Adopted April 7, 2001

Amended April 5, 2003

Amended April 8, 2017

Amended April 21, 2018

 

We, the descendants of Soldiers, Sailors or Marines who served

in the Army, Navy or Revenue Cutter Service of the United States of America during the War of the Rebellion of 1861 to 1865, 

have formed the State Organization of this Patriotic and Fraternal Order, for the purpose and objects set forth in the Constitution of our National Organization; and in so doing, pledge ourselves to commemorate our ancestor’s deeds, to render loyal service to our 

Country and to promote the maintenance of unqualified American citizenship with respect for and honor to

the Flag of the United States of America.

 

Section 1. The Department shall be constituted and remain constituted as provided by the Constitution and Regulations (C&R) governing the National Organization, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and shall be known as the DEPARTMENT OF IOWA, SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR, herein referred to as the Department, State Organization, or Department of Iowa. The Department is organized as an unincorporated association under the laws of the State of Iowa. The organization is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future tax code.

Section 2. The Department of Iowa, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War is a duly constituted State Organization affiliated with the National Organization of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, herein referred to as “National”, or the “National Organization”. The administrative elements of the National Organization may also be referred to in this document as “National”, or the “National Organization”.

 

 

To perpetuate the memory of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the men who saved the Union, 1861 to 1865; to assist in every practicable way in the preservation and making available for research of documents and records pertaining to the Grand Army of the Republic and its members; to cooperate in doing honor to all who have patriotically served our country in any war; to teach patriotism, and the duties of citizenship, the true history of our country, and the love and honor of our Flag; to oppose every tendency or movement that would weaken loyalty to, or make for the destruction or impairment of our Constitutional Union; and to inculcate and broadly sustain the American principles of representative government, of equal rights, and of impartial justice for all.

 

 

Section 1. Membership. Membership of this State Organization, or its Camps associated with this State Organization, shall at all times conform to the requirements as specified in our National Constitution and Regulations.

 

Section 2. Members. A Member shall be any male descendant, whether through lineal or collateral line, not less than fourteen (14) years of age, that are blood relatives of veterans, who honorably served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Revenue Cutter Service of the United States of America, during the War of the Rebellion of 1861-1865; and who have never been convicted of any infamous or heinous crime; or who have, or whose ancestors through whom membership is claimed never voluntarily bore arms against the Government of the United States of America. Members enjoy all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of membership.

Section 3. Life Members. Members who have paid the requisite Life Membership fee as established by the National Organization. Life Members are exempt from the National per capita dues and otherwise, enjoy all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of membership.

Section 4. Junior Members. Males less than fourteen (14) years of age who meet the qualifications stipulated above in Article III, Section 2.

Section 5. Associates. Associates are males at least fourteen (14) years of age who do not meet the qualifications stipulated above in Article III, Section 2, but otherwise meet the requirements for membership established by the National Organization. The number of Associates shall not exceed one-third (1/3) of the total roster. The names of Associates may not be listed on the Camp Charter. Associates otherwise enjoy all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of membership.

Section 6. Junior Associates. Junior Associates are males less than fourteen (14) years of age who do not meet the qualifications stipulated above in Article III, Section 1, but otherwise meet the requirements for membership established by the National Organization.

Section 7. Honorary Members. The Commander-in-Chief, upon recommendation from a Camp, Department, or the National Council of Administration and with the approval of the National Council of Administration, may grant honorary memberships to persons of acknowledged eminence who are especially distinguished for conspicuous and consistent loyalty to the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and who have been active and eminent in maintaining the supremacy of the same and are known not to be eligible for membership in our Order. The National Organization, Departments, and Camps shall not impose the per capita dues, fees, dues, or any other monetary assessment on Honorary Members. Honorary Members are entitled to a free subscription to the Banner.

Section 8. All Brothers (Members, Associates, Juniors and Junior Associates) residing within the jurisdiction of the Department are required to belong to a Camp of their choice or assigned to the nearest Camp if the Brother does not choose a Camp.

Section 9. All Brothers under the age of 18 years of age should be accompanied by a parent or person designated as a Guardian (Grandfather, Brother over the age of 18 years, or Uncle) when participating in ANY SUVCW activity.

     (a) At no time will a non-related Brother be permitted ‘one on one’ contact with a Brother under the age of 18. Any interaction with a Brother under the age of 18 must include at least two (2) Brothers over the age 18 at all times.

     (b) Any Brother who witnesses or suspects in good faith any type of physical, mental or sexual abuse of any member under the age of 18 will immediately report such suspicion to local authorities first and local Camp and Department Commanders immediately.

     (c) Every Brother over the age of 18 who may have contact with a Brother under the age of 18 should complete training related to protecting children from abuse. While this training is not a requirement, it is highly suggested that it is completed to be used as a tool to protect our youth and Brothers.

     (d) All Brothers need to comply with all applicable Local and State laws pertaining to child abuse.

 

Section 1. The elected offices of the Department shall consist of the Department Commander, Senior Vice Department Commander, Junior Vice Department Commander, Department Secretary, Department Treasurer, and a three member Department Council.

