By-Laws of the 34th North Carolina, Company H
May 5, 2007
Preamble
The 34th North Carolina, Company H (hereafter referred to as “the 34th”) is a living history organization that attempts to accurately portray the typical North Carolina soldier during the American Civil War. While striving for historic accuracy, the 34th is a family-oriented unit that seeks enjoyment and, above all, safety during the events in which we participate. The rules and policies of the 34th are stated below and must be followed by all full members, recruits, cadets, and civilians at all times.
Article I: Becoming a Member of the 34th
Section 1: All persons (civilian and military) who wish to be considered for membership must complete an application. Applications are available from the unit commanders or on the website. Upon receipt of the application, the document will be reviewed by the unit officers and NCOs and the applicant will be informed of approval or disapproval. Any intentional misrepresentations on the application will result in automatic rejection.
Section 2: After an application has been approved, the applicant takes on the status of recruit (civilian applicants need only approval of the application for their level of membership). A recruit shares all the benefits of full membership (defined below), but cannot vote on unit business. After attending two events, the unit members will vote on making the recruit a full member. A simple majority will be required (see voting regulations below; Article III). Final approval rests on the unit officers and NCOs.
Section 3: A full member of the 34th will be able to vote on any unit issues brought forward, if they meet the requirements of membership. To remain a full member, a soldier must attend two events a year and follow all regulations in these by-laws and those which may be added to them by amendment. Civilian reenactors are protected under these by-laws as non-voting members only. Children between the ages of 12 and 16 (with parent or guardian) may be voted into the 34th as non-voting cadets, but must serve some field function (musician, runner, aid to the surgeon). Civilians and cadets have no attendance requirements.
Article II: Safety Requirements
Section 1: Before taking the field, all recruits will be instructed in firearms safety by the unit officers and NCOs. Civilians will also be educated in safety before attending an event.
Section 2: It is the responsibility of all members to be aware of safety issues at all times. Any unsafe situation is to be immediately reported to an NCO or officer. Safety violations involving firearms or edged weapons are particularly serious. Repeat violations of safety regulations (defined below) by any member will result in dismissal from the unit. Dealing with safety violations will be at the discretion of the command and will reflect the severity of the violation. Everyone makes mistakes, but police yourselves and watch your comrades so we can continue to enjoy our hobby.
Section 3: Multiple safety violations/hazards can arise at an event, and all will be taken seriously, but the violations below will not be tolerated: removal of the ramrod during a battle, removal of the bayonet during a battle, failing to elevate the muzzle of your firearm when engaging at close range, firing in an unsafe direction, unscripted physical contact during a battle, alcohol consumption when the public is present, drug use, or violation of the safety rules of the particular event. Members of the 34th should at all times be aware of several ways to maintain safety: honestly complete medical form (one copy in haversack, one in the command tent), remain hydrated (when you’re thirsty, it’s too late), watch out for the safety of your friends, if you feel sick let someone know, be aware of your firearm, and THINK.
Article III: Voting and Election of Officers and NCOs
Section 1: If, at any time, a member wishes to bring a piece of unit business to a vote, they may do so. For a vote to occur, however, at least half of the unit’s voting members will have to be present. Upon a person’s proposal to vote on a matter, another member must second the motion for the vote to occur. Yay/nay votes will be taken by a showing of hands. Votes with more options, such as the election of a new officer or NCO will be done on paper. The highest ranking officer or NCO present will tally the results and the matter will be decided.
Section 2: It is assumed that a unit officer’s or NCO’s rank will be permanent. When a new officer or NCO is added, all current officers and NCOs will move up in rank. Voting will only be required to add a new officer or NCO (two cases can arise: growth of the unit can require the addition of a new officer or NCO OR a current officer or NCO chooses to abdicate their rank and be replaced). No officer or NCO may be voted out of their rank (the only exceptions would be a severe violation of the by-laws or failure to perform duties).
Section 3: When a new officer or NCO needs to be voted into the rank, a full member may propose a nominee. Another member must second that nominee. The unit commander must approve the nominee. Any full member in good standing may be nominated, and any number of nominees can be proposed for an election. You may not nominate yourself. The nominees will be voted on by the members in the manner described above. Final approval rests on the unit commander.
Article IV: Amending the By-Laws
These by-laws may be added to or amended at any time, using the voting procedure outlined in Article III, Section 1. Amendments or additions made to the by-laws will be added in an amendments section following Article IV.