Preamble

Whereas certain individuals desire to relive the pleasures, challenges and freedom enjoyed by the pioneering explorers of our wilderness, to promote an inspiring standard of mutual expectations and practices, and to recognize and encourage those who have proven their dedication to these ideals, we the members of the North American Frontiersmen, do hereby approve and support the following Bylaws.

Article I

Association Name

This association shall be known as the North American Frontiersmen. The initials NAF may be used when the meaning is clear.

Article II

Association Mission

The purpose of the North American Frontiersmen is to promote personal honor, fellowship, and self-reliance by researching, demonstrating and celebrating the skills and activities of North American pioneers of the 1750 to 1843 period. NAF members are Experimental Historians who rediscover and practice time-honored techniques and knowledge, so that these skills are preserved for the benefit of future generations.

Article III

Types of Membership

The North American Frontiersmen recognize the following categories of membership:

A. Apprentice (Probationary Member): Has been invited to join the NAF, and is fulfilling the requirements for full membership.

B. Woodsman (Regular Member): Has demonstrated the basic abilities needed to survive in the wilderness, and has earned all participating rights of membership.

C. Mountaineer (Advanced Member): Has demonstrated mastery of wilderness skills and leadership within the Association, and is qualified to hold top offices.

D. Ranger (Junior Member): A person below the age of 18, who has written parental permission to perform the activities of an Apprentice, under the same conditions, except probation extends to the age of 18. Woodsman status may then be awarded if requirements have been completed; otherwise the Ranger may submit a normal Apprentice application.

E. Associate:  An informal degree awarded by acclamation, bestowed on spouses, relatives, particular friends, or dependents of full members, who are not carried on the Roster but who participate in events to such degree that they become accepted and welcomed by the -meet the standards of the events they attend. Their sponsoring Member shall be present if possible, and shall be responsible for their skills and behavior. To gain regular membership rights, Associates must follow the normal application process.

F. Master: The Council of Elders may recognize exceptional ability or accomplishment by awarding the degree of Master of a particular art. This degree shall be in addition to the member's regular degree, and shall require no fee other than the right to procure the associated medallion.

G. Joining at an Advanced Degree: Candidates who can show that they have fulfilled the appropriate requirements in similar organizations, or through their own experience, may qualify to enter the NAF at an advanced level of membership. Such candidates must be invited and presented by a member of similar or higher degree, and are expected to review their accomplishments to the satisfaction of their sponsor and the Council of Elders, who will review their membership application for approval in the usual manner. Fees will be payable only for the degree being applied for.

H. Waiver of Liability: All members agree to manage their own risk during Association activities, holding the Association, its officers, and owners of property used for events, free of liability and damages.

Article IV

Requirements for Apprentice (Probationary) Membership

A. Membership in this association is by invitation only.

B. Prospects shall be sponsored by at least two Woodsman members, or one Mountaineer member.

C. To be accepted as Apprentice, the prospect must be at least 18 years old, and demonstrate interest and motivation during at least two outings with at least one sponsor, whose letter of recommendation with properly filled out application, and fees as shown, shall be sent to the Captain who shall present it to the Council of Elders for approval.

D. The Apprentice must own and demonstrate safe use of a period firearm or bow suitable for the gathering of food as well as defense, and must have a basic period outfit (clothing, knife, fire kit, bedroll, personal effects).

E. The Apprentice must complete the requirements for Woodsman membership within two years or be dropped. Requests for extension must be for good cause; the sponsor shall provide a written explanation and obtain approval from the Council of Elders.

F. Good sponsorship is crucial to the well-being of any invitational association. Sponsors are fully and personally responsible for upholding, demonstrating, and teaching the traditions and standards of the Association, and should ensure that each prospect receives full attention. Their certification that a prospect is suitable and ready for advancement is a solemn responsibility.

Article V

Requirements for Woodsman (Regular) Membership

A. To advance from Apprentice to Woodsman membership, the prospect should actively participate in as many events as possible, and the requirements shown below must have been demonstrated to the sponsor's satisfaction before the two-year probation period has ended:

1. Have a complete personal outfit (clothing, weaponry, camping gear, traveling gear) appropriate to the time period, local climate, and conditions, suitable for living indefinitely from the land, using authentic tools, materials and techniques.  

2. Must have accumulated 15 days of total time in the field, under primitive conditions, in increments of not less than 2 days and 2 nights, including camps in all four seasons of the year. During these outings, must demonstrate basic survival skills such as procuring sustenance (hunting, gathering and fishing), procuring safe water, making shelters, starting fires (by at least two methods), making cordage, cooking for yourself and others (with and without utensils), and field maintenance of clothing, tools and weapons.

