BYLAWS OF THE 21ST GEORGIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
adopted November 19,1988
amended November 18,1989
amended November 17,1990
amended March, 1994
amended April 29, 2000
amended July 2005
amended November 21, 2009
Article I - Name
Article II - Purpose
Article III - Membership
Article IV - Minors
Article V - Safety Regulations
Article VI - Executive Board & Duties
Article VII - Unit Structure
Article VIII - Field Organization
Article IX - Unit Elections / Voting
Article X - Member Conduct
Article XI - Unit Newsletter
Article XII - Courtesy
The name of this organization is the 21st Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, CSA, hereinafter referred to as the “21st GA” or “Unit.”
To uphold and preserve the highest standards of the reenacting community. Through “living history” demonstrations, battle reenactments, memorial ceremonies, parades, and educational presentations to any interested group or institution, the unit will support its membership and the public in gaining a more complete and objective understanding of the life and times of the men and women, both civilian and military, who served the Confederacy during the War Between the States.
In addition, whenever possible, the unit’s purpose is to educate and encourage public awareness regarding preservation of historically significant properties and structures from this period in our nation’s past.
A. Membership in the unit is a privilege, not a right and shall be open to anyone regardless of race, color, religion, political affiliation, national origin, disability, marital status, gender or age. There are two types of membership available: regular and student. See Unit Rules and Regulations for the definition of ‘student’ membership.
B. Procedures for joining the unit: see Rules and Regulations for further information regarding the process.
C. Requirements of membership are as follows:
1. New members must complete all 21st. Georgia forms, pay unit dues and insurance and combatants must pass the safety test. New members must complete a mandatory Health History Questionnaire form, a copy of which must be kept on one’s person at all events. See Unit Rules and Regulations for further information.
2. All members shall provide their own period military uniforms, civilian clothing, and equipment.
3. All military uniforms, civilian clothing, and equipment shall be as historically accurate as possible to conform to the period 1861-1865.
4. All military members shall abide by the uniform standards stated in the Unit Rules and Regulations. All military members at the time these bylaws were adopted shall abide by the uniform standards when replacing any equipment which is presently owned.
5. All members, civilian and military, or persons associated with a member, who are staying within the camp during spectator hours, must reflect the dress and material culture of the period to remain in the unit encampment. See unit Rules and Regulations for further information.
6. Yearly fees shall be paid by January 31st for any person who is a member from the previous year. New members must have paid their dues either before, or at, their first event. Dues for membership will be determined and approved by the Executive Board. Insurance fees are determined by the ANV umbrella organization. Members cannot be registered for an event if all required fees have not been paid by the due date. See the Unit Rules and Regulations for additional information.
7. Members in ‘good standing’ are those who have no outstanding unit debts and who have attended the required number of sanctioned (or approved non-sanctioned) events as defined in Article Nine, Section B, Sub-paragraph 2. In no case, will a member be considered in ‘good standing’ if all outstanding debts are not paid by the annual meeting.
8. The minimum age for a combatant member is 16 per the Army of Northern Virginia umbrella organization’s regulations.
D. Within one year of joining the unit, all members shall acquire the clothing and equipment detailed in the unit Rules and Regulations as pertains to their specific impressions. Extensions of this provision may be made at the discretion of the Commander/President of the unit.
A. Participation of minors is contingent upon the following:
1. The rules of the particular event in question.
2. Receipt of standard parental consent form, and release form for medical attention unless the parent(s) accompany said minor to the specific event.
B. Supervision of minors:
1. Minors (under age 18) shall be supervised by their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) or by prior arrangement agreed upon.
2. A 21st Georgia adult member, as guardian, is solely responsible for all care and supervision of minors in their charge.
ARTICLE FIVE – SAFETY REGULATIONS
A. Field: all members shall abide by the military and safety regulations of the unit, the Battalion, the ANV organization and the sponsor of the event. Details are outlined in the unit Rules and Regulations.
