The election of officers is a vital process that ensures leadership within the Local Chapters reflects the values and goals of The Society of Our Sacred Honor. Officer elections should be conducted annually, ensuring all Members have a voice in selecting their leaders. This guide outlines the election process and ensures it is fair, transparent, and inclusive of all Members.
To run for an officer position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
⦁ Active Membership: The candidate must be an active Member (Patriot) of the Local Chapter for at least three months prior to the election.
⦁ Good Standing: Candidates must not have any outstanding disciplinary actions or unresolved conflicts with the Chapter.
⦁ Commitment: The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the mission and values of SOSH, as well as a willingness to fulfill the duties of the office.
⦁ Chair
⦁ Vice Chair
⦁ Secretary
⦁ Treasurer
⦁ Committee Chairs (America Remember, America Rethink, America Renew)
⦁ Leads the Local Chapter and ensures all activities align with the goals and mission of SOSH.
⦁ Oversees meetings and coordinates with other officers to plan events and initiatives.
Assists the Chair in overseeing Chapter activities and takes over leadership responsibilities in the Chair’s absence.
Records meeting minutes, maintains the Chapter roster, and handles internal communication within the Chapter.
Manages the financial accounts of the Chapter, oversees budgets, and ensures transparent financial reporting.
Lead and organize projects related to their specific initiative, including event planning, research, and outreach
The election process should follow a clear and structured timeline to ensure all Members have time to participate. Below is a recommended timeline for conducting elections:
⦁ Week 1: Announcement of Elections: The Chapter Chair announces the upcoming elections and provides details on available positions, nomination processes, and the election timeline.
⦁ Week 2: Nomination Period Opens: Members may nominate themselves or others for officer positions.
⦁ Week 3: Campaigning Begins: Approved candidates begin campaigning, communicating their vision and goals to the Members.
⦁ Week 4: Election Day: Voting takes place during the final week.
⦁ Week 5: Results Announced: Votes are counted, and the new officers are announced.
Any Member who wishes to run for office may nominate themselves by submitting a brief statement of intent, which includes why they are running, their qualifications, and their vision for the Chapter.
Members may also nominate another Patriot for office. The nominee must confirm their acceptance of the nomination.
⦁ Nominations must be submitted to the Election Committee (a temporary group formed by the current officers) by the end of Week 2 of the election timeline.
⦁ The Election Committee reviews all nominations to ensure candidates meet eligibility requirements.
⦁ All campaign materials and speeches should focus on the candidate’s own strengths and vision, avoiding negative comments about other candidates.
Equality of Access:
All candidates must be given equal opportunities to address the Chapter, whether during meetings, through email, or via other communication channels.
Campaigning must align with SOSH’s Patriot Code of Conduct, ensuring that all actions are respectful, civil, and in the spirit of healthy competition.
All active Members in good standing are eligible to vote in officer elections.
⦁ In-Person Voting: Voting can be done through secret ballots during a designated election meeting.
⦁ Online Voting: If needed, voting may also take place via a secure online platform to ensure all Members can participate, even if they cannot attend in person.
The ballot should include all eligible candidates for each officer position. Voters will mark their choice for each role.
⦁ The Election Committee is responsible for counting the votes in a transparent and fair manner.
⦁ A minimum of two neutral Members should oversee the vote-counting process to ensure accuracy and fairness.
⦁ Election results must be announced within 24 hours of the vote count.
⦁ The results should be communicated through an official announcement during a meeting and followed up via email or other appropriate channels
The candidate with the most votes for each position wins the election. In the event of a tie, a runoff election may be conducted.
Officers serve a term of one year, with the option to run for re-election at the end of their term.
Following the election, a transition period of approximately two weeks should be provided. During this time, outgoing officers should brief incoming officers on their duties, current projects, and any necessary information for a smooth transition.
⦁ If any disputes arise during the election process (e.g., questions about eligibility, campaigning violations, or vote counts), the Election Committee is responsible for addressing these concerns.
⦁ Candidates or Members may appeal a decision made by the Election Committee by submitting a formal appeal to the State Chapter. The State Chapter will review the matter and make a final determination.
The Society of Our Sacred Honor is the premier National American Patriotic Honor Movement. Through grassroots action inspired by Liberty, Patriotism, Honor, and Camaraderie/Unity, SOSH empowers citizens to actively participate in the preservation and advancement of American ideals and values.
The Society of Our Sacred Honor is recognized as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3), 509(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Society is a nonprofit, Public Charity.
