BYLAWS OF THE 21ST GEORGIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
adopted November 19,1988
amended November 18,1989
amended November 17,1990
amended March, 1994
amended April 29, 2000
amended July 2005
ARTICLE ONE
NAME
The name of this organization is the 21st Georgia Volunteer Infantry, hereinafter referred to as the “21st GA” or “Unit.”
ARTICLE TWO
PURPOSE
To provide an accurate historical interpretation of, and to educate the public about, the life of the Southern soldier and civilian during the American Civil War through “living history” demonstrations, battle reenactments, memorial ceremonies, parades, and education presentations to any interested group or institution.
In addition, whenever possible, to educate and encourage public awareness regarding preservation of historically significant properties and structures from this period in our nation’s past.
ARTICLE THREE
MEMBERSHIP
A. Membership shall be open to anyone regardless of age, sex, religion, race, or national origin.
B. Requirements of membership are as follows:
1. All members shall provide their own period military uniforms, civilian clothing, and equipment.
2. All military uniforms, civilian clothing, and equipment shall be as historically accurate as possible
to conform to the period 1861-1865.
3. All new military members shall abide by the uniform standards stated in article Three, Sect. C.
All military members at the time these bylaws were adopted shall abide by the uniform standards
when replacing any equipment which is presently owned.
4. All members, civilian and military, or persons associated with a member, who are staying within the
camp during spectator hours, must be in period attire to remain in the unit encampment.
5. Yearly dues shall be paid by January 31st for any person who is a member from the previous year.
New members must have paid their dues either before, or at, their first event. The dues for
membership are $25.00 a year (plus insurance which varies per year).
6. If a non-member wishes to join the unit at an event to determine if they would like to reenact, the
unit will carry them for two (2) events. After that, the non-member is responsible for his/her dues
and insurance.
C. All members shall purchase the following articles within one year of joining the unit. Extensions of this provision may be made at the discretion of the Commander/President of the unit.
--Military
One pair of brogans
One three band musket with bayonet and scabbard
One wool or jean cloth shell jacket
One pair wool trousers
One pair braces (suspenders)
One cartridge box of black or russet brown
One cap pouch of black or russet brown
One pair wool socks
One period correct shirt
One waist belt with buckle
One slouch hat, kepi, or forage cap
One canteen
One haversack
--Civilian- Women and young women
One non-white blouse with correct armscyes
One camp dress or skirt
One pair of correct shoes
One snood
One pair pantalets or petticoat
One chemise
One pair of stockings, preferably cotton (not sheer nylon)
--Civilian- Young men
One shirt
One pair of trousers or short pants
One pair of suspenders
One pair of socks
One pair of shoes
--Civilian -Men
Unspecified at this time, dependent on the impression being portrayed
--Civilian- Infant
If not house trained, one toddler’s gown or appropriate children’s clothing as noted under civilian children.
D. Participation of minors is contingent upon the following:
1. The rules of the particular event in question.
2. Receipt of standard parental consent form, and release form for medical attention unless the parent(s)
accompany said minor to the specific event.
3. Permission for any member under sixteen wishing to carry or fire a loaded weapon will be at the discretion
of the commanding officer or the event sponsor.
ARTICLE FOUR
UNIT STRUCTURE
A. The organization of the 21st GA shall be as follows:
1. The field organization is responsible for the running of the unit at “sanctioned” unit events. A sanctioned
unit event is any drill, battle reenactment, or living history which has been selected by a majority of the
Executive Committee and/or membership as an approved event.
2. The Executive Committee is responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the unit.
3. In the case of multiple companies being formed, the following command structure will be employed.
a. With the formation of a fourth company, the position of Lt. Colonel and President shall be
the same with each company having an elected Captain.
b. All company Captains shall be nominated from, and elected by, regular members in “good
standing.”
c. Upon formation of more than one company, the commanding officer shall have the right to
appoint an Adjutant who will assume the rank of Lieutenant.
4. The calendar year for field and executive offices shall run from December 1st to November 30th of the
following year.
5. There shall be no limits to consecutive terms an office holder can serve, be it field command or Executive
Committee, provided that person stands for election annually and is a member in “good standing” at the
time of the election.
6. All major decisions affecting the unit policy and bylaw amendments must be voted on by members in
“good standing.” Unit policy and bylaw amendments will be advertised in the unit newsletter along with the
time of the meeting. It is up to the members to attend and voice their opinions on the amendments.
7. In the event of the resignation of an elected officer, either field command or Executive Committee, a
replacement shall be decided by a majority vote of the unit membership.
ARTICLE FIVE
FIELD ORGANIZATION
A. Rank within field organization shall be based in an authentic Civil War Company (according to Simplified Hardee’s) which was as follows:
1. Company Strength which was 89 men, contained the following ranks:
One Captain (1.1%)
Three Lieutenants (3.4%)
Five Sergeants (5.6%)
Eight Corporals (9.0%)
Seventy-two privates (80.9%)
Thus, roughly nineteen percent of the Company strength held rank.
