AMERICAN LEGION POST 37

DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I- NAME AND HEADOUARTERS

SECTION 1. The name of this organization will be The American Legion Post 37, Department of Virginia.

SECTION 2. The Post Home will be located at 5201 Kennebeck Avenue, 2^nd Floor, Norfolk, Virginia 23513. All notices and documents addressed to the Post will be sent to Post 37’s Post Office Box address: Post Office Box 14367, Norfolk, Virginia 23518.

ARTICLE II- OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES

SECTION 1. The objectives and purposes of this Post will be to promote the principles and policies as set forth in the foregoing Preamble and the National and Departmental Constitutions of the American Legion.

SECTION 2. The following purposes are:

To promote the social welfare of the community.
To assist disabled and needy war veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents, and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans.
To provide entertainment, care, and assistance to hospitalized veterans or members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
To carry out programs to perpetuate the memory of deceased veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces and to comfort their survivors.
To conduct programs for religious, charitable, scientific, literacy and/or educational purposes, and to sponsor or participate in activities of a patriotic nature.
To provide insurance information and recreational and social activities for members or dependents of members, or both.

ARTICLE III- NATURE

SECTION 1. This post is considered a civilian organization. Rank does not exist in The American Legion; no member will be addressed by his/her military title at any meeting of this Post.

SECTION 2. This organization will be non-political and non-sectarian and will not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles nor for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or preferment.

SECTION 3. Each member will perform his/her full duty as a citizen according to their own conscience and understanding.

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. Eligibility for membership in this Post will be as prescribed by the NATIONAL CONSTITUTION OF THE AMERICAN LEGION. There will be no form or class of membership other than active membership. Dues will be paid annually or for life.

SECTION 2. Application for membership will be made in writing under such regulations as may from time to time be prescribed by the Post Executive Committee. All applications for membership will be referred to the Membership Committee who will report their findings to the Executive Committee.

SECTION 3. Upon approval of eligibility by the Executive Committee, the application(s) accompanied by the dues will be presented to the Post at a regular meeting. Application(s) will be accepted, rejected, or referred for further investigation and consideration. A majority vote of the Post members attending the meeting will be necessary for acceptance. A rejected application will not again be considered until after the expiration of six months after the date of such rejection.

SECTION 4. No person may be a member of more than one Post at any time.

SECTION 5. A member who has been suspended or expelled from this Post for violation of American Legion Policies, procedures or standards may be reinstated to membership by a two thirds vote of the Post Executive Committee and a majority vote of membership present in the Post meeting; provided however that he/she will make payment of arrears in dues and other debts at the time of expulsion or suspension, and also current regular dues if owed.

SECTION 6. Any member who has been suspended or expelled has the right to appeal to the Department Executive Committee in the manner prescribed by said Committee. The decision of the Department will be final.

SECTION 7. Any member in good standing desiring to transfer from this Post to another Post is entitled to a certificate from this Post stating his/her membership, the duration, and the date to which his/her dues are paid.

SECTION 8. The Life Membership Awards will be presented at the annual Post Installation meeting.

ARTICLE V – OFFICERS

SECTION 1. The administration of the Post's affairs, between meetings of the Post and except as may be otherwise provided in the By-laws of the Post, will be under the supervision of an Executive Committee, which will consist of three members of the Executive Board in addition to the elected Officers of the Post. The term of the Executive Board Members will be for one year.

SECTION 2. The elective offices (and minimum required time as an active member in Post 37 to be elected to the office) are:

Commander (24 months).
First Vice Commander (12 months).
Second Vice Commander (12 months).
Third Vice Commander (24 months).
Adjutant (12 months).
Finance Office (12 months).
Service Officer (12 months).
Post Historian (12 months).
Post Chaplain (12 months); and
Sergeant at Arms (6 months).

SECTION 3. A member should, but is not required to, serve as an Executive Board member for one term prior to running for an elective office. A member must have attended at least 75% of the monthly meetings during the latest period listed above for the respective office; the Sergeant at Arms must have attended at least 4 of the last 6 regular meetings.

