{"id":92,"date":"2021-06-22T19:40:17","date_gmt":"2021-06-22T23:40:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/amlegpost201.org\/?page_id=92"},"modified":"2025-02-21T21:08:59","modified_gmt":"2025-02-22T01:08:59","slug":"constitution-and-bylaws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/amlegpost201.org\/?page_id=92","title":{"rendered":"Constitution and Bylaws of Post 201"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"92\" class=\"elementor elementor-92\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-d5d1e97 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"d5d1e97\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b544a98\" data-id=\"b544a98\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4c8f213 elementor-button-warning elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"4c8f213\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/amlegpost201.org\/?page_id=742\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Return to Post 201 Book<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-8af615d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"8af615d\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-05599d3\" data-id=\"05599d3\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d57ed0b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d57ed0b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Constitution and Bylaws of West Jefferson Post 201 of the American Legion<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-27c27ea elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"27c27ea\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-103a3ec\" data-id=\"103a3ec\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-804c516 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"804c516\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"812\" height=\"857\" src=\"https:\/\/amlegpost201.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/WJCON.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-136\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/amlegpost201.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/WJCON.jpg 812w, https:\/\/amlegpost201.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/WJCON-284x300.jpg 284w, https:\/\/amlegpost201.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/WJCON-768x811.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 812px) 100vw, 812px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-2c6f4ab elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2c6f4ab\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-33d6e03\" data-id=\"33d6e03\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0ddc7cd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0ddc7cd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Additions and corrections.\u00a0 Feb 2025 &#8211; changed notification for amendments to by-laws from ten(10) days to thirty-five (35 days)<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-02b5ee9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"02b5ee9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4><strong>CONSTITUTION OF <\/strong><strong>THE<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>WEST JEFFERSON POST 201. DISTRICT 6, DEPARTMENT OF OHIO<\/strong><\/h4><p><strong>PREAMBLE <\/strong><\/p><p>For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and goodwill on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.<\/p><p><strong>ARTICLE I <\/strong><\/p><p><strong>NAME<\/strong><\/p><p>The name of this organization shall be &#8220;West Jefferson Post 201, The American Legion, Department of Ohio.\u201d<\/p><p><strong>ARTICLE II\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p><p><strong>OBJECTS<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Section 1.<\/strong>\u00a0 The objects and purposes of Post 201 shall be to promote the principles and policies set forth in the foregoing Preamble and the National and Departmental constitutions of the American Legion.<\/p><p><strong>Section 2<\/strong>.\u00a0 The purposes of Post 201 follow the Four Pillars of the American legion as defined in the Officer\u2019s Guide:\u00a0 <strong>Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children and Youth.<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>ARTICLE III\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p><p><strong>NATURE<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Section 1<\/strong>. The American Legion is a civilian organization; membership therein does not affect nor increase liability for military or police service. Rank does not exist in the Legion; no member shall be addressed by his military or naval title in any convention or meeting of the Legion.<\/p><p><strong>Section 2<\/strong>. The American Legion shall be absolutely non-political and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles nor for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or preferment. <em>(Amended 58th National Convention 1976).