• To promote opportunities, in charity and fraternity, in the assistance of the street children of Guatemala City and world hungry children; to your communities; and to the less fortunate in our midst.
• To promote a cosmopolitan society in which differences will be respected, welcomed and appreciated. Each one of us strives to make a difference in the betterment of all humanity through kindness, care and noble virtues.
• To promote the social institutions of monarchy and nobility and practice their principles in a world which has largely forgotten them: chivalry, honor, duty, loyalty, respect, enlightenment, tolerance;
• To organize conferences related to the aims and purposes of the Organization and the general assemblies of its members.
• To promote the culture and history of the Caputo Family and the descendants of the Holy Roman Empire.
• To research the history of the Caputo Family, the Holy Roman Empire, Kingdom of the two Sicily, Jerusalem, Antioch  and Germany;
• To reward meritorious service to the Association and its goals.

ARTICLE 4

COAT OF ARMS ADOPTED BY THE CAPUTO HISTORICAL FAMILIES ASSOCIATION

The Association uses the coat of arms of the ancient Dukes Caputo, an Italian historic family of the Kingdom of Naples, now an extinct family, to remember the most important branch of Caputo History. Our coat of arms stands: Of red with a gold lion's head placed in majesty and crowned gold. Royal crown jeweled circlet of gold surmounted by four visible pearls between five visible strawberry leave.

ARTICLE 5

MOTTO OF THE CAPUTO HISTORICAL FAMILIES ASSOCIATION

Malo Mori Quam Foedari - (Death before Disgrace)

ARTICLE 6

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Initiation fees (except invitations) of all members shall be payable when applications are submitted for approval. Each member shall pay monthly dues in an amount to be determined by the Council. Total dues of all members, together with other income, shall be sufficient to cover insurance and other expenses. All members are personally and equally liable if the assets of the Association are insufficient to discharge all liabilities/obligations.

The Council is asked to check each year the annual chapter listing to verify that all members are paid for the year. This money is used to support the work of the Association on all levels.

ARTICLE 7

OFFICERS AND GOVERNING BODY

ARTICLE 8

AWARDS

8.1 Laurus Nobilis Award

Laurus Nobilis Awards are bestowed in return for selfless generosity and support because these gifts are doing something positive and worthwhile to support our humanitarian work worldwide. However, not every person who offers a gift or contribution can or will be honored.

Major support capital for our worldwide works are raised through our financial benefactors, we return this kindness by conferring a Laurus Nobilis Award of the Caputo Family Association. Our Council may recommend to our Association, people who have performed great service in support and shares our philanthropic works.

Awards and honors are given to people in recognition of service, achievement, excellence, good deeds, or for other reasons.

The Caputo Historical Families Association gives annual awards for outstanding work for the help given for Christian Sponsorship in third world countries, to institute the feeding of the poor and outstanding work to helping all in need. Be it education, to promote the work in Orphanages or helping supply clothing and food or medicine for people in countries that are in need.

It is the belief of the members of the Association that all sponsors,  "members or associates" should be substantially rewarded for  work done around the world in the name of the Association for humanitarian activities.

Recognizing that good works are carried out daily by individuals of all walks of life, and in order to foster charitable works, the Association honors members of the general public who render exceptional service to worthy causes, through the granting of the "Laurus Nobilis Award" of the Organization, which is awarded in one of three grades:  

Distinguished Member: (A Person having contributed humanitarian assistance to any country and or contributed in field of commerce, art, etc.).

Very Distinguished Member (Those who have demonstrated charitable contribution to an orphanage, elderly people, charitable house, etc. over a period of time or in substantial amount).

 The Most Distinguished Member:  This highest Award, awarded to a person who has assisted monetarily to the Caputo Family Association.

These awards come as a certificate only and the respective Laurus Nobilis Award may be displayed by the holder on his website or wherever he thinks fit.

The Laurel Wreath

a.     In ancient Greece, victorious athletes during the Olympics, which are held to this day, were crowned with a wreath made of laurel leaves. The Laurel Tree has associations with the Sun God, Apollo, and the tree is known as well for its medicinal virtues. While athletes are no longer given laurel wreathes, the laurel crown is identified with achieving victory, success, and excellence. Writers and poets who were given awards for their work were called Poet Laurettes, and still are to this day!  In ancient times, laurel crowns were a sign of victory. Kings wore them in addition to crowns of gold and a laurel wreath was awarded to a victor in battle or to those who excelled in their chosen field. Often used in the plural.

b.     Honor and glory won for great achievement. Often used in the plural. tr.v. laureled also laurelled, laureling also laurelling, laurels also laurels.

