1. DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA Grievances Reprimands &

2. DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA Fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served. We are dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. We accomplish this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. Providing free, professional assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services earned through military service and provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies of government. Providing outreach concerning its program services to the American people generally, and to disabled veterans and their families specifically. Representing the interests of disabled veterans, their families, their widowed spouses and their orphans before Congress, the White House and the Judicial Branch, as well as state and local government. Extending DAV’s mission of hope into the communities where these veterans and their families live through a network of state-level Departments and local chapters. Providing a structure through which disabled veterans can express their compassion for their fellow veterans through a variety of volunteer programs. THE DAV MISSION STATEMENT

3. DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA Grievances & Reprimands DAV National Constitution, Bylaws & Regulations [C,B&R] dated Aug 4, 2012 (Article 16; Regulation 6; Article 9, Section 9.1, Para.1.; Article 19, Section 19.3) DAV Official Daily Planner (2013-14) DAV “New” Mission Statement References:

4. DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA Constitution, Bylaws and Regulations of the DAV DEPT of ALABAMA (Jun 2013) Article 9, Section 9.1 Section 9.4; Regulation 6; Article 16 CHAPTER Constitution, Bylaws & Regulations (which vary by Chapter) Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (Apr 2012) Chapter XX References (Continued): Grievances & Reprimands

5. DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA Ref: DAV Dept of AL C,B&R Art 16, Para 1 Charges may be preferred against ANY member or officer in the DAV in accordance with National C,B&R Article 16 NO member shall be dropped, expelled or limited in any provisions or benefits of membership “without” a hearing in meeting on any charge(s) preferred in writing against him GRIEVANCES But Remember

6. DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA The Chapter Commander is responsible for everything that occurs or fails to occur within their chapter [Dept AL C,B&R Reg 6, a.] THEREFORE ….the Chapter Commander SHOULD EXHAUST ALL means within the chapter to “RESOLVE” problems or perceived bylaw violations Dept AL C,B&R Art 16, Para 2] THE CHAPTER COMMANDER

7. DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA WHAT ARE SOME OPTIONS Discuss the issues & possible solutions Remain Calm & Orderly Educate members on Chapter, Dept & Nat C,B&R Be – Think – Act in a Professional Manner Use gravel to maintain order Consider the ‘different’ personalities when looking at options and actions

8. DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA MORE OPTIONS Set the Example through Sound Business Practices Ask for an Apology Accept an Apology Offer an Apology Seek the advice of ‘elders’ within the chapter – because there is a ‘world’ of experience available to you

9. DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA REPRIMANDS It is usually in the best interest of the organization – first to make every effort to obtain a satisfactory solution of matters – quietly and informally [ Robert’s Rule of Order, Chapter XX, Section 61 (pg 644 ) ] Although it is NOT ‘stated’ in our National or Department Constitution, Bylaws and Regulations - the good old fashion REPRIMAND is a “quiet” option available to you

10. DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER If you have exhausted all means within the chapter to resolve the problem - - - then the Chapter Commander will REFER the matter to the Junior Vice Commander The Junior Vice Commander (JVC) will then appoint a Grievance Committee If JVC is not able to solve the problem, it is referred to the Department Senior Vice Commander - - who recommends “actions” to the Department Commander

11. DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA DEPARTMENT COMMANDER The Department Commander may find it necessary to appoint an Investigating Committee The Investigating Committee shall be composed of 3 DAV Members – each from separate chapters 1 2 3

12. DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA BOTTOM LINE DAV’s “REPUTATION” Rests in Our Hands – Stress this to your members!! Point out to members the dangers of internal strife and gossip – these lead to harmful and erroneous impressions Consider ‘how’ your action(s) or proposed action(s) will affect the DAV’s Good Name

13. DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA REMEMBER OUR MISSION Our “Mission” is Carried Forward by Extending DAV’s Mission of HOPE into the Community - - BUT it STARTS with YOU - the Leaders and Members at CHAPTER LEVEL Build a Win –Win Environment by Building Solid Chapters of Members that Work Together as a TEAM

14. DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA NOW What are YOUR Thoughts and Ideas D A V