ALRA Bylaws

Information about the American Longrifle Association.
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ALRA Bylaws

Post by ALRA » Tue Apr 15, 2008 3:27 pm

The Specific And Primary Purpose And Objectives Of This Association Are:
  1. Promote study and research into the life and customs of early America from 1750 through 1815.
  2. Promote brotherhood and friendship among the members.
  3. Extend a helping hand and cheerful spirit to those who are interested in muzzle loading in all its facets.
  4. To support the right to keep and bear arms.
  5. To support and encourage self-sufficiency.
  6. To strive for excellence in marksmanship, woodsmanship, and historically correct representation of early America.
  7. Membership in the N.M.L.R.A. will be left to the discretion of the individual member, per Amendment Two.
  8. To encourage members to form and emulate a specific time period or group such as Roger's Rangers, Revolutionary War riflemen, scouting parties, French voyagers, long hunters, etc.
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Required Accouterments
  • Period flintlock gun and appropriate shooting accouterments.
  • Historically correct clothing, suited to the character portrayal.
  • Possible bag or haversack.
  • Tomahawk or belt ax, hand forged or cast, brass or iron.
  • Knife and whetstone.
  • Fire Set, bow drill, or flint and steel.
  • Period eating utensils, such as bowl, spoon and fork.
  • Water vessel such as cup, canteen, jug, or wood barrel.
  • Salt and seasonings.
  • Gun oil and cleaning equipment.
  • Sewing equipment, candles, compass.
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Induction Of New Members
  1. Membership is open to all parties interested in promotion of the historic reenactment of early America, 1750 through 1815.
  2. Probationary members should be sponsored by one Patriot member. Membership will be granted to lone individuals without sponsorship provided there are no other members to sponsor them within their geographical area. A Patriot or above member can sponsor any number of prospective members, but it is suggested that where possible it should be limited to two Probationary members at any one time.
  3. Sponsoring members will be responsible for the conduct of Probationary members during their Probationary period, or until Probationary member reaches patriot status. A Patriot or above member can sponsor any number of Probationary members, but it is suggested it be limited to two.
  4. The probation period of a Probationary member consists of the time between joining the ALRA and the fulfillment of requirements listed under "Required Accouterments" and the submission of the bibliography. The probationary period is eighteen months, and may only be extended to twenty-four months with the consent of the NSCA.
  5. A Probationary member is to send his or her bibliography of clothing and accouterments to the Standing Committee on Authenticity. The bibliography is to support the character being portrayed. Portrayal of the chosen character must be specific to the appropriate time period, geographic region, and occupation of the character. Upon acceptance by the Standing Committee on Authenticity, the Probationary member will gain Patriot status.
  6. A member's bibliography is to consist of documentation of clothing and equipment, giving source and pages. The "Bibliography Guidelines" appended to these by-laws, should be used by the Probationary member and his or her sponsor to prepare the bibliography. When accepted, the bibliography will be forward to the National Historian.
  7. After being passed to Patriot status, a member may choose additional characters to portray; however, all clothing and accouterments must be appropriate to the character.
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Dues for Members
  1. Twenty-Five United States Dollars are to be paid no later than January 31 each year.
  2. The dues will be divided as follows.
    1. Five United States Dollars will be retained at the state level.
    2. Twenty United States Dollars will be forwarded to the National Factor.
  • Amendment Six of March 1991 provides these details concerning annual dues:.
    • Point A Annual dues are to be paid no later than January 31 of each year. Any ALRA memberships that have been allowed to lapse will no longer receive any benefits.
    • Point B New members to the ALRA shall pay dues according to a prorated schedule for the first year of membership. The prorated amount shall be 1/12th the cost of annual membership times the number of months left in the year.
    • Point C Persons who have allowed their membership to lapse and who are otherwise in good standing according to the ALRA by-laws, may be reinstated by paying the full amount of annual dues regardless of the months left in the year.
    • Point D Two thirds of all membership fees are to be sent to the National Factor and the remaining one third is to be retained at the state level. (This point is superseded by Amendment Nine of April 1996.).
    • Point E Annual dues amounts can only be changed by a two -thirds majority vote of the entire membership voting in an election.
    • Point F This amendment to be retroactive to January 1 1990.
