(Amended
by the National Convention, Olando, Florida, July 2006) ARTICLE
I NAME, EMBLEM, OBJECTIVE, AND BASIS OF UNION Section 1 The name of this
fellowship shall be the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Inc. (hereafter referred to
as the Brotherhood). It is a ministry to and for men and youth within the Domestic
and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United
States of America or any church within the fellowship of the Anglican Communion
(hereafter referred to as the Church). The Brotherhood's emblem shall be the CROSS
OF ST. ANDREW.
Section 2 The Brotherhood acknowledges God: Father, Son
and Holy Spirit; and accepts its responsibility for individual ministry to represent
Jesus Christ and His Church; to bear witness to Him wherever we may be; and, according
to the gifts given to us, to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation in the world;
and to take our place in the life, worship and governance of the Church. The
objective of the Brotherhood shall be as stated in Section 2 of the Act of the
US Congress which, on May 30, 1908, incorporated the Brotherhood in the District
of Columbia: "That the sole object of said corporation shall be the spread
of Christ's Kingdom among men." To this end, each member of the Brotherhood
pledges himself to follow three Disciplines, which are: Prayer, Study, and Service. The
Discipline of Prayer is to pray daily for the spread of Christ's Kingdom, especially
among men and youth, and for God's blessings on the work of the Brotherhood. The
Discipline of Study is to study the Holy Scriptures regularly and the teachings
of the Church to attain a better understanding of how to follow Christ and bring
others into His Kingdom. The Discipline of Service is to make continuous
efforts, week by week, to bring others nearer to Christ through His Church. Section
3 Any group of men, or youth under the direction of a Brotherhood Chapter,
in any parish or mission of the Church, institution, prison, military organization,
or Veterans Administration facility, first having the approval of the rector,
vicar, minister-in-charge or a Chaplain of the Church, is entitled to apply for
a charter as a Chapter of the Brotherhood, and upon approval by the Central Office,
to representation at Conventions of the Brotherhood. Withdrawal of clergy approval
terminates the right to hold a charter, however, those individuals who elect may
retain their membership status by becoming Members-at-Large. In any institution
not of the Church or at any military or Veterans Administration facility not served
by a Chaplain of the Church, a Chapter of the Brotherhood may be established only
with the approval of the Bishop of the Diocese in which said institution is situated.
Chapters so formed shall be under the supervision of the Bishop or of a deputy
appointed by him. In any Diocese where three or more Members-at-Large desire to
coordinate their efforts in behalf of the Brotherhood, a Bishop's Chapter of the
Brotherhood may be established with the approval of the Bishop. Chapters so formed
shall be under the supervision of the Bishop or of a deputy appointed by him. Only
men and youth baptized in the Christian faith may be admitted to active membership
in the Brotherhood and only communicants of the Church may hold elective office
or be designated as delegates to Brotherhood Conventions. In the case of a Youth
Chapter, or a Chapter chartered in a Military, Veterans Administration facility,
or penal institution, this requirement may be waived, but only with the approval
of the rector, vicar, minister-in-charge or chaplain. Membership in Youth
Chapters shall be limited to young men and boys; only males may be members or
officers of the Brotherhood. Women and girls may participate in Brotherhood activities
as Associates, as provided in Article II, Section 2. Section 4 In the
event of the dissolution of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Inc., all assets and
real estate of the Brotherhood shall go into an investment trust under the control
of the Executive Council of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America. Income from the trust,
to be known as the St. Andrew's Trust, shall be used to support a program of evangelism
among men and youth. Top
ARTICLE
II MEMBERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION Section 1 There shall be three classes
of membership: Active, Life and Honorary. An "Active Member" is one
who has pledged to follow the Disciplines of the Brotherhood and whose current
annual dues have been paid, either individually or through his Chapter. Active
members who cannot practically become affiliated with an active Chapter shall
be known as Members-at-Large. A "Life Member" shall be any person
otherwise eligible for membership, who having made a contribution of a special
amount of $600 will receive a certificate of Life Membership and will receive
no further dues billings. A portion, not exceeding 20.0% of such contribution,
shall be allocated toward current operating expenses with the remainder being
invested in the Brotherhood Foundation, under control of the Trustees. An
"Honorary Member" is one who because of high eminence in the Church,
or outstanding leadership in Brotherhood work at home or abroad, is deemed worthy
of the highest honor the Brotherhood can bestow. A unanimous vote of the National
Council, in meeting assembled, or of the National Convention will alone create
such membership. Honorary members may by their own decision remain or become active
members by the payment of annual dues. They will always be entitled to the floor
at any Brotherhood meeting, but not to vote unless otherwise qualified for the
particular type of meeting attended. There shall be an honorary body known
as "The Brotherhood Legion" to which all categories of members may be
elected by the Executive Board in recognition of distinguished service in the
Brotherhood. A special emblem shall be provided for members of this body. Section
