OFNA

 

  • Abogada General

    The Abogada General (AG) shall serve as the legal advisor to the Grand Viscount/Viscountess General and other members of the Executive Committee. The AG shall be a licensed practicing attorney. The AG’s duties include selecting a state in which to become chartered; filing articles of incorporation; and assisting in the filing of a 501(c) (3) IRS exemption as a non-profit corporation.

  • Abogado General

    The Abogado General (AG) shall serve as the legal advisor to the Grand Viscount/Viscountess General and other members of the Executive Committee. The AG shall be a licensed practicing attorney. The AG’s duties include selecting a state in which to become chartered; filing articles of incorporation; and assisting in the filing of a 501(c) (3) IRS exemption as a non-profit corporation.

  • Adjutant General

    The Adjutant General (AdjG) shall assist the GVG in preparing the agenda for all meetings, insuring that all needed equipment is available at each meeting; preparing periodic e-mails for officers and sending notices of all meetings; and serving as an assistant to the GVG.

  • Adult Member

    Any man or woman, of 18 years of age or older, of good moral character is eligible for membership in this Order who lineally descends from the Founders of North America, including the Caribbean and offshore North Atlantic Islands during the period of 1492 to 1692. Members may descend from Spanish, English, French, Dutch, Scottish, Swedish, German, Danish, and Italian royalty, explorers, settlers, and seamen transporting and supplying these colonists.

  • Annual Meeting

    The meeting in June/July shall be known as the Annual Meeting, and shall be for the purpose of electing officers (in odd years), installing officers, receiving reports of officers and committees, and for any other business that may arise. The meeting shall be held in conjunction with the annual congress of the National Society, SAR.

  • By-Laws Committee

    A By-Laws Committee of at least three members in good standing shall be appointed by the GVG. This committee will elect its chairman. The committee will receive the proposed amendments to the by-laws from the members and committees and also correct any inconsistencies in the By-Laws by proposing changes. All proposed amendments will meet the criteria and deadlines established in the Bylaws. The committee will submit the proposed By-Laws to the SG who will distribute to the Executive Committee for their consideration. The Executive Committee may not make changes to the proposals but may make a vote for or against each amendment. This will be recorded by the SG. The SG will send a copy of the By-Laws to all approved members thirty days prior to the Annual Meeting.

  • Capitan de la Guardia

    The Capitan de la Guardia (CpG) shall serve in such duties assigned by the GVG.

  • Certificate of Appreciation

    A Certificate of Appreciation may be presented by General Officers to people assisting them in their duties, or furthering the mission of the Order.

  • Chirurgien General

    The Chirurgien General (CG) shall provide sage medical advice to members and attend to those who become ill or have an accident at meetings of the Order.

  • Chronicler General

    The Chronicler General (ChG) shall keep records of the historical and commemorative meetings, and shall supervise the preparation and printing of its historical publications and be responsible for the maintenance of the OFNA website.

  • Commendation Medal

    The Commendation Medal may be awarded upon the conclusion of a minimum of one year’s service to the Order.

  • Companion of the Order

    For people interested in supporting the mission of the Order, but lacking a qualifying Founder ancestor, they may be granted honorary “Companion of the Order” status by a 2/3 majority vote of the Executive Committee. They shall be entitled to attend meetings and serve on committees, but shall not be able to vote or hold elective office in the Order.

  • Deputy Marquesa General – Genealogy Society Liaison

    The Deputy Marquesa General – Genealogy Society Liaison shall serve as a liaison with other genealogical and lineage societies. Works with Mareschal General, Emissary General, and the Marquis/Marquesa General of Publicity and Public Relations.

  • Deputy Marquis General – Genealogy Society Liaison

    The Deputy Marquis General – Genealogy Society Liaison shall serve as a liaison with other genealogical and lineage societies. Works with Mareschal General, Emissary General, and the Marquis/Marquesa General of Publicity and Public Relations.

