From Georgia Ghost Hunters Case Reports
Article I – Name and Jurisdiction
Section 1: This organization shall be known as Georgia Ghost Hunters (also known as GGH) and has been in existence since November of 2004.
Section 2: The headquarters of this organization shall be located in the city of Harlem, county of Columbia, state of Georgia. The organization may have other branches, chapters and affiliations anywhere needed, as the Director and Co-Director may require from time to time.
Section 3: The jurisdiction of this organization shall include the entirety of the United States of America with special focus on the Southeastern region and surrounding areas.
Article II – Objectives
Section 1: The objectives of this organization shall be:
A: To scientifically and without prejudice explore the paranormal with an open mind with a special emphasis on ghosts, hauntings and other supernatural related topics.
B: To attempt to prove the existence of ghosts and spirits through on site investigations at allegedly haunted locations with use of special equiment that has been approved by the Director of the group.
C: To examine all availabe forms of evidence related to the existence of ghosts and spirits including but not limited to photographs, video, audio and any other physical evidence that may have been gathered.
D: To report, document and keep a journal of all validated evidence related to ghosts and spirits to the membership and public in any meduim deemed appropriate by the Director included but not limited to publication on the organization's website locate at www.georgia-ghost-hunters.com and to report findings at www.georgiaghosthunters.info
E: To educate the membership and public on the existence of the paranormal with a special focus on ghosts and hauntings. This includes but is not limited to seminars/lectures, public and private meetings and appearance in various media publications and outlets.
F: To receive, manage, invest, expend or otherwise use the funds and property of this organization to carry out and achieve these objectives and purposes set forth in these bylaws and for such additional objectives and purposes not inconsistent therein that will further the interests of this organization and its members, either directly or indirectly.
Article III – Membership Eligibility
Section 1: Subject only to the specific conditions set forth hereinafter, any like-minded person of good moral character who has an interest in the paranormal shall be eligible for membership at the discretion of the Director.
Section 2: Any person expressing interest in joining this organization may become a member providing he/she meets the following requirements:
A: All members must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and have a valid state issued ID or driver's license prior to joining.
B: He or She must fill out an Application and provide a recent color photo. These provisions applies to all members, new or current.
C: He or She must meet with the Director of the the group for a complete one on one interview, which will last a brief 30 minutes.
D: He or She must agree to attend no less than 75% of all announced organization meetings, events, investigations, training sessions and other special events unless the Director or Co-Director grants a waiver. These provisions applies to all members, new or current.
E: He or She must have their own form of transportation to and from meetings and field outings unless transportation has been provided.
F: He or She must agree to dress appropriately for the event in which they are involved.
G: He or she must read and abide by the GGH handbook.
H: He or She must pay monthly dues.
Section 3: No person shall be eligible for membership if:
A: He or She refuses to follow mandatory rules and protocols of this organization or its bylaws.
B: He or She refuses to obligate themselves to some type of acceptable participation in scheduled investigations, meetings, training sessions or other mandatory special events.
C: There is reason to believe that he/she may not adhere to or abide by the By-Laws or our rules and regualtions.
D: There is reason to believe that he/she has falsified any membership information.
E: He or She advocates race, religious or class hatred or discrimination.
F: He or She refuses to dress appropriately for the event in which they are involved.
G: He or She has ever been convicted of a felony crime by any governmental unit.
H: He or She refuses to sign a Disclosure, Waiver of Liability and Confidentiality agreement.
Section 4: Your active membership can be permanetely revoked if:
A: Attendance to GGH events falls below average.
B: He or She attempts or accomplishes to undermine the credibility of the organization in any way.
C: He or She has a history of being dishonest or other unfavorable traits.
D: He or She divulges any privileged or confidential information gathered during investigations, research, meetings, training sessions or other special events with anyone who is not a member of this organization or its current allies. All information is to be considered privileged or confidential and should only be discussed within the organization.
E: He or She uses alcohol or illegal drugs before or during investigations, research, meetings, training sessions or other special events.
F: He or She is found to be a part of another group and causes direct conflict of interest.
G: He or She is found to be withholding photographs, video, audio, documents or any other material pertaining to GGH related investigations.
