I. NAME:
This organization shall be officially known as South Carolina Society,
Order of Confederate Rose, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as the “Society.” The
society became a non-profit incorporation in the state of South Carolina
effective August 27, 1999.
II. PURPOSE:
The purpose of this organization shall be to assist the Sons of Confederate
Veterans (SCV) in its historical, educational, benevolent, and social
functions, and to educate the public and ourselves about Confederate
History, and to honor and preserve its symbols.
The Society is organized exclusively for one or more of the purposes
as specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including
for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that
qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code,
or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
III. STRUCTURE:
A. The state Societies of OCR have banded together to form a Confederation
of States, each society having signed the Articles of Confederation.
These articles are part of our bylaws.
B. The Society will furnish its fair portion of the cost needed to publish
a reasonable advertisement in the national SCV magazine, Confederate
Veteran. This amount will not exceed $600.00 for the next published ad
(after July 2007). The “fair” amount for ads after that will
be voted on by the Executive Council and included in the annual budget
projections. C. The Society will furnish its fair portion of the cost needed to maintain
a domain registration for a national website. D. The Society will furnish an amount annually to the host Society of
the national OCR business meeting, held during the national SCV Reunion
week. A vote to change the amount may be held at the national OCR business
meeting. Currently it is $100.00. E. The SC Society will host the national OCR Business Meeting when the
SC Division SCV or an SC SCV Camp hosts the national SCV Reunion.
IV. MEMBERSHIP:
SC Society OCR Bylaws, as of April 30, 2009
A. The members of the Society will be the OCR chapters in SC, the members
of those chapters, and independents (members-at-large). Each chapter
will set its own membership eligibility rules. Members, known as Roses,
must be of the minimum legal age in this state: eighteen (18). Members
below the age of eighteen (18), known as Rosebuds (girls) or Thorns (boys),
pay no dues and have no voting privileges; however, they may purchase
and wear membership pins.
B. Duration of Membership: Membership in the Society may be terminated
voluntarily by written withdrawal or by non-payment of annual dues. Local
chapters will handle suspension or expulsion. C. Member-in-good-standing: A member is in good standing only when all
chapter and society financial obligations are paid. D. At-large members will belong to Palmetto State Chapter. E. At-large Chair will act as Chapter Rep on Council. F. Conduct
1. The members of the SCOCR Society will conduct themselves as ladies
or gentlemen when at OCR, SCV, heritage or reenactment events when
such behavior would reflect upon the OCR or host group. Language will
be fit and becoming of a lady/gentleman.
2. Conduct during SCOCR Executive Council meetings will be informal unless
the president or any member requests that proper parliamentary procedure
be followed.
3. Conduct at the Annual Meeting will use Roberts Rules of Order as a
guideline, including the appointment of a Sergeant-at-arms. G. Attire
1. Proper and respectable attire suitable to the occasion, either modern
or period dress, will be required at all Society attended functions.
2. When the host of an event requests a certain style of dress or behavior,
SCOCR will honor that request (such as not wearing flag tee shirts or
carrying flags in the Confederate Memorial Day parade in Columbia). H. Discipline
1. Violations of conduct at the Annual Meeting will be handled by the
Sgt-at-arms per RONR. SC Society OCR Bylaws, as of March 2008.
2. Breaches of conduct will be referred to the executive council. They
may choose to have one council member discuss it with the offender to
understand all sides of the issue. If further action is deemed necessary,
the council may write a letter to the chapter president and suggest that
they prefer charges against the chapter member and hold an investigation
and trial as outlined in RONR (Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised,
most current edition).
V. DUES:
SC Society OCR Bylaws, as of April 30, 2009
A. Annual member dues will be billed to the Chapters, and the Chapters
are authorized to collect the funds and forward them to the Society.
Each member of the chapters will pay $15.00 when they first join and
$10.00 annually for renewal dues. New members will be given a Society
pin and a membership certificate.
