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.
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).
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.
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)
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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:
Annual Dues:
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)
Annual Dues:
- Descendant Youth Member: $12.00
- Descendant Adult & Associate Member: $24.00
- Must be a dues-paying Descendant Member for at least one year prior to an election.
- 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.
- No member may represent, sponsor, or fundraise on behalf of SISCA without prior written approval from the Board.
ARTICLE IV – MEETINGS
Regular Member 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.
- 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.
- One occurs before Juneteenth in preperation and another before Seminole Days
- Includes updates on financials, activities, and initiatives.
- May be called by the Officers and Board of Directors
ARTICLE V – VOTING
Quorum
Quorum
- 2/3 of the Officers and Board must be present (in person or via teleconference) to conduct a vote.
- Board and Officers vote on all operational matters.
- General members vote on elections and other issues determined by the Board.
- 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
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Treasurer
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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
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Emergency Extensions
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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.
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.
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