| |
| Constitution and Bylaws |
| |
| ARTICLE 1 - AUTHORITY |
| |
| Under the authority of Article IV of the National Constitution of the Disabled American Veterans National Organization, there has been and is hereby established the "Department of Georgia, Disabled American Veterans" In the State of Georgia. |
| |
| |
| ARTICLE II - ALLEGIANCE |
| |
| SECTION 1. The Department of Georgia, Disabled American Veterans, hereby acknowledges its allegiance to and affiliation with, and submits itself to the control of the Disabled American Veterans, incorporated and chartered by an Act of Congress, approved June 17,1932, as amended July 15,1942, referred to in this Constitution as "National" or "National Department" according to decisions made in conformance with its National Constitution and Bylaws and regulations legally adopted by vote of a National Convention or by majority vote of the National Executive Committee. |
| |
| SECTION 2. No Chapter or any member or members, by virtue of membership in this Department, shall acquire any property rights or any present or existing right or to the property, which this Department may now have or hereinafter acquire. Each Chapter, for itself and its members, agree that upon dissolution of this Department, its assets remaining after payment of its indebtedness, if any, shall be reduced to cash and contributed to the National Headquarters, where it will be held for eighteen (18) months, after which it becomes the property of the National Department, in the event the Chapters in the State fail to reorganize a State Department within such period. Each Chapter also agrees for itself and its members, and each officer of this Department agrees by accepting such office, that no member of any Chapter or Department Officer shall receive any money or other thing of value from this Department, because of any services rendered or to be rendered to or from this Department, unless the same is expressly authorized as hereinafter provided. |
| |
| SECTION 3. Each Chapter agrees for itself and its members that it will not bring any action or proceedings in any Court of Law or equity against this Department or any Chapter or members thereof or against the National Department or any Chapter or members thereof, or against the National Department or its Officers or any Officer of this Department until all remedies provided by this Constitution and by the National Constitution and Bylaws, and mandates have been fully exhausted. |
| |
| |
| ARTICLE III - PURPOSE |
| To uphold and maintain the Constitution and the laws of the United States; to realize the true American ideals and aims for which those eligible for membership fought; to advance in interest and work for the betterment of all wounded, gassed, injured or disabled veterans; to cooperate with the United States Veterans Administration and all public and private agencies devoted to the cause of improving and advancing the condition, health and interest of all wounded, gassed, injured and disabled veterans; to stimulate a feeling of mutual devotion, helpfulness and comradeship among all wounded, gassed injured and disabled veterans; to served our comrades, our communities and our country; and to encourage in all people that spirit of understanding which will guard against future wars. |
| |
| |
| ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP |
| SECTION 1. The members of this Department shall be all active Disabled American Veterans Chapters in the State of Georgia, which have been or are hereafter chartered by the National Department, so long as such Chapters remain in good standing as determined by the National Department. |
| |
| SECTION 2. Eligibility for membership in the Chapters of the Department shall be as provided In Article III of the National Constitution as now or hereinafter amended. |
| |
| SECTION 3. All applicants admitted to membership shall be eligible to membership under the provisions of Article III of the National Constitution. The Disabled American Veterans, Inc shall not have honorary memberships. |
| |
| |
| ARTICLE V - CONVENTION AND CONFERENCES |
| |
| SECTION 1. The supreme powers of the Department shall be vested in the Department Convention to be held in June of each year, at the place determined by the preceding Department Convention. The Department Executive Committee shall change the time and place if it appears that the Convention cannot be held satisfactorily at the time and place selected by the Convention. |
| |
| SECTION 2. The Department Convention Committee shall be responsible for negotiating a Convention Contract in the city chosen by the delegates, where adequate facilities are available. They shall plan and direct the Convention. All contracts entered into must be approved by the Department. The Department Commander shall appoint three members, to be approved by the Department Executive Committee, to serve as the next Convention Committee. The State Convention is to be held in the month of June. |
| |
