| STANDING
RULES OF ORDER |
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Article I – Membership Classes
Section 1 A Full Member shall be defined as: a. One who has completed a Pledge Period and has been duly approved and received by the membership according to the By-Laws of the organization. b. One who lives within the catchment’s area as outlined in the by-laws. c. One who is not a full member of another back patch club. d. One who is not under suspension or censure in any manner by the Hall. Section 2 A Full Member in good standing shall enjoy the right and privilege to vote in person or by written proxy, to stand for office, to sponsor Pledges and Associates, to pay dues, to attend all club functions, to have an active voice in determining policy, to wear club colors, to pin, and to perform any other duty or task for the effective running of the organization in accordance with the By-Laws and Constitution of the organization. Section 3 An Associate Member shall be defined as: a. One who has been duly approved and received by the membership according to the By-Laws of the Hall. b. One who has kept dues and contact information updated. c. One who is not under discipline or censure in any manner by the Hall. Section 4 An Associate Member in good standing shall enjoy the right and privilege to wear the small club colors, to be present at open business meetings of the Hall, to pay dues, and to attend all club social functions. Section 5 Applications for Full, Associate, and Honorary membership shall be voted on by secret ballot requiring two-thirds (2/3) majority of the voting membership present for admission into the Hall. Section 6 The number of Pledges at any one time shall not exceed the number of Full Members. If the Pledge class is full, individuals shall be invited to wait for availability or to consider Associate Membership. Section 7 An Ambassador Member is a Full Member living outside the home territory who has petitioned the Membership for this status. He shall have maintained his Full membership in good standing for at least three years prior to seeking this status change. A simple majority of voting members upon receipt and review of his petition shall grant this membership class. Section 8 An Ambassador Member shall enjoy the right and privilege of the Full Member except he may not vote nor stand for office. He shall wear a nameplate denoting his status as Ambassador. Section 9 Emeritus Membership is a very distinct class of membership awarded to Founding, Full, Associate, and Honorary Members upon their deaths, nomination, and ratification by the Full Members. a) We remember our brothers and sisters who have gone before us as shapers of our community. b) Every August on our Anniversary, the roster of the Emeritus Members is read and updated in some public venue with all due solemnity and respect. Section 10 The Founding Members of Trident International Indianapolis, NFP. are John Schmitt, Larry Bell, and Doug Parks: No other person may be awarded this status. Section 11 Founding Members shall have all the rights and responsibilities and be subject to all the regulations of Full Members (including annual dues fees) in all aspects and regards except as outlined below. a. Founding Members shall be considered active members with their continual payment of dues. b. Founding Members are not required to attend any Club Functions or Meetings or participate in the organization in any way, unless they hold an Office. c. Founding Members shall not count toward quorum and MACC requirements, unless they hold an Office. d. Founding Members are exempt from the territory regulation and may maintain Founding Membership regardless of residence. Section 12 Should a Founding Member become inactive, he may resume active membership at any time without penalty upon payment of required dues. Section 13 Honorary membership shall be granted to exemplary individuals who have provided the club or community with outstanding service. They shall be entitled to wear the small patch and friendship pin and shall have an open invitation to any event sponsored by the club. This status has no voting rights. Any Full Member may propose nominations to this class. Section 14 Procedures for acceptance into and termination from Honorary Member status shall be the same as for all other classes of membership, except that Honorary Associates are not required to pay renewal dues. Section 15 An Alumnus Member shall enjoy all the rights, privileges, and duties of the Ambassador Member, but shall reside within the catchment’s area. Article II – Change in Membership Status
Section 1 An Associate may petition the voting membership in writing for Full Member status. Upon review of the petitioner’s involvement in the club, a Pledge Period may be determined. Two-thirds (2/3) majority is required to grant the petition. Section 2 A Full Member may petition the voting membership in writing for Associate Member status. Two-thirds (2/3) majority is required to grant the petition. Section 3 Upon receipt of a Full Member’s petition, Alumnus status shall be granted at the discretion of the Executive Board. Section 4 Before the change in Membership Status shall take effect, the petitioner shall return the club colors and shall be issued new colors appropriate to the requested status. Article III – Dues and Fees