Section 2. The offices of Department Secretary and Department Treasurer may be combined and assumed by one member when approved by a majority vote of the Encampment. No other elective offices may be combined, nor may any elected Department Officer serve concurrently in any other elective Department office.

Section 3. On assuming office, the Department Commander shall appoint a Department Patriotic Instructor, Department Chaplain, Department Historian, Department Counselor, Department Guide, Department Color Bearer, Department Guard, Department Graves Registration Officer, Department Civil War Memorials Officer, Department Signals Officer, Camp Organizer, Department Grand Army of the Republic Records Officer, Department Grand Army Highway Officer, Department Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinator and Department Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC/JROTC) Coordinator. The Department Commander may also appoint other aides, as he may deem necessary for service to the Order.

Section 4. The term of all elected and appointed officers and aides shall be for one year, and each shall serve until the convening of the next Annual Department Encampment, with the exception of the Department Secretary and Department Treasurer. Each shall serve a two year term. The Department Secretary will be elected in odd numbered years and the Department Treasurer elected in even numbered years.

Section 5. Any vacancy that may occur in an elective office of the Department except for Department Commander or Senior Vice Department Commander during the time preceding the next Department Encampment shall be filled by a majority vote of the Department Council. In the event of a vacancy of the Department Commander, the Senior Vice Department Commander shall assume the office of Department Commander. In the event of a vacancy of Senior Vice Department Commander, the Junior Vice Department Commander shall assume the office of Senior Vice Department Commander. Any and all such replacements shall serve until the next regular Encampment of the Department.

Section 6. Any vacancy that may occur in an appointed office of the Department shall be filled by appointment of the Department Commander. Any and all such replacements shall serve until the next regular Encampment of the Department.

Section 7. All Department Officers shall understand their responsibilities and perform the duties of their respective offices as defined in these By-Laws, in our Rituals, and in our National Constitution and Regulations.

Section 8. The Department Commander may remove any Department Officer delinquent in, or failing to perform the duties of his office subject to the approval of the Department Council. The appointed officers and aides serve at the Department Commander’s pleasure. The Commander-in-Chief of the National Organization may remove any Department Officer at his discretion.

Section 9. No Brother may be elected to more than three (3) consecutive terms as Department Commander. Nor may any Brother be elected to a term as Department Commander that would result in his serving more than 45 consecutive months as Department Commander.

 

 

Department Officers shall perform such duties as are set forth in the Constitution and Regulations of our Order and other policy statements that may be published by the National Organization. They may be generally summarized as follows:

The purpose of the office of Commander is to direct and to provide oversight of Department operations in order to foster and promote the goals and objects of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

     (a) The Department Commander shall be the executive officer of the Department, charged with the duty of administering the affairs of the Department.

     (b) The Department Commander shall preside at all meetings of the Department Encampment, appoint all the standing and other committees (of which he shall be a member

ex officio) unless otherwise prescribed by the Encampment or By-Laws.

     (c) The Department Commander shall ensure that the Department Officers and committees do their jobs. He shall in the month of January each year, supply to each Camp, Annual Camp Secretary and Camp Treasurer report blanks.

     (d) The Department Commander shall become familiar with all SUVCW forms that are utilized for conducting the business of the Department, especially those that require the Commander’s signature, and ensure that all reports are submitted to the National Organization by the specified time.

     (e) The Department Commander shall represent the Department at state functions. He shall become familiar with the Department’s By-Laws and the Order’s Constitution and Regulations. He shall keep the membership informed by issuing “Department Orders” attested to by the Department Secretary and bearing the Department’s seal.

     (f) The Department Commander shall consult with Past Department Commanders for advice on Department matters.

     (g) The Department Commander shall provide assistance to Camps in need of help. 

     (h) The Department Commander shall attempt to visit each Camp in the Department at least once per year.

     (i) The Department Commander shall become familiar with the duties of the office as set forth in the Order’s Ritual and Ceremonials.

     (j) The Department Commander shall serve as liaison between the Department and the National Organization.

The purpose of the office of Senior Vice Department Commander is to assist the Department Commander, promote the Order and preside at Camp/Department meetings in the absence of the Commander.

     (a) The Senior Vice Department Commander shall perform the duties of a Department Commander in case of vacancy or senior officers’ inability to act.

     (b) The Senior Vice Department Commander shall promote Department activities in the media. He shall prepare a Department newsletter.

     (c) The Senior Vice Department Commander shall act as personal representative upon the request of the Department Commander.

     (d) The Senior Vice Department Commander shall forward information about Department and Camp activities to the Editor of the BANNER.

     (e) The Senior Vice Department Commander shall carry out other responsibilities delegated to the position by the Department By-Laws, Department Encampment and Department Commander.

The purpose of the office of Junior Vice Department Commander is to assist with the recruitment and retention of Brothers (Members, Associates, and Juniors).

     (a) The Junior Vice Department Commander shall perform the duties of a Department Senior Vice Department Commander in case of vacancy or senior officers’ inability to act.

