American Legion Riders Motorcycle Association
Of the
Washington State Chapters
Kenn-Pasco 34
Chapter By-Laws
Revised October 16, 2011
Purpose
Participate in parades and other ceremonies within the Aims and Purpose of the American Legion (AL). Provide a social atmosphere for American Legion members and their families who share an interest in motorcycling. Promote motorcycle safety and support other motorcycle organizations. (Per American Legion Resolution 35), to promote further brotherhood among motorcycle groups, we are a non-territorial/non-confrontational veteran’s motorcycle association. The purpose of this Association is to promote and support programs of the American Legion and our communities.
Article I - Name
Section 1, The Chapter existing under these By-Laws is to be known as American Legion Riders Motorcycle Association, Kenn-Pasco 34, The American Legion, Department of Washington State.
Article II – Membership
There are two recognized "classes" of involvement with the ALR as defined below.
ALL ALR members MUST be Legion Family members.
Section 1, Full Members: Prospective full members in the ALR must meet requirements in Paragraphs 1.1 and 1.2:
1.2 The candidate or spouse, must own a street legal motorcycle or trike or scooter with an engine size of 350CC or larger (NO ATV’s). Said motorcycle or trike or scooter must be licensed and insured in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington.
Section 2, Special Class Membership: A member, or members spouse, may continue membership as a special class member (with full membership privileges) if the member fails to meet the membership requirements of section 1.2 pursuant to the following and subject to the approval of the general membership:
2.1 Death of the spouse who was the owner of the motorcycle as defined in section 1.2
2.2 Disability which prevents the member from physically being able to operate a motorcycle and ownership of the motorcycle was relinquished, due to this disability. (This would also allow the spouse to continue membership under these conditions for special class membership.)
2.3. For 2.1 and 2.2 above, the member must have been a regular member for at least one full year.
2.4. If a member has been a member for five consecutive years and has reached the age of 65, that member is entitled to the distinction of a “Special Class Life Member”. Membership may continue without regards to section 1.2 as long as the member maintains the requirements of Section 1.1.
Section 3, Disciplinary Actions: Any complaint lodged against a member of the Association may receive a letter of censure, expulsion or suspension from the Association after investigation and upon the recommendation of the Executive Committee. Improper conduct that would be harmful to AL Riders or its members shall be brought before a membership meeting and that by a 2/3 majority vote the member’s active status may be terminated or suspended.
3.1 Any disciplinary actions may be appealed to the general membership at the next general meeting.
Article III - Management
Section 1, Elected Offices: The elected officers of the Chapter shall be Director, Assistant Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant-At-Arms, and Road Captain.
Section 2, Appointed Offices: The appointed officers of the Chapter shall be Historian, Chaplain, Quartermaster, and Webmaster.
Section 3, Standing Committees:
3.1 Executive Committee: Between Chapter meetings, the administrative power of the Chapter shall be vested in the Chapter Executive Committee, which shall consist of all Elected Officers for the current year and the immediate Past Director. All other Past Chapter Directors shall be members of the Executive Committee with voice only and no voting privileges.
3.2 Finance Committee: The Executive Committee shall establish and appoint a standing Finance Committee to be chaired by the Chapter Treasurer.
3.2.a The members appointed shall be approved by the general membership by vote. The term of the Finance Committee shall be one calendar year. The Finance Committee appointees shall be removed or replaced in the same manner as they are appointed.
3.2.b The Finance Committee will determine recommendations for the utilization of the Chapter funds. The recommendations of the Finance Committee will be brought before the Executive Committee for discussion then presented before the general membership for approval by vote.
3.3 By-Laws & Procedures Committee: The Executive Committee shall establish and appoint a standing By-Laws & Procedures Committee to be chaired by the Chapter Secretary.
3.3.a The members appointed shall be approved by the general membership by vote. The term of the By-Laws & Procedures Committee shall be one calendar year. The By-Laws & Procedures Committee appointees shall be removed or replaced in the same manner as they are appointed.
3.2.b The By-Laws & Procedures Committee will provide recommendations for changes to the Chapter By-Laws. The By-Laws & Procedures recommendations will be brought before the Executive Committee for discussion then presented before the general membership for approval by vote.
Section 4, Elections: Officers of this Chapter shall be elected annually with nominations in October and elections in November and take office on January 1. All elections of officers shall be by ballot and the candidate or candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected to the respective office or offices for which they are candidates. A report will be submitted at the next Post general meeting for ratification and naming of the officers.
Section 5, Vacancies: All vacancies existing in any office of the Chapter from any cause other than the expiration of the term shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining members of the committee, and a person so appointed shall hold office for the unexpired term of the member of the committee or officer whose position was vacated. A vacancy shall exist when a member or officer is absent from the Chapter due to resignation, loss of qualifications, incapacity from injury or illness, or for a continuous period of unexcused absences considered detrimental to the interest of the Chapter by the remaining members of the Executive Committee.
Section 6, Conflict of Interest: No officer within ALR, Washington State Chapter; Kenn-Pasco 34, shall hold an elected office in another Motorcycle organization, association or Motorcycle Club.
Article IV - Duties of Officers
Officers of the Association
A. Director
B. Assistant Director
C. Secretary
D. Treasurer
E. Sergeant-at-Arms
F. Road Captain
G. Historian
H. Chaplain
I. Quartermaster
J. Webmaster
K. Immediate Past Director
Section 1, Duties of Director: It shall be the duty of the Chapter Director to preside at all meetings of the Chapter and to have general supervision over the business and affairs of the Chapter, and such officer shall be the chief executive officer of the Chapter. The Director shall perform such other duties as prescribed by the Chapter Procedures Manual.
Section 2, Duties of Assistant Director: The Assistant Director shall assume and discharge the duties of the office of Director in the absence or disability of, or when called upon by the Chapter Director. The Assistant Director shall also serve as the Events Coordinator for the Chapter. The Assistant Director shall perform such other duties as prescribed by the Chapter Procedures Manual.
Section 3, Duties of Secretary: The Secretary shall have charge of and keep a full and correct record of all proceedings of all meetings, keep such records as the Post may require, and under direction of the Director handle all correspondence of the Chapter. The Secretary shall perform such other duties as prescribed by the Chapter Procedures Manual.
Section 4, Duties of Treasurer: The Treasurer shall have charge of all finances and see that they are safely deposited in a local bank or banks. The Treasurer shall report once a month to the Chapter Executive Committee the condition of the finances of the Chapter. The Treasurer shall normally be a signer for checks disbursing the monies of the Chapter, and may be provided such surety bonds in such amounts as shall be fixed by the Chapter Executive Committee and obtained by the Chapter. Any funds approved for disbursement by check shall require two signatures. The Treasurer, Director, Assistant Director and Secretary shall be authorized to sign checks. Upon request, the Treasurer will prepare the Chapter’s monthly financial report for the sponsoring post Executive Committee. The Treasurer shall perform such other duties as prescribed by the Chapter Procedures Manual.
Section 5, Duties of Sergeant-at-Arms: The Sergeant-at-Arms shall preserve order at meetings and gatherings and assist the Road Captain in enforcing all rules of safe riding during rides and runs; and perform such other duties or chair such committees as may be from time to time assigned by the Director or Chapter Executive Committee. The Sergeant-at-Arms is responsible for maintenance of membership records, shall collect membership dues as determined by the Chapter bylaws, and provide same to Treasurer on a regular basis. The Sergeant-at-Arms is charged with the review and/or collection of eligibility documentation as required demonstrating compliance with National membership requirements, and to demonstrate any additional requirements as may be defined by the sponsoring Post Executive Board, or State and Local laws. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall render detailed membership reports annually or when called upon to do so at regular meetings of the Chapter. Additionally, the Sergeant-at-Arms shall send renewal notification to members of record upon availability of AL, ALA, and SAL membership cards for the following membership year. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall perform such other duties as prescribed by the Chapter Procedures Manual.
Section 6, Duties of Road Captain: The Road Captain shall plan all tours, runs, activities, and events; lead the chapter in formation riding or parades; arouse interest in activities; enforce all rules of safe motorcycle operation and group riding. Additionally, the Road Captain may select assistants to aid in special tasks and may chair appropriate activities committee as directed by the chapter Director or Executive Committee. The Road Captain shall perform such other duties as prescribed by the Chapter Procedures Manual.
Section 7, Duties of Historian: The Chapter Historian shall be charged with the documentation of individual events, incidents and actions of the Chapter and Chapter members, and shall perform such other duties as may properly pertain to the office as may be determined by the Chapter or the Executive Committee. The Historian shall perform such other duties as prescribed by the Chapter Procedures Manual.
Section 8, Duties of Chaplain: The Chapter Chaplain shall be charged with the spiritual welfare of the Chapter comrades and will offer divine but nonsectarian service in the event of dedications, funerals, public functions, etc., and adhere to such ceremonial rituals as are recommended by the National or Department headquarters from time to time. The Chaplain shall perform such other duties as prescribed by the Chapter Procedures Manual.
