TREA: The Enlisted Association
Chapter 16 Bylaws
AN AFFIALITE OF TREA SINCE 1970
October 2021
Midway Chapter 16
The Enlisted Association
P.O. Box 1774
Salina, Kansas 67402-1774
www.midwaychapter16.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preamble 1
Article I 1
Section 1 - Name 1
Section 2 - Location 1
Article II - Object 1
Article III – Membership 2
Section 1 - Regular 2
Section 2 - Honorary 2
Section 3 - Courtesy 2
Section 4 - Rights & Privileges 2
Section 5 - Good Standing 2
Section 6 - Transfers 3
Section 7 - Resignation 3
Section 8 - Expulsion or Suspension 3
Section 9 - Reinstatement 3
Section 10- Members-At-Large 3
Section 11 - Disciplinary Procedures 3
Article IV - Dues,and Finances 3
Section 1 - Dues 3
Section 2 – Incentives 3
Section 3 - Dues Remittance 4
Section 4 - Budget 4
Section 5 - Audit 4
Section 6 - Fiscal Year 4
Article V - Chapter Officers 4
Section 1 - Elected Officers 4
Section 2 - Appointed Officers 4
Section 3 - Eligibility 4
Section 4 - Terms of Office 4
Section 5 - Vacancies 5
Section 6 - Dual Offices 5
Section 7 – Removal of Officers 5
Section 8 - Resignation 5
Article VI - Duties of Chapter Officers 5
Section 1 - President 5
Section 2 - Vice Presidents 6
Section 3 - Secretary 6
Section 4 - Treasurer 6
Section 5 - Chaplain 6
Section 6 – Sergeant of Arms 6
Section 7 – Other Appointments 6
Article VII - Board of Directors 7
Article VIII – Membership Meetings 7
Section 1 – Monthly Meetings 7
Section 2 - Frequency 7
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Section 3 – Notice of Meetings 7
Section 4 - Cancellation 7
Section 5 - Quorum 7
Section 6 – Presiding Officer 8
Section 7 – Order of Business 8
Article IX - Nominations and Elections 8
Section 1 - Nominee Candidates 8
Section 2 - Candidate eligibility 8
Section 3 - Elections 9
Section 4 – Special Committee 9
Section 5 – Committee Duties and Responsibilities 9
Section 6 - Conditions 9
Section 7- Installation 9
Oath of Office 10
Article X – Convention Delegates 10
Article XI – Conflict of Interest 10
Article XII – Parliamentary Authority 10
Article XIII – Amendment of Bylaws and Rules 10
Section 1 - Procedures 10
Section 2 – Conformance to TREA Bylaws and Standing Rules 10
Section 3 - Distribution 10
Article XIV - Colors, Seal and Logo 11
Article XV - Dissolution 11
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PREAMBLE
The men and women of Midway Chapter 16, as enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States of America, are ever mindful of the glorious tradition of our duty to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America. Thus know our obligation to support a strong defense establishment, our interest in the welfare of our fellow servicemen and women in fortune or distress, and with reverence to God, Country, and our departed comrades, unite to further the aims and objectives of The Retired Enlisted Association, Incorporated.
ARTICLE I - NAME AND LOCATION
Section 1 (Name)
The name of this Chapter shall be The Retired Enlisted Association, Incorporate; currently dba, TREA: The Enlisted Association (from now on referred to as TREA) Midway USA Chapter 16.
Section 2 (Location)
The chapter mailing address shall be P.O. Box 1774, Salina, Kansas 67402-1774
ARTICLE II – OBJECT
The objective and purpose of Chapter 16 (an Affiliate of TREA) are:
To be the professional military organization of choice for enlisted personnel, veterans, families, and grandchildren.
Our promise – is to lead the fight to enhance the quality of life for all enlisted personnel of the uniformed services, veterans, their families, and survivors. To stop the erosion of earned benefits through our legislative efforts, maintain our esprit de corps, dedication, and patriotism, and promote devotion and allegiance to God and Country.