2. Each company formed within the 21st GA shall maintain a correct ratio of rank based in the above
figures, thus multiplying the current membership by the percentages given for any particular rank.
Therefore, at some events, a number of officers in any particular company may temporarily “step
down” in rank according to the size of participation in the company.
3. The rank of corporal will be filled through brevet. The brevets will be made by the officers and
senior NCOs.
B. Upon reaching a number deemed proper by the unit (but within a minimum of forty men of all ranks and rolls), to be decided at a duly called unit meeting and through a majority vote, a second, third, etc. company may be formed.
1. All companies thus formed, shall be part of and operate under the bylaws and auspices of the
21st Georgia Volunteer Infantry and under the command of the ranking field officer in the field.
2. Each company shall be commanded by a duly elected Captain and other officers as outlined in
Section A, Part 1. Previously elected Field Officers and NCOs (if this election takes place prior to
November election) shall retain their rank unless nominated and elected to a higher rank. All new
positions and vacancies created by upward mobility, or change in number of companies, must be
filled from the ranks of regular members in “good standing.”
3. New recruits shall be assigned to one of the companies at the discretion of the unit field commander
so as to keep even numbers of troops in the companies. Company personnel, with the exception of
officers, can change from event to event.
C. From the commanding officer on down, the unit shall follow the military chain of command while delegating responsibilities in camp.
1. The Captain will assume all unit responsibilities including military and administrative functions at an
event. If there is no quorum of the Executive Committee at a given event, the Captain has the authority
to make a unilateral decision, but must provide an explanation of all actions to the Executive Committee
and to the general membership of regular members in “good standing”. If the Executive Committee
disagrees there must be punitive repercussions against the Captain for any unjust actions. The Captain
has the authority to call an Executive Board meeting at an event only. If he calls for an Executive Board
meeting, he chairs the meeting and has the right to require a full vote on Executive Committee actions,
should the need arise. At his discretion, he may collaborate with the President.
D. The ranking commissioned officer has the authority to temporarily suspend any member for activities deemed detrimental to the unit at any given event. In the absence of a commissioned officer the authority will fall upon the President and Vice-President respectively. In the absence of all of the above, the authority will fall to the ranking non-commissioned officer. The suspension will be from all unit activities and battle scenarios for the duration of the event. The suspension shall remain in effect as specified in Article Eight.
E. A sergeant at each sanctioned event shall conduct a roll call in order to maintain a record of which members have attended said event. The sergeant shall also take a roll call of civilians who are in attendance.
F. Any brevetted on field, commissioned or non-commissioned, officer shall be determined by the unit field command. The brevet shall be for the duration of one specific event.
G. A Principal Musician, elected by the Musicians Corps to hold the rank of Sergeant, shall represent the Musicians in NCO meetings and be consulted about field decisions.
ARTICLE SIX
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
A. The Executive Committee shall be made up of the following elected positions:
1. President- shall preside at, and set the agenda for, all meetings that are held by the unit, be they general
membership or Executive Committee meetings except those called by the Captain at any unit event. The
President shall also be the primary spokesperson for the 21st GA. The President is obligated to poll the
Executive Committee and get a consensus on all decisions that must be made outside of the regular
meetings. If the situation arises, the President has the authority to make a unilateral decision, except for
those as outlined for the Captain under Article Five, section C, Sub-paragraph 1. The President must
provide an explanation of all actions to the Executive Committee and to the general membership of
regular members in “good standing” and has the right to require a full vote on Executive Committee
actions should the need arise.
2. Vice-President- shall preside at all meetings in the absence of the President, and shall perform such
other duties as requested by the President for the well-being of the unit.
3. Captain- In the event that the President and captain are separate offices, the Captain will be a member
of the executive board and has full voting privileges and exercises the authority granted to him by Article
Five, section C, Sub-paragraph 1.
4. Secretary- shall keep minutes of all meetings and maintain a file of all internal unit correspondence. The
Secretary will provide, upon request, a listing of current regular members in “good standing” as compiled
by the Sergeant via roll call at each event and the unit Treasurer as related to dues. The Secretary shall
carry out such correspondence as requested by the Executive Committee. The Secretary shall also ensure
that the minutes of all meetings are available for publication in the next regularly scheduled newsletter.
5. Treasurer- shall maintain all financial records of the unit and present a financial report at each meeting.
The Treasurer shall provide, upon request, a listing of current regular members in “good standing” as
applies to dues. The Treasurer shall collect all dues and pay all unit bills as authorized by the Executive
Committee or general membership meeting. The Treasurer shall administer all event registration forms for
all members, both military and civilian, at sanctioned events only.
6. Civilian Coordinator- will be responsible for the planning and coordination of all unit meals and civilian
activities. This position will be given a budget designated for funds for which will pay for Saturday night
meals at events at no cost to the members. This position will be required to submit all receipts to the
Treasurer. If the Civilian Coordinator’s budget allows, at their discretion, other meals may be provided.
