2. The Silver Star Outlaws ARE NOT A GANG!
3. The Silver Star Outlaws are an equal opportunity group. No one will be turned away due to race, creed, religion, color, or sex. If they want to join they have the right.
SECTION II: PROSPECTING
1. Prior to prospecting people should attend at least two meetings so that they can see how the family operates. If down south they should attend two meetings down in the Southern Chapter and One in the north.
2. On the first week the prospect come before council to be recognized. The prospect will be asked questions about themselves and to ensure they understand what they are expected to do, as well as making them aware of the rules.
3. Prospecting consists of 4 weeks:
a. Week one: Introduction to the Family, sign for prospect packet containing: Personal Data Card, Copy of Family History, Copy of Creed, Hat Guide, Study Guide, and a copy of the By-Laws,
b. Week two: Explain the Outlaw Hats and read the Silver Star Outlaw Creed.
c. Week three: The Duck Hunt: Five Study guide questions from the Family, One question from each member of council, and one question from each Dinosaur present. The Sponsor or Co-sponsor will do 10 pushups for each incorrect answer given by their prospect. Also the prospect will return their Prospect packet to the council upon completion of week three.
d. Week four: Prospect must recite the creed from memory, then will be discussed and voted on by the family. A majority vote is required. If the number of abstentions equals to or is greater than the yes votes then the council will re-evaluate the persons prospecting prior to the hat being given.
4. Prospects Responsibilities:
a. Meet and get to know as many Family members’ as possible.
b. Know your sponsor and co-sponsor.
c. Ask questions to increase knowledge of the Family.
d. Ensure that you sign for a Prospect packet.
e. Ensure that you return Prospect packet upon completion of week three.
f. Attend all Family functions. (the only exceptions are for sickness and military duty)
g. Offer suggestions to help the Family. Your opinion counts.
h. When entering the House prospects should greet all Family members present and introduce themselves to those he/she doesn’t know.
i. Ensure that dues of $32.00 are paid prior to getting their hat (other arrangements can be made on a case by case basis with the treasurer.) $25.00 goes to buy the plaque, $5.00 goes to the orphanage fund, and $2.00 pays for their name on the banners.
j. Prospects are go-fers, they will be asked to go places and do other things for the Family. This is done out of fun and no harm is intended. In other words treat them as little brothers and sisters. They will not pay for anything, the person sending them will pay for it.
5. Once a prospect is given their hat it will be given proper attitude without disrespecting it.
6. Prospects, Honorary, and Friends of the Family may bring up points but can not vote.
7. If council deems fit family can vote to lengthen or shorten individuals prospecting time. I.E. certain circumstances merit special considerations.
8. Pregnant female prospects will be handled on a case by case basis.
SECTION III: SPONSORS AND CO-SPONSERS
1. Sponsors must be a member in good standing and have their hat at least 30 days (15 days to Co-Sponsor).
a. If a Family member is on probation, he/she is not in good standing.
b. If a family member is not in the field, on duty, or resides in Western Corridor/Youngsan, then they will be expected to attend meetings. If they fail to be at 4 consecutive meetings, they will be considered “not in good standing”.
2. Sponsor can only have two prospects at a time, the same for co-sponsors
3. Responsibilities:
a. Introduce the prospect to as many Family members as possible.
b. Ensure that the prospect receives a prospect packet.
c. Show prospect items in the house to help them learn more about the Family.
d. Come up with the House name and Saying.
e. Purchase the hat and coin prior to the 4th week of prospecting
f. Ensure that the prospect packet is returned at the completion of week three.
g. Ensure that the prospect knows the time and place of all Family functions.
h. Ensure that the prospect knows that they can ask questions and that their opinion is valuable.
i. Ensure that the prospect is good quality and good moral character, they represent you. Sponsors and Co-Sponsors are responsible for the actions of their prospect; if they screw up you will face the punishment from the council and the Family.
SECTION IV: EXCEPTIONS TO PROSPECTING
There are 6 exceptions to prospecting they are as follows:
1. DINOSAUR RIGHTS: Done at the discretion of the Dinosaurs in the House at the time (a minimum of 3 sober, unless there are less than that assigned to the area). Must be presented to all the Dinosaurs and voted on, if approved, must be presented to the council prior to the next Family meeting and then presented to the Family.
2. COUNCIL RIGHTS: If it is brought to the attention of the council that a prospect has done numerous and wondrous things for the House and or the Family, the council may vote the person in under Council Rights but it requires a unanimous vote of the council. The council then chooses a Name and a Saying for the person and their hat and coin are bought out of the Outlaw fund.
3. FAMILY RIGHTS: Any immediate Family member of an Outlaw may be brought in under Family rights. The member will pay for the hat and give the information to the Sexetary to be put in the books. Honorary and Friend of the Family cannot exercise Family rights. A person stating that Family member is an Outlaw, confirmation by books and phone must be made, and that person must agree to Family righting that person.
