The Fightin’ 788th Charter

Contents

Article I:  Mission Statement
Article II:  Representation
Article III:  Membership
Article IV:  Command Staff
Article V: Elections & Voting
Article VI:  Code of Conduct
Article VII:  Merchandising & Branding


Article I:  Mission Statement

The Fightin’ 788th is a GI:JOE based costuming club.  Our members are devoted to celebrating the GI:JOE universe through the creation and wearing of quality costumes and props. The 788th promotes interest in the GI:JOE universe and contributes to the community through works of charity. 


Article II:  Representation

The Fightin’ 788th recognizes that its members have no claim to the copyright and intellectual property of Hasbro.  Members acknowledge and accept that while in costume, we represent the GI:JOE brand and will do so professionally and responsibly at all times.  


Article III:  Membership

The Fightin’ 788th is an equal-opportunity, non-discriminatory costuming club.  Applicants must be 18 years or older to join and have a completed GI:JOE or Cobra uniform.  Applicants must apply for membership using the recruiting form on The Fightin’ 788th website.   Applicants will receive an email response asking for submission photos, these must include a reference photo for the character.  The only exception to the reference photo request would be a “real world” version of a character.  When submitting “real world” submission photos, please explain this version of the character in the comments section provided on the initial recruiting form.  All submissions will be voted on by the Command Staff for approval.  The Fightin’ 788th reserves the right to deny or revoke membership at any time.

  
Article IV:  Command Staff

1. Central Command

A. Commanding Officer (CO):  The CO is the top administrator of the club, and as such, 
appoints an administrative staff to assist with club operations, which include, but are 
not limited to, formulating policies and organizing partnerships with outside parties.

B. Public Relations Officer (PRO):  The PRO manages all internet resources and serves 
as the primary point of contact with the public and outside parties.  

C. Sergeant at Arms (Sgt):  The Sgt interprets and enforces club rules.  The Sergeant 
at Arms serves as an impartial mediator for disputes among members, oversees 
disciplinary actions, and moderates elections.

D. Crew Chief:  The Crew Chief is responsible for prop storage and coordinates with 
Fire Team Leaders to insure props are present at group functions.

E. Fire Team LEADERS : Fire Team Leaders act as the CO of each team and are responsible for club operations and the coordination of events within their boundaries.  The Team Leaders are responsible for maintaining communications with the Central Command Staff and may appoint local PRO or Sgt as needed. 

 - A. Alpha Team Leader:  Dallas / Fort Worth / Oklahoma (North Texas and Oklahoma)

 - B. Bravo Team Leader:  Austin / San Antonio / Killeen (Central Texas)

 - C. Charlie Team Leader :  Houston (EAST TEXAS)

 - D. DELTA TEAM LEADER: Victoria / Corpus Christi (South Texas)

 - E. ECHO TEAM LEADER: LOUISIANA

 - F. CLASSIFIED TEAMS: AREAS NOT IN PREDESIGNATED TEAM AREAS

ARTICLE V: UNITS

A. FIRE TEAMS
     - REQUIRES 5 OFFICIAL MEMBERS
​     - FIRE TEAM LEADER IS GRANTED 1 SEAT ON COMMAND STAFF

​B. PROBATIONARY FIRE TEAMS
​     - REQUIRES 3 OFFICIAL MEMBERS TO GAIN PROBATIONARY STATUS
​          - PROBATIONARY FIRE TEAMS HAVE 1 YEAR PERIOD TO GAIN FULL FIRE TEAM STATUS. FAILURE TO
            DO SO IN THE REQUIRED TIME PERIOD REQUIRES COMMAND STAFF REVIEW FOR EXTENTIONS OR
​            REVOKING OF FIRE TEAM STATUS.
​     - REQUIRES 5 OFFICIAL MEMBERS TO GAIN FULL FT STATUS
​     - REQUIRES 1 EVENT A YEAR
​     - PROBATIONARY STATUS GRANTS ONE FT LEADER SEAT ON THE COMMAND STAFF

Article VI:  Elections & Voting

Every year, beginning the second Monday of January (12:01am CST) and concluding after 7 
days (Sunday 11:59pm CST) members may declare their intention to run in the CO election by posting in the 788th Headquarters page of Facebook.  Q&A begins the following Monday (12:01am CST) and the question phase concludes after 3 days (Wednesday 11:59pm CST).  Answering may continue through the voting period.  Voting begins the following thursday (9:00am CST) and polls are open for 5 days (Monday 11:59pm CST).  The elected administration takes office the Monday following the close of the polls.  If no member declares their intent to run, the CO continues for another term.  

if a leave of absence is required by the co, they may appoint an interim co as needed.


Article VII:  Code of Conduct

The Fightin’ 788th recognizes that its costumes represent the characters from the GI:JOE universe and requires all members to portray them in a tasteful and professional manner.  This means, but is not limited to the following:

A. Foul language, obscene gestures, and the use of alcohol and tobacco is prohibited 

B. Members must not act in a threatening/violent manner, or maliciously disparage 
while in costume and in view of the public. others. 

C. Adhere to all federal and local laws and regulations, as well as event guidelines.

D. Creating and distributing unauthorized merchandise which contains The Fightin’ 788th 

E. The carrying of a weapon able to fire a live round is strictly prohibited.

*The Fightin’ 788th reserves the right to deny or revoke membership at any time. 


Article VIII:  Merchandising & Branding

1. The Fightin’ 788th is a club based on copyrighted property and has no legal rights to profit from the sale of merchandise bearing images or ideas from the GI:JOE universe.  

2. Merchandise and promotional materials created will be sold only to members of The 
Fightin’ 788th or in sanctioned cases of fundraising, approved by the Command Staff. 

3. Any item representing The Fightin’ 788th must be submitted to the Command Staff for 
approval.