PREAMBLE:
We, the members of the USS Freedom NCC-71817, a correspondence chapter of STARFLEET; The International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc. (hereafter known as the “USS Freedom”), a not-for-profit organization based in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in order to provide a social organization in which people of diverse backgrounds with similar interests can interact to promote the optimistic future as envisioned in the Star Trek universe and to support that optimistic future through community services, social activities, and creative endeavors, do hereby establish this Constitution for the organization, USS Freedom NCC-71817.
ARTICLE I: DEFINITION OF TERMS
USS Freedom is based upon “Starfleet” as depicted in the Star Trek television series, motion pictures, and literature; it operates within the Star Trek universe to enhance the experience and fun of membership. Therefore, the following terminology shall be considered interchangeable within the USS Freedom:
| Chapter | Commissioned Duty Station (Starship, Space Station, etc.) as defined In the current Membership Handbook (hereafter referred to as “ship”) |
| Chapter-In-Training | Shuttlecraft (hereafter referred to as “shuttle”) |
| Chapter/Chapter-In-Training President | Commanding Officer (CO) |
| Chapter/Chapter-In Training Vice-President | First (or Executive) Officer (XO) |
| The President of the organization STARFLEET | Commander, STARFLEET (CS) or the Fleet Admiral |
| The Vice-President of the organization STARFLEET | Vice-Commander, STARFLEET (VCS) or the Vice Fleet Admiral |
All references to “Membership Handbook” herein shall be construed to mean the USS Freedom’s most current published Membership Handbook or official information provided on the USS Freedom website, whichever is in effect at the time.
ARTICLE 1: MEMBERSHIP
Section I: Application and Classification
All persons seeking application to the USS Freedom shall be awarded membership and shall remain members so as they maintain all membership requirements as provided in the current Membership Handbook. The USS Freedom believes in the value of Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations (IDIC). Therefore, membership in the USS Freedom is open to all.
All members will hold either the classification “Active Duty Member”, “Reserve Duty Member” or “Honorary Member.” All persons who are in compliance with membership requirements as stipulated in the most current Membership Handbook, and are classified as Active Duty or Reserve Duty, shall be deemed voting members of the organization. Members classified as Honorary Members shall be deemed to be non-voting members of the organization. Active Duty members shall be those members who wish to be assigned a fictional rank and position aboard the USS Freedom who seek to participate in STARFLEET in some active fashion via Sector, Regional, or International Offices and also by participation in official STARFLEET Electronic Communications or STARFLEET Academy. Reserve Duty Members shall be those members who do not wish to be assigned a fictional rank or position and do not actively participate in chapter, Region, or Fleet activities.
Any USS Freedom member may cancel his/her membership at any time by a written and signed request sent to the USS Freedom Chief of Operations, or by any other means deemed acceptable to the Command Staff. Requests for cancellations are subject to verification via telephone. All membership dues are nonrefundable. Reinstatement of a previously canceled membership will be decided on a case-by-case basis by the USS Freedom Command Staff.
Involuntary revocation of membership in the USS Freedom may be made only upon a majority vote of the Command Staff, after giving the member advance notice of the intended action and an opportunity to be heard. In case of revocation of membership, any pre-paid membership dues shall be refunded on a pro-rated basis.
Section 2: Office Held by Members
Only Active Duty USS Freedom members may hold an office or position of responsibility within the organization, where said positions are defined in the current USS Freedom Membership Handbook.
Section 3: Fictional Rank
Ranks awarded to USS Freedom members as described in the current Membership Handbook are fictional and only to reflect a member’s length of time in, and contribution to, the organization.
Fictional ranks alone do not give any member authority over another member in the USS Freedom. A position assigned to a member in a ship, shuttle, or in the Fleet may give that member responsibility to administer the assigned duties of that position. However, no member has the right to misuse responsibility granted by the USS Freedom to violate another member’s legal rights.
ARTICLE 2: NOT-FOR-PROFIT STATUS
USS Freedom is a not-for-profit organization. No member of the USS Freedom, of whatever classification, shall have any interest in, or right to, the property and assets of the USS Freedom. However, not all assets dedicated to the promotion and growth of the USS Freedom are exclusive to the organization. Departments and individual members have the right to maintain their own assets apart from those of the USS Freedom though they may be dedicated to a common purpose.
ARTICLE 3: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Section 1: Organization
The Administrative body of the USS Freedom shall be the Command Staff.
