Selfridge CPOA

SELFRIDGE CHIEF PETTY OFFICER ASSOCIATION (CPOA) BY-LAWS

 September 2013

I. BACKGROUND

The establishment of the United States Navy as an American fighting force, direct liaison between officer and enlisted personnel proved essential for the smooth and efficient operation of this service.  Senior enlisted personnel were charged with this responsibility.  The Chief Petty Officer is a pillar of authority and respect whose dissemination of orders and judgment best exemplify the moral foundation and purpose from which the United States Navy was founded.

II. PURPOSE

The purpose of the Selfridge CPOA is to bond Chief Petty Officers (CPO), Senior Chief Petty Officers (SCPO) and Master Chief Petty Officers (MCPO) into a single unit of authority and action.  The CPO will be ever mindful of junior personnel under their jurisdiction and fellow Chief Petty Officers from other commands.

III. OBJECTIVES

The objective of the Selfridge CPOA is to promote pride, professionalism, teamwork and cooperation among the fraternity of CPO’s.  Bonding into a cohesive unit of authority and action, the CPO will be ever mindful of its responsibilities to seniors, fellow chiefs, and junior enlisted personnel through:

Monthly meetings to discuss problems encountered by CPOA members and possible remedies or responses.

Provide social functions for CPOA members and their families.

Provide guidance and support to CPOA business and social programs.

IV. RULES AND REGULATIONS

All supplementary regulations issued by the CPOA officers and these bylaws shall be enforced.

V. BY-LAWS

A. Extension of privileges.

     The following personnel are entitled to membership and privileges:

1.  Regular members.  All Navy CPO’s, SCPO’s, and MCPO’s who are dues paying members of the CPOA.  Personnel who held the rank of CPO, SCPO, and MCPO in the Navy or Coast Guard are eligible for membership.

2. Lifetime members.  In 2003, an initial class of five was enshrined as Lifetime members.  

1. Lifetime members may make nominations each year.  
2. The general membership may also nominate a member for Lifetime membership.  
3. Every year, a Lifetime member may be voted in.  
4. Nominations will be held in September. 
5. Voting will be from the Alpha and Bravo weekends in September through November 15th.  
6. A new Lifetime member may be announced at the Alpha weekend meeting in December and considered a lifetime member from that time on.

3. Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) is eligible for membership, but cannot hold an elected CPOA office.

4. Any person proving they completed rank transition through the Navy or Coast Gaurd.

B.  Officers of the CPOA.  The CPOA President, Vice-President (VP), Treasurer, Secretary and Master-at-Arms (MAA) are the governing body that maintains an efficient and orderly CPOA.

C.  Committees.  When needed, appropriate committees will be appointed by the President.

D.  Nomination and Election of Officers.  All CPOA Officers must be regular or Lifetime members excluding Chief Warrant Officers (CWOs) and Limited Duty Officers (LDOs)..  If an officer is within three months of transfer, resigns, or is mobilized, a new officer shall be selected by vote.  Elected Officers shall tender their intent to resign to the CPOA President.  Reasons for resignation will not be made public, if desired.

1. Elected Officers shall hold office for one calendar year.

2. Nominations will be held in September. Voting will be from that date to November 15^th.  New Officers will be announced in December.  All mailed ballots must be postmarked by November 15^th.  In case of a tie for the position, of the highest number of votes those nominees will have a run off for the position.  All members present at the last November meeting of the CPOA will determine that run off.

3. All members are eligible to vote.

4. Proxy votes will not be accepted.

5. Voting via e-mail is acceptable and welcome and must be dated prior to Nov. 15th. 

E.  Removal of Elected Officers / Member.

1. An elected officer may be removed from office by a 2/3 majority vote, based on findings of an appointed investigating committee.

2. Reasons for removal:

i. Misconduct

ii. Excessive absenteeism (6 un-notified)

3. The CPOA officers can remove a member under extenuated circumstances deemed by the CPOA    officers without a general membership vote.

F. CPOA Officer Duties

1.  President

i. Chair all regular meetings.

ii. Appoint committees.

iii. Represent the CPOA.

iv. Ensure all meetings adhere to proper military protocol.

v. Ensure CPOA compliance with these by-laws.

vi. Recognize any individual(s) wishing to speak to the membership.

vii. Ensure that a minimum of three officers have check-signing authority in the absence of the     Treasurer.

2.  Vice President

i. Carry out the duties of the President in his/her absence.

ii. Coordinate and monitor existing committees.

3.  Secretary

i. Record CPOA meeting minutes, maintain a record and provide the CPOA with published minutes.

ii. Maintain a record of these by-laws and educate members of its contents.

iii. Maintain a roster of all regular members and report to the CPOA officers monthly.

iv. Obtain engraved plaques for outgoing officers.

4. Treasurer

i. Maintain custody of CPOA bank account, ensuring a current status readily available to the   President and the CPOA.

ii. Prepare a monthly financial report and present it to the CPOA at the scheduled meetings.

iii. Purchase and arrange delivery of flowers/gifts to members and his/her dependents when deemed appropriate.

5. Master-At-Arms

i  Maintain good order and discipline at all CPOA events.

ii. Responsible for food and refreshments for all scheduled meetings.

G. Membership fees.  Annual dues may vary based on funds available, not to exceed $30.00

H. Meetings.  Regular CPOA meetings will be held on NOSC Detroit’s Alpha and Bravo drill weekends.  Any  member’s guests can attend meetings, however the Presiding Officer may ask anyone other than regular members to leave if they deem necessary.

I. Pre-approved expenditures:

(a) All officers are authorized $15.00 leeway on all purchases.

(b) Flowers for member or member’s relatives who are hospitalized or deceased, not to exceed $100.00 not including delivery.

(c) $100.00 towards a shadow box for regular member’s retirement.  A minimum of three year membership is required in the CPOA.

J.  Policies.  All proposed amendments must be presented in writing prior to the ratification and ratified by a majority vote. Members unable to attend a meeting may submit their vote to the CPOA Secretary one day prior to that meeting.

K. CPOA Philosophy.  

         (a) The CPOA is dedicated to providing a professional/social forum where by all members of the senior enlisted community can exchange views and ideas which affect the morale, quality of life and professional posture of all assigned members.  

         (b) The intent is not to establish a “Goat Locker” or Mess.   

         (c) These policies are to act as a guide, it is still every Chief’s duty to do the right thing as they see fit in the absence of written policy.  

         (d) Participation in CPOA social functions are strictly voluntary and shall never be considered otherwise; however matters of a professional nature which require a blend of CPO leadership and/or management efforts are the responsibility of every CPO.  

          (e) Full participation and support is expected in those instances.

L. Changes 

          (a) Recommendations to amend the by-laws can be entertained at any time, but will not be presented until September  

           (b) Bylaws will be reviewed annually by the incoming CPOA officers as part of a turnover.

M. Proposed expenditures 

            (a) Proposed expenditures not covered by these by-laws must be approved by the membership.

Accepted:

President: HMC Kendra Coleman

Vice-President: QMCS(Ret) Bob McGovern

Treasurer: CMDCM(Ret)Ed Stevenson

Secretary: HMC (Ret) William Cornell Jr.