<\/em><\/p><p><strong>ARTICLE IV<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>MEMBERSHIP<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Section 1<\/strong>. Eligibility for membership in the post shall be as prescribed in the National Constitution of the American Legion.\u00a0 Membership is restricted to individuals who have served in the United States Armed Forces during periods defined in the National Constitution of the American Legion, or a citizen of the United States who served in the armed forces of an allied nation during the defined periods.\u00a0 All members must have been honorably separated by discharge or retirement.\u00a0 Members of the Armed Forces currently serving are also eligible for membership.<\/p><p><strong>Section 2.<\/strong>\u00a0 Application for membership shall be in writing under such regulations as prescribed by the Executive Committee.\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Section 3.<\/strong> Applications for membership will be acted upon at the next regularly scheduled post meeting and may result in acceptance, rejection or referred for further investigation and consideration.\u00a0 The application is voted upon by post members present.\u00a0 Rejection must be by a majority vote.<\/p><p><strong>Section 4.<\/strong>\u00a0 Any member of the post may be expelled or suspended for cause per rules and procedures as defined by the American Legion, Department of Ohio.<\/p><p><strong>Section 5.<\/strong>\u00a0 A member who has been expelled or suspended for cause may be reinstated by a two-thirds vote of post members present at a regular post meeting upon payment of dues for the reinstatement year if unpaid.<\/p><p><strong>Section 6.<\/strong>\u00a0 A member who has been expelled from another post is not eligible for membership in Post 201 without the consent of the Executive Committee and the expelling post.\u00a0 If the expelling post denies permission, the individual may appeal to the Department Executive Committee.\u00a0 <em>(Note:\u00a0 before taking action, check with the Department or National to make sure that discrimination does not occur)<\/em><\/p><p><strong>Section 7.<\/strong> \u00a0There shall be no form or class of membership except an active membership, and dues shall be paid annually or for life.<\/p><p><strong>Section 8.<\/strong> No person may be a member at any time of more than one post.<\/p><p><strong>Section 9.<\/strong>\u00a0 Charter Members.\u00a0 Any member of the post who joined the American Legion prior to the charter date of West Jefferson Post 201 is considered a charter member.<\/p><p><strong>ARTICLE V <\/strong><\/p><p><strong>ADMINISTRATIVE<\/strong><\/p><p>Section 1.\u00a0 The post shall meet regularly per a schedule as stated in the post\u2019s bylaws.<\/p><p>Section 2.\u00a0 The fiscal year of the post shall be from August 1 to July 31 inclusive next following. <em>(Amended 67th Department Convention 198<\/em>5).<\/p><p><strong>ARTICLE VI <\/strong><\/p><p><strong>POST OFFICIALS<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Section 1.<\/strong>\u00a0 Post officials include the Officers, Trustees and Executive Committee.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Section 2.<\/strong> Post Officers may include:\u00a0 Commander, Adjutant, First Vice Commander, Second Vice Commander, Finance Officer\/Treasurer, Service Officer, Chaplain, Sergeant-at-Arms, Historian, and Judge Advocate.\u00a0 Any post member in good standing may hold office.\u00a0 A member may hold multiple offices and a position may remain vacant.<\/p><p><strong>Section 3.<\/strong>\u00a0 Executive Committee.\u00a0 The Executive Committee consists of the Officers of the post and may contain additional members as available and needed.\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Section 4.<\/strong>\u00a0 The Officers are nominated from the floor at a meeting preceding the annual election and hold office until their successors are duly installed and serve for a term of one year.<\/p><p><strong>Section 5.<\/strong>\u00a0 Any officer or committee member may be removed for inefficiency by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee.\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Section 6.<\/strong>\u00a0 Any member of the post in good standing shall be eligible to hold office in the post.\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Section 7.<\/strong> Duties of officers and executive committee members are defined in guidelines published by the American Legion at the national and departmental level.<\/p><p><strong>ARTICLE VII <\/strong><\/p><p><strong>FINANCE<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Section 1.<\/strong>\u00a0 The revenue of this post shall be derived from membership or initiation fees, annual membership dues and other sources as approved by the Executive Committee.<\/p><p><strong>Section 2.<\/strong>\u00a0 The amount of such membership or initiation fees, and annual dues will be determined and fixed by this post.<\/p><p><strong>Section 3.<\/strong>\u00a0 The post shall remit to Departmental headquarters, the annual National and Departmental dues.