H: He or She does not complete and turn over a journal to the Director or Co-Director from any GGH investigation.
I: He or She falsifies any records, research, investigation logs or evidence.
J: He or She trespasses, or violates the law of any governmental unit during any event.
K: He or She violates any established rule or protocol of this organization or its bylaws.
L: He or She does not abide the GGH handbook.
Section 5: Member code of conduct:
A: It is the responsibility of all organization members to conduct themselves in a safe and professional manner at all times. Members are reminded that they are representatives of this organization and their conduct reflects on us as a whole.
B: All members while participating in investigations, research, meetings, training sessions or other special events must be dressed in appropriate attire for both the physical and social environment of the site.
C: All members must respect the privacy of people, families and places we are investigating for.
D: The most senior member at any event is in command and makes all decisions concerning the event. Failure to follow directions, and established rule or protocol of this organization or its bylaws is grounds for immediate removal from the event and/or termination of membership.
E: All events must be conducted in a courteous and professional manner.
F: Use of illegal drugs is strictly forbidden before or during any event. If you are taking prescription medication, please notify the most senior member before the event begins to avoid future complications.
G: All members must refrain from using obscene, foul or abusive language at all investigations, research, meetings, training sessions or other special events .
H: All inquiries from the media, law enforcement, concerned citizens, and others at the event scene will be directed to the most senior member conducting the event.
I: All members are required to respect the event site. This includes but is not limited to: no trespassing, no burglary, no littering, no vandalism, no theft, no pranks or practical jokes and any other activity which is deemed inappropriate by the Director or Co-Director.
J: All members are required to have a valid state issued ID in their possession during all events.
K: All members will investigate in groups of two (2) members at all times. There will be no investigating alone.
L: All members are required to collect notes and data and submit it to the Director or Co-Director within a one week period after the investigation.
M: Meetings are strictly for members of the group, please do not bring guests unless you first consult the Director or Co-Director.
N: Members are required to arrive at the scheduled event in a timely manner. If you cannot attend, you are required to notify the Director or Co-Director unless it is an emergency situation, if that is the case please notify the Director as soon as possible.
O: There will be absolutely no tolerance of firearms or weapons of any kind on any G.G.H activity / investigation. Only special circumstances will be permitted exception.
P: The Director and Co-Director of this organization retain the right to have the “final say”. Your opinion will be respected and considered in all decisions.
Q: No member can handle of objects at an investigation without owner's permission.
Section 6: Other membership points:
A: The Director of this organization has the exclusive right to deny membership to anyone who does not meet the high standards of the Georgia Ghost Hunters.
B: All issued material to members are the sole property of this organization and must be surrendered to the Director upon request if either party terminates membership.
C: All new members are placed on a 90-day probationary period upon being accepted into this organization. This period may be lengthened or shortened at the discretion of the Director.
D: This organization is not obligated in any way to retain any member that does not meet the high standards of this organization. Continuing membership is based on the discretion of the Director and Co-Director and may be terminated at any time.
E: This organization is not obligated in any way to accept members or continue membership to those who belong to another group of paranormal investigators. This is a conflict of interest and will not be tolerated. The Director of this organization has the responsibility to insure that this policy is followed with no permitted exceptions.
Article IV - Meetings
Section 1: Meetings will be held on a monthly basis at an agreed location and time. Members will be notified 15 days prior to scheduling the selected date and time. These meetings will serve as an opportunity to interview new members, report validated evidence, discuss organization topics and future events. Meeting locations may be revised if necessary to accommodate the needs of the entire team.
Section 2: All meetings are mandatory for active members of the organization. The length of the meeting is usually two (2) or more hours if needed.
A: Only members of the organization are allowed at GGH meetings unless the member asks permission from the Director or Co-Director to bring a guest.
B: Children shall not attend regular scheduled meetings.
Section 3: Meeting schedule:
A: Opening comments or last meetings minutes.
B: Slides or audio presentations.
C: Guest speakers, if any.
D: Reading of interesting letters or newspaper articles.
E: Open floor discussion or question/answer time.
F: Discussion of recent GGH Investigations or Events.