B. Camp and general: Members are expected to be mindful of safety in camp environs and throughout the event venue in general. See Unit Rules and Regulations for further information.
C. Any member who engages in an activity deemed unsafe by the Commanding Officer or other members of the unit shall, in all cases, have the offense brought to his or her attention and, if warranted, disciplinary action will be taken. Corrective action shall be determined by the Captain with Executive Board concurrence.
ARTICLE SIX – EXECUTIVE BOARD AND DUTIES
A. The Executive Board, which is the administrative arm of the unit, shall be made up of the following elected positions. Members of the Executive Board shall have one vote each in board meetings.
1. President- shall preside at, and set the agenda for, all meetings that are held by the unit, be they general membership or Executive Board meetings, except those called by the Captain at any unit event. The President shall also be the primary spokesperson for the 21st GA. The President is obligated to poll the Executive Board and get a consensus on all decisions that must be made outside of the regular meetings. The President has the authority to make a unilateral decision, except for those as outlined for the Captain under Article Eight, section C, Sub-paragraph 1. The President must provide an explanation of all actions to the Executive Board and to the general membership of regular members in “good standing” and has the right to require a full vote on Executive Board actions should the need arise.
2. Vice-President- shall preside at all meetings in the absence of the President, and shall perform such other duties as requested by the President for the well-being of the unit.
3. Captain- in the event that the President and captain are separate offices, the Captain will be a member of the Executive Board and has full voting privileges and exercises the authority granted to him by Article Eight, section C, Sub-paragraph 1.
4. Secretary- shall keep minutes of all meetings and maintain a file of all internal unit correspondence. The Secretary will maintain the unit roster and provide, upon request, a listing of current regular members in “good standing” as compiled by the Sergeant via roll call at each event and the unit Treasurer as related to dues. The Secretary may be assisted by the Treasurer in maintaining the unit roster. The Secretary shall carry out such correspondence as requested by the Executive Board. The Secretary shall also ensure that the minutes of all meetings are available for publication in the next regularly scheduled newsletter. The Secretary will collect proxy votes prior to and will distribute ballots to attending members at any meeting where voting is involved.
5. Treasurer- shall maintain all financial records of the unit and present a full financial report at the annual meeting and provide a monthly overview report which shall be included in the Goober Grabber newsletter. The Treasurer shall provide, upon request, a listing of current regular members in “good standing” as applies to dues. The Treasurer shall collect all dues and pay all unit bills as authorized by the Executive Board or general membership meeting. The Treasurer shall administer event registration forms and unit funds for all members, both military and civilian, at sanctioned events.
6. Civilian Coordinator- will be responsible for the planning and coordination of all unit meals and civilian activities. Arrangement of payment to cover the cost of meals will be determined by the Executive Board. See Unit Rules and Regulations regarding meals. The Civilian Coordinator will be required to submit any receipts to the Treasurer.
7. Two (2) Members-At-Large- shall perform other duties requested by the President for the well being of the unit.
8. Recruitment Officer shall be responsible for distribution of recruiting materials and coordinate recruitment activities, including all aspects of the written recruitment package.
9.. Memorial Officer shall be responsible for organizing memorial services, presenting pertinent unit and/or period historical information to the unit at events, identifying gravesites of 21st Georgia soldiers and coordinating any memorial/preservation funding.
10. Public Relations Chair shall be responsible for all aspects of promotion and publicity of unit events, living history programs and memorials specific to the 21st Georgia. The Chairperson shall also be responsible for maintaining and, where possible, enhancing the unit website.
11. Newsletter Chair shall be responsible for the creation of the unit newsletter at least ten (10) times annually. The newsletter will be distributed primarily via email. The Editor will ensure distribution of a paper copy of the newsletter to those members who have requested and paid for it.
B. The Executive Board shall meet at least twice annually during its elected term. The first of these meetings shall take place within the first two months of the calendar year, weather and personal commitments permitting. A minimum of at least seven (7) Executive Board members shall be present to constitute a quorum.
