Constitution of the Camarilla USA
1. GENERAL
1.1. The Camarilla (herein also called "the Camarilla USA," "club,"
or "organization") is the official fan club of White Wolf, Inc. in
the
United States of America.
1.2. The purpose of the Camarilla USA is to:
1.2.1. provide a forum for the enjoyment of live-action and tabletop
roleplaying games produced by White Wolf Publishing, Inc.; and
1.2.2. provide a framework for individuals to participate in
community,
social, and charitable events.
1.3. All property and assets of the club are subject to the control
of the Camarilla USA as defined by the Constitution and the Bylaws.
1.4. All official business between the club and its members may be
conducted by commercial delivery, in person, mail, email, or in an
electronic medium or by electronic transmission, with the exception
of
revocation of membership or voluntary resignation of membership,
which
must be conducted only by commercial delivery or mail.
1.5. In the event that the club should be dissolved, liquidated, or
otherwise cease operations, the assets of the Camarilla USA will be
donated to a charitable cause chosen by the membership through
Referendum from a list of charities created by the final Camarilla
USA
Council.
1.6. At times the Camarilla USA will act as a collecting agent for
other non-profit organizations. Items and money may be collected by
the
Camarilla USA for the explicit purpose of combining donations prior
to
giving them to a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
1.6.1. In these instances, the Camarilla USA does not take title to
the
donation, and the individual or firm who gave the items/money should
get
the tax benefit.
1.7. The Camarilla USA recognizes the absolute precedence of federal
and civil law over internal rules and shall create those governing
documents in accordance with applicable law.
2. MEMBERSHIP
2.1. The Camarilla USA has only one type of membership, that of
General Member (herein also called "member").
2.2. Holding a Camarilla USA office does not alter the benefits or
duties of a being a General Member.
2.3. Membership in the club will be available to any person:
2.3.1. who is 18 years of age or older;
2.3.2. who pays the appropriate fee to the Camarilla USA; and
2.3.3. who has not been expelled from the club.
2.4. Only members of the Camarilla USA may hold positions in the
organization. Non-members may not represent the Camarilla USA in any
way
at any time, nor should a non-member be put into a position of
responsibility or authority where membership or representation of the
Camarilla USA can be implied. This paragraph does not apply for the
purposes of obtaining outside legal, financial, or other professional
counsel.
2.5. No person will be barred from membership based on race, gender,
social class, religious affiliation, national affiliation, sexual
orientation, physical condition, or membership in or affiliation with
any other class or group protected by applicable law.
2.6. No person will be discriminated against within the organization
based on based on race, age, gender, social class, religious
affiliation, national affiliation, sexual orientation or physical
condition, or membership in or affiliation with any other class or
group
protected by applicable law.
2.7. No person will be made a member of the club without that
person's consent.
2.8. The Camarilla USA Council may issue cards or certificates
evidencing membership in the club.
2.9. In the event such cards or certificates are issued, members may
be required at any time while participating in a club event to show
proof of membership.
2.10. Becoming a member of the Camarilla USA in good standing
entitles
the individual to the following benefits:
2.10.1. A membership number, expiration date, and access to a
Camarilla
USA membership handbook, so that the member is fully informed about
the
rules and governing regulations of the club;
2.10.2. The right to create and play characters in any Camarilla USA
sanctioned game, including sanctioned electronic forums such as
e-mail
lists and IRC;
2.10.3. The right to be a member of the Domain or Independent Chapter
in
which the member lives;
2.10.4. The right to participate in Camarilla USA events;
2.10.5. The right to vote in all matters that this Constitution or
other
Bylaws designate; and
2.10.6. Other such rights as this Constitution, the Bylaws, or the
Camarilla USA Membership Handbook so designate.
2.11. Becoming a member of the Camarilla USA requires that an
individual assume the following responsibilities:
2.11.1. To adhere to the membership standards of the club, including
the
Code of Conduct, during participation in club events and when
representing the club;
2.11.2. To abide by the rules and regulations contained in the
Membership Handbook and the Bylaws;
2.11.3. To pay regular membership dues to White Wolf Publishing,
Inc.;
and
2.11.4. To comply with all Camarilla USA officer decisions that are
not
outside the officer's authority as outlined in this Constitution, the
Membership Handbook and the Bylaws.
2.11.5. Violation of the responsibilities of membership may result in
the official removal of benefits of membership, in part or in whole,
in
proportion to the offense.
2.12. When dealing with official Camarilla USA business as defined by
the Camarilla USA Council, a member is obligated to disclose only
true
and accurate information (to the best of their knowledge), to White
Wolf
Publishing, Inc., Camarilla USA officers, and members.
2.13. Any legal suit a member may file against the Camarilla USA or
White Wolf must be filed in the state of Georgia in the United States
of
America, unless applicable law requires otherwise.
2.14. The act of filing suit in a court of law shall constitute
notice
of the plaintiff member's voluntary withdrawal from all club
activities
until the matter is completely adjudicated in a court of law.
2.15. Members may withdraw from the Camarilla USA at any time by
providing a written letter of termination to White Wolf Publishing,
Inc.
or to the Camarilla USA National Coordinator.
2.15.1. A resignation of membership must be sent to the National
Coordinator via first-class U.S. Mail, its equivalent, or other
commercial delivery service.
2.15.2. This type of resignation is considered valid only if written
and
signed, including the member's name, membership number, and mailing
address.
2.15.3. Persons who resign in this manner forfeit any claim to
benefits
accrued within the organization, but may petition the Camarilla USA
Council for restoration of benefits, in part or in whole, if the
person
should subsequently rejoin the club.
2.15.4. Persons who resign in this manner are not entitled to a
refund
of membership fees.
2.16. Members may also withdraw from the organization by choosing to
not renew their memberships once the expiration date as recorded by
White Wolf has passed.
2.16.1. The resignation of a member does not relieve that member from
any monetary or legal obligation the member may have made to the club
prior to resignation.
2.16.2. All fees are non-refundable in the event of voluntary
resignation of membership.
2.16.3. Persons who resign in this manner and who subsequently rejoin
the club may claim benefits previously accrued in the organization,
subject to review and approval by the appropriate officers.
3. ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS
3.1. The Camarilla USA has four primary administrative divisions
organized as three levels under the Camarilla USA Council:
3.1.1. At the basic administrative level, there are Independent
Chapters and Chapters;
3.1.2. At the middle administrative level, there are Domains; and
3.1.3. At the high administrative level, there are Regions.
3.2. Each division is led by a Coordinator, who organizes and
oversees the administration of club functions at that level according
to
the requirements set by the Bylaws.
3.3. Each member has the same rights and responsibilities as the
other members in her Independent Chapter, Chapter, Domain, or Region.
No
member can be excluded from Camarilla USA activities except by
disciplinary action.
3.4. INDEPENDENT CHAPTERS
3.4.1. An Independent Chapter is a basic level administrative and
social unit assigned a geographical area as defined by the Camarilla
USA
Council. An Independent Chapter is formed by meeting the requirements
set by the Bylaws.
3.4.2. An Independent Chapter Coordinator administers an Independent
Chapter and is elected by the members of the Independent Chapter.
3.4.3. Members who join the Camarilla USA and reside within the
geographical boundaries of an Independent Chapter automatically
become
members of that Independent Chapter.
3.4.4. The Regional Coordinator, with the approval of the Camarilla
USA
Council has the authority to change the boundaries of Independent
Chapters, though they may delegate this authority as they see fit.
3.4.5. A general member may join an Independent Chapter in which he
does not reside by following the procedure set by the Camarilla USA
Council in the Membership Handbook.
3.4.6. If a general member lives within the geographical boundaries
of
an Independent Chapter, he may not be denied membership in the
Independent Chapter.
3.4.7. An Independent Chapter may become a Domain or part of a Domain
by following the procedure set by the Bylaws.
3.5. CHAPTERS
3.5.1. A Chapter is an administrative and social unit organized by
members within a Domain. It is created by meeting the requirements
defined by the Bylaws.
3.5.2. A Chapter Coordinator administers the Chapter and is elected
by
the members of that Chapter.
3.5.3. Members who are part of Domains may choose to join a Chapter
within the Domain, but are not required to do so.
3.5.4. Chapters may set requirements for admitting members as allowed
by the Camarilla USA Council, but the requirements must not violate
this
Constitution or the Bylaws.
3.5.4.1. The Coordinator chain must approve Chapter charters
setting such requirements; however, the decision to reject a Chapter
charter may be appealed as per the standard procedures.
3.5.5. A Chapter may leave its Domain to become an Independent
Chapter
with approval from the primary Regional officers and the Camarilla
USA
Council. Upon approval, the boundaries of the new Independent Chapter
and the Domain will be established.
3.6. DOMAINS
3.6.1. A Domain is a mid-level administrative and social unit within
a
geographical area as defined by the Regional Coordinators with the
approval of the Camarilla USA Council, and meeting the requirements
described in the Membership Handbook.
3.6.2. A Domain may also contain Chapters, but is not required to.
The
Domain may not prohibit the forming of Chapters.
3.6.3. A Domain Coordinator administers a Domain and is elected by
the
members of that Domain.
3.6.4. Members who join the Camarilla USA and reside within the
geographical boundaries of a Domain automatically become members of
that
Domain.
3.6.5. A general member may join a Domain in which he or she does not
reside by following the procedure set by the Camarilla USA Council.
3.6.6. All Domains are part of the Region in which they are located.
3.6.7. Independent Chapters may not exist within the geographical
area
of a Domain.
3.7. REGIONS
3.7.1. A Region is a high-level administrative unit within a
geographical area as defined by the Camarilla USA Council, consisting
of
all Independent Chapters and Domains within that area.
3.7.2. A Regional Coordinator administers a Region and is elected by
the Domain Coordinators of that Region, as described in the
Membership
Handbook.
3.7.3. Members who join the Camarilla USA and reside within the
geographical boundaries of a Region automatically become members of
that
Region.
3.7.4. The Camarilla USA Council has the sole power to change the
boundaries of Regions.
3.7.5. A general member may join a Region in which he does not reside
by following the procedure set by the Camarilla USA Council in the
Membership Handbook.
3.7.6. If a general member lives within the geographical boundary of
a
Region, he may not be denied membership in the Region.
4. STORYTELLING DIVISIONS
4.1. The Camarilla USA has three primary storytelling divisions
organized as three levels under the Camarilla USA Council:
4.1.1. At the basic storytelling level, there are Venues;
4.1.2. At the middle storytelling level is the Domain, which
corresponds to the administrative level division of the same name and
conforms to its respective geographical boundaries; and
4.1.3. At the high storytelling level, there is the Region, which
corresponds to the administrative level division of the same name and
conforms to its geographical boundaries.
4.2. Each division is led by a Storyteller, who organizes and
oversees the storytelling activities at that level according to the
requirements set by the Camarilla USA Council.
4.3. Each member has the same rights and responsibilities as the
other members in his Venue, Domain, or Region. No member can be
excluded
from Camarilla USA gaming activities except by disciplinary action.
4.4. Although storytelling divisions are not subordinate to their
corresponding administrative divisions, they are expected to work
with
the administrative divisions to provide for the gaming interests of
members and the orderly execution of other club functions.
4.5. VENUES
4.5.1. A Venue is the basic level storytelling unit meeting the
requirements set by the National Storyteller and in authorized
storytelling supplements, and runs a particular genre of game as
allowed
by the Camarilla USA's storytelling supplements.
4.5.2. A Venue Storyteller administers a Venue and is elected by the
players in that Venue through the procedure set by the Camarilla USA
Council.
4.5.3. Each Venue must be contained within the geographical area of
an
Independent Chapter or Domain.
4.5.4. A member may become a player in a venue by having a valid
character created in accordance with the rules used by the Camarilla
USA
and approved by the Venue Storyteller.
4.5.5. The creation of and changes to a Venue Style Sheet must be
approved at the basic, middle and high levels of the storytelling
hierarchy, as described in the Bylaws. A Venue Style Sheet may be
changed by the National Storyteller as necessary to maintain the
overall
continuity of the organization's game.
4.5.6. A Venue Style Sheet may be revoked or suspended by the Domain
Storyteller (if the game is within a Domain), the Regional
Storyteller,
or the National Storyteller.
4.5.7. A member may join Venues not within the geographical
boundaries
of his Independent Chapter, Domain, or Region by following the
procedure
set by the Camarilla USA Council.
4.6. DOMAINS
4.6.1. Domains are the middle level storytelling units that meet the
requirements described in the Membership Handbook and authorized
storytelling supplements.
4.6.2. A Domain Storyteller administers the storytelling functions
and
coordinates the activities of the Venue Storytellers and their Venues
within the Domain's area.
4.6.3. The members of the Domain elect the Domain Storyteller.
4.7. REGIONS
4.7.1. A Region is a high-level storytelling unit consisting of all
Venues within that area.
4.7.2. A Regional Storyteller administers the games in a Region, and
is
elected by the Domain Storytellers of the Region as detailed in the
Bylaws.
5. THE CAMARILLA USA COUNCIL
5.1. The overall governing body of the Camarilla USA is the Camarilla
USA Council.
5.2. The Camarilla USA Council establishes the rules of the
organization and minimum administrative requirements for subordinate
levels and their officers at all levels. These rules and
administrative
requirements are contained within the Camarilla USA Membership
Handbook.
5.3. The Camarilla USA Council has the power to:
5.3.1. conduct such business operations as may be permitted by law;
5.3.2. appoint officers of the organization in keeping with the
Camarilla USA Membership Handbook; and
5.3.3. establish and amend the Camarilla USA Membership Handbook by
the
passage of Bylaws.
5.4. The Camarilla USA Membership Handbook may contain any provision
for managing the business and regulating the affairs of the
organization
that is not inconsistent with law or this Constitution.
5.5. The Camarilla USA Council will publish the Camarilla USA
Membership Handbook and make copies available to all members.
5.6. Members may request a physical copy of the Camarilla USA
Membership Handbook, but may be charged a fee to cover the costs of
printing and delivery if required.
5.7. The Camarilla USA Membership Handbook will also be published
electronically, as appropriate.
5.8. POWERS RESERVED FOR THE CAMARILLA USA COUNCIL
5.8.1. The Camarilla USA Council reserves to itself various powers as
described in the Constitution and Bylaws, and these reservations
apply
to all members.
5.8.2. The Camarilla USA Council reserves the right to intervene in
the
affairs of its subsidiary levels if the events precipitating the
intervention appear to pose a threat to the integrity of the
Camarilla
USA or White Wolf, the Constitution or Bylaws appear to have been
violated or there appears to be a legal threat to the Camarilla USA
or
White Wolf.
5.8.3. If the Camarilla USA Council finds it necessary to intervene
in
the affairs of its subsidiary levels to protect the legal standing of
the Camarilla USA or White Wolf, the intervention will focus as
precisely as possible on the individuals responsible for the threat
to
the legal standing.
5.8.4. The Camarilla USA Council reserves the right to revoke, limit,
or suspend the status and authority of a Region, Domain, Chapter,
Independent Chapter, or Venue, if necessary, to maintain the legal
standing, the financial stability or the business reputation of the
Camarilla USA or White Wolf.
5.8.5. The Camarilla USA Council reserves the right to set
geographical
boundaries for Regions, Domains, and Independent Chapters.
5.8.6. The Camarilla USA Council reserves the right to pass Bylaws to
create and modify, as necessary, the application procedures and
election
processes for all offices in the club.
5.8.7. The Camarilla USA Council may, by Resolution, remove any other
Camarilla USA member from his office.
5.8.8. The Camarilla USA Council reserves the right to award to or
remove from any member, by Resolution, member benefits or rewards
granted at any level, save those granted by this document.
5.8.9. The Camarilla USA Council may delegate some or all of this
authority to other officers through Bylaws.
5.8.10. Rewards or other member benefits granted by the Camarilla USA
Council must be recognized and honored by all members and all levels
of
the organization.
5.8.11. The Camarilla USA Council is the final arbiter of the
interpretations of the Constitution, Bylaws and other policies as
made
by the officers of the Camarilla USA.
6. POSITIONS ON THE CAMARILLA USA COUNCIL
6.1. The specific job duties of each position on the Camarilla USA
Council are contained in the Membership Handbook and may be expanded
temporarily by Resolution or permanently by Bylaw.
6.2. Additional positions on the Camarilla USA Council may be created
only by amendment to this Constitution.
6.3. CLUB DIRECTOR
6.3.1. The Club Director is considered the Chairman of the Camarilla
USA Council.
6.3.2. The Club Director is appointed by White Wolf.
6.3.3. The term of office of the Club Director is indefinite and at
the
sole discretion of White Wolf.
6.3.4. The Club Director votes only in the case of a tie on the
Camarilla USA Council.
6.4. NATIONAL CONVENTIONS ADMINISTRATOR
6.4.1. The National Conventions Administrator manages national-level
events, sets standards for, and oversees other large official club
events.
6.4.2. The National Conventions Administrator is a voting position.
6.4.3. The Club Director appoints the National Conventions
Administrator from those applications received and approved by the
Camarilla USA Council.
6.4.4. The term of office of the National Convention Administrator is
indefinite and at the sole discretion of White Wolf.
6.5. NATIONAL COORDINATOR
6.5.1. The National Coordinator is the executive officer of the
Camarilla USA Council and is responsible for the day to day
operations
of the organization and overseeing the administrative hierarchy.
6.5.2. The National Coordinator is a voting position.
6.5.3. The National Coordinator is elected by a vote of the Regional
Coordinators.
6.6. NATIONAL FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR
6.6.1. The National Finance Administrator the chief financial officer
of the Camarilla USA, conducting its financial operations and
maintaining its financial records in accordance with applicable law,
generally accepted accounting practices and the Bylaws.
6.6.2. The National Finance Administrator is a voting position.
6.6.3. The Club Director appoints the National Finance Administrator
from those applications received and approved by the Camarilla USA
Council.
6.6.4. The term of office of the National Finance Administrator is
indefinite and at the sole discretion of White Wolf.
6.7. NATIONAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR
6.7.1. The National Services Administrator oversees the
administration
of membership benefits.
6.7.2. The National Services Administrator is a voting position.
6.7.3. The National Services Administrator is elected by a vote of
the
Regional Coordinators.
6.8. NATIONAL STORYTELLER
6.8.1. The National Storyteller is the head of gaming activities in
the
club, managing a staff that provides information facilitating the use
of
the World of Darkness for the use of the club and supervising the
storyteller hierarchy.
6.8.2. The National Storyteller is a voting position.
6.8.3. The National Storyteller is elected by a vote of the Regional
Storytellers.
6.9. NATIONAL TECHNICAL ADMINISTRATOR
6.9.1. The National Technical Administrator is responsible for
maintaining the electronic media of the organization, including
mailing
lists, IRC (internet relay chat), web pages, and similar media.
6.9.2. The National Technical Administrator is a voting position.
6.9.3. The National Technical Administrator is elected by a vote of
the
Regional Coordinators.
7. BYLAWS
7.1. The Bylaws of the organization are the continuing provisions for
managing the business and regulating the affairs of the organization.
7.2. Bylaws must be passed by the voting procedure of the Camarilla
USA Council.
7.3. The Bylaws must be consistent with applicable law and this
Constitution.
7.4. The Bylaws are considered permanent provisions and may only be
amended or revoked by the passage of a subsequent Bylaw or amendment
to
this Constitution.
7.5. The Bylaws are published in the Membership Handbook.
7.6. Those Bylaws not published in the Membership Handbook will be
made available to any member of the organization upon request, and to
any other person or entity entitled to a copy by law.
7.7. Members may request a physical copy of the Bylaws, but may be
charged a fee to cover the costs of printing and delivery at the
discretion of the Camarilla USA Council.
7.8. The Bylaws will also be published electronically, as
appropriate.
8. RESOLUTIONS
8.1. The Camarilla USA Council takes action by passing Resolutions.
8.2. Resolutions are temporary or one-time actions that do not
require continuing provisions, such as directing officers in the
organization to perform certain tasks, empowering members to
temporarily
conduct business on behalf of the organization, officially awarding
member benefits, or delegating other powers at the discretion of the
Camarilla USA Council.
8.3. Resolutions are passed by the voting procedure of the Camarilla
USA Council.
8.4. Resolutions must be consistent with the organization's
Constitution and Bylaws.
9. VOTING BY THE CAMARILLA USA COUNCIL
9.1. Voting members of the Camarilla USA Council each have one vote
in all matters requiring a vote.
9.2. Members on the Camarilla USA Council may vote in favor of a
matter, against it, or may abstain.
9.3. When the Camarilla USA Council takes up a matter, any members of
the Camarilla USA Council who have a potential conflict of interest
must
withdraw from the matter and not vote on the issue.
9.3.1. In the event that this makes half or more of the voting
members
of the Camarilla USA Council ineligible, all conflicts of interest
are
waived and all Camarilla USA Council members may participate in the
ruling.
9.4. For a Bylaw, Resolution or other measure to be approved by the
Camarilla USA Council, it must receive a simple affirmative majority
greater than 50% of the total number of voting positions on the
Camarilla USA Council, unless a greater number is called for in this
Constitution, the Bylaws or the Membership Handbook.
9.5. If a vote is tied when the voting period is concluded, the Club
Director casts a tie-breaking vote.
9.6. Any voting member of the Camarilla USA Council may propose a
Resolution or a Bylaw for a vote so long as another voting member of
the
Camarilla USA Council seconds the proposal.
9.7. From time to time it may be necessary for the Camarilla USA
Council to create new policies before a new printing of the Camarilla
USA Membership Handbook or other governing documents are required.
9.7.1. In such an event, the Camarilla USA Council will post the new
policy electronically in a central location on the Internet
accessible
to all members of the organization.
9.7.2. Upon the date posted, the new policy will take effect in 60
days
unless the Resolution or Bylaw as passed states otherwise.
9.7.3. All previously unpublished Bylaws and necessary policies that
have been posted to the membership but were not previously published
will be published in the next edition of the Camarilla USA Membership
Handbook and/or other appropriate documents.
10. OFFICES AND ELECTIONS
10.1. All offices in the club serve only to reflect a member's
position or responsibilities as relates to club affairs. At no time
does
the occupation of an office or position give any member any authority
over another member beyond the proper duties of the office.
10.2. At no time does an officer have the authority to violate any of
the rights or privileges of another person granted by law or this
Constitution. Any officer found to have acted in such manner may be
immediately stripped of title and/or position by the Camarilla USA
Council and may be recommended for further disciplinary action up to,
and possibly including, expulsion from the club.
10.3. A member of the Camarilla USA has the right to apply for any
elected or appointed office within the administrative or storytelling
divisions in which he is a member, including positions on the
Camarilla
USA Council.
10.4. Only members of the Camarilla USA may hold positions in the
Camarilla USA, with the exception of Club Director (who must be a
member
but not necessarily a US member).
10.5. A member may be prohibited from taking another appointed or
elected office if he already holds one, as detailed in the Membership
Handbook.
10.6. TERM LIMITS
10.6.1. The maximum term of office for all elected officials in
Independent Chapters, Chapters, Venues, and Domains is one (1) year,
though this may be shortened by Referendum.
10.6.2. The maximum term of office for all elected officials at the
Regional level and on the Camarilla USA Council is two (2) years.
10.6.3. An elected officer whose term has expired or who is resigning
early may continue to serve in the office until such time as a
replacement is elected.
10.6.4. A member may serve consecutive terms in the same office, but
must go through the election process each time.
10.7. A member the Camarilla USA in good standing has the right to
vote in any elections to choose officers in his Venue(s), Independent
Chapter, Chapter, and/or Domain.
10.8. All Domain Coordinators who are members in good standing have
the right to vote in elections to choose their respective Regional
Coordinators.
10.9. All Domain Storytellers who are members in good standing have
the right to vote in elections to choose their respective Regional
Storytellers.
10.10. All Regional Coordinators who are members in good standing of
the Camarilla USA have the right to vote in elections to choose
certain
positions on the Camarilla USA Council, as indicated above.
10.11. All Regional Storytellers who are members in good standing of
the Camarilla USA have the right to vote in elections to choose the
National Storyteller.
10.12. The procedures for applying for an elected office and
obtaining
a spot on the ballot are set according to the Bylaws.
11. BASIC ELECTION PROCEDURE
11.1. Elections are conducted to select members for certain offices.
11.2. Elections are conducted using secret ballots, though individual
members may waive their right to keep their votes secret with a
written
statement to the officer charged with overseeing the election.
11.3. Only the final numerical results of an election must be made
public knowledge.
11.4. No members running for election, officers supervising an
election or tabulators counting votes in an election forfeit their
votes
in the election.
11.5. The procedure for who oversees an election and the selection of
vote tabulators is determined by the Bylaws.
11.6. The Camarilla USA uses an instant run-off system for use in
electing officers, which ensures the election of the candidate most
preferred by the greatest number of voters.
11.6.1. Voting tabulation may be done with written or printed
ballots,
e-mailed ballots, electronic ballots or a combination thereof, so
long
as the tabulation does not violate any other requirements or
restrictions listed in the Constitution, the Bylaws, or the
Membership
Handbook.
11.6.2. Each eligible member has one vote, and ranks candidates in
order
of choice (1, 2, 3, etc., with 1 being the highest) on the ballot.
11.6.3. Members may cast proxy votes for other members who are
otherwise
unable to vote in the election, as permitted by Bylaw.
11.6.4. At the conclusion of the voting period, all first choices are
counted, and if no candidate wins a greater than 50% of the total
first
choice votes, then the last place candidate (the candidate with the
fewest first choices) is eliminated.
11.6.5. Ballots of voters who ranked the eliminated candidate first
then
are redistributed to their next-choice candidates, as indicated on
each
voter's ballot.
11.6.6. Last place candidates are successively eliminated and ballots
are redistributed to next choices until one candidate remains or a
candidate gains over 50% of the votes cast.
11.6.7. Voters have the option to rank as many or as few candidates
as
they wish.
11.6.8. If the elimination of candidates results in all ranked
candidates on a ballot being eliminated, the ballot is then counted
as
"None of the Above".
11.6.9. If an election results with "None of the Above" receiving
over
50% of the votes cast, the election is halted and a new election
called,
allowing for new candidates to apply for the office.
11.7. ELECTION OF REGIONAL COORDINATORS
11.7.1. When voting for a Regional Coordinator, the eligible Domain
Coordinators have a number of votes proportionate to the total
membership of the Domain.
11.7.2. Each Domain Coordinator has a number of votes equal to one
per
ten members, or fraction thereof, as listed in official membership
records on the date the election is announced.
11.7.3. A Domain Coordinator may not split his votes between
candidates.
11.7.4. The process then follows the basic election procedure above.
11.8. ELECTION OF REGIONAL STORYTELLERS
11.8.1. When voting for a Regional Storyteller, the eligible Domain
Storytellers have a number of votes proportionate to the total
membership of the Domain.
11.8.2. Each Domain Storyteller has a number of votes equal to one
per
ten members, or fraction thereof, as listed in official membership
records on the date the election is announced.
11.8.3. A Domain Storyteller may not split his votes between
candidates.
11.8.4. The process then follows the basic election procedure above.
12. REFERENDA
12.1. Referenda are used for voting on certain matters other than
selecting a member for an office.
12.2. Referenda use a standard majority vote system, wherein each
eligible member gets a single vote.
12.2.1. Members may cast proxy votes for other members who are
otherwise
unable to vote in the Referendum, as detailed in the Membership
Handbook.
12.3. Referenda require a number of affirmative votes greater than
50%
of the total votes cast, less abstentions, to be approved.
12.4. Referenda are used for amendments to this Constitution, for
changing certain Bylaws, for removing members from specific offices,
and
elsewhere as called for in and detailed by this Constitution, the
Bylaws, and the Membership Handbook.
12.5. The procedure to select officers to oversee referendum voting
and to select vote tabulators is set by Bylaw.
13. EVENTS
13.1. The term "event" refers to social gatherings, business
meetings,
games, and outings organized by members for the benefit of other
members, the club and outside organizations in the name of the club.
13.2. All Camarilla USA events must be sponsored by a Camarilla USA
member in good standing who has registered the event with an
appropriate
Coordinator and publicized the event to other members. The sponsoring
member is responsible for the general conduct of the event.
13.3. All Camarilla USA events must be conducted according to the
Constitution, Camarilla USA Membership Handbook, and other
regulations
of the organization.
13.4. Any member of the Camarilla USA in good standing may attend a
club event so long as he is prepared to show proof of membership and
to
comply with any other requirements (such as waivers) which may be
imposed.
13.5. The officer authorizing or running the event is ultimately
responsible for ensuring that the event operates according to the
rules
set forth by the club.
14. DISCIPLINARY ACTION
14.1. There are three types of disciplinary action in the club:
14.1.1. partial or full suspension of membership access and
participation;
14.1.2. partial or full loss of membership benefits and awards; and
14.1.3. temporary or permanent revocation of membership.
14.2. The length and/or scope of disciplinary action that may be
levied against a member for violating the rules and regulations of
the
club are detailed in the Bylaws.
14.3. The Camarilla USA Council must specifically define which
officers may impose a disciplinary action and the maximum length
and/or
scope of the action.
14.4. REVOCATION OF MEMBERSHIP
14.4.1. Involuntary revocation of membership is a disciplinary action
that may be enacted by the Camarilla USA Council.
14.4.2. A 2/3 vote of the Camarilla USA Council is required for
involuntary revocation of membership.
14.4.3. In the event of revocation of membership, the expelled member
is
entitled to a pro-rated refund of membership dues upon return of any
distributed membership materials, to include any certificate of
membership.
14.4.4. Notice of revocation of membership must be written and signed
by
the National Services Administrator and sent to the expelled member's
address as registered with the club via first-class U.S. Mail, its
equivalent, or other acceptable commercial delivery service.
14.4.5. Notice of revocation of membership must also be sent to the
officers responsible for the member at each level.
14.5. RIGHT TO APPEAL/ARBITRATION BOARD
14.5.1. A member has the right to appeal the decision of an officer
up
to twice for Chapter and Domain levels, and once for Regional or
National levels.
14.5.2. Appeals of a decision enacted at the Chapter or Domain level
go
first to the next elected officer in the appropriate chain. If
further
appeal is warranted, the case may be appealed to the Camarilla USA
Arbitration Board.
14.5.3. Appeals of a decision enacted at Regional level go to the
Camarilla USA Arbitration Board.
14.5.4. Appeals of a decision enacted at the National level go to the
Camarilla USA Council.
14.5.5. Complaints against an officer, rather than against a specific
decision, go to the next elected officer in the appropriate chain.
Complaints against a National officer go to the Camarilla USA
Council.
14.5.6. The Camarilla USA Arbitration Board consists of one member
from
each Region selected by a vote of the Domain Coordinators and Domain
Storytellers.
14.5.7. Arbiters who represent the Region(s) from which an appeal
originates must abstain from reviewing that appeal.
14.5.7.1. If this would result in more than half the Arbiters
abstaining, no Arbiter is required to abstain.
15. AMENDMENTS
15.1. Amendments to this Constitution must be proposed in writing to
the Camarilla USA Council.
15.2. All amendments deemed reasonable and feasible by the Camarilla
USA Council will be presented to the membership for a Referendum as
detailed in the Constitution within one year of the date the proposal
was received.
15.3. All members in good standing of the Camarilla USA will have one
vote.
15.4. An amendment is approved if it receives the affirmative
majority
of those votes cast.
15.5. An amendment so approved becomes effective immediately.
15.6. The Camarilla USA Council may, by two-thirds affirmative vote,
adopt temporary amendments deemed necessary to continue the legal,
financial and efficient operation of the club when the current rules
and
restrictions of this Constitution would otherwise prohibit such.
15.7. A temporary amendment has the full force of a regular
amendment.
15.8. If the temporary amendment is not brought before the general
membership for a vote within six (6) months it must be annulled.
15.8.1. A temporary amendment not brought before the general
membership
or withdrawn before a vote may not be imposed for a minimum of one
(1)
year from the date of adoption, nor may similar temporary amendments
be
approved.
15.8.2. If a temporary amendment is defeated in general election, no
similar amendment may be proposed or imposed for a minimum of one (1)
year from the date of the election.