AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS
Motorcycle Association
WASHINGTON STATE CHAPTER
Bellingham, WA Post 7
Bylaws
Preamble
For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To provide a social atmosphere for American Legion members and their families who share an interest in motorcycling. 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, strengthen brotherhood among motorcycle groups, provide motorcycle safety and support other motorcycle organizations, participate in parades and other ceremonies that are within the aims and purpose of the American Legion, and safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of freedom and democracy.
Purpose
The American Legion Riders is formed to promote the aims and purposes of The American Legion as a family-oriented motorcycle activity for members of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, and The Sons of The American Legion.
ARTICLE I NAME
Section 1
The name of this organization shall be known as: The American Legion Riders, Post 7 Bellingham, Washington, Riders of the State of Washington. The American Legion Riders (ALR) is a program for members of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, and The Sons of The American Legion members, collectively “The Legion Family,” who share an interest in motorcycling.
The following paragraphs comprise the Bylaws of the American Legion Riders Motorcycle Chapter Bellingham, Washington Post 7, a program of the American Legion, Department of Washington, as approved by the attending Post, henceforth referred to as the Chapter or American Legion Riders (ALR).
Section 2
The American Legion Riders upholds the declared principles of The American Legion as well as conforms to regulations of the department post, or other duly constituted governing bodies.
This document is intended to serve as a standard for the bylaws of all members of the American Legion Riders Post 7.
Section 3
The ALR maintains and protects the image of The American Legion at all times through appropriate wearing of The American Legion Emblem. The emblem of The American Legion demands “that the wearer shall ever guard the sanctity of home and country and free institutions.”
Section 4
Members of the ALR will avoid any perception of being a motorcycle or “biker” club or gang. Rather, the focus of membership is for the enjoyment of motorcycles and comradeship and furthering Legion programs in the community.
Section 5
The ALR will improve the public’s perception of the motorcycling community by promoting the honorable nature of service to one’s community, state, and nation through the sport of motorcycling.
Section 6
Members of the ALR shall always comply with the motor vehicle safety, licensing, and insurance laws or regulations of the state in which operating.
ARTICLE II OBJECTS
Section 1
The object and purpose of this Chapter shall be to promote the principles and policies as set forth in the Preamble and this Bylaw.
Section 2
To use our association to promote and support programs of the American Legion.
Section 3
To participate in activities providing a social atmosphere for American Legion members who share the same interest.
ARTICLE III NATURE
Section 1
The American Legion Riders (ALR) is a civilian organization; rank does not exist, and no member shall be addressed by their military title in any convention or meeting.
Section 2
The American Legion Riders shall be absolutely nonpolitical and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan principals or for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or preferment.
Section 3
The American Legion Riders Chapter 7 shall be nonsectarian.
Section 4
Each member shall perform their full duty as a citizen of the United States of America.
ARTICLE IV ORGANIZATION
Section 1
This Chapter was formed by Post 7, Bellingham, Washington and was chartered on 4 April 2009.
Section 2
American Legion Riders Post 7 recognizes the American Legion Post 7 Bellingham, Washington, and the American Legion Riders Department of as our governing bodies.
ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
Members must meet the following requirements. All members must be current members in good standing of an American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion or a spouse of said member.
Section 2
There are two types of ALR membership; riding and non-riding members.
Riding members shall be members in good standing with Post 7 and own individually or through marriage, a common-law marriage, a life partnership or a long-term relationship a motorcycle licensed and insured as required by the ALR member’s state laws
Non-riding members shall be members in good standing with Post 7 in support the ALR.
Section 3
Members will not at any time hold membership in more than one chapter of The American Legion Riders. Members of Legion Posts, which are not affiliated with an American Legion Rider Chapter, are permitted to join a post with a chapter, provided they meet that Chapters’ membership eligibility requirements. They are not required to change Post affiliation to become members of ALR Post 7.
Section 4
An active ALR member in good standing who has given up motorcycle ownership because of age, illness, injury or other reasons outside the member’s control will be granted retired member status. If the retired members spouse is also a member but not a licensed motorcycle rider, they will be extended the same retired status.
