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1ST MICHIGAN INFANTRY A CIVIL WAR REENACTING GROUP
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The 1st Michigan Infantry will consist of both military and civilian personnel. Voting will be conducted at monthly meetings and will be as follows. One vote per dues paid i.e. one vote per household unless multiple dues are paid. All households may vote for non- military positions but only active military personnel are eligible to vote for military positions.
Any changes to the By-laws will be conducted as follows: Proposed changes must be approved by a simple majority of any meeting. The proposed changes will be published in the following month’s newsletter with a notice that the proposed changes will be voted on in the next meeting. At that meeting the changes must be approved by a 2/3 majority of those in attendance. The changes will be published in the following months newsletters and will become effective the first of the month following publishing.
Membership
Members will be probationary for the first year and must be sponsored by an active member. An individual must attend at least 2 major events to be considered for full membership. Full membership in the group to be determined eligible by a ¾ vote of the board and achieve a greater than 50% approval of the voting (general) membership.
ConductNever Slander or Abuse another comrade. Never pull the ramrod during battle Never pull your bayonet during battle Use the sword for command purposes only Respect all Officers and NCOs' no matter what branch of service or Army represented. When firing in the rear rank, step up so your partners ear (front rank) is between the musket's second and third bands. No matter what the command or who issues the command, firing of the musket is the responsibility of the user. If an unsafe situation presents itself, DO NOT FIRE. No hand to hand combat unless planned as part of the scenario and you are cleared by your superior Officers DRILL IS REQUIRED, no excuses. If you don't make the drill, you don't do the battle. All members must be free of all attitudes or actions of racial, religious, or political extremes and must present himself with the highest standards of self-control, fair play, and honorable citizenship. Lying, Cheating, Stealing, and inappropriate behavior, including substance abuse will not be tolerated. In addition, it is strongly stated that the purpose of the unit is not to provide a forum for furthering personal causes or to refight the Civil War. Our purpose is to educate the public and honor the men and women who gave of themselves so freely for what they believed in. Offices
President -duties to include conducting the meetings, calling meetings if needed outside of normal monthly meetings, registration of group at events, and signature powers for checking account. Any or all duties may be delegated with exception of signature powers; however, delegated duties are still the ultimate responsibility of the President.
Treasurer - to track finances of group as well as manages the group checking account. Has signature powers for checking account.
Secretary- records minutes of all meetings and responsible for Monthly Newsletter, as well as maintaining current roster.
More than one office may be held by an individual but there must exist two different parties (of two different households) to sign checks.
Military OfficesThere will exist the following offices for military. Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, Corporal. Any other positions as required per event will be decided by a simple majority of the military officers. These offices may be filled by non- - members if another group brigades together with us and have officers as well. Promotions and demotions are possible for all Officers depending on need and amount of non-members participating with us at an event. Military and Non/Military Offices will be filled at the January meeting and will be for the duration of one year. All nominees for the Offices must have attended 66% of the previous year’s events. Eligibility of members for Military Office will be determined by the Board based on attendance at events, military knowledge, and ability to discharge the duties of the office. Attendance to be defined as full participation on both days of two-day events including drill, battles, and tacticals. Partial attendance will be factored accordingly (1 day of 2 day event = 1/2 credit) UniformThe following is required to participate in rank. Federal Kepi, Bummer, or Wheel Hat. Federal Shell Jacket, Sack Coat, or Frock Coat Regulation Trousers (Sky Blue or Dark Blue) Brogans Black Haversack Cap Pouch Cartridge Box Belt with Federal Buckle Bayonet Springfield or Enfield Musket (3 banded) US Regulation or SS Canteen In order to effectively, and realistically, portray the valiant soldiers of the 1st Michigan you must reasonably fit, have the appropriate equipment, and be committed to authentically representing the men of the first. All "soldiers" must be 16 years old to fire a musket. Younger members of the unit will be used as couriers or musicians. When an individual joins the 1st Michigan, you will "enlist" as a private. As such you will be expected to obey orders given to you by Superiors and NCOs'. You may be called upon to gather wood, assist setting up tents etc. This is done as the way these tasks would have been carried out originally. Privates will not be allowed to carry sidearm's or have service stripes on their uniforms. DuesDues will be established at the January meeting by a simple majority and will remain for the entire year. If no action is taken, dues will continue at the previous established rate. Dues will be due by February 28, of each year or at time of application for membership.
Termination of MembershipMembership in the 1st Michigan Infantry may be terminated due to inappropriate behavior, unacceptable conduct, or other events deemed harmful to the Unit as a whole. Termination of Membership will require a ¾ vote of the Military Officers and NCOs', or upon determination of the Board by a ¾ vote
BoardThe Board will consist of 4 members. Their term will be life terms and each member will appoint their own successor. If a board member, due to death or incapacitation, is unable to fulfill their position or appoint a successor, then the remaining Board members will appoint a replacement. A Board member may be terminated by a 75% vote of the remaining Board. Dissolution of 1st Michigan In the event of the dissolution or disbandment of the 1st Michigan Reenactment Group. The Board will dispose of all assets of the group by sale to the highest bidder, all debts will be settled, and all remaining funds to be turned over to “Save the Flags” @ Michigan Historical Commission
RosterA roster is to be published at least once a year after the cutoff date for yearly dues, the roster is to list Board Members, Military Officers, General Offices, Full members (military and civilian), and Probationary members.
The 1st Michigan Reenactment Group is hereby established November 26, 1999 and the above by-laws adopted.
________________________ ___________________________ Steven D. Rigoni Doyle Fuelling Board Member Board Member
________________________ ___________________________ Jeff Mattix Vacant Board Member Board Member
Amendment I– Term Length Change The position of 1st Sergeant will be 2 year term.
Amendment II- Additional Elected Positions The positions of Authenticity Officer, Vice President, Chaplain, Brevet 2nd Corporal and Brevet 2nd Corporal will be created.
Position outlines-
Vice President- The main duty of the vice president will be to register the group for events. The vice president will also assist the president in their duties as well as take over as president if the president cannot fulfill their duties. Authenticity Officer- Make sure camp is policed and help in all aspects of making the 1st Michigan more authentic in all aspects of reenacting. The Authenticity Officer will be under the guidance of the president to achieve higher authenticity standards. Chaplain- Help maintain the moral fiber of our members and provide spiritual guidance. Brevet 2nd Sergeant- An elected private who will serve in the capacity of a 2nd Sergeant. A 2nd Sergeant is the left end file closer and is the second ranking NCO. The brevet 2nd Sergeant will only wear stripes at the discretion of the commanding military officer when it is deemed there are a sufficient number of members in attendance at an event to require a full second Sergeant. Also if for any reason the 1st Sergeant fails to perform their duty and brevet 2nd Sergeant is automatically promoted in their absence. Brevet 2nd Corporal- An elected private who will serve in the capacity of a 2nd Corporal. A 2nd corporal is a file closer and is the fourth ranking NCO. The brevet 2nd Corporal will only wear stripes at the discretion of the commanding military officer when it is deemed there are a sufficient number of members in attendance at an event to require a full second corporal. Also if for any reason the 1st Corporal fails to perform their duty and brevet 2nd Corporal is automatically promoted in their absence.
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“Thank God for Michigan”Abraham Lincoln |