3. Complete a journey of 50 miles using methods typical of the frontier. Up to three lesser journeys may be combined, but if so, 75 miles must be covered.

B. To apply for Woodsman membership, Apprentices must complete a current Application Form, describing when, where, and how they have met each requirement, including any requirements met before the Apprentice's probation, and remit the stated fee. The sponsors shall forward this report to the Captain, with their written recommendation for advancement, for presentation to the Council of Elders, who will either approve the application or return it for amendments. Approved applications are forwarded to the Treasurer, who shall credit fees, assign the next available membership number, notify the member of advancement, and advise about the purchase of a Woodsman Medallion. The person will then be called a Woodsman (regardless of gender).

Article VI

Requirements for Mountaineer (Advanced) Membership

A. To advance from Woodsman to Mountaineer membership, the candidate must demonstrate exceptional qualities of perseverance, survival skill, and leadership, by completing the following requirements.

1. Hold Woodsman degree for at least three years.

2. Travel a total of 200 miles using methods typical of the frontier, in minimum increments of 10 miles, each outing to last at least 3 days.

3. Survive four days and three nights alone, procuring enough sustenance from the land to demonstrate the ability to continue indefinitely.

B. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate special skills, experience, and service by completing 8 of the following requirements, choosing at least four outdoor skills from the first 8. 

1. Demonstrate saddling and riding a horse, including routine trail care and overnight picketing, using period equipment.

2. Demonstrate ability to pack at least 90 lbs of goods on horse or mule, and traverse at least 5 miles with the animal and pack arriving in usable condition. Goods must be protected from predictable adverse conditions.

3.  Demonstrate proficiency in packing at least 90 lbs in a canoe and traversing 5 miles including at least one portage of at least 300 yards.

4.  Demonstrate proficiency in packing at least 200 lbs in a period style two or more wheeled cart or wagon and transport load safely at least 5 miles.

5.  Using period methods, process enough hide(s) to make one major item of clothing (shirt, pants, coat, dress) or enough for one layer of bedding.

6.  Make, at some point, each necessary article of clothing from the skin out, including footwear and at least one hat, as required to survive afield in all four seasons. Materials available during your period of interest may be purchased, but must be hand-sewn by yourself. Candidate is expected to make as many items as possible using materials gathered from nature.

7.  Within 30 minutes, hit a 12" target six times at 75 yards using a period muzzle-loading rifle, at 50 yards using a period smoothbore, or at 25 yards using a period bow and arrows.

8.  Organize and conduct two primitive NAF events, lasting at least 2 days and 2 nights, hosting a cumulative total of at least six persons.  Alternatively organize and host one National NAF event.

9. Organize a meet involving at least 4 members, to demonstrate and practice the skills of a craft or trade useful on the frontier, such as blacksmithing, tanning, tailoring, saddle-making, boat-building, etc.  

10.  Complete one term of office or serve on a committee or staff position to the Captain's and the Council of Elders' satisfaction.

11.  Write and submit a 1000-word research paper to the NAF Research Center, on the life and times of the frontier, which may include lessons learned by actual experience. (Footnotes and a bibliography are required if appropriate to the text.)

12. Submit four reports or articles of any length to the NAF Research Center that are published by the editor and approved by the Council of Elders during their review.

13. Conduct at least three hours worth of educational presentations for the public.

14. Define and complete a significant accomplishment of one's own choosing, that meets the approval of the Council of Elders, as representing and extending the ideals of this Association.

C. To gain Mountaineer membership, Woodsman applicants shall complete a current Application Form, with statements describing when, where, and how they met each requirement, enclose the stated fees, and mail to the Captain, for presentation to the Council of Elders, who will either approve the application or return it for amendments. Approved applications are forwarded to the Treasurer, who shall credit fees, notify the member of advancement, update their status on the Roster, and advise about purchase of a Mountaineer Medallion.

Article VII

Membership Medallion

A. Membership medallions will be available for purchase only when the member has been approved for Woodsman, Mountaineer, or Master status, and no further membership cards will be issued.

B. The Woodsman and Mountaineer medallions will be of distinctive designs, bronze for Woodsman and sterling silver for Mountaineer, with membership number engraved or cast on the back. The Master medallions may have imagery representing the skill being recognized.

Article VIII

Dismissal of Members

A. Probationary Members may be dismissed at any time upon written recommendation of all sponsors and a 3/4 vote of the Council of Elders.

