The Constitution and Bylaws of the Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

GOLD STAR WIVES OF AMERICA, INC.

ARTICLE ONE

Organization

Sec. 1. The name of this organization shall be gold Star Wives of America, Inc.

Sec. 2. The organization shall have a Seal, which shall be in the following form: A Gold Star superimposed with a Purple Bar bearing the words, "Gold Star Wives of America."

Sec. 3. The organization shall have an official flower. The Pansy, which shall have the two upper petals in purple and the three lower petals in yellow with a gold streamer.

ARTICLE TWO

Purposes

Sec. 1. The purposes of this corporation shall be as follows:

(1) To assist in upholding the constitution and laws of the United States of America, and to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state, and nation.

(2) To honor the memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of our country.

(3) To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy for which members of our armed services fought and died.

(4) To provide the benefits of a happy, healthful and wholesome life to minor children of persons who died in the service of our country.

(5) To promote activities and interests designed to foster among its members the proper mental attitude to face the future with courage.

(6) To aid when necessary the widows and children of persons who died in the service of our country.

(7) To do any and all things necessary and incidental to carry out the general purposes and objects of this organization.

ARTICLE THREE

Legislative Department

Sec. 1. The legislative power shall be vested in the National organization of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., which shall consist of:

(1) Its past national presidents in good standing in this organization.

(2) Its officers, committee chairmen, and members of the Board of Directors.

(3) All regional presidents and chapter presidents of this corporation or, in their absence, the regional and chapter immediate past presidents who are in good standing.

(4) Delegates for chapters and members-at-large.

Article Four

Membership

Sec. 1. Any citizen or national of the United States who is a widow of any person who died while a member of the armed forces of our country, or who died subsequent to such service as a result of an injury or disability incurred during such service, shall be eligible for membership in the chapters of the Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., if there is a chapter in the area within which the person resides; however, where there is no chapter organized within the place where such qualified member resides, such qualified person may become a member-at-large. Proof of eligibility shall be submitted with application.

Sec. 2. Membership charters shall be granted by the National organization at such time or times as a local membership group shall be established, consisting of at least five (5) members. Such chapters shall be subject to all rules and regulations of the national organization.

Sec. 3. To remove a member from this organization, three written statements outlining complaints against a member are to be read at an open meeting of the chapter. Membership of the chapter will vote on the removal. Offending member must be given written notice that she will be granted an opportunity to appear to hear charges against her and to be allowed to testify in her own defense. Membership of chapter shall be notified that the entire case must be presented by the president of the chapter in writing for final approval of the national Board of Directors.

Sec. 4. Should any region not hold a Regional conference within a given year, it shall be deemed inactive and no refund of member-at-large dues will be returned from the National Treasury to the Regional Treasurer. These members-at-large shall then be considered members of the National organization instead of Regional members.

Sec. 5. Upon written request stating reasons to the Board of Directors, the Board may approve the membership dues being paid directly to the National Treasurer and the member being a member-at-large on a National basis only.

ARTICLE FIVE

Meetings

Sec. 1. The annual meeting of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. shall be held once a year at some time during the middle of the calendar year at a time and place, and on a date to be fixed by the majority vote of the members of the convention. Minutes of the annual convention shall be received by the chapters within ninety (90) days after the close of the meeting, subject to approval at the next annual meeting.

Sec. 2. The members of the Board of Directors shall meet while the annual convention is in session each year, at a time and place to be fixed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Special meetings may be held from time to time when considered necessary.

Sec. 3. The presence of not less than 25 members of the National organization shall constitute a quorum at the annual meeting, and the presence of not less than five (5) members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum at meetings of the Board of Directors. But a lesser number may adjourn the meeting for a period of not more than thirty (30) days.

Sec. 4. Special Meetings of this organization may be called by a majority vote of the Board of Directors from time to time; and special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the National President, or by not less than five (5) members of the Board of Directors, after due notification to all Board members.

Sec. 5. The secretary or President of each chapter shall provide credentials to their duly elected and authorized delegates representing their chapter at the annual convention which can be presented to the National Secretary upon request.

