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Mission Statement The Lodge is dedicated to the strength, preservance and memory of Emilia Sammartino. May her life and story be a symbol of the many Italian men and women who, by the work of their hearts and hands built a proud and enduring way of life in Italy, and forged the foundation for a new life and promising future for their children here in America. Let s make it our mission to maintain and continue the heritage, traditions and example set forth by Emilia Sammartino and our ancestors she represents.
The Emilia Sammartino Lodge OSIA # 2831 has as its purpose: 1. To support the purposes of the National OSIA (as articulated in its mission statement)
2. To promote enrollment and active participation in The Emilia Sammartino Lodge OSIA # 2831 of all persons of Italian birth or descent and all others as prescribed in Article 1 of the General Laws
3. To initiate and/or promote activities, events and education programs that preserve Italian culture, heritage and legacy
4. To serve as a voice of support for Federal, State and Local legislation that benefits the membership and the larger Italian American community by encouraging active participation in the political, social, and civic life of our communities
5. To provide the membership of The Emilia Sammartino Lodge OSIA # 2831 with:
THE CREED OF THE ORDER SONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA We believe in the Government of the United states of America as the Government of the people, by the people, and for the people and promise to obey and uphold its Constitution and Laws. We believe in the Government by orderly process and reject any doctrine that tends to subvert constituted government and authority. We believe in filial affection and respect for the Land of our Forefathers whose heritage is our highest contribution to America's progress. We believe in the brotherhood of man and promise to assist our fellow members, to care for the orphans, to extend our helping hand to the widows and to comfort those in distress. We believe in equal rights and duties for all; in equality of opportunity in the enjoyment of the benefits of human association extended to all without discrimination. We believe in freedom of thought, conscience and education and stand for individual liberty in the performance of duties and in the exercise of fights under the Constitution and laaws of our Country and State. We believe in the future progress and expansion of the Order Sons of Italy in America as the beneficial agent of all Americans of Italian birth or descent for their recognition and welfare, and promise to contribute to the moral, intellectual and material progress of our fellow members, and to support the program of the Order and all its activities for the welfare of our Country, our Order and the Community in which we live.
THE PRINCIPLES OF THE ORDER SONS OF ITALY
The Order is based upon the principles of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. The Order intends to unite in one organization all thosse of Italian birth or descent having requisites stated in the bylaws. The Order respects the religious, and political opinions of its members but requires that they do not profess any doctrines tending to disrupt the existing social order by unlawful means.
Sons of Italy Emilia Sammartino Lodge # 2831 By-Laws http://www.osiaemiliasammartinolodge.com BY-LAWS Article 1. The name of this organization shall be: Emilia Sammartino LODGE O.S.I.A. NO. 2831, INC. PURPOSES Article 2. The purposes of this organization shall be: a) To enroll in its membership all persons of Italian birth or descent and all others as prescribed in Article I of the General Laws. b) To promote national education and secure adequate laws for the benefit of its members by active participation in the political, social, and civic life of our communities. c) To encourage the dissemination of Italian culture in the United States and uphold the prestige of the people of Italian Heritage in America. d) To initiate and organize movements for patriotic and humanitarian purposes, thereby establishing a motto of "Liberty, Equality and Fraternity." GENERAL LAWS CHAPTER ONE MEMBERSHIP Article 1. Membership into the Emilia Sammartino Lodge #2831,must be of Italian descent; spouses of those of Italian lineage, and those adopted by persons of Italian lineage and the spouses of such adopted persons; widows, widowers and divorced spouses of such adopted persons; or widows, widowers and divorced spouses of current or former members.
To be eligible for full membership, one must have been born in Italy or be a descendent, spouse or adopted individual of Italian lineage. However, those not of Italian decent who want to join in our social activities can apply for social membership at the Emilia Sammartino Lodge #2831 Article 2.. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to vote on Lodge issues. a) To perpetuate the Order and its principles, the Lodge accepts members under the age I8 years. They have all the rights and privileges as members, except the right to vote for the election of officers, and/or be elected to office. He or she must adhere to all the laws of the State of Pennsylvania. The applicant shall be required to pay 1/2of the application fee, and/or initiation fee, and/or dues. Upon reaching the age of 18, those brothers and sisters may remain affiliated with our Lodge, but will no longer be considered junior members. Member groups are: 0-11, 12-17, 18-74 as regular members and children. Social members are also included with the same age groups.
