USS EXCELSIOR CONSTITUTION AND GUIDELINES
USS EXCELSIOR NCC-2000-B
CONSTITUTION 1st EDITION 02/02/2017
PREAMBLE
We, the members of the USS EXCELSIOR (NCC-2000-B), a chapter of STARFLEET International, in order to provide a social organization in which persons of various backgrounds with similar interest can promote the visions of Gene Roddenberry as set forth in the Star Trek Universe, and to support this endeavor through service to community, social functions and creative input, do hereby establish this constitution for the chapter USS EXCELSIOR
Definitions Used in This Document:
The USS EXCELSIOR NCC-2000-B, a chapter of STARFLEET, the International Fan Association, is based upon 'STARFLEET' as depicted in the television series, motion pictures and literature. This Chapter shall operate within the Star Trek Universe to enhance the experience and fun of membership. Listed below is terminology that is interchangeable within the organization:
Chapter -Commissioned Starship or vessel (referred to as ship)
Chapter-in-training – Shakedown cruise
Chapter/Chapter-in-training President- Commanding Officer (CO)
Chapter/Chapter-in-training Vice President- First (or Executive) Officer (XO)
The President of the organization- Commander, STARFLEET (CS) or the Fleet Admiral
The Vice President of the organization- Vice Commander STARFLEET or the Vice Fleet Admiral (VCS)
IG- Inspector General
JAG- Judge Advocate General
SFI, Fleet- STARFLEET International
ARTICLE 1: MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1:
Any individual seeking membership in the USS Excelsior shall be awarded said membership so long as they agree to all mandates set forth in this document, and all subsequent addendums. Membership shall be open to all persons without regard to age, race, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. All members shall be classified as either "Active Duty" or "Associate Member". Only crewmembers of Active Duty status are considered voting members within the chapter. Active Duty memberships are for those members that have joined STARFLEET International and are assigned to the USS EXCELSIOR as a member. Associate membership designates those members that are STARFLEET members, but are assigned to another chapter or are unassigned. Any member of the crew may leave upon his/her discretion, preferably after written notification. Any Donations, dues, or monies are non-refundable.
The USS EXCELSIOR requires that all its members join STARFLEET within 6 months or joining the chapter. Failure to do so may result in removal from position, suspension of duty or release from the chapter. Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed by the command staff on a case-by-case basis.
SECTION 2:
Individuals who wish to become members of the USS EXCELSIOR must be sponsored for membership by a current member in good standing and must attend at least one business meeting of the Revelation. All member candidates must be voted on by the crew. Any candidate who receives a simple majority of crew votes cast will be considered a member in good standing.
SECTION 3:
Former USS EXCELSIOR members who wish to re-join the crew will be allowed to do so and are subject to a vote by the crew. A simple majority vote is required for reinstatement.
SECTION 4:
Members of other Starfleet chapters who wish to transfer to the USS EXCELSIOR shall be voted on as any new member and will be asked to sign a statement agreeing that the USS EXCELSIOR did not recruit them and a copy shall be sent to the commanding officer of the applicant’s former chapter.
SECTION 5:
Only Active duty members may serve on the command staff or as a department head. This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Commanding Officer.
ARTICLE 2: PROMOTIONS
SECTION 1:
Ranks awarded to USS EXCELSIOR members as described in the current membership handbook of STARFLEET International are fictitious and serve only to reflect a member's length of time in, and contribution to the chapter. These ranks do not give any member authority over another member. Positions assigned to a member may give that member responsibility to administer the assigned duties of that post. However, NO ONE has the right to misuse said responsibilities granted by the command staff to violate another members legal rights.