B. Full members may be removed after a hearing and unanimous vote of the Council of Elders for the following reasons:

1.  Dishonesty in dealing with other members, or in conduct of Association affairs, as testified by 2 or more witnesses.

2.  Slandering another member, as testified by 2 or more witnesses.

3.  Falsifying any membership requirement as testified by 2 or more witnesses.

4.  Conduct that exposes the Association or its members to harm or injury, liability or legal penalties.

5.  The Elders shall have the authority to determine what additional actions constitute a sufficiently serious offense to justify dismissal of a member.

C. The Council will advise the Treasurer to update the dismissed member's status on the Roster.

Article IX

Governing Bodies

A. Council of Elders (Membership Committee):

1.  The Council is composed of four Founding Members, each having one vote, and is chaired by the current Captain (who does not vote). The Founding Members will serve for life, unless incapacitated or they decide to retire. Replacements shall be proposed by majority vote of the remaining members, and shall be approved by at least 4/5 of the Board of Directors.

2.  Powers and Duties:

a.  Review and rule on all applications for membership and advancement, within 90 days of submission, forwarding same to the Treasurer for enrollment and mailing. Approvals shall be unanimous. Rejections shall have a written explanation.

b.  Serve as a court of appeal for all disputes between members and/or officers, making rulings by 3/4 majority. Council members who are party to disputes shall not participate in deliberation and voting, in which case rulings shall be by a 2/3 majority.

c.  Appoint replacement officers for those unable to serve the final year of their term, by 3/4 majority.

d.  Appoint the Senior Editor, by a 3/4 majority.

e.  Approve changes in the membership fee structure, upon presentation of a proposal from the Board of Directors, by 3/4 majority vote.

f.  May reverse decisions of any officer, or the Board of Directors, by unanimous vote.

B. Board of Directors (Executive Committee):

1.  The Board is composed of the Captain, Chief Factor, Secretary, Treasurer, and Senior Editor.

2.  Powers and Duties:

a.  Acceptance of the Treasurer's annual report, and approval of the Treasurer's annual budget, by 4/5 vote.

b.  Approval of the Captain's recommendation for the National Rendezvous site, by 3/5 vote.

c.  Approval of proposed Regional Factors, by 3/5 vote.

d.  Using the Treasurer's budget as a basis for consideration, approve changes in the membership fees, or any imposition of dues, by 4/5 vote, which proposal shall then be presented to the Council of Elders for final approval.

e.  Authorization of any special expense not included in the budget, by 4/5 vote.

f.   Establish policies for check signing and review, based on check size or other factors as determined.

g.  Authorization to publish a Magazine per Article XIII, by 4/5 vote

h.  Approval of other matters normally handled by an Association's Board of Directors, by 3/5 vote, except as otherwise indicated in these Bylaws.

C. Rules of Order.

1.  A quorum of more than half shall be present for either body to conduct votes.

2.  Motions shall be introduced, discussed and refined to the satisfaction of the proposer, who shall then ask for a second, to be followed by a vote.

3.  Voting percentages as required in these Bylaws shall apply to the total number of members on the body, regardless of the number of members actually present. A vote that fails to obtain the required percentage at an in-person meeting shall be continued and presented to the entire body at the next meeting.

Article X

Meetings

A. The General Membership Meeting shall be held at the Annual National Encampment, and members may move to place items on the Board of Directors' agenda.

B. All available members of the Board of Directors shall meet after the General Meeting, although a quorum is required to conduct voting.

1.  Board meetings may also be held at any time that a quorum is present.

2.  Board meetings shall be chaired by the Captain, or Chief Factor if necessary.

3.  Absent Board members may convey their voting decisions on known issues in sealed form to the Secretary, to be revealed after voting is complete, but no general proxy of voting authority is allowed.

C. The Council of Elders shall meet as required to review membership matters. Meetings shall be chaired by the Captain, or the senior Elder if necessary.

D. The Council of Elders and Board of Directors are authorized to conduct meetings by any convenient method such as electronic postings, telephone, or mail, subject to the general requirement that meetings not conducted face-to-face must include all members and allow them to participate in debates and motions.

E. Minutes showing all votes of the Board of Directors shall be kept by the Secretary and published in the next Newsletter.

Article XI

Elected Officers and Their Duties

A. Captain (President):

1.  Responsible for the overall coordination and fulfillment of Association objectives, having full authority to act in the best interests of the Association when time is of the essence. Actions not authorized herein shall be reviewed by the Board and/or Council at the earliest opportunity and are subject to revision.

