Sons of Norway Constitution of Local Lodges

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The Constitutions of Local Lodges is contained in the Charter and Constitutions of the Fraternal Benefit Society Sons of Norway the International Lodge, District Lodge, and Local Lodges and defines the organization, its objectives, purposes, provisions and other matters of operation.

CHAPTER I Authority, Requirements, and Nomenclature

125. AUTHORITY. A Local Lodge shall have no other authority than that delegated to it by the International Lodge.

126. ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS. A Local Lodge must have at least 40 charter members, except as provided in paragraph 60, and shall be organized only in the manner prescribed by the Charter and Constitution of Sons of Norway.

127. NAME AND NUMBER. The Local Lodges shall be designated by number in succession from one and up as they are organized. Each lodge shall also have a name to be selected by the lodge itself, but the name must not be the name of a lodge already existing within the same district. Neither shall a lodge take the name of any living person unless the individual and the International Board of Directors have expressly given their consent thereto.

128. CONTINUITY. A Local Lodge cannot be dissolved or leave Sons of Norway if eight members vote to maintain and wish to continue their membership in Sons of Norway.

CHAPTER II Meetings

About our Organization (A to Z)

129. FREQUENCY. A Local Lodge shall the option to have at least one meeting each month with a minimum of eight meetings annually. These meetings should include the culture and heritage of Norway and other Nordic countries.

At least four times per year, the majority of the business of the lodge will be transacted. The time and place of all meetings and events shall be decided by the lodge. (8/06)

130. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special Meetings may be called by the President. It shall be the President’s duty to call such Special Meetings, if the Board of Directors so decides, or if a written demand, signed by five members of the lodge, is received by the President.

131. NOTIFICATION OF SPECIAL MEETINGS. The President shall inform the Secretary of the time, place and purpose of such Special Meeting, and the Secretary shall inform the members of the same. No other matters than those mentioned in the notice shall be considered.

132. QUORUM. At all meetings of a Local Lodge, eight members shall constitute a quorum. A “Visitor” is a member of Sons of Norway from one lodge visiting another lodge. A “Guest” is a nonmember of Sons of Norway.

All regular lodge meetings where business of the lodge is transacted are closed meetings. A visitor may attend a closed meeting.

The Lodge President may declare a regular lodge meeting an “open meeting” if no objections are voiced to allow guests to attend meetings.

Guests are encouraged to attend social events and community activities of the lodge. (8/98)

CHAPTER III Membership

133. REQUIREMENTS. To become a member of a Local Lodge, the applicant must be of Norwegian or other Nordic birth or descent, be at least 16 years of age, and of good moral character. A person of another nationality, who is married to a Norwegian or person of other Nordic nationality, may file an application for membership. Any applicant, who shows a great interest in the objects and purposes of Sons of Norway, regardless of nationality, may be accepted by the Local Lodge into membership. (8/96)

134. MEMBERSHIP CLASSIFICATIONS. There shall be the following classifications:

(a) INSURANCE BENEFIT MEMBERS. Any member, to whom has been issued a benefit contract by the International Lodge, shall be deemed a benefit member as long as the member’s benefit contract is maintained and all applicable Lodge dues are paid [See paragraph 21(a)]. (8/02)

(b) NON-INSURANCE MEMBERS. Also known as social members, as stipulated in Article X of the Charter. (8/02)

(c) FAMILY MEMBERSHIP. Membership is extended to each child in the household of an adult Sons of Norway member upon application, that being either heritage classification for children 15 and under or Unge Venner for children age 16 through 23. No additional International, District, or Local Lodge Dues shall be assessed for family membership. (8/06)

(d) LIFE/GOLDEN MEMBERS. Members who are 65 years of age or older, and who have been members in good standing in the Order for 30 years or more, are classified as either Life Members (if these requirements were met prior to Jan. 1, 1999) or Golden Members. Years of membership need not be consecutive. Life Members are exempt from paying International and District Dues, while Golden Members shall pay 50 percent of these assessments.

Local Lodge dues may be assessed and collected from either of these categories of membership, provided that the Local Lodge Bylaws have been updated accordingly. In all respects, these members shall enjoy all rights and benefits they previously held in the lodge as full dues paying members. Those transferring to another local lodge shall maintain their Life or Golden membership status. Life membership shall be extended to any member who has served as President of the International Lodge. (8/02)

(e) JUVENILE MEMBERS. Holders of juvenile certificates when reaching the age of 21 and who have not otherwise attained adult membership shall automatically become members of their sponsoring (adult) lodge at that time. Either of the following groups:

(1) Those acquiring membership by request between the ages of 16 and 23, or

(2) Those who automatically become members of the Local Lodge after attaining age 21,

may be balloted on and pay membership dues at the Unge Venner member cost until age 23. If the lodge rejects membership of these juveniles, or if the juvenile rejected membership in the local lodge, they will become members of the Central Lodge. (8/02)

(f) HERITAGE MEMBERS. Children age 15 and younger may become Heritage members of Sons of Norway if they are a family member of at least one Sons of Norway member in good standing. They shall have no voting rights and shall not receive the official magazine, but shall receive a Heritage membership card. (8/06)

(g) HONORARY MEMBERS. All nominations for honorary members shall be submitted to the Board of Directors of the International Lodge for approval on an official request form. The International Board of Directors awards honorary memberships to individuals who have made unique or especially noteworthy contributions to the United States of America, Canada or Norway; or significant achievements in public service, science, literature, or education, and other criteria as established by the International Board.