SECTION 4. All elective officers and Executive Board members will be elected annually during the month of May and installed in the month of June, except for the Finance and Service Officers. These two Officers will be elected for terms of two years minimum. All duly elected officers and Executive Board members will hold office until their successors are duly installed or as provided in the By-laws, Article Il, Section 3. Any Officer or Executive Board member may be removed for incompetency by two thirds vote of the Executive Committee.

SECTION 5. Every member of this Post in good standing will be eligible to be elected to office in this Post provided they have met the minimum time limits as defined above

SECTION 6. The duties of the Officers and the Executive Board members are defined, but not limited to, the descriptions listed in the By-Laws.

SECTION 7. There are two conditions where the minimum time limits of active membership may be waived:

the appointment by the Post Commander of a vacated office with the approval of two thirds of the Executive Committee (the remaining Officers and Executive Board members); or
A member who was appointed to an office and filled out the remaining term may run (for that office only) without having met the minimum active-duty membership for that office.

ARTICLE VI -FINANCE AND DUES

SECTION 1. The revenue of this Post will be derived from membership fees from annual membership dues, special events, donations, and such other sources as may be approved by the Post and the Department.

SECTION 2. The minimal annual dues of individual members of the Post will be $65.00 and in addition thereto, any amount charged as dues by any intermediate body between the Post, District and Department of Virginia per member; the amount of the annual dues will be as set forth in the Post By-laws.

SECTION 3. The Post will expeditiously collect the annual dues for its members and will pay to the American Legion, Department of Virginia such amount due to the National and Department. The 2^nd District dues will be paid by the Post.

SECTION 4. All monies received in any manner for charity purposes of any nature by the Post will be deposited in a duly authorized banking institution. None of such monies will be withdrawn except for charity purposes, and only upon draft signed by the Finance Officer or designated person(s) of the Post and approved by the Post Commander as authorized in the approved budget or by a vote during a Post meeting.

SECTION 5. This Post will not solicit another Post for purposes of financial aid or relief.

ARTICLE VII - CHARTER MEMBERS

SECTION 1. Members who joined this Post prior to November I l, 1919 (or members who joined this Post prior to the issuance of charter) will be known as charter members. (Note: The matter of charter members for the permanent charter is left to the decision of the Post members).

ARTICLE VIII - AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY

SECTION 1. This Post recognizes an auxiliary organization to be known as the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 37.

SECTION 2. Membership in The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 37 will be as prescribed in Article XIII of the National Constitution of The American Legion.

ARTICLE IX - SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

SECTION 1. This Post recognizes a Sons of The American Legion Organization known as Sons of the American Legion - Squadron 37 of Tidewater Post 37, The American Legion Department of Virginia.

SECTION 2. Membership in the Sons of The American Legion will be. governed by such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the National Executive Committee of the American Legion and thereafter approved by the Department of Virginia Executive Committee.

ARTICLE X - AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS

SECTION 1. This Post recognizes an American Legion Riders Organization to be known as the American Legion Riders, Chapter 37.

SECTION 2. Membership in the American Legion Riders Chapter 37 will be active members of Post 37, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 37, and Sons of the American Legion — Squadron 37. The American Legion Riders will prescribe by the guidelines of the National and Department organization of the American Legion Riders.

ARTICLE Xl – AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1. This constitution is adopted subject to the provisions of the National and Department Constitution and By-laws of The American Legion. Any amendments to said National Constitution or Department Constitution and By-Laws which conflict with any provision hereof will be regarded as automatically repealing or modifying the provisions of this Constitution to the extent of such conflict.

SECTION 2. This Constitution may be amended at any regular Post meeting by a vote of two thirds of the members attending such regular meeting, provided that the proposed amendment(s) has (have) been submitted in writing and read at a preceding regular meeting of the Post, and provided further that written notice, including a copy of the proposed amendment(s) will have been posted and made available for all members at least 20 days in advance of the date when such amendment is to be voted upon.