B. There is no Life Membership available at this time. C. Each member-at-large will pay $10.00 annually, and submit it to the
Society. At-large will be given a Society pin and a membership certificate
when they first join. SC Society OCR Bylaws, as of April 30, 2009
D. Renewal dues for individuals must be postmarked no later than May
31. Renewal dues postmarked between June 1 and June 30 will be assessed
a $5.00 late fee. Renewal dues postmarked between July 1 and July 31
will be assessed a $10.00 late fee. Renewal is not available after
August 1; individuals will need to rejoin the organization as new members.
VI. FISCAL YEAR:
June 1 to May 31
VII. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL:
A. The Society will be governed by an Executive Council. The Council
will consist of one representative from each chartered chapter, and
the elected President. If a Council member cannot be present at a meeting,
a substitute should be sent and provided with credentials.
B. Each member of the Council has one vote, with the President only
voting as a tiebreaker, or to establish a quorum. SC Society OCR Bylaws, as of April 30, 2009
C. Nominees for president will be accepted at the January meeting of
the Executive Council. 45 days prior to the Annual Meeting, all chapters-in-good-standing
will be notified of the nominees. At the annual meeting, the president
will be elected by closed ballot with each chapter-in-good-standing
receiving one vote. A quorum for this ballot will be a majority of
chapters-in-good-standing in attendance D. Term of office is for two years, or when a successor has been elected
or appointed. Any officer may serve up to three consecutive terms. After
a break of one term, that office may be held again. E. In the event the office becomes vacant, the Council will choose an
individual to assume the duties for the rest of the term, or until a
replacement may be elected. F. Any elected officer may be removed from office for misconduct or
willful dereliction of duty by a two-thirds vote by ballot of the Executive
Council. The cause of this disciplinary action will be one or more of
the following: disloyalty, neglect of duty, dishonesty, conduct unbecoming
to a member of the Order of Confederate Rose, an act repugnant to the
Sons of Confederate Veterans or the Order of Confederate Rose or detrimental
to the objectives and purposes of these organizations.
VIII. COUNCIL DUTIES:
A. President shall represent the society, conduct and call meetings as
necessary, plan the Annual Meeting, appoint committees and chairs as
needed to assist in the operation of the Society, and represent the
SC Society OCR in the national Confederation of States activities.
B. Other Representatives shall act on behalf of the Society and their
chapter to further the purpose of the Society.
IX. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETINGS:
Council will meet during the year, as needed to accomplish the following:
(These meetings may be conducted in person or via phone, conference call,
email, post or private chat room.)
A. The first meeting after the Annual Meeting will be to set a budget
for the coming year, and to act on resolutions made at the Annual Meeting.
The charter, documents, checks and books will be turned over as needed,
check writing authority will be established for the new President and
Treasurer, and the Council will review the books (or an audit arranged).
Projects for the Society may be discussed and planned as needed. Recruiting
of chapters will be discussed/ targeted. Brochure reviewed for changes.
Contact info for the Confederate Veteran will be reviewed for changes.
B. The Council will discuss and decide if any issues need to be presented
at a national level. Arrangements should be made to send a Society report
and/or representative to national for the convention. C. Plans will be made to contact the host of the next SC Division SCV
Reunion in order to incorporate the OCR Annual Meeting. Plans for the
OCR business meeting and any programs or entertainment should be started.
SC Society OCR Bylaws, as of March 2008 3 SC Society OCR Bylaws, as of April 30, 2009
D. The final meeting must be in January to finalize plans for the Society's
Annual Meeting, to accept proposed changes to the bylaws, and to accept
nominations for Society President (when needed).
X. ANNUAL MEETING:
A. The Annual Meeting will be held in conjunction with the Division Reunion,
and that meeting will be open to all members of the Society.
B. Executive Council will bring the necessary business before the membership,
and make reports. C. Each chapter should present a brief report about their past and future
activities. D. Presentation of new members-at-large certificates may take place
during the meeting. E. Investiture of new chapters may take place during the meeting. F. Introduction of new chapter members may take place during the meeting. G. The quorum for business at the Annual Meeting will be the number
of members present.
XI. BY-LAWS:
SC Society OCR Bylaws, as of April 30, 2009
A. Proposed changes to the bylaws of the SC Society Order of Confederate
Rose will be accepted at the January meeting of the Executive Council.