  • Deputy Viscount General for Eastern U.S.

    The Deputy Viscount General for Eastern U.S. (DVG East) shall assist the GVG and the Adjutant General in publicizing meetings and events in which OFNA is participating; to secure publication of notices about OFNA in the newsletters and magazines of State and Regional lineage societies east of the Mississippi River, genealogical and historical societies; to attend state and regional meetings of other organizations to promote membership in OFNA; to insure that regional libraries have stocks of OFNA literature.

  • Deputy Viscount General for Europe

    The Deputy Viscount General for Europe (DVG Eur) shall assist the GVG and the Adjutant General in publicizing meetings and events in which OFNA is participating; to secure publication of notices about OFNA in the newsletters and magazines of European lineage, genealogical and historical societies in Europe; to attend state and regional meetings of other organizations to promote membership in OFNA; to insure that regional libraries have stocks of OFNA literature.

  • Deputy Viscount General for Western U.S.

    The Deputy Viscount General for Western U.S. (DVG West) shall assist the GVG and the Adjutant General in publicizing meetings and events in which OFNA is participating ; to secure publication of notices about OFNA in the newsletters and magazines of State and Regional lineage societies, genealogical and historical societies west of the Mississippi River; to attend state and regional meetings of other organizations to promote membership in OFNA; to insure that regional libraries have stocks of OFNA literature.

  • Deputy Viscountess General for Eastern U.S.

    The Deputy Viscountess General for Eastern U.S. (DVG East) shall assist the GVG and the Adjutant General in publicizing meetings and events in which OFNA is participating; to secure publication of notices about OFNA in the newsletters and magazines of State and Regional lineage societies east of the Mississippi River, genealogical and historical societies; to attend state and regional meetings of other organizations to promote membership in OFNA; to insure that regional libraries have stocks of OFNA literature.

  • Deputy Viscountess General for Europe

    The Deputy Viscountess General for Europe (DVG Eur) shall assist the GVG and the Adjutant General in publicizing meetings and events in which OFNA is participating; to secure publication of notices about OFNA in the newsletters and magazines of European lineage, genealogical and historical societies in Europe; to attend state and regional meetings of other organizations to promote membership in OFNA; to insure that regional libraries have stocks of OFNA literature.

  • Deputy Viscountess General for Western U.S.

    The Deputy Viscountess General for Western U.S. (DVG West) shall assist the GVG and the Adjutant General in publicizing meetings and events in which OFNA is participating ; to secure publication of notices about OFNA in the newsletters and magazines of State and Regional lineage societies, genealogical and historical societies west of the Mississippi River; to attend state and regional meetings of other organizations to promote membership in OFNA; to insure that regional libraries have stocks of OFNA literature.

  • Deputy Viscountesses General

    Each of the following seven Deputy Viscountesses General shall develop a program to seek out potential members by communicating with other heritage organizations; getting articles placed in their respective newsletters and magazines; attending meetings of other heritage societies where prospective members are likely to be members; assisting applicants from their area; and providing a bibliography of books and records available which might assist them:

    • Deputy Viscount/Viscountess General for Spanish Colonists
    • Deputy Viscount/Viscountess General for English Colonists
    • Deputy Viscount/Viscountess General for French Colonists
    • Deputy Viscount/Viscountess General for German and Dutch Colonists
    • Deputy Viscount/Viscountess General for Scottish Colonists
    • Deputy Viscount/Viscountess General for Scandinavian Colonists
    • Deputy Viscount/Viscountess General for Italian Colonists

  • Deputy Viscounts General

    Each of the following seven Deputy Viscounts General shall develop a program to seek out potential members by communicating with other heritage organizations; getting articles placed in their respective newsletters and magazines; attending meetings of other heritage societies where prospective members are likely to be members; assisting applicants from their area; and providing a bibliography of books and records available which might assist them:

    • Deputy Viscount/Viscountess General for Spanish Colonists
    • Deputy Viscount/Viscountess General for English Colonists
    • Deputy Viscount/Viscountess General for French Colonists
    • Deputy Viscount/Viscountess General for German and Dutch Colonists
    • Deputy Viscount/Viscountess General for Scottish Colonists
    • Deputy Viscount/Viscountess General for Scandinavian Colonists
    • Deputy Viscount/Viscountess General for Italian Colonists

  • Distinguished Service Medal

    The Distinguished Service Medal may be awarded to members after a minimum of three years of exemplary service to the Order.