Sec. 6. Resolutions from regions, chapters, or individual members must be in the possession of the National Parliamentarian thirty (30) days prior to the annual national Convention for compilation purposes. This does not exclude resolutions that may be offered from the assembly floor as a direct result of proper business discussion conducted thereon.

Sec. 7. No other person but the presiding officer of the National Convention will be allowed to change the meeting time at a National Convention.

Sec. 8. All National Convention mailing must be in the mail at least six (6) weeks prior to the Convention date.

Sec. 9. All resolutions submitted at the National Convention shall be those pertaining directly to Gold Star Wives and Gold Star sons and Daughters.

Sec. 10. No member may be nominated from the assembly floor unless present at the National Convention; or through communication, such person has indicated her willingness to serve in the event she is elected.

ARTICLE SIX

Voting

Sec. 1. At all annual meetings, only members of the legislative department shall be entitled to vote. In the event an acting national officer must be appointed in order for the business of the General Assembly to be properly conducted, the appointed officer shall be entitled to vote. Members of the legislative department shall have only one personal vote regardless of the number of positions held.

Sec. 2. Each chapter shall be entitled to one delegate to the National Convention for every five to ten (5-10) paid-up members whose names appear on the records of the Membership Chairman on June first (1) of each year preceding the annual meeting.

Sec. 3. If more than one-tenth (1/10th) of the total members-at-large from any one region are not present, one vote shall be given to each member-at-large from that Region who is present. If more than one-tenth (1/10) are present from any one Region, then such members-at-large shall be entitled to vote on the same basis as the chapter.

Sec. 4. A widow who may attend a National Convention and first join the organization at that time, with the approval of the General Assembly, will be entitled to a vote at the National Convention.

Sec. 5. Each chapter may vote on any question coming before the National Convention in accordance with the number of delegates which the said chapter is entitled to regardless of the number of delegates who actually attend the National convention.

Sec. 6. No ballots shall be destroyed until six (6) months after installation of the National Officers, and these ballots shall remain in possession on the Nominating Committee Chairman.

ARTICLE SEVEN

Order of Business

Sec. 1. The suggested order of business of this organization shall be as follows:

            (1) Registration of members
            (2) Reading of minutes of the preceding meeting
            (3) Reports of committees
            (4) Reports of officers
            (5) Old and unfinished business
            (6) New business
            (7) Election
            (8) Memorial Services
            (9) Installation
          (10) Adjournment

ARTICLE EIGHT

Board of Directors

Sec. 1. The business of this organization shall be managed by:

            a] A Board of Directors consisting of fifteen (15) elected members.
            b] The National President of Gold Star Wives.
            c] The President of each active Region of Gold Star Wives.

Sec. 2. The Directors shall be elected by the National organization at the annual meeting each year, to hold office for three (3) consecutive years. Each year five (5) members of the Board of Directors are to be elected.

       Not more than three (3) elected members from any Region shall be on the Board simultaneously, and each active region shall have at least one elected Board member.

       Active Region is defined as a Region holding an annual conference, sending a written report to the National convention and having representation at the National Convention.

       The National President shall be an ex-officio member of the Board of directors.

       Each Region President, by virtue of election to that office, shall be an Associate member of the Board of Directors with voting privileges and with no Board assignment during her tenure unless a duly elected or appointed Board Member.

Sec. 3. Any Director who fails to attend three (3) consecutive meetings of the Board of Directors without written, acceptable excuse shall be considered to have vacated her office.

Sec. 4. The members of the Board of Directors shall elect among themselves a Chairman of the Board of Directors and a Secretary to the Board of Directors to serve for the term of (1) year.

Sec. 5. The Board of Directors may recommend Rules and Regulations covering its meetings and covering the management of the Chapters as it may in its discretion determine from time to time.

Sec. 6. Vacancies in the said Board of Directors shall be filled by vote of the majority of the remaining members of the Board of Directors to serve until the next National Convention.