The forgoing amended Constitution was adopted by a two-thirds vote of those present at the regular meeting held 0n ___________________ , and after having been read at the regular meeting and posted to the Post website for over 25 days.

______________________________ __________________________________

Commander Adjutant

AMERICAN LEGION POST 37

DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I- NAME

SECTION 1. The Post existing under these By-Laws is to be known as American Legion Post 37, Department of Virginia

SECTION 2. The objectives of this Post are set forth in the Constitution.

ARTICLE II- MANAGEMENT

SECTION 1. The government and management of this Post is entrusted to the Executive Committee, which consists of the following elected positions:

Post Commander
First Vice Commander
Second Vice Commander
Third Vice Commander
Adjutant
Finance Officer
Service Officer
Post Historian
Post Chaplain
Sergeant at Arms

The above positions are the Officers. The remainder of the Executive Committee is made up of three Executive Board members elected annually at the time of the Officers.

SECTION 2. All elections of Officers and Executive Board Members will be by ballot in the month of May and the candidate receiving the highest number of votes for their office will be elected to that office. The elected Officers and Executive Board Members will be installed in their respective positions in the month of June. Any Officer or Executive Board Member may be removed by the Executive Committee after due notice and a hearing with a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee being necessary to affect such removal.

SECTION 3. All vacancies existing in the Executive Committee of the Post for any cause other than expiration of the term will be filled by a member appointed by the Post Commander and approved by two-thirds vote of the remaining Executive Committee. The person appointed will hold the office for the remainder of the term of that office. A vacancy will exist when a member or officer is unaccountably absent from his/her post for three consecutive meetings or is considered by the Executive Committee to be detrimental to the best interests of the Post.

ARTICLE III - POST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

SECTION 1. The Post Executive Committee will meet for organization and such other business as may come before it at the call of the Post Commander within 10 days after the installation of the new officers. Thereafter, the Post Executive Committee will meet at the call of the Post Commander at least once a month or as often as the Post Commander may deem necessary. The Commander will call a meeting of the Post Executive Committee upon the joint written request of three or more members of said Post Executive Committee and seven members of the committee will constitute a quorum thereof.

SECTION 2. The Post Executive Committee will:

oversee the hiring of employees (and approved by the House Committee).
recommend all expenditures (the Post Commander can authorize up to $250.00 for the maintenance of the Post).
hear the reports of Post Committee Chairmen.
have charge of, and be responsible for, the management of the affairs of this Post between meetings of the Post and subject to the approval of the Post.
require that all Post Officers and members handling American Legion money be properly bonded with a good and solvent bonding and surety company to cover double the average amount of money handled in a single year; bonds to be approved by the Executive Committee.

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ARTICLE IV - DUTIES OF POST OFFICERS

SECTION 1. POST COMMANDER - will preside at all meetings of the Post and Executive Committee and have general supervision over the business and affairs of the Post. He/She will be the Chief Executive Officer of the Post and the President of the Corporation and will approve all orders directing the disbursement of funds and will make an annual report covering the business and affairs of the Post for the year, with recommendations for the ensuing year, which will be read at the annual meeting in April. A copy will immediately be forwarded to the Department Adjutant. The American Legion Officer's Guide and an agenda will be used and followed by the presiding officer to:

conduct meetings,
administer the oath of obligation to new members,
conduct other ceremonies prescribed therein, and
perform such other duties as directed by the Post membership.

SECTION 2. FIRST VICE COMMANDER - will assume and discharge the duties of the office of the Commander in his/her absence or disability, or when called upon by the Post Commander. Membership will be the primary assignment of the First Vice Commander.

