Regiment von Riedesel Unit By-Laws
Article I: Name
Section 1: The name of this Unit shall be the “Braunschweig Regiment von Riedesel Leib Kompanie”, and may be referred to as “Von Riedesel”.
Section 1: The name of this Unit shall be the “Braunschweig Regiment von Riedesel Leib Kompanie”, and may be referred to as “Von Riedesel”.
Article 2: Object
Section 1: This Unit is organized exclusively for educational and recreational purposes.
Section 2: Unit Mission Statement:
A. The Regiment von Riedesel is a living history group portraying musketeers from Braunschweig who served in General Riedesel’s Leib Kompanie during the American Revolution.
Section 3: The objectives of this Unit are as follows:
A.. To educate and honor through living history and ongoing research the life of the Braunschweig soldier and their civilian contemporaries during the 18th Century.
B. To encourage the preservation and display of 18th Century materials
C. To promote flint lock muzzle loading shooting through the use of 18th Century weapons fired in the original manner.
D. To participate safely in skirmishes, re-enactments and/or living histories demonstrating these objectives.
E. To uphold our U.S. constitutional right to keep and bear arms by independent action and co-operation with other organizations having the same objectives.
Section 1: This Unit is organized exclusively for educational and recreational purposes.
Section 2: Unit Mission Statement:
A. The Regiment von Riedesel is a living history group portraying musketeers from Braunschweig who served in General Riedesel’s Leib Kompanie during the American Revolution.
Section 3: The objectives of this Unit are as follows:
A.. To educate and honor through living history and ongoing research the life of the Braunschweig soldier and their civilian contemporaries during the 18th Century.
B. To encourage the preservation and display of 18th Century materials
C. To promote flint lock muzzle loading shooting through the use of 18th Century weapons fired in the original manner.
D. To participate safely in skirmishes, re-enactments and/or living histories demonstrating these objectives.
E. To uphold our U.S. constitutional right to keep and bear arms by independent action and co-operation with other organizations having the same objectives.
Article 3: Unit Organization
Section 1: Unit Membership Definitions
A. Individual Membership – shall be a single individual who shall cast one vote.
B. Family Membership – shall be any number of individuals, however only the two “heads of the household” may cast votes. For family memberships no more than two votes shall be cast.
Section 2: Unit meetings
A. No less than one Unit meeting shall be held each season. This meeting shall be known as the “Annual Unit Meeting”.
B. Unit elections shall be held at the “Annual Unit Meeting”.
C. Additional Unit meetings may be held as determined by the Unit Officers, and membership in good standing.
D. Unit meetings called for voting purposes shall be announced to all members in good standing no less than 30 days prior to said meeting date.
E. A quorum for a Unit meeting as organized for voting purposes shall consist of no less than 50% of the members in good standing.
F. A voting member of the Unit shall be a member in “good standing”.
G. A member shall be considered to be “in good standing” if said member meets all membership obligations as defined by the Unit By-Laws and General Regulations.
H. Unit resolutions:
1. May only be made and voted on at an official Unit meeting where a quorum is present.
2. A motion seeking a resolution must be made and seconded by members in good standing who are present at the meeting.
3. The meeting chair shall then call for a discussion of the motion.
4. After a sufficient time has been allotted for discussion (as determined by the meeting chair) a vote shall be called. If in the determination of the meeting chair a sufficient consensus cannot be reached during discussion said motion shall be “tabled” until a future time.
5. Only present members in good standing shall be able to cast a vote unless casting a proxy vote as defined in the Units By-Laws & General Regulations.
6. A 2/3 majority of votes cast in the affirmative is required for the motion for resolution to carry.
7. Carried resolutions shall become effective immediately or at such time as defined in said resolution.
I. Proxy Votes
1. Members in good standing wishing to allow another member in good standing to cast a proxy vote on said members behalf shall submit in writing a statement to that effect to the Unit Commander prior to any meeting.