2.  Directs the activities of the Chief Factor and the other officers.

3.  Presides over the annual General Meeting.

4.  Presides over meetings of the Board of Directors, and the Council of Elders.

5.  With the Chief Factor, appoints committees, always naming an odd number of persons.

B. Chief Factor (Vice President):

1.  Assists the Captain in performing his duties of office.

2.  Succeeds a Captain who cannot fulfill his term of office.

3.  Responsible for local management of Association affairs. May propose, for Board approval, local representatives (Factors) who will preside over an agreed-upon region, provide a point of contact for membership inquiries, coordinate events, encourage the formation of local Companies, and report back to the Chief Factor on local conditions.  

C. Secretary.

1.  Receives and replies to all inquiries regarding membership policies and standards, assists applicants in obtaining correct forms, and directs applications to be returned in accordance with the application procedures noted under Membership Requirements above. 

2.  Prepares and tallies votes of the Board of Directors, and special votes for the Council of Elders (other than membership votes).

3.  Attends Board of Director meetings whenever possible, and is responsible for obtaining accurate minutes.

4.  Maintains current copies of Membership Application Forms, current fee schedules, list of Regional Factors, Treasurer's Reports, voting outcomes, and other Association documents as approved by the Board of Directors, and provides copies upon request to any active member.

5.  Prepares and mails election ballots to the membership, as per Article XII and XVIII.

6.  Fulfills any other expected duties of an association secretary as shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

D. Treasurer.

1.  Receives and credits all dues, fees, and donations against a permanent roster of all members, active and inactive.

2.  Credits fees, and updates the roster, as application approvals are received from the Council of Elders. Notifies members of results, and provides refund of fees with rejected applications. 

3.  Maintains a separate banking account for Association funds.

4.  Prepares an annual report of income and expenses, with sufficient detail to allow interested members to understand association affairs.

5.  Prepares a yearly budget for the coming year, showing expected income and expenses. This budget, and the annual report, shall be submitted to the Board of Directors at the beginning of the final quarter, for review and approval for publication in the final newsletter of each year.

a.  It is expected that the Association will finance itself principally by the fees collected for membership applications and advancements. The Treasurer's budget shall recommend if further dues or fees are required for the coming year, sufficient only to cover expenses and maintain a prudent reserve not exceeding one year's expenses.

6.  Disburses Association funds using procedures established by the Board of Directors, keeping accurate records of all transactions.

7.  The Association having no commercial purpose, and comprising recreational activities supported by volunteer efforts and fees covering only direct expenses, its affairs shall be considered as personal business not subject to tax reporting or deductions. Equipment used to conduct business shall be owned by individuals. Reimbursement for supplies and services may be applied for with supporting receipts.

8. In the event of incorporation, the Treasurer shall supervise preparation of the required annual tax returns.

E. Salaries. No officer may receive a salary or payment for time spent in performance of duties. However, out-of-pocket expenses may be reimbursed if within budgetary allowances and accompanied by adequate receipts. Exceptions will require Board approval.

Article XII

Term of Office and Elections

A. Term of office is 3 years for all elected Officers. The initial term of office shall start on Jan 1, 2006.

1.  If an officer becomes unable to serve within the first two years, a special election shall be held using the process described below. In the final year of office, or if necessary to conduct an election, a replacement shall be appointed by majority vote of the Council of Elders.

B. Elections. Campaigning shall be conducted in the final six months of each term. Ninety days before the end of each term, the Captain shall appoint an election committee of three members, who shall designate a return address for ballots. At least sixty days before the end of the term, the Secretary shall send election ballots to all active full members, listing all candidates who have submitted their names, along with their election statements and qualifications. Ballots shall show the return address, and a deadline date 30 days prior to the end of term, and must be postmarked by the deadline, with seven additional days allowed for delivery. Candidates who receive the largest number of votes (a plurality) shall be elected. The Election Committee shall issue its report within 15 days of the deadline, thus allowing 15 days for the new officers to make an orderly transition.

C. Qualifications: Only Mountaineer members are qualified to serve as Captain, Chief Factor, and Elders. Woodsman or Mountaineer members may serve as Secretary, Treasurer and Regional Factors.

D. Members desiring to vote shall ensure that the roster contains their current address at the time ballots are to be mailed. Members who do not return ballots may be dropped from active status and will not receive further ballots and mailings. To be reinstated, inactive members must contact the Treasurer, providing a statement desiring re-activation and a current address for the roster.

Article  XIII

Publications and Research Center

A. Editor. The Captain shall propose a Senior Editor, not holding any other office, to be approved by majority vote of the Council of Elders, to serve on the Board, and manage all publication activities of the Association. The Senior Editor may appoint assistant editors as required.

B.  Association Newsletter. A newsletter, "Smoke Signals", shall be published to all active members, either quarterly, or as events dictate, but at least at the end of each year, which issue shall include the Treasurer's report and Budget, and the current Dues Notice (if any).