     (b) The Junior Vice Department Commander shall contact prospective Brothers whose names are supplied to the Department by the Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, within two weeks of receipt of said names.

     (c) The Junior Vice Department Commander shall provide prospective Brother names and addresses to the Junior Vice Department Commander of the Camp nearest to the prospective Brother for follow up.

     (d) The Junior Vice Department Commander shall preside at the Department Encampment in the absence of both the Department Commander and Senior Vice Department Commander.

     (e) The Junior Vice Department Commander shall carry out other responsibilities delegated to the office by the Department By-Laws, Department Encampment and Department Commander.

The purpose of the office of Department Secretary is to keep the minutes of the meetings and to carry on necessary correspondence for the Department.

     (a) The Department Secretary shall keep a true and accurate record of the proceedings of the Department Encampment.

     (b) The Department Secretary shall keep and be the custodian of the files and membership records of the Department, and shall keep such other records in connection with his office as may be required by the Department Commander or the Department Encampment.

     (c) The Department Secretary shall process and respond to Department correspondence.

     (d) The Department Secretary shall supply Camp related report forms to Camp Secretaries who do not have access to the National Web site.

     (e) The Department Secretary shall forward one copy of the completed Certification of Election and Installation of Camp Officers (Form 22) to the National Executive Director and retain one copy for Department records

     (f) The Department Secretary shall supply the current version of the Life Member Reimbursement Form (Form 10) to Camp Secretaries or Treasurers who do not have access to the National Website. An updated form is to be used after the beginning of a new calendar year and received by the National Treasurer no later than March 31 of each year. Consult the “C&R” for details on Life Member Reimbursement.

     (g) The Department Secretary shall prepare Past-Department/Department Commander, delegate, and alternate credentials to the National Encampment.

     (h) The Department Secretary shall maintain a supply of Department letterhead stationery.

     (i) The Department Secretary shall maintain annual Department Encampment meeting minutes/proceedings.

     (j) The Department Secretary shall maintain a copy of the Order’s Constitution and Regulations, the Department By-Laws and a copy of the By-Laws of each Camp within the Department.

     (k) The Department Secretary shall maintain the Department seal and affix it to Department documents as needed.

     (l) The Department Secretary shall submit required reports to the National Organization, as listed in Article III, Section 1, Articles and Regulations of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (National Organization).

     (m) The Department Secretary shall retain a record of all Dishonorable Discharges received from the Executive Director and provide each Camp in the Department a copy of Dishonorable Discharge Reports received from the Executive Director.

     (n) The Department Secretary shall act as the Assistant Department Treasurer.

The purpose of the office of Department Treasurer is to serve as custodian of Department monies and property, to keep accurate financial records and to prepare periodic financial reports.

     (a) The Department Treasurer shall hold the funds of the Department and pay out the same upon requisition in due form from the Department Secretary approved by the Department Commander.

     (b) The Department Treasurer shall have charge of all property of the Department not otherwise provided for, shall keep a true and correct account of all receipts and expenditures, and perform such other duties as may pertain to his office.

     (c) The Department Treasurer shall keep financial records of the Department.

     (d) The Department Treasurer shall prepare an annual financial report for review and approval by the Department Council at the annual Department Encampment.

     (e) The Department Treasurer shall assure that Camp related report forms that require input from a Camp Treasurer are made available to those who do not have access to the National Website.

     (f) The Department Treasurer shall maintain a bank account in the Department’s name for Department funds.

     (g) The Department Treasurer shall prepare and transmit any and all financial reports as may be required by applicable state law.

     (h) The Department Treasurer shall submit required reports to the National Organization, as listed in Article III, Section 2, Articles and Regulations of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (National Organization).

     (i) The Department Treasurer shall act as the Assistant Department Secretary.

The purpose of the three-member Department Council is to devise and recommend measures to help ensure the financial stability of the Department and to fill vacancies which may occur in elected Department offices.

     (a) The Department Council immediately after its installation shall meet and elect a Chairman and Secretary.

     (b) The Department Council shall devise and recommend such measures as will enable the Department to meet all its necessary expenditures.

     (c) The Department Council shall audit the receipts, expenditures and books of account of the Department and make report thereof to the Department Encampment

     (d) The Department Council shall fill the unexpired term by a majority vote of the Council any vacancy which may occur in an elected Department office.

The purpose of the office of Patriotic Instructor is to educate and provide Brothers and the general public with information that will help to foster patriotism among the membership and the populace in general.

     (a) The Department Patriotic Instructor shall actively encourage the restoration of Memorial Day to May 30.

     (b) The Department Patriotic Instructor shall prepare letters of instruction for the observance of Union Defenders’ Day and other patriotic occasions and events and perform such other duties as pertain to his office.

     (c) The Department Patriotic Instructor shall encourage each Camp Patriotic Instructor to present at each Camp meeting information on such items as Civil War military, civilian and other great American leaders; National and state holidays; the United States Flag; duties of citizenship such as voting; great Civil War battles and battles of other wars; and great American artifacts and sites.