Section 1 Full Member dues shall be $75.00 per year payable prior to August of each year. Section 2 Associate Member dues shall be $40.00 per year payable at any time during the year. Section 3 Pledge dues shall be $5.00 per month payable during the monthly regular business meeting. Section 4 Ambassador Member and Alumnus Member dues shall be $40.00 per year payable every August. Section 5 Honorary Members shall not pay dues. Section 6 Founding Members shall pay Full Member dues if they are active in the organization. Section 7 Although remaining club property, the Large Back patch shall cost $20.00 for its use. Section 8 Although remaining club property, the Small Logo patch and Give A Damn patch shall cost $5.00 each. Section 9 Individual Name tags shall cost $8.00. Section 10 Friendship pins shall cost $3.00 per pin. Section 11 An initial Application Fee of $10.00 for Full Member and $5.00 for Associate Member shall be payable at the time of submission and shall be non-refundable. Section 12 A Full Member who has not paid dues in one year shall be dropped from active status and shall lose all rights and privileges of Full membership. Section 13 An Associate Member who has not paid dues in one and a half years shall be dropped from the membership roll. Section 14 An Ambassador Member or Alumnus Member who has not paid dues in one and a half years shall be dropped from active status and shall lose all rights and privileges of their respective membership classes. Section 15 Any Member of any class who is dropped from the membership roll shall immediately surrender any and all club property in his possession including patches and pins. Section 16 Any Member who submits a substantial portion of his dues within 30 days of notice of termination or suspension for nonpayment shall be restored to his status with no loss of tenure. Section 17 The Membership by a simple majority vote shall reserve the right to waive dues for an individual member experiencing hardship. Article IV – Pledge Period
Section 1 A Pledge shall be accepted on an open enrollment basis. Section 2 A Full Member in good standing shall sponsor an individual for pledging. Section 3 Each Pledge shall be given a Pledge Handbook that includes: a. An explanation of the organization, our traditions, our expectations, and the process of Pledging. b. A List of Full Members. c. Current copies of the Constitution, By-Laws, and Standing Orders. d. A glossary of our common terms and Hanky code. e. Other attachments as deemed necessary. Section 4 A Pledge shall be required to complete a Pledge Project that is consistent with the needs of the Hall and the talents of the individual. Section 5 A Pledge shall spend two hours with each Full Member outside of a bar setting. Section 6 A Pledge shall attend all meetings and functions of the Hall during the Pledge Period. Section 7 The Pledge Period shall be completed within a 90 days, although the Executive Board shall reserve the right to grant extensions. Section 8 A Pledge shall not wear any Logo of the club except the Pledge nameplate and a friendship pin given by the Pledge’s sponsor. Section 9 A Pledge shall not purchase friendship pins and shall have no pinning privileges. Section 10 No Pledge shall be degraded, hazed, or sexually harassed. Article V – Meetings
Section 1 There shall be three types of meetings. These include Regular Business, Special, and Committee. Other gatherings such as the Bar night and the Run shall have attendance requirements as well. Section 2 Regular Business meetings are currently scheduled for the first Tuesday of every month. Attendance is required except as outlined in the Standing Rules of Order. Section 3 Any Officer calls Special meetings. A notice of one week prior to the meeting must be given to the membership. Attendance is required except as outlined in the Standing Rules of Order. Sections 4 Bar nights are held on the second Sunday of every even month. Attendance is required except as outlined in the Standing Rules of Order. Section 5 The chairperson of the committee schedules Committee meetings. Two-thirds (2/3) of the committee members must be present to transact any business. Section 6 The biannual Run of the organization is named Neptune. All members are required to attend. Exceptions are made only in the most serious of situations. Section 7 No business shall be conducted at Regular meetings unless two-thirds (2/3) of the voting membership is present. Unless previously specified in these by-laws or Standing Rules of Order, a simple majority of the voting membership or committee must be present to transact business at other types of meetings. Section 8 Meeting minutes and information sent to members is not for general publication. Section 9 Any individual at an organization sanctioned event or run found under the influence of any non-prescription drug shall be requested to leave the event or run site. His fee, if any, is not refundable. Article VI – Officers and Elections
