About OGR and our commitment to making independent funeral homes exceptional

The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is a not-for-profit membership organization of independent, family owned funeral homes located throughout North America and overseas.

Founded in 1928, OGR's mission is to make independent funeral homes exceptional. We do this by building and supporting member interaction, information exchange and encourating professional business development through a wide range of programs, services and resources.

Our Standards of Ethical Conduct guide our members' business practices and philosophy, allowing them to provide unsurpassed care to families "by the Golden Rule."

Headquartered in St. Louis, OGR is a 501(c)(6) organization incorporated under the laws of the state of Missouri.

History
Mission
Bylaws
Organizational Policies

To a group of funeral directors in 1928, the "Golden Rule" - a fundamental principle that is universally admired and upheld - became the cornerstone upon which to built a professional association.

The founders embarked on a mission to seek out a dependable, ethical funeral directors in every community by means of a carefully tested screening process. They wanted to establish a quality-minded identity in the minds of families everywhere. The Golden Rule credo - "Service measured not by gold, but by the Golden Rule" - speaks to that identity.

Today, the International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is affiliated with over 1,000 funeral homes worldwide, independent funeral homes that share common goals: outstanding service, care and compassion to families in their time of need.

The Golden Services Group is the service arm of the association and provides members with products and services, often at exclusive pricing.

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ARTICLE I – NAME AND LOCATION

1.1    Name.  The name of the organization shall be the International Order of the Golden Rule (hereinafter referred to as “OGR”), a not-for-profit corporation organized under Chapter 355, the General Nonprofit Corporation Act of the State of Missouri.

1.2    Location.  The offices of “OGR” shall be located in St. Louis, Missouri, and/or in such other localities as may be determined by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE II – OBJECTIVES

2.1    The objectives of “OGR” shall be:

2.1.1  To promote the welfare of the funeral profession and the public whom we serve;

2.1.2  To provide the opportunity for the exchange of information through discussion, study and publications;

2.1.3  To conduct or participate in meetings and conferences of interest to funeral directors and others within the profession;

2.1.4  To develop and encourage the practice of high personal and professional conduct among funeral directors;

2.1.5  To establish and maintain good relations between members and other funeral directors, and the people in their respective communities;

2.1.6  To provide funeral directors with information, counsel and assistance on all matters relating to the practice of funeral directing consistent with the public interest;

2.1.7  To cooperate with other groups or individuals in or related to the practice in the common endeavor to advance funeral service as a profession;

2.2    Relationship with Golden Services Group. It is the stated purpose of OGR to provide to its members the finest association benefits available.  The Golden Services Group, a Delaware corporation, was created for the purpose of providing goods and services to the members of OGR.  To that end, it is acknowledged that the Golden Services Group and OGR are irretrievably linked, in purpose and in fact, and are subject to the same direction and control.  It is acknowledged that the governance of OGR and of the Golden Services Group may be continually interlocked through the appointment of the same Directors, Officers and personnel to positions of responsibility in both organizations.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

3.1    Classifications. Membership shall consist of seven classifications, three of which are voting: Regular, Affiliate, and Foreign; and four of which are non-voting: Auxiliary, Adjunct, Emeritus and Academic. There shall be a separate, non-voting classification for Members Not in Good Standing.

3.1.1  Regular Membership: the single funeral home location designated by management as their primary business location.  Within the classification of Regular Membership shall be two sub-classes, Exclusive and Non-Exclusive as described in 3.2.4 below.

3.1.2  Affiliate Membership: any additional funeral home(s) owned and managed by the “main” member within a 100-mile radius of the “main” member’s location.

3.1.3  Foreign Membership: funeral establishments located outside the United States and Canada meeting such standards as the Board of Directors may publish from time to time.

3.1.4  Auxiliary Membership: any retired principal of an OGR member firm who has sold or otherwise disposed of his/her interest in that member firm; or the spouse of a deceased principal of an OGR member firm; or any person who is a retired employee of a current or former OGR member firm, provided that such persons are no longer actively participating in the funeral profession.

3.1.5  Adjunct Membership: any person or firm engaged in selling products or services to OGR members.

3.1.6  Emeritus Membership: may be extended to any person who has made an extraordinary contribution to the advancement of the purposes of OGR in the opinion of and by unanimous vote of the Board.

3.1.7  Academic Memberships:

        3.1.7.1   Student Membership:  offered to individuals only for the period of time they are attending mortuary school, as described in Student and Educator Membership in the Organizational Policies.

        3.1.7.2    Educator Membership:  offered to non-member educators, researchers, and academics engaged in the study, but not the practice of mortuary science.