2 Women may be invited to all Brotherhood meetings as "Associates."
Associates may attend Brotherhood meetings, and at Chapter and Assembly levels
may participate in discussions and activities of the Chapter or Assembly; but
Associates may not hold Chapter or Assembly office or have delegate status at
national events and may not be recognized as "members" of the Brotherhood. Section
3 The membership of the Brotherhood is organized into Chapters and Assemblies
(of Chapters and Members-at-Large) with a Central Office as the administrative
agent of the President. In addition, the President, with the consent and advice
of the National Council or its Executive Board, may create Regional or Provincial
subdivisions of the Central Office in order to facilitate the transaction or supervision
of Brotherhood affairs. Chapters shall be Senior (including youths) or Youth
(under 20 years of age), depending on the age limits of their members and meeting
of other Constitutional and Bylaw requirements. Each active Chapter is entitled
to vote at National Conventions as prescribed in the Bylaws and in the Constitution
(see Section 2, Article IV). "Assemblies" shall be organized groups
of four or more chapters within any diocese, or geographical area which, with
the consent of the Bishop(s) concerned, band together for better coordination
of Brotherhood activity in the area concerned. Assemblies are entitled to elect
National Council Members and Delegates to the Convention as prescribed in the
Bylaws. The National Council or its Executive Board may in particular cases waive
the numerical requirement of four chapters for organization or continuation of
an Assembly. Assemblies of less than four chapters shall, unless such waiver has
been received, lose their right to elect National Council Members and Convention
Delegates and the term of office of any National Council Member so elected shall
be terminated coincident with the official discontinuation of the Assembly. Provincial
Councils may be established in those Provinces with two or more Assemblies. The
Provincial Council shall consist of the Provincial President, Diocesan Coordinators,
Associate Field Secretaries; each Chapter shall have a representative, and other
National Council members in the Province, and Assembly Presidents. The Provincial
Council shall meet at least once a year, prior to the annual Council meeting to
review progress versus goals in establishing new chapters and, and for plans to
better support the operations of chapters within the Province. "The
Central Office" of the Brotherhood shall consist of the President, Senior
Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such full time or part time administrative
officers or employees as are necessary to transact Brotherhood business. No employee
of the Brotherhood may be a member of the National Council but shall be entitled
to be heard by it when matters within his cognizance are under discussion. The
location of the Central Office shall be prescribed by the National Council. Top
ARTICLE
III NATIONAL OFFICERS Section I To be eligible for election to National
Office in the Brotherhood an individual must be an active member of the Brotherhood
and of the National Council. Failure to remain active or termination of National
Council membership automatically terminates tenure of any officer, except that
the Presiding Bishop of the Church shall be the Honorary President of the Brotherhood
regardless of any other requirements. Section 2 The National elective
officers of the Brotherhood shall be a President, a Chairman, a Senior Vice President,
one or more other Vice Presidents as provided in the following sections 3 and
4, a Treasurer, a Secretary and a Chaplain who shall be a Bishop of the Episcopal
Church. The National Officers shall be elected by the National Council at its
annual meeting held coincidentally with and immediately following the National
Convention. Section 3 One or more Vice Presidents, not exceeding eight
(8), may be elected by the National Council for specific supportive duties, as
prescribed in the Bylaws, with the National Officer status. Section 4 Provincial
Presidents, who shall have corollary designation as Vice Presidents with National
Officer status, shall be elected annually by their Provincial Council if one exists.
Where a Provincial Council does not exist, the Provincial Presidents shall be
elected by the National Council annually. Elections of Provincial Presidents shall
provide one (1) for every National Province of the Church, or Region where a Province
is divided; and may be so elected for overseas jurisdictions. The Provincial President
shall administer Brotherhood affairs and promote the Brotherhood in his Province
or Region under the supervision of the Senior Vice President and authority of
the President. Section 5 The terms of office for elected officers shall
be one (1) or three (3) years as stated in the Bylaws for the particular office.
Except for the Chaplain, for whom there is no term limit, and as otherwise provided
in the Bylaws, No person shall serve more than nine (9) three (3) year terms or
nine (9) one year terms. A two-thirds majority shall be required for election
in the final three years in office. Any former officer, after a full term out
of office, may be elected again to the office, which he previously held. Procedures
for nomination, election, succession in office, including in special circumstances,
and provisions for transitional support by retiring officers, are stated in the
Bylaws. Section 6 The National Officers listed in Section 2 above, and
the Vice Presidents listed in Sections 3 and 4 shall be ex-officio members of
the Triennial Convention, with full voice and vote, as delegates to Convention
representing the National Council; on equal basis with elected Chapter and Assembly
delegates. Section 7 The Chairman, or in his absence the President, shall
preside over the National Triennial Convention and all meetings of the National
Council. The President shall chair meetings of the Executive Board. Committee
appointments (except the Nominating Committee, which is to be elected as provided
in the Bylaws) shall be made by the President. Section 8 The President,
or in his absence or incapacitation, the Senior Vice President, shall be responsible
for the operation of the Brotherhood. He shall be ex-officio a member of all committees
except the Nominating Committee. The Senior Vice President shall be the chief
consultant of the President and, in case of inability of the President to perform
his duties, shall immediately assume the duties, office and title of President,
with the advice and consent of the National Council. Vice Presidents shall perform
appropriate duties prescribed in the Bylaws and as assigned by the President.
The Treasurer may be the Chairman of the Finance Committee and shall supervise
all matters of finance. The Secretary, with the assistance of the Central Office
employees of the Brotherhood, shall keep all corporate records and affix the corporate
seal where required. The Chaplain shall advise the President and the National
Council on religious and ecclesiastical matters. Section 9 The Senior
Vice President, under direction of the President and the National Council, may
be deputized as the chief executive administrator of field work of the Brotherhood
at Provincial (Regional) and Diocesan levels. When so deputized, he shall be responsible
for the administrative organization of the Brotherhood field operations. The administrative
organization shall be defined by an organization chart, to be approved by National
Council and published as an exhibit to the Bylaws. Section 10 All the
National Officers shall take office on the day of their election at the annual
National Council meeting and the day of their election at the Triennial Convention.
Section 11 If any national office except President becomes vacant due
to resignation, death, incapacity, or for any other reason, the President shall
appoint an interim replacement who shall serve until the next National Council
Meeting. At the meeting, an election shall be held to fill the remainder of the
term. If both offices of President and Senior Vice President become vacant,
the National Council Chairman shall serve as Interim President of the Brotherhood
of St. Andrew, Inc. until the next National Council Meeting. At the meeting an
election shall be held to fill the remainder of the term. Top
ARTICLE
IV GOVERNMENT Section 1 Legislative and policymaking functions of the
Brotherhood shall be vested in its National Convention, National Council and Executive
Board as provided in this Constitution and the Bylaws. The President and all other
elected or employed administrative officials will conduct affairs of the Brotherhood
in conformity with the Constitution and Bylaws, and directives of these agencies. Section
2 "The National Convention" of the Brotherhood shall have the sole
power to legislate for the Brotherhood; except that action to amend the Constitution
or Bylaws shall be limited to ratification or rejection of amendments proposed
by the Executive Board as provided in Article X. It shall elect members of the
National Council as prescribed in the Bylaws. Conventions shall be held at intervals
of three years, at times and places determined by the National Council, except
that for special events such as founding celebrations, etc., they may be held
at shorter intervals. Only National Officers and properly accredited Chapter,
Assembly and Provincial Delegates have the right to vote at meetings of the Convention.
