RLIRA Patron

CONSTITUTION & RULES
Mk 7 Version
15th January 2008

CONTENTS

01.0 Association Name
02.0 Association Badge and Colours
03.0 Objectives of the Association
04.0 Legal Status
05.0 Non-Profit Organization
06.0 Rights of Members
07.0 Powers of the Association
08.0 Categories of Membership
09.0 Membership
10.0 Management Structure
11.0 Association Headquarters
12.0 National (Country) Branches
13.0 Regional Coordinators
14.0 Executive Council Format
15.0 Branch Committee Format
16.0 Eligibility to Vote
17.0 Voting
18.0 Elections
19.0 Annual General Meetings (AGMs)
20.0 Special General Meetings (SGMs)
21.0 Quorums
22.0 Accounts
23.0 Audit
24.0 Financial Status
25.0 Subscriptions
26.0 Stock and Movable Assets
27.0 Annual Reports
28.0 Rules
29.0 Amendments
30.0 Winding Up
31.0 Duties & responsibilities of the Association President
32.0 Duties & responsibilities of the Association Chief Executive Officer
33.0 Duties & Responsibilities of the Association Chief Finance Officer
34.0 Duties & responsibilities of the Association History & Publications Officer
35.0 Duties & responsibilities of the Association Webmaster
36.0 Duties & responsibilities of the Association Development Officer
37.0 Duties & responsibilities of Branch Committees
38.0 Duties & Responsibilities of Regional Coordinators
39.0 Duties & responsibilities of Area Representatives
40.0 Association Patron
41.0 Rhodesia & Rhodesian Definitions
42.0 Regimental Stalwart Award

01.0 ASSOCIATION NAME
01.1 The name of the Association shall be The Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association. The abbreviation for this name shall be RLIRA. In the constitution it is here after called the Association.

02.0 ASSOCIATION BADGE AND COLOURS
02.1 The badge of the Association shall be The Rhodesian Light Infantry badge (post-Republic) on a green rectangle with two white or silver diagonal stripes. The colours of the Association shall be green and silver.

02.2. The badge, name and colours of the Association are registered as a trade mark.

03.0 OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION
03.1 The objectives of the Association shall be to:
a. Maintain contact between former members of the RLI on an international basis thus fostering comradeship and assistance.
b. Create a legacy for a now lost but once magnificent Rhodesia, a Soldiers Legacy that will remain in the minds of our off-spring for generations to come.
c. Publish a regular member Association magazine to keep members informed of upcoming events and other news.
d. Maintain an up-to-date record of all who served in the RLI.
e. Establish Branches of the Association wherever there are viable numbers.
f. Assist with organization of RLI reunions.
g. Utilize invested income for special Association projects.
h. Provide support to ex-members of the RLI and/or their dependants, who may be experiencing severe hardship.
i. Establish formal affiliations with like-minded bodies and organizations.

04:0 LEGAL STATUS
04.1 The Association is constituted as a voluntary organization.

04.2 The Association shall comply with and conform to the rules and principles and requirements of voluntary organizations.

05.0 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
05.1 The Association is not formed and does not exist for the purpose of making a profit for either the Association or individual members.

05.2 Any income of the Association shall be applied solely for investment and for the promotion of the objectives for which it is established.

05.3 No part of the income or assets of the Association shall be paid, directly or indirectly, by way of dividend, donation or otherwise, to any person other than as identified in the objectives for which the Association is established.

06.0 RIGHTS OF MEMBERS

06.1 Membership of the Association does not confer upon any member a right to any monies, property or assets of the Association.

06.2 Membership shall confer the privileges of membership subject to such charges and reasonable restrictions as the Executive Council may from time to time impose, subject to the constitution of the Association in force at the time.

07.0 POWERS OF THE ASSOCIATION
07.1 Subject to the provisions of Sections 4.0 & 5.0 above, the Association shall have all such powers as are necessary for the effective attainment of the objectives set out in Section 2.0 above and shall, in particular, have the following express powers:

07.2 To facilitate the exchange of ideas, information, priorities and problems related to the Association.

07.3 To acquire any movable or immovable property for the Association calculated to benefit the Association and to advance its objectives and to maintain, improve and alter any of the Association property.