  • Amendment Number Nine of April 1, 1996 stipulates that dues will be increased to $20 per year, with $15 forwarded to the National Factor
  • Amendment Number Eighteen of April 1, 2017 stipulates that dues will be increased to $25 per year, with $20 forwarded to the National Factor.
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Promotion of Members
  1. When a member reaches Patriot status, the ALRA will award him or her a brass gorget and assign a permanent number to be engraved upon the gorget. The member may have the gorget engraved with the appropriate insignia which will be furnished by the ALRA. The gorget may be worn only with correct attire for the character and time being emulated. A silver gorget will be awarded by the ALRA to each member who achieves level four, Master Woodsman.
  2. After obtaining the level of Patriot, the member is encouraged, but not required, to achieve all four levels.
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The Levels and the Requirements
  1. Level One - Scout: Symbol, gun and horn on upper- left quadrant of shield on the gorget..
    1. Build a fire by two methods, flint and steel, plus one other.
    2. Sharpen a knife and a tomahawk.
    3. Cook three authentic meals that are correct food and utensils for this period.
    4. Demonstrate the proper loading, shooting, and cleaning of a flintlock.
    5. Cast twenty-five usable balls over the campfire, using historically correct tools.
    6. Shape your own gun flint.
    7. Camp overnight, using only period equipment.
    8. Hit a 10-inch round target 5 times at 50 yards within 5 minutes.
    9. Do any two of the following:.
      1. Hit a 7-inch diameter target, offhand, 5 of 5 shots at 50 yards.
      2. Demonstrate knowledge of trap or snare by catching a game animal for food or trade.
      3. Make a set of moccasins proper to your character's geographical area.
  2. Level Two - Hunter:Symbol, tomahawk in upper right quadrant of shield on the gorget..
    1. Shoot a live rabbit on the run or hit 2 out of 10 shots at a facsimile of a rabbit of lifelike size and shape while it is moving at 20 yards. The speed of the target can be variable and is to be determined by the Sergeant at Arms.
    2. Spend three days and two nights, at least 48 hours, in a period encampment in each of the four seasons.
    3. Participate in two or more of the following.
      1. A 3-day canoe/boat trip to include no less than 6 hrs spent traveling each of the 3 days covering as much distance as possible.
      2. A 3-day walking journey covering 30 miles.
      3. A A 3-day horse scout with no less than 6 travel hours per day covering as much distance as possible.
    4. Prepare and present a 30-minute lecture on a period subject.
    5. Complete the following timed event:.
      • "Simon's Gauntlet".
        1. Hit three 6-inch square targets at 50 yards.
        2. Hit three out of five shots at an 18- inch diameter gong at 100 yards.
        3. Set two traps.
        4. Start a fire.
        5. Stick a tomahawk 3 out of 5 throws.
        6. Hit 2 out of 3 shots at a 6- inch square target at 25-50-75 yards, total 6 hits.
    6. Obtain winter clothing appropriate to your area to consist of:.
      1. Winter coat.
      2. Footwear.
      3. Mittens or gloves.
      4. Ground cloth.
      5. Shirt and pants or equalevent befitting your character.
    7. Complete any two of the following:.
      1. Load and fire a flintlock at an 18-inch diameter target at a distance of 30 yards, 10 out of 10 shots.
      2. During a 3-day, 2- night camp in requirement number 2, carry only one day's ration and take all supplements "off the land".
      3. Hand stitch a cloth shirt.
  3. Level Three - Woodsman: Symbol, rifleman's long knife in the lower-left quadrant of the shield of the gorget..
    1. Spend five days and four nights, at least 96 consecutive hours, in a period encampment.
    2. Make meat with a flintlock.
    3. Improve your previous time on "Simon's Gauntlet.".
    4. Organize and execute a two-day period encampment for a group.
    5. Do ONE of the following:.
      1. Shoot the following targets for a minimum score.
        • Offhand 6 Bull 25 yards, minimum score - 40.
        • Offhand Single Bull 50 yards, minimum score - 45.
        • Hunter Style 6 Bull at 50 yards, minimum score - 40.
        • Hunter style single Bull at 50 yards, minimum score - 47.
