By-Laws of the FiftyGnomes

The Fifty Gnomes Organizational Bylaws

Original Elected Officers
President – Ajax
Vice President – Herbert
Secretary – Thrustnipple the 4th
Treasurer – Oakshadow
Historian – Aneas
Sergeant of Arms – Little Squimpy
Gnomefinder - Engleberrylicious
Sponsor – Floyd Fiftynames


Article 1: Identity

Section 1: Name

The organization shall hereafter be known as The Fifty Gnomes, and the name of the organization as well as names in the organization shall be referred to as “The Gnomenclature.”

Section 11: Mission Statement

The Fifty Gnomes is dedicated to the strategic intent of The Freelands. We are the nation’s first line of defense, which we accomplish by:

1. intercepting intelligence both domestic and international, filtering the important from the trivial, and reporting to the highest authorities of the government.
2. conducting covert action at the behest of the Executive Council and the Fiftieth Gnome to pre-empt threats or achieve national policy objectives.

Section 111: Core Values

Service – We place the interests of The Freelands at the forefront of our objectives. We are dedicated to our mission, and pride ourselves on extraordinary responsiveness to the needs of the public.

Integrity – We uphold the highest standards of conduct within our organization. We honor The Freelands’ principles of freedom, and will fight to protect the freedom of its’ citizens, and to a lesser extent, all who seek freedom.

Excellence – We hold ourselves and each other to the highest standards. We embrace personal and organizational accountability. We reflect on our performances and learn from our experiences.

Section IV: Vision

The Fifty Gnomes seeks to become an organization that, while not well-known, will have a reputation among those who do know them as the best governmental intelligence agency in existence. We seek to be respected rather than feared.

The Fifty Gnomes seek to recruit experts in many fields of study, including economics, agriculture, law, and politics. We use foresight to predict the latest trends and prevent the perpetuation of corrupting influences. The Fifty Gnomes are constantly listening, always learning, and unafraid of the challenges of progress.

We look to our members to be the anonymous representatives of freedom wherever they go. A Fifty Gnome should be as comfortable and welcome at supper in the court of kings as he is among a cadre of hard-working farmers in a local tavern. A Fifty Gnome is memorable, but keeps his profile in check with the expectations of his mission.

The ideal Fifty Gnome is around wherever he is needed but when sought, cannot be found. A Fifty Gnome spars with both his words and his weapons, but prefers to leave a lasting impression on the living rather than his mark on the dead.

Article II: Membership

Section 1: Membership Criteria

At any given time, the number of Fifty Gnomes is not to exceed forty-nine, not counting the sponsor. Amendments to this provision must be approved unanimously by the Executive Council and by polling vote of the Fifty Gnomes. Requests for an amendment must be made at a quarterly meeting, submitted by an officer, or by emergency by the Sponsor.

The Fifty Gnomes may have fewer than fifty in its’ ranks, but never fewer than ten. Open positions are considered at-large, and prospective candidates may be submitted to the Gnomefinder, who will spearhead any and all investigation into the eligibility of said candidate. Only Fifty-Gnome members may submit potential candidates to the Gnomefinder. Voting members may submit two names per year, officers may submit five, and the Sponsor may submit up to twenty-five. The Gnomefinder alone is exempt from submission criteria.

A candidate to adopt the Gnomenclature must display considerable charismatic qualities as well as above-average intelligence, as will be demonstrated and tested by Gnomefinder both in preliminary scouting operations and before the assembled at quarterly meetings when prospective members are submitted for review. Being a gnome is not a requirement for membership in the Fifty Gnomes, however, a propensity towards gnomish values and traits should be demonstrated by the prospective candidate. Non-gnomes are encouraged to have no fewer than three names, and will likely have more added on as their exploits become known within the organization. In addition, non-gnomes should endeavor to present plans for a contraption of some sort at their membership review.

Once approved by two-thirds vote by the assembled at quarterly meeting, a Fifty Gnome must take the Oath of Fifty, recited from memory along with the Fifty Gnomes Mission Statement and core values, the lyrics to at least one song by Floyd Fiftynames, and the names and titles of all Executive Council members, Governors, and Judges.

Section II: Record of Membership

The Secretary shall maintain a roster of all active Fifty Gnome members, along with sufficient contact information, and status within the organization.