Our Guiding Principles – What We Live By – TREA's Guiding principal include these eight essential elements:
1. Promote the love of God, our country, and the flag.
2. Support the honor and integrity of our government and constitution.
3. Advocate for military forces adequate to the defense of our country.
4. Promote the integrity and prestige of uniformed services.
5. Promote fraternal relations between all branches of the military services of the United States of America.
6. Promote and support the education of children of service personnel.
7. Assist service members, veterans, and their families in need according to our principles and ability.
8. Remember, the welfare of our members and the enlisted community comes first!
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ARTICLE III — MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 (Regular)
a. Any enlisted person that has been honorably discharged from any active or reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States, or is currently Active Duty, shall be eligible for Regular Membership, including life membership. A retired member advanced to Commissioned or Warrant Office status, either through recall to active duty or on the retired list, shall remain eligible for regular membership if their dues are current. Also, the spouses of alive or deceased eligible veterans are entitled to regular membership. If the spouse divorces the
veteran, that spouse is no longer eligible for TREA membership after the current membership expires. Spouses do not qualify for life membership. The TREA membership section will grandfather all current spouses with life membership. All accepted chapter members will comply with the rules of the existing HQ TREA and Chapter 16 Bylaws. Any members with concerns regarding this Section shall address the issue with the Officers for action.
b. Annually any member of chapter 16 in good standing may recognize and request to award a veteran or spouse of a veteran a one or two-year free TREA membership. The individual receiving the free membership must meet the TREA membership requirement in Section a. Chapter 16 shall pay for the free membership.
Section 2 (Honorary)
Per TREA Bylaws, Chapter 16 may bestow Honorary Membership upon anyone who has rendered extraordinary service and is not eligible for regular or associate membership. Unless otherwise specified in appropriate bylaws or withdrawn by the awarding authority, honorary membership shall be for life, and s shall assess no dues. Honorary members shall enjoy the same privileges as courtesy members.
Section 3 (Courtesy)
Any person not otherwise eligible for TREA membership may be granted courtesy membership by TREA Chapters, providing such membership is authorized in the chapter bylaws. Courtesy members shall be chapter members only and not included in the official Chapter or TREA strength computations. All dues, if any, shall become chapter assets. If non-veterans are accepted, their total shall not exceed two and one-half percent of the total chapter membership. The Chapter may grant voting rights to Courtesy Members for the Chapter only. And may distribute a copy of the TREA Voice magazine to a Courtesy Member.
Section 4 (Rights and Privileges)
The Chapter shall deny no person a Membership in TREA chapter 16 based on race, color, creed, sex, religious or political beliefs, or national origin. Classes of Membership shown in Sections 1 and 2 above shall have equal rights and privileges except as specified in this Article III. The right to hold office, make motions, or not be offered a vote to honorary members, but maybe courtesy members for the chapters only.
Section 5 (Good Standing)
The Chapter will consider all members in good standing except for the reasons specified in TREA Bylaws Article III Section 5 a, b, and c.
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Section 6 (Transfers)
Members in good standing may transfer between chapters and from member-at-large (MAL) status to a chapter, or vice versa. Upon acceptance, the gaining Chapter shall complete the TREA Form 100-8 (Change of Address/ Chapter Assignment). Chapter 16 will accept all transfers and try to recruit Kansas MAL. The original will be forwarded to National Headquarters with a copy of the losing Chapter (if applicable).
Section 7 (Resignation)
Members may resign from TREA by submitting written notification to TREA National Headquarters. Such resignation shall sever all relations with TREA and its chapters. Members who wish to leave their Chapter of assignment only must specify a letter of resignation addressed to their chapter president. In this event, such members shall become TREA members-at-large, and the Chapter must notify TREA National Headquarters on TREA Form 100-8 (Change of Address/Chapter Assignment).
Section 8 (Expulsion or Suspension)
Regarding expulsion or suspension, chapter 16 shall comply with Article III, Section 8 of TREA Bylaws.
Section 9 (Reinstatement)
A former chapter member who resigned while in good standing or forfeited membership due to nonpayment of fees may rejoin the Chapter as a new member or be reinstated with his original "join date" upon payment of all dues in arrears to the Chapter (and to TREA if applicable). Expelled members may rejoin after one year—and upon acceptance by a two-thirds vote of the Chapter, Officers unless also dismissed from TREA, in which case acceptance must be per Article III, Section 10 of the TREA National Bylaws.
Section 10 (Members-At-Large)
Chapter 16 shall comply with TREA Bylaws Article III, Section 10.
