Constitution of the Camarilla USA

1.

GENERAL

1.1. The Camarilla (herein also called “the Camarilla USA,” “club,” or “organization”) is the official fan club of White Wolf, Inc. in the United States of America.
1.2. The purpose of the Camarilla USA is to:
1.2.1. provide a forum for the enjoyment of live-action and tabletop roleplaying games produced by White Wolf Publishing, Inc.; and
1.2.2. provide a framework for individuals to participate in community, social, and charitable events.
1.3. All property and assets of the club are subject to the control of the Camarilla USA as defined by the Constitution and the Bylaws.
1.4. All official business between the club and its members may be conducted by commercial delivery, in person, postal mail, e-mail, or in an electronic medium or by electronic transmission unless specified otherwise in this constitution or bylaw.
1.5. In the event that the club should be dissolved, liquidated, or otherwise cease operations, the assets of the Camarilla USA will be donated to a charitable cause chosen by the membership through Referendum from a list of charities created by the final Camarilla USA Council.
1.6. At times the Camarilla USA will act as a collecting agent for other non-profit organizations. Items and money may be collected by the Camarilla USA for the explicit purpose of combining donations prior to giving them to a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
1.6.1. In these instances, the Camarilla USA does not take title to the donation, and the individual or firm who gave the items/money should get the tax benefit.
1.7. The Camarilla USA recognizes the absolute precedence of federal and civil law over internal rules and shall create those governing documents in accordance with applicable law.
2.

MEMBERSHIP

2.1. The Camarilla USA has only one type of membership, that of General Member (herein also called “member”).
2.2. Holding a Camarilla USA office does not alter the benefits or duties of a being a General Member.
2.3. Membership in the club will be available to any person:
2.3.1. who is 18 years of age or older;
2.3.2. who pays the appropriate fee to the Camarilla USA; and
2.3.3. who has not been expelled from the club.
2.4. Only members of the Camarilla USA may hold positions in the organization. Non-members may not represent the Camarilla USA in any way at any time, nor should a non-member be put into a position of responsibility or authority where membership or representation of the Camarilla USA can be implied. This paragraph does not apply for the purposes of obtaining outside legal, financial, or other professional counsel.
2.5. No person will be barred from membership based on race, gender, social class, religious affiliation, national affiliation, sexual orientation, physical condition, or membership in or affiliation with any other class or group protected by applicable law.
2.6. No person will be discriminated against within the organization based on based on race, age, gender, social class, religious affiliation, national affiliation, sexual orientation or physical condition, or membership in or affiliation with any other class or group protected by applicable law.
2.7. No person will be made a member of the club without that person’s consent.
2.8. The Camarilla USA Council may issue cards or certificates evidencing membership in the club.
2.9. In the event such cards or certificates are issued, members may be required at any time while participating in a club event to show proof of membership.
2.10. Becoming a member of the Camarilla USA in good standing entitles the individual to the following benefits:
2.10.1. A membership number, expiration date, and access to a Camarilla USA membership handbook, so that the member is fully informed about the rules and governing regulations of the club;
2.10.2. The right to create and play characters in any Camarilla USA sanctioned game, including sanctioned electronic forums such as e-mail lists and IRC;
2.10.3. The right to be a member of the Domain or Independent Chapter in which the member lives;
2.10.4. The right to participate in Camarilla USA events;
2.10.5. The right to vote in all matters that this Constitution or other Bylaws designate; and
2.10.6. Other such rights as this Constitution, the Bylaws, or the Camarilla USA Membership Handbook so designate.
2.11. Becoming a member of the Camarilla USA requires that an individual assume the following responsibilities:
2.11.1. To adhere to the membership standards of the club, including the Code of Conduct, during participation in club events and when representing the club;
2.11.2. To abide by the rules and regulations contained in the Membership Handbook and the Bylaws;
2.11.3. To pay regular membership dues to White Wolf Publishing, Inc.; and
2.11.4. To comply with all Camarilla USA officer decisions that are not outside the officer’s authority as outlined in this Constitution, the Membership Handbook and the Bylaws.
2.11.5. Violation of the responsibilities of membership may result in the official removal of benefits of membership, in part or in whole, in proportion to the offense.
2.12. When dealing with official Camarilla USA business as defined by the Camarilla USA Council, a member is obligated to disclose only true and accurate information (to the best of their knowledge), to White Wolf Publishing, Inc., Camarilla USA officers, and members.
2.13. Any legal suit a member may file against the Camarilla USA or White Wolf must be filed in the state of Georgia in the United States of America, unless applicable law requires otherwise.
2.14. The act of filing suit in a court of law shall constitute notice of the plaintiff member's voluntary withdrawal from all club activities until the matter is completely adjudicated in a court of law.
2.15.