1. To crown with laurel.

2. To honor, especially with an award or a prize.

8.2 MEDALS OF MERIT

The Association recognizes service and individual contribution to its aims and activities, but also to such causes that are of the same spirit as that of the Association.

The Black Falcon Medal is designed to meet all those who contribute to efforts for Progress, for the Well-being, Culture, and the Understanding of International Solidarity and Augment and for the success of the projects of the Caputo Family Association.

Medals:  2 inc. Antique Bronze with Bold stars and a proud laurel wreath combine to a striking design that brings out the strength and vitality in the logo. It comes with three colored ribbon.

Color red: Military strength and magnanimity

Color white: Peace and sincerity

Color Blue:  Truth and loyalty

The Prince of Antioch Medal is the highest honor, bestowed to individuals who have contributed significantly to the Cultural, Humanitarian, Monetary and Historical promulgation of the Caputo Historical Families Association or to causes of the same spirit from around the world.

Medals:  2 inc. Antique Gold with Bold stars and a proud laurel wreath combine to a striking design that brings out the strength and vitality in the logo. It comes with one colored ribbon.

Color Gold: Generosity. Evokes the feeling of prestige. The meaning of gold is illumination, wisdom, and wealth. Gold often symbolizes high quality.

Delegates of Caputo Historical Families Association Medal

Delegates are the official representatives through which the Association conducts their foreign affairs. Delegates may be Full Members or Associate Members in good standing. It comes with a standard 7/8" x 30" Neck two colored Ribbons.

Medals: 2 inc. Antique Gold with  a proud laurel surrounding a Gold Maltese Cross* that encircle the  Prince of Antioch Logo.

Color Blue:  Truth and loyalty

Color Gold:  Evokes the feeling of prestige and symbolizes high quality.

*Maltese Cross meaning: The cross is eight-pointed and has the form of four "V"-shaped arms joined together at their tips, so that each arm has two points .The Maltese Cross - it is universally agreed that the four arms of the Cross stand for the four Cardinal Virtues - namely; prudence, temperance, justice and fortitude.

The eight points are said to symbolize the eight points of courage

• Loyalty
• Piety
• Generosity
• Bravery
• Glory and honor
• Contempt of death
• Helpfulness towards the poor and the sick
• Respect for the church

These awards come with a medal and a certificate. The awardees are expected to pay all necessary fees for the insignia, certificate and shipping and handling costs.

8.3 Nominations

Any person or persons may make a nomination by completing a nomination form and forwarding it to The Caputo Historical Families Association.

Honors are given to people from all walks of life and all sections of society who have made a difference to their community.

The number of honors available is strictly limited and therefore, however valuable their service, not everyone can receive recognition. It is important to realize that an honor will not automatically follow a submission. The type and level of award need not be stated.

There are no deadlines for the receipt of nomination forms. Nominations should be made while the nominee is still active and, if possible, at least 6 months before he/she is expected to retire or stand down.

If, after 6 months, your nominee has not been successful you may assume the nomination has lapsed.

You may send additional information to support the nomination at any time, and we will ensure that this is considered with the existing papers. The Caputo Family Association should also be advised if there has been any important change to the information supplied on the nomination form, such as the home address of the nominee.

 ARTICLE 9

FEALTY TO THE ASSOCIATION

THE FOLLOWING OATH OF FEALTY MUST BE SIGNED BY EVERY APPLICANT BEFORE A MEMBERSHIP PETITION CAN BE PRESENTED TO THE COUNCIL OF THE ASSOCIATION.

Oath of Fealty

I, the undersigned, do hereby promise on my word of honor, and swear true Faith, Allegiance and Fealty to the Caputo Historical Families Association.

I authorize the Caputo Historical Families Association to utilize any and all public means available to verify the information contained herein. I understand "The Association" will not contact any given references without my direct consent?.

By signing below and sending this document, I certify that I am the person whose name appears on this application and that all the information I have provided is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge, and if admitted, I agree to observe all the rules and regulations regarding The Caputo Historical Families Association.

 ________________                                                                                         _______________

    Signature                                                                                                           Date

ARTICLE 10

MEMBERSHIP

FULL MEMBER

Voting membership is exclusively reserved to individuals whose ancestors were listed in the nobility archives of the former Holy Roman Empire. Full genealogical proof is required through the paternal or maternal bloodline. References to Membership in other societies are not acceptable as proof.

