Bylaws

SEMINOLE INDIAN SCOUTS CEMETERY ASSOCIATION (SISCA) BYLAWS

PREAMBLE
We, the descendants of the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts, in order to promote and preserve the cemetery henceforth known as the Seminole Indian Scouts Cemetery, do hereby establish these bylaws.

ARTICLE I – ORGANIZATION NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Seminole Indian Scouts Cemetery Association (SISCA).

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY
SISCA membership is divided into two categories:
Descendant and Associate members.

Descendant Members:
are individuals who can trace their lineage to the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts, as verified through oral history, community validation, tradition, or other acceptable documentation. Descendant Members are granted voting rights.

Children (Ages 0–9)

Enrolled for free as non-voting members.

Youth (Ages 10–17)

Eligible for discounted dues.
Non-voting members.

Adults (Ages 18–79)

Dues-paying members with voting rights.
Eligible to serve on committees and run for office if qualified.

Elders (Ages 80 and above)

Granted full voting and leadership privileges.
Not required to pay dues but may do so voluntarily.

Associate Members:
are non-descendants, including spouses and community allies, who support SISCA through dues. They may serve on election committees but do not have voting rights or hold elected office.

ARTICLE III – DUES AND FINANCES
Membership dues are collected annually and acknowledged with a receipt. Dues announcements and reminders will be shared via:

Monthly newsletters
SISCA website
Social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)

Accepted payment methods: mail, online, in-person (cash, check, money order, credit/debit).
Annual Dues:

Descendant Youth Member: $12.00
Descendant Adult & Associate Member: $24.00

Voting Eligibility:

Must be a dues-paying Descendant Member for at least one year prior to an election.

Financial Oversight:

All funds go toward the preservation of the cemetery.
Funds are held in an FDIC-insured account.
Withdrawals require approval from two Board Members.
Monthly financial statements are provided to the Board.

Fundraising Authority:

No member may represent, sponsor, or fundraise on behalf of SISCA without prior written approval from the Board.

Fiscal Year: January 1 – December 31

ARTICLE IV – MEETINGS
Regular Member Meetings

Held twice a year at Carver School.
Dates and times announced online and via newsletter/social media.
Open to all members for education and discussion.

Board Meetings

Minimum of four annually.
Mandatory for Board Members and Officers.
Up to two meetings per year may be attended via teleconference.
Advance notice given by at least three methods: email, phone, and text.

Annual Meeting

One occurs before Juneteenth in preperation and another before Seminole Days
Includes updates on financials, activities, and initiatives.

Special Meetings

May be called by the Officers and Board of Directors

ARTICLE V – VOTING
Quorum

2/3 of the Officers and Board must be present (in person or via teleconference) to conduct a vote.

Voting Procedures

Board and Officers vote on all operational matters.
General members vote on elections and other issues determined by the Board.

Elections and Ballots

Voting is conducted by mail.
All voting members are informed via email, mail, website, and phone.
Decisions are made by a simple majority (50% + 1 of returned ballots).

ARTICLE VI – OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Represents SISCA publicly.
Presides over meetings.
Forms or dissolves committees.
Delegates duties to Officers.

Vice-President

Assumes President's responsibilities when necessary.

Secretary

Maintains records, correspondence, and meeting minutes.
Ensures bylaws are posted and updated.
Maintains membership databas

Treasurer

Manages finances.
Co-signs checks with another board member.
Keeps financial records accessible to the Board.

Board of Directors

Up to seven members.
Oversees all organizational activity and assets.
Approves budgets, fundraisers, and cemetery maintenance.

Eligibility

Must be a paid member for two years to run for Secretary, Treasurer, or Board.
Must be a paid member for two years and have served one term to run for President or Vice-President.

ARTICLE VII – TERMS OF OFFICE
Officers

Serve two-year terms.

Board Members

Serve staggered four-year terms.
Elections rotate every two years.

Emergency Extensions

Terms may be extended by a 2/3 vote in emergencies.

ARTICLE VIII – REMOVALS

Missing more than three meetings in a fiscal year without cause may result in removal (by 2/3 vote).
Failure to fulfill duties may also result in removal (by 2/3 vote).

ARTICLE IX – VACANCIES
Vacant positions are filled by Board appointment and majority approval.

ARTICLE X – COMPENSATION
All Officers and Board Members are volunteers and receive no financial compensation.

ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS

Bylaws may be amended at any time.
Amendments take effect following a 2/3 vote by the Officers and Board Members.

Last Revised: August 2021