BY-LAWS
MISSISSIPPI
DIVISION,
SONS
OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS

As Amended in Convention June 10, 2010
Table of Contents
ARTICLE 1
-- NAME AND LOCATION
ARTICLE 2
-- NATURE AND PURPOSE
ARTICLE 3
-- DIVISION MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE 4
-- QUALIFICATIONS FOR DIVISION MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE 5
-- FINANCES
ARTICLE 6
-- DIVISION PENALTIES
ARTICLE 7
-- CAMP DISSOLUTION
ARTICLE 8
-- NOTICE OR CALL OF ANNUAL CONVENTION
ARTICLE 9 -- ANNUAL DIVISION
CONVENTION
ARTICLE 10
-- BUSINESS SESSION ADMITTANCE
ARTICLE 11
-- QUORUM
ARTICLE 12 -- PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
ARTICLE 13
-- OFFICIAL GUIDE FOR PROCEDURE
ARTICLE
14 -- ANNUAL DIVISION REPORT
ARTICLE 15 -- DELEGATES
ARTICLE 16 -- BALLOTS AND ELECTIONS
ARTICLE 17
-- DIVISION OFFICERS
ARTICLE 18 -- DUTIES OF ELECTED DIVISION
OFFICERS
ARTICLE 19
-- DUTIES OF DIVISION STAFF OFFICERS
ARTICLE 20 -- COMMITTEES
ARTICLE 21 -- DIVISION EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
ARTICLE
22 -- AWARDS
ARTICLE 23 -- DIVISION PUBLICATIONS
ARTICLE 24 -- LIABILITIES
ARTICLE 25 -- BEAUVOIR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND TRUSTEES
ARTICLE 26
-- BY-LAWS AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE 27 -- EFFECTIVE DATE OF
THESE BY-LAWS
APPENDIX
A : --Case Number G-2006-658 0/3 in Chancery Court, First Judicial
District of Hinds County, Mississippi
APPENDIX
B : -- RULES OF PROCEDURE TO ASSURE DUE PROCESS IN DISCIPLINARY
HEARINGS WITHIN THE MISSISSIPPI DIVISION, SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS
ARTICLE
1 -- ORGANIZATION, NAME AND LOCATION
Section 1 -- The style and title
of this organization shall be the Mississippi Division, Sons of
Confederate Veterans, a.k.a. Mississippi Division, United Sons of
Confederate Veterans, an unincorporated association of Members,
hereafter referred to as the "Division" and shall be comprised of all
members of all Camps of the Sons of Confederate Veterans within the
geographic boundaries of the State of Mississippi.
The Division shall be divided
into five geographic Brigades, each brigade represented by an Elected
Brigade Commander and an Elected Brigade Councilman whose
qualifications shall be as defined in Article 17 Section 2 and whose
duties shall be as defined in Article 18 Sections 5 & 6.
The First Brigade shall
encompass the counties of: Bolivar; Carroll; Coahoma; Desoto; Grenada;
Lafayette; Leflore; Marshall; Montgomery; Panola; Quitman; Sunflower;
Tallahatchie; Tate; Tunica; Washington and Yalobusha.
The Second Brigade shall
encompass the counties of: Alcorn; Benton; Calhoun; Chickasaw; Clay;
Itawamba; Lee; Monroe; Pontotoc; Prentiss; Tippah; Tishamingo; Union
and Webster.
The Third Brigade shall
encompass the counties of: Adams; Amite; Claborne; Copiah; Franklin;
Hinds; Holmes; Humphreys; Issaquena; Jefferson; Lincoln; Madison; Pike;
Sharkey; Warren; Wilkerson and Yazoo.
The Fourth Brigade shall
encompass the counties of: Attla; Choctaw; Clarke; Jasper; Kemper;
Lauderdale; Leake; Lowndes; Neshoba; Newton; Noxubee; Oktibbeha;
Rankin; Scott; Simpson; Smith ;and Winston.
The Fifth Brigade shall
encompass the counties of: Covington; Forrest; George; Greene; Hancock;
Harrison; Jackson; Jefferson Davis; Jones; Lamar; Lawrence; Marion;
Pearl River; Perry; Stone; Walthall and Wayne.
Section 2 -- The Headquarters
are located in the War Memorial Building, Jackson, Mississippi. The
location of the Headquarters Office may be changed at the discretion of
the Executive Council, following a thirty (30) day written notice given
to all Camp Commanders and Adjutants. The Executive Council may also
establish other offices as it may deem necessary, provided that the
above procedure is followed.
Section 3 -- Correspondence
should be addressed to the Division Commander or other appropriate
Division Officers, whose contact information shall be published on
Division website.
ARTICLE
2 -- NATURE AND PURPOSE
Section 1 -- The Mississippi
Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, in furtherance of the Charge of
Lieutenant General Stephen D. Lee, shall be strictly patriotic,
historical, educational, benevolent, non-political, non-racial and
non-sectarian. The Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans,
neither embraces nor espouses acts or ideologies of racial and
religious bigotry and, further, condemns the misuse of its sacred
symbols and flags in the conduct of same. Each Member is expected to
perform his full duty as a citizen according to his own conscience and
understanding.
Section 2 -- Nothing in these
By-laws shall be construed to abridge or prohibit the adoption or
advocacy of positions that are concerned with the general welfare of
Southern Heritage, the United States of America, its several States, or
the national security thereof nor to abridge or prohibit the expression
of the mind of the Confederation in such matters by the adoption of
resolutions or petitioning the government.
Section 3 -- Said organization
is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, education, and
scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of
distributions to organizations that qualify under section 501(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future
federal tax code.
Section 4 -- The Mississippi
Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, shall not participate in nor
intervene in any political campaign in behalf of any candidate for
public office. In compliance with the foregoing, the Mississippi
Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, shall be authorized and
empowered to host candidates for public office, or their official
representatives, at meetings or special events in order to inquire into
and ascertain their beliefs and principles as it may relate to the
primary mission of the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate
Veterans, provided that the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate
Veterans, shows no favoritism toward one political party over any
other. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall
be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence
legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or
intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements)
any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
Not withstanding any other provision of this document, the organization
shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on
(a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any
future federal tax code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to
which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue
Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
ARTICLE
3 -- DIVISION MEMBERSHIP
All individuals eligible for
Membership in the Sons of Confederate Veterans and a Mississippi Camp
shall be eligible for Membership in the Mississippi Division. A
Mississippi Camp is one having a minimum of seven (7) members in good
standing in the Confederation and which meets a minimum of four (4)
times annually, hereinafter referred to as "Camp" or "Active Camp". A
Member who is not in good standing with the Confederation and his Camp
shall not be eligible to hold Membership in the Division.