3.1.8  Member Not in Good Standing: any member who has not paid his/her outstanding financial obligations by the date required for such payment.  Both Exclusive and Non-Exclusive Members may be designated as a Member Not in Good Standing.  A member who is in Not in Good Standing status, upon payment of outstanding financial obligations within one hundred (120) days after the due date, shall be removed from the Not in Good Standing membership category and returned to Regular member status. After one-hundred twenty (120) days, the Regular Membership of any Member Not in Good Standing shall be terminated.

3.2    Eligibility.

3.2.1  In order to be considered for membership in OGR, a firm shall have been in business for a period of not less than two (2) years. In the best interest of the provision of a quality service by members of OGR to the public we serve, the Board of Directors may, with the approval of two-thirds of those Board members present and voting, suspend the two-year requirement.

3.2.2  Membership in OGR, including foreign membership, shall be limited to firms that are not publicly held or whose management or control is not in or by a publicly held corporation or limited partnership.  As used herein, "publicly held" means a corporation or limited partnership whose shares are listed on any recognized exchange or traded in the "over the counter" market.  This section applies to all members.

3.2.3  All eligible locations that are owned and managed by the same firm within 100 miles from the main member firm may be considered for and be brought into membership.  Volume shall be computed by totaling the number of cases in all locations, provided that any location refused membership or not eligible for membership shall not be included in the computation.

3.2.4  As it is essential to the maintenance of the highest professional standards, it shall be a condition of the exclusivity of membership within a trade area that a member, or a professional employee of a member, register and attend at least one OGR Annual Conference, Educational Conference or special meeting of the membership during any eighteen (18) calendar month period, computed from the date of the last such meeting attended by the member.  In addition to the meetings listed, member firms that register and participate in nine (9) OGR audio or on-line seminars/meetings in an eighteen (18) month period shall be deemed to have met membership requirements of exclusivity. If a member shall not have attended a Conference within a twelve (12) month period, the member shall be notified that the member has six (6) months within which to attend a Conference. Failure to attend within an eighteen (18) month period shall cause the member’s classification to revert to that of Non-Exclusive member and open the member’s trade area to an additional membership by duly qualified applicants, and the Board may approve the additional membership. After at least eighteen (18) months, a Non-Exclusive member under this paragraph 3.2.4 may petition to return to Exclusive member classification upon evidence of having attended at least one (1) conference and upon other conditions as the Board may require. 

3.3    Application approval.  The Board shall consider each application for membership by applying the objectives set forth above in Article II. Membership in OGR shall become effective upon a two-thirds vote of approval by the Board of Directors.

3.4    Resignation.  A member may resign at any time by filing a written resignation with the Executive Director.  However, such resignation shall not relieve the member of the obligation to pay any dues or other outstanding financial obligations accrued and unpaid nor cause a refund of prepaid dues to be made.

3.5    Suspension, Expulsion and Termination.  The Board of Directors of OGR may suspend, expel or terminate the membership of any member firm because of conduct which, after a hearing if requested by the member firm, but at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors, violates the licensing standards of the member firm’s state of residence; or is improper, is found to be unethical or inimical to the welfare of the membership as a whole.  Except in cases involving the loss of license of the member firm, the Board will provide not less than fifteen days’ prior written notice of the expulsion, suspension or termination and the reasons thereof; and an opportunity for the member firm to respond in writing or in person, not less than five days before the effective date of the expulsion, suspension or termination.  In the event of loss of establishment license as a result of state or provincial licensing board action, membership in OGR shall be immediately terminated.

ARTICLE IV - DUES

4.1    Establishment of Dues.  The Board of Directors shall annually review and establish rates of dues for Regular, Affiliate, Foreign, Auxiliary, Adjunct, Emeritus and Academic members of OGR.

4.2    Dues Delinquency.  The membership of a member firm, who has not paid his or her annual dues by the due date without good cause, will be designated as a membership “Not In Good Standing”.  Membership will be terminated automatically without opportunity to be heard one hundred twenty (120) days after the due date.  Any application for postponement of the payment of membership dues for good cause shall be made to the Board in writing prior to the date such annual payment is due.

ARTICLE V – MEMBER MEETINGS

5.1    Annual Conference.  The Annual Conference shall be held at such place and on such dates as may be determined by the Board of Directors.

5.2    Special Meetings.  Meetings of OGR other than the Annual Conference may be called at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

5.3    Notice of Meetings.  Notice of any meetings of OGR shall be communicated to the last known address of each member (or member firm) not less than thirty (30) days (preferably 8-12 weeks prior to the Annual Meeting) before the date of such meeting.