Eligibility for membership consists not simply of proving legitimate Holy Roman Empire descent, but of establishing worthiness of the high distinction this membership confers. Membership is restricted to individual, age eighteen or over, of good moral character and reputation.

Gentlemen/Ladies members enjoy every right, including that of holding office. 

Nominees for membership are required to present properly prepared and endorsed Lineage Claims showing descendant in full details with citations. All completed Lineage Clams must be attested to and signed.

Full Members of the Association shall have the right to elect and to be elected to all bodies and participate in all activities of the Association.

ASSOCIATE MEMBER

Individuals who are not related by descend to the Holy Roman Empire. Any interested individual, such as historians, heralds and genealogists can join the Association as associate members, provided, always, that such candidates are of excellent character and are considered qualified and worthy by the officers of this Association.

We strive to find individuals who have a deep interest in genealogy and the preservation of history. We like getting acquainted with prospective applicants.

They shall not enjoy the same membership rights as full members.

They shall be listed as associate members on the published list of members of the Association. They may receive awards for their work and merits.

HONORARY MEMBER

They shall be proposed by the Board and accepted according to membership regulations. They shall not enjoy the same membership rights as full members.

They may receive awards for their work and merits.

In determining prospective Honorary Members, the Advisors consider the following elements: society leadership, membership, service, tenure, personal character, and life-long accomplishments.

Honorary members are exempt from fees and oblations.

ADVISORS AND PATRONS

Advisors and Patrons are persons of recognized rank and title who advise and support the goals of the Association.

LIFE MEMBERS

Life membership is available in all classes of the Society. Life membership may be transferred without fee to a designated heir for one generation.

ADMISSION

In case where a country or regional delegate is not available in your area, request for an admission application may be made electronically by clicking the address below. The form must be completely executed and include any documentation to support the desired class of entry.

Noble Dynasty The Caputo Historical Families Association is a non-profit organization dependent on the financial support of individuals and organizations which support our mission and values.  It is our intention and privilege to publicly recognize and honor those individuals who have given significantly to the Association.

The Association, a private Entity, retains the right to withhold membership to any person without cause.

The Caputo Historical Families Association has a firm policy of never giving reasons should an application be declined. Some common reasons for a rejected application include reliance on dubious honors and titles or questionable academic qualifications. Most of all applications are declined, because of the above.

When applying as Full Member, the family history and genealogy must be submitted at the time of application along with a copy of the family Coat of Arms if applicable. Claims cannot be submitted at a later date. All documents required at the time of application must be sent to the main office under which the applicant has applied.

The delegate or Association`s officer is responsible to ensure that the applicant is aware of the background of the Organization and its activities, and to see that all documents of applicants are correct before submitting them to the Council.

All fees to the Organization must be paid on application; this is to cover all international registration and office fees as well as the annual oblation fee for the current year.

Admitting Members and Renewing Membership.

The Council shall not admit a person to membership if the person does not agree to:

(1) Support the Association?s purposes;

(2) observe the requirements of these By-Laws;

(3) The Council may adopt and amend application procedures for membership in the Association;

(4) A member renews membership by paying all required fees and dues; 

No person, member or other, is allowed to send, bestow or grant any Diplomas, Letters of Patent or any Certificates in the name of the Organization. Offices and awards within the organization have to be granted by the President of the Caputo Historical Families Association, with all seals, and signatures.

All awards that can be achieved through the Caputo Historical Families Association can only be offered to worthy individuals with a good reputation. We cannot and do not accept every person who is proposed or applies for receiving an award by the Association. The Council will examine the background of each candidate.

The nominee will be informed of the procedure to be followed to submit your candidacy or to be proposed for an award of the Caputo Historical Families Association and of the Donations and the processing fees requested.

Dues and Fees

The Council shall from time to time set the amounts of dues and fees as shall be necessary for the operation of the Association. Dues may be waived for:

1. Officers for significant donations of time and funds on the Society�s behalf.

2. Patrons and Advisors

3. Honorary Members

Initial fees include: certificate of Membership, Web Listing and first class delivery. Current members are also invited to contribute to CAPUTO CHILDREN�S FUND.

Life Membership

Member in all grades may subscribe to Life Membership in the Association.  The fee, at time of application shall be $500.00. Converting to Life Membership after joining shall be $350.00.  Life members shall take precedence over regular members and shall receive a unique certificate. 

