Inland Empire Fan Force
Club Charter - Adopted June 2006
Revised May 2008
Mission Statement
By-Laws
I. Name and Date of Club Formation
II. Policies
III. Membership
IV. Membership Dues
V. Official Meetings
VI. Voting Regulations
VII. Misconduct
VIII. Underage Members
IX. Vehicle Use Policy Statement
X. Officers of the IEFF
XI. Dissolution of the Club
Mission Statement
We, the Inland Empire Fan Force, are a non-profit club comprised of individuals who enjoy the Star Wars films and other aspects of the Star Wars franchise. Our club was created in order to give Star Wars fans in the Inland Empire region a chance to socialize and engage in activities relating to the varied aspects of the Star Wars franchise. We strive to keep Star Wars alive in the eyes of the Inland Empire community, and endeavor to give back to the community through charitable events. The Inland Empire Fan Force is the officially recognized Fan Force chapter for Inland Empire.
By-Laws
I. Name
The name of our club shall be the Inland Empire Fan Force.
II. Policies
The Inland Empire Fan Force is not affiliated in any way with Lucasfilm, Ltd., or its subsidiaries. The Inland Empire Fan Force does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, religion, physical handicap, sexual orientation, race, nationality or ethnicity.
III. Membership
Membership is open to everyone. To become a member you simply need to post on the boards. There are two classes of membership:
Active Membership: Active membership is attained when a member lives in Inland Empire, posts on the forums regularly, and attends the majority of our meetings and events. Active members have full voting privileges. Active members are also eligible to serve as officers of the club.
Honorary Membership: Honorary membership is open to anyone irregardless of geographic residence. Honorary members are allowed to post on our forums, receive our newsletter, and attend meetings and events of their choosing, yet are not eligible to vote on any club issues. Honorary membership may often be bestowed upon "celebrities" in the Star Wars community such as Star Wars actors, authors, those working for LFL etc.
IV. Membership Dues
We have no membership dues. Becoming an IEFF member is free, and as a member you will never be obligated to pay anything. However, some things do require money. In these circumstances, the Treasurer will collect money on a voluntary basis. Each member can choose to contribute or not, and can contribute as much as they feel comfortable with. The Treasurer will record who paid and what amount, so that if the total amount needed is not reached, every member who paid will get their money back.
V. Official Meetings
We will have a minimum of one official meeting per month. Additional meetings may be called when there is a need. Meetings will either be a pot-luck affair, or we will ask for a small donation to defray the cost of food and drinks. Occasionally an "Officers meeting" may be called for the officers of the IEFF only. The IEFF will make every attempt to pick a date for the meetings that will work for the majority of the member' schedules.
VI. Voting Regulations
All active members will be allowed to vote on any issues brought up at a General meeting or any issue being voted on the forums. Guests of members, first time attendees, and members not living in the geographic area of Inland Empire will not be allowed to vote.
An exception will be made for those members who are residents of Inland Empire yet are currently attending elsewhere, provided their breaks are spent in Inland Empire. An exception will also be made for persons whose permanent residential address is in Inland Empire, but whose jobs might not permit them to be in area most of the time, such as those in the military.
All elections will be won by a simple majority either by the show of hands, or by posting your vote on the forums.
There are a few exceptions to these rules: The positions of President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer are elected positions and will be voted on by a simple majority. Terms are for 1 year up to a maximum of two years and run July thru June.
Occasionally an issue will come before the club that requires discretion and will be voted on by the IEFF officers. In order for a decision to pass in the Jedi Council, it must receive ¾ votes or better for passage.
Other officer/VIP positions will be appointed at the President's discretion. These honorary positions are awarded to people who perform a service to the club above and beyond the call of duty, charitable and otherwise.
The President will attempt to ensure that the members of the Officers Council will represent the other club members by appointing council members of varying ages, interests, and talents. The titles may be rescinded if the member acts in a way that is unbecoming to a club officer.