5.4    Cancellation of Meetings. The Board of Directors may cancel any Annual or special meeting for cause.

5.5    Voting.  At all meetings of OGR, each member eligible to vote shall have one (1) vote on any matter submitted to the membership for a vote by the Board of Directors; such votes must be cast in person only.  Unless otherwise specifically provided by law or these Bylaws, a majority vote of those present and voting shall govern.

5.6   Voting by Mail.  Proposals to be offered to the members for a mail or electronic device vote shall first be approved by the Board of Directors.  The proposal shall be published with a ballot mailed simultaneously to each member.  The decision will be made by a majority of the ballots received within thirty (30) days from the day the ballot is mailed.

5.6.1  Proxy voting.  A member may not appoint a proxy vote or otherwise act for the member by signing an appointment form either personally or by attorney-in-fact.

5.7    Quorum of Members.  At any Annual or special meeting of members, a quorum shall consist of fifty (50) percent of those members registered for such meeting, provided that no less than fifty (50) members are present.

ARTICLE VI - BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

6.1    Board of Directors.

6.1.1  Number and Composition.  The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, President-Elect, Secretary-Treasurer and four (4) Directors who shall be elected as herein provided.

6.1.2  Authority, Responsibility and Duty of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of OGR shall have and exercise such powers as from time to time it may deem necessary or convenient to conduct and carry on the business and affairs of OGR, and to accomplish its objectives consistent with these Bylaws. It may also, in the execution of powers granted, delegate certain of its powers and authority to the Executive Committee.  Such powers shall include, but shall not be limited to, the authority to make policy decisions for OGR; to establish rules and procedures for the Board of Directors and for OGR; to approve, modify or disapprove reports, resolutions or actions of officers or committees of OGR; to approve, or revise and approve, the Annual Budget for OGR prepared by the Executive Director; to approve, or revise and approve, and to amend if thereafter deemed by it to be appropriate, an Annual Financial Plan for OGR; to delegate to the President, the Executive Director or any committee the authority to proceed with authorized actions, consistent with the Annual Financial Plan then in effect; and to perform all other duties required under these Bylaws.

6.1.3  Term of Directors. The four independently elected Directors shall be divided into two groups with two-year terms expiring in succeeding years, so that one group of at least two Directors shall be elected each year. The four independently elected Directors shall be eligible for re-election as such; provided, however, that no person shall be eligible for election as a Director for more than two consecutive full terms of office.

6.1.4  Board Qualifications.  Members of the Board of Directors will be limited to persons who are members in good standing and have an ownership interest in, or are employees of, an OGR member firm.  Further, it shall be a qualification of OGR Board membership that he/she not be a principal, employee or under a personal service contract to a firm disqualified from membership by Article III, Section 3.2.2 of OGR’s Bylaws.

6.1.5  Vacancies and Removal. The Board of Directors shall fill any vacancy occurring on the Board of Directors between Annual Meetings.  A Director so appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve the unexpired term of his/her predecessor.  The Board of Directors may, at its discretion, by affirmative vote of two-thirds of those Board members present and voting, remove any Director for failure to attend two (2) meetings in any one calendar year.

Removal from Office.  The Board of Directors, by affirmative vote of two-thirds of those Board Members present and voting, may at any meeting remove any Director whose conduct as a Director is deemed inappropriate.  The Board Member or the Executive Director presenting the recommendation for such removal shall provide to the members of the Executive Committee a written statement detailing the inappropriate conduct.  An Executive Committee meeting will be convened, and after review of the recommendation for removal, the Executive Committee may (a) solicit rebuttal comments from the Director accused of inappropriate conduct, (b) submit a recommendation for removal to the Board of Directors at the next regularly scheduled meeting, or (c) discontinue the proceedings.

Any Director, whose conduct has been determined by the Executive Committee to be inappropriate, may simultaneously appeal the Executive Committees’ recommendation for removal, by presenting a written statement detailing his/her reasons for appeal to the Board of Directors at the next regularly scheduled meeting.  The Board of Directors, by affirmative vote of two-thirds of those Board Members present and voting, may approve or reject the Executive Committee’s recommendation for removal.  The Director accused of inappropriate conduct shall not vote in such proceedings.  If the removal is approved, the dismissed Director shall attend no further Board of Directors’ meetings, nor exercise any of the duties and privileges of a Director.

6.1.6  Compensation.  Members of the Board of Directors shall not receive any compensation for their services, except for reimbursement of such out-of-pocket expenses as the Board may authorize.

