International Order of the Blue Gavel Auxiliary

IOBGA Operations Manual

The feminine pronoun is used throughout this manual for ease of reading, but refers to both the masculine and feminine genders.

Policy is defined as a definite course of action adopted and pursued by an organization. As a course of action, it embodies guiding principles and ethics considered prudent, advantageous, and expedient in service of the organization.

This manual is provided to the membership as a compilation of policies that have been adopted by the organization as it has evolved. They are the results of the history of the International organization as expressed in bylaws, minutes of meetings, executive decisions, and actions taken. This manual, as with the policies themselves, is more the dynamic representation of growth, than merely a rehash of, ‘this is the way we did it when...’. Thus, the manual can never be complete unto itself, but must constantly be a reflection of the interaction of policy with ‘today’ and the good judgment of our members and leaders. While focused on the guiding principles and practices of the International organization, we have tried to demonstrate how these policies can be applied at the local level.

‘While providing guidance, support and camaraderie, the mission of the International Order of the Blue Gavel Auxiliary is to promote local districts worldwide and raise funds for the Humanitarian Foundation and other charities.’

Your spouse or partner was duly elected and installed as Commodore of your club. After a year of pleasure and pain, fun and frustration, and a thorough testing of abilities and mettle, we suddenly find ourselves to be spouses of Past Commodores. Those who have gone this way before, recognize our years of contribution and quality of performance by inviting us to join them in an organization known as the International Order of the Blue Gavel Auxiliary, an organization of spouses of past commodores of yacht/boat clubs. The IOBG was conceived and established in order that the corporate knowledge and experience embodied in the past commodores, not be lost. The IOBGA was conceived and established to support the IOBG and to provide a vehicle to put our corporate knowledge and wisdom as partners, into the service of our mission.

The Auxiliary promotes fellowship among IOBG and IOBGA members, and stimulates interest in the customs and ceremonies of the boating community and the Blue Gavel organization. We organize events such as raffles, auctions, walk-a-thons, fun days, chili cook-offs, BBQ’s and all sorts of theme parties. The proceeds from these events help to support other Blue Gavel functions as well as charities. We participate in yachting traditions such as Blessings and Opening Day ceremonies, and support programs sponsored by the Blue Gavel from youth sailing, to scholarships or to a hospital library.

Congratulations, you have been inducted as a member of the IOBGA, so that you may continue to make a contribution to your club and to yachting and local communities. There are, as always, financial obligations you must meet at the several levels of the organization; chapter, district, and international dues. While not unduly burdensome to the individual, these dues are the fuel that allows the machinery of the organization to run. International dues are set each year by the International Board of Directors. District and Chapter dues are set by the Districts and Chapters. (At the time of publication, there are very few IOBGA Chapters.)

•  INTERNATIONAL

•  DISTRICTS

•  CHAPTERS

The organization has a defined structure. Districts and Chapters are designated and chartered by the IOBG Executive Committee. Districts are geographic groupings of Chapters (individual clubs). Several Districts grouped geographically together are represented on our Board of Directors by a Regional Director. The IOBGA regional groupings correspond to the IOBG regional groupings. An IOBG District requires a minimum of five Chapters and fifty members. A District may be formed from ‘scratch’ or may ‘split off’ from a larger District with the approval of the IOBG Executive Committee upon application.

Where ever there is an IOBG District, the spouses are encouraged to obtain an IOBGA charter. As the IOBGA is not as old as the IOBG, we do not have as many members as the IOBG. While almost every IOBG District now has an IOBGA charter, there are very few IOBGA Chapter charters. Therefore, the majority of our activities center occur at the district level. Spouses of Past Commodores in Districts without an IOBGA charter, may join the International organization as members at large, until they can organize and apply for their own charter.