ARTICLE NINE

Officers

Sec. 1. The officers of this organization shall be as follows:

         (1) National President

         (2) National Vice President

         (3) Recording Secretary

         (4) National Treasurer

         (5) Chaplain

         (6) National Parliamentarian

         (7) Historian

         (8) The Regional Presidents

Sec. 2. All National Officers, including members of the Board of Directors, (excluding Region Presidents) shall be elected by written ballot, forms to be provided and names of choice of Officers and Board members written in.

Sec. 3. All members, officers and employees responsible for disbursing organizational funds shall be bonded.

Sec. 4. Corresponding Secretary shall be appointed by the National President.

Sec. 5. The National Treasurer's report shall be presented at the National Convention; if the Treasurer is unable to attend, the report must be in the hands of the presiding officer at the National Convention.

Sec. 6. The National Parliamentarian shall have final authority in deciding the answer to all questions concerning Parliamentary procedure sent in by individual members or chapters.

Sec. 7. National Headquarters shall be established in the locality of the current national President and the bank account shall be established at the convenience of the National Treasurer.

Sec. 8. In the event the office of the National President becomes vacant, such office shall be filled by the vice President until such time as a general election may be held. In the event both offices of the National President and Vice President become vacant, the Board of Directors shall appoint a person to fill the office of President until such time as a general election may be held. In the event a vacancy occurs in any of the other National offices of the organization, such office shall be filled by appointment of the President with the consent of the Board of Directors to serve until such time as a general election may be held.

Sec. 9. The National Officers of this organization, except for the Regional Presidents, shall be nominated, elected, and installed at the National Convention.

Sec. 10. No member except the National Treasurer and the National Parliamentarian shall retain any one particular national office longer than two (2) years. The National Treasurer and National Parliamentarian, with their written approval, may be re-elected for as many terms as meets with the approval of the Assembly.

Sec. 11. The national Officers charged with the obligation of carrying out the mandates of the Convention assembled shall be required to report to the Board of Directors if such duties are not completed.

ARTICLE TEN

Committees

Sec. 1. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the National President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors. This committee shall meet at the discretion of the National President, to plan procedures on projects approved by the Board of Directors and/or the General Assembly, and to handle urgent business when it is impossible for the Board of Directors to meet. The Executive Committee is directly responsible to the Board of Directors.

Sec. 2. The National committee Chairman shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and shall be responsible tot he Board of Directors for their specific duties.

ARTICLE ELEVEN

Dues

Sec. 1. Each member shall pay dues to the National organization in an amount as is fixed from time to time at the National Convention and upon payment, a membership card will be issued to her.

ARTICLE TWELVE

Records

Sec. 1. Upon disbanding of a Chapter or Region, all properties, records, and assets shall be turned over to the National organization.

Sec. 2. The custodian of records and property shall be designated by the Board of directors and any member shall be granted access to all records for the purposes of Gold Star Wives' business matters.

Sec. 3. All current National records, complete as of National convention or expiration of duties pertaining to term of office, are to be turned over to the incoming officer at National convention if feasible, but no later than thirty (30) days following convention. When it is impractical to transfer records at national Convention because of time, volume and/or mode of transportation, the records shall be shipped via the best insured method with incurred costs to be reimbursed by the National Treasury upon presentation of paid receipt.

Sec. 4. Each officer shall have with her the officer pin to turn over to the new officer, or pay for the pin if she does not have it to turn over.

ARTICLE THIRTEEN

Amendments

Sec. 1. These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Legislative Department at a National Convention, providing such amendment has been submitted to the General Assembly at the previous National Convention.

ARTICLE FOURTEEN

Regional Divisions

Sec. 1. The United State is divided into separate areas headed by a Regional President. Under the supervision of the Regional President, a Conference is held each year, at least sixty (60) days prior to the National Convention. Voting at these Conferences is on the same basis as voting at the National Convention.

Sec. 2. The Regions are as follows:

1. NEW ENGLAND: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode island, Connecticut
2. MIDDLE ATLANTIC: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, district of Columbia, Virginia
3. SOUTH EAST: North Carolina, south Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi
4. MIDWEST: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, West Virginia, Michigan
5. NORTH CENTRAL: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin
6. SOUTH CENTRAL: Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas
7. SOUTH WEST: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Hawaii
8. NORTH WEST: Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Alaska

        Revised National Convention 1963
        Amended National Conventions 1970;1971;1974;1987;1993;1996

STANDING RULES

RELATING TO TREASURY

1. Checks written by the National Treasurer which have not been presented for payment shall be declared void 180 days from the date issued, and the money from such checks shall be returned to the National Treasury. The Treasurer shall notify the bank to issue a "Stop Payment" for such check and shall be authorized to pay the fee charged by the bank. The Treasurer shall notify the payee, in writing, of such action. In the event the check was not received by the payee, the Treasurer is authorized to issue a replacement check. (1986)

2. The Stay-At-Home Tea is a National fund raising project inviting all members to participate. local chapter members may choose to participate as a Chapter. If so, the check should be forwarded to the Fund Raising Chairman along with a list of names and addresses of members in order to have an accurate member participation percentage. (1997)

3. If the local Chapter wishes to make a donation, the check should be sent directly to the National Treasurer.

4. No individual member may solicit funds in the name of Gold Star Wives.

5. Money to be used for the Welfare Project to be presented by the Chapter hosting the national Convention and presented at the time of the Convention was set at the amount of $500.00, said amount to come from the national fund Raising Project, with the balance to be made up from the National Treasury if needed. (1969) Increased to $1,000.00 (1985)

6. The National President is authorized to make donations not to exceed $500.00 annually in the name of Gold Star Wives of America when requests and/or opportunities are received which would enable gold Star Wives to gain further recognition as a service organization. (1992)

7. The National Treasurer shall be present at the Board of Directors meetings as a voting member and shall serve in the capacity of financial adviser and shall be assigned to chair the budget committee. (1992)

8. Money collected from the fund raising for a designated memorial or future monies given for an expressed purpose will be placed in a separate savings account until such time as it is needed. (1963)

9. A budget will be presented by the Budget Committee and voted upon by the Assembly at the National Convention. (1996)

10. Each officer and board member receiving monies advanced by the National Treasurer will make an up to date account of expenditures to the Board at the last meeting of the year. Any funds left over are to be returned to the National Treasurer. Those officers having large working funds who anticipate a sizable surplus of unused funds should keep an estimated amount for operating expenses and return balance to Treasurer by May 31. (1967;1989)

11. The Potomac Area Chapter is encouraged to represent Gold Star Wives of America at every opportunity and this sometimes is in the laying of a wreath at ceremonies. The Potomac Area Chapter will present the bill for flowers to the national Treasurer. (1976)

12. Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. is an associate member of Veterans Administration volunteer Service (VAVS) National committee. The VAVS Chairman and/or Deputy Representative will attend the VAVS Annual National committee meeting. The amount of allowance for each representative is to be determined each year by the Board of Directors. (1987)

13. The National President's gift to be presented at National Convention will be paid from the National Treasury in an amount no to exceed $75.00. (1981;1987)

14. $3500.00 will be authorized annually to be spent to send GSW representatives to Washington, DC to continue to build support for our legislative agenda. (1998)

15. The Finance committee made up of the National Treasurer and two members of the Board of Directors shall be able to invest funds in accordance with the organization's investment policy. Signature cards will be signed by the National President and the National Treasurer. (1986;1998)

16. When a new chapter is formed, Region officers will furnish a list of the members-at-large in the immediate area who will be considered members of the chapter, to those organizing the chapter, the National Newsletter Editor, and National Treasurer. Upon receipt of list, the national treasurer will send $2.00 per member to the new chapter from the National Treasury. (1982;1995)

17. At the next meeting of the Board of Directors following disbanding of a chapter, the National Treasurer shall report monies received. If the Board of directors agrees that a Region is active and has incurred expenses due to the formation of the chapter which became inactive, disposition of the financial assets becomes the prerogative of the Board of Directors. (1989)

