CHAPTER 2. STRUCTURE AND PURPOSE
IC 27-11-2
Chapter 2. Structure and Purpose
IC 27-11-2-1
"Lodge system" defined; organization and operation of lodges for
children
Sec. 1. (a) A society is operating on the lodge system if it has a
supreme governing body and subordinate lodges into which members
are elected, initiated, or admitted in accordance with its laws, rules,
and ritual. Subordinate lodges shall be required by the laws of the
society to hold periodic meetings in furtherance of the purposes of
the society.
(b) A society may, at its option, organize and operate lodges for
children under the minimum age for adult membership. Membership
and initiation in local lodges shall not be required of children, nor
shall they have a voice or vote in the management of the society.
As added by P.L.262-1985, SEC.1.
IC 27-11-2-2
Representative form of government
Sec. 2. A society has a representative form of government if it
meets all of the following conditions:
(1) It has a supreme governing body constituted in one (1) of
the following ways:
(A) The supreme governing body is an assembly composed
of delegates elected directly by the members or at
intermediate assemblies or conventions of members or their
representatives, together with other delegates as may be
prescribed in the society's laws. A society may provide for
election of delegates by mail. The elected delegates shall
constitute a majority in number and shall not have less than
a majority of the votes and not less than the number of votes
required to amend the society's laws. The assembly shall
meet at least once every four (4) years and shall elect a board
of directors to conduct the business of the society between
meetings of the assembly. Vacancies on the board of
directors between elections may be filled in the manner
prescribed by the society's laws.
(B) The supreme governing body is a board composed of
persons elected by the members, either directly or by their
representatives in intermediate assemblies, and any other
persons prescribed in the society's laws. A society may
provide for election of the board by mail. Each term of a
board member may not exceed four (4) years. Vacancies on
the board between elections may be filled in the manner
prescribed by the society's laws. Those persons elected to the
board constitute a majority in number and not less than the
number of votes required to amend the society's laws. A
person filling the unexpired term of an elected board
member is considered to be an elected member. The board
shall meet at least quarterly to conduct the business of the
society.
(2) The officers of the society are elected either by the supreme
governing body or by the board of directors.
(3) Only benefit members are eligible for election to the
supreme governing body, the board of directors, or any
intermediate assembly.
(4) Each voting member shall have one (1) vote and no vote
may be cast by proxy.
As added by P.L.262-1985, SEC.1.
IC 27-11-2-3
Operation for benefit of members and beneficiaries
Sec. 3. A society shall operate for the benefit of members and
their beneficiaries by:
(1) providing benefits as specified in IC 27-11-6-1; and
(2) operating for one (1) or more social, intellectual,
educational, charitable, benevolent, moral, fraternal, patriotic,
or religious purposes for the benefit of its members that may
also be extended to others. These purposes may be carried out
directly by the society, or indirectly through subsidiary
corporations or affiliated organizations.
As added by P.L.262-1985, SEC.1.
IC 27-11-2-4
Laws and rules; necessary and incidental powers
Sec. 4. Every society may adopt laws and rules for the
government of the society, the admission of its members, and the
management of its affairs. It may change, alter, add to, or amend such
laws and rules. It shall have such other powers as are necessary and
incidental to effect the objectives and purposes of the society.
As added by P.L.262-1985, SEC.1.