Section 9, Duties of Webmaster: The Webmaster will maintain the Chapter Web Site in an up-to-date status of its officers, upcoming events and other items of interest as agreed upon by the general membership. This includes promoting the organization through the use of its Web Site. The Webmaster will act as the Public Affairs Officers through use of this Web Site. The Webmaster shall perform such other duties as prescribed by the Chapter Procedures Manual.
Section 10, Duties of Quartermaster: The Quartermaster maintains an inventory of items related to the Association and determines the price of these items for the general membership. The Quartermaster shall make these items available at meetings and other functions as the Chapter deems appropriate and maintain records of their purchase and sales. Any funds collected will be turned over to the Treasurer that day if at all possible. The Quartermaster shall be furnished a cash card or debit card in an amount not exceed $500.00 to facilitate maintaining an inventory of items identified by the Director and Executive Committee. Deposits to any such account may only be made by the Treasurer. The Treasurer will provide procedures to ensure proper accountability of ALR funds.
Section 11, Duties of Immediate Past Director: The Immediate Past Director serves as a voting member of the Executive Committee. In the event that the Director and Assistant Director is unavailable the Immediate Past Director shall assume the duties of Director.
Article V - Elections
Section 1, Officers serve at the discretion of the Association Membership; therefore, regular elections must be held to select officers from amongst the members in good standing.
Section 2, Election of officers will take place annually, at such time as determined by the general membership and reflected within the Chapter bylaws. (Article III Section 4)
Section 3, Only those members of the Chapter in good standing (fulfilling Article II, Section 1, at the time of nominations shall be allowed to make a nomination and vote.
Article VI - Chapter Executive Committee
Section 1, The Chapter Executive Committee shall meet for organizational or such other business as may come before it at the call of the Chapter Director within 10 days after the installation of the new officers. Thereafter the Chapter Executive Committee shall meet as often as Chapter Director may deem necessary. The Chapter Director shall call a meeting of the Chapter Executive Committee upon the joint written request of five or more members of said Chapter Executive Committee, and five members of the committee shall constitute a quorum thereof.
Section 2, The Chapter Executive Committee, based on a majority vote, may hire such employees as may be necessary; may authorize all approved expenditures subject to General Membership vote; will provide adequate bonds for all persons having custody of chapter funds if deemed necessary; may hear the reports of chapter committee chairs; and generally, shall have charge of and be responsible for the management of the affairs of this chapter.
Article VII - Meetings
Section 1, The regular meeting of the Chapter shall be held (typically at 10:00am every third Saturday from April to September / 11:00am every third Sunday from October to March) at which may be transacted such business as may properly be brought up for action.
Section 2, Special Meetings: A special meeting is defined as an unscheduled meeting, other than the scheduled Executive Committee or General Membership meetings. The Special Meeting shall be held within seventy-two hours of notice to the General Membership.
2.1 The Chapter Director or a majority of the Executive Committee shall have power to call a special meeting of the Chapter at any time.
2.2 A special meeting may also be called by at least six members of the General Membership.
Section 3, Eleven members or 20% of the membership shall constitute a quorum.
Article VIII - Organization
Section 1, This ALR is a Post Level Program of the American Legion, as defined within The American Legion Internal Affairs Position on the ALR.
Section 2, Each Chapter exists at the discretion of the sponsoring Post.
Article IX - Uniform
Section 1, The American Flag/POW-MIA Flag. When worn by an ALR member, the flag patch will be the highest patch/pin on the left chest and/or the highest patch centered above the Riders back patch. The Flag must not be subjugated by any other emblem or standard on the item of apparel to which it is affixed. POW-MIA flag, if worn shall be the highest patch/pin worn on the right crest of vest or jacket.
Section 2, The ALR Back Patch. The ALR Back Patch, configured as put forth by the Founding Members trademarked by The American Legion, and available through The American Legion Emblem Sales, is to be worn by all members of the ALR in good standing.
Section 3, The Back Patch must be the dominant feature of the back of the garment upon which it is worn; i.e., the ALR back patch must not be subjugated to the patch of any M/C or motorcycle owners' group.
Section 4, No other Back Patch or Back Patch Design is authorized for use to represent the American Legion Riders. Only a Back Patch compliant with Article IX, Section 2 is to be worn by members of any Chapter to show their affiliation with the American Legion Riders. Variations upon the original theme, aside from the addition of Department, City, Post Number or similar designating text, are not authorized.