However, National Council members, Honorary members and members of Advisory Committees
or Boards have the right to be heard. Every voting delegate must immediately upon
arrival at Conventions present credentials so designating him to the Credentials
officer of the Convention who shall prepare a voting roll of chapters, assemblies
and provinces represented before any vote is taken. On demand of five accredited
delegates, the vote on any question will be taken by roll call. National Officers
and accredited Provincial, Assembly and Chapter Representatives shall be entitled
to cast one (1) vote each on roll call. All members of the Brotherhood are encouraged
to attend Conventions and will be seated without voice or vote at business sessions
unless otherwise eligible or granted permission to speak on a particular issue
by the Convention. Those delegates in attendance establish a quorum. The Chairman
or the President must preside at any session at which a vote is taken. Section
3 The "National Council" shall administer the affairs of the Brotherhood
subject to this Constitution and the actions of the National Convention. It shall
have the power: (a) to execute the provisions of this Constitution and the rules
and orders of the Convention; (b) to enact and amend Bylaws for the transaction
of Brotherhood business; (c) to fill vacancies in its membership caused by death,
resignation or otherwise, except that vacancies occurring among its members who
were elected by Assemblies/Provinces shall be referred to the appropriate Assembly/Province
for filling; (d) to elect the national officers of the Brotherhood; and (e) to
consider and adopt a budget for the ensuing fiscal year. The National Council
shall consist of: (a) Past National Chairmen and Past Presidents; (b) members
elected by the Convention who shall serve through the next Convention and are
eligible for re-election; and (c) members elected by Assemblies and (d) Provincial
Presidents, Diocesan Coordinators and Assembly Presidents all of whom shall be
ex-officio members of the National Council. Only active members of the Brotherhood
shall be eligible for membership in the Council and evidence of lapse of active
status, properly presented, serves to terminate membership. Limitations as to
the number of members will be prescribed in the Bylaws. The National Council
shall meet annually to fulfill its prescribed functions, at a time and place to
be set by the President; the time to be set in consultation with the Finance Committee
and so correlated with the fiscal year as to facilitate preparation of a budget
for the ensuing year, in the light of performance to date in the current fiscal
year. In the year of the Convention, the National Council shall meet concurrently
with the Convention, with agenda correlated as provided in the Bylaws with the
convention agenda, to provide a final meeting for the incumbent Council at or
near the opening of Convention, and an initial meeting of the newly elected (or
re-elected) Council at or near the close of Convention. In addition, the National
Council shall meet within thirty (30) days at the call of the Chairman or the
written request of ten (10) members of the National Council filed at the Central
Office. Except as designated herein and at the time of its annual meeting, the
National Council may administer the affairs of the Brotherhood through its Executive
Board including, if necessary, the election and installation of officers to fill
vacancies caused by death, disability or resignation. Twenty (20) members shall
constitute a quorum of the National Council. In addition to legislative
responsibilities, each member of the National Council has the individual responsibility
of promoting the organization and effectiveness of Brotherhood Chapters in their
respective areas and in assisting in raising funds for the support of the Central
Office. Section 4 "The Executive Board" shall exercise the powers
of the National Council between sessions thereof. It shall screen all proposals
for amendments to the Constitution & Bylaws and shall present recommended
final revisions for ratification by the National Council or National Convention
as provided in Article X. It shall elect a Nominating Committee annually. The
Executive Board shall be composed of the elected National Officers of the Brotherhood
listed in Article III, Section 2, the Vice Presidents and Provincial Presidents
listed in Article III Section 3 and 4, and all Past Presidents of the Brotherhood.
The Executive Board shall meet on call of the President, at such times or places
as he may set. The business of the Executive Board may be conducted by correspondence,
by telephone or other electronic communication means. Memoranda summarizing the
matters discussed and decisions reached by the Executive Board shall be maintained
in the Central Office files; except that records of personnel matters may be retained
in the President's confidential files. Top
ARTICLE
V OTHER PERMISSIVE ADMINISTRATIVE SUBDIVISIONS AND OFFICIALS Section
1 Whenever the President, after consultation with the National Council or its
Executive Board, decides that a "Regional or Provincial subdivision"
of the Central Office will facilitate administration of the Brotherhood, he shall
appoint one of the Vice Presidents therein resident, as chief administrator of
the subdivision and will provide the necessary means, including funds, to carry
out responsibilities delegated to him. Before such subdivision is created, a specific
Bylaw governing its extent, operation and responsibilities must have been adopted
by the National Council (with budgetary justification). Section 2 A Diocesan
Coordinator shall be elected by an Assembly at one of its annual meetings, or
in the absence of assembly action, shall be appointed by the President, or Senior
Vice President. Duties and procedures for election, appointment or reappointment
are as provided in the Bylaws. The Diocesan Coordinator shall further and coordinate
the work of the Brotherhood under the direction of the Provincial President or
Senior Vice President, and serve as a point of contact and resource to the Diocese.
Assembly officers, if there be any, will work harmoniously with the Diocesan Coordinator. Section
3 An "Executive Director, General Secretary, Field Secretaries" and
other such officers may be employed with the consent of the National Council or
its Executive Board, and Associate Field Secretaries may be appointed by the President
with duties prescribed by him. Policies concerning employment, salaries, etc.
shall be defined in the Bylaws. Section 4 A National Missioner may
be appointed by the President.
Top
ARTICLE
VI RELATIONSHIP TO THE NATIONAL CHURCH Section 1 Every effort will be
made at all levels of the Brotherhood to maintain harmonious relations with the
National Church, clergy and church organizations. The guiding principle in such
relations shall be that the Brotherhood is a part, rather than a competitor, of
parish, diocesan, provincial or national programs. Section 2 The President
of the Brotherhood shall annually, immediately following the election of Brotherhood
officers, request the Presiding Bishop to appoint a Bishop's Advisory Committee
of seven members to serve for the succeeding year, and shall recommend that the
Brotherhood Chaplain be included in the membership of the Bishop's Committee.
Advisory Committee members are invited to attend and shall have a voice at all
Brotherhood meetings, but shall have no vote unless otherwise eligible. Section
3 The President may appoint an Advisory Council to be composed of Past National
Chairmen and Presidents and up to ten (10) lay and clergy members, equally divided.
