INSTRUCTIONS

FOR COMPLETING YOUR

DIVISION OR FLOTILLA

STANDING RULES

INTRODUCTION

One of the hallmarks of efficient organizations is the ability for all parts of the organization to have common, understandable functions. This same principle is important within all Divisions and Flotillas of the Auxiliary. Uniformity in organization allows all of us to understand how each Division and Flotilla operates. Just as there is a uniform structure in any Incident Command System, the Auxiliary needs a common structure so that it is prepared to respond to any request for assistance.

The Auxiliary has concluded that the basic organizational structure of Divisions and Flotillas should be uniform throughout the entire Auxiliary. To that end, all units of the Auxiliary will have common Standing Rules. These Standing Rules will be the same in Maine as they will be in Guam. Henceforth, the Commandant, as well as any incident commander will be confident that the basic structure of every Auxiliary unit in the United States is the same. Auxiliary members will also understand that basic structure of the organization; no matter if supervising units from other areas, being assigned to assist in another area, or if the Auxiliarist moves to a new area.

THE STANDING RULES TEMPLATE

The Eighth Western Rivers Region approved their new Standing Rules at SpringCon 2006. The approved Standing Rules for Divisions and Flotillas are contained in a template and a Division or Flotilla need to make very few additions to complete their Standing Rules. The template cannot be changed, only the blank spaces can be filled.

THE APPENDIX TO THE STANDING RULES

While the Standing Rules provide for uniformity throughout the Auxiliary, no two units are alike in all respects. The Auxiliary understands that, and has provided each Division and Flotilla the opportunity to expand or explain their local situation through the use of an Appendix. The Appendix is the document that will include all of the Division or Flotilla needs for their particular area. An example is the dues structure, which can be different based on your individual unit. Your particular dues structure would be codified in the Appendix to your Standing Rules.

While each Division and Flotilla is free to decide what to have in the Appendix to their Standing Rules, experience has shown that taking the time to include all of your needs the first time saves incredible amounts of time further down the road. Constantly revising an Appendix creates doubt as to the unit’s organizational ability, wastes additional time debating an amendment or an addition to the Appendix, and creates the further need to have each change approved at the District level and by DIRAUX.

RECOMMENDED MATTERS TO CONSIDER INCLUDING IN YOUR APPENDIX

While no list is exhaustive of all situations, the following matters should be discussed by your unit for consideration as to inclusion in your Appendix.

-                     How your Appendix can be amended

-                     Financial accounting and authority to disburse monies and write checks

-                     Formation of various standing committees, how appointments are made, etc.

-                     Procedures for delinquencies in Flotilla or member dues

-                     Date of month and time for meetings

-                     Number of members necessary to constitute a quorum

For additional ideas, or to look at a format, click on the 8^th Western Rivers Region Appendix “A” to Standing Rules located on the Manuals-Guides webpage.

COMPLETION OF STANDING RULES AND APPENDIX

Upon completion of your Division or Flotilla Standing Rules and Appendix, they will be sent to the District Legal Officer for review. Upon completion of that review and if the Rules and Appendix are in order, the District Legal officer will forward the Standing Rules and Appendix to DIRAUX for final approval.

DO NOT SEND JUST THE STANDING RULES! WAIT UNTIL BOTH THE RULES AND APPENDIX ARE READY BEFORE SUBMITTING THEM TO THE LEGAL OFFICER, OTHERWISE YOUR PACKAGE WILL BE RETURNED.