Section 11 (Disciplinary Procedures)
Chapter 16 shall comply with TREA Bylaws Article III, Section 11.
ARTICLE IV – DUES AND FINANCES
Section 1 (Dues)
All members of the Chapter, except courtesy and honorary members, shall pay TREA National dues in amounts prescribed in Article IV, Sections 1 or 2 of the TREA National Bylaws. This Chapter collects no Dues to date. (This Chapter relies on FREE WILL DONATIONS from its members and fund drives). The Chapter has established a $14.00 Annual Fee for the Printed Newsletter published monthly. The members may choose to pay the $14.00 for the Newsletter or receive it via computer e-mail and pay nothing.
Section 2 (Incentives)
a. Incentives – The Chapter shall comply with TREA Bylaws Article IV, Section 2.
b. Obligations - The chapter treasurer shall, on a timely basis, send TREA all dues collected from regular members for membership renewal and newly joined members (including life membership dues) to TREA National Headquarters. The Chapter shall also comply with all reporting requirements promulgated in TREA Standing Rules. All fees collected from courtesy members shall become chapter assets. Honorary members pay no dues.
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Section 3 (Dues Remittance)
The Chapter shall comply with TREA Bylaws Article IV, Section 3.
Section 4 (Budget)
During December of every year, the chapter membership will prepare and approve a new year budget in the best interest of the Chapter's financial survival. The membership shall be the approving authority for the expenditure of chapter funds. The chapter treasurer shall prepare a monthly financial report. Two or more chapter officers shall be authorized to sign checks drawn on the chapter check bank account. The membership shall verify all debits authenticity for payment of goods and services before the disbursement of the chapter funds.
Section 5 (Audit)
Upon the chapter treasurer change, the Chapter President may elect a person to perform an Audit of the chapter financial records.
Section 6 (Fiscal Year)
The fiscal year for this Chapter shall be the same as the calendar year (i.e., January 1 through December 31).
ARTICLE V – CHAPTER OFFICERS
Section 1 (Elected Officers)
For continuity, Chapter officers will be elected TWO years by the membership as follows: President and Treasurer for two years and Vice-President and Secretary for two years. These officers shall perform the duties prescribed in these bylaws and the adopted parliamentary authority shown in Article XIII. The membership shall not reelect any officers who have served twelve straight years in the same position. But can be eligible for election to another job other than the one occupied for twelve consecutive years.
Section 2 (Appointed Officers)
IAW Section 6 of these bylaws. Depending upon the number of members assigned to the chapters, the Chapter President shall appoint a chaplain, sergeant-at-arms, and chapter service officer. When it becomes a need, the President may appoint a member to Office for Training Purposes until it may dictate that the members' appointment requires a vote to fill the office. No position may exceed the remaining term of the appointing authority.
Section 3 (Eligibility)
Any regular, veteran, or chapter member in good standing shall be eligible for nomination and election to any chapter office prescribed in Article IX, Section 2 of these bylaws.
Section 4 (Terms of Office)
Chapter officers are elected for the term as indicated in Section 5 paragraphs a and b below. All officers shall serve for the duration or until their successors are elected or appointed. The term limitation for continuous years in the same position is twelve years (6 two terms). But an officer can be eligible for election to another job than
served for twelve straight years. The period shall begin on January 1, following the elections. Outgoing officers will surrender all chapter records and property to their successors.
a. The President and Vice-President shall be elected for a two-year term of office and serve no more than six times.
b. The Treasurer and Secretary shall be elected to a two-year term of office and serve no more than six times. However, the specialized experience required for these two positions, the Chapter President, may appoint the former officers as an advisor/trainer for six months
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c. When there is a situation where no one is elected or appointed to fill one of the positions in the above Article V, Section 4, paragraphs a and d, the incumbent agrees to stay; a membership vote action will extend the term limitation until a new officer is elected.
d. When the President vacates their position due to moving to another state, no one else volunteers or seeks the position. Non-election year, the Vice President will fill the position. The vice president can vacate his job and run for higher office during an election year.
