AMERICAN LEGION ALBERT J. HAMILTON POST 7
BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON

Bylaws

ARTICLE I
NAME AND AUTHORITY

Section 1: The Post existing under these Bylaws is the Albert J. Hamilton Post #7
of The American Legion of the State of Washington, hereinafter called Post. The
Post having received its Charter from the National Organization of The American
Legion July 5, 1919, and having been incorporated under and subject to the laws of
the State of Washington.
Section 2: The objectives of this Post are as set forth in the Constitution.

ARTICLE II
MANAGEMENT

Section 1. The government and management of the Post are vested in an executive
committee of eight members to be known as the “Executive Committee.” The
Executive Committee shall consist of the Post Commander, First Vice Commander,
Second Vice Commander, Junior Past Commander, Finance Officer, and three
Trustees.
Section 2. The Executive Committee are the Officers of this Post along with the
Post Adjutant, who is a non-voting member of the Executive Committee.
Section 3. The Executive Committee shall consist of eight members and be elected
annually in May and take office at the next regular meeting of the Post after the
Department of Washington’s annual convention, or no later than September of each
year. All elections of officers shall be by ballot and the candidates receiving the
highest number of votes shall be elected to the respective office or offices for
which they are candidates.
Section 3. All vacancies existing on the Executive Committee of the Post, from
any cause other than the expiration of the term, shall be filled by a majority vote of
the remaining members of the committee, and a person so appointed shall hold
office for the unexpired term of the member of the committee who succeeded. A
vacancy shall exist when a member or officer is absent from the Post for a
continuous period considered detrimental to the interest of the Post by the
Executive Committee, without being prior excused by the Commander.

ARTICLE III
POST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1. The Post Executive Committee shall meet for organization and such
other business as may come before it at the call of the Post commander within 10
days after the installation of the new officers. Thereafter the Post Executive
Committee shall meet at the call of the commander at least every third month or as
often as said commander may deem necessary. The commander shall call a
meeting of the Post Executive Committee upon the joint written request of three or
more members of said Post Executive Committee, five members of the committee
shall constitute a quorum thereof.
Section 2. The Post Executive Committee shall authorize and approve all
expenditures; shall require adequate liability insurance from all persons having
custody of Post fund; shall hear the reports of Post committee chairs; and generally,
shall have charge of and be responsible for the management of the affairs of this
Post.

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS AND ELECTIONS

Section 1. Officers: The Officers of the Post shall be the Post Commander, First
Vice-Commander, Second Vice-Commander, Junior Past Commander, Finance
Officer, three Trustee, and Post Adjutant who serves in a non-voting capacity on
the Executive Committee. Officers may only hold one officer position at a time
without express permission of the Executive Committee. Except for the Junior Past
Commander who may be elected to other Executive Committee positions.
Section 2. Eligibility: Any member of the Post, in good standing, shall be eligible
to any office.
Section 3. Elections: The annual elections of officers shall be held at the General
Meeting in May. The Post Adjutant shall verify immediately to the Department
Adjutant the list of officers so elected and installed. Provided that, upon good
cause shown, the Department Commander may issue permission to change the
dates of said election to any date that is practicable.
Section 4. Nominations: Nominations for the candidates for the various offices of
the Post may be made at the regular meeting of the Post that immediately precedes
the election meeting, and the nominations shall be posted as soon as made on the
bulletin board in the Post.
Section 5. Notice: The Adjutant of the Post shall make notice to members of the
Post, in good standing, the time and place of the election of officers of the Post.
Such notice may be made by posting on the Post Bulletin Board and or the Post
Web site.
Section 6. Balloting: In the balloting for Post Officers, the candidate receiving a
majority of the votes cast shall be deemed elected. In the event of a tie vote, a flip
of a coin will determine the winner.
Section 7. Installation: The annual election of Post Officers shall be held prior to
the Department Convention, except if requested by a Post showing good cause, the
Department Commander may grant permission to hold the election on a date as
close after the annual Department Convention as practicable. No newly elected or
appointed Post Officer, regardless of the date of installation, may assume their
duties of office earlier than the first day following the closure of the annual
Department Convention.