C. The Executive Board, by a majority vote of the Board, has the authority to temporarily suspend (remove from membership privileges) any members for activities deemed detrimental to the unit. The suspension shall remain in effect until discussed and voted on by regular members in “good standing” at the next scheduled unit meeting. See Article Ten regarding Member Conduct expectations and actionable behavior.
ARTICLE SEVEN - UNIT STRUCTURE
A. The organization of the 21st GA shall be as follows:
1. The Field Organization is responsible for the running of the unit at “sanctioned” unit events. A sanctioned unit event is any drill, battle reenactment, or living history which has been selected by a majority of the Executive Board and/or membership as an approved event.
2. The Executive Board is responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the unit.
3. In the case of multiple companies being formed, the following command structure will be employed:
a. Upon formation of more than one company, the commanding officer shall have the right to appoint an Adjutant who will assume the rank of Lieutenant.
4. The calendar year for Field and Executive offices shall run from December 1st to November 30th of the following year.
5. There shall be no limits to consecutive terms an office holder can serve, be it Field Command or Executive Board, provided that person stands for election annually and is a member in “good standing” at the time of the election.
6. All major decisions affecting the unit policy and bylaw amendments must be voted on by members in “good standing.” The bylaws of the 21st. Georgia shall be amended as deemed necessary in order to keep this document a functional asset for the well-being of the unit. Unit policy and By-Law amendments will be advertised in the unit newsletter along with the time of the meeting. It is up to the members to attend and voice their opinions on the amendments.
7. In the event of the resignation of an elected officer, either field command or Executive Board, a replacement shall be decided within 60 days by a majority vote of the unit membership. Interim appointment(s) shall be made by the President for non-military positions and Captain for military positions.
ARTICLE EIGHT - FIELD ORGANIZATION
A. Rank within the field organization shall be based on an authentic Civil War Company (according to Simplified Hardee’s) which was as follows:
1. Company Strength, which was 89 men, contained the following ranks:
One Captain (1.1%)
Three Lieutenants (3.4%)
Five Sergeants (5.6%)
Eight Corporals (9.0%)
Seventy-two privates (80.9%)
Thus, roughly nineteen percent of the Company strength held rank.
2. Each company formed within the 21st GA shall maintain a correct ratio of rank based in the above figures, thus multiplying the current membership by the percentages given for any particular rank. Therefore, at some events, a number of officers in any particular company may temporarily “step down” in rank according to the size of participation in the company.
3. The rank of Corporal will be filled through brevet. The brevets will be made by the officers and senior NCOs. An NCO is a non- commissioned officer. Lieutenant and higher are commissioned officers.
B. Upon reaching a number deemed proper by the unit (but within a minimum of forty men of all ranks and rolls), to be decided at a duly called unit meeting and through a majority vote, a second, third, etc. company may be formed.
1. All companies thus formed, shall be part of and operate under the bylaws and auspices of the 21st Georgia Volunteer Infantry and under the command of the ranking 21st Georgia Volunteer Infantry field officer.
2. Each company shall be commanded by a duly elected Captain and other officers as outlined in Section A, Sub-Paragraph 1 above. Previously elected Field Officers and NCOs (if this election takes place prior to November election) shall retain their rank unless nominated and elected to a higher rank. All new positions and vacancies created by upward mobility, or change in number of companies, must be filled from the ranks of regular members in “good standing.”
3. New recruits shall be assigned to one of the companies at the discretion of the unit field commander so as to keep even numbers of troops in the companies. Company personnel, with the exception of officers, can change from event to event.
C. From the commanding officer on down, the unit shall follow the military chain of command while delegating responsibilities in camp.
1. a. The Captain will assume all unit responsibilities including military and administrative functions at an event, including camp layout. Camp layout may be influenced by Battalion requirements. The unit will function as a military unit at the direction of the Captain at the opening of an event and for its’ duration.
b. If there is no quorum of the Executive Committee at a given event, the Captain has the authority to make a unilateral decision, but must provide an explanation of all actions to the Executive Board and to the general membership of regular members in “good standing”. If the Executive Board disagrees, there must be punitive repercussions against the Captain for any unjust actions.
c. The Captain has the authority to call an Executive Board meeting only at unit events. If he calls for an Executive Board meeting, he chairs the meeting and has the right to require a full vote on Executive Board actions, should the need arise. At his discretion, he may collaborate with the President.
2. The Lieutenant will attend all officers’ meetings with the Captain and assume duties of the Captain in the Captains’ absence. The Lieutenant will be used as an ordinance/safety officer and perform other duties as deemed necessary by the Captain for the good and welfare of the unit.
3. The First Sergeant will, at each sanctioned event, conduct a roll call in order to maintain a record of which members of attended said event. The First Sergeant shall also take a roll call of civilians who are in attendance. The First sergeant will also form the company, drill the company as directed by the Captain, enforce and encourage duties among the troops and attend orderly and NCO calls.
4. The Second Sergeant will assume the duties of the First Sergeant in his absence or upon his request and perform other duties deemed necessary by the First Sergeant for the good and welfare of the unit.
5. The First Corporal will assume the duties of the duties of the Second Sergeant in his absence or upon his request. Other duties will include taking charge of details for fatigue (e.g. wood and water details) and police duty in camp, The 1st Corporal may succeed to the duties of sergeant in his absence and should, therefore, be familiar with that rank’s duties.
6. The Second Corporal will assume the duties of the First Corporal in his absence or upon his request and perform other duties deemed necessary by the First Sergeant for the good and welfare of the Unit.
D. The ranking commissioned officer has the authority to temporarily suspend any member for activities deemed detrimental to the unit at any given event. In the absence of a commissioned officer the authority will fall upon the President and Vice-President respectively. In the absence of all of the above, the authority will fall to the ranking non-commissioned officer. The suspension will be from all unit activities and battle scenarios for the duration of the event. The suspension shall remain in effect as specified in Article Ten, Section C.
E. Any brevetted on field, commissioned or non-commissioned, officer shall be determined by the unit field command. The brevet shall be for the duration of one specific event.
F. The Musician Corps will be headed by the Principle Musician, elected by the former. Motions to assign rank for members of the Musician Corps may be proposed by the Principle Musician and approved by the majority of the members present at the annual meeting.
ARTICLE NINE - UNIT ELECTIONS / VOTING
A. Yearly unit elections shall take place each November at the annual unit meeting
B. Only those regular members, military and civilian, sixteen years of age and older, and in “good standing” shall be allowed to participate in the nominations and voting. The criteria for being a regular member in “good standing” are as follows:
1. Individual unit members shall have paid up all required fees, including dues, insurance and registration, by the due date.
2. Individual unit members shall have participated in at least four (4) sanctioned unit events (or approved non-sanctioned events), in period attire, during the unit reenacting season. Unit members may have one ‘non-sanctioned’ event per unit reenacting season count toward attendance as a ‘unit sanctioned’ event if the event meets following criteria:
a. The event meets the unit Purpose as stated in Article Two of the unit bylaws.
b. Ten or more unit members attend the event.
c. An application form for the non-sanctioned event is completed by one of the attendees and submitted to the unit Secretary. The form must include: an attendance list, date(s), location, description of the event and a description of member participation
d. The Executive Board will review applications for final approval.
C. At the annual meeting, the Secretary will retain a list of, and inform those regular members in “good standing”, of their voting status for that year’s elections.
D. Nomination for both fields and executive positions shall be taken from the floor at the time of the election.
E. Those regular members in “good standing” who cannot attend the unit elections have the option to have a member in “good standing” vote for them by an original signed proxy
F. As indicated in Article Six, Section A, Sub-paragraph 4, the Secretary will collect proxy votes prior to and distribute ballots at any meeting where voting is involved.
G. Any person nominated for a particular rank or position who, through the balloting, was not elected to said position, shall be eligible to have his/her name placed in nomination for another position.
H. All voting shall be done by secret ballot. The unit Secretary and the President/Captain shall be responsible for tabulation of the votes. In the absence of the President/Captain, another member in “good standing”, randomly selected by lottery preceding the election, will assist in tabulation. The Secretary will announce those elected.
I. Any member in “good standing” has the privilege to request a recount of any election result.
A. Decorum / Misconduct in Camp
1. All ANV, Battalion, unit, state and federal laws shall prevail during events.
2. Members are to conduct themselves in a manner that is appropriate to the Victorian period and to the family nature of the unit.
3. Unwelcome, offensive or unsafe behavior such as engaging in, but not limited to excessive profanity, excessive noise, acting in an unsafe manner to oneself or toward other unit members or appearing in public in inappropriate dress shall be considered as misconduct.
4. If misconduct is identified and the offending party is military, the offense will be handled by the military command staff. If misconduct is identified and the offending party is civilian, the offense will be handled by the Executive Board.
B. Disciplinary Action
1. Justifiable grounds for disciplinary action shall be:
a. repeated instances of misconduct, such as the use of illegal substances, verbal abuse (including email or other electronic communication) to another member, threatening behavior toward any member of the unit, Battalion, ANV or public during an event.
b. non-performance of specified duties
c. violation of any safety regulation
d. behavior that, at any time, discredits the good name and honor of the 21st. Georgia, the Battalion or the ANV organization.
C. Suspension, Demotion or Removal of a Member
1. Suspension: A member may be suspended as a result of infringement of the grounds for disciplinary action outlined in Section B-1 above. A majority vote of the Executive Board is required for the suspension of a member.
2. Demotion or removal: A call for the removal of a member or demotion of any officer, field or executive, can be instituted by any regular member in “good standing” and must be based on one or more of the grounds indicated in Section B-1 above. This call must be submitted in a signed letter to the President and must contain the reason for the action.
3. In the case of the abovementioned call, the President shall:
a. Inform the individual member in question of the action being taken.
b. Appoint a committee of three members in good standing to conduct an investigation with the parties involved. The committee will report their findings and recommendations to the Executive Board.
c.
Arrange for notification of any further proceedings to be communicated to the
membership as necessary and in as expeditious a means as possible
d. If further action is required, set the matter on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled unit meeting. If a meeting is not regularly scheduled, it is the responsibility of the President to call one to address the disciplinary matter.
4. The person writing the original letter calling for dismissal/demotion must present their case in person at the unit meeting.
5. The member accused of the offense shall be given a chance for rebuttal to the charges.
6. Any further discussion regarding the case and outcome shall be conducted in the presence of the parties involved. Only members in “good standing” shall be allowed to vote on the action to be taken. The vote shall be done by secret ballot.
7. A vote of two-thirds of the members in “good standing” present or by written proxy shall be necessary to remove or demote the member in question. In the interest of maintaining impartiality, the principle complainant and the party accused of the misconduct, shall not be eligible to vote.
8. Additional information regarding disputes between unit members and/or instances of misconduct at a unit event is contained in the Unit Rules and Regulations.
ARTICLE ELEVEN – UNIT NEWSLETTER
A. The unit newsletter shall be published at least ten times per unit calendar year and shall be known as the “Goober Grabber.” The newsletter will be distributed via email unless a member requests a paper copy and pays the mailing costs determined by the Executive Board.
B. All unit members are invited to submit articles for publication.
C. The unit shall be under no obligation to send a newsletter to any member who has failed to pay all required dues by the dates stated in Article Three, Section C-6.
D. The Newsletter Editor has the authority and responsibility to edit or delete any article as they see fit to ensure timely publication of the newsletter and to keep the newsletter within reasonable size limits.
A. Members are expected to exhibit common courtesy to others consistent with military bearing and period manners. See Unit Rules and Regulations for additional information and guidelines.