SECTION 2: RANK GUIDELINES
Time in Grade/Point Requirements:
Fleet / Marine Grades
Enlisted Grades
· E-1 Crewman Recruit/Private- Initial Entry
· E-2 Crewman Apprentice/ Private First Class- 1 Month/10 points
· E-3 Crewman /Lance Corporal- 2 Months/20 points
· E-4 Petty Officer Third Class/Corporal- 3 Months/30 points
· E-5 Petty Officer Second Class/Staff Sergeant- 6 Months/40 points
· E-6 Petty Officer First Class/Staff Sergeant- 12 Months/50 points
· E-7 Chief Petty Officer/Gunnery Sergeant- 18 Months/75 points
· E-8 Senior Chief Petty Officer/First Sergeant- 24 Months/100 points
· E-9 Master Chief Petty Officer/Sergeant Major 36 Months/150 points
Officer Grades
· O-1 Ensign/Second Lieutenant- OTS Completion*
· O-2 Lieutenant (junior grade)/First Lieutenant- 6 Months/175 points*
· O-3 Lieutenant/Marine Captain- 12 Months/200 points *
· O-4 Lieutenant Commander/Major- 18 Months/300 points**
· O-5 Commander/Lieutenant Colonel- 24 Months/400 points**
· O-6 Captain/Colonel- 36 Months/500 points***
*OTS Required
**OCC Required
***Upon approval from Regional Coordinator and 36 Months minimum time in Fleet
SFA & SFMCA (TRACOM) COURSES
All Courses
· 10 points-Pass; 20 Points-Honors; 30 Points-Distinction
COMMENDATIONS AND AWARDS
· STARFLEET and SFMC international awards 100 points
· Regional Annual and SFMC Brigade Awards 50 points
· Chapter Annual Awards 25 points
CONVENTIONS AND EVENTS
· SFI/SFMC International Conference 50 points
· SFI/SFMC Regional Summits 30 points
· Sci-Fi Conventions representing SFI/SFMC 25 points
· Sci-Fi Conventions 20 points
Working at an event
· SFI/SFMC 5 points/hr
· Other events 2 points/hr
MEMBERSHIP
· Renewal - annual 50 points
· Recruiting - 25 points per new SFI member recruited
· Recruiting - Chapter only 10 points
· General/Executive Meeting attendance 10 points
SECTION 3:
· Additional points may be awarded at the CO and Command Staff’s discretion.
· Time in grade plus points must be accumulated to be eligible for promotion.
· Limit of two promotions per year allowed.
· There will be two promotion review periods per year, April and October. Flag rank promotions may be reviewed at any time that Time in Grade comes up.
· Points are reset after a promotion, although any remaining points may be applied to the next promotion
· Exceptions to TIG, two promotion limit and points are allowed only with a unanimous vote from the command staff (CO, XO, Second Officer).
SECTION 4:
All new members will start with the rank of Crewman for adults and Cadet for persons under sixteen (16) years of age. This section is subject to the discretion of the Commanding Officer and the Command Staff. Persons transferring from another chapter may keep their present rank upon verification of that rank.
SECTION 5:
No new crew member will be promoted to Officer’s rank (Ensign) without taking OTS. No crewmember may serve on the Command Staff without having taken OCC. Special ranks i.e. Sergeant Major, Master Chief Petty Officer, Warrant Officer, and Midshipman are approved by the Commanding Officer.
SECTION 6:
Cadets that are exceptional in their duty may be given a brevet rank. This shall be noted as an “Acting” rank. Example: “Acting Ensign”. These officers shall be accorded the same privileges as normal officers.
ARTICLE 3: GOVERNING BODY
SECTION 1
The governing body of USS EXCELSIOR shall be the command staff consisting of the CO, XO, and the Second Officer. The command staff will adopt and enforce the policies set forth by the crew and this publication. The Commanding Officer shall be the final authority in the interpretation of this Constitution and of the policies and procedures of the chapter. The command staff also reviews and grants promotions to the crew.
SECTION 2
The Senior staff is appointed by the Commanding Officer,USS EXCELSIOR , as needed and consists of the following:
· Executive Officer USS EXCELSIOR
· Second Officer, USS EXCELSIOR
· Chief of Operations, USS EXCELSIOR
In addition, the Senior Staff will consist of at least two, but not more than three of the following:
· Chief of Security, USS EXCELSIOR
· Marine Commander, USS EXCELSIOR
· Chief Medical Officer, USS EXCELSIOR
· Chief Science Officer, USS EXCELSIOR
· Chief of Special Operations, USS EXCELSIOR
· Chief Engineer, USS EXCELSIOR
· Ship’s Counselor, USS EXCELSIOR
The function of the senior staff shall be to oversee all operational activities of the chapter as well as the process of formulating and developing policies, which are subsequently subject for approval from the crew. Should a member of the senior staff become incapacitated or otherwise be unable to perform his/her duties, the CO shall appoint a replacement for the staff member. Any changes to the Senior Staff, including new appointments must be announced to the crew in writing and recorded on the chapter website.
