Bylaws

1. Venturing Code

As a Venturer, I believe that America’s strength lies in our trust in God and in the courage, strength, and traditions of our people.

I will, therefore, be faithful in my religious duties and will maintain a personal sense of honor in my own life.

I will treasure my American and (Ethnic) heritage and will do all I can to preserve and enrich it.

I will recognize the dignity and worth of all humanity and will use fair play and good will in my daily life.

I will acquire the Venturing attitude that seeks the truth in all things and adventure on the frontiers of our changing world.

2. Crew Bylaws

A. Objectives:

1. The objective of Crew is to

2. To pursue high adventure

3. To have fun and grow as young adults

B. Crew committee

Will have an executive of Chairperson and at least two other members, as well as a charter organization representative. The crew committee shall be known as the committee. The president will report to the committee at monthly committee meetings. The crew committee will oversee activities, treasury, charter organization and crew organization.

C. Membership

Membership shall be open to all young adults of at least high school age who live in the surrounding area and have completed the eighth grade and are at least 14 years of age and up to 21 years of age. No prospective member shall be disqualified because of race, color, creed or sex. All members must be registered as Venturers and agree to the crew code and bylaws.

All male members of the crew from the ages of 14 and 18 are able to cross register as a member of a Troop There will be no less than two (2) adults, one of which shall be a registered Advisor at any given time. There will be no limit on the maximum number of Advisors. With activities including both sexes, at least one of the adults must be male and at least one must be female.

D. Officers

1. The elected officers shall be president, two vice presidents (administrative and program), secretary and treasurer. The officers shall appoint activity chairs and make other assignments as needed. The duties of the officers shall be as prescribed in the Venturing Leader Manual.

2. The normal term of office shall be for one year starting March. Elections shall be held in February, at least two weeks prior to the first general meeting in March.

3. No member shall serve more than two successive terms in the same office. The officers shall undergo a review after 6 months in office. If they are failing to do their duties as directed, a by-election will be held to complete the year term. If an officer resigns, quits Venturing or is unable to complete his or her duties, a temporary officer will be appointed by the current officers until the 6 month review is reached for all the officers, at which time a by election/end of term election will be held.

4. The president shall appoint a nominating committee, which shall consist of three members. The committee shall interview and present a complete slate of candidates who have agreed to stand for election, to serve to the best of their abilities.

5. On the night of the election, nominations may be presented from the floor by any member. If the nomination is seconded and the candidate agrees to serve, he or she must be included on the ballot.

6. All elections shall be by secret ballot.

7. Officers of the crew must attend 75% of the Crew meetings, unless excused. Regular non-attendance will be a cause for review.

8. Members shall only hold one position of office at any one time.

Appointed members, such as activity chairs will oversee and organize events as appointed by the president or recommendations of the crew advisor. Assistance will be available from elected membership and advisor.

E. Crew Business

Crew business will be conducted under the principles outlined in Robert’s Rules of Order. Voting on all issues will be by simple majority of members present if the quorum is met, with the exception of changes or amendments to the bylaws, which will require a 75% vote of the total membership.

A quorum shall consist of one more than half the majority of members.

F. Meetings

General meetings (TBD)will be held once a month on the last Sunday of the month, regardless of campouts and other activities. Working or program meetings will be scheduled as needed with appropriate notice.

All meetings shall begin with the posting of the colours, the pledge of allegiance, the oath, and law. Special meetings will be called and held as necessary to complete planning or other unfinished business.

The calendar of meetings will be decided in March, at the first meeting after elections of officers.

G. Officers’ meetings

Officers meeting will be held prior to the general meeting, preferably on a different day and time, to prepare for the general meeting.

H. Newsletter

The crew will use either e mail, website, or newsletter to inform of upcoming events and meetings. A phone tree will also be created to disseminate information as necessary.

I. Dues

Crewmembers will pay yearly dues as noted in the rules and regulations. The dues will cover registration costs and other costs as deemed necessary by the crew. Members will be given the opportunity to earn the needed dues in fundraising activities.