This council will serve until a new President takes office or they are released
from this assignment. Advisory Council members are invited to attend and shall
have a voice at all Brotherhood meetings, but shall have no vote unless otherwise
eligible. Top
ARTICLE
VII FINANCE Section 1 Members-at-Large and Chapter members dues, in the
amount prescribed in the Bylaws, are payable annually on or before January 1st
for each calendar year ending the following December 31st. Dues include contributions
to publications cost of regular Brotherhood publications. Dues notices will be
sent out to members each November 1st for the new calendar year. Dues not paid
by January 31st are considered to be in arrears and delinquent members shall be
considered to be in an inactive status. Each Member-at-Large and Chapter Members
so involved shall be notified by the Central Office to that effect. Assembly Presidents
concerned and National Council Members residing within the Diocese will also be
notified. Should unusual hardship conditions exist within any Chapter, the
Chapter Director may request in writing that a reduction in annual dues be made
for the Chapter members. Such a request will state the amount of dues per member
that the Chapter feels can be paid and the period of time for which such reduction
is requested. The President of the Brotherhood on receipt of such a request shall
investigate and, if conditions warrant, authorize the reduction of dues for an
appropriate period of time. Reductions so granted shall be reported to the Executive
Board at its next meeting. Mitigation of individual dues may be granted as provided
in the Bylaws. Section 2 The general finance policy of the Brotherhood shall
be to prepare a realistic budget and operate within its limits. Should the National
program require more funds than are available from dues and income from endowments,
the President, after having first obtained the consent of the Executive Board,
may solicit the active membership or selected portions of it for gifts to satisfy
a particular need. The amount for annual dues will be evaluated at each annual
meeting of the National Council, in comparison with the previous and future year's
budgets, and appropriate adjustments will be made at such meetings. Section
3 On October 24, 1939, the James L. Houghteling Memorial Fund, a trust, was
established by the Brotherhood. Undesignated memorial contributions shall become
part of this trust. This trust, as amended, is continuing and exists for the purpose
of receiving and retaining funds, the income from which shall be used for the
maintenance, benefit, and support of the Brotherhood. The National Council shall
have the power to amend this trust from time to time as part of the powers delegated
to it under Article IV, Section 3, of this Constitution. The names of all persons
memorialized shall be inscribed in the Brotherhood Book of Remembrance and published
in the Brotherhood magazine. The legal designation of this Trust is "The
Brotherhood of St. Andrew Foundation (James L. Houghteling Memorial Fund)";
also referred to as "The Brotherhood Foundation." The Trustees of the
Brotherhood Foundation shall be the National President and five (5) members elected
by and reporting to the National Council in accordance with the terms of the Trust
Agreement. Top
ARTICLE
VIII NATIONAL OUTREACH Section 1 A national outreach program of an evangelistic
nature shall be adopted annually by the National Council. It should seek the advice
of the Church in the selection of programs. Top
ARTICLE
IX AWARDS Section 1 The President may, with the advice and consent of
the National Council, establish awards honoring and recognizing outstanding service
by particular individuals, to be awarded from time to time (by the National Council
upon nomination by the President or others) to other persons, who may or may not
be members of the Brotherhood, for similar outstanding services. All awards and
honors will be administered in conformity with the Constitution and Bylaws, and
directives of the President and National Council. Section 2 Each
such award shall be cited in a specific Bylaw briefly naming the person honored,
reason for recognition and basis for selection of succeeding recipients. Further
procedural details for nomination, selection, and award shall be maintained in
the Central Office, and made available to interested inquirers. The existence
of each such award and identity of all current recipients shall be appropriately
recorded and published in current Brotherhood directories.
Top
ARTICLE
X AMENDMENTS Section 1 This Constitution may be amended or revised only
by the National Convention and the Bylaws may be amended or revised by the National
Council or by Convention. Amendment actions shall be limited to ratification or
rejection of amendment proposals submitted by the Executive Board. Section
2 Procedures for review, pre-approval and submittal of proposed Constitution
or Bylaw amendments for action by Convention/Council shall be as defined in the
Bylaws. The object of such procedures shall be the presentation to Convention
for Constitution amendment, or to National Council for Bylaw amendment, of a considered
recommendation by the Executive Board for adoption of amendments considered by
the Executive Board to be needed for adoption or rejection by the acting body
with minimal discussion. Section 3 The Central Office shall, through
its publications, notify the membership without delay of all changes made under
the above procedures in either the Constitution or Bylaws. Top BYLAWS
OF THE BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW (As
amended by the National Council, Orlando, Florida, July 2006)
1.
CHAPTERS (a) Upon approval of an application for a Chapter Charter, a number
will be assigned to it by the Central Office, which numbers will remain with the
Chapters in perpetuity, regardless of status. (b) An active Chapter shall
be one which (a) has forwarded to the Central Office an annual report on a form
provided by the Central Office as of the past St. Andrew's Day (November 30),
or whose application for charter has been approved since October 1, immediately
prior to the past St. Andrew's Day: (b) its members have paid their current annual
dues as hereafter prescribed: (c) meets regularly, preferable weekly, for prayer,
study of the Holy Bible, plan for service and regular business: (d) holds regular
corporate communions for its membership: and (e) endeavors to be represented at
Assembly meetings (if there is one) and National Conventions. (c) The officers
of a Chapter shall be Director, Vice Director, Secretary, Treasurer and Advisor
(if it is a Youth Chapter). The rector is ex-officio a Chapter member. In small
chapters, two or more offices may be combined. (d) Each Chapter is entitled
to one voting delegate at National Conventions, except that when local conditions
eliminate the possibility of multiple Chapters in a parish, a Chapter having more
than twenty-five members may have one voting delegate for each twenty-five members
or a major fraction thereof. When Chapter membership begins to approach twenty-five
members, serious consideration should be given to forming a second Chapter within
the parish. (e) Each Chapter delegate to National Convention shall be furnished
with a letter, signed by an officer of
the Chapter, confirming his qualification as a delegate to the Convention. (f)
Women may be invited to all Brotherhood meetings as "Associates." Associates
may attend Brotherhood meetings, and at Chapter and Assembly levels may participate
in discussions and activities of the Chapter or Assembly; but Associates may not
hold Chapter or Assembly office, or have delegate status at National events, and
may not be recognized as "members" of the Brotherhood. Associates may
contribute an annual amount of not less than $20.00, may make additional voluntary
contributions, and on contribution of $600 or more may be recognized as a Life
Associate. Associates may obtain from the Central office and are privileged to
wear a suitable pin or emblem, similar to but distinguishable from that of an
Active member. Life Associates, and Associates, who contribute $20.00 or more,
will receive the St. Andrew's Cross magazine. Top
2.
DUES (a) Each member of the Brotherhood shall pay to the National Treasurer
a dues amount, set at the previous National Council meeting, to cover the operation
of the Central Office and publication of the St. Andrew's Cross. Members below
the age of 20 years or students shall pay a dues amount equal to 20% of the standard
dues amount. All dues shall become due on St. Andrew's Day, November 30, and shall
be paid before the following January 31st. (b) Each member of the Brotherhood
in a newly organized Chapter or reactivated after a lapse of at least one full
year shall pay the full amount of dues if organization occurs more than six (6)
months before St. Andrew's Day. If organization occurs within (6) months and more
than three (3) months before St. Andrew's Day, the amount of dues shall be 50%
of the annual rate. If organization occurs within three (3) months before St.
