CONSTITUTION FOR LINDGREN LODGE # 754

 

ARTICLE I – NAME AND NUMBER

 

The name of this governing body of the Vasa Order of America shall be LINDGREN LODGE Number 754, located in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 – Classification. A local lodge may have three classes of membership.

  1. Active Member. A person of good moral character who:
    1. Was born in a Scandinavian country or is of Scandinavian ancestry, or
    2. Is a child (by birth or adoption, including adapted child of non-Scandinavian heritage) of a Vasa Member or
    3. Is a spouse of a Vasa member, or a candidate approved for membership, or
    4. Is a non-Scandinavian widow or widower of a person of Scandinavian origin or descent and has reached fourteen years of age at the time the local lodge votes on the application for membership, is eligible to join and become an active member.
  2. Honorary Life Member. Proposal must be submitted by member(s) in good standing and requires that:
    1. The candidate is a Vasa Member,
    2. The proposal is read at three consecutive meetings prior to voting (the vote may be taken after the third reading), and
    3. A majority of votes cast must favor proposal.

    An Honorary Life Member is entitled to attend and fully participate in all local lodge meetings during the member’s lifetime. The local lodge shall pay all dues and assessments on behalf of the member.

     

  3. Honorary Member. A proposal must be submitted by member(s) in good standing and requires that:
    1. The candidate is not a Vasa member, or is a Vasa member but not of the local lodge making the award.
    2. The candidate is worthy of special recognition for personal contributions and support of the local lodge.
    3. Voting shall be by secret ballot and a majority of votes cast must favor the proposal. An Honorary member is not entitled to attend meeting of the local lodge (unless member of another local lodge), nor enjoys special privileges.

Section 2 – Application for Active Membership

    1. A qualified candidate who seeks membership in a local lodge either as a new member through reinstatement or by transfer, shall:
      1. Present an official application for membership together with one dollar, which shall constitute part of the regular initiation fee or annual dues.
      2. Be recommended by a Vasa member in good standing where admission is requested.
      3. Note the name and number of sponsor’s local lodge, in case the sponsor is not a member of applicant’s intended lodge.
    2. A qualified candidate who is a member of a Vasa children’s or youth club shall be exempt form the payment of any stipulated initiation fee(s).
    3. Sponsorship of an unqualified candidate is strictly forbidden and any Vasa member who knowingly sponsors a unworthy candidate shall be subject to suspension of membership or expulsion from the Vasa Order.
    4. Privileged information.
      1. Application for membership shall be considered as privileged information and must not be made known to any person(s) outside the Vasa Order.
      2. Rejection of an application for membership shall also be considered privileged information and must not be made known to any person(s) outside the Vasa Order.
    5. Prior to voting on any application(s), the Chairman shall read paragraph D, 1 and 2 above to members present.
    6. Resubmitting rejected application for membership is permissible after six months from the date of rejection.
    7. Reinstatement application may be approved, provided, the candidate pays any stipulated "special fee" for initiation as prescribed by the local lodge.
    8. Transfer application shall be acted upon in the following manner:
      1. The local lodge to which the member appliers for a transfer shall receive and act on the official application which must note the name and number of applicant’s present local lodge, and then;
        1. May request a stipulated transfer fee,
        2. Must request an official transfer card from the applicant’s present local lodge after the application for membership transfer has been approved,
        3. Forward pro-rated dues and assessments owed to the applicant’s present local lodge along with a request for a transfer card,
        4. Recording Secretary must record member’s original initiation date and years of continuous service in the local lodge records,
        5. Notify the transfer member of acceptance and request appearance before the lodge to be formally received.
      2. The local lodge from which the member desires to transfer, shall:
        1. Take immediate action on request for transfer.
        2. Grant transfer request provided all dues and transfer fees have been paid in full.
        3. Forward any advanced dues received to the member’s new local lodge along with the official transfer card.
        4. In the event transfer member is a participant in a sick-benefit fund, be responsible for benefit payment(s) up to thirty days from transfer acceptance date.
        5. Funeral fund benefit shall be paid in accordance with by-laws of the district lodge.