Section 2: Command Staff
The governing body of the USS Freedom shall be the Command Staff. The Command Staff shall consists of the Commanding Officer, First Officer, Second Officer, Third Officer and the Department Chiefs of the various departments of the USS Freedom and shall be chaired by the Commanding Officer, USS Freedom. The function of the Command Staff shall be to adopt and enforce policies as suggested by members of the Command Staff as well as the members of the USS Freedom itself. The Command Staff shall be the final authority in the interpretation of this Constitution and of the policies and procedures of the organization.
Voting authority within the Command Staff is given to the Commanding Officer, First Officer, Second Officer, Third Officer and all Department Chiefs currently sitting, with the Commanding Officer, USS Freedom chairing proceedings. The Inspector General, USS Freedom shall be responsible for conducting the votes of the Command Staff and is given observer status at all Command Staff proceedings.
The function of the Command Staff (with the exception of the Commanding Officer, USS Freedom) shall be to oversee the operational activities of the organization as well as the process of formulating and crafting policies, which are subsequently subject to approval by the Command Staff. The Command Staff also reviews and grants promotions to the fictional ranks of Lieutenant Commander and Commander.
Each member of the Command Staff shall appoint at least one executive assistant, with the advice and consent of the remaining members of the Command Staff, to assist in the discharge of duties. The executive assistant shall assume the duties of office in an acting capacity in the event of the appointing member’s death, incapacity, absence, or removal from office, until such time as a formal successor may be appointed in accordance with this Constitution and the current Membership Handbook by the Commanding Officer, USS Freedom. Successors to Command Staff members must be named within no less than 60 days from the effective date of the resignation of an office holder.
If no formal successor is named within that time period, then the executive assistant who is serving on a temporary basis shall be automatically appointed to the position.
The Command Staff is appointed by the Commanding Officer (CO), USS Freedom and consists of the following (in order of succession):
| Commanding Officer/President | Elected by the general membership |
| First Officer/Vice President | Appointed by the Commanding Officer |
| Second Officer | Appointed by the Commanding Officer |
| Third Officer | Appointed by the Commanding Officer |
| Chief Operations Officer | Appointed by the Commanding Officer |
| Chief Communications Officer | Appointed by the Commanding Officer |
| Chief Medical Officer | Appointed by the Commanding Officer |
| Chief Security Officer | Appointed by the Commanding Officer |
| Chief Engineering Officer | Appointed by the Commanding Officer |
| Chief Science Officer | Appointed by the Commanding Officer |
| Chief Support Services Officer | Appointed by the Commanding Officer |
| Chief Joint Special Operations Officer | Appointed by the Commanding Officer |
The function of the Command Staff (with the exception of the Commanding Officer, USS Freedom and the First Officer, USS Freedom) shall be to oversee the operational activities of the organization as well as the process of formulating, crafting policies and enforcing the rules, regulations and policies of the USS Freedom.
Section 3: Department Chiefs
The Department Chiefs (DC) must meet all of the qualifications for office as set forth in the current Membership Handbook and be at least 18 years of age. A DC serves at the pleasure of the CO and can be removed by such if so desired. After the CO decides upon the DC, the appointment will either be affirmed or denied by the USS Freedom Inspector General, based on a review of the potential DC meeting the above criteria as well as being a member in good standing. Any denial shall be based solely on the inability to meet the above criteria.
In such cases, the Inspector General, USS Freedom is expected to inform the potential DC of these short-comings and give him/her not less than 60 days to correct them. The potential DC can continue to serve as Interim DC during this period.
The DC shall be responsible for sending a monthly chapter status report to the CO as well as the Chief of Operations, USS Freedom as they may be required to do so in the manner set forth in the current Membership Handbook. In addition to all duties imposed by law, the DC is responsible for the general welfare and administration of their assigned crewmembers.
The DC is expected to set an example for their fellow crewmembers while also promoting the ideals of in fostering growth and harmony within the chapter while trying to keep discord at a minimum.
ARTICLE 4: TERMS OF OFFICE, OFFICERS’ DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Section 1: USS Freedom Officers
The leadership of USS Freedom has the right to remove or refuse to recognize any officers described within Article 4, Sections 2 through 11, inclusive, upon good cause shown. For purposes of such refusal only, “good cause” is specifically limited to:
a) That individual’s demonstrated repeated failure to comply with the USS Freedom’s mandatory reporting requirements.
b) Prior financial improprieties by that individual related to any USS Freedom chapter finances.
c) That individual’s demonstrated failure in the past to properly maintain any USS Freedom chapter financial or to allow a chapter member upon request to review a chapter’s financial records or documentation.
d) Proof of a criminal conviction or civil judgment based upon an offense involving rape, theft, fraud, or any felonious offense.
e) Proof of sexual harassment of a member or sexual misconduct (as currently defined in the Membership Handbook) with a member.
