Ship’s Articles aka “The Code” 

 

Article I – Board of Directors

 

Section 1. General Responsibilities

The Board of Directors is responsible for establishing policies and setting the direction of the WhoDah Krewe ("the Krewe"). Day-to-day operations and execution of activities are delegated to committee chairs and At-Large members.

 

Board members shall serve without compensation, though they may receive reimbursement for reasonable and documented expenses directly related to Krewe business.

 

Each Board member is expected to:

• Fulfill their role-specific responsibilities,

• Actively collaborate with their designated backup to ensure continuity of operations,

• Attend scheduled meetings, and

• Support committee functions as assigned.

 

Section 2. Board Positions

A. Captain (President)

The Captain serves as the chief executive officer and general leader of the Krewe. Duties include:

• Convening and presiding over Board and Krewe meetings; in the Captain’s absence, meetings shall be chaired by the First Mate, then the Purser, Quartermaster, and Jolly Roger in that order.

• Leading the Board in performing its duties and ensuring Krewe functions are properly executed.

• Casting a vote only in the event of a tie.

• Supporting and assisting the Choreography Committee leader.

Backup: First Mate.

 

B. First Mate (Vice President)

The First Mate is second in command and assumes the Captain's duties in their absence. Additional responsibilities include:

• Supporting Parade Committee leaders.

• Leading new member orientation and recruitment initiatives.

Backup: Quartermaster.

 

C. Purser (Treasurer)

The Purser serves as the chief financial officer and is responsible for:

• Preparing the annual budget and assisting in fundraising plans.

• Producing and distributing annual financial statements at least seven (7) business days prior to the Annual Meeting.

• Providing financial reports and budget updates at each Board and Krewe meeting.

• Ensuring collection and recording of dues in collaboration with the Quartermaster.

Authorized signers on Krewe accounts: Captain, First Mate, and Purser.

Backup: Captain.

 

D. Quartermaster (Secretary)

The Quartermaster maintains the Krewe's official records and documentation, including:

• Recording minutes at all meetings and distributing meeting agendas and records to Board members.

• Maintaining the corporate records and a current membership roster.

• Managing and archiving membership applications.

• Supporting the Community Outreach Committee leader.

Backup: Purser.

 

E. Jolly Roger (Marketing Director)

The Jolly Roger is responsible for overseeing all public-facing communications and brand management. This includes:

• Managing social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, TikTok, Instagram).

• Ensuring consistent messaging and visual identity.

• Leading public relations efforts in coordination with the Marketing/Social Media and Squad Committees.

Backup: First Mate.

 

Section 3. Media & Communication Roles

• Quartermaster: Drafts and distributes official press releases. These shall be submitted to the Vice President for posting on the Krewe website and shared with the Jolly Roger for distribution on public-facing platforms.

• Vice President: Manages merchandise listings and sales on the Krewe’s website. Also coordinates with the Jolly Roger to share merchandise announcements through public and internal channels.

• Cruise Director, Community Outreach, and New Membership Committee Leaders: Responsible for posts on members-only platforms, managing events in the Facebook Events tab, and ensuring member awareness and engagement.

 

Section 4. Founding Souls

The Founding Souls are the original creators of the WhoDah Krewe and serve in an advisory capacity. Their contributions form the ideological foundation of the organization.

• The Founding Souls hold a single collective (consensus) vote, which may be exercised during Board matters involving amendments or removal of Krewe or Board members.

• Should a Founding Soul leave the Krewe, their advisory seat shall be considered forfeited.

 

The Founding Souls include:
Monica Mejia, Angela and Raymond Brown, Karin Greene, Amy and Monte Prentice, TJ Holloway, Tara and PJ Head, Amanda and Jason Beasley, Mike and Diana Johnston, and Jenny Stevenson,Malin Scott.

 

Article II – Board Operations

Section 1. Elections and Term Limits

• Annual Elections: Held during the Annual Meeting. Nominations close one week prior.

• Captain Eligibility: Must be a current or former Board member.

• Inaugural Appointments (2024–2025): Selected by Founding Souls.

• Terms:

  • Captain, First Mate, and Purser: 3-year terms (beginning 2026)

  • Quartermaster and Jolly Roger: 2-year terms (beginning 2026)

 

Section 2. Quorum

A quorum shall consist of at least three (3) Board members. No official business may be conducted without quorum.

 

Section 3. Vacancies

The Quartermaster shall collect nominations. A special meeting will be held for the election. Backup officers shall assume duties temporarily.