Section 3 – Membership Committee. All properly presented and accepted applications for membership shall be referred to a membership committee, which shall be composed of at least two local lodge members in good standing.

    1. Duties. The membership committee shall:
      1. Interview applicant(s) thoroughly to determine their character and interest in the Vasa Order, and make recommendation(s) to the local lodge for action.
      2. Sign the application(s) for membership in the designated space.
      3. Perform all other duties as required by the Constitution and By-Laws of the local lodge.

Section 4 – Balloting on an application for membership shall be called for by the Chairman as soon as the application has been duly approved.

    1. Procedure. The ballot box may be used or the Chair together with the membership may decide on the method of voting.
      1. Each white ball cast is a vote to accept the candidate.
      2. Each black ball cast is a vote to reject the candidate. The presence of three or more black balls rejects the candidate for membership.
      3. In case of rejection at first ballot, a member may move for a second ballot. A majority of votes cast must favor a second ballot prior to re-balloting.
      4. The second ballot shall rescind the first and thus becomes the deciding ballot.
    2. Rescinding a favorable ballot shall be permitted if, after balloting, but prior initiation, it becomes known that the candidate is neither desirable nor worthy of membership in the Vasa Order of America. The Chairman must accept a motion to rescind the prior ballot in favor of membership. A majority of votes cast must favor a motion to rescind and thus reject the application for membership.

Section 5 – Initiation. Accepted candidate(s) shall be advised by the Recording Secretary of the time and place for initiation, and must clearly indicate to the candidate:

    1. Candidate’s obligation to be present.
    2. Initiation must take place no later than two months after the acceptance of the application for membership.
    3. Non-compliance with either A or B above, without a valid reason, shall nullify the accepted application for membership. Any initiation fee(s) paid shall be forfeited.
    4. Postponement of initiation beyond the two month limit is authorized, provided a motion to that effect is favored by a majority of votes cast.

Section 6 – Beginning of membership shall be counted from the date the member was last initiated in the Vasa Order.

Section 7 – Forfeiture of Membership shall be declared by the Chairman when thorough investigation verifies that the member in question falsified their application for membership.

Section 8 – Separation from the Order. While separated from the Order, all rights and privileges are suspended.

Section 9 – Dual Membership. Membership in more than one local lodge of the Vasa Order shall be governed by the following:

    1. A member may hold membership in not more than two local lodges of the Vasa Order of America.
    2. A dual member may both lodges to which he/she belongs, provided no office is duplicated in both lodges, such as chairman in tow lodges at the same time.
    3. When applying for dual membership, a statement from the original local lodge must show membership in good standing, attested to by the Financial Secretary.
    4. Dues and per capita tax must be paid to both lodges.
    5. The Recording Secretary of each local lodge the duel member belongs to, must provide an accurate account of all such members in the local lodge to the Grand Secretary.

Section 10 – Membership Card. A multi-year membership card shall be issued by the Financial Secretary and updated upon payment of dues. This card shall serve as proof of good standing in the order.

 

ARTICLE III – MEETINGS

Section 1 – Regular. A minimum of nine regular meetings must be held during the year with social meetings held in the months when a regular meeting is not conducted.

    1. The time and place for regular meeting shall be as designated by the local lodge.
    2. Cancellation of a regular meeting is permitted, provided all members had been notified in sufficient time prior to voting on proposal to cancel meeting.
    3. Change in time and/or place for a regular meeting of the local lodge.
      1. A temporary change must be decided at a previous meeting and if a motion is passed, all members must be notified in writing in sufficient time for the meeting.
      2. A permanent change requires a notice of motion at a regular meeting and all members shall be notified in writing:
        1. of the entire notion as presented.
        2. of the date when the presented motion will come before the local lodge for the final vote.
      3. All members must be notified of the final outcome of the vote, in writing, prior to effective date.