WITHDRAWAL OF MEMBERSHIP

2.15.1. Members may withdraw from the Camarilla USA at any time by providing a written letter of termination via postal mail to White Wolf Publishing, Inc., including the member's name, membership number, and signature.
2.15.2. Members may also withdraw from the Camarilla USA by providing a written letter of termination via e-mail sent to their local coordinator(s), their regional coordinator, the US national coordinator, and the club director, including the member's name, membership number, postal address, and date of birth.
2.15.3. Persons who resign from the Camarilla are not entitled to a refund of membership or other fees. Any membership benefits accrued prior to withdrawal are not available in the case the member rejoins the Camarilla USA unless an exception is approved by the Camarilla Council.
2.15.4. Persons who resign in this manner are not entitled to a refund of membership fees.
2.16. Members may also withdraw from the organization by choosing to not renew their memberships once the expiration date as recorded by White Wolf has passed.
2.16.1. The resignation of a member does not relieve that member from any monetary or legal obligation the member may have made to the club prior to resignation.
2.16.2. All fees are non-refundable in the event of voluntary resignation of membership.
2.16.3. Persons who resign in this manner and who subsequently rejoin the club may claim benefits previously accrued in the organization, subject to review and approval by the appropriate officers.
3.

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS

3.1. The Camarilla USA has four primary administrative divisions organized as three levels under the Camarilla USA Council:
3.1.1. At the basic administrative level, there are Independent Chapters and Chapters;
3.1.2. At the middle administrative level, there are Domains; and
3.1.3. At the high administrative level, there are Regions.
3.2. Each division is led by a Coordinator, who organizes and oversees the administration of club functions at that level according to the requirements set by the Bylaws.
3.3. Each member has the same rights and responsibilities as the other members in her Independent Chapter, Chapter, Domain, or Region. No member can be excluded from Camarilla USA activities except by disciplinary action.
3.4.

INDEPENDENT CHAPTERS

3.4.1. An Independent Chapter is a basic level administrative and social unit assigned a geographical area as defined by the Camarilla USA Council. An Independent Chapter is formed by meeting the requirements set by the Bylaws.
3.4.2. An Independent Chapter Coordinator administers an Independent Chapter and is elected by the members of the Independent Chapter.
3.4.3. Members who join the Camarilla USA and reside within the geographical boundaries of an Independent Chapter automatically become members of that Independent Chapter.
3.4.4. The Regional Coordinator, with the approval of the Camarilla USA Council has the authority to change the boundaries of Independent Chapters, though they may delegate this authority as they see fit.
3.4.5. A general member may join an Independent Chapter in which he does not reside by following the procedure set by the Camarilla USA Council in the Membership Handbook.
3.4.6. If a general member lives within the geographical boundaries of an Independent Chapter, he may not be denied membership in the Independent Chapter.
3.4.7. An Independent Chapter may become a Domain or part of a Domain by following the procedure set by the Bylaws.
3.5.

CHAPTERS

3.5.1. A Chapter is an administrative and social unit organized by members within a Domain. It is created by meeting the requirements defined by the Bylaws.
3.5.2. A Chapter Coordinator administers the Chapter and is elected by the members of that Chapter.
3.5.3. Members who are part of Domains may choose to join a Chapter within the Domain, but are not required to do so.
3.5.4. Chapters may set requirements for admitting members as allowed by the Camarilla USA Council, but the requirements must not violate this Constitution or the Bylaws.
3.5.4.1. The Coordinator chain must approve Chapter charters setting such requirements; however, the decision to reject a Chapter charter may be appealed as per the standard procedures.
3.5.5. A Chapter may leave its Domain to become an Independent Chapter with approval from the primary Regional officers and the Camarilla USA Council. Upon approval, the boundaries of the new Independent Chapter and the Domain will be established.
3.6.