| SECTION 3. An annual Spring and Fall Conference shall be held on a three-day weekend in the months of March and October. The sites shall be selected the same as for the Convention. The agenda for the Conferences and Convention shall be the responsibility of the Department Commander. A Finance Committee meeting, a Service Officer's School and any other committee meetings the Department Commander deems necessary shall take part of this agenda. State Officers and Committee reports shall be heard. Each Chapter present will render its Chapter reports which contains the minutes, sign-in sheet and financial statements of the last three (3) previous meetings; to include the Chapter operating budget and each Chapter not present at the meeting will send in their written reports within ten (10) days after such meeting. |
| |
| SECTION 4. At the Department Convention, each Chapter in good standing shall be entitled to two (2) delegates and two (2) alternates for its Chapter and one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each fifteen (15) members or major fraction thereof, whose current National and State per capita tax, and National Service Fee has been paid during the current fiscal year, as shown in the last membership chart published by National Headquarters immediately preceding fifteen (15) days prior to the Convention. The Department Adjutant shall notify each Chapter, not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the opening date of the Convention as to the number of delegates and alternates to which they are entitled and the time and place of the Convention. |
| |
| SECTION 5. A Chapter shall not be considered in good standing if indebted to this Department. Its delegates shall not be seated or vote at the Department Convention unless such indebtedness is first paid. Recognition shall not be granted except for the limited purpose of appealing to the Convention in regard to the amount or legality of such claimed indebtedness. Action taken by the Convention shall be final. |
| |
| SECTION 6. Voting; Each elected Department Officer, each Past Department Commander and each delegate shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote on the floor of the Department Convention, provided, however, that such Officer or delegate is present thereat. All Chapter Commanders shall have one (1) vote for the Chapter Charter and this vote may be cast by the Commander, Senior or Junior Vice Commander, or with Chapter delegates as prescribed in Section 4, Article V. No member will be entitled to more than one (1) vote. When the Department Commander or the Chairperson cannot distinguish between the yes and no votes, he shall call for a roll call vote of the Chapters. (Roberts' Rules of Order on voting procedures) If a roll call vote is not ordered by the Department Commander or Chairperson, delegates that question the validity of the viva voce vote, with a motion from the floor, duly seconded, with a majority vote required may obtain a roll call vote. This roll call vote is effective only for the issue being considered and does not apply to subsequent voting on other issues. |
| |
| SECTION 7. In the absence of any delegate, the alternate shall cast the vote. In case any Chapter is entitled to cast more votes than the number of delegates present, the vote of those absent shall be cast in the same proportion as those of the delegates present representing such Chapter. An alternate becomes a delegate in the absence of a delegate. |
| |
| SECTION 8. A Quorum shall consist of one (1) or more delegates from at least ten percent (10%) of the total number of Chapters in the Department present, and in good standing, computed as set forth in Section 4 hereof. |
| |
| SECTION 9. The Department Executive Committee shall provide for the form of Convention Credentials and shall recommend a set of rules for the Convention. Such rules, however, shall be subject to amendment and adoption by the Convention. All matters of parliamentary procedure not otherwise specifically covered by such rules or by this Constitution shall be governed by Roberts' Rules of Order (Revised). |
| |
| SECTION 10. The Department of Georgia, Department Nominating Committee shall
consist of all Past Department Commanders and the Department District Commanders representing their respective areas. The immediate Past Department Commander will act as Chairman of the Committee and the Department Adjutant will act as Secretary, with no vote. |
| |
| |
| ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS |
| |
| SECTION 1.1 The Department Convention shall elect a Department Commander, a Senior Vice Commander, a First junior Vice Commander, a Second Junior Vice Commander, a Third Junior Vice Commander, a Judge Advocate, a Chaplain, a
Treasurer (Treasurer will serve a one (1) year term), a Department Inspector, three (3) Finance Committeepersons (Finance Committeepersons will serve a one (1) year term), a Blue Hat Committee Chairman and Vice Chairman. |
| |
| SECTION 1.l A Blue Hat Committee: A Standing Committee known as the Blue Hat Committee will serve in an overall advisory capacity to the Department Commander, Conventions and the Department Executive Committee. This Committee shall consist of any and all members of the Department of Georgia in good standing. |
| |
| SECTION 1.1 b The Chairman and the Vice Chairman of the Blue Hat Committee shall be elected at the Department Convention. The Chairman shall appoint a Secretary. The Chairman will be a member of the Department Executive Committee, with voice
