| CAMP BY-LAWS
COL. E. J. JONES CAMP # 357 SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA ARTICLE I - Name The name of this organization shall be the COL Egbert J. Jones Camp. ARTICLE II - Object To associate in one united, compact body of men of Confederate ancestry, and to 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 the 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 mementos produced are 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 wherever found; to instill into our descendants a devotion to and reverence for the principles represented by the Confederate States of America, to the honor, glory and memory of our fathers who fought in that cause. ARTICLE III - Nature The COL Egbert J. Jones Camp shall be strictly patriotic, historical, educational, and benevolent, non-racial, non-political and non-sectarian. ARTICLE IV - Membership Section 1. All male descendants, lineal or collateral, at least twelve years of age, or those who served in the Confederate Army or Navy to the end of the war, or who died in prison or while in actual service, or who were killed in battle, or who were honorably discharged, shall be eligible for membership, provided no member under sixteen years of age shall have the right to vote. Section 2. No one shall be admitted to membership until satisfactory proof of the foregoing qualifications be submitted in triplicate on official Sons of Confederate Veterans blank applications prepared for that purpose, such applications bearing recommendation by a member in good standing of the COL Egbert J. Jones Camp #357. The prospective member must also complete Form A, the COL Egbert J. Jones Camp #357�s membership application. This application must be completed in order to document, to the fullest, the prospective member�s credentials of ancestry. The COL Egbert J. Jones Camp #357�s Form A Membership Application must be completed in triplicate, in conjunction with the Sons of Confederate Veterans application of membership. The original Sons of Confederate Veterans Membership Application shall be preserved by the Camp and the two shall be forwarded to general headquarters, Sons of Confederate Veterans within ten (10) days. The COL Egbert J. Jones Camp #357�s Form A membership Application (one copy) shall be retained by the Camp. Section 3. All applications in the COL Egbert J. Jones Camp #357, received by the Adjutant, shall include the official Sons of Confederate Veterans Application and the COL Egbert J. Jones Camp #357�s application, and these shall be reviewed by the Commander. The Commander shall submit the applications to a confidential, three man membership committee, appointed by him, to pass on the acceptability of the candidate for membership. Candidates refused membership may petition the Camp membership for admission, and upon receiving favorable, written approval of three-fourths of the membership, will be granted full membership in the Camp. Section 4. Annual dues must be submitted to the Camp Adjutant with all required applications completed. Section 5. Membership in the Camp shall be: Active membership as herein set forth. Section 6. Active membership in the Camp is membership in the General Organization of Sons of Confederate Veterans. Section 7. Any member in good standing in the Camp, removing from the Camp, shall be entitled a certificate from the Camp Adjutant stating his membership and duration thereof. ARTICLE V - Dues Section 1. 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. Section 2. Members in arrears four months in payment of dues shall be classified as delinquent, and six months� arrears shall automatically impose suspension. Payment of all back dues within one year, together with all additional levies for that year, shall permit reinstatement to active membership. A member delinquent one year or more shall only be reinstated upon vote of the Camp and payment of all amounts due by him to the Camp. ARTICLE VI - Meetings Section 1. The Annual meeting of the Camp shall be in June of 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. Section 2. Regular Meetings. The regular meeting of the Camp for the transaction of ordinary business shall be held on the first Thursday of each month, or at such time and place as may be fixed by the Executive Committee. 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. The term �signed� shall be interrupted to also include positive concurrence to an e-mail. 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 or an e-mail notification to their personal e-mail account not less than 10 days prior to the date chosen for holding the meeting. The place of such special meeting shall be fixed by the Executive Committee. Section 4. Quorum. One third 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 Robert�s Rules of Order, Revised latest edition, except wherein they may be altered by the Camp. ARTICLE VII - Officers Section 1. The officers of the Camp shall be: Commander, Lieutenant Commander, Adjutant, Treasurer, Chief of Staff, Judge Advocate, Inspector General, Quartermaster, Surgeon, Chaplain, Color Sergeant, and Historian. The Commander, Lieutenant Commander, Adjutant, and Treasurer shall be elected by a majority vote by ballot of the members in good standing present at the annual meeting of the Camp. The Chief of Staff and other officers shall not be elected, but appointed by the Commander. These appointments, however, must be approved by the Executive Committee, and if no person is approved for an office, that office will not be filled for the term. Officers elected at the annual meeting shall take office at the meeting in August following their election and upon proper installation shall serve for two years Section 2. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the Commander, Lieutenant Commander, Treasurer, Adjutant, and two immediate past-commanders. No past commander shall be eligible that has failed to maintain good standing in the Camp. Section 3. Meetings of the executive Committee shall be held at any time and place as the Commander may determine. Meetings may be called at any time on demand, in writing to the Commander, by three members of the Executive Committee. Section 4. Three members of the executive Committee shall constitute a quorum. Section 5. Resignation of any officer may be accepted by majority vote of the remaining members of the Executive Committee. Section 6. When an office is vacated as a result of death, resignation or removal, the Commander shall appoint a successor, upon recommendation of the Executive Committee, such successor to hold office until the next annual meeting. ARTICLE VIII - Duties of Officers Section 1. Camp Commander: The commander has the unique responsibility to lead, to encourage, to assist, to guide, to maintain espirit de corps and above all, to work to achieve harmony within and without. While an SCV Camp is a democratically run organization, the Camp Commander does have the final word and the overall responsibility. His is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. The Camp Commander presides at all meetings of the Camp and of the Executive Committee or otherwise designates his subordinate officers to do so. He shall be a member ex-officio of all regular and special committees, and shall perform all such duties as usually pertain to his office. Section 2. Lieutenant Commander: His authority is second only to the Commander. He presides in the absence of the Commander. Upon the resignation or death of the Commander, the Lieutenant Commander automatically becomes Commander. He shall serves as Program Chairman, securing guests speakers and presentations for Camp Functions. He shall be responsible for the enlistment of new members. He shall prepare and distribute to the membership in good standing a roster of members, their addresses and telephone numbers. He shall be responsible for announcing to Camp members by telephone any meetings, social programs or any other occasions announced by the Commander or Executive Committee. Section 3. 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. He shall notify all members of special meetings. He shall keep a true record of all the meetings of the Camp and have custody of the books and papers of the Camp, except the Treasurer�s book of account. 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 operation of the Camp. Section 4. 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. Such money shall only be withdrawn by check signed by the Treasurer. He shall keep and accurate account of all his transactions and render a detailed report, in writing, of income and expenditures at the annual meeting. 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. Section 5. Chief of Staff: the Chief of Staff shall be responsible for carrying out the orders of the Commander, coordinating the work of the Executive Committee and performing such duties as may be assigned him by the Commander. Section 6. 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 Bylaws. He shall serve as parliamentarian at both regular and special meetings. The Judge Advocate cannot investigate charges brought against Camp members; this right is reserved only for the Inspector General. The Judge Advocate can only find and report to the Commander or Executive Committee that he has found a Camp member negligent of the Sons of Confederate Veterans Constitution or the Col. Egbert J. Jones Camp #357 bylaws. He has, however, all other duties assigned to him by the Col. Egbert J. Jones Camp #357 bylaws. Section 7. Inspector General: The Inspector General shall be responsible for the investigation of members who have been found delinquent by the Judge Advocate. He shall conduct such investigations under the order of the Commander or the Executive Committee after the Judge Advocate has found a member in violation of the Sons of Confederate Veterans National Constitution or the Col. Egbert J. Jones Camp #357 Bylaws. He shall perform such other duties as are usually incident to his office. Section 8. 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 Camp stores, maintaining adequate stocks and other items necessary for efficient operation. He shall account to the Commander as to expenditures. Section 9. Surgeon. The Surgeon shall be responsible for the establishment and observance of ceremonial forms and courtesies of the Camp. Upon direction of the Executive Committee, he (Surgeon) shall issue announcements to the public concerning the Camp, its members and activities. Section 10. 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 the event of member death, he shall immediately notify the membership. He shall be responsible for the procurement of flowers, wreaths or such other items incidental to the accomplishment of his duties. He shall open and close Camp meetings with prayer, bring devotionals, offer thanks for meals and such other duties as may be directed by the Camp Commander. Section 11. Color Sergeant: The Color Sergeant shall maintain and safeguard the Camp colors. He shall ensure the proper display of colors at all functions of the Camp and will lead members in salutes to the colors. He shall appoint assistants to aid in the performance of his duties. Section 12. Historian: The Historian 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 clipping and such other items as necessary in proper recording of Camp history. All items will be affixed in a bound volume so as to ensure preservation. Section 13. Editor: The Commander shall upon taking office, appoint an editor and such other staff as necessary in the preparation and distribution of the official Camp journal, The E. J. Jones Journal. The Commander shall periodically review operation of the journal to ascertain if operation is in the best interest of the Camp. The Executive Committee shall provide for acceptance of annual subscriptions from non-members and establish an annual subscription rate. The editor will, at the end of the fiscal year, prepare a written report concerning number of copies produced, number distributed and associated costs, this report to be submitted to the Commander at the annual meeting. Section 14. Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall: Approve or disapprove all bills presented to the treasurer for payment Sit in judgement in all disciplinary matters Authorize and approve all meeting sites and arrangements Rule on all questions affecting the election eligibility and conduct of members 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 Commander�s Commendations and resolutions of respect which are reserved to the Commander. ARTICLE X - Suspension or Expulsion Section 1. Any member may be suspended or expelled from the Camp for cause, such cause being deemed sufficient by the Executive Committee by two-thirds affirmative vote of the members of the Committee present at any regular or special meeting. Cause for disciplinary action shall be: Disloyalty Neglect of duty Dishonesty Conduct unbecoming a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans An act repugnant to the SCV Constitution or detrimental to the objects and purposes of the Confederation Section 2. No vote on suspension or expulsion may be taken unless at least fifteen 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 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 days notice in writing shall have been given to the officer of the reasons for his removal and of the time and place of the special meeting at which such ballot of his removal is taken. The Executive Committee, upon majority vote, may suspend the officer pending outcome of this special meeting. At such meetings, the officer shall be given a full hearing. Section 5. Charges against any officer or member may be preferred by any member in good standing. 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 days notice of the meeting to each member of the Executive Committee and to the accuser and 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 days notice in writing, by United States mail or an e-mail notification to their personal e-mail account, 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 will 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 the accused. A vote will be taken by ballot of the members in good standing present and a two-thirds 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 general Executive Council, Sons of Confederate Veterans, the decision of which shall be final. A member expelled by the Camp is ineligible for membership in any Camp of the Confederation. ARTICLE XI - Prohibitions Section 1. No assessment shall be levied upon Camp members other than annual dues and initiation fees, except by resolution of the general membership. Section 2. Proxy voting shall not be permitted in the conduct of Camp elections or business. ARTICLE XII - Official Observances Section 1. The Camp shall religiously observe the celebration of Confederate Memorial Day and the birthdays of General Robert E. Lee and President Jefferson Davis. ARTICLE XII - Amendments. Section 1. Any proposed amendment to these bylaws may be introduced by any member of the Camp at any regular meeting 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 an e-mail notification to their personal e-mail account, at least ten days previous to the meeting. A two-thirds vote of the member present, by voice vote unless at least 1/3 of the voting members request a ballot vote, will be necessary to pass or reject. ADOPTED AMENDMENTS Revision September 7, 1995: ARTICLE VIII Section 13 - In order to better reflect the heritage of the Col. Egbert J. Jones Camp, and to perpetually commemorate the brave stand of our namesake Col. Egbert J. Jones and the 4th Alabama Infantry at Stone Bridge, First Battle of Manassas in July 1861, the official name of the Camp newsletter is hereby changed from The EJ Jones Journal to The Stone Bridge Guard. Additions November 2, 1995: ARTICLE VIII Section 2: The Lieutenant Commander will arrange for refreshments for each meeting. ARTICLE XII: The business portion of the regular monthly meeting will not exceed 45 minutes. ARTICLE XII: �Dixie�s land� will be played or sung at each meeting. ARTICLE XII: The program will precede the business portion of the monthly meeting. ARTICLE VI Section 2: A meeting of Camp officers will be held at the time and place called for by the Commander. Revision July 2, 1996: ARTICLE VII Section 1: Officers elected at the annual meeting shall take office at the meeting in August following their election and upon proper installation shall serve for one year. Addition January 6, 2000: ARTICLE IV - Membership Section 8. Associate Membership. Friends of Camp 357 may apply for Associate Membership in the Camp. An Application for Associate Membership is submitted to the Camp Adjutant by the candidate. Cost for an associate membership is $10.00 per year, due each July. Associate membership dues shall be applied in full to fulfill Camp membership dues when applicable. The application for membership is approved by a majority vote of the Executive Committee. The vote of the Executive Committee is final and there is no appeal. An Associate Member is not allowed to: hold elected office (Commander, Lt. Commander, Adjutant or Treasurer); be elected or otherwise serve as a Camp delegate or representative at an SCV Brigade, Division or International convention or meeting; vote on any election or motion at any meeting; be issued or wear an SCV lapel pin or membership medal. An Associate Member is allowed to: be appointed to the following non-elected officer positions at the discretion of the Commander: Chief of Staff; Color Sergeant; Quartermaster; Chaplain; Historian. be appointed to ad hoc committees at the discretion of the Commander; discuss issues and motions raised during regular Camp meetings. Except for the restrictions noted above, an Associate Member shall be considered an E. J. Jones Camp Compatriot. An Associate Member shall receive the Camp newsletter and all other Camp communications, and be fully welcome at all Camp meetings and functions. The Adjutant shall maintain a separate roster of Associate Members and pertinent information. An Associate Member may be expelled from the Camp by a majority vote of the Executive Committee. The vote of the Executive Committee is final and there is no appeal. |