  • Emissary General

    The Emissary General (EmG) shall supervise the Deputy Viscounts/Viscountesses General, each of whom should focus on seeking members descended from the areas they represent. In addition, the Emissary General, individually and with the assistance of approved Deputy Emissaries General shall promote the Order in Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

  • Ethics Committee

    The Ethics Committee shall consist of the Vicar General (who shall serve as chairman), the Abogado General, and a third General Officer to be appointed by the Grand Viscount General. All disputes between members shall be referred to the Ethics Committee for adjudication. Members may be expelled from the Order by a majority vote of the Ethics Committee upon presentation of evidence of conduct unbecoming.

  • Exchequer General

    The Exchequer General (ExG) shall collect and keep the funds of the Order and deposit the same in a bank or savings institution designated by the Executive Committee, and shall be placed to the credit of THE ORDER OF THE FOUNDERS OF NORTH AMERICA. He shall draw on the funds for the payment of such obligations as may be approved by the Grand Viscount General or the Executive Committee. Expenditures over $100, not otherwise authorized in the duties of the officer or allocated in the approved budget, shall require a majority vote of the Executive Committee. He shall keep a true account of his receipts and disbursements, and make a report thereof at every regular meeting of the Order, and submit an annual account at the annual meeting in April. He, together with the GVG and or SG, shall sign purchase orders for amounts approved in advance, and write checks to pay all approved bills of the order. Until a separate fund raising arm is developed, the Exchequer General will also serve as Chairman of fundraising. The ExG shall be responsible for preparing the 501(c) 3 filing for the organization in coordination with other appropriate officers.

  • Genealogista General for Applications

    The Genealogista General for Applications (GG-A) shall establish and interpret the rules concerning the type and quality of proof necessary for membership. He/she shall review each application submitted and either approve or return to the applicant with appropriate suggestions. Checks accompanying the application should be forwarded to a designated officer, either the ExG or SG, within two weeks of receipt.

  • Genealogista General for Supplementals

    The Genealogista General for Supplementals (GG-S) shall follow the rules concerning the type and quality of proof necessary for membership established by the GG-A. He/she shall review each supplemental application submitted and either approve or return to the applicant with appropriate suggestions. Checks accompanying the supplemental application should be forwarded to a designated officer, either the ExG or SG, within two weeks of receipt.

  • Grand Viscount General

    The Grand Viscount General (GVG) is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Committee, and the Official Representative of the Order at all public functions. The GVG shall preside at all meetings of the Order and of the Executive Committee, and shall have a casting vote. The GVG shall enforce strict observance of the bylaws, and shall appoint all Committees not otherwise provided for, and shall be an ex officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee and the Ethics Committee.

  • Grand Viscountess General

    The Grand Viscountess General (GVG) is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Committee, and the Official Representative of the Order at all public functions. The GVG shall preside at all meetings of the Order and of the Executive Committee, and shall have a casting vote. The GVG shall enforce strict observance of the bylaws, and shall appoint all Committees not otherwise provided for, and shall be an ex officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee and the Ethics Committee.