07.4 To institute, conduct, defend, or abandon any legal proceedings by or against the Association or its officers, or otherwise concerning the affairs of the Association.

07.5 To open bank accounts in the name of the Association and to draw, accept, endorse, make and execute bills of exchange, promissory notes, cheques and other negotiable instruments connected with the business and affairs of the Association.

07.6 To invest and deal with any monies of the Association not immediately required for the purpose of the Association.

07.7 To secure the fulfilment of any contracts or engagements entered into by the Association.

07.8 To establish, promote or assist in establishing or promoting and to subscribe to or become a member of any association or society whose objects are similar or partly similar to the objects of the Association, or by establishment or promotion of which may be beneficial to the Association.

07.9 To support and subscribe to any institution or society which may benefit the Association.

07.10 To raise funds to further the objectives of the Association and to accept donations or grants and subsidies.

07.11 To recover costs incurred by the Association in respect of congresses, meetings or, reunions.

07.12 To borrow or raise and give securities for the indebtedness of the Association, as required.

07.12 To enter into contract commensurate with or which furthers the objectives of the Association including sales and purchases of property of any kind whatsoever.

08.0 CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP

08.1 Application for membership of the Association shall be open to all nationalities.

08.2 There shall be four (4) categories of membership, these being: FULL, ASSOCIATE, AFFILIATE and HONORARY.

08.3 FULL membership is reserved for persons who served honourably with The Rhodesian Light Infantry for a period of no less than six (6) months unless,

08.4 If service with The Rhodesian Light Infantry was less than six (6) months, a person may still apply for FULL membership provided an acceptable explanation is provided for premature service termination.

08.5 Only FULL Members may be elected to serve on either the Executive Council or Branch Committees.

08.6 ASSOCIATE membership is reserved for persons who served honourably in any branch of the Rhodesian Security Forces for a period of no less than six (6) months. If service with the Rhodesian Security Forces was less than six (6) months, a person may still apply for Associate membership provided an acceptable explanation is provided for premature service termination.

08.7 AFFILIATE membership is reserved for persons who are a direct descendant or dependant of a deceased member of The Rhodesian Light Infantry. All Affiliate members need to be eighteen (18) years of age, or older.

08.8 HONORARY membership is reserved for persons who are not eligible for Full, Associate or Affiliate membership but who have the interests of the Association at heart and wish to be associated with it. All Honorary members need to be eighteen (18) years of age, or older.

08.9 In addition to the previously described membership categories, an honorific of LIFE membership may be bestowed upon any member in recognition of outstanding service to the Association; The Rhodesian Light Infantry community or, for other actions or achievements deemed appropriate.

08.10 LIFE Membership does not extinguish any prior membership category, or the voting entitlement of such category.

08.11 LIFE members will be identified by the term LIFE MEMBER, with the suffix of their applicable member category, eg: LIFE MEMBER (Full), LIFE MEMBER (Associate), Life Member (Affiliate), and LIFE MEMBER (Honorary).

08.12 Nomination for LIFE membership may be submitted by FULL members only.

08.13 Decision to approve or disapprove LIFE membership nomination shall be made only by the Executive Council.

08.14 LIFE members shall be exempt from any future membership fees.

09.0 MEMBERSHIP
09.1 Candidates for membership in any category shall be approved by majority vote of either the Executive Council or a Branch Committee, after being duly proposed by and seconded by a member of the of the Association.

09.2 All applications for membership must be supported by a minimum of two FULL members.

09.3 A member shall remain a member until membership is terminated either by resignation in writing addressed to the Association Chief Executive Officer or, by unanimous decision of either the Executive Council or a Branch Committee.

09.4 Executive Council and Branch Committees shall have the power to suspend or expel any member guilty of any serious breach of the Constitution or Rules whose conduct is represented as likely to endanger the welfare and good order of the Association.

09.5 Such member should first be given, if he so desires, the opportunity of appearing in person before a Branch Committee. He may appeal to the Executive Council against any decision made by a Branch Committee.

09.6 All membership status decisions by the Executive Council shall be final.

10.0 MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

10.1 The overall management of the Association shall be vested in an Executive Council.

10.2 Branch Committees shall be responsible to the Executive Council.

10.3 Regional Coordinators shall be responsible to the Executive Council.

10.4 Area Representatives shall be responsible to the relevant Branch Committee or Regional Coordinator, whichever is applicable.

