to the National Headquarters for
acceptance and registration by the National Society. A check covering the
National, State and Chapter application fees, must accompany the application.
Each applicant must be sponsored by two members in good standing, whose
signatures are clearly legible. If the signature is illegible, the member’s
National SAR number must be added to assure identification. The application must
be typed or printed in black. No handwritten applications will be accepted.
Section2 The
Registrar shall make an appointment with the applicant at their convenience. The
Registrar will investigate the applicants’ evidence for membership. A work
sheet shall be completed before the application is filled out. The completed
application and check payable to the Gainesville Chapter NSSAR in an amount
covering NSSAR, FLSSAR and Chapter application fees and dues shall be given to
the Chapter Registrar for forwarding to FLSSAR AND NSSAR Treasurers.
Section3 A member
desiring to unite with the Chapter by transfer, either from another Chapter or
from membership at large, shall contact the receiving chapter.
Section 4 Any
member desiring to resign from the Chapter shall present his resignation in
writing to the Chapter President; after consultation with the Chapter Treasurer
his resignation shall, be immediately reported to the Treasurer General. The
resignation of a member in arrears of dues shall not be accepted.
Section 5 The
Chapter hereby creates a new membership class for the Chapter only.
This class shall be known as Associates of the Gainesville Chapter,
hereafter referred to as the Associates and Junior Associates.
A) This membership class is for all men
who want to be an official part of the Gainesville Chapter, Florida Society,
Sons of the American Revolution, but do not have or have not proven lineage to a
Revolutionary War ancestor. There
will be no affiliation with the State or National Society.
The man will have to be an American citizen and be invited to join and be
sponsored by a Gainesville Chapter member in good standing.
B) Annual dues for Associates are, currently
$20.00, $10.00 for Junior Associates and will be payable upon joining and yearly thereafter when regular member
dues are collected. Should the
member establish lineage to a Revolutionary War ancestor, the dues paid will be
credited toward the application fee for the current year
C)
The member will be invited to all Chapter activities and receive the Chapter
newsletter. Members may participate
on committees as members but not as chairman nor hold a Chapter office.
The member cannot wear SAR insignia designed for wear by SAR members, but
may receive awards and wear medals that are presented to the general public.
The Associates may wear a special lapel pin to show their membership.
D) Each new Associate will receive a certificate of
membership from the Chapter signed by the Chapter President and Secretary.
They may be assigned a unique Chapter membership number such as A-1, A-2,
et cetera. The Chapter Secretary and
Treasurer will maintain a separate roster of the Associates.
They will be included in the Chapter Membership Directory.
The Chapter Registrar may maintain a separate file of applications for
Associate members.
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Article
V
Officers
Section 1
The elected officers of this Chapter shall be President; 1st Vice
President; 2nd Vice President; Secretary and Treasurer.
All other officers, including Registrar, Genealogist, Chancellor;
Chaplain, Editor, Webmaster, Color Guard Commander, Sergeant-at-Arms,
Member-at-Large and
Historian, shall be appointed by the President with the consent of the Executive
Committee. All appointed officers serve at the will and pleasure of the
President.
Section 2 A
nominating committee, consisting of living past presidents of the chapter shall
meet in person no later than the December meeting prior to the new
administration. It shall be
the duty of the committee to nominate a candidate for each elective office to be
filled for the ensuing term and a regular report made to the meeting body at the
stated meeting in January. Additional nominations will be accepted from the
floor.
Section 3 Elections
shall be conducted at a regular meeting and a majority shall elect. All elected officers shall hold
office for a period of one year, or until their successors are elected. Their
term of office shall begin at the close of the annual meeting at which they are
installed.
Section 4 The
President with the consent of the Executive Committee shall fill vacancies
created either by death or by formal removal.
Section 5 Officers
shall be installed at the annual George Washington Birthday Dinner meeting in
February.
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Article
VI
Duties
of Chapter Officers
President ~
Fulfills the customary duties of the office and maintains general supervision
over the affairs of the Chapter and its officers and Compatriots. He presides at
all Chapter meetings and Executive Committee. He
shall appoint committees, not otherwise provided for and shall be ex officio
member of all committees, except the nominating committee. He shall fill
vacancies in office, with consent of the Executive Committee. Delegates duties
and responsibilities to appropriate Chapter members and/or officers.
Develops agendas for regular Chapter meetings and special activities. He
shall also appoint 3 tellers for the annual election.