Should the leadership of the USS Freedom choose to refuse to recognize any individual for such good cause shown, that individual has the immediate right of appeal of that refusal by contacting any one member of the Command Staff, who then shall forward the request to the full Command Staff. The full Command Staff may overrule the refusal by a two-thirds majority vote of all its members and order that the individual be reinstated or recognized. That appellate process shall be concluded by the CO within sixty (60) days of the date of the refusal decision, unless the CO Is refused information needed to make an informed decision. In such instances, the CO has the option to vote to extend the period or terminate the appeal altogether for lack of input. The officer in question may retain his/her current position for the duration of the appeal.
Section 2: Judge Advocate General
The Judge Advocate General (JAG) is responsible for advising the Chapter CO and Command Staff on issues of Legal facts and or inquiries that involve the chapter.
The Judge Advocate General also represents the chapter in litigation in which a Department Chief or other crewmember is accused of wrongdoing.
The Judge Advocate General will be at least 21 years of age and is appointed by the Commanding Officer and majority vote of the Command Staff. Upon appointment to the position of JAG, he/she will be promoted temporarily to the rank of Ensign until which he/she must complete OTS with in four (4) months and then OCC with in three (3) additional months. If the JAG fails to complete these requirements in the prescribed time, then by majority vote of the Command Staff may extend the period by an additional 3 months. The Command Staff at that time or at time in which the CS refused to extend the time, the JAG will relinquish the position.
Section 3: Inspector General
The Inspector General, USS Freedom is appointed by the Commander, USS Freedom and is then submitted to the Command Staff for final confirmation by a majority vote, with a re-confirmation to be conducted by the Command Staff at least once every 2 years. The Inspector General, USS Freedom acts as the USS Freedom’s chief investigator in matters where his/her expertise is called upon. The Inspector General is invested with broad investigative powers in accordance with the guidelines established in the Membership Handbook. He/she can also draw upon any Fleet Personnel to aid in any matter relevant to the operation of the USS Freedom. It is also at the discretion of the Inspector General, USS Freedom to assemble a staff to carry out his/her duties within selected departments or areas. These Staff Officers shall report directly to the Inspector General, USS Freedom who shall be held liable for the results brought about by his/her staff.
The Inspector General is charged with overseeing electoral processes to elect or confirm the Commanding Officer and in order to safeguard the processes from wrongdoing. He/she also cooperates with the Chief of Communications, USS Freedom to coordinate the procedure of electing a new Commander, USS Freedom and in consultation with the Chief of Communications, is personally responsible for acquiring an independent party who is in no way associated or affiliated with the chapter or member of the USS Freedom to oversee the tallying of the returned ballots.
The Inspector General reports and answers directly to the Commander, USS Freedom and shall be at least 23 years old at time of appointment and will be temporarily promoted to the rank of Ensign until completion of OTS and OCC. The Inspector General has the same time requirements to complete OTS and OCC as the Judge Advocate General mentioned in Section 2 above.
Section 4: Chief Diplomatic Officer
The Chief Diplomatic Officer is appointed by the Commanding Officer, USS Freedom and does not assume command of the chapter at any time. The CDO reports monthly to the Commander, USS Freedom and is responsible for the coordination of the USS Freedom newsletter and information exchange with other Star Trek organizations.
The Chief Diplomatic Officer will be at least 18 years age and upon appointment to the position of CDO, he/she will be temporarily promoted to the title of Ambassador in which he/she will complete OTS with in four (4) months and then OCC in three (3) additional months.
Section 5: Chief Joint Special Operations Officer
The Chief Special Operations Officer is appointed by the Commanding Officer, USS Freedom and is twelfth in command. The CJSOPS reports monthly to the Commander, USS Freedom and to any other reporting agencies with in the SFMC/MACO structure and is responsible for keeping the chapter informed of conventions, Regional and Fleet Conferences, and assist the security department with convention security and honor guard missions.