Nominations shall be restricted to non-members only and may originate from either the Local Lodge, District Lodge or International Lodge which shall pay International Dues for them, as the case may be. (8/02)

(h) UNGE VENNER MEMBERS. Any individual, who is a lineal descendent of a member or resides in the same household as a Sons of Norway member and is between the ages of 16 and 23 inclusive, may become a member of Sons of Norway. Such members will be exempted from having to pay International, District and Local Lodge dues. Further, such members shall have all the rights and privileges as all other members of Sons of Norway. An Unge Venner member who desires a subscription to the Viking Magazine, will be assessed the same amount that is allocated to the Viking Magazine subscription from a regular annual membership. Any other member of Sons of Norway between the ages of 16 and 23 will pay dues at a reduced rate. (8/06)

135. RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES:

(a) All members shall enjoy equal privileges in the Local Lodge except only those owning benefit contracts shall have the right to vote on questions relating to insurance. A member who has been suspended or expelled from a Local Lodge shall not have the right to attend closed meetings or other closed functions of the lodge from which he/she was suspended or expelled. (8/92)

(b) SONS OF NORWAY MEMBERSHIP CARD. A Sons of Norway Membership Card with an expiration date shall be issued upon payment of the annual dues. (8/90)

CHAPTER IV Admission of New Members

136. APPLICATION. Persons who desire to become members of a Local Lodge and are recommended by one or more members of Sons of Norway shall make application in writing on forms provided for that purpose. Said forms shall become valid applications when signed by one or more of the recommending members, or field staff personnel. Said forms shall then be submitted to the Financial Secretary or Membership Secretary. Names and addresses of all new members shall be forwarded to field staff personnel. (Adopted 8/86. Effective 8/88)

(a) DUAL MEMBERSHIP: Members possessing a current membership card from Sons of Norway may petition the desired affiliate lodge(s), and if accepted, pay only Local Lodge dues for the affiliate lodge(s) directly to the affiliate lodge. Affiliate members shall have all rights of other lodge members with the exception of voting for or of becoming District delegates from the affiliate lodge(s). Affiliate members shall not be counted in member totals that determine representation. (8/94)

137. APPLICATION READ. The application shall be presented to the lodge by the Financial Secretary or Membership Secretary at the first meeting following the filing of the application. (8/82)

138. APPROVAL. The lodge shall adopt ONLY ONE of the following Bylaw options:

(1) Allow membership to become effective upon presentation by the Financial Secretary or Membership Secretary, or

(2) Allow membership to become effective following a vote by the lodge. (8/02)

(Note: if option (1) is chosen, par. 139, 140, 141 and 142 do not apply.)

139 REJECTION:

(a) An application for membership is rejected if it does not receive a majority vote in favor of acceptance. (8/06)

(b) When an Applicant has been rejected by the Lodge, a two-thirds majority of those present and voting may refer the application to the Local Lodge Board of Directors for a final decision. After due notice is given to the Board members and, upon full investigation of the case, a two-thirds favorable majority secret ballot by the Board of Directors shall elect the Applicant to membership.

(c) An application which has been voted on and rejected may again be voted on at the same or the next following meeting, but not later.

140. VOTE ON SEVERAL APPLICATIONS. If there is no objection, the President may order that several applications be voted on at the same time.

141. SEPARATE BALLOTING IF UNFAVORABLE. If found there was a vote for rejection when there has been a vote on more than one application, the results thereof shall not be effective, and the President shall immediately order separate balloting on each application. (8/06)

142. REAPPLICATION OF REJECTED APPLICANT. When an applicant has been rejected, a new application from the same person shall not be received before the expiration of six months. The Financial Secretary or Membership Secretary shall at once inform the applicant of the result and refund the application fee.

