UCWA GOVERNING BY-LAWS

The Utah Civil War Association (UCWA) is a nonprofit, living history association made-up of Civil War interpeters or re-enactors who are dedicated to the preservation of history predominantly during that period from 1861 to 1865, commonly referred to as the "American Civil War." The main purpose of the UCWA is to develop a greater understanding, empathy, and appreciation for the feelings and experiences of the Civil War soldier and civilians whose lives were forever changed by the events of those turbulent times. And, it is through self-education and knowledge gained byexperience that we hope to provide the general public with insights, understanding, ands a deeper appreciation of our collective national heritage and its relevance today.

In addition to learning by traditional methods, we are also dedicated to the concept of learning by doing, or actually "living" the experience of our ancestors, who witnessed our nations bloodiest conflict.

ACTIVITIES

To gain further understanding for this time period, the UCWA participates in Civil War battle reenactments, camp-outs, military dances, lectures,target shoots, discussion groups, demonstrations, public parades, Memorial and Veterans Day services, educational programs for schools and civil organizations and monthly meetings for sharing knowledge, planning group events and taking care of group business.

It is during these times and places that we learn and teach others concerning the daily activities and routines of those people who lived during the Civil War. Our primary purpose is to participate in activities where, as a unified group, we can better understand and teach the way life was during the American Civil War. These learning activities include, but are not limited to: for soldiers -the manual of arms, school of the soldier, school of the company, target practice, fatigue details, roll calls, guard duty, inspections, skirmishes and battles, and other such tasks that would have been part of a soldiers training and daily routine; for civilians -etiquette and social customs, period dress, duties of the various relief organizations, merchandising, letter writing, correct speech, or anything else that pertains to the era.

It is important to note that whenever we are in contact with the public, we will make every effort to accommodate them and professionally interpret our activities, both visually and verbally. This means we will explain our impressions in either narrative style or "third .person," or in "first person," by taking on the personality of someone who actually lived or could have lived in America during the 1860 s.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to anyone regardless of age, sex, race, or religious affiliation. We only ask that you have a spirit of the American Civil War within you and a dedication to the Ideal of perpetuating the memory of the War's veteran and his family, along with your own personal respect and devotion to the efforts and sacrifices these individuals made.

Before official membership can be obtained: a candidate must attend three UCWA business meetings and/or scheduled activities; have the membership approved by a majority vote of current members present at a UCWA business meeting and pay the appropriate dues to the Association's Financial Secretary.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

We believe that high standards are the key to a successful living history experience. We would like to insure that our group is as dedicated, professional, and authentic as possible, and a credit to those we represent. We feel that anything less would be disrespectful to those gallant men and women, who lived, fought and died during the Civil War.

1. AGE AND SEX - Applications are open to anyone. Youth members must provide their own adult supervision on the field, and demonstrate knowledge of their impression.

4. ORIGINAL OBJECTS - Because we are sensitive to the preservation of historical objects, we ask that all items used for reenacting be good quality replicas. An exception for weapons and a few other specialty designated pieces of equipment is allowed.

5. MILITARY RANK - Your uniform must be that of a private, unless you have been officially authorized. Company commanders are chosen by the unit and NCO's are chosen by the company commanders.

6. AUTHENTICITY - Items and equipment being used should be "period" replicas of good quality.

7. DUES - The UCWA's annual dues are $15.00 for a single member and $20.00 for couples and families. Members joining for the first time can subtract $1.00 for each month after January. This money is used for the UCWA newsletter, post office box, and to cover any costs incidental to the conducting of group business. Payment of dues and signing the UCWA membership application is conformation that you have read the "UCWA governing by-laws" and agree to follow such.

UNIT REQUIREMENTS OR CHANGES TO UNITS

To be a recognized unit under the UCWA, and to have a representative as a voting member of the Command Counsel, the following requirements must be met and approved first by the Command Council and ratified by a simple majority of the dues paying membership attending any regularly scheduled meeting.

1. NAME - State the name of your unit.

2. MISSION STATEMENT AND UNIT BY-LAWS - A detailed description of your unit's impression and purpose must be written and submitted.

3. UNIT MEMBERSHIP - New infantry units must have a minimum of 12 UCWA dues paying members. All other military units, as well as civilian groups, must have a minimum of 6 UCWA dues paying members.

4. UNIT REPRESENTATIVE - Each unit will elect its own commander or leader and second-in-command every two years to act as representatives on the Command Council. Electing these individuals shall be entirely the responsibility of the individual unit.

5. RANK STRUCTURE - Military units will make their own decisions regarding rank.

6. SCHEDULING EVENTS - Units may schedule individual events and activities, but such scheduling can not conflict with UCWA calendared events. UCWA events are defined as activities that are open to all units and impressions and will usually be selected and approved by the Marshal in the January business meeting of each year, or as the Command Council may decide.

7. MEMBERSHIP ROSTER - Each unit will be responsible for keeping its own membership roster and attendance at business meetings and scheduled activities, and turned in to the Financial Secretary. Minimum attendance requirements are defined as 50% or more of all scheduled business meetings or UCWA calendared events.