  • Gross Violation of Ethics

    A “gross violation of ethics” within the meaning of our bylaws shall include but not be limited to the following:

    1. Theft of the property of the Order.
    2. Embezzlement of the funds of the Order.
    3. Assault by a member of the Order upon another member or guest of a member of the society at an event sponsored by the Order.
    4. Intentionally misrepresenting the facts, distorting the truth, or using half-truths and/or innuendo that would in all likelihood cause direct or indirect damage to the reputation of another member, whether in writing or orally.
    5. Being found guilty by the Ethics Committee for a second violation any other provision in above.
    6. Conviction of a felony by any state or federal court.
    7. Conviction of any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
    8. Since serving in a leadership position in the Order requires a member to be able to manage income and expenses, pay expenses timely, and balance a checkbook and to follow a budget, any member who has declared personal or business bankruptcy may not be qualified to serve. Any member who serves in a position that requires the management of funds of the Order must immediately advise the executive committee immediately upon the filing of a personal or business bankruptcy. For those who plan to seek office in the future, the bankruptcy must be fully disclosed on each piece of literature of that candidate including solicitation letters.
    9. The Executive committee may immediately remove the bankrupt member from his office and make an interim appointment to fill the vacancy. The individual appointed to fill the appointment shall serve until the next meeting of the Executive Committee, when the vacancy may be filled.
  • Immediate Past Grand Viscount General

    The Immediate Past Grand Viscount General (IPGVG) shall become a lifetime member of the Executive Committee and assist in the long range planning for the organization. Annually, the senior Past Grand Viscount General shall serve as Chairman of the Council of Grand Viscounts General, whose duties and powers shall be determined by future Executive Committees.

  • Junior Member

    Any boy or girl, under the age of 18 years, is eligible for Junior membership in this Order, provided they have a Founder ancestor meeting the qualifications in Section 1. If they are a junior member in good standing upon attaining their 18th birthday, they shall automatically become regular members.

  • Legion of Merit

    The Legion of Merit shall be the highest award of the Order. It may be awarded to members and non-members who have distinguished themselves in fulfilling the mission of the Order.

  • Librarian General

    The Librarian General (LG) shall be responsible for maintaining a master list of all publications that might be of assistance to applicants and researchers. At the time in the future when the Order has accumulated books, he shall be the custodian of those books.

  • Mareschal General

    The Mareschal General (MG) shall serve as the membership chairperson. It is the job of the MG to propose a budget for advertising for new members and to develop a recruiting plan, including the design and preparation of a promotional flyer for the Order. The MG shall be the editor of the Order Newsletter. The MG shall be charged with the duty to design and seek approval of the Executive Committee of an acceptable Application Form and the instructions for the Application Form.

  • Marquesa General of Publicity and Public Relations

    The Marquesa General of Publicity and Public Relations shall work with the Mareschal General and Emissary General in conceiving and developing membership materials to entice prospective members to join, such as preparing flyers to be inserted into the registration envelopes of other societies.

  • Marquis General of Publicity and Public Relations

    The Marquis General of Publicity and Public Relations shall work with the Mareschal General and Emissary General in conceiving and developing membership materials to entice prospective members to join, such as preparing flyers to be inserted into the registration envelopes of other societies.

  • Meritorious Service Medal

    The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members and non-members for notable services on behalf of the mission of the Order.

  • Nominating Committee

    Each April in odd years, the Grand Viscount/Viscountess General shall propose a nominating committee of three members to the Executive Committee, who shall be voted on by the Executive Committee. The Nominating Committee shall choose one of their members to be the chairman. It shall be the duty of this committee to nominate a candidate for each office to be filled at the annual meeting in June/July in odd years.

  • Parliamentarian General

    The Parliamentarian General (PG) shall be act as an advisor to the Grand Viscount General and the Executive Committee in matters pertaining to parliamentary procedure. The Parliamentarian General shall be governed by the By-Laws and the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised. The PG will have no vote or the privilege of making a motion. The PG will be an ex officio member of the By-Laws Committee.

  • Patrons

    The Grand Viscount/Viscountess General may appoint one or more Patrons to be recognized for support of the Order and accomplishments in their respective field. This appointment must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee. Patrons will receive a complementary and honorary membership in the Order, including a certificate, membership medal, and General Officers neck ribbon and sash. A list of Patrons will be maintained on the Order’s webpage.