Section 5
Applications from Legion members(s) in good standing for membership will be presented to the Chapter Director and Membership Coordinator. The names of said applicants will be announced at the next regular scheduled Chapter meeting.
Section 6
No member of the ALR Chapter 7 in good standing shall be excluded or denied membership because of race, color, religion, gender or national origin in any group affiliated with the ALR that uses the prestige, name or emblem of the ALR.
Section 7
Per NEC Resolution No. 37, May 4-5, 1988, ALR chapter 7 does not have the authority to enter any formal association or club/council membership with any outside organization that may act or vote in any manner outside the control of The American Legion.
ARTICLE VI EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1
The Executive Board shall be composed of the elected officers of the Chapter.
Section 2
The Director shall serve as Chairperson of the Executive Board, and the Assistant Director shall assume that position in the Director’s absence. The Secretary of the Chapter shall serve as Secretary of the Executive Board.
Section 3
The Executive Board will meet prior to the regular monthly Chapter meeting, to discuss Chapter business.
Section 4
Special executive board meetings may be held after a reasonable attempt to notify all board members, and a quorum is present.
ARTICLE VII OFFICERS AND ELECTIONS
Section 1.1
The elected officers of ALR Post 7 shall be Director, Assistant Director, Treasurer, Sergeant at Arms, Road Captain, Historian, and Chaplain.
Section 1.2
Appointed positions may be held by non-riding ALR Post 7 members. The appointed positions are Secretary, Quartermaster, Membership Coordinator, and Webmaster.
The Executive Board will appoint positions of Secretary, Quartermaster and Webmaster. Membership Coordinator may be delegated by the Treasurer.
All positions shall be elected/appointed at the annual meeting of the chapter.
Section 2
All officers will serve May through April. Nominations of officers will be made at the March meeting and elections will be held annually at the April meeting. Formal installation of Officers will take place in May.
The general membership can vote to change the election dates at a regular meeting. If the position of any officer becomes vacant, the Director may appoint a member to fill that position until the election of a replacement. Nominations will be taken at the next regularly scheduled meeting and elections at the next subsequent meeting.
Section 3
Between Chapter meetings, the administrative power of The Chapter shall be vested in the Chapter Executive Committee, whose voting members shall consist of all elected officers for the current year.
Section 4
Elected officers may hold more than one office in the Chapter, except for the office of Director and Assistant Director. All elected officers shall have only one vote at the Executive Board or Chapter Meeting. The Director shall not have a vote in issues of the Chapter meetings, except in the event of a tie; he/she shall cast the deciding vote.
Section 5
Elections shall be made by ballot in person.
ARTICLE VIII DUTIES of ELECTED OFFICERS and APPOINTED POSITIONS
Section 1 Duties of Director
The Director shall serve as Chief Administrative Officer and will preside over all general meetings. The Director shall have general supervision over the affairs of the Chapter and shall perform such duties as directed by the general membership. The Director shall have charge of all matters pertaining to the membership of the Chapter, including the procuring of new members and reinstatements. The Director will serve as Chairperson of the Executive Board.
The Director shall have the ability to spend up to $100.00 per month to be used for ALR without prior Board or membership approval. The expenditures will be identified during the following ALR meetings treasurer report.
Section 2 Duties of Assistant Director
The Assistant Director will assume the duties of the Director in his/her absence, or disability. He/she will assist the Director in the performance of his/her duties when called upon to do so by the Director.
Section 3 Duties of Secretary
The Secretary shall have charge of and keep a full and correct record of all proceedings of all meetings. The Secretary should also present and record detailed minutes of each regular meeting. He/she will serve as administrative coordinator in preparing correspondence regarding ALR Chapter affairs and prepare required correspondence for submission to the Director for approval and signature.
Section 4 Duties of Treasurer
The Treasurer shall have charge of all finances and see that they are safely deposited into the Chapter’s bank account. The Treasurer shall have charge of disbursing funds as directed by the general membership. The Treasurer will be one of the officers on the signature card and sign all checks, if he/she is unable to sign the disbursement check the Director will do so. The Treasurer shall prepare and present the latest detailed financial report at regularly scheduled meetings and furnish a monthly bank statement and financial report to the American Legion Post 7 finance officer. The Treasurer shall oversee the membership coordinator.