6.1.7  Manner of Election of Directors.  Immediately after assuming office, the President shall appoint a Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall, not less than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the Annual Meeting of OGR, nominate a slate of candidates to fill Board vacancies.  Any member of OGR may submit to the Nominating Committee additional names for consideration by the submission of a nominating petition signed by not less than three (3) nor more than five (5) members in good standing.  The Nominating Committee shall nominate at least as many candidates for Directors as there are vacancies who shall give the Board as broad a geographical representation as is possible.  The name and qualifications of each nominee shall be published and circulated to all members of OGR.

Directors shall be elected by mail ballot or electronic means in the manner provided in Article V, Section 5.6 of these Bylaws in advance of the Annual Meeting of OGR.  Directors shall be installed at the Annual Meeting and serve until their successors shall have been elected and qualified.

6.1.8  Meetings of the Board of Directors.  An Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held in conjunction with the Annual Conference of the members of OGR.  Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at such time and place as the Board may prescribe.  Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President or at the request of any five (5) members of the Board.  In either event, due and proper notice shall be given to all Board members at least five (5) days prior to the date on which the meeting is to be held.  However, due and proper notice shall be deemed to have been waived at any time that all members of the Board of Directors agree that a meeting shall be held without notice and all members of the Board are gathered together, in person or by electronic means which allows all persons participating in the meeting to hear one another.  In all instances when a Board meeting is held, minutes shall be kept of the proceedings and shall be placed in the official minutes of OGR.

6.1.9  Quorum.  A majority of the members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for meetings of the Board.

6.1.10  Informal Action by Directors.  No action of the Board of Directors shall be valid unless taken at a meeting at which a quorum is present except that any action which may be taken by the Board may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing (setting forth the action to be taken) is signed by each Director entitled to vote.

6.2    Officers.

6.2.1  The elected Officers of OGR shall be the President, a President-Elect and a Secretary-Treasurer, who shall be elected in the manner hereinafter provided and serve until their successors have been duly elected and assumed office.

6.2.2  Qualification for Office. Any member in good standing shall be eligible for nomination to any office of OGR provided that he/she shall have served at least one (1) year as a member of the Board of Directors prior to commencement of his/her elected term.

6.2.3  Nomination and Election of Officers.  The Board of Directors shall, by motion and second, nominate a slate of Officers, one office at a time, in the following order:  President, President-Elect, Secretary-Treasurer.  Election to the office of President-Elect shall constitute an automatic nomination to the office of President for the succeeding year.  Other nominations for the office of President may be received in like manner.  The Board shall vote by secret or absentee ballot upon each office after the nominations for that office are closed in the above order.  Prior agreement to serve shall be obtained from the nominated candidate.  In elections for the offices of OGR, the President and Officers shall vote in the same manner as all other members of the Board.

6.2.4  Term of Office.  Each elected Officer shall take office immediately upon his/her installation and shall serve for a term of one (1) year or until his/her successor is duly elected and qualified.  Each elected Officer shall serve concurrently as a member of the Board of Directors and as a member of the Executive Committee.

6.2.5  Re-election, No elected Officer shall be eligible for re-election to the same office until at least one (1) year has elapsed.  No Past President shall be eligible for election or appointment to the office of President or President-Elect.

6.2.6  Vacancies - Removal. Vacancies in any elective office shall be filled for the balance of the term thereof by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting.  The Board of Directors at its discretion, with the approval of two-thirds of those Board members present and voting, may remove any Officer from office for cause.

6.2.7  Duties. The duties of the officers shall be as follows:

        a)   President: The President shall preside over the meetings of the Board of Directors and the Annual Meeting of the membership.

        b)   President-Elect: The President-Elect shall perform the functions of the president in his/her absence.

        c)    Secretary-Treasurer: The Secretary-Treasurer shall be responsible for the preparation and retention of the minutes of the meetings, review the financial status of the Association, and shall report to the Board of Directors its financial status at all regular meetings of the Board.  The Secretary-Treasurer may delegate any portion of his/her duties to qualified personnel.

No Officer of OGR shall have the power to bind OGR unless specifically authorized to do so by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VII - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

7.1    Composition.  The Executive Committee shall be composed of the President, President-Elect, and the Secretary-Treasurer.

7.2    Authority and Responsibility.  The Executive Committee may act for the Board of Directors between Board Meetings on all matters, except those specifically reserved to the Board by these Bylaws, pursuant to delegation of authority to such Committee by the Board of Directors.  Actions of the Executive Committee shall be the actions of the Board until, or unless, the Board reverses or changes the Executive Committee's actions.  Additionally, the Executive Committee shall act as a “Grievance Committee,” and shall make recommendations to the Board of Directors on grievances involving OGR members.

