Bylaws

Here's an updated copy of our Bylaws, as of 11/25/09. Apart from a few amendments earlier in the year that have been added on, I have also fixed some punctuation and grammar errors.

The Greater Milwaukee Catholic Home Educators
Dead Language Latin Club


Bylaws

Sponsor: The Greater Milwaukee Catholic Home Educators
Moderator: Robert Gotcher
President: Nathaniel Gotcher
Vice President: Lauren Zelinski
Secretary/Treasurer: Stephen Zambo

Approved by the Ad Hoc Bylaw Committee:

Edward Chien
Lauren Zelinski
Nathaniel Gotcher


Section A: Members

A.1 The Sponsor
The Sponsor of the Dead Language Latin Club is the Greater Milwaukee Catholic Home Educators. The Sponsor is represented for the purposes of the Club by the Moderator, who is selected by the Sponsor in whatever manner the Sponsor’s leadership sees fit.

A.2 The Moderator(s)
Anything and everything is subject to the approval of the Moderator(s) of the Dead Language Latin Club, who may do, regulate, change or otherwise make decisions about anything and everything concerning the Dead Language Latin Club.

A.3 The Triumvirate
The Triumvirate will consist of the President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer which constitute the Executive Committee of the Club. The Triumvirate may delegate work to the Plebians The Triumvirate ought to consult with and listen to the ideas and concerns of the Plebians in all matters.

A.4 The Plebians
The plebians will consist of persons qualified according to the norms and standards of the club (see Section F) who have also attended a minimum of four meetings within the last 12 months. Plebians have the right to vote in all matters.

A.5 The Clientes
The Clientes will consist of persons who are qualified according to the norms and standards of the club (see Section F) but have not attended the required 4 meetings within the last 12 months. Clientes may vote in all matters but these:

a) In an Election
b) In any change to the Bylaws
c) For an Impeachment

A.5 Senators-for-Life
The Senators-for-Life will consist of former Triumvirate members who may share wisdom wherever it is needed. They are welcome to attend all meetings and events. If graduated, they may also attend State or National Conventions as Chaperones or as members of the WSCL.

A.6 Equites
The Equites will consist of former Members other than Senators-for-life. They are welcome to attend all meetings and events. If graduated, they may also attend State or National Conventions as Chaperones or as members of the WSCL.

A.7 The President
The President is the spearhead of the Triumvirate. He has the power to issue a Mandatum (see section B) in case of controversy. The ordinary work of the President is to direct the Club within the vision of the Sponsor. If there is any work to be delegated for one reason or another, it is the President’s job to take care of it by doing it or delegating it.

A.8 The Vice President
The Vice President is in charge of Spirit, and Outreach. The ordinary job of the Vice President is to head recruitment efforts and keep up and support the Spirit of the Club.

A.9 The Secretary/Treasurer
The Secretary/Treasurer is responsible for the taking of minutes and the keeping of the Treasury and any other communication which is required by the Triumvirate.

A.10 Ad Hoc Committees
Ad Hoc Committees may be created by the processes of section B for the purpose of advancing the mission of the Club. The President should appoint the members from the Plebians, the Triumvirate or the Moderator(s).

A.11 Non-executive Officers
Non-Executive officers are those that have no say in the Triumvirate, but have official duties. Positions and/or officers may be added by a Vote of all members of the Club present or absent (see Section B).

A.12 Historian
The Historian is the primary keeper of photographic records, digital and otherwise. It is the duty of the Historian to take pictures at all events, keep a scrapbook, and keep the Blog supplied with pictures. The Historian is a non-executive officer.

A.13 Tech-Coordinator/Blogger
The Tech-Coordinator/Blogger is responsible for the upkeep of the Blog, and for organizing any other technological needs of the Club. The Tech-Coordinator/Blogger is a non-executive officer.

A.14 Acting Officers
In the case that an officer is unable to perform his duties, an Acting Officer is appointed by the President to perform the duties of that officer until the President releases him. In the case that the officer in question is the President, the Vice President would temporarily assume the office of the President. The Acting President may then appoint a new Vice President.


Section B: The Vote and Mandatum

B.1 The Calling of a Vote
Should controversy arise in a regular meeting, the matter may be settled by a Vote. Any member can call a vote with the approval of the Sponsor.

B.2 The Power of a Vote
By means of a Vote any decisions concerning the Club may be made with this exception:
a) Sections A.1 and A.2 of the Bylaws may not be in any way changed.

B.3 The Process of a Vote
In case of a Vote, the votes of all members present are tallied. The proposal with the most votes is carried and will be implemented.


