1. The organization shall be called the Ottawa Valley American Civil War Re-enactment Society (O.V.A.C.W.R.S.) with it’s Head Quarters in Ottawa Ontario Canada and with members in Canada and the United States of America. The working definition of the OVACWRS is Company "A" 2nd Michigan Volunteer Infantry.

2. The role of the organization will be
   

   A) To promote public awareness of the participation of Canadians (British North Americans) in the American Civil War (1861-1865) B) To portray to others a proper representations of life in the 1860’s

3. This will be accomplished by...
   

   A) Forming and maintaining a re-enactment company of American Civil War Soldiers for the purpose of taking part in Living History events in Canada and abroad. This company will represent Company "A" of the Federal Regiment Second Michigan Volunteer Infantry. B) Forming and maintaining a auxiliary civilian group of re-enactors representing various roles appropriate to the period and place. C) Upon request, providing members to teach in schools, libraries or other environment conductive to the study of Canadian History and the American Civil War.

4. The organization shall have four (4) levels of membership
   

   A) Full (Voting) Membership Available to males and females sixteen (16) years and older who have passed a one (1) years probationary period. B) Probationary (Voting) Membership Available to males and females sixteen (16) years and older during a one (1) year probationary period. A veteran re-enactor, known as designated mentor, will be teamed up with each new member to help the new member represent a proper portrayal of the period. C) Associate (Non Voting) Membership Available to anyone who wishes to become a full member, but who cannot fullfill a requirement of full membership through no fault of his/her own. D) Honorary (Non Voting) Membership Awarded to persons who have through their help, time and devotion greatly helped the organization in achieving its goals.

5. The organization shall provide two (2) types of leadership
   

   A) Executive consisting of 1. President 2. Secretary 3. Treasurer B) Field Command consisting of 1. Field Commander a. A Sergeant may be elected as field commander. When a Sgt. is elected, two (2) members may be elected as Corporal. b. A Corporal may be elected. 2. Safety Non Commissioned Officer. An Ordnance Rank or Corporals may fill this position. 3. Pioneer. This is an apointment but as no Command Authority.

   * To avoid one member controlling both the Executive and Command leadership, the Senior Ranking Member of the Field Command shall not hold an Executive position.

   ** A Public Relations/Recruiting Representative may be appointed, but this appointment is not to an Executive or Command Position.

   The organization shall hold a minimum of one (1) general meeting each calendar year for the purpose of holding Executive and Command Elections. The positions must be filled by a majority of Fifty One Percent (51%) of attending members present at the election and ballots sent in. The organization may hold additional general meetings as required or requested by the membership.

   Yearly membership dues shall be collected and placed in a "Company Fund". This will be maintained by a treasurer. These funds shall be used in a manner designated by the executive and ratified by the General Membership.

   All Rifled Muskets will be bought by a F.A.C. Holder. These will be registered at the border before going into the United States. (Green Card)

   * #8 only applies to members residing in Canada *

   Suspensions and revokations of membership
   

   A) The Senior Ranking Member may suspend an individual's membership and demand that individual to leave an event for infractions stated in 9. E) 1-5. The member must leave the event without further discussion. B) If the Senior Ranking Member is accused of any infraction stated in 9. E) 1-5, the Senior Ranking Member's membership may be suspended by a majority of the other participating members at an event, and that member told to leave the event. The member must leave the event without further discussion. In case of a deadlock 50/50 vote, a neutral officer will be asked to cast the deciding vote. C) An individual's membership may only be revoked by a majority vote of members present at a hearing for the infractions stated in 9. E) 1-5. D) Hearings 1. A hearing is to be held within two weeks of the incident. Anyone wishing to have a say will do so at this time. * To protect the individual's rights to a fair hearing, no discussion of the incident will be permitted between the time of the alleged infraction and the time of the hearing. ** An attempt will be made to notify all members including the accused one (1) week before the scheduled hearing. 2. The accused has the right to have a member of the unit defend him if he/she wishes. He/she also has the right to tell his/her side of the story. 3. The member will be told to leave the room when the voting is in progress. He will then be told of the outcome within Five (5) days of the hearing. E)Infraction that may result in suspension or revokation of membership. 1. Any violations of Criminal Laws of Canada or the United States of America. 2. Violations of O.V.A.C.W.R.S. Rules and Safety Regulationsas stated in paragraph # --- 3. Violations of U.S.V. Rules and Safety Regulations. The latest copy of these will be made available to new members as soon as possible. 4. Violations of Event Rules and Safety Regulations given in writing at the start of most events. 5. Repeated conduct prejudicial to the unit's good name and image in the community and Re-enactment society.

   This constitution may be amended at any General Meeting by a majority of Fifty-One Percent (51%) of attending members present at the meeting and votes sent in.

   Disbanding or splitting of the O.V.A.C.W.R.S.
   

   A) Disbanding: In case of the O.V.A.C.W.R.S. disbanding the unit, the unit equipment shall be sold and the money put in the Company Funds. All equipment belonging to individuals shall be returned to those individuals as soon as possible. All money in the Company Funds shall be donated to the U.S.V. funds. B) Splitting: In case of the O.V.A.C.W.R.S. splitting into two (2) or more units, the unit equipment shall be divided between or amongst the two or more units. All equipment belonging to individuals shall be returned to those individuals as soon as possible. Funds will be divided equally between the two or more units.

   

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