G: Promotion of Members.
H: Closing comments.
I: Adjournment.
Section 4: Emergency meetings or unplanned meetings for active members may be called upon by the Director upon reasonable notice to the membership. These meetings will be held at the GGH headquarters in Harlem. Notice and location will be given to all Active GGH members.
Section 5: Notifications of meetings will usually be sent through GGH group email and an RSVP is expected of all members whether you can or cannot attend. You must respond in one way or another and, of course, you can always change your mind and send an updated email. This policy was instituted so that the Director can have the necessary materials and paperwork prepared and ready to hand out to those who respond.
Article V - Officers
Section 1: Officers of this organization shall consist of a Director, Co-Director, Lead Investigator, Secretary, Treasurer and Research Director. Other officers may include Case Coordinators, Equipment Manager and Field Investigators.
Section 2: Eligibility to hold appointed office shall be governed solely by the Director and the provisions of the By-Laws.
A: All officers are appointed and not elected by the Director. Their status and office may be revoked by the Director at any time.
B: Appointed officers have a slightly higher ranking than an Active Member and are offered some special privileges.
C: In the event that any officer, except the Director, vacates office for any reason, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the Director.
D: If the Director vacates office, the Co-Director shall ascend to the office of the Director.
E: Officers may be removed from their position at any time by the Director for any reason.
Section 3: It shall be the duty of the Director and Co-Director:
A: To preside at all meetings of this organization and to preserve order therein. He shall appoint all committees and shall also have the right to serve on all committees by virtue of his office.
B: Be the principal executive officer, with the responsibility for the general supervision of the affairs of the organization.
C: To appoint officers to the organization, create branches in other states or countries and to have sole power to dissolve any branches, officers or the organization as a whole at anytime.
D: Be the official spokesman of the organization.
E: To organize investigations and/or public locations for the membership and be in charge of such.
F: Function as and assume responsibility of planning and coordinating the monthly programs.
G: Co-Director must perform all duties pertaining to the office of the Director in the absence of the Director and discharge other such duties as may be requested by the Director.
Section 4: It shall be the Duty of the Lead Investigator:
A: In the absence of the Director or the Co-Director, perform the duties of the respective office.
Section 5: It shall be the duty of the Secretary:
A: Takes meeting minutes at all meetings.
B. To assist the Director at meetings with the distribution of materials, i.e. newsletters, application forms, flyers and to assist new applicants with questions.
C: Preside over the Gathering in the absence of the Director according to Robert’s Rules of Order.
D: Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.
Section 6: It shall be the duty of the Treasurer:
A: Prepare a monthly financial report for presentation to the membership.
B: Keep financial records of the organization to include records of all income and disbursements.
C: The treasurer shall keep current records of all the organization's moneys and shall at their discretion invest them in purchasing group equipment and other approved accounts.
D: Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.
Section 7: It shall be the duty of the Research Director:
A: To report directly to the Director.
B: To research and investigate new locations as directed by the Director and report all findings to the Director.
C: To gather research materials and pass that information to the Director.
Section 8: Other Officers:
A: State Coordinators are those that assist the Director and Co-Director in conducting area research, recruiting new members and in charge of groups and branches.
B: Case Coordinators are individuals who is in charge of coordinating the cases and special events and contacts clients to set up interviews.
C: Equipment Managers is the person in charge of setting up and breaking down of equipment before and after investigations.
D: Field Investigators assists in examining or gathering data or information.
Article VI - Officers - Generally
Section 1: All officers of this organization when installed after appointment may be required to take the following obligation for office:
"Truthfully and Sincerely, I. ________________________________ sincerely promise, upon my honor, that I will truly and faithfully, to the best of my ability, perform the duties of my office, as prescribed in the By- Laws of this organization, the Georgia Ghost Hunters."
Section 2: All officers in the performance of their duties shall adhere to the terms of these By-Laws.
Article VII - Chain of Command and Disciplinary Actions
Section 1: This is our chain of command. It will allow any problems that may occur to be handled at the lower level. The chain of command:
A: Director and Co-Director.
B: Lead Investigator.
