By-Laws
Sixth Kentucky Cavalry, Inc.
1997 Revised
(revision 3 –
1/22/2000)
PURPOSE:
The 6th Kentucky Cavalry has been re-activated to form an educational
non-profit organization that demonstrates American Civil War cavalry, which
operated in the war’s western theater. Although the unit portrays Federal
Cavalry and staff, the primary impression is that of Confederate cavalry. Safety
and Southern courtesy shall be demonstrated at any and all activities in which
this organization participates.
MEMBERSHIP:
There will be three classes of membership: Military, Civilian, and Cadet.
1. Military membership is open to all males 16 years and older provide they have
an authentic impression of an American Civil War cavalry soldier.
2. Civilian membership is open to any one interested in participating in Civil
War reenacting provided they have an authentic impression of the civilian
population that existed in mid 19th century America.
3. Cadet membership is open to all males under 16 years of age. Cadets must have
an authentic impression of either military or civilian personnel. An adult
member of the unit must sponsor each cadet. Cadet members may not carry weapons
of any type, including knives and firearms. Cadets may participate in camp life,
drills and parades but are not allowed on the battlefield during hostilities.
4. Any participant under the age of 18 must have a notarized statement from
their parents or guardian giving them permission to participate in any activity
of the 6th Kentucky cavalry.
5. All new members ( military, civilian and cadets ) will be considered Recruits
until they attend three Unit Priority Events in a rolling year and have
been accepted for membership at the meeting following the completion of the
three-event requirement.
Board Of Directors:
There shall be a Board Of Directors consisting of three individuals. They
will be the two senior ranking members of the military unit and one member of
the civilian unit.
The senior military officer will act as Chairman of the Board.
The Board of Directors will decide among themselves which of the other two
members will act as Secretary and/or Treasurer.
The board’s rights and responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to:
a) Business transactions of the unit.
b) Setting historical standards for the membership.
c) Appointment of officers and board members if a vacancy occurs.
d)
Overseeing disciplinary measures.
The members of the board shall serve a term of two years
and shall be elected by written ballot.
Only current members in good standing of the military membership will vote board
members from the military membership on.
Only members of the civilian membership shall vote the board member from the
civilian membership on.
Any board member that is unable to fulfill their term of office must submit a
written resignation to the board upon vacating that office.
BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS:
The Board of Directors shall conduct all financial matters. All funds received
from grants, fund raising, donations, and dues shall be explicitly to publish a
monthly newsletter, purchase and maintain equipment, historic preservation, and
printing historical literature.
The Treasurer will have the right and responsibility to disburse funds in and
for the general operations of the organization.
The Treasurer will publish an accurate account of the units fund at each annual
meeting of the membership.
NO MEMBER OF THIS ORGANIZATION SHALL PERSONALLY BENEFIT FROM ANY FUNDS
ACQUIRED BY THE 6TH KENTUCKY CAVALRY.
MILITARY OFFICERS:
The number and rank of military officers shall be decided by the voting
membership. All officers shall be elected by written ballot. The term of
office will be two years.
Should the need arise that more officers are needed under unforeseen
circumstances or a vacancy occurs, these shall be appointed by the senior
military commander.
Other officer impressions shall be reserved for visiting officers of other units
or visitors who have impressions of famous general officers (Gen. Nathan Bedford
Forrest. Gen. John Hunt Morgan, etc.).
Any military officer unable to fulfill their term of office must submit a
written resignation to the board upon vacating that position.
VOTING RIGHTS:
Only military members may vote for military officers and only civilian
members may vote for the civilian representative.
Eligibility requirements for voting:
1. Must be at least 16 years of age.
2. Must be a member in good standing.
3. Must have completed recruit requirements and have been accepted by the
membership.
4. Must have attended at least two unit priority events during the campaign
year.
UNIT PRIORITY EVENT shall be defined as the events the members at large agree to
attend as a unit effort. These events shall be voted on and selected by a
majority of the voting membership.
ATTENDANCE shall be defined as direct participation on the field as a member of
the 6th Kentucky Cavalry or on special assignments authorized by the
Board of Directors.
VETERAN MEMBERS are defined as members that have complete their recruit
requirements and have more than one-year service.
CAMPAIGN YEAR is defined as the period between annual meetings.
GOOD STANDING is defined as having dues paid to date and no disciplinary action
pending or in effect.
ELECTION PROCEDURES:
Any veteran trooper in good standing may seek election to any officer’s
position within the military organization.
Any veteran member of the civilian membership in good standing may seek
election to the Board of Directors.
Elections shall be conducted in the even number years and by written ballot
at the annual January meeting. Any absentee ballots must be presented to the
Board of Directors prior to the annual meeting. It will be the member’s
responsibility to obtain an absentee ballot if they will be unable to attend the
annual meeting.
Nominations shall only be submitted by voting members of the 6th
Kentucky Cavalry.
GENERAL REGULATIONS:
The Sixth Kentucky Cavalry’s name cannot be used at any event that has not
been voted on by the membership or where no officers are present.
All members are expected to conduct themselves with extreme regard for safety
and courtesy. Unsafe and uncourteous behavior will not be tolerated.
THIS ORGANIZATION IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY MODERN POLITICAL CAUSES OR
GROUPS AND SHALL NOT BE USED IN THE POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT.
DISCHARGE:
In the event a member does not participate in the manner described, is a hazard
to himself, fellow members, or to the spectator public, the membership reserves
the right to discharge said member from the 6th Kentucky Cavalry’s
service.
In order to discharge a member, 2/3rds of the voting membership and the Board of
Directors must be present.
PROVISION FOR AMENDMENTS:
The voting membership of the 6th Kentucky Cavalry reserves the right
to amend the by-laws when and if the need arises.
In order to amend the by-laws, 2/3rds of the voting membership and the Board of
Directors must be present.
DUES:
Annual dues shall be set as per the following schedule:
Single membership - Age 16 and up
$20.00
Spouse/ relative living in household w/member
$15.00
Age 16-18 w/adult member
$10.00
Under 16 (No voting rights)
No Charge
Dues are payable at the annual meeting in January.
ANNUAL MEETING:
The membership shall meet annually as directed by the Board of Directors,
preferable in January. At this meeting the Board of Directors will present a
report of the units activities and financial status of the unit. The membership
will vote on new members, review policies and by-laws, schedule up-coming
campaign year.