\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Section 4<\/strong>.\u00a0 The post shall complete and submit necessary incorporation and tax documents as required by the State of Ohio and the Federal Government.<\/p><p><strong>ARTICLE VIII <\/strong><\/p><p><strong>AMERICAN LEGION AUXILLARY<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Section 1.<\/strong>\u00a0 Post 201 recognizes an auxiliary organization to be known as the Auxiliary Unit of West Jefferson Post 201.<\/p><p><strong>Section 2.<\/strong>\u00a0 Membership in the auxiliary shall be as prescribed by the National Constitution of the American Legion.<\/p><p><strong>ARTICLE IX <\/strong><\/p><p><strong>AMENDMENTS<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Section 1.<\/strong>\u00a0 This constitution is adopted subject to the provision of the national constitution of the American Legion and the Constitution of the Ohio Department of the American Legion.\u00a0 Any Amendments to the National or Departmental constitution which conflict with the post constitution will automatically revise or repeal such conflicts in the post constitution.<\/p><p><strong>Section 2.<\/strong>\u00a0 This constitution may be amended at any regular post meeting by a two-thirds vote of members present, provided such amendments have been submitted in writing and presented at the prior meeting of the post and that a notice has been provided to all members at least ten days prior to the scheduled vote on the proposed amendment(s), notifying them that a proposed amendment to the post constitution will be voted on at the meeting.<\/p><p><strong>By-Laws<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>THE AMERICAN LEGION, <\/strong><strong>DEPARTMENT OF OHIO, <\/strong><strong>WEST JEFFERSON POST 201<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Article I <\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Executive Committee<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Section 1.<\/strong> The Post Executive Committee exercises general supervision of post activities.\u00a0 The Post Executive Committee consists of the post officers and two additional post members.<\/p><p><strong>Section 2.<\/strong>\u00a0 The Post Executive Committee establishes meeting times and dates.<\/p><p><strong>Section 3.<\/strong>\u00a0 The Post Executive Committee meets periodically to review and oversee activities and needs of the post to include:<\/p><ol><li>Discussing and making determinations pertaining to post disciplinary actions.<\/li><li>Approving or disapproving proposed fund-raising activities.<\/li><li>Establishing post committees as needed.<\/li><li>Determining Uniform requirements for the post. The only official uniform item is the cap.\u00a0 However, the post may adopt a standard appearance for details.\u00a0 This can include standardized cap, shirts, jackets, ties, gloves, etc.,<\/li><\/ol><p><strong>Article II<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Trustees<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Section 1.<\/strong>\u00a0 The post shall appoint three members of the post to serve as trustees.\u00a0 The trustees oversee the physical facility of the post.<\/p><ol><li>The Trustees supervise janitorial and other maintenance needs.<\/li><li>The Trustees supervise physical security of post property.<\/li><li>The Trustees make an annual audit of the financial records of the post and report the findings to the Executive Committee for review. The Trustees report findings at the next regular post meeting.\u00a0 An Audit Committee may be appointed by the Executive Committee to assist in the audit.\u00a0<\/li><\/ol><p><strong>Article III <\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Officers<\/strong><\/p><p>Duties of all officers of the post are defined in the National Officer\u2019s Guide.\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Section 1.<\/strong>\u00a0 <strong>Commande<\/strong>r as the executive head of the post directs the regular meetings of the post using the guidelines for meetings included in the National Officer\u2019s Guide.\u00a0 He conducts the meeting using Robert\u2019s Rules of Order.\u00a0 The Post Commander has full authority to enforce the provisions of both the National and Departmental by-laws.\u00a0 He\/she shall perform such duties as directed by the Post Executive Committee.<\/p><p><strong>Section 2.<\/strong>\u00a0 <strong>First Vice Commander<\/strong> shall assume and discharge the duties of the post in the absence of the Post Commander or when called upon by the Post Commander.\u00a0 The First Vice Commander is normally in training to step up to the position of Post Commander.\u00a0 The First Vice Commander chairs the membership committee.<\/p><p><strong>Section 3.<\/strong>\u00a0 <strong>Second Vice Commander<\/strong> assumes the duties of the First Vice Commander upon absence or disability.\u00a0 The Second Vice Commander is responsible for programs, finding speakers and building a strong social calendar for the post.<\/p><p><strong>Section 4.