     (d) The Department Patriotic Instructor shall assist Camps in providing public displays and orations on patriotism as called upon.

     (e) The Department Patriotic Instructor shall provide awards of recognition to deserving individuals as deemed necessary or ordered by the Department.

     (f) The Department Patriotic Instructor shall send information to each Camp Patriotic Instructor on topics which should be stressed at Camp meetings.

     (g) The Department Patriotic Instructor shall write items for the Department newsletter as desired by the Department Commander.

     (h) The Department Patriotic Instructor shall submit required reports to the National Organization, as listed in Article III, Section 3, Articles and Regulations of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (National Organization).

The purpose of the office of Chaplain is to conduct such devotional services as directed by the Department.

     (a) The Department Chaplain shall have charge of the devotional exercises of the Department Encampment.

     (b) The Department Chaplain shall prepare letters of instruction for the observance of Memorial Day, and perform such other duties as pertain to his office.

     (c) The Department Chaplain shall conduct prayer at all meetings.

     (d) The Department Chaplain shall conduct grave site services for Brothers and important dignitaries.

     (e) The Department Chaplain shall conduct memorials for grave dedication or rededication ceremonies of veterans - especially Union veterans.

     (f) The Department Chaplain shall serve as custodian of the Department Bible unless assigned to another Department Officer.

     (g) The Department Chaplain shall serve as coordinator for the Department’s Memorial Day ceremony.

     (h) The Department Chaplain shall conduct annual memorial service at Department Encampment for deceased Brothers.

     (i) The Department Chaplain shall provide each Camp Chaplain with information pertinent to their position.

     (j) The Department Chaplain shall compose articles for Department newsletters as desired by the Department Commander.

     (k) The Department Chaplain shall conduct memorial services for current and past Officers of the Department.

     (l) The Department Chaplain shall become familiar with the duties of the office as set forth in the Order’s Ritual and Ceremonials.

     (m) The Department Chaplain shall submit required reports to the National Organization, as listed in Article III, Section 4, Articles and Regulations of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (National Organization).

The Department Counselor shall act as a legal advisor of the Department Commander and the Department.

     (a) The Department Counselor shall advise the Commander and the Department on such legal issues as may come before them.

     (b) The Department Counselor shall, upon request of the Department Commander, provide advice and interpretation of the Department’s By-Laws, the Order’s Constitution and Regulations, and on parliamentary questions.

The purpose of the office of Historian is to collect and preserve all historical and biographical material pertaining to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and its membership.

     (a) The duties of the Department Historian should include maintaining and cataloging all historical, biographical and/or photographic material given to or developed by the Department regarding the Civil War and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

     (b) Such material would include but not be limited to the following: newspaper articles, Department membership records, Department meeting minutes, old Department financial records which should be maintained, or discarded, in accordance with the approved records retention schedule, photographs and donated memorabilia (including Civil War and Grand Army of the Republic artifacts). Proper archival storage of Department records should be followed.

The purpose of the Guide is to assist the Commander in the floor work of the Ritual during the annual Department Encampment and to follow any orders given by the Commander.

     (a) The Department Guide shall ensure that the Department room is in proper order and that the altar and stations are properly arranged.

     (b) The Department Guide shall instruct candidates for membership per the instructions of the Order’s Ritual and Ceremonials.

     (c) The Department Guide shall act as an escort for all visitors.

     (d) The Department Guide shall ascertain if everyone present is entitled to remain for the annual Department Encampment.

     (e) The Department Guide shall become familiar with the duties of the office as set forth in the Order’s Ritual and Ceremonials.

The purpose of the office of Color Bearer is to care for the Department colors and to assist the Department Guide during the annual Department encampment.

     (a) The Department Color Bearer shall place the altar cloth and an unopened Bible on the altar prior to the opening of the annual Department Encampment.

     (b) The Department Color Bearer shall place station banners at the stations prior to the opening of the annual Department Encampment.

     (c) The Department Color Bearer shall assist the Guide in ascertaining if everyone present is entitled to remain for the annual Department Encampment.

    (d) The Department Color Bearer shall present the United States Flag during the Pledge of Allegiance by the annual Department Encampment.

     (e) The Department Color Bearer shall attend to the altar and stations by removing altar cloth, Bible and station banners following the close of the annual Department Encampment.

     (f) The Department Color Bearer shall become familiar with the duties of the office as set forth in the Order’s Ritual and Ceremonials.

     (g) The Department Color Bearer shall encourage each Camp to obtain and use at all Camp meeting the United States Flag, an altar cloth, Bible and station banners.

The purpose of the office of Guard is to secure the door to the Department meeting and to admit only those Brothers and visitors who are qualified or entitled to enter.

     (a) The Department Guard shall secure the door of the annual Department Encampment.

     (b) The Department Guard shall check dues receipts or cards of Brothers and admit only qualified Brothers and authorized visitors.

     (c) The Department Guard shall allow no one to enter during the opening or closing of the annual Department Encampment.

     (d) The Department Guard shall allow no one to enter during the initiation of candidates.