Member of the Chapter’s Executive Committee.
1st
Vice President ~ Assumes the duties of the President when that officer is unavailable or
unable to perform the duties of his office.
Serves as the chair of the program committee, arranging guest speakers or
alternate programs for the Chapter’s regular meetings and/or special
activities, as required; may appoint other Compatriots to serve on the Program
Committee to assist in this effort. Acts
as liaison between the Chapter and the local Daughters of the American
Revolution organization. When applicable, coordinates with the DAR on the annual
joint Constitution Week Luncheon in mid-September, assuming the overall
management and coordination of this event during odd-numbered years, when it is
the SAR’s responsibility to serve as host.
Member of the Chapter’s Executive Committee.
2nd
Vice President ~ Assumes the duties of the President and/or 1st Vice
President, as required, when either or both of those officers are unavailable or
unable to perform the duties of their offices. Coordinates events of the annual
National Defense Luncheon, the second Wednesday in April, and Constitution Week
Luncheon 3rd Week in September, with the DAR.
Manages the public relations duties of the Chapter, notifying local media
in advance of regular monthly meetings, awards ceremonies, and similar special
events – prepared written news copy or articles and/or photographs, as
required. He shall also hold himself in readiness to perform such duties as may
be assigned by the Chapters’ President. Member of the Chapter’s Executive
Committee.
Secretary ~
Chief administrative Officer of the Chapter.
Orders supplies, such as forms, awards, and other materials as necessary.
Maintains documentation on Compatriot memberships, including individual
files of all membership information, documentation and associated
correspondence. Prepares SAR
membership cards for new/renewed members. Prepares
the minutes and officers reports for each meeting and maintains archival copy
plus copy to the President. Also
prepares/maintains all correspondence for the Chapter in dealing with higher SAR
authorities, and serves as the focal point for all correspondence coming to the
Chapter from higher authority and the community at large.
Maintains accurate roster of Chapter compatriots and potential
Compatriots (76’ers) and prepares the Annual Report for submission to the
Florida Society, SAR, The
quarterly reports to the Regional Vice President and a monthly update on our
Chapter Challenge status. Officers
and Chairmen are to provide the Secretary with timely inputs and/or copies of
their activities and correspondence.
Advises the
President on administrative matters associated with the Chapter.
Member of the Chapter’s Executive Committee.
Treasurer ~
Chief fiscal officer of the Chapter. Reimburses the Chapter officers for duly
authorized expenditures, viz. postage for meeting postcards, Gainesville
Broadside newsletter mailings, medals/awards, etc.
Manages the Chapter’s treasury and bank account, providing a fiscal
report at each meeting or upon demand of a duly elected Chapter officer.
Processes bills and provides payments as approved by the Chapter.
Orders supplies, such as forms, awards, and other materials as necessary.
Advises the President on fiscal matters associated with the Chapter. He
shall prepare an actuarial report of financial status at the beginning of
Chapter’s fiscal year as well as a projected budget. He is normally the signer for the
chapter’s checks; the President or his designee may sign in the absence of the
Treasurer. Member of the
Chapter’s Executive Committee.
Genealogist ~
Serves as the focal point for individuals seeking membership in the Chapter,
providing advice on genealogical research, preparation of membership application
forms, and submission of new membership applications.
Performs the same service for current Compatriots seeking supplemental
memberships. Actively recruits and
cultivates new members and/or provides referrals to other Chapters, as
appropriate.
Chaplain ~
Serves as the spiritual advisor for the Chapter.
Offers invocations, benedictions, graces, and special spiritual
presentations on behalf of the Chapter at regular meetings, special activities,
and presides at services for departed Compatriots, as appropriate (or
requested). Processes documentation
on Compatriot deaths and, in collaboration with the Chapter Secretary, informs
the FLSSAR Secretary and Chaplain of this information.
Chancellor ~ Advises
the chapter on legal matters and serves as parliamentarian as needed.
Registrar
~ The registrar
shall furnish application papers to candidates and shall see that these papers
are in proper form before mailing to the State Society. He shall keep a card
file of the members of the chapter, including name, address, name and state of
ancestor, national number, date of admission to the national Society, date of
transfer, resignation, reinstatement, marriage and death. He shall notify the
President and Executive Committee of new members approved by the National
society. He shall be the custodian of duplicate application papers of members,
send notices to new members, and perform other duties incumbent upon the office.