Section III: Status

A Fifty Gnome’s access and privileges are subject to his standing within the organization, which may be granted or revoked only by order of the Sponsor or the First Gnome acting in his proxy. Status levels are listed herein in ascending order:

Hatless: A Fifty Gnome designated as hatless has failed to uphold the core values, and by default, the mission statement and vision of the Fifty Gnomes organization and The Freelands as a whole. Hatless gnomes are immediately suspended by the organization and must have their membership reviewed by the sitting officers a the next quarterly meeting. If a hatless Fifty Gnome is dismissed from the organization, he may never again re-join the Fifty Gnomes and is hereby forbidden from wearing head-gear in public. If a hatless Fifty Gnome is not dismissed, he will immediately be remaindered to Gnome Under Review.

Gnome Under Review: A Fifty Gnome designated as gnome under review has his membership in jeopardy. Gnomes Under Review must complete two successive quarters of menial task work, and are denied intelligence access privileges. A Gnome Under Review must wear a plain hat at Fifty Gnome functions and in the course of their work. At the completion of two quarters, the Fifty Gnomes assembled at quarterly meeting will vote on whether to allow a Gnome Under Review to be promoted to Gnome in Good Standing.

Gnome in Good Standing; A Gnome in Good Standing upholds the core values of the Fifty Gnomes, but has done nothing in particular to distinguish themselves otherwise. Fifty Gnomes joining the fold are automatically entered as Gnomes in Good Standing.

Gnome of Distinction; A Gnome of Distinction is a Fifty Gnome who excels in all core values and hold a place of prestige within the organization. Unless under disciplinary review, all officers within the organization automatically earn the title Gnome of Distinction.

Gnome of Great Importance: A Gnome of Great Importance has access to all but the most privileged intelligence information, though he must obtain clearance to act upon anything he learns from this access.

Top Hat: A Top Hat in the Fifty Gnomes organization has access to all intelligence information and clearance to act with impunity on anything he may glean from this information, short of actions designated by the Executive Council of The Freelands or the Sponsor as treason.

Section IV: Voting

All members of the Fifty Gnomes designated as Gnomes in Good Standing or higher are eligible to vote at quarterly meetings.

Article IV: Meetings of Members

Section I: Quarterly Meetings

The Fifty Gnomes shall meet en-mass four times a year. Members must attend a minimum of one quarterly meeting or face disciplinary action. Elected officers must attend three meetings annually, and the President and Vice President (First and Second Gnome) have mandatory attendance.

Section II: Special Meetings

The First Gnome may call a special meeting of the members upon request of no less than one quarter of the voting membership. Five days notice must be given to all members for this meeting. Such meetings do not count against membership attendance requirements, but in order to qualify as a meeting of members, at least twenty-five percent of voting members must be able to attend.

Section III: Organization

The Fifty Gnomes will support seven elected officers and one sponsor. The Sponsor will be known as the Fiftieth Gnome, regardless of how many active memberships exist within the organization. The seven elected offices are:

President, also known as the First Gnome. The President presides over all meetings, appoints distinction status to members, and works closely with the sponsor to oversee the direction of the Fifty Gnomes organization. The First Gnome acts as the governing legislator of amendments to the by-laws under the supervision of the Sponsor.

Vice President, also known as the Second Gnome. The Second Gnome acts in the First Gnome’s stead when the First Gnome is unable to perform his duties. In addition, the Second Gnome is charged with organizational oversight over the officers, reporting to the First Gnome on the effectiveness of the officers in the performance of their jobs. The Second Gnome also supervises and organizes committees at the behest of the First Gnome.

Secretary, who is charged with keeping notes of all meetings and maintaining a roster of membership. The Secretary’s records are a matter of public record to all voting members.

Treasurer, who maintains the organizational accounts and determines, under the supervision of the First Gnome, the operating budget for organizational activities. The Treasurer is charged with reconciling accounts that combine government funding with independent fundraising activities. The Treasurer’s records and books are open to all Gnomes of Distinction and higher.

Historian, who keeps records of the organization’s history as well as handles the bulk of the Fifty Gnomes’ public affairs branch. The Public branch handles investigations, propaganda, non-covert intelligence gathering, and internal affairs. Its actions are a matter of public record although certain intelligence gathered may be labeled as classified at the direction of the Admin branch. The public branch also monitors the actions of the Governors (in their executive capacity) and the military. These monitoring reports are classified. The Public branch has twenty-one agents that all report to the Historian. The Historian also assigns tasks to the Public branch, and charges a committee in charge of scrapbooking annual activities.