ARTICLE V
DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. Executive Committee: The Executive Committee shall have general
charge of the management of the Post, shall approve the appointment of all
standing and special Committees, such sub-committees as it may consider
necessary.
a. Vacancies: Vacancies in membership of the Executive Committee shall be
filled by a majority vote of the Executive Committee; the person so elected to
serve until the next regular annual meeting of the Post. The Executive Committee
shall likewise fill all vacancies in the committees. A vacancy shall exist when a
member of the Executive Committee or Post officer is absent from the Post for a
continuous period or absence from regular or Executive Committee meetings
considered to be detrimental to the interest of the Post by the Executive
Committee.
b. Executive Committee: The Executive Committee may in the name of the
Post and corporation, acquire, mortgage, sell, dispose of, coney and deliver
property, real and/or personal, and may borrow money, authorize the execution
and delivery of conveyances, instruments in writing, contracts, and evidence of
indebtedness, and invest up to sixty percent of the cash reserves in an investment
fund, all of which when authorized by the Executive Committee and ratified by the
membership shall be executed on behalf of the Post by the Post Commander and
attested by the Post Adjutant under the seal of the Post.
c. Post Operations: The Executive Committee may establish Post Policies,
Rules, and Operating Procedures to effectively manage the operations of this Post,
including discipline of members and employees, and to ensure compliance with
federal, state, and local ordinances deemed necessary for activities and procedures
not covered in the Post Constitution and these Bylaws and publish all said Post
Policies, Rules and Operating Procedures as a single document. Said Policies,
Rules, and Operating Procedures become effective by a majority vote of the
Executive Committee.
c. Additions: The Executive Committee may add additional Post positions and
committees as deemed necessary.
Section 2. Commander: It shall be the duty of the Commander to be the Chief
Executive Officer of the Post, to preside at all meetings of the Post, to enforce a
strict observance of the Constitution and Bylaws; to appoint all positions and
committees whose selection is not otherwise provided for, to approve all orders
drawn upon the Treasury for the disbursement of money, and to perform such other
duties as usually appertain to the duties of the presiding officer. The Post
Commander is a voting member of all Post Committees, Special Committees and
Sub-Committees. The Post Commander shall be the chair of the Executive
Committee, who shall preside at all meetings of such committee. In the event of a
tie vote in the Executive Committee session, the Post Commander has the authority
to break the tie. The Commander shall designate an Executive Committee member
or The Post Adjutant to function as the Secretary of the Executive Committee.
Section3. Vice-Commanders: There shall be a First and Second Vice-
Commander. In the absence of the Commander, the First Vice-Commander shall
fill the duties of the Commander; and in the absence of the Commander and the
First Vie-Commander, the second Vice-Commander shall preside. The First Vice-
Commander shall chair the Membership Committee. The Second Vice-Commander
shall chair the Activities Committee.
Section 4. Junior Past Commander: It is the immediate Past Commander of the
Post who shall advise the current Post Commander on matters that pertain to the
Post, serve as a member of the Club Committee, and hold such other committee
positions as assigned by the Commander. The immediate past commander may run
for elected post Executive Committee positions but shall only have one vote.
Section 5. Adjutant: The Adjutant shall safely keep all books and records of the
Post, including the Constitution and Bylaws. They shall keep correct minutes of
the proceedings of the Post and Executive Committee and shall preserve all
correspondence and files belonging to the Post and said committee. They shall
attest, by signature, all resolutions, documents, and other writings of the Post and
the Executive Committee. They shall draw all warrants on the Treasury, to be
approved by the Commander; they shall countersign checks drawn by the Finance
Officer. They shall send out all notices. They, under the direction of the
Commander, shall prepare all reports required of them and perform such other
duties as appertain to their office. They, upon their retirement from office, shall
transfer to their successor without delay, all books, papers, and other property of
the Post in their possession or custody.
Section 6. Finance Officer: The Finance Officer shall be the custodian of the
funds, securities, vouchers, and other property of the Post not in the custody of the
Adjutant or Historian; they shall collect all monies due to the Post and give their
receipt, therefore. They shall keep an account with each member and shall render a
monthly and semi-annual account in writing, to the Post of its finances, of which
accounts shall be referred to the audit committee, appointed by the Executive
Committee. They shall disburse money by check, electronic transfer, or bank cards.
Checks shall be countersigned by the Adjutant, or, in the absence of the Adjutant,
by the Commander. In the absence of the Finance Officer, the Commander and the
Adjutant will sign checks. At the expiration of their term of office, the Finance
Officer shall promptly deliver to his successor, all funds, all books, papers, and
other property of the Post in their possession or under their control. All
distributions shall be made pursuant to Policy set by the Post Executive Board. The
Finance Officer shall identify all deposit accounts (checking or savings) locations
for the Post 7 Sons of The American Legion (SAL), the Post 7 Honor Guard, and
the Post 7 American Legion ‘Riders (LR). The Finance Officer, Commander or
Trustee shall be signers on SAL, LR and Honor Guard accounts and bank
statements. The Finance Officer shall have access to all their accounts, bank
statements, and credit card statements to review them. The SAL, Legion Riders
and Hone Guard finance officers shall provide monthly financial reports, which
include at minimum YID income and expense, including details on gambling
revenue and donations incoming and outgoing and a current month-end cash
statement showing restricted (designated) funds. Each group shall identify account
signers who have debit cards, credit cards or store cards belonging to the group.
Section 7 Post Trustees: The Post Trustees shall sit on the Post Club Committee,
Audit Committee, other committees and perform other duties as assigned by the
Commander.