If any member of the senior staff holds more than one position that is part of the senior staff, the CO may appoint an additional department chief to the senior staff so that the total number of Senior Staff members does not total less than five (5) and no more than six (6) individuals.
ARTICLE 4: TERMS OF OFFICE, OFFICE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
SECTION 1:
All USS EXCELSIOR Officers described within Article 4 Sections. 3-8 inclusive shall be at least 21 years of age unless otherwise specified. This is due to legal and financial considerations.
SECTION 2:
Department Chiefs are appointed by the CO. This appointment is a reflection of that individual's length of service, as well as their service merit to the ,EXCELSIOR and STARFLEET. The primary duty of the Chief is to represent his/her Department to the Chapter, and the Command Staff specifically. The department head is responsible for administering and implementing chapter policies as set forth by the senior staff. Department Chiefs are required to make a monthly report to the Executive Officer, whether it is verbal or written, and to account for their departments activities during the monthly chapter meetings. Department Chiefs are also required to submit at least four (4) articles per year to the chapter newsletter. In addition, all department chiefs are STRONGLY urged to report to their respective Regional RDC.
SECTION 3:
The Marine unit OIC reports To BDE OIC and to the CO UNIT OIC is responsible for maintaining the Marines unit records and their functions. the Security department . also to act in conjunction with The UNIT OIC on an as needed basis. As the Officer In Charge (OIC) of a Marine Strike Group (MSG) or Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), you are the first link in the chain. Your job is to provide support and encouragement to the marines of your unit. You are directly responsible for seeing that the actions and accomplishments of your marines are acknowledged by those higher up the chain. As a department on board a STARFLEET vessel, an MSG is under the direct authority of the Commanding Officer of that ship and BDE OIC can give his her opinion of how is responsible or who will serve as OIC. Marine Units must have the permission of the CO of the chapter to exist. A Unit may be one Marine or the entire ship crew. If for some reason the CO should choose not to have a Unit on board at some point in the future, you have four options.
1. You may join a Unit based on another ship, you would remain a member of your original chapter but be a member of the other ship’s MSG. Your only drawback to this is that you cannot become the OIC of the Unit. The OIC of the Unit must be a member of the host ship.
2. You may transfer to a different chapter with either an MSG already in place, or a CO willing to allow the creation of an MSG.
3. You may resign from your current chapter and start a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
4. You may join an existing MEU although, since you are a member of an existing chapter, you may not serve as OIC, DOIC, or NCOIC, of the MEU.
Members of MEUs are those who wish to participate in the Marine Corps but are not assigned to a STARFLEET chapter or whose chapter will not allow a Marine Unit. The MEU operates in all ways, save one, as a Marine Strike Group. Since the MEU is not attached to an SFI Chapter, rank assignments and promotions, items not in the purview of the SFMC in any way, will be tended to by your Region Coordinator. If, however, you are a member of both an MEU and a separate SFI Chapter, your rank assignment and promotions will still come from your Chapter CO.