SECTION 3. SECOND VICE COMMANDER - will assume the duties of the office of Commander in the absence or disability of the Post Commander and the First Vice Commander, or when called upon by the Post Commander. He/She will ensure that each patriotic holiday and observance receives the attention it deserves. He/She will promote the entertainment of the Post. The Commander will depend on him/her to provide the programs that spice up the meetings and attract attendance. The Second Vice Commander is also a part of the House Committee.

SECTION 4. THIRD VICE COMMANDER - assist the Commander with all duties. He/She is responsible for the proper and effective maintenance of the buildings, the grounds and the operation of the Club Room and club functions.

SECTION 5. POST ADJUTANT - also the Secretary of the Corporation. The Office of Post

Adjutant requires a great deal of work as it is the central hub of all operations of the Post. All Post records will be readily available to the Post Adjutant. He/She needs ready access to all sources of information and will develop and maintain a comprehensive filing system. The Adjutant is primarily concerned with ways and means. The Post Adjutant must be covered by adequate bond, and in all matters relating to finance, should carry on his/her work in close correlation with the Finance Officer. The Adjutant will:

keep a full and correct record of all proceedings of all meetings.
keep such records as the Department and National organizations may require.
render reports of membership annually or when called upon at a meeting.
under the direction of the Post Commander, manage all correspondence of the Post.
keep the membership records.
prepare a list of unfinished business matters from the minutes of the previous meeting for inclusion in the Commander's Agenda.
check up and assists the work of other officers and committees; and
publish monthly newsletters, official orders announcements and instructions.
develop and maintain a comprehensive filing system to ensure all records are readily accessible.
be covered by adequate bond, and
carry on his/her work in close correlation with the Finance Officer.

SECTION 6. FINANCE OFFICER - also the Treasurer of the Corporation. The Finance Officer will have charge of all finances and see that they are safely deposited by a bonded member in a local bank or banks and will report once a month to the Executive Committee and the Post on the condition of the finances of the Post, along with recommendations as may be deemed expedient or necessary for raising funds with which to carry out the activities of the Post. The Finance Officer's monthly report will include but is not limited to.

total income.
cost of sales.
expenses.
accounts received.
accounts payable.
inventory.
a profit and loss statement.
any agreement concerning use of facilities; and

l. any information necessary to provide the membership with sufficient information to make decisions concerning these activities and facilities.

He/she will sign all checks disbursing the money of the Post. He/She will furnish such surety bonds in such sum as will be fixed by the Post Executive Committee. The Finance Officer will serve as the chairman of the Finance Committee and oversees all receiving and disbursing of Post funds. He/She is given charge of the year's budget and the duty of the payment of all obligations when proper authorization has been given for such payment. The Finance Officer must be covered by adequate bond. He/she should serve as advisor and consultant to the Post Audit Committee since he/she handles the financial records of the Post.

SECTION 7. POST HISTORIAN — charged with the individual records and incidents of the Post and Post members and will perform such other duties as may properly pertain to the office as may be determined by the Post or the Executive Committee. The Post Historian is given the responsibility of preserving and compiling the records of this Post. There should be close and effective cooperation between the Adjutant who works with the records on matters of current and of historical interest. He/She will keep in touch with the Department Historian and submit a report to the Department Historian just before the Department Convention. He/she should organize and file whatever is printed concerning the Post in the local and state libraries, the Department archives, and the Post files. The Post Historian should attend Department Conventions and keep in touch with other Post Historians. The office of the Post Historian is of growing importance. It is a suitable position in which a past Post Commander may serve. Some helpful suggestions for the Post Historian to become involved with are the Post Scrap Book and the Annual Department / National American Legion Oratorical Contest.

SECTION 8. POST CHAPLAIN — charged with the spiritual welfare of the Post members and will offer divine but non-sectarian service in the event of dedications, funerals, public functions, etc. He/she will adhere to such ceremonial rituals as are recommended by the National or Department headquarters from time to time. He/she must be a person capable of moral and intellectual leadership and one who gives dignity and respect to the office. He/she should attend all meetings of the Post and Executive Committee. The Chaplain should visit the sick at home, at the Hospital, or at the nursing home, comforting members, and their families when sick or bereaved.