In the event that the budget does not allow for all meals at an event to be provided, they are to coordinate
food assignments. The Civilian Coordinator will hold one seat, and vote on the Executive Committee.
7. Two (2) Members-At-Large- shall perform other duties requested by the President for the well being of
the unit. Members-At-Large shall not be of elected military rank. They shall have full rights and voting
privileges.
8. All standing committee chairmen shall have full rights and voting privileges.
B. The Executive Committee shall meet at least twice annually during its elected term. The first of these meetings shall take place within the first two months of the calendar year, weather and personal commitments permitting. A minimum of at least four Executive Committee members shall be present to constitute a quorum.
C. The Executive Committee, by a majority vote of the committee, has the authority to temporarily suspend any members for activities deemed detrimental to the unit. The suspension shall remain in effect until discussed and voted on by regular members in “good standing” at the next scheduled unit meeting.
ARTICLE SEVEN
UNIT ELECTIONS
A. Yearly unit elections shall take place each November at the annual meeting on the day of the Gettysburg Remembrance Day parade.
B. Only those regular members, military and civilian, fifteen years of age and older, and in “good standing” shall be allowed to participate in the nominations and elections. The criteria for being a regular member in “good standing” are as follows:
1. Unit member shall have participated in at least (4) four sanctioned unit events, in period attire, during the
unit calendar year in Article Four, Section 4.
2. Unit dues are twenty-five dollars ($25.00), (plus $1.50 for each additional family member; this amount
varies by year) and must be paid by March 15, verified by the unit Treasurer.
C. On Remembrance Day weekend, the Secretary will retain a list of, and inform those regular members in “good standing” of their voting status for that year’s elections.
D. Nomination for both fields and executive positions shall be taken from the floor at the time of the election.
E. Those regular members in “good standing” who cannot attend the unit elections have the option to have a member in “good standing” vote for them by proxy.
F. Any person nominated for a particular rank or position who through the balloting was not elected to said position, shall be eligible to have his/her name placed in nomination for another position.
G. All voting shall be done by secret ballot with the unit Secretary and the President/Captain, or in his absence, another member in “good standing,” randomly selected by lottery preceding the election, and they shall be responsible for the tabulation.
H. Any member in “good standing” has the privilege to request a recount of any election result.
I. To recognize the efforts of those under voting age as established in the bylaws, a three (3) person committee, appointed by the President/Captain will be formed to observe and determine those young persons whose efforts qualify them for voting privileges. The first unit elections for these young people will be Remembrance Day 2000 to allow ample time to have their efforts observed. Those voting privileges would extend over the course of the following year and will be reviewed each November by the committee. The qualifications would be:
1.) Their impressions
2.) Their ability to carry out duties either military or civilian
3.) A positive contribution to the unit
4.) Attendance as mandated in the by-laws
ARTICLE EIGHT
SUSPENSION, DEMOTION, OR REMOVAL OF A MEMBER
A. Any call for the removal of any member or demotion of any officer, field or executive, can be instituted by any regular member in “good standing.”
B. This call must be submitted in a signed letter to the President, and must contain the reason for the action.
C. It is the responsibility of the President in said call to:
1. Inform the individual in question of the action being taken.
2. Notice of the proceedings instituted must be published in the next newsletter or by a special mailing to
all members announcing the action.
3. Set the call for action on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled unit meeting. If a meeting is not
scheduled, it is the responsibility of the President to call one.
D. The person writing the original letter must present their case in person at the unit meeting.
E. The accused shall be given a chance for rebuttal.
F. Only those regular members in “good standing” shall be allowed to vote on the action to be taken.
G. A vote of two-thirds of the members in “good standing” present or by written proxy shall be necessary to suspend, remove or demote the member in question.
ARTICLE NINE
A. The unit newsletter shall be published at least ten times per unit calendar year and shall be known as the “Goober Grabber.”
B. All unit members are eligible to submit articles for publication.
C. The unit shall be under no obligation to send a newsletter to any member who has failed to pay membership dues by the dates stated in Article Three, Section B.5.
D. The Newsletter Editor has the authority and responsibility to edit or delete any article as they see fit to ensure timely publication of the newsletter and to keep the newsletter within reasonable size limits.
ARTICLE TEN
STANDING COMMITTEES
A. RECRUITMENT Committee, which shall be responsible for all recruitment activities, including all aspects of the written recruitment package.
B. MEMORIAL Officer, which shall be responsible for identifying sites that contain graves of the 21st Georgia soldiers, organize memorial services, and coordinate the headstone fund.
C. PUBLIC RELATIONS Committee, which shall be responsible for all aspects of promotion and publicity of unit events. Living history programs and memorials specific to the 21st Georgia.
D. NEWSLETTER Committee, which shall be responsible for the creation, publication and distribution of the unit newsletter at least ten (10) times annually.