New Compatriot Handbook

Transcription

1 New Compatriot Handbook Arizona Society Sons Of The American Revolution Welcome Compatriot John Smith 1

2 CONGRATULATIONS Compatriot John Smith Welcome to the (Chapter Name) Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). FOREWARD This handbook is intended to acquaint you with the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), the Arizona Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (Arizona SAR) and your local SAR Chapter. Each entity allows you the opportunity to be actively involved in the many patriotic historical and educational programs that meet the goals of the entire organization. By joining you are a dues paying member of each. 2

3 A. National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). 1. History: The SAR was organized in Washington D.C. on April 30, 1889 the 100 th anniversary of the inauguration of George Washington as the first President. The National Society was chartered by an Act of the U.S. Congress on June 9, 1906, which was signed by President Theodore Roosevelt, a SAR member. This charter authorizes the granting of charters to states and through them to chapter societies. SAR is a tax exempt non-profit organization per IRS 501 ( c )(3). Thus the state society is also authorized for this status. 2. Organization: a. Societies exist in all states (North and South Dakota are combined), France, Spain and Germany. Each have their own Constitution and By-Laws. b. There are 13 Districts in the U.S and one in Europe and one that covers international societies. The Arizona SAR is part of the Rocky Mountain District consisting of the Societies of Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. c. Chapters exist in all states which also have their own Constitution and By- Laws. Arizona SAR currently has eight chapters. d. SAR is a non-political organization. Chapters and state societies must never endorse or recommend any candidate for public office, nor may meetings include the discussion of the merits or demerits of such candidates. The merit of any public question involving the social, economic, moral or physical welfare of the people may be fairly and intelligently studied and discussed at a meeting. SAR may take a position on any bill or measure which may be submitted to a vote of the elected representatives of the people or to the vote of the people. 3. Officers: The following officers are elected by delegates from each state society at the annual Congress: President General, Vice Presidents General (all Presidents of the Districts), Secretary General, Treasurer General, Genealogy General, Historian General, Librarian General, Surgeon General, and Chaplain General. All serve without compensation. 3

4 4. Trustees: Trustees and Alternate Trustees are elected by the state societies. They meet at each of the three SAR meetings and are responsible for approving programs, funding requests, budgets, and other matters. Arizona SAR Trustees are the Immediate Past President and another elected by the members of the Society. Their term changes at the annual National Congress. 5. Headquarters: The SAR headquarters is located at 809 W. Main Street Louisville, KY The website address is: 6. National SAR Meetings: There are three meetings each year; Spring Leadership in February/March at Louisville, Congress in June/July at various locations, and Fall Leadership in September/October in Louisville. Committee and Trustee meetings are held then. All SAR members and spouses are welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings. 7. National Dues and Donations: a. Annual dues of $35 (currently) for regular members and $5 for junior members are collected by the Chapter Secretary and forwarded to the State Secretary. New members whose registered date was 1 September or after do not pay dues for the next year to SAR. Life membership is available. b. There are several funds within SAR which members may contribute to, tax exempt. The more prominent ones are: 1) Foundation. Created in 2000 to build the library and museum. A separate board controls this fund. 2) Center for the Advancement of American History (CAAH). This fund helps future generations learn the blessings of being an American. It includes areas such as the Genealogical Research Library and outreach programs. 3) George Washington Endowment Fund (GWEF). This fund uses only 80% of the interest earned to support underfunded programs of SAR. 4) Other programs. These are the Friends of the Library, the Youth Education programs, Eagle Scout Essay, Rumbaugh Oration, Knight Essay, and ROTC/JROTC Essay, and other educational programs. 4

5 8. Publications and Contact: The SAR will send you a quarterly copy of the SAR Magazine. The web site has a link to the By-Laws, the SAR Handbook and merchandise. As a member you can wear the Member Rosette and the Member Badge (which can be purchased from the SAR Shop). WE HOPE YOU WILL TAKE PART AT THE SAR LEVEL. 5

6 B. Arizona Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Arizona SAR 1. The Arizona SAR is an IRS 501 ( c ) (3) chartered organization. It operates under its own Constitution and By-Laws that can be found on the Arizona SAR website. All Arizona SAR Chapters are also covered by this IRS designation. 2. History: The Arizona Society was founded on June 13, 1896 in Phoenix, Arizona. The first President was Herbert F. Robinson. It does not have a headquarters building or mailing address. The State Secretary is the focal point for correspondence by mail and . There are currently eight chapters, which are: Barry M. Goldwater, Colorado River, Palo Verde, Phoenix, Prescott, Rim Country, Saguaro, and Tucson. Each operate under their own Constitution and By-Laws. 3. Officers: The Arizona SAR officers are elected by delegates at the annual meeting. They are: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Genealogist, Registrar, Historian, Chaplain, Publicist, Chancellor and Immediate Past President. There is a provision for Assistant Secretary and Treasurer. The Compliance Officer is chosen by the President. All serve without compensation. 4. Meetings: The Arizona Society holds three meetings each year: Annual State meeting, February; Spring Board of Management (BOM) April/May; and a Fall BOM, in November. The locations vary throughout the state as chosen by the President. All members and their spouses are encouraged to attend. 6

7 If there are changes to the Constitution or By-Laws each Chapter may send a minimum of three voting delegates to the meeting. The Delegates also vote for the officers of the Society at the annual meeting. 5. State Dues and Donations: The current annual State dues of the Society are $11.00 for regular members. Junior members do not pay dues. Dues are collected beginning in September for the next year by the Chapter Secretary. Donations may be made, tax exempt, to any program established by the Arizona SAR or the local Chapter. 6. There are many committees which complement the National SAR committees as well as State SAR programs. This is where you are asked to become active at the state level. You can find them on the Arizona SAR website. 7. Programs: a. The Arizona SAR has a very active state color guard. It consists of about 45 members. Any compatriot that has a militia or continental uniform is considered a volunteer member of the color guard. The Color Guard is our most visible outreach group performing at parades, flag postings, school programs, and other events. The Color Guard act as the true ambassadors for Arizona SAR. Additionally, you are also considered a member of the SAR National Color Guard if you attend meetings or SAR events in uniform. b. Educational programs are where presentations about the Revolutionary War or Patriots of the time are made to our state s youth at various schools or other venues. c. Presentation of awards and medals are made to ROTC, JROTC and Sea/CAP Cadets, Eagle Scouts, youth essay winners, those who fly the Nations flag properly, and others. d. Ancestor Search is a program that helps military veterans in hospitals and nursing homes research their ancestry. e. Wreaths Across America is a program that Arizona SAR supports. Wreaths are placed on veterans graves at National Cemeteries. 7

8 f. Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) is supported by the Arizona SAR. We encourage members to work with this organization. Also, we encourage our Junior members to join C.A.R. g. DAR is another organization that the Arizona SAR partners with by attending meetings and posting flags or becoming speakers at their meetings. h. Arizona SAR Ladies Auxiliary is where your spouse can be involved. They are always welcome at meetings and it is a time that they can meet and work on worthwhile projects. 8. Publications. The Arizona SAR publishes the SARIZONA newsletter quarterly. The newsletter is ed to members and junior members and is also available on our Arizona SAR website. The editor is always looking for material to include in the newsletter. 9. Notice to Veterans. If you are a Veteran you qualify for the SAR War Service Medal or the SAR Military Service Medal. Contact your Chapter for the application. You ve made it! Now find others who may want to join. Arizona SAR needs your active participation in order to honor our Patriots and to honor our Veterans and to educate our youth. Talk to your Chapter president about opportunities for you to get involved. Welcome! The Local SAR Chapter Level is the key to many of the activities you can participate in as a member of SAR. 8

9 The following provides you an overview of your Chapter. C. The Phoenix SAR Chapter As the Phoenix Chapter President I want to personally welcome you to our Chapter. I hope that you will be an active participant in the many programs that the chapter offers. Don t be shy Volunteer. Richard Rick Burke 1. History of the Phoenix Chapter. The Phoenix Chapter was organized on January 11, 1966 and has been active to date. Members typically come from Phoenix, Southwest Scottsdale, East Glendale, West Paradise Valley, and North Tempe. 2. Officers. The officers include: President (serves for 2 years), Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, Registrar, Genealogist, Chaplain, Sgt at Arms, and Color Guard Captain. Officers are nominated at the December meeting and are elected and inducted at the Annual Chapter meeting in January. 3. Meetings. Chapter meets informally each Tuesday at 11:30 12:15 at the Miracle Mile Delicatessen at 4433 N. 16th Street, Phoenix. There are two formal chapter meetings. One on December 7 (or near that date) to honor the USS Arizona Memorial. The other is the Annual Phoenix Chapter meeting in January of each year. 4. Chapter Dues and Donations. Dues notifications are sent beginning in September each year. They payable to the Chapter and sent to the Chapter Secretary. Currently Chapter dues are $7 for Regular and Life members. Juniors pay no Chapter dues. Memorial Members (Regular and Junior) pay chapter dues upon application and none after that. Donations may be made directly to the Chapter for program materials. This would be for ROTC medals and certificates, challenge coins, Arizona SAR pins, and new member rosettes. These donations are IRS Tax exempt. 9

10 5. Chapter Committees. Most members volunteer to head up a program such as: Veterans, ROTC and Sea Cadets, Ancestor Search, Color Guard, Flag certificates, and others as needed. 6. Chapter Initiatives and Programs. The Phoenix SAR Chapter members participate in many SAR and Arizona SAR events. These include: Color Guard, ROTC Medal presentations, Ancestor Search (a Chapter sponsored disabled vet program), wreath laying at USS Arizona Memorial, education history programs at schools, flag certificate presentations, Wreaths Across America, working with Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.), and veteran events. THIS IS WHERE YOU AS A NEW MEMBER CAN VOLUNTEER AND HELP BRING SAR TO THE COMMUNITY. 10