ARTICLE
4 -- QUALIFICATIONS FOR DIVISION MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 -- After an
application for Membership in the Sons of Confederate Veterans has been
voted on and approved by the Camp, the Camp Adjutant shall, within ten
(10) days, submit the approved application to International
Headquarters and a copy of the application, with the appropriate
Division dues, to the Division Adjutant for addition of the new
Member's name and address to the Division's mailing list.
Section 2 -- A Member shall not
be considered in good standing until all applicable Confederation,
Division, and Camp dues and fees are received and approved. Also,
a Member in good standing with an active Camp within the Division not
requiring the payment of Camp dues or fees, the Camp Adjutant shall
provide proof of the member's status in the Camp.
Section 3 -- A Member's transfer
application, properly filled out and properly processed, shall be voted
on by the receiving Camp within thirty (30) days of receipt. Upon
approval of the transfer, the Camp Adjutant shall, within ten (10)
days, submit a copy of said transfer to the Division Adjutant.
Section 4 -- Classes of Division Membership
A. Annual -- All
qualified Members who remit dues on an annual basis and are not in
arrears for the present fiscal year but shall be liable for the
upcoming period.
B. Real Son -- All
descendants who are biological sons of a Confederate veteran shall be
exempt from payment of Division dues.
C. Life -- Upon
application, approval of the Mississippi Division Executive Council and
payment of qualifying contribution to the Mississippi Division Life
Endowment Fund, any Member in good standing in his respective camp, the
Mississippi Division, and the International Organization shall be
afforded Life Membership in the Mississippi Division.
I.
Contribution -- The amount of the qualifying contribution shall be:
a. twenty-five (25) times the annual dues for the
Mississippi Division for members of age 12 through age 64.
b. twelve and
one half (12½) times the annual dues for the Mississippi
Division for members of age 65 through age 79.
c. six and one fourth
(6¼) times the annual dues for the Mississippi Division for
members of age 80 or over.
II. Dues -- Life Members shall be exempt from the payment
of annual dues to the Mississippi Division.
III. Removal, Forfeiture -- Any Member expelled by
National, the Mississippi Division or their respective Camp; or
delinquent in payment of International and/or their respective Camp
dues and fees, will be removed from Life Membership in the Mississippi
Division and will forfeit their Life Membership Fee.
IV. Reinstatement -- Should a delinquent or expelled member,
upon appeal, be reinstated by National, the Mississippi Division or
their respective Camp, they may apply to have their Mississippi
Division Life Membership restored. The Division Executive Council may
determine and assess such member a fee to cover the DivisionМs cost of
the memberМs appeal.
V. Reciprocity -- Life membership in another
division does not afford a member the benefits of Mississippi Division
Life Membership should he become a member of a Mississippi Division
Camp.
VI. Recognition -- Mississippi Division Life members
shall be presented a Life Membership certificate and a Life Membership
Pin.
VII. Roster -- The Division Adjutant shall maintain
a roster of Life Memberships which shall include:
a. Member’s
Name
b. Member’s
SCV ID number
c. Member’s
Address and other contact information
d. Date of
Life Membership
The Division Adjutant shall include such
roster in his reports to the Executive Council and to the Convention.
D.
Conditional Life -- Upon application, approval of the Mississippi
Division Executive Council and a minimum payment of one half (½)
of the qualifying contribution to the Mississippi Division Life
Endowment Fund as outlined in C above, any Member in good standing in
his respective camp, the Mississippi Division, and the International
Organization shall be afforded Conditional Life Membership in the
Mississippi Division.
I. Time
for Completion, Forfeiture -- The Conditional Life Member shall have a
period of thirty-six (36) months to complete payment of the full
contribution. Should such Conditional Life Member fail to complete the
full contribution the Conditional Life Membership shall be forfeited,
and the amount paid shall be applied to the MemberМs Division Dues.
II.
Dues -- Conditional Life Members shall NOT be exempt from the payment
of annual dues to the Mississippi Division.
III.
Removal, Forfeiture and Reinstatement -- Shall be the same as outlined
for Life Members as delineated in C above.
IV.
Recognition -- Mississippi Division Conditional Life members shall not
receive any recognition until completion of their full Life Membership.
V.
Roster -- The Division Adjutant shall maintain a roster of Conditional
Life Memberships which shall include:
a. Member's Name
b. Member's SCV ID number
c. Member's Address and other
contact information
d. Date of Conditional Life
Membership
e. Amount paid toward Life
Membership Endowment Contribution.
The Division Adjutant shall include such
roster in his reports to the Executive Council and to the Convention.
ARTICLE
5 -- FINANCES
Section 1 -- The fiscal year of
the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, shall be the
same as that of the Confederation. Currently that is from August 1 to
the following July 31.
Section 2 -- The revenue of the
Division shall be derived from member annual dues, life membership
endowments, fees, gifts, contributions, interest, and from other
sources as may be approved by the Division Convention or in an
emergency by a 3/5 vote of the Executive Council.
Section 3 -- Each Division
Member, excluding Real Sons and Mississippi Division Life Members,
shall be required to pay applicable Division dues, as approved by the
Division Convention. A portion of the Division dues, as approved by the
Convention, shall be for the financial support of Beauvoir, the
Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library, located at Biloxi,
Mississippi.
Section 4 -- Division dues are
due by August 1. A grace period of 90 days is granted. All dues are
required to be paid in full no later than November 1. Any Member whose
dues have not been received by November 1 shall be considered
delinquent and shall automatically stand suspended and all Division
Membership privileges revoked. Any suspended Member paying dues after
November 1 may be reinstated as a Member in good standing upon payment
of the full Division dues for the current fiscal year, plus a late
charge penalty of 25 percent of the approved Division dues. The
delinquent dues shall not be accepted by the Division Adjutant unless
said late charge is included. The Division Adjutant shall notify the
respective Camp Commander or Camp Adjutant of all delinquent Members
within their respective camp.
Section 5 -- Division dues for
new members or delinquent members rejoining may be prorated during the
third and fourth quarters of the fiscal year only when accompanied by
the full dues for the forthcoming year. During the third quarter of the
fiscal year, Feb, Mar & Apr, the Division dues will be 50%; during
the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, May, Jun & Jul, will be 25%.
No proration will be made during the first two quarters, August through
January, of the fiscal year.
Example 1: A
new member joins or a delinquent member rejoins in February, March or
April (third quarter)
For 100% of the Division dues
his membership shall expire on July 31 of that year
For 150% of the Division dues
his membership shall expire on July 31 of the following year.
Example 2: A
new member joins or a delinquent member rejoins in May, June or July
(fourth quarter)
For 100% of the Division dues
his membership shall expire on July 31 of that year
For 125% of the Division dues
his membership shall expire on July 31 of the following year.
Section 6 -- The Division
Executive Council shall submit an annual budget, to the Division at its
annual Convention for its consideration and adoption ,for the
disbursement of Division funds. The Division Adjutant shall submit a
financial report of the collection and disbursement of Division funds
at each Executive Committee Meeting and in the Annual Report to the
Convention. This report shall categorize all receipts and disbursements
during the reporting period. An itemized list of all receipts and
disbursements need not be included in this report but shall be
available for inspection by any member so requesting.
