Become a Member
Eligibility Criteria
The Society is composed of Active, Honorary, and Supporting members.
Any man or woman of Polish origin who actively served in the Polish Army or related allied force can become an Active member of the Society. The spouse of an Active member may also become an Active member, as well as their children and their spouses. Brothers and sisters of Active members of the Society may be admitted to the organization as Active members.
An Active member of the Society may also be the wife, husband, widow, widower, or a descendant of any Pole who was a participant of the Polish Army or allied force.
A person who does not meet the above requirements may become an Supporting Member of the Society. Supporting members promote the aims and mission of the Society. They participate in all meetings, but without the right of a vote. They have the same privileges and responsibilities as Active members, however, with the exception of the right to vote.
Any person, even of non-Polish origin, who has rendered service to the Society, may become an Honorary member on a motion of the Executive Committee duly ratified at a General Assembly.
A person who has committed a shameful act within or without the Society cannot be an Active, Supporting nor Honorary member of the Society. A member committing such an act ceases to be a member of the Society and loses all moral and material privileges of membership.
Application Process
1
Application Form
A candidate for membership must submit an application to the Executive Committee or to the Verification committee, duly completed and signed by the applicant and two supporting Active members of the Society, along with the required supporting documents.
Supporting Documents
2
A candidate applying for membership based on their own military service, must present original documents confirming type and period of service. A candidate applying for membership on the basis of the military service of a family member, must present original documents confirming the type and period of service of their family member, as well as documents confirming their relationship to the said family member. A candidate applying for membership on the basis of being a family member of an Active member, does not need to submit supporting documentation.
3
Application Review and Decision
The Verification committee shall examine the supporting documents presented by the candidate and if the candidate meets the required qualifications, shall submit him/her as a candidate for membership in the Society. After a favourable decision by the members at a Monthly Meeting, the candidate will be invited to attend the next members' meeting to be sworn in as a new member.
4
Inauguration of New Member
The candidate will officially become a member of the Society upon taking the membership oath at their inauguration ceremony. Member's Oath: “I am joining voluntarily the honourable members of The Polish War Veterans Society of Marshal J. Pilsudski, Inc. in Montreal, and hereby declare that I am aware of the aims and objectives of the Society. I pledge to comply with all the rules and regulations as defined within the Statute and Bylaws of the Society. I also pledge that I will defend the honour of the Society, wherever need be and I will work for its welfare and advancement according to my strength and ability, so help me God.”