Both MEUs and MSGs report every even numbered month to the next link in the chain.Generally this would be the Battalion OIC, however in some brigades (the Marine equivalent to the STARFLEET region designation) there may not be a large enough number of Units to need the battalion level breakdown. In this case the Units would report directly to the Brigade OIC. The deadline for your report is the first day of every even numbered month. February,April, June, August, October, and December. Only six reports a year. Your report should ontain the following information; Unit number and Nickname Unit Motto Unit Branch of Service OIC full name, and email address (regular mail address if no internet service) and phone number. DOIC full name, and email address (regular mail address if no internet service) and phone number. The next section of your report is very important. It is the PERSONNEL DATA section. From the Unit roster we determine how many Marines we actually have, the number of activeand reserve. Some awards, such as the Good Conduct Award can be determined by a Marine’s name appearing on 18 consecutive reports. The roster is extremely important and MUST contain the following information on every marine in the Unit. Full name, rank, SCC number, Active or Reserve status, and expiration date of membership in STARFLEET. All marines MUST be members in good standing with STARFLEET. We are STARFLEET members first, marines second. If a membership is expired the name and information belongs in either the “discharge” list, if the member does not plan on renewing, or in a “standby” list ifthe membership is pending. As the Unit OIC it is your responsibility to check your roster for accuracy. This can bedone through the STARFLEET database. Keep a master copy of your roster with all the information and before each report check expiring members to be sure they have renewed. Itis also a good idea to remind members to renew a few weeks to two months before they expire. Make sure all your marines are affiliated with the Corps by checking Active or ReserveStatus in the database.Remember that the SFMC does not promote. Promotions can only be done by the Ship’s CO for ranks up to Commander/Lieutenant Colonel or by STARFLEET for ranks Captain/Colonel and above. However, anyone can send a promotion request to the appropriate authority for anyone else. Following the roster section should be a list of new recruits. If you have included the full information on each of these recruits in the roster section, you only need to list the names under Recruits. Discharges also need to be listed separately. Following this is the Awards section of the report. AWARDS ISSUED means listing the full name for the record of any marine in the Unit who has received an award since the previous reporting period. Please list the Award Name and all recipients for the period. You will be the awarding authority for the Unit leadership award and any Unit awards that your Unit determines they should have. Keep in mind, Unit awards are a good incentive to get marines to participate, but, any device representing these awards are not authorized for wear on a properly dressed uniform unless recognized by the SFMC and included in the awards section of the MFM. The Marine Force Manual (MFM) lists only the Leadership Award as the responsibility of a Unit OIC.
AWARDS REQUESTED is a section in which you can request awards for marines in your Unit or elsewhere in the Corps. Any marine may submit any other marine for an award at any time. There is an online award form that you may use or you may include all the information in this section of your report. You should be able to determine from your rosters when your marines are due a Good Conduct Award. This is issued by COFORCECOM for 3 years of service by a marine. This is uninterrupted service to the Corps, which is a good reason to insure that memberships do not lapse. If a membership lapses then the time count starts over again. Proper rosters can make tracking this award easy and you can submit the information to FORCES COMMAND when the time comes. Other awards are listed in the MFM with the criteria for receiving them and who the awarding authority will be. Send any requests for awards through the online awards form and list them in this section of your report. Remember, when submitting a marine for an award to detail completely what the person did to deserve the award. You may submit yourself for awards also if you feel that you deserve one, however the Corps frowns upon any marine holding any position in the chain of command awarding himself an award. The next section of the report is the MISSION DATA. This is a list or detailed description of activities since the last report. What did your Unit do as a Unit? As individuals? What community service project are you involved in? What conventions, musters, meetings, etc. did the Unit members attend or otherwise participate in? This is another opportunity to get recognition for your troops. Let us know what is happening. It is no longer necessary for Units to report their plans for the next reporting period or the list of courses that the members have taken. The courses are tracked by TRACOM and not by FORCECOM. Although you do not need to include this information in your report, you may wish to retain it in the individual records kept for your Unit. Some Battalion and Brigade OICs prefer the inclusion of Academy information, however, as it aids in their award considerations. CHECK WITH THE OICS IN YOUR CHAIN OF COMMAND FOR THIS DETAIL.
The final section of the report is one of the most important though rarely used. PROBLEMS, COMMENTS, and SUGGESTIONS. We can’t fix it if we don’t know it is broken. Please be sure to pass along items that fall in this category whether they are from yourself or a marine in your Unit. If you had a problem in the Unit and have solved it, explain the problem and the solution. Someone else in the Corps could have the same problem and not know what to do. Individual marines sometimes have very good suggestions on how we can streamline and advance. Make sure to send this information up the chain and always give credit where it is due.
Always follow the Officer’s Code of Conduct.
I. I will always conduct myself in a manner which brings credit to the Corps, my unit,
and myself.