Section 7 -- Division funds
shall be deposited in one or more banks that are authorized to conduct
business in Mississippi. Collected Funds that will not be dispersed for
a period of time shall be deposited in an interest bearing account (CD,
Money Market, Etc), the interest thereon accruing shall be used for
Division operating expenses. The Division Commander and/or the Division
Adjutant shall have the responsibility of determining the investment
most beneficial to the Division and shall be empowered to change
investments as necessary to maximize income.
Section 8 -- Disbursements,
including the signing of checks, shall be authorized by either the
Division Commander, the Division Adjutant, or other Division Officer as
approved by the Executive Council. No disbursement not included in the
approved budget shall be made without the approval of the entire
Executive Council by a 3/5 vote to be ratified at the next Convention.
Section 9 -- Funds generated
through Life Membership qualifying contributions as delineated in
Article 4 Section 4 Paragraph C shall be deposited in an insured
irrevocable trust entitled the Mississippi SCV Life Membership
Endowment Trust. Such trust shall be managed by a financial
institution licensed to do business in the State of Mississippi.
There shall be five Mississippi SCV Life Endowment Fund Trustees, one
appointed by each Brigade Commander from the Division list of life
members and confirmed by a 2/3 vote of the Division Executive Council,
who shall serve as stewards of the Fund being charged with promotion
and protection of the Life Membership program. The term of each Trustee
shall be for two years, concurrent with other elected and appointed
officers of the division. Trustees shall have no limit to term of
office so long as they are reappointed by the succeeding Brigade
Commander(s) and reconfirmed by a 2/3 vote of the Executive
Council. In addition to being a Mississippi Division Life Member,
trustees must meet all other qualifications outlined in Article 4.
The goal of the program is for
the trust to grow to the point where the income produced will sustain
the Division's basic operating expense. The principal of such
trust shall not be reduced for any purpose, however income generated in
a current fiscal year may, upon 3/5 majority vote of the Executive
Council and a majority vote of the trustees, be used to alleviate a
budget deficit for that fiscal year.
Should the Mississippi Division
or its successor be dissolved this trust shall be transferred to
Beauvoir and endure to the benefit thereof.
Section 10 -- The persons
entrusted with the handling of Division funds shall be required to
provide a suitable fidelity bond at Division expense. The amount of the
bond shall be a minimum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) but
may be increased by the Executive Council.
Section 11 --The revenues
received from the State of Mississippi for the sale of SCV specialty
vehicle tags shall be apportioned as follows: (1) Eighty Percent (80%)
shall be used for the restoration and preservation of the Original
Battleflags of the State of Mississippi in the Old Capitol collection
in Jackson, Mississippi; (2) Ten Percent (10%) shall be placed in a
Heritage Fund which shall be used for the promotion and defense of
Southern Heritage; and (3) Ten Percent (10%) shall be used for Division
operating expenses. The Division, from time to time, may change the
apportionment by a majority at a Convention, or in an emergency
situation the forgoing apportionment may be changed by a three fifths
(3/5) majority vote of the entire Executive Council and the Commander
shall include shall include the necessity therefore in his report to
the membership at the next reunion.
Section 12 No part of the
net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be
distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private
persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered
to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make
payments and distributions in furtherance of the purpose set forth in
the purpose clause hereof. Upon the dissolution of the organization,
assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the
meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or
corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be
distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local
government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not disposed of shall
be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the
principal office of the organization is then located, exclusively for
such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court
shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such
purposes.
ARTICLE
6 -- DIVISION PENALTIES
Section 1 -- Any Camp may be
suspended for any of the following reasons:
A. Failure to
function as a Camp for two (2) successive years.
B. Failure to
pay applicable Division dues on at least seven (7) Members at any time.
C. Refusing
to pay dues to the Division.
D. Adopting
any policy or taking any position inconsistent with the purposes and
Constitution of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
E. Failure to
maintain good standing in the International Confederation.
Section 2 -- Any Elected Officer
of the Mississippi Division or Camp may be censured, suspended or
expelled for any of the following reasons:
A. Failure to
perform a duty imposed upon him by these By-Laws, the Constitution of
the Sons of Confederate Veterans, or by any lawful order of the
Commander of the Mississippi Division.
B. Any act or
conduct determined to be inconsistent with the purposes and
Constitution of the Sons of Confederate Veterans or of the Mississippi
Division.
C. For the
conviction of any crime, other that that of a misdemeanor, against any
State or against the United States.
Section 3 -- Any Member may be
censured, suspended or expelled for any of the following reasons:
A. Any act or
conduct determined to be inconsistent with the purposes or policy and
Constitution of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
B. Refusal to
pay dues or other assessments when due.
C. For the
conviction of any crime, other than that of a misdemeanor, against any
State or against the United States.
D. A Camp
shall at all times have the right to determine its own Members and may
censure, suspend, or expel a Member from its Camp for any reason it may
determine sufficient, upon a vote of a majority of its Members; however
a Member censured, suspended, or expelled by the Division shall no
longer remain a Member of any Camp within the Division.
E. If a
Member is censured, suspended, or expelled by a Camp, the Adjutant will
notify in writing the appropriate Brigade Commander, Division Adjutant,
and Division Commander within ten (10) days after the penalty has been
imposed.
F. The
censured, suspended, or expelled Member will be notified by the Camp
Commander within ten (10) days in writing of the charges and
confirmation and the penalty imposed.
G. While
suspended, a Member may not enjoy the rights of Membership in the
Division.
H. The
censured, suspended, or expelled Member may, within 30 days, notify the
Division Commander of his intent to appeal the decision of the Camp.
The Division Commander will notify the Division Adjutant and the Camp
Commander of the intent to appeal. The Division Commander will schedule
a hearing, consisting of the Camp Commander and the censured,
suspended, or expelled Member and witnesses to be held in Executive
Session before the Division's Executive Council. The Exeuctive Council
will conclude the matter and notify the parties of its decision in
writing within 10 (10) days. The Adjutant shall notify the Chief
Operating Officer at General Headquarters in writing if the Member is
found to be guilty and if the penalty is suspension or expulsion.
I. The
decision of the Division Executive Council is final in issues of
censurship, suspension, and/or expulsion. However, the accused may
appeal the decision of the Division Executive Council. This appeal
should be made to the General Executive Council of the National
Confederation.
J. Should a
censured, suspended, or expelled Member fail to adhere to the penalties
imposed, the Division through its Commander, may pursue legal remedies
through the Court.