Section 1 While the State requires a minimum of three officers, tradition calls for six. These shall be comprise the Executive Board and shall be known as President (Hall), Vice President (Vice Hall), Secretary, Treasurer, Pledge Master, and Road Captain. Section 2 Any Full Member in good standing as defined in the Constitution, By-laws, and the Standing Rules shall have the right and privilege to be nominated for and elected to any Office. And, any nominated Member shall have the right to decline any nomination. Section 3 Nominations for office shall open on July 5th and shall close July 10th. Nominations shall be made to the President via any communication medium at the disposal of the members. Any time prior to the close of Nominations, a member may decline a nomination. Section 4 The President shall prepare and distribute the Ballot to the membership no later than July 11th. And, he shall make public the names of those voting by proxy and those serving on the Vote Tally Committee on that same date. Section 5 Voting shall begin immediately after the presentation of the Ballot and shall close on July 15th at 9 p.m. at the Home Bar or another convenient location agreed upon by 2/3 of the membership and made public prior to July 11th. Section 6 A simple majority of the voting membership present and/or by written proxy shall be necessary to elect to an Office. Votes shall be cast by secret ballot. Ballots cast early and written proxies shall be kept in individually sealed envelopes deposited with the Tally Committee until they shall be counted on July 15th. Section 7 A committee of three non-nominated Full Members shall tally the votes immediately after the election. They shall present the list of members who voted, the tally, and the ballots for inspection to the Full Members present. And, upon satisfaction of the Full Members, they shall proclaim the new Officers. Section 8 The new Officers shall begin their term of office immediately following the Anniversary Bar Night on the second Sunday in August. Section 9 All Officers, Committee Chairs, and Agents, upon expiration or termination of their term of office, shall deliver to their successors or to the Secretary all original documents and any copies of the records of their office. They shall also deliver an inventory of any property belonging to the organization in their possession along with all such property. Section 10 A vacancy in an Office shall be filled by special election requiring simple majority for ratification. Notice of Special Election shall be published to the membership at least two (2) weeks prior to the election. Section 11 Any elected Officer shall be removed or suspended from duty by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of all eligible voting members under the following conditions. a. Prior to a vote for removal or suspension, the Officer shall be notified in writing and allowed to address any charges against him. The Officer shall respond to such notification within thirty days, or forfeit his right to address the charges. b. If any elected Officer does not participate in meetings for more than two (2) consecutive months without prior notice of his absence and after receiving meeting notification, a vote of no confidence may be called for to determine if that Officer shall retain their position. This action shall be initiated by the Executive Board and approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of all eligible voting members. Article VII – Duties of the Officers
Section 1 The President (Hall) is the principal Executive Officer of the organization. a. He shall preside at all meetings and functions of the organization. b. He shall present the current agenda at the scheduled meetings. c. He shall exercise general supervision over the affairs of the organization. d. He shall appoint any committees deemed necessary. e. He shall serve as ex-officio member of these committees. f. He shall appoint any advisors he deems necessary. g. In the absence of the Treasurer, he shall sign checks in payment of organizational obligations. h. He shall perform all duties incidental to Office of President and other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Board or Membership Section 2 The Vice President (Vice Hall). a. He shall preside at all membership meetings in the absence of the President, as well as carrying out the duties required of the President in accordance with the Standing Rules of Order. b. He shall maintain the attendance record and note attendance for voting privileges c. He shall set forth the calendar of events d. He shall handle the counting of votes. e. He shall serve as Co-Chair of the Run Committee. f. He shall perform all