The CJSOPS will be at least 18 years age and upon appointment to the position of CJSOPS, he/she will be temporarily promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant in which he/she will complete OTS with in four (4) months and then OCC in three (3) additional months. The CJSOPS is required to be qualified in either the SFMC or MACO and may be required to take additional courses as prescribed by the Service they are in i.e. SFMC or MACO.
Section 6: Chief Support Services Officer
The Chief Support Services Officer is appointed by the Commanding Officer, USS Freedom and eleventh in command. The CSSO reports monthly to the Commander, USS Freedom and is responsible for the creation of a quartermaster system and to assist members of the chapter as to information of purchasing Star Trek related merchandise and uniforms. The CSSO will also be responsible for keeping track of chapter property.
The Chief Support Services Officer will be at least 18 years age and upon appointment to the position of CSSO, he/she will be temporally promoted to the rank of Ensign in which he/she will complete OTS within four (4) months and then OCC in three (3) additional months.
Section 7: Chief Science Officer
Chief Science Officer is appointed by the Commanding Officer, USS Freedom and tenth in command. The CSCO reports monthly to the Commander, USS Freedom and is responsible for keeping the chapter informed of science issues such as new and old technology, environmental issues and issues relating to the animal kingdom.
The Chief Science Officer will be at least 18 years age and upon appointment to the position of CSCO, he/she will be temporarily promoted to the rank of Ensign in which he/she will complete OTS within four (4) months and then OCC in three (3) additional months.
Section 8: Chief Medical Officer
The Chief Medical Officer is appointed by the Commanding Officer, USS Freedom and ninth in command. The CMO reports monthly to the Commander, USS Freedom and is responsible for medical issues and records of the crew of the USS Freedom. The CMO is also responsible for coordinating the fun activities of the ship.
The Chief Medical Officer will be at least 18 years of age and upon appointment to the position of CMO, he/she will be temporarily promoted to the rank of Ensign in which he/she will complete OTS within four (4) months and then OCC in three (3) additional months.
Section 9: Chief Engineering Officer
The Chief Engineering Officer is appointed by the Commanding Officer, USS Freedom and eighth in command. The CEO reports monthly to the Commander, USS Freedom and is responsible for collecting and maintaining a chapter library for crewmembers to use based on the Star Trek technology and other technical publications.
The Chief Engineering Officer will be at least 18 years age and upon appointment to the position of CEO, he/she will be temporarily promoted to the rank of Ensign in which he/she will complete OTS within four (4) months and then OCC in three (3) additional months.
Section 10: Chief Communications Officer
The Chief Communications Officer is appointed by the Commanding Officer, USS Freedom and seventh in command. The CCO reports monthly to the Commander, USS Freedom and is responsible the publication of the chapter bi-monthly newsletter “THE LIBERTY”. The COC is also the chapter Elections Coordinator.
The CCO shall insure that the official bi-monthly newsletter of the USS Freedom, “THE LIBERTY” represents the membership with fair and equal access to the broadest spectrum of membership. The CCO is responsible for the timely production, publication and distribution of each issue of “THE LIBERTY” and shall follow all dictates of responsible journalism. Prior to publication and distribution of each issue of “THE LIBERTY”, the CO shall be provided an advance copy to offer editorial input. Ultimately, however all editorial responsibility rests with the CCO.
The CCO shall be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the USS Freedom elections for the Commanding Officer. In the event the CCO is a candidate for Commanding Officer, those responsibilities will be delegated to the next member of the Command Staff who shall be qualified to conduct the election. The CCO shall secure the services of the Inspector General, USS Freedom to verify the election results. The CCO shall be charged with mailing certified ballots to each member of record of the USS Freedom, by first class pre-paid postage. The Inspector General, USS Freedom shall receive all ballots by return mail, count same and certify the winner of the election subject to the provisions of this constitution and such other election related rules as may be determined by the majority of the Command Staff and shall notify, by telephone call all candidates and the Commanding Officer of the election results.
The Chief Communications Officer will be at least 18 years age and upon appointment to the position of CCO, he/she will be temporarily promoted to the rank of Ensign in which he/she will complete OTS within four (4) months and then OCC in three (3) additional months.
Section 11: Chief Security Officer
The Chief Security Officer is appointed by the Commanding Officer, USS Freedom and sixth in command. The CSO reports monthly to the Commander, USS Freedom and is responsible for security at all conventions in which the chapter participates in and to include security issues at all chapter activities.
The Chief Security Officer will be at least 18 years age and upon appointment to the position of CSO, he/she will be temporarily promoted to the rank of Ensign in which he/she will complete OTS within four (4) months and then OCC in three (3) additional months.