1: The Lead Investigator is in charge of the Field Investigation Team. The Field Investigation Team includes the Field Researcher/Historian.
2: If a problem occurs who ever falls under the Lead Investigator will contact the Lead Investigator to handle the situation. This means any kind of situation, even quarrels.
3: If disciplinary actions are required, the Lead Investigator will recommend to the Director and Co-Director what kind of action to take. Final decision is made by them and them only.
C: Equipment Manager.
1: The Equipment Manager is in charge of the Technological Team. The Technological Team includes the Tech. Specialist and Tech Crew.
2: If a problem occurs who ever falls under the Equipment Manager will contact the Equipment Manager to handle the situation. This means any kind of situation, even quarrels.
3: If disciplinary actions are required, the Equipment Manager will recommend to the Director and Co-Director what kind of action to take. Final decision is made by them and them only.
Section 2: This chain of command is very important and must me abided by. If you for any instance come directly to the Director or Co-Director with a problem and you didn't go through your chain of command, you will be re-directed to your supervisor.
A: The only time the Director or Co-Director will handle situations directly is when your supervisor couldn't resolve that situation.
Section 3: There will start being disciplinary actions for violations of our rules and by-laws. This will be done by issuing a choice of paperwork that will be decided by the Director and Co-Director. These series of paperwork will be Memorandum for Records, Letter of Counseling, and Letter of Reprimand. These pieces of paper work are here for documentation of disciplinary actions and will be kept in what we will call Personal Information Files.
A: Memorandum for Records states that we are keeping notes on what actions that the individual did that was in violation to the rules and by-laws.
B: Letter of Counseling states what rule and/or by-law that person violated. If a member receives this letter then that person will be suspended for 30 days.
C: Letter of Reprimand states what rule and/or by-law that person violated. If a member receives this letter then that person will be suspended for 90 days
D: If a member receives two letter of Reprimands then that person will be banned from the group and/or the website.
E: The Director and the Co-Director can ultimately make the decision to terminate a member from the group even if it is their first offense. They will take disciplinary actions on a case by case basis.
Article VIII - Membership Outtings
Section 1. Field, On-site & Training Investigations.
A: It is mandatory that all Active Members attend meetings especially those prior to regularly scheduled investigation. Members who do not attend will fall in the Inactive list and will only be called upon when/if needed.
B: Field Investigations are usually held at a public location that has allegedly been reported to have paranormal activity.
C: Members who cannot make a scheduled Investigation will have that missed outing counted as one of the two events within any given year and cannot be made up.
D: Field or On-site Investigations will only offered only to those Active Members who have been trained and attend regular scheduled group meetings. They must have a better average record of attending more than 75% of all GGH events.
E: On-Site Investigations are not automatic to all Active Members. Size of the location and the clients wishes have to be determined before all Active members can attend.
F: All Active Members who attend Field and/or On-Site Investigations or Out-of-State Research Trips assume full responsibility and agree to relieve the Georgia Ghost Hunters and the Director of any liability as far as personal injury, legal action or anything deemed as an Act Of God.
G: All meetings, investigations and outings are for Active Georgia Ghost Hunters Members. Members are not allowed to bring friends, family or small children. No Exceptions.
H: All information obtained during Georgia Ghost Hunters sponsored outings should remain within the GGH circle and not shared with anyone not already a member. The GGH holds all copyrights and sole ownership of all material that has been collected, gathered, presented, investigated or obtained during or afterwards. This would include: photographs, video or audio recordings and research reports and logs.
I: All information obtained by members of the organization by use of their personal equipment belongs to the Georgia Ghost Hunters and must be turned over to the Director/Co Director within a one week time period after the scheduled investigation.
J. All Active Members are expected to arrive on-time with the proper equipment discussed at the previously scheduled monthly meeting.
K: If a member cannot make a scheduled Field or On-Site Investigation, it shall be his/her responsibility to phone in advance to the Director or Co- Director. In the cases of an emergency, some notification as soon as possible would be appreciated.
L: All Active Members will not be invited to all investigations at various times, therefore a rotational program will be authorized.
M: All Active Members must respect the privacy of people, families and places we are investigating for.