Section 5 (Vacancies)
The term of any officer (except a temporary appointee) shall be for the unexpired term of his predecessor if an elected officer is physically unable to perform his duties but fails to resign. The Vice-President shall fill a vacancy in the office of President for the unexpired term. All other elective positions shall be filled by special membership election within 60 days unless the regular election is within 120 days. In the interim, or when there is no candidate for any elective office (and the former occupant refuses to continue to serve under Section 4 above), the President may appoint any qualified member to the vacant position, subject to ratification by the Officers. Appointees shall have all the rights and privileges of elected members, including the right to vote.
Section 6 (Dual Offices)
No officer may hold more than one elective chapter office, but a chapter officer may take any other office within
the TREA structure unless restricted by the TREA National Bylaws
Section 7 (Removal of Officers)
The appointing authority may remove an appointed officer, the Board of directors, or the chapter membership. The membership may rescind an election and remove an elected officer in the manner prescribed in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (Chapter XX) or promulgated elsewhere in these bylaws or Chapter Standing Rules. Instead of removal under this Section, the Board of Directors may permit an elected official to resign from office under Section 9 below.
Section 8 (Resignation)
Members may resign from TREA by submitting written notification to TREA National Headquarters. Such resignation shall sever all relations with TREA and its chapters. Members who wish to leave from their Chapter of assignment only must specify a letter of resignation addressed to their chapter president. In this event, such members shall become TREA members-at-large, and the Chapter must notify TREA National Headquarters on TREA Form 100-8 (Change of Address/Chapter Assignment.
ARTICLE VI – DUTIES OF CHAPTER OFFICERS
Section 1 (President)
a. The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer and Official spokesperson for the Chapter. And shall set the objectives, guide the policies, and preside over monthly meetings. Also, shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees (except the nomination committee) and ensure the membership's best interest in the Chapter's operation and management. During emergency/disaster situations, the President will have the power to make spot-on decisions/policies for the membership's safety, health, welfare, and continued existence of the Chapter. The President shall ensure that all the Chapter's administrative requirements are expeditiously completed and in a dignified, honest, and impartial manner. And is solely responsible for ensuring the submission of all required reports to TREA National Headquarters on time. The President may choose to authorize an audit when a new Treasurer is appointed. Thus, ensure all other duties or obligations inherent to the position or assigned by these bylaws, the adopted parliamentary authority, or standing rules.
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b. All canceled monthly meetings, section 1 of Form 100-23s, must be filled out, and the Summary of Meeting section annotated MEETING CANCELED. All other quarterly reports (TREA Form 100-4 Notification of Death, form 100-11, Chapter Financial Statement) required by the TREA headquarters will be completed and submitted. According to Bylaws Article VI section 1b."
Section 2 (Vice-President)
The Vice President shall assist the President in their duties and fulfill such other obligations as the President may assign. The Vice President shall chair one or more committees and serve as the acting President in the proper order of succession (When Appropriate). Also, monitor the duties of the appointed Website Administrator listed in Section 9 promptly. Also, perform other duties as may be assigned by the President.
Section 3 (Secretary)
When requested, the Secretary shall record the minutes to all chapter monthly membership meetings and other meetings and read or make the previous session's minutes for review. Annotate corrections to the minutes (if any) on the official file copy—or, if modifications are extensive, rewrite the minutes. The file will include an annotation to reflect approval, the date approved, and the Secretary's signature. The Secretary shall submit these annual, and quarterly TREA reports according to TREA Standing Rule 9, Part IV paragraph 9, such as form 100-4 (quarterly), form 100-8, form 100-9 (annually), and form 100-23 (quarterly). Also, perform other duties as may be assigned by the President.
Section 4 (Treasurer)
The Treasurer shall be responsible for the Chapter's financial affairs to include all funds' care and custody. They shall ensure payment of all legal bills, including fees, taxes, etc. And shall coordinate the establishment of an annual budget, manage all financial accounts under standard accounting practices, maintain written reports, and give a verbal monthly treasurer report at each membership meeting. The treasurer report shall contain—as a minimum—the beginning balance, a record of receipts and disbursements for the period covered, used check numbers, all deposits, and the ending check account balance. Also, shall prepare and submit TREA Form 100-11, Chapter Financial Statement to TREA National Headquarters quarterly, and at such other times as may be required; and shall ensure no loans to chapter officers or members. The Treasurer shall adhere to the chapter Treasurer's duties instructions. They will also comply with Article IV of this bylaw.