11.0 ASSOCIATION HEADQUATERS
11.1 There is to be no fixed Headquarters for the Association and it will be administered by a non-partisan internationally based Executive Council.

12.0 NATIONAL BRANCHES (Country or Regional)

12.1 A Branch of the Association may be set up in any country or Region wherever there are sufficient Members to so warrant.

12.2 Branches are to suffix their specific group by the name of the country in which they are established, e.g.: The RLIRA South Africa Branch, The RLIRA Canada Branch, etc.

12.3 The minimum number of members to form a Branch should be eight (8), however, this does not preclude membership of the Association if there are insufficient numbers to form a specific country Branch.

12.4 A local area sub-group of a Branch shall be known as a CHAPTER. Eg: The Transvaal Chapter of the South Africa Branch or, the Queensland Chapter of the Australasia Branch etc.

13.0 REGIONAL COORDINATORS

13.1 Where there are insufficient members to form a Branch, a Regional Coordinator may be appointed to liaise with members in the Region and keep in contact with the Executive Council.

13.2 Regional Coordinators may appoint appropriate Area Representatives at their discretion.

13.3 A Regional Coordinator's authority to act on behalf of the Association in a particular country shall cease once a Branch has been formed in that country.

13.4 A Regional Coordinator's position shall be dissolved once Branches have been formed in all countries which the Regional Coordinator may have had responsibilities.

13.5 In-coming Branch Committees shall have the discretion to either retain or reappoint an Area Representative of an applicable country or area, who had previously been appointed by a Regional Coordinator.

14.0 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL COMPOSITION

14.1 The Executive Council shall comprise :
a. Association Patron
b. Association President(Executive Council Chairman)
c. All Branch Presidents.
d. Members co-opted on to the Council to fulfil a specific appointment.

14.2 The following Appointments should be filled by either Branch Presidents or members co-opted on to the Council for that specific purpose
a. Association Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
b. Association Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (as required)
c. Association History & Publications Officer (HPO)
d. Webmaster
e. Association Development Officer (ADO)

14.3 The Patron shall be a member of the Executive Council, with no voting rights.

14.4 The Executive Council is to be a non-partisan international body and thus, members may be resident in any part of the world.

14.5 It shall be an essential requirement that all Executive Council members be competent in the use of, and maintain efficient and effective system of email communication or its equivalent.

14.6 Executive Council membership shall not preclude membership of other committees.

14.7 Only FULL Members may be elected to serve on the Executive Council.

14.8 The Executive Council may call on the assistance of consultants/advisors as and when it is necessary or expedient, but with no voting rights.

15.0 BRANCH COMMITTEE COMPOSITION

15.1 A Branch Committee shall be comprised of:
a. Regional Branch President (Branch Committee Chairman)
b. Secretary
c. Treasurer (as required)
d. Area Representatives

15.2 Branch Committee members shall be residents of the specific Branch country.

15.3 Branch Committees are to elect their own Secretaries, and if necessary a Treasurer, from among their own numbers.

15.4 Branch Committees will have the option, in addition to the Branch Secretary, to select whomever they want to whatever appointments they need to function effectively as a committee in their country or region.

15.5 Only FULL Members may be elected to serve on a Branch Committee.

16.0 ELIGIBILITY TO VOTE

16.1 FULL Members shall have the following voting rights - 1 vote each

16.2 ASSOCIATE Members shall have no voting rights.

16.3 AFFILIATE Members shall have no voting rights.

16.4 HONORARY Members shall have no voting rights.

17.0 VOTING

17.1 Due to varying individual circumstances and difficulties for members to physically attend meetings, voting for all types of issues (including elections) may be lodged either by physical attendance at a meeting of members, or by absentee type postal vote, or by electronic means such as facsimile or email communications.

17.2 A single member may use only one of these methods to vote per issue.

17.3 Proxy votes may be lodged on behalf of a member or members, provided such member/s has/have given written permission to the person lodging the proxy vote/s, and such written permission clearly identifies the limit or limits to which such vote may be used.

17.4 Written permission to lodge a proxy vote must be submitted to the meeting President/Chairman at the same time that the proxy vote is lodged.

17.5 In the event that there is any question to the veracity of a proxy vote, they are to be verified by the meeting chairman, and/or his delegate.

