Chief of Staff: It’s Time to Nominate, Elect and Install

It’s Time to Nominate, Elect and Install

Spring showers and warmer weather bring us to April, a very important month in our VFW Auxiliary cycle. The budding trees and pretty spring flowers give us inspiration as we prepare to nominate and elect new officers for the coming year.

Now is the time to review the election procedures and turn to our resources for guidance allowing members to nominate, elect and install their future leaders. Happy and healthy Auxiliaries look for positive and forward-thinking leadership to meet the challenges that face our veterans, while advancing the objectives of our great organization.

You are encouraged to be familiar with the election procedures outlined in Article VIII – Officers of the Podium Edition, Bylaws and Ritual 2017. Key bullet points are listed below.

Section 801 Eligibility (page 67)

• Any member in good standing shall be eligible to hold any office in the Auxiliary, County Council, District, Department, or National organization in which they are a member.

*Read the other points of eligibility to familiarize yourself with proper eligibility to seek elective offices.

Section 802 Elective Officers (pages 67-68)

• Elective Officers shall include a President, Senior Vice-President, Junior Vice-President, Treasurer, Chaplain, Conductor/Conductress and Guard.

* Read the other points to familiarize yourself with the elective offices at all levels. Educate yourself on the election of Trustees.

Section 803 Appointive Officers (page 68)

* Become familiar with the appointive offices. If you have an interest, speak with the incoming President making him/her aware of your desire to serve your Auxiliary.

Section 804 Election (pages 68-70)

*This section outlines the process for Auxiliary, County Council, District, Department and National to conduct their elections according to the level in which they have an interest to serve as an elected or appointed officer.

Section 805 Voting (pages 70-72)

*This section covers the voting procedure for all levels. It further explains Delegates and registration of credentials. We are directed to the Booklet of Instructions which covers the election process for one (1) candidate and the process for two (2) or more candidates seeking an office.

Section 806 Installation (pages 72-75)

* The section outlines the installation ceremony for the Auxiliary, County Council, District, Department and National levels.

BOOKLET OF INSTRUCTIONS

• Read about Delegates and their responsibility
• Read Election of Officers
• Read Election Procedure, Two or More Candidates
• Read Election by Acclamation, One Candidate

RITUAL – INSTALLATION CEREMONIES (all levels)

• Read Nominations and Elections of Officers (Auxiliary, County Council and District)
• Study Installation of Officers (Auxiliary, County Council and District)
• Read Nominations and Elections of Officers (Department)
• Study Installation of Officers (Department)
• Study Installation of National Officers

Here are additional resources to help your Auxiliary nominate and elect strong leaders:

• Be certain nominations are Sisters/Brothers who are willing to assume the responsibility of the office they are seeking.
• Consider those members who have voiced an interest in holding an appointive office.
• Encourage new and younger members to assume a role with the Auxiliary as you prepare for the coming year.
• Remember we all joined the organization with the same rights and responsibilities.
• We are honoring all veterans. We engage in good works to maintain true allegiance in upholding the principles that founded our great organization.

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!

Be positive and remember that kindness is best when it is shared.