4. STATESIDE CHAPTER OUTLAWS: Any Outlaw coming from a stateside chapter will present himself or herself to the council. The council will discuss the merits of the individual and will vote. If approved the Outlaw will be presented to the Family and the council will assign a sponsor to them. They will purchase their own hat and coin.
5. HONORARY OUTLAWS: To become an Honorary member the individual must have a sponsor who will go before council and explain the reasons for them becoming an Honorary member. If found worthy the Council will bring it up to the Family to be voted on. The hat and coin will be purchased out of the Outlaw fund. On the hat the word Honorary will be sewn in red letters above the House Name.
6. FRIEND OF THE FAMILY: If a person doesn’t have 90 days left in country but still wants to become an Outlaw, their sponsor will present them to the council. The council will make the determination on whether or not the person prospects. The council may decide to make the person a Friend of the Family. This decision will be presented to the Family. The “John Deere Green Hat” will be purchased out of the Outlaw fund.
SECTION V: PROBATION AND BLACKBALLING
1. Probation for Misconduct: The council has the right to put Family members on probation if the feel that he/she was acting in a manner that shows a negative view of the Outlaws. The council will talk to the individual one-on-one and make a decision if the action warrants probation. Probation will be set using the following outline:
a. 1st offense: Probation will be set for 30 days. At the end of that period the council will look at the individuals performance and make a decision on weather the individual is rehabilitated or not and is able to uphold the Family honor.
b. 2nd offense: Council sets probation for an indefinite period. At the end of the determined period the individual may petition the council to be reinstated. If the Council believes it to be in the best interests of the Family then a council vote is taken. It requires a unanimous vote to be reinstated.
c. 3rd offense: Third strike you’re out. During the meeting the council will call a vote. It requires a majority vote of the Family (there are no abstentions during this vote, if you choose not to vote you just won’t be counted.)
2. Any two sober Family members can inform another Family member that they are committing a Probation or Blackball offense. Then it will be brought before council and put to a Family vote to pull the hat. Then according to the vote the hat will be pulled or not. Do not take it upon yourself to take a hat.
3. When a person is blackballed all traces of that persons name will be removed. Their name will be blacked out of the books, taken off the banners, their hat taken and burned, and patches removed and burned. They are still welcome in the House but won’t be called by their Outlaw name any longer.
SECTION VI: REASONS FOR PROBATION AND BLACKBALLING:
1. The following is a list of just some of the reasons for probation or blackballing.
a. Conduct that brings discredit upon the Family.
b. Fighting in the House (grounds for immediate removal)
c. Causing dissention (problems) between sub-groups or Family members.
d. Stealing from the House or the Family (this is grounds for immediate removal)
e. Removing and throwing your hat in anger and out of disrespect (this is grounds for immediate removal)
f. Being disrespectful to the Council, Crew, Dinosaurs, Fossils, or Elders.
g. Not adhering to the request of the Crew while in the house (i.e. if asked to leave, or quite drinking.)
h. Underage drinking.
i. Removing a Hat or Cut from someone for no reason.
j. Any reason that council deems necessary. Meaning that certain situations do not require divulging all information to family for confidentiality reasons.
k. If you fail to pay your tab for 2 consecutive military paydays (2 months) you will be placed on probation. If you fail to pay another 2 paydays (2 months) you will be brought up for a possible blackball and your Chain-of-Command notified for failure to pay a bill.
SECTION VII: SUB-GROUPS
1. Any sub-group is authorized to conduct meetings in the House on Sunday’s after the Family meeting.
2. Sub-groups will not conduct group business in the house on Friday or Saturday nights.
3. Sub-groups must submit a copy of their by-laws to the council for review. The council will go over the by-laws with the group and make necessary adjustments. The group will then petition the Family, it takes a majority vote for the group to be recognized.
4. Members of Family sub-groups are subject to the outlaw by-laws and will conduct themselves accordingly.
5. All sub-group members will either be Outlaws or when they enter the subgroup they will start prospecting within two weeks.
6. Three Black Hat wearing members (which is the minimum to keep the group going) can start sub-groups.
7. Sub-groups may hang their banner in the House and take it down whenever they like, but they must inform the Master-of-Arms.
SECTION VIII: GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Family members are responsible for their guests and their conduct while in the House.
2. If a T-shirt is not worn under a cut or vest then it must remain buttoned.
3. Family members will not get involved in Council or Crew business.
4. The travel banner/guidon will be at all functions outside the House whenever possible.
5. Meetings will be held weekly at the House at 2:00 p.m., on Sundays.
6. Floor time will be given to those who request it from the council prior to the beginning of the meeting.
7. Floor time will be limited to 2 minutes. Any arising will be handled by the 3-kick rule, meaning 3 rebuttals of no more than 1 minute. If it requires more discussion then it can be discussed by individuals and brought up again at the next meeting. After a third week it is brought up it must be voted on.