7.3    Vacancies.

7.3.1  Should the office of President become vacant by death, disability or resignation, the President-Elect shall succeed to the office of the President for the balance of the vacated unexpired term and thereafter serve for the term for which he/she was elected.

7.3.2 Should the office of President-Elect become vacant by death, disability or resignation, the vacancy shall be filled at the next regular election or prior thereto by special election called by the President at his/her discretion.

7.3.3 Should the office of the Secretary-Treasurer become vacant by death, disability or resignation, the Board of Directors shall fill such vacancy for the unexpired term.

ARTICLE VIII – NOMINATING COMMITTEE

8.1    Composition.  The Nominating Committee of OGR shall be composed of the Immediate Past President, the Executive Director and two members in good standing chosen by the President.

8.2    Duties and Responsibilities.  The Immediate Past President shall serve as chairman of the Nominating Committee. The Committee shall not be required to hold a formal meeting, but may conduct its business by mail or electronic means and shall present nominations to the Executive Director on or before June 1st. The Nominating Committee may not nominate any of its own members for any office. Any member of OGR may recommend candidates for consideration by the Nominating Committee.

Nominations other than those submitted by the Nominating Committee may be made on petition of three to five members in good standing of OGR. Such petitions must be received by the Executive Director in the office of OGR not later than July 1st to qualify the names of nominees by petition to be placed on the ballot. Any individual's request to have his or her name removed from the ballot shall be honored. If, for lack of a candidate, a position is not filled, a vacancy shall be deemed to be created by resignation and shall be filled in accordance with Article VI, Section 6.1.5.

ARTICLE IX - STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

9.1    Standing Committees.  The President shall, immediately upon assuming office, appoint the members of such committees that may be composed of any member of OGR, provided that at least one Board member is appointed to each committee.  The following shall be designated as Standing Committees of OGR that shall have such duties as the Board, by resolution, may prescribe:

• Finance Committee
• Education / Meetings Committee
• Communications Committee
• Membership Committee
• Long Range Planning Committee
• Products & Services Committee

9.2    Special Committees.  The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, shall appoint other such committees, subcommittees or task forces as are necessary and which are not in conflict with any provisions of these Bylaws, and the duties of such committees shall be prescribed by the Board of Directors upon their appointment.

ARTICLE X - EXECUTIVE AND STAFF

10.1  Appointment. The Board shall employ a salaried staff head who shall have the title of Executive Director and whose terms and conditions of employment shall be specified by the Board.

10.2  Authority and Responsibility. The Executive Director shall be the chief executive of OGR, responsible for all operations functions. The Executive Director shall manage and direct all activities of OGR as prescribed by the Board of Directors and shall be responsible to the Board, shall employ and may terminate the employment of members of the staff necessary to carry on the work of OGR, and shall fix their compensation within the approved budget.

ARTICLE XI – INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

11.1  Indemnification. Any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or competed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of OGR) by reason of the fact that he/she is or was a Director, Officer, employee or agent of OGR, or is or was serving at the request of OGR as a Director, Officer, employee or agent, including the Executive Director, shall be indemnified by the corporation against expenses (including all attorney's fees and court costs), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him/her in connection with such actions, suit or proceeding if he/she acted in good faith and in a manner he/she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of OGR and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his/her conduct was unlawful.  A Director, Officer or employee shall not be indemnified for any manner for which he/she is held liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his/her duties.

The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or other plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner in which he/she reasonably believed to be or not opposed to the best interest of OGR, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his/her conduct was unlawful.

11.2  Policy. Such written policy as is necessary to define and carry out the intent of these Bylaws may be adopted by the Board of Directors.  Said policy can be amended by a majority vote of Board members present and voting during a properly called meeting of the Board. 

ARTICLE XII – FISCAL AND MISCELLANEOUS

12.1  Fiscal Year Definition.  The fiscal year for OGR shall begin on January 1st of each year and end on December 31st of the same year.

12.2  Annual Budget.  Each year, prior to the beginning of the fiscal year, the Board of Directors shall adopt a budget for the ensuing fiscal year, which may be amended from time to time.

12.3  Control of Funds.  All funds, whether membership dues or other revenues derived from OGR programs or activities, shall be held for safekeeping and disbursement as directed by the Executive Director or the Board of Directors, pursuant to these Bylaws and Financial Plan of OGR then in effect.

