PREAMBLE
Consistent with Argonne National Laboratory’s vision to be a model employer by leveraging diversity and fostering inclusion to deliver the best public service, the Laboratory’s mission and goals will involve creating a culture which values the contributions of all Laboratory employees and provides equal opportunity for professional development and career advancement. As part of our commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce, Argonne encourages the participation of all employees in diverse employee resource groups (ERG) to develop employee connections, increase cultural awareness, further their professional development, and contribute to the laboratory’s mission and goals.
The Laboratory’s diversity and inclusion goals include: (1) support participation in ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP and provide ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP with access to a champion from the Laboratory’s senior leadership team; (2) utilize ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP to assist in outreach to diverse organizations; (3) utilize ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP as advisors to strategies and outreach on hiring, retaining and promoting a diverse workforce; and (4) support programs that are sponsored by ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP by providing resources and support, where allowable under the prime contract.
ARTICLE I: EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP NAME
1.1 NAME
This ERG shall be known as “ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP”.
ARTICLE II: MISSION
2.1 MISSION
The mission of ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP is to be a strategic partner with the Laboratory to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion through continual learning. ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP will advance the understanding and inclusion of employees with a common background, set of interests and/or goals. The vision, mission, goals, policies, and activities of ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP are fully aligned with those of the Laboratory’s mission, goals, and policies.
ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP will be a valuable mechanism to: (1) build a culture that fosters innovation; (2) offer employees exposure to leadership development opportunities; (3) establish programs and activities aligned with the mission of the Laboratory; (4) provide employees opportunities to develop and grow, and for managers to access innovative concepts and unique solutions to challenges faced by the Laboratory.
ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP MISSION STATEMENT
ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP is dedicated to building awareness and providing resources to Veterans/Veterans Families/Friends of Veterans and bringing together members of the Argonne community in a supportive environment and in furtherance of Argonne’s commitment to equal employment opportunity for all employees.
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
3.1 ELIGIBILITY
Membership in the ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP is available to all Laboratory employees. The ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP shall manage and maintain a membership roster in order to communicate with its members, track membership increases/decreases, and to establish that membership supports ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP activities and leadership. All members are eligible to chair committees, become candidates for elected office, and vote in ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP elections.
The ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP may extend affiliate status to retirees of Argonne and employees of the U.S. Department of Energy, The University of Chicago, and other individuals who work on-site at Argonne.
ARTICLE IV: STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS
4.1: LEADERSHIP, ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP shall have an Employee Leader or Leaders. The individual(s) shall be responsible for scheduling and organizing meetings, working closely with the ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP Champion, and officially representing the ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP within the Laboratory.
4.2: Terms of Office
There are no limitations on the number of terms of office any individual may hold.
4.3: Additional Officers
The employee leader may appoint additional officers as necessary.
4.4: Nomination and Election of the Employee Leader
Elections shall be held. In the case of a resignation of the employee leader from office, a special election meeting may be held to fill the post until the end of the current term.
4.5: Current Employee Leader(s), Officers, Sponsors, and Champions.
Diana Morgan – Co-founder, Employee Leader (Authorized Signatory)
Edward Schmitt – Co-founder, Employee Leader (Authorized Signatory)
Greg Morin – Executive Sponsor, Champion
Jeremy Boldt – Treasurer (Authorized Signatory)
Tami Martin – Web Master
Gina Johnson – HR Representative
Gina Hosch – Communication Representative
5.1 MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
There shall be meetings of the ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP on a date and place and frequency to be designated by the Employee Leader. This meeting shall be held at a specified location and announced to members of the ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP. The ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP shall send a notice of each meeting to each member of the ARGONNE VETERANS GROUP.
6.1: HANDLING OF DONATIONS, FUNDS, COLLECTIONS, AND GENERAL FINANCES
The Employee Leaders shall receive and reconcile the bank statements with the records from the Treasurer. Bank statements, invoices, receipts and other documents shall be scanned and uploaded to the shared folder on BOX: Argonne Veterans Group.
The Treasurer and the Employee Leader(s) are the only authorized signers for bank/finance activity.
Incoming checks should receive immediate restrictive endorsement (handwritten “For deposit only, Name of Bank, Account # xxxxxx”) and be deposited within 10 days.
Outgoing checks must be supported by an approved invoice, receipt, or a voucher authorized by an Employee Leader if a receipt or invoice isn’t available.
Any out-of-pocket expense reimbursement to group leadership or group members must meet the following qualifications:
- Expenses were authorized in writing by group leadership.
- Expenses completely support group activity or membership.
- Reimbursement request accompanied by original receipt(s) of goods or services.