J. Fund raising

Crew members will be given the opportunity to participate in crew fund raising to pay for dues as well as defer activity costs. Members who do not participate in fund raising projects are not entitled to any benefits of the funds earned. All money earning projects must be approve by a majority vote of crew members, and must be approved by the. Advisor and meet BSA requirements.

K. Uniforms

The crew will develop a uniform code for an "A" Class, and "B" Class uniform consistent with the event or function. It will be part of the rules and regulations. Appropriate "A" class attire will be worn by the crew at official functions.

L. Treasury

A crew member will be elected as a treasurer, and will follow the Crew Treasures Manual, as listed in the Venturer Leaders Manual. The Venturer will be assisted by the Committee Treasurer or Advisor in managing the ledger and funds. All cheques will require the signature of either the president or treasurer and adult treasurer or advisor.

The treasurer will report the budget at every general meeting and will adopt a budget for the crew.

M. Public Displays of Affection

All crewmembers, youth and adult, will be cognizant of the fact that both sexes are present for all functions. Co-ed behavior expectations include the following: Be respectful and considerate of each other’s bodies and psychological boundaries. No entering the domiciles (tents, rooms etc.) of the opposite gender. No public display of affection (PDA) should occur at any crew-sanctioned activities. This includes kissing, hugging and handholding. At all times there must be co-ed groups of three. Co-ed groups of two (male/female) are never permitted to be alone, and must always have a third person to leave the designated camp area.

N. Tobacco and Drug Use

The BSA prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances at encampments or activities on property owned and/or operated by the BSA, or at any activity involving participation of youth members.

Although some Venturing age participants are of legal age to purchase and use tobacco they are considered Youth participants under the guide of safe scouting until the age of 21.

Adult leaders should support the attitude that young adults are better off without tobacco and not allow the use of tobacco products at any BSA activity involving youth participants.

O. Discipline

The Crew will convene the officers for breaches of discipline/bylaws/rules and regulations. The crew advisor may recommend convening a disciplinary hearing. The officers with advisor present will review the events in question, in close door deliberations.

The discipline hearing will make recommendations as to outcome or punishment. The spirit shall be educational and congenial. Any recommendations must be considered by the advisor and/or committee. Any severe breaches will be reviewed by the committee

Discipline recommendations may involve education, restitution, work detail, loss of privileges or in the severe cases dismissal from the crew.

P. Rules and Regulations

Rules and regulations are to be developed as the crew matures. These are flexible guidelines that can be amended by a 2/3 vote. These rules are to be developed as the situations arise and voted on by the majority at the regular business meetings. Rules and regulations can be motioned by any member of the crew, but do not supercede the bylaws.

Q. Driving Members

Members are able to drive to events if over the age of 16, have driver’s license for at least 6 months, had no suspensions of license, and must follow all driving laws and BSA safe Scouting. They must be listed on the tour permits, as a driver, and follow the insurance requirements of BSA. Drive time is limited to a max of 10 hrs. including rest and stops. An adult over 21 must be in charge and accompany the group as a tour leader.

R. Limited Powers

Any of the bylaws or rules and regulations is secondary to national, council and district guidelines as well as the guide to safe scouting. When inserting Council or National Guidelines to Crew 1865 bylaws, there is no vote needed. The crew may not edit the higher rules in any way, and must adhere to all higher rulings and respect those decisions.

! PLEASE NOTE ALL VOLUNTEERS [civilian or military] MUST BE 13 OR OLDER TO VOLUNTEER AT THE VILLAGE AND MUST ATTEND 0NE OF THE VILLAGE TRAINING SESSION(S) PRIOR TO THE NIGHT OF THE EVENT.! You may not handle weapons until NRA Trained or Attended Boot camp with OVI unit and are signed off on safety.

Ohio Historical Society "All Halows Eve" A 19th-century Halloween celebration featuring The Headless Horseman

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" ... In the dark shadow of the grove, on the margin of the brook, he beheld something huge, misshapen and towering.

