1) Purpose
It is the purpose of the USS Battle Born to have FUN! We do this with a focus on, and modeling after Star Trek, and other science fiction, for our organizational and recreational purposes. The intent, structure and only reason for the organization to exist at all is to facilitate that FUN.
A) Part of that organization is membership to STARFLEET International (SFI).
B) Parts of the FUN are aimed at a mature, adult level. (We like our sci-fi gritty!).
C) This FUN, shall be organized and run online.
2) Membership
Membership within the USS Battle Born is based upon the above membership to SFI. Beyond that only age and/or relative maturity are limiting factors to joining. Members will be 18 years of age, or older. Any exceptions will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Prospective members will ensure they are a good fit to the group as a whole.
A) Species, race, faith (or the lack thereof), age, gender, size, shape, color, nationality, political status, number of appendages, disabilities, or financial means are NOT in any way a limitation to your membership.
B) Geographical, Astronomical, astrological, or relative locations are NOT a limitation to your membership.
C) As this chapter is intentionally run online, regular access to the internet is required. The specific applications may vary, but specifically access to email and the chapter website are a minimum. Other communications mediums will vary with the technologies of the day. Voice chat capability (microphone/headset, etc) is strongly encouraged, and video chat (camera) is something to be considered (that’s how they talked on Star Trek!).
3) Structure
The structure of the USS Battle Born will be based on the rank and organizational structure of the SFI, which is in turn based on the Starfleet ranks seen in Star Trek. The Commanding Officer (CO), Executive Officer (XO) will be the chief points of contact for the USS Battle Born. They shall organize and manage the ship in a style modeling the that of Starfleet. This structure will help, never hinder the flow of communication, and the facilitation of the FUN.
Department heads will be appointed by the Commanding Officer, as needed, to fulfill required duties. Department heads will be able to appoint members to their department, as needed. Appointment to either comes with the expectation of real work being done. There are no empty titles on the USS Battle Born.
The Commanding Officer:
It is the responsibility of the CO of the USS Battle Born to organize, manage, and report on the activities of the ship. The SFI required monthly report, due on the 1st of every month, will be compiled and sent out by the CO, or their designated representative. The CO is free to appoint staff positions within the chapter as they see fit, to include the XO and any needed Department heads. Via this staff all communication and activity planning will flow.
The Executive Officer:
The right hand of the CO. The XO will be capable, and prepared, to assume any and all duties of the CO as needed. Additionally the XO is directly responsible for receiving input from the crew for consideration on any topic of official discussion.
4) Succession
The CO serves the ship at the pleasure of the ship’s members. When required, a 50% +1 of the votes cast will then elect a new CO. Should a CO need to be removed, a 2/3 majority vote of no confidence is enough to remove any standing CO. The new CO is elected by 50% +1 of the votes cast. A new CO will change/appoint new staff as required.
5) Communication
The chief means of communication in the USS Battle Born is via the website, currently located at http://ussbattleborn.com, and our discord server. All members are expected to monitor the website and Discord, as needed. Other forms of electronic communication may be used, as needed – but all official, public information will be posted on Discord, or the main website.
By joining this chapter members consent to their contact information being used for chapter business (to include email, Facebook, Discord, etc). No member may share that data outside the chapter without permission. No other data is assumed available for use.
6) No Drama
Historically the USS Battle Born has suffered from individuals placing their wants and desires over the needs of the group as a whole. Some have had good intentions, but still, inevitably created drama. As the purpose is to facilitate FUN, drama cannot be allowed to flourish within the chapter.
Similarly, not every person, or personality, is a good fit for a given group. The USS Battle Born has a history of taking in members from across SFI that no longer fit their previous chapters/groups. Likewise, we have asked certain folks to leave when they were not a good fit. The needs of the chapter outweigh the needs of the one.
7) Amendments to these By-laws
Amendments to the by-laws will be approved by at least 2/3 of the sitting command staff personnel (CO, XO, and all department heads, to include OIC of 301st). In the event that one person holds more than one of those posts, they only get one vote. The crew at large will either accept them as delivered, or take it to a vote. 50%+1 of the votes cast will determine adoption.
8) Other Information
Other guidance and information that is more dynamic then this document will be made available on the forums or website. This document is to be considered the ‘constitution’ and rough structure of the USS Battle Born, but will not, and should not, include every tiny thing that may become necessary to the running of the ship.