DOMAINS

3.6.1. A Domain is a mid-level administrative and social unit within a geographical area as defined by the Regional Coordinators with the approval of the Camarilla USA Council, and meeting the requirements described in the Membership Handbook.
3.6.2. A Domain may also contain Chapters, but is not required to. The Domain may not prohibit the forming of Chapters.
3.6.3. A Domain Coordinator administers a Domain and is elected by the members of that Domain.
3.6.4. Members who join the Camarilla USA and reside within the geographical boundaries of a Domain automatically become members of that Domain.
3.6.5. A general member may join a Domain in which he or she does not reside by following the procedure set by the Camarilla USA Council.
3.6.6. All Domains are part of the Region in which they are located.
3.6.7. Independent Chapters may not exist within the geographical area of a Domain.
3.7.

REGIONS

3.7.1. A Region is a high-level administrative unit within a geographical area as defined by the Camarilla USA Council, consisting of all Independent Chapters and Domains within that area.
3.7.2. A Regional Coordinator administers a Region and is elected by the Domain Coordinators of that Region, as described in the Membership Handbook.
3.7.3. Members who join the Camarilla USA and reside within the geographical boundaries of a Region automatically become members of that Region.
3.7.4. The Camarilla USA Council has the sole power to change the boundaries of Regions.
3.7.5. A general member may join a Region in which he does not reside by following the procedure set by the Camarilla USA Council in the Membership Handbook.
3.7.6. If a general member lives within the geographical boundary of a Region, he may not be denied membership in the Region.
4.

STORYTELLING DIVISIONS

4.1. The Camarilla USA has three primary storytelling divisions organized as three levels under the Camarilla USA Council:
4.1.1. At the basic storytelling level, there are Venues;
4.1.2. At the middle storytelling level is the Domain, which corresponds to the administrative level division of the same name and conforms to its respective geographical boundaries; and
4.1.3. At the high storytelling level, there is the Region, which corresponds to the administrative level division of the same name and conforms to its geographical boundaries.
4.2. Each division is led by a Storyteller, who organizes and oversees the storytelling activities at that level according to the requirements set by the Camarilla USA Council.
4.3. Each member has the same rights and responsibilities as the other members in his Venue, Domain, or Region. No member can be excluded from Camarilla gaming activities except by disciplinary action.
4.4. Although storytelling divisions are not subordinate to their corresponding administrative divisions, they are expected to work with the administrative divisions to provide for the gaming interests of members and the orderly execution of other club functions.
4.5.

VENUES

4.5.1. A Venue is the basic level storytelling unit meeting the requirements set by the National Storyteller and in authorized storytelling supplements, and runs a particular genre of game as allowed by the Camarilla USA’s storytelling supplements.
4.5.2. A Venue Storyteller administers a Venue and is elected by the players in that Venue through the procedure set by the Camarilla USA Council.
4.5.3. Each Venue must be contained within the geographical area of an Independent Chapter or Domain.
4.5.4. A member may become a player in a venue by having a valid character created in accordance with the rules used by the Camarilla USA and approved by the Venue Storyteller.
4.5.5. The creation of and changes to a Venue Style Sheet must be approved at the basic, middle and high levels of the storytelling hierarchy, as described in the Bylaws. A Venue Style Sheet may be changed by the National Storyteller as necessary to maintain the overall continuity of the organization’s game.
4.5.6. A Venue Style Sheet may be revoked or suspended by the Domain Storyteller (if the game is within a Domain), the Regional Storyteller, or the National Storyteller.
4.5.7. A member may join Venues not within the geographical boundaries of his Independent Chapter, Domain, or Region by following the procedure set by the Camarilla USA Council.
4.6.