Andrew's Day, the full annual amount of dues shall be paid and considered paid
until the next following St. Andrew's Day. These arrangements shall be applicable
to individual members joining a Chapter, or Members-at-Large joining the Brotherhood
during the period preceding the next St. Andrew's Day. (c) New members or
reinstated individual members where membership has lapsed for at least one (1)
full Brotherhood year shall be admitted for the same dues quota rate as new or
reactivated Chapter members. (d) Members-at-Large shall pay the same individual
dues as are established above for Chapter members of the same category and age
limits. (e) Chapter members and Members-at-Large will be billed directly
by the Central Office for individual annual dues quota amounts on or about November
1st of each year; such dues then become due and payable by each individual for
the ensuing year beginning December 1. Each Chapter shall be responsible for ascertaining,
and so noting on its annual report, which of its members had individually remitted
dues direct to the Central Office, and for including with the report, payment
for those members who have not remitted; each Chapter is responsible for the full
Chapter quota. (f) When a chapter recognizes that a member is in circumstances
making it impossible for him to pay his dues, then the Chapter Director may, with
the consent of the Chapter members, authorize payment of the member's dues from
the Chapter treasury. If the chapter treasury contains no funds, then the Chapter
Director may appeal to the President, on behalf of the member, for waiver of his
dues for the current dues period, certifying with his appeal that the Chapter
has no funds. Members-at-large may appeal directly to the President for waiver
of their dues. Continuation of a waiver past the current dues period shall be
subject to consideration of the circumstances on an annual basis. (g) Any
person otherwise eligible for membership, making a contribution of a special amount
of $600 will receive a certificate of Life Membership and will receive no further
dues billings. A portion, not exceeding 20.0%, of such contribution shall be allocated
toward current operating expenses with remainder being invested in the Brotherhood
Foundation, under control of the Trustees. Top
3.
ASSEMBLIES (a) Assemblies shall not be numbered but shall be named for the
ecclesiastical or geographical area they represent. Each Assembly organized under
the provisions of the Constitution Article II, Section 3, shall prepare Bylaws,
which shall govern its activities. (Samples of such documents may be obtained
from the Central Office). As a minimum, provisions as to Assembly objectives,
membership by both Chapters and Members-at-Large within the Assembly area, number
of officers and their election, meetings and standing committees will be included.
A copy of such Bylaws shall be forwarded to the Central Office. (b) Each
Assembly shall submit an annual report to the Central Office on a form provided. (c)
Each Assembly may elect one National Council member. An additional National Council
member may be elected for every additional 100 Assembly members above the first
100. National Council members shall be elected to serve a three-year term commencing
as soon as elected. All National Council members so elected or re-elected will
be reported to the Central Office by name, address, and term of office. Assemblies
are solely responsible for re-election or filling of a vacancy when a term expires
for such National Council members. (d) Each Assembly may elect one delegate
to the Triennial Convention for each one hundred Assembly members or fraction
thereof. (e) At the option of the Assembly, or if no specific election of
Convention delegates has taken place, the National Council member(s) elected by
the Assembly may represent the Assembly as its delegate or alternate to the national
Convention. (f) It shall be the duty of the Central Office to keep each
Assembly currently informed of the status (active or inactive), of Chapters and
of the names and addresses of Members-at-Large within the area. Chapter annual
reports together with dues payments and change of address notification from Members-at-Large
will form the basis of such information. (g) A position known as Assistant
Diocesan Coordinator shall be established. Diocesan Coordinators may appoint one
or two Assistant Diocesan Coordinators to assist in carrying out their duties. Top
4.
CENTRAL OFFICE (a) The President, having first justified the positions to the
National Council and secured or budgeted salaries for the positions, may from
time to time appoint and employ, on a full-time basis or a part-time basis, such
paid administrative officers and other employees as are deemed to be necessary
for the effective operation of the Brotherhood. Such officers and employees may
include but are not limited to Executive Director, General Secretary, Assistant
Treasurer, Publications Editor, Field Secretaries, Office Manager, and stenographic
and clerical help. Terms of office, duties and titles shall be determined by the
President acting within budgetary limitations. Policies concerning employment,
salaries, working conditions, employee benefits, termination of employment, and
other personnel matters shall be prepared and kept current by the President, with
the advice of the Personnel Committee, and shall be approved by the Executive
Board. Up-to-date job descriptions shall be maintained for all employees. The
President may authorize travel and other expenses for employees and other members
of the Brotherhood or its Advisory Boards or Committees engaged in Brotherhood
business within budget limitations. (b) The President may appoint, or authorize
Provincial Presidents to appoint, Associate Field Secretaries to serve without
salary for the conduct of Brotherhood affairs within their Province under direction
of the Provincial President. The President may authorize travel and other expenses
within budget limitations for Associate Field Secretaries. Top
5.
VICE PRESIDENTS (OTHER THAN SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT) (a) Vice Presidents, not
exceeding eight (8), may be elected triennially to assist the President in the
administration of the Brotherhood as he designates. (b) Provincial Presidents
may be elected annually to provide one (1) for every Province of the Church or
Region, where a Province is divided. The Provincial President shall administer
Brotherhood affairs and promote the Brotherhood in his Province or Region under
the supervision of the Senior Vice President and authority of the President. A
Provincial President may serve two three (3) year terms or six (6) one year terms.
If a replacement cannot be found, he may continue to serve for an additional three
(3) year term or three additional one-year terms. For the final three years, a
two-thirds majority shall be required for election. No person shall serve as provincial
President for more than nine (9) consecutive years. (c) Regional Vice Presidents
may be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Executive
Board, to represent the Brotherhood for work outside the United States of America
and to establish the Brotherhood in particular areas in which the President sees
that opportunity exists, and where there is presently no functioning organization
of Brotherhood activity. (d) A clear written statement of the authority,
duty and responsibility of each Vice President, in the form of a position description,
shall be prepared by the President, approved by the Executive Board and furnished
to each respective Vice President at the time of his election, or as soon thereafter
as conveniently practicable. A file of these statements shall be maintained in
the Central Office, reviewed and updated by the President and re-approved by the
Executive Board from time-to-time as appropriate and upon assumption of office
by each new President. Top
6.