Section 2 – Special. A special meeting may be called by the Chairman, together with the Recording Secretary, provided:

    1. A definite need has been established.
    2. Seven or more members in good standing request in writing a desire and need for a special meeting.
    3. All members are notified in writing at least forty eight hours prior to the special meeting, stating:
      1. The time and place, and
      2. All business to be discussed and transacted during the meeting. No other business may come before the lodge at a special meeting.

Section 3 – Quorum needed to transact any business of the local lodge shall be at least seven members in good standing.

Section 4 – Delegates to the District Lodge Convention shall represent the local lodge to which the elected delegate belongs.

    1. Qualifications for election as district lodge delegate.
      1. Candidate has served one or more terms as a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer or Cultural Leader in the local lodge.
      2. Candidate is a member in good standing having attended a majority of local lodge meetings during the year (or gives valid reason(s) for absence).
      3. In the absence of a sufficient number of past officers as in A-1 above, the local lodge shall elect delegate(s) from its general membership in order to obtain full representation at the district convention, and that newly instituted local lodges are entitled to representation at the district convention, and that newly instituted local lodges are entitled to representation at the district convention without a waiting period of six months. Requirements as set forth in A-2 above and Art. IV – Sec 2 must be met.
      4. Dual members may be eligible to be a delegate to the district convention from either of the local lodges to which the member belongs, provided all qualifications are met.
    2. Number of District Lodge Delegates. Each district lodge shall determine in its by-laws the number of delegates each local lodge is entitled to, based on total active membership.
    3. Nomination and Election of Delegates to a district lodge convention shall be in accordance with the by-laws of the district lodge.

 

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS

Section 1 – Officers. The local lodge shall elect the following officers:

*Chairman    

 *Chaplain

*Vice Chairman   

 *Master of Ceremonies

*Recording Secretary   

 *Assistant Master of Ceremonies

*Assistant Recording Secretary 

 *Inner Guard

*Financial Secretary   

 * Outer Guard (optional)

*Assistant Financial Secretary 

 *3 Auditors

*Treasurer    

 *3 Trustees

*Cultural Leader   

 * Historian 

 

 Other officers may be elected or appointed:

 *Vasa National Archive Representative

      1. The office of Past Chairman shall be filled by the outgoing Chairman.
      2. Election procedure for Trustees and Auditors are found in Sec 3D
      3. Additional officers may be elected or appointed as specified in district or local lodge by-laws.

Section 2 – Qualifications. A candidate for local lodge office shall be a member in good standing with at least six months membership in the local lodge.

    1. To be nominated and elected to local lodge Chairman, it shall be required that the candidate has served as an officer of the lodge at least one term, except when a new local lodge is instituted.
    2. Election procedures for Trustees and Auditors are found in Sec. 3D
    3. A candidate for local lodge Trustee must be:
      1. A member in good standing at least twenty-one years of age.
      2. A member who previously served as an elected officer in the local lodge, except when a new lodge is instituted.

Section 3 – Nomination and Election.

    1. Nominations shall be held at the regular meeting preceding that of election, and nominations must remain open until immediately prior to the time of election.
    2. All elected positions must be balloted on separately, and a plurality of votes may be sufficient to elect.
    3. A district lodge may specify the time for nomination and election of local lodge officers in its by-laws. In the absence of such requirements, local lodge elections must be held at the first regular meeting in the month of December.
    4. Newly instituted local lodges shall elect three Trustees and Auditors to serve for one, two, and three years respectively. Thereafter, one Trustee and one Auditor shall then be elected for a three year term during regular election of officers. The Trustee and Auditor serving the last year of the three year term shall be chairman of the Trustees and Auditors respectively.

Section 4 – Term of Office shall be from the date of installation for a period as specified by the district or local lodge by-laws.

Section 5 – Election Tally Committee. The local lodge Chairman shall appoint a committee of at least three local lodge members in good standing to serve during election of officers.

