Chicago Jedi Constitution

ARTICLE I – NAME

Section 1.1: Name
The name of the corporation shall be Chicago Jedi.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

Section 2.1: Purpose
Chicago Jedi is created to provide a focal point for individuals interested in walking the Force Path, including but not limited to its philosophical application, lightsaber work, and Cosplay.

Section 2.2: Objectives
To carry out the purpose of the organization, Chicago Jedi shall:
1. Provide encouragement and opportunities for the spiritual, physical, and mental wellbeing and improvement of our members.
2. Support and assist the local community through fundraising and donation of time.
3. Promote a sense of community, continuity, and involvement within our chapter and the larger Jedi community.
4. Educate others as to what it means to be a Jedi in the real world.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

Section 3.1: Members
Those persons, known as members, that adopt this Constitution shall become integral to the purpose and objectives of Chicago Jedi.

Section 3.2: Eligibility
Any person who has filed an application and paid their dues shall be eligible for membership.

Section 3.2: Authority
All members will be subject to the authorities of the Chicago Jedi in this Constitution.

ARTICLE IV – GOVERNANCE

Section 4.1: or Chicago Jedi Council
The Chicago Jedi shall have a Chicago Jedi Council, herein referred to as the Council.

Section 4.2: Chicago Jedi Council Duties
The Council shall make such rules and regulations as it deems necessary to govern its meetings at its discretion. It shall have the authority to engage in any lawful activity under the corporation code of the State of Illinois.
Section 4.3: Chicago Jedi Council Structure
The Council shall consist of a minimum of 4 members, known as Council Members, with the following positions and powers:

Section 4.4: Master of the Chicago Jedi
The Master of the Chicago Jedi, or Chapter Master, shall be the Chair of the Council. The Chapter Master shall hold all the powers necessary to direct the Council. The Chapter Master shall from time to time give the membership information on the state of the organization. The Chapter Master shall have a term of three years.

Section 4.5: Councilor of Training
The Councilor of Training shall assure that the education of Chicago Jedi is thorough and congruent with the values of Chicago Jedi. The Councilor of Education shall oversee the training of the Padawans. The Head Councilor of Education shall be appointed by the Chapter Master unless opposed by a majority of the exiting Council Members.

Section 4.6: Councilor of the Business
The Councilor of Business shall manage the operations and business affairs of Chicago Jedi. The Councilor of Business shall report on the financial status of the organization. The Councilor of Business shall be appointed by the Chapter Master unless opposed by a majority of the exiting Council Members.

Section 4.7: Councilor of Membership
The Councilor of Membership shall promote the general welfare of Chicago Jedi. The Councilor of Membership shall preserve and encourage community and Jedi culture. The Councilor of Membership shall be appointed by the Chapter Master unless opposed by a majority of the exiting Council Members.

Section 4.8: Ad Hoc Council Members
Ad hoc Council Members may be appointed by the Chapter Master to carry out specific functions or tasks for Chicago Jedi unless opposed by a majority of the exiting Council Members.

Section 4.9: Other duties
All members of the Council shall perform any other duties or responsibilities as delegated by the Council.

Section 4.10: Quorum
A quorum must be attended by officers of the Council before business can be transacted or motions made or passed. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the full Council Members.

Section 4.11: Election
The Chapter Master shall be elected by majority of the members when appropriate to the conclusion of the term of office.

Section 4.12: Terms
Terms begin on the first of January following the election.

Section 4.13: Removal
The Chapter Master may be removed when sufficient cause exists for such removal. The Council may entertain charges against the Chapter Master. The Chapter Master may be represented by counsel upon any removal hearing. The Council shall adopt such rules for this hearing, as it may in its discretion consider necessary for the best interests of the Chicago Jedi. Two-thirds of the Council and a majority of the membership must agree to the removal from office.