18. The National Treasury shall pay reasonable costs of convention Invitations, Convention Programs, Name Tags, Supplies, General Assembly expenses (typewriter, microphones, VCR, etc. - see Convention Guidelines), and meeting rooms for conducting the business of the convention, and any transportation costs necessitated by the location of the Memorial Service, subject to Board approval. Delegate Registration Fee shall be limited to actual meal and entertainment function costs. (1992;1995)

19. A National officer or Board Member incurring expenditures for the legitimate conduct of her office above and beyond her working fund will employ the following procedure:

1. Itemized expenditures to date PLUS anticipated additional expenses shall be submitted to the National President and Board Chairman for approval. In the event an additional allotment is needed by the National President, the request will be approved by the National Vice President and the Board Chairman. If needed by the Board Chairman, the request shall be submitted to the National President and the Board Secretary will handle the memo;
2. Providing funds are available in the "Reserve Account" in the Budget, tentative approval may be granted;
3. The Board Chairman shall prepare and mail a "Memo" to the members of the Board of Directors advising of the purpose and amount of the request. Upon receipt of at least five (5) affirmative votes, the National Treasurer shall be advised to forward the funds requested. (1986)

20. The Chairman of the Board's working fund is to include transportation and hotel accommodations for annual attendance at National Veterans Day Ceremonies in Birmingham, AL. (1986)

21. Gold Star Wives of America is now listed as a "Participating (sponsoring) Organization" of National Veterans Day in Birmingham, AL. A $2,000.00 donation will be an item in the annual budget. An amount will also be included in the budget to be contributed to National Veterans Day Committee for ceremonies at Arlington Cemetery as a "Recognized" organization. (1987) (1996)

22. Ten percent (10%) of the annual fund raising income should be budgeted for annual welfare projects, to include Convention Hostess Chapter Welfare Gift and National President's special Welfare Fund. (1991)

23. Banking records should be kept for five (5) years (National/Region/Chapter). (1989)

24. $1000.00 will be authorized in the budget each year for the Gold Star Wives and Gold Star Mothers Reception held annually in Washington, DC. (1992;1996;1998)

25. The National Treasurer is authorized to issue and sign working fund checks not to exceed the largest budget approved working fund. (1993)

RELATING TO NATIONAL CONVENTIONS

1. No invitations will be extended for National convention in cities having a local chapter unless a duly authorized invitation is made by the would-be hostess chapter. (1963)

2. Because there are certain basic expenses involved in Convention functions and there are certain financial and other advantages to registering under the auspices of gold Star Wives of America, there will be a basic registration fee charged whether or not any functions are attended. (1975)

3. A time will be set aside at National Convention to honor the memory of our deceased members. (1964)

4. The Candlelight Installation Ceremony will be used to install new officers following the convention Banquet.

5. Prior to National Convention, all Board members, National Officers, and Region Presidents are to prepare a written report, including a financial report if working funds have been advanced. These reports will be prepared in quantity specified by the Board Chairman (using assigned report number) and mailed to the delegated member of the Convention Hostess Chapter by the date directed. cost of duplicating reports will be paid from National Treasury and the Hostess Chapter will be responsible for having al reports duplicated in sufficient quantity as needed to prepare Convention packets for registered delegates. Packets for Board members will be made available prior to scheduled board meeting. (1980;1987;1993)

6. Adequate time to review contents of reports prior to opening of general Assembly will eliminate reading or summarizing reports. as the reports are called for on the convention agenda the person responsible will take the floor to make recommendations, entertain any questions or discussion arising, and make presentation of the report to the National Secretary. (1980)

7. Membership cards will be shown at time of registration at National Conventions to insure delegates are members in good standing of Gold Star Wives of America. (1980)

8. Resolutions submitted from the floor to the Assembly pertaining to money allocations or future work of the organization may not be voted on at that session, but must wait an interval of time (after a recess or the following session) and be submitted in proper written form for consideration. (1981)