It stirred not, but seemed gathered up in the gloom, like some gigantic monster ready to spring upon the traveler ..."

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It was "THE RECRUITING SERGEANT" AGGGGHHHHHH !!!!!

Article I: Name

The name of this organization shall be The 30th Ohio Volunteer Association, hereinafter referred to as “The Regiment”.

Article II: Purpose

The Regiment is a non-profit historical and educational group to encourage an interest in national and local history of the Civil War era through public presentations, demonstrations, ceremonial activities, and the reenactment of historical events.

Article III: Membership

A: Membership is open to persons 13 years of age or older and families with an interest in the purposes of the Regiment. Persons under 18 years of age must have written parental consent for participation. Application for membership will be approved or rejected by a majority of members at the next meeting after receiving an application. Upon approval of application and payment of annual dues, the applicant will be considered a member in good standing.

B: Consideration of new member applications shall take place after the election of officers for the coming year.

C: In order to remain a member in good standing, and to be eligible to vote for associational and military (if eligible as a military member) officers, members must pay their annual dues in a timely fashion as stated in the By-laws.

Article IV: Associational Officers Associational Officers of the Regiment shall be Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.

A: The Chairman

The Chairman shall have charge of, and preside at, all meetings of the Association, and perform all duties incident to such office, and such other duties as may be required of him by the members. It shall be his duty to open and close all meetings, regular and special, of the Association. He shall appoint pro-tem officers in case of absence. He shall decide all points of law and order arising at the Association meetings. He shall, in case of a tie, have the deciding vote on any question, except in elections. He shall oversee all property of the Association. He shall sign such cards, certificates, or other papers as may require his signature to make them valid. He shall appoint chairmen of ad hoc committees.

(1)

B: Vice-Chairman The Vice-Chairman shall officiate in the absence of the Chairman at all meetings, and perform any and all duties that the Chairman has a right to and should perform, were he present. He shall perform all other duties as may be required of him by the Chairman.

C: Secretary The Secretary shall record the transactions of the meetings of the Regiment. These minutes shall be recorded in a “minutes book” provided by the Regiment. The Secretary shall retain copies of all correspondence conducted by the Regiment or received by the Regiment until such time as he may be authorized to dispose of the same, by action of the members. The Secretary shall deliver to his successor all books, files, papers, and any and all other property of the Regiment in his possession. The Secretary shall sign such certificates, cards, or other papers as may require his signature to make them valid.

D: Treasurer The Treasurer shall keep a complete and accurate record of all financial matters of the Regiment in a book or books provided for that purpose by the Regiment. He shall draw checks against the funds of the Regiment for payment of bills approved by the Regiment. He shall collect all initiation fees and dues and record the same. He shall deposit in the name of the Regiment all funds paid to him, from any and every source, in such banks or bank as the Regiment may select. It shall be his duty to keep an accurate account of all money received and expended by him, and he shall report at each meeting of the Regiment the amount of money handled, along with receipts and disbursements. He shall be responsible for submitting all registration documents and fees for events voted upon by The Regiment to attend as a unit.

Article V: Military Officers Military Officers of The Regiment shall include, but not be limited to, Captain, 1st Lieutenant, and 1st Sergeant. Other officers of lower rank may be added as needed by The Regiment.

Article VI: Meetings There shall be at least two regularly scheduled meetings per year: The first, at which election of Associational and Military Officers shall take place, shall occur in November/December of the present year. The second, at which the event schedule for the following season shall be determined, shall occur in January/February of the following year. Other business matters of The Regiment may also occur at either meeting. Other meetings shall be called by the Chairman as deemed appropriate. Notice of such meetings shall be given to the membership at least two (2) weeks in advance. Time and place of such meetings shall be determined by the Chairman. A Quorum shall consist of at least two (2) Associational officers, at least one of which must be the Chairman or Vice-Chairman, and ten (10) members. The vote of the majority of the members present shall determine the action of the Regiment on any matter.