      2. Participate in a 48 consecutive hour period encampment, taking no food, living only "off the land." This encampment must be completed with an ALRA companion.
      3. Hand-stitch an article of clothing in cloth or buckskin.
  4. Level Four - Master Woodsman: Symbol, hunter's star at lower right quadrant of the shield on the gorget. A silver gorget will be awarded to each member that achieves level four..
    1. Take a large game animal with a flintlock.
    2. Participate in a 72 consecutive hour period encampment living only "off the land." No food can be taken and must be completed with an ALRA companion.
    3. Hit an 18-inch diameter gong.
      • 10 out of 10 at 50 yards.
      • 7 out of 10 at 75 yards.
      • 5 out of 10 at 125 yards.
      • For a total of 30 consecutive shots, all offhand.
    4. Complete a 7-day campaign with three day's rations while spending no more than two days in any one camp. This campaign must be made with an ALRA companion.
    5. Complete ONE of the following:.
      1. Win a first, second, or third place in a flintlock match at a shoot under NMLRA rules where no less than 20 shooters are competing.
      2. OR , score 50 on a Single Bull target, at 50 yards using cross sticks,.
      3. OR ,score 48 at 50 yards offhand in 5 shots at a Single Bull target.
      4. OR ,hand tan a hide using period tanning procedure and make an article of clothing from it.
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Officers
  • National Officers: Symbol, crown on the gorget..
    1. Captain: Symbol, lion on the gorget..
      1. Responsible for the East and West Partisans and all other national officers.
      2. In charge of the national Spring Encampment.
      3. Stay in communication with state groups to ensure compliance to the ALRA by-laws.
      4. Conduct elections.
      5. Select committees for national projects as he or she deems necessary.
      6. Maintain ALRA discipline; i.e., notify members who are not in good standing.
      7. Term of office, two years, to be elected on even number years.
    2. East and West Partisans: Symbol, jewels on crown on the groget..
      1. Preside over respective groups in eastern or western regions.
      2. In charge of respective regional encampments.
      3. Maintain communication with respective state Lieutenants, to ensure and protect the association's by-laws and promote the ALRA.
      4. Assist the Captain in maintaining discipline of members who are not in good standing.
      5. Term of office two years, to be elected on odd number years.
      6. The East Partisan presides over the states, east of the Mississippi River.
      7. The West Partisan presides over the states, west of the Mississippi River and Minnesota.
    3. Factor: Symbol, quill pen on the gorget..
      1. Produce and deliver the national newsletter, 6 issues per year, every 2 months.
      2. Collect the national dues from the state groups and pay appropriate national expenses.
      3. Maintain records of members and their standings.
      4. Issue permanent member numbers and gorgets.
      5. Assist the Captain on request.
      6. Make available to all members a complete roster of members names, addresses, and phone numbers at least once each year.
      7. Term of office, two years, to be elected in odd number years.
    4. Historian: Symbol, paper scroll on the gorget..
      1. Maintain national records.
      2. Maintain the ALRA "Manifest".
      3. Gather and file all member's bibliographies that are submitted by the Authenticy Committee as well as findings of period information submitted by other parties.
      4. Submit all new findings to the Factor for publication in the national newsletter.
      5. Respond to questions on authenticity that members may have using the "Manifest" as reference. Answers to any questions that cannot be found in the national records are the responsibility of the questioning party.
      6. Term of office two years, to be elected in even number years.
  • National Standing Committee on Authenticity (NSCA).
    1. Three members of the committee were appointed by the Captain in 1989. These three members had 1, 2, and 3 year terms, respectively. Thereafter each member serves THREE consecutive years. The Captain appoints one member each year or when a member resigns.
    2. Duties and responsibilities:.
      1. To help ensure historical correctness of clothing and accouterments.
      2. To review and rule on the acceptance of a probationary member's bibliography.
      3. Two (2) out of the three (3) committee members must consent.
      4. Send Bibliographies and updates to the National Historian.
      5. Rule on contested issues of authenticity. All committee members must reach a unanimous decision.
      6. Committee decisions will be based on the following:.
        1. Is the contested item listed in the National records?
        2. Has the member researched the item?
        3. Would the character being portrayed with the item commonly have had the item?
  • State and Local Officers.