17.6 In the event of identified irregularities, the Executive Council may consider the result to be invalid and, a new vote be required to decide the issue.

17.7 Executive Council Members shall be elected by majority vote of ALL members of the RLIRA who are eligible to cast such votes.

17.8 Only FULL Members may be elected to serve on either the Executive Council.

17.9 Branch Committee Members shall be elected by majority vote of members who are resident in the country that the Branch represents, and who are eligible to cast such votes.

17.10 Only FULL Members may be elected to serve on a Branch Committee.

17.11 Area Representatives may be appointed at the discretion of Branch Committees.

17.10 In situations where there is no Branch Committee, a Regional Coordinator may be appointed at the discretion of the Executive Council.

17.11 Regional Coordinators may, at their discretion, appoint Area Representatives.

18.0 ELECTIONS

18.1 The interim appointments of the Executive Council fall away from 1 January 2008, and the Council is elected as outlined below.

18.2 The election procedure for the Executive Council is as follows:
a. The Branch Presidents call on a suitably qualified Full Member, preferably a former senior and long serving member of the RLI to become President of the Association.

b. The Chairman of the Council and the Branch Presidents then decide which of the Branch Presidents is to be the Chief Executive Officer.

c. The remaining Branch Chairmen either assume the outstanding appointments or co-opt Full Members to fill one of the specific appointments listed in paragraph 14.2.

d. In terms of paragraph 14.8 the Council may accept volunteers to fill certain advisory posts or even a specific more technical appointment eg. Webmaster, but with no Executive Council vote.

18.3 Apart from the 12-month INTERIM appointments, the tenure for all subsequent appointments will be held for a period of four (4) years.

19.0 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS (AGMs)
19.1 General: Executive Council and Branch Committees will be required to hold AGMs.

19.2 Timings: Executive Council and Branch Committees may choose when to hold their AGMs, however, where possible, they should be held during the same calendar month annually.

19.3 Notification: The Chairman, Chief Executive Officer or Secretary of the relevant council or branch committee shall give each relevant member at least 14 days' notice of the date fixed. This notification is to include the agenda, financial statement and details of any special business.
v 19.4 Agenda: This shall be as follows:
a. Attendance and apologies
b. Minutes of the last AGM.
c. Matters arising from these minutes.
d. Branch Committee Reports.
e. Executive Council Report.
f. Elections.
g. Any special resolution of which the notice has been given.
h. Members may raise matters of interest to the Association.

19.5 Chairman: The President elected by the relevant council/committee shall take the chair at GM's.

20.0 SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS (SGMs)

20.1 A Special General Meeting may be called at any level of the Association by the Executive Council. In addition such a meeting shall be called following the delivery to the Association's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a written request signed by not less than twenty-five (25) percent of the branch concerned. Such Special General Meetings shall be held within four weeks of the delivery of the request to the CEO and all members will be given at least fourteen (14) days notice in writing of the Special General Meeting. No business other than that specified in the written request shall be transacted. Notification of any special General Meetings must be passed to the Executive Council.

21.0 QUORUMS

21.1 A quorum for a General Meeting of Members of the Association (International) shall be eight (8) members entitled to vote.
21.2 A quorum for a General Meeting of Members of the Association (specific country Branch) shall be four (4) members entitled to vote.

21.3 In the case of either an International or Branch AGM, where a quorum has not been achieved within 15 minutes of the fixed start time, the meeting may be adjourned and postponed to the same day and hour in the following week.

21.4 In the case of either an International or Branch SGM which has been called by requisition of members and where a quorum has not been achieved within 15 minutes, it shall be dissolved.

21.5 It will not be necessary for members to be physically present at a central or identified meeting place to be counted as part of a quorum, however, they must be in direct communication with the meeting via such means as, telephone hook-up, or on-line email, or facsimile in order that their opinions and vote may be immediately sought and reckoned.

22.0 ACCOUNTS

22.1 A Chief Financial Officer shall (as required) be appointed by the Executive Council to keep the Association Account up to date at all times, and the former must be in a position to advise the Executive Council at its meetings of the state of the accounts.

22.2 The same system shall apply at Branch Committee level, if necessary.

23. 0 AUDIT
23.1 The Association's financial year shall end on a date applicable to local government requirements.