Article 3. Application for membership shall be made upon an official application (supplied by the Grand Lodge), signed by the applicant, and signed by the sponsor who vouches the applicant has the required qualifications for membership. An applicant for membership to the Emilia Sammartino Lodge must first be accepted by a majority vote of the assembly of the Emilia Sammartino Lodge and subsequent written approval by the Grand Lodge before that membership becomes official. Applicant shall be required to pay the application fee and/or initiation fee and/or dues. No membership card will be issued to the applicant until the Grand Lodge prints out the member's application with a computerized number on it and returns the yellow copy of the application form to our Financial Secretary. The member is now officially a member of the Emilia Sammartino Lodge, receives his/her membership card and is entitled to all the rights and privileges as a member of the Lodge. (See Chapter I for voting privileges.) CHAPTER TWO DUTIES OF MEMBERS Article 4. All members are required to perform the following duties: a) To pay all dues and assessments. 1.) All dues must be paid by first meeting of the year (January 31) to remain as a member in good standing. If dues are not paid by February 15, the member shall be stricken from the rolls of membership. 2.) Any application for reinstatement must be accompanied by prepayment of one reinstatement fee. The applicant, upon approval of the general membership, will acquire all rights and privileges extended other members b) To obey and respect the authorities of the Order. c) To assist in the work of the Lodge. d) To obey the laws of the Supreme Lodge, the Grand Lodge, and the Emilia Sammartino Lodge. e) To attend at least eight (8) meetings (or two- thirds if less than 12 meetings held) per annum to be elected as an officer of the Lodge, with the exception of serious illness or other approved reasons. (Corresponding Secretary is to be notified of members' absences.) f) To faithfully perform any duty assigned by the President. g) To submit any grievances in writing, to the Recording Secretary of the Emilia Sammartino Lodge within (6) months from the date of the occurrence, or date the offense became known. The grievances will be filed in accordance with the Judicial Code of the Order of Sons of Italy in America. Copy of the Judicial Code will be given to the parties involved, by the Recording Secretary. CHAPTER THREE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERS Article 5. Only a member in good standing shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of the Lodge. Article 6. Members may participate in discussions, make proposals and motions, vote on matters discussed, vote for the election of officers, and/or be elected to office. Article 7. A member may receive any benefit the Lodge may adopt. Article 8. A member may request, to the Financial Secretary, a transfer to another Lodge, using a form furnished by the Grand Lodge. Article9a. When an applicant requests a transfer to the Emilia Sammartino Lodge, the request for transfer must be received from the State Recording Secretary for submission to the Lodge membership for approval. The vote shall be by secret ballot and an absolute (2/3)- majority vote shall constitute acceptance. Article 9b. Within a week after acceptance of a transfer card, the Recording Secretary of the receiving Lodge must inform the Recording Secretary of the Lodge from which the member is transferring and also advise the State Recording Secretary of the acceptance. Article 10. The transfer card is valid for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of issue. If the transfer card is rejected by the receiving Lodge, the member has the right to reacquire all of his/her rights in his/her own Lodge. CHAPTER FOUR TRANSFERS Article 8. A member may request, to the Financial Secretary, a transfer to another Lodge, using a form furnished by the Grand Lodge. Article 9a. When an applicant requests a transfer to the Emilia Sammartino Lodge, the request for transfer must be received from the State Recording Secretary for submission to the Lodge membership for approval. The vote shall be by secret ballot and an absolute (2/3)- majority vote shall constitute acceptance. Article 9b. Within a week after acceptance of a transfer card, the Recording Secretary of the receiving Lodge must inform the Recording Secretary of the Lodge from which the member is transferring and also advise the State Recording Secretary of the acceptance. Article 10. The transfer card is valid for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of issue. If the transfer card is rejected by the receiving Lodge, the member has the right to reacquire all of his/her rights in his/her own Lodge. CHAPTER FIVE STRUCTURE OF THE LODGE Article I1. The Council is constituted of the President, Vice President, Immediate Past President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Guard, and four (4) Trustees. Article 12., The Council meets in ordinary session once each month and in special session whenever the meeting is called by the President or at the written request