Section 5 Duties of Sergeant at Arms
The Sergeant at Arms shall preserve order at meetings and gatherings. The Sergeant at Arms shall maintain a roster of all members and visitors, also verify American Legion and ALR membership at said meetings. The Sergeant at Arms shall assist the Road Captain in enforcing all rules of safe riding during rides and runs. The Sergeant at Arms shall report any members that become delinquent or no longer meet eligibility requirements of the ALR to the director. The Sergeant at Arms shall perform such other duties or chair such committees as may be from time to time assigned by the Director or Chapter Executive Committee.
Section 6 Duties of Chaplain
The Chaplain will be charged with the spiritual welfare of the Chapter members and will offer divine but nonsectarian assistance in the event of dedications, funerals, public functions, etc., and to adhere to such ceremonial rituals as are requested by the Chapter.
Section 7 Duties of Road Captain
The Road Captain shall plan all tours, runs, activities, and events; lead 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 or committees as directed by the Chapter Director or Executive Committee.
Section 8 Duties of Historian
The Historian will be charged with the individual records, photos and memorable moments of the Chapter and Chapter members.
Section 9 Duties of Webmaster
The Webmaster will maintain the Chapters web site in an up-to-date status of its officers, upcoming events, and other items of interest. This includes the promoting of the ALR through the use of the web site and/or social media platforms.
Section 10 Duties of Quartermaster
The Quartermaster will maintain an inventory level as voted on by the general membership of ALR Post 7 merchandise.
Section 11 Duties of Membership Coordinator
The Membership Coordinator must keep the membership dues updated and prepare membership cards, report all members that become delinquent or no longer meet eligibility requirements to the Sergeant at Arms.
Section 12
In the event that any officer shall be absent for three consecutive meetings of the Chapter without being excused by the Director or the Executive Board, such office may be declared vacant by a majority vote of those present at a regular Chapter meeting.
Section 13
Elected officers can be removed from office by two thirds (2/3) vote of the membership present at a regular meeting. Motions to remove an officer must first be presented to the Executive Board for consideration.
Section 14
The American Legion Post 7 Executive Board must ratify the election of the director, the assistant director and the Treasurer.
ARTICLE IX MEETINGS and QUORUM
Section 1
Regular meetings will be held monthly on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm. These meetings shall normally be held at the American Legion Post 7 Bellingham, WA. This is subject to change if voted on by the majority of members present at any regular meeting.
Section 2
The Chapter Director or a majority of the Executive Committee shall have power to call a special meeting of the Chapter at any time with a 5-day notice. These meetings may be held at any location but normally be held at Post 7.
Section 3
A majority consisting of four (4) elected officers present, including the Director or Assistant Director, shall constitute a quorum for any meeting.
Section 4
All meetings will be conducted under best understanding of “Robert’s Rules of Order.”
Section 5
Special meetings of the Chapter may be called by the Director, Executive Board or may also be called upon the written request of two thirds (2/3) of the membership. No special meetings shall be held unless each member is notified five (5) days prior to said meeting, stating the time, place of the meeting and the subject to be considered.
ARTICLE X FINANCES
Section 1
The revenue of ALR Post 7, shall be derived from membership dues and from such other sources as may be approved by the Chapter Executive Committee, such as fundraising events and rides.
Section 2
Finances of the Chapter will be held in a Chapter bank account. Signers on the account will include the Treasurer, Director, Assistant Director and Post 7 Legion Finance Officer.
Section 3
Disbursement of funds will only be those authorized at a Chapter meeting except in case of an emergency, which must be approved by a quorum of the executive board.
Section 4
The Chapter will be a nonprofit organization and may only disburse funds in a manner that is in keeping with all local, state, and national laws regarding nonprofit organizations.
Section 5
The annual membership dues of the Chapter are determined by the general membership.
Section 6
Membership dues are due and payable by the 2nd Wednesday of March. Should a member be delinquent in their dues, their membership will be revoked until they are current or reapply for membership. Only members who are current in their dues may be elected to office. Candidates for office must be current in their dues for the period in which they wish to hold office.