     (e) The Department Guard shall become familiar with the duties of the office as set forth in the Order’s Ritual and Ceremonials.

The purpose of the Graves Registration Officer is to locate, record, ascertain the condition of and bring to the attention of proper authorities the need for repair or replacement of the grave markers/memorials of Civil War veterans buried in the jurisdiction of the Department.

     (a) The Department Graves Registration Officer should conduct an inventory of the cemeteries located within the confines the Department’s geographical boundaries and document the presence of Civil War veteran grave markers and memorials.

     (b) The Department Graves Registration Officer should bring to the attention of appropriate governmental agencies the existence of grave markers/memorials in need of rehabilitation or replacement.

     (c) The Department Graves Registration Officer should assist private parties and governmental agencies in the completion of applications for new federal grave markers for Civil War veterans.

     (d) The Department Graves Registration Officer should provide documentation of location and condition of Civil War veteran grave markers/memorials to the National Graves Registration Officer.

The purpose of the Department Civil War Memorials Officer include the locating, physical examination of, and recording of all memorials dedicated to Union Civil War soldiers and sailors (outside the care of the National Military Parks, and the U.S. Departments of Defense, or Veterans Affairs) in the Department. This includes all sizes of monuments (with or without sculpture), those with Civil War era cannon and inert ammunition, memorial fountains, memorial buildings, memorial windows (stained glass), historical markers, and even small plaques.

     (a) The Department Civil War Memorials Officer should coordinate a mutually agreeable Camp assignment of Counties within the state(s) represented by his Department.

     (b) The Department Civil War Memorials Officer should provide guidance to each Camp for the execution of activities including coordinating the search for, physical examination of, photographing of, and recording of Civil War Memorials (as described above) located within the confines of the Camp’s geographical boundaries; maintaining observation of care and upkeep for “local” Civil War Memorials – and bring any shortcomings to the attention of the property owners and community government where the memorial is located; and providing documentation of location and condition of Civil War Memorials (via SUVCW Form CWM 61) to the Department Civil War Memorials Officer.

     (c) The Department Civil War Memorials Officer is encouraged to maintain a computer database from the information submitted by each Camp, on the SUVCW “Civil War Memorial Assessment Form” (CWM 61).

     (d) Electronic cataloging and retrieval of Civil War Memorial photo-images is also encouraged.

     (e) The Department Civil War Memorials Officer will also forward this information to his Department’s liaison on the National Civil War Memorials Committee.

     (f) Reports on the various memorials and monuments located within the Department shall be made from time to time to the National Civil War Memorials Officer upon appropriate form.

The purpose of the office of Camp Organizer is to organize local Camps within the jurisdiction of the Department.

     (a) The Camp Organizer shall obtaining the names and addresses of all applicants for membership and Brothers living in close proximity of each other in those areas where no local Camp exists and ascertaining their interest in forming a new Camp.

     (b) The Camp Organizer shall hold pre-organizational meetings with the interested parties to instruct them as to the requirements for Camp organization and chartering and to provide them information on the Order’s Constitution and Regulations and the Department’s By-Laws.

     (c) The Camp Organizer shall obtain a Camp number for new Camps from the Department Commander.

     (d) The Camp Organizer shall hold Camp Organizational meetings and serving, in the absence of the Department Commander, Senior Vice Department Commander and Junior Vice Department Commander, as the installing officer.

     (e) The Camp Organizer shall ensure that all new Camp organization and chartering paperwork is completed and fees are submitted to the Department Secretary/Treasurer.

     (f) The Camp Organizer shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Department By-Laws and the orders of the Department Commander.

The purpose of the Department G.A.R. Records Officer is to coordinate Department activities associated with the process of seeking, locating, physically examining, inventorying, cataloging, recording, and promoting the preservation and conservation of all extant records of the Grand Army of the Republic. The activities of the Department G.A.R. Records Officer should include:

     (a) Providing guidance to Camps that are actively involved in inventorying G.A.R. records or are researching G.A.R. history.

     (b) Serving as the point of contact between the Department and the National G.A.R. Records Officer for matters related to G.A.R. Records.

     (c) Compiling and maintaining an inventory of the locations of G.A.R. records within the Department, in a format and form approved by the Order for the collection of records information.

     (d) Providing annual (or more frequent) G.A.R. records inventory updates to the National G.A.R. Records Officer for inclusion in the National G.A.R. Records Catalog.

     (e) Compiling information relating to the history of G.A.R. Posts within the Department.

     (f) Performing all other duties delegated to the office by the Order’s Constitution and Regulations, National Encampment, Commander-in-Chief, and/or the National Council of Administration.

The purpose of the office of Department G.A.R. Highway Officer is to ascertain the condition of the G.A.R. designation signage of Route 6, the G.A.R. Highway, as it passes through the state and to bring to the attention of proper authorities the need for repair of the highway and/or replacement or repair of the signage.

The activities of the Department G.A.R. Highway Officer should include:

     (a) Locating and ascertaining the condition of all G.A.R. designation signage;

     (b) Reporting missing or damaged signage to the appropriate state official;

     (c) Researching state laws and legislation affecting the highway;

     (d) Reporting to the National G.A.R. Highway Officer.