    1. Lieutenant: Symbol, crown and diamonds on the gorget..
      1. Preside over the state and area meetings and encampments.
      2. Preside over all state and local groups within his or her area.
      3. Conduct any state level business.
      4. Maintain association discipline, contact any state members who are not in good standing, and notify the Captain and the appropriate Partisan of any such contacts.
      5. Appoint any special project committee that he or she deems necessary.
      6. If more than one branch is formed in a state, the branch(s) may elect a First Sergeant to represent the branch.
      7. Term of office is TWO years.
    2. State Scribe .
      1. Record the minutes of state meetings.
      2. Collect dues and send the national dues to the Factor.
      3. Maintain records of the members and their standings and forward this information to the Factor.
      4. Conduct the business of the Lieutenant as assigned.
      5. Report state information to the Factor, for inclusion in the National Newsletter.
      6. Produce and deliver a state newsletter as appointed by the state members.
      7. Term of office is ONE year.
    3. Sergeant at Arms.
      1. Preside at state shooting events. Manage prizes, scoring, and shoot fees when and where appropriate.
      2. Promote and encourage shooting events at all state activities.
      3. Acquire and provide targets for shooting events.
      4. Establish the rules and awards for shooting events. The decisions of the Sergeant at Arms will be considered final.
      5. Conduct the duties of the Lieutenant and or Scribe as assigned.
      6. Term of office is ONE year.
    4. State Historian.
      1. Gather and send state and local information to the National Historian. i.e., newspaper articles and photos.
      2. Maintain state records and information.
      3. Forward any historical research information to the National Factor.
      4. Take pictures at state and regional gatherings.
      5. Conduct Lieutenants business as assigned.
      6. Term of office is ONE year.
    5. First Sergeant.
      1. To serve as head of various mess or parties as they are formed.
      2. To preside over meetings of these groups.
      3. To elect with other members of the group any officers necessary to maintain the group.
      4. Term of office to be determined by members of the group.
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Amendments to the By-Laws
  1. A petition for any proposed amendment must be endorsed by 30 percent of the national membership that have achieved Patriot status or higher.
  2. Properly petitioned proposed amendments will be included in the February national newsletter.
  3. Ballots must be returned to the Factor by the first Tuesday in March to be counted.
  4. The by-laws will be amended by 2/3 majority vote of voting members.
  5. Amendments passed will go into effect as of April 1.
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Election of National Officers
  1. To be eligible for Primary Elections in 1990, and thereafter, elected incumbents must be re-nominated and seconded for the office currently held.
  2. New hopefuls and present elected officers vying for a different position must present a petition to the Factor endorsed by 10 percent of the national membership that have achieved Patriot or above status.
  3. No member may sign more than one petition per office.
  4. No person can hold more than one national office at any time.
  5. All vacant elected positions, both national and state, will be filled by special election as soon as possible.
  6. Primary Elections will be held along with the by-laws amendments voting, with ballots included in the February national newsletter.
  7. The top two candidates in each office from the Primary Election will be placed on the National Officer Ballot.
  8. This ballot will be sent to the voting membership on or before March 31.
  9. Ballots shall be returned to the factor by April 30 to be counted.
  10. The winners will take office on June 1.
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Impeachment
  1. A petition bearing the signatures of 20 percent of the subordinates of the person being impeached, is required to bring the impeachment to ballot.
  2. This petition will be sent to the Captain for national positions.
  3. This petition will be sent to the Lieutenant if the impeachment is for a state office.
  4. If the impeachment is against the Captain, the petition will be sent to the Factor.
  5. Ballots will be sent out by the officer appropriate to the level of the action.
  6. Two-thirds majority vote of voting members that are subordinates of the office being impeached are required to remove any officer or his or her appointees.
  7. Impeached officers and vacant elected positions will be filled according to the chain of command until special elections can be held.
  8. The Captain and Lieutenant positions will be filled by the respective officer who is also empowered to appoint positions as needed.
  9. All appointees are subject to removal from their duties at the discretion of the officer who appointed them, or in the case of an appointing officer being relieved of duty, the officer in command.
  10. The exception to the above are members of the National Standing Committee on Authenticity. They can only be removed from office by impeachment by the voting membership of the entire ALRA.