2. Members in good standing wishing to allow their vote to be cast in “proxy” must submit said request prior to every meeting where a proxy vote is desired.
3. At no time may any one member in good standing cast more than one proxy vote.
4. Proxy votes shall not count towards a quorum as defined in this document.
Section 3: Unit Officers
Eligibility and Term of Office:
A. Anyone who has been an Active Member, in good standing, for at least one (1) year and who promises to uphold the purposes and By-Laws of this Unit shall be eligible to become an Officer.
B. Term of Office – Shall be one (1) season for all offices. (Currently March 1st until the last day of February)
C. Officers will take charge of their office on March 1stof each year.
D. Ranks associated with each office shall be determined by a majority vote. Members need not accept a field command to be an “officer” of the unit.
E. If present office holder wishes to maintain office they must be re-nominated and voted in by the majority vote.
F. Unit members may not “self-nominate” for any office.
G. Office nominations shall follow the same procedure as unit motions for resolution as defined in this document.
H. Members in good standing nominated for a Unit office must be present to accept said nomination prior to a called vote.
I. If more than one nomination is made for a single office a vote shall be held by secret ballot. The secret ballot vote shall occur at the same unit meeting where the nominations occurred. The member who receives the most votes shall assume the duties of said office at the appropriate time.
J. If no more than one nomination for a single position is made then no vote is required. The nominated individual wins by default, and shall assume the said position at the appropriate time as outline in the Unit By-Laws and General Regulations.
Section 1: Unit Membership Definitions
A. Individual Membership – shall be a single individual who shall cast one vote.
B. Family Membership – shall be any number of individuals, however only the two “heads of the household” may cast votes. For family memberships no more than two votes shall be cast.
Section 2: Unit meetings
A. No less than one Unit meeting shall be held each season. This meeting shall be known as the “Annual Unit Meeting”.
B. Unit elections shall be held at the “Annual Unit Meeting”.
C. Additional Unit meetings may be held as determined by the Unit Officers, and membership in good standing.
D. Unit meetings called for voting purposes shall be announced to all members in good standing no less than 30 days prior to said meeting date.
E. A quorum for a Unit meeting as organized for voting purposes shall consist of no less than 50% of the members in good standing.
F. A voting member of the Unit shall be a member in “good standing”.
G. A member shall be considered to be “in good standing” if said member meets all membership obligations as defined by the Unit By-Laws and General Regulations.
H. Unit resolutions:
1. May only be made and voted on at an official Unit meeting where a quorum is present.
2. A motion seeking a resolution must be made and seconded by members in good standing who are present at the meeting.
3. The meeting chair shall then call for a discussion of the motion.
4. After a sufficient time has been allotted for discussion (as determined by the meeting chair) a vote shall be called. If in the determination of the meeting chair a sufficient consensus cannot be reached during discussion said motion shall be “tabled” until a future time.
5. Only present members in good standing shall be able to cast a vote unless casting a proxy vote as defined in the Units By-Laws & General Regulations.
6. A 2/3 majority of votes cast in the affirmative is required for the motion for resolution to carry.
7. Carried resolutions shall become effective immediately or at such time as defined in said resolution.
I. Proxy Votes
1. Members in good standing wishing to allow another member in good standing to cast a proxy vote on said members behalf shall submit in writing a statement to that effect to the Unit Commander prior to any meeting.
2. Members in good standing wishing to allow their vote to be cast in “proxy” must submit said request prior to every meeting where a proxy vote is desired.
3. At no time may any one member in good standing cast more than one proxy vote.
4. Proxy votes shall not count towards a quorum as defined in this document.
Section 3: Unit Officers
Eligibility and Term of Office:
A. Anyone who has been an Active Member, in good standing, for at least one (1) year and who promises to uphold the purposes and By-Laws of this Unit shall be eligible to become an Officer.