II. I will be resolute in the performance of my duty and the execution of Corps policy
and regulations.
III. I will show courtesy to my subordinates, fellow officers, and superior officers at all
times.
IV. I will strive for impartiality and fairness in judgment, and disqualify myself from
decisions where my judgment may be compromised.
V. I will listen to both sides of a dispute, and act upon fact, not innuendo.
VI. I will never assume, but always verify.
VII. I will strive to defuse confrontations, not cause them.
VIII. I will be the first to praise, and the last to criticize.
IX. I will praise in public, and criticize in private.
X. I will strive to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Lastly sign your report and send it in ON TIME. That is the first day of every even numbered month. If for some reason you know that your report is going to be late or you are going to have difficulty sending it in, you should contact the person to which you normally send the report and let them know. It helps to have a deputy OIC who can file a report in anemergency. Furthermore, the reporting officer does not necessarily have to be the OIC but the OIC should approve the report. Be sure that this person is kept in the loop and knows who to send the report to and what needs to be included. In a real emergency you should be sure that at least the complete roster is sent on time. Always follow up when the emergency is over to be certain that the report was received. Reporting is the only job the Unit OIC is required to do in relation to the SFMC andthen only every other month. If your not willing to make that effort on behalf of the marines in your Unit, you will be doing them a disservice by accepting this position. By failing to report, you fail to support these marines properly. Unit reports that are filed after the first but before the seventh will be counted as Late. If they are not received before the Battalion reports are due to the Brigade on the 7th, the Unit will be reported as FTR to the Brigade OIC. Reports not properly filled out will be returned for completion. Two (2) late reports will be counted asone (1) Failure to Report. After three (3) Failure to Reports in a 12 month period the Ship CO will be contacted with a request to replace the Unit OIC. If the Ship’s CO chooses not to replace the Unit OIC and there occurs one more FTR in the next three months the Unit risks being deactivated and losing their number.
SECTION 4:
The Chief of Security reports to the CO and is responsible for security and assembling competent security teams at all functions. The CoS’s authority extends only so far as what is allowed by the law of the United States.
SECTION 5:
The Chief of Operations reports directly to the CO, and is responsible for the daily activities of the chapter, to include organizing fundraisers, activities and charitable causes. Furthermore, the Chief of Ops shall be available to the crew to assist them with any questions concerning the Revelation's crew manual. He/she is also charged with providing an updated list of ship's personnel to the command staff. The Operations Officer shall be available to assist with any election, vote of confidence or organized ballot so long as he or she is not a candidate.
SECTION 6:
The Second Officer reports directly to the CO and the crew, and is responsible for making administrative policies in conjunction with the command staff. The second officer also has a say in the promotion of any member within the chapter. The Second Officer of the chapter must be at least 21 years of age, and must meet all other qualifications for the office as set forth in the crew handbook.
SECTION 7:
The Executive Officer reports directly to the crew and the CO, and is responsible for making sure the daily operations of the chapter are accomplished in a timely manner. He/she is also responsible for the well being of the crew and to ensure that their needs are met. The first officer acts for the CO as Commanding Officer, Revelation, in his/her absence or disability from office. The XO of the chapter must be at least 21 years of age, and must meet all other qualifications for the office as set forth in the crew handbook.
SECTION 8:
The Commanding Officer shall be elected by the members of the Revelation, and shall serve as Chairman of the Command Staff. He/she answers directly to the crew and is responsible for coordinating the activities of the entire chapter as provided in the crew handbook. The CO must be at least 21 years of age, and must meet all other requirements for office as set forth by the STARFLEET Membership handbook.
ARTICLE 5: REMOVAL OF OFFICER FROM POSITION
SECTION 1 COMMAND USS EXCELSIOR
If at any time the Commanding Officer, USS EXCELSIOR neglects his/her duties as set forth within this constitution and the crew handbook, or if the CO causes harm to come to the reputation and stature of the chapter by any of his/her personal actions, the crew may initiate the procedure of impeachment as set forth in this document. During this procedure the CO shall be allowed to defend his/her actions to the general membership. The CO shall be allowed to choose his/her own defense counsel during the procedure, except the XO or the Second Officer.