ARTICLE XI COMMITTEES
Section 1
Additional committees may be formed by appointment of the Director with the consent of the Executive Board. The duties and length of existence of these committees shall be stated at the time the committee is appointed.
ARTICLE XII THE AMERICAN FLAG
Section I
When worn by an ALR member the flag must not be positioned below, obscured or covered by any other emblem or standard on the item of apparel to which it is affixed.
Section 2
Established standards for the display and wearing of the flag must be observed.
Section 3
When worn on the shoulder of a garment, the field of stars must be forward as if the flag is carried into the wind and on a pole.
Section 4
When worn on the back or front of a garment, the field of stars is to be on the left.
Section 5
When worn in conjunction with one flag of another organization, sovereignty, territory or nation, the flag must be numerically superior position (to the left of the other flag when viewed from the front).
Section 6
When worn in conjunction with several flags of other organizations, sovereignties, territories, or nations, the flag must be worn in the center and above any other flag, in the grouping.
Section 7
No graphic or slogan is ever to appear across the Flag.
Section 8
The flag is never to be worn on the seat of the pants, or in any other location that could be considered disrespectful to the flag.
ARTICLE XIII APPAREL
Section 1
The ALR Post 7 back patch shall be worn as directed by the American Legion Riders National Motorcycle Association.
Section 2
The ALR back patch is configured as put forth by the Founding Members and copyrighted by The American Legion. It is available through The American Legion Emblem Sales or ALR Post 7 Quartermaster and is to be worn by all members of the ALR Post 7 in good standing.
The ALR Post 7 back patch is a three-line, one-piece patch.
First line may only contain: Charter Member, Veteran, SAL, or Auxiliary Second line must contain: Washington Chapter
Third line must contain: Bellingham Post 7
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 positioned below any other patch. Use of rockers or patches physically attached to The American Legion Riders back patch are prohibited by ALR Post 7.
Section 4
No other back patch or back patch design is authorized for use to represent the American Legion Riders or worn by members of this Chapter to show their affiliation with the ALR Post 7.
Section 5
The ALR is a program of the American Legion and as such, members are representatives of the American Legion. It is required that members dress in a manner that promotes a positive image for The American Legion, particularly when operating in group activities or interacting with the community.
ARTICLE XI V EXPULSION
Section 1
A member may be suspended from membership by a majority of officers in attendance at any function where they are representing the American Legion Riders if they are judged to be acting in a manner to bring discredit on the organization. Their suspension will be in effect until the next regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Although not required, the suspended member is requested to discontinue wearing clothing bearing the American Legion Riders identification until they are restored to full membership status.
Section 2
Any member may be expelled or suspended from the Chapter by two thirds vote of the general membership at a regular chapter meeting. Although not required, the expelled member is requested to discontinue wearing clothing bearing American Legion Riders identification. A member may be expelled if they no longer meet the requirements of membership or they have acted in such a way as to bring, discredit on the organization.
ARTICLE XV DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
Section 1
Delegates and alternates for ALR shall be elected by a majority vote of chapter members at a regular meeting to attend conventions, regional gatherings, or other activities.
ARTICLE XVI AMENDMENTS
Section 1
This Bylaw is adopted, subject to the Washington State ALR Constitution and sponsoring American Legion Post 7, of which this chapter is a subordinate. Any amendment to the Washington State ALR Constitution or American Legion Post 7 Bylaws, which conflicts with any provision of the American Legion Riders Post 7 Bylaws, shall be modified to be in compliance with and said amendments are reviewed by the ALR Post 7 Executive Committee and said amendments are in compliance with Section 2, below.
Section 2
Suggestions for amendments to the bylaws may be presented to the ALR e-board at any regular chapter meeting. ALR e-board will review and if approved, the proposed changes will be submitted to the post 7 e-board for review and approval. Email notice of the amendments to be voted upon will be provided at least thirty days in advance. Once approved by two thirds of membership attending the next general meeting, changes will be reported to the Post 7 Commander to be submitted to the sponsoring department.
End of document.