ELIGIBILITY FOR NATIONAL OFFICE (a) All new nominees for National Office shall
meet requirements of Article III of the Constitution. Names, addresses, and brief
outline of Brotherhood activities, together with title of position for which nominated
and letter from nominee stating willingness to serve, shall be submitted to the
Chairman of the Nominating Committee at least sixty (60) days prior to any National
Council Meeting or National Convention. (b) All nominees for National Council
shall meet requirements of Article IV Section 3 of the Constitution. All elected
National Council members who have missed three (3) consecutive annual meetings
shall not be eligible for re-election unless they attend the Triennial Convention
or they submit an acceptable reason to the Central Office prior to the Convention. (c)
National Council Members elected by the National Convention may not exceed 100
except that each Diocese having at least three Chapters of the Brotherhood may
have a nominee elected to the National Council by the National Convention. There
shall not be more than six (6) additional Council members from a Diocese elected
by National Convention. Additional National Council members may be elected by
the Assembly as outlined in Bylaw 3. (d) Regional Vice Presidents appointed
for work outside the United States of America shall, while so functioning, be
ex-officio members of the National Council, with full voice and vote, without
respect to numerical limitations expressed in Section 6 (c). (e) National
Officers must retain their National Council status per Article III, Section 1,
of the Constitution. (f) Any National Officer who, through unwillingness
or inability, does not fulfill the duties of his office or appropriate duties
assigned by the President, may, after written notice from the President, or the
Senior Vice President in the absence or incapacitation of the President, be replaced
by a vote of the National Council or its Executive Board. Temporary incapacitation
does not apply. (g) The past National Chairmen and Presidents who desire
to continue affiliation with the National Council with diminished participation
may on their request be designated as honorary members of the National Council.
The honorary council members when present at meetings shall have full privileges
with voice and vote and shall receive all communications addressed generally to
the council membership. Top
7.
NOMINATIONS (a) A Nominating Committee of six (6) National Council Members,
of which the President shall not be a member, shall be elected by the Executive
Board to serve a three (3) year term. Two (2) members shall be elected each year
and retiring members shall not be eligible for re-election to the Nominating Committee
for a period of (1) year after expiration of their last term of membership. The
Senior Vice President, whether a Committee Member or not, shall act as temporary
Chairman and call for an organizational meeting to elect a Chairman. The organizational
meeting shall be held at the annual meeting location, prior to or immediately
following adjournment of the annual meeting at which the Committee has been elected. (b)
A Nominating Committee member who wishes to be nominated for an elective office
will recuse himself from any actions taken by the Committee by leaving the place
of discussions. The Nominating Committee shall take no action on nominations until
they meet at the National Council or Triennial Convention. The Committee must
have a majority of its members in order to act. (c) The Nominating Committee's
duties shall be to solicit nominations, determine eligibility of nominees and
prepare a list of all nominees for each meeting of the National Convention, National
Council, Executive Board or any meeting of the National Brotherhood at which elections
are to be held, in accordance with Article III Section I of the Constitution.
Nominations shall be submitted annually to the National Council for National Officer
positions open for election at the designated meeting. Nominations for National
Council membership shall be submitted triennially to the National Convention for
convention election, and annually to National Council for interim replacement
candidates to vacancies arising from death, disability or resignation of Convention
elected members. (d) The Nominating Committee shall screen all nominations
submitted, initiate its own nominations if appropriate, and present for election
a slate of a single nominee for each national office, selected as being in the
judgment of the Committee best qualified for the office for which nominated. The
Committee may, however, in its own discretion, or shall, if so directed by the
Executive Board, submit a multiple slate of two (2) or more candidates for each
office. (e) Regardless of the number of nominees submitted by the Committee
for consideration, the Committee shall include with its report a list of all nominees
for whom nominations were duly received in accordance with the provisions of Bylaw
6(a), with identification of the nominator(s) for each. The Committee shall review
every document submitted to it, on behalf of a nominee, for completeness and accuracy,
and shall make request to the nominator(s) for any additional document or information
which it may need before beginning its selection of nominees. The Committee shall
reproduce and distribute to National Council members in attendance at the election
session the resume of information on each nominee as submitted by the nominator(s).
The Committee's summary report, listing all the nominees for each office, identity
of the nominator(s), and the Committee's recommendations shall be published to
the membership of the National Council, by direct mail or other appropriate means,
not less than two (2) weeks prior to the election date. (f) Nominations
from the floor may be made after the report of the Nominating Committee if advance
acceptance of the nomination has been obtained from the person to be nominated,
as provided by Bylaws 7(g) and 7(h) following. (g) Floor nominations for
National Council may be made by any accredited Delegate, with second similarly
qualified, at any session of the Convention not less than 24 hours prior to the
time set for election unless a particular time for such nominations has been set
in the published agenda or declared by the Chairman. It shall be the responsibility
of the nominator(s) to ascertain and certify (in writing) the eligibility and
willingness to serve of his nominee, unless the nominee is present and gives personal
affirmation. (h) Floor nominations for National office may be made only
at a session of the National Council not less than 24 hours prior to the time
set for election, and, unless such nominee has been previously listed by the Nominating
Committee in accordance with Bylaw 7(e), shall be supported by no fewer than three
(3) National Council members from no fewer than two (2) Dioceses. It shall be
the responsibility of the nominators to ascertain and certify in writing the eligibility
and willingness to serve of the nominee, and to prepare, reproduce and distribute
to the National Council membership, at the time of nomination, an appropriate
resume as prescribed in Bylaw 6(a). (i) Election of National Council members
shall be by voice vote of accredited Delegates to Convention at the time set for
election, unless any nomination shall be challenged from the floor; in which case
a roll call vote on the election of the nominee so challenged may be required
as provided in Article IV Section 2 of the Constitution. (j) Election of
National Officers may be by voice vote, for acceptance of the Nominating Committee
report and election by acclamation, if only a single candidate slate has been
presented by the Nominating Committee, no nominations have been made from the
floor and there is no dissent from the election by acclamation. Otherwise election
shall be by written ballot, on successive ballots until a clear majority has been
established for a single candidate for each office. (k) The Nominating Committee
shall, with the assistance of the Central office, review each year the list of
National Council members and determine those who are no longer interested in performing
the duties of the office. In the case of those elected by the National Convention,
if it is a non-convention year, it shall take steps to seek their resignations
in order to replace them; or, in Convention years, remove their names from the
list of nominees. In cases of Assembly elected National Council members who are
no longer interested, the Committee shall request the President of the Brotherhood
to suggest to Assembly Presidents that the Assemblies replace members with those
who are interested in serving. (l) The Central Office shall inform the Chairman
of the Nominating Committee of vacancies occurring among Brotherhood officers
or Convention elected National Council members promptly so that immediate steps
may be taken to find suitable replacements, and shall inform Assembly Presidents
of vacancies created among Assembly elected National Council members. (m)
At least three months prior to the National Convention, the provisions governing
election to the National Council shall be published by the Central Office and
Chapters shall be advised of their right to nominate National Council members
on the floor of the Convention and the restrictions thereon. Top
8.