B. Term of Office – Shall be one (1) season for all offices. (Currently March 1st until the last day of February)
C. Officers will take charge of their office on March 1stof each year.
D. Ranks associated with each office shall be determined by a majority vote. Members need not accept a field command to be an “officer” of the unit.
E. If present office holder wishes to maintain office they must be re-nominated and voted in by the majority vote.
F. Unit members may not “self-nominate” for any office.
G. Office nominations shall follow the same procedure as unit motions for resolution as defined in this document.
H. Members in good standing nominated for a Unit office must be present to accept said nomination prior to a called vote.
I. If more than one nomination is made for a single office a vote shall be held by secret ballot. The secret ballot vote shall occur at the same unit meeting where the nominations occurred. The member who receives the most votes shall assume the duties of said office at the appropriate time.
J. If no more than one nomination for a single position is made then no vote is required. The nominated individual wins by default, and shall assume the said position at the appropriate time as outline in the Unit By-Laws and General Regulations.
Section 4: Ranks and Duties:
A. Commander (President)
1. Duties
i. Shall preside over all meetings.
ii. Shall perform all duties usually pertaining to the office of president.
iii. Shall act as a member ex-officio of all regular and special committees and appoint committees as necessary.
iv. Shall hold primary responsibility for overall policy planning and organizational structure needs.
v. Shall see that the membership complies with the Unit By-Laws and General Regulations of this Unit as well as the safety regulations governing functions of the NWTA and this Unit.
B. Adjutant (Vice President)
1. Duties
i. Shall perform the duties of the Commander in the Commander’s absence or as requested.
ii. Shall conduct correspondence at the discretion of the Commander and relay any information or replies received.
iii. Shall keep all records of the Unit’ss business except as delegated to others.
iv. Shall prepare all correspondence with one copy for the Units records and one copy to be retained by the Commander. All correspondence shall be approved by the Commander or Adjutant and shall bear the Units mailing address, which shall be the current Adjutants address.
v. Shall perform other duties as requested by the Commander.
C. Paymaster (Treasurer)
1. Duties
i. Shall collect all dues and fees.
ii. Shall pay bills as directed by the vote of the membership.
iii. Shall maintain proper financial records and receipts.
iv. Shall issue a financial report at all meetings. This report shall consist of the cash on hand, expenditures, and balance to date.
v. Shall notify members by mail or (e-mail), when their dues are one (1) month past due. If a reply is not received by the next meeting, the Officers shall be so notified and the membership be asked to expell the member at the next meeting.
vi. Shall maintain the Units bank account.
vii. Shall prepare a financial statement at the end of the year and present the financial records for audit.
viii. Shall prepare, along with the other officers a proposed budget for the coming year and present it to the membership for approval.
ix. Shall perform other duties as requested by the Commander.
x. Shall be third in line in the Chain-of-Command.
D. Recording Secretary (Secretary)
1. Duties
i. Shall take and record the minutes at all meetings.
ii. Shall provide at least three (3) copies of the minutes. One (1) copy each for the Commander, Adjutant and organization files.
iii. Shall notify all members of any and all hearings and meetings.
iv. Shall perform other duties as requested by the Commander.
v. Shall maintain a list of all events attended by the Unit and any newspaper clipping or advertising pertaining to the same.
vi. Shall acquire and preserve any pictures taken at these functions so as to maintain the Units history.
vii. Shall maintain any awards or recognition given to the Unit.
viii. Shall edit and publish the Regiment von Riedesel’s newsletter, “The Braunschweiges Blatt.”
E. Quartermaster
1. Duties
i. Shall maintain an inventory of all equipment owned by the unit. The inventory shall include the equipments location, approximate replacement cost, and general condition.
ii. Shall maintain a master list of all “primary” and “secondary” equipment needed by unit members to complete their “kits”.
iii. Shall maintain information on sources and locations to acquire all equipment.
iv. Shall to the best of their abilities serve as a subject matter expert on unit equipment and authenticity.