and vote. The Vice Chairman will serve as Alternate. |
| |
| SECTION 1.2 The District Commanders will be elected by each District and each Chapter in that District will have one (1) vote. The District Commanders must be a member of a Chapter and live in the District from which he is elected. The District Commanders will be elected at the Department Convention, election to be held on the Friday by caucus of chapters from the five districts (NW, NE, SE, SW, and Central) immediately following the Business Session. |
| |
| SECTION 1.3 All Department Officers must attend at least sixty percent (60%) of their regular Chapter meetings in addition to being supportive and active in their respective Chapters. All Department Officers must attend the Department Convention and the Spring and Fall Conferences. The Department Adjutant and Treasurer may be the same individual. |
| |
| SECTION 2. Such Officers shall hold office from the time of their election and installation until their successors have been fully elected and installed. Vacancies in such offices occurring between Conventions by reason of death, resignation, sickness or removal shall be filled by a majority of votes of the members of the Department Executive Committee. |
| |
| SECTION 3. Appointed Officers: Immediately following the adjournment of the Department Convention, the Department Commander shall appoint an Adjutant, a Sergeant at Arms, a Historian, Chief of Staff, three (3) members to the State Audit Committee, three (3) members to the State Grievance Committee, Women's Veterans Committee, OVAP Committee and other such Committees and other officers as deemed necessary by the Department Executive Committee. No such appointments shall be valid or effective unless approved by majority vote of the Department Executive Committee, except as hereinafter provided, or entitled to vote at a Convention by reason of such appointment. |
| |
| SECTION 4. The Department Commander in Office at the time of the National Convention shall be the Department Delegate to such Convention. The Department Executive Committee shall elect an alternate Department Delegate, who shall serve as the Delegate in the event the Department Commander does not attend such National Convention. |
| |
| SECTION 5. The Department Commander, or in his absence, the next highest Officer present, shall preside at the Department Convention and at all meetings of the Department Executive Committee. The Department Commander shall countersign all checks and vouchers issued by the Department Treasurer. The Department Commander shall have the right to authorize any other Delegate to preside at any meeting if the Commander is present. |
| |
| SECTION 6. Vacancies: In the event of the death, suspension, removal or inability of the Department Commander to serve, the Senior Vice Commander shall assume command, provided he is physically qualified and able to assume command. |
| |
| SECTION 7. The Department Treasurer shall receive and forthwith deposit all monies for the Department in such depository as designated by the Department Executive Committee. He shall make authorized disbursements only by duplicate vouchers countersigned by the Department Commander, and retain a copy for his own files. He shall keep a system of accounts approved by the Department Executive Committee and shall preserve all receipts and vouchers for payment made. The Treasurer will submit to each member a financial statement at both the Spring and Fall Conferences. He will render an annual financial statement to the Department Convention and forward a copy to National Headquarters, in accordance with National Constitution and Bylaws, Article 8 - Departments, Section 8.4. |
| |
| SECTION 7A. The Department Adjutant shall be the Chief Executive Officer of this Organization, and shall keep a thorough and complete record of all business conducted by the Department and its Executive Committee. He shall conduct all necessary correspondence, carry into effect all motions, orders and resolutions adopted by the Department Convention and the Executive Committee, not otherwise assigned. He shall keep a list of Chapter members, duplicate records of all Executive Committee meetings, in writing, of time and place of regular or special meetings, and perform such duties as may be assigned him by the Department Commander. He shall serve as secretary to the Department Executive Committee, without vote, and be responsible for the membership drives, forget-me-not campaigns, and other continuous activities of the organization as may be assigned to him. Immediately following the adjournment of the State Convention, the Department Adjutant shall forward a notice to the National Headquarters giving the name, title and addresses of the Department Commander, Adjutant, Treasurer and each of the elected Officers, designating which of such Officers is to receive mail from National Headquarters on behalf of the Department. |
| |