FINANCES (a) All personnel of the Central Office involved in handling of funds
shall be adequately bonded. (b) Checks issued by the Central Office will
be signed by two individuals: the Assistant Treasurer and one other designated
bonded person, or, in the absence of either one of these, the Treasurer or a bonded
person designated by him. (c) The Fiscal Year need not be coincident with
the Brotherhood year: December 1, to November 30. The Fiscal Year shall be September
1 to August 31. (d) The annual budget shall be submitted to the Executive
Board by the Finance Committee for its review and possible modification and approval.
The Executive Board shall submit the proposed budget to the National Council in
writing as part of the Annual Report prepared and printed under the direction
of the Central Office. The National Council members at the annual meeting of the
National Council shall make a reasonable amount of time available for discussion
of the proposed budget. The National Council will vote up or down for the approval
or disapproval of the submitted budget without making amendments to the individual
line items. In the event the National Council disapproves the proposed budget
submitted by the Executive Board, the Executive Board will take whatever steps
are necessary to revise and resubmit the budget for a second vote later in the
National Council meeting. (e) The Treasurer, acting if need be through
the Assistant Treasurer, shall keep correct account of all funds received and
paid out by the Brotherhood. He shall keep Brotherhood funds, except for small
amounts of petty cash, in banks approved by the Finance Committee. He shall prepare
and distribute to the Executive Board periodical financial reports on a form prescribed
by the President. (f) The Finance Committee shall keep watch over the financial
condition of the Brotherhood including capital assets, receipts, expenditures,
and preparation of and adherence to an annual budget. (g) There shall be
an annual audit of the books of the Brotherhood by an independent auditor selected
by the Finance Committee. A similar audit shall be performed upon relief from
employment of the Assistant Treasurer. (h) The Treasurer shall establish
rules and regulations governing all travel and expense vouchers and for other
financial procedures subject to approval of the Finance Committee. (i) The
income derived from Thank Offering boxes and designated gifts shall be utilized
in furtherance of the National Brotherhood Outreach Program conforming to Article
VIII of the Constitution. (j) The Trustees of "The Brotherhood Foundation,"
legally known as The Brotherhood of St. Andrew Foundation, (James L. Houghteling
Memorial Fund) shall be the National President of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew
and five (5) members elected by and reporting to the National Council in accordance
with the terms of the Trust Agreement. (k) No bank account shall be created
or continued in the name of The Brotherhood of St. Andrew without the approval
of the President and Chairman of the Finance Committee. However, an independent
account by a recognized Chapter or Assembly may be allowed if it is designated
by the chapter number and parish name or the words "Assembly of" before
the Diocese name, then followed by "of The Brotherhood of St. Andrew."
Thus, chapter 0456-S, St. Luke's Episcopal Church of The Brotherhood of St. Andrew:
or Assembly of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts of The Brotherhood of St.
Andrew. Top
9.
RECORDS (a) All records of the Brotherhood, both financial and administrative,
will be kept in the Central Office, except for such short periods of time that
they may be required for official use elsewhere. The Senior Member of the Brotherhood
staff in the Central Office shall be the custodian of records and shall turn them
over to the successor upon termination of employment or transfer of custody and
obtain a receipt thereon. A copy of this receipt will become part of the official
records. (b) No files or records of the Brotherhood are to be removed from
the Central Office without authorization of the President. An inventory of all
such files and records stored outside the Central Office is to be kept in the
Central Office and available to National Officers. No such files and records are
to be destroyed without approval by the President and vote by the Executive Board. Top
10.
COMMITTEES (a) Committees, except the Nominating Committee, which is otherwise
provided for, shall be appointed by the President in writing. The letter of appointment
shall designate the Chairman and the term for which the Committee is to function.
The President will also state clearly the duties and responsibilities of the Committee,
its authority and the means available to it for the execution of its task. A list
of Committee Chairmen and outline of Committee functions shall be furnished to
the members of the Executive Board and Committee members. Each Standing Committee
shall consist of at least three members including the Chairman. The President
shall be a member ex-officio of all Committees except the Nominating Committee.
Special Committees may be of any size commensurate with the task assigned. (b)
The Standing Committees shall be: (a) Evangelism; (b) Outreach; (c) Constitution
and Bylaws; (d) Finance; (e) Personnel; (f) Nominating; (g) Convention; (h) Youth
Program; (i) Leadership Training Programs; (j) Publications; (k) Brotherhood Legion;
(l) Ministry Extension and (m) Education. Standing Committee reports shall be
rendered by each Chairman as requested by the President and at the annual National
Council Meeting. (c) The Publications Committee shall constitute an Editorial
Board for ST. ANDREW'S CROSS, the magazine of the Brotherhood. The CROSS shall
be published quarterly and mailed to the entire Active and Associate membership
of the Brotherhood and to such other recipients as the Executive Board may direct.
The President, Chairman, Senior Vice President, and the Editor shall comprise
the Editorial Board. Membership may be expanded to include one or more Past Presidents
or other Brothers having particular expertise as the Executive Board may direct. (d)
At the discretion of the President, with the exception of the Nominating Committee,
the function of two or more of the designated Standing Committees may be combined
in a single committee under a single Chairman; the additional duties are to be
specifically delineated in the President's letter of appointment of the Chairman
of the dominant Committee. Such reassignment of Committee functions shall continue
during the term and at the pleasure of the current President unless otherwise
directed by National Council or Executive Board action. Top
11.
MEETINGS (a) Business meetings of the Convention, National Council and Executive
Board shall be conducted in conformity with Robert's Rules of Order. (b)
Meetings of the National Council at times of the National Convention shall be
open joint sessions attended by both National Council Members and Convention Delegates,
scheduled in the Convention agenda at times conveniently correlated with Convention
business. At such joint sessions, only National Council members may vote on matters
subject to National Council jurisdiction. When, during such sessions, matters
are raised or presented which are appropriate for action by the Convention, these
shall be voted on only by properly accredited Convention Delegates. (c)
The National Council meeting to be held prior to Convention (Article IV, Section.