23.2 An auditor shall be appointed to audit accounts of the Association annually. The audited accounts shall be distributed to all Committees and Branches as part of the Annual Report.

24.0 FINANCIAL STATUS

24.1 If possible, the Association shall be registered as a Charitable Trust Fund and Publishers of Military History.

25.0 SUBSCRIPTIONS 25.1 The level of membership fees or subscriptions (if/when applicable) shall be decided upon by the Executive Council.

26.0 STOCK AND MOVEABLE ASSETS

26.1 Where and when applicable, The Executive Council Chairman (Association President) shall appoint a person or persons to order and maintain an inventory of all stock and moveable assets.

26.2 In this respect stock means such items as shirts, T-shirts, ashtrays, ties, cuff links, glasses and other items emblazoned with the Association or The Rhodesian Light Infantry crest or, any other stock item which the Association might utilize for fund-raising purposes.

26.3 Stock will be manufactured or procured in a country in which there is a beneficial rate of exchange for members and will be sold slightly above cost to defray expenses.

27.0 ANNUAL REPORTS

27.1 The Executive Council and Branch Committees are to submit reports for their respective AGMs.

28.0 RULES

28.1 The purpose of Association rules is to provide guidelines on matters such as, general conduct, procedures for meetings and administrative matters.

28.2 Association "generic" rules will be determined by the Executive Council.

28.3 Branch Committees may determine their own rules to accommodate local circumstances provided Branch rules comply with the general intent of Association rules and objectives.

29.0 AMENDMENTS

29.1 Amendments to the Constitution may be made by a majority vote of the Executive Council after due consultation with all Branch Committees.

29.2 Amendments to Association "generic" Rules may be made following a majority vote on same by members of the Executive Council and members of all Branches.

29.3 Amendments to the Branch "local" Rules following a majority vote on same by members of the relevant Branch.

30.0 WINDING UP OF THE ASSOCIATION

30.1 In the event of it being apparent to the Executive Council that membership of the Association has dropped below the level needed to sustain it then a national Special General Meetings should be called with a view to re-vitalizing or winding up the Association.

30.2 In the event of the Association being wound up it shall be the responsibility of the Executive Council to dispose of any assets in the light of circumstances at the time. No individual member is to benefit from such a decision. The interests of Rhodesians and Rhodesia should be paramount in any decision in this respect.

31.0 DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

31.1 The Association President shall, as Chairman of the Executive Council and subject to adherence to the Constitution, have responsibility for the following:
a. Overall authority of the Executive Council
b. Directing collation of history of the RLI, 1961 - 1980.
c. Selection and engagement of all contract personnel.
d. Direction and theme of the Association magazine.
e. Direction and theme of the Association web site.
f. Overall financial control of the Association.
g. Implementation of recommendations of the Association's Accountant in respect of financial matters.
h. Implementation of major policy as agreed by the Executive Council.

31.2 In the event of a deadlocked vote by the Executive Council, the Association President shall have the right to cast a deciding vote

31.5 The tenure of office of the Association President shall be in accordance with the constitution tenure rules and regulations.

32.0 DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF ASSOCIATION CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)

32.1 The Association CEO shall be appointed by the Executive Council Chairman.

32.2 The Association CEO shall be responsible to the Executive Council Chairman for:
a. Prepare meeting notices and agendas in consultation with the Chairman.
b. Maintain minutes of Executive Council meetings.
c. Maintaining a Register of Members.
d. Maintain a register of Association assets and possessions.
e. Provide members with, on request, copies of the Association Constitution & Rules.
f. Lodge financial statements when/as required.
g. Assist coordination of Branch Committees.
h. Such other matters that the Executive Council Chairman may from time to time decide.

32.3 The tenure of office of the CEO shall be in accordance with the constitution tenure rules and regulations.

33.0 DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER (CFO)

33.1 The Chief Finance Officer shall be appointed by the Executive Council Chairman.

33.2 The CFO Officer shall be responsible to the Executive Council Chairman for:
a. Provision of advice to the Chairman regarding the most advantageous manner for management of Association funds.
b. General administration of Association funds.
c. Provision of routine, and as requested specific reports, on Association financial status.
d. Ensuring all auditing requirements are met.