Section 12: Chief Operations Officer
The Chief Operations Officer is appointed by the Commanding Officer, USS Freedom and fifth in command. The COO reports monthly to the Commander, USS Freedom and is responsible for all chapter records, personnel records, chapter database and membership processing,
The Chief Operations Officer will be at least 20 years age and upon appointment to the position of COO, he/she will be temporarily promoted to the rank of Ensign in which he/she will complete OTS within four (4) months and then OCC in three (3) additional months.
Section 13: Third Officer
The Third Officer is appointed by the Commanding Officer, USS Freedom and is fourth in command. The C3O reports monthly to the First Officer, USS Freedom and is responsible for assisting the Second Officer and above in any assigned tasks and duties as necessary.
The C3O may be appointed from any of the current Department Chiefs presently serving. This position, along with the First Officer and Second Officer, are the only positions that may simultaneously hold two Command Staff Positions within the Chapter.
The Third Officer will be at least 21 years age and upon appointment to the position of C3O, he/she will be temporarily promoted to the rank of Ensign in which he/she will complete OTS within three (3) months and then OCC in three (3) additional months.
Section 14: Second Officer
The Second Officer is appointed by the Commanding Officer, USS Freedom and is third in command. The C2O reports monthly to the First Officer, USS Freedom and is responsible for assisting the First Officer and above in any assigned tasks and duties as necessary.
The C2O may be appointed from any of the current Department Chiefs presently serving. This position, along with the First Officer and Third Officer, are the only positions that may simultaneously hold two Command Staff Positions within the Chapter.
The Second Officer will be at least 21 years age and upon appointment to the position of C2O, he/she will be temporarily promoted to the rank of Ensign in which he/she will complete OTS with in three (3) months and then OCC in three (3) additional months.
Section 15: First Officer
The First Officer, USS Freedom (or Vice-President) reports monthly to the Commander, USS Freedom and is second in command of the chapter. The position of the First Officer, USS Freedom is charged with the production and revision of the Membership Handbook, the basic guide to the chapter’s structure, policies, operations of the chapter in general and represents the Command Department at all Command & Staff meetings, as well as with various duties as assigned by the Commander, USS Freedom. The First Officer, USS Freedom acts for the Commander, USS Freedom in his/her absence from office or disability as defined in the current Membership Handbook, and also discharges those duties as may be specified therein.
If for any reason a vacancy shall occur in the office of First Officer, USS Freedom, other than as set forth pursuant to Article 5, Section 2, then the Commander, USS Freedom shall appoint, preferably within 30 days after the vacancy occurs, a successor of his choice to serve out the remainder of the term. If a vacancy occurs pursuant to Article 5, Section 2, then the procedure set forth therein shall be followed for appointment of a successor First Officer, USS Freedom.
This position, along with the Second Officer and Third Officer, are the only positions that may simultaneously hold two Command Staff Positions within the Chapter.
The First Officer, USS Freedom shall be at least 21 years of age and must meet all other qualifications for office as set forth in the current Membership Handbook and STARFLEET Regulations.
Section 16: Commanding Officer
The Commander, USS Freedom (or President) shall be elected by the members of the USS Freedom and shall serve as Chairman of the Command Staff. The Commander, USS Freedom shall coordinate the activities of the entire chapter, as provided in the current Membership Handbook.
The Commander, USS Freedom shall be at least 21 years of age and meet all other qualifications for office as set forth in the current Membership Handbook and STARFLEET Regulations. Decisions of the commander, USS Freedom are considered final unless overturned by a two-thirds majority vote of the Command Staff. If for any reason a vacancy shall occur in the office of Commander, USS Freedom, the First Officer, USS Freedom shall immediately assume the office and responsibilities of Commander, USS Freedom. A replacement First Officer shall be put into office in accordance with the guidelines set forth in Article 5, Section 2.
ARTICLE 5: REMOVAL OF OFFICER FROM POSITION
Section 1: Department Crewmember
If any Department Chief (DC) becomes dissatisfied with the performance of any of their department members, after first exhausting all avenues to reconcile their differences with said crewman, the Department Chief has the authority to reassign the crewman to another position within the chapter or to reassign the crewman to another desirable department. The procedures in Regulation 600 apply.