K. Case
Number G-2006-658 0/3 in Chancery Court, first Judicial District of
Hinds County, Mississippi, is of special interest of the Mississippi
Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans. The order and opinion of
Chancellor Denise Owens rendered on June 27, 2006, is a clear legal
opinion of who has the legal authority to own and operate Beauvoir --
the last home of Jefferson F. Davis, President of the Confederate
States of America. The Court's opinion is clear that the Board of
Directors and the Board of Trustees serve at the will and pleasure of
the Members of the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans,
and all their acts are subject to review by the Members of the
Mississippi Division, and the Members of the Mississippi Division may
approve or disapprove of any such act. The above case shall be on file
and under control of the Division Adjutant. It shall be required
reading by all Division Officers and all Members shall be encouraged to
do likewise. [See Appendix A for referenced order and opinion.]
Section 4 -- Due Process and
Right of Appeal
A. It shall
be the duty and obligation of the Executive Council of the Division to
adopt and submit to the Division Convention rules of procedure for the
holding of fair and equitable hearings relating to charges brought
against any Camp, Officer, or Member in order to assure the right of
due process, a speedy hearing, a right to be represented before the
body conducting any hearing, and the right of appeal.
B. Such rules
of procedure shall, upon adoption, be submitted to the Annual
Convention of the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans,
for its review, modification and approval.
C. The
Executive Council may amend said rules of procedure between Annual
Conventions but such changes shall not alter the purpose or principles
set forth as approved by the vote of the Annual Convention. [See
Appendix B for said Rules of Procedure to Assure Due Process in
Disciplinary Hearings.]
ARTICLE
7 -- CAMP DISSOLUTION
In the event that a Camp in the
Division is dissolved, the Division Commander shall be notified
immediately for the appropriate transfer of the Camp's property. Under
no circumstances shall the files, records, and objects held by the Camp
be destroyed or otherwise altered.
ARTICLE
8 -- NOTICE OR CALL OF ANNUAL CONVENTION
Notice of the Convention will be
published in the Division Newsletter and posted on the Division Website
Not less than thirty days prior to the beginning of the Convention.
ARTICLE
9 -- ANNUAL DIVISION CONVENTION
Section 1 --
The Annual Division Convention shall commence at 12 noon on the Friday
following the 3rd of June (Jefferson Davis' birthday) unless otherwise
ordered by the Division Convention or the Executive Council.
Section 2 --
The location of the Convention and the Host Camp(s) shall be
established a minimum of three (3) years in advance.
Section 3 -- The Time and Place Committee shall
present its recommendation for the next available Division Convention
site to the Convention for approval. A majority vote is necessary for
approval. Each Camp shall have the right to submit, in writing, to the
Time and Place Committee Chairman a request to serve as the Host Camp,
provided the proposed location has adequate and necessary facilities
available. Any approved Host Camp is required to have a Member of their
Convention Committee in attendance at the two (2) prior Conventions
before serving as the Host Camp. Failure to comply shall revoke the
privilege of hosting the Convention. The next approved Camp will be
designated as the Host Camp, provided they have met the stated
requirements and are willing to accelerate their hosting of the
Convention. Any approved Host Camp may withdraw from hosting the
Convention, provided a written notice is submitted, at least twelve
(12) months prior to the Convention date to the Division Commander. In
the event of withdrawal, the next approved Camp will be given the
opportunity to host. Should the next approved Camp be unable or
unwilling to accelerate its hosting of the Convention, the Executive
Council may select any Camp willing to host, provided the Camp has met
the stated requirements.
Section 4 -- The Host Camp for the upcoming
Convention shall submit to the Executive Council a tentative plan of
the Convention's proposed activities, stating place, times, speakers,
events, cost, etc., six (6) months prior to hosting the Convention. A
final detailed plan shall be submitted to the Executive Council no
later than ninety (90) days before said Convention. This information
will be published in the Division Newsletter with the call for the
Convention. Any variation from the announced schedule shall be clearly
posted by the Host Camp near the registration table. The Host Camp
shall be required to mail a detailed schedule of activities, times,
cost, and complete instructions on pre-registration to each Camp at
least sixty (60) days in advance of said Convention.
Section 5 -- The Division Commander, at the request
of a majority of the Camps, shall convene the Division in a Special
Convention, or in any emergency which he may deem sufficient. Time and
place of Special Conventions shall be at the discretion of the Division
Commander.
ARTICLE
10 -- BUSINESS SESSION ADMITTANCE
Section 1 --
All Members of the Mississippi Division in good standing who have
properly registered will be admitted to the official business session
of the Division Convention. The Convention shall be open to all Members
of the Sons of Confederate Veterans in good standing, including those
from other Divisions, as well as invited guests, unless in Executive
Session.
Section 2 -- The Camp Adjutants
shall submit, no later than April 10, a complete roster of all current
paid Members to the Division Adjutant. This roster will be verified to
determine the number of voting delegates per Camp. Any Camp failing to
submit said roster shall not be entitled to vote at the Division
Convention. Upon proper reason, a Camp may be allowed to vote but shall
require a three-fifths (3/5) vote of approval from the Convention.
Section 3 -- Each Division
Member is required to wear the official Convention name tag, ribbon,
etc., as provided at the time of registration. The Division Adjutant
and/or Credentials Committee will provide a ribbon for each delegate
and delegation Chairman to be attached to the name tag.
Section
4 -- A guest name tag will be provided by the Registration Committee to
all Members from other Divisions and invited guests and shall be
required to be worn for admittance to the business session.{Table of Contents}
ARTICLE
11 -- QUORUM
A quorum shall be considered
present at the Division Convention when one-third (1/3) of the Camps in
good standing are represented. In the event that there are less than
one-third (1/3) of the Division's Camps in good standing present, the
Convention Chairman may recess from time to time until a quorum of
Camps is present.
ARTICLE
12 -- PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
A Member of the Mississippi
Division who is not properly registered shall not be allowed the
privilege of the floor at the Convention.
ARTICLE
13 -- OFFICIAL GUIDE FOR PROCEDURE
Robert's Rules of Order, newly
revised. shall be the official guide for all procedures at the business
sessions of the Convention when not in conflict with the Confederation
or Division's Constitution and/or By-Laws. The order of business may be
altered or suspended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of voting Members
present.
ARTICLE
14 -- ANNUAL DIVISION REPORT
Section 1 --
The Annual Report shall be composed of the following written reports:
(1) Commander
(2) 1st. Lt. Commander
(3) 2nd. Lt. Commander
(4) Adjutant's Annual and Financial Report
(5) All Brigade Commanders (shall include a report
of activities of each Camp within the Brigade)
(6) Executive Director of Beauvoir and reports on
behalf of the Boards of Directors and Trustees
(7) Executive Council
(8) Minutes of previous Convention
(9) Other inclusions as requested by the Commander
Section 2 --
Reports shall be forwarded to the Division Adjutant at least thirty
(30) days prior to the announced date of the Convention.