DOMAINS

4.6.1. Domains are the middle level storytelling units that meet the requirements described in the Membership Handbook and authorized storytelling supplements.
4.6.2. A Domain Storyteller administers the storytelling functions and coordinates the activities of the Venue Storytellers and their Venues within the Domain’s area.
4.6.3. The members of the Domain elect the Domain Storyteller.
4.7.

REGIONS

4.7.1. A Region is a high-level storytelling unit consisting of all Venues within that area.
4.7.2. A Regional Storyteller administers the games in a Region, and is elected by the Domain Storytellers of the Region as detailed in the Bylaws.
5.

THE CAMARILLA COUNCIL

5.1. The overall governing body of the Camarilla USA is the Camarilla USA Council.
5.2. The Camarilla USA Council establishes the rules of the organization and minimum administrative requirements for subordinate levels and their officers at all levels. These rules and administrative requirements are contained within the Camarilla USA Membership Handbook.
5.3. The Camarilla USA Council has the power to:
5.3.1. conduct such business operations as may be permitted by law;
5.3.2. appoint officers of the organization in keeping with the Camarilla USA Membership Handbook; and
5.3.3. establish and amend the Camarilla USA Membership Handbook by the passage of Bylaws.
5.4. The Camarilla USA Membership Handbook may contain any provision for managing the business and regulating the affairs of the organization that is not inconsistent with law or this Constitution.
5.5. The Camarilla USA Council will publish the Camarilla USA Membership Handbook and make copies available to all members.
5.6. Members may request a physical copy of the Camarilla USA Membership Handbook, but may be charged a fee to cover the costs of printing and delivery if required.
5.7. The Camarilla USA Membership Handbook will also be published electronically, as appropriate.
5.8.

POWERS RESERVED FOR THE CAMARILLA USA COUNCIL

5.8.1. The Camarilla USA Council reserves to itself various powers as described in the Constitution and Bylaws, and these reservations apply to all members.
5.8.2. The Camarilla USA Council reserves the right to intervene in the affairs of its subsidiary levels if the events precipitating the intervention appear to pose a threat to the integrity of the Camarilla USA or White Wolf, the Constitution or Bylaws appear to have been violated or there appears to be a legal threat to the Camarilla USA or White Wolf.
5.8.3. If the Camarilla USA Council finds it necessary to intervene in the affairs of its subsidiary levels to protect the legal standing of the Camarilla USA or White Wolf, the intervention will focus as precisely as possible on the individuals responsible for the threat to the legal standing.
5.8.4. The Camarilla USA Council reserves the right to revoke, limit, or suspend the status and authority of a Region, Domain, Chapter, Independent Chapter, or Venue, if necessary, to maintain the legal standing, the financial stability or the business reputation of the Camarilla USA or White Wolf.
5.8.5. The Camarilla USA Council reserves the right to set geographical boundaries for Regions, Domains, and Independent Chapters.
5.8.6. The Camarilla USA Council reserves the right to pass Bylaws to create and modify, as necessary, the application procedures and election processes for all offices in the club.
5.8.7. The Camarilla USA Council may, by Resolution, remove any other Camarilla USA member from his office.
5.8.8. The Camarilla USA Council reserves the right to award to or remove from any member, by Resolution, member benefits or rewards granted at any level, save those granted by this document.
5.8.9. The Camarilla USA Council may delegate some or all of this authority to other officers through Bylaws.
5.8.10. Rewards or other member benefits granted by the Camarilla USA Council must be recognized and honored by all members and all levels of the organization.
5.8.11. The Camarilla USA Council is the final arbiter of the interpretations of the Constitution, Bylaws and other policies as made by the officers of the Camarilla USA.
6.

POSITIONS ON THE CAMARILLA COUNCIL

6.1. The specific job duties of each position on the Camarilla USA Council are contained in the Membership Handbook and may be expanded temporarily by Resolution or permanently by Bylaw.
6.2. Additional positions on the Camarilla USA Council may be created only by amendment to this Constitution.
6.3.

CLUB DIRECTOR

6.3.1. The Club Director is considered the Chairman of the Camarilla USA Council.
6.3.2. The Club Director is appointed by White Wolf.
6.3.3. The term of office of the Club Director is indefinite and at the sole discretion of White Wolf.
6.3.4. The Club Director votes only in the case of a tie on the Camarilla USA Council.
6.4.

