It has taken more than 28 campaigns, but the First Defenders Civil War Round Table now has by-laws! The basic rules of any society, organization or business, by-laws provide a framework for how the organization functions.
For those who have been around for awhile, there has always been an informality about how meetings are conducted, officers are elected and committees are formed. In simpler times, such informality was fine among a group of folks with a mutual interest in history; however, changing times and expanded opportunities for funding to support the Round Table and its programs necessitated the adoption of a bit more “organization.” There has long been conversation about development of by-laws, but it just never happened.
Now, though, the wheels are finally in motion! Already the First Defenders have become a non-profit corporation recognized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and it nears final approval of its federal application to be recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. To make all of that happen, a formal set of by-laws was needed.
To provide more specific direction required of businesses, an “administrative code” has also been adopted. Focusing more on the legal requirements the Round Table now faces, the Administrative Code can be modified simply and quickly by the Executive Board as legal requirements or changing situations may require. By-laws, however, require membership review and approval, and this will require a minimum of thirty (30) days (and, during our winter hiatus from January until April, could take even longer).
Both documents are available for review by clicking here: First Defenders CWRT By-Laws. Feel free to ask questions, make comments or even propose amendments to YOUR By-laws!