143. NEW MEMBER ACCEPTANCE:

(a) ACCEPTED APPLICANT. If applicant is accepted, the Financial Secretary or Membership Secretary shall as soon as possible, but not later than 10 days thereafter, notify the applicant of his election to membership and the time and place of the next meeting for welcome ceremony. (9/80)

(b) MEMBERSHIP RECORDS. The Financial Secretary or Membership Secretary shall then enter the name, address, date of election and amount paid into the membership records of the Lodge. (8/90)

144. APPEARANCE FOR WELCOME CEREMONY. The newly elected member shall appear for welcome ceremony at the first scheduled welcome ceremony following his election to membership. If the new member cannot be present, the President or other member delegated by the President to administer the obligation of membership may do so, and the balance of the welcome ceremony given to such member at the next scheduled Welcome Ceremony at which the member is present. (8/06)

145. REPORT OF NEW MEMBERS. The Financial Secretary or Membership Secretary shall, immediately after each regular lodge meeting at which applicants and/or transfers are accepted or rejected, report to the Sons of Norway Headquarters by submitting Application for Membership forms and Report of New Members form, together with all funds received. (8/96)

CHAPTER V Application Fees and Dues

146. APPLICATION FEE. An application fee for new members may be determined by each Local Lodge for itself; however, no application fee shall be charged for insurance members and Junior Lodge members joining the Local Lodge. Any application fee must accompany the application for membership and shall be deposited into the general fund of the Local Lodge. (8/06)

147. DUES. Each member of the Local Lodge shall pay, in advance, to the Sons of Norway Headquarters the three (3) categories of dues—international dues, district dues, and any Local Lodge dues. The Local Lodge dues portion shall be determined by the lodge and approved by the International Board of Directors. (8/96)

148. PAYMENT OF DUES. Prior to the election to membership, an applicant must have paid all dues and fees according to the Local Lodge Bylaws. (9/80)

CHAPTER VI Suspension

149. SUSPENSION. The Sons of Norway Headquarters has the authority to suspend the active membership status of any member for reasons of nonpayment of dues, if the member is more than 120 days in arrears in payment of dues, provided, however, that with respect to insurance members, the provisions in their certificates of Insurance shall also be applicable. (9/90)

150. SUSPENSION REPORT. The Sons of Norway Headquarters will, monthly, send a report of cancelled or suspended members to the Financial Secretary or Membership Secretary of each of the respective lodges. (8/88)

151 NOTICE TO SUSPENDED MEMBERS. The Financial Secretary or Membership Secretary shall, within five days of the receipt of the report, notify suspended members of their suspension and also inform them on the steps necessary in order to be reinstated, but the suspension shall be valid and binding even if the Financial Secretary or Membership Secretary neglects to so inform suspended members. (8/88)

152. RE-INSTATEMENT:

(a) Former members who have been suspended for a period of less than a year may be reinstated in the same lodge upon payment of all dues and assessments that are in arrears, and the effective date of membership shall remain the same (8/98)

(b) Former members who have been suspended for a period of one year or longer, may apply as new members, or, may upon payment of all back dues and assessments be reinstated effective with the original date of membership. (8/98)

CHAPTER VII Transfer of Membership

153. TRANSFER CARDS. A member in good standing shall upon request receive a transfer card from the Lodge. No fee shall be charged for the issuance of a transfer card. The Financial Secretary or Membership Secretary of a Lodge accepting a transfer card shall notify the former Lodge of said transfer. It shall be the duty of the Financial Secretary or Membership Secretary of this Lodge to forward the local dues that have been collected on a pro-rata basis. (8/86)

154. NOTICE OF TRANSFER. The Financial Secretary or Membership Secretary of the Lodge which issued the transfer card shall, within 30 days, forward the transfer card to the new Lodge, and at the same time shall forward the appropriate notification to the Sons of Norway Headquarters.

155. ADMITTANCE ON TRANSFER CARD. Applications for admittance by transfer are acted upon the same as other applications for membership. If accepted, the applicant shall then be considered a member of the Lodge without further ceremonies. No fee shall be charged for membership by transfer.

(a) REPORT. The Financial Secretary or Membership Secretary of a Lodge acting upon an application for admittance by transfer shall inform the Sons of Norway Headquarters of the results thereof in his/her Report of New Members. (8/02)

(b) REJECTION. If the application is rejected, the Sons of Norway Headquarters shall notify the member and also the Lodge which issued the card, and the member shall automatically be reinstated as a member of the Lodge which issued the card.

156. VOID AFTER SIX MONTHS. If a transfer card has not been acted upon by the new Lodge within six months from the date it was issued, the transfer card shall be void, and the member shall automatically be reinstated as a member of the Lodge which issued the card.