ARTICLE VI
DELEGATES

Delegates and alternates to a Department convention shall be elected by ballot by
the Post at a regular meeting of the Post to be held at least 20 days prior to the date
of such convention.

ARTICLE VII
STANDING COMMITTEES

The following shall be the Standing Committees of the Post:
Section 1. Auditing: Shall cause an audit of the final reports of the Finance
Officer and shall file a written report on each audit with the Executive Board.
Section 2. Finance: Supervises the receiving, disbursement, and accounting of all
Post funds, prepares annual budget recommendations, and advises the Post on all
financial policies. The Post Finance Officer shall chair the Finance Committee.
Section 3. Membership: The Membership Committee shall oversee matters
pertaining to membership such as recruitment, retention, and reinstatement of
eligible members. The Post 1 st Vice-Commander shall chair the Membership
Committee.
Section 4. Americanism Children & Youth: The Americanism Committee shall
be charged with the inspiration of patriotism and good citizenship by arrangement
for proper observance of patriotic occasions; encouragement of patriotic and civic
phases of instruction in school; Americanization of aliens; combating anti-America
propaganda by education of the public in American ideals through public forums,
etc., and activities for community and civic betterment. The Americanism
Committee also oversees the Post’s involvement with Boy Scouts, Boys State,
Junior Shooting Sports, Oratorical Contest, and Special Olympics. Children and
Youth; shall also be charged with aid and service to children of veterans,
cooperating with other established agencies in the community, for the betterment of
child conditions and in coordinating services and agencies in the community for
the above purposes; to function as intermediary for the needy child of a veteran in
obtaining the fulfillment of the Legions’ Pledge that “no child of a war veteran
shall be in need of the necessities of life” and “a square deal for every child”.
Section 5. Activities: The 2 nd Vice-Commander shall chair the Activities
Committee and arrange internally generated activities and events in coordination
with the Adjutant.
Section 6. Club: Shall be responsible for ensuring that the Post complies with all
Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, as they pertain to a private club
serving alcohol and conducting gambling activities. The Club Committee shall
make recommendations for rules and operating procedures for the lounge, kitchen,
and events that serve alcohol or conduct gambling activities at the Post.
Section 7. Sons of American Legion Supervisory: Shall function as a
supervisory/advisory committee for the Sons of American Legion Squadron in
connection with its organization, activities, recreational and educational programs.
Additional committee duties and responsibilities may be found in the Post Policies,
Rules, and Operating Procedures. The Commander or Executive Committees may
appoint Special Committees as needed.

ARTICLE VIII
APPOINTMENTS

The Post Commander, immediately upon taking office each year, shall appoint
members to the following Post Positions and committee chairs: Adjutant, Judge
Advocate, Chaplin, Historian, Sergeant at Arms, Americanism Committee Chair,
Ceremonials Committee Chair and Vice Chair, Finance/auditing Committee Chair,
Legion liaison with Sons of the American Legion, and American Legion Riders.
Section 1. Judge Advocate: The Judge Advocate shall supply the Commander,
Post Officers and committees with professional advice in the conduct of Post
business or to procure proper counsel. The Judge Advocate is the guardian of the
constitutional form of Post government. The Judge Advocate is charged with the
duty of auditing Post financial accounts. This should be done annually just before
the election of officers or more frequently at their discretion.
Section 2. Historian: The Historian shall prepare and keep a true chronological
record of the activities of the Post, which shall be read at the annual meeting for
the election of officers, and which they shall deliver, together with all reports of
preceding historians, to their successor in office.
Section 3. Chaplain: The Chaplain shall officiate at the opening of the Post’s
Regular Meetings and at the funerals of comrades when attended by the Post and
shall perform such other duties in connection with their office as the Post may
require.
Section 4. Sergeant-at-Arms: The Sergeant-at-Arms shall, under the direction of
the Commander, perform all the duties usually required of that office.
Section 5. Ceremonials Committee Chair, Vice-Chair: The Ceremonial Chair is
responsible for organizing and leading the Honor Guard in presenting military
funerals and other such presentations of our flag and flag education. The
Ceremonial Chair is also in charge of funeral home liaison. The Ceremonial Vice
Chair shall assist the Ceremonial Chair in their duties and fill in when the Chair is
absent.