B.4 The Context of the Mandatum
Should controversy concerning the direction or running of the Club or meetings arise in the context of a Triumvirate Meeting, it may be settled by a Mandatum issued by the President with this exception:
a) The President may not issue a Mandatum concerning the mission of the Club.

B.5 The Power of a Mandatum
The President may decide anything concerning the direction of the Club or meetings by a Mandatum. This Mandatum must be obeyed by all members.

B.6 Quorum
In most cases, a quorum of 66% of the members is needed to call a vote. The Exceptions are these which require all members present and absent to have a vote:
a) In an Election
b) In any change to the Bylaws
c) For an Impeachment


B.7 Amendment of the Bylaws
A change in the Bylaws is only possible by a 66% majority Vote in accordance to Section B.6.

Section C: Elections and Depositions

C.1 The Time of Elections
The normal time for Elections is at the last Club meeting of the year.

C.2 The Power of Elections
Elections will determine which Club members will hold Triumvirate offices next year.

C.3 The Process of Elections
Speeches and Debates may be held on Election Day or via the Internet or E-mail. Time should be allotted for the Plebians to ask the Candidates questions. After this Elections are held as Votes with these exceptions:
a) A tied vote may not be settled by a Mandatum. In case of tie the winner is determined by a flip of a coin.
b) Votes should remain as confidential as possible.

C.4 Impeachment
By an 80% majority vote any member of the Triumvirate may be impeached. Elections should be held promptly.

C.5 Resignation
A member of the Triumvirate may resign from office at any time.

C.6 In Case of Impeachment or Resignation
In case of Resignation or Impeachment, an Acting Officer must be appointed according to Section A.14 until Elections are held.

Section D: The Treasury

D.1 Use of the Treasury
A decision concerning the use of the treasury funds are to be determined by unanimous consent of the Triumvirate in consultation with the Plebians and the Sponsor or by a vote by all members subject to the approval of the Sponsor. A Mandatum cannot be issued concerning fiscal management.

D.2 Sponsor’s Dues
The Club will pay the Sponsor’s yearly dues to the American Classical League.

Section E: Meetings

E.1 Regular Meetings
A Regular Meeting is one to which all members are invited and encouraged to attend.

E.2 Triumvirate Meetings
A Triumvirate meeting is one convened by the President to which only Triumvirate Members are invited and encouraged to attend. At least one other Triumvirate Member must be present.

E.3 The Meeting Process
The layout of any given Regular meeting will be determined by the Triumvirate upon consultation with and in light of the input of the Plebians and the Sponsor. The layout of any given Triumvirate Meeting will be determined by the President in light of the input of the other Triumvirate members.

E.4 Times and Locations
The times and locations of the Regular meetings will be determined by the Triumvirate in consultation with the Plebians and Sponsor. The times and locations of the Triumvirate Meetings will be determined by the Triumvirate.

Section F: The Dead Language Latin Club Norms and Standards

F. 1 Membership Qualifications
To become a Member of the Club, twelve U.S. dollars must be submitted as dues to the Sponsor. The applicant must be home schooled during the academic year in which membership is sought, in eighth grade or high school, and currently studying some form of the Classics with some Latin background. The home schooling status of the proposed member will be determined by the Sponsor.

F.2 Conduct Expectations
At meetings, no member is allowed to engage in disorderly conduct. Business Meetings, to the extent possible, will follow a modified version of parliamentary procedures as provided by the Sponsor. Disciplinary Action may only be enacted by Sponsor, parent or any legitimate Civil or Ecclesiastical Authority.

F.3 Catholicity
The Dead Language Latin Club is sponsored by the Greater Milwaukee Catholic Home Educators; therefore its activities should directly or indirectly reflect the ideals of its patrons.

Why am I not surpised?

Everyone knows that Cupid, a.k.a. Eros, is the son of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love. But did you know that the father was Ares, God of War? It explains a lot about his trigger-happy behavior and wanton destruction of innocent peoples' lives. He lost the Parent Lottery, bigtime; he couldn't have picked 2 worse parents among the Olympian Gods had he tried.

For you John Paul II and Latin fans out there, Nancy Carpenter Brown links to this video.

November Meeting

Salvete!

Another meeting of our glorious club will be held this Monday, November 9th at Dr. G's house. The meeting will commence at 6:30 PM, and will end around 8:00, hopefully with snacks after the meeting. Remember, forms and payments for Convention are to be given to Dr. G at this meeting. We will also be discussing study assignments and spirit themes for Convention, as well as playing another round of Certamen. So put your thinking caps on and bring some ideas!

Until Monday,

A. S.

President