45 days prior to the Annual Meeting, all chapters-in-good-standing will
be notified of the proposed change(s). At the annual meeting, the proposals
will be discussed and accepted or rejected by closed ballot. Each chapter-in-good-standing
will receive one vote. A quorum for this ballot will be a majority of
chapters-in-good-standing in attendance.
B. Parliamentary reference is Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised. C. The Council may vote on Standing Rules as needed. D. Any issues not covered by these bylaws that need immediate action
will be addressed by the Executive Council. E. The By-laws and Standing Rules may be re-numbered as necessary following
the approval of amendments, provided it does not change the intent or
meaning of any of its provisions.
XII. VOTING:
Society OCR Bylaws, as of April 30, 2009
A. Every chapter-in-good-standing who has paid dues for the current year
is eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each chapter-in-good standing
has one vote per issue. B. No proxy votes will be allowed. C. Mail-in (& e-mail) votes will be allowed provided proper notice
can be given to members. SC Society OCR Bylaws, as of April 30, 2009
D. Votes will be tabulated at the Annual Meeting by two (2) members appointed
by the State President with all members in good standing in attendance.
XIII. COMMITTEES:
A. The President or the Council may initiate a committee and name the
Chair. Committee Chairs do not have to sit on the Council. Chairs may
appoint their own committee members. Chairs must give a report to Council
when requested. The President is a member ex-officio of all committees.
Any appointment made by the President may be removed by the President.
Any appointment made by the Executive Council may be removed by 2/3
vote of the Executive Council. Any committee members appointed by a
committee chair may be removed by that chair. If further action is
required, cause of this disciplinary action will be one or more of
the following: disloyalty, neglect of duty, dishonesty, conduct unbecoming
to a member of the Order of Confederate Rose, an act repugnant to the
Sons of Confederate Veterans or the Order of Confederate Rose or detrimental
to the objectives and purposes of these organizations.
B. Standing Committees:
1. Budget and Finance Committee consists of all members of the Council.
2. Registered Agent will file for a SC tax exemption and maintain these
filings. (Any change in Registered Agent must be filed with the Secretary
of State.)
3. Contact Person will be shown in the OCR ad in the Confederate Veteran
magazine, and on the SC Society’s brochure. (The contact person
is not necessarily on the Council.)
4. Treasurer shall maintain a checking account; collect, protect and
disburse funds of the society; and make reports to the Council. Treasurer
shall also maintain a list of names and addresses of members in the Society.
5. Webmaster will start and maintain a website for the SC OCR. C. Optional Committees:
1. Membership Committee shall recruit new chapters in the society; and
assist in the chartering process of new chapters.
2. Secretary shall act as secretary, keeping Minutes, correspondence
and records of the Society.
3. At-Large Committee will maintain a listing of the SCOCR members-at-large,
correspond with prospective members, and assure that they receive Society
mailings.
SC Society OCR Bylaws, as of March 2008
4. Society of the Black Rose will have a “Keeper of the Rite” to
be the contact point for members and organizations wishing to have the
presence of the Black Rose at an event.
5. Legislative/Heritage Committee will gather information about issues
and disseminate it to members.
SC Society OCR Bylaws, as of April 30, 2009
6. Editor will create a quarterly electronic newsletter which any member
may download from the website. Each active OCR Chapter is provided one
electronic copy of the newsletter for distribution to their chapter members.
The newsletter is also published on the SC Society OCR website.
7. A Rose Bud Chairman may be appointed to coordinate Little Rosebud
activities.
8. Confederation Representative may be appointed to represent our Society
on a National/Confederation level.
9. A chairman may be appointed to make arrangements for the Reading of
the SC Roll of the Dead each May.
SC Society OCR Bylaws, as of April 30, 2009
10. Scrapbook Judging Committee may be appointed to evaluate scrapbooks
of all chapters-in-good-standing at the Annual Meeting and to offer an
award for the best.
XIV. WEBSITE:
A. The Society will register a domain name and start and maintain a website.
A Webmaster will be appointed.
B. The cost of domain name registration will be considered an operating
expense as long as there are Society funds to cover it. C. The cost of advertisement-free web space will be considered an operating
expense as long as there are Society funds to cover it and the annual
amount does not exceed $150.00.