Section 2: Commanding Officer
If at any time the Commander, USS Freedom (CO) neglects his or her duties, as set forth within this Constitution and the Membership Handbook, or if the CO causes harm to come to the reputation and stature of the USS Freedom by any of his/her actions, and upon receipt of a petition with the signatures of at least 25% of the current membership from no fewer than 3 departments, the process of impeachment may be initiated by the Command Staff. During such procedure; the CO shall be allowed to defend his/her actions to the assembled Command Staff. The CO shall be allowed to select any member of the USS Freedom to act as his/her advisor during this procedure. If the CO is unable or unwilling to secure an advisor of his/her own choosing, the CS may appoint one for the CO.
The Command Staff shall appoint a USS Freedom member to act as the advocate for the CS during this proceeding. All or any portion of the proceeding may be conducted in closed session if necessary to prevent potentially defamatory material from being released. However, at an appropriate time after the conclusion of the proceeding, a transcript of the proceeding shall be made available for public review, unless both the Command Staff and the CO mutually agree and the CO request in writing that the transcript not be so made available.
After a full and fair review of the charges brought against the CO, if two-thirds (2/3) of the sitting members of the Command Staff vote in favor of removal of the CO, then the CO shall be ordered to resign within thirty (30) days or any lesser time period as set by the Command Staff. If the CO fails to comply with this order in a timely fashion, the CS shall remove him/her from office and shall install the First Officer, USS Freedom (XO) as the new Commander, USS Freedom.
The new CO shall, within ten (10) days after taking office, nominate a candidate for appointment as the new XO. The Command Staff shall then either confirm or reject the nominee within no more than thirty (30) days by a majority vote.
If the former CO for any reason fails to cooperate with the new CO or the Command Staff in the timely transition of all required USS Freedom files and materials, as may be set forth in the Membership Handbook or other appropriate official USS Freedom resolution, either the new Commander, USS Freedom or the Inspector General, USS Freedom will be charged with and authorized to pursue appropriate legal action in accordance with the laws of the United States of America.
Section 3: Member of the Command Staff
Any member of the USS Freedom has the right to petition the Commander, USS Freedom (CO) for removal of a member of the Command Staff (CS). Removal petitions may be based only upon the CS member’s alleged lack of performance of official duties. No member of the USS Freedom may petition for removal of a CS member based upon a personal dispute between the petitioning member and the CS member. Such a petition is subject to summary denial.
Upon investigation by the CO or the IG, if the CS member is unable or unwilling to execute the official duties of his/her position in a manner that is in the best interest of USS Freedom, then the CS member shall be asked to resign by the CO, effective on a date determined by the CO.
Should the CS member fail or refuse to resign in a timely fashion and as requested by the CO, the CO may at his/her discretion, remove the CS member from office. The appointment of a replacement is at the sole discretion of the CO but should occur within 60 (sixty) days of the office becoming vacant.
Section 4: First Officer, Second Officer, Third Officer and Department Chiefs
The First Officer, Second Officer, Third Officer and Department Chiefs of the USS Freedom shall serve at the discretion of the CO and except under the circumstances as set forth in Article 4, Section 1, the removal of such Officers by anyone other than the CO shall not be permitted.
Assistant Department Chiefs serve at the discretion of the Department Chief, and removal of such officers by any other person other than the Department Chief or CO shall also not be permitted.
ARTICLE 6: FINANCIAL AFFAIRS/STANDARDS
Section 1: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the, USS Freedom shall commence on January 1 and terminate on December 31 of each calendar year. All transactions of the USS Freedom shall be conducted in the currency of the United States of America.
Section 2: Accounting System
The Command Staff shall install and maintain an accounting system for the USS Freedom in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles sufficient to maintain the USS Freedom and will generate concise and easy-to-understand financial statements no less than three times a year, which shall be published in THE LIBERTY.
Section 3: Funds Invested
Funds belonging to the USS Freedom, except as necessary to pay current expenses, must be invested in United States Federally insured bank deposits or instruments guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America, or in other investments as the Command Staff may authorize.
No funds may be deposited in a safe deposit box. No funds shall be invested or loaned in a manner that results in the personal profit or advantage of any officer or member of the organization. Except for reasonable and necessary business operations and expenses, no USS Freedom funds may be invested or spent in any business venture or any other manner that results in an actual loss of money. Any person or persons authorizing any such business undertaking will be personally liable to the chapter and its members for all losses so incurred.
Section 4: Money and Property
All money and property belonging to this chapter shall be held and used solely for the benefit of the chapter, its members, or the charity or fund for which the money or property is designated. No contracts or expenditures of the USS Freedom funds shall be made which will result in the personal profit or advantage of any officer or member of the USS Freedom.