Section 3 --
The Division Adjutant shall compile the overall report and submit it in
completed form to the Division Commander for presentation at the
Convention.
Section 4 --
The Annual Report shall be made available for inspection by any
Mississippi Division Member during the normal business hours of the
Convention.
Section 5 --
The Division Adjutant shall take charge of the Annual Report upon
adjournment of the business session and forward it to Beauvoir for
permanent preservation and storage not later than thirty (30) days
following the Convention. The Division Adjutant shall make office
copies of the report, and these shall be made available, upon written
request to the Division Adjutant, for inspection by any Member of the
Division. The inspection will be at a site and time as selected by the
Division Adjutant. The report may not be reproduced or any information
from it used for any propose without written approval of the Executive
Council. The Division Adjutant shall maintain office copies of the
report for his and other Division Officers use during their terms of
office.
ARTICLE
15 -- DELEGATES
Section 1 --
The representation of the various Camps at the Division Convention
shall be by delegates. Each Camp is entitled to one (1) delegate (vote)
per each ten (10) Members or fraction thereof of five (5) or more. The
Division Adjutant and/or Credentials Committee is responsible for
determining the number of delegates for each Camp per the number of
paid Members listed on the required Camp rosters submitted to the
Division Adjutant on or before May 10.
Section 2 --
Each Camp shall elect its delegates and a Chairman. If the Chairman of
the delegation, elected by the Camp, is not in attendance at the
Convention, the delegates in attendance shall elect a Chairman from
their number. If any delegate, elected by the Camp, is not in
attendance, the Chairman may appoint a substitute to serve in his place
from among the other Members of the Camp in attendance.
Section 3 --
The Division Adjutant and/or Credentials Committee Members shall issue
a credentials form only to the Chairman of a Camp's delegation after
proper identification. The form shall state the name, number, and city
of the Camp, name of the Chairman, number of votes entitled, and be
signed by the Division Adjutant or a Member of the Credential's
Committee. The Division Adjutant and/or a Member of the Credentials
Committee will be available from Noon until 6:00 P.M. on Friday and
Saturday morning one (1) hour prior to the opening business session at
the Convention and shall be located near the registration table. If
there are any variations from these stated times, a notice will be
posted in a prominent location. No credentials forms will be issued
after the business session has begun.
Section 4 --
Only delegates from Camps in good standing and properly registered
shall be allowed to vote.
ARTICLE
16 -- BALLOTS AND ELECTIONS
Section 1 --
Election of Division Officers When there is but one candidate for an
office, upon motion and majority consent, a formal ballot may be
dispensed with and the candidate be elected by acclamation. In an
election for any Division office for which there is more than one
candidate, voting shall be by secret ballot. Voting shall take place in
a separate function room at the Convention's site, if available. If a
separate room is not available, then a corner of the meeting room may
be used, with as much privacy as possible. The Credentials Committee
shall make necessary arrangements for the room or space prior to the
business session. All voting shall be under the supervision of the
Credentials Committee. Voting for all contested offices shall take
place at one time. Balloting shall be by Camps. The Chairman of a
Camp's delegation shall receive a ballot from the Credentials Committee
on which is marked the total number of votes which may be cast on that
ballot. There shall be no identification of the Camp or delegates on
the ballot. The Chairman shall mark the ballot per the directions of
his delegation and place the same in a ballot box or a container used
for that purpose, then depart. Upon completion of the voting procedure,
the Credentials Committee shall serve as tellers and shall count the
votes. Each candidate may designate one Member to witness the counting
of the votes. The results of the election shall be placed in the
custody of the Chairman of the Credentials Committee who shall announce
the results when called upon by the Division Commander. In the event
there are more than two candidates for an office and one candidate does
not receive a majority of the total votes cast, then there shall be a
run-off by ballot between the two receiving the most votes, and the
above procedure shall be followed.
Section 2 --
General Business For all questions submitted to the Division
Convention, the Chair shall put forth the question for a viva voce
vote. In case of the inability of the Chair to determine a clear
deciding voice vote, he may at his own discretion request a Division of
the House (i.e., voting by raising hands, standing in place, or moving
the ayes and nays to different parts of the room). If the Chair is
still unable to determine a deciding vote, he may then call for a roll
call of Camps. Then the Camps shall be called in order (by number of
Camp), the number of votes each Camp is entitled to stated, and the
vote for or against the motion announced by the Chairman of each
delegation. A Division of the House or a roll call of Camps may be
requested from the floor by three (3) Camps on any question.
Section 3 --
A simple majority of the total votes cast is necessary for election or
passage of other business transactions unless otherwise stated within
these By-Laws.
Section 4 --
No "Proxy" or "Absentee" votes shall be accepted.
ARTICLE
17 -- DIVISION OFFICERS
Section 1 -- The elected
officers of the Mississippi Division shall consist of a Commander, 1st
Lt. Commander, 2nd Lt. Commander, Adjutant, one Brigade Commander from
each Brigade, and one Executive Councilman from each Brigade.
Section 2:
All candidates seeking an
elected office in the Mississippi Division shall meet the following
qualifications:
1. Shall be a
Member in good standing with the Mississippi Division as defined in
Article 4, Section 3;
2. Shall be a
Member of an active Camp within the Mississippi Division as defined in
Article 4, Section2;
3. For the
position of Commander and 1st Lt. Commander: in addition to 1 & 2
above, the candidate shall have served one term as an elected
Mississippi Division Officer prior to being nominated.
4. Candidates
for the position of Brigade Commander and Brigade Executive Councilman,
in addition to 1 & 2 above shall meet the requirements as stated in
Section 3 of this Article.
Section 3 -- All Brigade
Commanders and Executive Councilmen must be Member in good standing of
a Camp located within the boundaries of the Brigade in which they
serve. They shall be elected for a two year term by a majority vote of
the camps within the brigade in which they serve. The Brigade Commander
and Executive Councilman shall not be from the same camp. The Brigade
will meet in caucus at a time and place appointed by the Brigade
Commander and Executive Councilman.
Section 4 -- Election shall be
in the odd numbered years for a two-year term. The term of office of
all elected Division Officers shall commence immediately upon
adjournment of the Convention at which they were elected and shall end
at the adjournment of the Convention at which their terms expire.
Section 5 -- All appointees to
the Division Staff shall be members in good standing of the Mississippi
Division and an active Camp in the Mississippi Division. The
Division Commander shall appoint the Division Staff Officers as stated
in Article 19, Sections 1 through 9.
Section 6 -- All officers,
elected or appointed, are subordinate to the authority of the Division
Convention, or the Division Executive Council.
ARTICLE
18 -- DUTIES OF ELECTED DIVISION OFFICERS
Section 1 -- Commander:
(1) Serves as
Chief Administrative Officer of the Division.
(2) Serves as
Chairman of the Executive Council.
(3) Serves as Chairman of the
Division Convention.