CHAPTER VIII Officers, Terms of Office, and Election

157. TITLES AND NUMBER. The elected officers of a Local Lodge shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Financial and/or Membership Secretary and Social and/or Cultural Director and such additional officers as the Local Lodge may deem necessary. Additional officers shall either be elected or appointed as specified in the Bylaws of the Local Lodge. (8/06)

158. TERM. The Officers shall be elected for a term of one or two years, as determined by the Lodge. Officers may be elected alternately in the order that is determined by the Lodge. Lodges which elect their officers for two years may, if they so desire, elect their Trustees, who are elected the first time – one each for two, four and six years respectively, and thereafter one at each election for a term of six years or until their successors have been elected and installed. (8/04)

159. RESTRICTION OF OFFICE. The offices of President, Secretary, Financial Secretary or Membership Secretary, Treasurer and Trustees shall be held by separate individuals. (8/94)

160. TIME OF ELECTION. The election of Officers shall take place not later than the first meeting in November of each year. (9/80)

161. NOMINATING COMMITTEE. At a regular meeting, not later than September of each year, a Nominating Committee of three or five members shall be elected. At the first regular meeting in October, the Committee shall present to the Lodge its slate of candidates recommended for office. Nominations may also be made from the floor at the time of election. (9/80)

162. ELECTIONS. In all cases where there are two or more candidates for any office, ballots shall be used. A majority of the votes cast is necessary for election, otherwise election shall be by acclamation. If more than two candidates have been nominated for an office, none of whom receives a majority on the first ballot, the candidate receiving the least number of votes shall withdraw and so on until one candidate gets a majority.

163. ELIGIBILITY. Only voting members, who have been members of Sons of Norway for at least three months, are eligible for an office or as a Delegate to a District or International Lodge Meeting, provided, however, if a person has been a member of a Junior Lodge for a period of at least three months, then, in that event, the waiting period for eligibility to hold office in a Lodge or as a Delegate to a District or International Lodge Meeting shall be waived. In Lodges not in existence for three months at time of election, all voting members are eligible regardless of length of membership. (8/86)

164. REPORTS. The reporting year shall commence with the first meeting in January of each year. The Officers shall submit reports of their official acts and the condition of the Lodge at the first meeting in January and July. (8/92)

165. INSTALLATION. The Officers of a Local Lodge shall be installed at any convenient meeting in the months of December, January or February. The Installing Officer can be the retiring Counselor, a former President of the Local Lodge, or a former or current Officer or Director of the District Lodge or a member of the International Board of Directors, and a current member of Sons of Norway. (8/94)

166. INSTALLATION ATTENDANCE. If any of the Officers elected fail to appear for installation, they shall be installed at the next regular meeting unless circumstances warrant a new election to fill vacancies.

167. REMOVAL OF OFFICERS:

(a) MISCONDUCT. The Local Lodge Board of Directors may by a majority vote of all its members, remove from office any member by reason of incompetency, disobedience, moral or physical disqualifications, embezzlement, or neglect of official duties, provided that a written complaint has been sent to the Board, and that the Officer concerned has been given an opportunity to defend.

(b) FAILURE TO ATTEND MEETINGS. If any Officer is absent from three successive regular monthly meetings of the Lodge without valid excuse presented to and approved by the Lodge, then the Lodge may declare such office vacant and elect a new Officer to said office; provided, however, that such Officer shall be given written notice by the Secretary of the Lodge, not less than 14 days prior to the next meeting of the Lodge, of the intended action.

168. PRESIDING OFFICER. In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall preside, or, if the Vice President is not present, the Counselor. If none of these three officers are present, the Secretary or some other member shall call the Lodge to order, whereupon the Lodge by a majority vote shall select some member to preside.

169. VACANCIES. Whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of the Local Lodge President. the Vice President shall succeed to the office of President for the unexpired term. In such event the Board shall appoint from the members of its Lodge a Vice President to fill the unexpired term. When other vacancies occur in the office of the Local Lodge, caused by death, resignation or removal from office, the vacancy shall be filled by the Board from the members of the Local Lodge.

170. RETIRING OFFICERS SURRENDER PROPERTY. All retiring Officers shall within five days after the newly elected Officers assume their duties, turn over to them all money, valuable papers, books of account and documents which they have received as a result of their official positions; also all stocks of printed matter and all other property belonging to the Lodge, and of which they have had the custody. (8/78)

171. COMPENSATION. The lodges themselves determine the compensation to be paid the Secretary, Financial Secretary or Membership Secretary, Treasurer, and other officers.

CHAPTER IX Duties of Officers

172. THE PRESIDENT shall

(a) Preside at all meetings of the lodge and the Board of Directors;

(b) Be the highest ranking officer of the lodge, and as such have general supervision of the lodge; ensure compliance with the Sons of Norway Charter and Constitutions, and rules, regulations and ceremonies of the lodge; and see that the officers perform their duties; (8/06)

(d) Be a member ex-officio of all appointed committees except the Nominating and Auditing Committees;

(e) Announce the result of all elections and ballotings;

(f) Have no vote except when officers are elected or applications balloted on, or in case of a tie vote;

(g) Decide all parliamentary questions that may arise, but these rulings may be appealed to the lodge;

(h) Attend to the bonding of officers;

(i) Sign all reports to the International Lodge and contracts, and all other instruments issued on behalf of the lodge;

(j) Countersign all checks, bank and postal transfers issued by the treasurer; (8/86)

(k) In the event of a member’s death, be of assistance to the deceased’s relatives with the arrangement of the funeral, if so desired, and shall request members of the lodge to be present at the funeral;

(l) Render assistance to the family of the deceased in matters as requested by the family, to the best of his or her ability.

