STATES RIGHTS GIST SCV CAMP

“Honoring the past, while educating the present for the future.”

The Sons of Confederate Veterans is “A Historical Honor Society”

Camp Motto - “Honoring the past while educating the present for the future.”
Meetings: 1st Sunday each month from 2:30-4:30 PM
Community Center, Hwy 215, West Springs, SC

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ByLaws

BY-LAWS FOR CAMP NO 1451 OF THE SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS (REVISED MAY 4, 2014)

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this organization shall be the “GENERAL STATES RIGHTS GIST CAMP # 1451”

 

ARTICLE II – OBJECT

To associate in one united, compact body of men of Confederate ancestry, and to cultivate, perpetuate, and sanctify the ties of fraternity and friendship entailed thereby; to aid and encourage the history and achievement from Jamestown to this present era, constantly endeavoring to see that the events of the War Between the States and the heroic contributions of the Confederate soldier are authentically and clearly written, and that all documents, relics, and mementos produced and handed down by those active participants therein are properly treasured and preserved for posterity; to aid and assist in the erection of suitable monuments and memorials to all Southern valor, civil and military, wherever done and wherever found; to instill into our descendents a devotion to and reverence for the principles represented by the Confederate States of America in that cause.

 

ARTICLE III – NATURE

The Camp shall be strictly historical and benevolent, non-political and non-sectarian.

 

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 – All male descendents, lineal or collateral, at least twelve years of age, of those who served in the Confederate Army or Navy to the end of the war, or who died in prison, or while in actual service, or who were killed in battle, or who were honorably discharged, shall be eligible for full membership. All full members in good standing shall have the right to vote. Only full members shall have voting privileges.

Section 2 – No one shall be admitted to membership until satisfactory proof of the foregoing qualification shall be submitted in duplicate on official blank applications prepared for that purpose, such applications bearing recommendation by a member in good standing of the General States Rights Gist Camp. The duplicate shall be preserved by the Camp and the original recorded to General Headquarters, Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Section 3 – All applications for membership in the General States Rights Gist Camp, received by the Adjutant, shall be reviewed by the Commander. The Commander may submit the application to a confidential two man membership committee, appointed by him, to pass on the acceptability of the candidates for membership. Candidates refused membership may petition the camp membership for admission and upon receiving favorable, written approval of three – fourths said membership, will be granted full membership in the Camp.

Section 4 – Annual dues must be submitted with completed applications to the Camp Adjutant.

Section 5 – Membership in the Camp shall be active: active membership as herein set forth.

Section 6 – Active membership in the Camp is membership in the General Organization of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Section 7 – Any member in good standing in the Camp, removing from the Camp, shall be entitled to a certificate from the Camp Adjutant stating his membership and duration thereof.

Section 8 – Applications for membership in the Camp must be read at a regular meeting of the Camp. Upon reading of the application, membership in the Camp will be extended only after receiving two-thirds vote of acceptance by the membership present.

Section 9 – The Camp shall have the ability to have non-voting associate “camp only” members and set any and all requirements for memberships thereof.

 

ARTICLE V – DUES

Section 1 – The annual dues for the Camp shall be proposed by the Commander and Adjutant at the annual meeting. The amount is subject to approval by the membership at the same meeting.

Section 2 – Members in arrears four months in payment of dues shall be classed as delinquent and six months arrearages shall automatically impose suspension. Payment of all back dues with one year, together with all additional levies for that year, shall permit reinstatement to active membership. A member delinquent one year or more shall only be reinstated upon vote of the Camp and payments of all amounts due by him to the Camp.

 

ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS

Section 1 – The regular meeting of the Camp for the transaction of ordinary business shall be held on the first Sunday of each month at the West Springs Community Center unless changed by the approval of the membership.

Section 2 – A special meeting of the Camp may be held at any time upon call of the Commander. The Commander shall also call a special meeting upon demand, stating the time, place, and objective of the purposed meeting. Notice of the time, place, and object of any special meeting shall be given all officers and members in good standing, not less than seven days prior to the date fixed for holding of the meeting. The place of such a special meeting shall be fixed by the Executive Committee.

Section 3 – (Quorum) Twenty percent of the Camp membership entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum at any meeting.

Section 4 – The rules of procedure at any meeting of the Camp shall be those set forth in Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, except wherein they may be altered by the Camp.

Section 5 – In the event the Camp faces dissolution, the remaining Camp officers are to see to the disbursement of any remaining assets and cash by donating them to a worthy historical preservation organization of like mind, such as the Union County Historical Society, or in the event that organization is not worthy at the time, then the proceeds go to the South Carolina Sons of Confederate Veterans to be used to preserve Southern history in keeping with THE CHARGE.”