NATIONAL CONVENTIONS ADMINISTRATOR

6.4.1. The National Conventions Administrator manages national-level events, sets standards for, and oversees other large official club events.
6.4.2. The National Conventions Administrator is a voting position.
6.4.3. The Club Director appoints the National Conventions Administrator from those applications received and approved by the Camarilla USA Council.
6.4.4. The term of office of the National Convention Administrator is indefinite and at the sole discretion of White Wolf.
6.5.

NATIONAL COORDINATOR

6.5.1. The National Coordinator is the executive officer of the Camarilla USA Council and is responsible for the day to day operations of the organization and overseeing the administrative hierarchy.
6.5.2. The National Coordinator is a voting position.
6.5.3. The National Coordinator is elected by a vote of the Regional Coordinators.
6.6.

NATIONAL FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR

6.6.1. The National Finance Administrator the chief financial officer of the Camarilla USA, conducting its financial operations and maintaining its financial records in accordance with applicable law, generally accepted accounting practices and the Bylaws.
6.6.2. The National Finance Administrator is a voting position.
6.6.3. The Club Director appoints the National Finance Administrator from those applications received and approved by the Camarilla USA Council.
6.6.4. The term of office of the National Finance Administrator is indefinite and at the sole discretion of White Wolf.
6.7.

NATIONAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR

6.7.1. The National Services Administrator oversees the administration of membership benefits.
6.7.2. The National Services Administrator is a voting position.
6.7.3. The National Services Administrator is elected by a vote of the Regional Coordinators.
6.8.

NATIONAL STORYTELLER

6.8.1. The National Storyteller is the head of gaming activities in the club, managing a staff that provides information facilitating the use of the World of Darkness for the use of the club and supervising the storyteller hierarchy.
6.8.2. The National Storyteller is a voting position.
6.8.3. The National Storyteller is elected by a vote of the Regional Storytellers.
6.9.

NATIONAL OMBUDSMAN

6.9.1. The National Ombudsman is a direct representative of the membership on the Council and is responsible for communicating with members and bringing widespread concerns, compliments, and criticisms to the attention of the Council.
6.9.2. The National Ombudsman is a voting position.
6.9.3. The National Ombudsman is elected by a vote of all members of the Camarilla USA in good standing.
7.

BYLAWS

7.1. The Bylaws of the organization are the continuing provisions for managing the business and regulating the affairs of the organization.
7.2. Bylaws must be passed by the voting procedure of the Camarilla USA Council.
7.3. The Bylaws must be consistent with applicable law and this Constitution.
7.4. The Bylaws are considered permanent provisions and may only be amended or revoked by the passage of a subsequent Bylaw or amendment to this Constitution.
7.5. The Bylaws are published in the Membership Handbook.
7.6. Those Bylaws not published in the Membership Handbook will be made available to any member of the organization upon request, and to any other person or entity entitled to a copy by law.
7.7. Members may request a physical copy of the Bylaws, but may be charged a fee to cover the costs of printing and delivery at the discretion of the Camarilla USA Council.
7.8. The Bylaws will also be published electronically, as appropriate.
8.

RESOLUTIONS

8.1. The Camarilla USA Council takes action by passing Resolutions.
8.2. Resolutions are temporary or one-time actions that do not require continuing provisions, such as directing officers in the organization to perform certain tasks, empowering members to temporarily conduct business on behalf of the organization, officially awarding member benefits, or delegating other powers at the discretion of the Camarilla USA Council.
8.3. Resolutions are passed by the voting procedure of the Camarilla USA Council.
8.4. Resolutions must be consistent with the organization’s Constitution and Bylaws.
9.