(4) Serves as
an Ex Officio Member of all Committees except the Investigating
Committee.
(5) Decides all questions of
order or usage, subject to appeal.
(6) Fills all
vacancies which occur in the elected Officer Corps until the next
Division Convention unless otherwise stated in these By-Laws.
(7) Conducts
the affairs of the Division when not in Convention.
(8) Communicates to the Division
Membership such matters and makes such suggestions as may tend to
promote the welfare and further the purposes of the Division.
(9) Shall
have served one term as a Division Officer prior to being nominated.
(10) Is
limited to one (1) consecutive term of office.
(11) Shall
not at the time he is Commander serve as an elected or appointed member
on either of the Beauvoir boards. If he is a member of either board, he
must resign before announcing and running as Commander. If elected, he
shall serve as an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees during his
term as Commander. Upon completion of his term as Commander he may be
nominated to serve on either Beauvoir boards again.
Section 2 -- 1st Lt. Commander:
(1) Performs
the duties of the Division Commander in his absence.
(2) Assumes the Commandership in
the event of the death, disability, removal, or resignation of the
Division Commander until the next regular election.
(3) Serves as Division
Recruitment Officer.
(4) Is limited to one (1)
consecutive term of office.
Section 3 -- 2nd Lt. Commander:
(1) Performs
the duties of the 1st Lt. Commander in his absence.
(2) Assumes the position of the
1st Lt. Commandership in the event of the death, disability, removal,
or resignation of the 1st Lt. Commander until the next regular election.
(3) Assists and aids the Brigade
Commanders in the formation of new Camps.
(4) Is
limited to one (1) consecutive term of office.
Section 4 -- Adjutant:
(1) Collects
and serves as custodian of the funds and other records of the Division.
(2) Establishes checking and/or
savings accounts in the name of the Division as directed by the
Executive Council.
(3) Issues and signs all checks
of the Division as stated in Article 5.
(4) Issues the general orders of
the Division Commander under his signature.
(5) Conducts the correspondence
of the Division, retaining copies of the same to be included in the
Annual Report.
(6) Delivers to his successor
all books, funds, and property of the Division at the expiration of his
term(s) in office.
(7) Provides financial records
and/or statements as required by the Executive Council or Division
Commander.
(8) Maintains
a current roster of Camps, Camp officers, and Members in good standing,
purging delinquent and deceased members. Furnishing therefrom
mailing lists for the Division newsletter.
(9) Has no
limit to term of office.
Section 5 -- Brigade Commander:
(1) Serves as Executive Head of
a Brigade.
(2) Appoints necessary aides.
(3) Appoints special committees
to carry out the objects and purposes of the Brigade and Division.
(4) Assists the Division
Commander and other Division Officers in the administration of the
Division.
(5) Is charged with the
formation and development of Camps within his Brigade.
(6) Communicates to the Brigade
Membership such matters and makes suggestions as may promote the
welfare and further the purposes of the Brigade.
(7) Is
limited to two (2) consecutive terms of office.
Section 6 --
Executive Councilman:
(1) Works under the direction of
the Brigade Commander to carry out the objects and purposes of the
Brigade and the Division.
(2) Is
limited to two (2) consecutive terms of office.
ARTICLE
19 -- DUTIES OF DIVISION STAFF OFFICERS
Section 1 --
Chief-of-Staff:
(1)
Administers the policies of the Division Convention, Executive Council,
and the Division Commander.
(2)
Coordinates the Division Staff, Executive Council, and Committees.
(3) Receives
copies of all reports.
Section 2 --
Judge Advocate:
(1) Advises
all Officers, Executive Council, and the Division Convention on legal
matters; renders opinions to the same or Members concerning questions
involving compliance with the ConfederationМs and Division's
Constitutions and/or By-Laws.
(2) Serves as
Co-Parliamentarian of the Division Convention and the Executive
Council.
(3) Is
required to be a licensed attorney in the State of Mississippi.
Section 3 --
Chief of Heritage Defense and Education
(1) Chairman
of the Heritage Defense and Education Committee
(2) Planning,
organizing and executing the Heritage Defense and Education activities
of the Division
(3) Take
action as necessary in the defense and preservation of Confederate
heritage
Section 4 --
Chaplain:
(1) Shall be
an ordained Minister of a recognized religious order. In the event that
such is not available, the Chaplain shall be an ordained Deacon or a
person holding a similar post.
(2) Opens the
Division Convention with an appropriate prayer and performs the same as
requested by the Division Commander.
(3) Acts as a
non-sectarian advisor to the Division.
(4) Performs
other assignments of a divine or religious nature as requested by the
Division Commander.
(5) Aids and
assists with the spiritual needs of Division Members and the families
of deceased Members.
(6) Shall be
notified by the Camp of the death of a Division Member.
Section 5 --
Sergeant-at-Arms:
(1) Maintains
order at the Division Convention and all other Division functions.
(2)
Coordinates security of all Division functions with local security and
law enforcement officers.
Section 6 --
Color Sergeant:
(1) Serves as
custodian of the Division's flags.
(2)
Coordinates the color guard at all Division functions.
(3) Provides
honor guard at a Member's funeral if requested by the family.
(4) Serves as
Liaison Officer for the Division and the "Jeff Davis Legion Reenactors"
at Beauvoir's Fall Muster.
(5) Is
required to serve as President or Secretary of the "Jeff Davis Legion
Reenactors."
Section 7 --
Secretary:
(1) Shall
take and record the minutes of all official meetings of the Division
including but not limited to Conventions, Division Executive Council
Meetings, and other Meetings when directed by the Division Commander.
(2) Shall be
a non-voting Member of the Division Executive Council.
Section 8 --
All other staff positions are optional and may or may not be filled at
the discretion of the Division Commander. These offices may include
Historian, Inspector, Quartermaster, Surgeon, Convention
Parliamentarian, Chief-of-Protocol, Aide-de-Camp, Public Relations,
Heritage Spokesman, Communications Officer, and other positions deemed
necessary. The Division Commander shall define the duties and functions
of all staff positions not stated.
Section 9 --
All Division Staff Officers serve at the pleasure of the Division
Commander.
ARTICLE 20 -- COMMITTEES
Section 1 -- The Candidates
Credentials Committee shall consist of the Brigade Executive Councilmen
and the members of the said committee shall elect their Chairman.
This Committee shall be activated by the Division Commander not less
than six (6) months prior to the Division Convention. The Delegate
Credentials Committee shall consist of the division Adjutant and the
Brigade Commanders. All other Division Committee Chairmen shall be
appointed nominated by the Division Commander and confirmed by the
Division Executive Council. Each committee shall consist of a
Chairman and a minimum of two (2) additional Members appointed by the
Chairman but shall have an odd number if greater than three (3).
All committee chairmen and committee members shall be members in good
standing of the Mississippi Division and of an active Camp in the
Mississippi Division.