173. THE VICE PRESIDENT shall preside at all meetings in the absence of the President, and when the President is prevented from acting, shall fill his or her position and shall assist the President at the meetings and supervise the greeter(s).

174. THE COUNSELOR shall supervise all ceremonies, question and instruct the candidates for admission as prescribed in the ritual, assist and guide the other officers by word and deed.

175 THE SECRETARY shall

(a) Keep an accurate and impartial record of all meetings of the lodge and the Board of Directors;

(b) Carry on all correspondence which has not expressly been delegated to other Officers;

(c) Read all official communications from officers of the International and District Lodge as well as all other communications to the lodge;

(d) Issue and attest all reports to the International and District Lodges and all documents and certificates on behalf of the lodge;

(e) Send the District Secretary names and addresses of all persons who are expelled from the lodge;

(f) In case any member moves to a place near where another lodge is located, report this fact to the other lodge and request that the member be contacted;

(g) Inform the members of the time of all special meetings and also such regular meetings as the President may think necessary;

(h) Be the custodian of the lodge seal, which shall be affixed to all official documents.

176. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY

*The International Lodge adopted a law change allowing local lodges to change the traditional role of the Financial Secretary in the local lodge. Fundamentally, this change is explained in Paragraph 177 and in effect it assigns the membership related duties of the Financial Secretary to a Membership Secretary and reassigns the financial duties of the Financial Secretary to the Treasurer. (8/04)

The Financial Secretary shall:

(a) Receive all money due and payable to the lodge and shall promptly pay the same to the treasurer upon obtaining a receipt. Money collected between meetings shall be turned over to the treasurer no later than the close of the next business meeting; (8/88)

(b) Retain in a Lodge Record Book, the essential membership information required by the lodge, and shall keep complete and accurate accounts between the lodge and its members;

(d) Carry on all correspondence with the Sons of Norway Headquarters relating to the duties of the office;

(e) Prepare the financial reports of the lodge, together with the treasurer, and sign the same, together with the president and secretary;

(f) Prepare and attest all transfer cards and shall inform the Sons of Norway Headquarters of all withdrawals, expulsions or re-instatement, and in each case give the name and address of such persons;

(g) Prepare membership reports and such other reports as may, from time to time, be requested by the International or District Lodges, or their Boards of Directors;

(h) Be present when the books are audited;

(i) In the case of death of a member, report such to the Sons of Norway Headquarters;

(j) Perform such other duties as set forth in the Financial Secretary’s Manual;

(k) Be the agent of the lodge and not of the International Lodge. The lodge members are, therefore, responsible to the International Lodge and the Sons of Norway Headquarters for the manner in which these duties are performed.

177. MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

*The selection of the option to have a Membership Secretary and realign financial duties of the Financial Secretary shall become effective upon and evidenced by a motion or resolution adopted by the lodge stating that it has made the election authorized by this paragraph of the Constitution of Local Lodges.

A lodge may elect to have a Membership Secretary whose duties and responsibilities shall be restricted to non monetary matters formerly assigned to the Financial Secretary, which include the following:

The Membership Secretary shall:

(a) Retain in a Lodge Record Book, the essential membership information required by the lodge, and shall keep complete and accurate accounts between the lodge and its members;

(b) Carry on all correspondence with the Sons of Norway Headquarters relating to the duties of the office;

(c) Prepare and attest all transfer cards and shall inform the Sons of Norway Headquarters of all withdrawals, expulsions or reinstatement, and in each case give the name and address of such persons;

(d) Prepare membership reports and such other requests as may, from time to time, be requested by the International or District Lodges, or their Boards of Directors;

(e) In the case of death of a member, report such to the Sons of Norway Headquarters;

(f) Perform such other duties as set forth in the Financial Secretary’s Manual;

(g) Be the agent of the lodge and not of the International Lodge. The lodge members are, therefore, responsible to the International Lodge and the Sons of Norway Headquarters for the manner in which these duties are performed. (8/04)

178. THE TREASURER

*For lodges electing to have a Membership Secretary, the financial duties and responsibilities of the Financial Secretary as set forth in Paragraph 176 (a), (c), (e), (h) and (j), shall be performed by the Treasurer, except those relating to interaction between the Financial Secretary and Treasurer. (8/04)

The Treasurer shall:

(a) Receive the money collected by the Financial Secretary or the Lodge, receipt for same, and shall deposit the money in the name of the Lodge in such banks as are designated by the Lodge or the Board of Directors;

(b) Report to the Financial Secretary or the Lodge, the amounts received on monies deposited in banks or on investments;

(c) Maintain in the Treasurer’s Cash Book an accurate and detailed account of Lodge funds received from the Financial Secretary or the Lodge; (9/80)

(d) Make no payments from any of the funds without authorization from the lodge;

(e) Make no payment except by check, bank, or postal transfers; (8/86)

(f) Submit the books for examination as often as required by the lodge, the Board of Directors or the president;

(g) Be present when the books are audited;

(h) Prepare the financial reports of the lodge, together with the Financial Secretary, and sign the same together with the president and secretary.