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Article VII: Elections

A: Any member of The Regiment is eligible for election to Associational office, and may hold only one such office at a time.

B: Only military members, as defined in the By-laws, are eligible for election to Military office, and may hold only one such office at a time.

C: Officers serve one year terms and may be elected to successive terms.

D: Voting shall be by secret ballot. Members must be present and in good standing to vote.

E: Elections shall be held prior to admitting new members.

F: Officers elected at the November/December meeting begin their term of office at the January/February meeting.

Article VIII: Amendments

Any member may propose amendments to this Constitution and By-laws by advising the Chairman at any meeting and submitting the proposed changes to him in writing at any meeting. Copies of the changes shall be given all members by arrangements made by the Secretary at least one month prior to the next meeting, at which time it shall be voted on by the Regiment.

Article IX: Dissolution In the event the Regiment should cease to exist, dissolution shall transfer all assets and property of the Regiment to the Ohio Historical Society.

A) General Provisions

1.Unit Impression: For reenactment purposes, the Regiment will portray Company B, 30th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Members may do other impressions as required by event scenarios.

2.Dues: Dues will be $15.00 for Single (Individual) Membership or $20.00 for Family Membership. Dues are due and payable with the member's initial application, and thereafter at the first meeting of each year. Members who have not paid their dues by the Basic Training event each year will be removed from the roster.

3.Age Requirements: The minimum age to fire long guns at events is 15 years of age. The minimum age to fire a handgun is 16 years of age.

4.Behavior Considerations: Each member is responsible for behaving in a suitable manner during unit activities, including, but not limited to, meetings and events. We seek to honor those of the Civil War time period, and therefore should be always mindful of how we represent those men and women of the time

5.Safety: Each member is responsible for the maintenance and/or safe operation of equipment and weapons in their possession. The senior infantry officer (or NCO) present at an event is responsible for the safety of the Company. He will conduct a weapons inspection prior to each battle scenario, before firing begins, and will insure that the Company is instructed in safety procedures. Any and all safety rules imposed by the event hosts will be complied with.

6.Termination of Membership: Irresponsible behavior or behavior contrary to the good of the Regiment may be cause for termination of membership. In such cases, the offending member will be advised of the accusations against him by the Chairman, and will be given an opportunity to explain his (her) behavior to the Chairman. The unanimous vote of the elected (Association) officers will be required for termination. Termination for cause will be announced at the next meeting, and will be effective immediately, unless opposed by a majority of the members present.

B) Military Rank Structure:

1.All military ranks and ratings are automatically resigned at the end of each year. In addition, any officer or NCO who is no longer willing or able to serve may resign at any time.

2.Officers or NCO's whose performance is unsatisfactory may be relieved by the Chairman at the request of the military membership. Such action may only be taken if a majority of the military members serving under that officer or NCO request such action in writing.

3.Any vacancy among commissioned officers which occurs during the year shall be filled by a special election called by the Chairman. Vacancies among the NCO's will be filled by advancing those next in rank. The method(s) of casting ballots will be determined by the Chairman.

4.The maximum authorized rank structure will consist of: one (1) Captain, one (1) 1st Lieutenant, one (1) 2nd Lieutenant, one (1) First Sergeant, one (1) Quartermaster Sergeant, three (3) Sergeants, and four (4) Corporals.

5.If the number of active members in the unit does not justify filling the maximum rank structure, the members may elect to leave some positions vacant. This matter will be resolved by vote before nominations are made for the annual election each year.

6.Newly elected commissioned officers will normally serve their first year as 2nd Lieutenants. During this first year, they may wear enlisted uniform with officer's insignia. If elected Captain or 1st Lieutenant, they will be expected to purchase officer's uniforms.

7.In addition to those regularly authorized ranks, members may wear brevet or temporary rank appropriate to their impression at specific events. All such brevet ranks are subject to the approval of the Chairman.