Field Positions:
A. Company Commander – rank as determined by Unit.
1. Duties
i. Shall have the authority and responsibility to maintain the Unit By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of the Unit in the field, and liaison to the event coordinators and other groups participating in the event.
ii. Should hold the administrative position of President of the Organization.
B. Company Adjutant – rank as determined by Unit
1. Duties
i. Shall perform the duties of the Company Commander in their absence or as requested.
ii. Shall work with the Company Commander to ensure camp duty assignments are given.
iii. Shall perform other duties as requested by the Company Commander.
iv. Should hold the administrative position of Vice President of the Unit.
C. Sergeant/Sergeant at Arms
1. Duties
i. Shall have responsible knowledge of weapons, Unit manual of arms, and the Unit’s safety program.
ii. Shall inspect and approve all firearms.
iii. Shall inform members of, and enforce safety regulations at all Unit functions.
iv. Shall be responsible for safety procedures on the firing line.
v. Shall have the right to remove anyone who is not practicing proper safety procedures on the firing line or in the loading area.
vi. Shall perform other duties as requested by the Company Commander.
D. Corporals
1. Duties
i. Seniority order for field duties shall be determined by the officers.
ii. Shall have a responsible knowledge of basic field drill operations and safety procedures.
iii. Shall be certified by the Sergeant to perform the functions of his duties.
iv. The number of Corporals to be elected shall be determined by the membership by a majority vote.
E. Musketeer/Gemeiner
1. Duties
i. Shall maintain all equipment in good condition.
ii. Shall prepare rounds for each event as necessary.
iii. Shall obey all directions of senior officers.
iv. Shall report to their commanding officers as required.
v. Shall perform other duties as assigned.
A. Commander (President)
1. Duties
i. Shall preside over all meetings.
ii. Shall perform all duties usually pertaining to the office of president.
iii. Shall act as a member ex-officio of all regular and special committees and appoint committees as necessary.
iv. Shall hold primary responsibility for overall policy planning and organizational structure needs.
v. Shall see that the membership complies with the Unit By-Laws and General Regulations of this Unit as well as the safety regulations governing functions of the NWTA and this Unit.
B. Adjutant (Vice President)
1. Duties
i. Shall perform the duties of the Commander in the Commander’s absence or as requested.
ii. Shall conduct correspondence at the discretion of the Commander and relay any information or replies received.
iii. Shall keep all records of the Unit’ss business except as delegated to others.
iv. Shall prepare all correspondence with one copy for the Units records and one copy to be retained by the Commander. All correspondence shall be approved by the Commander or Adjutant and shall bear the Units mailing address, which shall be the current Adjutants address.
v. Shall perform other duties as requested by the Commander.
C. Paymaster (Treasurer)
1. Duties
i. Shall collect all dues and fees.
ii. Shall pay bills as directed by the vote of the membership.
iii. Shall maintain proper financial records and receipts.
iv. Shall issue a financial report at all meetings. This report shall consist of the cash on hand, expenditures, and balance to date.
v. Shall notify members by mail or (e-mail), when their dues are one (1) month past due. If a reply is not received by the next meeting, the Officers shall be so notified and the membership be asked to expell the member at the next meeting.
vi. Shall maintain the Units bank account.
vii. Shall prepare a financial statement at the end of the year and present the financial records for audit.
viii. Shall prepare, along with the other officers a proposed budget for the coming year and present it to the membership for approval.
ix. Shall perform other duties as requested by the Commander.
x. Shall be third in line in the Chain-of-Command.
D. Recording Secretary (Secretary)
1. Duties
i. Shall take and record the minutes at all meetings.
ii. Shall provide at least three (3) copies of the minutes. One (1) copy each for the Commander, Adjutant and organization files.
iii. Shall notify all members of any and all hearings and meetings.
iv. Shall perform other duties as requested by the Commander.
v. Shall maintain a list of all events attended by the Unit and any newspaper clipping or advertising pertaining to the same.
vi. Shall acquire and preserve any pictures taken at these functions so as to maintain the Units history.
vii. Shall maintain any awards or recognition given to the Unit.
viii. Shall edit and publish the Regiment von Riedesel’s newsletter, “The Braunschweiges Blatt.”