Life membership may be transferred without fee to a designated heir for one generation. If a member does not designate an heir, their membership shall cease creating a space for a new member.

Certificates of Membership. The Council may provide for issuing certificates evidencing membership in the Association.

Resignation. Any member may resign from the Caputo Historical Families Association by submitting a written resignation. A member�s resignation does not entitle the member to a refund for any dues, assessments, and other charges paid before the effective date of the resignation and will not relieve him or her of any obligations to pay any dues, assessments, or other charges that had accrued and were unpaid before the effective date of the resignation.

Reinstatement. A former member may submit a written request for reinstatement of membership. The Council or officer designated by the Council to handle the matter may reinstate membership on any reasonable terms that the Council deems appropriate.

Transferring Membership. Membership in the Caputo Historical Families Association is not transferable or assignable. Membership terminates when the Society dissolves or a member pass away. Membership is not a property right that may be transferred after a member dies. However, Member in all grades may subscribe to Life Membership in the Association. Life membership may be transferred without fee to a designated heir for one generation.

Discipline of Members. Members whose actions, behavior or comportment are derogatory to the dignity of the Association or for serious particular cases, a member can be removed from his office and expulsed.

ARTICLE 11

 CODE OF CONDUCT

Every organization, whether it is a company, a club or a fraternal order, has expectations of how its members should act among each other and with those outside of the organization. The set of principles that govern these expectations is referred to as a code of conduct. They may me implied or written. The Association may impose penalties for breaking it�s codes of conduct.

ARTICLE 12

DELEGATES

Highest-ranking representative to stay in contact with organizations, projects and members worldwide and to have reliable local contact, the Council of the Caputo Historical Families Association appoints personalities in various countries or regions representing the Association as "General Delegate of the Caputo Family Association". Delegates may be Full Members or Associate Members in good standing that are above the age of 21.

The Council of the Association can create as many Delegate Jurisdictions (countries) as deemed desirable, both in different states of a country, as in main regions ad cities of those countries which is considered necessary.

The Delegates General may request that Delegates by appointed in the major cities to assist them in carrying out their functions. The Delegate will manage the affairs of the Association, not only in the city of his appointment, but also in the surrounding Province, Department, or similar Territory.

There are passage fees for this important office in the Caputo Historical Families Association. The fees are to cover cost of Certificate, shipping and administration cost.

ARTICLE 13

OBLIGATION OF MEMBERS

ALL CANDIDATES MUST SUBMIT A COMPLETED PETITION FOR CONSIDERATION, CURRICULUM VITAE AND PASSAGE FEES AS SET BY THE ASSOCIATION.

Every person proposed for admission into the Association shall be of sound mind and of such means and position as will enable her or him to live honorably and to observe fully and freely the laws and decrees of the Organization.

A number of obligations are demanded of members when admitted to the Organization: All Members have to observe the Constitution and other by-laws of the Organization and to obey their senior officers. Each member is asked to participate actively, according to ability, in the activities of the Association.

ARTICLE 14

AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Amendments or changes to this constitution may be proposed by the Members of the Council or by any member in good standing who submits a written request to the President, using the exact wording of the proposed change. Notice of the proposed change of the constitution, using the exact wording, shall be given to the membership at least ten days in advance of a business meeting called to consider the change. This notice will be drafted as a proxy vote to allow those members who do not desire to, or can not attend the meeting to vote.

Section 2. Proposed amendments or changes shall be adopted when two-thirds of the voting members, both those at the meeting and those voting by proxy, approve the amendment, and shall become effective upon approval of the President.

Section 3. Any amendments or changes to this constitution shall be attached hereto.

ARTICLE 15

DISSOLUTION

In the event of the dissolution of this Association at any future time, either voluntarily or involuntarily, whether formally or otherwise, all records, documents or artifacts of any nature, owned or held by the Association shall be given to the President next of Kin. It shall be the duty of any officer of the Association, having knowledge of such dissolution, to carry out the provisions of this Article.

BY-LAWS

(The Caputo Historical Families Association)

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1:  It shall be the duty of all officers to ensure the Organization and its members comply with the Statute and all other directives affecting the operation of the Association.  The Council is composed of all the appointed and elected officers of the Organization.

Section 2:  The President shall preside at all meetings of the membership and the Council as necessary, appoint the members of each special committee established by the Council, and perform such general functions as may be necessary.