8. BLUE V.S. GRAY - Keeping in mind UCWA, members must demonstrate respect and tolerance towards those individuals or units whose impression may not necessarily match their own personal preferences.

AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS

Proposed changes to the UCW A by-laws must be submitted in writing to the Command Council business meeting for open discussion. A vote on said changes to be at the next regular business meeting after it has been published in the newsletter. A simple majority of members in the meeting can pass a change.

PROBATION OR TERMINATION OF MEMBERS

Members may resign their membership at any time and for any reason. However, dues will not be refunded. Members who fail to follow the "UCWA governing by-laws" and common standards of good conduct may be placed on probation or have their membership terminated by a vote of the command council.

DISSOLUTION

Should the UCWA ever dissolve, all commonly owned materials will be auctioned off and turned into monetary assets. All monetary assets will be donated the Association for the Preservation OF Civil War Sites.

SAFETY

Standard gun safety regulations must be followed at all timeswhen using firearms, loaded or unloaded. Those new members who are unfamiliar with the use of black powder weapons should seek instruction from the UCWA, your unit commander or the unit armorer. All weapons will be subject to periodic safety inspections. Weapons must be kept in good working order.

OFFICES AND DUTIES ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Nominations for all elected positions will be accepted each year duringthe November business meeting. Ballots will be sent by mail to all dues-paying members. The results of the election will be made known prior to January's business meeting. Requirements for UCWA officers at the time of their nomination and throughout the duration of their term are as follows: current dues have been paid~ at least 50% attendance (75% is encouraged) at all UCW A business meetings, and scheduled activities. The length of an elected officer's term shall be one year. Any Association officer may be removed from his or her position for a just cause.

PRESIDENT

1) Conducts all UCW A business meetings and takes charge of events or delegates Responsibility to the marshal.

2) Coordinates and follows-up on duties assigned to other members. Gives support where and when needed.

3) Determines date, time, place, and conducts all Command Council meetings Oversees and follows-up with all event coordinators.

VICE-PRESIDENT

1) Assumes all duties of the president when the president is absent.

2) All duties not otherwise assigned will be appointed to the Vice President by the President.

3) Coordinates with all unit commanders and representatives. Oversees the UCWA Quartermaster and Recruiter.

5) Acts as the Associations Public Relations officer.

4) Becomes President upon Completion of a term as Vice-President, or calls for an election of the President. In the November meeting of his Vice-Presidential term, if unable to fulfill this duty.

SECRETARY/NEWSLETTER EDITOR

Keeps minutes of business and Command Council meetings. Reads minutes from the last meeting and decisions of Command Council. Records assignments made and those to be followed-up on. Records and reports all voting results. Collects dues and maintains UCWA funding records.

Records and receipts must be kept of all money coming in and going out. Records will be submitted to the Command Council each January for an annual audit. Ensures that all expenditures of the UCWA are paid for with a check signed by no less than two of the four elected UCWA officers.

Keeps a current roster of the membership. Creates, prints and distributes the UCWA monthly newsletter, or assigns those duties to others when necessary.

COMMAND COUNCIL

Includes the President, Vice-President, Secretary, the previous year's president and all unit commanders or their appointed representatives. Command Council meetings will be held monthly, with the time, date, and place to be published in the UCWA Newsletter. Anyone, wishing to address the Command Council with suggestions, problems, grievances or any other similar reason should asked to be placed on the agenda. Duties of the Command Council are listed below.

1) Fills vacant appointments in the UCWA (such as the Recruiter, Marshal. Quartermaster, and Armorer).

2) Makes all decisions for the group on emergency basis.

3) Notifies membership of any changes in scheduled business meetings or activities, if such is not possible through the UCWA Newsletter.

WEDMASTER

1) Maintains and Updates Webpage

QUARTERMASTER

1) Ensures adequate gear for participants in company activities.

2) Puts those in need of equipment in touch with individuals willing to loan such, but has no authority to make commitments or loan other than personal items.

3) Maintains resource listing of good sources for uniforms and equipment.

safe working condition.

RECRUITER

1) Follows-up on new member names and phone numbers.

2) Gives information to president for further reference.

3) Actively recruits for group by, using flyers and displays.

4) Provides new member orientation and packets, unit histories, calendar of up coming events and membership list.

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

NCO's are chosen, when needed, by their respective unit commanders, from among the Veteran Soldiers who are active members of the UCWA, have demonstrated leadership abilities, and are familiar with the duties of the office they have been chosen to occupy.

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

Officers are elected, when the unit's size warrants such, by the general membership of the unit to which they belong. They must be well-grounded in all aspects of "Hardee's tactics," strategy, army regulations, leadership, and have a good knowledge of the Civil War itself.

LIVING HISTORY EVENTS

Require a common sense approach. For example:

If you are doing an impression of Clara Barton do not forget your dress.

If you are doing an impression of George Custer wear a generals uniform.