Section 2--
Convention Committees shall be appointed and activated a minimum of
ninety (90) days prior to the Division Convention, unless otherwise
required, and shall consist of the following: Delegate Credentials,
Candidate Credentials, Resolutions, Time/Place, and Awards.
Section 3-- The Candidates’s
Credentials Committee shall be activated not less than six (6) months
prior to the Convention. The names of the Members and the Chairman’s
address shall be published in the next edition of the Division
newsletter and posted on the Division Website after their appointments.
All Division Members shall have the right and privilege to submit in
writing to the Chairman any recommendation for consideration of any
Division elected position. All recommendations must be signed by the
submitting Member. The Candidates’s Credentials Committee not less than
thirty (30) days prior to the Division Convention shall publish in the
Division Newsletter and post on the Division Website the names of the
Candidates for Division and Brigade offices who are qualified. Not
withstanding, however there shall be no limitation on when a candidate
shall announce his candidacy for office, nor shall candidates be
prohibited from being nominated from the floor at Convention for
supra-Brigade Office or from the floor at the Brigade Caucus for
Brigade Offices. All Candidates, whether for Division or Brigade
Office, must be vetted by the Candidates' Credentials Committee before
their names can be placed in nomination, even nominations from the
floor of the Convention or the floor at the Brigade Caucuses. The
decision of the Candidates' Credentials Committee are final.
Section 4 -- Standing Committees shall consist of the following:
(1) Recruiting
(2) Membership Retention
(3) Historical
(4) Monuments
(5) Cemeteries
(6) Heritage
(7) Constitution/By-Laws
(8) Bricks for Beauvoir Committee
(9) Save the Battleflags
Committee
(10) Division Memorial Service
Committee
Section 5 -- Special Committees
shall include all other committees formed in the best interest of the
Division.
ARTICLE 21 -- DIVISION EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Section 1 -- The Division
Executive Council shall consist of the Division Commander, 1st Lt.
Commander, 2nd Lt. Commander, Adjutant, Brigade Commanders, Executive
Councilmen, Chief-of-staff, Judge Advocate, Secretary, and Chairman of
the Combined Boards of Beauvoir. All are voting members except the
Secretary.
Section 2 -- The time and
location of Executive Council meetings shall be at the call of the
Division Commander or at the request of a majority of the Members of
the Executive Council. There shall be a minimum of two (2) Executive
Council meetings per year between Division Conventions. It shall meet
each year at the Annual Division Convention, per the call of the
Commander.
Section 3 -- Any Member of the
Division in good standing shall have the right to attend any Executive
Council meeting and shall have the privilege of the floor if requested
in advance. A Member must submit his request in writing to the Division
Chief-of-Staff, stating the topic and the time requirement. The request
will be added to the agenda and the Member will be notified as to the
time and location of the next Executive Council meeting and an
approximate time to appear.
Section 4 -- Passage of any
motion or issue before the Executive Council shall require the
appropriate majority (simple, 60% or 66.67%) of the entire membership
of the executive council rather a majority of those present at any
particular meeting. In the case of an indecisive vote (eg: 17 members
of EC, 12 members present and voting, 8 yeas, 4 nays) the issue will be
held in abeyance and the chair will have the Division Chief-of-Staff
poll, by telephone, electronic mail or courier mail, the absent members
for their vote. Such votes shall be by a roll call vote and the
Secretary shall record in the minutes of the meeting. Proxy voting
shall not be allowed.
ARTICLE
22 -- DIVISION AWARDS
Section 1 -- Division awards
will be presented at the Division Convention. All Members shall have
the right to recommend other Members for awards, provided their
selection(s) meet the necessary requirements.
Section 2 -- Any or all of the Division's awards may be presented at
the Convention, but this shall be at the discretion of the Awards
Committee.
Section 3 -- Creation or dissolution of any award shall require a
two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Council.
Section 4 -- Division Certificates of Appreciation may be presented by
the Division Commander at his discretion.
ARTICLE 23 -- DIVISION PUBLICATIONS
Section 1 -- The title of the
Division Newsletter shall be the Jeff Davis Legion. The Editor shall be
appointed by the Division Commander and matters concerning the
timeliness of publication and editorial content shall be at the
discretion of the Division Commander and Editor. Contents may be edited
without notice. All printing and mailing shall be at the expense of the
Division. All Division Members in good standing are entitled to receive
a copy of the Division Newsletter. The Camp Adjutants shall, within ten
(10) days, notify in writing the Division Adjutant and Editor of the
Division Newsletter of the death, transfer, or removal of any Member.
Any Camp failing to do so shall be required to reimburse the Division
for any and all expenses incurred in the printing and mailing of the
newsletter to former Members.
Section 2 -- The Executive Council may authorize additional
Publications as may be deemed beneficial to the Division.
Section 3 -- All Editors of Division Publications serve at the pleasure
of the Division Commander.
Section 4 -- The Division's mailing list shall not under any
circumstances be provided to anyone without written approval of the
Executive Council.
ARTICLE
24 -- LIABILITIES
Section 1 -- Nothing herein
shall constitute Members of the Division as partners for any purpose.
No Member, officer, agent, or employee shall be liable for acts or
failure to act of any Member, officer, agent, or employee of the
Division. Nor shall any Member, officer, agent, or employee be liable
for his acts or failure to act under these By-Laws, excepting acts or
omissions arising out willful acts.
Section 2 -- The Executive Council shall have the right to purchase
liability insurance, at Division expense, for the Division or any
officer acting on behalf of the Division. Any need of liability
insurance and the amount shall be determined by the Executive Council.
ARTICLE
25 -- BEAUVOIR BOARDS OF DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES
Section 1 -- The Members of the
Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees for Beauvoir shall be
elected and shall function under the provisions of the amended Charter
of Incorporation of the "Mississippi Division of the United Sons of
Confederate Veterans," dated the second (2nd) day of July, 1954, or as
it may be amended.
A. These two Boards may, by
agreement, function as a Combined Board.
B. The incumbent President of
the Mississippi Division, United Daughters of the Confederacy shall be
an ex officio Member of the Board of Trustees, without vote. She shall
serve during her incumbency. If unable to attend any meeting of the
Board of Trustees, she is authorized, in writing, to appoint another
Member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy as her personal
representative to attend in her stead.
C. Any Member of the Board of
Directors or Board of Trustees, who, having attained the age of
seventy-five (75) years, shall become an Emeritus Member of the
respective Board of which he was a Member on the 3rd day of June next
following their 75th birthday and thereby relinquish their seat on
their respective Board.
D. Each Emeritus Member shall
have the privilege of attending and participating in all meetings of
their former Board, be assigned committee work or other specially
assigned work by their former, Board, and hold office on the former
Board. Each Emeritus Member, currently serving, shall be entitled to
the rights and privileges of office of elected Board Members not
inconsistent with the Charter of Incorporation of the Mississippi
Division, United Sons of Confederate Veterans, or the laws of the State
of Mississippi. Each board member required by age to go Emeritus after
ratification of this amendment shall not be a voting member of said
board or boards.