The Judge Advocate General shall act as the advocate for the crew during this proceeding. Any or all of the proceedings may be taped to prevent potential defaming material from being released.
The Inspector General shall act as judge in this matter and shall conduct any investigations required.
After a full and fair review of the charges brought against the CO, if two-thirds (2/3) of the crew vote in favor of removal of the CO, then the CO shall be ordered to resign within 30 days or any lesser time period set forth by the senior staff. If the CO fails to comply, he/she will be removed from office and the Executive Officer shall become the new CO.
The former CO is expected to release all documents, funds, files or chapter materials within 30 days upon vacation of office. If this is not accomplished the chapter has the ability and right to pursue legal action in accord to the laws of the United States of America.
SECTION 2: MEMBERS OF THE COMMAND STAFF
Any member of the USS EXCELSIOR shall have the right to petition the CO or the IG for removal of a member of the command staff if based upon the CS member's lack of performance of official duties. No member may petition for removal of another member if that petition is based upon a personal dispute the petitioning member has. If this is proven to be the case, then the original petitioning member shall be held liable and will face disciplinary action.
Upon investigation by the IG, if the CS member is found to be remiss in his/her duties, then the CS member will be removed from that position effective at a date determined by the CO. The CS member shall have the opportunity to be represented by the Judge Advocate General, if he/she so desires.
Should the command staff member file an appeal to the CO, the reasons for removal shall be reviewed by the CO, whose judgment in this manner is final.
A member of the command staff may be replaced by the CO if there is significant evidence of dereliction of duty. The CO may appoint another crew member to assume the duties of the command staff position.
SECTION 3: MEMBER OF THE SENIOR STAFF,
A member of the senior staff may be replaced by the CO if there is significant evidence of dereliction of duty. The CO may appoint another crew member to assume the duties of the senior staff position.
SECTION 4: REMOVAL OF A MEMBER
The entire crew must be present and vote on the removal of a member from the chapter. Involuntary revocation of membership in the chapter may be made only upon the recommendation of the disciplinary Committee and will require a two-thirds (2/3) majority to remove any member from the chapter. All said members are to be given a fair trial, and are considered innocent until proven guilty. All rules and official channels as set forth by the STARFLEET Membership Handbook will be followed.
ARTICLE 6: FINANCIAL AFFAIRS/STANDARDS
SECTION 1:
The fiscal year for the USS EXCELSIOR shall commence on January 1 and terminate on December 31 of each calendar year. All transactions shall be conducted in United States currency.
SECTION 2:
The command staff shall install and maintain accountancy for funds or donations collected by the membership. Financial statements are to be published in the monthly newsletter if there are any funds in the treasury.
SECTION 3:
The USS EXCELSIOR is a non-profit organization. No members of whatever classification have any right to the property and assets of the chapter. Funds belonging to the Revelation, except to pay current expenses shall be placed in an interest bearing account if applicable. Furthermore, no one individual may disperse funds from the account.
SECTION 4:
All money for this chapter shall be held and used solely for the chapter's benefit or for the charity for which it was intended. No funds shall be dispersed to members unless they can show receipt of a purchase made for the chapter.
SECTION 5:
All disbursements shall have recorded, for placement in the next newsletter, the date, payee, type of service needed and amount of payment.
SECTION 6:
In the event that the USS EXCELSIOR should be dissolved or cease operation, the property and assets of the chapter shall first he used to pay all outstanding debts, with any remaining assets being donated on behalf of the crew to a charity, selected by the command staff.
ARTICLE 7: ELECTIONS
SECTION 1:
The Commanding Officer shall serve one year terms and shall stand for a VOC every year to be concluded by the date of July 1. Should more than 10% of the Active Duty members, above age 16, vote “no confidence” the Inspector General or designated substitute shall call for an election following the time table in Section 6 of the Article.
Should an election be held, the commanding officer of the chapter shall take office on January 1 of each year following the crew general election. The office shall be filled by the candidate that receives the plurality of votes cast by the chapter membership. There shall no limit to the number of terms possible to be served in the office of Commanding Officer by any one person. The CO serves at the leisure of the crew.