VOTING BY THE CAMARILLA COUNCIL

9.1. Voting members of the Camarilla USA Council each have one vote in all matters requiring a vote.
9.2. Members on the Camarilla USA Council may vote in favor of a matter, against it, or may abstain.
9.3. When the Camarilla USA Council takes up a matter, any members of the Camarilla USA Council who have a potential conflict of interest must withdraw from the matter and not vote on the issue.
9.3.1. In the event that this makes half or more of the voting members of the Camarilla USA Council ineligible, all conflicts of interest are waived and all Camarilla USA Council members may participate in the ruling.
9.4. For a Bylaw, Resolution or other measure to be approved by the Camarilla USA Council, it must receive a simple affirmative majority greater than 50% of the total number of voting positions on the Camarilla USA Council, unless a greater number is called for in this Constitution, the Bylaws or the Membership Handbook.
9.5. If a vote is tied when the voting period is concluded, the Club Director casts a tie-breaking vote.
9.6. Any voting member of the Camarilla USA Council may propose a Resolution or a Bylaw for a vote so long as another voting member of the Camarilla USA Council seconds the proposal.
9.7. From time to time it may be necessary for the Camarilla USA Council to create new policies before a new printing of the Camarilla USA Membership Handbook or other governing documents are required.
9.7.1. In such an event, the Camarilla USA Council will post the new policy electronically in a central location on the Internet accessible to all members of the organization.
9.7.2. Upon the date posted, the new policy will take effect in 60 days unless the Resolution or Bylaw as passed states otherwise.
9.7.3. All previously unpublished Bylaws and necessary policies that have been posted to the membership but were not previously published will be published in the next edition of the Camarilla USA Membership Handbook and/or other appropriate documents.
10.

OFFICES AND ELECTIONS

10.1. All offices in the club serve only to reflect a member’s position or responsibilities as relates to club affairs. At no time does the occupation of an office or position give any member any authority over another member beyond the proper duties of the office.
10.2. At no time does an officer have the authority to violate any of the rights or privileges of another person granted by law or this Constitution. Any officer found to have acted in such manner may be immediately stripped of title and/or position by the Camarilla USA Council and may be recommended for further disciplinary action up to, and possibly including, expulsion from the club.
10.3. A member of the Camarilla USA has the right to apply for any elected or appointed office within the administrative or storytelling divisions in which he is a member, including positions on the Camarilla USA Council.
10.4. Only members of the Camarilla USA may hold positions in the Camarilla USA, with the exception of Club Director (who must be a member but not necessarily a member).
10.5. A member may be prohibited from taking another appointed or elected office if he already holds one, as detailed in the Membership Handbook.
10.6.

TERM LIMITS

10.6.1. The maximum term of office for all elected officials in Independent Chapters, Chapters, Venues, and Domains is one (1) year, though this may be shortened by Referendum.
10.6.2. The maximum term of office for all elected officials at the Regional level and on the Camarilla USA Council is two (2) years.
10.6.3. An elected officer whose term has expired or who is resigning early may continue to serve in the office until such time as a replacement is elected.
10.6.4. A member may serve consecutive terms in the same office, but must go through the election process each time.
10.7. A member the Camarilla USA in good standing has the right to vote in any elections to choose officers in his Venue(s), Independent Chapter, Chapter, and/or Domain.
10.8. All Domain Coordinators and Independent Chapter Coordinators who are members in good standing have the right to vote in elections to choose their respective Regional Coordinators.
10.9. All Domain Storytellers who are members in good standing have the right to vote in elections to choose their respective Regional Storytellers. Each Independent Chapter has the right to choose one Venue Storyteller by chapter referendum to vote in elections to choose their respective Regional Storytellers.
10.10. All Regional Coordinators who are members in good standing of the Camarilla USA have the right to vote in elections to choose certain positions on the Camarilla USA Council, as indicated above.
10.11. All Regional Storytellers who are members in good standing of the Camarilla USA have the right to vote in elections to choose the National Storyteller.
10.12. The procedures for applying for an elected office and obtaining a spot on the ballot are set according to the Bylaws.
11.