<\/strong>\u00a0 <strong>Adjutant<\/strong> acts as the secretary of the Post, keeping minutes, replying to correspondence, and keeping the records of the post including membership records.\u00a0 The duties of the adjutant are vital to the smooth running of the post and are comparable to those of a First Sergeant or a First Mate.\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Section 5.<\/strong>\u00a0 <strong>Finance Officer <\/strong>is the treasurer and the custodian of the funds of the post and maintains fiscal records.\u00a0 The Treasurer collects fees and dues, and monies from fund raisers, makes deposits, disburses funds, and reports fiscal activity and balances at a Regular post meeting of the month. The Finance Officer prepares and submits necessary financial reports to governmental entities.<\/p><p><strong>Section 6.<\/strong>\u00a0 <strong>Service Officer <\/strong>maintains contact with other veterans and service organizations and Legion channels.\u00a0 Maintains publication and forms and provides information on veteran\u2019s rights and benefits.\u00a0 Special attention should be given to newly discharged veterans of more recent wars and conflicts who are unlikely to know their benefits.<\/p><p><strong>Section 7.<\/strong>\u00a0 <strong>Chaplain<\/strong> must be a person capable of moral and intellectual leadership and one who will bring dignity and respect to the office.\u00a0 The Chaplain offers prayers at post meetings and other events when called upon.<\/p><p><strong>Section 8.<\/strong>\u00a0 <strong>Sergeant-at-Arms<\/strong> is responsible for the physical arrangement of the Meeting Hall and leads honor guards, burial details and pageantry.\u00a0 The Sergeant-at-Arms is responsible for proper flag etiquette.\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Section 9.<\/strong>\u00a0 <strong>Historian<\/strong> working in conjunction with the Adjutant, sees that important records are archived at local and state libraries.\u00a0 The Historian is to prepare an annual report of post activities and forward it to the Department Historian.<\/p><p><strong>Section 10.<\/strong>\u00a0 <strong>Judge Advocate<\/strong> supplies professional advice in the conduct of post business and ensuring that the post follows the guidelines of both the National and Departmental constitutions and by-laws.<\/p><p><strong>Article IV<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Elections and Installation<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Section 1.\u00a0 <\/strong>Post elections of Officers are held annually at the first meeting of May.\u00a0 Nominations are accepted at the first meeting in April.\u00a0 There are no term limits for any position.\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Section 2<\/strong>. Installation of Officers shall follow the procedures from the Officers Guide. Installation is the second meeting in May.\u00a0 \u00a0All positions take office at the first meeting in June.\u00a0 All incumbents remain in office until the June meeting unless resigned or removed for cause.<\/p><p><strong>Section 3.<\/strong>\u00a0 If an officer or trustee becomes absent or can no longer fulfill the duties of the office, the duties of the office will be performed by other post officers per Bylaws, Article IV, Section 1 or by a qualified member of the post for the remainder of the term.\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Article V<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Standing Committees<\/strong><\/p><p>Section 1. The post may have any number of standing committees.\u00a0 The Post Commander will appoint at the beginning of each year, members to fill the various committees as needed for the smooth operation of the post.\u00a0 Members may hold positions on multiple committees.\u00a0 There is no term limitation for committee appointments.\u00a0 Typical standing committees within the American Legion are:\u00a0<\/p><ol><li>This committee seeks to inspire love of country and good citizenship through patriotic observances, flag etiquette, civic instruction in schools, the Americanization of immigrants, community service, and youth activities such as Boys State, Boy Scouts, Oratorical Contest, School Award Medals and American Legion Baseball.<\/li><li><strong>Children and Youth.<\/strong> This committee ensures children of veterans in need of care and protection receive proper and timely services and aid, extends connections to verified organizations and facilities providing services for children and youth, and maintains programs that meet the needs of youth in the local community.<\/li><li><strong>Veterans Affairs &amp; Rehabilitation<\/strong>. This committee assists veterans in pursuing claims, understanding their rights and obtaining their benefits. Committee members also visit veterans who are sick, disabled or residing in assisted living facilities, and provide comfort to members\u2019 families in illness and bereavement.<\/li><li><strong>National Security<\/strong>. This committee engages in community emergency preparedness, promotes public safety, and supports local and national civilian defense projects.