12.4  Definition of “Good Standing.”  As used in these Bylaws, the phrase “good standing” is defined as being current in all financial obligations (dues and purchases) and consistently upholding the Standards of Ethical Conduct, contra: a Member Not in Good Standing, 3.1.8. 

12.5  Constitution and Conventions

12.5.1   Gender and Number.  As used in these Bylaws, personal pronouns shall be interpreted to refer to persons of either gender and relative words whenever applicable to more than one person shall be read as if written in the plural.

12.5.2   Titles, Headings and Captions.  The titles, headings and captions appearing in these Bylaws are used and intended for convenience of description or reference only and shall not be construed or interpreted to limit, restrict or define the scope or effect of any provision.

12.5.3   Severability.  If any provision of these Bylaws, or its application to any person or circumstance, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of these Bylaws, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected.

12.6  Effective Date and Amendments.  These Bylaws including all amendments approved by resolution of the Board of Directors duly adopted on November, 3 2007, and as otherwise ratified and confirmed in all respects by such resolution, shall be effective as of February 15, 2008. Thereafter, these Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed by a two-thirds favorable vote of the members of the Board of Directors and two-thirds of the votes cast by members. Amendments to these Bylaws shall become effective after adoption by the Board of Directors and subsequent approval by the membership, as amended February 15, 2008.

Revised February 15, 2008

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Membership Categories

All existing OGR Regular and Affiliate memberships shall be divided into the following five categories based on the standard metropolitan statistical areas as defined by the U.S. Commerce Department, Statistics of Canada or the equivalent agency in other nations:

• Category I    A standard metropolitan statistical area with a population in excess of 1 million persons.

• Category II    A standard metropolitan statistical area with a population in excess of 250,000, but less than 1 million persons.

• Category III    A standard metropolitan statistical area with a population in excess of 50,000, but less than 250,000.

• Category IV    Areas of population of 50,000 or less.

• Category V    Members not located in the United States or Canada. (Foreign Memberships).

There shall be no Membership Categories for Auxiliary, Adjunct, Emeritus, or Academic Memberships.

 Membership Zones

To enhance and nurture effective competition within market areas and to improve and maintain the quality of service within market areas, exclusive membership zones exist within membership Categories I – IV.  The exclusive membership zones for each category are determined by creating a circle radiating outward from each facility location. The size of each zone has been determined to be the size most effective for carrying out the pro-competitive and service quality enhancement objectives of OGR.

Category I – Up to and including 2.5 miles.

Category II – Up to and including 5 miles.

Category III – Up to and including 8 miles.

Category IV – Up to and including 10 miles.

Category V – There shall be no exclusive membership areas honored.

No applications will be accepted from any firm within the exclusive membership zone, unless it is determined to be necessary to meet the objectives of OGR set out at Article II of the Bylaws.

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Modification of Membership Zones

Each of the membership zones shall automatically be applied to each existing OGR member at each location. The Board may modify an existing exclusive membership zone when necessary to meet the Objectives of OGR.  The Board of Directors shall consider the Objectives when making any modification and may take into consideration:

• That a member handled 25 percent of the total available volume being done within the area in which the member is seeking to expand, computed over a three-year period; or

• That 25 percent of a member’s total volume for a three-year period came from the area in which the member seeks to expand;
• Any modification must include a finding that Expansion is necessary and appropriate to meet the Objectives of OGR and that the expansion does not negatively impact competition for goods or services within the area of expansion or from which the member has expanded;
• Membership zones may be adjusted and modified due to a member’s failure to attend Conferences as required pursuant to bylaws section 3.2.4.

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Exceptions to Membership Zones and Their Effects

The Board of Directors, following an appeal from an applicant, may make exceptions to the exclusive membership zone. The only recognized exceptions are:

• Geographic. Geographic features such as major rivers, bays, mountains and major interstate highways; or
• The applicant or the member conducts a funeral practice that is overwhelmingly patronized by a market segment not currently served.

A two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors shall be required to invoke an exception. 

Processing of Membership Applications

After a membership application is received at the OGR office, it is processed as follows:

• The application package is reviewed to ensure the following:

• Completion of the application form.
• Inclusion of the required materials (i.e. the funeral purchase agreement, general price list, casket price list, and casket card; the community survey/families served form and a copy of the telephone directory).

If any of the preceding information is missing, it must be received from the applicant before proceeding with processing.