of five of its members. Article 13. a) The Council is the administrative and controlling body of the Lodge when the assembly is not in session. b) The Council has the power to administer and control the affairs of the Lodge, but not the power to impose new assessments. c) The Council shall not incur expenses other than those necessary for the administration of regular affairs of the Lodge. d) The Council shall neither have the power to change nor to modify the deliberations of the assembly, or the power to change or modify the laws of the Lodge. CHAPTER SIX MEETINGS Article 14. The meetings of the Lodge may be regular or special. a) The regular meeting of the Lodge shall be held on the last Wednesday of each month unless otherwise designated by the President. b) Special meetings may be held when called by the President or by written request of no less than 1/3 of its members. The business of the special meeting will be limited to the order of the day. c) The Recording Secretary, upon order of the President, shall give notice of the meeting and order of the day by mail, e- mail or fax to each member of the Lodge, no less than five (5) days prior to such special meeting. d) Emergency meetings may be called 24 hours in advance by either mail or phone. These meetings may include extraordinary problems (i.e. building emergencies, etc.) that are of a priority or emergent nature. Article 15. a) Lodge meetings shall be valid if the number of members, who are in good standing, totals ten (10) or more. Members must sign the attendance register upon entering the meeting hall so that proper and complete attendance records can be kept. c) The Recording Secretary will keep attendance records of officers through a roll call at all meetings. Article 16. In the absence of the President, the meeting is to be presided over by the Vice President. In the absence of the President and Vice President, the Immediate Past President shall preside. In the absence of the President, Vice President, and Immediate Past President, the meeting of the assembly shall be presided over by the officer or member designated by the President. Such presiding officer shall have powers and shall exercise all prerogatives of the President in the course of the meeting over which he/she presides. CHAPTER SEVEN CONDUCT AT MEETINGS Article 17. a) Members should refrain from leaving their seats during the meeting unless absolutely necessary. b) Eating or drinking during the business portion of the meeting is permitted unless such activities cause problems with conducting Lodge business. c) A member may be deprived of the right to speak by the presiding officer if he/she is not in good standing with payment of dues or other assessments. d) A member who is requested to be orderly by the presiding officer and falls to comply, may be deprived of the right to speak. Article 18. The presiding officer may expel a member from the meeting when: a) He/she persists in speaking after the floor has been denied to him/her. b) He/she is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. c) He/she provokes disorder during the meeting. Article 19. The presiding officer cannot take part in the discussions unless he/she assigns his/her chair to another officer in order of precedence. Article 20. No member shall speak more than once on a subject, and for no more than three (3) minutes. The Presiding Officer may recognize members who have previously spoken, at his/her discretion, after all others have been recognized. Article 21. Those persons who are not members of the Order Sons of Italy, or have not been properly initiated may attend meetings of the Lodge. However, for justifiable reason and at the discretion of the President, a guest may be requested to leave temporarily if the subject matter is of a confidential nature. CHAPTER EIGHT FORMAT OF MEETINGS Article 22. Meetings of the Lodge shall be conducted in the following manner: a) The President shall open the meeting by asking officers to don their regalia, take their places, and all members to be seated. b) Visiting officers and distinguished visitors are to be announced. Follow the Ritual on Recognition of Visitors in the Ritual Book. c) Roll call of officers by the Recording Secretary. Officers respond "present." d) Members stand for prayer and salute to the flag. e ) Principles of the Order may be read. f) Applications for membership are read. Initiation of new members may be conducted. g) Acknowledgment of guests. h) Reading of the minutes of the previous regular meeting. i) Reading of the minutes of the previous Council meeting. j) Reading of all correspondence by the Corresponding Secretary. k) Report of the Financial Secretary. 