Section 5 (Chaplain)
The chaplain (an appointed officer) shall give a non-sectarian invocation and benediction at the opening and closing of each membership meeting and at such other times as appropriate. He shall help and condolence to the families of ill or deceased chapter members and officiate at community affairs on behalf of the Chapter.
Section 6 (Sergeant-At-Arms)
The Sergeant-at-Arms (an appointed officer) cites the Oath and swears in newly elected Officers; verify attendees' voting eligibility when in doubt; maintain order in the meeting room; assist the President when called upon performing such other duties as may be assigned.
Section 7 (Other Appointments)
When authorized by the membership, other officers may be appointed and shall have their duties, rights, and privileges provided in writing and incorporated into these bylaws during the subsequent amendment.
a. Media Coordinator (If assigned): The Media Coordinator will schedule guest speakers for meetings, make sure the speaker keeps their presentation to 20 minutes, prepare a Certificate of Appreciation or letter of Appreciation in a picture frame. If no Coordinator is assigned, the Secretary will perform these duties.
b. Web Site Administrator: This position requires attention to detail and a unique individual with a thorough knowledge of computers and website design. The Web Site Administrator will manage (as Directed by the
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c. President) the Chapter's website by keeping content and design current, analyzing and resolving usability issues, tracking and compiling website usage, online marketing presence, and broadcasting the Chapter's activities. This individual can well be an associate Secretary or, in terms, can be referred to as Secretary Pro-Temp.
ARTICLE VII – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Since Chapter 16 is of small size in membership, there is no need for a Board of Directors. Nevertheless, the Chapter President may appoint appropriate members to serve as committee chairpersons on a particular occasion. The Chapter will comply with the TREA Headquarters Bylaws Article VII when needed.
ARTICLE VIII (MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS)
Section 1 (Monthly Meetings)
The general membership shall determine all regular membership meetings' date, time, and place. The person(s) who call for special membership meetings shall explain why and stipulate the date, time, and location. Notice of meetings shall be as prescribed in Section 3 below.
Section 2 (Frequency)
Unless prohibited by circumstances, shall hold a regular membership meeting ON THE SECOND FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH at 1:00 PM. Special meetings shall be as directed by the President and called as prescribed in Section 1. Chapter officers for the forthcoming 2nd year are reelected and will be in November -as specified in Article V, Section 4.
Section 3 (Notice of Meetings)
The President or Secretary will announce the next meeting date and any special meetings at monthly membership meetings. Also, the date is published in the Newsletter and on the chapter website. In December of each year, the membership shall select monthly meeting dates. In lieu thereof, notification of an emergency special meeting may be by telephone or other means to all members who attended the last three regular meetings (if possible). The President, Vice-President, or Secretary will notify members 24 hours before any special gathering and cancellations.
Section 4 (Cancellation)
a. Upon a declaration of any National or State emergency, i.e., a risk of a Pandemic virus or other critical situation that may require the Chapter President to take precautionary measures. The President shall use good judgment and cancel a membership meeting when members cannot gather as a group to conduct the chapter business. If a meeting's cancellation exceeds two months, the President will coordinate (by telephone or e-mail). If practical, the President may conduct meetings via online audio and web conferencing platforms (zoom, skype, etc.).
b. The chapter Secretary shall send each Officer a copy of the relevant last meeting report not approved by the membership via e-mail or USPS mail. The officers will review and authorize the monthly Treasurer and Form 100-23 Meeting Minutes. The officers must reply to the President with a YES or NO to approve the reports. Thus, once approved, as mandated at the end of the quarter, the Secretary will send the Meeting Minute report to TREA Headquarters with a notation on Form 100-23 "Approved per Chapter 16 Bylaws section." Also, all canceled meetings, Form 100-23s, must be appropriately annotated.
Section 5 (Quorum)
A quorum at any chapter membership meeting shall be five or more members having voting rights or five percent of the total voting membership, whichever is less (including board members). A quorum must be present before conducting any official business. If a quorum is not present, the Officer in attendance will reschedule the meeting within thirty days, and all members notified. If a quorum is still not present, the members present at the second meeting may, by a two-thirds vote, suspend the quorum requirement and proceed with the meeting's business. The suspension will be for one session only.