| SECTION 8. The Department Judge Advocate shall be the legal advisor of the Department. He shall, upon request of the Department Commander, the Department Executive Committee, or the Department Convention, render his opinion upon all questions directly concerning the Department as to disputes between Chapters. He shall also act as Parliamentarian at the Department Convention and act for the Department in the approval of all Chapter Constitutions and Bylaws, and amendments thereto. Upon receiving the written opinion of the Judge Advocate upon any foregoing matters the Department Commander shall render his decision, which shall be subject to appeal to the Department Executive Committee, and after action by that Committee, to the next Department Convention, providing that written notice of intention of appeal is given to the Department Adjutant within thirty (30) days from the decision of the Department Convention, may be made to the National Department as provided in the National Constitution and Bylaws. All opinions of the Department Judge Advocate shall be advisory only. |
| |
| SECTION 9. The Department Adjutant shall be the supervisor of all the Department service activities. He will promote harmony in the activities of the Department and Chapter Service Officers with the Veterans Administration. The Adjutant will be responsible for seeing that each Chapter appoints a prudent person who can be trusted to keep the nature of service work confidential, as the official Chapter Service Officer. The Adjutant will assist the National Service Officers at Department and Chapter Service Officer's schools at the Spring and Fall Conferences or the Department Convention at the discretion of the Department Commander. The Department Service Officer will assist the Adjutant in the accomplishment of these duties. The Adjutant will supervise the assistant Adjutant and assistant Department Service Officer. |
| |
| SECTION 10. The five (5) District Commanders, each represent one of the Districts, which are defined by the geographical area that encompasses the following Chapters. The Department Commander will assign any new Chapters to the appropriate area. |
| |
| North West |
North East |
Central |
| 6 Marietta |
1 Atlanta, 90 Snellville |
7 Columbus |
| 11 Blairsville |
2 Athens, 92 Athens |
9 Macon |
| 17 Gainesville |
10 Augusta |
31 LaGrange |
| 21 Buchanan |
15 Clayton |
33 Warner Robins |
| 24 Rome |
16 Logansville |
50 Macon |
| 28 Blue Ridge |
18 Augusta |
56 Columbus |
| 47 Jasper |
35 Atlanta |
89 Sandersville |
| 49 Summerville |
55 Covington |
93 Milledgeville |
| 57 Carrollton |
91 Tucker |
|
| |
|
|
| Southwest |
Southeast |
|
| 14 Valdosta |
8 Savannah |
|
| 23 Fitzgerald |
36 Brunswick |
|
| 25 Lakeland |
46 Hinesville |
|
| 26 Albany |
70 Waycross |
|
| 27 Albany |
|
|
| 30 Adel |
|
|
| 38 Tifton |
|
|
| 59 Thomasville |
|
|
|
| |
| The District Commanders will visit each Chapter in their District a minimum of once per year, to provide information, news and guidance to the Chapters in addition to being their representative on the Department Executive Committee. Each District Commander will hold at least one (1) District meeting on or before December 1st of each year. |
| |
| SECTION 11. The Department Convention shall elect a Department Treasurer for a one (1) year period. The Department Adjutant shall be appointed for a one (1) year period. The Department Adjutant and the Department Treasurer may be the same individual. |
| |
| SECTION 12. The Department Inspector, under the supervision of the Department Executive Committee, shall investigate any alleged violation of the National, Department or Chapter Constitution and Bylaws. The primary purpose of the duties of this office is to guard the integrity and reputation of the Disabled American Veterans organization. The Department Inspector shall make a written report of his findings and recommendations to the Department Executive Committee. |
| |
| |
| ARTICLE VII - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE |
| |
| SECTION 1. The Department Executive Committee will consist of the following elected Officers: The Department Commander who presides, Senior Vice Commander, First Junior Vice Commander, Second Junior Vice Commander, Third Junior Vice Commander, Adjutant, Treasurer, three (3) Finance Committeepersons, five (5) District Commanders, and Blue Hat Chairman. The Department Adjutant will act as Secretary. If the Adjutant and Treasurer are the same individual that person is entitled to only one vote. The Department Commander may invite any officer, member, employee and/or committeeperson, as needed, who will attend at the expense of the Department without vote. |
| |
| SECTION 2. The term of office of all Department Executive Commiteeperson shall begin immediately following their installation at the Department Convention and continue until their successors have been elected and installed. Such Executive Committeeperson shall serve in such capacity without expense to the Department, except as otherwise herein provided. |
| |
| SECTION 3. During the Convention, Fall, and Spring Conferences, the body will Rule by a Majority Vote on all Legislative, Administrative, and Executive matters not otherwise specifically covered by provisions of this Constitution and Resolutions adopted at the preceding Department Convention. Voting by elected Chapter representatives and Department Officers at the Fall and Spring Conferences shall be governed by Article V (Convention) of this Constitution and Bylaws. Voting by the elected Chapter representatives at said Conferences will be based on the voting strength of their respective Chapters. |