SECTION 2:
Unless the Inspector General is an announced candidate for CO, he/she shall be responsible for coordinating all election activities for chapter President/CO. Should the Inspector General be such a candidate, the JAG assumes the responsibility of coordinating the election process.
SECTION 3:
To be eligible for the chapters President/CO position all candidates must meet the following criteria: be at least 21 years of age, completed OTS, and OCC. Moreover, the candidate must meet all requirements set forth by the STARFLEET Membership handbook.
SECTION 4:
Should the current CO resign during his or her term, the IG will declare an election cycle to be concluded within no more than 90 days from the resignation of the CO. The time table in section 6 of this article can be condensed at the discretion of the IG.
If only one candidate pursues the office of chapter President/CO, a vote of confidence for that candidate shall be held by the crew. If said candidate fails to get a majority vote in the vote of confidence, the current XO will assume command until an emergency election can be held and a suitable candidate can be found.
If two or more candidates pursue the office of Chapter President/CO and neither receive a majority vote or the election ends in a tie, the election will be declared void and the current XO will assume command until another emergency election can be held to be completed within no more than 30 days of the voiding of the election.
SECTION 5:
An out-going President must release all material connected with the chapter to the new President on or before January 31 of the election year or within 30 days of leaving office, whichever comes first.
SECTION 6:
Time table:
· Yearly vote of confidence May 30- June 30
· Results of VOC announced July 1.
If needed:
· Open for nominations July 1- July 15
· Nomination must be accepted by nominee by no later than midnight July 31
· Candidates announced August 1
· Open campaigning August 1 - September 15
· Ballots Distributed September 15
· Ballots must be returned by midnight October 31
· Election results announced at the Awards Banquet in November, not to be announced any later than December 1
· Change of command ceremony at Awards Banquet
· New CO assumes Command on January 1
SECTION 7:
Election Rules:
· Elections shall be conducted by an Election Coordinator: IG, JAG or other Active Duty member designated by the Command Staff by a 2/3 majority vote. Serving Command Staff members, Candidates and their family members are ineligible to serve as Election Coordinator.
· All nominees must be nominated by at least two (2) Active Duty members of the Revelation
· Nominees may nominate themselves
· Nominees may not be nominated by more than one (1) member of their immediate family
· Nominees must have a valid Starfleet membership or proof must be shown that the membership has been sent for
· Nominees must have required SFA degrees (OTS, OCC) by July 31 to be eligible to run.
· Nominations must be written and presented to the Election Coordinator by US Mail or e-mail. Nominations will be taken orally at meetings only.
· All nominations will be posted by the Election Coordinator to the main Revelation list serve. All nominees must be notified in writing by the Election Coordinator via US Mail or e-mail. Acceptance of nominations must be in written form via US Mail or e-mail.
· Any misconduct by nominees or their respective supporters that is aimed at slandering or discrediting their opponents will not be tolerated and will result in immediate suspension of election for disciplinary action. Election process will remain on hold until said matter can be resolved.
· Ballots will be hand-delivered, sent out by US Mail or delivered by e-mail at the decision of the Election Coordinator.
· Absentee ballots will be accepted as per election coordinator’s discretion.
· In the event that the current CO is re-elected, a re-swearing in ceremony will replace the change of command ceremony at the banquet. If the Current CO passes a VOC, no re-swearing in will be conducted.
· No two members of the same family may serve on the Command Staff (Service on the senior staff is allowed).
ARTICLE 8: ASSESSMENTS
There shall be no assessments to the crew of the USS Excelsior . However, STARFLEET membership is required.
ARTICLE 9: AMENDMENTS
This Constitution may be amended, repealed or superseded either in whole or in part by a two-third (2/3) majority vote of the crew.
ARTICLE 10: OPERATIONAL AND OTHER MANUALS
The crew of the USS Excelsior shall be empowered to adopt manuals of Operations information and procedure to assist in the governing and administration of the chapter, subject to approval of the entire crew. These manuals may be revised as necessary, subject to the author's approval.
