Page 22 - Sojourner Newsletter-Spring 2023 v.3

22 THE SOJOURNER
Chapters, and more importantly, it could potentially shut a Chapter down due to having insufficient funds to
operate due to a single individual through no fault of the Chapter as a whole.
Whereas this is not a normal business practice in Freemasonry, nor should it take away TRUST fund
monies that are a compact between the National body and its Chapters in a progressive nature versus a one-
time assessment or fee.
Whereas the purpose of establishing a penalty for late submission or failure to submit a CAR should be to
emphasize the importance of timely communications with the National Office, not to overwhelm the Chapters
with financial penalties which not only place a significant administrative burden on the National Office, but
which also may significantly deplete limited resources and cause undue and unnecessary harm to the
Chapters.
Therefore be it resolved that Article V, Section 5 of the National Bylaws be amended from:

“For a Chapter, the consequences span 1) probation, 2) loss of a portion or all Chapter Annual MIP
dividends, 3) loss of a Chapter’s good standing and voting rights, and 4) suspension of the Chapter’s charter.”
To, “For a Chapter, the consequences span 1) probation, 2) a 20% late processing fee from the Chapter
Annual MIP dividends, 3) loss of a Chapter’s good standing and voting rights, and 4) suspension of the
Chapter’s charter”.
Be it further resolved that Article V, Section 9 (d), of the National Bylaws be amended from “d.
Submitting Chapter Annual Report: If an operational Chapter fails to submit its Chapter Annual Report on
time, it is placed on probation and forfeits 10% of its Membership-in-Perpetuity Dividend for each month the
report is late. If the report is not received by the following National Convention, the Chapter is not in good
standing and loses all voting rights until the report is submitted. If the Chapter Annual Report is delinquent for
two (2) consecutive years, the Chapter’s charter is suspended, to “d. Submitting Chapter Annual Report
(CAR): If an operational Chapter fails to submit its CAR by 30 June, it is placed on probation and it will be
assessed a late processing fee of 20% of its Membership-in- Perpetuity Dividend. If the report is not
received by the following National Convention, the Chapter is not in good standing and loses all voting rights
until the report is submitted. If the Chapter Annual Report is delinquent for two (2) consecutive years, the
Chapter’s charter is suspended.

RESOLUTION 2023-03
CHAPTER EXCELLENCE AWARD

Whereas Sections 5 and 16, ARTICLE IX, of the National Bylaws incorrectly state the following on the
Chapter of the Year and Chapter Excellence Awards: “Section 5 (a and c), Chapter of the Year Award,
incorrectly states a Chapter must apply for the Chapter of the Year Award and incorrectly states the basis for
the award.” and “Section 16, Citations, Certificates, and Other Devices For Presentation at Chapter Level,
incorrectly groups the Chapter Excellence Award with the Bridge of Light Awards.” and Section 16 (d),
Bridge of Light Awards incorrectly includes the Chapter Excellence Award,
Therefore be it resolved that subparagraphs a and c, of Section of 5, ARTICLE IX, be amended with the
deletions shown below (strike through) and word changes in BOLD:

a. To be eligible for the Chapter of the Year Award, a Chapter must meet all the standards established for
Chapter Excellence Award. , apply for the Chapter Excellence Award, and apply for the Chapter of the Year
Award through the Regional and Area Representatives.

c. The National President presents the Award to the Chapter recipient based on Chapter Excellence Award
Applications and criteria. reporting, compliance with the National Constitution and Bylaws, Americanism
and Bridge of Light Programs, fellowship, assistance provided to Clubs and Chapters, promotion of
Freemasonry, youth support and outreach, developing citizenship, defending national security, and
recommendations from and support for Area and Regional Representatives.