| |
| SECTION 4. Within twelve (12) hours after the adjournment of the Department Convention, the Department Executive Committee shall meet in the city in which the Department Convention was held, to determine as far as possible, policies to be adhered to by the Officers of the Department until the next Convention or until such policies shall be modified at a subsequent meeting of said Committee, and shall transact such other business as may be properly brought before it, or as may be required by the Constitution and Bylaws. |
| |
| SECTION 5. The Department Commander, or a majority of the members of the Department Executive Committee shall have the authority to call for a meeting of the entire Department Executive Committee at anytime between Department Convention provided, however, that written notice of the time and place thereof shall have been given to all members of the Department Executive Committee, with sufficient time in advance thereof to enable them all to be present thereat. |
| |
| SECTION 6. A majority of the members of the Department Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum; to conduct such business as may come before any of its meetings. |
| |
| SECTION 7. The Department Executive Committee may act between stated meetings through the Department Adjutant by means of correspondence by mail, fax or e-mail. The Department Adjutant must submit to each member of the Committee for their written ballots any matter requested by the Department Commander or by not less than 40% of the members of the Committee. The results of the vote on each matter, so referred to the members of the Committee, shall be conveyed in writing by the Department Adjutant to each of the Committee members and to the Chapters of the Department. The Department Adjutant shall act as Secretary of the Department Executive Committee. |
| |
| |
| ARTICLE VIII - CHAPTERS |
| |
| SECTION 1. Chapters shall be organized and chartered as provided in the National Bylaws. |
| |
| SECTION 2. Each Chapter shall adopt its own Constitution, Bylaws and Regulations, provided that the same do not conflict with the provisions of this Constitution or any lawful action by the Department Convention, or with the National Constitution and Bylaws, and provided further that the same, and all the amendments thereto have been approved by the Department Judge Advocate and the National Judge Advocate. Each Chapter in this Department shall submit a copy of its Constitution, which has been approved, to the Department Judge Advocate, the National Judge Advocate and the Department Adjutant. |
| |
| SECTION 3. Each Chapter shall hold its Annual Election of Officers at a regular or special meeting during the month of March each year, and hold its installation of such officers at a regular or special meeting during the month of April each year. The Chapter Adjutant shall furnish the Department Adjutant with the names, titles and addresses of all electives and appointed officers within ten (10) days subsequent to the annual installation. Failure to comply with the above provisions will preclude the seating of its Delegates at the Department Convention. |
| |
| SECTION 4. All Chapters shall keep adequate and detailed records of their receipts and expenditures. If expenditure is directed from the floor at a regular and authorized meeting of the Chapter, such motion and action shall be duly recorded in the minutes of the meeting. |
| |
| SECTION 5. No Chapter, group of Chapter, or Unit shall conduct any fund raising project directly or indirectly without proper approval of the State Department. This approval shall be requested in writing, in duplicate, with reasonable information contained therein as to provide the Department Headquarters with a full understanding of the project or activity. If the project is approved, one copy of the request will be sent to the Department and the other retained in the Chapter for record. No Chapter or Unit shall conduct any fund raising project or activity in a community where other Chapters exist without first obtaining approval from the other Chapters. |
| |
| SECTION 6. Each Chapter shall send to the State Department an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the net income from any fund raising projects or activities, which will include a detailed financial report of the fund raising activity or project. |
| |
| SECTION 7. Each Chapter may conduct one (1) Forget-Me-Not drive annually. Chapters conducting such drives shall render to the Department Adjutant, within ten (10) days subsequent to the date, a report of the sale accompanied with a check in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the net income as prescribed in Section 3, Article IX. |
| |
| SECTION 8. Any Chapter violating Section 4, Article IX of this Constitution and Bylaws shall be subject to suspension of its Charter. |
| |
| |
| ARTICLE IX - REVENUE |
| |