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Section 6 (Presiding Officer)
The chapter President shall typically preside over all membership meetings. The assembly shall elect a chairman pro tern to oversee the session only. In the absence of the President, the Vice-President (in succession) assumes the chair. If the President and Vice-President must step aside, or if they are all absent, the Secretary or another elected Officer shall call the meeting to order.
Section 7 (Order of Business)
The Chapter shall follow the rules listed in paragraphs a through o below. And call to order the meeting before any business is conducted and again after each recess. Hence, as dictated in Section 5, a quorum must be present.
Call to Order
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Sign-in log
Quorum Verification
Introduction of New Members and Guests
Announcements
Incoming correspondence
Reading and Approval of the Reports of Officers (Treasurer, Secretary, etc.)
Special Committee Reports (if any)
Unfinished business (brought forward from the last meeting—if any)
New Business
1. Good of the Order (general welfare of the organization)
Special Announcements (next meeting date, etc.)
Benediction
Adjournment
ARTICLE IX – NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
Section 1 (Nominee Candidates)
The Nominating Committee will seek election applicants per the eligibility listed in chapter 16 Article IX section 2 bylaw. The committee shall consist of fewer than TWO or more than THREE members. The President shall ask volunteers to serve on the committee. Neither the President nor any other member shall be ex-officio of this committee. The membership will elect all members one or two months before the December meeting. No later than the January meeting, the officers shall receive the Oath of Office.
Section 2 (Candidate eligibility)
To meet the Chapter's needs (being a small-scale chapter), candidates must be regular members and meet specific criteria to be eligible for election as a Chapter 16 officer. The Chapter will have written operational instructions for each office position listed below in paragraphs a through d.
a. President - A TREA member should know how chapter 16 functions and volunteer to hold the office. And when needed, use the Chapter President's operating instructions and Bylaws.
b. Vice President - A TREA member should know how chapter 16 functions and volunteer to hold the office. And when the need arises, use the chapter Vice-President's operating instructions and Bylaws.
c. Treasurer - A TREA member should know how chapter 16 functions, volunteer to hold the office, some accounting and computer skills. As well, use the chapter Treasurer's operating instructions and Bylaws.
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d. Secretary - A TREA member should know how chapter 16 functions volunteered to hold the office with writing, accounting, and computer skills. As well, use the chapter Secretary's operating instructions and Bylaws.
e. Other Appointees - Must have been a TREA member and accepts their appointed position.
f. Candidates (anyone nominated) shall ensure their membership status is up to date during the election cycle and kept current. If their membership expires during the official term period, they need to renew it.
Section 3 (Elections)
Elections shall be by single ballot (via USPS mail, e-mail, or in-person) and customarily held on the November Membership Meeting Day. All elected officers shall be by majority vote and motion approval. A qualified member may be a candidate for only one office. An incumbent officer who becomes a candidate for a higher office shall forfeit his remaining term of office and a successor nominated. When three or more candidates vie for the same officer position, no one receives the most votes cast. The Chapter shall hold a run-off election between the two top candidates. Election to fill a vacancy shall be per Article V, Section 5, of these bylaws.
Section 4 (Special Committees)
The Chapter President shall appoint all special committees. They may also provide written or oral instructions, including committee duties and an action completion date. And require the head of the committee to prepare a final report. The President shall be an ex-officio (voting) member of all special committees except the Nominating Committee, and maybe personally favorable or unfavorable to them.
Section 5 (Committee Duties and Responsibilities)
A description of all standing committees' duties and responsibilities and the special Nominating Committee shall be according to Article IX, section 4 of the chapter bylaws. Recurrent duties of other select committees such as Awards, Grievance, etc., may also be specified in standing rules or policy guides approved by the membership.