ARTICLE 11: DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE
The Disciplinary committee shall consist of no less than five members of the Senior Staff and crew as chosen by the Commanding Officer. The IG shall oversee all disciplinary actions, and shall make recommendations to the CO on all judgments. Any member brought before the Disciplinary Committee shall have the right to be represented by the Judge Advocate General.
"If a man does his best, what else is there?" - General George Patton Jr
Crew Guidelines
· Ranks and titles should be observed, especially in public and at events.
· Everybody takes on some responsibility. EVERYBODY can and MUST contribute in some way.
· No one person is charged with doing “everything”. NO ONE is left with a major task that requires help and does not get any.
· People MUST apply for positions. All members MUST hold a position. No unassigned members. Applying for a position is a membership requirement.
· Department heads are responsible for a newsletter article each quarter. Department heads must report to their respective RDC.
· People must understand what it means to be a part of something, such as the Security Team, and make an effort to help, and understand the method of doing said activity.
· No dead weight. Being a Star Trek fan and SFI member will be a membership requirement
· No drinking at meetings or events. unless discussed ahead of time We are a family-oriented club and have chosen not to have that sort of thing at our functions. Conventions and summits are not included in this, but you need to consider the image that you are projecting in public. Drinking at meetings or events will result in loss of position, demotion or both. Second offense will result in the offending person being suspended from chapter functions. Third offense will result in dismissal from the chapter pending Disciplinary Board hearing.
· Unseemly language needs to be reserved for times other than meetings
· Everyone should have a costume or uniform of some sort.
· Uniforms must be worn properly, or not at all. Correct pants, shoes, rank insignia, etc.
· When in public, be a professional representative of the USS EXCELSIOR and SFI.
· Be understanding of everyone’s need to be away at times and attend to family and real life matters
· Give your suggestions and ideas- this will make a huge difference in what the club does and how much fun people have. We don’t need to put a ton of effort into one activity when someone has a better idea that we could concentrate on!
· Look for that sense of family that we have experienced on other chapters in the past
· Leave the drama at home. It drives off members and turns off potential members.
· Be respectful when calling other members and sending texts. Not everyone has unlimited plans. Be mindful of the time that you call as well. As a general guideline, do not call after 9pm
· Be respectful when sending e-mail. Do not start “flame wars” or participate in them. Remember that people can not always understand your meaning in e-mail so be clear and concise
· Help set up and/or host meetings
· Help meeting hosts set up or clean up for meetings- possibly establish a meeting set up and meeting clean up list or crew.
· Members will be free to offer prayer at meetings if they so choose. Members will also be free not to participate in prayer if they so choose.
· The goal is to have fun in the spirit of Star Trek fandom.
EVERYONE is welcome! The USS EXCELSIOR will be a family-friendly chapter, welcoming members of all faiths and walks of life. Many of our members are from other countries ,and hawe different way of life , but we will not seek to force our ways on anyone.also "We have a zero-tolerance policy against racial, sexual orientation or religious discrimination. We have no place for those who can't respect others. if you cannot we don't want you We look at this as an opportunity for everyone to be able to be themselves without fear of persecution or ridicule!
The USS EXCELSIOR Maxims
Show mercy to those who wish to do us harm
Pick up the ball for others when it is dropped, without being told to do so
Do not be afraid to express your opinion
Help others when you don’t have to
Don’t be selfish with your time
We stand up for each other and our ship
We make no enemies, only friends
The STARFLEET Officer’s Code of Conduct
1· I will always behave in a manner which brings credit to the Fleet, my ship, and myself.
2· I will always praise in public and critique in private.
3· I will show courtesy to my subordinates, fellow officers, and superior officers at all times.
4· I will never assume, but always verify.
5· I will be resolute in the performance of my duty and the
execution of Fleet policy and regulation.
6· I will always defuse confrontations, not cause.
7· I will listen to both sides of a dispute and act upon fact, not innuendo.
8· I will strive for impartiality and fairness in judgment and disqualify myself from decisions where my judgment may be compromised.
9· I will be the first to praise, the last to criticize.
10· I will always strive to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Edited By ADMR Thomas Sigmundsson 2015 june 17th