Section 5: Disbursements
All disbursements of the USS Freedom shall be made by voucher checks, which shall show the date, payee, the type of service rendered or goods or property purchased, the budget line item into which they should fall, and the amount of payment.
Section 6: Financial Reviews
The Command Staff shall provide for the annual review of the books of accounts of the USS Freedom by independent bookkeeper that are in no way affiliated with or related to any member of the USS Freedom. The book keeper shall be selected by the Inspector General, USS Freedom and approved by a majority vote of the Command Staff. At the discretion of the Command Staff, a review can be performed at more frequent intervals.
Section 7: Treasurer
The Command Staff may appoint a person who is experienced in finance, accounting, and audits or financial reviews to serve a two-year term as the USS Freedom’s Treasurer. The Treasurer is responsible for instituting and/or maintaining a system of three financial reviews per year in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. If necessary, the Treasurer may request of the CS that a financial appropriation be made to fund the secure and safe transmission of the materials necessary to complete the reviews outlined above. Any noncompliance with these directives will result in the matter being referred to the Commander, USS Freedom for appropriate action. If the noncompliance persists beyond this stage or the subject in question is in fact the Commander, USS Freedom, the specific matter may then be referred to the CS for further action.
Section 8: Financial Liquidation
As set forth in Article 1, Section 3, in the event that the USS Freedom should be dissolved or liquidated, or otherwise cease operation, the property and assets of the USS Freedom shall first be used to pay all outstanding debts, with any remaining assets being contributed on behalf of the membership to a charitable corporation that is recognized under Title 26, United States Code, Section 501(c)(3) or (c)(7), as selected by the Command Staff.
Section 9: Zero Balance
All financial reporting requirements set forth by this Article shall be waived while the USS Freedom holds no funds nor property.
ARTICLE 7: ELECTIONS
Section 1: Term of Office
The Commander, USS Freedom (President) shall take office on January 1st of each year following the chapter general elections, which shall be held biannually. The office of President shall be filled by the candidate which receives the plurality of votes cast by the general chapter membership during the election as set forth in the current Membership Handbook.
In no event shall any person holding the office of President be permitted to hold that office for a period of more than 24 months without there being a vote by the general membership of the chapter. This may take the form of a vote of confidence if there are no other candidates. There are no limits to the number of times a CO can be elected to the office.
Section 2: Schedule of Election
The schedule of election events, including but not limited to campaigning and the publication of candidates’ statements in the official Election Publication during an election year and members’ eligibility to vote in chapter general elections, are those as may be prescribed in the current Membership Handbook.
Section 3: Tabulation of Ballots
Unless the Chief of Communications is an announced candidate for President, he/she shall be responsible for coordinating all election activity for President except as noted below, including but not limited to the receipt and verification of nominations under Article 7, Section 4. Should the Chief of Communications be such a candidate, the next member of the Command Staff in order of succession as defined in Article 3, Section 3, shall assume the responsibilities of coordinating the election process, The Inspector General, USS Freedom, shall tabulate all ballots cast and shall take appropriate steps to ensure close adherence to the election guidelines set forth by the Command Staff.
Section 4: Nomination of Candidates
Nominations of candidates for President may be submitted to the Election coordinator by any chapter member in good standing. All nominations must be signed and dated, and no person shall nominate more than one candidate in each election.
Section 5: Election Publications
The Official Election Publication is defined as the information resource containing the platforms and proposals of the various eligible candidates for Commander, USS Freedom. This publication may be distributed either as part of an issue of THE LIBERTY or as a standalone mailing. If permissible under the guidelines of the election, the Election Publication may also include the ballots necessary to cast one’s vote. Size and parameters of the Election Publication are set forth in the current Membership Handbook.
Section 6: Timetable
The timetable for the election of the position of Commander, USS Freedom shall be as follows:
| September 1st – September 30th | Nominations for the position of Commander, USS Freedom are accepted. |
| October 1st | Qualified candidates are announced via the most expedient means possible and campaigning officially commences. |
| November 1st | The Election Coordinator begins accepting ballots. |
| November 15th | The Election Coordinator must receive all ballots by this date. |
| November 20th | The winning candidate is notified and incumbent Commander, USS Freedom begins a transition period, if necessary. |
| December 1st | Results are announced. Winning candidate selects Executive Officer (Vice President). |
| January 1st | The newly elected officials take office. |
Section 7: One Eligible Candidate
If only one person shall qualify as an eligible candidate for President, a vote of confidence for that candidate shall be held by the general membership. Ballots shall be distributed according to the election schedule as defined in the current Membership Handbook. Should the sole candidate fail to obtain a majority of the votes cast in the election, the candidate shall not assume office. The Command Staff shall then elect from its membership an Acting Commander, USS Freedom, who shall discharge the duties of President until the next regularly scheduled USS Freedom general election.