The IOBGA By-laws as approved by the IOBG Executive Committee, serve as our authority to function, use the Blue Gavel name, and bear our logo. Districts and Chapters can adopt the International By-laws or develop their own in accordance and consistent with the IOBGA International By-laws.  Rules for amending the By-laws are defined in Article X of that document.  The International By-laws include sections entitled ‘Articles’ which serve the following functions:

I.        Define the name of the organization.

II.     Define the organization’s purpose.

III.   Bestow authority to function.

IV.  Define requirements for IOBGA membership.

V.     Define the rules for establishing and paying International dues.

VI.  Describe the officers of the Executive Committee and the members of the Board of Directors including their roles and terms of office for the International organization.

VII. Describe the Standing Committees of the organization; Nominating, Audit and Historian.

VIII. Define the rules for holding and conducting meetings of the organization.

IX.  Describe the IOBGA emblem.

X.     Define requirements for amending the By-laws.

Attached to the by-laws are the Standing Rules, which can be amended as required by the Board of Directors, and as approved by a majority of those attending the annual meeting. The Standing Rules currently address membership, dues, voting privileges, charter applications and committees.

The following describes the officers of the International organization. Districts and Chapters are encouraged to pattern their officers and roles after the International. We highly recommend that you detail recurring duties for each of your officers, including the specific timing, if tied to a particular event or time of year, as is unique to your District.

The IOBGA Executive Committee is comprised of the Immediate Past President, the Senior Past President (the Past President preceding the Immediate Past President), the President (who acts as chairman), the President Elect, the Vice President(s), the Secretary, and the Treasurer. The Executive Committee meets to conduct the business of the organization. While special meetings of the International Executive Committee may be called by the President or a majority of the Board of Directors, the EC usually meets four times a year, concurrent with the IOBG Regional Meetings.

The IOBGA Board of Directors is the governing body of the IOBGA. It is comprised of the IOBGA Executive Committee (as defined above), plus the Regional Directors. International Past Presidents in attendance are each allowed a vote at any International meeting per Article VIII.6 of the By-laws. Because the IOBGA has not yet established a strong Regional organization or grown to the size where we have moved to a representative form of government through District Directors, our Board is invited to meet and vote at each of the four Regional Board meetings called by the IOBGA President during the year. The board is empowered to establish bylaws and to adopt rules and regulations as deemed necessary and when consistent with the bylaws, for the administration and regulations of the IOBGA.

At the District or Chapter level, the Board of Directors may be synonymous with the Executive Committee. Some of the larger Districts choose to elect or appoint Area Vice Presidents within their Districts, each one covering a geographic group of Chapters within the District. These Vice Presidents along with the Executive Committee, comprise the IOBGA Board of Directors for that District. This helps the EC to more effectively communicate with, and coordinate the Chapters.

The IOBGA Line Officers are the President, and the President Elect, and may include the Vice Presidents. They normally progress up the line of offices, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, who must ratify the slate of nominees to be presented to the membership for vote at the annual meeting. While the terms of succession for the Vice President(s) are not explicitly stated in the By-laws, the general policy is that the Vice President(s) candidate be selected from the Board of Directors or have served as an executive officer at the District or Chapter level. Given the youth of our organization today, this is not an absolute requirement. All of the duties of the Officers are detailed in the IOBGA Bylaws.

The President administers the affairs of the organization and presides over all regular meetings. her primary duties are detailed in Article VI.4 of the By-laws. The Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President(s) and President Elect all report directly to the President. She receives all charter applications, verifies their eligibility, and presents them to the IOBGA Executive Committee for approval. Other duties may include but are not limited to;

•  represent the IOBGA organization at the IOBG Executive Committee meetings;

•  submit and sign all charter applications approved by the IOBGA board;

•  appoint the Audit Committee, chaired by the Immediate IOBGA Past President;

•  write quarterly articles for the IOBG Log - Auxiliary report;

•  sign all IOBGA membership cards submitted by the Treasurer;

•  purchase thank you gifts for her outgoing board for presentation at the change of watch;

•  call and schedule meetings or events as required for her year of office including securing meeting space;

•  serve on the Nominating Committee for the next year’s board

The President Elect assists the President and, in her absence, acts in her place. her primary duties are detailed in Article VI.5 of the By-laws. The President Elect automatically advances in office to President at the annual meeting following her election as President Elect. If the President becomes unable to complete her term as President, the President Elect will, with the consent of the Executive Committee, assume the office of President for the remainder of the term, and then will serve as President for the term which she would normally serve. she is responsible for the maintenance of the By-laws and the Policy Manual. Other duties may include but are not limited to;

•  chairmanship of events or projects as assigned by the President or the Board;

•  ensure badges and burgees are placed on order for incoming officers;

•  secure the gift for the out-going President;

•  serve on the Nominating Committee to select officers for the following year;

•  responsibility for the annual meeting at the end of her year as President Elect.