duties to the incidental to the Office of Vice President and other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Board or the Membership. Section 3 The Secretary. a. He shall record all meeting minutes and make copies available to the membership in a timely fashion. b. He shall compose and send all club correspondence. c. He shall maintain and make available the Minutes Book and the Book of Resolutions. d. He shall maintain and make available accurate updated copies of the By-Laws and Standing Rules of Order. e. He shall maintain and make available the yearly Run calendar, Club address list, and other mailing lists. f. He shall prepare and file all required Federal, State, and Local documentation, other than financial records. g. He shall perform all duties incidental to the Office of Secretary and other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Board or the Membership. Section 4 The Treasurer a. He shall maintain and make available accurate financial records for the organization. b. He shall collect dues from members as outlined in the Standing Rules of Order and shall keep these funds in a bank. c. He shall disburse funds in payment of all obligations agreed upon by the organization. d. He shall prepare and distribute financial statements to the membership at least every 6 months. e. He shall prepare and file all required Federal, State, and Local financial documentation. f. He shall perform all duties incidental to the Office of Treasurer and other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Board or the Membership. Section 5 The Pledge Master. a. He shall maintain and make available complete, updated membership and mailing lists providing for their confidentiality as outlined in the Standing Rules of Order. b. He shall produce and distribute appropriate materials and application forms pertaining to all classes of membership. c. He shall receive, review and process all applications for membership, and shall submit such applications to the Executive Board and the Membership for approval. d. He shall serve as Chair of any membership committee. e. He shall inform all Pledge members of their responsibilities to the organization. f. He shall monitor and instruct each Pledge. g. He shall report the progress of pledge project. h. He shall uphold the rights of Pledges to the membership. i. He shall act as primary reference point for Pledges. j. He shall perform all duties incidental to the Office of the Pledge Master and other duties as assigned to him by the Executive Board or the Membership. Section 6 The Road Captain. a. He shall supervise the activities of the members when wearing their colors during both in-town and out-of-town activities. b. He shall bring any member’s name to the President if he observes or feels the member is not attending to his duties or is publicly dishonoring the club and the colors by word or action. c. He shall ensure that functions in-town and out-of-town are properly attended and shall assign appropriate duties to members with particular emphasis on beer busts, cocktail parties, and runs. d. While the President or Vice President is the Leader of the Delegation at all out-of-town events, the Road Captain shall be responsible for the delegation. e. In the absence of the President or Vice President at a run, the Road Captain or his designate shall act on behalf of the President as the Leader of the Delegation. f. He shall ensure the smooth functioning of the delegation and shall make routine decisions in regard to safety, duties, and participation. g. He shall perform all duties incidental to the Office of Road Captain and other duties as assigned to him by the Executive Board or the Membership. Section 7 Although written in the masculine form for the sake of good grammar, every Full member regardless of gender shall be eligible to hold any office. Article VIII – Dress Code
Section 1 Full members shall observe the dress code for all official club functions. Associate members although not required to, may observe the dress code if they so choose. Section 2 Official club functions include club nights, meetings, parades, rallies, marches, benefits, and any function deemed official by the Executive Board. Section 3 The club patch is to be displayed prominently upon an article of clothing whether it is affixed permanently or temporarily to such clothing. Full Member patches shall be attached to the back of a leather vest, shirt, or jacket. Section 4 Leather shall be smooth, suede, patent or rawhide. Black is the preferred color, but combinations of red and black are acceptable. Section 5 A simple vest, jacket, chaps, shirt, pants, or skirt in combination with club colors shall be acceptable. Section 6 Full dress uniforms ... . Section 7 Full members wearing club colors shall observe the rule of no genital nudity in public except as required by the traditional ritual of pinning. Genitals shall be amply covered in an opaque material. Members may be bare-assed so long as the anus and anal fissure shall be covered, and the female aureole and nipple shall be covered as required by city and state law. Section 8 Full members shall not put any Associate patch or logo above the Trident back patch. These others shall be displayed under our colors. Section 9 All members shall wear club colors whenever possible. Article IX - Club Colors