E. The Board of Directors and
the Board of Trustees, meeting as a Combined Board, are authorized to
create an "Advisory Board" to council and advise with the Combined
Boards concerning matters relating to the operation and maintenance of
"Beauvoir -- The Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library" and to
select such persons who, in the judgment of the Combined Board, possess
the qualifications, character, integrity, judgment, and reputation to
aid and assist in the promotion of Beauvoir and its purpose.
F. The Mississippi Division
Commander shall be an ex officio voting Member of the Board of Trustees
during his term of office.
ARTICLE 26 -- BY-LAWS AMENDMENTS
Section 1 -- Any proposed
amendments must be submitted either by a Camp or the
Constitution/By-Laws Committee in writing to the Division Commander and
Adjutant at least ninety (90) days prior to the Division Convention.
Section 2 -- All proposed
amendments, alterations, or repeals shall be published in the Division
Newsletter and posted on the Division Website at least thirty (30) but
not more than ninety (90) days prior to the Division Convention.
Section 3 -- The Division's
By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates
voting at any Convention and shall become effective upon the
adjournment of that Convention unless otherwise agreed to by the
unanimous consent of all delegates voting.
Section 4 -- Any provision of
the Division's By-Laws may be suspended upon a motion and seconded by
not less than two (2) delegates and a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the
delegates. The suspension of the provision shall be only for the
pending matter for which the suspension was made.
Section 5 -- Amendments to or
substitute amendments for proposed amendments under consideration by
the Division Convention will be in order.
Section 6 -- Any proposed
amendment, upon proper motion and a majority vote, may be set by
Special Order at the next succeeding Convention.
ARTICLE 27 -- EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE
BY-LAWS
Section 1 -- These By-Laws shall
become effective upon the adjournment of the Convention at which they
were adopted. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of delegates voting shall be
required for adoption. All previous By-Laws of the Mississippi
Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Unincorporated, shall thereby
be rescinded.
{Table of Contents}
Approved by vote of the Mississippi Division Convention meeting at
Granada, Mississippi, the 5th day of June, 2010.
END OF AMENDED BY-LAWS
Case
Number
G-2006-658
0/3
in
Chancery
Court,
First Judicial District of Hinds County, Mississippi





{Table
of
Contents}

APPENDIX
B:
RULES OF PROCEDURE TO ASSURE DUE
PROCESS
IN DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS
WITHIN THE MISSISSIPPI
DIVISION,
SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS
Section 1 -- Any one or more
Members of the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans
(hereinafter referred to as "Division"), may bring charges against any
Member, Officer, or Camp of the Division by filing charges in the form
of a complaint in writing setting forth the name of the Member,
Officer, or Camp against whom the complaint is made and stating in
detail the facts surrounding the events relating to the complaint,
giving dates, time, and witnesses when appropriate.
Section 2 -- The complaint
shall be mailed by certified mail (return receipt requested) to the
Commander of the Division at the address of the incumbent Commander at
that time.
Section 3 -- The Commander
shall, within seven (7) days of the receipt of the complaint, send
official notice to the Camp, Officer, or Member by certified mail
(return receipt requested) that a complaint has been filed against
them. The notice shall be addressed to the one complained of at the
address shown on the Division records, unless a more current address is
known. The notice shall state the reason or charges set forth in the
complaint.
Section 4 -- The Camp,
Officer, or Member complained of shall be given not less than thirty
(30) days to respond to any charges and/or correct the cause for such
charges to the satisfaction of the Commander. If the cause for the
complaint is corrected, the complaint shall be dismissed by the
Commander. Upon the failure of the Camp, Officer, or Member to correct
the cause of the complaint, the Commander shall give notice to the
Camp, Officer, or Member by certified mail (return receipt requested)
that they shall be suspended unless they file notice in writing within
fifteen (15) days and by certified mail (return receipt requested)
requesting an investigation of the charges.
Section 5 -- Should the
accused Camp, Officer, or Member request an investigation as set forth
in Section 4, the Division Commander shall appoint and convene an
Investigative Committee which shall consist of a Chairman and not less
than four (4) additional Members of other Camps within that Brigade who
are not Members of the Executive Council. The Investigative Committee
shall meet when and where necessary and review the complaint together
with any and all other documents, affidavits, or testimony in writing,
copies of which shall be sent to the accused Camp, Officer, or Member
by certified mail (return receipt requested). The Investigative
Committee may also request of the accused Camp, Officer, or Member
their defense against the charges to be reduced to writing, together
with the written statements of any witnesses and documents relating to
the complaint and submitted to the Committee for review and may, if
necessary, require the person filing the complaint and the accused to
appear before the Committee.
Section 6 -- The Committee
shall, within thirty (30) days, review all documents and other evidence
and report in writing their findings and recommendations to the
Division Executive Council. If the Committee finds that the charges
against the Camp, Officer, or Member should not be sustained and
recommends that the charges be dismissed, then the Division Adjutant
shall notify both the person(s) filing the complaint and the accused
Camp, Officer, or Member of the dismissal.
Section 7 -- If the Committee
should find that the charges against the Camp, Officer, or Member
should be sustained and its recommendation be that the Camp, Officer,
or Member be suspended, expelled, reprimanded, censored, or counseled,
then the Division Adjutant, acting on behalf of the Executive Council,
shall notify the accused Camp, Officer, or Member by certified mail
(return receipt requested) of the decision of the Committee, enclosing
a copy of their finding and recommendations, and advising the accused
Camp, Officer, or Member of their right of appeal as set forth in
Section 8.
Section 8 -- Any Camp,
Officer, or Member suspended, expelled, reprimanded, censored, or
counseled by the Investigations Committee may appeal their decision to
the Division Executive Council with fifteen (15) days of receiving
notice of the decision. Such notice shall be sent to the Commander by
certified mail (return receipt requested). The Commander shall
immediately call a special meeting of the Division Executive Council
for a time and date not less than twenty (20) days from the date of the
notice. Every effort will be made to set a time and date convenient to
the accused Camp, Officer, or Member.
Section 9 -- The affected
Camp, Officer, or Member shall have the right to be represented.
Section 10 -- The Division
Commander shall preside over the appeal hearing, and a threefifths
(3/5) vote of the Members of the Executive Council hearing the appeal
shall be necessary to sustain the recommended penalty.
Section 11 -- The Division
Commander and the Judge Advocate shall not vote in the proceedings.
END
OF
RULES
OF
PROCEDURE
TO
ASSURE
DUE PROCESS IN DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS
WITHIN THE MISSISSIPPI DIVISION,
SONS
OF
CONFEDERATE
VETERANS
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