BASIC ELECTION PROCEDURE

11.1. Elections are conducted to select members for certain offices.
11.2. Elections are conducted using secret ballots, though individual members may waive their right to keep their votes secret with a written statement to the officer charged with overseeing the election.
11.3. Only the final numerical results of an election must be made public knowledge.
11.4. No members running for election, officers supervising an election or tabulators counting votes in an election forfeit their votes in the election.
11.5. The procedure for who oversees an election and the selection of vote tabulators is determined by the Bylaws.
11.6. The Camarilla USA uses an instant run-off system for use in electing officers, which ensures the election of the candidate most preferred by the greatest number of voters.
11.6.1. Voting tabulation may be done with written or printed ballots, e-mailed ballots, electronic ballots or a combination thereof, so long as the tabulation does not violate any other requirements or restrictions listed in the Constitution, the Bylaws, or the Membership Handbook.
11.6.2. Each eligible member has one vote, and ranks candidates in order of choice (1, 2, 3, etc., with 1 being the highest) on the ballot.
11.6.3. Members may cast proxy votes for other members who are otherwise unable to vote in the election, as permitted by Bylaw.
11.6.4. At the conclusion of the voting period, all first choices are counted, and if no candidate wins a greater than 50% of the total first choice votes, then the last place candidate (the candidate with the fewest first choices) is eliminated.
11.6.5. Ballots of voters who ranked the eliminated candidate first then are redistributed to their next-choice candidates, as indicated on each voter’s ballot.
11.6.6. Last place candidates are successively eliminated and ballots are redistributed to next choices until one candidate remains or a candidate gains over 50% of the votes cast.
11.6.7. Voters have the option to rank as many or as few candidates as they wish.
11.6.8. If the elimination of candidates results in all ranked candidates on a ballot being eliminated, the ballot is then counted as “None of the Above”.
11.6.9. If an election results with “None of the Above” receiving over 50% of the votes cast, the election is halted and a new election called, allowing for new candidates to apply for the office.
11.6.10. At the end of any round of tabulation, should the vote totals for each candidate and "None of the Above" be equal to each other, the election is halted and a new election called. Candidates in the halted election are eligible to run in the new election.
11.7. ELECTION OF REGIONAL COORDINATORS
11.7.1. When voting for a Regional Coordinator, the eligible Domain Coordinators have a number of votes proportionate to the total membership of the Domain.
11.7.2. Each Domain Coordinator has a number of votes equal to one per ten members, or fraction thereof, as listed in official membership records on the date the election is announced. A Domain Coordinator may not split his votes between candidates.
11.7.3. Each Independent Chapter Coordinator shall have one vote.
11.7.4. The process then follows the basic election procedure above.
11.7.5. Following the conclusion of the election, each Domain Coordinator or Independent Chapter Coordinator who cast a vote shall make their ballot available to their Domain or Independent Chapter.
11.8.

ELECTION OF REGIONAL STORYTELLERS

11.8.1. When voting for a Regional Storyteller, the eligible Domain Storytellers have a number of votes proportionate to the total membership of the Domain.
11.8.2. Each Domain Storyteller has a number of votes equal to one per ten members, or fraction thereof, as listed in official membership records on the date the election is announced. A Domain Storyteller may not split his votes between candidates.
11.8.3. Each Venue Storyteller chosen to cast a vote shall have one vote.
11.8.4. The process then follows the basic election procedure above.
11.8.5. Following the conclusion of the election, each Domain Storyteller or Venue Storyteller who cast a vote shall make their ballot available to their Domain or Independent Chapter.
12.

REFERENDA

12.1. Referenda are used for voting on certain matters other than selecting a member for an office.
12.2. Referenda use a standard majority vote system, wherein each eligible member gets a single vote.
12.2.1. Members may cast proxy votes for other members who are otherwise unable to vote in the Referendum, as detailed in the Membership Handbook.
12.3. Referenda require a number of affirmative votes greater than 50% of the total votes cast, less abstentions, to be approved.
12.4. Referenda are used for amendments to this Constitution, for changing certain Bylaws, for removing members from specific offices, and elsewhere as called for in and detailed by this Constitution, the Bylaws, and the Membership Handbook.
12.5. The procedure to select officers to oversee referendum voting and to select vote tabulators is set by Bylaw.
13.