1.  The method of distribution shall be chosen by the editor, and any proposed expenses shown in the annual budget.

2.  The newsletter shall be available for all members to express opinions about Association affairs and suggestions for improvement. The editor may request removal of disrespectful language, personal attacks, or content liable to damage the Association before publishing letters.

3.  The newsletter shall be used wherever possible to conduct mailings to all members, such as ballots, event announcements, and issues of general importance.

C. Research Center.

1.  Practical articles from the members on cooking, dress, and equipage, and reports on outings are welcomed, and may be published in a separate Research Archive at the Editor's discretion.

2.  This Archive should be available for membership and public viewing, taking advantage of such modern communication methods as the Editor may determine.

D. Magazine. The Board of Directors may designate the name and authorize the publication schedule of an educational magazine when active membership has reached 250.

1.  Subscriptions to the magazine shall be provided to members and the public at a cost determined by the Editor.

Article XIV

Dues and Fees

A. The Association's income derives principally from application fees. The Secretary shall maintain a table of fees for each type of membership, ensuring that current application forms show the correct amount.

B. The Treasurer shall monitor Association funds, and if it appears necessary to avoid exhaustion in the coming year, may propose an adjustment of fees, or a payment of dues, in the regular annual budget, subject to approval by the Board of Directors and Council of Elders (Article IX).  Any such dues payments shall be announced in the year-end issue of the newsletter, and are payable January 1 of the following year. To remain active, members shall remit such dues within sixty days. After this time, reinstatement will be granted only upon double payment of the current dues.

Article  XV

Local and National Encampments

A. The NAF National Encampment will be held each year at a time and place proposed by the Captain and approved by a majority of the Board of Directors.

B. Local Companies (Association Chapters).

1.  Members may organize themselves as desired to promote and conduct Association activities, pursue membership requirements, and meet with other members. Such Companies shall elect a Factor holding at least Woodsman degree, who will report on activities and accomplishments to the Regional and Chief Factors.

2.  Company camps shall be known as NAF Gatherings. Camps intended to attract members from a wider region shall be known as NAF Regional Camps.

Article XVI

Guidelines for Events and Activities

A. Dress and Equipage.

1.  Members' outfits and equipment shall use material and designs available in the time period of interest. When original materials are no longer available or advisable, the nearest modern equivalent may be substituted, such as steel for wrought iron, sweet oil for sperm oil, etc. but such substitutions shall not be for mere convenience and shall perform in a similar manner. 

2.  Hygiene supplies, water filters, medicines and appliances required to maintain health and correct for disabilities are allowed, but should be kept out of sight whenever possible.

B. Conduct at Activities and Events:

1.  The overall conduct of a period event will be such that a visitor from the past would feel at home. All camps, events, and activities should be conducted with this standard in mind.

2.  No discharge of firearms is permitted in camp, except on established ranges or for organized blank salutes.

3.  Cameras are allowed, but should be used with discretion and concealed when not in use.

4.  The NAF leaves all campsites in as natural a condition as possible. All game laws shall be observed.

Article XVII

Association Motto

INTERIORA VIDE (Look Within)

Article XVIII

Amendments to these Bylaws

After initial approval by the membership, amendments to these Bylaws shall require a 4/5 vote of the Council of Elders to frame and issue a ballot to all full members, with pro-and-con arguments, which must then be approved within 30 days by a three-fourths majority of all active, full members.

Article XIX

Definitions and Rules

A. Where used in the text, the following terms shall be defined as follows:

1.  Period: refers to practices, materials, techniques, and customs known to be in use in North America in the years 1750 to 1843.

2.  Primitive: refers to practices, materials, techniques, and customs typical of the American frontier within the time period, and in particular, refers to the basic equipment used by woodsmen to survive away from settlements.

3.  Authentic: Using designs, materials and fabrication methods that emulate those known to be in use during our period. Items that were traditionally purchased from specialist workshops may be made using labor-saving methods, as long as the results are similar to historic methods.

4.  Dress: Appropriate clothing and equipment that fits the time period and activities that you have chosen.

5.  Gender: Participation is open to both sexes on equal footing.

6.  Probation: the period of time designated for applicants to fulfill the requirements for full membership. During Probation, participation is under the control of the applicant's sponsor(s). Attendance at events is encouraged, ideally with sponsor present; otherwise the applicant is expected to respect the advice of members present.

7.  Full Membership: refers to rights enjoyed by Woodsman and Mountaineer members of active status: voting in elections, sponsoring new members, receipt of publications, access to Association records and minutes, right to request hearings and place motions before the Board, ability to hold offices (except those reserved to Mountaineers).