American Legion Riders Motorcycle Association
Massachusetts Chapter 56 Post 224
Purpose
·
To participate in parades and other ceremonies which are in keeping with the aims
and Purposes of the American Legion.
·
To promote motorcycle safety programs and to provide a social atmosphere for American
Legion members who share the same interest.
·
To use our Association to promote and support the programs of the American Legion
Bylaws:
I.
Membership: There are two requirements for membership.
A.
A current member of the American Legion, Auxiliary, or Sons of the American Legion
B.
Must be the legally registered owner of a motorcycle of at least 350cc, or be the spouse of a member.
1.
Current members must show proof of registration for said motorcycle.
2.
All new membership applicants shall be approved by majority vote at a regularly scheduled meeting.
II.
Chapter Supporters
A.
The Chapter Supporter classification does not constitute full
membership in the ALR, but is intended as a means to provide recognition to those who show strong support to the ALR Chapter.
B.
Chapter Supporters will be issued a membership card which clearly denotes their status as a Chapter Supporter.
C.
The conferring of "Chapter Supporter" status must not be made in connection with the promise of any material,
financial, or political benefit to the Chapter, its members or its officers; nor to any other member at any other organizational
level within the ALR; nor must there be any similar gains for the honoree through the conferring of "Chapter Supporter" status.
III. Special Class Membership
A.
You or your spouse may continue your membership as a special class member (with full membership privileges)
if you fail to meet the membership requirements of section I (B) pursuant to the following and subject to the approval of
the general membership:
1.
Death of a spouse who was the owner of the motorcycle as defined in section I (B).
2.
Disability, which prevents you 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.).
3.
For (1)&(2) above, you must have been a regular member for at least one full year.
4.
You must continue with the requirements of section I (A)
IV. Officers of the Chapter
A.
President *
B.
Vice-President *
C.
Secretary *
D.
Treasurer *
E.
Sergeant at Arms *
F.
Road Captain
G.
Historian/Photographer/Web Master
H.
Color Guard Captain
I.
Chaplain
J.
Road Lieutenant
(* Denotes minimum requirements
for officers in the chapter.)
(* * Positions A through E are
elected positions subject to section V. Positions F through J are appointed positions.)
V.
Duties of Chapter Officers
A. President
Serves as Chief
Administrative Officer of the Chapter and presides over
all meetings.
He/She shall
have general supervision over the affairs of the Chapter.
He/She shall perform such other duties as directed by the general membership.
B. Vice-President
Will
assume the duties of the President in his/her absence.
Will
assist the President in the performance of his/her duties when called on to do so by the President.
C. Secretary
To keep
a full and accurate record of all proceedings at the meetings.
Keep membership records as may be required by the general membership.
D. Treasurer
To have charge of all finances of the Chapter.
To have charge of disbursing funds as directed by the general membership. To
give detailed financial reports at each regular meeting.
(Copies will be furnished to the sponsoring Post if requested.)
E. Sgt. At Arms
Will assist the President to ensure that all the rules of the ALR are followed. Will introduce special guests and new members to the membership. Will maintain order during all ALR events and meetings. The
Sergeant at Arms has the right to bring swift and immediate Board action upon violation of ALR By-Laws
F. Road Captain
Will be the logistical person in charge of organized runs of the chapter. He/She will determine dates, times, routes, and meeting places for those taking part in a run activity. He/She may, at his/her discretion appoint road guards or take any other measures he/she
may feel necessary to help ensure the safety of the group during the run.
G. Historian/Photographer/Web Master
Will be responsible for taking still pictures as well as videos.
Will keep historical records of the Chapter.
H. Color Guard Captain
Will be responsible for the Color Guard and Equipment.
I. Chaplain
Will assist in the
religious welfare of the Chapter.
J. Road Lieutenant
Will act in full capacity as Road Captain in their absence.
Also, assist the Sergeant At Arms at all membership
meetings/events.
(Note:
All photographic and web site materials related to the ALR will be returned to the Post ALR upon release of position.)
VI. Elections
A.
Election of Chapter officers will be held every year, at such time as determined by a majority vote.
B.
Only those members of the Chapter in good standing (fulfilling Paragraph I.) at the time of election shall be allowed
to vote and/or run for elected office.
C.
Elected officers will be required to attend at least ½ the scheduled meetings.
D.
If an elected officer is unable to perform their duties, the temporary position will be filled by one of the
other elected officers (via group vote), and held until the next election.
E.
Election Cycle
1.
Nominations will be submitted on a date determined a majority vote.
2.
Election will be held on the second meeting following nomination.
(Copies will be furnished to the sponsoring Post if requested.)
VII.
Meetings
A. Meetings will be held at a date, time, and place as voted on by a majority
of members at a regular meeting. Four members constitute a quorum.
VIII.
Finances
A. Finances of the Chapter will be from Chapter membership dues and/or such other
sources as approved by the membership.
B. ALR finances will be kept in a two (2)-signature checking account requiring
two (2) signatures for checking endorsement. The treasurer and at least one other
officers’ signature will be the endorsers of the checking account.
IX.
Disbursement of funds
Disbursement
of funds will be only those authorized at a meeting of the Chapter. Each Chapter
will be a non-profit organization and may only disburse funds in a manner that is in keeping with local, state, and Federal
laws regarding non-profit organizations
X.
Chapter Organization
A. Each chapter must be sponsored by a local American Legion Post.
1. Eligible members in the American Legion Riders are not required to
transfer their Post, Auxiliary, or S.A.L. membership to the sponsoring post.
2. Post-sponsored Chapters shall not participate in, or organize any
programs, which would be in direct conflict with the sponsoring Post.
XI.
Patch Requirement
A. New members will be eligible to receive an organization patch as soon as possible.
B. No dual patches, (such as patches for other clubs) will be worn by any members. Also, no items such as pins, patches, etc, will be worn on or above the American Flag
(No Exceptions).
C. Additional patches will be limited to Rolling Thunder and Deceased Member memorial
patches. As Voted on by the general membership.
D. All patches will be sewn on (not glued).
XII.
Residency
A. Each Chapter will be known by the state in which it’s Sponsoring Post
resides. Chapters may be further broken down into District and Post.
(i.e.: Massachusetts Chapter 56, District 2, Easthampton,
Post 224).
XIII.
Expulsion
A. Any member or supporter may be expelled or suspended from the ALR for bringing
discredit to the American Legion or the American Legion Riders, for not renewing annual dues, not meeting membership requirements
per sections I, II, or III, misconduct in public while wearing ALR patches, or repeated motorcycle safety violations. Creating a problem while impaired/not impaired at any event or meeting will be grounds
for “Expulsion” upon review of the Executive Board. Individuals “Expelled”
may not participate in ANY ALR meeting/event.
XIV.
Governing Rules
A. These standing rules shall be no less stringent than those contained in these
bylaws, nor can they be in conflict with the National Constitution and bylaws of the American Legion, The Department of Massachusetts,
or the sponsoring Post.
