Branch By Laws

Damian Reynolds Branch Number 1

By-Laws

Article 1 - General

Section 1. The purpose of Damian Reynolds Branch Number 1 Sons in Retirement, Incorporated, is to operate a public benefit organization providing for the welfare of retired men from all walks of life who are pursuing a common goal, namely, the enjoyment of their later years with dignity and pride, by assisting these senior citizens to renew former friendships and associations and affording them an opportunity to make new friends through association with other retired men who also face the particular problems that confront men upon their retirement.

Article 2 - Definitions

Section 5. As used herein, the terms "Corporation" and "Corporate" refer to the State Organization of Sons in Retirement, Incorporated.

Section 6. As used herein, the term "Standing Rules" means rules adopted by the State Board of Directors.

Section 7. As used herein, the term "Regulation" means an action by the Branch Executive Committee to govern the Branch.

Section 8. The operation of a Branch and its activities shall conform to the provisions of the Standing Rules.

Article 3 - Membership

Section 15. Membership shall be open to men retired from full time gainful occupation, regardless of age, race, color or religion. (Revised 8/2/93)

Section 16. An active member has the right to vote on all matters before the Branch membership for decision, and to hold Branch and State office.

Section 17. Membership shall require no dues or initiation fees, but members may make contributions at luncheon meetings to defray necessary expenses of the Branch and to meet Corporate assessments.

Section 18. To maintain his membership, a member must attend his Branch meetings as required by the Standing Rules.

Section 19. The breach of any Standing Rule, By-Law or Regulation, or refusal to conform thereto, may be cause for membership termination, expulsion or suspension.

Section 20. The procedure for effecting the termination, expulsion or suspension, after due notice and opportunity to be heard, shall be as prescribed in the Standing Rules.

Article 4 - Officers

Section 25. Officers of the Branch are the Big Sir, Little Sir, Branch Secretary, Assistant Branch Secretary, Branch Treasurer, Assistant Branch Treasurer, and from two to six Directors, all elected from the active membership each year to serve for the ensuing calendar year and until their successors have been elected and qualified.

Section 26. A vacancy in any Branch office shall be filled by an active member selected by the members of the Branch Executive Committee.

Article 5 - Officer Responsibility

Section 30. In accepting a Branch office, a member assumes responsibility to be bound by the Corporate By-Laws and Standing Rules and the Branch By-Laws and Regulations.

Article 6 - Meetings

Section 35. A Branch shall hold regular monthly luncheon meetings at the time and places designated by the Big Sir with the approval of the Branch Executive Committee, as set forth in information supplied to the members of the Branch. (Revised 2/12/01 Section 5 changed to 35)

Section 36. Special meetings of the officers or members may be held at the discretion of the Big Sir. Notice of special meetings shall be mailed to the members involved at least five days in advance of the date set.

Article 7 - Executive Committee

Section 40. The Big Sir, Little Sir, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and the Directors shall constitute the Branch Executive Committee.

Section 41. The Branch Executive Committee is empowered to formulate regulations governing the procedures applicable to the Branch not otherwise provided in the Standing Rules, and not in conflict therewith.

Section 42. Only members of the Branch Executive Committee may make and second motions at an Executive Committee meeting and have the right to vote on such motions.

Section 43. Subject to the supervisory responsibilities of the State Board of Directors, the activities and affairs of the Branch shall be conducted and all powers shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Branch Executive Committee.

Section 44. The Branch Executive Committee may delegate the management of such activities to any member or members of the Branch, or committee thereof, provided that such activities shall be exercised under the direction and be the full responsibility of the Executive Committee.

Article 8 - Committees

Section 50. The Big Sir shall appoint committee chairmen and members to conduct the administrative details and records of membership, attendance and various Branch activities, to serve at the pleasure of the Big Sir.

Article 9 - Amending the By-Laws

Section 55. Deleted (Revised 8/6/01)

Section 56. A proposal to amend the Branch By-Laws in any given year shall be submitted to the President through the chain of corporate communications in such reasonable time, prior to the Annual Meeting, as set forth by the President to permit its review and consideration by the appropriate committees and the State Board of Directors.

Section 57. If the President finds the proposed amendment to be in the best interest of the Corporation, he shall cause to be circulated to each voting member and chartered Branch, not less than 30 days before the Annual Meeting, a copy of the proposed amendment and notice of voting thereon at the Annual Meeting. (Revised 8/7/00)

Section 58. The State Secretary shall include on the agenda for the Annual Meeting, proposed amendments to the Branch By-Laws, as directed by the President.

Section 59. If a proposed amendment is approved by two-thirds of those present and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, all Branch By-Laws shall be amended, even though one or more Branches did not vote favorably thereon.

Section 60. The revised Branch By-Laws approved by the State Board of Directors on August 5, 1991 and adopted at the Annual Meeting on December 2, 1991 became effective January 1, 1992. The date on which each provision is thereafter amended or added shall be indicated parenthetically at the end of the section so affected.