E. Quartermaster
1. Duties
i. Shall maintain an inventory of all equipment owned by the unit. The inventory shall include the equipments location, approximate replacement cost, and general condition.
ii. Shall maintain a master list of all “primary” and “secondary” equipment needed by unit members to complete their “kits”.
iii. Shall maintain information on sources and locations to acquire all equipment.
iv. Shall to the best of their abilities serve as a subject matter expert on unit equipment and authenticity.
Field Positions:
A. Company Commander – rank as determined by Unit.
1. Duties
i. Shall have the authority and responsibility to maintain the Unit By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of the Unit in the field, and liaison to the event coordinators and other groups participating in the event.
ii. Should hold the administrative position of President of the Organization.
B. Company Adjutant – rank as determined by Unit
1. Duties
i. Shall perform the duties of the Company Commander in their absence or as requested.
ii. Shall work with the Company Commander to ensure camp duty assignments are given.
iii. Shall perform other duties as requested by the Company Commander.
iv. Should hold the administrative position of Vice President of the Unit.
C. Sergeant/Sergeant at Arms
1. Duties
i. Shall have responsible knowledge of weapons, Unit manual of arms, and the Unit’s safety program.
ii. Shall inspect and approve all firearms.
iii. Shall inform members of, and enforce safety regulations at all Unit functions.
iv. Shall be responsible for safety procedures on the firing line.
v. Shall have the right to remove anyone who is not practicing proper safety procedures on the firing line or in the loading area.
vi. Shall perform other duties as requested by the Company Commander.
D. Corporals
1. Duties
i. Seniority order for field duties shall be determined by the officers.
ii. Shall have a responsible knowledge of basic field drill operations and safety procedures.
iii. Shall be certified by the Sergeant to perform the functions of his duties.
iv. The number of Corporals to be elected shall be determined by the membership by a majority vote.
E. Musketeer/Gemeiner
1. Duties
i. Shall maintain all equipment in good condition.
ii. Shall prepare rounds for each event as necessary.
iii. Shall obey all directions of senior officers.
iv. Shall report to their commanding officers as required.
v. Shall perform other duties as assigned.
Article 5: Unit Membership
Section 1: Eligibility:
A. Full membership is open to all persons at least eighteen (18) years of age who subscribe to the objectives of the Unit as outlined in this document.
B. Those individuals under eighteen (18) years of age may join the Unit if their parent or legal guardian is a Unit member in good standing under a family membership. Those members would be considered “Youth Members” and may not vote or hold office.
C. Those individuals who are at least twelve (12) years of age and under the age of eighteen (18) whose parents or legal guardians are not a Unit member in good standing may petition the Unit Officers to obtain a special dispensation allowing for “Youth Membership” in the unit. Those members may not vote or hold office.
D. Prospective members must also be able to meet any and all requirements of the Northwest Territory Alliance (NWTA) and their Constitution and By-Laws.
E. Prospective members shall have reliable access to transportation.
F. Prospective members shall be financially capable of meeting all obligations of Unit membership.
Section 2: Membership Application Process
A. All prospective members shall read and follow the Unit By-Laws and General Regulations.
B. All prospective members shall follow the Unit’s “Recruitment Process” as outlined in this document.
C. Prospective members must serve a probationary period during which they are required to attend all meetings and events as required of a member in good standing. Acceptance for membership requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of those members in good standing in attendance at any meeting after all requirements of the probationary period have been met. While being a probationary member a mentor will be assigned to the prospective member to serve as an advisor.. No dues will be collected while being a probationary member. Prospective members will remain on probation until they have acquired all items to complete their primary kit. During the probationary period prospective members shall: begin to learn the unit’s history, and begin learning the unit’s manual of arms. The probationary period shall not exceed a two (2) year period.