Section 8: Withdrawal From Candidacy
Should any nominee for Commander, USS Freedom accept the candidacy and then withdraw from the election, that person shall not re-enter the same election. The candidate must notify the Chief of Communications of his/her withdrawal from the election.
Section 9: Office Turnover
An outgoing President must make provisions to turn over all materials connected with the office of President to incoming President on or before December 31st of the election year. If the outgoing President fails or refuses to promptly turn over all such materials, the incoming President or his designee is authorized to take all appropriate actions, including but not limited to the filing of legal proceedings which may be needed to ensure compliance with this Section.
ARTICLE 8: ASSESSMENTS
Section 1: Membership Dues
Every candidate for membership for the USS Freedom shall be assessed dues as established by the Command Staff, the payment of which is a precondition to continued membership, as set forth in the current Membership Handbook. An Honorary Membership in the USS Freedom without assessment of dues may be awarded at the discretion of the Command Staff.
Section 2: Lifetime Memberships
The Commanding Officer, after consultation with and approval by the Command Staff, shall be empowered to grant lifetime memberships in the USS Freedom pursuant to criteria it may from time to time determine, consistent with the current Membership Handbook. An outgoing Commander of the USS Freedom shall be awarded such a membership unless a motion to deny this privilege is carried by a majority of the Command Staff.
ARTICLE 9: AMENDMENTS
Section 1: Constitutional Amendments
This Constitution may be amended or superseded, either in whole or in part, by an affirmative majority vote of the general membership, in a manner consistent with the current Membership Handbook and the parliamentary authority of the chapter.
Section 2: Petition For Amendment
An amendment may be placed before the general membership for their approval after submission to and approval by the Command Staff or after receipt of a petition for an amendment. If by petition, the proposed amendment to be submitted must be set forth at the top of each signature page of the petition, which must contain the signatures of 40% of the general membership, calculated as of the time the petition is turned in to the Commander, USS Freedom. The signatures on the petition will be verified by the USS Freedom Operations to ensure that every signature has a proper SCC number and is a member in good standing at that time.
Section 3: Cosmetic Changes
Should it be necessary to amend this Constitution to correct misspellings, mistakes in numbering, or similar grammatical errors, the Command Staff by two-thirds vote may authorize such cosmetic amendments, except that no such amendment may have the intent or effect of altering the basic meaning, purpose, or function of any Constitutional provision. Any and all substantive changes in this Constitution must be undertaken as set forth in Article 9, Sections 1 and 2.
ARTICLE 10: USS FREEDOM OPS AND OTHER MANUALS
The Membership Handbook shall be the member’s guide to features and functions of the USS Freedom and shall govern all the USS Freedom matters where not inconsistent with this Constitution. Adoption of the Membership Handbook, or any revision thereof, shall be only upon the approval of a majority of the Command Staff and a Command Order will be assigned and place in the Membership Handbook in the last appendix until a revision to the Membership Handbook is carried out.
The Departments and Divisions of the USS Freedom as defined in the current edition of the Membership Handbook shall be empowered to adopt manuals of operation, information, and procedure to assist in the governance and administration of the USS Freedom, subject to the approval of a majority of the Command Staff, so long as they are not inconsistent with this Constitution. These manuals may be revised as the Departments and Divisions of the USS Freedom deem necessary, subject to the approval of a majority of the Command Staff.
ARTICLE 11: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The parliamentary authority of the USS Freedom shall be the most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by this Constitution, the Membership Handbook, or the other operational manuals as may be adopted by the Chapter.
The official language for USS Freedom shall be English. The Command Staff may authorize translations of USS Freedom documents into languages other than English. Such authorized translated documents may be used for all purposes for which the original documents were produced.
ARTICLE 12: INSURANCE
The USS Freedom will carry NO insurance. Individual members and guests may become personally liable for the activities of the chapter.
ARTICLE 13: SUPERSEDENCE
This Constitution supersedes all previous editions of the Constitution.