 

Section 4. Resignation and Removal

• Resignation: Written notice submitted to the Quartermaster.

• Removal for Absence: Three (3) unexcused absences may result in removal. Excused absences must be approved by the Captain or First Mate.

• Removal for Cause: Board members may be removed by a majority of Founding Souls for conduct detrimental to the Krewe or failure to fulfill responsibilities.

 

Section 5. Meetings

• Board Meetings: Open to active members unless confidential.

• Annual Meeting: Held by April 30. Notice provided at least 30 days in advance.

• Monthly Meetings: Held for ongoing Krewe business.

• Special Meetings: May be called by the Captain or majority of the Board.

 

Article III – Committee Structure

Committees are created by the Board. Leaders are elected by the Board and report monthly. Committees report to designated Board members.

 

A. Parade Committee

Reports to: First Mate
Duties: Float logistics, parade registration, Swashbuckler coordination, float maintenance, and driver recruitment.

 

B. Fundraising Committee

Reports to: Purser
Duties: Plan and execute fundraising events; coordinate with Marketing.

 

C. Marketing & Social Media Committee

Reports to: Jolly Roger or Quartermaster
Duties: Manage Krewe branding, social media, photo/video archiving, and product promotion.

 

D. Cruise Director

Reports to: Quartermaster
Duties:

• Plan and manage events

• Foster member engagement

• Coordinate communications (with Quartermaster and Jolly Roger)

• Calendar updates (with Vice President and Quartermaster)

 

E. Community Outreach Squad

Reports to: Quartermaster and Jolly Roger
Duties: Organize community service, internal events, and foster unity.

 

F. Choreography Team

Reports to: Captain
Duties: Music selection (subject to Board approval), choreography, practice organization, and audio equipment.

 

G. Membership and Recruitment Committee

Reports to: First Mate
Duties: Plan recruitment events, maintain new member roster.

 

Article IV – Membership

Section 1. Membership Period

Membership runs annually from April 1 to March 31.

 

Section 2. Eligibility and Process

• Must be 21 or older.

• Apply through www.whodahkrewe.com.

• Affirm Krewe values and agree to the Code of Conduct.

 

Section 3. Membership Ranks

1. Old Salt – Founding year members (2024–2025)

2. Privateer – Years 0–2

3. Buccaneer – Years 3–5

4. Corsair – Years 6+

 

Article V – Dues / Fees / Expectations   (Swashbucklers)

Section 1. Role and Participation

Support parade logistics and assist Krewe members. Approval required for parade involvement.

 

Section 2. Uniform Requirements

Swashbucklers must wear official costumes for all events. Instructions will be provided beforehand.

 

Section 3. Coordination

Managed by the Parade Committee; includes a Lead Swashbuckler.

 

Section 4. Fees

• $45.00 annual fee (includes t-shirt)

• Dues waived for those who complete 10+ hours and attend one (1) outreach event

 

Article VI – Dues / Fees / Expectations   (Ships Company Performers)

Section 1. Membership Dues

• $190 annually, due July 31 (returning) or within 30 days (new members)

• Includes t-shirt and operating costs

• Does not include costumes, food, or beverages

• Dues are non-refundable

 

Section 2. Prop Fee

• $35 annual prop fee (props become member property)

• Members must bring props to parades; forgotten props may exclude participation

• The Board is not responsible for missing items

 

Section 3. Volunteer Commitment

• Each performer is expected to volunteer at least once annually.

 

Article VII – Code of Conduct   (Performers & Swashbucklers)

Section 1. Prohibited Actions

• Illegal drugs or weapons

• Physical harm or altercations (excluding self-defense)

• Violation of local laws

• Lewd or distasteful conduct

• Intimidation or threats

• Social media misconduct, including defamation

• Members removed from the Krewe may not engage in defamatory online behavior; such acts may prompt legal action

 

Section 2. Event Conduct

Prohibited during parades:

• Intoxication

• Breaking formation

• Smoking

• Non-member participation without approval

 

Section 3. Costume Compliance

• Krewe colors: black, merlot, off-white, silver, gold

• Props must be Krewe-approved

• Costume adherence is assumed with dues payment

• Violations may result in parade removal

 

Article VIII – Rehearsal and Participation

Section 1. Practice Expectations

• Choreography Committee sets the schedule

• Members must attend at least 35% of practices unless excused

• Mandatory practices near parade time

 

Section 2. Competency and Attendance

Members must demonstrate knowledge of routines and group marching. Failure may result in parade exclusion.