Seargent-at-Arms, who supervises the organization’s covert branch. The Covert branch handles clandestine projects and assignments. It’s actions are to be classified even from it’s own members. The Covert branch is to handle sanctioned individuals. The branch is comprised of three squads of seven members. The Sergeant-at-Arms also acts as the organization’s parliamentarian, ensuring that the meetings run in accordance within Floyd’s Rules of Order.

Gnomefinder, the organization’s scout. The Gnomefinder is charged with keeping the Fifty Gnomes stocked with the finest The Freelands and points surrounding has to offer. The Gnomefinder accepts submissions from others within the organization for potential members as well as conducting independent research of his own. All submissions are thoroughly investigated by the Gnomefinder.

Once the organization has been in existence for five years, the following eligibility criteria are enacted for Fifty Gnomes’ officers:

Prospective officers must have been members of the organization for no less than two years before running for office.

A Fifty Gnome must have been a member of the organization for five years to run for President.

Terms of office are limited to two years for President and Vice President, and one year for all other offices.

With the exception of the Gnomefinder, no office may be filled by the same individual for more than three consecutive terms, and six terms overall.

Article V: Finance

Section I: Records Keeping

All finance records must be kept by the Treasurer. Records must be thorough, and are a matter of public record to all members considered Gnomes of Distinction or higher.

Section II: Governance

Financial oversight of the organization is governed by the First Gnome, under the supervision of the Sponsor.

Section III: Budgets

The Fifty Gnomes will be assigned an annual operating budget by the Executive Council of The Freelands, with provisions for the budget at the discretion of the Council. Funds outside the operating budget may be raised through independent financing efforts, however, The Freelands operating budget and independent financing funds may not be combined.

Section IV: Fundraising

The Fifty Gnomes supports and supervises all fundraising efforts made towards their organization. The organization will not support fundraising efforts made outside of the organization’s oversight, unless approved by the Sponsor.

Article VI: Intelligence

Section I: Clearance

Clearance levels are determined by a member’s status within the organization.

Section II: Classification

A committee on classification, overseen by the Second Gnome will set classification levels for gathered intelligence. Classification Levels are:

Level One: Public Information. This information is either common knowledge or poses no threat to the general public if released. No clearance level is needed for access to this information.

Level Two: Sensitive Information. This information is kept under wraps in the best interests of public welfare. Only voting members of the organization, the Executive Council, Governors and Judges have access to this information. However, they may share this information at their discretion in the interest of their duties.

Level Three: Private Information. This information pertains to domestic and international developments that cannot be shared with the general public. Only Gnomes of Distinction and the Executive Council are allowed access to this information, and anyone wishing to use it must obtain clearance from the Second Gnome, the First Gnome, or the Sponsor prior to action.

Level Four: Omega Information. This information is only available to Gnomes of Great Importance or higher, and the Executive Council, and may pertain to the safety of The Freelands or the Executive Council directly. This information may not be shared with anyone outside of the clearance level.

Level Five: NipNipNip. This information is only available to Top Hats and the Fifty Gnomes’ sponsor. NipNipNip information may not be requested by anyone without clearance, subject to arrest and imprisonment.

Article XI: Executive Action

Section I: Accountability

The Fifty Gnomes organization, its actions, and its members, are subject to the authority of a quorum of the Executive Council number no less than five members present. The Fifty Gnomes organization is structured to be self regulating and is thus outside the chain of command with respect to the Governors, the Judges, the Military, and any number of Executive Council Members numbering less than five. Any information regarding chastisement, court-martials, or reprimand, whether internal or external, is classified as Private Information.

Section II: Discipline

The officers of the Fifty Gnomes shall act as a jury of peers to review discipline and conduct issues within the ranks and assign punishment as it sees fit.


Article VII: The Oath of Fifty

The Oath of Fifty is as follows:

I, (stated name), swear to uphold the core values of the Fifty Gnomes organization and to perpetuate the ideals of its’ vision. I believe in its mission, and in freedom for all, and I seek the best for their welfare and quality of life. I promise to protect The Freelands to the best of my ability, and to use my talents with purpose, originality, and verve in the name of The Freelands, as would befit the honor of Floyd Fiftynames, who is a better songwriter than Mitchell, and is far and away the alpha male of the Order of the Abbey and the Executive Council.

Article VIII: Amendments

Amendments to this document must be submitted in a meeting with the First Gnome and the Secretary, and voted on by two-thirds majority at quarterly meeting. The Sponsor reserves absolute veto power to all amendments.