  • Quartermaster General

    The Quartermaster General (QG) shall have the responsibility of ordering and maintaining the stock of membership medals, patches and other membership materials. An accounting of the inventory and sales will be due quarterly to the Executive Committee.

  • Registrar General

    The Registrar General (RG) shall assign a membership number to each member; prepare and mail notices of acceptance; together with an offer to sell membership medals and other merchandise, and a request for a charitable contribution; which order is returned to the Exchequer General. He maintains a copy of both the approved application and the documentary proof submitted by each member, and upon request provides “Record Copies”.

  • Regular Meeting

    The Regular Meeting in April shall be for the purpose of receiving reports of officers and committees, and for any other business that may arise. The meeting shall be held in Washington, D.C. in conjunction with the meetings of the other Hereditary Societies.

  • Secretary General

    The Secretary General (SG) shall serve as the secretary of the order, and apply the seal to official documents and certificates, compile the minutes of the meetings of the Executive Committee and the membership, submit them to the Executive Committee and retain copies of each of the minutes, which will be immediately turned over to his successor. The SG serves as a member of the long range planning committee. The SG shall keep fair and accurate records of all proceedings and orders; and shall give notice to the several officers of all votes, orders, resolves and proceedings of the Society affecting them or pertaining to their respective duties. The SG shall keep a roll of the members, and shall give due notices of the time and place of all meetings and attempt to attend the same. The SG shall conduct the general correspondence under the direction of the GVG and the Executive Committee. The SG shall prepare an annual report to be sent to the Executive Committee, showing the names and addresses of the active members; the names and addresses of those resigned, dropped, and deceased, and those for whom dues are waived for any reason. The SG shall have charge of the By-Laws and Minutes of the meetings of the Executive Committee and the membership, and shall certify all acts of the Order. The Secretary General may be a signatory on the bank account of the order.

  • Sergeant-at-Arms

    The Sergeant-at-Arms (SAA) shall serve as the officer of the door during closed door sessions during general assemblies of the membership and will assist with checking the credentials of attendees. The SAA will also be in charge of maintaining the Order flags and other Order meeting insignia including Order banners.

  • Supplementals

    Supplementals are application papers that establish additional founder ancestors from whom a member is descended. Only members of OFNA may submit supplemental lines for verification. Supplementals are subject to the same genealogical requirements as applications.

  • Vicar General

    The Vicar General (VG) shall provide spiritual guidance to the members; send “get well” cards to members and cards of condolence to their surviving family members. He shall prepare and deliver a memorial service at the annual meeting, and offer invocations and benedictions at Order meetings. He shall arrange the services at the burial of deceased members of the Order when the Order is requested to participate in the ceremony. He shall be an ordained minister. He shall serve as chairman of the Ethics Committee.

  • Viscount General Elect

    The Viscount General Elect (VGE) shall, in the absence of the GVG, perform the duties pertaining to that office. The VGE shall assume the office of the GVG upon the expiration of the term, resignation or incapacity of the GVG. In the absence of the GVG and VGE, the GVG’s duties shall be assumed by the other elected officers in order of precedence listed in sections 4 through 21. The VGE shall serve as the Chairman of the Annual Meeting, securing a venue, arranging for meeting space, entertainment, speakers, food and beverage and group rates at the hotel.

  • Viscountess General Elect

    The Viscountess General Elect (VGE) shall, in the absence of the GVG, perform the duties pertaining to that office. The VGE shall assume the office of the GVG upon the expiration of the term, resignation or incapacity of the GVG. In the absence of the GVG and VGE, the GVG’s duties shall be assumed by the other elected officers in order of precedence listed in sections 4 through 21. The VGE shall serve as the Chairman of the Annual Meeting, securing a venue, arranging for meeting space, entertainment, speakers, food and beverage and group rates at the hotel.