VII. Misconduct
While it is hoped that no member must be expelled from the group, it is prudent to have measures in place should the need arise. If any member of the club feels that another member or officer should be expelled, that person is encouraged to approach any officer they feel comfortable approaching with his/her complaint.
The complaint must be in writing and delivered via PM, email, or written letter to the officer. The officer receiving the complaint must present the complaint to the council of officers within 24 hours.
At that time, the council will begin an investigation and discussion of the complaint, and determine the best course of action.
General Misconduct:
· Any person attending an IEFF meeting or event who acts disorderly or is in any way disruptive will be asked to leave the meeting or event.
· Consumption of alcohol or other illegal substances, or the possession of firearms at an "official" IEFF event are not allowed. The only exception to this is events for older members only.
· Any violation of the Terms of Service at Fan force will be considered a violation of IEFF by-laws. If a permanent ban vote is passed by 2/3 of the officers' council, that member will be banned from attending all future meetings/events, and banned from posting on the Fanforce, IEFF, and the MySpace page. The IEFF will actively seek a restraining order against any member if deemed necessary to protect the other members.
Conduct that justifies expulsion:
· Engaging in any illegal activity while attending a club function
· Threatening another member with physical violence on the forums or during a meeting or event
· Committing physical violence against another member
· Harassing or stalking another member via email, phone, PM, instant messenger, or written letter
· Repeated unsolicited sexual advances toward another member.
The IEFF reserves the right to call in local law enforcement officers to enforce these rules.
VIII. Underage Members
Anyone, regardless of age, may become a member, post on the forums, and attend official meetings and events.
However, anyone under 18 years of age will be required to fill out a Parent Consent Form to participate in any IEFF meeting and event. The form the parents will be asked to fill out is as follows:
The Inland Empire Fan Force is comprised of members that reflect all ages. However, it is important for parents to be aware of several things if they choose to let their minor child join the club.
1. Minors must be supervised by their parent or legal guardian at all IEFF events. While it is never the club's intention to allow a minor to get into trouble, the responsibility of the child's actions lay completely with the child and his/her parents or guardians.
2. The club encourages parents to participate in meetings and at events in order to get to know the members of the group and what types of activities the club engages in.
3. While no alcohol will be served or consumed at any official meeting by a club member, be aware that an official meeting or event may take place in a venue such as a restaurant where alcohol is being served to others.
4. The group attempts to maintain all discussions at the PG level. However, some inappropriate language might inadvertently be used.
5. Members of the club will not be responsible for transporting a child to meetings and/or social events.
6. A parental waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian and the child before that child is allowed membership in the club.
7. The parents must provide the club with a current address, home phone number, work phone number, and cell phone number. The parents must also provide the phone number of a family friend or relative not residing in the same household.
Date:_______________________________________________________
Parent Signature______________________________________________
Minor Signature_______________________________________________
IX. Promotional Release
Members of the IEFF often will be photographed and videotaped while out in public at events, or at club meetings. Below is the Promotional Release Form for the IEFF:
I, the undersigned, hereby consent to the use of any videotapes, photographs, slides, audiotapes, or any other visual or audio reproduction in which I may appear by the IEFF. I understand that these materials are being used for promotion of the IEFF, which includes recruitment and fund-raising efforts. I release IEFF from any liability connected with the use of my picture or voice recording as part of any promotional, recruitment, or fund-raising program.
Date
Signed
X. Vehicle Use Policy Statement
Designated Drivers must meet the following qualifications:
1. Licensed driver must be 21 years or older
2. Driver must be group leader designated by IEFF to drive the vehicle as transportation for other group members
3. Driver must have a satisfactory Traffic Violations and Vehicle Accident Record.
4. Driver must sign acknowledgement of the "Responsibilities of Designated Driver", which includes an understanding of insurance coverage as it pertains to the driver.
5. Drivers for the IEFF will obey state traffic laws, and drive defensively and carefully, and be willing to sign an affidavit to that extent
6. Liability and property damage insurance is required for cars carrying passengers (children or adults) to and from IEFF events. Proof of insurance must be provided and kept updated and on record with the club before anyone can act as a driver for any event.