 Duties. The Election Tally Committee is responsible:

    1. For ascertaining from the Financial Secretary that each candidate is in good standing and qualified to stand for election.
    2. To distribute and collect all ballots.
    3. To check all ballots for correctness.
    4. To count all correct ballots cast for each candidate and report to the Chairman the total ballots received for each candidate.  

Section 6 – Vacancy in Office. A vacancy in the office of Chairman, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary and Master of Ceremonies shall be filled by the respective vice or assistant. The office(s) thus vacated and any other vacancy shall be filled by electing a qualified local lodge member to serve for the balance of the term. A vacancy on the committee of Trustees shall be filled immediately by electing a new Trustee at the same meeting the vacancy is declared, to finish the term

Section 7 – Officer’s Privileges shall be bestowed on a local lodge member after having served six months of the term for which elected, and further requires that the officer had attended a majority of meetings (or gave valid reason(s) for absence).

    1. The Past Chairman Jewel shall be bestowed on a member who has served a term as Chairman.
    2. The degree of Past Chairman and the right to wear the Past Chairman’s Degree Jewel shall be bestowed on a member who has served for three consecutive years:
      1. As Vice Chairman, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Cultural Leader or Historian.
      2. In addition to the above, as the Assistant Recording Secretary, Master of Ceremonies or Assistant Master/Mistress of Ceremonies in Sweden.
    3. Past officer(s) transferring to another local lodge shall retain all previously earned privileges.

Section 8 – Negligence or Incompetence. The Chairman, in conjunction with the Trustee, may declare an office vacant, if:

    1. An officer neglects the duties of his/her office.
    2. An officer is absent three consecutive meetings without just cause.
    3. A motion from the floor claiming incompetency or neglect by an officer is duly presented and adopted.
    4. A vacancy shall be filled as in Section 6 above.

Section 9 - Installation of Officers. Installation of the duly elected officer of the local lodge shall take place as soon as possible in the term for which they have been elected. If the District Master, or District Deputy, is unable to be present to conduct the installation ceremonies, the Chairman shall appoint a Past Chairman of the local lodge to perform the ceremonies.

Section 10 – Duties of the Officers. All local lodge officers shall, at the end of their term, turn over all books, monies, papers, documents and property of the local lodge in their care to their respective successor or to such committee as in local lodge may designate.

 