(i) A lodge may elect to have the financial duties and responsibilities of the Financial Secretary as set out in sub-paragraphs (a), (c), (e), (h), and (j) of paragraph 176 performed by the Treasurer of the Lodge, except for those relating to the interaction between the Financial Secretary and Treasurer referred to these subparagraphs and in paragraph 177 which would no longer be applicable when only one person is performing these duties and responsibilities. For each lodge that makes such an election, the office formerly known as Financial Secretary shall be known as Membership Secretary, whose duties and responsibilities shall be restricted to non-monetary matters as specified in sub-paragraphs (b), (d), (f), (g), (i), (j), and (k).

The selection of this option by a lodge shall become effective upon, and evidenced by a motion or resolution adopted by the lodge stating that it has made the election authorized by this subparagraph (i) of Section 177 of the Constitution of Local Lodges. (8/04)

179. THE SOCIAL, SPORTS, RECREATION, AND CULTURAL DIRECTORS:

(a) It shall be the duty of the Social Director to plan and supervise the social activities of the Lodge and to select the songs to be used during ceremonies.

(b) The Sports and Recreation Director shall plan, promote, and supervise a well-rounded program of sports and recreation for the Lodge.

(c) The Cultural Director shall plan and supervise programs for the lodge which will preserve and promote our heritage. (8/98)

(d) The Social Director, Sports and Recreation Director, and the Cultural Director shall have the privilege of appointing such assistants and committees as are deemed necessary and approved by the Local Lodge President. (9/80)

180. THE MARSHAL AND THE ASSISTANT MARSHAL shall

(a) Have charge of regalia, song books and such other properties as are kept in the lodge rooms and not especially entrusted to other officers;

(b) Be in attendance 15 minutes before the opening of a lodge meeting;

(d) Assist the president in preserving order and decorum and, if so ordered, remove from the lodge room persons whose presence is offensive or disturbing;

(e) Supervise the balloting, put the ballot box in order and see to it that members keep at a proper distance from one another when voting;

(f) conduct candidates into the lodge room for welcome ceremony; and

(g) Perform all other duties described by the Bylaws and Ritual of Sons of Norway.

181. THE GREETERS shall under the direction of the Vice President, welcome the members, visitors and guests at all lodge functions. (8/04)

182. THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY shall assist the Secretary and perform the duties of the Secretary in his or her absence.

183. THE TRUSTEES shall supervise the personal property of the lodge and perform such other duties as may be required of them by the Lodge. The trustees shall keep accurate accounts of same and report to the Board of Directors and the lodge as requested.

184. THE AUDITING COMMITTEE. When electing officers, the Local Lodges shall select a standing Auditing Committee of at least two persons, or alternatively appoint a certified public accountant or public accountant, who shall audit the accounts of the lodge every 12 months, or at other times if so required by the lodge, and report to the lodge. They shall also audit all committee reports containing financial accounts before they are adopted by the lodge. At no time shall the fiduciary obligation of the lodge be abrogated. (8/92)

185. THE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE:

(a) At the installation, the new President shall appoint a Membership Committee, one member of which shall be the Vice President. This committee shall serve for 12 months, or for such shorter terms as the Bylaws of the Local Lodge may prescribe or until a new committee has been appointed. The number of members on this committee shall be determined by the President. (8/94)

(b) It shall be the duty of the Membership Committee to assist the Financial Secretary or Treasurer in the collection of delinquent dues, have charge of the effort to get new members, assist the field staff personnel, encourage members to attend lodge meetings and to pay special attention to the welfare of new members in their relation to the lodge. The President, Secretary, and Financial Secretary or Membership Secretary shall be ex-officio members of the committee. (9/80)

186. THE YOUTH AND/OR UNGE VENNER DIRECTOR;

(a) Each Lodge may elect a Youth and/or Unge Venner Director who shall be responsible to the Local Lodge and make reports to the lodge, as it requires. (8/02)

(b) Acting in the role of Youth Director, with the approval of the Local Lodge organize a Junior Lodge, dance groups or clubs for Heritage Members, acting in the role of Unge Venner Director organize and assist members age 16-23 in developing social and cultural programs to further enhance their membership in Sons of Norway; perform other duties as set forth in the Youth/Unge Venner Director’s Manual. (8/02)

187. GENERAL DUTIES. The officers of a Local Lodge shall, besides the duties heretofore specified, perform such other duties as are prescribed by the Bylaws of Sons of Norway or required by the lodges.