The Vice President(s) assist(s) the President and the President Elect. Her primary duties are detailed in Article VI.6 of the By-laws. As the primary liaison between the Executive Committee and the Regional Directors, the Vice President(s) is(are) responsible for cultivating leadership at the Regional and District levels and ensuring that the Regional Directors and the District Presidents have the information and tools they need to be successful. She also serves as liaison with the IOBG Supply Officer, providing a voice from the IOBGA organization into requirements and needs. Other duties may include but are not limited to;

•  chairmanship of events or projects as assigned by the President or the Board;

•  organization of the workshop held concurrent with the annual meeting at the end of the year she serves as Vice President;

•  represent the voice of the regional directors in defining needs for further structure or change in the By-laws, Standing Rules, Policies, Procedures or standard forms of the organization.

The Secretary and Treasurer of the organization provide the administrative support and backbone of the Board. Often they succeed one another up the chairs of the organization on the role of Vice President. Their attention to detail and their responsibilities are the key to the success of the organization. Their duties are detailed in Articles VI.7 and .8 of the By-laws.

The duties of the Secretary may also include but are not limited to;

•  distribute meeting minutes to officers at least one week prior to the next meeting;

•   keep track of motions, votes, and follow up action items from board and general meetings;

•  mail meeting notices to Board members and appointed positions one month prior to each Board meeting;

•  notify the membership of special events or meetings required;

•  notify the membership in accordance with the By-laws and Standing Rules of proposed by-law changes coming up for vote;

•  mail out condolence or thank you correspondence on behalf of the  IOBGA on the appropriate occasions.

The duties of the Treasurer may also include but are not limited to;

•  submit a quarterly report to the IOBGA log

•  ensure that all membership information including names, addresses and contact information is amended as required.

The Immediate and Senior Past Presidents also serve on the Executive Committee. Their duties are detailed in Article VI.9 and .10 of the by-laws.

The Regional Directors are the liaison between the Executive Committee and the Districts. The RD’s promote attendance at meetings and vote on behalf of the region at the IOBGA Board meetings. They present reports to the Executive Committee quarterly, concurrent with the board meetings, summarizing their activities and communicating their region’s position on matters before the board when required. They are also encouraged to submit articles for publication in the quarterly IOBGA Newsletter.

The Regional Directors are expected to stay in touch with the District Presidents in their region and provide them with support when questions arise over governing their organizations. they provide an escalation point to the Board for issues where the guidelines provided by the By-laws or policy manual are not clear. They assist the Districts, as required, in defining the roles of their offices and ensuring that district organizations have access to policies, procedures and forms. The RD’s are also encouraged to support and stimulate the Districts in their efforts to bring in new members or start new charters. The RD’s may also assist the Board, when required, in reminding Districts to submit their dues per Article V of the By-laws. The RD’s should attend the Annual Board and General Membership Meetings at the end of October as a minimum and at least two of the four Regional meetings.

The International level presently has three appointed positions, Log Editor, Web Master and Historian. At the District/Chapter level, you may establish appointed positions as required by your organization and activities, to be filled by the President on an annual basis. Other examples of positions are Supply Officer and Sunshine Officer.

The Historian is appointed by the IOBGA President and is responsible for maintaining the history of the IOBGA. This includes when districts and chapters were formed along with any interesting anecdotes about IOBGA activities and events as they occur.