    1. The Chairman is the highest ranking officer of the local lodge, and shall:
      1. Preside over all meetings of the lodge and supervise all activities within the lodge.
      2. Be well familiar with the Constitution of the Order, and all other rules and regulations.
      3. Make certain that the officers and members of various committees perform required duties.
      4. Appoint committees as needed, except a nominating committee, which must be elected by the members.
      5. Appoint officers to temporarily fill vacancies found at the roll call of officers, except the Inner and Outer Guard.
      6. Cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie on any motion before the local lodge. The Chairman is not entitled to vote unless there is a tie.
      7. Be entitled to vote during election of officers and when balloting of new member(s).
      8. Submit to all rules and regulations of the Constitution and the by-laws of the district and local lodge.
      9. At the end of the term, give a complete report to the local lodge of their accomplishments and make recommendations for future development and growth.
    1. The Vice Chairman shall aid and assist the Chairman in the maintaining order and decorum during the local lodge meetings. Assume the duties of the Chairman in his/her absence, and shall:
      1. Have special supervision over the Inner and Outer Guards, and the entrance to the lodge room.
      2. Appoint office(s) to temporarily fill vacancies found at roll call of Inner and Outer Guard.
      3. Inspect the ballot box, prior to showing it to the Chairman, and when requested, verify the result of voting.
    2. Recording Secretary is the recording as well as the corresponding secretary of the lodge, and shall:
      1. Keep and maintain careful and impartial records of all proceedings of the local lodge meetings.
      2. Keep and maintain a complete list of all members of the local lodge, recording the:
          1. Name, address, date of birth and initiation.
          2. Assigned member number.
          3. Office(s) held and year(s) served.
          4. Date(s) member(s) resigned or were dropped for failure to pay established dues.
      3. Furnish the District Secretary with a complete list of all initiations, transfers, exclusions and such other information pertaining to membership as prescribed by the Constitution and the by-laws of the district and local lodge.
      4. Obtain all necessary information to prepare the Yearly Report and forward to the District Secretary no later than January 31.
      5. Be the custodian and sole user of the local lodge official seal. The seal shall be affixed to all official documents, letter and papers of the local lodge.
    3. The Assistant Recording Secretary shall assist and aid the Recording Secretary, and assume the duties of the Recording Secretary in his/her absence.
    4. The Financial Secretary receives all monies paid to the local lodge, and issues an official receipt for same, and shall:
      1. Turn over all monies received to the treasurer at the close of each meeting.
      2. Issue an annual official Vasa Order of America Membership Card to each member at the time their dues are paid. This card shall serve as an official receipt for dues paid.
      3. Keep an accurate account of each member’s payment of dues and assessments.
      4. Bill delinquent member(s) for past dues and assessments when three months in arrears.
      5. Report to the local lodge any action taken regarding member(s) over three months in arrears.
      6. Furnish necessary information for the Yearly Report to the Recording Secretary.
      7. Furnish a bond or security for the faithful performance of duties, as required by the local lodge, which shall pay the stipulated premium.
    5. The Assistant Financial Secretary shall assist and aid the Financial Secretary and assume the duties of the Financial Secretary in his/her absence.
    6. The Treasurer pays all bills of the local lodge, duly authorized for payment and shall:
      1. Issue an official receipt to the Financial Secretary for all monies received.
      2. Deposit all monies received in accounts as ordered by the local lodge, and maintain complete and accurate records of income and expenditures.
      3. Maintain all accounts in good order, and be fully prepared for the year-end audit.
      4. Furnish a bond or security for the faithful performance of duties, as required by the local lodge, which shall pay the required premium.
      5. Furnish all necessary information for the Yearly Report to the Recording Secretary and, a complete and detailed term report at the end of each term or whenever requested by the local lodge.
    7. The Chaplain shall perform all duties as prescribed by the Ritual of the Order.
    8. The Master of Ceremonies is in charge of regalia, song cards, and other property of the local lodge, and shall:
      1. Prepare the lodge room for meeting, distribute regalia, song cards, etc, prior to the opening of the meeting.
      2. Have charge of the ballot box during balloting on candidate(s) for membership.
      3. Count votes at the time of voting on a motion, when requested by the Chairman.
      4. Perform all duties as prescribed by the Ritual of the Order.
    9. The Assistant Master of Ceremonies shall aid and assist the Master of Ceremonies at all local lodge meeting, and assume the duties of the Master of Ceremonies in his/her absence.
    10. The Inner Guard has charge of the door to the lodge room and shall:
      1. Receive the Local Lodge password or other proof of membership in the Vasa Order from person(s) wishing to enter the lodge room after opening of the meeting, and shall seat late arrivals.
      2. Obtain permission from the Vice Chairman prior to permitting anyone to enter the lodge room after the formal opening of the meeting.
    11. The Outer Guard shall aid and assist the Inner Guard and perform such duties as prescribed by the Ritual of the Order.
    12. The Past Chairman shall assist and advise the Chairman in the absence of the Chairman and Vice Chairman, assume the office of Chairman and perform all duties as prescribed by the Ritual of the Order.
    13. The Cultural Leader shall be responsible exclusively for cultural activities. Such activities as social events, refreshments, etc., shall be the duty of a committee for such events and be strictly separated from duties of the Cultural Leader. The Cultural Leader shall:
      1. Aim to interest members in cultural activities.
      2. Utilize the Cultural Leader’s Resource Book as a reference in generating cultural programs within the lodge and maintain it with such information as may be received from the Grand Lodge Cultural Directors.
      3. Supervise programs emanating from the District and G.L. Cultural Directors to be implemented on the local lodge level.  
    14. The Trustees shall have general supervision over all business and financial activities of the local lodge and shall:
      1. Have supervision over all bonds, stocks, shares and other property belonging to the lodge.
      2. Ascertain that all monies are deposited in designated funds.
      3. Make certain bonds or sureties are furnished by officers as required by the Constitution, district and local lodge by-laws. Such bonds or sureties shall be in the custody of the chairman of the Trustees.
      4. Exchange, deposit or transfer all monies or property of the local lodge as voted by a two-thirds vote during a lodge meeting.
      5. Furnish all necessary information for the Yearly Report to the Recording Secretary.
      6. Be present at the auditing meeting to ascertain that all funds and securities of the lodge are properly placed according to the record of proceedings and by-laws. Examine all bank books and bank statements.
      7. Report findings at the auditing meeting during the officer’s annual reports to the local lodge.
      8. Submit a written, complete report of the financial status and activities of the lodge at the end of each term. The report shall include an inventory of all property of the lodge, and where items of value are kept for safekeeping.
      9. Perform all other duties as requested by the lodge.
    15. The Auditors shall at the end of each term or more often if requested by the lodge, audit all local lodge accounts and shall:
      1. Be present, if possible, at all meetings of the local lodge to examine and approve all bills received.
      2. Perform all other duties as requested by the lodge.
    16. The Local Lodge Historian shall:
      1. Keep and maintain a local lodge history book to include photos of all important and interesting events concerning the lodge, identifying all persons, places and dates.
      2. Obtain a copy of all reports and minutes of the local lodge and extract items which are of historical value.
      3. Present a written report to the lodge at the end of the term.
      4. Forward to the District Historian a summary of pertinent information along with any photos which could be of historical value.
      5. Turn over the history book and files to their successor.
    17. All other officers elected in accordance with the by-lays of the lodge shall perform duties as the position may require or as determined by the lodge.