CHAPTER X The Board of Directors

188.

(a) CONSISTS OF. The Local Lodge Board of Directors shall consist of the following elected officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Financial or Membership Secretary and Social or Cultural Director and such other officers or Directors that the Local Lodge may deem necessary. (8/06)

(b) RESPONSIBILITIES. The Board of Directors of the Local Lodge shall be responsible to the lodge for all of its actions and shall make a complete report to the lodge at regular lodge meetings. The board of Directors may consider and act upon such matters as are referred to it by the lodge or in accordance with the lodge’s Bylaws. (8/02)

189. OFFICERS OF BOARD: QUORUM. A simple majority of the Board of Directors constitutes a quorum. (8/06)

190. BOARD MEETINGS. The Board shall meet as often as is necessary to conduct the business of the lodge and shall hold no fewer than four meetings per year. (8/98)

191. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special Board meetings may be called by the President whenever found required, but shall be called on written demand by three members of the Board.

CHAPTER XI Bonding of Officers and Investments

192. SURETY BONDS. Sons of Norway shall provide a blanket position bond for each Local Lodge member handling Local Lodge funds in the sum of $10,000 with a deductible for each claim. The liability of Sons of Norway to a Local Lodge shall be limited to the amount of said blanket position bond. If a Local Lodge requires a larger bond for its financial officers, such additional bond shall be applied for and paid for by such Lodge. (9/80)

193. INVESTMENT. The Board of Directors may, whenever it is found desirable, recommend to the lodge that as much of the lodge funds as are not necessary for the current expenses shall be invested in the manner permitted by law.

CHAPTER XII Breach of Conduct

194. FORM OF PENALTIES. Members who have violated the rules, laws or Bylaws of Sons of Norway and are considered to be deserving of penalty may be charged with misconduct. Such a charge may only be brought forth by a written complaint filed with the lodge president.

(a) COMPLAINT. The compliant must be in writing, signed by one or more witnesses to the alleged misconduct and must specifically outline the misconduct as defined below. A copy of the written complaint, along with any supporting information, must be promptly sent to the respondent.

(b) MISCONDUCT. It shall be misconduct for a member to publicly engage in behavior which either offends or violates laws, rituals or rules of Sons of Norway, while such member is attending a meeting or other function of a Sons of Norway lodge. A person determined to have engaged in such misconduct is subject to the following:

(1) A reprimand with a warning not to repeat,

(2) Suspension of the right to attend lodge meetings, or

(3) Expulsion from membership in the Lodge.

(c) ADMINISTERING A COMPLAINT. Following the receipt of the complaint, it is the duty of the lodge president, along with a committee of lodge members appointed by the lodge board of directors to immediately review it and determine whether the complaint has been accurately stated. If the complaint conforms to the specifications herein, the lodge board of directors must commence or cause an investigation into the allegation(s) within seven (7) days. After the investigation has concluded, or the after seven (7) day period has run (whichever is earlier), the lodge board of directors shall rule on the validity of the complaint, and if deemed valid, shall determine the appropriate penalty and communicate same to the complainant and respondent. If complaint is deemed without merit, that decision shall be communicated to the complainant and respondent within the same time period as set for valid complaints.

(d) APPEALS PROCESS. If a complainant or respondent desires to appeal the lodge board of directors ruling, the matter shall be referred to the Dispute Resolution Procedures outline in Chapter XVI hereafter. Any penalty shall be postponed until appellate rights have expired. (8/06)

195. COMPENSATION OF SECRETARY. For preparation of the summary, the Ad Hoc Committee secretary shall be entitled to a fee as determined by the committee, for each 100 words, same to be paid by the appellant.

196. FAILURE TO APPEAL. If the respondent fails to appeal in a timely fashion or fails to abide by the rules set forth herein pertaining to appeal, the appeal shall be dismissed and the appeal for all purposes shall be considered abandoned and the decision last rendered shall be deemed final.

197. EFFECT OF REVERSAL OR MODIFICATION. If the appellant succeeds, the party or parties initiating the proceeding shall reimburse to the appellant any fees paid to the Secretary, and the appellant (respondent) shall have all previously held rights and benefits restored.

CHAPTER XIII Lodge Liability Insurance

198. LODGE LIABILITY INSURANCE. It shall be mandatory for all District and Local Lodges to secure general liability insurance as provided by the Sons of Norway Headquarters. The liability insurance coverage shall protect the Lodge and the individual members of the Lodge from personal liability and expenses resulting from claims arising out of the Lodge or Lodge-sponsored activities. This insurance does not cover real estate or buildings. This insurance does not cover liquor liability claims. The premium for this insurance shall be paid annually, pursuant to billing by the Sons of Norway Headquarters. The cost and limits for this insurance will be as determined by the International Board of Directors. (8/96)

(a) Upon application to the International Board, and fulfilling its requirements, a District or Local Lodge may obtain an exemption from carrying the above general liability insurance, but only if such exemption meets the guidelines set down by the International Board and does not jeopardize the coverage made available to other lodges. (8/86)

CHAPTER XIV Bylaws for Local Lodges

199. ADOPTION, REPEAL OR AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS:

(a) A Local Lodge may from time to time by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present and voting adopt, repeal or amend its Bylaws.