The purpose of the Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinator is to recognize the advancement of young men belonging to the Boy Scouts of America to the rank of Eagle Scout and to maintain statistics of requests and presentations of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Eagle Scout Certificate. The Department Commander is encouraged to appoint a Department Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinator to coordinate and/or perform the following duties. Departments that do not elect to appoint a Department Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinator are still required to perform the duties listed below and the information for filling out the certificate will be sent to the Department Commander

     (a) The Department Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinator shall facilitate the distribution of Eagle Scout Certificates within the Department and compile statistics on the number of certificates requested and the number of certificates presented.

     (b) The Department Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinator shall have an email address and keep the National Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinator informed of any changes.

     (c) The Department Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinator shall maintain a listing of the Scout Councils and their office address in their Department.

     (d) The Department Eagle Scout Coordinator shall keep in close contact with all camp Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinators.

     (e) The Department Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinator shall receive requests for Eagle Scout Certificates and send the requests to the camps to make arrangements to present the certificate.

     (f) If there is no Camp in the area where the Eagle Scout resides, the Department Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinator shall make arrangements for the presentation of the certificate.

     (g) The Department Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinator shall submit a report to the Department Encampment showing the total number of certificates presented.

     (h) The Department Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinator shall keep records of the total number of certificates presented during the year.

     (i) The Department Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinator shall perform all other duties as regulated by the C&R, National Encampment and Commander-in-Chief.

     (j) The Department Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinator shall submit required reports to the National Organization, as listed in Article III, Section 5.

The purpose of the Department ROTC/JROTC Coordinator is to honor deserving cadets who promote the maintenance of unqualified American citizenship, it will be these young people who will eventually serve in our Nation’s military, under the flag our forefathers fought to preserve.

By working with those programs within the State, the award(s) will be presented to those who have stepped forward to accept the challenge of leadership in defending our Nation’s flag, principles and freedoms. By honoring those who serve today, we show our respect for those who have served in all others war in the past.

Our definition of a deserving cadet is one that “shows a high degree of patriotism to his/her Nation and has demonstrated a high degree of academic performance and leadership.” ROTC/JROTC units are encouraged to work with the Department in determining any additional requirements that may be used to determine a “deserving cadet.”

The purpose of the Signals Officer is to serve as the senior advisor on electronic communication technology and manage the assigned resources in such a manner as to reflect positively on the accomplishment of the goals and objectives of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. There is no provision in the Order’s Regulations for a Department Signals Officer; however, departments may establish such a position.

     (a) The Department Signals Officer should provide the Commander with advice and assistance relative to matters involving communication and technology.

     (b) The Department Signals Officer should supervise or serve as the Department Webmaster if the Department has an Internet home-page or Website.

     (c) The Department Signals Officer should be familiar with and comply with the National Communication Technology policy.

     (d) The Department Signals Officer should provide assistance, where possible, to Camp Signals Officers.

 

 

Section 1. The Department shall meet in Annual Encampment. Said Encampment shall be held on a day between the first day of January and the first day of July.

Section 2. The Department Commander may call by and with the consent of the Department Council, special meetings of a Department Encampment. No business shall be transacted at any special meeting other than that for which it was specifically called, which call shall state the purpose and object of said meetings.

Section 3. All Camps and each Officer of the Department shall be notified of the time, date and place of the Encampment at least thirty days prior to the convening of the same.

Section 4. The Department Commander shall have authority to appoint all committees necessary for the success of the Department Encampment, this does not supersede or negate the power of the Department Encampment to direct the formation and membership of such committees it sees necessary, within the confines of the rules prescribed in the Department Bylaws or Constitution and Regulations of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

Section 5. A majority of the membership of the Encampment, as defined in Article VII, reported present and entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum.

Section 6. Proxy voting or absentee voting shall be prohibited at all Department functions.

Section 7. Members in good standing who may not be voting delegates may attend any and all functions of the Encampment, but may not participate in any votes therein.

Section 8. A registration fee may be imposed on the members and delegates attending the Encampment, to offset the costs of providing the facilities of said Encampment, provided that fee imposes no hardship on a member or delegate to attend. Additional fees may be imposed to cover expenses related to activities not directly associated with the official activities of the Encampment.

Section 9. The Department Commander and visiting dignitaries may be exempted or reimbursed for personal expenses with regard to the Department Encampment if approved by the Department Council. The Department shall be responsible for the cost of lodging the Commander-in-Chief, or his designee, should he attend the Department Encampment.

Section 10. The Department Commander shall set the agenda of the Department Encampment except that the nominations, elections, and installation of the new Department Officers shall take place after all other Department business has been disposed. The agenda shall include:

     • Opening of Encampment

     • Roll-call of Officers

     • Report of Committee on Credentials

     • Roll-call for members as recorded

     • Reports of Officers

     • Reception of Communications

           (All communications should be submitted in writing, and be referred to the proper committees without debate).