| SECTION 1. The revenue of this Department shall be derived from State per capita tax, Forget-Me-Not drives, and from any source as may have been approved by the preceding Department Convention, and or by the Department Finance Committee, and the Department Executive Committee, and by the National Executive Committee. |
| |
SECTION 2. A profit from Conventions, Spring and Fall Conferences shall be divided as follows:
50% to Department of Georgia
50% to DAVA |
| |
| SECTION 3. All funds of this Department shall be deposited upon receipt thereof, in a bank or trust company as designated by the Department Executive Committee. |
| |
| SECTION 4. Each Chapter shall send to the State Department an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of net income from its annual Forget-Me-Not sale or any approved fund raising activity or project. Each Chapter shall send to the National Adjutant and to the Department Adjutant a report of income and expenses, assets and liabilities of the Chapter for each fiscal year ending June 30. The books and records of each Chapter shall be open to inspection at all reasonable times by the Department Commander or any other members designated to act for him. |
| |
| SECTION 5. Any Chapter violating any part or provisions of Article IX, Section 3 of this Constitution and Bylaws shall be subject to suspension of its Charter. |
| |
| |
| ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS |
| This Constitution and Bylaws shall be amended by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present and voting at the State Convention. Any proposed changes to the Department Constitution and Bylaws will be brought forth during the Convention. No amendment shall conflict with the National Constitution and Bylaws. If said amendments are adopted, they shall become effective immediately, pending final decision and approval of the National Judge Advocate. All new amendments will be presented at the Fall Conference. |
| |
| |
| ARTICLE XI - FINANCES |
| |
| SECTION 1. All expenditures and revenues of the Department shall be under the direct supervision of the Department Finance Committee, which shall be composed of the Department Commander, and three (3) members elected from the Department Convention and serve for a period of one (1) year. The Committee shall elect the Chairperson. |
| |
| SECTION 2. It shall be the responsibility of the Department Finance Committee to provide for audits of all accounts and to see that the proper bonds are enforced on all Officers and employees who are trusted with handling of all funds and revenues. It is also the responsibility of this Committee to see that all bond premiums are paid, and that the finances of the organization are handled at all times to secure an economic and businesslike administration of its financial affairs. |
| |
| SECTION 3. The Department Finance Committee shall serve a two-fold purpose, namely, it is the Advisory Council of the Department Commander on matters of finance and fiscal policy, and shall serve as the watchdog of the Department Finances. The Department Commander shall have the power to call special meetings of the Department Finance Committee. The Department Finance Committee shall have the power to call special meeting on its initiative when any three (3) members thereof acting together, give proper notice of at least fifteen (15) days of time and place that the meeting is to be held, to all members of said Committee. The notice must also state the business to be considered at said meeting. |
| |
| SECTION 4. The Department shall operate under a budget, which must be set up by the Department Finance Committee. This Committee shall meet within forty-five (45) days prior to the Department Convention. The budget must be approved by two-thirds majority vote of the Department Executive Committee. Once approved by the Department Executive Committee, said budget must be approved at the Department Convention by a majority vote of the attending Delegates. |
| |
| SECTION 5. No funds of this Department will be used to make loans or advances of any character to any promotion, individual, Chapter or Unit. |
| |
| SECTION 6. The sole power of the Department of Georgia, Disabled American Veterans to make gifts, contributions, grants, bequeaths, scholarships, awards, etc., and changes in the budget shall be vested in the Department Convention. Recommendations by the Department Finance and Executive Committees shall be approved by a majority vote of the attending delegates at the Department Convention. |
| |
| SECTION 7. Each Chapter shall keep a complete and full record of all moneys received, expended and remitted. All moneys shall be deposited in the name of said Chapter, and the Chapter shall have an accounting made annually of the same, a report of which shall be submitted to the State and National Organizations. For this purpose, the period covered will be from July 1st to June 30th of the next year. |
| |
| |
| ARTICLE XII - ORGANIZATIONS |
| |
| The Department of Georgia recognizes a DAV Auxiliary, and the National Order of Trench Rats as Auxiliary Units of the Disabled American Veterans. |
| |
| |
| ARTICLE XIII - EMPLOYMENT |
| |