D. A past member who was in good standing, who has resigned and is not in conflict with any rules or regulations shall be reinstated by submitting a request for same to the recording secretary and Unit Officers. Reinstatement must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members in good standing taken at any meeting.
E. A “Youth Member” whose has been a Unit member in good standing under a family membership, and who has 1) reached the age of eighteen (18) or 2) wishes to become an independent “Youth Member” as outlined in Article IV, Section 1, paragraph C shall be accepted for membership.
F. ”Youth Members” between the ages of twelve (12) and eighteen (18) shall have their parents or legal guardians submit written consent for participation and shall be responsible for the youth’s conduct. Youth members shall not be assessed any dues and cannot vote or hold office. Those Members under the age of eighteen (18) and participating without parent or legal guardian present must have an adult mentor who agrees to be responsible for their conduct during the event.
G. A prospective soldier must be sixteen (16) years of age to carry a musket and eighteen (18) years old to fire.
Section 3: Recruitment Process
A. A prospective member should have a serious interest in re-enacting as a hobby, and be interested in the Braunschweig Regiment von Riedesel.
B. A prospective member should contact Regiment von Riedesel to enquire about unit membership. Contact may occur at an event, through the website, via the Facebook page, or directly via e-mail or phone calls. Interested individuals should contact the Unit Commander or Adjutant Commander. At this time the prospective member will receive some basic information in regard to the Unit.
C. If a prospective member has continued interest in the Unit that individual should work in conjunction with the Unit Commander or Adjutant Commander to schedule a “first appearance/basic training” event. The Unit will provide all necessary equipment for this event. At this event the prospective member will receive detailed information in regard to the Unit. This event will give the prospective member an opportunity to interact with the unit, and to get a “feel” for the Unit.
D. After the “first appearance/basic training” event if a prospective member wishes to pursue membership in the Regiment von Riedesel the Unit Commander or Adjutant Commander will review the Unit By-Laws and General Regulations with the prospective member. The prospective member will be given a copy of the Unit’s “enlistment” paperwork to review and sign.
E. After the “enlistment paperwork” has been signed a prospective member will be assigned a mentor. A mentor is a current Unit member in good standing. This mentor will serve as an advisor for the prospective member. The prospective member will then begin their probationary period, and attend all unit meetings and events as per Article V, Section 1, paragraph A. During the probationary period the prospective member shall: begin acquiring primary kit equipment as required by Unit By-Laws and General Regulations; begin to learn the unit’s history; and begin learning the unit’s manual of arms. The probationary period is not to last longer than a two (2) year period.
F. After all primary kit equipment has been acquired a probationary member may request a “review” for admittance as a full member. This review shall include an interview of the probationary member by the Unit Commander and Adjutant Commander. The review interview shall include the probationary member demonstrating knowledge of the primary kit equipment, the unit manual of arms, and the unit’s history. *No “pass/fail” grade shall be given. The review interview is only intended to “highlight” areas where additional instruction is required.
G. At this time the Unit Commander calls for a vote of membership to allow the probationary member into the Unit as per Article IV, Section 2, paragraph C.
H. If an affirmative vote is reached the probationary member shall attend the membership ceremony, receive their new rank, and is now a full member of Regiment von Riedesel.
Section 1: Eligibility:
A. Full membership is open to all persons at least eighteen (18) years of age who subscribe to the objectives of the Unit as outlined in this document.
B. Those individuals under eighteen (18) years of age may join the Unit if their parent or legal guardian is a Unit member in good standing under a family membership. Those members would be considered “Youth Members” and may not vote or hold office.
C. Those individuals who are at least twelve (12) years of age and under the age of eighteen (18) whose parents or legal guardians are not a Unit member in good standing may petition the Unit Officers to obtain a special dispensation allowing for “Youth Membership” in the unit. Those members may not vote or hold office.