(b) Proposals for repealing or changing of Bylaws must be presented in writing and must be read at the business meeting when they are received, but they shall not be acted upon before the next business meeting. In addition, notification of the proposals and business meeting date should be sent to each member prior to the date of the business meeting at which they will be acted upon. (8/94)

200. APPROVAL OF BYLAWS. When such laws and amendments thereto have been adopted by the Local Lodge, they shall be submitted to the Sons of Norway Headquarters, and shall be effective when approved as provided for by the International Board of Directors. Copies of Local Lodge Bylaws shall be on file at the Sons of Norway Headquarters, with a copy sent to the District Secretary.

201. CONTENTS. Such Bylaws should be few, and limited to such matters as have not already been covered by the laws of Sons of Norway, such as lodge name, time and place of meeting, admission fees, dues, bonds, or officers. (8/78)

202. CONFORMITY WITH LODGE LAWS. Bylaws or Amendments must not conflict with the Charter and Bylaws of the International Lodge, or the Bylaws of the District Lodges, or the general laws of Sons of Norway.

CHAPTER XV Acquisition of Real Estate

203. ACQUISITION OF REAL ESTATE. When a lodge desires to acquire real estate, it shall organize a separate nonprofit corporation under its local laws for the purpose of taking title to such real estate. The Articles of Incorporation, or Charter, of such nonprofit corporation must provide that the voting members, officers, and directors of such nonprofit corporation shall be members in good standing of the lodge.

CHAPTER XVI Resolution of Dispute

204. RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES.

(a) PURPOSE. The purpose of this section is to prescribe the sole means to present and resolve grievances, complaints or disputes brought by members, certificate owners or beneficiaries, against the Sons of Norway or its directors, officers, agents and employees. Procedures set forth in this section are meant to provide prompt, fair and efficient opportunities for dispute resolution, consistent with the fraternal nature of the Sons of Norway, without the delay and expense of formal legal proceedings. (8/02)

(b) SCOPE. This section applies to all past, current and future benefit certificates, members, insureds, certificate owners and beneficiaries. It applies to all claims, actions, disputes and grievances of any kind or nature whatsoever. It includes, but is not limited to, claims based on breach of benefit contract, as well as claims based on fraud, misrepresentation, violation of statute, discrimination, denial of civil rights, conspiracy, defamation, and infliction of distress, against the Sons of Norway or its directors, officers, agents or employees. This section does not apply to claims or disputes made after the applicable statute of limitations has expired. This section does not apply to actions brought by the Sons of Norway, including, but not limited to, actions for: declaratory judgment, determining proper payees, recovering amounts due, and contesting insurance coverage or membership eligibility. (8/02)

(c) PROCEDURES. No lawsuits or any other actions may be brought for any claims or disputes covered by this section. The following are the steps and procedures for presenting and resolving disputes:

STEP 1. APPEAL. Appeal of the dispute to a designated reviewer within the Sons of Norway as appropriate to the dispute.

STEP 2. MEDIATION. If step 1 does not result in a mutually satisfactory resolution, either party has the right to have the matter mediated in accord with the applicable mediation rules of the American Arbitration Association (or other neutral organization as agreed upon by the parties.)

STEP 3. ARBITRATION. If there is still no mutually satisfactory resolution the matter will be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitrator(s) may award any actual damages incurred for which there is liability, but may not award attorneys' fees, or compensatory, exemplary, extra-contractual or punitive damages. The decision of the arbitrator(s) is binding and final. Additional procedural rules may be defined in policies established by Sons of Norway and made available upon request. If a claim or dispute is subject to law that prohibits parties from agreeing to submit future disputes to binding arbitration, arbitration results shall be non-binding, unless both the individual and the Sons of Norway voluntarily agree to binding arbitration after the claim or dispute has arisen. (8/02)

(d) COSTS. Fees and expenses of the mediator and/or arbitrator shall be paid out of a dispute resolution fund established by Sons of Norway. This does not include attorneys’ fees, experts’ fees, or discovery costs, which each party shall bear as its own responsibility. (8/02)

(e) JOINDER OF DISPUTES. No claim or dispute may be brought against Sons of Norway, or its directors, officers, agents or employees in a representative capacity, or on behalf of any “class” of persons or members. Claims of multiple persons may be joined and presented under this section provided all affected members, certificate owners and beneficiaries consent in writing, or if the Sons of Norway determines that joinder is appropriate. (8/02)