SECTION 9. SERGEANT-AT-ARMS - charged with preserving order and conduct at all meetings and performing such other duties as may be from time to time assigned to him/her by the Executive Committee. The Sergeant-at-Arms should know how to arrange the meeting hall, the procedures used in operating a meeting, and should assist the Post Commander and Adjutant in the preliminary arrangements of meetings. He/She is the flag etiquette person and must be well informed on proper flag display.

SECTION 10. SERVICE OFFICER - responsible for bringing to the attention of all veterans and their dependents the rights and benefits granted them by law. He/she is responsible for assisting with the filing of VA Claims. He/She must know how to utilize the expert services available through Legion channels as well as those of other agencies in the community. It is his/her job to make certain that every veteran and his/her dependents are adequately represented. Dependents should be visited by the Post Service Officer as soon as feasible after a veteran's death. The Post Service Officer will serve as Chairman of the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Committee and work closely with the Children and Youth Committee and the Auxiliary Unit. The Service Officer is responsible for complying with the duties as prescribed in the handbook of the American Legion.

ARTICLE V - FINANCES AND DUES

SECTION 1. The amount of annual Post dues will be $65.00, payable in advance beginning on the fourth day of July each year.

SECTION 2. A member whose dues for the current year have not been paid by January first will be classed as delinquent. If his/her dues are paid on or before February first, he/she will be automatically reinstated. If he/she is still delinquent after February first, he/she will be suspended from all privileges. If he/she is still under such suspension on June thirtieth of such year, his/her membership in The American Legion will be forfeited. A member so suspended or whose membership has been so forfeited may be reinstated to active membership in good standing by a vote of the Post and payment of current dues for the year in which reinstatement occurs; provided however, that the Post, Department, and National organizations may waive the provisions thereof, upon payment of dues for the year in which the reinstatement occurs, with reference to former members who have been prevented from the payment of dues by reason of active military service.

SECTION 3. All Post monies will be deposited in a duly authorized banking institution as designated by the Executive Committee, and none of such monies will be withdrawn except by debit card or check approved and signed by the Post Finance Officer or designated person(s) as outlined in the approved annual budget and in these By-Laws.

SECTION 4. All expenses of the Post will be paid by checks drawn against the appropriate fund signed by the Post Finance Officer or designated person(s) after receiving approval by the proper authority or by the approved budget. In the absence or inability of the Commander to sign a check, the First Vice Commander may approve and sign checks.

ARTICLE VI – DELEGATES

SECTION 1. The Post will elect annually such delegates and alternates to represent the Post at Annual conventions as may be required, pursuant to such proportional representation covering such delegate or alternates as may be provided for by the National and Department Constitution and By-Laws.

ARTICLE Vll – APPOINTMENTS

SECTION 1. The Post Commander, immediately upon taking office each year, will ensure the following standing committees are fully staffed and active: Membership, House, Finance, Legal, Public Relations, VA & RIVAVS, Americanism, Athletic, Audit, Child and Youth, National Security/Law & Order, Legislative, Economic and Welcoming. Other groups to ensure are staffed: the Honor Guard/Memorial, American Legion Riders, and Sons of The American Legion.

SECTION 2. Membership Committee chaired by the First Vice Commander, it has charge of all matters pertaining to the membership of the Post, including recruitment and verification of eligibility of new members and the reinstatement of suspended and/or expelled members.

SECTION 3. House Committee — chaired by the Third Vice Commander and populated by the Executive Board and Second Vice Commander, it has charge of all matters pertaining to the care of the Post quarters, buildings, grounds, and the promotion of the Club Room advantages. The House Committee will assist the Second Vice Commander in the planning and execution of all Post social activities within their area of responsibility, including but not limited to dances, entertainment, musicians, and decorations. The House Committee will be responsible for the general and special rules of conduct, dress code and general decorum of members and their guests using any Post facility. The House Committee will review the House Rules and propose changes as directed within the House Rules. The House Committee will not sell, convey, mortgage or dispose of any of the property of the Post except by and under the direction of the Post given at a regular meeting thereof, according to the Constitution and By-Laws, and the said Committee will at all times obey and abide by the directions, orders and resolutions of the Post.