33.3 The tenure of office of the CEO shall be in accordance with the constitution tenure rules and regulations.

34.0 DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION HISTORY & PUBLICATIONS OFFICER (HPO)

34.1 The History & Publications Officer shall be appointed by the Executive Council Chairman.

34.2 Executive Council Chairman will decide:

a. Magazine direction and theme.
b. Data base use.

34.3 The History & Publications Officer shall be responsible to the Executive Council Chairman for:
a. Provision of advice to the Executive Council Chairman on magazine/editorial theme, content and direction, data base use plus, advice on any other issue relevant to these aspects of Association operations.
b. The collection and collation of all information necessary for the Association magazine, editorials and other Association publications for which the Executive Council has responsibility.
c. The follow-up and authentication of all information received.
d. The general content of the Association magazine, editorials and publications.
e. The compilation and updating a data base of former members of The Rhodesian Light Infantry.
f. Liaison with members, other sources and interested parties for the purpose of magazine production.
g. Editing and distribution of the Association magazine, at intervals to be determined by the Executive Council Chairman.
h. Assist Association CEO with maintaining current Register of Members.
i. Such other matters that the Executive Council Chairman may from time to time decide.

34.4 The tenure of office of the Association History & Publications Officer shall be in accordance with the constitution tenure rules and regulations.

35.0 DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION WEBMASTER

35.1 Executive Council Chairman will decide upon Association web site direction and theme.

35.2 The Webmaster shall be responsible to the Executive Council Chairman for:
a. Provision of advice to the Executive Council Chairman on magazine/editorial theme, content and direction of Association web site plus, any other issue relevant to this aspect of Association operations.
b. Maintaining an effective and efficient Association web site.
c. General content and presentation of the Association web site.
d. Assist with the collection and collation of all information for the RLI history.
e. Liaison with members and other parties who may submit relevant inquiries via the web site.
f. Refer all appropriate inquiries to relevant other Executive Council Members, Branch Committees or, Area Representatives.
g. Assist with electronic distribution of data to members, such as: Association magazine, newsletters, notices or other information as may be required.
h. Assist Association CEO with maintaining a current Register of Members.
i. Such other matters that the Executive Council Chairman may from time to time decide.

35.3 The tenure of office of the Executive Council Webmaster shall be in accordance with the constitution tenure rules and regulations.

35.4 This position may be held by a volunteer outside the Executive Council, if no suitably qualified member of the Executive Council exists

36.0 DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF ASSOCIATION DEVELOPMENT OFFICER (ADO)

36.1 The ADO shall be appointed by the Executive Council Chairman.

36.2 The ADO shall be responsible to the Executive Council Chairman for:

a. Coordination and organization of the Association major projects such as the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of The RLI on 1 February, 2011.
b. The initiation, coordination and organization of such projects as directed by the Executive Chairman.
c. Coordination with the Branches of projects running concurrently internationally.

36.3 The ADO shall be responsible for the establishment, and coordinate of a "Futures Sub-Committee". The aim and administrative format of this sub-committee are:
a. The aim of the sub-committee will be to identify achievable and no-cost initiatives to help maintain the vitality and momentum of the Association into the future.
b. The sub-committee will make recommendations to the Executive Council on proposed initiatives, and action plans for implementation of such.
c. All such recommendations will be to the Executive Council and, will be subject to the normal analysis, assessment and voting process of the Executive Council.
d. The sub-committee shall be responsible for implementation of action plans which the Executive Council has approved.
e. The sub-committee may form Action Groups to aid with implementation of approved action plans.
f. The sub-committee will be Chaired by the Association President
g. The sub-committee will be formed from all members of the Executive Council, plus any co-opted FULL members from outside the Council who can be identified as valuable to the achievement of the sub-committee's mission.
h. The sub-committee may have as many co-opted members as the Executive Council thinks fit.

36.4 The tenure of office of the Association Development Officer shall be in accordance with the constitution tenure rules and regulations.

37.0 DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF BRANCH COMMITTIES

37.1 Branch Committees are to be accountable to the Executive Council.

37.2 Regional Branch Presidents will perform the duties of Chairman of respective Branch Committees and, will have responsibility for coordination of all Branch Committee activities.