| SECTION 1. All Department of Georgia Officers, employees, members and/or committee persons who are so identified in the approved Department budget will be paid only for the reimbursement of their actual expenses by submitting an expense report, duly supported by the appropriate receipts. Travel vehicle expense will be paid at thirty-five cents (.35) per mile or by fuel receipt. These expenses may cover travel, lodging, postage, office supplies and other expenditures as determined and approved by the Department Executive Committee. No payments will be made solely on the basis of the approved budget or allocation of funds. The Finance Committee may authorize a fixed amount to be paid to those who are entitled and attending Department, National and District Conferences. Conventions and meetings without the submission of an expense report as long as they attend all the business meetings on the program agenda. Failure to stay until completion of National and Department Conventions and Conferences and attend all required meetings will result in that representative refunding the Department a portion of their advance travel, as to be determined by the Department Treasurer. |
| |
| SECTION 2. All employees shall be provided a Position Description outlining their primary duties, work hours, lunch period, breaks, pay periods, paid holiday, vacation earned benefit, sick leave, unexcused absences, and employment practices and conduct on the job. The use of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs in any form, by any employee, on the premises will not be tolerated and is subject to disciplinary action and possible termination of employment. Job descriptions are attached to Constitution and Bylaws. |
| |
| SECTION 3. Hospital Service Coordinators procedures for employment is attached to this Constitution and Bylaws and may be changed by Union or State employment laws. This Department will issue to each person employed a copy of these procedures before he/she is hired. |
| |
| SECTION 4. The Department of Georgia Director of Services: The Department Commander will appoint the Director of Services and the three (3) committeepersons for a three (3) year period, with approval from the Department Executive Committee. |
| |
| SECTION 4.1 The purpose of the Department Director of Services of the Department of Georgia is to organize, develop, and perpetuate a Department Service Program in the State of Georgia, in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Disabled American Veterans, Department of Georgia. |
| |
| SECTION 4.2 The objective of the Department Director of Service Program of the Department of Georgia DAV is to aid and assist worthy wartime veterans, their widows, their orphans, and their dependents, in obtaining the benefits and services provided for them by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and other public agencies. |
| |
| SECTION 4.3 The Department Director of Service Program is organized under the provisions of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Disabled American Veterans, Department of Georgia. |
| |
| SECTION 4.4 In the chain of command, the Department Director of Service Program is under first, the Department Executive Committee and second, the Department Convention. The Director of Services shall be appointed by the Commander and approved by the Department Executive Committee. |
| |
| SECTION 4.5 The Department Director Services Committee consists of three (3) Department Director of Services Committeeperson from the general membership, the Department Commander, and the Supervisor of the Georgia National Service Office. Each of these members shall have equal voting privileges. The Committee shall elect a Chairperson. At the expiration of a term, a new Committee is appointed for a one (1) year term. Any vacancy other than expiration of term, shall be filled by a second appointment by the Department Commander. |
| |
| SECTION 4.6 After the close of the annual Department Convention, the Department
Director of Services Committee meets to: (1) Appoint a Committee Chairperson; (2) Review and update the Department Director of Services Program and Policies, if necessary; and (3) Plan for the operating and functioning of the Department Director of Services for the DAV fiscal year. This would include arranging with the Department Adjutant and Treasurer for the disbursement of funds as authorized in the approved budget |
| |
| SECTION 4.7 The Department Director of Services Committee shall meet when necessary for the transaction of business, but must meet at the Department Convention and at the demand of any two (2) members. |
| |
| SECTION 4.8 Written minutes will be made of each meeting. |
| |
| SECTION 4.9 The Department Director of Services will develop, maintain and keep current, a Department Director of Services Program, Personnel Policy, Job Descriptions, Qualifications Profiles, Wage and Compensation Program, Organization Chart and other procedures necessary to effectively operate the Department Director of Services Program. These written procedures must be structured to and cannot conflict with, the Constitution and Bylaws of the Disabled American Veterans, Department of Georgia. |
| |
| SECTION 4.10 To assist the Committee in fulfilling its mandate, any forfeitures and fines acquired from defunct Chapters (IAW Paragraph 6, Section 6.4, National Bylaws), shall be transferred to the Department Service Fund. |