<\/li><li><strong>Membership &amp; Post Activities<\/strong>. This committee recruits, retains and engages members to give the post the volunteers to create success for The American Legion in the local community.<\/li><li><strong>Public Relations<\/strong>. This committee elevates awareness in the veterans\u2019 community and the community of American Legion advocacy of veterans\u2019 issues, national security, Americanism and youth. The American Legion is defined in the public eye by the values it demonstrates. The committee accomplishes this in two ways: placing radio and TV advertisements and public service announcements produced by National Headquarters where they can be seen and heard, and developing relationships with editors and journalists in the post\u2019s community so they cover programs supporting the Legion\u2019s four pillars.<\/li><li><strong>Legislative<\/strong>. This committee promotes The American Legion\u2019s official legislative mandates, disseminates legislative updates, organizes and promotes proactive grassroots lobbying activities, and liaisons with elected officials and their staffs. All activities must be in compliance with Section 2, Article ii of the Constitution of The American Legion, which forbids the dissemination of partisan principles and the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office. However, voter education is a critical element of the electoral process, and posts are permitted to host town hall meetings, put on \u201cmeet the candidate\u201d nights and allow candidates to address post meetings, district conferences or state conventions. Candidates may participate if invitations are extended to all candidates, affording them equal opportunity to participate. The American Legion cannot 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. Every effort must be made to remain nonpartisan. Note: if in doubt, contact the department for clarification before proceeding.<\/li><li>This committee supervises the receiving, disbursement and accounting of all post funds, prepares annual budget recommendations, and advises the post on all financial policies.<\/li><li><strong>Economic<\/strong>. This committee assists veterans in meeting and overcoming problems such as employment, veterans\u2019 preference, housing, civil service appeals, and employment of handicapped and older workers.<\/li><li><strong>House<\/strong>. This committee supervises the operation of the post\u2019s physical facilities, such as a clubroom, American Legion center, meeting room, etc. Responsibilities include administration, equipment, and the hiring and direction of employees (as authorized by the post executive committee), and general rules applicable to the conduct of members while on the post\u2019s premises.<\/li><li><strong>Service<\/strong>. This committee is key to every successful post, assisting returning veterans in their transition to civilian life. Other concerns include employment, on-the-job training, and educating veterans on their rights and benefits. The committee should maintain contact with members of the armed forces from the post\u2019s community.<\/li><\/ol><p><strong>Section 2.<\/strong> Other committees may be established as Post needs dictate.<\/p><p><strong>Article VI<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Community and Post Service<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Section 1<\/strong> \u2013 Activities.\u00a0 The post may be involved in a variety of activities.\u00a0 The protocol for these is included in the Officers Guide and include, but are not limited to:<\/p><ol><li>New Member Initiation.<\/li><li>POW\/MIA Ceremony shall be conducted annually as the first meeting in October and follow the procedures outlined in the Officers Guide.<\/li><li>Flag Burning. Flags that are no longer serviceable for display are collected and burned annually (or more often if needed) per the Officers Guide.\u00a0 Input from other organizations such as the Boy Scouts is welcomed.\u00a0<\/li><li>The post is often called upon to furnish a funeral detail.\u00a0 The Sergeant-at-Arms contacts post members to assemble the detail.\u00a0 M-1 Garand rifles are on loan from the U.S. Government.\u00a0 The detail follows the procedures from the Officers Guide.\u00a0 The Sergeant-at-Arms supervises the detail.<\/li><li>Flag Raising. The post is often asked to raise the flag, especially at sporting events.\u00a0 Procedures are in the Officers Guide.\u00a0<\/li><li>Several patriotic and other parades invite the post to participate.\u00a0 Each parade may require different numbers of individuals and flags and\/or rifles.\u00a0 The dignity and professionalism of the Post are paramount in participation in these events.<\/li><li>Patriotic Holidays. The post is often asked to participate.\u00a0 This may include firing detail, speakers, or just physical presence.<\/li><li>Participation with other Veterans or Military groups. The post is asked to participate with other groups.\u00a0 This may be a funeral, or to provide judges for an ROTC competition at a local high school, etc.