• A confirmation letter is sent to the applicant, acknowledging receipt of the application.
• Member report forms are sent to each member in the applicant’s home state. If no response is received within 15 days, it is assumed that there is no objection to the applicant achieving membership.
• OGR staff contacts the Regional Chair to determine if the chair can complete an on-site visit to the applicant firm. If not, staff will identify a member who can perform the inspection.
• The Community Survey forms are prepared and mailed.
• All of the steps are carried out simultaneously. Respondents have 15 days in which to submit information and/or comments.
• The applicant’s credit is checked with the Casket and Funeral Service Association.  In addition, all licenses are verified with the appropriate state/provincial agencies.
• The above information is photocopied and sent along with a ballot form to each of the 13 OGR Board members. Nine votes are needed to approve the application. If five members vote that the application should be discussed at the next Board meeting, it is placed on that agenda. If five members vote “no,” the application is rejected.
• On a second ballot, a simple majority is required for approval.

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Family Contact Program Requirements

New members of OGR are encouraged to use the Family Contact program for two (2) years after their application is approved.

Member firms that undergo a substantial change in ownership are encouraged to use the Family Contact program for two (2) years after the change in ownership occurs. For purposes of this policy, a “substantial change in ownership” is defined as the purchase of the main funeral home location by a person or a non-publicly traded entity not previously associated with the funeral home. This change in ownership will result in a change of the main contact person.

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Absentee Voting for OGR Officers

Bylaw 6.2.3 allows the use of absentee ballots in Board voting for the OGR offices of President, President-Elect and Secretary-Treasurer. For purposes of this Organizational Policy, absentee voting means the non-attending Board member may call the meeting room by telephone (or be called) at the time the election is taking place, and cast votes.

The procedure is that the non-attending Board member will speak to a Board member of his/her choosing, with an OGR staff member (either the Executive Director or his/her designee) listening in to confirm the vote. The attending Board member will mark the non-attending member’s vote on a separate piece of paper from his/her own vote.  

Absentee ballots cast in the prescribed manner will be counted.

REGIONAL / DISTRICT CHAIRPERSONS

Composition. There shall be a body of Regional Chairpersons, composed of active members in good standing from various states in the United States, the provinces of Canada and international countries, whose members shall be appointed by the President with the approval of Board of Directors.  The regional areas are grouped into seven districts and are overseen by a District Chair in each area. The President also appoints a Board member to each district as a “sponsor.”

Term of Office.  Each Regional Chairperson is appointed for three years.  The President can remove a Regional Chairperson during the term, with the approval of the Board of Directors. The President shall have the authority to reappoint a Regional Chairperson for an additional three year term. Board members can not serve as a Regional Chairperson concurrently. There shall be no limit on the number of terms that a Regional Chairperson may serve.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Assist with recruiting and retention activities in cooperation with the Membership Department;
• Promote attendance at meetings and conferences;
• Conduct on-site investigations for funeral homes applying for membership;
• Participate in discussions and decisions regarding programming and products and services;
• Advise the Board in regard to resolving membership grievances in their area;
• Vote for the Family Contact Exemplary Service Award winners;
• And other duties as the Board may determine from time to time.

Regional Chair’s Role in the Membership Application Process:

• Article III of the Bylaws contain the qualifications for membership;
• Applications for membership shall be in writing and shall include a pledge to abide by the Standards of Professional Conduct;
• The Regional Chair shall conduct an on-site investigation of the applicant’s premise, unless an OGR staff member has been at the applicant’s premise six months prior to receipt of the application and the staff member is familiar enough with the premise to comment upon the quality of the management and facilities;
• The Board of Directors receives the application, reports on the applicant, results of on-site investigation and a ballot.  If five (5) of the Board approves the application, the applicant shall be accepted as a member; if three (3) or more Board members vote “no,” the application is denied; if three (3) or more Board members vote “Hold for Board Discussion,” the application is held for discussion and voted on at the next Board meeting.  After discussion and vote at the Board meeting, a majority of the Board may approve the application.

Compensation.  Regional Chairpersons shall serve without pay or compensation, except for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses as the Board of Directors may authorize.

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How to Conduct an On-Site Investigation:

Part of the membership application process includes the On-Site Investigation and Investigation Report, which is integral to the Board’s decision to approve an applicant.  Regional Chairs have the opportunity to visit funeral homes from their region applying for membership and conduct the on-site investigation.  Following are guidelines to assist Regional Chairs in conducting a successful on-site investigation.