EVENTS

13.1. The term “event” refers to social gatherings, business meetings, games, and outings organized by members for the benefit of other members, the club and outside organizations in the name of the club.
13.2. All Camarilla USA events must be sponsored by a Camarilla USA member in good standing who has registered the event with an appropriate Coordinator and publicized the event to other members. The sponsoring member is responsible for the general conduct of the event.
13.3. All Camarilla USA events must be conducted according to the Constitution, Camarilla USA Membership Handbook, and other regulations of the organization.
13.4. Any member of the Camarilla USA in good standing may attend a club event so long as he is prepared to show proof of membership and to comply with any other requirements (such as waivers) which may be imposed.
13.5. The officer authorizing or running the event is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the event operates according to the rules set forth by the club.
14.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

14.1. There are three types of disciplinary action in the club:
14.1.1. partial or full suspension of membership access and participation;
14.1.2. partial or full loss of membership benefits and awards; and
14.1.3. temporary or permanent revocation of membership.
14.2. The length and/or scope of disciplinary action that may be levied against a member for violating the rules and regulations of the club are detailed in the Bylaws.
14.3. The Camarilla USA Council must specifically define which officers may impose a disciplinary action and the maximum length and/or scope of the action.
14.4.

REVOCATION OF MEMBERSHIP

14.4.1. Involuntary revocation of membership is a disciplinary action that may be enacted by the Camarilla USA Council.
14.4.2. A 2/3 vote of the Camarilla USA Council is required for involuntary revocation of membership.
14.4.3. In the event of revocation of membership, the expelled member is entitled to a pro-rated refund of membership dues upon return of any distributed membership materials, to include any certificate of membership.
14.4.4. Notice of revocation of membership must be written and signed by the National Services Administrator and sent to the expelled member’s address as registered with the club via first-class U.S. Mail, its equivalent, or other acceptable commercial delivery service.
14.4.5. Notice of revocation of membership must also be sent to the officers responsible for the member at each level.
14.5.

RIGHT TO APPEAL/ARBITRATION BOARD

14.5.1. A member has the right to appeal any decision made by a single officer, including appeals decisions. Decisions made by the Camarilla Council or Arbitration Board may not be appealed.
14.5.2. Appeals of a decision enacted at the Chapter or Domain level go first to the next elected officer in the appropriate chain. If further appeal is warranted, the case may be appealed to the Camarilla USA Arbitration Board.
14.5.3. Appeals of a decision enacted at Regional level go to the Camarilla USA Arbitration Board.
14.5.4. Appeals of a decision enacted at the National level go to the Camarilla USA Council.
14.5.5. Complaints against an officer, rather than against a specific decision, go to the next elected officer in the appropriate chain. Complaints against a National officer go to the Camarilla USA Council.
14.5.6. The Camarilla USA Arbitration Board consists of one member from each Region selected by a vote of the Domain Coordinators and Domain Storytellers.
14.5.7. Arbiters who represent the Region(s) from which an appeal originates must abstain from reviewing that appeal.
14.5.7.1. If this would result in more than half the Arbiters abstaining, no Arbiter is required to abstain.
15.

AMENDMENTS

15.1. Amendments to this Constitution must be proposed in writing to the Camarilla USA Council.
15.2.15.2. All amendments deemed reasonable and feasible by the Camarilla USA Council will be presented to the membership for a Referendum as detailed in the Constitution within one year of the date the proposal was received.
15.3. All members in good standing of the Camarilla USA will have one vote.
15.4. An amendment is approved if it receives the affirmative majority of those votes cast.
15.5. An amendment so approved becomes effective immediately.
15.6. The Camarilla USA Council may, by two-thirds affirmative vote, adopt temporary amendments deemed necessary to continue the legal, financial and efficient operation of the club when the current rules and restrictions of this Constitution would otherwise prohibit such.
15.7. A temporary amendment has the full force of a regular amendment.
15.8. If the temporary amendment is not brought before the general membership for a vote within six (6) months it must be annulled.
15.8.1. A temporary amendment not brought before the general membership or withdrawn before a vote may not be imposed for a minimum of one (1) year from the date of adoption, nor may similar temporary amendments be approved.
15.8.2. If a temporary amendment is defeated in general election, no similar amendment may be proposed or imposed for a minimum of one (1) year from the date of the election.

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