Historian ~ The
historian shall direct such historical works as may be requested by the chapter
in accordance with the historical mission of the National Society. He shall be
custodian of the historical and biographical papers of which the chapter may
become possessed. He shall keep the scrapbook, and shall compile an annual
report to be sent to the State Historian on activities of the chapter.
Color Guard Commander ~
An appointed position, this individual is responsible for the activities of the
Marquis de Lafayette Camp No. 6 of the Florida Brigade in performance of special
services, programs, or activities focusing on the American Revolutionary War.
Coordinates such activities and, in authentic Revolutionary War uniform,
supports the public relations efforts of the Chapter and Society.
Actively recruits members for the color guard, and seeks out programs and
activities in which the color guard might participate. Is responsible to the
FLSSAR Commander and Deputy Commander in regards to Color Guard activities.
Sergeant-at-Arms
~ Also an
appointed position this Compatriot will be responsible for storing, maintaining
and safeguarding the real assets of the Chapter, to include (but not limited to)
flags, signs, Chapter charter, banners, wreaths, insignia and other materials,
and shall ensure that they are present at those special activities requiring
them. Apprises the Chapter President of any maintenance problems associated with
these items, or the need to repair or replace them in order to maintain the
proper public appearance associated with this organization. Member of the
Executive Committee.
Editor ~
An appointed or volunteer position, this person prepares the Chapter’s
bi-monthly newsletter, The Gainesville
Broadside, and with the assistance of the Chapter Secretary disseminates it
to all Compatriots, 76’ers, and associated recipients (local Regents of the
DAR, Presidents of SAR Chapters in the area, key dignitaries in the FLSSAR, the
SAR Library, and the Chairman of the Newsletter Committee of the SAR).
Member-at-Large ~ An appointed position, this person does not have specific
duties but will represent the membership at large. This Compatriot should keep
the Chapter Officers apprised of any concerns expressed by members.
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Article
VII
Executive
Committee
Section 1 The Executive Committee shall be composed of the following officers:
Chapter President; 1st Vice President; 2nd Vice President;
Secretary; Treasurer; Member-at-Large; and the immediate Past President.
All appointed officers; including Registrar, Genealogist, Chancellor;
Chaplain, Editor, Webmaster, Color Guard Commander, Sergeant-at-Arms,
Member-at-Large and
Historian, are expected to
attend and participate in all meetings. The
Secretary shall be required to keep minutes of all transactions of the Executive
Committee meetings and have them available for the membership upon demand at the
general meeting. All
meetings are open to the membership.
Section
2 The
Executive Committee shall have general supervision of the affairs of the chapter
between meetings. It is subject to the order of the Chapter. The
Secretary, or his designee, shall be required to keep minutes of all
transactions of the Executive Committee meetings and have them available for the
Membership upon demand at the general meeting.
Section
3 Meetings
of the Executive Committee shall be called by the Chapter President, or upon the
request of four (4) members of the Committee, due notice having been given. Four
members shall constitute a quorum.
Section
4 All
non-budget funds, except the usual and customary expenses incurred by the
Chapter officers and chairmen in the normal execution of their duties, may be
approved by the Executive committee via a motion, discussion and vote. In
certain times and circumstances these expenses may be approved by the President
or Acting President in the absence of the President, who may attempt to confer
with as many members of the executive committee as available. These
expenditures will be presented to the Executive Committee in a timely manner and
in writing, but no later than the next regularly scheduled Executive committee
meeting. Similarly Expenditures by
the Executive Committee or President will be presented to the membership at
large
in writing at the next regularly scheduled Chapter meeting.
Article
VIII
Removal and
Impeachment
Section
1
Any officer, including the Chapter President, maybe subject to removal or
impeachment for crimes or treason, bribery, improper or illegal allocation of
chapter funds, or for violations of honor or trust of the office elected to.
Section
2 In
the case of impeachment or removal of any officer, all evidence shall be
presented to the Executive Committee, and only by a vote of 2/3 (66%) of the
board members, or if deemed by the Executive Committee, 2/3 of the general
membership shall the individual be removed.
Section
3 A
written record of all proceedings involving impeachment or removal shall be
kept, and the record shall be made available to any member upon demand.
Section
4 Nothing
in this section shall be construed to circumvent or usurp any formal procedure
from either the Florida Society SAR or the National Society SAR.
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Article
IX
Fees and Dues
Section
1
The initiation fee shall be an amount to cover the application fees and
initial annual dues as determined by NSSAR, FLSSAR and the Chapter.
Section
2 The
Annual dues shall be the amount necessary to cover the dues to the National
Society, Florida Society and the Gainesville Chapter.
Section
3 The
Chapter Treasurer shall notify the Chapter Secretary 2 weeks prior to the
suspension date (as determined by the FLSSAR Secretary) with a list of all
outstanding members to have failed to provide a return of dues. The Secretary
shall then contact each delinquent member either by letter, phone or email for a
follow up.
Section
4 The
Chapter Treasurer shall be responsible for receiving all dues returns, and shall
collaborate with the Secretary in maintaining an up to date return. The Chapter
Treasurer shall issue a check for the return upon demand from the Chapter
Secretary.
Section
5 The
fees for readmission or reinstatement of members and members dropped for
non-payment of dues shall be prescribed by the Bylaws of the
Florida
and National
Societies.
Section
6 Life
members shall be exempt from the National Assessment portion of the dues.
Section
7 A)
The fiscal year of the Gainesville Chapter shall be from
January 1 to December 31.
B.) An actuarial report shall be prepared and presented at the beginning
of the fiscal year and a projected budget shall be published and made available
by that meeting date.
Section
8 All
non-budget funds, except the usual and customary expenses incurred by the
Chapter officers and chairmen in the normal execution of their duties, may be
approved by the Executive committee via a motion, discussion and vote. In
certain times and circumstances these expenses may be approved by the President
or Acting President in the absence of the President, who may attempt to confer
with as many members of the executive committee as available. These
expenditures will be presented to the Executive Committee in a timely manner and
in writing, but no later than the next regularly scheduled Executive committee
meeting. Similarly Expenditures by
the Executive Committee or President will be presented to the membership at
large in writing at the next regularly scheduled Chapter meeting.
Section
9
All chapter checks shall bear the signature of the Treasurer, President or his
designee. No funds
will be released to any party without approval from both the Treasurer and the
Chapter President.
Section
10 At the beginning of the Annual February meeting, all signatories
to the Chapter’s checking account shall be voided, and new signature cards for
the Treasurer, Chapter President and his designee be obtained. It shall be the
responsibility of the Treasurer to update this information with the financial
institution within 72 hours of this meeting, and transfer accounts.
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Article X
Meetings
Section 1 The regular meeting of the chapter shall normally be held on the 3rd
week of the month, unless otherwise noted.
Section
2 The
annual April meeting shall be known as the Annual National Defense Dinner or
Luncheon and shall be the ROTC Awards banquet.
Section
3 The
annual September meeting shall be a Constitution Luncheon or Dinner and shall be
reserved for the process of honoring our Constitution and presenting either a
Law Enforcement, Fire Safety, EMS or Heroism Award.
Section
4 Special
meetings may be called by the President and shall be called upon written request
of five members.
Section
5 Ten
members of the Membership shall constitute a quorum at a regular meeting.
Article
XI
Parliamentary
Authority
The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall
govern the chapter in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they
are not inconsistent with the Bylaws of the National Society or the Florida
Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Article XII
Amendments
Section 1 These bylaws may be amended at any regular business meeting of the
Chapter by a two-thirds vote, provided that at least ten (10) members are
present and voting. Prior to
submission to the membership for vote, any proposed amendment must first be
reviewed by the Executive Committee, which is to report its approval or
disapproval at the meeting preceding the one at which the proposed vote is to be
taken. The proposed amendment and
Executive Committee action must be in writing, and presented to all members at
the previous meeting prior to the final vote.
Amendments shall become effective upon the adjournment of the meeting at
which they are adopted.
Section
2 Any amendment adopted by the National Society or the Florida
Society affecting the work of this chapter shall become law of the Chapter
without notice of the amendment.
Section
3
The Chapter should not carry on any activities except those permitted by (a) any
organization exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1954 (or corresponding provisions of any later United States
Internal Revenue Law) or (b) any organization, to which contributions are
deductible under Section 170 (c2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or
corresponding provisions of any later United States Internal Revenue Law).
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Article XII
Dissolution
Although the
period of the chapter is perpetual, if for any reason the Chapter is to be
dissolved or otherwise terminated, no part of property of the Chapter or any
other proceeds shall be distributed to or inure the benefit of any of the
officers or members of the Chapter. Upon the dissolution of the Chapter, assets
shall be distributed to, and only to, the Florida Society Sons of the American
Revolution.