1) Report of the Treasurer. m)Committee reports. n) Old business. o) New business. CHAPTER NINE RECEIPTS OF THE LODGE Article 23. Application fee for new members as established by the Lodge. Article 24. Yearly dues as established by the Lodge. Article 25. Whenever special assessments or new or extraordinary expenses of money are to be proposed, such proposals are to be inserted in the notice of the meeting and sent to each member. Unless proposal is inserted in the notice, it cannot be discussed and acted upon at the meeting. Any such assessments must be approved by the deliberation of the members of the Lodge. Article 26. Assessments collected for and on behalf of the Grand Lodge on account of the participation of the members in the institutions established by the Grand Lodge or by the Supreme Lodge. CHAPTER TEN DISBURSEMENTS OF THE LODGE Article 27. Payment of the Per Capita Tax shall be paid to the Grand Lodge. Article 28. Payment of the ordinary administrative expenses. Article 29. Payment of expenses for other than ordinary purposes provided that such expenses have been approved by the membership and authorized in conformity with the Laws of the Order. Article 30. Payment to the Grand Lodge of monies collected for or on behalf of the Grand Lodge. Article 31. Funds of the Lodge may absolutely not be dispersed and distributed among members. Article 32. In case of emergency, the President may appropriate a sum of money, not to exceed $250.00, with which to meet expenses incidental to such emergency, and the appropriation so made shall be reported to the assembly at its next meeting. CHAPTER ELEVEN ELECTIONS Article 33. Elections to an office shall be for a term of two years. The office of President shall be limited to two consecutive two-year terms. Article 34. Elections of officers and Grand Delegate must be held no later than January 1, unless otherwise provided in the laws of the Grand Lodge. Elections shall be held every other year. Article 35. No member may be nominated to any office or delegate unless he/she has attended two-thirds (2/3) of the regular meetings held during the current calendar year, Jan. I through Dec. 3 1. If no qualified member accepts the nomination for a particular office, then any other member of the Lodge may be nominated and elected, if they have been a member of the Order for six months prior to his/her nomination, with exception of the Office of President. No one may be nominated for an office unless his/her dues are paid in full. Article 36. Notice of elections shall be sent out no less than seven (7) days prior to a meeting. This shall also apply for elections to fill any vacancy, which may occur during the year. Article 27 The elections shall be conducted under the supervision of the Election Committee which shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the President, with one member appointed as Chairperson. A member of the Electoral Board may not be nominated for any office. Article 38. Nominations by any member may be accepted at the December and January meetings. If a candidate is nominated in absentia in December, the Corresponding Secretary will notify the candidate and that individual must communicate his or her acceptance. There will be no nominations in absentia in January and all nominations will be closed in the January meeting. There will be no absentee ballots cast in any election. Article 40. The person receiving the highest number of votes is elected. In the case of a tie the member with the longest membership in the Order is elected. Article 41. Voting shall only take place by written ballot, unless only one candidate is nominated for the office. a) In all instances of elections for any office, there shall be available a number of printed ballots, equal to the number of membership, as ascertained by the Financial Secretary. Electoral Board shall be responsible for the printing of ballots. b) Ballots shall list all candidates for office by order of their drawings by the Lodge Recording Secretary, under the supervision of the Election Committee and candidates, or designee of the candidate. All persons nominated will have their names placed in a container. The first name drawn by the Recording Secretary will be the first name on the ballot. Process will continue until all names are drawn. c) To be eligible to vote in the Emilia Sammartino Lodge General Election an individual must be a member by Dec. 3 1st prior to the year of the election. In the event of a Special Election an individual must have been a member two (2) months prior to the Special Election. d) All campaigning costs are the responsibility of the nominees. Any nominee may obtain a copy of the official membership listing with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of Lodge members. The nominee is responsible for the related reproduction costs. e) After the votes have been counted, the Chairperson of the Election Committee shall read the results [names and vote totals] to the membership. The names of the successful candidates shall be named in the next mailing or identified by email and posted on the Lodge Web Site. Subject to approval by the membership, the Chairperson of the Election Committee shall destroy all ballots after the installation of officers. Article 42. a) In order to be eligible for the office of President, a member must have served at least one year as an officer of the Lodge. However, in the event no member so eligible accepts the nomination, then any member with at least one (1) year membership may be nominated provided he/she meets all other eligibility rules. b) A list of elected officers and State delegates must be mailed to the State Recording Secretary no later than February 1st of that election year. CHAPTER TWELVE DUTIES OF OFFICERS OF THE LODGE PRESIDENT