D. Prospective members must also be able to meet any and all requirements of the Northwest Territory Alliance (NWTA) and their Constitution and By-Laws.
E. Prospective members shall have reliable access to transportation.
F. Prospective members shall be financially capable of meeting all obligations of Unit membership.
Section 2: Membership Application Process
A. All prospective members shall read and follow the Unit By-Laws and General Regulations.
B. All prospective members shall follow the Unit’s “Recruitment Process” as outlined in this document.
C. Prospective members must serve a probationary period during which they are required to attend all meetings and events as required of a member in good standing. Acceptance for membership requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of those members in good standing in attendance at any meeting after all requirements of the probationary period have been met. While being a probationary member a mentor will be assigned to the prospective member to serve as an advisor.. No dues will be collected while being a probationary member. Prospective members will remain on probation until they have acquired all items to complete their primary kit. During the probationary period prospective members shall: begin to learn the unit’s history, and begin learning the unit’s manual of arms. The probationary period shall not exceed a two (2) year period.
D. A past member who was in good standing, who has resigned and is not in conflict with any rules or regulations shall be reinstated by submitting a request for same to the recording secretary and Unit Officers. Reinstatement must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members in good standing taken at any meeting.
E. A “Youth Member” whose has been a Unit member in good standing under a family membership, and who has 1) reached the age of eighteen (18) or 2) wishes to become an independent “Youth Member” as outlined in Article IV, Section 1, paragraph C shall be accepted for membership.
F. ”Youth Members” between the ages of twelve (12) and eighteen (18) shall have their parents or legal guardians submit written consent for participation and shall be responsible for the youth’s conduct. Youth members shall not be assessed any dues and cannot vote or hold office. Those Members under the age of eighteen (18) and participating without parent or legal guardian present must have an adult mentor who agrees to be responsible for their conduct during the event.
G. A prospective soldier must be sixteen (16) years of age to carry a musket and eighteen (18) years old to fire.
Section 3: Recruitment Process
A. A prospective member should have a serious interest in re-enacting as a hobby, and be interested in the Braunschweig Regiment von Riedesel.
B. A prospective member should contact Regiment von Riedesel to enquire about unit membership. Contact may occur at an event, through the website, via the Facebook page, or directly via e-mail or phone calls. Interested individuals should contact the Unit Commander or Adjutant Commander. At this time the prospective member will receive some basic information in regard to the Unit.
C. If a prospective member has continued interest in the Unit that individual should work in conjunction with the Unit Commander or Adjutant Commander to schedule a “first appearance/basic training” event. The Unit will provide all necessary equipment for this event. At this event the prospective member will receive detailed information in regard to the Unit. This event will give the prospective member an opportunity to interact with the unit, and to get a “feel” for the Unit.
D. After the “first appearance/basic training” event if a prospective member wishes to pursue membership in the Regiment von Riedesel the Unit Commander or Adjutant Commander will review the Unit By-Laws and General Regulations with the prospective member. The prospective member will be given a copy of the Unit’s “enlistment” paperwork to review and sign.
E. After the “enlistment paperwork” has been signed a prospective member will be assigned a mentor. A mentor is a current Unit member in good standing. This mentor will serve as an advisor for the prospective member. The prospective member will then begin their probationary period, and attend all unit meetings and events as per Article V, Section 1, paragraph A. During the probationary period the prospective member shall: begin acquiring primary kit equipment as required by Unit By-Laws and General Regulations; begin to learn the unit’s history; and begin learning the unit’s manual of arms. The probationary period is not to last longer than a two (2) year period.
F. After all primary kit equipment has been acquired a probationary member may request a “review” for admittance as a full member. This review shall include an interview of the probationary member by the Unit Commander and Adjutant Commander. The review interview shall include the probationary member demonstrating knowledge of the primary kit equipment, the unit manual of arms, and the unit’s history. *No “pass/fail” grade shall be given. The review interview is only intended to “highlight” areas where additional instruction is required.
G. At this time the Unit Commander calls for a vote of membership to allow the probationary member into the Unit as per Article IV, Section 2, paragraph C.
H. If an affirmative vote is reached the probationary member shall attend the membership ceremony, receive their new rank, and is now a full member of Regiment von Riedesel.
Article 6: General Orders and Regulations
Section 1: Membership in Good Standing Requirements:
A. All members are required to attend a minimum of two (2) Regiment Von Riedesel “maximum effort” events a season and the annual unit meeting to be considered a member in good standing. Members wishing to maintain their status within the unit who are unwilling or unable to meet this requirement may submit a written request to the Unit Commander asking for a special “dispensation”. This request will be reviewed, and decided upon by a simple majority vote of the Unit Officers. In the case of a tie the Unit Commander will cast the deciding vote.
B. All members shall read and follow the Von Riedesel Unit By-Laws and General Regulations.
C. Misrepresentation of the unit, displays of bad will or striking any individual (members of the NWTA, Von Riedesel or the public) will not be tolerated.
D. No member will be allowed to participate in battle if they are found to be under the influence.
E. All unit members shall pay dues for both the Regiment von Riedesel and the NWTA as per the NWTA By-Laws.
F. Regiment von Riedesel membership dues shall be $10.00 for an individual and $10.00 for a family. Dues will be submitted in compliance with the NWTA By-Laws.
G. Yearly Unit memberships shall follow the NWTA membership due date. (Currently March 1st)
H. Regiment von Riedesel “maximum effort events” will be determined during the annual unit meeting, and voted on by full members in good standing.
I. The Regiment von Riedesel re-enacting “season” shall consist of 12 consecutive months that shall fall between the due dates for NWTA yearly membership dues. (Currently March 1st until the last day of February.)
J. Any member found to be violating any of the above Unit requirements shall be immediately considered suspended.
Section 2: Suspension:
A. Reasons a member may be suspended :
1. A serious digression from the Unit’s By-Laws & General Regulations, as determined by the membership.
2. Non-payment of dues. Both NWTA and Regiment von Riedesel.
3. Bringing discredit to the Organization, as determined by membership.
4. Failure to attend mandatory number of “maximum effort events” as stated in the Unit By-Laws and General Regulations.
5. Failure to adhere to any and all membership in good standing requirements as found in Article V, Section 1, paragraphs A through J.
B. A temporary suspension may be affected by the decision of at least three (3) Unit Officers until such time as a formal hearing can be held.
C. Suspended members may not vote on any unit business.
D. Suspended members may not hold a Unit office or field rank.
E. Suspended members may have their membership terminated by expulsion from the unit.
F. Suspensions shall last until such times as all membership requirements are met as outlined in the Unit By-Laws and General Regulations or a termination of membership occurs by expulsion.
G. Suspended members may NOT attend events as a member of Regiment von Riedesel.
Section 3: Termination of Membership.
A. Resignation – A member may resign by tendering a letter of resignation at any time to the Unit Commander.
B. Expulsion – A member must first be suspended prior to expulsion from the Unit. A member may be expelled for:
1. A serious digression from the Unit By-Laws and General Regulations, as determined by the membership.
2. Bad will or striking any individual (public, NWTA or Von Riedesel).
3. Being caught/found using, selling or distributing any unlawful substances.
4. Non-payment of dues. Both NWTA and Regiment von Riedesel.
5. Bringing discredit to the Unit, as determined by the membership.
6. Failure to attend mandatory number of “maxium effort events” as stated in the Unit By-Laws and General Regulations.
C. Expulsion shall be accomplished after a hearing by the affirmative vote of three fourths (3/4) of those members in good standing present at the meeting where a complaint against such member shall be read.
Regiment von Riedesel, 2013