8.If the number of men present at an event does not justify their rank, officers and NCO's are encouraged to appear as private soldiers in battle scenarios in order to fill out the ranks.

9.Members with special skills and qualifications may elect to do specialist impressions (e.g. Provost Marshals, Surgeons, Hospital Stewards, Ordnance Sgts., musicians, etc.) with the approval of the Chairman.

10.Officers and NCO's with at least ten (10) years service in the Regiment may, at their option, elect to be "retired" with the highest rank attained. The member will retain the right to wear this rank when appearing with the Regiment, if he so chooses. This rank is purely honorary, will carry no command authority, and will not be part of the rank structure given above.

C) Election of Officers and NCO's:

11.The election of officers and NCO's will take place at the annual November meeting. Voting will be by secret ballot, with the ballots destroyed after the meeting.

12.Any member of the unit may be nominated for any position as an officer or NCO. Members are required to read and understand the "Duties of Officers and NCO's", and agree to perform them before accepting nomination. Nominations may be made by any military member eligible to vote.

13.Officers and NCO's will be elected for a term of one (1) year.

14.To be eligible for election as an officer or NCO, or to vote for military officers and NCO's, a member must have performed duty with the military component of the unit at no less than four (4) events during the previous year. Mere attendance at an event is not enough to satisfy this requirement; the member must have fallen in and participated in the drills, battle scenarios, living history demonstrations, etc.

15.Elections for commissioned officers and NCO's will be held one at a time, in descending order of rank. The member receiving the second highest number of votes for the final corporal's position to be elected will serve as the alternate for that position in case an NCO position becomes open during the year.

16.The position of Quartermaster Sergeant, if deemed as desirable for that year , will not be elected, but will be appointed by the Chairman.

D) Duties of Officers and NCO's:

1.Corporals will be proficient in the School of the Soldier (SoS), to include the Manual of Arms, the various firings, the principles of alignment, marching in line, and marching by the flank. They should be able to teach this material to the privates. Corporals will also be responsible for the safety of their men and will make sure they follow safety procedures. In the absence of sergeants, corporals will perform their duties.

2.Sergeants will be proficient in the SoS, School of the Company (SoC), and the Instructions for Skirmishers (IfS). They should be able to teach this material to the corporals and privates. All sergeants should be familiar with the rules of right and left guides of a company and platoon, and be prepared to serve as guides. Sergeants will assist the First Sergeant with his duties and perform them in his absence.

3.The First Sergeant will be responsible for the administration of the company while at reenactment events, to include preparing required reports and assigning the enlisted men to fatigue and guard details. If no commissioned officers are present at an event, the first sergeant will command the company.

4.Commissioned officers will be proficient in the SoS, SoC, IfS, and School of the Battalion (SoB). They will serve as the principal instructors of the company in the various schools, and will be responsible for training the company to an acceptable level of proficiency. They will also enforce safety procedures and ensure that the company operates according to safe practices. They will apply themselves to the study of period tactical manuals (primarily Casey's, as well as Hardee's, Scott's, etc) and Army regulations and procedures in order to create a more accurate impression. The Captain will command the company on the field at reenactment events. The First Lieutenant will assist the Captain, command the second platoon if the company breaks into platoons, and will command the company in the absence of the Captain.

5.The Quartermaster Sergeant will be responsible for the Regimental property and equipment while in the field, such as the colors, drums, company ammunition (powder, cartridges and caps) and rations, loaner gear and weapons, and any additional Regimental property. He will ascertain what unit property is required at each scheduled event and make arrangements for its transportation to the event. He will keep accounts of all money spent to procure company supplies and will provide them to the Association Treasurer. He will also retain receipts for all Regimental property loaned or issued to members and will retain them until the property is returned. Quartermasters will turn over their records to their successors.

6.The Quartermaster Sergeant holds a "staff" rather than "line" position and therefore will not ordinarily exercise command authority at reenactments. He may serve as a private soldier or perform special duties as prescribed by his commanding officers.