 

ARTICLE V – STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1 – Sunshine Committee. The composition, number of members and specific duties shall be provided for in the local lodge by-laws.

Section 2 - Membership Committee. A committee of three local lodge members shall be elected concurrent with election of officers. Member of this committee shall visit and offer encouragement to delinquent members of the lodge and make necessary arrangements for group initiation(s).

Section 3 – Media Committee. A committee of at least two local lodge members shall be elected or appointed during the first meeting in the month of January. Members of this committee shall obtain press exposure for the lodge in newspapers and other publications (Swedish or Scandinavian in nature) circulating in the local lodge neighborhood.

Section 4 – Archive Committee. A committee of at least two local lodge members, of whom one shall be the Local Lodge Historian, shall be appointed during the first meeting in the month of January. Members of his/her committee shall sort and file the local lodge documents in a way that ensures complete safety.

ARTICLE VI – DUES, FEES, PER CAPITA TAX

Section 1 – Application Fee. Each person who seeks membership in the Vasa Order of America shall pay a one dollar application fee at the time of submitting their application for membership. This fee shall be part of the initiation fee.

Section 2 – Initiation Fee. Each person seeking membership in the Vasa Order of America shall pay a minimum of ten dollars as an initiation fee prior to initiation.

Section 3 – Membership Dues shall be paid as stipulated by the district lodge.

Section 4 – Funeral Fund Dues shall be paid as stipulated by the district lodge.

Section 5 – Special Fund Dues shall be paid to the Grand Lodge as follows:

    1. All members in the United States shall pay dues to the Old Age and Benefit Fund as stipulated in the G. L. Const.-Art. 9, Sec. 1.
    2. All members in the United States shall pay dues to the Education Fund as stipulated in the G. L. Const.-Art. 9, Sec. 2.

Section 6 – Per Capita Tax as established by the Grand Lodge and the District Lodge shall be forwarded to the District Secretary immediately following the last meeting of the calendar year.

Section 7 – Exemption from payment of per capita tax shall be granted to local lodges instituted during the last three months of the calendar.

Section 8 – Dues, Taxes, Fines and etc. shall be paid on or before the due-date(s) in order for members(s) to remain in good standing.