The Log Editor is appointed by the IOBGA President and is responsible for compiling the articles for the quarterly publication of the IOBGA section of the Blue Gavel Log by the Log deadline. She is also responsible for;

•  ensuring contact and officer information published in the Log is correct and current;

•  soliciting reports from the Board of Directors;

•  gathering photos for submission;

•  ensuring timely notice of upcoming meetings and events, of decisions, or of other information required for publication to the membership prior to the annual meeting.

The Web Master is appointed by the IOBGA President and is responsible for maintaining and updating the IOBGA web page on the IOBG web site. She is also responsible for;

•  ensuring contact and officer information shown on the web is correct and current;

•  being the point of contact for material to be published on our web page.

As a minimum, each individual must be willing and able to;

•  attend all meetings as required (for International officers this is the annual and a minimum of 2 regional meetings);

•  perform all of the required duties during the term of office;

•  uphold and serve the mission of the IOBGA organization;

•  assist in organizing new chapters in one’s area, or expanding the membership in her district;

•  commit herself to partnership with the IOBG and to serving as an ambassador for IOBG and IOBGA within and outside of the organization;

•  promote through her actions a gracious, respectful and cooperative atmosphere within her Blue Gavel organization;

•  immediately tender her resignation from office if personal or family matters, or health or any other factors create a situation in which she cannot perform her duties.

Regional Meetings are held four times per year, at the same time and in the same location as the IOBG. The goals of the Regional Meetings are:

•  allow the executive committee to meet with the grass roots level of the membership.

•  conduct the business of the organization.

•  provide the membership with the opportunity to participate in the conduct of the business of the organization.

•  enjoy the benefits of camaraderie and social contact.

The IOBGA Annual Meeting is held at the same time and in the same location as the IOBG. Old and new business is discussed and any motions requiring the general vote of the membership are put forward. The elections are held at this time, followed by the change of watch. Traditionally, the new officers are sworn in at the IOBG President’s Ball in the evening.

A workshop is held in conjunction with the IOBGA Annual meeting. The workshop is intended to be a forum for discussing ideas such as fund raising, soliciting new members, etc. It may range from an informal round-table discussion to an invited guest speaker.

In the event that any officer, line or elected, is prevented from advancing or completing her term of office, her successor will be appointed by the Executive Committee. Successor replacements of line officers are to be selected from those who are serving or have served on the Board of Directors whenever possible. The Executive Committee should endeavor to avoid having line officers succeed each other from the same district if at all possible.

Should a vacancy occur on the board it shall be filled as follows:

•  If a Regional Director is unable to complete her term, the vacancy will be filled by the Board of Directors appointing a member to complete the term.

•  If an Elected Officer is unable to complete her term, the Executive Committee shall, by a majority vote, appoint a qualified member to complete the term.

International Officers are elected by a majority vote of IOBGA members at the annual meeting. Elected officers assume their positions upon election, and serve for one year, or until their successors are elected.

The Nominating Committee presents a recommended slate of officers to the members at the annual meeting; nominations are accepted from the floor for each elected position prior to the vote being taken. A motion may be made to ratify the slate as offered by the Nominating Committee and if approved, the vote is taken on the entire slate. Only members whose dues are current may vote. The Nominating Committee consists of the Immediate Past President who serves as Chairperson, the President, and the President Elect.

Districts and Chapters elect their officers in accordance with the by-laws. District bylaws must be in accordance with the International bylaws. Most districts establish a Nominating Committee and submit a slate of officers to their Board for approval prior to presenting it to their general membership for a vote.

Spouses within a current active IOBG Chapter or District may apply for an auxiliary charter with a minimum of four members. These members must meet the requirements for membership as set out in the IOBGA By-laws, Article VI. A charter organization should begin with at least three officers, President, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer. As the organization grows, the executive board can be patterned after the International organization as defined below.

Charter members must complete a charter application, and obtain the signatures of the IOBG District or Chapter President, and the IOBG District Director. It is then submitted along with a check for the annual International dues for each member to the IOBG District Director. The IOBG District Director submits it to the IOBGA International President. (It is recommended that a copy of your application be mailed to the IOBGA Regional Director for your District also.)