Section 5, The following upper rocker configurations will be worn with the Back Patch, assuming the listed provisions are met: (Article II, Section1) the designation Veteran, or the designation of SAL, or the designation Auxiliary.
Section 6, Bottom rockers should designate the Name (location) and number of the home post. (Example: KENN-PASCO 34).
Section 7, Only those members of good standing as of November 1, 2007 may wear the Charter Member emblem.
Article X - Finances: Membership Fees and Standing Expenditures
Section 1, The annual membership fee for the ALR Kenn-Pasco 34 shall be determined by standing rule approved by the general membership. Dues shall be considered paid from January 1st through December 31st of each year.. Members whose dues become ninety (90) days or more in arrears will have their membership suspended until their dues become current. Members whose dues become one hundred twenty (120) days in arrears will become inactivated and removed from the membership roster. In addition, it is requested the individual NOT wear the ALR patches.
Section 2, The increase of membership dues will be determined by vote from the majority of members present at the October meeting each year. The rate of dues voted on, will become effective January 1 of the coming year. Members renewing can avoid the increase in dues by paying them prior to December 31st in the year in which the increase was approved.
Section 3, The Treasurer may expend up to twenty five dollars ($25.) per month (not on an accumulative basis) for Accepted Procedures of Accounting. The Secretary may expend up to twenty dollars ($20.) per month (not on an accumulative basis) for supplies used in maintaining an informed membership and correspondence required in the best interests of the Chapter. Both offices will account for expended funds at the next regular meeting.
Section 4, All expenditures of funds, except as noted here in, will be voted on by show of hands from the general membership at regular meetings. Disbursement of funds will be only to those authorized at any regular meeting of the Chapter. Kenn-Pasco Chapter 34 will be a non-profit organization and may only disburse funds in a manner that is in keeping with all local, state, and Federal laws regarding non-profit organizations.
Section 4.1, The treasurer may disburse funds in a short notice, emergency situation upon direction and by unanimous vote of the Executive Committee. The vote may be tallied by phone or email. The general membership will be informed of the emergency disbursement immediately by email, and shall vote and approve the disbursement at the next general meeting. Kenn-Pasco Chapter 34 will be a non-profit organization and may only disburse funds in a manner that is in keeping with all local, state and Federal laws regarding non-profit organizations.
Section 5, The State American Legion Rider Executive Committee is comprised of an elected representative of each active ALR district in the State. When traveling on State ALR Executive Committee business, each participating State ALR Executive Committee member from Post 34 (or replacement due to the said above not being able to attend) may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses as follows: up to $125.00 for Motel/Hotel (with receipts) when having to stay overnight, also fuel expenses (with receipts) for traveling to and from State ALR Executive Committee meetings.
Article XI - Fund Raising
Section 1, Prior to commencing, any fundraising requires a clearly defined goal and a majority vote at a general meeting.
Section 2, All fundraising conducted shall conform to the laws of the State of Washington.
Section 3, Fundraising shall be conducted for accredited 501 (c) organization, or veterans or individuals with great needs.
Article XII - Order
Section 1, All meetings will be conducted under “Roberts Rules of Order”.
Article XIII - Appointments
Section 1, The Executive Committee, upon taking office each year, shall nominate members of standing committees for the furtherance of Chapter programs.
Section 2, Such standing committees shall consist of such persons, and the chair thereof, as designated by the Executive Committee and approved by the General Membership Section 3, The Executive Committee may create ad hoc committees at any time to achieve short term goals of the Chapter. The creation of ad hoc committees shall be brought before the General Membership for approval.
Article XIIII - Limitations of Liabilities
Section 1, This Chapter shall incur, or cause to be incurred, no liability nor obligation whatever which shall subject to liability any other Chapter, subdivision, members of The American Legion, Post, Departments, or other individuals, corporations or organizations.
Section 1, These By-Laws may be amended at any regular Chapter meeting by; submitted in writing to the By-Laws & Procedures Committee, brought before the Executive Committee for discussion, read into the minutes and approved by two thirds of the members in attendance.
Section 2, Written notice shall have been given to all members at least 5 days in advance of the date when such amendment is to be voted upon, notifying said members that at such meeting there will be presented a proposal to amend the By-Laws. The General Meeting Agenda will serve as such written notice to the General Membership,
Revised This Day of , 2011
Signed: Signed:
B Rick; Director C Tucker; Assistant Director
Signed: Signed:
DW Mitchell; Secretary B Langdell; Treasurer
Signed: Signed:
C Jenkins; Commander Post 34 R Trethewey; Adjutant Post 34