N: All investigations must be performed in a courteous and professional manner.
Article IX Membership Dues
Section 1: Members are required to pay monthly dues of $10.00.
Section 2: Dues are expected to be paid on or before the 20th of each month.
Section 3: Delinquent Members:
A: Must not fall behind three (3) months in dues unless you have contacted the Director with an explanation to why you are delinquent.
B: Member will be removed from the organization by the Director or Co-Director if past dues have not been brought to a current status by the fourth month of being delinquent.
Article X Donations and Funding
Section 1: This organization shall be non-profit and shall not charge for any service that it provides.
Section 2: This organization shall accept donations of equipment to aide in furthering the goals and interests of this organization and its members. All donated equipment will be used for only Georgia Ghost Hunters.
Section 3: This organization shall accept monetary donations to aide in furthering the goals and interests of this organization and its members. These monetary donations will only be accepted via a paypal, check or money order.
Article XI Fiscal Year
Section 1: The fiscal year of this organization shall be from January 1 to December 31 of each year.
Article XII Field Excursions
Section 1: This organization shall have three main types of research trips; Field Investigations, On-Site Investigations and Training Investigations. No investigations or events will be conducted or permitted without the prior knowledge of and authorized by the Director or Co-Director.
A: Field Investigations can be held during anytime of the year but are scheduled as much in advance as possible and are open to all Active Members whom are in good standing and have attended the previous meeting. No member shall be permitted to attend any Field Investigation unless they have submitted an application and met with the Director or Co-Director.
1: Field Investigations are usually held at a location that has allegedly been reported to have paranormal activity and can last between four to six hours.
B: On-Site Investigations are those that have been scheduled and are held at various times of the year. All Active members who are in good standing and have fulfilled all training requirements and attended all group meetings, not late on dues and has a better than average standing within the group can attend.
1: On-Site Investigations are not automatic to all Active Members only those who meet the various requirements and depending on the size of the location is how we determine how many Active members will be chosen.
2: On-Site Investigations are usually overnight. These outings can be from several hours to overnight in length. All members are asked to stay throughout the entire investigation.
3: On-Site Investigation are usually held at various times of the year. These are when the Case Coordinator has received a request from a private residence that is alleged to be experiencing anomalous phenomenon. These investigations are not for everyone, only those that have met the requirements can be included.
4: On-Site Investigation may often require follow-up visits from time to time. All information gathered at these investigations is completely confidential.
5: Attendance is usually limited to four to eight people depending on the clients wishes and cannot be circumvented.
6: Order of attendance would be:
A: Director/Co-Director
B: Lead Investigator
C: Equipment Manager
D: Field Investigators
E: All other Active Members according to previous attendance to other Investigations., Meetings and seniority.
7: A rotation of members may be required from time to time. Only Active members and those who have met the requirements will be chosen for the rotaion program.
C:Training Investigations are those that are for new members in training. All Trainees must attend to learn how to conduct an investigation and learn how to use each piece of equipment.
Article XIII Dress Code
Section 1: All members of the team must dress appropriately for the on-site investigation and meetings. Men and Women are to wear black shirts and blue jeans, wear comfortable but safe footwear, avoid wearing open toed shoes or sandles.
Section 2: Members must refrain from wearing tight fitting shirts or low cut shirts, no extra baggy jeans that fall off your waist.
Section 3: Members will be sent home if they are wearing any attire that has holes, bleached spots or stains or inappropriate
Article XIV Official Logos
Section 1: All logo's on this organization's business cards are copyrighted material and remain the property of Georgia Ghost Hunters and cannot be used without the express written permission from the Director of Georgia Ghost Hunters.
Section2: The title Georgia Ghost Hunters and abbreviation GGH remains the exclusive copyrighted property of Ginger Yarbrough and cannot be used by any other organization or business under penalty of law. Those that are using our name or abbreviation in meta tags or any other unlawful way will be asked to kindly remove them immediately as this violates copyrighted material.
Article XV Amendments
Section 1: These bylaws may be amended, altered, repealed or added to by the Director of this organization as deemed necessary by the Director. Notice will be given to all members and an effective date for any amendments or changes will be given.