Section 3: Any officer may be removed summarily with or without cause at any time by the President in his absolute discretion shall consider that the best interests of Association would be served thereby.

Section 4. Gifts. The Board of Directors may accept on behalf of Caputo Historical Families Association any contribution, gift, bequest or devise for the general purposes or for any special purposes of Caputo Historical Families Association.

Section 5: Compensation. No Member of the Council Board, except those officers specifically approved by the President, shall receive any compensation for services rendered as Director.

Section 6: A checking account will be established for the Association. All checks drawn on the Association?s account will be signed by the President.

Section 7: Resignation and Filling of Vacancies of Directors. Any Director of the Association may resign his/her office at any time by notifying the President in written. Any such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein or, if  no time be specified, upon receipt thereof by the President  of the above-named officers. Vacancies on the board and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors to constitute the board of directors may be filled by a duly approved resolution of the President.

President: The president shall preside at all meetings of the Council ( or Board of Directors) and members, present at each meeting of the members and Board of Directors a report of the condition of the business of The Caputo Historical Families Association, cause to be called regular and special meetings of the members and Directors in accordance with these Bylaws, sign and make all contracts and agreements in the name of Caputo Historical Families Association, see that association records required by the statutes are properly kept and filed according to law, appoint and remove, employ and discharge and fix the compensation of all servants, agents, employees and clerks of the corporation other than the association officers.

Vice-President. The Vice President shall assist the President, serve as an advisor for the various committee chairpersons, and assume the duties of the President, and shall, during the absence or inability of the President to render and perform his duties or exercise his powers, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President.

Secretary. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors and of the members in appropriate books, give and serve all notices of Caputo Historical Families Association, be custodian of the records and of the seal, keep the membership books in the manner prescribed by law, and perform all other duties incident to the office of Secretary.

Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the care and custody of and be responsible for all the funds, property and securities of Caputo Family Association, subject to such regulations as may be imposed by the Council. When necessary or proper, he or she may endorse on behalf of The Caputo Family Association for collection, checks, notes and other obligations, and shall deposit same to the credit of Caputo Families Association at such bank or banks or depository as the President may designate. He or she shall enter regularly on the books of The  Caputo Historical Families Association to be kept by him or her for that purpose, full and accurate accounts of all monies and obligations received and paid or incurred by him or her for or on account of the Association, and shall exhibit at all reasonable times such books and accounts to any Member of the Council of the Association upon application at the principal place of business during business hours. Furthermore, he or she shall render a statement of the financial condition of Caputo Historical Families Association at each regular meeting of the Council and at the annual meeting of the members and at such other times as shall be required of him. Certain duties of the Treasurer as may be specified by the President may be delegated to a designated member of the President?s staff. Otherwise, he or she shall perform all other duties appertaining to the office of the Treasurer.

Combined Office: In the event no qualified member accepts the nomination for the office of Treasurer, such office maybe be, upon approval of the President, combine with the office of the Secretary for the unfilled term.

Duties of a General Delegate

While the duties of a delegate may vary depending on the country he resides, many delegate perform core duties such as facilitating meetings, voting for other officers, overseeing meeting or association delegates, distributing required information and assisting with meeting planning and preparation. In addition, a delegate may be responsible for planning, preparing and overseeing an organization's budgets and other financial documents.

Meeting Preparation. It is often the responsibility of a General Delegate to serve as the main meeting resource for the body of local delegates. This might involve copying or overseeing the duplication of required forms and reports and coordinating the distribution of documents to local delegates. The General Delegate typically assists in the planning and organizing of association meetings by scheduling meeting dates and times, reviewing proposed agenda items prior to meetings and assigning pre-meeting action items as needed.

Meeting Facilities. Often the General Delegate serves as the organizational leader who is responsible for ensuring meetings are run in an orderly and appropriate fashion. A chair makes sure meetings start and end on time and that required business is completed according to the Association's bylaws and regulations. This duty might involve managing organizational voting, including voting for regional and city delegates, or overseeing other delegates by ensuring they are seated and ready to participate in meetings.

Budget Oversight. The General Delegate is at times in charge of overseeing an organization's budget or budget committee. This might include appointing or electing budget committee members and stewards. The chair often works with the committee to draft and prepare a budget for budget approval from the delegate board or council. 

Signed on this 12day of October 2008

Proposed Bylaw Amendments and Proposed Resolutions

VOTING SYSTEM FOR ADMITTING HONORARY MEMBERS

Article 5: The board shall convene on the following matters: