Forces Of the Empire

Welcome to the Forces of the Empire Club charter

Look up Information on: TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preamble
I. Membership
II. Club Officers
III. The Galactic Council
IV. General Membership
V. Chain of Command
VI. Club Divisional Structure
VII. Grievance Procedure
VIII. The Blaster Battle
IX. MediaWest*Con Cantina
X. Role Play
XI. Club Publications
XII. New Member Help
XIII. Code of Conduct
XIV. Fiscal Year and Due Dates
XV. Revision of Charter
XVI. Closing the Club
XVII. Amendments

CLUB CHARTER: FORCES OF THE EMPIRE

PREAMBLE

Forces of the Empire is a Star Wars not-for-profit club devoted to promoting the fandom for the Star Wars saga of George Lucas. It is in no way affiliated with George Lucas, LucasFilms, LucasArts, ILM , or any other person or organization associated with Star Wars.

Forces of the Empire works to promote literacy through the production of creative writing. We promote educational, moral, & ethical discussions in our newsletter, and offer workshops and other guidance to further these ends. We promote the study and practice of the theatrical arts, including acting, costuming, building of props, and special visual affects.

I. MEMBERSHIP

• A. Membership will not be denied on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or handicap.

• B. Membership may be acquired by submitting appropriate materials and fees, to be determined as needed by the Galactic Council.

• C. Membership can be revoked by the Galactic Council. Revocation of membership can occur only after a due process, defined in Section XIII, is followed.

• D. The Galactic Council has the ability to grant special memberships at a determined price for a defined period of time, as it sees fit, with a simple majority vote.

II. CLUB OFFICERS

• A. PRIMARY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
  • 1. PRESIDENT

    The President is responsible for the over all operation of the club. The President is ultimately responsible for the club's efficiency and communication.

    • a. Duties.
      • 1) Handles membership inquiries in a timely fashion.
      • 2) Mails out New Member kits and club materials in a timely fashion.
      • 3) Assigns Mentors and Rookies
      • 4) Gives approval, along with the Treasurer, for all financial expenditures.
      • 5) Keeps the club address list current.
      • 6) Informs Divisional Leaders of new members in their divisions.
      • 7) Edits and publishes the club Newsletter, Bound By the Force.
        • a.) Solicits and collects contributions.
        • b.) Organizes, edits, and designs publication.
        • c.) Oversees printing and production of material.
        • d.) Does not have the right to change the content of the submissions without express consent of the contributor.
        • e.) Holds the right to refuse material submitted.

      • 8) Edits and publishes Newsbrief for the Galactic Council, The Holonet.
      • 9) Keeps membership kit stocked to current requirements, and copies on hand to send to new members in a timely fashion.

    • b. The Founding President holds this position for life, or until resignation or incapacitation.

  • 2. SECRETARY / PRESIDENTIAL ASSISTANT

    The Secretary / Presidential Assistant hereafter referred to as the SEC / PA, is responsible for keeping the lines of communication open.

    • a. In the event of a vacancy in the President position, the SEC / PA will act as President Pro Tem, fulfilling all roles and responsibilities of the President, until either the President is able to return to office, or a new President is chosen by the Galactic Council.
    • b. Duties:
      • 1) Takes in all complaints regarding club functioning and makes sure appropriate action is taken.
      • 2) Takes in all internal requests for information about club functions.
      • 3) Will compile and publish a STATE OF THE GALAXY report four times per year, for club-wide distribution.
        • a) This report will contain a listing of major Galaxy-wide implications of roleplay.
        • b) This report will also establish a club time-line.

      • 4) The SEC / PA will also act as coordinator for club social and divisional events for the purpose of informing members of what's going on and where.
      • 5) Reports on Galactic Council activities to the club.
        • a) Will take minutes at all meetings.
          • i. Copies of minutes will be kept by the SEC / PA as well as the Archivist
          • ii. Copies will be available to any member upon request to the SEC / PA.

        • b) Will compile a report for the newsletter.

  • 3. TREASURER

    The Treasurer is responsible for all matters pertaining to finances for the club.

    • a. Duties:
      • 1) Responsible for cashing all checks and money orders in a timely fashion.
      • 2) Responsible for reporting on a quarterly basis to the President on the financial status of the club, prior to the printing and mailing of each quarterly newsletter.
      • 3) A financial statement will be made to the Galactic Council once a year at a meeting to be held at MediaWest*Con and included in the May newsletter.
      • 4) All expenditures of moneys must be approved jointly by both the Treasurer and the President.
      • 5) Copies of financial reports will be kept by both the Treasurer and Club Archivist.

  • 4. PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

    The Public Relations Officer, hereafter referred to as the PRO, will be responsible for promoting the club.

    • a. Duties:
      • 1) Responsible for the creation of flyers and other advertisements, and keeping them current.
        • a) Will send copies of all flyers and other advertisements to club President for approval.
        • b) Will send copies of all flyers and other advertisements to club Archivist.

      • 2) Responsible for the production and distribution of flyers and other advertisements, as well as PR functions.
        • a) PR functions can include, but are not limited to assisting in the holding of convention room parties and any Forces of the Empire sponsored events.

      • 3) Will inform SEC / PA of any and all PR functions.
      • 4) Shall be the contact person where club members may obtain flyers to take to conventions they will be attending.
      • 5) May delegate duties as needed.

    • b. The PRO will submit purchasing requests to the club President prior to any expenditure of moneys for the purchase of flyers, other advertisements, or supplies for PR functions.

  • 5. BLASTER BATTLE ROLE PLAY COORDINATOR

    The Blaster Battle Role Play Coordinator, hereafter referred to as the BBRPC is responsible for organizing and running the Blaster Battle at MediaWest*Con.

    • a. The BBRPC is responsible for efficiently delegating duties and responsibilities pertaining to the orderly running of this event.
      • 1) The BBRPC is responsible for defining the delegated positions
      • 2) The BBRPC is responsible for filling those positions.

    • b. Duties:
      • 1) Responsible for compiling the rules.
      • 2) Responsible for membership sign-up for the event.
      • 3) Responsible for creating all props, including, but not limited to name tags, money, and any other props deemed necessary.
      • 4) Responsible for taking in BBRP fees.
        • a) all fees are to be used for defraying the cost of the BBRP, including supplies and entertainment / refreshments expenses.

    • c. The Galactic Council will have veto power over decisions of the BBRPC by simple majority vote.

  • 6. ALL PRIMARY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS, excepting the Founding President, will serve a term of six years, or until resignation, incapacitation, or vote of no confidence, as defined in Section II.C.2.
    • a. There is no limit on terms, barring a vote of no confidence.

  • 7. ALL PRIMARY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS receive full membership at no cost.

  • 8. Holding of additional positions by Primary Officers:
    • a. cannot hold a divisional leader position.
    • b. can only hold one primary office at a time.
    • c. cannot hold more than one secondary position.

  • 9. ELECTION OF PRIMARY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
    • a. Nominations to fill vacant Primary Administrative Offices will be accepted from the general club membership and sent to the SEC / PA, except in an election for SEC / PA which will be sent to the President.
      • 1). Receiver of nominations will contact nominees to accept or decline.
      • 2). You must be at least 21 years of age at time of nomination, and have been in the club for two years.

    • b. Elections will be held in a timely fashion.
      • 1). Elections will be decided by simple majority vote, of votes received, from the club membership.
      • 2). Elections for the BBRPC and Public Relations Officer (and President, should the Founding President leave office) will be held three years after the ratification of this charter and every six years thereafter.
      • 3). Elections for SEC / PA and Treasurer will be held six years after the ratification of this charter and every six years thereafter.
      • 4). Elections will be held out of cycle in the event that a position becomes vacant prior to the end of term.
        • a. until an election can be held and the position filled, the Galactic Council will appoint a person to fill the position temporarily on an interim basis.
        • b. the next election for that position will take place at the normally scheduled time.

      • 5). When a new person is elected into a position, they will take the position 30 days after election is final.

    • c. All persons currently holding Primary Administrative positions at the time of the ratification of this charter will continue to hold their positions, as stipulated by the description of the position.

• B. SECONDARY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
  • 1. All secondary administrative officers receive 50% off their membership cost.

  • 2. ARCHIVIST
    • a. Files copies of all Club Publications, reports, and other documents.

  • 3. AUCTION COORDINATOR
    • a. Receives and organizes items for the Star Wars auction at MediaWest*Con.
    • b. Sets up the Auction, distributes sold items, and packs away items not sold.
    • c. Stores items during the year for next year's auction.
    • d. Takes in all moneys generated by the auction and turns moneys over to Treasurer.
    • e. Requests in advance, to the club President, any moneys needed for supplies such as, but not limited to, bid sheets and posters.

  • 4. IMPERIUM EDITOR
    • a. Solicits and collects contributions.
    • b. Organizes, edits, and designs publication.
    • c. Oversees printing and production of material.
    • d. Coordinates with PRO to advertise zine.
    • e. Editor does not have the right to change the content of the submissions without express consent of the contributor.
    • f. Editor holds the right to refuse material submitted.

  • 5. INTERNET COORDINATOR
    • a. Responsible for coordination of electronic mail communication within Forces of the Empire.
    • b. Maintains list of all Forces of the Empire e-mail addresses.
    • c. Coordinates other activities on the internet with approval of Galactic Council.

  • 6. PERSONA AND PERSONA ACTIVITY ORGANIZER
    • a. Collects Forces of the Empire persona bios from club members.
    • b. Compiles and updates bios into booklet.
    • c. Creates Master Copy of booklet for printing and production.
    • d. Collects information on activities of persona within the Club.

  • 7. TALES FROM THE CANTINA EDITOR
    • a. Solicits and collects contributions.
    • b. Organizes, edits, and designs publication.
    • c. Oversees printing and production of material.
    • d. Coordinates with PRO to advertise zine.
    • e. Editor does not have the right to change the content of the submissions without express consent of the contributor.
    • f. Editor holds the right to refuse material submitted.

  • 8. APPOINTMENT OF SECONDARY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
    • a. Nominations for secondary officers will be accepted from club membership.
    • b. To hold position, member must have been a member of Forces of the Empire for a period of no less than one year.
    • c. Secondary Administrative Officers will be appointed as needed, by a simple majority vote of the Galactic Council.
    • d. They will hold their positions until resignation, incapacitation, or vote of no confidence, or until Galactic Council deems necessary at which time a new officer will be appointed by the Galactic Council.

• C. REMOVAL OF OFFICERS
  • 1. The Grievance Procedure shall be followed, as outlined in Section VII
  • 2. VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE FOR ALL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
    • a. The Galactic Council will vote to determine if a Vote of No Confidence is warranted, based on the results of the Grievance Procedure followed.
      • 1) Vote of No Confidence will be held if Galactic Council reaches a simple majority vote to determine it is warranted.
      • 2) Matter is then brought before club and voted on by the general club member-ship.
      • 3) Defendant is removed from office by a simple majority vote of all votes received.
      • 4) Votes may be cast by mail or e-mail , and sent to the SEC / PA. A hard copy of all e-mail votes must be obtatined. In case of vote being taken to remove SEC / PA, votes will be mailed to the club President.

    • b. A Vote of No Confidence removes the person from the position permanently. Removal from the club entirely would warrant a second vote as defined in Section XIII.E.

  • 3. VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE FOR ALL DIVISIONAL LEADERS
    • a. Galactic Council will determine if a Vote of No Confidence is warranted based on the results of the Grievance Procedure followed.
      • 1) If Vote of No Confidence is deemed necessary, a vote will be taken by the active members of that division.
        • a) An active member is defined in Section IV.

      • 2) Defendant is removed from office by a simple majority vote of the division's active members.

    • b. A Vote of No Confidence removes the person from the position permanently. Removal from the club entirely would warrant a second vote as defined in Section XIII.C.

• D. DIVISIONAL LEADERS

  A divisional leader is any member in charge of an in-character club division.

  • 1. Duties:
    • a. Responsible for the creation and organization of the structure of their division, both in and out of character.
      • 1) The organizational make-up of the division must be put in writing and distributed among the divisional members.
      • 2) A copy should be filed with the SEC / PA and the club Archivist.

    • b. Responsible for keeping a list of the members of their division.
    • c. Responsible for creating and encouraging interaction between their members and between their division and the other divisions, however they are not solely responsible for individual's role-play.
    • d. Responsible for gathering major Galaxy-wide role-play events and reporting them to the SEC / PA on a quarterly basis.
    • e. Responsible for informing the SEC / PA of any divisional social events and gatherings.
    • f. Responsible for making arrangements to ensure that divisional leader duties are fulfilled during any leaves of absence, sabbaticals, or other absences.
    • g. Divisional Leaders are responsible for submitting division sections to the newsletter following guidelines set down by the newsletter editor.
      • 1) Content of submissions cannot be altered.
      • 2) Holds right to refuse material submitted.

  • 2. Divisional Leaders receive full membership at no cost.
  • 3. Divisional Leaders are required to play a persona which holds the position of command authority in their division.
  • 4. Divisional Leaders, and only Divisional Leaders, speak for their Division and its actions.
  • 5. Divisional Leaders cannot hold any Primary Administrative Office.
  • 6. Election of Divisional Leaders
    • a. Nominations to fill vacant Divisional Leader positions will be accepted from the general club membership and sent to the SEC / PA.
      • 1). SEC / PA will contact nominees to accept or decline.
      • 2). You must be at least 21 years of age at time of nomination, and have been in the club for two years.

    • b. Elections will be held in a timely fashion
      • 1). Elections will be decided by simple majority vote, of votes received, from the club membership.
      • 2). Elections for the Imperial and Mercenary divisions will be held three years after the ratification of this charter and every six years thereafter.
      • 3). Elections for Alliance, Renegade, and Diplomatic divisions will be held six years after the ratification of this charter and every six years thereafter.
      • 4). Elections will be held out of cycle in the event that a position becomes vacant prior to the end of term.
        • a. Until an election can be held and the position filled, the Galactic Council will appoint a person to fill the position temporarily on an interim basis.
        • b. The next election for that position will take place at the normally scheduled time.

      • 5). When a new person is elected into a position, they will take the position 30 days after election is final.

    • c. All persons currently holding Divisional Leader positions at the time of the ratification of this charter will continue to hold their positions, as stipulated by the description of the position.
    • d. In the event of a change of divisional leader, the outgoing leader has the responsibility of overseeing the smooth transition of leadership, and ensure the incoming divisional leader is well versed.
    • e. In the event of a vacancy due to Vote Of No Confidence or an uncooperative removal, the incoming leader will receive materials and assistance from the SEC / PA.

  • 7. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

    The Grievance Procedure for Divisional Leaders is the same as the one in Section VII.

• E. SECONDARY DIVISIONAL LEADERS
  • 1. Any member in charge of a secondary division as defined in Section VI.D. is a secondary divisional leader.
  • 2. Secondary Divisional Leaders, hereafter referred to as SDL's, receive 50% off their membership fees.
  • 3. SDL's hold position until resignation, incapacitation, Vote of No Confidence, or until an election is held as by the leader of the Primary division of which their division is a part.
    • a. Vote of no Confidence and grivence procedures are the same for SDL's as for Primary Divisional Leaders.
    • b. In the event of termination, for any reason, of an SDL who runs a secondary division they created themselves, it will be their decision whether or not the secondary division continues without them.

III. THE GALACTIC COUNCIL

• A. The Galactic Council shall consist of the Club President, The SEC / PA, the Treasurer, the BBRPC, the Public Relations Officer, and all Primary divisional leaders.
  • 1. Each of these members holds one vote in all Galactic Council votes.
  • 2. In the event of a tie vote, the club President's vote acts as tie breaker.
  • 3. Any member of the Galactic Council can send a proxy vote.

• B. Secondary officers and Secondary divisional leaders have the right to participate in open discussion of the Galactic Council, but hold no vote.

• C. General club members have the right to attend open meetings but must submit a request in writing, no less than one week prior to meeting date, if they wish to speak at the meeting on a specific subject.
  • 1. Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis.

• D. Nature of the Galactic Council
  • 1. To ensure the smooth and efficient running of Forces of the Empire.
  • 2. Acts as a legislative body serving as a checks & balances to all club officers.
  • 3. Function is NOT to control "day to day" operations of the club.
  • 4. By its nature, the Galactic Council must work together and support each other.

• E. Responsibilities
  • 1. Gives guidance of overall direction of the club.
  • 2. Provide support and assistance to individual members of the Council for club related problems.
  • 3. Vote on major decisions of club officers which affect the entire club, by simple majority vote of the Galactic Council.
    • a. as an example: The BBRPC decides there will be no Blaster Battle and instead will run a bunny hop dance marathon. Team represented by the last person hopping wins control of the station. The Galactic Council nixes this decision which would effect the club in general.

  • 4. Calls for votes of no confidence by simple majority vote of the Galactic council.
  • 5. Has the ability to grant special memberships at a determined price for a defined period as it sees fit, with a majority vote.
  • 6. Has the authority to veto the club President's decisions by a two-thirds majority vote.
  • 7. Any Primary member of the Galactic Council can act as a third person arbitrator on an intra-club problem, at the request of a member, after the parties involved have made all other attempts to solve their differences.
  • 8. Has the power to set fees for the club, as it sees fit, on a two-thirds majority vote.
  • 9. Has the right to revoke membership of any member, under the conditions and procedures defined in Section XIII.
  • 10. Responsible for determining the contents of New Member kit, by simple majority vote.
  • 11. Has the authority to implement new club fuctions on a simple majority vote.
  • 12. Has the authority to remove club functions on a simple majority vote.
  • 13. Has the responsibility to address issues raised by the membership.
  • 14. Must inform the membership of all meetings to be held as well as agendas.
    • a. Specific topics, including but not limited to grievances and other sensitive subjects may be withheld for reasons of privacy

  • 15. Has the responsibility to take appropriate action for violations of criminal law.

• F. The Galactic Council holds the right to hold private meetings, for the purpose of dealing with topics of a sensitive nature.
  • 1. Such meetings will be announced beforehand.
  • 2. Sensitive topics may or may not be revealed for reasons of privacy.

• G. Voting Procedures
  • 1. To vote on an issue, a quorum of votes must be had; a quorum constitutes two thirds of the Galactic Council membership.
  • 2. All votes are to be taken by secret ballot.
    • a. Vote must be accompanied by name of voter.
    • b. Names will be removed before votes are tallied.

  • 3. Votes can be cast in person, by mail, or by e- mail, a hard copy of all e-mail votes must be obtained.
  • 4. All votes are to be submitted to the SEC / PA, except in case of a vote regarding an issue involving the SEC / PA, in which case the votes are submitted to the club President.
  • 5. For an in-person meeting which a member cannot attend, proxy votes will be accepted in one of three fashions.
    • a. another member of the Galactic Council may be given authority to cast the vote as they see fit.
    • b. a vote may be submitted in writing.
    • c. a third-person who is not a member of the Galactic Council, but who is a member of Forces of the Empire, can be given the power to cast a member's vote.

• H. The Holonet
  • 1. The Holonet serves as the primary source of communication of issues concerning the club, between the members of the Galactic Council.
  • 2. The Holonet will be published by the club President and sent out to the members of the Galactic Council.
    • a. The Holonet will be published no less than four times per year, or more often as needed.
    • b. The Holonet will be published midway between newsletters.

IV. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP Anyone who has met membership requirements is considered a member of Forces of the Empire.

• A. Membership requirements
  • 1. A member will have either paid a set membership fee, or been awarded partial or free membership as stipulated under the officer, divisional leader, and Galactic Council sections of this charter.
  • 2. A member will have filled out and sent in a member data form to be filed by the club President.

• B. Types of membership
  • 1. Divisional members
  • 2. General members belonging to no division

• C. Responsibilities of Divisional members
  • 1. Create a persona character, fill out a bio, and send copies of bio to the divisional leader and the Bio Book Editor.
  • 2. Remain active by getting involved in interactive roleplay with other members.
  • 3. Any change of address will be sent in as soon as possible, preferably before move, to the club President and to all divisional leaders.
  • 4. Membership is for a period of one year, and may be continued by sending in renewal fees and forms on time.
    • a. All renewals due will be announced in the newsletter.

  • 5. Divisional members are responsible for voting in members to fill vacant positions.
    • a. Voting Procedures
      • 1). In an election, the winner will be decided by a simple majority vote of the votes received from the club membership.
      • 2). All votes are to be taken by secret ballot.
        • a). Vote must be accompanied by name of voter.
        • b). Names will be removed before votes are tallied.

      • 3). Votes can be cast in person, by mail, or by e- mail, a hard copy of all e-mail votes must be obtained.
      • 4) All votes are to be submitted to the SEC / PA, except in case of a vote regarding the SEC / PA, in which case the votes are submitted to the club President.

  • 6. Membership may be revoked by the Galactic Council. See Section XIII.

• D. Responsibilities of General Members
  • 1. General members are urged, but not required, to participate in the discussions, reviews, and other aspects of the general section of the club newsletter.
  • 2. Any change of address will be sent in as soon as possible, preferably before move, to the club President.
  • 3. Membership is for a period of one year, and may be continued by sending in renewal fees and forms on time, as announced in the newsletter.
  • 4. General members are responsible for voting in members to fill vacant positions.
    • a. Voting Procedures
      • 1). In an election, the winner will be decided by a simple majority vote of the votes received from the club membership.
      • 2). All votes are to be taken by secret ballot.
        • a). Vote must be accompanied by name of voter.
        • b). Names will be removed before votes are tallied.
      • 3). Votes can be cast in person, by mail, or by e- mail, a hard copy of all e-mail votes mustbe obtained.
      • 4). All votes are to be submitted to the SEC / PA, except in case of a vote regarding the SEC / PA, in which case the votes are submitted to the club President.

  • 5. Membership may be revoked by the Galactic Council. See Section XIII.

V. CHAIN OF COMMAND

The club's chain of command runs in this order:

• A. Club President

• B. Galactic Council
  • 1. President serves as Chair.
  • 2. If President is unable to attend, the SEC / PA acts as Chair.

• C. Individual divisional leaders and BBRPC.

• D. Secondary divisional leaders, assistant divisional leaders appointed by divisional leaders, and any leadership appointed by the BBRPC.

• E. Club Membership.

VI. CLUB DIVISIONAL STRUCTURE

• A. The role of club divisions is to encourage interactive roleplay between members.

• B. Movie-based Divisions
  • 1. These divisions include the Alliance, Imperial, and Mercenary divisions, because they were defined as factions within the films.
  • 2. These divisions shall hold to the basic tenets of the movies while allowing for growth.
  • 3. These divisions will continue to exist in the club no matter what.

• C. Non-movie based Divisions
  • 1. This includes any division not listed under Section A, because they did not exist as factions in the films.
  • 2. This type of division can be created or removed as Role Play dictates.
    • a. Creation requires a two-thirds vote of the Galactic Council.
    • b. Any such division existing at the time of the ratification of this charter will continue to exist and does not need to be voted in.
    • c. Removal of such a division, under normal conditions, requires the consent of the leader of the division in question.
    • d. Can be forcibly disbanded with just cause, by a two-thirds vote of the Galactic Council.

• D. Secondary Divisions
  • 1. A secondary division is any division operating within a primary Division, but with its own separate Leader, and operating on its own agenda.
  • 2. This type of division can be created or removed as Role Play dictates.
    • a. Creation requires a two-thirds vote of the Galactic Council.
    • b. Any such division existing at the time of the ratification of this charter will continue to exist and does not need to be voted in.
    • c. Removal of such a division, under normal conditions, requires the consent of the leader of the division in question.
    • d. Can be forcibly disbanded with just cause, by a two-thirds vote of the Galactic Council.

  • 3. Secondary divisions have their own Sections of the Newsletter.
  • 4. These are considered independent parts of the Primary divisions to which they belong.
  • 5. The leaders of the secondary divisions hold all responsibilities of Primary leaders.
  • 6. The leaders do not hold voting privileges in the Galactic Council.

VII. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

• A. The parties in a grievance will hereafter be referred to as the plaintiff and the defendant.

• B. Plaintiff should contact the defendant directly first, to attempt resolution prior to lodging a formal complaint.

• C. If no redress is found, a formal complaint may be lodged with the SEC / PA. If the complaint is about the SEC / PA, they should be lodged with the club President.
  • 1. The complaint must pertain directly to the plaintiff.
  • 2. The SEC / PA will investigate the complaint to determine the validity of the complaint, and discuss the complaint with the defendant.
  • 3. After three valid complaints, from three different individuals, are received on one person in the span of three months, the SEC / PA will report the complaints to the club President.
    • a. When a problem develops involing a role-play decision between a Divsion leader and a member, only one complaint is necesssary for a report to be made to the President.

  • 4. President will contact the defendant within one week and then determine proper course of action to be taken.
    • a. Take the matter to the Galactic Council for decision to call for vote of no confidence which must be resolved within two weeks.
    • b. Determine if matter has reached a point of resolution.
    • c. If a suitable resolution has not been reached, The Galactic Council will ensure that a resolution is reached.

  • 5. All complaints will remain on file. After one year, they will be filed with the Club Archivist.
    • a. If the complaint concerns the Club Archivist, anonymity will be ensured when the complaint is filed

  • 6. All complaints must be signed.
    • a. Anonymous complaints will not be dealt with.
    • b. Plaintiff will remain anonymous to defendant if so requested by the plaintiff, except in cases where expulsion from the club or loss of office is a possible result.

  • 7. If anyone is dissatisfied with the result of the Grievance Procedure, they may file an appeal to the general club membership by submitting it in writing, one page max, to be printed in the next newsletter.
    • a. Rebuttals/explanations by the Galactic Council will be published with the appeal.
    • b. They do not retain any official position during the appeal process.

VIII. THE BLASTER BATTLE

• A. Purpose: To offer an opportunity for members of Forces of the Empire to interact with each other in person, and to offer interaction between the divisions.

• B. The Blaster Battle is run by the BBRPC, and those delegated into authority by the BBRPC, as defined in BBRPC Section II.A.5.

IX. THE MEDIAWEST*CON CANTINA

• A. Purpose: To offer a place at the convention where members of Forces of the Empire, and others, can interact with each other in person, in a Star Wars setting.
• B. It is the responsiblity of the Galactic Council to delegate tasks for maintaining the Cantina.

X. ROLE PLAY

• A. Role Play in this club is the interaction of fictional characters created by members of the club, in a fictional setting based on the Star Wars universe created by George Lucas.
  • 1. Role play is resolved through both planned and impromptu acting.
  • 2. No dice or Game Masters are involved at any time.

• B. The leaders of this club are not, and will not be, Role Play Gamemasters. Their place is to offer opportunities and guidance, not set down rules and be judges.

• C. The Divisional Leaders have the right to set the status, rank, etc. of members of their division.

• D. A Persona cannot be killed except by permission of the character's creator and/or portrayer.

• E. No one can create a character, planet, item, etc., that cannot be touched by overwhelming force.
  • 1. In the event an overwhelming force is put together to go up against your character, planet, item, etc., such role play must be worked out amiably between both parties.

• F. Divisions hold the right to define the parameters of divisionally held planets, bases, etc.

• G. Cross Universe characters:
  • 1. A cross universe character is one which is based on a known universe outside of Star Wars (i.e. Star Trek, Dr. Who, etc.)
  • 2. Those cross universe characters which currently exist will continue to exist.
  • 3. The laws of Transdimensiality have firmed up, and no new cross universe characters may enter this universe. (No new cross universe characters will be allowed. This IS a Star Wars universe.)
    • a. If you wish to play a character based on another genre, it must be created within the parameters of our Star Wars universe.

• H. In-character information is that information gleaned through role play and learned by a specific persona. Another persona played by the same person does not know the same information unless also gleaned through role play.

• I. Out-of-character information is information learned by the player and cannot be used by any persona of that player, unless gleaned by them through role play, thus becoming in-character information.

XI. CLUB PUBLICATIONS

• A. Bound By the Force
  • 1. club newsletter, published quarterly
  • 2. received by all members as part of their membership

• B. Imperium
  • 1. fanzine dealing with material involving the movie characters
  • 2. published once per year
  • 3. available for sale to anyone at a price determined by the editor

• C. Tales From the Cantina
  • 1. fanzine dealing with material involving club personae
  • 2. published once per year
  • 3. available for sale to anyone at a price determined by the editor

• D. The Holonet
  • 1. newsbrief of information for the Galactic Council
  • 2. published at least four times per year, more often if needed
  • 3. received by members of the Galactic Council

• E. Bio Book
  • 1. compilation of biographies of club personae
  • 2. published as submissions allow
  • 3. available for sale to anyone

XII. NEW MEMBER HELP

• A. New members will receive a copy of the membership kit.
  • 1. Membership kit will consist of items as determined by the Galactic Council.
  • 2. Membership kit will be kept current by the club President.

• B. New members, referred to as Rookies, will be assigned a Mentor by the club President.
  • 1. Mentors must have been active members of the club for a period of no less than one year.
  • 2. Mentors are assigned by criteria set by the club President.
  • 3. A Mentor can have up to two Rookies.
  • 4. Duties of the Mentor:
    • a. To give advice and guidance to new members.
    • b. Mentors are responsible for making first contact with their Rookie, in a timely fashion.
    • c. Additional Mentor responsibilities will be defined by the Galactic Council as needed.

• C. A Rookie/Mentor relationship will end when one of the following is fulfilled:
  • 1. at a time deemed appropriate by the Mentor
  • 2. after a maximum of one year

• D. A Rookie is a member from the beginning, after paying membership fees, with full membership rights.

XIII. CODE OF CONDUCT

• A. Members of Forces of the Empire are expected to conduct themselves within the parameters of the law and social etiquette at all times.
  • 1. When attending any convention, members will obey the laws of that state regarding use of weapons, be they toy or real.
  • 2. Members will regard each other with respect for individual's opinions and beliefs.

• B. Serious infractions
  • 1. The following behavior merits immediate suspension from the club, upon simple majority vote of the Galactic Council, pending investigation by the Galactic Council.
    • a. Physical violence against any person.
    • b. Legitimate and serious threat of violence to any person.
    • c. Deliberate destruction of or threat of
    • destruction to personal or public property.
    • d. Unwanted sexual harassment of any person.
    • e. Theft of any person's property.
    • f. Any act defined as criminal by state law.

  • 2. Proper authorities will be involved.
  • 3. Anyone can report these infractions to any member of the Galactic Council who must then gather the Council to investigate and then act upon it.

• C. The following behavior merits warning and possible further action by the Galactic Council.
  • 1. Abusive language.
  • 2. Neglection of duties.
  • 3. Overt lack of respect for another.
  • 4. Purposely propagating slanderous remarks.

• D. Procedure for Termination of membership due to non- criminal infringement of the Code of Conduct.
  • 1. Problem must be addressed to either the person involved, or if that is impractical, then to the SEC / PA.
  • 2. If the Galactic Council deems necessary, on a simple majority vote, action will be taken as either a verbal or written warning.
  • 3. If a person gets two written warnings, on the third infraction, a vote must be taken on termination of that person's membership. A two- thirds majority vote by the Galatic Council is required to terminate a membership.
  • 4. If infraction is serious enough, but not criminal, a vote may be taken to terminate membership without receipt of warnings, by a unanimous vote of the Galactic Council.

• E. Additions to Code of Conduct may be made with a simple majority vote of the Galactic Council.

• F. If a membership is revoked, the unused portion of the membership fee will be refunded.

XIV. FISCAL YEAR AND DUE DATES.

• A. The club fiscal year will begin on the Friday before Memorial Day.
  • 1. MediaWest*Con will be recorded in the first fiscal quarter of the fiscal year.

• B. Officers are required to submit four reports per year to the SEC / PA, with the fourth report being the annual year end report due at the end of the fiscal year.

• C. Due dates are scheduled at two weeks prior to publication dates. This refers to all dates for reports, as well as divisional submissions to club publications.
  • 1. Any late submissions for Club Publications will not be accepted.

• D. Other due dates will be as announced.

XV. REVISION OF CHARTER

Revisions to the charter can be made when deemed necessary by the Galactic Council, and voted on by a two-thirds majority vote, of votes received, from the club membership.

• A. Suggestions for revisions can be made by any club member and submitted in writing.

• B. In the event of an emergency, the Galactic Council has the authority to make a revision in the charter to be enacted immediately, and which would be put up to club wide vote as soon as possible.

XVI. CLOSING THE CLUB

• A. In the event Forces of the Empire should disband, the following will take place:
  • 1. All moneys and property of the club will go toward fulfilling outstanding membership obligations.
  • 2. Anything that remains will be donated to the Make A Wish Foundation.

XVII. AMENDMENTS

• 1. The position and responsibilities of the Archivist will now be conducted by the Public Relations officer.

• 2. Galactic council members shall pay full membership dues and and all defined positions shall have one equal vote.
  A member holding two positions, once agreed upon by the Club Membership, will still retain one vote only.

• 3. A member must be a member of Forces of the Empire for three years and have Galactic Council approval to play a movie or book persona.

• 4.ROLE-PLAY/PERSONA COORDINATOR The Role-Play Coordinator shall serve in an administrative capacity, not a role-play capacity, to:
  • Collect Forces of the Empire persona bios from club members.
  • Compile and Update Bio Book-send Master Copy to club President for printing.
  • Compile and Update Who's Who.
  • Collect information on activities of personae within the club.
  • Help new members create their first character and hook them up with other role-players for their first role-play.
  • Act as "bulletin board" for members to contact if they either want to get invovled in role-play, or have role-play to become invovled in. The role-play coordinator will be there to connect role-players together.
  • Collect information on role-play events, just the highlights, and use this to create the FoE Timeline. This information will be usd to coordinate role-players together.

• 5. As of November 1999 The president is no longer responsible for the publication of Bound By the Force. It will now be published by a separate Newsletter Editor having a seat upon the Galactic Council.

• 6.NEWSLETTER/TALES ONE PUBLICATION
  As of 15 August 2002, Tales From the Cantina and Bound by the Force will be merged into one publication and printed twice a year. One due out at Media West in May the other due out in the fall to coincide with the Fall gathering.

• 7.NEWSLETTER PUBLICATION STOPPED
  As of 23 May 2003, Bound by the Force will no longer be published. The Editor position is now a Pubilcations position which is responsible for publishing the printed bio book, planet bios, and other publications as decided upon or requested by club membership or the Galactic Council.

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