Article 43. The President and or the membership may create additional officers as needed. The President is the highest-ranking officer of the Lodge. a) The President calls and presides over all meetings of the Council and the membership. b) The President sees that the laws of the Lodge, and those of the Supreme Lodge and Grand Lodge are observed. c) The President sees that the deliberations of the Council and of the membership are carried out. d) He/she supervises the performance of duties by the officers of the Lodge. e) He/she signs the minutes of the general meetings and all orders of payment, checks, and all documents which invest the responsibility of the Lodge. f) The President shall appoint all committee chairpersons and committees of the Lodge of which he/she will be an ex-officio member. i) He/she refrains from making proposals at meetings and participates in discussions only to clarify the issues presented. h) He/she votes only in case of a tie. i) After hearing the opinion of the Orator, the President rules upon controversies involving the application of the laws. j) If disorder arises in the general meeting or a meeting of the Council, the President may silence or censure the members causing the disorder. k) He/she shall have the power to call special meetings whenever necessary. 1) No later than one (1) month after installation into office, the President shall make all appointments to committees, subcommittees, and commissions. VICE PRESIDENT Article 44.The Vice President is the second ranking officer of the Lodge. He/she assists the President and takes his/her place when the President is absent or unable to act. In the absence of the President, the Vice President performs the duties and exercises the prerogatives of the President to the same extent and with like power, which the President would have if, present IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Article 45.The office of Immediate Past President shall be given to the member who has served one complete term as President of the Lodge immediately preceding the incumbent. If the office of Immediate Past President becomes vacant, the office shall be filled from the preceding former Presidents in inverted order of their term of office. The Immediate Past President assumes the office of President when the President or Vice President is absent or unable to act and performs the duties and exercises the prerogatives of the President to the same extent and with like power which the President would have, if present. ORATOR ( Added , if required) Article 46. The Orator gives opinions concerning the applications and interpretation of the laws of the Order and sees that the laws of the Order are observed and properly applied. In matters, which relate to the administration of the affairs of the Lodge, the Orator is subordinate to the President. In matters relating to the exercise of initiative or acting upon a complaint being made to him/her, shall have the power to prefer written charges against a member who has violated the laws of the Order. RECORDING SECRETARY Article 47. The Recording Secretary is the custodian of the archives and keeper of the seal of the Lodge. The duties are: a) To take and record the minutes of the meetings of the Council and of the membership, which are to be read at the successive meetings. If the minutes are tabled or suspended, they must be read, or a written copy distributed at the next regular meeting. b) To make up and keep up to date the membership roll of the officers of the Lodge. c) To act as clerk of the Committee of Arbitration when such a committee is in session, except in a case where the Secretary is an interested party. d) To perform such duties and carry out orders from the President in matters pertaining to the office. CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Article 48. The Corresponding Secretary is the officer who performs the ordinary routine correspondence of the Lodge as designated by the President. Other duties include: a) Reading incoming mail at the Council and general membership meetings. b) Sending notices of Council and general membership meetings to all members at least five days in advance. c) Publishing and sending members a monthly newsletter. FINANCIAL SECRETARY Article 49. The Financial Secretary is the custodian of the records of account for the Lodge and is the only officer authorized to collect or receive monies or revenues. The duties are: a) To collect dues and assessments payable to the Lodge and to turn over all money to the Treasurer. b) To keep and maintain proper records of account, showing all income and disbursements made by the Lodge. All records are to be kept current. A statement of the income and disbursements must be made at all regular meetings and at such times as the Council may direct. c) To make a yearly financial report to be submitted to the State Lodge Financial Secretary for tax purposes. d) To perform such other duties in matters concerning finances