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Formal Challenge Procedure
  1. A challenge letter must be sent to a member of the Authenticity Committee, signed by the challenger.
  2. Only items can be challenged, not people.
  3. Any challenged item may not be used after 30 days from the date of the challenge unless it is accepted by the Authenticity Committee.
  4. The "date of challenge" is the date of the national newsletter that includes information of the challenge.
  5. It is the responsibility of those members wishing to continue to use challenged items, to produce documentation for the item to the National Committee on Authenticity.
  6. Enforcement of the ban on non-documented, challenged items will be enforced by the Captain or Lieutenant. Members using equipment or clothing that is not accepted, while representing themselves as members of the ALRA or wearing the gorget of the ALRA will be given one verbal warning by the highest ranking officer present and one written warning by the Captain or Lieutenant only.
  7. If the infraction continues the individual will be removed from the ALRA by a letter of such intent from the Captain or Lieutenant and signed by two members of the Authenticity Committee.
  8. If a challenge causes such controversy, the membership may seek relief by petition to the NSCA. The membership may, by a 2/3 or greater majority of the voting membership, call for a review of the challenge. The review will consist of prior documentation, clarity of the challenge and whether the challenge addresses a philosophical difference with the objectives of the ALRA. If the challenging member is a standing member of the NSCA, the he/she will excuse themselves and the ALRA Captain will cast the third vote of the NSCA.
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Glossary of Terms
  1. The Period: 1750 - 1815.
  2. Captain: National President.
  3. Factor: National Secretary/Treasurer.
  4. Sergeant -At- Arms: Range Officer.
  5. Historian: Archivist.
  6. Lieutenant: State President.
  7. Scribe: State Secretary/Treasurer.
  8. Partisan: An area officer between the Captain and Lieutenants.
  9. First Sergeant: President of local group within a Lieutenant's area.
  10. Patriot Member: A member whose Bibliography has been approved by the Authenticity Committee and who has paid all current dues.
  11. Probationary Member: Any individual who has paid and is current with their membership dues, but has not yet submitted their bibliography to the NSCA and has not yet passed the 18-month probationary period as defined. On consent of the NSCA, this probationary period may be extended to 24 months. Probationary members have all the rights of full membership, with the exception of the privilege of voting, which is reserved for Patriot members.
  12. Voting Member: Any member that maintains the requirements of Patriot and votes in an election.
  13. Authenticy Committee: The committee of three Patriots or above appointed by the Captain. They are charged with the responsibility of ensuring high standards of accurateness in the presentation of the ALRA.
  14. Bibliography: A list of clothing and equipment to include pictures of the individual and the gear, sources of documentation of the gear and a statement of the character being portrayed.
  15. Manifest: The ALRA's record of documented period items and acceptable modern items.
  16. Peace Metal: To be worn by the Captain throughout his or her term.
  17. Period Encampment: Any fixed or mobile camp which no non-period food, equipment, or article is consumed or used. Strict compliance to authenticity may be waived by members of the Authenticity Committee in those cases where local game or recreation laws or other circumstances may require. Verbal wavers must be received from the Authenticity Committee before requirements are passed.
  18. Simon's Gauntlet: A timed skills event comprised of the following:.
    • Hit three 6- inch square targets at 50 yards.
    • Hit three out of five shots at an 18- inch diameter gong at 100 yards.
    • Set two traps.
    • Start a fire.
    • Stick a tomahawk 3 out of 5 throws.
    • Hit 2 out of 3 shots at a 6 -inch square target at 25-50-75 yards, total 6 hits.
  19. One Day's Ration: This is stated for the sake of equality while passing requirements.
    • ONE of each the following: 1/2 cup of one of these: peas, dry corn, beans, corn meal, rice, flour
    • AND 2 ounces of one of these bacon, sausage, salt pork, jerky.
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Amendments

Amendment One: April 1990
  • The Factor shall be responsible for publishing a quarterly national newsletter.
  • Each state may publish a monthly newsletter as deemed necessary by the state Lieutenant.
Amendment Two: April 1990
  • Membership in the NMLRA will be left to the discretion of the individual member.
  • State or local groups may require membership as needed for insurance purposes.
Amendment Three: April 1990
  • Membership fee shall include spouse and minor family members.