ARTICLE IX
MEETINGS

Section 1. Regular meetings: There shall be a regular meeting of the Post at least
once a quarter. The meeting days and times for Executive and Regular meetings
shall be posted on the Post bulletin board.
a. Special meetings: Special meetings may be called by the Commander, or
in his absence or inability to act, by the 1 st Vice-Commander, or by a majority of
the Executive Board.
b. Quorum: Ten members shall constitute a quorum at any regular meeting,
five members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum , but a smaller
number may adjourn the meeting to a future date.
Section 2. Special Meetings: Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be
called by the Commander or by a majority of the Executive board. Special
meetings shall be held at a time and place set by the Commander and shall be
called in not less than three or more than ten days after it is determined to have a
special meeting.
Section 3. Motions: Any motion(s) made, which are not on the meeting agenda,
shall not be immediately acted upon. Said motion(s) shall be deferred to the next
regularly scheduled meeting and shall then be included in the next regularly
scheduled meeting agenda for comment and action.

ARTICLE X
RULES

The current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order newly revised shall be the
parliamentary guide of the Post and all bodies therein and apply in cases to which
they are consistent with The American Legion National Constitution, and The
American Legion Department of Washington Bylaws, latest revised addition.

ARTICLE XI
LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY

This Post shall incur, or cause to be incurred, no liability nor obligation whatever
which shall subject to liability any other Post, subdivision, members, or the
American Legion, or other individuals, corporations, or organizations.

ARTICLE XII
EXPULSION OR SUSPENSION OF A MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

Expulsion or suspension of a member of The American Legion shall be in
accordance with Article IV, Section 2 of the Bylaws of The American Legion
“Uniform Code of Procedure for Discipline of members”.

ARTICLE XIII
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS

This Post is located in the City of Bellingham in the County of Whatcom, State of
Washington. The Headquarters and principal office of the Post is in said city and
county.

ARTICLE XIV
SONS OF AMERICAN LEGION/LEGION RIDERS CHAPTERS

A Sons of American Legion Chapter Post 7 Bellingham and a Legion Riders
Chapter of the American Legion, Bellingham Post 7 is authorized, and shall be
organized and conducted in compliance with the Bylaws of this Post and the Post
Executive Committee, as well as State and National Bylaws and directives.
Section 1. Rider Membership: Membership of the Post 7 Riders is limited to
members of the Post 7 Legion, Post 7 Auxiliary and Post 7 Sons of American
Legion. Except, a member in good standing of another Post may join the Post 7
Riders if they do not have a Rider Chapter in their home Post. However, should
their home Post form a Riders Chapter, they would not be eligible to continue
membership in the Post 7 Riders. A list of active members shall be provided to the
Post Adjutant annually by May 1.
Section 2. Approval of Constitution/Bylaws: The Post Executive Committee
shall approve the Constitution and/or Bylaws of the SAL and the Riders.
Section 3. Approval of Elected Positions: The Post Executive Committee shall
approve those elected to Post Rider positions prior to them taking office.

ARTICLE XV
GUESTS AND MEMBERS OF VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS

Section 1. Post 7 members may introduce guests without regard to the place of
residence of such guest, provided that such guest shall be signed in prior to
entering the Club and Post 7 facilities by the member introducing them and must
be always accompanied by such member who SHALL BE held responsible for
their conduct.
Section 2. A guest may enjoy the privileges of the Club and facilities only thirty
times per year, except when authorized additional uses of the Club and facilities by
the Commander.
Section 3. The privilege of the Club and Post 7 facilities shall be extended to any
member in good standing of any Veteran’s organization who presents a current
membership card and signs in by showing the organization, name and address, and
current card number.

ARTICLE XVI
AMENDMENTS

Section 1. These Bylaws may be amended at any regular Post meeting by a vote of
two-thirds of the members of said Post attending such regular meeting; Provided
that the proposed amendment shall have been submitted in writing and read at the
next preceding regular meeting of said Post; and provided further that written
notice shall have been given to all members at least 20 days in advance of the date
when such amendment is to be voted upon, notifying said members that at such
meeting a proposal to amend the Bylaws is to be voted upon. If the amendment or
change is approved, it shall become effective.
Section 2. Written notification shall be by posting on the Post bulletin board and/or
the Post website.
These Bylaws are certified to be a true copy of the revision approved by the
membership at the regular Post meeting on
Bellingham, Washington...