Section 1 Only Members shall have the privilege to wear the club colors and emblems. Club colors and emblems are the sole property of the organization and shall remain so. Section 2 Members shall be cognizant that while wearing colors, they are official representatives of the Hall. Any misrepresentation of the organization or conduct unbecoming of a member, by a member in colors shall be dealt with according to these standing rules of order. Section 3 By two-thirds (2/3) majority of all voting members, the Hall shall require the return of colors, emblems, or officer pins presented to any club, organization, or individual. They shall promptly surrender these items to the President or a designate. Section 4 Additional colors or emblems purchased shall be surrendered immediately upon the demand of the Executive Board. Article X – Friendship Pins
Section 1 Only Full Members shall be allowed to purchase and use the friendship pins of the Hall. Section 2 A Pledge shall ask any Full Member for the privilege to pin on an individual basis. This request shall be granted unless it is not in the best interest of the club or the pledge to offer the pin. Section 3 Members shall adhere to this policy or shall be subject to disciplinary action. Associate and Honorary members of this Hall shall not have the privilege to purchase or use friendship pins without special grant from the Membership. Section 4 Upon termination or resignation of membership, extra friendship pins shall be repurchased at cost provided all colors, emblems, and club property have been returned. Article XI – Leave of Absence
Section 1 A Full Member in good standing shall request a leave of absence for a serious and compelling reason. The request shall be directed to the Executive Board. A simple majority shall grant the leave. Section 2 A leave of absence shall be granted for personal, professional, health, or hardship reasons. Section 3 A leave of absence shall be approved for an initial three (3) month period, shall be extended as needed, but shall not be granted for a total period longer than eighteen (18) months. At that time the member shall return to active membership, shall request a change of membership class, or shall withdraw their membership with the organization. Section 4 During the leave, the member continues to wear club colors. He shall have no voting privileges, nor shall he be counted toward a quorum and MACC membership. Dues prior to the date of leave shall be paid. Future dues shall be waived. Members on a leave of absence shall be welcome at meetings and functions. Article XII –Sanctions
Section 1 Because we are a community bound a Code and Creed and because we “Give A Damn”, the highest sanction any member can suffer shall be the knowledge that he disappointed his brothers and sisters. Section 2 The President shall reserve the right and duty to warn or to rebuke for minor infractions, first time minor offenses, unexcused absence, and violations to our traditions. a. Warnings and rebukes shall be delivered to the member in writing and a copy shall be filed with the Secretary. Section 3 The Executive Board shall retain the right and duty to censure members for more severe offenses to our Code, Creed, and Standing Rules. a. Censure shall be delivered upon a member in writing and a copy shall be filed with the Secretary. b. A censured member loses the right to vote for a period no longer than 30 days as outlined in the writ of censure. c. A censured member shall continue to pay dues and to attend all functions. Section 4 The Membership shall reserve the right and duty to suspend or to terminate individual membership for only the most grievous offenses with a two-thirds (2/3) majority of all voting members in accordance with the Trident Creed. Section 5 Offenses requiring a hearing to determine severe sanction or revocation of membership shall include, but shall not be limited to the following. a. Stealing from the organization or any of its members. b. Chronic irresponsible use of drugs or alcohol in colors or at official club events. c. Demonstrating by word or deed incompatibility with the social tenor of the organization, or public displays of conduct damaging to the Hall, including displays of malicious intent or gossip about Hall matters with non-members. d. Violations of By-laws, Constitution, Standing Rules, or rules as determined by the Executive Board pertaining to any club function or activity in the public eye. e. Sponsoring any individual under the age of twenty-one (21) to any function or activity of the organization where alcohol may be present. f. Intentional damage, destruction or defacement of any property belonging to