  • Primary member will maintain integrity of period events.
Amendment Four: April 1990
  • Requirements for advancement may be substituted for projects of equal skill upon the unanimous approval of the National Standing Committee on Authenticity.
Amendment Five: April 1990
  • When membership is granted to a lone member in a state, ALRA shall recognize the member as "Acting State Lieutenant."
Amendment Six: April 1991
  • Concerning Annual Dues:.
    • Point A: Annual dues are to be paid no later than January 31 of each year. ALRA memberships that have been allowed to lapse will no longer receive any benefits or information that accompany ALRA membership.
    • Point B: New members to the ALRA shall pay dues according to a prorated schedule for the first year of membership. The prorated amount shall be 1/12th the cost of annual membership, times the number of months left in the year.
    • Point C: Persons who have allowed their memberships to lapse and who are otherwise in good standing according to the ALRA by-laws may be allowed ALRA reinstatement by paying the full amount of annual ALRA dues regardless of the month in which they reenter.
    • Point D: Two-thirds of all membership fees are to be sent to the Factor and the remaining one third is to retained at the state ALRA.
    • Point E: Annual dues amounts can only be changed by a two- thirds majority vote of the entire membership voting in an election. (By amendment to the by-laws.).
    • Point F: This amendment is to be retroactive to January 1 1990.
Amendment Seven: April 1991
  • In addition to Amendment Four, approval from the National Standing Committee on Authenticity must be given prior to the accomplishment of the proposed requirement substitution..
Amendment Eight: April 1991
  • A Patriot or above member can sponsor any number of prospective members, but it is suggested that where possible it should be limited to two prospective members at any one time.
Amendment Nine: April 1996
  • Dues will be increased to $20 per year, with $15 forwarded to the National Factor.
Amendment Ten: April 1996
  • The names of the achievement levels are:.
    1. Scout: Previously, Tenderfoot.
    2. Hunter: Previously, Ranger.
    3. Woodsman: Previously, Scout.
    4. Master Woodsman: Previously Grenadier.
Amendment Eleven: April 1996
  • Requirements for Level One requirement to:.
    • #9a. Shoot offhand, 5 of 5 shots at 50 yards at a 7-inch diameter target.
Amendment Twelve: April 1996
  • Requirements for Level Four are changed as follows:.
    1. The engraving on the gorget is the hunter's star.
    2. The 40- mile requirement is removed.
    3. The required number of shooters in #9a will be 20.
    4. The optional requirement to make single last shoes is removed.
Amendment Thirteen: April 1996
  • Requirements for Level Two are changed as follows:.
    1. #6 Obtain winter clothing appropriate to your area to consist of.
    2. #7 Load and fire a firelock at an 18- inch diameter target at a distance of 30 yards, and hit 10 out of 10 shots.
Amendment Fourteen: April 1996
  • The National Factor will produce the national newsletter "The ALRA Gazette" 6 times per year, every 2 months.
Amendment Fifteen: April 1996
  • Amendment Number Five is repealed.
Amendment Sixteen: April 2004
  • If a challenge causes such controversy, the membership may seek relief by petition to the NSCA. The membership may, by a 2/3 or greater majority of the voting membership, call for a review of the challenge. The review will consist of prior documentation, clarity of the challenge and whether the challenge addresses a philosophical difference with the objectives of the ALRA. If the challenging member is a standing member of the NSCA, then he/she will excuse themselves and the ALRA Captain will cast the third vote of the NSCA.
Amendment Seventeen: April 2005
  • Amends induction of new members, changes perspective member to probationary member, defines probationary period, etc.
Amendment Eighteen: April 2017
  • Dues will be increased to $25 per year, with $20 forwarded to the National Factor.
Amendment Nineteen: April 2017
  • Requirements for Level Two are changed as follows:.
    1. #3a A 3-day canoe/boat trip to include no less than 6 hrs spent traveling each of the 3 days covering as much distance as possible.
Amendment Twenty: April 2017
  • Requirements for Level Two are changed as follows:.
    1. #3c A 3-day horse scout with no less than 6 travel hours per day covering as much distance as possible.
We Remain Humbly in Your Service,
The National Officers of the ALRA.

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