     • Unfinished Business

     • Reports of Committees

     • Report of Council

             (Directed to and acted upon by the Encampment--not referred to committee).

     • New Business

     • Election of Delegates to the National Encampment

     • Nomination of Officers

     • Election and Installation of Officers

Section 11. Nominations for Department Officers shall be made by roll call of the Camps.

Section 12. The Commander elected shall select the individual to install the Department Officers at the Encampment.

 

 

Section 1.  The membership of the Department Encampment shall be constituted as follows:

     (a) All Past Commanders-in-Chief, Past Department Commanders and Past Camp Commanders, in good standing, who have served a full term or having been elected to fill a vacancy have served to the end of that term, the sitting Department Commander and the sitting Camp Commanders. One delegate from each Camp, whatever its membership and one additional delegate for every ten Brothers, or major fraction thereof, based upon the report for the annual report next preceding the Encampment; and its own elective officers (except Aides).

     (b) Elected and Appointed members of the Department are not considered voting members, unless they meet the qualifications as stated in Article VII. Section 1(a).

     (c) No member of the Department Encampment or special meeting shall represent more than one camp at any Department Encampment or special meeting.

     (d) Any Brother serving as Camp Secretary or Camp Treasurer continuously in office for a period of ten years may have conferred upon him the rank of Past Camp Commander with its voting privileges at Department Encampment.

     (e) Appropriate credentials for all Past Commanders-in-Chief, Past Department Commanders and Department elective and appointive Officers shall be issued by the office of the Department Secretary. Appropriate credentials for all Camp Commanders, Past Camp Commanders, delegates and alternates shall be issued by their respective Camp Secretaries.

     (f) A Past Commander-in-Chief in good standing who joins or transfers into a Department as a dual member from another Department shall have voting rights at Department Encampments and his credentials shall be issued by the Department Secretary.

Section 2. Vacancies in delegate representation to and at the time of the Department Encampment may be filled by a vote of delegates from the Camp in attendance at the Encampment; the Camp Commander having the prior right to appoint Brothers to fill vacancies.

Section 3. A Camp which fails to pay its per capita dues or other indebtedness or fails to make reports, shall not be entitled to representation in Department Encampments.

Section 4. To obtain restoration of rank of Past Camp Commander, the Brother shall make request in writing to the Camp of which he is a Brother. If acted upon favorably by the Camp in regular session, said request shall be forwarded to the Department Commander, setting forth the causes of loss of rank, and reasons for request or restoration. The Department Commander shall present same to the Department Encampment where if acted upon favorably, such rank shall be restored.

 

Section 1. A Camp may be formed within the Department by authority of the Department Commander with the approval of the Commander-in-Chief. Reorganizations, mergers, or dissolution of Camps may only occur within the strict interpretation of current National Regulations. At no time may a Camp secede from the Department.

Section 2. Camps shall be organized and governed according to the National Constitution and Regulations of our Order.

Section 3. Camps shall adopt By-Laws subject to the approval of the Department Commander and consistent with the By-Laws of this Department and the Constitution and Regulations of the National Organization. All amendments, alterations, or deletions of Camp By-Laws shall be submitted to the Department Commander in writing for approval and shall not be effective until so approved in writing by the Department Commander. Any provision of a Camp's By-Laws which is inconsistent with the Articles of Incorporation, Constitution and Regulations of the National Organization, or Department By-Laws is null and void.

Section 4. The Officers of the Camp shall be those enumerated by the National Constitution and Regulations and any other such officers as defined in the Camp's By-Laws. The elections of Camp Officers and their terms of office shall conform to the guidelines established by National. Any vacancies in Camp offices shall be filled in a manner approved by the Camp and not inconsistent with either these By-Laws or the National Constitution and Regulations.

Section 5. The duties of Camp Officers shall be those described in the National By-Laws, those described in these By-Laws and those described in the Camp's By-Laws, provided that any modifications of duties described in the Camp's By-Laws are not inconsistent with either the Department or National's policies.

Section 6. Camp Commanders shall be responsible for the proper preparation and timely submission of any and all reports and monies due to the Department. Delegation of responsibility either informally, through the chain of command, or inferred in the duties of other Camp Officers does not absolve the Camp Commander of primary responsibility for the operation of the Camp.

Section 7. All Annual Reports shall be filed as specified in our National Constitution and Regulations and shall be accompanied by any and all per capita tax due.

 

Section 1. The Charter fee for a new Camp shall be $25.00, payable when application is made to the Department Commander.

Section 2. The per capita tax payable by Camps to the Department shall be payable annually based on each member of the Camp in good standing. Said per capita tax shall be at the rate per person as regulated by the National Organization plus nine dollars ($9.00) per person for the Department, except that members for whom per capita is not collected by the National Organization (e.g., Life Members, Real Sons, Members in a War Zone, National Honorary Members, and Juniors) shall also not be assessed Department per capita tax.

Section 3. Failure to pay the per capita tax in a timely manner will be grounds for disciplinary action towards the Camp as determined by the Department Council within the guidelines of National Regulations.

Section 4. A Camp that has been disbanded or dropped due to nonpayment of the per capita tax of one year or less may be reinstated upon the payment of a $10.00 reinstatement fee, all per capita tax due, and an advance payment of the estimated per capita tax of the next year.

Section 5. The initiation fee for new members to be collected by the Department shall be only that minimum amount required to be collected and forwarded to the National Organization.

 

 

Section 1. It shall be the duty of each member of the Department of Iowa to properly observe Memorial Sunday and Memorial Day and to do all in his power to commemorate the memories and deeds of deceased veterans of the Civil War.

Section 2. It is the patriotic duty of every member of the Department of Iowa to assist in properly observing Lincoln's Birthday (February 12th), Washington's Birthday (February 22nd), Appomattox Day (April 9th), Armed Forces Day (May 19th), Flag Day (June 14th), Independence Day (July 4th), Veteran's Day (November 11th) and other patriotic days and occasions as may be designated for honoring the Flag of our country.

Section 3. The Department of Iowa, for operation within its jurisdiction, may authorize a unit of the Sons of Veterans Reserve to represent it as the official Honor Guard for the Department.

Section 4. All official meetings of the Department of Iowa and its constituent Camps shall display the Flag of the United States of America in an honored and appropriate manner.

 

 

Section 1. Only those offenses and remedies defined in the National Constitution and Regulations may constitute grounds for disciplinary action of any officer or member of the Department of Iowa or any of its constituent Camps.

Section 2. Any and all charges made against any Brother of the Order must be made in writing and submitted through the proper chain of command as outlined in the National Constitution and Regulations.

Section 3. No disciplinary action or hearing may commence without due process as defined in our National Constitution and Regulations. All such actions, and hearings, must be fairly implemented, impartially judged, and consistent with the purposes and regulations of the Order.

 

 

Section 1. Roberts Rules of Order shall govern the meetings of this organization and its elements, except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws, the Rituals of our Order, and the National Constitution and Regulations.

Section 2. The Order being strictly non-sectarian and non-partisan, the introduction or discussion of sectarian and/or partisan topics are strictly prohibited.

Section 3. The Department, with the permission of the National Organization, may enter into a lawsuit within its area of jurisdiction to prove lawful ownership of Civil War era property or Grand Army of the Republic property. This permission may be granted through either the action of the National Encampment or that of the Council of Administration via a General Order of the Commander-in-Chief Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. The Departments should be aware that any monetary liability regarding the lawsuit falls upon the Department to pay.

Section 4. Any provision of these By-Laws that conflict with the Constitution and Regulations of the National Organization shall be null and void as the National Constitution and Regulations of this Order shall always take precedence. All other provisions of these By-Laws not in conflict with our National Constitution and Regulations shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 5. These By-Laws may be repealed, modified, or amended at any Department Encampment by a two-thirds vote of the membership of the Encampment. Proposed changes in these By-Laws must be submitted in writing to the Department Secretary no less than 60 days prior to the annual Department Encampment and shall be published and made available to all Camps at least 30 days before said Encampment. The call for the Encampment must include the proposed changes in detail or refer to how the proposed changes may be accessed.

Section 6. All prior By-Laws and Amendments thereto in force in this Department are hereby repealed, including all motions or resolutions, which may have been adopted by the Department Encampments from time to time concerning matters covered by these By-Laws.

Section 7. These By-Laws and any Amendments thereto shall be in full force and effect upon approval of the Commander-in-Chief.

 

 

No part of the net earnings, if any, of this unincorporated association, shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers or other private persons, except that the unincorporated association shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes described in section 501(c)3. No substantial part of the activities of the unincorporated association shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the unincorporated association shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these by-laws, the unincorporated association shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on

     (a) by an unincorporated association exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or

     (b) by an unincorporated association, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)2 of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

 

 

Section 1. In the case of surrender or forfeiture of the Department Charter, all Department property and assets shall be turned over to the National Commander-in-Chief of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War or his duly authorized representative to collect and hold all such property in trust for the National Organization, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, an organization exempt from taxes under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Section 2. All property of the Department shall be held for the National Organization, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, as a charitable trust that is held and used for the purpose for which the Order exists. Any such transfer or disposal within six months of disbandment or surrender of the Department Charter without the written consent of the National Commander-in-Chief of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War is prohibited. The property and funds of the Department shall not be divided among its members.

Section 3. In the event the National Organization, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, no longer exists, said property and funds shall revert to the benefit of the first and any remaining organization of the Allied Orders of the Grand Army of the Republic or in their absence, to the State archives of Iowa.

Section 4. Notwithstanding the above language, upon the dissolution of this organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government for a public purpose.

 

 

These By-Laws, amended by the 135th Encampment of

the Department of Iowa, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War,

in  Atlantic, Iowa, on the 21st day of April, 2018, are submitted to

Donald W. Shaw, Commander-in-Chief,

Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, for approval.

 

Donald W. Shaw              

Commander-in-Chief           

Danny E. Krock                

Department Commander        

 

Daniel F. Rittel                

Department Secretary