| |
| SECTION 4.11 All income from the Department of Georgia Thrift Store Program will be devoted entirely to the Department Director of Services Committee and programs for which it is responsible. |
| |
| SECTION 4.12 Any Committeeperson may be recalled from his office by a majority vote of the Department Executive Committee. If a committeeperson is absent from two (2) consecutive meetings, without sufficient cause, the Department Commander shall declare his office vacant. The Commander shall appoint a new Committeeperson to complete the term, subject to approval of the Department Executive Committee. |
| |
| |
| ARTICLE XIV - MISCELLANEOUS |
| |
| SECTION 1. There shall be established a National Service Office Travel and Expense Fund. This fund would be utilized by the National Service Officers assigned to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office, Decatur, Georgia, to carry out their respective duties. This fund can and may include travel, lodging, parking, office supplies and expenditures as determined by the Department Executive Committee. National Service Officers assigned to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office, Decatur, Georgia, may attend upon invitation of the Department Commander, and be heard, without vote. |
| |
| SECTION 2. No local DAV Chapter, Unit of the DAVA, or Dugout of the Order of Trench Rats shall conduct any fund raising project or activity without prior approval of the Department. |
| |
| SECTION 3. No local DAV Chapter, Unit of the DAVA, or Dugout of the Order of Trench Rats shall open or operate a Club House, Chapter Center or Unit Home without prior approval of the Department and its Executive Committee. |
| |
| SECTION 4. Any Chapter violating any of the provisions in Section 2 and 3 of Article XIV of this Constitution shall be subject to suspension of its Charter. |
| |
| SECTION 5. Grievance Committee: This Committee shall be appointed by the Department Commander and approved by the Department Executive Committee and shall consist of three (3) members who do not serve in any other capacity with the Department, either elected or appointed. The Committee is responsible to render fair and impartial decisions on behalf of all members who have grievances. Grievances are usually the result of misunderstandings or a feeling that favoritism is being displayed. A grievance may seem unimportant to others, yet to the originator, it may be of significant importance. Should a grievance be of such nature that the Committee could not resolve it, it will be referred to the next appropriate higher body. (Department Commander, Department Executive Committee, Department Finance Committee, Department Inspector or the Department Chaplain) A reply to the originator shall be rendered in writing. |
| |
| SECTION 6. The Awards Committee: This Committee shall be responsible for planning, purchase and preparation of all awards of the Department of Georgia to be presented at the Convention to members, individuals, Chapters, and organizations. The Committee shall receive award nominations and act as a screening and recommending Committee to make appropriate recommendations to the Department Commander and Department Executive Committee on all awards made or contemplated by the Department, except those awards which the Department has no control and those personal awards and citations conferred by the Department Commander. |
| |
| SECTION 7. The Department Commander will appoint the Director of Services and the three (3) Committeepersons for a one (1) year period, with approval from the Department Executive Committee. |
| |
| MOSES A. MCINTOSH, JR |
| COMMANDER |
| |
| ATTESTED |
| |
| BRIAN E. WILNER |
| ADJUTANT |
| |
| GILBERT GRIER |
| JUDGE ADVOCATE |
| |
| |
| DEPARTMENT POLICY |
| |
| 1. It is the policy of the Department of Georgia, Disabled American Veterans to have on display at each regular meeting the Holy Bible, the American Flag, and the Department Charter. |
| |
| 2. It is the policy of this Department that "no smoking" will be allowed in any Convention, Conference or meeting. The Department would ask that all members in attendance please refrain from smoking in and around the entrances and hallways to said meeting rooms. The Department would also ask that where feasible all smoking would "be done out doors”, so as to preclude other members from walking through the smoke to enter or exit a meeting room. |
| |
| 3. It is the policy of the Department of Georgia, Disabled American Veterans to increase the travel and expense mileage to $.35 per mile. |
| |
| 4. It is the policy of the Department of Georgia, Disabled American Veterans to have three fundraisers for the Chapters. This is to allow the Chapters to have a fundraiser one month prior to all Conferences and Conventions to allow their members to attend these functions. |
| |
| 5. The Department of Georgia Disabled American Veterans will conduct a 50/50 Raffle starting October 1, 2007 through June 1, 2008. The prize money will be split three (3) ways. Also, the Department of Georgia will have a Convention Book that will sell ads starting October 1, 2007 through March 15, 2008. The Department will collect half of the money for the price of the ad. |
| |