3) shall be scheduled as an early agenda item following the formal opening of
Convention. At this meeting, the Council shall present its recommendations to
Convention regarding Nominations, Constitution amendments and other matters requiring
Convention consideration. The Executive Board may meet in private session prior
to the National Council meeting, for consideration of recommendations for National
Council action prior to presentation to Convention. (d) This session shall
be the occasion for the National Council and/or Presidential reports to Convention,
and for formal submission to Convention of Constitution amendment proposals and
Nominations for National Council elections. Nominations for National Officer election
shall also be announced, for later election by National Council. (e) Committee
reports to either the Convention or the National Council are to be written and
included in the material to participants. Reports by Committee Chairmen are to
be submitted by title unless there is a decision to be made by the National Council. (f)
The floor may be opened for other nominations immediately after the announcement
of the Nominating Committee reports for National Council candidates, for election
by Convention, and for National Officer candidates, for election by National Council;
or, the receiving of floor nominations may be deferred until a later joint session
to be scheduled no less than twenty-four (24) hours before the respective elections.
Floor nominations shall conform to the requirements of Bylaw 7(g) for National
Council nominees, Bylaw 7(h) for National Officer nominees. (g) The National
Council meeting to be held following Convention (and after the new National Council
elections) (Article III, Section 2) shall be scheduled prior to formal closing
of Convention, and conducted as a joint session as prescribed in Bylaw 11(b).
Only National Council members may vote for the election of National Officers.
Convention delegates may be granted the privilege of the floor for candidate endorsement
or other comment pertinent to the elections. (h) It shall be the Chairman's
responsibility under the direction of the President and with the Central Office
support and following the announcement by the President of the selection, location
and time for the Council meetings to make all necessary arrangements for accommodations
for Convention and Council meetings. This will include facilities, agenda, support
services to assist him in this function the Chairman may appoint a local meeting,
or convention Chairman or local support committees. The meeting or convention
chairman shall be a National Council member. Top
12.
STUDY AND TRAINING AIDS (a) The Ministry Committee shall be charged with the
responsibility for preparing manuals and guides for the training of new members
and officers, and for assisting both individuals and Chapters toward fulfillment
of the Rules of Study and Service. The Manuals and Guides currently authorized,
and available from the Central Office are: " DEVOTIONAL HANDBOOK "
HOW TO MANUAL " ALL PURPOSE TRAINING GUIDE " CHAPTER OFFICER'S
GUIDE " CHAPTER TRAINING PROGRAM " ORIENTATION PROGRAM FOR NEW
CHAPTERS/MEMBERS " THE ASSEMBLY PLAN " NEW CHAPTER SPONSOR GUIDE "
CHAPTER STATUS & TRAINING EFFECTIVENESS PROCEDURES " BROTHERHOOD OF
ST. ANDREW REPORTING FORM " QUESTIONNAIRE/CHAPTER STATUS & TRAINING
EFFECTIVENESS " ANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BROTHERHOOD " A
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW (b) The Youth Program Committee
shall be charged with the responsibility for preparing manuals and guides for
the training of Youth Chapter Sponsors, members and officers, and for assisting
both individuals and chapters toward fulfillment of the Brotherhood responsibility
of "Bringing Boys to Christ." The Manuals and Guides currently authorized
and available form the Central Office are: " YOUTH PROGRAM MANUAL "
YOUTH CHAPTER BYLAWS Top
13.
BYLAW SUPPLEMENTS (a) Promptly following each National Council meeting at which
action has been taken to change the dues amount(s) or payment schedule, or to
amend these Bylaws, the Central Office shall prepare a "Bylaws Supplement"
which shall, after initial distribution to the Brotherhood leadership, be included
as an insert with copies of the Constitution and Bylaws publication as distributed.
The supplement shall contain two (2) sections: (1) A statement of current
dues and dues payment schedule; a supply of this section to be maintained at the
Central Office for distribution on request by Brotherhood members or others interested
in the Brotherhood. (2) A summarization or digest of all current Constitution
or Bylaws provisions which differ from those included in the current stocked edition
of these documents: this section to be discontinued on publication of an updated
edition of the Constitution and Bylaws. Top
14.
AMENDMENTS (a) Any active chapter or Assembly may propose an amendment to the
Constitution by forwarding a resolution embodying the exact wording of its proposal
to the President of the Brotherhood not later than six (6) full months before
the day on which a National Convention is to assemble. (b) The Executive
Board shall give full consideration to all proposed amendments to the Constitution
at a meeting, or by mail if a meeting is not practicable, immediately following
the President's receipt thereof and shall record its recommendations as to adoption,
rejection or change of language without delay. (c) The Executive Board may
propose an amendment or revision of the Constitution by tendering to the President
a resolution embodying the exact wording of the proposal not later than the publication
deadline for a Brotherhood publication mailed three months prior to the date a
National Convention will convene. (d) Proposed Constitutional amendments
or revisions shall be circulated to the Brotherhood membership by the Central
Office in an issue of the Brotherhood publication mailed not less than three months
prior to the day on which the National Convention will convene, with notice that
it will be presented to the Convention for action. In the case of Chapter and
Assembly proposals, the Executive Board recommendations thereon will immediately
follow the text of the proposed amendment. (e) Only proposed Constitutional
changes or revisions thereof submitted according to the preceding sections shall
be presented to the Convention. Adoption shall require a two-thirds vote taken
on written ballot of the accredited chapter delegates present at a session of
the Convention formally designated for this purpose in the Convention program
and announced to the delegates at least forty-eight hours in advance of the vote.
The attention of all chapters shall be called to this provision in the same Brotherhood
magazine that publishes the proposed amendment or revision. (f) Debate on
a proposed amendment or revision to the Constitution may take place at any business
session of the Convention prior to the designated time of voting. At this time,
revision of the proposed changes may be made by a simple majority of the accredited
delegates voting. (g) Amendments to Bylaws may be proposed by a Chapter
or Assembly at any time by forwarding a resolution embodying the exact wording
of the proposal to the President of the Brotherhood. Such proposals will be reviewed
by the Executive Board and presented to the National Council at its next meeting
together with any recommendations thereon. The Executive Board and any National
Council member may propose amendments to the Bylaws at any meeting of the National
Council. A two-thirds vote of the National Council members present at a properly
called meeting is required for adoption of proposed amendments. (h) The
Central Office shall, through publications, notify the membership without delay
of all changes made under the above procedure in either the Constitution or Bylaws Top |