UNITED STATES SUBMARINE VETERANS, INCORPORATED
(INCORPORATED MAY 1964)
CONSTITUTION
(Revision Date October 2002)
ARTICLE I --NAME
Section 1: The name of the organization shall be THE UNITED STATES SUBMARINE VETERANS, INC.
Section 2: For the purpose of this Constitution the term “organization” shall be synonymous with “The United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.”.
Section 3: The spoken name may be shortened to SUBVETS. The Article 1, Section 1 full name should be used in correspondence.
ARTICLE II --EMBLEM
Section 1: The emblem of this organization shall be depicted by an oval with the words UNITED STATES bracketed along the inside edge of the oval at the top and the words SUBMARINE VETERANS bracketed along the inside edge at the bottom. A depiction of the “QUALIFIED IN SUBMARINES” breast insignia (Dolphins) shall appear centered in the oval.
Section 2: Use of the emblem for any purpose by any person, persons or group shall be by permission obtained in writing from the Board of Directors of the organization.
ARTICLE III --PURPOSE
Section 1: STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.
To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds, and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States Government.
Section 2: CREED
The Statement of Purpose for the organization shall be also known as the organization's Creed.
Section 3: In addition to perpetuating the memory of departed shipmates, we shall provide a way for all Submariners to gather for the mutual benefit and enjoyment. Our common heritage as Submariners shall be Strengthened by camaraderie. We support a strong U.S. Submarine Force.
ARTICLE IV -- POLICY
The organization shall adopt no policy in conflict with the laws and practices of the United States Government.
ARTICLE V -- PRINCIPAL OFFICES
The organization will have offices within the United States as the Board of Directors may designate, or as the proper fulfillment of the purposes of the organization may require.
ARTICLE VI -- FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the organization shall commence on the first day of January and end on the thirty -first day of December in each year.
ARTICLE VII -- MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. GENERAL
Members who have been discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States of America must have been discharged under honorable conditions. Proof of qualification and honorable service must be provided to assigned base Secretary.
All members shall be bound by this Constitution, the National Bylaws, and the Certificates of Incorporation.
Member may choose the Local Base he desires, however, if no choice is made he will be assigned to the Base nearest his home.
A member is considered “in good standing” if both National and Base dues have been paid for the current year, except as stated for Members-at-Large (MAL) in Article VII, Section 7 of this Constitution.
Members whose dues are in arrears on April 1st of the current year will have their continuous membership in good standing terminated and will be removed from all active rosters.
Members may join any number of Bases. One Base shall be selected as primary Base and all others as dual Base(s). Members may only vote from their primary Base in the District, Regional and National elections of the organization. (C2/00)
To avoid conflicts of interest, Base Officers must be a primary member of the base that they serve. (C2/02)
Section 2. REGULAR MEMBERS.
Regular membership is restricted to U.S. personnel who have been designated “QUALIFIED IN SUBMARINES” by the U.S. Navy.
Anyone who is a regular member of the U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II is eligible for Regular Membership in U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Section 3. CHARTER MEMBERS.
Those members who were accepted for membership prior to and including the closing day of the National Convention and Annual Meeting for 1965 will hereafter be considered Charter Members of the organization.
Section 4. LIFE MEMBERS
Regular Members may become Life Members by paying the National Life Membership Fee established in the Bylaws.
National Life Members will pay no further National dues, but may be required to pay Base dues as per Base Bylaws.
A Base may offer a Base Life Membership for a reasonable fee, which may not exceed the National Life Membership Fee.
Section 5: HOLLAND CLUB
Any member who has been designated “Qualified in Submarines” for over fifty (50) years and who is either (a) a National Life Member and in good standing for a minimum of one year, or (b) an annual member in good standing for five consecutive years, may elect to become a member of the “Holland Club” within the organization.
Holland Club members will pay no further National dues, but may be required to pay Base dues as per Base Bylaws.
Holland Club member's membership cards will be appropriately stamped HOLLAND CLUB on the front.
The members of the Holland Club will select a Holland Club commander who will represent them directly to the organization's National Commander.
Base Commanders will periodically review their Membership and notify the Membership Chairman and the Holland Club Commander, as Members approach the eligibility requirements.
The Membership Chairman will periodically review the Members-at-Large for eligibility and initiate the admission process as Members become eligible, including a notification to the Holland Club Commander.
The Holland Club Commander will notify the Editor of all new Holland Club members for proper recognition in the American Submariner. (C1/01)
Section 6: ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
An Associate Member is a person who is not eligible for regular membership but is closely associated with a Regular Member.
Each Associate Member must be sponsored by a Regular Member in good standing.
Associate Members are eligible for Life Membership.
Associate Membership is reserved for persons not otherwise eligible for regular membership, but are related to the Submarine Service by their deeds or actions. (All Associate Members must be at least sixteen (16) years of age). This does not preclude any relative of a regular member in good standing from applying for Associate Membership.
Each Regular Member may sponsor one other Associate Member not defined in paragraph “D” above.
Anyone who is presently serving, or has served, in a currently allied Navy, and is Qualified in Submarines, may become an Associate Member, and does not require a sponsor. (C9/99)
Associate Members may not vote in the National elections and cannot hold National elected office.
Associate Members may vote on Base matters (if permitted by Base Bylaws and may hold elective Base offices of Secretary and/or Treasurer (if permitted by Base Bylaws.) (C4/02)
In the event an Associate Member's sponsor can no longer sponsor the Associate Member (i.e. transferred or called to eternal patrol) the Base may assume sponsorship of the Associate Member.
A non-U.S. citizen who becomes an Associate Member is not required to pledge loyalty to the United States Government nor United States Constitution. (C3/00)
Section 7. MEMBERS-AT-LARGE
Any member, who once chooses, or is assigned to, a Base, and who is a National Life Member or whose National annual dues are current, but whose Base dues are in arrears, may be placed in a category of Member-at-Large by the Membership Chairman. (C2/01)
Members-at-Large whose National Annual dues are current or who are National Life Members will retain National benefits (i.e. receipt of National magazine and voting on National issues).
A Member-at-Large may affiliate with a Base at anytime by remitting Base dues.
ARTICLE VIII -- MEMBERSHIP DUES
Section 1. Every member of the organization will pay membership dues as prescribed in the National Bylaws.
Section 2. Dues are due and payable on January 1st each year and remain effective until December 31st the same year.
Section 3. Bases may charge Base dues as prescribed by their local Base By-Laws.
Section 4. When direct membership applications are received by National, National will expeditiously forward all applications and dues to the Base of choice of applicant or the Base assigned by National. The Base in turn will ensure all required documents are current and complete. Required documents and dues will then be forwarded to National.
Section 5. When a new member joins in the fourth quarter of the year (Oct/Nov/Dec) their dues shall be payment for the remainder of the current year and the following year.
ARTICLE IX -- STRUCTURE
Section 1. REGIONS
A. Three regions are established:
The Eastern Region consisting of Districts 1, 2, 3, and 4
The Central Region consisting of Districts 5, 6, and 7.
The Western Region consisting of Districts 8, 9, and 10.
B. Each Region shall be governed by a duly elected or appointed Regional Director as per the National By-Laws.
Section 2. DISTRICTS
A. TEN Districts are established:
District One shall consist of the States of; ME, NH, MA, VT, RI and CT.
District Two shall consist of the States of; NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, and the Dist. of Columbia.
District Three shall consist of the States of; VA, WV, KY, TN, and NC.
District Four shall consist of the States of; SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, plus the Territories of USVI and PR.
District Five shall consist of the States of; TX, OK, AR, MO, and KS.
District Six shall consist of the States of; OH, IN, IL, WI, and MI.
District Seven shall consist of the States of; MN, ND, SD, IA, and NE.
District Eight shall consist of the States of; AZ, NM, CO, UT, and NV.
District Nine shall consist of the States of; ID, MT, OR, WA, and WY.
District Ten shall consist of the States of; AK, CA, HI, plus the Territories of Guam and American Samoa.
B. Each District will be governed by a duly elected or appointed District Commander.
Section 3. BASES
Bases will consist of at least five (5) members in good standing.
Each Base will be governed by a duly elected or appointed Base Commander as per Base Bylaws.
All Base Bylaws and their amendments must not conflict with the National Constitution or National Bylaws and must be approved by the District Commander or next in the chain of command.
Bases may be formed and organized upon receipt in writing of authorization from the District Commander, or next in the chain of command, of the State in which the headquarters is to be located.
Base Constitution and Bylaws shall be submitted, if revised since last submission, by no later than 31 March to the District Commander for review to verify compliance with the National Constitution and Bylaws. (C4/00)
The District Commander shall submit new Base Constitution and Bylaws to the Regional Director of the area for review and endorsement before forwarding to the National Secretary.
ARTICLE X -- CHARTER
Section 1. Upon signed approval of their Bylaws, each Base shall be issued a Charter from the organization. The Charter shall be signed by the National Commander and National Secretary who shall affix the National Seal thereto.
Section 2. Issuance of the Charter signifies authorization to carry out the purpose of the organization under the name United States Submarine Veterans, and authorizes the use of the National Emblem in carrying out that purpose.
Section 3. Any Base which fails to comply with the National Constitution and Bylaws will have thirty days (30), after notification in writing by an officer of the organization, to correct the deficiency or cause their Charter to be revoked.
ARTICLE XI -- OFFICERS
Section 1: NATIONAL OFFICERS
Nationally elected officers of the organization will be: National Commander, National Senior Vice Commander, National Junior Vice Commander, National Secretary, and National Treasurer.
The prerequisite for National Office is that a Nominee must be a Regular or Life Member in good standing a minimum of thirty consecutive months.
1. Nominees for Junior Vice Commander must have completed at least two years as a Member of the Board of Directors.
2. Nominees for Senior Vice Commander must have completed at least two
years as a voting Member of the Board of Directors.
3. Nominees for National Commander must have completed at least one year
as Senior Vice Commander or Junior Vice Commander. (C6/02)
The term of office for all National officers will be one year or until a successor is elected. (C9/99)
No individual shall serve more than two (one year) terms as National Commander.(C9/99)
Other than the position of National Commander, there are no restrictions on the number of terms an individual may be elected to any office. (C9/99)
The term of office for Nationally elected officers will begin immediately after the annual business meeting.
The following Officers will be appointed by the National Commander and confirmed by the Board of Directors: Chaplain, Historian, Parliamentarian, Editor of the National Publication, Boat Sponsor Program Manager, National Storekeeper and Webmaster. The Committee Chairmanships will be appointed as outlined in Bylaws Article VI and with Board of Directors confirmation. (C3/01)
The term of office for appointed officers will begin immediately after confirmation and notification by the Board of Directors.
Nationally elected and appointed officers will carry out their duties as prescribed by the National Bylaws.
No officer shall be paid any salary for services rendered on behalf of the organization.
Section 2. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors shall have the control and general management of the affairs and business of the organization.
The Board of Directors shall be comprised of the five Nationally elected officers, the three Regional Directors, and the ten District Commanders, the immediate Past National Commander, and the Commander of the Holland Club.
The only members of the Board of Directors with voting privileges are the Nationally elected officers, the three Regional Directors and the immediate Past National Commander. (C5/00)
The District Commanders will participate in an advisory capacity only.
Any member of the Board of Directors may be removed from office for cause by two-thirds (66 2/3 %) vote of the Board of Directors. A replacement may be appointed from the general membership by the National Commander or the sitting officer next in seniority, or the vacated duties may be absorbed or distributed between the remaining members as the Board of Directors approves.
ARTICLE XII – MEETINGS
Section 1. A National Convention will be held annually and shall be hosted by a Base.
Bases desiring to host a national convention must place their bid, in the form of a written proposal, at least three years prior to the National Convention they wish to host, for adequate planning. The written proposal must be submitted to the Board of Directors, via the National Senior Vice Commander at least thirty days prior to the Base’s presentation to the membership. (C8/02)
Should there be multiple bids, a vote will be conducted on the floor of the Annual business meeting to determine the Host Base, date and the location. Host Base may use professional convention planners if they desire. (C7/02)
Should there be no bid by a Base, the Board of Directors shall have the option to host the National Convention using professional operatives.
Section 2. An Annual Business Meeting, open to all members in good standing, shall be held during the National Convention.
Section 3: The Board of Directors shall meet immediately following the Annual Business Meeting of members and at such other times as the Board of Directors may determine.
Section 4: Regions and Districts may hold meetings as Regional Directors or District Commanders deem necessary.
Section 5: Local Bases must conduct at least one meeting per fiscal year to retain their Charter.
Section 6: All meetings of this organization, whether they be by Base, District, Region, or National will observe a moment of silence in memory of our departed shipmates.
ARTICLE XIII -- QUORUM
Section 1. Twenty-one (21) members in good standing shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business at the Annual Business Meeting.
Section 2. Five (5) voting members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business at a duly called meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Once a quorum has been established, no member absenting himself shall destroy the quorum.
Section 4. In the event of a quorum not being present, a lesser number may adjourn the meeting to some future time and date.
ARTICLE XIV -- VOTING
Section 1. Each member shall be entitled to vote, provided that the member is in good standing, both at the time his ballot is counted and on the date of the Annual Business Meeting.
Attendees at the Annual Business Meeting may vote on issues from the agenda and/or those presented on the floor.
Voting for National Officers and proposed amendments shall be done by mail in ballot as prescribed in the National Bylaws. (C7/00)
Section 2. There shall be no voting by proxy; any member in good standing not voting will be considered abstaining.
ARTICLE XV -- AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Any member in good standing may submit proposed amendments to amend this Constitution by forwarding the proposed amendments to the Chairman of the Constitution & Bylaws Committee on or before April 1st of the year in which they are to be considered. (9-99)
Section 2. The Constitution shall be amended by a two thirds majority of the votes cast in the National Election of the organization: provided that the proposed changes have been placed on the National Ballot and provided to all members in good standing at their last known address, at least sixty days prior to the Annual Business Meeting. (C4/01)
Section 3. Amendments which are passed will become effective at the close of the Annual Business Meeting.
Section 4. Amendments submitted by the membership and passed shall remain in place for a period of three years from acceptance and may be changed by ballot in their fourth year. Should at any time in that period the amendment be deemed by the Board of Directors as not in the best interest of the organization, they, and only they, may submit an amendment at the next balloting opportunity to change it without waiting the three year period. The result of that ballot will start a new three- year period.
ARTICLE XVI -- DISSOLUTION
Section 1. In the event that the organization dissolves, all assets and monies will be donated to a non-profit organization determined by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. If the Board of Directors cannot agree on a non-profit organization, or if the Board of Directors cannot muster a quorum at the time of dissolution, all assets and moneys will be turned over to the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society, except that items of historic value and all records will be turned over to the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, CT.
Section 3. In the event of a Base, District, or Regional dissolution, all assets and moneys of the same shall be turned over to the National Senior Vice Commander.