the organization. g. Lending or giving away any club property to a non-member without written consent of the Executive Board. h. Extreme and chronic violations to the Code of Conduct. Section 6 Any Member shall bring charges against another Member to the Executive Board in a closed session. After listening carefully to the complaint, the Executive Board shall determine if the charge warrants a full hearing. Then, the Executive Board shall schedule a full hearing before the Membership. Section 7 The member accused of a grave offense or censured shall have the right to be heard before the Membership within thirty days of the accusation or censure. If the member does not act within the 30 days, he shall forfeit the right to a hearing. Section 8 The suspended member shall not wear colors, attend functions, vote, or pin for a period not to exceed 45 days. He shall not hold an Office during suspension. The suspended member shall continue to pay dues. Section 9 A grievance brought against a member made in closed session of the Executive Board or the Membership shall be held in strict confidence. Any violation of this confidentiality shall be brought to the attention of the Executive Board. Section 10 Because we take our commitment to each other as brothers and sisters very seriously, the discipline process, accusations, and imposition of sanction shall not be invoked in jest, as revenge, in the heat of anger, with malice, or in a venal manner. Reconciliation and fraternal correction shall be the primary basis for any discussion about inappropriate behavior. Article XIII – Resignation of Membership
Section 1 Any Member shall resign his membership in writing. Section 2 At the time of resignation, the Member shall return his colors, pins, and all other club property to the President or a designate. Section 3 The President shall reserve the right to reject a resignation of a member and shall invite the member to a meeting of the Executive Board for open discussion. After discussion, the member shall have the choice to let stand or to withdraw the resignation. At this point, the decision of the member shall be accepted. Section 4 A Member who has resigned and requests reinstatement shall be treated as a new applicant for membership. This Member shall lose all previous tenure upon acceptance of his application by the Membership. Full members seeking reinstatement in this way shall fulfill another pledge period, unless the Executive Board determines special circumstances. Article XIV – Return of Club Property
Section 1 Upon termination or resignation of membership for any reason, all club property shall be returned immediately to any member of the Executive Board. Section 2 Club property shall be defined as patches, rockers, emblems, extra friendship pins (for refund), flags, By-laws, membership rosters, banners and any other items belonging to Trident International Indianapolis. Article XV – Attendance
Section 1 It shall be generally expected that Full Members attend all club meetings and events. Section 2 When a member shall be absent from a meeting or event, he shall notify any Officer via any communication medium prior to the meeting or event. Section 3 Except for employment, illness, and other life events beyond the control of a member, he shall make every effort to attend meetings and events. Section 4 Repeated failure to report absence shall result in sanction at the discretion of the Executive Board. Article XVI – General
Section 1 Except where specified in these Standing Rules, all decisions shall be by voice vote and shall require a simple majority for approval. Section 2 All decisions of the organization shall be considered binding upon all members with provisos being outlined in the By-Laws. Section 3 All members agree to be bound by, to support, and to uphold the Code of Conduct and the By-laws in addition to these Standing Rules of Order and the Constitution of the organization. Section 4 Any matter not covered by these Standing Rules of Order, Constitution, By-laws, or Code of Conduct shall be governed by referencing Roberts Rules of Order. Article XVII – Amendments
Section 1 Amendments to these Standing Rules may be proposed at any regular meeting of the membership. Amendments are approved by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the entire voting membership. Approved amendments shall become effective immediately. Section 2 These revised Standing Rules became effective, November 5, 2002, and supersede all previous Standing Rules of this organization. Section 3 These Standing Rules are intended to serve as a guideline for the operation of the organization. At the discretion of the Executive Board and with two-thirds (2/3) majority of the voting membership, specific statements of the Standing Rules may be temporarily set aside for the benefit of an individual member. The Standing Rules of Order may never be set aside for purposes to be used against any individual member. |
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