Once the application is approved by the IOBGA board and signed by the IOBGA President, it is given to the IOBG Second Vice President to submit to  the IOBG Executive Committee for final approval. Once approved, a Charter is sent by the IOBG Executive Secretary to the IOBG District Director to present to the new IOBGA members for signature. The original signed charter is retained by the new IOBGA organization. Copies are to be mailed back to the IOBG Executive Secretary and the IOBGA President.

Membership in the IOBGA is by invitation only and should be looked upon as a privilege and as recognition of the candidate’s performance. Membership in the IOBGA is extended to spouses or domestic partners of approved members of the IOBG, (IOBG members in good standing), or spouses/domestic partners of deceased IOBG members. As appropriate, invitations may be extended to individuals who are deemed eligible by virtue of their deceased spouses having been qualified to become an IOBG member prior to their death. Districts are encouraged to pursuit and recruit spouses of qualified Past Commodores. Membership application forms are in the back of this manual and may be duplicated for your use. Upon application, prospective new members are asked to submit International dues plus any additional local dues as determined by the Chapter and/or District Executive Committee.

Qualifications for membership are stipulated in Article IV of the IOBGA By-laws. District officers are responsible for making sure that all membership applicants meet the required qualifications before forwarding the required information (name, address, telephone number, e-mail address if applicable, district #, spouse name, and club name) and dues to the International Treasurer along with International dues for each new applicant.

Dues are the financial obligation to the organization, which a person assumes when she is inducted to membership. The International dues are set by the Board of Directors at the annual meeting. Districts/Chapters may also set dues to finance local activities.

The total annual dues must include both the International portion and local dues. The Districts are responsible for billing their members for their annual dues. IOBGA Districts (and/or Chapters) often bill their members at the same time as the IOBG District and/or Chapter does its billing. sometimes the invoices are combined in a single mailing. It is recommended that reminders be mailed out to members who have not paid within 30 days of the initial invoicing. Some Districts choose to follow up with a telephone call in January to members who haven’t renewed as a gentle reminder and to provide an opportunity to personally address reasons why members have chosen not to renew.

Some Districts have IOBGA bank accounts while others share with the IOBG but maintain their own ledgers. It is important that the IOBGA District Treasurer keep accurate and current records of which members have paid and when, along with each member’s current contact information, and when International dues for each member are mailed to the International Treasurer. Dues should be mailed to the International Treasurer as new members join or current members renew for the present year.

If you are a member of an organized and active district, you must pay your dues to your District Treasurer, who is responsible for forwarding the International portion to the International Treasurer on your behalf. The local portion of the dues is retained by the IOBGA District Treasurer. If you are in an unorganized or inactive district, you may forward your dues directly to the International Treasurer. (You know who you are.)

International dues for the upcoming year are payable at the Annual (October) Meeting and are considered delinquent after February first. Receipt of dues by the International Treasurer is the criterion as to whether or not dues are delinquent. Their receipt triggers the issuance of a membership card and inclusion in the membership roster. Non payment of dues by the February deadline shall be grounds for suspension of benefits and privileges of membership in IOBGA, including participation in its functions, representation at governance, and wearing/displaying of IOBGA insignia. Dues received after October 1, for any given year are applied to the following year’s dues and the member is not considered paid for the current year. Dues received prior to September 30, are applied to the current year.

Receipt of dues by the International initiates the process of issuing membership cards. Members receive their cards directly from the International Operation Center. Although we encourage members to be timely with their dues, dues are accepted until September 30, for inclusion in that particular year, and a membership card will be issued. (Remember, you’re not joining early; i.e. if you pay your dues in August 2002, they are for the year 2002, and your dues are payable again in October 2002, for the year 2003.)

Induction into IOBGA is by the administration of the oath, and may be done at any meeting or event of the district/chapter. No matter who the inducting officer is, the ‘authority of my office’ is the authority derived from the fact that she is the Inducting Officer.