• Please conduct the on-site investigation as soon as possible.  We recommend within two weeks of notification from the home office.  Timing is very important.  We realize that circumstances may not allow you to travel to the applicant’s site.  Distance and demands of operating your own funeral home may be factors.  We certainly understand.  If you are unable to conduct the investigation, please recommend an alternate funeral director who might take this responsibility.  The member relations staff would also be glad to find another member who may be geographically closer to the applicant and may have time in their schedule;
• Please make the visit arrangements with the applicant directly.  OGR will reimburse you up to $250 of your expenses.  Please save any receipts.  We will provide the Expense Report at the time of the investigation;
• Complete the 25-point Investigation Questionnaire covering your impressions of the funeral home. “Impression” is the key word because there is no exact formula for what makes a good funeral home.  Please use your best judgment.  Give your overall first impression, your impressions of the building interior, visitation rooms, chapel, selection room, rest rooms, vehicles and other aspects of the funeral home.  OGR provides a copy of the 25-point checklist prior to visiting the applicant;
• Complete the Investigation Report providing your overall evaluation of the applicant and the applicant’s funeral home.  OGR provides a copy of the Investigation Report prior to visiting the applicant;
• When the investigation is completed, submit the Investigation Questionnaire and Investigation Report to the home office via fax.  Instructions are provided with all forms with the fax number.  We submit all of the combined information to the Board for approval.

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District Teleconference Meetings:

All Regions within The United States and Canada are assigned to one of seven (7) Districts.  The President will select one Regional Chairperson from each District to serve as “District Chair” for that particular District.  The President will also appoint a Member from the sitting Board of Directors to serve as a Sponsor for that District. The Board Sponsor may or may not have their principal business establishment in the particular district to which they are assigned, but will, nonetheless, serve as a conduit for support, information and exchange of ideas. Throughout the year, Regional Chairs meet via teleconferences held for each district.  Those attending include the District Chair, that district’s Regional Chairs, Board Member Sponsor, President of OGR, Executive Director and Director of Membership.  Meetings usually take place prior to each Board of Director’s meeting.”

Family Contact Exemplary Service Award

Each year, OGR honors members who have shown exemplary service to families based on comments from families on their Family Contact Response Forms.  The Independent publishes the comments in each issue.  Members whose comments appeared in The Independent throughout the year receive an automatic nomination for the Family Contact Exemplary Service Awards.

In January, Regional Chairs will receive a ballot to review all nominations and vote for the top three funeral homes for the Gold, Silver and Bronze awards.  The funeral homes selected receive an engraved marble plaque in recognition for their exemplary service.  Members receive their awards at the Annual Conference banquet in April.

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DUTIES OF PRESIDENT

• Appoint a Nominating Committee;
• Appoint Regional chairpersons;
• Appoint committee chairpersons and members;
• Preside over Board meetings and the Annual Conference;
• Assist Association staff in the development of agendas for meetings;
• Author Guidelines for The Independent;
• Participate in Special Purpose Symposium;
• Serve as facilitator and presenter at programs/conferences (as  necessary);
• Serve as a resource to the membership.

DUTIES OF PRESIDENT/ELECT

These duties become effective upon the absence of the President.

• Appoint a Nominating Committee;
• Appoint Regional chairpersons;
• Appoint committee chairpersons and members;
• Preside over Board meetings and the Annual Conference;
• Assist Association staff in the development of agendas for meetings;
• Author Guidelines for The Independent;
• Participate in Special Purpose Symposium;
• Serve as facilitator and presenter at programs/conferences (as  necessary);
• Serve as a resource to the membership.

DUTIES OF SECRETARY/TREASURER

• Review the monthly financial statements of the Association;
• Report on the financial status of the Association at Board Meetings;
• Serve as a resource to the membership at all OGR functions where you are in attendance;
• If a need arises, you may be asked to perform duties in addition to those outlined above.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATION / ELECTION

No Board member can be nominated or elected during their current term.  A Board member must have one year between the end of one current term and serving on another term.

EDUCATOR & STUDENT MEMBERSHIP

To support and encourage research and advancement of the profession and to assist mortuary science students in acquiring and maintaining a working knowledge of all facets of the death care profession, OGR has established two categories of membership for the advancement of education: a Student and an Educator category. These two memberships were created to enable interested educators and students to receive official OGR publications, as well as participate in the continuing education programs and varied services of OGR.

All students of mortuary science at accredited colleges, universities or accredited trade schools are eligible for student membership.  Eligibility ceases when the student graduates.  The OGR Student Membership annual fee is $35. The OGR Educator membership annual fee is $50.

Neither Educator nor Student members shall have a vote in the operation of the association, nor can they serve as a committee chair or Regional Chairperson. They are not prohibited from committee service.

Revised March 27, 2008

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