Charter

Diplomatic Society of St. Gabriel

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE ONE: Name and Symbolism

Section One: This organization shall be known as the “Diplomatic Society of St. Gabriel” Its motto shall be “Pro Deo et Mundo” (for God and the World) and its foundation day is September 29, the feast day of the Archangel Gabriel. The symbol shall be angel’s wings, crossed trumpets on a globe, surrounded by an oval laurel wreath.

ARTICLE TWO: Vision and Mission Statement

Section Two: The Vision of the DSSG is to be a “dynamic international non-governmental organization of diplomats, consular officers and other international relations professionals promoting global peace and development, and advancing the spiritual and professional growth of its members.”

Section Three: The Mission of DSSG is to:

Further the vision of universal peace, development, justice, cooperation, prosperity and brotherhood as embodied in the Charter of the United Nations.

Serve as a fraternal and professional non-governmental organization of diplomats, consular officers and other international relations professionals.

Undertake projects in support of important global initiatives, particuarly in the humanitarian and peacebuilding spheres.

Promote the professional and spiritual development of its members and the diplomatic professional as a whole, through networking, education and fellowship activities.

ARTICLE THREE: Identity

Section Four: The DSSG is guided by the ethos of Catholic Chivalry, whose principles are embodied in the virtues of charity, unity and fraternity, as well as in the other Christian virtues. The Society endeavors to revive the noble spirit of the historical orders of chivalry in the contemporary age. It is inspired by the Archangel Gabriel, God’s messenger and the Patron Saint of Diplomacy.

ARTICLE FOUR: Membership

Basic Guidelines

Section Five: DSSG members shall be practicing adult Catholic males and females who are diplomatic, consular, international civil service, international business or other international relations professionals are eligible for membership in the Society. Members of other faiths may be admited as honorary members. University or college students intending to join the diplomatic, consular or other international relations professions may join the “Squires of St. Gabriel” (SSG).

Section Six: DSSG members shall give loyalty to the Society, and support its vision and mission. They will aspire to live lives of the highest and most exemplary standards, as chivalric agents for world peace. They shall regard fellow members of the Society as brothers & sisters.

Section Seven: The DSSG shall not require its members, particularly those working with a particular government or inter-governmental organizations, to undertake any activity which may pose a potential conflict of interest between membership in the Society and the policies and interests of the government or organization to which a member owes allegiance.

Degrees of Membership

Section Eight: DSSG shall have four degrees of membership, from the 4th (most senior) to the 1st (most junior) as follows: 4th: Grand Cross, 3rd: Grand Officer, 2nd: Commander, 1st: Member.

ARTICLE FIVE: Organization

The Chapter

Section Nine: The Chapter is the basic unit of the Society. Chapters may be formed within a given metropolitan diplomatic or consular corps, international or regional organization headquarters or other analogous institution. The Chapter shall consist of at least three officers, and be led by a Chapter Council of Officers consisting of a Commander, Vice Commander, Treasurer, and Secretary. Other officers may be appointed as Trustees with specific portfolios.

The Region

Section Ten: DSSG Chapters are to be grouped for administrative and coordinative purposes as geographically-defined Regions. The Regions in turn shall have their own Regional Councils (RCs). Their respective jurisdictions shall be determined by the DSG Supreme Council.

The Supreme Council

Section Eleven: The DSSG’s highest authority is the Supreme Council (SC). It is tasked with providing overall direction and guidance to the Society, and shall have the final say in the governance of its affairs. It shall have the exclusive authority to amend this Charter. The SC shall consist of the President, Vice President, Chancellor, Treasurer, Secretary-General and two Trustees. The SC shall be elected from among the Society’s membership, and have a six-year term. A majority of the membership of the SC shall constitute a quorum to do official business.

The Chaplaincy

Section Twelve: The DSSG shall invite members of the Clergy to serve as Chaplains at all organizational levels, to provide spiritual and moral guidance. Each Chapter should also designate a particular church or chapel within its diocese to serve as its chapel.

Affiliated Organizations

Section Thirteen: The affiliated organizations to the DSSG shall include the Knights of St. Gabriel (KSG), the Squires of St. Gabriel (SSG) and the Legion of the Savior’s Cross (LSC). The DSSG, KSG, SSG and LSG shall duly coordinate their activities accordingly at all organizational levels.

ARTICLE FIVE: Activities

Section Fourteen: The DSSG SC, Regional Councils and Chapters shall promulgate annual programs of activity in conformity with the Society’s vision and mission statement.

Section Fifteen: The SC and RCs shall organize, as appropriate, international and regional general assemblies. Assemblies may issue resolutions on the governance of the Society, subject to the approval of the SC.

ARTICLE SIX: General Provisions

Section Sixteen: The SC shall issue a comprehensive set of by-laws and directives elaborating upon the provisions of this Charter, and may amend this Charter as necessary.

Section Seventeen: The DSSG formally assumes its new name and this revised Charter on 29 September 2007, having been organized as the “Diplomatic Order of the Knights of St. Gabriel” on 29 September 1996 in the United Nations Headquarters, New York City.

Done, in the Cities of Geneva, Switzerland &  Seattle, Washington on 29 September 2007