Venturing Crew 25
Bylaws

1. Preamble - Venturing Code.  As a Venturer, I believe that America's strength lies in our trust in God and in the courage, strength, and traditions of our people. I will, therefore, be faithful in my religious duties and will maintain a personal sense of honor in my own life. I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can to preserve and enrich it. I will recognize the dignity and worth of all humanity and will use fair play and goodwill in my daily life. I will acquire the Venturing attitude that seeks the truth in all things and adventure on the frontiers of our changing world.


2. Crew Bylaws.
   
   
   1. Objectives. The objectives of Venturing Crew No. 25 are to provide positive experiences to help the crew members mature and prepare them to become responsible, caring adults. Our programs will be developed around six experience areas of emphasis: Citizenship, Leadership, Fitness, Social Interaction, Outdoor Activities, and Service to Others..
   
   
   2. Membership. Membership shall be open to all young adults of high school age who live in the surrounding area and have completed the eighth grade or are at least 14 years of age. No prospective member shall be disqualified because of race, color, creed, or sex. All members must be registered as Venturers and agree to the crew code and bylaws.
   
   
   3. Officers.

      1. The elected officers shall be president, two vice presidents, secretary, and treasurer. The president, with the approval of the Advisor, shall appoint activity chairs and make other assignments as needed. The duties of the officers shall be as prescribed in the Venturing Leader Manual.

      • Crew President
        1. Serves as the crew's youth leader.
        2. Implements the crew program in cooperation with officers and members.
        3. Works closely with the Advisors and other adult leaders in a spirit of partnership.
        4. Represents the crew at Venturing officers' association (VOA) meetings and council VOA program planning conference and is available to report to the chartered organization and crew committee.
        5. Assists the crew Advisor in conducting the crew officers' seminar.
        6. Appoints youth chairs for special projects and appoints special crew officers.
        7. Presents the annual report to the chartered organization at the conclusion of the term of office.
        8. Assesses on an ongoing basis whether the responsibilities of the officers are being considered and carried out effectively.
        9. Approaches Venturing and encourages others to approach Venturing in a spirit of fun and enjoyment.
      
      
      • Administrative Vice President
        1. Serves as the crew's administrative officer.
        2. Assumes the responsibilities of the crew president in his or her absence.
        3. Leads the recruiting and admission of new members during the year.
        4. Organizes and recognizes the achievements of crew members.
        5. Conducts opening and closing ceremonies for special occasions as scheduled.
        6. Attends all crew activities.
        7. Participates in the council VOA program planning conference.
        8. Approaches Venturing in a spirit of fun, and seeks to reflect this spirit in the recruiting of new members and through recognizing the achievements of crew members.
      
      
      • Program Vice President
        1. Serves as the crew's program officer and, in that position, arranges the program planning process for the crew.
        2. Collects and maintains a crew activity file consisting of the program capability inventory, a list of crew member interests and suggestions for activities, program resources, and an annual activity schedule.
        3. Determines the interests of the crew members on an ongoing basis (using Venturing activity interest surveys).
        4. Provides support for the chair and committee for each activity.
        5. Maintains an up-to-date calendar of crew meetings and activities.
        6. Approaches and encourages others to approach Venturing activities in a spirit of fun and enjoyment.
      
      
      • Secretary
        1. Serves as the crew's communications officer and, in that position, manages all communications and publicity for the crew.
        2. Maintains crew membership and attendance records.
        3. Handles crew correspondence and minutes.
        4. Coordinates crew publicity through local media, crew newsletters, and the crew's telephone network.
        5. Serves as the crew's webmaster for the crew's internet web site.
        6. Approaches Venturing in a spirit of fun, and seeks to reflect this spirit in the publicity and communications of the crew.
      
      
      • Treasurer
        1. Serves as the crew's financial officer and, in that position, maintains financial records and monitors the crew budget.
        2. Collects and disburses crew funds.
        3. Communicates with the officers and members on a regular basis to keep them informed about the crew's finances. Publication of the required information to the crew's web site shall constitute compliance with this article, provided that a hard printed copy of same will be provided by mail to any member who provides a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the Crew Secretary/webmaster for this purpose.
        4. Approaches Venturing in a spirit of fun, and spreads this spirit in carrying out the treasurer's responsibilities.

      2. The normal term of office shall be for one year starting on February 1, or as soon thereafter as each officer's successor shall be elected and qualified.

      3. No member shall serve more than two successive terms in the same office.

      4. The president shall appoint a nominating committee, which shall consist of three members. The nominating committee shall interview and present a complete slate of candidates who have agreed, if elected, to serve to the best of their abilities.

      5. On the night of the election, any member may present additional nominations from the floor. If a nomination from the floor is seconded and the candidate agrees to serve, he or she must be included on the ballot.

      6. All contested ballots shall be secret.

   4. Crew Business. Crew business shall be conducted under the principles outlined in Roberts Rules of Order. Voting on all issues will be by simple majority, with the exception of changes or amendments to these bylaws, which shall require a two-thirds vote of the total membership. A quorum shall consist of one more than the majority of members for votes on routine matters.
   
   
   5. General Meetings. General meetings will be held the first and third Sundays of each month at 2:00 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of Yorkshire United Methodist Church, 125 Edgewood Road, York, Pennsylvania, unless other day and time of the first and third week be decided by the membership at the beginning of each school year.
   
   
   6. Officers' Meetings. Officers' meetings will be held at least once a month, prior to and at time different from the first crew meeting of that month.
   
   
   7. Newsletter. The crew will publish a newsletter at least every other month, which will include all meeting dates and other information of interest to the membership. The newsletter will serve as the historical record of the crew. Publication of the required information to the crew's web site shall constitute compliance with this article, provided that a hard printed copy of the newsletter will be provided by mail to any member who provides a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the Crew Secretary/webmaster for this purpose.
   
   
   8. Dues. Dues will be $_________ per month, payable quarterly or at any time before or within the current calendar quarter. Members who are in arrears in payment of their dues are ineligible to vote on matters of crew business or for officers until their dues are brought current, and members whose dues are delinquent for six months or more shall be dropped from the crew roster. No member who resigns from the crew shall be permitted to a refund of dues paid by said member unless approved as a specific item of crew business at a regular or special crew meeting pursuant to article II-D above.
   
   
   9. Money-earning Projects. All money-earning projects must be approved by a majority vote of the crew members. Members who do not participate in the project are not entitled to any benefits of the funds earned. All money-earning projects must be approved by the Crew Advisor and meet the applicable requirements of the Boy Scouts of America.