\u00a0 These activities are often requested by phone call to a post officer.\u00a0 The Commander may call for volunteers or assign another officer to manage liaison and secure post members for event.<\/li><li>District, Departmental, and National meetings and conventions. Post officers are expected to attend certain meetings of the above mentioned American Legion events and may be required to provide delegates for the same.\u00a0 Delegates and alternatives will be chosen by ballot at a regular meeting of the post at least 20 days prior to the convention.<\/li><\/ol><p><strong>Article VII<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Training and Education<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Section 1<\/strong>.\u00a0 New members will be welcomed into the Legion by assigning a mentor who is familiar with our customs, traditions, policies and programs.<\/p><p><strong>Section 2.<\/strong> Each member of the post is encouraged to complete the BASIC TRAINING course which is available online at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.legion.org\/training\"><strong>www.legion.org\/training<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Section 3<\/strong>.\u00a0 Each post official should review and be familiar with the \u201c<strong><em>American Legion Officer\u2019s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies<\/em><\/strong>\u201d.\u00a0 The current version of the Guide can be downloaded as a PDF From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legion.org\/sites\/legion.org\/files\/legion\/publications\/27IA0219-Officers-Guide.pdf\"><strong>https:\/\/www.legion.org\/sites\/legion.org\/files\/legion\/publications\/27IA0219-Officers-Guide.pdf<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p><strong>Section 4<\/strong>.\u00a0 Post member should familiarize themselves with the American Legion Website. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legion.org\">https:\/\/www.legion.org<\/a>.\u00a0 This website contains information about programs, services, membership and publications.\u00a0 Many Legion publications are free and can be downloaded in .pdf format.\u00a0 Specialized manuals such as the Adjutant\u2019s and Chaplain\u2019s manuals are available for download.<\/p><p><strong>Section 5<\/strong><strong>.<\/strong>\u00a0 American Legion Buckeye Boys State is an eight-day hands-on experience in the operation of the democratic form of government, the organization of political parties, and the relationship of one to the other in shaping Ohio government.\u00a0 The post works with local high schools to identify and prepare juniors for participation.\u00a0 Applicants must be Ohio residents, U.S. Citizens and must attend an area orientation program.\u00a0 The post is required to interview applicants and make selections based on program quotas and best qualified applicants based on test and interview responses. Further information is available at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ohiobuckeyeboysstate.com\/\"><strong>http:\/\/www.ohiobuckeyeboysstate.com\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p><strong>Article VIII<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Resolutions<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Section 1<\/strong>.\u00a0 Definition of Resolution.\u00a0 A member or committee may present an idea for involvement of the post in an activity that could have American Legion Department or National significance.\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Section 2<\/strong>.\u00a0 If the executive committee determines that this idea has merit and should be further considered, a resolution explaining the activity will be forwarded to the appropriate level for review and consideration.\u00a0 If it is determined that the resolution bears merit and can be implemented, then further action can be taken.\u00a0 In the interim, the post will keep the resolution tabled and no action will be taken without higher-level approval.\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Article IX<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Meetings<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Section 1<\/strong>.\u00a0 Regular meetings of the post will be held at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month.\u00a0\u00a0 The American Legion\u2019s Officers Guide and Manual of Ceremonies will be used to conduct the meeting.\u00a0 Meetings will be conducted following Robert\u2019s Rule of Order. Approval of business items require the presence of a quorum of members defined as 5% of the total membership.<\/p><p><strong>Section 2<\/strong>.\u00a0 Regular meetings may be replaced if the occasion warrants, by special meetings such as POW\/MIA remembrance, Veterans\u2019 Activities, field trips, entertainment, banquets, etc.\u00a0 These types of meetings are to be held infrequently.\u00a0 There will be at least one regular meeting during the month that\u00a0\u00a0 a special meeting is held.\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Section 3<\/strong>.