Trust has foundations.
Explore the institutional framework that guides our governance, membership and service.
Rules that become commitments.
The internal instruments in this framework are approved by the National Board of Directors, according to the institutional confirmation received. Summaries are provided for easier reference.
Full documents, versions and approval acts are held by the General Secretariat. Summaries do not replace original documents.
14 reference documents
01Founding documentsFounding Act
Expresses the founding intent of October 1, 2026, the civil and community purpose, mission and institutional home in Houston.
What you should know
Distinguishes founder status from directorships and from the Texas filing date.
Founding Act, first–nineteenth clauses.
02Founding documentsFounding Bylaws
Framework for mission, membership, rights, governance, chapters, programs and assets.
What you should know
Founders, Veterans and Honorary Reservists have voting rights when eligible and in good standing. Other categories have voice and participation by virtue of their status.
Bylaws, Art. 1–15, 20–25, 43–49 and 61–85.
TXFounding documentsTexas Certificate of Formation
Establishes filing as a Domestic Nonprofit Corporation, No. 6000037441, effective October 23, 2026.
What you should know
Filing alone does not constitute recognition of tax exemption.
Certificate of Filing and Form 202 provided.
03OrganizationGeneral Internal Regulations
Develops membership, meetings, representation, communications, regional operations, administration and information security.
What you should know
Representation requires authority or authorization. Guidance and assistance are not conditional on membership or dues.
General Regulations, Art. 4–18, 22–46 and 93–109.
05MembershipAdmission and Membership
Regulates the six categories, requirements, rights, dues, exemptions, verification, decisions, registration, induction and credentials.
What you should know
AII US$25; CSI US$5 monthly or US$60 annually, with exemptions. Founder and Honorary status cannot be obtained through an ordinary application.
Revised Membership Manual, Art. 24–35, 45–55 and 57–93; Annexes 26–28. Public forms F-INC-01–04, version 1.0.
06OrganizationRegional Regulations
Sets requirements, documentation, creation, recognition and territorial follow-up.
What you should know
Initial chapters: five candidates. Others: five candidates and fifteen additional interested people; always subject to a written Board decision.
Regional Regulations, Art. 5–18.
07Ethics and oversightCode of Ethics and Conduct
Turns honor, loyalty, integrity and service into duties of truthfulness, respect and responsibility.
What you should know
Prohibits abuse, retaliation, misuse of resources and false representation. Guarantees explanation, defense and review.
Code of Ethics, Art. 3–27.
08OrganizationCorporate Identity and Protocol
Protects the name, emblems, colors, documents, regional identity, and ceremonial and digital representation.
What you should know
Preserve approved artwork, proportions and clear space. Chapters do not create independent emblems.
Identity Manual, Art. 4–16 and 53–61.
09Ethics and oversightCorporate Governance and Oversight
Separates strategic direction, management and oversight; defines responsibilities and accountability.
What you should know
The Assembly and Board govern; the Presidency executes, the Vice Presidency coordinates administration and the Secretariat safeguards the document system.
Governance Manual, Art. 3–17, 47–67.
20ResourcesFundraising, Donations and Sponsorships
Regulates general, restricted and in-kind contributions, sponsorships, grants and donor care.
What you should know
Every contribution is documented and received through institutional accounts. Restrictions are agreed and cannot be changed unilaterally.
Fundraising Manual, Art. 19–42, 49–52 and 77–93.
24Ethics and oversightConflict of Interest
Requires disclosure of personal, financial or family interests and documentation of their handling.
What you should know
The interested person abstains from deliberation and voting; no one decides assistance for themselves or a relative.
Conflict of Interest Policy, Art. 2–6.
25Ethics and oversightWhistleblower Protection
Protects good-faith reports of possible irregularities and prohibits retaliation.
What you should know
If a report involves its recipient, it should be directed to uninvolved directors. Internal procedures do not prevent contacting the authorities.
Whistleblower Protection Policy, Art. 3–8.
26Ethics and oversightDocument Retention and Destruction
Establishes custody, retention periods, backups and secure destruction of physical and electronic records.
What you should know
Founding records are permanent. Membership files: membership duration plus three years. An investigation or claim suspends related destruction.
Retention Policy, Art. 3–7 and retention schedule.
BIOrganizationHeraldry of the Institutional Flag
Defines the crimson field, emblem, ten regional stars, tricolor, motto ribbon and horizontal and vertical versions.
The Federation’s subsequent decision extends crimson as the institutional color, replacing blue in the interface.
View the flag, standard and symbolismReporting in good faith protects the Federation.
The policy protects those who report possible irregularities, cooperate or refuse to participate in improper conduct. An unconfirmed report is not false merely because of that outcome.
How to direct a report
To the Ethics and Community Relations Committee through the confidential channel provided by the General Secretariat, or to an uninvolved director. If the matter involves the President or a Committee member, direct it to the other directors.
This website has no confidential reporting inbox. Avoid including evidence or sensitive information in the general form.
Privacy and records
Data access follows function and need. The policy provides permanent retention for founding acts, membership plus three years for admission files, and seven years for various financial and case records.
Destruction is authorized and documented; it is suspended for a related investigation, audit or claim.
Documents and reports for consultation
You may ask the General Secretariat about the availability of institutional documents and management reports. Donor names and details, personal files and signatures are not displayed on this website.
Request document information