 

ARTICLE VII – OFFICERS

Section 1 – The officers of the Camp shall be Commander, First Lieutenant Commander, Second Lieutenant Commander, Adjutant/Treasurer, Quartermaster, Chaplain, Color Sergeant, Historian, and an Executive Committee. All officers except those of the Executive Committee shall be elected by majority vote by ballot of the members in good standing present at the annual meeting the Camp. They shall hold office for two years or until their successors are elected. Officers elected at the annual meeting shall take office on the first meeting of the fiscal year following their election.

Section 2 – The Executive Committee shall be composed of the Commander, First Lieutenant Commander, Second Lieutenant Commander, Treasurer, and all past Commanders. No past Commander shall be eligible that has failed to maintain good standing in the Camp.

Section 3 – Meetings of the Executive Committee may be held at any time and place as the Commander may determine. Meetings may be called at any time on demand by the Commander, or any member of the Executive Committee.

Section 4 – Four members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum.

Section 5 – Resignation of any officer may be accepted by majority vote of the remaining members of the Executive Committee.

Section 6 – When an office is vacated as a result of death, resignation, or removal, the Commander shall appoint a successor upon recommendation of the Executive Committee. The successor will hold office until the next election.

 

ARTICLE VIII – OFFICER DUTIES

Section 1 – Commander – He shall preside at all meetings of the Camp and of the Executive Committee. He shall be a member ex-officio of all regular and special committees, and shall perform all such other duties as usually pertain to his office. He shall have appointive powers for special needs upon approval by the Camp.

Section 2 – First Lieutenant Commander – He shall perform the duties of the Commander in his absence or at his request. He shall serve as program chairman, securing guest speakers and presentations for Camp functions.

Section 3 – Second Lieutenant Commander – He shall perform the duties of Commander in the absence of the Commander and First Lieutenant Commander. He shall be responsible for the enlistment of new members. He shall maintain an adequate supply of S.C.V. Brochures and applications to accomplish recruitment of new members. He shall monitor membership as to dues payment and meeting attendance. He shall constantly strive for an active, growing, membership. He shall prepare and distribute to the membership in good standing a roster of members, their addresses, and telephone numbers.

Section 4 – Adjutant- He shall conduct all official correspondence pertaining to the proper preparation and forwarding of all reports required of the Camp to S.C.V. headquarters. He shall notify all members of special meetings. He shall keep a true record of all meetings of the Camp and have custody of the books and papers on the Camp, except the Treasurer’s books or accounts. He shall be the keeper of the Camp Seal. All applications of membership, initiation fees, and first year dues shall be made to the Adjutant. He shall be responsible for the ordering of all items necessary for operation of the Camp. He shall maintain adequate stock of S.C.V. membership pins, decals, and applications.

Section 5 – Treasurer -He shall have charge of all funds of the Camp and place the same in such bank or banks as may be approved by the Executive Committee. Such money shall only be withdrawn by check signed by the Treasurer. He shall keep an accurate account of all his transactions and render a detailed report to the membership at any meeting when requested. He shall present a detailed report, in writing, of income, and expenditures at the meeting. He shall be responsible for the collection of dues and fees, taking proper note of the paying member, his address, and other information necessary in the maintenance of Camp records and posting such information with the Adjutant.

Section 6 – Quartermaster – He is responsible for the operation of Camp stores, maintaining adequate stocks, and other items necessary for efficient operation. He shall account to the Commander as to expenditures.

Section 7 – Chaplain – He provides spiritual confidence to the Camp. He shall represent the Camp in times of bereavement. He shall periodically report to the Commander on the well being of members confined by illness. In event of a member’s death, he shall immediately notify the membership. He shall be responsible for the procurement of flowers, wreaths, or other such items incidental to the accomplishment of his duties.

Section 8 – Color Sergeant – He shall maintain and safeguard the Camp colors. He shall insure the proper display of colors at all functions of the Camp and will lead members in salutes to the colors. He shall appoint assistants to aid in the performance of his duties.

Section 9 – Historian – He shall keep and maintain a written record of the Camp, its officers, members, and its accomplishments during his tenure of office. He shall be responsible for the collection of photographs, newspaper clippings, and such other items as necessary in proper recording of Camp history. All items will be affixed in a bound volume so as to insure preservation.

Section 10 – Executive Committee

They Shall:

  • Sit in judgment in all disciplinary matters.
  • Rule in all questions effecting the election eligibility and conduct of members.
  • When in the interest of the Camp, transact business in behalf of the membership.