which the Council or the President deems necessary. e) To be the recipient of the yearly dues of members and initiation fees and dues submitted by applicants for membership. After approval, membership cards are to be presented. TREASURER Article 50. The Treasurer is the custodian of the funds of the Lodge. The Treasurer must be bonded. Duties are: a) To receive at the end of each meeting, all monies collected by the Financial Secretary and to issue receipts b) To keep a current Cash Book, showing monthly income and disbursements of the Lodge. c) To deposit the funds received after each meeting. d) To issue checks upon order of payment and co-sign them with designated individuals. e) To withdraw funds from Lodge accounts, providing such withdrawal is properly approved. f) To carry out such orders, which may be received from the President in matters pertaining to finances TRUSTEES Article 51. Trustees examine the fiscal affairs of the Lodge and are members of the Council. a) It is their duty to conduct a yearly examination and audit of the books kept by the Financial Secretary and Treasurer. Examination and audit shall be completed by the end of March following the end of the year for which the examination and audit is being performed. b) Reports are not valid unless bearing the signatures of no less than three Trustees and the Financial Secretary. c) At least three Trustees must be present to conduct a valid audit. d) They examine and audit all bankbooks, bank statements, canceled checks and receipt books. e) They examine and audit financial reports of committees involved in any fund-raising events, as well as receipts, checks and bankbooks, if special accounts have been set up. f) They must submit a written report to the Recording Secretary and read same to the membership at the first general meeting following an audit. g) They perform any additional duties in matters pertaining to their office imposed upon them by the Laws of the Order or by the deliberations of the Lodge membership. h. After the Trustees have been installed and prior to the next regular meeting. Trustees shall meet and elect a Senior Trustee and Assistant Senior Trustee. i) It shall be the duty of the Senior Trustee of the Board of Trustees or, in his or her absence, the Assistant Senior Trustee, to call meetings of the Trustees in order to carry out the duties set forth in this Article. LOCAL LODGE ARBITRATION COMMITTEE Article 52. The Local Lodge Arbitration Committee is the judicial tribunal of the Local Lodges. The rules and regulations which prescribe the modes of procedures, the jurisdiction, the powers and the revenue incident to the functioning of the Local Lodge Arbitration Commission are set forth in the Judicial Code of the Order. The Local Lodge Arbitration Commission is composed of five (3) regular members, known as Commissioners, and five alternate members, known as Alternate Commissioners. The Local Lodge Commissioners and the Local Lodge Alternate Commissioners are elected at the annual meeting for electing officers of the Lodge for a period of two (2) years and shall serve until their successors are elected and installed. Local Lodges holding biennial elections shall elect their Arbitration Commission members for a period of two (2) years and shall serve until their successors are elected and installed. Whenever a vacancy occurs among the Commissioners, it shall be filled by the Alternate Commissioner who received the highest number of votes during the election. GRAND DELEGATES Article 53. The Grand Delegates are the Lodge representatives at conventions of the Grand membership once every two years. The number of delegates is based on total membership at the time as determined by the State Lodge. The President of the Lodge is automatically a member of the Grand Delegation. CHAPTER THIRTEEN COMMITTEES Article 57. Within the structure of the Lodge, there will be the following committees and any other deemed necessary, as designated by the President or by the membership. All chairpersons shall be appointed by the President. No member shall serve on more than two committees. The President serves as exofficio member of all committees and must be informed of all meetings. a) Ways and Means b) Membership c) By-Laws d) Building e) Sunshine f) Program g) Web Site h) Scholarship i) Publicity Article 54. Committee chairpersons must notify committee members at least five days in advance of a meeting, except in emergency situations. Chairpersons must give progress reports to the general membership when required and submit written reports to the Financial Secretary on all money-raising events. WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE Article 55. The Ways and Means Committee shall Lodge Counci.l The committee will serve for two years. The chairperson has the privilege of choosing his/her own committee members or seeking volunteers. The duties of this committee are: a) To present an agenda of proposed activities, either fund-raising or social, to the Council. Suggestions for activities may come from the membership. b) To coordinate proposed functions with the State Lodge so as to avoid conflicts. c) Each member of this committee should act as chairperson of one of the proposed events. Other chairpersons may be volunteers or be appointed by the President. d) To prepare guidelines for the use and rental of any properties owned by the Lodge. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Article 56. The committee shall consist of a minimum of three members. a) The committee shall supervise and conduct membership drives as approved and designated by the Lodge assembly. b) The chairperson shall be the custodian of membership cards and all literature pertaining to membership. c) All applications shall be submitted to the committee for review before they are submitted to the Financial Secretary and approved by the Lodge. d) The committee will maintain a file on all membership cards returned by the State Lodge. e) The committee will be responsible for setting dates for initiation of new members and notifying applicants. BY-LAWS COMMITTEE Article 57. This committee shall consist of no less than three members. The duties of the committee are: a) To supervise the publication, revision, addition and modification of the Laws of the Lodge. b) To be responsible for the distribution of the By-Laws to the members. c) Any member absent for three consecutive meetings of this committee without a justifiable cause automatically forfeits his position on the committee. d) The chairperson has the authority to fill any vacancy that may occur. e) To consider and study any proposals for changes, made at any regular meeting, and report its opinion to the membership. The proposed changes will be published in the Lodge newsletter and then read and debated at a subsequent meeting of the Lodge. To be adopted, any change must be approved by no less than a two-thirds vote of the membership in attendance. All proposals must be in writing. f) To submit any approved by- law changes to the State Orator for approval. SUNSHINE COMMITTEE Article 58. This committee shall consist of no less than two members ( Chair person, Recording Secretary). Duties are: a) To notify the membership of any serious illnesses, hospitalization or death of a member. b) To send a card to members for illnesses or hospitalization. c) In case of a death of a member, the committee shall decide as to the proper tribute and to notify members to attend the Ritual of the Order at the funeral establishment. d) To send condolences to a member in the event of a death in the immediate family: (wife, husband, children, grandchildren, brother, sister, mother, or father, would constitute immediate family.) e) One member of the committee shall be designated responsible for the Blood Donor Program in conjunction with the State Lodge Program. PROGRAM COMMITTEE Article 59. The main purpose of this committee shall be to improve the quality of meetings, to make them educational, informative, and more interesting. It shall consist of three members. It is responsible for entertainment or social arrangements at the monthly membership meetings, arranging for guest speakers, films, videotapes, and educational and cultural materials as requested by the membership. . SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE Article 60. The purpose of this committee is to provide financia l aid to members, spouses of members, children and grandchildren of Lodge members, to continue their education at institutions of higher learning. This committee shall consist of a minimum of five members. It will be responsible for establishing guidelines for a Lodge scholarship program. Guidelines will include all aspects of scholarship, including funding, investigation of matching grants, eligibility, method of testing, need, academics, etc. PUBLICITY COMMITTEE Article 61. This committee shall consist of three members. Its responsibility is: a) To disseminate information concerning Lodge functions to the media and to produce flyers, placards and other informational materials in advance of such events. b) To maintain a current file of media members for mailing releases publicizing Lodge functions. c) To obtain paid advertising in selected publications and radio or television stations, when deemed necessary and with approval of the Council. Web Site Committee Article 62 The Committee shall consist of the PR Chair person, Web Site manager and any volunteers from the Lodge) a) To assist in updating the Lodge web site b) To provide updated information on Italian American Activities, Grand L:odge Activities and member information c) To serve as an instrument to provide the public with the Emilia Sammartino Lodge activities. OFFICIAL HYMN OF THE ORDER SONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA America! America! Home of the brave and of the free America! We cherish thee Your faithful Sons of Italy. You give to all true Liberty Equality, Fraternity, America! We'll die for thee Your loyal Sons of Italy. America! America! Light of the earth and of the sea America! Most proud of thee Are we, the Sons of Italy. Through storm and strife with bravery, We will defend our loved country America! America! Pledge we, the Sons of Italy.
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