\u00a0 A meeting may be cancelled if unusual circumstances occur, such as local or national disaster, inclemen<strong>t<\/strong> weather, wide-spread illness, etc.\u00a0 Efforts will be made to contact members.<\/p><p><strong>Section 4<\/strong>. If the post meeting facility is unusable, then the trustees will attempt to find an alternative meeting location.<\/p><p><strong>Article X<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Notices<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Section 1<\/strong>.\u00a0 Duties of Members.\u00a0 Members are expected to keep the Post Adjutant informed of changes of address.\u00a0 The post needs to be able to contact members.\u00a0 At a minimum, the member\u2019s mailing address is to be furnished.\u00a0 Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are appreciated.\u00a0 The post needs to contact members for needs such as funerals, parades, and other community events.<\/p><p><strong>Section 2<\/strong>.\u00a0 Post duties.\u00a0 Various activities of the post require notification to the membership.\u00a0 The majority of notifications are the responsibility of the Adjutant.\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Article XI<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Limitations of Liability<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Section 1<\/strong>. The post is involved in a wide range of activities, many of which expose the organization, its, officers, and members to potential liability because of their acts or omissions.\u00a0 Although the purpose of not-for-profit organizations is to serve the public interest, these organizations, their officers and members may cause harm to others while serving in an official capacity and are thus susceptible to typical tort claims, as well as claims such as wrongful membership discrimination, among others.<\/p><p><strong>Section 2<\/strong>.\u00a0 This post shall not incur, or cause to be incurred, liabilities nor obligations whatever which shall subject to liability any other American Legion post, subdivision, group of members of the American Legion, or individuals, corporations, or organizations.<\/p><p><strong>Section 3<\/strong>.\u00a0 The post shall acquire and keep in force liability insurance for post activities.\u00a0 The amount of acquired liability will be determined by the Executive Committee, reviewed annually and presented as a motion at a regular meeting of the post.<\/p><p><strong>Article XII<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Amendments<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Section 1<\/strong><em>. <\/em>These by-laws may be amended at any post meeting by a vote of 2\/3 of members present at the meeting, provided the proposed amendments shall have been submitted in writing and presented at the meeting immediately prior.\u00a0 Written notice of the proposed amendment shall be given to members at least thirty-five (35) days in advance of the day when such amendment is to be voted on.\u00a0 This notice to members will include the language of the amendment and the voting date.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-543c121 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"543c121\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1c6e82d\" data-id=\"1c6e82d\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3aa1baf elementor-button-warning elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"3aa1baf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/amlegpost201.org\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Return to Home Page<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Return to Post 201 Book Constitution and Bylaws of West Jefferson Post 201 of the American Legion Additions and corrections.\u00a0 Feb 2025 &#8211; changed notification for amendments to by-laws from ten(10) days to thirty-five (35 days) CONSTITUTION OF THE\u00a0WEST JEFFERSON POST 201. DISTRICT 6, DEPARTMENT OF OHIO PREAMBLE For God and Country, we associate ourselves [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"page-builder","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-92","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/amlegpost201.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/92","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/amlegpost201.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/amlegpost201.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/amlegpost201.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/amlegpost201.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=92"}],"version-history":[{"count":55,"href":"https:\/\/amlegpost201.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/92\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1706,"href":"https:\/\/amlegpost201.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/92\/revisions\/1706"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/amlegpost201.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=92"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}