Section 11 – Editor – The Commander shall, upon taking office, appoint an editor and such other staff as necessary in the preparation and distribution of the official Camp bulletin. The Commander shall periodically review operation of the bulletin to ascertain operation is in the best interest of the Camp.

 

ARTICLE IX – AWARDS

Section 1 – The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the creation and administration of a program of awards presented to Camp members and nonmembers deemed worthy of recognition.

Section 2 – The Executive Committee shall review and authorize the presentation of certificates and awards, except Commander’s Commendations and Resolutions of Respect, which are presented to the Commander.

 

ARTICLE X – SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION

Section 1 – Any member may be suspended or expelled from the Camp for cause, such cause being deemed sufficient by the Executive Committee by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the members of the Committee present at any regular or special meeting. Cause for disciplinary action shall be:

  • Disloyalty
  • Neglect of Duty
  • Dishonesty
  • Conduct unbecoming a Member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans
  • An act repugnant to the S.C.V. Constitution or detrimental to the objects and purposes or the Confederation.

Section 2 – No vote on suspension or expulsion may be taken unless at least fifteen days notice, in writing, shall have been given to the member of the charges preferred and of the time and place of the meeting of the Executive Committee at which such charges will be considered. The notice must be delivered to the member by registered mail or in person. At such meetings the member under charge will be accorded a full hearing.

Section 3 – The Executive Committee shall provide true and accurate recording of all proceedings of such hearings.

Section 4 – Any officer may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the members in good standing present at any special meeting called for that purpose. No vote on removal may be taken unless at least fifteen days notice in writing shall have been given to the officer of the reasons for his removal and of the time and place of the special meeting at which such ballot on his removal is to be taken. The Executive committee, upon majority vote, may suspend the officer pending outcome of this special meeting. At such meeting the officer shall be given a full hearing.

Section 5 – Charges against any officer or member may be preferred by any member in good standing. They shall be in writing clearly stating the facts relied upon and accompanied by all affidavits or exhibits which are to be used in their support. Such charges shall be filed with the adjutant, who will immediately notify the Commander. The Commander will call a meeting of the Executive Committee to hear the charges. The Adjutant will give at least fifteen days notice of the meeting to each member of the Executive Committee and to the accuser and to the accused, which notice shall be in writing and will include a true copy of the charges and of the supporting affidavits and exhibits.

Section 6 – Any member suspended or expelled by the Executive Committee may appeal to the membership of the Camp. Such appeal shall be made in writing to the Adjutant who will notify the Commander. The Commander will call a special meeting of the Camp for the purpose of acting on the appeal. The Adjutant shall give at least fifteen days notice in writing to all members of the Camp in good standing stating the date, time, place, and reason of such special meeting. At the meeting of the full Camp the Adjutant will read the original charges, the supporting affidavits, and will read or display the accompanying exhibits and will read the minutes of the special meeting of the Executive committee at which the charges were heard and action taken. A full hearing shall be given to the accuser and the accused. A vote will be taken by ballot of the members in good standing in present and a two-thirds vote shall be required to reverse the action of the Executive Committee.

Section 7 – Any member who has been suspended or expelled, and having exhausted the foregoing appeals procedures, has the right to appeal to the General Executive Council, Sons of Confederate Veterans the decision of which shall be final. A member expelled by the Camp is ineligible for membership in any other camp of the Confederation.

 

ARTICLE XI – PROHIBITIONS

Section 1 – No discussion of political or religious subjects, or political action, or endorsing of aspirants for political office, shall be permitted.

Section 2 – No assessment shall be levied upon Camp members other than normal dues and initiation fees, except by resolution of the general membership.

Section 3 – Proxy voting shall not be permitted in the conduct of Camp elections or business.

 

ARTICLE XII – OFFICIAL OBSERVANCES

Section 1 – The Camp shall religiously observe the celebration of Confederate Memorial Day.

Section 2 – The Camp shall, as a token of appreciation to friends and family, annually host:

  • Lee/Jackson Birthday
  • Celebration of Christmas

 

ARTICLE XIII – AMENDMENTS

Section 1 – Any proposed amendment to these bylaws may be introduced by any member of the Camp at any regular meeting or special meeting called for that purpose. A vote may be taken upon the proposed amendment provided a copy or the intended amendment has been sent to each Camp member in good standing, by United States Mail or via electronic mail, at least fifteen days previous to the meeting. A two-thirds vote of the members present, by ballot, will be necessary to pass or reject.

 

Revised/Adopted this 14th day of May, 2014 by the Members of the General States Rights Gist Camp No. 1451