37.3 Among the Branch Committee responsibilities shall be the following:
a. Identify and establish contact with all ex-RLI members residing in their respective countries.
b. Forward all identified ex-RLI member details to the Association Executive Chief Officer (CEO).
c. Encourage Association membership and support.
d. Assist with dissemination of Association information to members.
e. Promote and/or coordinate Branch or local area Association reunions/gatherings.
f. Help promote attendance at Multi-Branch (international) Association reunions/gatherings.
g. Appoint Area Representatives to assist with Branch Committee activities at a local level.
h. Establish local area of responsibility for Area Representatives.
i. Assist Association Executive Council activities as/when required.

37.3 The tenure of office of Branch Committees shall be in accordance with the constitution tenure rules and regulations.

38.0 DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF REGIONAL COORDINATORS

38.1 Regional Coordinators shall be accountable to the Executive Council Chairman.

38.2 Among the Regional Coordinators responsibilities shall be the following:
a. Identify and establish contact with all ex-RLI members residing in their respective regions of responsibility.
b. Forward all identified ex-RLI member details to Executive Council.
c. Encourage Association membership and support.
d. Assist with dissemination of Association information to members.
e. Promote and/or coordinate regional Association reunions/gatherings.
f. Help promote attendance at other Association reunions/gatherings.
g. Establish local area of responsibility for Area Representatives.
h. Assist Executive Council activities as/when required.

38.3 Regional Coordinators shall attempt to establish properly constituted Branches in countries within their region of responsibilities, once there are sufficient numbers to warrant same.

38.4 The tenure of office of a Regional Coordinator shall be at the discretion of the Executive Council Chairman or, until a Branch is formed in a country within the Region of a Coordinator's responsibility.

39.0 DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF AREA REPRESENTATIVES

39.1 Area Representatives shall be accountable to relevant Branch President or Regional Coordinator.

39.2 Among the Area Representatives' responsibilities shall be the following:
a. Identify and establish contact with all ex-RLI members residing in their respective local area of responsibility.
b. Forward all identified ex-RLI member details to either Branch President or, Regional Coordinator, whichever is applicable.
c. Encourage Association membership and support.
d. Assist with dissemination of Association information to members.
e. Promote and/or assist coordination of Association reunions/gatherings.
f. Assist Association Branch Committees or Regional Coordinators, as/when required.

39.3 The tenure of office of Area Representatives shall be at the discretion of Branch President or, in situations where relevant a Branch Committee does not exist, at the discretion of Regional Coordinators.

40.0 ASSOCIATION PATRON

40.1 The Patron of the Association shall be appointed by a majority vote of the Executive Council

40.2 Upon appointment, the Patron shall be become an ex-officio member of the Executive Council, with no voting rights.

40.3 The term of appointment of the Patron shall be for life, or resignation from the position.

41.0 RHODESIA & RHODESIAN DEFINITION

41.1 Rhodesia is considered to be the territory bounded by the current nation of Zimbabwe before 18 April 1980 and, Southern Rhodesia before the dissolution of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland on 31 December 1963. The term Rhodesia also embodies the spirit and ethos of that defunct nation.

41.3 Rhodesians are all that were domiciled or born in that territory and retain that spirit and ethos, irrespective of their current domicile or nationality.

42.0 REGIMENTAL STALWART AWARD

42.1 May be bestowed upon any FULL member of the Association who through exemplary action has served the ethos of the Regiment since its disbandment to such an extent that their service deserves special recognition and the gratitude of all within the Association.

42.2 In the order of precedence, the Regimental Stalwart award shall rank immediately below that of FULL LIFE MEMBERS.

42.3 Recipients of the award shall have the post nominal, RS (Regimental Stalwart) placed after their name in all Association communication or publications

42.4 The Regimental Stalwart award does not extinguish any other award or membership category and thus, it will be possible for individuals to be both a LIFE MEMBER and, a REGIMENTAL STALWART.

42.5 Only FULL members of the Association shall be eligible to be nominated for the award.

42.6 Nomination for Regimental Stalwart may be submitted by any FULL member of the Association to the Executive Council, or their delegate/s.

42.7 Branch Committees should consider making annual nomination/s for recognition of appropriate Achievement or conduct by members of respective branches.

42.8 Decision to approve or disapprove Regimental Stalwart award nomination shall be made only by the Executive Council, or their delegate/s.