Section 6 (Conditions)
a. NORMAL CONDITIONS: The election of Officers shall be by the membership every two years during NOVEMBER and shall assume office on January 1. At least thirty days before convening the November meeting, the Nominating Committee (Article IX, Section 3) shall begin searching for nominees to fill elective offices. The committee will report the candidates and for which office. Those nominated must give their consent before placing their name on the election ballot. Elections will be by a secret vote or acclamation when only one nominee for an office. The nomination committee will announce the results of the election.
b. EMERGENCY CONDITIONS: The election of officers during a National or State Emergency/Disaster as described in Article VIII, section 4 of this bylaw, the Chapter President shall have the authority to use one of the following options: ask the officers up for reelection to accept another two-year term, postpone the election, or vote by mail-in ballot. An officer chosen for an election cycle must agree to stay on. If the President is up for reelection, by this bylaw is obligated to remain for another term. An exception to this rule is moving to another location (new State, city, or country) or not available. This portion of the bylaw voids term of office limitations. If feasible, mail-in ballot voting is the preferred method.
Section 7 (Installation)
The elected officers shall assume office immediately upon the final business session's adjournment and be officially installed at an appropriate ceremony NLT by January Membership Meeting. The installation
oath by the Sergeant of Arms or Past Chapter Presidents Council. If not held or not attended by a newly elected officer, it does not affect which office's time is assumed. Both elected and appointed officers shall typically take the Oath, which shall be as follows:
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OATH OF OFFICE
"I, (state name), having been elected or appointed to the office of (state office), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute said office to the best of my ability. And that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies; that I will uphold the ideals and traditions of TREA; and that I will abide by all rules and regulations to which I am subject, so help me God."
ARTICLE X – CONVENTION DELEGATES
This Chapter is authorized to send delegates with proxies to the National Convention as prescribed in Article X of the TREA National Bylaws. Representatives shall meet the prerequisites defined in the TREA Bylaws and Rules and any other requirements established by the chapter membership. According to chapter policies, the Chapter may approve financial assistance or reimbursement expenses when funds are available.
ARTICLE XI – CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
No member shall serve in any capacity (as a volunteer or as an employee) where a conflict of interest is apparent or perceived unless approved by a two-thirds vote of the general membership.
ARTICLE XII – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The Rules contained in "Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised" shall govern the proceedings of this Chapter in all cases to which they apply and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order or standing rules that this Chapter may adopt.
ARTICLE XIII — AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
Section 1 (Procedures)
A two-thirds vote may amend these bylaws at any regular meeting if prior notice (containing the text or purport of the proposed change) has been given at a previous session or given at least seven days before the meeting. An exception to this rule is situations listed in Article IX Section 5 a and b of this bylaw.
Section 2 (Conformance to TREA Bylaws and Standing Rules)
These bylaws must conform to the TREA National Bylaws and Standing Rules only on requisite points such as membership's qualifications and classification, elections, terms of office, colors, logo, and other requirements specified herein or in TREA's National Bylaws. TREA's National Bylaws shall prevail in the event of a conflict and conforming changes to these bylaws without further referral to the membership.
Section 3 (Distribution)
After adoption by the membership, two copies of the original chapter bylaws and any subsequent amendments or revisions will be forwarded to TREA National Headquarters for review and approval as prescribed in the TREA National Bylaws. Any other distribution shall be as directed by the Chapter Board of Directors or Membership
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ARTICLE XIV – COLORS, LOGO, AND SEAL
The official colors of this Chapter shall be the same as TREA—Red and Gold. The TREA Logo shall be as specified in TREA Standing Rules. No change on the inside of the outer ring, except for the chapter number between the eagle's wings providing the numerals, is not more significant than the letters between the two outer circles of the logo. The Corporate Seal shall contain two concentric circles with "TREA Chapter 16 (and the State)" between the outer and inner circles when this Chapter is incorporated. In the center ring, the words "Non-Profit" should be at the top, "SEAL" in the center, and the Chapter founded year along the bottom edge.
ARTICLE XV — DISSOLUTION
According to TREA Headquarters Bylaws, the Chapter will convert all assets to cash when necessary dissolution action. After all payment of chapter debts, any remaining funds will be forwarded to TREA National Headquarters and held in escrow for one year, unless this State's laws require some other distribution form. TREA HQ will transfer all escrow funds to the TREA Memorial Foundation if the Chapter fails to reactivate within one year. The colors, chapter charter, and membership and financial records will be forwarded to TREA National Headquarters and retained for at least one year. Notwithstanding the above statements, State and local laws and the Internal Revenue Service requirements shall be adhered to during dissolution proceedings.
Initial bylaws adopted: June `1970
Revised June 2008, June 2012, January 2015, January 2017, October 2020. October 2021
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