XV. SOCIETY of the BLACK ROSE:
A. The Society of the Black Rose is formed to organize SCOCR members
who have an interest portraying the persona of a widow or mourner.
Also, this group provides a contact point for those who wish to have
the presence of mourners at dedications and memorial services.
B. The Society will act under the SCOCR Executive Council with a coordinator,
the “Keeper of the Rite,” as contact person. SC Society OCR Bylaws, as of April 30, 2009
C. Membership requirements:
Be a SC Society OCR member-in-good-standing who has a mourning or partial
mourning ensemble appropriate to the 1860s. D. Membership Benefits:
Receive a membership certificate to the Society of the Black Rose. Receive
or be able to purchase a black ribbon or pin with Society of the Black
Rose on it to wear at events. Special Ribbons may be given for the
attendees for some events.
XVI. DISSOLUTION:
In the event of dissolution of the Society, all assets are to be donated
or sold, and the money received donated to the South Carolina Division
SCV, and/or a qualified nonprofit historical cause chosen by a majority
vote.
XVII. SOCIETY LOGO:
SC Society OCR Bylaws, as of April 30, 2009
The Society logo is based on the South Carolina Sovereignty flag. (The
flag has a red background with blue stripes, one vertical and one horizontal,
each centered. One large white star sits at the intersection of these
stripes. Four white stars appear on each side of the central star horizontally
and three white stars appear above and below the central star vertically.
In the upper left quadrant is a white palmetto tree and white gorget
(crescent) with the points toward the tree. The other three quadrants
show only the red background.) The society logo adds the letters SC in
white to lower left quadrant and the letters OCR in white to the lower
right quadrant. Use of this logo is strictly limited to the South Carolina
Society Order of Confederate Rose's official documents, pins, and statewide
fund-raisers. Other uses of the Society logo must be approved by majority
vote of the Executive Council. Individual chapters-in-good-standing are
encouraged to create a chapter logo, which is easily distinguished from
the SC Society OCR logo.
XVIII. REINSTATEMENT AN INACTIVE CHAPTER
A. There must be at least 4 paid members in the reinstating chapter.
SCOCR must have their applications with the required recommendation
and referral signatures.
B. If a member is transferring from another chapter or at-large, SCOCR
should have a letter or email stating the desire to transfer. C. SCOCR must have confirmation from the sponsoring SCV Camp that they
wish to have a supporting OCR chapter.
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
STANDING RULES and other votes that remain in effect:
6/99 (at organizational meeting):
The Registered Agent will be Anne Gelwicks until changed by the Council.
The Society will file and maintain a tax-exempt status with the Secretary
of State’s office.
SC Society OCR Bylaws, as of March 2008 5
The Society will start and maintain a checking account, with at least
two Council members allowed to sign checks. One must be the Treasurer;
the other may be the President. (This has been done.)
4/20/02 (at Annual Meeting, Aiken):
SCOCR voted to sponsor the Columbia Confederate Memorial Day “Reading
of the SC Roll of the Dead”.
04/25/06 (via ballot):
If the SC Society Web Space allows for more than one domain at no extra
charge, the Confederate-Rose.org may share the allotted space.
SCOCR voted to purchase the current paperback edition of Robert’s
Rules of Order, Newly Revised (RONR).
Approximate cost is $18, not to exceed $25.00 with S&H and tax.
SCOCR voted to purchase the current short book that provides a simple
introduction to parliamentary procedure, Robert's Rules of Order Newly
Revised In Brief. Approximate cost is $7, not to exceed $12.00 with S&H
and tax.
04/25/07 (via ballot):
SCOCR will make a one time donation $195 to Palmetto Partisans to add
to their $300 so they can present a full scholarship to the winner of
Palmetto Partisans’ essay contest.
SCOCR will purchase a door prize to take or send to the national OCR
annual meeting in Alabama in 2007, not to exceed $100.00.
03/15/08 (at Annual Meeting, Lexington):
SCOCR will maintain an operating balance of no less than $2,000. All
funds over this amount will be denoted to one or more nonprofit worthwhile
projects within South Carolina.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = |
