VETERANS FOR PEACE MILWAUKEE Chapter 102

ORGANIZATION BYLAWS

ARTICLE 1. NAME

The name of chapter #102, chartered by the national Veterans For Peace, Inc., St. Louis, MO on January 12, 2004 shall be Milwaukee Veterans For Peace (also known as Milwaukee VFP).

ARTICLE 2. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Having dutifully served our nation, we affirm our greater responsibility to serve the cause of world peace. To this end, we will work with others 

A. To advance the goals of the national organization, Veterans For Peace Inc.
B. Toward increasing public awareness of the costs of war.
C. To restrain our government from intervening, overtly and covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations.
D. To end the arms race and to reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons
E. To seek justice for veterans and victims of war.
F. To abolish war as an instrument of national policy.
G. To work for social justice for all people and
H. To help secure the future for our children by seeking to educate and work for environmental stabilit
We urge all people who share this vision to join us.

ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP

Membership in Veterans For Peace is defined by the national organization of Veterans For Peace Inc., as follows 

A. VETERAN MEMBERSHIP. Veteran members of VFP shall be veterans of the Armed Forces of the U.S., or veterans of the Armed Forces of foreign nations who reside in the U.S. They may also be non-veterans who are U.S. citizens who have served in a professional capacity with or in service to the Armed Forces of the U.S. in an area and during a period of war, conflict or other hostile activity(for example, Red Cross field workers). Veteran members must subscribe to the purpose, goals and ideals of VFP and pay national dues. Eligibility for Veteran membership shall be determined by additional rules and regulations adopted by the VFP Inc.

B. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP. Associate members of VFP shall be members who are not veterans, but who subscribe to the purpose, goals and ideals of VFP and pay national dues. Eligibility for Associate membership shall be determined by additional rules and regulations adopted by VFP Inc.

C. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP. Honorary membership may be conferred on the recommendation, in writing, of at least two full members, the approval of a majority vote of the Board of Directors, and a majority vote of full members attending the National Convention. Honorary membership shall carry none of the obligations of the organization, but shall entitle the holder to all the privileges except those of holding office. Honorary members must subscribe to the purpose, goals and ideals of VFP. Eligibility for Honorary membership shall be determined by additional rules and regulations adopted by the Board of Directors.

D. Membership may not be denied because of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or any other discriminatory practice.

E. VFP Inc., Board of Directors has the authority to restrict or expel from membership a person when, in their judgment, admission would be inconsistent with the purpose, principles, objectives or goals and ideals of VFP. The Board of Directors shall state their reasons for any action under this section to the annual convention. Any action under this section may be appealed to the national convention.

ARTICLE 4. DUES

A. All full and associate memberships are contingent on the payment, in advance, of fixed annual dues set by the Board of Directors and approved at the national convention. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to set rules for waiver of dues in situations it deems appropriate.

B. Milwaukee VFP Chapter 102 may set chapter dues by majority vote of members present at general meeting provided all members are given advanced notice of such meeting.

ARTICLE 5. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MILWAUKEE VFP CHAPTER 102 MEMBERS

A. No Milwaukee VFP member residing in the greater Milwaukee area shall be excluded from participation in the chapter.
B. VFP members residing in the greater Milwaukee area are not required to participate in the chapter.
C. Any member of the Milwaukee VFP may act independently of the chapter to initiate or participate in educational programs, or demonstrations under the VFP banner provided the following
1)That such activities are in accord with the purpose, goals and ideals of VFP
2)That no financial or other obligations are imposed on Milwaukee VFP Chapter 102 or members without their prior consent and shall remain separate from the financial accounting of the chapter.
3)Non-participating members within the Milwaukee VFP Chapter 102 are assumed to be in support of the purpose and goals of VFP, however, no obligation to fund or support chapter activities shall be imposed on them by the chapter or any member of the chapter. (Other than annual national and chapter dues.
D. Associate Members are excluded from voting on National VFP issues and initiatives.

ARTICLE 6. OFFICERS

A. The officers of Milwaukee VFP Chapter will include President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary

B. The selection will take place by simple majority vote and can be reversed similarly, after all members have been notified of election slate, which will take place at June meeting, annually.

C. These officers shall be and remain currently paid-up members of VFP as a condition for service in their respective positions during their terms of office.

D. A vacancy shall be deemed to exist in the case of death, resignation, or inability to serve in any of the offices. In the event of a vacancy occurring in the office of President, the Vice-President shall assume the office. In the event a vacancy occurs in the other offices, a special election shall be held to elect successors to fill the unexpired terms.

E. No salary or other compensation is available for any officer or other members of the chapter.

F. THE PRESIDENT SHALL BE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF MILWAUKEE VFP CHAPTER 102 AND ITS POLICY LEADER. THE PRESIDENT SHALL:

1) Preside over all meetings of Milwaukee VFP chapter 102 to ensure that chapter meetings are conducted in an open democratic fashion and in accord with the spirit and purpose of VFP.

2) Be familiar with both national and chapter VFP bylaws and ensure that chapter policies and activities are in accord with VFP bylaws.

3) Be familiar with National VFP affairs, policies and issues.

4) Support activities initiated by chapter members that are within the scope and interest of VFP.

5) Build and maintain relations between the Milwaukee VFP, VVAW, IVAW and the local peace community through participation in local events sponsored by them.

G. THE VICE-PRESIDENT SHALL:

1) Assume the duties of the President in the absence of the President.

2) Serve as assistant to the President in all duties of the President especially in the coordination of local events and actions.

3) Report to chapter, directly or by volunteer appointment, on any new or ongoing affairs, policies and issues of National VFP.

H. THE TREASURER SHALL:

1) Safeguard all chapter funds received, used and dispensed.

2) Be responsible for the oversight of the Milwaukee VFP Chapter 102 Treasury, ensuring there is documentation of all funds received, used and dispensed including the timely filing of all IRS forms.

3) Dispense funds only upon consensus of active members in support of the purpose and goals of VFP.

4) Provide oversight of the chapter business account, and ensure that the account is maintained in a responsible manner.

5) Provide financial reports at chapter meetings

6) Fiscal year shall be the same as calendar year, January 1st thru Dec. 31st.

I. THE SECRETARY SHALL:

1) Document the activities of the chapter.

2) Be familiar with both national and chapter bylaws.

3) Prepare agendas for chapter meetings based on knowledge of current chapter concerns and planned events, input by other members or as directed by the President.

4) Keep a careful and accurate record of the proceedings of chapter meetings.

5) Be responsible for distribution of minutes, notice of meetings, and agendas for meetings at least one week prior to meetings.

ARTICLE 7. MEETINGS

A. Meetings shall take place on the second Thursday of the month. However. flexibility in the meeting schedule may be necessary.

B. Meetings are presently held at The Peace Action Center 1001 E. Keefe Ave. Milwaukee WI 53212 

C. Notice of all meetings shall be sent e-mail, or phone when internet not regularly available, to all chapter members.

D. Any member may present a motion, proposal or call for decision at any time with discussion to follow. Decisions are made by participating members by majority vote. In the event of irresolvable conflict in the process of making motions, Robert’s Rules of Order will be used as the final arbiter.

E. The Secretary shall record the minutes of the meeting, to include any decisions made and a summary of thoughts expressed. In the absence of a Secretary, recording of the minutes may be made by any member who is present.

F. A quorum consists of those members attending any scheduled meeting.

G. All in-person meetings are open and public. There will be no secret or closed session meetings. All policies and decisions made must be made available to all chapter members.

ARTICLE 8. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A. General Powers.
The management of The Homeless Initiative of Veterans for Peace Chapter 102 shall be by and through a Board of Directors.

B. Number and Qualifications.
The Board of Directors will consist of at least seven (07) Directors. The formation of the Board of Directors will take place at the General Business meeting June 8, 2009 with nominations and approval of The Board by majority vote of members present. Qualifications will be to possess a commitment to actively participate in keeping the organization’s mission, values, and vision out front.

C. Term of Office.
A full term of office of a Director shall be three (3) years. The term shall be from June 1 to May 31. Directors shall not serve more than two terms.

D. Board Responsibilities.
1. Long range planning for the organization.
2. Ensure that adequate resources are available to the organization.
3. Evaluates the organizational effectiveness.
4. Hires and evaluates needed staff.
5. Represents the organization to the public, especially to sources of
financial support.
6. Monitors fiscal management and maintains accountability to funders and
Donors.

F. Officers.
The officers of the Board of Director shall consist of Chairman,
Vice-chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. The officers will be elected with a
majority vote of the Board. Duties of each office shall be:
1. Chairman of the Board of Directors shall chair and preside over all meetings of the Board. The Chairman may appoint a Director to fill a vacancy on the Board, subject to the approval of the Board. The Chairman shall review and report on major program plans, and organizational policies.
2. Vice-Chairman shall assume the Chairman’s responsibilities in case of absence.
3. Secretary shall keep minutes of all Board meetings and also give timely notice of all meetings and announcements.
4. Treasurer shall monitor fiscal management and accountability to financial backers and donors and give financial report at each meeting.

E. Quorum.
A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum. If a meeting is
adjourned due to a lack of a quorum, the Chairman may announce orally, at the
meeting, the date of the reconvened meeting.

F. Meetings.
The Board of Directors shall hold a scheduled meeting when needed or at
minimum of every two months. The Chairman or any two Directors may call a
special meeting of the Board.

ARTICLE 9. COMMITEES AND COORDINATORS

A. Committees may be formed by active chapter members as needed or desired and positions of responsibility may be assumed by members either voluntarily, though consensus, or by election.

B. These officers shall be and remain currently paid-up members of VFP as a condition for service in their respective positions during their term of office.

ARTICLE 10. AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

A. The bylaws may be amended, changed or deleted at any time by a quorum after giving proper notification to all members for the participation in discussion and voting.