Convention Discussion & Straw Vote: Passed
Approve: 39
Disapprove: 2
Abstain: 1
ARTICLE XII. CHAPTERS
Section 1. Charters for local chapters
Charters for local state chapters and foreign nation chapters may be granted on the petition of ten (10) Full Members in a state or foreign nation. Special regional circumstances may allow for a charter for a local chapter being granted by a petition of five (5) Full Members in a state, if approved by the Board of Directors.
Section 1A. Charters at colleges and universities
Charters for chapters located at colleges and universities may be granted on the petition of full VFP members whose numbers meet the minimum required for a student organization at the college or university. Membership at college and university chapters shall be open to all full and associate VFP member students, former students, and alumni of the college or university.
Section 2. Twenty-five (25) mile radius
The number of chapters in any state shall be restricted only in that a charter shall not be granted to any chapter within a twenty-five (25) mile radius of any other established chapter. The Board of Directors may waive this restriction. The twenty-five (25) mile restriction does not apply to chapters at colleges and universities.
Rationale:
We are proposing this after realizing the University of Washington, in our hometown of Seattle, currently has about 1,000 enrolled students who are veterans, active duty, or reservists. Seattle has several other colleges and universities within the city limits, too.
Colleges and universities across the nation have veterans who will have easier access to being active within Veterans For Peace. Veterans For Peace may be able to significantly build up its membership by tapping into this demographic group.
Submitted by James Williams, Pete Schoonmaker, & Marty Kunz. Endorsed by VFP Chapter 92 – Greater Seattle