Section 9 – Penalty for Delinquency. Prior to taking action on the suspension or expulsion of a member for failure to pay the stipulated dues and fees, the local lodge must notify the member in writing, at least fifteen days in advance of the scheduled meeting for such action.

    1. Suspension. A member three months in arrears shall be suspended at the first regular meeting of the following month-effective on that date.
        1. A suspended member forfeits all rights, benefits and privileges in the local, district and Grand Lodge, including serving out an elected term of office.
        2. Suspended member participating in a district funeral benefit fund shall be governed by the district lodge by-laws.
        3. The suspension is lifted and all rights and privileges are restored after the suspended member has fulfilled their financial obligations.
    2. Expulsion. A suspended member, neglecting to fulfill financial obligations to the lodge within four months of the date of suspension, shall be expelled from the Vasa Order of America at the next regular meeting of the local lodge.
        1. In extraordinary circumstances, the lodge may grant a reprieve for not more than one month for a total of five months from the date of suspension.
        2. A majority of votes cast must favor the one month extension.
    3. A member reported ill or otherwise incapacitated must not be suspended for failure to meet financial obligation.

ARTICLE VII – BENEFIT FUNDS

Section 1 – Sick Benefit Fund. Local lodges may maintain a sick benefit fund for its members.

    1. Applicants to an established sick benefit fund shall be fifty years of age or less at the time of application.
    2. Yearly sick benefits must be equal to or greater than the yearly dues for fund members.
    3. Sick benefits must be paid to all members of the fund who maintain membership in good standing, regardless of place of residence.

Section 2 – Funeral Benefit Fund. A member belonging to a local lodge sick benefit fund may also belong to a funeral benefit fund, maintained by the district lodge.

    1. A stipulated funeral benefit shall be paid for a deceased member by the district lodge to deceased member’s local lodge. The local lodge, in turn, is responsible for payment of the funeral benefit to the estate or legal heir(s) of the deceased member.
    2. A member in good standing of a funeral benefit fund, may, upon written request, withdraw from the fund without loss of any rights and/or privileges of membership in other funds of the Grand, district, or local lodge.
    3. Local lodges shall be permitted to organize their own funeral benefit fund, provided there are no obligations to either the district or Grand Lodge. A two-thirds vote is necessary for adoption of a motion to organize a funeral benefit fund in the local lodge, and all members must be notified in sufficient time prior to voting.

ARTICLE VIII – FUNDS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES

Local lodges shall have the right to establish, develop and maintain funds for special purposes, provided:

      1. Contributions to such funds are strictly voluntary, and not considered a condition of membership in a local lodge.
      2. Assets of such special funds shall not be diverted to other projects unrelated to the original purpose.
      3. Assets remaining after completion or abandonment of fund may revert back to the lodge general fund.

In the event of incorporation, the articles of incorporation shall name in succession the local, district and the Grand Lodge as Primary benefactor in case of dissolution of said corporation.

ARTICLE IX – LOCAL LODGE SEAL

An Official Seal shall be issued to each local lodge for the exclusive use of the Recording Secretary of the lodge. The name and number of the lodge, the date of institution and the Local Lodge Emblem must appear on the seal.

ARTICLE X – CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CLUBS

Children’s and Youth Clubs shall be under the direction of a leader approved and/or appointed by the District Youth Supervisor.

        1. The club leader may appoint assistant leaders.
        2. The Club leader shall submit an annual report to the district Youth Supervisor on club activities.
        3. Club membership is open to children of Vasa Members as well as other children of Scandinavian ancestry.
        1. Children’s Club: between the ages of three and fourteen at the discretion of the club leader/supervisor.
        2. Youth Club: between the ages of thirteen and twenty-one and member(s) may remain active until their twenty-fifth birthday.

ARTICLE XI – ACCOUNTS AND REPORTS

Section 1 – Financial Term shall be January 1 through December 31 (the calendar year) unless otherwise specified in local lodge by-laws.

Section 2 – Financial Term Report shall be executed on an official form furnished by the Grand Secretary. One copy is to be mailed to the District Secretary by January 31, and one copy is for local lodge files.

    1. If the financial term does not coincide with the calendar year, the financial part of the official report shall cover the Fiscal Year of the lodge and the membership report to December of the preceding year.
    2. The Official Yearly Report shall be filled out by the Recording Secretary, are reviewed and signed by the Chairman, the Recording Secretary and the Auditors of the local lodge.

ARTICLE XII – VIOLATION, GRIEVANCE, and HEARINGS

SECTION 1 – Violations/Grievances. A Vasa member who at any time or anywhere disrupts the operation and/or dishonors the character or reputation of the Vasa Order of America, or any of its members, or violates the Constitution, by-laws or regulation of the Order, shall be held responsible to his/her own local lodge.

    1. The letter of complain against the Vasa Brother or Sister, must:
      1. Specify nature of the violation or grievance.
      2. State the time and place (when applicable).
      3. Be Signed by Vasa member(s) in good standing in the Order.
      4. Be presented to the Recording Secretary of the accused member’s local lodge.
    2. The recording secretary shall, immediately upon receipt, read the letter of complaint to the members at a regular meeting of the local lodge.
      1. The accusation may be resolved at the meeting it is being read to the lodge, or
      2. An investigating committee of five members shall be selected, of which three shall be selected by the local lodge and two by the accused member.
      3. The committee shall meet immediately following the lodge meeting to select a chairman and secretary, and decide upon the time and place to hear arguments by the accused as well as the accuser.

Section 2 – Hearing. The accuser and accused shall be notified of the time and place of the hearing by registered mail, with a request for each to produce witnesses and documents pertinent to the case. A copy of the written complaint must be included in the notification of the hearing.

    1. The secretary of the investigating committee shall keep careful and complete records of the proceedings of committee meetings.
    2. Upon completion of the hearing(s), the investigation committee must turn over all records of meeting(s) to the local lodge with a recommendation for action by the lodge, either by:
        1. Dismissal of charges,
        2. Warning,
        3. Suspension for a fixed period of time, or
        4. Expulsion from the Local Lodge.
    3. The local lodge must vote on the recommendation(s) by the investigation committee at the regular meeting of the lodge immediately following receipt of the committee’s recommendation(s).
        1. Dismissal of charges or a warning require a majority vote for passage.
        2. Suspension for a fixed period of time or expulsion from the Local Lodge require two-thirds vote for passage.
        3. Failure of the accused to appear at the hearing (without valid reason), direct the committee to submit a written report in accordance therewith, to the lodge. Without permitting any deliberation on the matter, the chairman of the local lodge shall declare the accused separated from the local lodge and the Local Lodge.
        4. The Recording Secretary of the lodge shall immediately notify the accused and the accuser of the lodge’s decision, by registered mail.
        5. Decision of the local lodge is final.

ARTICLE XIII – AMENDMENTS

 Local lodges shall specify rules for amending their own by-laws with minimal requirements that the proposal shall:

    1. Be read at one meeting and a copy sent to all members prior to the next business meeting at which time the vote may be taken.
    2. Require a two-thirds vote for passage.
    3. Become effective upon approval of district lodge or its executive board.

 

Approved: March 5, 1996

Revised: June 1, 2004

 

 

BY-LAWS TO THE CONSTITUTION FOR LINDGREN LODGE #754

ARTICLE I- Hence forth this local lodge shall be known as Lindgren Lodge # 754. Located at Green Bay, WI.

ARTICLE VI – Dues shall be set and recorded as voted upon at a regular meeting by the membership.

ARTICLE XIII – Amendments to these by-laws shall be as stated in the Constitution

    1. Be read at one meeting and a copy sent to all members prior to the next business meeting at which time the vote may be taken.
    2. Require a two-thirds vote for passage.
    3. Become effective upon approval of district lodge or its executive board.

 

 

Approved: March 5, 1996

Revised: June 1, 2004