SECTION IX: COUNCIL POSITIONS
1. The Silver Star Outlaws consist of 6 positions, Dinosaurs and the House Historian. These positions are as follows.
a. President Responsible for: Official Liaison for the Outlaws Officiate all Family meetings and functions Does not have a vote except in a tiebreaker Initiates all corrective action Must always act in a responsible manner Must be nominated and elected by a majority vote
To remove the President it requires a unanimous council vote (excluding the President) and a 2/3 family vote and he/she must be present.
b. Vice President Responsible for: Takes over in the Presidents absence Advises the President on all matters Must be nominated and elected by a majority vote
To remove the Vice President it requires a unanimous council vote (excluding the Vice President) and a 2/3 family vote and he/she must be present
c. Secretary (Sexatary) Responsible for: Keeping the meeting notes Filling out the prospect book Corresponding with other chapters Updating cards (membership/stateside) Getting all stateside addresses/ e-mail addresses Updating the phone roster Must have legible penmanship (a typewriter or a computer) Orders plaques for outgoing Outlaws Must be nominated and elected by a majority vote
To remove the secretary it requires a unanimous council vote (excluding the secretary) and a 2/3 family vote and he/she must be present.
d. Master of Arms Responsible for: Takes care of the House Responsible for the upkeep and cleanliness of the travel banner Maintains order during Family meetings Enforces all disciplinary actions imposed by the President and the council Responsible for the transportation or the delegation of transportation of the travel banner to and from all functions outside of the House Must be nominated and elected by a majority vote
To remove the Master at Arms it requires a unanimous council vote (excluding Master at Arms) and a 2/3 family vote and he/she must be present.
e. Sergeant of Arms Responsible for: Takes over in the absence of the Master at Arms Advises the Master of Arms on matters concerning Crew Appoints the Sheriff and the Deputies Is the go between for Crew and Council Is responsible for the safety of the patrons of the bar while they are present in the House Must be nominated and elected by a majority vote
To remove the Sergeant of Arms it requires a unanimous council vote (excluding Sergeant of Arms) and a 2/3 family vote and he/she must be present
f. Treasurer Responsible for: Maintains keys to the Outlaw and Orphanage funds Has the final say in all money that goes out of either fund Gives weekly report of all transaction matters Keeps all receipts for 6 months (then gives them to the historian) Collects and maintains a record of family dues Must be trustworthy and loyal to the Family Must be nominated and elected by a majority vote
To remove the Treasurer it requires a unanimous council vote (excluding the treasurer) and a 2/3 family vote and he/she must be present
g. OPAR (Outlaw Public Affairs Representative) Responsible for: Assists the President with public relations Oversees all committees and parties Advises Family of all upcoming DOD and MWR shows Responsible for maintaining contact with the orphanage Must be nominated and elected by a majority vote
To remove the OPAR it requires a unanimous council vote (excluding OPAR) and a 2/3 family vote and he/she must be present
h. House Historian Responsible for: Responsible for preserving and documenting history and activities of the family Responsible for keeping up photo albums Keep all archive records (i.e. old study guides, receipts, and pictures)
i. Dinosaurs Responsible for: Keeping the Family traditions alive Advising the council on Family matters Keeping the council on their toes Acting as overseers at the Family meetings
Dinosaurs are Outlaws who have had their Black hats for more than a year Fossils will be designated by the Dinosaurs for their wisdom, integrity, and maturity, not just because they have done more than two tours. It takes three sober Dinosaurs to fix any problems, injustices, and correct crew or council. It takes all Dinosaurs in country to have a voice, and "only as a last resort" to dissolve council and/or Family and reestablish with a 2/3 vote. All measures will be taken to rectify the situation prior to a Dinosaur vote being taken. Dinosaurs not present may give a proxy.
4. Council has the right to revise these by-laws at any time if it is in the best interest of the Family.
SECTION X: CREW AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The Crew is responsible for the safety of the patrons inside the House and the items that hold the history and tradition of the House.
2. The Crew positions are run by the Sergeant of Arms and will be taken seriously at all times by all members. The crew has the right to assist the M.P.’s inside the House if necessary. If a fight occurs in the House, it is the Crew’s responsibility to ensure that no one gets injured and that the M.P.’s are notified and summoned. The deputy who is working the door will greet patrons as they enter the house to show them that they are always welcome. He/She will also look for knives, beer bottles, or any other foreign object, which may harm other patrons. He/she will also stop them from taking beer/soda out of the House. If patrons argue don’t cause a scene just get the M.P.’s.
3. Crew will not drink at all the day prior to them working. This reduces problems with the M.P.’s.
4. Crew will report and incidents/accidents to the President/Acting President.
These by-laws as stated here were discussed, changes made and accepted by majority vote of the Council and Dinosaurs present on 11th of June 2000. And voted on by the Family by majority vote on 18th of June 2000.