The Inducting Officer shall read the following:

“You have served your club long enough to understand the trials and tribulations as well as successes and pleasures of your service. You have demonstrated a deep and abiding love for your club by upholding it’s honor and reputation against all challenges. You have flown your burgee with pride on all proper occasions. You have demonstrated the ability to persevere against gibes and disappointments you have encountered. Such loyalty and service should not be rewarded by being “set aside”. With this in mind, the International Order of the Blue Gavel Auxiliary was formed to be of service to the IOBG, the yachting and boating community, and especially to your own club.

In as much as you have indicated your acceptance of the invitation to join us, we will now ask that you take the oath of membership of the International Order of the Blue Gavel Auxiliary.”

Response by Inductee:   “As it has been asked of me, so do I agree.”

The Inducting Officer shall read the following question:

 “Do you agree to continue to work for the best interests of your club by advising and counseling with the active officers of the club without in anyway usurping their authority and responsibility? Do you agree to continue to participate in the affairs of the club as an active member, and to encourage others to do the same? Do you further agree to promote the highest standards of sportsmanship and seamanship, and by all of this upholding the standing and reputation of your club?”

Response by Inductee:   “As it has been asked of me, so do I agree.”

The Inducting Officer shall read the following:

“By the authority of my office, I now declare you a member of the International Order of the Blue Gavel Auxiliary, which entitles you to fly our flag on your yacht, wherever you may be cruising. May you take pleasure in flying this emblem which represents your faithful service to your club.  Welcome!”

A variety of formats for conducting the induction have been tried and found successful. The Inducting Officer should make the ceremony as genuine and sincere as possible, while still feeling comfortable with the proceedings. One technique is to have all members in attendance stand and ‘assist’ you in inducting the candidate. Whatever format is used, it should emphasize the importance of the occasion.

Given that local customs will always prevail, the following attire is considered acceptable and appropriate for all social occasions in the yachting community. It is strongly recommended that name badges be worn at all IOBG/IOBGA events and with the uniform.

WINTER - Navy blue blazer with appropriate insignia and badges of affiliation and rank; white shirt/blouse; IOBGA or yacht club or association tie; gray skirt or pants; appropriate hose/socks and dark shoes.

SUMMER - Navy blue blazer with appropriate insignia and badges of affiliation and rank; white shirt/blouse; IOBGA or yacht club or association tie; white skirt, pants or shorts, appropriate hose/socks (if worn) and white or boating shoes.

FORMAL - For women, a gown suitable for occasion is appropriate or white dinner jacket; white shirt/blouse; black, red, gold, or appropriate clan or family plaid, or yacht club or yachting association pattern tie and/or cummerbund; black or white long skirt/trousers; appropriate hose; and appropriate foot wear. For men, winter attire (blue blazer/gray slacks or past commodore uniform if applicable) as well as the traditional black tuxedo jacket and pants or white dinner jacket and black pants. IOBGA patches should match the jacket.

The sleeve patch is the insignia and may have the writing ‘IOBG Auxiliary’ around it. The sleeve patch may only be purchased from the organization. It is worn on the right sleeve of the blazer, midway between the cuff and the elbow, on the outside. The staff of the flag should point towards the cuff. All members are entitled to wear the sleeve patch.

Officers shall wear gold stars in close proximity to the patch as illustrated.

All Past Officers wear the same stars in silver, of the highest rank attained in the organization. (i.e. Past International Presidents wear 6 silver stars, Past District Presidents wear 3 silver stars.)

IOBGA supplies are ordered through the District IOBGA or IOBG Supply Officer, who in turn purchases them from the International Supply Officer. Districts may increase purchase prices to their members to cover freight or the expense of maintaining a local inventory for display, or operating expenses. The display of items stimulates interest in purchasing. Freight charges may or may not be reflected in published prices, but must always be collected. Districts set their own policy regarding when payment for goods ordered is required, that is, a deposit at the time the order is placed, or at the time the order is delivered.

Supplies such as letterhead and envelopes are available as well as burgees, sleeve patches, belts, golf shirts, jackets, etc. Many items can be further embroidered with your name or your boat’s name.