7.The duties and responsibilities of any specialists (musicians, hospital stewards, surgeons, provost marshals, ordnance sergeants, etc.) will be prescribed by the Chairman. These individuals will not command troops unless requested to do so by a line officer.

E) Uniform and Equipment Regulations:

1.A high degree of accuracy and "authenticity" is encouraged. However, it is not intended to require members to produce their own equipment or to spend large amounts of money acquiring "the best" equipment. Uniforms and equipment should appear to be of the correct cut, color, style and materials of items used during the American Civil War. Impressions should be correct for the event the individual is attending. The final authority for the acceptability of any item will be the Chairman. Rules may be adjusted in cases of financial hardship or medical/physical condition.

2.The basic infantry uniform will consist of a dark blue forage cap, dark blue four-button sack coat, and light blue foot pattern trousers.

3.New members will not be required to purchase period-correct footwear or eyeware during their first season only. Members should procure these items, as needed, before the beginning of their second season.

4.Officers may wear any period-accurate style of uniform they choose.

5.In addition to the basic uniform, members are encouraged to purchase and wear other period correct items appropriate to the event they are attending and the impression they are portraying. This includes, but is not limited to: frock coats, "roundabouts" or shell jackets, slouch or "Hardee" hats. 6.Additional equipment that members should seek to purchase includes, but is not limited to: black leather cartridge box and sling, cap box and waist belt; wool blanket; gum or tarred blanket or poncho; black painted haversack; military or civilian style shirt; wool socks; canteen; and suspenders (braces); tin plate or canteen half plate; eating utensils and tin cup or mucket.

7.Hat brass should usually be kept to a minimum, if used at all, and should be appropriate to the impression and event portrayed.

8.Enlisted men will carry full-length, three-banded muzzle-loading, single shot smoothbore or rifled muskets when serving in the ranks. Special weapons such as short rifles (two-banders), breechloaders, and repeaters may be authorized by officers if appropriate to the event. Pistols and combat knives will not be carried by soldiers armed with muskets. Sergeants may elect to wear NCO swords. Commissioned officers will wear swords when on duty and may also carry pistols if so desired.

9.Crimson sashes for commissioned officers, and red sashes for NCO's authorized to wear them according to Army Regulations, may be worn at the option of the individual.

10.Members staying in "authentic" camps during events or living histories will be expected to portray an accurate impression of period camp life when the camps are open to the public. Tents and visible camp equipment should be of a style appropriate to the Civil War period. Non-period items are discouraged, but if present should be effectively concealed, especially when the camps are open to the public.

F) Civilians and Non-combatants:

11.Women, children and those men not wishing to portray soldiers may travel with the Regiment to events and portray civilians of the Civil War period. This gives additional depth to the Regiment's impression and allows members' families to participate.

12.Members staying in an authentic civilian camp or visiting the military camp at an event are expected to maintain a period correct appearance and deportment when the camp is open to the public. Clothing styles appropriate to the 1860's should be worn. Modern clothing and equipment is discouraged, but if present should be effectively concealed, especially when the camps are open to the public.

13.The Chairman may appoint a Civilian coordinator for the season to oversee civilian activities, correct breaches of accuracy, see to the needs of civilian members, and to record names to credit members attending an event.

G) Scheduling of Meetings and Events:

1.All members are strongly encouraged to attend all unit meetings and scheduled events. Meeting dates are set by the Chairman. Event schedules are voted upon by the membership at the annual meetings.

2.Any member of the Regiment, at any scheduled meeting, may propose an event to be added to the Regiment's calendar. A majority vote by the members present is sufficient for approval.

3.The November and February annual meetings should be considered mandatory for all members of the Regiment. Association and military officers and scheduled events are all voted upon at these meetings, so it is imperative that members attend to take part in these activities.

4.Basic Training should be considered mandatory for all military members of the Regiment. This is where we set the stage for the upcoming year concerning drill and other instruction. It is vital to our unit impression that we all have current knowledge of the basics of portraying a soldier in the field.

Review the 30th OVI Constitution page.