Section 4.14: Vacancies
Vacancies in the Council must be filled by appointment from the Chapter Master unless opposed by a majority of the exiting Council Members. If the Chapter Master is the vacancy, the highest ranking official shall serve as the interim Chapter Master until the next election can be held.

ARTICLE V – MEETINGS

Section 5.1: Business Meetings
The Council shall have at least four business meetings per year.

Section 5.2: General Meetings
Chicago Jedi shall have a minimum of 6 general meetings per year for the membership, with at least 1 meeting per season. No more than half of the meetings can be held online. A majority of the meetings must be related to training or community service.

ARTICLE VI – FINANCES

Section 6.1: Non-Profit Entity
Chicago Jedi is a nonprofit entity and is not organized for the private gain of any person. Any monies obtained will be for the sole use of Chicago Jedi.

Section 6.2: Compensation
Chicago Jedi shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article II hereof.

Section 6.3: Clause for Dissolution:
Upon the dissolution of Chicago Jedi, all extant funds shall be paid to debts, and then the remainder donated to a charity of the Council’s choosing.

ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS

Section 7.1: Proposed Amendments
Amendments to this constitution and its bylaws can be proposed by a Member at any regularly scheduled meeting. The proposed amendment must be submitted in writing to the Chapter Master and presented to the membership with at least a 4-week notice before any vote is taken.

Section 7.2: Three-Quarters Vote
A three-quarter vote from the membership at a general meeting shall be required for an amendment to the constitution and its bylaws.

Chicago Jedi Bylaws

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Section 1: Election and Appointment Process
Section 1.1: Chapter Master Eligibility
Candidates for the office of Chapter Master must have attained the level of Knight before elections and have been a member of Chicago Jedi for at least six months. If there is no eligible knight running for the office of Chapter Master, the position shall be filled pro tempore by a member of Chicago Jedi.

Section 1.2: Process for Standing for Office
Each person running for the office of Chapter Master will submit an election speech, and make themselves available for questions from the membership.

Section 1.3: Voting Process
Voting for the Chapter Master will be anonymous and online. Instructions and poll numbers will be distributed two weeks before the elections. Every member of Chicago Jedi in good standing has one vote. There is no voting by proxy. The polls will be open for one week.

Section 1.4: Determining the Winner
The winner of the office of Chapter Master will be determined by a simple majority.
Section 1.5: Council Appointment Eligibility
People appointed to a position on the Council must have been a member of Chicago Jedi for at least six months and have attained the age of 18. People under 18 may act as assistants to the officers and/or stand on committees.

Section 1.6: Councilor of Training Eligibility
People appointed for the office of Councilor of Training must have attained the level of Knight and have been a member of Chicago Jedi for at least six months.

Section 1.7: Consecutive Terms
People are able to hold the same office for consecutive terms.

Section 1.8: Ranking of Officers
The Chapter Master shall hold the highest position of authority. In the event the Chapter Master cannot be reached in a timely manner, the next ranking official shall be the active Knight on the
Council with the longest period of Knighthood. Federation Knighthoods supersede Chapter Knighthoods. In the event there are no Knights on the Council available, Knights in the Chicago membership may be called into service. Should there be no Knights available, then the next ranking official shall be the Council Member with the longest term of service.

Section 2: Jedi Federation
Section 2.1: Chapter of Jedi Federation
Chicago Jedi seeks to uphold the values and tenets of the Jedi Federation. Chicago Jedi will carry out the mission of the Jedi Federation as a full chapter.

Section 2.2: Representation in the Jedi Federation
The Chapter Master of Chicago Jedi will serve as the representative of Chicago Jedi to the Jedi Federation on the Executive Council. In the event that the Chapter Master occupies a position on the Council of Directors for the Jedi Federation, another member of Chicago Jedi shall serve as a representative. This representative will be voted on by the membership.

Section 3: Reserved Powers
Section 3.1: Powers of the Members
The powers not delegated to Chicago Jedi by this Constitution and Bylaws, nor prohibited by it to its Members, are reserved to the Members.