7. The IEFF intends to use Driver Checklists for trips, which include: complete directions, contingency plans for emergencies and regular eventualities (restroom stops), contact numbers of cell phones in other vehicles, FRS radios for communication with other vehicles, and a list of names of all people riding in that particular vehicle to make accurate headcount for return trip.
8. Seatbelts are required for all passengers in vehicles used for IEFF events.
Sample Affidavit: Acknowledgement of Responsibilities of Designated Driver I have read and will adhere to the responsibilities governing the use of personal vehicles while transporting people to and from IEFF sponsored activities. I am aware that automotive insurance liability will generally follow the flow below in the event of an accident, and as such, subject me to certain liability risks.
Owner of vehicle_________________________ Driver of Vehicle_________________________ Signature of Driver_______________________ Date _____/_______/_________
XI. Officers of the IEFF Purpose Statement
- Our purpose statement comes from the description of the Jedi High Council in the Star Wars Episode I Visual Dictionary.
It states that: "The Twelve members of the Jedi High Council represent a gathering of great minds who have proven themselves and their abilities in the service of peace and justice. Confident in their attunement to the Force, the Council members work together in trust, free from the petty constraints of ego and jealousy. Their Council Chamber is a place of open thought and speech, a realm of mutual respect and a haven of shared noble purpose. The Council is composed of five permanent members who have accepted a lifetime commitment to the difficult work of the Jedi. In addition, four long-term members serve until they choose to step down, and three limited term members sit for specified terms. This balance of membership keeps the Council wise and vigorous."
Supreme Chancellor/President and Fan Force Chapter Rep(Elected)
Ø Chairs meetings
Ø Serves as liaison between members and officersØ Serves as liaison between the IEFF and Fan force
Ø Serves as a liaison between the IEFF and the Inland Empire Community
Ø Serves as a point of contact for local businesses and media
Ø Receives reports from other officers and offers direction
Ø Sets meeting agenda items with the help of other officers
Ø Helps organize events as needed
Vice-Chancellor/Vice-President (Elected)
Ø Assumes leadership if president resigns
Ø Presides over meetings in President's absence
Ø Fulfills duties of other officers if they are absent from meetings
Ø Assists President in organizing meetings and events, and whatever else is required
Secretary (Elected)
Ø Helps the President in preparation for meetings, gathering topics etc.
Ø Writes and publishes meeting minutes
Ø Records meeting attendance
Ø Provides the Parental Consent, Promotional Release, other forms and insures that all information is up to date
Ø Keeps a list of all the officer names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, and makes this information available to the other Council members as needed
Ø Manages all documents needed for the club
Treasurer (Elected)
Ø Single point of contact for all financial matters
Ø Maintains active log of club treasury, income, and expenditures
Ø Collects all money taken along with the member's name, the amount they have paid, and the cause
Webmaster (Appointed)
Ø Single point of contact for all matters dealing with the official IEFF website at www.inlandempirefanforce.com.
MySpace Webmaster (Appointed)
Ø Single point of contact for all matters dealing with the IEFF MySpace website, including an events calendar, uploading pictures from current events and posting bulletins of upcoming events.
Public Relations Officer (Appointed)
Ø Establishes and maintains contacts with outside organizations for the promotion of the club
Ø Tracks and identifies the need for promotional materials
Ø Coordinates promotional activities
Ø Responsible for writing up announcements of various club events and submitting them to the Official Site, the Star Wars Insider, Bantha Tracks, and local media.
Club Photographer (Appointed)
Ø Responsible for taking pictures at any and all club events
XII. Dissolution of the Club
If, for any reason, the Inland Empire Fan Force should ever disband, the officers shall be charged with the liquidation of all club assets, settlements of all liabilities, and taking down the website.
-----signature-----
Former President of IEFF - Please Build Me A Library http://www.inlandempirefanforce.com
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