SECTION 4. Finance Committee — chaired by the Finance Officer, it is charged with the administration of the financial policy, preparation of budget recommendations and supervision of receiving, disbursing, and accounting of all Post funds.

SECTION 5. The Legal Committee — led by the Judge Advocate General (JAG), is charged with the legal supervision of the Post affairs and supervision of the audit of Post financial accounts.

SECTION 6. Public Relations Committee --chaired by the Adjutant, it is charged with increasing awareness among the veteran's community, and the community at large, of The American Legion's advocacy of veteran's issues, national security and foreign relations, Americanism, and Children & Youth. The goal is to define The American Legion in the public eye by the values for which it stands. This committee's technique is two-fold:

Placing radio and television advertisements and public service announcements produced by the National Public Relations Division where they can be seen and heard, and
Developing relationships with editors and journalists serving the Post 37 community so that they cover those programs supported by the organization's founding pillars, and

The American Legion serving America is the question the Post Public Relations Committee must ensure is answered in every form of media coverage obtained. Public Relations are a membership multiplier.

SECTION 7. VA & R/VAVS —chaired by the Service Officer, it is geared towards the wellbeing of Post members and veterans in general by:

assisting veterans in obtaining needed information on hospitalization, enrollment in the VA Health System, in the pursuit of claims and in obtaining other veteran's rights and benefits.
visiting legionnaires who are sick or disabled.
visiting and comforting members of their families when sick or bereaved.
giving comfort and assistance to members and their families when sick or bereaved.
visiting hospitalized veterans; and
providing programs and activities for veterans confined to the VA Hospital.

It is recommended that all Post Members share in these vital functions by taking their turn as committee members to assist Veterans, their families, surviving spouses, active-duty military in transition to civilian life, and National Guard and Reservists with VA benefits, emergency assistance and locating resources in the community. This committee is a key component of every successful Post. Its duties and operations are especially important during the period immediately following the termination of hostilities. The responsibilities of this committee go beyond the day-to-day functions of a good Service Officer in filing claims, securing hospitalization, etc. This committee is also concerned with jobs, veteran contact with visits to ailing legionnaires, housing, and employment of handicapped and older workers, and with pensions. This committee should also be responsible for maintaining contact with any member of the Armed Forces from the community served by the Post. With the nation's defense depending upon all-volunteer armed services, it becomes essential that the person in uniform be assured of the community's respect and support.

SECTION 8. Americanism Committee — chaired by the Second Vice Commander, it will oversee the inspiration of patriotism and good citizenship by arrangements for proper observance of patriotic occasions; encouragement of patriotic and civic phases of instruction in schools; Americanization of aliens; combating anti-Americanism propaganda by education of the public in American ideals through public forums, etc., and activities for community and civic betterment.

SECTION 9. Athletic Committee — charged with the promotion of physical development and clean sports by the organization or post athletic teams, recreation, etc., and by cooperation and support in the general recreational and athletic programs of the community.

SECTION 10. Audit Committee — consists of three or more members not connected with the disbursement of funds. It will either initiate the annual audit or have an auditing firm initiate an audit within 30 days of the close of the Legion year. All books, accounts and financial records of the Post will be turned over to the committee which will either conduct the audit or deliver the records to the auditing firm performing the audit. The committee will make every effort to deliver the results of the audit to the Executive Committee within a reasonable time after the 30-day delivery date. The Audit Committee will conduct periodic audits throughout the year and at least twice a year in December and June.

SECTION 11. Children and Youth Committee — charged with ensuring that any child of a veteran in need of care and protection will receive proper and timely service and aid. This committee will also:

assist in the strengthening of the family unit.
extend support to sound organizations and facilities that provide services for children and youth; and
maintain a well-rounded program that meets the needs of the young people in their respective communities.

Additionally, the committee is responsible for planning the entertainment of the children at Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.

SECTION 12. National Security/Law and Order —charged with organizing the Post membership in support of national or civilian defense projects in the community; to organize the Post and to assist in organizing the community for readiness to meet any emergency and home defenses. To assist the members that are responsible for ensuring that the following programs of the Post are continued:

Law and Order.
POW/MIA•,
Blood Donor Program.
Active Military and Families

SECTION 13. Legislative Committee — chaired by the Adjutant, it is charged with:

promoting the official legislative mandates of THE AMERICAN LEGION.
disseminating monthly legislative updates.
establishing, maintaining, and promoting proactive grassroots lobbying activities; and
establishing and maintaining liaison with elected officials and their staff.

All activities must follow Article Il, Section 2 of the Constitution of the

American Legion Post 37. The American Legion will be nonpolitical and will not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles nor for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office of preferment. However, voter education is a critical element of the electoral process. This does not prohibit the Post from:

holding town hall meetings of office holders only.
hosting Meet the Candidate Nights in the Meeting Hall. If the Candidate is a Post member, he/she will not use the Meeting Hall to promote their candidacy; or
allowing all candidates to address Post Meetings, District conferences, or state conventions for introduction purposes only.

The American Legion cannot and will not endorse or oppose any candidate, even if the candidate is a Legionnaire and Post member. A Post home should be free of any political materials that would appear to be an endorsement of a particular candidate. If the position of one candidate is posted, the position of all candidates must be posted. Every effort must be made to remain nonpartisan.

SECTION 14. Economic — charged with serving and assisting veterans in meeting and overcoming economic problems such as employment, Veteran's preference, housing, civil service appeals, employment of handicapped and older workers.

SECTION 15. Welcoming Committee — chaired by the Sergeant at Arms, the members of this Committee will welcome new members and guests, make sure they are introduced, and keep the Commander advised as to who should be acknowledged. This Committee can also be used to encourage present members to attend meetings.

SECTION 16. Honor Guard/Memorial — responsible to organize, train, promote and supervise a uniformed group of Post 37 Honor Guard for ceremonial purposes to assist in rendering service and comfort to bereaved families and assisting with providing American Legion funeral services when required.

SECTION 17. American Legion Riders — To keep the Executive Committee and general membership updated on the American Legion Rides in connection with its organization, veterans and community projects, activities, recreational and educations programs.

SECTION 18. Sons of the American Legion — To act as a liaison for the Sons of the American Legion Squadron in connection with its organization, activities, recreational and education programs.

ARTICLE VIII – RESOLUTION

SECTION 1. All matters of State, National or International scope that appeal to Legionnaires and this Post may be treated, discussed, and acted upon provided, however, that such action will be submitted for approval through the prescribed American Legion channels to the body having jurisdiction thereof.

ARTICLE IX – MEETNGS

SECTION 1. The regular meeting of this Post will be held at the Post home or a place to be decided upon by the Post, on the second Tuesday of each month, at which time may be transacted such business as may properly be brought up for action; such meetings may be converted into an entertainment meeting, as may be deemed advisable by the Post Commander.

SECTION 2. The Post Commander or majority of the Executive Committee will have power to call a special meeting of the Post at any time.

SECTION 3. Upon the written request of 10 Post members, the Commander or the Executive Committee will call a special meeting of the Post.

SECTION 4. The Quorum has 20 members. However, if 20 members are not present at a meeting, the members present will be considered a quorum provided a motion to continue with the meeting to conduct necessary business will be passed by a two-thirds vote prior to the commencement of any business. A special note will be prominently posted in the minutes of that meeting.

SECTION 5. An annual meeting of the Post will be held at which the annual reports of the officers will be submitted, and such other business transacted as will be found desirable. The date of such a meeting will be determined by the Post Commander or the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE X – NOTICES

SECTION 1. Each member will furnish the Post Adjutant with a physical and email address and will inform the Adjutant of any change in such addresses. Each member is requested to provide a phone number for contact as well.

SECTION 2. All notices of Post functions will be posted on Post 37's website.

www.//legion37va.org and social media, as well as email and/or text, if possible, except as otherwise provided in the Constitution and By-Laws.

ARTICLE Xl – RULES

SECTION 1. The order of procedure at meetings of this Post will be governed by Robert's Rules of Order, Revised, except as otherwise provided herein.

ARTICLE Xll - LMITATION OF LIABILITIES

SECTION 1. This Post, nor any other Post Sub-division, group of members of The American Legion, or other individuals, corporations, or organizations, will not incur, nor cause to be incurred, any liability or obligation whatsoever which subject it to liability.

ARTICLE Xlll – AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1. These By-laws are adopted subject to the provisions of the National and

Department Constitution and By-Laws. Any amendments to said National and Department Constitution and By-Laws, which conflict with the provisions hereof will be regarded as automatically repealing or modifying the provisions of these By-Laws to the extent of such conflict.

SECTION 2. These By-Laws may be amended at any regular Post meeting by a vote of two thirds of the members at said regular meeting, providing that the proposed amendment will have been submitted in writing, and read at a preceding regular meeting of said Post, and providing further, that written notice will have been given to all members at least 10 days in advance of the date when such amendment is to be voted upon, notifying said members that at such meeting a proposal to amend the By-Laws is to be voted upon.

ARTICLE XIV - POST HOME

SECTION 1. The social quarters will be part of the social activities of the Post and directed and operated by the House Committee and overseen by the Executive Committee. The Social Quarters and social activities will be open to every member of this Post in good standing and their guests who are not under suspension, and to members of its Auxiliary Unit, the Sons of the American Legion, and the American Legion Riders in good standing, not under suspension, subject to the posted House Rules.

SECTION 2. The Meeting Hall may be rented to individuals or organizations for their use. We may grant occupancy to civic, religious, or patriotic organizations, the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Sons of the American Legion, and the American Legion Riders under the same conditions. All rentals and uses must be for legitimate purposes, none of which can be for purposes not inimical to the principle or policies of The American Legion. No rentals are to be granted if they conflict with any function of the Post, Sons of the American Legion, Auxiliary Unit or American Legion Riders. No indecent show or exhibition, disorderly gathering, or any conduct detrimental to the integrity of The American Legion and this Post will be permitted.

SECTION 3. All revenue received from the operation of the Social Quarters, rentals, or use of the non-restricted portion of the building will be deposited and the House Committee will recommend the allocation of such receipts to those accounts approved by the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE XV - PAST COMMANDERS CLUB

SECTION 1. This Post recognizes an organization known as The Past Commanders Club. Membership will consist of all Past Commanders in good standing of The American Legion, Post 37, Department of Virginia. The chairman will be elected by the Past Commanders Club members. Terms of office and other organizational procedures will be decided by the Past Commanders Club members. The Past Commanders Club will act as an advisory body to the Post Commander when so requested and may sit in on Executive Committee meetings.

ARTICLE XVI - READING OF MINUTES

SECTION 1. Reading of the minutes of regular meetings and the Executive Committee meetings will be waived if the minutes are printed and made available to the membership at least 10 days prior to the regular Post meeting.

ARTICLE XVII - POST EVERLASTING

SECTION 1. All efforts should be made to present the American Legion Post Everlasting Resolution to the family at either the viewing or the funeral.

SECTION 2. All other Post Everlasting proceedings will be as per the Post Officer's Guide.

SECTION 3. The Club Room will be notified by the Sergeant-At-Arms. The Club Room will observe the moment of silence during the Post Everlasting proceedings.

Approved by the general membership.

Attested to this _______ day of _____ , 2023.

_______________________________ _____________________________

Commander