9. The Registration Fee for National Convention delegates shall be limited to actual meal and entertainment functions cost. See Item #18 under RELATING TO NATIONAL TREASURY. (1983)

10. When children are brought to Convention by delegates, they need to have the opportunity to get acquainted with each other as soon as possible after arrival. When sufficient number of children have been registered, the National Convention Committee will make arrangements for such a function. (1983)

11. Gold Star Wives supplies used for conduction National Convention (such as Past national President's pin, decals, stickers) are to be reimbursed at cost by the National Treasury upon presentation of a bill from the Supplies Chairman. (1985)

12. The following guidelines for dispensing fund raising items at National conventin were adopted:

1. Chapters or regions other than the Hostess group will not actively promote and/or sell fund raising items on the general assembly floor at National convention.
2. Sales may be promoted through Chapter and Region newsletter only. National newsletter will promote National supply items.
3. Through sharing of chapter and region newsletters, members may be made aware of items which may be of interest and editors may include notice of available items heir chapter or region has for sale.
4. Chapters/Regions may bring samples of items to National convention for display in personal rooms and may take orders for such items or dispense previously ordered items. (1989)

13. Expenses of Board of Directors meetings before and after general assembly will be considered as a Convention expense and will be included in the budget (this could include charges for room, microphone, refreshments, etc.) (1989)

14. Registration refunds may be made only when possible and at the discretion of the hostess chapter based on the contracts they have with hotels and travel agency. (1996)

RELATING TO MEMBERSHIP

1. The National Treasurer shall be responsible for the official membership count which is used to establish voting strength at national convention. The report shall be based on dues mailed (postmarked) by Chapter and Region Treasurers No later than May 15 and received by the National Treasurer no later than May 31. (1986;1993)

2. The fiscal year will be June 1 to May 31. (1969)

3. Membership dues will be collected on a calendar year basis and are due January first (1) of current year regardless of date first joined or payment in previous year. (1956)

4. Membership dues received by National Treasurer later than may 31 will not be included in the voting strength count for Convention purposes. applications for NEW membership dated after June 30 shall be credited with dues paid for the remainder of that calendar year plus the following calendar year. members renewing at any time throughout the year will be credited for that calendar year. (1969;1994)

5. Mrs. Pauline Bartsch is an appointed member of the Board of Directors for an indefinite period and will chair the Membership Records position. (1963;1980;1988;1993)

6. Annual dues were raised to $15.00 per year. $10.00 to be sent to the National Treasury; $5.00 to remain in the Chapter/Region Treasury. (1992;1999)

7. Chapter members will pay dues to the Chapter Treasurer, Members-At-Large will pay dues to the Region Treasurer or in the event there is no Region Treasurer, to the Region President. Immediately upon receipt of a member's dues, a membership card will be prepared and mailed. At least monthly, or more frequently if necessary, the Treasurer will forward a check for $5.00 per paid member to the National Treasurer along with the appropriate copy of the Membership Report Form. At the same time, other copies of the Membership Report Form will be forwarded to the appropriate person as indicated on the MR form. (1966 with required updates)

8. The standard APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP FORM will be printed on two-part action paper, with the original to go to Membership Records chair and the second copy retained by the Chapter/Region. The date of the applicant's check will be the date used on the Membership Report form. (1970)

9. Membership cards will carry the expiration date of December 31. (1971)

10. When a member-at-large moves permanently to a different Region, the Region Treasurer from which the member is moving will prepare a CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM transferring the member. If no part of the calendar year has elapsed, the $5.00 Region portion of dues will be forwarded to the new Region (1992)

11. Procedure was established for the formation of New Chapters. See relating to treasury (16).

12. To assist the Membership Chairman in efforts to restore delinquent members to the rolls of GSW, Region/Chapter Treasurers shall notify the Chairman of delinquent members to be contacted.

         It is recommended that the names and addresses of delinquent members as of the end of the calendar year be typed on labels and forwarded to the Membership Chairman as soon as possible after December 31. REMINDER - Chapter and Region Treasurers are responsible for sending dues notifications to members, with at least one follow-up during the year when dues remain unpaid.