The IOC is the administration center of the IOBG. It is tasked with maintaining the master database of members and other lists as directed by the Executive Committee. The IOC assists the IOBG Treasurer in preparing and mailing IOBG/IOBGA membership cards as required. The IOC also prepares the mailing labels for The Blue Gavel Log. It is staffed by two part time clerical persons who are under the direction of the IOBG Treasurer. The address is 3517 Camino del Rio S., Suite 208, San Diego, California, USA 92108. The toll free telephone number is 888-378-2211 and the E-mail address is bgtreas@iobg.org. The hours of operation are 8:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M., Pacific Time.

The IOBG International newsletter, the ‘Blue Gavel Log’, is published quarterly, usually in December, March/April, July and September. The actual publication date varies based on the regional meeting dates. The deadline for submission of articles is published in each issue (usually 2 weeks after the regional meeting). The Log is mailed to every member of the IOBG. In the center of the Log, is the IOBGA Newsletter, detailing our activities and meetings. The IOBGA newsletter can be removed, so that auxiliary members may enjoy reading it at their leisure and not when the IOBG’er is finished with the IOBG portion. Please encourage your membership to look for our section of the Log when it arrives at their home.

Receipt of the Blue Gavel Log is triggered by the IOBG membership in the family. If you are a widow, or divorced IOBGA member in good standing, you have the option to subscribe and continue to receive the newsletter, it is necessary for you to subscribe after the year of your spouse’s demise or divorce. (This option is not available to IOBGA members in good standing who are married to former IOBG members who have chosen not to renew their membership.) The cost of a subscription is $15.00 US (effective January 1, 2007) per year, and checks should be made payable to the IOBG Treasurer. All requests should be directed to the International Operations Center. Some districts choose to pay this cost out of their district funds.

Many of the districts also publish newsletters. IOBGA District Presidents should work with these editors for the inclusion of IOBGA articles locally.

The IOBG web site is produced by the IOC. The address is www.iobg.org . The IOBGA has its own brand new web site at www.iobga.org. It is produced and maintained by the IOBGA Webmaster. Some of the things that you will see on the web sites include announcements and details of upcoming meetings, photos, contact information for officers, our by laws, the operations manual and a dates of upcoming events. Some of the districts also have their own web pages with IOBGA information.

Standardized forms have been created to enhance and streamline the information in the organization. You are encouraged to use these forms as needed.

The insignia for the International Order of the Blue Gavel and the International Order of the Blue Gavel Auxiliary are registered trademarks. This means that they may not be reproduced by any method without written authorization of the International organization. All inquiries should be directed to the International IOBGA President. All supplies and regalia items bearing the IOBG and/or IOBGA insignia must be purchased from the IOBG/IOBGA Supply Officer(s).

From time to time, individuals come to our attention who have made significant, ongoing contributions to our organization. These persons may or may not be members. The International may approve providing recognition to these individuals in the form of honorary membership or a service award. as is deemed fitting. Recognition may be at the International or District level, however it must always be approved by the International Executive Committee. A letter with supporting documentation should be forwarded to the International President for consideration.

The Humanitarian Foundation was established in order that the organization as a whole might have a vehicle through which to contribute to our larger community, as well as to worthwhile causes in local areas. The Foundation is set up to assist the Districts in their work for individual charities and the organization in support of a variety of causes. The IOBGHF is established in the United States of America, in accordance with IRS regulations. Memorial/In Memoriam envelopes may be obtained from the International Supply Officer for your use. Acknowledgment will be sent by the IOBGHF.

Participation in IOBGA affairs at all levels is the name of the game, whether through attendance at Chapter, District, or International functions or through holding offices at these various levels. Remember, it’s up to you. What the Blue Gavel Auxiliary does for you is a direct result of what you put in. There are friendships to be made and worthwhile purposes to be served with a little creativity, a sincere interest, and a desire to build something good together with others who want to do the same.

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        E-Mail the web master at  iobgawebmaster@yahoo.com  with questions/comments/suggestions.

        Last modified: August 20, 2008