13. Standard dues renewal notice forms will be provided by the supplies Chairman and used by Chapter/Region Treasurers. Such notices to be mailed in October.

14. A non-refundable Life membership will be offered and a distinctive Membership Card will be issued. The Life Membership will be prorated as follows:

	Under 40 years (of age)	- $300.00
	41 to 55 years	- $250.00
	56 to 69 years	- $200.00

 The Chapter or Region will keep 50% and 50% sent to National, effective with dues of 1996. (1989;1994)

RELATING TO CHAPTERS

1. A Chapter Assistance Packet will be sent to newly formed Chapters by the Chapter/Region Liaison Chairman. This packet contains necessary information concerning report forms and required filing dates.

2. A definite date for reporting the election of chapter officers duly elected will be before Regional Conference, which is usually held in April. Chapter Reports to Region and National will be the responsibility of the outgoing President. (1988)

3. Chapter Presidents are required to caucus with the delegates of her chapter who are present at National Convention, thus insuring that chapter votes are voted according to the majority - except in cases where the chapter has previously made its voting wishes known. (1971)

4. Newly organized chapters (or reactivated chapters whose treasury has been turned over to the National Treasurer upon disbanding) shall have assistance in establishing a beginning treasury under guidelines set forth in Item #16 under RELATING TO TREASURY. (1982)

5. A duplicate charter may be issued by the National President providing copies of original records including date, officers, and charter members can be provided. In the event no printed or written records are available, the above information will be accepted in the form of a written statement from a charter member or early member recalled to the best of her ability. (1986)

6. The procedure to be followed for requesting a Chapter Name Change shall be:

1. The minutes of an existing Chapter requesting a change of name shall duly record complete proceedings leading to the decision to request a change of name;
2. A copy of such minutes are to be presented to the National President;
3. The National President will prepare a CERTIFICATE OF CHAPTER NAME CHANGE, using the date of her signature. That date will be the official date the Chapter assumes the new name;
4. The National President will include any Chapter Name Changes in her Annual Report to the Board of directors and General Assembly. National Officers and Board Members whose assignment involves Chapters are to be notified as soon as possible after action has been taken. (1986)

7. The membership records of a disbanded chapter should be sent to the Region Treasurer, who will become responsible for assuming dues renewal notices and mailing of Region newsletter. A list of members should be sent to the Region President, National Treasurer, Newsletter Editor and Membership Records Chairman.

RELATING TO MISCELLANEOUS AREAS

1. Copies of correspondence or notices of Regional Conference shall be sent to the National President and National Newsletter Editor so they will be informed of activities pertaining to Regional Conferences.

2. Because of difficulties experienced by the organization in the past which could be traced to unofficial and unauthorized statements, no form letter or other literature may be circulated except by direction of the properly elected officers.

3. An appropriate uniform (cape) is approved for use by members of the Potomac Area chapter who carry the colors of Gold Star Wives of America for official functions at Arlington National Cemetery. (Required if the organization is to be permitted to participate) (1975)

4. An attractive paperweight embellished with the Gold Star Wives emblem or other appropriate gift is to be used by officials to present when appropriate. (1978;1994)

5. The Board of Directors established the position on the Board to be known as President Emeritus, which will be filled by the most recent retiring National President, and to act as an honorary advisor to the Board of Directors. (1978)

6. Initials denoting Gold Star Wives of America in abbreviated form shall be "GSW" only, otherwise, the full name must be used (because GSAW could cause confusion as indicative of an auxiliary organization). (1980)

7. A national supply item may not be duplicated as a fund raising item by a Chapter or Region. (1986)

8. The Gold Star Wives of America Logo will be registered to protect the organization against duplication for unauthorized purposes. (1986) 9. Marie Speer (Marie Jordan) National Founder of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., was granted a non-dues paying, Honorary Life member status by the Board of Directors January 17, 1948.

10. Chapter and Region members may retain any one particular office longer than two (2) consecutive years. (1997)